19 May 2011

Harold Camping glorifies God: seventeen ways

by Dan Phillips
NOTE: this is a companion-piece to Harold Camping is not a false prophet.
It is tempting to write "Inadvertently, unintentionally, and by means of contrast" — and let that suffice. However...


First, Harold Camping glorifies God because all things are God's servants (Psalm 119:91). Camping can't not glorify God. You can't not glorify God. You will either glorify Him as His servant, or as His tool; but you will glorify him (cf. Isaiah 10:5-16).


Second, Harold Camping glorifies God because, by his refusal to repent for past false guesses and his insistence on "doubling down" and putting all his weight on yet another guess, he illustrates God's wisdom in warning us: "Like a dog that returns to his vomit is a fool who repeats his folly" (Proverbs 26:11).

Third, Harold Camping glorifies God, because his arrogant false claim to knowledge he does not and cannot possess spotlights the humble truthfulness of Jesus, who confessed that "concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father," and then admonished us "Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come" (Mark 13:32-22).

Fourth, Harold Camping glorifies God because his repeated false guesses about the future throw God's exhaustive knowledge of the future — and inerrant declaration of the same through His genuine prophets — into stark and splendorous relief (Isaiah 41:22-23; 44:7; 46:10; Deuteronomy 18:21-22).

Fifth, Harold Camping glorifies God because, by his repeated predictions despite past humiliation and exposure, he bears out God's wisdom in warning that you can "Crush a fool in a mortar with a pestle along with crushed grain, yet his folly will not depart from him" (Proverbs 27:22).

Sixth, Harold Camping glorifies God because he bears out the critical importance of James' God-breathed warning, "Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness" (James 3:1).

Seventh, Harold Camping glorifies God because he spotlights God's wisdom in structuring the local church as an organization led by men who first had to show and prove themselves as being capable of humbly receiving instruction from other men (2 Timothy 1:13; 2:1-2; 3:10-17; Titus 1:9), and as not being self-willed and schismatic (Titus 1:7).

Eighth, Harold Camping glorifies God because he highlights the wisdom of God in warning church leaders to be on the lookout for self-absorbed schismatics, and to give them the boot if they won't accept correction (Romans 16:17-18; Titus 3:10-11).

Ninth, Harold Camping glorifies God because, by ignoring God's Word and thus falling into atrocious folly, he commends the wisdom of God in repeatedly warning us to hear and heed counsel, rebuke and instruction from others (Proverbs 5:12-13; 10:17; 11:4; 12:1; 15:10, 22; 24:6).

Tenth, Harold Camping glorifies God by providing a living illustration of the horrendous result of ignoring God's warnings against being wise in one's own eyes (Proverbs 12:15; 26:12).

Eleventh, Harold Camping glorifies God by providing a living illustration of the horrendous result of an arrogant isolationism (Proverbs 18:1).

Twelfth, Harold Camping glorifies God by providing a living illustration of the horrendous result of forsaking a primary focus on preaching Christ and His Gospel (1 Corinthians 2:2; 15:1-11; Colossians 1:27:29).

Thirteenth, Harold Camping glorifies God by providing a living illustration of the horrendous result of ignoring Paul's God breathed warning that each of us should not "think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned" (Romans 12:3).


Fourteenth, Harold Camping glorifies God by providing a living illustration of the horrendous result of ignoring Paul's God breathed warning against those who "have wandered away into vain discussion, desiring to be teachers of the law, without understanding either what they are saying or the things about which they make confident assertions" (1 Timothy 1:6-7), and why God moved him to say it was necessary to shut the mouths (epistomizein) of such men (Titus 1:11).

Fifteenth, Harold Camping glorifies God by providing a living illustration of the horrendous result of ignoring Paul's God breathed warning against those who have a sick obsession with divisive trivia (1 Timothy 6:3-4)

Sixteenth, Harold Camping glorifies God by showcasing the wisdom of God in directing local churches to shut down schismatics who obsessively major on minors and promote speculation rather than edification (1 Timothy 1:3-4).

Seventeenth, Harold Camping glorifies God by how his hopelessly (and oft-rebuked) muddled hermeneutics  highlights the perspicuity of Scripture and the validity of a normal, grammatical historical theological approach — so much so that Christians of all traditions are publicly affirming the clarity of the dominical word,  "But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only. ...Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming" (Matthew 24:36, 42).

In this ways, for a starter, Harold Camping does glorify God. Unintentionally, unconsciously, and in spite of himself.

