| Author |
Message |
Susan
| | Posted on Saturday, September 18, 1999 - 2:30 pm: |     |
Allenette, sorry if perhaps I wasn't clear. I didn't intend to to be unkind. I just meant that you can't serve 2 masters. If you're not on Jesus' side than you are lost. I didn't mean to imply that if you aren't saved, than you are intentionaly evil. I know and love many fine people who are not Christians. I just meant that there are only 2 sides, no middle/gray area (that's what I meant by simple). We all have to choose.
So sorry for any misunderstanding. I in no way meant to say that non-Christians are deliberately evil. I just intended to say that there's Jesus and any other way is evil. You see, that's what makes Christianity so different from other religions. We bodly proclaim that Jesus is the ONE AND ONLY way!
Please forgive me for my poor wording and any harshness that may have come across. |
Bill Thompson
| | Posted on Thursday, September 23, 1999 - 11:00 am: | |
Allenette,
Nice to see you here. Yes, there were some former SDAs in that other discussion. You aptly pointed out that it was large rather than small doses of something that we were given in SDAism. I awarded you an honorary doctorate degree for your insightful lobotomy theory and grew to like you and your unique brand of humor in the process in general.
Welcome aboard Dr. Allenette! |
Lynn W
| | Posted on Saturday, September 25, 1999 - 10:33 pm: | |
To Caitlyn,
My name is Pam and I'm a friend of Lynn Wunische. I'm using her computer and when I read your story my heart went out to you. I was raised seventh day adventist, and I could share many stories of abuse. Mostly subtle things that I thought were normal at the time. Only now as I look back can I see that I was clearly being spiritually abused. However I have come through alot of that in the last 3 years because of good nonadventist friends, a healthy nonadventist church and a clear understanding of the Gospel of Grace.
My Brother and Sister however were not so fortunate. Both were actually asked to leave their Adventist home churches because of dress issues. (not officially disfellowshipped, just told by the pastors wife that they needed to either dress for church or leave.) My sister after several years has finally come back to Christ though in some ways she is still stuck in Adventism, but my brother wants nothing to do with God and his lifestyle is dangerous to himself and others, he is miserable and selfish. It infuriates me to think that this is going on across the denomination and people are being turned off to God. My advise to my brother and to anyone who has been abused in this way is, go and find a plain Christian church. You will have to search long and hard, It needs to be first of all nondenominational, not interdenominational. That way you know there are no hidden agendas or twisted scripture to support some doctrine. Other things that matter are, focus on the word, not opinions, Biblical statement of faith, worship style that works for you, and the warmth and attitude of the people. When I go to a new church I never dress up, I take my two year old son and if he fusses I pay attention to how people react. I listen to the sermon through scripture filters. Is it Bible based? or is the pastor just talking about the Bible, and making reference to extra biblical sources, ie E.G.W.
Are their small groups and room for involvement? Is the worship conducted Biblically?
I know it is alot of criteria and some will say you'll never find the perfect church, Adventists will tell you that there is no denomonation that is right exempt their own. I know their are lots of sincere believers out there and they're going to church somewhere.
Anyway I don't know if you're game for another go around, I hope so because you sure got a lousy introduction to God's family. I hope you'll try again. God Bless and we're praying for you and your daughter.
By the way as a mom I wanted to say you're doing it right by your girl. Encouraging kids to make their own decisions is the hardest thing a parent does and I'm often swamped already and my son is only 2. |
Susan
| | Posted on Sunday, September 26, 1999 - 3:44 am: | |
Hi Pam! What a shame about your brother and sister. I just can't believe they were actually asked to leave. That blows my mind. I'll pray especially for your brother. My heart goes out so much to folks like him. My brother was also turned off from Christianity by the sda's.
Great points about finding a church. Finding a true BIBLE(only) believing church is crucial. I think I've said it before but I'd like to mention it again. It's just something that might be helpful to some. I think non-denominational churches are great (I'm currently attending one) and they are a perfect fit for many. But when I first became a Christian, I attended a Christian Reformed Church with my husband/then boyfriend. For me it was a nice traditional church service. Some hymns were familiar and the order of service was comfortable. I think if I had gone to a more contemporary church at that time I would've freaked. I needed to feel safe and not overwhelmed. I got excellent bible teaching and found them to be warm, sincere and loving Christians. I still can't believe my amazement at realizing Christians can have fun!
Anyway, just thought I would add that side. It's o.k. to find a traditional mainstream denomination if that's what's more comfortable for you. Just ask those important questions that Pam mentioned. The Christian Research Institute at www.equip.org gives good advice on churches. You might have to call them to get info. on the different churches. I don't know if it's provided on their site. When I phoned them a few years back, they were really helpful and sent me some fact sheets on different churches.
Pam, I also have a 2 year old. It really turns your world upside down! I just want to know when I can start getting some sleep again? Nice to meet you! Your friend in Christ, Susan |
Lynn W
| | Posted on Monday, September 27, 1999 - 11:58 am: | |
I can name 3 other people who were also asked the church for not dressing right. My brother-in-law was told next time he comes, he must wear a tie. He was not in any kind of leadership, he was just visiting. |
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