You've Been Lied To About Heaven

[@jcr65566]

45 years ago my heart stoped on an operating table I found my self floating on the ceiling i was then pulled through space in to heaven its real.

[@marcussmith4913]

Im curious did you believe in christ jesus and his sacrifice for us, before you died?

[@Jacob-ri1tq]

A very common experience for those who died and were revived. Watch the documentary by Angel Studios called Afterlife. It’s pretty good.

[@susanbuus39]

Yes! We had a great teaching about Heaven in our church. We were taught that in days of old in Jewish culture resurrection was a main theme while Heaven was like a postscript. Somehow the modern church has made Heaven a main theme while resurrection is almost a postscript. The place we will dwell is in our resurrected bodies is the new earth, redeemed and perfect as it was meant to be. Heaven will come down to us. It is the most beautiful plan!

[@ronaldmorgan7632]

Humans V2.0

[@Tkshopp]

As long as I'm with our Lord and Savior Jesus, through God's grace, I will be blessed, happy, and forgiven of my sins. I love you Lord

[@velisagorham8453]

All I know it's where God is so I don't care what it looks like as long as I am with Jesus.

[@SunnyAquamarine2]

I've missed you in my feed. I'm a linguist and theologian, so I always appreciate your dives into the Hebrew and Greek. This was wonderful! I've known these things for years, and they are well worth knowing.

[@carstenpeder2861]

The camel through the eye of a needle. In the city gate is a small door called the eye of the needle. Should a camel pass through the eye of the needle, it must first be unloaded and crawl on its knees through the small door. The rich man must humble himself and leave all his wealth behind, for he wealth is his God. And the rich will not give away their wealth and humble himself

[@joymontague251]

Yes and isn't that in context with the rich man who would not be a part of joining Jesus and follow Him. He couldn't just walk with Jesus. He wanted to stay secure with his possessions and not drop everything like the apostles and Mary Magdalene and travel with Jesus on His journey to the cross to witness the Messiah.

[@r1chm]

What you are saying is the exact opposite of what Jesus said. Jesus was not referring to the city gate with a small door in it. It is possible for a camel to get through the eye of this "needle" as you said, by crawling on it's knees, no he was talking about a needle and thread. matt19:25 They were astonished and said, Then who can be saved? So they are saying this is impossible and that no one would be saved because this is impossible. in 19:26 Jesus confirms it is impossible... For man this is impossible. meaning It is impossible for a rich person to get into heaven. Jesus finishes saying. But with God all things including this are "possible" So God can make a possible way for the rich man to enter, probably by God getting the rich man to do Gods will and give all him money to the poor.

[@username00009]

@@r1chmyour interpretation doesn’t make sense because, if that were the intention, then there was no point in describing the man as rich. No man, woman, or child could fit through the eye of a sewing needle. From your perspective, why does the verse specifically reference a rich man? 24 Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”

[@r1chm]

@@username00009 I don't understand what you are saying, it does not make sense. Jesus did not say a man woman or child would not be able to enter the kingdom of heaven. All of them could accept Jesus and have the opportunity to enter, they have nothing to do with the parable or the camel or the eye of a needle. It is a rich man that it is impossible for him to enter. God can make it possible by some other way, making him not rich so then he would be able to enter, or some other way that we do not know about. Salvation has come to this house, because Zaccheaus gave away half his wealth to the poor and said he would repay anyone he had wronged. Perhaps this is how a rich man could enter the kingdom of heaven. We don't really know. luk19 8

[@sleepyheadz]

anyway, the myth about the small door called the eye of the needle has been properly debunked. While it is a good story to depict humility, it is simply a myth. Furthermore, if humility can save a rich man, then Christ would died in vain. It is grace alone that saves, which with man, it is impossible, but not so with God.

[@Aaronshouseoffun]

I'm so glad that your addressing this Brandon, because it needs addressed. We are being lied to about heaven, and churches aren't telling us the whole truth. But thanks to you and this community, we are teaching the truth. And I admire you so much for doing that

[@brennanhughes976]

He addressed nothing and has no authority over the Church

[@pattimoose1]

Listening to you filled me with despair and hopelessness. What about what Jesus promised the thief on the cross? What about his story about Lazarus and the beggar? Jesus said there was a big gulf between them and the beggar could not cross over to help him. Lazarus said have someone go and tell my brothers so they don't end up here. And Jesus says they have the prophets. What about the belief in the OT that they went to "Abraham's bosom"? I was a nurse for 35 years and I have a little old lady who was dying. No one in her family lived close and she was all alone. So I sat with her. She was holding my hand and whispered to me, it won't be long now. I see gates and lots of flowers. Now some may say, she was hallucinating, but she was alert and oriented. She knew my shift was over and I was staying just for her. She looked at me and said the angel is here now. And she passed away. You cannot tell me God is so cruel to let His loved ones, His believers just go into a void!! I decided not to be in despair but search the bible because I'm not so sure I'm following you on this one.

