Publishers’ note This month, a major motion picture opens in theaters nationwide based on the best-selling book, “Heaven is for Real: A Little Boy’s Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back.” Whether the story is credible is debated widely, even among the most ardent Christians. We’re not here to settle the debate, but the release of the movie provides an opportune time to dialogue about the truth of Heaven and its wonder. In November 2013, a Harris Poll found that 68 percent of Americans believe in the existence of Heaven. A belief in life after death is high up in our culture. Yet, it is difficult for us to comprehend the existence of Heaven. “No eye has seen, nor ear has heard and no mind has conceived what God has prepared” (1 Cor. 2:9 NIV). If our view of Heaven is based upon what we know on earth, we will not even begin to understand the realities of Heaven. God has assured us that Heaven is like nothing we have experienced before and that it is a place where pain and sorrow will no longer exist.
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contents FEATURES
8 Heaven is for real What will it be like?
10 Heaven became real
How a skeptical author came to believe a little boy
12 The passion of Hollywood A decade after Mel Gibson’s blockbuster, faith-based films see resurgence
18 10 reasons to believe Evidence for the resurrection
20 Creative wave
Local artist makes a splash with seascapes, cartoons
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MercyMe to headline Spirit West Coast
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Longtime local pastor passes away
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DEPARTMENTS 17
Outtakes
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Community news
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Tunes
Do you know someone who has endured deeply challenging life situations and, through faith, has persevered through their hardship? Tell us about it by sending an email to info@refreshedmag.com.
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Lamar & Theresa Keener Publishers
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Dean Nelson | in plain sight Carol LeBeau | Rx for active living Mark Larson | on the mark Kimberly Ruby | here’s to good health Michael Foust | purposeful parenting David & Lisa Frisbie | marriage matters Janice Thompson | on the money Sergio de la Mora | inspired living Joanne Brokaw | that’s life!
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24 April 2014 | REFRESHED
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