| Author |
Message |
Dennisrainwater
| | Posted on Sunday, January 20, 2002 - 3:34 pm: |     |
Hi again Snali!
I'm so glad to have such insightful and compassionate folks as those on this forum to consider my brothers and sisters! I praise God for all of you here!!
As far as avoiding some of the same pitfalls of our old study-habits, I think the best thing I ever did was to simply sit down with my Bible and start reading it through, as I would any other book I bought off the shelf... I'd suggest you might want to start with the New Testament -- the Gospels are a great place to MEET JESUS! If you're nearly the knot-head I am (aren't we guys the ones that really seem to have the most difficulty listening??), you may have to read the whole NT through more than once before it really starts sinking in. But, it's worth it.
Oh, and from my own experience, it makes such a difference if you remember to pray each time you read, asking the Spirit it open your heart and eyes to the things He has placed in this precious Book -- just for YOU! Also, if you can find a place (and time) which is reasonably free from distractions, it will help a lot.
That's my experience -- hope it works for you! I am praying for you often -- as I'm sure many others here are. We love you and are cheering for you.
God bless you -- and may He reveal Himself to you,
Den<>< |
In_his_service
| | Posted on Sunday, January 20, 2002 - 4:08 pm: | |
AMEN, Bro. Dennis.
The Bible is meant to be read in it's completeness, not piecemeal, like you have been taught to do. It will open it's real message to you, to more you read it in context. I would also suggest starting with the New Testament. I might even venture starting with the book of John. I really think he best captures the "soul" of Jesus. Read it through as you would a book, Don't try to annalyse it, just READ it, the first time. Let it speak to you. Before you pick up the book, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal the truth to you as it really is, not the way you think it is, have been taught it is, or even want it to be....but as it really is. I don't believe He will ever deny such a request. Have a great time meeting Him.....you will come to love Him as your very best friend.
In His Grip
Thomas
<>< |
Grok
| | Posted on Sunday, January 20, 2002 - 5:19 pm: | |
I have really been enjoying two bibles: one is a the Student Bible (NIV) that has alot of interesting facts and points out other scriptures that speak about or expound on the scripture I am currently looking at. The second is a chronological Bible. It has all the books arranged in the order they were written in historically (duh! I guess that is the definition of chronological!) I am really interested in history and I like to explore what else was going on in the world when each of the books of the bible was written.
Grok |
Snali
| | Posted on Saturday, January 26, 2002 - 4:42 am: | |
Hi again, its been a very busy week but I feel kind of blessed ,ive been on nights at my job and being the nature of what I do nights are pretty quiet so I have had alot of time to read the Bible I have read all of john and most of matthew in the last couple of days and I have actually enjoyed doing it.Im not sure if Im learning anything or not but at least Im able to take the time to do it.
Some of what Im doing diffrent though is being picky about what I underline, as an SDA I would u8nderline almost anything,because it was a sign that you were really studying the word!! Instead Im only doing that with things that are meaningful to me,so to not clutter my mind with other stuff.
For those that are praying for me and my family as we adjust to the real world I say thank you and please keep it up.
On a diffrent note, I just got done reading This present darkness and piercing the darkness,and my question is this,do you believe that its really like that with the angels and demons doing battle around us literally, and what would consist of a good prayer. I want to make sure I have an effective prayer life,but Im not really sure what is considered the right way to do it.
Ill have more questions in the future so bear with me :)
Thanks, Snali |
Sabra
| | Posted on Saturday, January 26, 2002 - 7:27 am: | |
Seek and you will find, knock and the door will be open, ask, and it shall be given.......Snali, you are on the right path! Keep it up! Haven't read the book you are referring to, but when the disciples asked Jesus how to pray He told them the Lord's Prayer, just talk to God He doesn't have a protocol for your prayer life, He just wants you to talk to Him.
I'm so blessed by your posts.