[@robertcox2948]

Dear Lady, what Brandon is talking about is that we have been brainwashed for millennia w.r.t "heaven and earth". Institutionalized religion was incepted to deceive and control the masses - by Satan. I have also experienced the same as you in the past, but on further investigation and study even before listening to Brandon, let by the Holy Spirit, I found that what he is saying is true. There is a heaven as God's word describe and Jesus testifying about it. But, also as God's word tells us, heaven is within us as well (all the attributes, beauty, holiness, righteousness, peace, cleanliness, forgiveness, mercy, grace, love, compassion e.t.c) once we accept God's calling in our lives and make Jesus Christ our redeemer and King by repenting (heaven comes to us and is in us until Jesus comes again to draw us unto him and then we experience heaven in the physical) and live accordingly. The old lady you are describing is proof thereof. So, never let Satan deceive you with desperation and despair, in Jesus Christ we are more than conquerors and we are sons and daughters of a mighty God. Please, endeavour not to be influenced by circumstances and events, be careful not to interpret the scriptures literally at all times. Jesus uses a lot of metaphors and analogies to convey the message to us. Please ask the Holy Spirit's guidance in your walk with the Lord and "search" God's word contextually, perceptively and in the spirit. Rob

[@TheyStoleMyHandleAgain]

Unless one is in rebellion against God and His Word, reading or studying the Bible should NOT fill us with despair or hopelessness. Brandon is a good teacher of God's Word, but he is only dealing here with one aspect of heaven that is often misunderstood, not the whole Biblical teaching on heaven--which should fill us with hope and not despair. The Lord Jesus Christ has told us that where He was going, we shall be also. Reading the Bible should fill us with joy, as God expresses His love for His people in every book of the Bible. Please look at Brandon's other teaching videos for more information on heaven, that should give you a lot more hope. The letters of John were written to inspire hope in every believer, but be aware that our adversary, the devil, tries constantly to make us doubt the Word of God: he HATES the Word of God, he hates the promise of heaven, and he hates you. Stay confident and trust in the Lord.

[@DavidSaupe-tm4cf]

Romans 6:8 Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, 2 Corinthians 4:14 knowing that He who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus and will present us with you. Mark 16:19 So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God.

[@davidmillward3108]

After resurrection Yeshua said " I have not yet ascended to my father" so he was not in heaven to receive the thief on the day Yeshua was slain.

[@DavidSaupe-tm4cf]

@davidmillward3108 Jesus never lied because when He went to Paradise in Heaven doesn't mean He went to the Heavenly Father. John 14:28 “You heard me say, 'I am going away and I am coming back to you. ' If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I.

[@wereid1978]

John 14:3b And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

[@tinapatch8958]

Amen!! Thy kingdom come!! .. Abba is totally about being restorative! I love when we begin to discover that He is far from a dictator and that He loves us so extravagantly

[@lillianstevenson4218]

Oh yes the Restoration I am waiting for too. It is so exciting to think of!

[@karmenfarrington8583]

The Trinity can be difficult to understand for some, but it was explained to me in this way; if you pile up snow in a bucket and bring it into the house, it will melt into water. It is still snow, but in a different form. Then if you freeze the water, it becomes ice, still snow, but in a different form. All are the same, but in different forms.

[@dominicpardo4783]

Except water/ice/snow are tangible things that can actually be viewed, tasted, touched, and felt.

[@justchilling704]

@@dominicpardo4783irrelevant as it’s an analogy.

[@justchilling704]

I usually explain it in that being and personhood are not the same, and that bc God is the source of personhood is personhood is necessarily greater than ares as his knowledge, power, life is.

[@dominicpardo4783]

@@justchilling704 No. He's conflating something that exists with something supernatural. And he didn't even do it well.

[@justchilling704]

@@dominicpardo4783 Supernatural doesn’t mean non-existence. If you’re gonna bother with smart remarks at least make them witty and accurate Mr materialist.

[@moodberry]

Brandon, thank you for presenting this. You have a gift of exposition. I would like you to expound even more on this idea of "kingdom life now", meaning that IF we are in Christ, we ARE NOW in God's kingdom. There is nothing to wait for, and our only job is to be "little Christ's" on the Earth, so that God is glorified. Our reward will be after death an even MORE fullness of what our earnest (our down payment) of the Holy Spirit is now. Then we will know fully, for we shall see Him face to face.

[@andreaperry3203]

Thanks for your ministry. I appreciate your Biblical knowledge and your knowledge of the languages of Hebrew and Greek. I like how you said it doesn't make the Bible any less true. Also, thank you for your free resources. I look forward to more videos like this one. By the way, I loved your Gates of Hell video that came out around the episode of when Jesus and his disciples were in Caesara Phillipi.

