1. Life After Life James 2:14-26

2. After Death Experiences After death Experiences –Died and lived to tell about it! –Did it really happen? God’s word provides the answer –No example of this in the Bible –A few were raised from the dead

3. Typical Experience Not the exact same experience –Many similarities –Some elements in the following list have shown up in separate stories –Study by Dr. Raymond Moody –Book entitled Life After Life

4. Typical experience A buzzing, or ringing sound Moving through a long, dark tunnel Saw the scene as a spectator A body, but not physical Spirits of dead relatives and friends welcome them

5. Typical experience Being of light appeared, questioned “Being” identified according to one’s religious background Questions not condemnatory, made to feel loved and accepted No reward or punishment

6. Were They Really Dead? In a word …NO! –Retained their spirits (Ecclesiastes 8:8) –Only certain men raised the dead Elijah (1 Kings 17:17-24) Elisha (2 Kings 4:8-3) Jesus (Mark 5:22-42; John 11:1-43) –Resurrection (John 5:28, 29)

7. Were They Really Dead? Not denying some experience –Are they a safe guide? –Feelings are not reliable (Jeremiah 10:23)

8. Bible Contradicts Such Claims Most features are easily refuted –Different experiences after death (Luke 16:19-31) –Acceptance by God is conditional (Luke 16:27-31; Acts 10:34, 35)

9. Bible Contradicts Such Claims Most features are easily refuted –Dead not permitted a return visit (Luke 16:27-31; 2 Corinthians 12:2-4) –Only Jesus had been with the Father (John 3:12, 13) –God has revealed all we need to know (Acts 20:20, 27; 2 Timothy 3:16, 17)

10. Experiences Do Not Agree with Bible Not obligated to explain what happened Views are old: Plato (400 BC) and Emmanuel Swedenborg (17 th Century) Could be drug effects, dreams, etc.

11. Conclusion Are you prepared? Some day be judged by God