SEE ALSO: Harold Camping, the true Gospel, and hedged bets

Dan Phillips's signature

74 comments:

zsleepwalker said...

Thanks for this timely piece.

Pierre Saikaley said...

I'm hoping this latest fiasco will create some chatter about eternal things and opportunities at work for Gospelling(?) the workmates.

It's been said before, but truth stands more brightly in contrast to error...and this is pretty bad error.

God is indeed being glorified!

Robert said...

Good post. I think we should keep this in mind with regards to all people because atheists, polytheists, and other heretics also clearly manifest the truths laid out in Scripture as well. And it all brings us back to the Word of God.

donsands said...

Good word. God will not be mocked, will He.

I think the time of Harold's depature is 5:00 pm tomorrow, when the huge earth quake hits. The man is a piece of work.

DJP said...

Pierre, that's partly why I wrote both posts. Some have expressed the wish for a bit of help in this way, and I was hoping to suggest ways in which the terrific sisters and brothers who read both posts can seize what the Enemy hopes is an embarrassing moment for the Gospel, and turn it Christward and Gospelward.

G N Barkman said...

Perhaps we could add another one to the list, the upsurge in people everywhere talking about the Second Coming and the Day of Judgment. It reminds Christians that the Day IS coming, and we should be on watch. It causes unbelievers to wonder if such a day is coming.

Eddie Eddings said...

Good post and good comments! Can't beat that combination, I tells ya!

Strong Tower said...

This post is differentially twisted.

I think you're right to point out the opportunity to answer the questions of any who ask about the hope within is the right perspective to pack for when going Camping. Paul took the time to correct, rebuke and train concerning what was necessary to know, how we could and then to explain the way of life to others in veiw of such a great expectation.

Nice touché, DJ.

Justin Edwards said...

Great post, Dan. I'm hoping we might be able to engage a Campingite when witnessing tonight in Uptown Charlotte, NC, or anyone else who has May 21st on their mind.

DJP said...

Well, you know I do love me some karate exegesis.

Peter O said...

Would be great if you guys could big up this little project I'm trying to run over the next 48 hours.

www.rapturefail.org

The Seeking Disciple said...

Great post brother.

Steve Drake said...

Dan,
Karate exegesis. Good take on the answer-don't answer strategy of Proverbs 26:4-5. Not only applies to the unregenerate, but to our brothers and sisters as well. Thanks for the analogy.

Stefan Ewing said...

This is some 120-proof analysis. And thanks for approaching this not from a naturalistic standpoint, but by bringing it under the Ockham's rasor of biblical analysis.

Any skeptic or non-believer could put up his or her own list of objections to Mr. Camping, but the objections (a) wouldn't hold any water, being founded upon the wrong presuppositions; and (b) would just be a special case of a more general disdain for any belief in anything that falls within the category of the supernatural.*

* Half-baked scientistically imprimatured hypotheses regarding naturalistic versions of the creation and eschaton notwithstanding.

Scot said...

Two things came to my mind when I read this post. First, it's sobering to see that God is so powerful that he will glorify himself through a false teacher. He will judge false teaching and not only that, we as the church will praise God on the Day of Judgment for his extraordinary wisdom in warning us and then judging these folks. God is not to be trifled with.

Second, I find it interesting that most of your reasoning comes from Proverbs and the pastoral epistles. God and the apostles knew people like Camping were coming (and had already come). Solomon and Paul were wise men and they knew they needed to pass on the knowledge of how to deal with false teachers.

Praise God for being so gracious as to give his children the gifts of wisdom and discernment.

DJP said...

Scooter, you make me realize I could have worked in 1 Corinthians 11:19 and 1 John 2:19 as an eighteenth (and nineteenth?) reason.

Tom Chantry said...

OK, Dan, I read you. God is glorified in man's folly.

But that incredibly lame re-write of "O Come, O Come Emanuel" they've been playing - was that really necessary? Does some grand, eternal plan demand that I be subjected to that?

DJP said...

I think the "likers" are forgetting to rate the post. Do we have Campingite readers? Seems unlikely.

Melinda said...

oh my gosh, great post.

I just finished a study of Titus, so this is a timely wrap-up for me on the dangers of rebellious men in our midst. How sad that, even with 17 (at least) glaring red flags, so many people follow this man.

When Jesus called us sheep, it certainly was not a compliment.

Jack Wellman said...

Amen and amen. I think this says it all. Well done. We are going camping but not quite in the same way. http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/8069791/camping_out_for_the_lord.html?cat=9

Solameanie said...