[@misspattifromcali.6955]

Heaven is within. ♥

[@joymontague251]

I am glad to hear someone talking about Heaven on Earth because I get tired of people saying they can trash the earth because it will all disappear anyway. Yes honor your father and mother and their home and our homes. Also I think it says we are to do what we are on earth to do not to dwell on death and going to a better place but to be here now present and an example of God and Heaven here on earth to help and care for others. Love/charity is the greatest gift. Maybe you can explain this more in verses not to dwell on death and the afterlife.

[@justchilling704]

It’s so backward considering we are the stewards of God’s creation.

[@princess11333]

Early on in the video he showed an illustration of biblical cosmology-the concept that all the ancient cultures had of how the world looks. That’s exactly what’s described in Genesis. If you keep this in mind when reading anything to do with Heaven, the pit, the lake of fire, the new earth, the Lord returning, etc., it all makes more sense and becomes much easier to visualize.

[@r1chm]

Try visualizing Luke 16 19-31

[@justchilling704]

Respectfully I think you e should Jew in mind that much of the Old Testament is polemical of pagan superstition and false beliefs. There is nothing in the Bible that gives a concrete claim of the earth being flat, or covered by a solid dome. It’s likely some Hebrews thought this, but no biblical author actually claimed this.

[@susansks1106]

I really love your insights! Thank you Brandon!

[@Justin_W]

I pretty much agree with what you're saying, however, I think the use of the word, "lied", is a bit too strong. A lie implies purposeful misleading. I don't think that's what's happened with these scriptures. I think, it would have been better to title this, "You've Been Misinformed About Heaven".

[@dm2029]

I'm learning so much from you. Your enthusiasm and clear explanations make me want more. I'm finally excited about reading the Bible. Thank you, Pastor Robbins.

[@orodriguez947]

I loved your video. Finally someone told the truth. It harmonizes with the Bible. Understanding the Bible correctly requires knowing languages like Hebrew and Greek, as well as the beliefs of the people when the scriptures were written. And that is exactly what you do. Bravo! There might be people, still, that will take the stance that if this really is what the Bible teaches then they'll reject it.

[@cherillanos7881]

Thank you it’s nice to see other ones. See the truth.

[@beckirzepka68]

This was great. Thank you

[@savedbygrace2397]

Jesus said he was going to prepare a place for us in his Father's house and would return to receive us to himself, so we can be together there (John 14). And he resurrected into a heavenly body then ascended into heaven (Matt 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, Acts 1). Paul added that earthly bodies are for earth, and heavenly bodies are for heaven, and we shall be changed when Jesus appears from heaven, then we will always be with the Lord (1 Cor 15). And John said we shall have bodies like the Lord's (1 John 3). So, Christians go to heaven when the Lord appears to receive us there.

[@RichyRichy-mx3le]

What about the New Jerusalem described in revelation .

[@GRIZZLYGirl_JB]

Great and thank you. I appreciate you for breaking things down

[@jerimow8400]

Thank you for your insights!

[@lillianstevenson4218]

I can’t wait for the Reign of Jesus which happens here on earth

[@autumnknight8710]

I haven't quite put my finger on it but there IS a reason I tend to 'bypass' your prentations.

[@ghostgate82]

“Father’s House” = Universe “Many Mansions = Stars (Hosts)

[@sandiefrankenstein8972]

Great insight Pastor. Thank you.

[@paulv3968]

Love this. My uncle had an argument with his wife, they're both very, very prayerful. They had a light argument about connections between heaven and those of us on earth. He thought they paid no attention to us, and she thought that there were still connections, often with people we wouldn't had even known. He went to sleep that night and had a dream of his deceased father. His father was wading in a beautiful lake in a big section that seemed to be 'roped' off. He could then see leaves, sticks and other big debris coming into the roped off section. His father would wade over to it and clear it out. He woke up realizing that his father was in Heaven and still caring for those of us here by cleaning the lake. p.s. His father loooved nature as he truly saw it as God's creation.

[@sandyzalecki1145]

2 Corinthians 5:8 "Absent from the body, present with the Lord." That's where heaven is far as I'm concerned. I do appreciate your teaching.

[@whitebeardInn]

Wow, you so conveniently left out half of that verse in order to change it's meaning! 2 Cor 5:8 actually says: "We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord." Paul says that he'd PREFER to be absent from the body and with the Lord; NOT that being absent from the body means that you are with the Lord. See the difference? If I live in Seattle, WA and I want to be in Miami, FL with my mom. If I say, "I would rather be away from Seattle and at home with my mom in Miami." Does that mean that the moment I drive out of the Seattle city limits that I'll enter the Miami city limits? NO! There is a "time element" to get from one place to the other. To desire to be not in one place but to be in another doesn't mean those two places are the only options, or requirements, to be in! When we die, we do not go directly to heaven! The Bible NEVER says that.

