Welcome to the return of the Shiloh Shout newsletter and thank you for reading it.  When Chrissy Keebler asked if I would write an article for it, I immediately knew what it would entail.

This past month, I have been asked numerous times, by those individuals facing difficulties in their lives, a very important question.   This question is important for two reasons.

First, if someone asks about heaven, it shows that they are thinking about it.  That in itself reveals an interest  in the topic and faith in most cases.  An interest because we have loved ones there, and a hopeful curiosity in things above.  A hopeful curiosity for not only our loved ones, but for ourselves and others still living.  The apostle exhorts us to do this, knowing personally that the work is hard and depressing.  He states “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” - Colossians 3:2)

Secondly, although it is important to discuss their concerns about heaven, it is of utmost importance to educate them on the truths of heaven.  We all have our vision and maybe false ideas floating through our minds.  What will it be like?  Who will be there?  Our journey together will focus on what is true as revealed through Scripture.  “Thy Word is truth.” - John 17:17

Heaven is real, as is hell.  One of the common misconceptions is that everybody goes to heaven.  Another untruth is that hell is just a temporary place.  This is as far from the truth as you can get.  Heaven is eternal and hell is eternal.  In fact, we are eternal.  When you die, It is not the end.  Some people think, when they die, that’s it.  They are put it the ground, lights out, finished!  But the truth is, we continue to live, it’s just a matter of where.  Our bodies may die, but our souls live on.  Daniel put it this way…”Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake; some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt”.  The Apostle Paul said it this way… “There will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked.” - Acts 24:15

And so, the first series of articles will be dedicated to the future and the topic of heaven and hell.  Of course, as we look further into Scripture, more questions will arise.  This will gave way for future articles.

God Bless,

Pastor Scott