Can My Saved Loved Ones See Me From Heaven
Many use the verse in Hebrews 12:1 Therefore since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us as evidence that their loved ones can see them from heaven but is that what this verse is really about? I dont believe it is. Notice the world therefore in Hebrews 12:1. What does Hebrews12:1 speak about? It is a conclusion of what was just said in Hebrews 11:39-40: And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.
A good question to ask about Hebrews 12:1 is what is the therefore, there for? The word therefore ties into what was previously written and what we read in Hebrews 12:1 tells us who these cloud of witnesses were and what it was written for. We must also ask who it was written to because all Scripture is written for us but not every verse is written precisely to us. Some verses are prescriptive and some are descriptive . For example, the Book of Hebrews is written for us but some of it is written to the Jewish Christians who were losing everything, including their life, due to intense persecution.
there is an unbridgeable gap between heaven and hell no one can see from heaven to earth, except God Himself.
I Believe I Felt His Spirit Starting To Cross Over
When there was no denying that he was losing his battle with cancer, I had the strangest feeling that I was shrinking, and that when he died, I would become invisible altogether. I felt like Alice after drinking the shrinking potion or, as a good friend described it, “Like that dot that used to appear on TVs when you turned them off way back when we were kids.” The dot gradually faded until it disappeared altogether. It was a very strange feeling indeed, as though I was fading away.
I have given this a lot of thought over the years, and now I think that our bond was so strong and our spirits so linked that as his illness progressed he was starting to cross over into the spirit world, and my spirit was feeling this journey along with his.
Everyone did say we were soulmates.
Identifying Triggers In Your Marriage Part 1
They were both convinced they had married the wrong person. From almost the very beginning of their marriage, Amber and Guy Lia experienced various tensions and personality clashes related to house cleaning, backseat driving, workaholism, and intimacy. In this two-day Focus on the Family broadcast, Amber and Guy discuss how they bravely faced the triggers head-on, and committed to working on their own relationships with Jesus. As you listen to the Lias story, youll feel hope that you, too, can see real marriage transformation!
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Why Does This Matter
When a loved one passes away, as one of mine recently has, we miss them deeply. We long to hear from them and hope they are looking down on us from heaven.
But we often can forget that if they had a saving relationship with Jesus, and we do as well, that we will indeed see them again.
Scripture makes it clear that we cannot seek the help of necromancers or mediums . As much as it hurts to lose loved ones and not hear their voice, we can rest assured if they had a saving faith, we will see them again.
Furthermore, we know that God communicates to us in a variety of ways. We dont need loved ones who passed to guide us in the right direction. We have an all-powerful, all-good, all-present, and all-knowing God to steer us toward the path of righteousness.
We also have the Holy Spirit who plays the role of comforter.
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God .
And What Does The Bible Say About Your Non
God takes into account exactly who we are and places us before the angels who will bring emotional balance to our lives:
He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.
Revelation 21:4
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Psalm 23:4
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Matthew 5:4
Fear not, for I am with you be not dismayed, for I am your God I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10
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Tactics 10th Anniversary Edition: A Game Plan For Discussing Your Christian Convictions
In a world increasingly indifferent to Christian truth, followers of Christ need to be equipped to communicate with those who do not speak their language or accept their source of authority. In Tactics, 10th Anniversary Edition, Gregory Koukl demonstrates how to artfully regain control of conversations, keeping them moving forward in constructive ways through thoughtful diplomacy. Youll learn how to stop challengers in their tracks and how to turn the tables on questions or provocative statements. Most important, youll learn how to get people thinking about Jesus.
Friends Partners And Lovers: What It Takes To Make Your Marriage Work
Most marriages survive by gritting teeth and holding on. But marriages can and will not only survive but thrive when husbands and wives learn to cherish one another. Those are the powerful words of bestselling author Gary Thomas in his newest bookCherish. And in a world desperate for marriage redemption, it is needed now more than ever. Thomas shows that although there are a countless number of marriages consisting of two people just going through the motions, there are real ways this pattern can be reversed: when husbands and wives learn to cherish one another in proven, loving, and everyday actions and words.