[@sandyzalecki1145]

@@whitebeardInn So, please tell me where we go then, purgatory, some kind of holding place? I'm confused by your explanation. If we a filled with the Holy Spirit aren't we already "with the Lord." 1 Corinthians 13:12 says " For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known." When we escape these earthly bodies won't we be able to see Jesus and experience pure love? Maybe I'm misinterpreting everything, but if I can't see Jesus face to face when I die, there's no reason to follow Him on earth now. That's my hope of glory.

[@whitebeardInn]

@@sandyzalecki1145 The Bible tells us 72 times what happens to us when we die, we sleep in the grave until the Second Coming. 72 times! No other post-death event has that many mentions. (No, I'm not in a cult. I grew in a SBC church and I am in one today. I just study the Bible and take what it says at face value.)

[@WilfredFaleiro-ho5du]

Hebrews 3:6: “And we are his house

[@angelinagibbs4428]

I would rather read the comments than finish listening to you on this one. I think that you should come back and correct some of your teachings on this one. We love you and are glad about the work that you have been doing.

[@CRN2412]

Thank you for sharing your insights ❤

[@jackmcclearen2273]

Take a lot of people in these churches need to be taught about the resurrection which ever human shall go through.

[@petervogel2350]

Question: What of the thief on. the cross whom Jesus promises: ""today you shall be in paradise with me"?

[@theeternalsbeliever1779]

There are no punctuation marks in the inspired text. So when the translators rendered this statement, they incorrectly put the comma in the wrong place. The statement is supposed to read "I say to you today, you will be with Me in Paradise.” Christ was telling the man that his place in the Kingdom of God was guaranteed on that day. That's why the thief is seen asking Christ to remember him _when the time came for Him to rule this world_ .

[@DavidSaupe-tm4cf]

Luke 23:42&:43 NKJV Then he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” And Jesus said to him, Assuredly, I say to you, "today" you will be with Me in Paradise.

[@DavidSaupe-tm4cf]

The word today means Jesus didn't lie.

[@KrystelWarriorThroughJesus]

​@@theeternalsbeliever1779 hello thanks so much for sharing. So it has been verified with the original text ?

[@carolcrispe5423]

Good lesson

[@hughsmyth9527]

A 1000 years like day to God, so your next waking moment could be Resurrection.

[@carstenpeder2861]

I think you should read the Revelation of John. He describes Heaven as a place above the clouds and not below the ground, An angel says to him come up here

[@NhlanhlaSikosana]

I think he means when he said the kingdom of God shall be on earth because theirs nothing wrong in heaven the kingdom of heaven rulership shall be established on earth just like we pray for that kingdom to come

[@RobKlarmann]

Skye Jethani has a great book on this topic called "What if Jesus Was Serious About Heaven". Worth a read!

[@cesspitsid4141]

very well studied sir!

[@Paranoidtimes]

Hmmm not sure, Ezekiel’s vision and trip says something very different,

[@timothy4131]

To me Heaven Is In God's Presence forever what good is Paradise unless he is there? To me that would be the biggest rip-off in eternity to be in Paradise have everything you want God's Not There if I was ever to truly be rewarded it would be to be with him forever to be in his presence forever to give him a hug❤❤❤

[@karx11erx]

This teaching is so incomplete that it confuses and distorts the whole issue rather than clarifying it.

[@orodriguez947]

What's missing?

[@rosepetals8181]

IT'S JUST COMMON SENSE ... IT'S HUMANITY THAT CREATES ALL THE DIFFICULTY ...REMEMBER GOD IS A SIMPLE CREATOR ...

[@the_natrix9959]

Pray harder. Comprehend less.

[@username00009]

Karx, your comment is incomplete. If you are claiming that his teaching is incomplete, then you need to tell us why you believe that.

[@Jesusisking247]

Heaven is being in the presence of God.

[@jonathanmcintyrephotography]

Great words Brandon. I also love the Holy Grail from Indiana Jones in the background. 😂

[@Oversite869]

The Kingdom of Heaven is Family. God always favored family systems. A New Heaven is a New Family. The Kingdom of God, is a Family under the divine rulership and protection of God and whom accepts the judgment capability and conviction of King Jesus Christ whether on Earth or anywhere.

[@Cuanist]

Heaven is also described at some length, with precious stone foundations, a gate of pearl etc.

[@princess11333]

Great job explaining this and making it clearer! The Lord just showed me this not too long ago. I had not yet heard anyone teach about it though. I’d love to have a list of all the usages, and the likely meaning each time (whether it’s the Lord’s reign/Kingdom here on earth or the understanding of eternal life), based on context and insights beyond my level of knowledge and experience.

[@MoneyTalksShelby]

I love your teaching. While no current teacher can explicitly tell everything on every subject, you use logic , scripture and encourage a common sense reading of scripture to educate. Have you considered teaching elementary school, so that we can look forward to an educated future generation on many subjects.

