| Author | Message | ||
| 4drian Registered user Username: 4drian Post Number: 58 Registered: 11-2004 |
It's going out in tomorrow's mail. I have a pdf that looks much nicer than what I magaged to post below, but alas, only the pastor will see it. I wasn't too harsh, was I? -------------------------------------------------- 11 November 2005 From: (edited) To: Three Angels Seventh Day Adventist Church 10750 Sunset Gardens Rd SW, PO Box 12776, Albuquerque, NM 87121 Dear Pastor Razon, In the back of my mind, I have known this day would come for many years. However, without any conscious decision on my part, I have managed to postpone it until today. I suppose it would have been more appropriate to do this five, or even ten, years ago, but I was not yet ready. Over the past year, I have been doing a lot of soul-searching and I believe it is time to be completely honest, both with myself, and with my friends and family. I am NOT a Seventh Day Adventist and have not been since my mid-teens. It has been several years since I read the 27 (now 28?) fundamental beliefs of the SDA church. At the time I fully agreed with ten of the 27. I'm certain the number has not changed substantially since then. I will outline a few points of disagreement: 1.I do not believe in the Seventh-Day Sabbath, nor that Christians are under the Mosaic law/covenant. 2.I do not believe that Ellen G. While was a prophet of God nor that her messages were inspired by the HS. 3.I do not believe in the Investigative Judgment. Jesus' work was finished at the cross. 4.I do not believe the SDA interpretation/misrepresentation of the books of Daniel, Revelation, and to a lesser extent, the entirety of Scripture. I do not wish to dwell upon these issues, so I will stop at four and refer any interested parties to the attached reference section. Suffice it to say, that I believe in Sola Sriptura and reject outright any doctrine founded, fully or partially, on an alternate source. This includes, but is not limited to, the teachings of Ellen G. White, Charles Taze Russell, Joseph Smith, and Mary Baker Eddy. In light of my beliefs, and the Seventh Day Adventist Church's insistence on doctrines which cannot be found in, and are often in direct contradiction to, the Holy Scriptures, I, (edited), hereby and henceforth resign my membership in the Seventh Day Adventist Church. I request that my name be removed from the membership books in as quick a manner as possible. Furthermore, I would appreciate a prompt response after my request has been fulfilled. This can be accomplished through either a paper letter or an email (see above for addresses). I thank you for your help in carrying out this request. I would also like to thank you and your wife for your kind and gracious treatment of me during the brief time in which I attended your church. Although I must sadly confess that I did not find any spiritual fulfillment in your church, I have no grievance against you personally. My decision was based entirely on my theological disagreement with SDA doctrine. I believe you are a sincere Christian and encourage you to study the Bible without any presuppositions and ask the guidance of the Holy Spirit as you compare your findings to SDA doctrine. For this purpose, I have included an extensive index of recommended websites and books which can be very helpful to SDAs trying to overcome a lifetime of unbiblical teachings. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. Sincerely, (edited) Follower of the Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Saved by His grace alone. Essential references for anyone wishing to study the doctrines of the SDA church: Admonition Against Prooftexting Before you start, here is a very important point for any former or current SDA wishing to study the Bible (I cannot stress this enough): The Bible was NOT written in random order. It, therefore, should not be read at random. Each text must be read in the larger context of the chapter. Each chapter, must be read in the larger context of the book. Each book must also be read in context. As far as possible, the Bible student must gain an understanding of the author, his audience, and the religious, as well as cultural, context of the writing. A tactic all cults use (they cannot do without it) is prooftexting. This deceptive practice involves taking several verses from throughout the New and Old Testaments and stringing them together in order to prove a doctrine that cannot be found by reading any of the original verses in context. Often, this doctrine will directly contradict a contextual reading of the original verse. Even cult memebers that read the Bible on a regular basis, will disregard what they read in favor of prooftexting. This leads to statements like the following (from someone very dear to me): Paul often contradicts himself. We should not base our doctrines on Paul's writings. Let's say a friend sends you an email. You open it, and read the last paragraph. Then you go back to an email he sent you two days earlier and read the middle paragraph. Next you read a sentence from an email sent to you by a different friend last year. These emails are all on the same basic subject (politics let's say). Can you seriously pretend that you have any idea what your friend wrote to you, or are you just more confused? Now