| Author | Message | ||
| Sabra (Sabra) |
I don't think it's possible in this world to find a church you can agree with 100%. Nope, pretty sure it aint gonna happen. I'm not so sure that it is even necessary that we agree totally. Think of all of the things we would have disagreed with while Adventist! Turns out we were wrong, we could still be wrong on some non-essentials.  | ||
| Janice (Janice) |
Hi Sabra, Just thought that I would mention that I am reading a great book that was written by Christian pastor John MacArthur. The name of it is "The Master's Plan For The Church". His church is named "Grace Community Church" I think. I just read his chapter about how to recognize apostasy and want to incorporate it into my web site. I couldn't help but relate this chapter to EGW and the SDAs but the other cults fit the bill as well. He brought out the point that we need to study the Word, and all through his book, he continually uses the phrase "word of God" and reminds us that Satan and his demons can APPEAR as righteous, so, watch out when you all are in search of a new church to visit. I would even suggest that you check out his book as well, it is full of information about what a SERVANT is, what apostasy is, what a good church will consist of, etc. GREAT READING MATERIAL. God bless, Janice | ||
| Susan_2 (Susan_2) |
Hi, Sara. I am Susan_2 ans I live in California. Where on the Left Coast are you from? I think I probably am the only Lutheran currently partisipating on this forum. We have a good variety of perspectives that we bring our thoughts and experiences to this forum from. I had to smirk when I read your line about you kinfolk thinking that your husband is leading you away from the truth. Just recently my elderly mother was letting me know of her disappointment in my ¨becomming Lutheran¨and what she said to me is this, ¨Susan, you have baan alwayssearching for the truth since you were alittle girl. Well, you were raised in the truth and you were brought up to know the truth so you need to stop going to that Sunday church and look for the truth back to where you were brought up in. You need to keep searching because you sure have not found it this time!¨ The quote may not be exact but it is close. And, I responded to her that yes, I have all my live looked for greater meaning in live that just what is here before me. And, I left it at that. Welcome and, I look forward to your comments. | ||
| Dennis (Dennis) |
There are many excellent communities of faith, denominational and non-denominational, that one can bibically embrace and/or belong to. My wife and I earnestly prayed about a church family that would exalt Jesus Christ and proclaim His new covenant teachings. The process took several months as we visited various churches. Interestingly, a Hindu friend and and an Adventist friend both wholeheartedly agreed with the following advice in our search for a church home: "JUST BE SURE YOU DON'T JOIN AN EVANGELICAL CHURCH!" Unbeknownst to them, all the juicy details of why they didn't like Evangelicals actually attracted us to them. Their critical comments indicated that Evangelicals were indeed taking the Great Commission seriously. So serious, in fact, that 80 percent of all the Gospel evangelism in the world is done by Evangelicals. We also feel it is a form of treason, perhaps high treason, not to share your Christian faith. Of course, our love for Christ, not any guilt-producing catch phrases, should motivate our being contagious Christians. We are most delighted with our church family at the First Evangelical Free Church here in Lincoln, Nebraska. Our church has about 1,200 worshippers weekly. Even though we have a spacious new facility, we are in the midst of an eight-million-dollar expansion program--largely needed for children's ministries. By the way, check out our new website at www.firstfreelincoln.org. A hearty FAF welcome, Sara! Chris, Christian greetings from a fellow-Lincolnite! There are literally scores of former Adventists in this city of 225,000 people. Chris, take courage in knowing that many FORMERS are persecuted by their SDA families. For example, my mother-in-law has removed us from her Will (this is explicitly taught by Ellen White). Ellen White taught that parents should make a "judgment" whether their children are heavenbound when making out their wills. If the parental "judgment" is NO, then the SDA parent should delete the child from the Will so that they will not jeopardize their own salvation. Fortunately, our sacrifice is very small compared to the Persecuted Church overseas. In awe of His grace, Dennis J. Fischer Lincoln, Nebraska | ||
| Lydell (Lydell) |
Man, Dennis, I had never heard that one! That's cold. | ||
| Dennis (Dennis) |
By the way, when Ellen White made out her personal Will, she "objectively" judged ALL her children heavenbound plus her unborn future relatives as well. Dennis J. Fischer | ||
| Colleentinker (Colleentinker) |
Wow, Dennis, I didn't know that either! She judged her UNBORN descendants? How? (Pehaps a dream with a handsome guide?) There's no end to the methods employed to keep the money from trickling away! Colleen | ||
| Carol_Anne (Carol_Anne) |
Dennis, I read your post above and was curious about your church. I have been kind of searching for a church to go to but the idea of going to a "Sunday Church" has kept me away. I checked out the Knox Evangelical Church site here in Edmonton and it sounds like an awesome church. I think I will try it out on Sunday and see it first hand. Please pray for me that I don't back away. I have never set foot in any church in years because the Sabbath issue is so deeply ingrained. Thanks for listening and keep me in your prayers. | ||
| Sabra (Sabra) |
Carol Anne, I will keep you in prayer, praying that you find fellowship with believers and that you will feel the power of God like I did when I walked into that "Sunday church". Just go to worship God, not because of a day. It's all about Him. Blessings, Sabra | ||