May the Spirit of the living God fill your heart and bring you peace and wisdom.
Sabra |
Lydell
| | Posted on Saturday, January 26, 2002 - 2:10 pm: | |
Well Snali, one thing about having effective prayers can be found in James 5:16. "The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much." My Bible has a note that says that a literal translation of the Greek phrase "fervent prayer of a righteous man" is awkward. But that effective prayer could likely best be characterized by earnestness, fervency, and energy. I think in the case of praying for someone else, that would indicate that the prayer should begin from an honest loving concern for the individual.
Yeah, there is spiritual warfare going on out there. I think he got off base in those books in having the angels arms being wacked off by the demons and such. That seemed a bit much.
As Sabra pointed out, we can learn much by looking at The Lord's Prayer. The first thing that you should notice is that the prayer begins with an acknowledgement of who God is and worship. That puts your mind in proper focus for all the rest of what you pray about. This is GOD your are talking to. The one who has all power, and can handle whatever it is you address in your prayers.
We just got back from doing a servant evangelism at the hospital waiting rooms. It always amazes me to see how some folks react. Like a lady we met today. She seemed fine, in control, and calm. We offered her bottled water. She accepted that gratefully. Then we asked if she would like us to pray for someone. And she immediately burst into tears! amazing... and incredibly humbling...you know, we weren't going to go to the hospitals today, but then we felt a strong prompting to do so. So you have to tell the lady this. Because God sent us there specifically to pray for her!
I don't know that it is so much what we say in our prayers there many times. We invite God to move in the situation, to impart His wisdom to the doctors and nurses, and bring peace to the family in knowing that He is aware and involved. Mostly it is a matter of the person realizing that this was a demonstration from God telling them personally, "hey, I know you are here, and I care about you."
I just don't think there is any formula to use in praying for certain things, Snali. If there were, then we would slip into a mindset of pride in relying on our own wisdom or ability. |
Jtree
| | Posted on Saturday, January 26, 2002 - 6:25 pm: | |
I'm a bit confused about something. In my
"indoctination into Adventism from WITHIN"
The very FIRST thing I was introduced to was
Daniel 8:14
Anyone else here on this forum ever was presented with this "doctrine" first?
Or anyone here ever try to give the presentation in your former faith (SDA)?
"cleansing of the heavenly sanctuary".
Joshua! |
Colleentinker
| | Posted on Monday, January 28, 2002 - 5:04 pm: | |
Snali, I'm so happy to hear you're having time to read the Bible! Yes, I believe there is real spiritual warfare. But Peretti's descrptions are really his imaginings, and they do make for a suspenseful novel! We don't really understand exactly how it all works. We do know, however, that prayer is vitally important. Paul repeatedly asked the churches and people to whom he wrote to pray for him, that he would speak the truth clearly and that he would be protected from attack and evil.
I don't know of any place in the Bible that explains exactly how prayer works, but we are repeatedly told to pray. The suggestions above about the Lord's Prayer and the reference in James are wonderful. The Holy Sprit also intercedes for us when we don't know how to pray. (Romans 8:26-27)
The more you read the Bible and pray, the more you will recognize the Holy Spirit's promptings and the presence of God.
It's great to read your posts!
Colleen |
Lori
| | Posted on Friday, February 01, 2002 - 4:33 pm: | |
Hi, Snali,
I'm so glad to hear that you have been reading the Bible!!!! As far as prayer, I believe that it is of utmost importance to name you known sins to God (1 John 1:9) before you study or read Scripture.
Known sins in our life cut us off from the power of the Holy Spirit working in our lives. When we don't name our sins to God we approach his word without the discerning power of the Holy Spirit. And without this power we can not understand His word. So, I would suggest a brief moment of prayer to name you sins and to ask for concentration on His word.