Amen! Double amen! And how Calvinistic of you. ;)

Seriously, this was a great post and good reminder that our God is sovereign, and no false teacher (even with a radio network) will thwart His purpose.

jeff said...

Some other whack-jobs who predicted the date of the end of the world are Martin Luther, Philip Melenchthon, Jonathan Edwards, John Wesley. Predicting the End of the World is hardly the church's biggest problem. Goofy? Yes.

Tom Chantry said...

um...

...footnote, Jeff?

jeff said...

Footnote: click on my name, it'll take you to my blog which will then automatically take you to my new blog and the top post has the info.

donsands said...

"Some other whack-jobs.." -Jeff

You know, they may even consider themselves a bit crazy. But for you to use that word for Luther, Edwards and others is belittling to men who were used mightily by our Lord. Not to mention they are brothers in Christ.
Like you said we are all wrong in some areas, even you.

Steve Drake said...

Jeff,
I'm sorry, but I can't let this pass, and must ask the question. Are you really confident to say that Martin Luther, Jonathan Edwards, John Wesley, and Phillip Melancthon are whack-jobs?

You have just maligned some of the great men of Christian faith. What is the source of your confidence?

DJP said...

There's always the guy who used to sit at back of class and make jokes in High School, who now likes to turn up and say things "Big 'G,' little 'g,' what's the diff? It's just punctuation! Jehovah's Witnesses make mistakes — so did Calvin! Lighten up, people!"

Steve Drake said...

Dan,
Can we not ask Jeff for clarification?

DJP said...

Didn't you just?

Steve Drake said...

Dan,
sorry, need to pay attention to the quotation marks. Blessings.

Moon said...

Penn says: "all throughout church history Christians have had to battle false teachers and their false teachings. One reason that may be is so that the gospel may be preached clear and the truth may be proclaimed to all who hear the controversy"...
(disclaimer: Penn wanted to post comment but my email was logged in so I transcribed his comment:P but I second what he says! :P)

jmb said...

Excellent. Most edifying post I've read on the subject. And I'm glad it's 17 - one way for each year since Camping's last prediction.

DJP said...

LOL, excellent! JMB, you'd make a fine numerologist!

Aaron said...

I think the cliche "it takes one to know one" is apropos for some posts today. Or should I say one post.

Tom Chantry said...

Thank you, Jeff, for pointing me to a profile, which linked to two blogs, one of which linked to another blog, on which I found a post reciting the same claims, which was footnoted to a PDF file, in which some other guy made many many claims, of which not one was footnoted to an actual source.

Can't believe I fell for that one. Next thing you know I'll be falling for folks telling me they know when the world is ending.

Tom Chantry said...

Oh, and for those of you who are curious but still wiser than myself: once you get to the PDF you discover that the first person to offer a false prediction of the return of Jesus was . . . wait for it . . . Jesus.

Merlin said...

You realize that if he is right, you'll never be able to post a retraction.

jeff said...

It's called humor.

Sorry, forgot I was writing to Christians.

DJP said...

Yes, we receive constant complaints for being too dour, here.

jeff said...

Well, it was an attempt at humor. My previous posts on it were making light of it, saying I was changing my career to go into stand up comedy. Judging by response, it's a good thing I only have to make it two days.

Rachael Starke said...

Oh my goodness, this was great. Yesterday, I intentionally did not make a joke about Camping with my chemistry class about our final next week not being necessary. I couldn't see a way to steer any conversation toward the gospel, and I could see plenty of ways it would just reinforce the "crackpot Christian" meme so many of them already perpetuate.

But this just nails it.

You need to get a registered trademark for "Bibley", just so you can display it prominently on posts like this.

Stefan Ewing said...

This whole Camping nonsense is bearing some fruit where I work. My in-road was explaining why the charge of "date-setting" is a serious thing, when a co-worker was reading the Wikipedia article on him.

It's also helped to lead to some weighty discussions on mortality, and the wonderful discovery that I'm not even the only believer in my tiny office!

donsands said...

They were discussing this on my local radio station this morn. They asked the question, "What would like to do if you knew it was the last day of the world."

The answers boggled my mind. The main radio announcer said, "I would love to go see all the wonders of the world, since the world is passing away."
Amazing.
Others wanted to go sky-diving.

Unknown said...

Very nice post. Has Camping sold his radio station?

DJP said...

"Sold"? Should give, right?

Hasn't to me, anyway. Sadly.

)c:

donsands said...

