Tales from the Other Side

     Baptist Press News recently published an article regarding Lifeway's decision to stop selling books which claim to be a testimony of life after death.  Lifeway describes the books as "experiential testimonies about heaven."  This decision follows a Southern Baptist Convention's resolution which warns Christians not to allow "the numerous books and movies purporting to explain or describe the afterlife experience" to "become their source and basis for an understanding of the afterlife." The fear is that Christians will allow these books to shape their understanding of heaven instead of Scripture.
     As a pastor, I believe it is fine for Christians to read these books as long as they understand these testimonies are simply someone's claim of experiencing heaven.  There is no way their claim can be proven or disproven.  Therefore, this individual's testimony could be trustworthy or it may not be.  Our sure guide in understanding heaven is God's Word.  Let make sure we are allowing Scripture to inform our understanding of life after death!
     Here is the link to the article from Baptist Press News:
  http://www.bpnews.net/44434/lifeway-pulls-heaven-visitation-resources




I am also listing a link to a lecture given at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary by Dr. David Jones regarding this topic.
http://multimedia.sebts.edu/?p=6017

Patrick the Missionary

St. Patrick's Day is wonderful opportunity for us to think about the Great Commission.   Baptist Press has a great article about this mysterious saint. Check it out:
http://www.bpnews.net/44391/the-real-st-patrick-incredible-missions-zeal