I didn’t watch the youtube yet … did this Jim Woodford say he saw Jesus? If so, does he vouch He looks exactly like the “Prince of Peace” painting by Akiane Kramarik B-) God has built a testimony for Himself. It's called the Old and New Testament. Within that testimony, God has revealed heaven to us. It is trustworthy and true. Geri, that was not even mentioned. He said Jesus was a magnificent figure, who James his entire life, had thought was made up. Upon seeing Him, there was as a golden light flowing off of Him. James said he was lost in the love of His Light, that he realized Jesus had intimate knowledge and love of James, and James knew (then), he was His forever. (James had become a rich man on earth. He could buy anything he wanted, healthy all his life, until an infirmity came. The rest of his story comes out of that. He wrote a book about his experience that turned his life from riches, to obeying what the Lord told him to do. He didn't need the book to make money, because he already had riches. All the money his book brings in, goes to the poor, while he shares the Lord, as Jesus told him to do.) At least he is not cashing in on his story. I will give him credit for that. There is an article on him here: Jim went on to write a book about his experience called ‘Heaven, An Unexpected Journey'. All the royalties from the book go to a nonprofit, Partnership for Revival, Elizabethtown. https://www.godupdates.com/jim-woodford-testimony-seeing-heaven-hell/ It doesn’t say in some cases oop’s, you have to turn around and go back to your earthly life. You may not see that in the Word, but many say the word Rapture is not in the Bible either. This man in the video went from wealth, living the good life, being lost, and doctors telling his wife it's time to remove him from life support, to being saved, living for and serving the Lord when Jesus sent him back to do His will. He is actively obeying the Lords request. To what else would his complete spiritual turn-a-bout be attributed to? Why would there be doubt for what the Creator of the Universe can do if He wants to, to save a soul who He knows would do what He asked, thus ministering to and saving many more lost souls ? Many doubt, but we know, just like everything else between good and evil, we are called to discern truth from falsehood. Jesus said "we will know them by their fruit." I have no doubt whatsoever that many prosper by selling their stories in books, that are based on lie's, to make money. My belief, because of the fruit upon his return, is that this man had a true experience. :rose: I am remembering Christ's beloved Apostle John having a vision as written in the Book of Revelation ~and our LORD most assuredly told John not to hide what he saw, but to write it down . . for us and absolutely for Christ's Glory ~~ Also, there have been many Muslims who have had visions and dreams of Christ our Lord ~~ these souls are strong in their mission to give witness of Jesus, and are ready to die for their faith if necessary ~ God is no respector of persons . . The Holy Spirit can grant visions and dreams to 'westerners' as well as M/E souls ~~ I, too have been blessed reading some genuine Spirit filled NDE's . . in no way was satan glorified, just the opposite, some of these NDE's bring joy to the believer's spirit and heart ~ a non believer wouldn't care ~ ~ Too, Satan will not choose to divide his own kingdom . . Moreover, in my opinion these NDE's do give honor to Christ revealing a selfless motive,typically becoming less self-centered . . . . . "IF God be for us, who can be against us" . . One of my fav books is this one, by John Burke, who was an engineer and a skeptic . . One NDE I remember and stays in my heart and spirit was a believer shown escorted by Jesus to the Throne of God, and he 'saw' within the wonder of such Glory, Jesus the Son walk into the Bosom of the Father Who is Spirit ~ . . How beautiful that scene, and by far is a blessing read, having given honor of the 3 in One . . In this context of “Near-Death Experiences,” please consider 1 John 4:1-3. QUOTE To me, "NDEs" do not confess anything. NDEs are at least legitimately researched experiences, even with though fraught with opportunities for spiritual deception. Spiritual entities evidently appear in “spiritual” form to multitudes, and many men and women have reportedly changed their entire lives. If only for what is remembered and documented consistently by multitudes, the study is a legitimate discipline or pursuit. For us, the need is Godly discernment. NDEs are not the problem. Evil spirits are most often involved in deceit, and spread half-truth, but there are many other spirits in obedience to God who do not deceive. In other words, “…test the spirits.” So rather than condemn "NDE" experiences out of hand, why not test each one? This one included. True, the apostle Paul was instructed to conceal things he had heard while in heaven, but thank God that among hundreds of other blessings revealed, he revealed our Rapture! The Lord has not given us a spirit of fear here, but rather of power and love, and of a sound mind. Most of us here on RITA Now have discernment. Can’t we risk debating this while we test the spirits -- and in the process enjoy the hope and praise God? As Dan says: "For us, the need is Godly discernment. NDEs are not the problem" T.R. says it well, too: "If God could reveal Christ, why not Heaven?!" YES . . why do some give satan too much 'credit' for revealing God's Heaven? . . I think this would be a good time to discuss discernment. Thank you Sonya for recommending it with viewing of the video. For people who are seasoned in the faith, they understand how to view and evaluate a video, a teacher, a book, bible studies or a sermon. For someone new in the faith, it may take a bit more time to figure what is beneficial for viewing, reading or listening vs what is not. Scripture is the final authority. We recommend that all things be tested against what scripture says and many have differing opinions on interpretations of scripture which can also complicate things. It is helpful to classify topics into the categories of whether or not it is a salvation issue. If it is, it is certainly worth discussion to get someone to understand that belief and faith in Jesus is the only Way that man can be saved. On our site we believe in the pre-tribulation view of the Rapture and have decided that we only wish to discuss watching within that viewpoint. If it is not a salvation issue, often times it is better to discuss but not to argue. There are many other subjects that can be discussed that aren't absolutely clear in scripture and on those topics we can differ in our opinions to whether or not it is beneficial to us in our walk with the Lord. Not every subject is agreed upon. Some believe that pets will go in the rapture, others don't. Some believe that people have had spiritual experiences in Heaven/Hell, others don't. If I were to make a recommendation to a new believer or even one who gets confused by all the info available to peruse (and there is a bunch of it!), I would say go to the Holy Bible for final authority, always without exception. If it is not spelled out in uncertain terms then proceed with caution and view, read or listen with this question in your mind....does this information lead to Jesus, give Him all the glory and otherwise not contradict scripture? Always seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit as He will lead you away from that which is contrary to scripture. If the information leads to other gods or enlightenment or away from the Bible and Jesus, stay away from it. If it leads to Jesus, consider it but always proceed with caution. For an example I will use the Chosen series.....it is a fictional account of the lives of the disciples at the time when Jesus started His ministry. Some people do not like it as it suggests fictional conversations between the disciples and Jesus intertwined with actual scriptural conversations. Others find it encouraging and say that it leads them to study the Word more and feel closer to Jesus. Who is right? I would suggest to those that don't prefer it, don't watch it. To those who enjoy it, watch at your leisure, but with understanding that scripture is the final authority. 1st Corinthians 10:23 All things are permitted, but not all things are of benefit. All things are permitted, but not all things build people up. One of the things that makes the family of God so beautiful is how fearfully and wonderfully made that we are, and we all have different responses and choices in this life. As long as we keep Jesus the focus of our hearts, mind and worship....it is wonderful to enjoy all the different ways that He provides His children with comfort, peace and hope....and it really is okay if everything isn't everyone's cup of tea....just scroll on as we say :rose: My humble 2 cents
"Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.”
“Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world."
UNQUOTE