And that was a Christian, evangelical radio station, not secular-humanist. They have become very similiar to me, with the Christian station a bit more moral.

Have a terrific Lord's day. May Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior be pleased and His name be honored. Amen.

Robert said...

So many levels of sad as I read through the comments.

Apparently, people are so attached to the world that if the end was coming they just want to enjoy more worldliness. I agree with many here that it makes me want to spread the Gospel more.

Camping thinking that he caught something that all of the church missed for many years...talk about pride. I fight my own battles with pride all the time and it is a tough battle. That said, any time we decide to question what has been handed down to us by solid theologians, we need to check our pride at the door and turn to the Bible (all of it).

Camping gives such a poor example of what Christianity is to those who are looking to put down Christianity already. Of course, such people are assumign that Camping is a Christian. I would say the fact that he goes against what Jesus said in the Bible (regardless of his lower case s nonsense) shows that he is a false teacher.

Mainly, though, am I living my life as if Jesus is coming at any time? Am I concerned enough for the lost? I see this as being another way that God works all things to the good of the elect according to His purposes.

DJP said...

The lower-case "s" nonsense is explained here.

Tom Chantry said...

Has Camping sold his radio station?

A pastor friend of mine actually sent an offer from his church to purchase the entire network, effective May 22. They offered to wire money immediately upon the completion of a contract so that Family Radio would have time to plug that money into advertising the Judgment Day. No Answer.

Galkin said...

Is Man-centered doctrine always 95% Cholesterol free?

physicsphantasm said...

so i know i'm a day late but does anyone else see Mr burns in the silhouet of Camping? also is that shadow a bit starwars-y? (anakin -darthvader) good post like always.

DJP said...

Oh my gosh, you're right.

0c8=

Good catch.

Ron Henzel said...

I like what one "man on the street" commenter on The Onion ("America's Finest News Source") said about Camping's prediction:

"Hmm, sounds a little fishy. I'm going to have to hear some Bible passages with extremely vague allusions and see some inscrutable numerology before I believe this."

Ron Henzel
readingscripture.org

Unknown said...

Thank you for posting this post. It is wonderful.

It is so true that everything works out for God's glory and you have done a wonderful job at illustrating how this happens today with a real world example.

May it all be for His glory,
WCD

Thomas Louw said...

It’s the 21’st, I’m still here. Part of me hoped he was a “prophet”.
O, well will have to get the things ready for the accountant.

Rick Potter said...

Posts like this one is one of the reasons I so enjoy reading here!

Mary Elizabeth Tyler said...

There are enough people in this world who can wager their bets on this day or that day being the correct day of the Lord's return, and someone is sure to be right. But that's the point of all this, undue speculation is unwarranted by man.

And don't we all do this in "other" ways? Say by theorizing about this Biblical matter or that Biblical matter? I know I have, shame on me! And even the sweet, and jovial Dr. R.C. Sproul has been intrigued by theorizing. I have heard him speak of this in an interview.

Awesome post as usual, Dan!!!

Mary Elizabeth Tyler said...

Just want to clarify one point-when I do come up with a theory, as we all have done (I am sure), I am extremely careful to stay within the parameters of the revealed Word.

Anonymous said...

Can I write a similar piece with 17 reasons why the Pyromaniacs glorify God as they bash those who disagree with evangelical-reformed theology?

Anonymous said...

Harold Camping both contradicts Jesus' prophecies and fulfills them at the same time. First, Camping directly contradicts Jesus' own words that "about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father" (Matthew 24:36). Second, Camping fulfills Jesus' words about signs of the last days that "Many false prophets will appear and deceive many people" (Matthew 24:11). See? Hes both a contradiction and a fulfillment.

donsands said...

"Pyromaniacs glorify God as they bash'

By bash do you mean, speak the truth in love?
Sure, knock yourself out with 17 reasons how the TeamPyro Three Amigos speak the truth in love to all, and anyone.

have a terrific Lord's day in His sovereign grace and truth.

Paul said...

Wonderful post?

It's not yet 6 PM here!

O ye, of little faith!

:)

Rob said...

One more hour to go central time, but in the meantime that gives me a little more time to stew about how several of these Camping faults sadly fit with many of my own eye-planks...

Anonymous said...

donsands -

By bash do you mean, speak the truth in love?

I really am ok to speak the truth in love. Christ came full of grace and truth. I don't agree with all theological viewpoints and, at times, feel the need to express such.