We are either 100% spiritual or 100% carnal. Spirituality is an absolute. If you approach the Word with a carnal mind then you come away with carnal understanding which has no value in the spiritual life. When you approach Gods word enabled by the power of the Holy Spirit through the non-meritorious act of naming a sin to God (that's Grace!) then you will have spiritual understanding of His word and you will begin to be edified by His Words.
I've missed hearing from you, Snali, write me when you can!
Lori |
Snali
| | Posted on Saturday, February 02, 2002 - 5:56 am: | |
Hi,evryone
Lori I sent a meaasge hope you get it.
This has been an interesting experience in that I have been able to read almost all of the 4 gospels in the last 11 daysand Im starting to get a grasp on it I think.
I have been impressed with the fact that they all are very consistent wih each other,sometimes told from a diffrent point of view but still consistent,especially with all the detail luke gets into.
It just amazes me though how much the Jews really hated him,i even understand why,just I dont understand it .He did so much good and yet the more he did the more they hated him!!
Something else that i noticed was that when he cried out it is finished ,it says that the curtain in th temple was torn in two from top to bottom,it really hit me then that this meant that all the old ways were over that there was no need for the temple and all its laws and sacrifices because Jesus had fullfilled it all.
I know that for thye majority on this sight that this isnt news to you but I found it amazing that after all these years I would finally see what that was all about.Thank God for the holy spirit and his ability to open our eyes when needed.
Snali |
Denisegilmore
| | Posted on Saturday, February 02, 2002 - 8:33 pm: | |
Hello Snali,
I'm am so very happy and am Praising our Lord and God for opening your eyes regarding the veil being rent in two!
Do you realize that the very veil spoken of in 2 Corinthians 3:12 has been removed from your eyes?!
It reads thus:
"Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold.
We are not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face to keep the Israelites from gazing at it while the radiance was fading away.
Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts.
But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away.
Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
And WE, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's Glory, are being transformed into His likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit."
Hallelujah! Praise be to God Alighty for revealing this to you!
This is great to read such good news from you. I will keep you in my prayers that more revelations be shown you as you read His Word.
As you are probably discovering, His Word is powerful indeed!
As they say, 'keep on keepin on'......amen and may many Blessings abound toward you and your family.
your sister in Christ Jesus, our Lord
DtB |
Colleentinker
| | Posted on Sunday, February 03, 2002 - 8:38 pm: | |
Snali, I am so happy to read your post! I completely understand your amazement at reading about the veil being torn. I remember when that reality hit me as well. I will never forget finding Hebrews 10:19-20 a couple of years ago, "Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his bodyÖ"
Isn't that awesome?! The curtain that protected Israel from the visible presence of God was Jesus! He protected mankind from the unbearable presence of God before he died, and after he died, he opened the way for us to personally connect with God.
So, Snali, I am praising God for his work in your life, and I continue to pray for you.
Colleen |
Janice (Janice)
| | Posted on Sunday, April 20, 2003 - 6:23 pm: | |
Copied from www.probe.com, you can visit this web site to check it out for yourself to see that it isn't "Baptist" doctrine but in fact is the written word of God, but can only be understood by a born-again child of God because 1Cr 2:14 says this: But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know [them], because they are spiritually discerned. Please read this important information from the word of God concerning our salvation.
1.Salvation is the work of God - not man.
2.God offers man salvation as a free gift, based on the substitutionary death of His Son for our sins.
3.Salvation includes, but is not limited to, such things as the forgiveness of sins, the crediting of Christ's righteousness to our account, justification (being declared righteous by God), adoption into God's family as His beloved children, the gift of the Holy Spirit, and the gift of eternal life.
4.Man receives God's salvation by faith alone - plus nothing.
5.The object of our faith is the Person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ.
6.Good works do not merit salvation, but genuine salvation results in good works.
7.Good works are only "good" to the extent that they are done in faith through the power of the Holy Spirit. Thus, God Himself is ultimately the Author even of the good works which follow a genuine salvation experience.