imagine, instead, that someone else logged in to your email account and picked which sentences or paragraphs to show you. It would be simple for this person to pick the right words (from among hundreds of messages) to give you the impression that your friend's message is the exact opposite of its true meaning. This is the same thing that happens when prooftexting is used to read the Bible. Paul's writings, for example, are epistles. They are letters written by Paul to various churches. It is not possible to really understand Paul's message, unless you read the whole letter. You should of course study each epistle verse by verse; but you must keep a firm grasp on the overall message. The Bible does NOT contradict itself; but if you fall victim to prooftexting, you will be fooled into thinking that it does. SDA Related Websites: EllenWhite.org ’Äì The most extensive and well documented EGW resource on the Internet. Website: http://www.ellenwhite.org Adventist Outreach Center ’Äì Contains a wonderful, 12 section, discourse on the Sabbath and the Lord's Day. Website: http://www.sabbaths.org Truth or Fables ’Äì Exposing Seventh Day Adventist Fables Website: http://www.truthorfables.com One Flock Ministries ’Äì Former Adventist Pastor Greg Taylor's website. His amazing story is a must read! Website: http://www.oneflockministries.org Life Assurance Ministries ’Äì Publisher of the free bi-monthly Journal ’ÄúProclamation.’Äù Many online resources as well. Website: http://www.ratzlaf.com Proclamation Magazine Subscription: http://www.formeradventist.com/discus/proclamation.html Truth About Seventh Day Adventism ’Äì Extensive collection of writings debunking Adventist theology. Website: http://sda.truepath.com/ SDA Outreach’Äì A ministry of Calvary Chapel, Phoenix, and Pastor Mark Martin (former SDA pastor). Lots of information. Website: http://www.sdaoutreach.org Apologetics Index, SDA section ’Äì A good overview of SDA heresies and more links at the bottom of the page. Website: http://www.apologeticsindex.org/s18.html MacGregor Ministries ’Äì A Christian outreach for those invoved in cult groups (JW and Mormon pages also available) Website: http://www.macgregorministries.org/seventh_day_adventists/sda_index.html Abraham 911 ’Äì Discussion of Jewish origins and Israels role in today's church (as it relates to Adventism) Website: http://www.abraham911.com Christian Apologetics and Research Ministry ’Äì A short page on Seventh Day Adventism Website: http://www.carm.org/sda.htm Gospel Outreach ’Äì A long list of SDA related topics including some audio files Website: http://www.gospeloutreach.net/sda.html What Seventh Day Adventists NEED to know ’Äì Great collection of articles refuting every SDA heresy Website: http://members.tripod.com/%7EHelp_for_SDAs/index.html Web Forums: Former Adventist Fellowship Online ’Äì A group of wonderful, understanding Former Adventists. Website: http://www.formeradventist.com/discus/cgi-bin/discus/discus.cgi Christian Apologetics and Research Ministry, SDA Discussion Forum ’Äì A forum for theological debate Website: http://www.christiandiscussionforums.org/dc/dcboard.php?az=show_topics&forum=121 General Christian Resources: E-Sword ’Äì Free bible software. Hundreds of Bibles, Bible Dictionaries, Commentaries, and Encyclopedias are also completely free and can be downloaded for use with this program. Website: http://www.e-sword.net/ Christian Ethereal Classics Library ’Äì From Justin Martyr to Martin Luther and beyond Website: http://www.ccel.org. Ante Nicene Fathers ’Äì The first few volumes should be extremely fascinating for any SDA willing to confront the truth. Website: http://www.ccel.org/fathers2/ Christian Apologetics and Research Ministry ’Äì Many resources and discussion forums Website: http://www.carm.org Grace Place ’Äì Covenant Studies and a MUST read document on Sabbath Observance for Christians. (pastor Clay Peck) Website: http://www.graceplace.org/default.aspx?pid=58 Sermon Audio ’Äì Listen to sermons by various Christian preachers Website: http://www.sermonaudio.com Protestant Apologetics and Theology ’Äì A comprehensive Apologetics resource Website: http://www.ovrlnd.com/ Darkness to Light ’Äì Theology, Apologetics, Cults, Ethics, Bible Versions and more... Website: http://www.dtl.org/ Revelation: Four View Outline and Commentary Website: http://www.souldevice.org/revoutline.html Providence Theological Institute ’Äì Synopsis of New Covenant Theology Website: http://www.ptitx.org/News/whatis-NTC.htm Ariel Ministries ’Äì Are Jewish believers (in Christ) obliged to keep the Sabbath? Website: http://www.ariel.org/mshabbat.html The Bible Answer Man ’Äì Hank Hannegraff's webpage ’Äì includes audio archives of radio broadcasts. Website: http://www.equip.org Books: The following books can be purchased from Life Assurance Ministries and/or SDA Outreach: LAM Bookstore Website: http://www.ratzlaf.com/Qstore/Qstore.cgi SDA Outreach Order Form: http://www.sdaoutreach.org/order.cfm Discovering the New Covenant: Why I am No Longer a Seventh-day Adventist by Greg Taylor The White Lie by Walter Rea White Washed by Syney Clevland Cultic Doctrine by Dale Ratzlaff Sabbath in Crisis by Dale Ratzlaff Sabbatarian - Concordance and Commentary by Gerald N. Wright The Sabbath and the Lord's Day by H.M. Riggle Seventh-day Adventism & The Writings of Ellen G. White by J. Mark Martin The Problems of the Afterlife: What Destiny Awaits Unbelievers? by Samuel Fisk The Following Books (and many, many more) can be purchased from Christian Book Distributors: Website: http://www.cbd.com Revelation: Four Views : A Parallel Commentary by Steve Gregg The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel The Case for a Creator by Lee Strobel The New Evidence that Demands a Verdict by Josh McDowell Ante-Nicene Fathers: Writings of the Early Church Fathers (10 Volumes) (edited) (Message edited by admin on September 06, 2016) | ||