| Sabra (Sabra) |
Carol Anne, I will keep you in prayer, praying that you find fellowship with believers and that you will feel the power of God like I did when I walked into that "Sunday church". Just go to worship God, not because of a day. It's all about Him. Blessings, Sabra | ||
| Cindy (Cindy) |
Carol Anne, Yes, it is as Sabra said! It's not about a "day", but about God! Not "when", but "WHO", we worship! To think that "true" worship can be confined to the seventh day is more ridiculous to me the longer I'm away from it... To try and figure out what is permissable to do--or not--on Saturday is nuts! (Is this something sacred or secular? Am I "keeping the Sabbath Day holy" in this activity, my conversation, or even my thoughts??) For me the designation between "secular" and "sacred" times and things is a great mistake in understanding the NEW Covenant in JESUS!! In Him, ALL TIME is holy and sacred! In fact, all of life is sacred and holy... And, by trusting in HIS WORK FOR US, we are included in His Holiness... to be led by His Holy Spirit to live gratefully and continuously in the Presence of GOD! Grace always, Cindy | ||
| Steve (Steve) |
Wow, Dennis, Sounds like EGW was attempting to fulfill Isaiah 14:13-14: 13 "But you said in your heart, 'I will ascend to heaven; I will raise my throne above the stars of God, And I will sit on the mount of assembly In the recesses of the north. 14 'I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.' | ||
| Colleentinker (Colleentinker) |
Carol Anne, I will also pray for you. We attend an Evangelical Free Church in Redlands, California, and we are still amazed at the worship, the Bible preaching, the commitment of the members to personal ministry, the growing membership which includes exponential growth in the children's divisions. Ironically, we are also embarking on a multi-million dollar stewardship campaign to build more space for services and especially for children's ministries! (BTW, our church's website is linked to this FAF website.) More than anything, we continue to be blessed by the palpable presence of God in the services. As Richard says, he had never cried in church before; now he wonders if he'll ever stop! It's about Jesus, Carol Anne, not about a day. You can expect to be tempted or harrassed not to go, but remember that God is stronger than our hearts or our doubts or the distractions. Rest in his strength, and go worship him! You'll never be the same again! Colleen | ||
| Denisegilmore (Denisegilmore) |
Welcome Sara, Chris and Carol Anne!! This is so wonderful to see so many new people finding their freedom in Christ! While I haven't posted for some time, my thought on the Church or finding one to attend is a little different than anyone on here. Due to being primarily homebound, our Wonderful Lord, Jesus Christ has seen to it that many come here and thus Church is held on any given day of the week (usually most everyday) in the confines of my apartment. We do serve an Awesome God and He sees fit that we are NEVER alone! Praise God for that! The folks that are coming by here, have come from SDA, Jehovah Witness, Catholic and the streets. I know with everything in me that Jesus Christ set all this up and so now not only myself is being upheld in the Faith but also, the others. It sure is wonderful what Jesus Christ does for all of us, here on this forum and in our own lives. Can we ever be thankful enough? No amount of words from my lips ever seem to express the gratitude that is in my heart for what He has done. In ALL of our lives! For you three that are new, I know that when some of my first posts were posted there were many questions and lots of excitement on my part. Never will I forget the people on this forum for their love that they have shown me. And never was I turned away for asking ANY question. People here were and are more than happy to help. So don't worry about asking questions for there is no such thing as a stupid question in my opinion. In my heart of hearts it is my belief that none of you will ever regret being led to this forum. And you will experience a whole lot of love here! WELCOME and BLESSINGS! My prayers go to all here and for this forum as well. Thank you Colleen and Richard for being who you are in Christ Jesus and loving me as you do. May God forever Bless you and your household with HIS Peace! In Christ Jesus Name. amen. Denise Gilmore | ||
| Dennis (Dennis) |
SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST ATTRITION RATE Seventh-day Adventism has the second highest percentage of people that are born into the denomination who convert out, second only to the Jehovah's Witnesses: JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES 32% SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS 27% BUDDHIST 23% NON-DENOMINATIONAL 2% Source: The Graduate Center of the City University of New York (CUNY) 2001 American Religious Identification Survey. NOTE: This study was based on available information for official resignations from Seventh-day Adventism; however, the attrition rate is actually MUCH HIGHER being the majority that leave the SDA Church never bother to request that their names be removed from membership records. It is not uncommon for the SDA Church to count as members those that have not worshipped with them in many, many years. Personally, I know of some that haven't been inside an SDA Church in about twenty years--yet they are still considered as members. This type of numbers game is obviously a public relations advantage--even though highly inaccurate and inflated worldwide. Due to their careless recordkeeping, I once was a member of two SDA churches simultaneously for several years. Dennis J. Fischer | ||
| Carol_2 (Carol_2) |
