Heaven is for Real
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Not so amazed
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Book was amazing. It made it easier to have faith when Colton was so passionate about what he saw.
My four year old told me a great story of an experience he had. Apparently Spiderman came into his room at night and they caught a bunch of bad guys then Spidey brought him back.Maybe I should write a book - after all my son was so passionate about the whole thing....
I wanted to absolutely love and believe in this book, based on what I had heard about it. Sadly, I found it lacking. It seemed as if they intentionally downplayed the father's influence as a preacher to make the little boy's comments seem more amazing. And there were too many things that I kept waiting for answers to or more of an explanation for that never happened. So when I feel that I've been left hanging too much the book is never truly satisfying for me. I do think it was a good enough read to get through it all....which accounts for something at least....
It seems as though there are two types of comments for the most part. Those who choose not to believe and those who do, much like those who choose to believe in Christ and those who don't.
Yes, that seems about right, Leland. Humans are truly amazing creatures how we can train our brains.
I want to take my dream journal and make it part of a religious crusade. Check out my webcomic: http://reddkaiman.blogspot.com/2013/0...
Leland wrote: "It seems as though there are two types of comments for the most part. Those who choose not to believe and those who do, much like those who choose to believe in Christ and those who don't."What does that have to do with the book? I believe in Christ, and don't like the book. I believe Christ gave me my mind, and my mind read this book and went "this is so hokey."
How about God, Mandy? What did He give you? Christ is the Son - how about some credit for the Father?
I do not agree with this book. I do not see it supported in scripture anywhere that a person can visit heaven then be sent back to Earth to testify of their experience. I do, however, not discount that God is perfectly able to give a vision or revelation to a person (such as he did John). It makes me upset that a Pastor of a baptist church would publish a book like this - the attention and glory is on the experience and the son and not the Lord - this is not how things should be. Many people have these "experiences" when they are revived or even put under for extensive surgery - I do not believe these people are going up to heaven only to return. The story is nice and may minister to some - and IF it causes a person to seek the truth in the Word then so be it - but if it causes some to believe JUST so they don't go to hell I would speak a word of warning. Jesus is not a ticket out of hell - belief in him requires a life change, aheart change, a submission to God and fruits to be developed.
I was disappointed when I read this book. I hope it isn't realy true because this is not what I pictured Heaven to be like at all. Seriously? Homework? We have to do homework? What?! And I don't think it can actually be considered a paradise if the Devil is still there! I have some serious issues with the content of this book. Just sayin'
Susan wrote: "I was disappointed when I read this book. I hope it isn't realy true because this is not what I pictured Heaven to be like at all. Seriously? Homework? We have to do homework? What?! And I don't th..."I agree completely with you. It really upsets me that this preacher will now make money off a movie based on this book and that he has made money off it at all
Here's a link to an insightful book review on this book: http://www.challies.com/book-reviews/...I have to say that I agree that if Paul was taken to the third heaven and wasn't told by God to put it in the Bible so that we would know what it was like, and he was actually was not permitted to tell what he saw, than why would Colton come bearing a message of heaven? Personally I think that if God really wanted us to know what heaven was like he would have inspired the writers of the Bible to describe it.
Oh, and the reference to Paul being caught up to the third heaven is 2nd Corinthians 12:1-5
Faye - exactly. If God wanted us to know all this, I would think he would have told Jesus, his son, to make that part of the message he and his disciples were preaching. This book is bunk. Sorry, but it is. It's just the pathetic last ditch effort of people to let themselves think they are going to have a huge family reunion one day in heaven, surrounded by harp playing angels riding on unicorns.
Really sad.
You are not the only one. Not only did I not find it amazing, I couldn't even finish reading it. I thought it was terribly written and very boring. I have read other, amazing, books on the subject. I was really disappointed after all of the hype.
Okay. I'm seeing a lot of hateful comments here ... The truth is whether you believe the book or not, it's the content that matters. I truly believe that God can and will doing anything that he thinks will help draw us closer to him. I respect all of your opinions and the events in the book may or may not have happened, but it seems to me that everyone is accusing this pastor of lying. You have no proof that he did or didn't make it all up. Unless God has specifically told you, in your heart, that it is wrong, it isn't our place to judge. Just enjoy the book! Whether you believe it or not is your concern and it seems to me that we're all trying to convince each other of our opinions.I know each of us are own are own spiritual journey at the moment so maybe a quick prayer asking God to show you his opinion on it might be a good idea.
