I believe that God can do whatever whenever in whatever way He chooses.
Is there proof that He doesn't? At what point did God say, "OK, that's enough."
Good question. I don't know the answer, but I would guess that the more technologically advanced and technical our society becomes, the harder it is to attribute miracles to God. I mean, we're pretty wrapped up in ourselves these days. We still think that miracles like childbirth are because our doctors are good at their jobs.
Again, good question. I don't know. I hope I don't seem naive, but I still question whether or not it's wise to assume that God chooses not to work this way anymore. Just my opinion. I'm bowing out because I don't know what else I can add. I may jump back in later, but I'll bow to those wiser and more aged than me for more response. Thanks.
We have no way to ascertain the accuracy of the anecdote.
All speculation regarding it is just that: speculation.
Only God can speak with trustworthiness regarding Heaven.
Data from other sources is not trustworthy.
Treat it as being a fantasy, because it is. It is amazing how gullible Christians can be at times. Search the scriptures and you will see that what Piper says happened could not have happened.
You wrote: " An EKG machine was used. Those are more accurate than manually checking pulses and BP."
I forgot to mention that she also used an EKG machine and got the same results and the EMTs' EKG registered the same thing. My wife double-checked everything from the fact that new sensor pads & leads were used,that the person's chest area was cleansed,and that all connections to the EKG were tight. Also, the dispensary has an electronic blood pressure machine which is very accurate, and it didn't register the very weak pulse and very low BP.
She checks the equipment on a daily basis so that it's ready and accurate.
As I said before, I forgot to mention those details. :laugh:
As for the veracity of equipment...
Sometimes equipment can "misreport" readings, that's why "eyes & ears" are needed as well, to see the physical symptoms in addition to the data. :)
Actually he did say that he saw the Lord. Please view part of my post from page 3 below:
Hi all,
I heard Don Piper telling his story on TBN recently. He said that he was just about to go through the pearly gates when he heard someone singing the hymn What A Friend We Have In Jesus....and then he said all of the sudden he was back in the car with the Baptist pastor and they were both singing the hymn.
He also said that before that when he was about to enter through the gates he could see Jesus. Another thing he said was that noone there had any scars or imperfections except for Jesus, He still had His scars...as a reminder.
==I just reviewed the chapters. He says he never saw God (Jesus, the Father, etc). He claims to have heard praise and felt the presence of God, but he says he never saw Jesus or the Father. I am not sure if he died or if he just had a dream, God is the judge of that, but I would not put any trust in Piper's words. The Word of God is the final source on heaven, trust it.
This isnt a problem at all for this authors scenerio, if its true.
There are 2 judgments.
1) The Great White Throne judgment for the lost. They will all be found guilty and condemned.
2) The Bhema judgment for the saved. They will all be found sinless...through Christs imputation of complete rightiousness, and His dying in our place for our sins...and will be judged for either gain or loss of rewards.
Both of those judgments are future events, and have not yet taken place.
Everyone is appointed for death, and then will be judged...at the apointed time..