| Author | Message | ||
| Lynn W |
What do I think? What do I think??!! I think you just said the magic words. We'd love it. We've certainly considered that very thing, but boy, would it stir up controversy! That doesn't scare me, though. My biggest fear is apathy & misunderstandings. I think we'd have a hard time getting people interested in attending, I would certainly lay the ground rules at the start of each class that no one's name be brought up, just stick to the doctrines, but those who don't attend would insist that we only meet for the purpose of attacking these individuals. This would make her the martyr & us the bad guys. Whenever we've brought up the subject of Adventism, we've never mentioned anyone by name. The whole church already sees her as a saint. (One who happens to hate the very site of me & won't speak a word to any of us antis, even though we've gone out of our way to befriend her.) The only people in our church who seem to care about SDA views are those closest to the SDAs in our church. So we share with them, they nod & say how terrible, then they go back to sleep. No one wants to be seen as opposing this wonderful lady who makes a living as an emergency medical tech. of some sort, and who has literally had a hand in saving the lives of some people in our church or at least bailing them out of medical trouble. She also takes in foster children, home schools, and makes coats for the people in the congregation - including the worship leader. How can I compete for an audience, all I have is the Word of God. I will, however, step up my crusade to educate the leaders in my church. I just gave a video to the Sunday school teach who has 2 sons, both of whom are dating the SDA lady's 2 daughters. so that's his interest. I will pass on your suggestion to my husband. I know he'll give prayerful consideration to all views before he makes a decision. Please keep us in prayer that God will shake these people up. It's a totally great church in every way except this one little hurdle we must get over. | ||
| Jude the Obscure |
Lynn, In that case, why don't you ask the pastor to "team teach" with you? | ||
| Lynn W |
Sigh, I already know the answer and it's three-fold. 1) he's got a full load already 2) lack of a thorough knowledge and 3) not seeing the need. As I say, for most people in the church it's not an issue, so why make waves. However you have given me an idea. There are other leaders in the church, Sunday school, etc. who might not be afraid to step out on a limb. Of course, the one who's sons are dating the SDA daughters might not be so daring. Dave (my husband) & I will be praying that the Holy Spirit will go before us and prepare the way when we go to approach the pastors for permission. | ||
| Lynn W |
Whoah! Why didn't I think of it sooner. Instead of teaching on Adventism, we could start a class on aberant doctrine. We could team teach with others who specialize in cults such as Mormon, etc. We could rotate doctrines from various cults. When SDA's turn comes up, I could teach, say every 4th week. This way, we would not be accused of specifically targeting SDA. We would focus on the doctrine, not the denom. If the name of SDA comes up in conjuntion with a certain doctrine, can I help it? Perhaps you all could help me with material for the class, then it could be used in the book under that specific doctrine. Hmmmm... | ||
| Jude the Obscure |
Lynn, Wow! You remind me of the dangers of starting a cult -- say, "The Church of Jude the Obscure." You might start exposing my false doctrines! Seriously, great idea, Lynn! I don't see how a class on aberrant doctrines and teachings could fail. Nothing wrong with doing it cult-by-cult. But you wouldn't have to do it that way. You could just teach a basic class of all Christian doctrines. Period. Then, as you teach truth as it has been kept pure by adherence to scripture down through the ages, the aberrant ideas will just naturally come up as you go along. And, as you know, you're going to run into SDAism all the time. Here are some examples: 1. The Bible (e.g., Romans 14) allows the Christian keep any day as especially holy or all days equally holy. The SDAs contradict this scripturally pure teaching by insisting on the seventh day of the week for everybody in the world and making it a final test for distinguishing who is saved for the earth made new from who will burn in the lake of fire. 2. The New Testament declares all foods clean (e.g., Mark 7:19). SDAs contradict straight Bible doctrine by insisting on the Old Testament distinctions between clean and unclean foods. 3. The New Testament identifies "the last days" with the first coming of Jesus Christ (e.g., Acts 2:15-17). SDAs re-identify this date as October 22, 1844 by spiritually raping Daniel 8:14 and other Bible texts. 4. Etc. You know the drill probably better than I do. I see no need for identifying your class as an exercise in exposing SDAism. There is nothing wrong with this. Paul said, "Crafty fellow that I am, I caught you by trickery!" (2 Corinthians 12:16, NIV.) But the truth is that you are only exposing the false as a byproduct of exposing the true. And for this reason, you might want to just leave the term "aberrant doctrines" out of the course description entirely. And besides all that, the additional organizational and presentational skills that you will acquire in this process will stand you in good stead for being the published writer that I believe God has planned for your future. So, hang on to your teaching materials. Vaya con Dios, Jude | ||
| Louise S |
Hey, you guys are great encouragers! Thanks. I'm fasting and praying and working feverishly on my letter of resignation. I think it's finally coming together. | ||
| Colleentinker |
Louise and LynnóI'll be praying for both of you. Louise, God will hold you and your husband in his hand. Remember Jeremiah 29:11: "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." Lynn, you have mentioned an interesting situation. It's one I could imagine happening anywhere. I will pray for God to give you wisdom. He will let you know what you should do. If you're to teach a class, it WILL happen! | ||
| Lydell |