Newest Release – Episode 2: Heroes Providing Hope
Discover the amazing work our PRCs Directors, Nurses, and Volunteers are making in their communities! Youll see firsthand testimonies of a PRC in action, and that there are other options outside of abortions! Youll also discover how your family can support your local PRC!
Yes, I Promise to Pray for the Pre-born and Their Moms!
Will you pray for the pre-born and moms that are facing unexpected pregnancies? We will send you a 7-day prayer guide that will help guide you along this journey with us!! You can even choose to receive this great resource by text!
Newest Release – Episode 4: Sometimes the Choice is Hard
Yes, I Promise to Pray for the Pre-born and Their Moms!
Newest Release – Episode 3: The Power of a Picture
Yes, I Promise to Pray for the Pre-born and Their Moms!
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Don Stewart : : Do The Dead Know What Happens On The Earth
Rich Man Could See Lazarus
And being in torments in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom .
Cloud Of Witnesses
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the author and finisher of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God .
They called out in a loud voice, “How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?” Then each of them was given a white robe, and they were told to wait a little longer, until the number of their fellow servants and brothers who were to be killed as they had been was completed .
Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: “Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ. For the accuser of our comrades, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down .
Rejoice over her, O heaven! Rejoice, saints and apostles and prophets! God has judged her for the way she treated you .
The Case AgainstDead Do Not Know
If his sons are honored, he does not know it if they are brought low, he does not see it .
No KnowledgeAbraham And JacobRich Man Could See LazarusCloud Of WitnessesNo More Pain?
Embracing Your Role As A Spouse
As a spouse, you have three roles to playa friend, a partner, and a lover. On this one-day Focus on the Family broadcast, Pastor Kevin A. Thompson explores those different roles and challenges you to live them out by investing emotionally, physically, and mentally in your relationship. As friends, he suggests we learn to play and laugh together. As partners, he equips us with solid ways to handle conflict and communication. As lovers, he offers some thoughts on how to bring back the sizzle. He shares five keys to saving your marriage: humility, respect, mercy, communication, and resilience. Youll be encouraged to intentionally invest in your marriage.
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Spiritual Guidance Comes From God Alone
The Bible teaches that spiritual guidance should be sought from God alone through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. He has provided everything we need for this life in his Holy Word:
As we know Jesus better, his divine power gives us everything we need for living a godly life. He has called us to receive his own glory and goodness!
All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right. It is God’s way of preparing us in every way, fully equipped for every good thing God wants us to do.
Jesus is the only mediator we need between this world and the world to come:
For there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and people. He is the man Christ Jesus.
That is why we have a great High Priest who has gone to heaven, Jesus the Son of God. Let us cling to him and never stop trusting him.
Our God is a living God. Believers have no reason to seek the dead:
When someone tells you to consult mediums and spiritists, who whisper and mutter, should not a people inquire of their God? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living? Consult Gods instruction and the testimony of warning. If anyone does not speak according to this word, they have no light of dawn.
Do We See Communication With The Dead In The Bible
Only one story, in particular, stands out with someone attempting to communicate with a dead judge and the story doesnt end well.
King Saul , terrified by the size of the Philistine army hed have to face soon, consults God for help. When God doesnt appear to answer, he takes matters into his own hands and meets with a medium to try and communicate with his recently passed friend, Samuel.
The witch appears to bring up Samuel, or someone acting as the former judge, and the Samuel who appears is not super pleased that an apparition of himself has been brought back.
Along with a number of past transgressions, Saul trusted someone to communicate with the dead, something Scripture explicitly warns against , and he loses the battle to the Philistines. Because of this, his sons and Saul lose their lives.
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Is Suicide The Unforgivable Sin
Some people believe suicide is the unpardonable sin , because there is no room for repentance but suicide is not unpardonable. The unforgivable sin of is associating the Holy Spirits work with the work of Satan. Nothing can separate true believers from Gods love in Christ .