It has been my sincere prayer for each and everyone of you to grow in grace while we share the gospel with one another. It has been a hard learning process in some instances and many feelings have been hurt. I believe that the reason for this is because we have Satan's attention and he just hates it when we see through his schemes and refuse to be silenced by him and those who continue to give the devil access to their mouths that they continue to slander us with.
This computer has been both a blessing and a curse, and I could write a book describing in great detail what I mean with that statement but will only say that I have enjoyed getting to know all of you and am thankful that I feel a part of something very special here in the FAF. I know that I am not a former Adventist but the welcome page does welcome both formers as well as their families. As I read over the archives that date back to 2000, I see that many have indeed overcome many of their hangups while some of you have scars that run so deep that I could never relate to you at all and am sorry for any hurtful words that I may have said during my "initial" ignorance to exactly what is going on here. I have asked many of you here to pray for me concerning some "private" business that needs to be dealt with, but won't take up any time in my post to go over it, (GOD KNOWS ALL ABOUT IT AND BELIEVE ME WHEN I SAY, HE IS HANDLING IT IN A MOST POWERFUL WAY, PRAISE GOD) If God is for us then who indeed is presumptuous enough to think they will stand against us, amen?
I did just sit here and write down a bunch of junk about what some of my legal brethren have advised me on, and what I could do about the situation, but I will just sit back and rest in the savior's arms and know that he is going to handle it, my calling out in prayer with childlike faith was all I needed to have a victorious wonderful Easter weekend, amen and amen.
Janice |
Speakeasy (Speakeasy)
| | Posted on Saturday, April 26, 2003 - 2:15 pm: | |
This is the closest message board I could find about my problem. I am very confused! It seems that most all on this forum has in time found a church or at least friends or a bible study that you have become a part. Does God always send you to a group to get your spirtual Food and to fellowship with other believers. Is it a must to have such a thing. I am having my doubts about such a thing. How long did it take most of the people on Former Adventist to find a church or at least to find someone in your city or town to fellowship with? Does God want his followers to be alone and to not fellowship and grow? I have even asked the 2 people that live in Tulsa that have posted on this forum and from Tulsa my own Town. If they would like to start a bible study and one of them posted a want to do that on this very forum and when you ask them let's get one going! NOTHING! They do not even want you to get with them not even at there church. What is wrong with Me? Is God putting me to the test? To be honest I had more friends and fellowship when was studying Judiasm and then latter The Adventist? I need your input. |
Sabra (Sabra)
| | Posted on Saturday, April 26, 2003 - 6:28 pm: | |
Speakeasy,
Pray about where God wants you to be, He will tell you. I used to drive past a billboard everyday on my way home from work and it was a big Baptist church and I always felt like God was telling me to go there, now I was still SDA-for the sake of saying I was something-and I even told a girl at work that I felt like I was supposed to go there, but that was crazy!!
God ended up moving me next door to some Pentecostals that invited me to church and that is where I found Him, then about 3 months later I joined that Baptist Church!
He talks we just don't always hear!
He dows want you in fellowhip, ask and I'll pray about it for you too!  |
Angie (Angie)
| | Posted on Sunday, April 27, 2003 - 1:34 pm: | |
Speakeasy,I know just what you mean.Last week was the first time that I have been in a church,it had been 7months since I left sda.I thought that I would never find a church!!My sister-in-laws mother attends this church,even when I was sda,I thought alot of this women,but that church?I never would have dreamed that the people there would be so loving.But they are,and I do believe that God wants us to fellowship with other Christians,to encourage,and to lift us up.Exspecially after leaving such a controlling church as the sda's,[and Judiasm?]But I did feel the same way as you,'I left God,now what?' But finally after alot of prayer,last week I said Lord,if you want me to go there,make the way open for me,so that sunday,I got up,got ready,and just went.That's what you gotta do,and if it's not the 'right' church for you,go to another one.God will lead you to the right place! God Bless Angie |
Janice (Janice)
| | Posted on Sunday, April 27, 2003 - 4:52 pm: | |
For Speakeasy, Check out this page: http://www.gospelcom.net/rbc/ds/rd951/, and it will tell you how to recognize a good church and a quick list of requirements are listed here:
1. A Good Church Must Be Doctrinally Correct concerning its beliefs about the Bible, about God, and about Christ.
2. A Good Church Must Be Doctrinally Correct in its beliefs about Salvation, The Spirit, The Church, and also its beliefs concerning The Endtimes.