Wow Lynn, I was reading through the posts and just about to post the, "include teaching on all cults in the class" when I came to your post saying just that! I disagree with the idea of not necessarily calling the names of the cults. I think it is important that the people know of a certainty what group of people teach a particular doctrine so that you know to be aware of a pre-exsisting problem when minstering to someone. Maybe the central point to be made for any cult comes down to this, "if a group gives extreme focus on one particular point of doctrine, then a red flag should go off in your head." Certainly that is the case with SDA's since EVERY single subject ALWAYS comes down to the sabbath. My only other thought was to ask you if you have made an appointment to sit down with your pastors and have a serious talk about this particular situation? Are they aware that this lady is taking people to SDA studies and church? To me, that would be something that would sound an alarm to a pastor. Particularly if you could bring up conversations you have had with some who have gone with her. Have they made statements in a Sunday school class that indicate that they are being confused? The fact that she is simply attending the church wouldn't concern me. Remember never to assume that the pastors know all the details of what is going on. For myself, can I give you something to share with him? My husband and I were Christians before we ever joined the SDA's. That makes our story a bit different from most of you here. While we do believe that the Lord led us to go there for the purpose of witnessing to those who were there, we stayed far!! longer, and got far deeper than would have ever been necessary for what we think was His purpose. Looking back, just over the past couple of months, I would have to say that the "hook" that kept us going for so long was the SDA's focus on their understanding of prophecy. There is a tremendous interest in prophecy across denominational lines right now. Perhaps you could make the pastors aware of the confusion some of their sheep are heading into along those lines. Reiterate to them the importance of understanding that ALL of SDA teaching on prophecy comes down to "if you don't keep the sabbath then you have received the mark of the beast." Try, with the Holy Spirits guidance of course, to help them understand the fear and condemnation that will be used as a weapon on those folks. We are praying for you. | ||
| Lynn W |
Lydell, thanks. As I said, if the name of a specific cult comes up in conjunction with a specific doctrine, can I help it? :^) I got an interesting call today. My friend saw the video & asked the million $ question - WHY doesn't the church take a stand against this? Why don't they declare them a cult? We're working on it, we're working on it. Last night a friend said, "I thought they were good Christians who go to church on Saturday." Hmmm, guess who I'll be taking a video to. | ||
| Jude the Obscure |
Lynn, I see there's no stopping you. | ||
| Susan |
Almighty God, Thank you for all that you are! I lift up the Maryland FAF group to you. Our big advertisement runs in the local cities' papers tomorrow. My prayer is that you use this opportunity to reach those who need you. I pray that Jesus Christ will be glorified in all that is said and done, in matters pertaining to this group. You are so wonderful Lord to provide me and other former SDA's with the chance to meet. I praise you for graciously putting "formers" in my path. May all of us who've found our rest in Jesus Christ be a light to those who walk in darkness. Amen | ||
| Colleentinker |
Dear Father, please bless Susan and her new FAF group in Maryland. There are so many people there who need support and spiritual help to leave and heal from Adventism. Please help those who need the group to learn of it and to have the courage to attend. Please protect the group from deceivers and subversion. Send your Spirit to be present at their meetings, and give the group a certainty of safety and freedom and love. Thank you for calling Susan to this ministry, and give her strength and hope and confidence and a quiet heart. I praise you for Susan. Please bless her and her family and protect them. Give them continued discernment and growth and joy in you! Thank you for your blessings. In Jesus' name, Amen. | ||
| Gary Mayo |
God, thank you for these words: Everyone is welcome to join us and add their thoughts to this forum. When writing your messages, please use the same courtesy that you would show when speaking face-to-face with someone. Flames, insults, and personal attacks will not be tolerated. Posts may also be removed if the forum moderator believes that the message falls outside the scope of this web site. Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:29-32 (NIV) | ||
| Maryann |
Just found out that my sister-in-law from Calhoun GA. had a head on collsion. She and her daughter both have broken a leg. One twin boy is fine but the other twin, Austin has a broken neck. He is 7 years old and in a Chattanooga hostpital scheduled for surgery today. At this point he appears to be paralyzed. Prayerfully....Maryann | ||
| Colleentinker |
Maryann--we will pray. Keep us posted. How dreadful! Please also pray for our fellow forum regular, Susan, who's starting an FAF group in Maryland. She and the new group need us to uphold them in prayer. Dear Father, we praise you for knowing everything about us. Please bless Maryann's sister-in-law and her family. Please touch Austin, and bring the whole family healing and peace and security. We ask your blessings on Susan and her family and on the new FAF group. Strengthen and shield and bless them in the ways you know they need to be blessed. We thank you for hearing us and for caring for the details of our lives. We praise you for calling us to you, and we praise you for love, life, and hope. In Jesus name, Amen. | ||
| Maryann |
Hi Everyone, In regards to Austin, he is doing well, very well considering all the challenges he's had to deal with. His spine is severed from all indications and is paralyzed permanantly from the chest down. The family has a very strong faith in God and trust that all things will work out to His glory. Still, they are going through the, "if only I had done just one thing different that day, the chain of events would have been different". They now need even more prayers for the emotional strengh to continue on. Thank you, everyone for your thought's and prayers. You sister in Christ....Maryann | ||
| Maryann |
Hey Guys, I need to drop my project (AGAIN) as the surgeon has requested my presence immediately. I don't know any results, but don't like being summoned with no explanation. Your prayers are definately invited, all of you. Maryann | ||
| Colleentinker |
We are praying, Maryann. | ||
| Maryann |
Hi Guys, Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm, Not a good report. I definately got a dose of cancer. Got to see another surgeon tomorrow. Maryann | ||
| Jude the Obscure |
Yes, Maryann, I'm praying for you too. |