| 4drian Registered user Username: 4drian Post Number: 59 Registered: 11-2004 |
BTW, I guess I should have said "hello" before posting that monstrosity. I haven't logged on for a while. If you guys remember my story, the last time I posted, I was going through a bit of a rough patch in my marriage. I guess you could say that on a superficial level we are doing alright now. We aren't fighting so much anymore, but we also aren't communicating. Rita, my wife, is a liberal Adventist (on the surface). She likes jewelry, she likes to dance (to my great dismay), she likes going out to eat on Saturday afternoons after she returns from church, etc. But she staunchly defends Adventism and I found out the hard way that it is not wise to point out that she is hypocritical in the way she adheres to SDA doctrine. She chooses her Sabbath activities based on whether they feel "right" or "wrong" at the time. After many struggles, I have come to the conclusion that, although she is generally a very nice person (that's why I married her), she has a huge superiority complex when it comes to religion. I managed to get her to read a few books written by former SDAs and she admits they make sense. Unfortunately, she continues to say that Adventism is the true religion. She refuses to have a logical discussion on the subject and just says she is not good with words. We have talked a lot about our marriage and have come to the conclusion that we either can't have any kids, or we must get divorced. Having kids would be a huge disaster with the situation as tense as it it already. Staying together and not having any kids is a practical solution and it appeals to me because I love her. Unfortunately, it is more and more apparent that neither of us is really happy. Our communication is very superficial and, for obvious reasons, will most likely remain that way. Please continue to keep Rita and I in your prayers. | ||
| Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker Post Number: 2905 Registered: 12-2003  |
Dear Adrian, First, it's really good to see you again. Your letter is wonderful. No, you were not too hard on him. Second, thank you for telling us about the situation with Rita. I remembered that you and she were having great disagreement over religion. I'm so sorry to hear about the chilly truce. I will certainly pray for both of you. I will pray that you will be able to love her for God and that she will be open to the Holy Spirit convicting her. Again, it's really good to hear from you! Colleen | ||
| Flyinglady Registered user Username: Flyinglady Post Number: 1997 Registered: 3-2004  |
Hi Adrian, That is a very complete, detailed letter with many links. I like that. I have put you and your wife on my prayer list. God Loves the both of you so He is working on her heart. We do have an awesome God. Diana | ||
| Riverfonz Registered user Username: Riverfonz Post Number: 998 Registered: 3-2005 |
Great letter Adrian, and thanks for the great links. I notice you are also aware of that New Covenant web site that I think has the perfect doctrinal statement--I think it is about 20 basic beliefs, but they all resonate with the Bible, unlike the 27 or 28 SDA fundamentals. I will re-post the link www.ptitx.org/News/whatis-NTC.htm Will pray for you and your wife. Stan | ||
| Lisa_boyldavis Registered user Username: Lisa_boyldavis Post Number: 101 Registered: 3-2005 |
Dear Adrian, Wow, what a step toward Jesus Christ as your only way and a step away from a "doctrine of men", or women in this case. God will guide you. About your wife, I just want to say that my husband and I had grown apart, cold and without hope that we could even stand each other, and just like the miracle that took place in having the scales taken off our eyes to see cultic doctrine, he healed us to love each other and grow together. It's a miracle that only God can do, and is good at I might add. Make sure you have the support around you both spiritually and emotionally... find a good mentor who's a mature man who can help you get through this. If you back off of the SDA issues with your wife and find just ONE thing you can agree on spiritually, you might find that slowly some walls being brought down. I know this all sounds so fairytailsh, but it's truth for us and for many around us who choose God and not the false doctrines. She might not know Jesus Christ for herself, and if she saw Him in you with sacrificial true love, she might have to take a second look at your new freedom. I send prayers and Thanks to God. LBD | ||
| Helovesme2 Registered user Username: Helovesme2 Post Number: 341 Registered: 8-2004  |
