| Author |
Message |
Max
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 10, 2000 - 2:43 pm: |     |
Dear Shereen,
I second what Lorin has just posted.
I would add that we need to develop a sense
of loving sympathy for our "bewitched" SDA
friends. If we want to see them hurt or "put
down" in some way, the Holy Spirit of Christ is
not in us.
This is very very hard, especially if we have
been deeply wounded by them. But it is
Christ's way: Love your enemies. Do good to
them that curse you.
Max of the Cross |
Richardjr
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 10, 2000 - 3:56 pm: | |
Jtree, I guess some people will never get it. All we can do is heal ourselves and if others want to follow, that's fine. Thanks' for your input. |
Max
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 10, 2000 - 4:02 pm: | |
JTree,
I want to second what Richardjr is saying. I
know I've told you this same things in different
ways several times before: You ARE doing the
work of God on other forums. These ARE your
fruits of the Spirit. Courage, brother!
Max of the Cross |
Richardjr
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 10, 2000 - 4:20 pm: | |
Jtree, what is the web site that you are dialoging with on Yahoo? I am interested, but then again they may might appreciate my input. It seems sad that a web site would not be accepting of an idea even though it does not conform to cherised views. |
Larimobley
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 10, 2000 - 5:19 pm: | |
Dear Shereen,
I'm so glad that you're posting and sharing some of your struggles. I remember how betrayed I felt around 1982 or so when I read "The White Lie" for the first time. I just couldn't believe that the church I trusted my entire life and believed in could be so deceptive.
Unfortunately, I threw God and all my religious beliefs right out the window with Ellen White. At the time my SDAism was so much a part of God to me that I couldn't separate the two. None of it made much sense to me and my anger turned to bitterness for a long time.
Thankfully, even though we may stray, God is faithful! I just started attending church again (not an SDA church!) about a year ago. I also found it very hard to read the Bible without my SDA-colored glasses, especially when it came to the Sabbath, state of the dead, tithing, diet, etc.
At first, I found it easier to read Christian books other than the Bible, and here are a few that really helped me.
The Case for Christ, by Lee Strobel
Grace Awakening, by Chuck Swindoll
What's So Amazing About Grace, by Phillip Yancey
It wasn't until I finally understood the GOSPEL and SALVATION by FAITH in JESUS CHRIST--not by Sabbath-keeping, etc., etc.--that I was able to start reading the Bible again. It's a much better book when you read it knowing that your salvation is secure!
I'll be praying for you and that God will continue to help you understand the truth. Keep praying for wisdom and guidance--God really does answer those prayers!
In His grace,
Lari |
Richardjr
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 10, 2000 - 5:49 pm: | |
Lari, Two books that have has a profound effect on me have been the books by Swindoll and Yancey. I also have the one by Strobel but have not read it as yet. I believe Yancey is so good that I would recommend every book and article he has written. |
Patti
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 10, 2000 - 6:51 pm: | |
Shereen wrote:
I am afraid, oh so afraid, that I am being mislead by satan and feel like crying alot. Even though I have not been in Church physically, I was spritually and emotionally. I think of one thing,'even the very elect will be deceived', I sure hope I am not being deceived now.
Dear Shereen,
Always remember that text says, IF IT WERE POSSIBLE to deceive the very elect. And I do not believe it is possible. Jesus is able to save you to the uttermost. And He has promised that those who believe in Him will receive the Comforter who will lead them into all Truth. Trust God. He has provided you with a perfect salvation. And no one who is His will be snatched out of His hand.
Do not worry about doctrine: sabbath, tithing, etc. Concentrate on the doing and dying of Jesus Christ for you, and these things will work themselves out. You are a child of God; Jesus fulfilled the law perfectly on your behalf, and He died to pay the penalty for your sin. In Him, you are a new creature, not in your flesh, but BY FAITH. Trust Him. He will save you to the uttermost.
God bless you in your journey,
Grace and peace,
Patti |
Maryann
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 10, 2000 - 8:28 pm: | |
Hi Shereen,
Yeh, those books mentioned are awesome. Infact, I unpacked a bunch of boxes today and found among others, "Case for Christ" and will be posting something from that book tonight. Lee Strobel had a huge impact on my life!
As to Chuck Swindoll, no human has had more of an impact on my life than him. Anything, tape or book is well worth your while.
One thing that Swindoll did for me was teach me that there were flaming Christians on fire for the Lord, full of the true gospel, before, during and after 'Ol EGW. He explodes this "remnant" stuff as far as a group of people, church etc. The only "remnant" are those "in Jesus," no matter what race, gender, color, age etc!
Maryann |
Colleentinker
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 10, 2000 - 9:29 pm: | |
Shereen, I know how you feel. I remember being attacked by sudden spasms of doubt and fear that maybe I was deceiving myself.
The beauty of Jesus, though, is that he doesn't leave us. He confirms the truth in us in ways that far outweigh the clutching fears. When I was able to say to Him that he could have everything, my identity, my career, my place in society, EVERYTHING that I knew as me, I discovered that he gave me back myselfóonly this time I was free and loved!
My identity is now Jesusónot Adventist or career or family. He is my identity, and the freedom and security that come with that new identity are awesome! Remember, perfect love casts out fear!
You're in my prayers.
Colleen |
Maryann
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 10, 2000 - 9:59 pm: | |
Hi Colleen,
You are always there to give us that "all important" reminder:
"My identity is now Jesus!" That short little sentence really cuts throught the fat right down to the meat.
;-)).....Maryann |
Terry
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 10, 2000 - 10:26 pm: | |
Shereen,
When I was going through the same thing you are, God gave me John 16:13. I claimed this as a promise (still do) in prayer, and God's word was true! I have learned to trust, ultimately, in the words that Christ spoke, and this has given me great peace to know that what I learn through Scripture-with my faith in the above text-I can have confidence in.
Hope this helps you.
Terry |
Maryann
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 10, 2000 - 10:51 pm: | |
Hi Richardjr,
Sure good to see you pop up again! Hope all is well with you and all.
Looking forward to more from you guys!
Maryann:):) |
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