[@darrellt5627]

Here's what the Old Testament people believed: (Heb 11:13-16 KJV) These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city. Jesus described Abraham's Bosom for good people. What we are calling heaven is actually The New Jerusalem which comes down after the Millennium. It doesn't exist right now - Jesus is building it. We will go there eventually. People who die right now likely go to sleep and await the rapture and entrance into the Millennium.

[@davidmillward3108]

Correct. People who die now will be asleep but arise " in the twinkling of an eye" for the new heaven and new earth. I know we are talking heaven not hell but for hell I cannot accept that God would make the unsaved suffer "eternal" punishment but cast them into fire to be destroyed The expression "eternal fire" is the fire God has. The fire that destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah is that "eternal fire" in proper translation and that fire is not burning now where Sodom and Gomorrah stood.

[@darrellt5627]

@@davidmillward3108 So what will happen to people after they are burned up? Jesus referenced Isaiah who said the worm will not die there and the fire will NEVER be quenched. Any child knows that doesn't mean it will be quenched.

[@DavidSaupe-tm4cf]

Revelation 20:13 The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works.

[@darrellt5627]

@@DavidSaupe-tm4cf Yes, the saved people had already been resurrection in the rapture. All dead and living believers will be with Jesus before this happens.

[@DavidSaupe-tm4cf]

Romans 6:8 Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, 2 Corinthians 4:14 knowing that He who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus and will present us with you. 2 Corinthians 5:6-:8 So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord. For we walk by faith, not by sight. We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. Mark 16:19 So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God. Matthew 27:52&:53 And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised; and coming out of the graves after His resurrection, they went into the holy city and appeared to many. Luke 23:42-43 NKJV Then he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.” Mark 16:19 So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God.

[@paulkaurin1782]

The new Heaven and earth are not restored, but this heaven and earth is destroyed, and a new heaven and earth is created. (Heaven and earth = Universe)

[@lillianstevenson4218]

That is the beginning a relationship-intimacy with Our Shepherd

[@rosalindfeemster8049]

Great lesson. I need to watch again so I can study the word to get the message. As always love your messages. Thank you

[@dalenebasson5628]

Thank you so much Brandon for sharing with us your God given knowledge.

[@ccelms6581]

As much as I appreciate what you’re saying here, because WE DO need to be careful of what we’re taught about the Bible, people who have had NDEs have testified to seeing cities, mansions and other things mentioned in the Bible in Paradise. Colton Burpo was four when he saw Paradise and he described it as “…an awesome version of this world…” pretty much. He said there were birds, trees and I think he was one of the people who said there were cities, but it was far more beautiful. So IDK!🤷🏾‍♀️ If it was just one person I’d be skeptical, but more than one person testified to this with different details.

[@pastor_mike_mdiv]

Brandon, you are a great teacher. I have learned a lot from your videos and even have confirmed some of my own thoughts and studies from your teachings. I would love to connect with you sometime and pick your brain if you are willing. I have been in ministry for 17 years and am currently a teaching pastor in Maryland. If you are interested please reply to this and I will reach out.

[@joelpostma8242]

The critical distinction is to notice is how the words and concepts for the (1) People of the Prophecy (The Sky Kingdom,) and later the Church - the Gospel of the Sky Kingdom as taught by Peter and the Apostles, differs from the (2) People that Paul taught to - the Church - the Gospel of the Grace of God. If the student can see the 4 primary differences in these programs - then studying the bible will be much more clear as to not only as to "heaven" and the location of heaven, but church doctrine such as the role of the church and the Church's endgame.

[@peterwillcox9429]

Thankyou Brandon for daring to question an important question for Christianity. Christianity needs to look long and hard at its doctrine in this area and look at the roots of the Christian concepts of Heaven and Hell. Heaven and Hell are great concepts to make converts as it is an easy sell that you have 2 choices, 1 extremely good and another extremely bad. In reality I have come to realise God is relatively silent on the topic with the concept of Paradise in a Hebrew mindset a place where the Soul is kept until the resurrection. Why doesn’t God say much about our future home? Simple the future is business as usual living in physical world in physical bodies. The difference is in eternity we have perfect bodies in a restored creation. That’s what makes the resurrection so important. Jesus has gone before us and proven the impossible and we likewise will follow. We should not be surprised at this as God doesn’t change His mind. We were made as physical beings and we will continue as physical beings. This is what God created us for. When we realise this, it can be a life changer in our faith when all of a sudden we find ourselves in a timeline of Gods making. Death is just a blip in the timeline where we can see God continuing His creative work and we are actually in the story not bystanders.

[@beaed9296]

Jesus tells the disciples “In my Father’s house there are many rooms where I will prepare a place for you”. So I think Jesus told us there was a heaven.

[@WilfredFaleiro-ho5du]

The Father's house is the temple of God.

