| Author | Message | ||
| Sherry2 |
Good to hear from you, Maryann. God bless you on your trip. I love the DTC...very cool, very right. So you're in your own place now and working! That place you were at sounded so nice...hope you're not missing it too much. :) Blessings! | ||
| Sherry2 (Sherry2) |
Well I got to share an abbreviated story of my walk tonight at church. Very cool and God blessed. I just pray He was glorified and it was a blessing to other women. I'm receiving back the plunder from the enemy for all those years in SDAism every time God opens doors like this. It is so invigorating and energizing to share about His grace in this women's life.  | ||
| Sabra (Sabra) |
Sherry, that's wonderful! I'm sure your testimony blessed them and I know God was indeed glorified. I've had the unusual opportunity to share with a Sabbath keeper the past few days on line. She is christian but I think maybe Jewish-christian. She believes in Jesus but also in observing all of the feasts and the Sabbath. Very exciting correspondence! Blessings!! Sabra | ||
| African (African) |
I'm new here. How did you all handle telling your fellow SDA church you were leaving. What about telling friends and family?? Where/how do i start to do this and where do I go from here | ||
| Carol_2 (Carol_2) |
hi african, and welcome! i'm on my way to work, but just wanted to say i'm happy you're here, and i know God will continue to bless you - He is in control and will lead you through this. you will find an incredible amount of love and support on this forum, and i know many will share their experiences with you. love and prayers, carol | ||
| Lydell (Lydell) |
Welcome African. We had no SDA family. My husband was a preaching elder at the time we left the local congregation. His final sermon was telling them why we were leaving. (You know, a sizable percentage of the people walked out the door at the end of the sermon saying, "huh, what? What did he say about your leaving? Where are you moving to?" sigh...it was a rather pointed demonstration of what he had actually said which was: this place is spiritually dead. African, you'll go through times of feeling some anger and frustration. Try to keep in mind that the people you are talking to are not the denomination but rather they are ones who have been duped. Hope you will share more of your story. How long have you been out? Have you found a church body yet? If not, please do so quickly. It will be a tremendous help to you. We are in southeast Alabama. | ||
| Colleentinker (Colleentinker) |
Welcome, African! Even though we lived nearby, we waited a year to tell our Adventist family we were leaving. It was very tense; we had them over for dinner, and to say the least, they were not thrilled. The amazing thing, though, is that when you actually "put your foot in the Jordan" to act in obedience to God's call on your life and to own it publicly, He holds you and gives you authority and strength and gentleness that you would not be able to muster up on your own. God really does become our Father and familyóand that's not just a metaphor! His love is awesome. Ditto Lydell's comment: if you haven't found a church, do so quickly. Ask God to direct you to the place where he wants you to fellowship. He WILL guide you to a congregation where you will be fed and supported and enfolded. That's all part of that impossible-to-imagine-ahead-of-time provision for you that God already has in mind for you when you follow him. And as Oswald Chambers says, (forgive me for not having a word-for-word quote with me!), we learn more from 5 minutes of obedience [to God's call on our lives] than we learn in 5 months of studying. Let us hear more of your story! Colleen | ||
| Janet (Janet) |
Glad you are here, African! I am still waiting on God for the right time to share...But meanwhile, have found a wonderful church family to grow in. God Bless You, Janet | ||
| African (African) |
I am so amazed at your responses. I have goose bumps all over- am overwhelmed with such encouraging responses. No I have not found a church to fellowship at. Not yet. Still praying for God's guidance. My family are almost all SDA's - and all my friends too. I have been agonizing on how to tell them all. Was thinking to write my story and forward a copy - sort of like what I have found on the FAF sites. I'm scared, and frustrated and lonely and it seemed to me that God is kinda silent in leading me forward. I don't know where to go. I hate this state of 'limbo' I'm in at the moment. I will be thankful for your prayers. | ||
| Jerry (Jerry) |
Welcome, African! I can easily understand that you feel God is "kinda silent." However, I suggest you consider two things: 1. Who do you think got you to post here? Despite what you may have done or what others may have suggested, guess who was behind it all!! 2. Perhaps, since you are surrounded by SDA's and are feeling justifiable fear, frustration, and loneliness, the real problem is not that God is silent. Rather, your soul has too much "noise" for you to hear Him shouting! I suggest you concentrate less on when and what to say to your friends and family. God bless you, African. | ||