But what I typically find at the Pyro blog is a bashing of those not in line with evangelical-reformed Calvinistic doctrine. I even have my own leanings towards such doctrine. I studied at a PCA seminary. But to bash (in a more sarcastic and cynical way) those who are full continuationists, or hold to the more 'new' perspective on justification, or are more Arminian in theology, etc, this is not being full of grace and truth.

Before we click the post button on our blogs, maybe we should ask the very simple question: God, are you glorified in this?

I'm challenged.

Tom Chantry said...

So Prodigal,

Is being offended a money-making scheme for you, or have you not yet lost your amateur status?

I ask because, you know, you don't seem to be talking about anything related to this post. It's almost as though you surfed here this weekend to get your "offended" fix.

Anonymous said...

Tom -

I'm confused. First, why are you commenting at me in such a way?

Still I think my original comment did relate to the post. It went wider, but it related to the post.

I don't agree with what Camping did. It was not proper nor healthy, and it can make Christians look bad in the eyes of the world. But I'm not sure all the Camping-bashing is going to actually bring glory to God and be a solid testimony to the world. Just like bashing Terry Jones or charismatics or non-Calvinists will not contribute to glorifying God. I can bank on the world helping out with this. But can you imagine the broken heart of God over Harold Camping? Can we imagine that God is actually broken over this man with compassion rather than sneering at him? Like when Jesus reached out to someone like Mary of Magdala?

I didn't want to get my offence fix. The article came up and when I saw the title, I thought, 'Oh no, they are writing something like one of their 'open letters' to bash Camping.'

You'd think the title would suggest something is going to be done with grace and truth. But knowing the general tone and sarcasm I regularly find here, I knew it was probably not going to make it a priority to highlight the glory of God, but rather to highlight the silliness of Camping. I, personally, have not found that too edifying. But I am willing to admit I could be too soft.

donsands said...

"But I am willing to admit I could be too soft."
Well, God did say if there's a false prophet, then kill him. God does have a vengeance my friend.

And I suppose it's okay to "bash", since you seem to bash TeamPyro.

You need to look abit deeper into the Holy Word and see the wrath of God. We surely need to love Christ, love our neighbor, and love our enemies.
But also, and especially we need to love one another. We need to love the Household of God, by speaking the truth of His Word in love.
Dan has spoken the truth of His Word.
Are there any of the 17 points you disagree with?

Have a blessed Sunday Evening.

Scott said...

donsands -

Sorry, but it wasn't letting me post with my Wordpress OpenID. But this is prodigalthought.

On stoning false prophets, we need to remember a few things. The normal quoted passages of Deut 13 & 18 are centred in the reality of not so much that the person prophesied wrongly, but that they led others after false gods. That is what made them a false prophet rather than a mistaken prophet.

Secondly, the Scripture also talks about stoning rebellious children. My 2-year old has shown a little in the last few weeks.

There is some pretty harsh things we need to do with those who wear mixed-material clothing. I suppose we take part in wearing such clothes on a daily basis.

My words to TeamPyro were not so much a bashing. But maybe they were, and I'm willing to be corrected. If I had written a post/open letter to TeamPyro saying nasty things, that would be one thing. But I left a very specific comment here to highlight a point. Again, this is not just something from this article, but a flavour I sense on somewhat of a regular basis. I can recall plenty of articles towards charismatics, Arminians, Terry Jones, etc, with the same tenor. What kind of fruit is being produced on a regular basis?

I do want to keep looking in the Scripture deeper and deeper. I do on a regular basis. I've been to seminary (a reformed one, mind you), I shepherd a flock. Not to pat my back but to encourage you this is what I desire, to go deeper in Scripture and be faithful to God. I am very aware of God's judgment, His wrath. But I am not sure we are called to be the ones who personally bring His wrath. Goodness, that would be problematic. I am thinking of Rom 12:19-21.

I also feel that personally connecting with someone is the appropriate way to 'speak the truth in love' to that person. Can you imagine if one of the people in my local church shared a testimony on a Sunday that was a bit off-base and unedifying? I am certain God would not want me to blog about that person, but rather personally communicate with them. I am certain I am not called to post an article with 17 reasons why that person glorified God with their unedifying testimony. Can you imagine the shame? I know Camping has gone public, and so maybe we feel the call to go public with someone we have never set down and had a conversation with. But what I suppose Camping, or whomever, would need is not more blogs ridiculing him, but people to walk alongside him. That is the role of the paraclete-Spirit.