[@ChrisPPotatoIDC]

Yea I agree, I'm open to the video but it sounds like Jesus is clearly referring to preparing a place for the many wonders of Heaven.

[@savedbygrace2397]

​@ChrisPPotatoIDC , yes, Jesus promised to go prepare a place for us in his Father's house then come receive us to himself so we can be together where he is (John 14). Then Paul added that we put off earthly bodies and put on heavenly bodies when Jesus appears from heaven, and will be then be with him always (1 Cor 15). I think this guy is talking about an allegorical "heaven" that doesn't align with scripture.

[@grouchomarxx2217]

There is a new Jerusalem coming, a place to be inhabited which is not an abode for us right now when we die!

[@savedbygrace2397]

@grouchomarxx2217 , yeah the New Jerusaslem is part of the New Heavens and New Earth. It's basically the next universe.

[@timothy4131]

Luke 17:20-21 NKJV - Now when He was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He answered them and said, “The kingdom of God does not come with observation; “nor will they say, ‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’ For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you.”

[@TheMrAshley2010]

What we have heard about heaven is, for me, just one of a number of inaccuracies found in 'mainstream' Christianity. That Brandon calls this one out is very encouraging to me. Conversely, it pains me that so many people have rejected God because of faulty teaching. If only there were more people like Brandon proclaiming corrections. If only more 'listeners' would be patient (it takes time, it can't all be covered in one video/sermon) until they knew the whole truth before deciding to reject God..

[@cindylouwho888]

Psalm 37:11 The meek shall inherit the land (earth) and delight themselves in the abundance of peace

[@raahdisciplesnetwork8211]

What about the people who claims to have gone to heaven and come back

[@MortenBendiksen]

They haven't do much "gone" anywhere, as taken to use of their heavenly organs of perception for a while. You should believe them, but not get caught up in the way they conceptualise it. Heaven is with us here and now, regardless. It's a matter of seeing. But even the word "seeing", is an analogy to the eyes. You won't necessarily have visions. It's about taking joy in child's play, in music, in giving, etc. as much as anything else. The Kingdom of heaven is the place where such occurs.

[@DavidSaupe-tm4cf]

Romans 6:8 Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, 2 Corinthians 4:14 knowing that He who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus and will present us with you. Mark 16:19 So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God.

[@DavidSaupe-tm4cf]

I myself had near death experience.

[@1mol831]

@@MortenBendiksensound similar to what the Buddhists think

[@butch5511]

Mathew is the only one who uses, Kingdom of Heaven. The other Gospel writers use Kingdom of God.

[@anthonyt0808]

Brandon, I saw a video a while ago, where the speaker explained that the word "camel" had been mistranslated by one Greek letter, to should have correctly been translated as "rope." Rope makes sense in the verse saying, it is easier for a [rope] to go through the eye of a needle... Do you agree about the possibility of that mistranslation?

[@davidmillward3108]

You are correct - the applicable Hebrew is gml which ca either mean camel or rope dependent on pronunciation In this case it does mean rope s

[@davidmillward3108]

There are many mistranslations in what we read in English. Elijah WAS fed by a Raven but ravens are unclean birds. The real meaning of Raven is a tribe of bedouin arabs.

[@TammyFarrel]

Amem

[@donnastorey3830]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I

[@lunettefleming74]

I think your suggesting that we have been lied to about heaven is harsh, as if teachers knew better and intentionally hid the truth about heaven from believers. There is still a lot about heaven that is still unrevealed at this place in eternity. Be careful about accusing people of lying about their understanding of scripture.

[@davidmillward3108]

Many Preachers take the English translations as THE WORD but having studied both mistranslations AND context and culture understand the need to re-read with a totally different mindset. A major example is the word faith. The Hebrew mindset was concrete I.e. the actuality of things and it was the Greeks through Plato and Aristotole that brought about concepts. Many authorities state that Matthew's Gospel was originally written in Hebrew. You can access the English translation online since it was released from its hiding place in the Vatican library and it's an essential read. You also need to research who people are. Explore who Tammuz is in Ezekiel and you will NEVER eat easter eggs again.

[@JeanMarcelino-qr9ju]

Always study out Holy Bible personally and by grouping Third Heaven what are they? What happened to The First couple ? They're driven out right from where in The Garden of Eden

[@alantignor7073]

I think you might want to read the whole chapter of revelation 21 where it describes the city and the size of the city of Heaven. It is a square with 12 gates 12 stories high and length. And the measurements

[@KariSuttle]

So the kingdom of heaven is among us, within believers - that much I understand. But what about after we die?

[@KrystelWarriorThroughJesus]

We are the Temple of God who is Spirit and the Body of Christ as believers. We are the Kingdom as It is within us, BUT we have not yet received our glorified body whereby the sinful, corrupted flesh is removed. When we'll die and ressurect through Christ, that will happen. For now we are in a fallen realm within a corrupted envelope. The Kingdom will come, will manifest within us in an appointed time.