| Carol_2 (Carol_2) |
gee african, i can relate to your last post! i was in that "limbo" for about six months, working as the secretary at my sda church, studying and being convicted of the many errors in adventism, felt like i was living two lives - i wrote a lengthy letter to my family and friends, took what i was afraid might be the cowardly way out, but for me it's what worked best. i'm not good at all in confrontation, and not a good "debater." i shared my story in my letter, as well as my convictions, then asked that everyone respect my decision and not try to challenge or debate me, unless they were willing to first, with an open mind, read and consider all the things i had been studying about egwhite and the sda church. (surprisingly, or not, none of my friends or family has ever asked about the things i had studied about egwhite & the church that led me out of adventism.) anyway, i just wanted to say i really could relate to what you were saying, i felt like i was living a dream for about six months when i was mentally gone from the sda church, but still attending and actually working in the church, filled with fear and confusion, etc., etc., etc. but like all things i've endured in my life, with God's help and guidance i got through it and came out on the other side a stronger, happier, "at peace" Christian. Praise the Lord! He will NEVER leave us. God bless you and we will all continue to pray for you. carol | ||
| Lori (Lori) |
African, God WILL lead you!!! Wait for him to lead you forward!! I can tell you that I approached my family the wrong way--I placed emphasis on too many of the Adventist doctrines. I tried to prove that the law was no longer in effect--Col 2:16, Galatians 4 nd 5, 2 Cor. 3:7-11; the correct interpretation of Hebrews 4. I used 2 Cor 1:21 and Eph. 1:13,4:30 to try to prove the Sabbath was not the seal of God. Looking back I realize that I did not wait for God. I acted on human impulse. I foolishly presented my arguments before them. If I had to do it all over again I would put the emphasis on the Gospel message-on how Christ did it ALL! There is nothing we can add to his work of salvation--I wouldn't even name the Sabbath as an addition. I would put emphasis on the unlimited atonement of Jesus Christ---how sins are not an issue in any life, even the unbeliever is not judged for sins!!! This concept alone gives the believer freedom--we are free to fail in the Christian walk without losing salvation. We are free to make mistakes and still have security in Jesus Christ!!! I would put all the emphasis on Christ!!! I would not do anything to belittle the Adventist doctrines. We are told to "lift Him up" and if we do this others will be draw unto him. We aren't told to emphasis the errors of others beliefs in order for them to see the glorious work of Christ. We are only told to "lift HIM up" and they will see it!!!! African, I am "jealous" for your opportunity--and I mean that in a very positive way!!!! You have the opportunity to minister to your family in the right way!!!! Wait for God!!! Know that you are lifted up in prayer! | ||
| Colleentinker (Colleentinker) |
Wow, Lori, that's a powerful statement. African, we'll be praying for you to know how, when, and what to say. Truly God leads everyone in individualized ways. Focusing on Jesus, though, is always the important thing. Your family may bring up the doctrinal issuesóthey'll probably be upset if/when they discover you're not attending a Sabbath church. But it's hard to argue if you keep your focus on your relationship to Christ. (Of course, not arguing doesn't mean they won't be upset!) Everything you do relates to your intimacy with him. With prayers, Colleen | ||
| Pathfinder (Pathfinder) |
The Adventists talk a lot about the conviction and strength that is required to be a believer while surrounded by nonbelievers...they do not mention that it takes equal conviction and strength to be an unbeliever when surrounded by believers. To be the first in your social circle to step away from Adventism is not easy. Having been an Adventist, yourself, you can understand their fears and assumptions, so you can brace yourself somewhat in advance. Also, with the knowledge that most will assume that you are leaving for reasons of either rebellion or hurt, it might possibly help them be more at ease with it if you are able to approach them with a quiet, calm assurance that this is not the case with you; that you are praying for guidance, and that you welcome their prayers for you. They will most likely think that with enough praying all around that you will return to the SDA church...in time they will find this does not happen, but it may help ease them over the initial shock. I would not advise you to get into detailed discussions regarding what you don't believe. Lastly, I disagree with those who suggest you find another church quickly. I see no reason whatsoever to be in a hurry to jump into another box, when you've just emerged out of the SDA box. This is your time to "go to the mountain" and pray and search out what you believe. Once you have your feet under you again, then you might seek a new church family, but look them over carefully before you jump in. | ||