Welcome back Denise! I have missed you! Dennis, I'm sure you're right. I requested my membership be removed nearly two years ago. I was told I was being listed as "inactive" at the local church. As far as I know my daughter & I both are still considered members there, and I have since joined Wesleyan Fellowship here in the Atlanta area. Love you all! Carol #2 | ||
| Denisegilmore (Denisegilmore) |
Dear Carol 2, I've missed you too Carol. Thank you. Denise, your sister in Christ Jesus. | ||
| Dennis (Dennis) |
ENHANCED ONLINE FELLOWSHIP Ever wish you could meet, in person, a fellow former Adventist--especially one you have prayed for on this very forum? While this would indeed be a wonderful occasion, it is highly unlikely to occur on a large scale with former Adventists living in every part of the world. Fortunately, with the use of a webcam (costs around $60-$100), we can actually see each other as we utilize instant messaging through Yahoo and other competitors. Even if one does not yet own a webcam, by instant messaging one can still SEE the person that has a webcam. Best of all, the service is FREE. Personally, I prefer Yahoo instant messaging. Yahoo is well-known internationally, so that is an added plus. Every registered user with Yahoo instant messaging has an ID number. Security is a built-in feature so that nobody can contact you or see you on camera without your continual consent. In fact, nobody can ever see you without your permission. Several can meet in a conference setting as well. You may want to comb your hair beforehand (smile). In my case, it wouldn't make much difference--being I have inherited/sustained follicle-impairment (fancy words my barber uses to console me without giving a discount). If anyone is interested in this enhanced Christian fellowship online, simply email me at: dennisfischer@alltel.net for my Yahoo ID. I am thinking of reserving one hour weekly on a scheduled basis (i.e., 8 PM (CST) on a Friday or Saturday night). Hope to SEE you soon! In awe of Calvary, Dennis J. Fischer | ||
| Melissa (Melissa) |
Hi, all. I'm new to posting and have read a few times before. I have dated a SDA for nearly 4 years. It's a long story, but he calmed my fears with his "religion" in the beginning by saying it was simiilar to the baptist church I was raised in, but services on Saturday. No big deal to me...one day is as good as any other. Needless to say, I have sense learned it is much deeper than that. I wanted to comment about some things from last week and the seeming aversion to the word "evangelical". When I have looked up that word in secular sources and Christian sources (such as Swindoll), it all says a person who believes the Bible is the word of God and proclaims the gospel of Christ. What are SDAs taught that makes that label so offensive? My boyfriend says he "knows" people who would never be associated with that label (and I suspect he is one of them), and I wonder how he can call himself a Christian given the definition I know. Second question regarding above posts, how do SDAs get the idea that it is wrong to worship God on any day? My boyfriend actually tried to minimize the resurrection as something worthy of celebrating corporately. And I had never heard it associated with a "changed Sabbath." We were always taught the Sabbath was Saturday, so that seems inconsistent with my experience and his teachings as well. But in order for it to be a sin to worship on Sunday, wouldn't it say something related to it in the Bible? Is there ever a "wrong" time to worship God? Did he say where 2 or more are gatherered, except on Sundays, he is in their midst? Please forgive me if these questions are overly simplistic to a culture I did not grow up in, but I have to deal with it now. I am not particularly trying to "convince" him any longer because he has these phrases he quotes and most the time they aren't even in scriptural context (for example, "But God calls them 'my Sabbaths'"...) which he thinks proves his point, but my head just swims trying to understand his reasoning. It's been a long road to where I am today, but I am trying to find a way to "love" these people who I perceive don't "love" me or "my kind". I sometimes wonder if he is saved at all with all the things that God "might" reject you for. I am far from a perfect christian and if you knew my story, you'd know how imperfect, but I am trying to strengthen my relationship with Christ without becoming bitter towards people who seem to teach a lot of false things about me. I truly want to understand how they get there and claim it from the Bible I read. | ||
| Jerry (Jerry) |
Welcome, Melissa. I am someone who married a second generation SDA. So, I can tell you, after about seven years and much research that things are very different from what your boyfriend has implied. Others here can speak from direct experience as having been ìin the system.î Whereas, I can speak from a knowledgeable outside observerís perspective. So, here is my take on some of what your boyfriend has told you: First, as to the ìsimilar to the Baptist churchî statement . . . NOT!!! Oh, sure, Baptists are marginally legalist in that most Baptist denominations teach the Ten Commandments as binding on Christians. However, in my experience with Baptists, they generally present them as Godís ìstandardî with the Gospel of Grace as the overriding issue of Christianity. Adventists, on the other hand, are strict legalists as far as the ìbig Tenî are concerned. Well, actually, they are only strict with the Sabbath. Well, actually, they are not very strict with that except to say that Sunday worshippers are ìlost.î Second, as to ìclaim it from the Bible.î (sigh) Did he ever claim that the ìBible is our only creed?î . . . NOT!!! It is Bible as seen through Ellen G. White. That is, a quote from Mrs. White is the final word on how to interpret any Bible verse, even if they do not directly quote her, and even if mountains of Scriptural evidence contradicts her interpretation. Enough for now. Others can chime in here. Jerry |