By the way, I'm not saying it's wrong to give opinions, it's just hateful to criticize others on their beliefs. I'm fine with discussing, just not pressuring. For example, in my opinion this was a fantastic book because it seemed sincere and miracles happened. Just from my point of view, it seemed real.
Love this book 5 star and beyond. Heaven is absolutely real. Jesus loves you sooooo much he died on the cross for us, and we get to go to heaven if we choose to accept him. Heaven is real.
God has shown us his opinions. It's called The Bible. And it says that his kingdom is to "come" ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN. Just like you no doubt pray in the Lords Prayer.It also says in Psalms 37:29 that the righteous themselves will possess THE EARTH and will reside forever UPON IT. Not in heaven.
The power of suggestion is very strong with children. This child had a very real dream, as did Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz.
The myth of the soul living on in heaven after death may be comforting to some, and that is a good thing, in a crazy world where we all could use some comfort. But it's just not true, according to the Bible.
I agree with you Tinyde. Well said. As for Maria, a little prayer couldn't hurt right? The Bible is always the place to go for answers so I did. Here is the verse I found ... "Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also." ~John 14:1-3
Jesus wants us to be where He is and in Acts 7:56 it says, "' . . .I see the heaven opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!'"
The Bible clearly states in Matthew 5:16, " . . . that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." So that shows that God is in heaven, with Jesus at his right hand and Jesus is preparing a place for us there with him! Isn't that great!?
So, aspen - are god and Jesus two different entities? Father and son? Or are they the same - part of a trinity? Please address the fact that "the meek shall inherit the earth. And the resurrection - to where if we're all already in heaven? Points to ponder? Ah, yeah.
I agree totally with Aspen what she says is all so true and good work for quoting the Bible. Jesus died for your sins so that we could go to heaven that is if we chose he path and trust me his path is the right way to go!Keep on doing your good work Aspen.
Jesus loves all of you soo very much.
Ok, Tinyde - Jesus loves me, this I know. For the Bible tells me so.But why does the Bible say in Psalms 37:29 that the righteous themselves will possess THE EARTH and will reside forever UPON IT?"
That is a quote. If we are all going to heaven, is that an untrue scripture?
Everyone is using the old cop-outs "Jesus loves you", choose his path, etc. rather than actually addressing the issue I've presented.
I guess your fantasy world is more palatable to you than facing reality - just as it is to the family who wrote this ridiculous book.
Aspen said: "." So that shows that God is in heaven, with Jesus at his right hand and Jesus is preparing a place for us there with him! Isn't that great!?"I don't see where you answered my question - you speak here of Jesus standing beside God. So are they the same person, i.e. part of a Trinity? If so is someone standing beside himself?
Or are they Father and Son? Two different entities? Can't have it both ways.....
I am willing to bet that no one will respond, either to this or to my post immediately before. Because if you answer logically it flies in the face of some pretty basic, although incorrect, Christian teachings, doesn't it?
I am going to do some research on this topic. And hopefully explain some of the things discussed recently.
I think there is some confusion. Jesus "sitting beside God" is a Synoptic concept; it is not found in literature of higher Christology, like John's Gospel. In John, for example, Jesus does not interact with God; he interacts with the Father. So, God can be both Father and Son. This is not the portrayal of the other gospels.
Hey Maria, Sorry I didn't answer in so long (vacation). Actually, we CAN have it both ways. God is so amazing and powerful and mighty that we can't understand everything about Him. I mean really, He created the heavens and the earth! Our understanding is limited. God is both. He is part of a trinity and yet He and Christ are the same. I know it's confusing, but it's something we have to take with faith knowing that he's got it under control.
It seems to me that you're the one getting off topic. I thought we were discussing whether it was possible or not for this kid to go to heaven! You have to admit though, even if you don't believe the scripture I quoted above, it does seem to answer your questions. Please give me a little time to better understand and address your question about the scripture you quoted. I think I understand what the problem is, but I'd hate to say the wrong thing here, considering it is a perspective-changing conversation. I'll be back in a couple of days. Thanks so much for the questions! You seem genuinely interested in this topic :D (By the way, calling the book ridiculous doesn't make your argument seem any stronger) :)
Hi AspenThe way you have worded that perfectly, God and Jesus are one, although I am still understanding that concepts. Again great job on wording the concept.