| Violet (Violet) |
Hi, African! I'm glad you found this group. They have helped me a lot over the past 18 months. I do agree with Pathfinder. Take your time in all that you do. We left the SDA orginization January 2001 and just this Sunday we are officially joining another church. We have been attending since February and are just now up to membership. The family is a very hard thing to deal with, but God will give you the best way to handle it. Just remember that with our human eyes we cannot always see the path before us that He lays out, but He will never lead you in the wrong direction. Best wishes Vi | ||
| Janet (Janet) |
Thanks Lori, for the advice! Great insight! I needed that :-) African, I will keep you in my prayers too. Rest in God, Janet | ||
| African (African) |
Hi All - I am sitting here with tears rolling down my cheeks. Thank you all so much for all the encouraging words. My faith has been strengthened, just knowing you will all be praying for me and my family. I do believe that Christ has to be lifted up above all else, and the Holy Spirit has been leading me this way. In the beginning I wanted to shout it from the hilltop that "your doctrines are WRONG!" Sometimes I even felt I NEEDED to let them know. When I look back over the last few months I do realise that God has been with me in all of this. Jerry, I know you're right when you say I should concentrate less on when and what to say and I have just now prayed for peace within. Thanks for that piece of advice. Carol 2, I have been feeling pressured in the need to join a church, especially because I don't feel ready to do so. But I do get lonely for christian fellowship and hope to be part of a spiritually healthy fellowship where I can work and serve the Lord. However, the Holy Spirit has been leading - even though i don't have a church right now, I have had much opportunity to do His work. To All of you out there who have responded to me - I already feel a part of ....a caring family. Isn't that kinda strange?? I mean I have been part of a congregation for many years - people I knew and who knew me - but I somehow feel more a part of you new friends than I ever did, sort of like our hearts are knit by some incredible invisible thread!! Hey thats awesome! | ||
| Bmorgan (Bmorgan) |
Hi African, Welcome! Glad you are here. I do understand what you mean about feeling like family. It is because the Holy Spirit is binding your heart with other believers. You can always tell the difference. It is wonderful to actually experience the power of Christ in your life in real way. The journey gets even better: "Brighter out of darkness." Just want to add also, that regardless of how gentle and kind you disclose your exodus to some family and/or friends, they will MISunderstand. You have to be prepared for their annoyance and be thankful if it is not major. Be compassionate and graceful. However, be confident that the God of Peace will comfort you if they reject you. Be confident and obedient to Him alone. By the way, what is the signifcance of the name? Are you African? Just curious. May the Grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the love of God and the fellowship of His Holy Spirit be with you. Again, welcome to the forum. Bmorgan | ||
| Lydell (Lydell) |
African, just let the Lord led in what He wants you to be focusing on at the moment. Often we can have feelings of being overwhelmed because we are trying to tackle it all. But we can only do a few things at a time. If you're uncertain what to do in an area, it may be because God isn't in that at all, and that He is presently wanting you to concentrate on something else instead. And do remember, you don't have to JOIN a church immediately. Honest, they'll let you just visit. As has been said, sometimes you need to go to the mountaintop for awhile to pray. But even Christ knew not to stay on the mountaintop too long. It is the fellowship that you are needing. The fellowship here is a huge help. But it is nothing like having fellow believers present physically near you whether that is church, Bible study group, working side by side in some community work, or with neighbors/co-workers. Keep your radar going to recognize the folks God has likely already positioned in your life. | ||
| Thomas1 (Thomas1) |
African, my dear friend......place your eyes on Jesus and the cross. Never take them off. You will find there are so MANY brothers and sisters out there. Some call themselves Baptists, or Methodists, or even Catholics. Some belong to community churches with no denominational name. All share one thing in common, a deep abiding love and TRUST in Jesus and His wonderful gift to them, made possible by the Grace of God. After the years of Adventist suspicion and "elitism", you will find it so refreshing to be one of the family of believers who are called only by HIS name! Welcome to the family. Don't be afraid of what others think. As Jesus said, "They hated me, they will hate you." Bare His name with pride. There really IS something about that name! You are surrounded by love! In His Grip! <>< Thomas |