3. A Good Church Must Be Evangelistic In Spirit while maintaining an Evangelistic Emphasis, A Missionary Outreach, A Regenerated Membership, and should always preach A Biblical Message.
This booklet also gives some of The Marks Of A False Church such as:
A Lack Of Historical Perspective
A Distorted View Of Scripture
A Desire To Cause Division
A Tendency To Major On Minors
A Return To Past Errors
I will say this, when I read this booklet, it truly made me see clearly that the SDA movement was truly a false movement. It has all of the traits listed above. I pray for those of you who were fortunate enough to have been given enough truth to see through their smoke screen and leave their group. I pray also for those of you who still have to deal with friends and loved ones who are pointing fingers at you and condemning you to hell for your faith that is based on Jesus Christ and the word of God and nothing else. I will stress to you Speakeasy, pray earnestly for the leading of the Holy Spirit and don't jump out of the frying pan and into the fire with yet another false church such as Mormonism, Jehovah's Witness, Unity, etc. I have also found a great web site if you want to study the different "religious" groups that are out there that you really need to beware. This site at www.probe.org is great and will help you search out those groups without actually going in amongst them, once you are tricked into getting into churches like that, the devil will send in his group to influence you with their twisted versions and interpretations of God's word. Don't fall for it, be ye not deceived as the word says. Try the spirits to see if they be of God, any person claiming to be a prophet will 100% agree with the gospel found in the word and will end my post by saying that had my mother or sister either one been well versed in the scriptures, they would have never been tricked into believing EGW's garbage in the first place. Those of you who were raised in it didn't know any better and won't be held accountable for that part of your life if you have truly seen the light and repented. However, my mother and sister went into this group with naive minds that were gullible and now are brainwashed into thinking that the rest of the Christian world is going to hell in a hand basket. I will continue to pray for them, but aside from that, there is nothing else to do when they refuse to read anything other than the gospel according to EGW.
I had a great day in Sunday School and worship service and then went to Alabama to celebrate with friends on their 50th wedding anniversary.
Speakeasy, I hope you find some good information from that www.discoveryseries.org site, the book is titled "How To Recognize A Good Church."
I know that you titled your thread "Confused And Lost". I hope that you are ONLY confused and ONLY lost in a sense as "being without a church" and not what is known as lost and on your way to hell if you don't hear the gospel and accept God's gift of eternal salvation. The first step is accepting the gift and then when the Holy Spirit moves in, he will direct your paths, always pray for his leading and, like Sabra says, he will lead you to the church where you truly need to be. Remember, the word says STUDY, so, study out these groups and pray for guidance, you do not need to "forsake the assembly" because when two or more are gathered together the Holy Spirit is in the midst, and keep in mind that we are all still in this human body and none are perfect, so, if you are looking for perfection, the only place to find that is in JESUS.
Janice |
Janice (Janice)
| | Posted on Sunday, April 27, 2003 - 4:55 pm: | |
Speakeasy, I forgot to give you this URL too, it is called the New Christian's Handbook and is FULL of information, pages and pages of it. Check it out too at: http://www.centralcal.com/crist.htm
Janice |
Colleentinker (Colleentinker)
| | Posted on Sunday, April 27, 2003 - 8:22 pm: | |
Speakeasy, I'm praying also that you will find a church. God will lead you to one as you let him lead!
Colleen |
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