'Why Not Question' - Book Review : '23 Minutes in Hell' by Bill Wiese

'23 Minutes in Hell' shares the vivid experiences of Bill Wiese and his brief visit to the domain of Hell. For three chapters he shares the smells, images, pain, creatures and happenings of the dark evil place. The details are horrific and frightening and a clear image of what happens to unbelievers.

All in the all, the book is an excellent reference for those wanting to understand this horrible place and to share what he learned with the unsaved who scoff at the idea. Biblical references are provided as well along with the experiences of others who have made the journey into this fire filled underworld.

In fact, recently on 'It's Supernatural', a weekly show with Sid Roth and seen on many Christian stations, shared what happened to an ex-Muslim turned Christian brother. His sibling died, was in the morgue, and was raised from the dead by his believing relatives. The dead brother shared the torment he went through and was saved as a result.

The blogger will even share the brief encounter of hell - which happened in Walmart of all places. It was a glimpse of a cold, dark place filled with a terror that went straight into the bones. The experience has been shared with many.

Have you, the reader, had such an experience? Want to share? Please comment!

'Why Not Question' - Book Review : '90 Minutes in Heaven' by Don Piper w/Cecil Murphy

'90 Minutes in Heaven' is a compelling story telling of the death of Don Piper on the fateful day of January 18, 1989. He died in a car accident and was declared dead on the scene. A Baptist preacher showed up, asked to allowed to pray for the dead one, and despite the 'you've got to be kidding' looks from the EMT's, followed God's instructions. As the pastor said he prayed in a manner he had never before done and hasn't since.

Don Piper returned to life. Much to everyone's shock.

The rest of the book tells of his experiences and the long, slow recovery process. However, he does briefly share what heaven was like. Most of what he remembers is praise music and moving to the gates with those who had come to escort him there. Don Piper says there are no human words to describe what he experienced.

An excellent read but somewhat disappointing due to the lack of description of Heaven as the title promises. However, it does show the healing power of God and how by following revelation in the instance of raising Don from the dead, miraculous things can still happen today. They're not all confined to New Testament days and 'over and done with' as many are taught in churches today.

'Why Not Question' - The Ark of the Convenant - Where is it?

It seems quite strange that the Ark of the Covenant, something so central to the Jewish faith, would simply vanish. There is a great deal of speculation from various researchers and hunters about where it finally ended it. Each has compelling evidence to support their claims, but none have yet found the Ark. All that is really known is that it was removed from the temple and has disappeared from modern day.

Here are some are the theories:

The first suggests the Ark was removed and hidden in the passages below the temple mount where it waits to be rediscovered when the world one more needs it.

A second theory is that it was found during the crusades and removed from Holy Land. It was taken to a temple, then moved again, and possibly resides in a sealed area under the floor of an English cathedral.

The third and most compelling, is that it is currently in a stone church in Ethiopia. Only the high priest is allowed in and no outside researchers have been allowed inside to verify the claim. Several interesting points seem to substantiate the claim. The appointed priest often goes blind and only serves a short term before death. Also, the people of the country have celebrations, with their own copies of the Ark in attendance. It is the only place in the world where this happens.

Whether or not the Ark of the Covenant still exists, or, as some historians are beginning to question, it even existed at all, is a matter of much speculation and research. Many spend their lives trying to find it. Yet, the greatest symbol of the Jewish faith has vanished from history, perhaps never to be found again.

(Information shared here comes from several recent documentaries on Syfy and National Geographic channels.)

'Why Not Question' - Jeremiah 29:11 - What does this verse really say?

Of late this verse has been quoted many times. Question is, is the translation being used correct or are there parts being left out? This week's study is on Jeremiah 29:11.

KJV :For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

NIA : For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Amplified : For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace, and not for evil, to give you hope in the final outcome.

NAS : For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.

Let's take this verse apart now. (KJV)

For I know (yada - root: to know) the thoughts (machashebeth- contrivance, intention or plan)that I think (chashab - regard, value, compute) toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts (machashebeth) of peace (shalom - be safe or complete), and not of evil (ra - bad) to give (nathan - literally to give)you an expected (tiqvah - expectancy) end (acharith - latter end, hinder part, prosterity, future).

Now, let's put this together in a literal translation:

For I know the contrivance, intention, or plan that I regard, value or compute for you, said the Lord, contrivance, intention or a plan to be safe or complete and not bad, to give you an expectancy for the latter end, hinder part, prosterity or future.

It is also interesting that the verse is taken out of context. When reading the verses before and after, one learns that the Lord was speaking to the those being held captive in Babylon. He tells them they will call upon Him, He will hear, and He will gather them back together once more as a nation.

Is this a verse that is a promise to believers today? Or a promise that has already been fulfilled and is for the modern Christian's learning only?

You, the reader, decide.