Do I agree with all 17 points in the article? I suppose I could agree in a technical sense. But possibly not on motivation and approach. I'd rather agree with the grace of an open-theist than the arrogance of a Calvinist. I'd rather agree with the grace of a charismatic than the arrogance of a cessationist. Or vice-versa in any situation.

I hope this clarifies a little more of what I am trying to communicate.

Scott said...

donsands -

Sorry, but it wasn't letting me post with my Wordpress OpenID. But this is prodigalthought.

On stoning false prophets, we need to remember a few things. The normal quoted passages of Deut 13 & 18 are centred in the reality of not so much that the person prophesied wrongly, but that they led others after false gods. That is what made them a false prophet rather than a mistaken prophet.

Secondly, the Scripture also talks about stoning rebellious children. My 2-year old has shown a little in the last few weeks.

There is some pretty harsh things we need to do with those who wear mixed-material clothing. I suppose we take part in wearing such clothes on a daily basis.

My words to TeamPyro were not so much a bashing. But maybe they were, and I'm willing to be corrected. If I had written a post/open letter to TeamPyro saying nasty things, that would be one thing. But I left a very specific comment here to highlight a point. Again, this is not just something from this article, but a flavour I sense on somewhat of a regular basis. I can recall plenty of articles towards charismatics, Arminians, Terry Jones, etc, with the same tenor. What kind of fruit is being produced on a regular basis?

I do want to keep looking in the Scripture deeper and deeper. I do on a regular basis. I've been to seminary (a reformed one, mind you), I shepherd a flock. Not to pat my back but to encourage you this is what I desire, to go deeper in Scripture and be faithful to God. I am very aware of God's judgment, His wrath. But I am not sure we are called to be the ones who personally bring His wrath. Goodness, that would be problematic. I am thinking of Rom 12:19-21.

I also feel that personally connecting with someone is the appropriate way to 'speak the truth in love' to that person. Can you imagine if one of the people in my local church shared a testimony on a Sunday that was a bit off-base and unedifying? I am certain God would not want me to blog about that person, but rather personally communicate with them. I am certain I am not called to post an article with 17 reasons why that person glorified God with their unedifying testimony. Can you imagine the shame? I know Camping has gone public, and so maybe we feel the call to go public with someone we have never set down and had a conversation with. But what I suppose Camping, or whomever, would need is not more blogs ridiculing him, but people to walk alongside him. That is the role of the paraclete-Spirit.

Do I agree with all 17 points in the article? I suppose I could agree in a technical sense. But possibly not on motivation and approach. I'd rather agree with the grace of an open-theist than the arrogance of a Calvinist. I'd rather agree with the grace of a charismatic than the arrogance of a cessationist. Or vice-versa in any situation.

I hope this clarifies a little more of what I was hoping to communicate.

Rachael Starke said...

Scott/ProdigalThought -

Just so we're clear on this:

Dan lays out what God says about Harold Camping in thirty-seven separate places, and your response is, "That's really mean"?

Anonymous said...

Rachael -

The gist of my comment(s) were not 'don't be mean'. I can only ask you to read my comment again.

Anonymous said...

I think the more recent post on Harold Camping underlines what I have tried to highlight about the posts.

donsands said...

"There is some pretty harsh things we need to do with those who wear mixed-material clothing. I suppose we take part in wearing such clothes on a daily basis."

God's Word is harsh my friend. And for a reason.
Eternal damnation is very harsh, but it is God's holy justice.

The Old Testament is a different time for God's people, but I wouldn't make light of His discipline.
We can look at all the OT verses that deal with sinners, and it may seem harsh to us, but its not. It's perfect justice from a holy God.

You have different way at looking at God'a wrath.
And surely we make way for His vengance. Yet, if we preach the truth in love about God's wrath, surely there will be those still make light of it, but there will also be those who fear the Lord, and repent, and cry out to Christ for forgiveness.

have a good day.

Arthur_of_Old said...

Brothers and sisters, this is within the per-view of our Father and is well known. However, it causes mockery but does a very valuable work. It exposes the weak among us who are not secured in the Word.I think the way to deal with this is not our embarrassment, but theirs. This has nothing to do with the Truth. So, they must be guided and we must take note; if we are not repentant we too can perish. Also what came to mind is that we need to be compassionate and not be lording it over. I Corinthians 13. Let us be good Samaritans. For we too are unclean unless He purge us from dead works. Psalm 80, Psalm 79, Psalm 81. 2 Thessalonians 2. Luke 12, Psalm 91. For the final Ecclesiastes 9.