For the Christian, all sinspast, present, and futureare forgiven through faith in the atoning work of Jesus. Confession of sin allows for intimate fellowship with God, but a believers eternal destiny is set at the moment of receiving Christ. Repentance is not our seal into the Kingdom of God. Our seal is the Holy Spirit .
Common sense teaches us many, if not all, Christ-followers can die with unconfessed sin. For example, sudden events like accidents or heart attacks may leave victims no opportunity to repent and confess sin, but they are completely forgiven in Christ.
Does The Bible Talk About It Elsewhere
The Bible makes it clear that humans shouldnt communicate with those who have passed. Furthermore, we can find nowhere in Scripture where loved ones appear as angels.
As far as loved ones speaking to us after death, Scripture makes it clear that the opposite is true. Lets take a look at the parable of the rich man and Lazarus.
In the parable, a wealthy man passes away and discovers the horrors of hell . He begs Abraham, whom he sees in heaven, to let him give a word of warning to his relatives to repent and turn to God. Abraham responds the following:
Abraham replied, They have Moses and the Prophets let them listen to them. No, father Abraham, he said, but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent. He said to him, If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.
Abraham, in this parable, makes it clear that those who have passed cannot manifest in some way and warn us.
After all, God has given us his Word, the convictions of the Holy Spirit, and communicates to us in a variety of ways. This parable shows us that even if God allowed for those who have passed to communicate with us, because of our sinful nature, we would likely not listen to them.
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They Look Over Us And Let Us Know
Many people have felt such signs. We can most likely notice the spiritual drive, specifically when were relaxed. When we are in the initial stages of sorrow, we have a stronger ability to sense the presence of our loved ones around us. Death is not final, and love lives forever.
Therefore, we are most likely to remain feeling our loved ones existence after their death because they are still always around us. In the deepest sorrow, they will attempt to discover a tactic to let us know that we are not alone and they are with us.
Do not be afraid when you feel like you are being watched because our passed loved ones are simply protecting us and watching over us. They will love us forever, even from afar.
Consulting With Familiar Spirits And Necromancers
Deuteronomy 18:11 mentions those who consult with familiar spirits and necromancers. Familiar spirits are trusted spirits that are thought to be friendly or familiar. However, they are not people, but demons . Likewise, necromancers, often called mediums, are those who try to communicate with the dead. Neither are not part of Gods family and they not His children by faith in Christ . Instead they are part of Satans family, which includes those who deny Christ .
when someone claims to speak with the dead, they are perpetuating a lie or a false miracle.
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More On The Bible And Cremation Options
You can read more about the Bible and cremation history here in this article.
What Does the Bible Say about Cremation?Funerals are meant for the living as a chance to celebrate the life of their loved ones who have passed. It is a chance to remember, respect, and reminisce their lives. It is also a reminder that we are ultimately in Gods hands.
The FAQs: What Christians Should Know About CremationFor the first time in history, a majority of Americans have chosen cremation rather than burial.
Can You Still Go to Heaven If Youre Cremated?Does the Bible forbid cremation? This has been a controversial topic in our family recently, because an aunt of mine died not long ago and directed that her body be cremated. One of our cousins, however, claims the Bible says you cant go to heaven if youre cremated. Is he right?
If the question, What does the Bible say about cremation? has been answered for you, it is wise to begin making an end-of-life plan for yourself or a loved one now.
Advance planning helps clear minds to consider all the possibilities, especially when considering whatever faith is practiced by those involved.
What Does The Bible Say About Spiritual Beings
Demons are spiritual beings. The Bible does attest to the fact that there are spiritual beings. In addition to demons, the other spiritual beings are angels. Since demons and angels do not have physical bodies, they are spiritual beings.
The main difference here is that angels are good, but demons are bad. Angels help believers and protect them. The Bible tells us angels are ministering spirits sent out to help believers . In contrast, demons seek out mankinds downfall.
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