Last year there was an intriguing billboard in the Oklahoma City Metro. It simply read, “The End is Near!” We watched it for weeks before is was revealed as an advertising strategy of St. Anthony’s Hospital to introduce their “no waiting” ER waiting room. More recently billboards have sprung up across the US –including OKC – “Judgment Day May 21, 2011 – The Bible guarantees it! – Cry mightily unto God…Jonah 3:8.”  Jonah 3:8 reads, “But let man and beast be covered by sackcloth. Let everyone call urgently on God. Let them give up their evil ways and their violence.” Just in case you’re checking –that’s this Saturday! Are you ready?

The man behind the prediction is Harold Camping – a former civil engineer – and Christian radio broadcaster. He has studied the Scriptures for over five decades and believes God has given him the exact date of the Rapture (7000 years to the date following The Great Flood); the actual end of the world will come on Oct. 21, 2011 according to Camping. The Mayan Calendar ends in 2012.

What does the Bible have to say about the return of Christ? In Acts 1:11 following Jesus’ ascension; two men dressed in white (sounds like angels doesn’t it?) said “Men of Galilee why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.” Yes...He is coming back! That’s our promise and our hope as Christians.

When will these things occur? May 21, 2011? Paul writes to The Thessalonians, “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.” – I Thess. 5:1-2. Dr. Luke records the words of Jesus, “You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.” – Luke 12:40. Jesus says in Mark 13, “Watch out that no one deceives you. Many will come in my name, claiming ‘I am he;’ and will deceive many. When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise up against nation and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places and famines. These are the beginning of birth pains.” I certainly believe this last piece of prophecy sounds like today, don’t you?

But as to the timing, Jesus says this clearly; “No one knows the day or hour, not even the angels in heaven nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on your guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come.” – Mark 13:32-33

Are you ready? A very good and significant question to ask each day. When will Jesus return? At just the right time according to The Father’s Will. What do I know for sure?  He is coming back and we’re one day closer today!

See you this Sunday! Either here or in the air!
In Christ’s Love,
Mark