Lessons from the Rapture

Harold Camping’s followers were sincere, but misguided. Instead of being connected to The Shepherd (Jesus), they were blinded by Mr. Camping and his doctrine. While we take turns in poking fun at them, we tend to forget that there is a chance that we may not be that different from the Camping followers. Yes, we have our scripture guns ready with scriptures to disprove Camping’s prediction. But the fact of the matter is, all of us can be misguided, if our beliefs are based solely on what’s coming from the pulpit, television preachers, traditions or books that agree with our core head-knowledge that were formed (again) solely from the pulpit, television preachers or traditions.

Contrary to popular assumption, Christianity is not about ignorantly swallowing what’s coming from the pulpit. Unfortunately that has been happening throughout generations. And this is one reason why people hop from church to church, doctrine to doctrine or sadly in some cases, abandon the journey altogether. Christianity, to me, is about an intimate relationship with Christ Jesus and His expression through us. Genuine relationships happen only when we spend quality time with the person we want to connect with. Conferences, church, Sunday school, theological knowledge or meetings cannot replace that personal connection.

Institutions might detest questions, but God is not insecure as we assume He is. We can come boldly to His throne of grace with questions that we would not dare ask our churchy contacts for the fear of being ostracized. Although there is nothing wrong with an open discussion with friends, they cannot replace the insight from the Source Himself. The Bereans did not blindly swallow Paul’s words. They did not think it was rebellious to double check the Scriptures to see if Paul was not making things up. We now have access to the Scripture in a gazillion translations and formats, but the problem usually is, we read it through our own doctrinal spectacles. Truth will not be contained or limited by a doctrine that tickles us. This is why we need to move out of the way and actively depend on the Holy Spirit to enlighten the scriptures.

Ministers should encourage the listeners to connect with the Vine, for it is from Him, the life - His life - flows. Books should connect the readers to the person of Jesus. If not, we will continue to see blunders like the May 21 Rapture Prediction happen in various shapes or forms – no matter what camp we are in. I don’t care an iota if self-serving, mindless, man-made doctrines fail. There is no sweeter smelling aroma than that which comes from the slaughter of a sacred-cow doctrine. I am concerned about the hurt that a person goes through when he realizes that he was led by the blind all along. Churchianity is oblivious to this hurt and disillusionment. And we wonder why people are leaving organized Christianity in droves. 

Unless the message connects the listeners to the Person of Jesus Christ and encourages them to depend on the Holy Spirit, they might rather be taught about cooking; for without His active presence, Christianity becomes nothing but a dead religion.