The internet is buzzing at the moment with the prediction that the world is due to end on Saturday, May 21st 2011.

To be honest, I could do with knowing because I have got a lot on at the moment & if I do not need to prepare a sermon for Sunday, that would really help. Also, I want to see the new Pirates of the Caribbean film, heck I've not seen the King's Speech yet. Also I am about to pay my Amex bill, should I bother....it would put a real spanner in the works for me!

Many of you will remember similar predictions. The fact you are still reading this proves that they were unfounded. So what is the source of the latest predictions? Step forward Harold Camping.

Rev Camping is the leader of Family Radio who are spearheading this information through their global radio platform and the internet.  Now he has some form when it comes to this type of activity. In 

It is interesting to consider why this might be creating such a stir. Picture the scene..... It's Sept. 6, 1994, dozens of Camping's followers are Bibles open, kids dressed in their best clothes . They have been waiting for this moment for 2 years. The are convinced that this will be the day that Christ returns. Of course he did not. I do not wish to be mocking, BUT....really, imagine it. Who was the first one to look at his watch and go "Harry mate, he ain't coming" ?

How did the parents explain that to the kids? Do you think that everyone had to go home and do all the jobs they had considered a waste of time? Washing the dishes, mowing the lawn, having a shower? Apparently Camping returned to his bible, his calculator and books and started again. So there it is May 21st 2011.

It is interesting to think why this has had the impact on the mainstream press in the USA and worldwide on the internet. maybe its because the media views any religious eccentrics to be fair game. Maybe they are but there are vunerable people who are even now terrified about Saturday or making stupid decisions based on this prediction. Perhaps its because evangelical Christians do believe in Christ's return and anyone who has inside knowledge is worth listening to? Over the years Years ago I spoke to a  guy who gambled money on roulette. He told me about a system he  had and he truly believed it worked. He wasn't crazy. He was the major share holder of a multi-million pound group of companies. Yet somehow despite over whelming evidence and the reality that the game was totally a game of chance, he suspended his common sense and invested in his crazy scheme. You will not be surprised to know he did not bankrupt and casino and he remained welcome at every casino in London. A sure bet that he was a great customer and that he gave them more money than they gave him! My point is this. Even though most sensible Christians will be aware that we do not know, it is like we are attracted to any outside chance that we might get an insight into the mind of God. Well let me be clear where I stand on this, the only thing that I really care about when it comes to this stuff is the word.  One of the last things Jesus said to His disciples before He ascended to heaven was “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. " (Acts 1:7) Indeed could he be anymore explicit than when He said “No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father" (Matthew 24:36).So it is clear WE DO NOT KNOW! For a great article on this read Lee Grady

I am will Bill Johnson when I say that I am praying that Jesus would tarry for a while because how much would you have to hate people who are not yet Christians to be petitioning Jesus to come back soon? 

So as for me and my house we will keep serving God until He returns or we die. It will be His decision which comes sooner.

I have to go now because I have to prepare my sermon for Sunday, pirates can wait until next week when the crowds have gone and I think I'll ask Lesley to get me the King's Speech for my birthday in June !