"Its the end of the world as we know it, and I feel fine."

This past week, we too, battled against the false teachings of Harold Camping. Many in Jamaica were scared and confused, others bitter and resentful, and still others at least were confronted with the idea that this life may not be all there is. There were reports of "entrepreneurs" capitalizing on people's fear while providing "emergency baptism" services for a price of JA$1000-1500 (about $12-18 USD). We also heard of people selling off their possessions and packing up their things to go and wait at the bus stop to await the return of Jesus (as if He was a bus driver). While the majority of people were not drinking Camping's Kool-Aid, the lesson of 1 John 4:1-6 (which providentially was my text for Sunday morning as I work my way through the book) to test the spirits is of vital importance, not only for us in our Jamaican context, which boasts a hyper-Christian culture although with little discernment, but also for the sake of the global Church.

Despite the false teachings, there is real hope. Even as 1 John wrote his letter to give his "little children" confidence and assurance of the truth, we too have a great opportunity to shed true, gospel light to those confused by false messengers. Camping's teachings are an incredible opportunity for us to have faith conversations with seekers, challenge the church in their abilities to discern the "Spirit of truth and the spirit of error," while further equipping them for the future. God, in His sovereignty, saw Harold Camping from day one. God was not thrown off and His plan not impeded. I think there is great potential from this "Doomsday FAIL" for the truth to be heralded with grace and love to those "left behind" in the wake of false prophets.