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Former Adventist Fellowship Forum » ARCHIVED DISCUSSIONS 1 » How does a Non-SDA witness to a SDA? » Archive through September 25, 1999 « Previous Next »

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Vickylee
Posted on Friday, September 24, 1999 - 9:56 am:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I am in association with a couple of people from the SDA and they have recently been shoving the Sabbath down my throat. With all of the scriptures I have to show where they have been led astray they have a response. Do I stop/give up... and let them continue to try to convict me or how do I approach it?

HELP! I am tired of being ganged up on!

Vickylee
Colleentinker
Posted on Friday, September 24, 1999 - 4:04 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Vickylee--I certainly undertand what you're talking about! It doesn't work to argue or "discuss" doctrines with an Adventist. The veil over their hearts is thick, and they are absolutely convinced that they know the Bible and what it means. The one thing Adventists can't argue is your experience. If you talk to them about your experience of Jesus being your Sabbath rest, about your freedom in Christ, about your assurance and peace, they can't argue. They may still try to draw you in, but it's impossible to actually "win" a doctrinal argument with an Adventist because they are so convinced that their understanding is the right one. A loyal Adventist is not open to the truth in the Bible because they actually believe they HAVE the truth. My best reaction to your question is this: pray when you talk to these people, and concentrate on keeping your conversation focused on your experience with Jesus. They can't argue if you refuse to discuss doctines. (Adventists have a long history of Sabbath debates with "unbelievers." It's part of their heritage.)

Keep us posted, Vickylee! We'll pray for you.
Colleen
Thomas
Posted on Friday, September 24, 1999 - 4:18 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Vickylee, Remember Brother Paul's advise and counsel to Titus foumd in the third chapter, verses 9-11 In effect he says not to get caught up in arguments over the law as they are "unprofitable and useless" He further advises to "warn such a divisive person once, then a second time and after that have nothing to do with such a person. You may be assured that such a man is warped and sinful; he is self-condemed."

Colleen, you are so right. Never let them take your focus off of Jesus and your relationship with him. THEY can only stand on a law that has "faded away". I prefer to stand on the Rock which is Christ Jesus and His blessed assurance to ME!

Dazzle them with LOVE!
jtree
Posted on Friday, September 24, 1999 - 10:21 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Yes, I agree, dazzle them with love, and if need be, get studying the PROOF text that they try to use, show them that your Sabbath rest is in Jesus Christ.

Stand on the ROCK and not on the tablet.

http://www.sdaoutreach.org has alot of helps, if you have real audio that is good, if not, you can actually order helps from Pastor Mark Martin.

Pray for you. Look over everything here at this site.
jtree
Posted on Friday, September 24, 1999 - 10:23 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

May I add another site?

http://get.to/the.truth
Bill Thompson
Posted on Saturday, September 25, 1999 - 8:02 am:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I totally agree with Colleen and would add that if you can present the Gospel (God's plan of salvation by Grace and not works) that is what they truly need. They assume they know more than you do and may be hard to reach. They will most likely try to change the subject when you speak of the Gospel and say "Yes, BUT..." and try to shift the discussion back to their beloved Sabbath. Refuse to go there. Go back in a calm and loving way to the basic Gospel message as stated in Eph. 2:8-9 and you might show Galatians 1:6-9 where false gospels or adding to the gospel is condemned. Be prepared for them to get angry and call you a "cheap grace" person. I counter that with the statement that adding my works (filthy rags) to what is required for salvation is what cheapens Grace and makes a mockery of what Christ did on the cross. This will make some stop and think if you can convey these things in a calm and consice way.

Never let them get you away from telling what Christ has done in your own life and the basic message of the Gospel. They will try to change the subject, guarranteed!
Bill Thompson
Posted on Saturday, September 25, 1999 - 8:06 am:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

If you make inroads after focusing on the Gospel and they are willing to do Bible study with you, go right to the books of Galatians and Romans. They know very little about these books and most likely have never studied them verse by verse. They will be greatly blessed by this study. It can set them free...free to be a true Christian, saved by Grace, secure in their salvation and free to serve Christ as never before.

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