[@margo2645]

Has there been any though to transcribing your lessons, Brandon, so we can refer to them later?

[@lake1963]

Thanks for this honest and knowledgeable discussion. Once I asked a professor in comparative religions: do you become more religious or less so after your studies? He did not give me a clear answer. Same thing here. Being knowledgeable in religion makes people more religious or less so?

[@debbiek23]

I know a few people who study religion and they are not religious. I really think it is why you are studying Gods word. For me it has brought me closer to God.

[@DavidSaupe-tm4cf]

A religion=belief is good, but it's a relationship with the Creator is what is going to get us to heaven.

[@absupinhere]

My brother, what did Jesus promise the thief on the cross? That day, he would be with him in paradise. He was not referring to the sky, a place beneath the earth/the grave/sheol, a blissful psychological state (as they were both being tortured), or anything that contemporary secular scholars would have preferred him to have been. Be careful. This hyper-literal interpretation is a new trend that is not as well-substantiated as you may have been lead to believe. Prophets go to be with God in a higher world in the old testament. Ghosts appear in the old testament. Dead prophets communicate with Jesus and his followers in the New Testament. The ancient Jews definitely believed in an after life. It was a vague one, I'll give you that, but it was acknowledged to exist.

[@grouchomarxx2217]

Unfortunately this was NOT so! The ancient jews/israelites did not believe in an afterlife because they did not believe in a preexisting eternal soul! They believed that man was made of dust and to dust he would turn and thus would join Sheol. The belief of an eternal soul came gradually from a Greek and pagan influence. Hence in the NT Jesus discusses redirection and not ascension to some sort of Heaven.

[@grouchomarxx2217]

The third of the cross: today you will be. . . . Jesus to Mary, 3 days AFTER his crucifixion, I have not yet ascended to my father! Did he lie to the thief? No, it must be rendered: today I tell you, you will be. . .

[@dalenebasson5628]

He was also not talking about heaven when He said paradise.

[@hilaryfoot9906]

Greek didn't have any commas, etc to separate words so writing it "Assuredly I tell you today you will be with Me in Paradise " JWs put a comma after today in their Bible, others after you. It changes the when part of it, is it the day you die or sometime in the future? Do we go into soul sleep until a later date or go straight to heaven when we die.

[@grouchomarxx2217]

Ressurection, Not redirection

[@rebeccasanford794]

Amen

[@leahtemple8576]

I was misinformed and this makes much more sense. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge. You have enlightened me on so many things.

[@alexadwyer1562]

There is to many contradictions in the bible and via tarot and youtube ,so iv given up and going within

[@gcnewd]

Thank you

[@Flow_Runner]

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; --------------------->>>>>>>thy kingdom come;

[@douglaidlaw740]

I was going to say much the same, but it has already been said. His description of Sheol is very like the classical Greek Hades. But Jesus's own description of the Last Judgment in Mark 2 says that the righteous and the unrighteous have different destinations. It is strange that these preachers avoid every word that their Founder spoke.

[@heathers.2754]

Jesus said to the thief on the cross, " this day you will be with Me in paradise ". Is there a translation error in that too Brandon?

[@MortenBendiksen]

Ancients idea of heaven is the place of the unseen. Love, joy, life, truth, knowledge, and of course God. They equated this with the more immaterial part of reality they could see above them. Personally I believe this actually was how heaven entered earth to create humanity, through the actual skies, but with the purpose of gradually becoming the inside of human individuals. So it's a slow development through ages of a perspective shift, and an acceleration with the coming of Christ, into s personal relationship with God. If we are to try and understand them, we should think of heaven as what we think of as our inside, our unconscious, our love, life energy, knowledge, etc. To ancients, they already were in heaven in that way. They felt this deep sense of being made from heavenly stuff as incarnated into matter. We won't go to heaven, but we will continue to exist in heaven. When jesus says we'll be with him in heaven, it's not because we'll go anywhere with a location. It's the same as Him saying the Kingdom is Within. It's that we'll be with Him in the unseen, e.g. in spirit, in love in truth. Everyone is already in heaven, and continue to be there. Being with Jesus in heaven, is entering the Kingdom of God, meaning you'll partake in His sacrificial love for all. There is no requirement for this, it just is what it is. Finally, no one has been lied to. It's all a simple consequence of the slow changing nature of the story unfolding. We are supposed to feel a dissonance with the old way of conceptualising the unseen, because it is actually changing towards something, and that mostly has the felt effect of changing consciousness, and this our entire world, resulting in a new heaven and a new earth.

[@OldManMontgomery]

I understand the New Testament, particularly the teaching of Jesus the Christ are often figurative rather than what we call literal. However, we will be in God's love and presence. I'm sure it isn't a physical place on our plane of existence; that is, we cannot get there from here, even if we had Captain Picard's Enterprise. However, God has it all figured out even if you or I or that other guy doesn't. I am aware of limitations.

