Harold Camping is once again predicting that the world will end, this time one week from today, on October 21st.  We encourage you to read the response Pastor Ben wrote to Camping’s failed prediction this last May.

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The End of the World? 

May 20, 2011

Doomsday!  Lots of people are talking about it, thanks to Harold Camping’s prediction for this Saturday, May 21st.  Here at Occoquan Bible Church, we believe in the authority and inspiration of the Bible as God’s Word.  In response to Harold Camping’s end of the world prediction, I believe it is best to let the Scriptures speak for themselves:

In Matthew 24:36, and again in Mark 13:31-32, Jesus said, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.  No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”

Also in Acts 1:6-7, the disciples asked Jesus about the arrival of the kingdom, and Jesus told them “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority.”

Again, in 1 Thessalonians 5:1-2, the apostle Paul writes: “Now, brothers, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.”

Notice a theme?  The Bible is very clear that no one will know the time or the hour, but that the Lord’s return will come unannounced, as a “thief in the night.”  While we do believe in our Lord’s return, we do not believe it is possible to know the day or the hour.

I strongly disagree with any prediction or date-setting, not only because of the interpretive gymnastics that are required to arrive at such conclusions, but because such predictions disregard the Biblical text.

It’s unfortunate to hear about people quitting their jobs, and about others spending their life savings because of Camping’s prediction.  However, one thing Camping and his followers do get right, is that the church should be speaking about the Lord’s return!  This is a very important doctrine for the church.

The Bible teaches that Jesus’ return will bring judgment, but also salvation and hope for those who have placed their faith in Christ.  Because no one knows the day or the hour, the Bible instructs for Christians to live righteously (Read 1 Thessalonians 5:4-11).  If Jesus were to return this Saturday, are you ready?

We invite you to come over this Saturday, May 21st (yes, on “doomsday”) to Occoquan Bible Church, and join us for some BBQ and Bluegrass!  We are hosting our second annual BBQ Cook-Off, and a free outdoor bluegrass concert from 12-4pm.   Sonrise, a Gospel Bluegrass band from Fredericksburg, will be performing, and Famous Dave’s BBQ will be available.

If you have questions, we encourage you to contact or visit us at Occoquan Bible Church.  We also highly recommend picking up a Bible and reading it for yourself! 

Ben Purves, Pastor of Student Ministries