God Bless
Haha thanks Tinyde it's a difficult concept to understand and I'm nowhere near interpreting it all. Like I said, we have to take it with faith. Thank you again.
Well I think you did a great job. Gob Bless
Honestly, I'm not trying to be rude or offensive, just having an interesting discussion. None of us here really knows one another, so obviously no comment is to be taken as an insult to another person's character. We don't even know each others' characters! Anyway...According to what I've read in the Bible, Jesus does indeed say that "I and the father are one." But he is assuming that those reading it will have enough common sense to know that he means "one" in thought, in action, in belief. Not literally. That does not make sense.
Right after Jesus made the statement about being "one" with his Father, he told his apostles who were gathered around him "we are all one just as I and the Father are one." So, were all of the apostles and Jesus literally the same entity? Of course not. They were one in purpose, belief, etc.
The next argument is that Jesus said "if you've seen me, you've seen the Father also". I've heard it said about my son and my husband "if you've seen one, you've seen the other one". It means that they look, act, think, believe alike. It's a common expression.
A thinking, reasoning person would not believe that he meant they are literally the same. Again, it doesn't make sense.
Jesus always spelled out very clearly the things he wanted his followers to know. If indeed there is a Trinity, don't you think that the word "Trinity" would at least be found somewhere in the Bible? Wouldn't Jesus have come right out and said, "I am part of a triune entity made up of myself, God and the Holy Spirit"? Or something like that?
He didn't. He said "I am going my way to the Father because THE FATHER IS GREATER THAN I AM". Not "I am going my way to the Father, who is actually still myself, but not..."
The Trinity came about when the Catholic Church wanted to convert some pagans (Druids, I think) and the Druids were ok with it, except they would not give up the triune Druid false god they worshipped. So the Catholics said, that's ok, we'll just incorporate the triune God-Head doctrine into our own teachings, call it the Trinity, then we can all be happy little Christians. This is in the encyclopedia, I am not making it up.
And I don't buy the "it's all a mystery, we weren't meant to understand" business. God gave us the Bible, with all it's history, wisdom, lessons to be learned. He told us all about himself, his son, his prophets - He wanted us to understand. Jesus did not preach that everything was one big mystery and that the average person couldn't understand. He spoke to the common people, teaching them so that they would know his Father's purpose.
The "mystery" was put there by the churches, particularly the Catholic church, to discourage people from actually reading the Bible for themselves and possibly discovering that their teachings were not Biblical.
As far as everyone going to heaven, here are my thoughts, as I understand my reading of the Scriptures: (MY understanding, using my free will and common sense, not blindly following church doctrine.)
"The righteous themselves will possess THE EARTH and they shall reside forever UPON IT". Psalms 37:29
"The dead are conscious of nothing at all - when they die, on that day their thoughts do perish". Ecclesiastes 9:5.
"The soul that is sinning, it itself will DIE" Ezekiel 18:4 (not live on somewhere else).
John 5:28 & 29 describes a resurrection of all the dead from their memorial tombs. If they are still in their tombs, how are they also in heaven? And if they are in heaven immediately upon dying, then why would they need to be resurrected?
Just because you have been taught something all your life doesn't mean it is true. Think for yourself and come to a logical conclusion.
Yes, this may be "off the topic" but it is worth discussing.
Lucy wrote: "Am I the only one who thought this book was less than amazing? I loved the book, Embraced by the Light, so it's not that I don't belive in the afterlife or near death experiences. This book just ..."pretty much unfortunetly :-/ i was disapointed
How can you be disappointed??
Well, I'm not surprised - no one wants to discuss the fact that the trinity is not a biblical doctrine. Just whether or not a toddler went to heaven and rode on a unicorn.
I liked the book. I was expecting more WOW as well. I liked the oart about the Picture of Jesus, the best. I would like to read a book written by the child. That might be more amazing.
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That could be possible, but would a 4 year old tell a dad all these things bout angels singing to him and God sitting him on his lap. Would people tell him that? IF you read through the whole book you would know that Colton talked about experiances higher than life that no one could have put into his mind. This book was God's way of speaking to us even through a little 4 year old.