[@BeckiDawn]

It's "the eye of THE Needle" those translations are incorrect. The eye of THE needle is the door that is shut in the wall of the city. After dark-time, they would shut the gates to the city. It was a security thing. They put a door to allow people back in the city (but could keep out those who might do harm to the city). Camels were too big to fit in this door.

[@DekRavenmane]

There's a truth behind every story told. Said by what I now see as a Brilliant Philosopher. “If Heaven exists in the sky, the birds will reach it before you, if heaven exists in the sea, the fish will reach it before you. Heaven exists within you.”

[@jefferycastleberry494]

So where do we go ?

[@GEES44DC]

Right here on the restored earth.

[@theeternalsbeliever1779]

The Bible teaches in many passages that the Christians' reward is ruling this world and eventually, the entire physical universe, with Christ. Rev. 1:6, 5:10, 2:26-27, 3:21, 19:16, 20:4, Heb. 2:5-8, Rom. 8:18-22 are just some of the passages that talks about this. In the Rom. 8 passage, Paul talks about how the rest of the universe is in the "tohu" and " bohu" state Gen. 1:2 describes, and are currently waiting to be ruled by God's Family.

[@donjaun1423]

If people don’t know what the eye of the needle is they should look it up. When you find out you’ll probably have a different prospective.

[@TrudyContos-gq1bw]

That's how the chosen Jesus ! He told Nicodemus you can't get to heaven without being reborn by water, and have and have the spirit of God in you in your heart.

[@rhondamckinley4373]

Thank you

[@ceezee9179]

Thank you so much!❤

[@JeanMarcelino-qr9ju]

❤❤❤

[@braxtonoertwig9191]

It's too bad anyone that has ever passed on to the afterlife since the beginning of time, had the chance to come back and tell us the real truth so we would not have to guess.

[@pattimoose1]

I listen to near death experiences all the time. Some people truly say what they saw.

[@DavidSaupe-tm4cf]

I experienced it.

[@Natalia-nx5nu]

Lie is a strong word

[@princess11333]

True. And in the context he is using it, it is truth!😂

[@perfectpeace00]

Misled

[@dottie8249]

Agreed

[@Rick-ih7wp]

This is SUCH an important issue that getting it wrong MUST be referred to as a LIE.

[@theeternalsbeliever1779]

Telling falsehoods about what Christians' reward should be considered a lie, especially when "Christians" go out of their way to tell ppl that Christ is going to contradict what He clearly says in Jhn 3:13 to take them to Heaven. Telling falsehoods for any reason is a lie. That's why Paul taught in his epistles that Christians are obligated to tell the truth. God does not tolerate lying, especially when it involves lying about His doctrines.

[@dalenebasson5628]

God prepared the earh for us and will restore it to its former glory. Read Romans 8:19-23 and there are other scriptures to verify that we will remain on a perfect and restored earth.

[@Sirrus-Adam]

I agree, the Bible is pretty sparse on information about heaven. That's why I like The Urantia Book Paper 47&8, which expands on Jesus' statement: "in my father's house, there are many mansions." That book tells us about the Mansion Worlds, architectural spheres: part physical, part morontial, and part spiritual. In theory, we could travel to them, they do exist in space/time, but with our limited vision, we wouldn't be able to see anything on them. Not until we get our own morontia bodies, (like Jesus had after his resurrection), will be able to see all there is to see there.

[@williamfalin6951]

My sound is not workiing

[@r1chm]

There are many rooms in my Fathers house, I go to prepare a place for you, Today, you will be with me in paradise. Jacob saw the ladder where the angels assented then descended. Where is Lazarus and the rich man. Last but not least why will heaven and earth pass away and then we get a new heaven and new earth. I keep saying, this man is a Jehovah witness trying to convert people telling them they interpret the bible wrong.

[@kgpspyguy]

I really can’t believe the notion that Old Testament peoples did not believe in an afterlife beyond the darkness of Sheol. When the Queen of Sheba visited king Solomon, one of the questions which she asked him was thus. “What is the ugliest thing in the world, and what is the most beautiful? What the is most certain, and what is the most uncertain?" The king answered: "The ugliest thing in the world is the faithful turning unfaithful; the most beautiful, the repentant sinner. The most certain thing in the world is death; the most uncertain one is our share in the World to Come."

[@r1chm]

@@kgpspyguy The Jews of that time debated afterlife, angels, spirits, the law, prayer outside the temple. I am sure the debated heaven or Sheol. The Pharisees believed in all these things, the Sadducees did not believe in any of it. The only person speaking lies about heaven in Brandon. I believe he is a closet Jehovah witness trying to convert people to a Gospel other than what Jesus preached. As Paul said let them be cursed by God curse ( a good way to find out what hell is)