Excellent letter Adrian! Praying that God will keep you and complete His work in you, working mightily in your wife as well. Lisa, I'm so glad that God worked that miracle for you. You give good advice here. Even if God doesn't give THAT miracle to all of us, He will be faithful and does take us thru what HE has planned for us. | ||
| Lindylou Registered user Username: Lindylou Post Number: 95 Registered: 1-2005  |
I loved your letter Adrian, very succinct and to the point - The references at the bottom are great - esp. for anyone who might be looking at this forum. A very complete and easy to find list. With the others, I wish for a miracle in your marriage. Something we all need at some point or another! The real miracle is that no matter what - NOTHING can separate us from God's love - and He can make good come out of any situation. Hang in there! | ||
| 4drian Registered user Username: 4drian Post Number: 60 Registered: 11-2004 |
I thank you all for your prayers and support. I kept the letter as short as possible and spent all my time on the links. This was very important to me because I really do believe that Pastor Razon is a wonderful Christian man. I pray/hope that he decides to visit some of those webpages. One other thing I haven't mentioned is that after Rita read one of the books (I believe it was "Discovering the New Covenant"), she gave it to the Pastor to read as well. She never told me what the pastor said to her about it; but one day, the pastor's wife showed up at my door and handed me the book. I'm not sure if he read it, if she read it, or if they both read it. Anyway, her attitude was not that of the typical SDA when confronted with such a book. We only spoke a few words, but she was very nice and treated me the same as she always had before. (This is in contrast to my wife, who was quite upsed after reading the book). So I pray for Pastor Razon and his family. BTW...the wife and I had a wonderful day today. Thank you all. I really do believe in the power of prayer. -Adrian | ||
| Honestwitness Registered user Username: Honestwitness Post Number: 8 Registered: 7-2005 |
Adrian, Your letter is wonderful. You're very brave to put all the links in it. I just submitted my resignation letter to the head elder a few days ago, but I wasn't brave enough to suggest he read the anti-SDA material. I wish my husband was on the same page with me, but he's a staunch SDA. So I totally relate to your situation. Reading the comments of the people in this group is like having a life raft to cling to in the midst of a turbulent sea. Thank you all for taking the time to share your comforting words. | ||
| Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker Post Number: 2913 Registered: 12-2003 |
Honestwitness and Adrian, I am praying right now for you and for your spouses. I'm praying also that you will be able to love them for God--that they will be overwhelmed with the respect and love they feel from you even though they still cling to Adventism. I pray that they will be compelled by Jesus' love showered on them through you. Colleen | ||
| Esther Registered user Username: Esther Post Number: 259 Registered: 5-2004 |
Praying for both of you, Honestwitness and Adrian. It would be hard to be in your situation. But God has a plan, and He will see you safely through it! I pray that your spouses will have a "road to damascus" experience...and come to know their Savior completely. | ||
| Lisa_boyldavis Registered user Username: Lisa_boyldavis Post Number: 103 Registered: 3-2005 |
Dear Honestwitness, Praise God for the step you took. It's been a year and half since we took that step, wrote our "95 thesis" and pounded it on the church doors!!! And looking back, that was such a holy time, a dependent time, and new life time. It does get easier. Some day you will hopefully find a church family again... it all takes intentional actions and time. I am praying and sending a hug over this forum to you. God is faithful and will get you through this. Lisa | ||
| Flyinglady Registered user Username: Flyinglady Post Number: 2005 Registered: 3-2004 |
Dear Honestwitness, I have put you on my prayer list in my book next to my computer. God knows what you are going through and He knows what your husband needs. He is the only one who can provide what both of you need. He is holding you in His awesome arms and will not drop you. So hang on to Jesus and keep looking up to Him. Father in Heaven, be with this lady and her husband that they will follow you all the way into heaven. Fill them with the Holy Spirit and open her husband's eye that he will see Jesus. We love you and think you are so awesome. Diana | ||
| Honestwitness Registered user Username: Honestwitness Post Number: 9 Registered: 7-2005 |
Dear Colleen, Esther, Lisa and Diana, Your kind words mean more to me than you can possibly know. I am pasting into this posting the text of my resignation letter, over which I have labored long and prayerfully. I'm sure your prayers have helped me craft this wording, which I hope is honest, yet loving. Dear Church Members, After much deep prayer and serious consideration, I've made a decision to withdraw my participation in the SDA church on any and all levels. I respect the board and the elders for their heavy responsibilities in keeping the church operational, and I believe they are all doing a very fine job. Furthermore, the love and acceptance shown to me by all the members of the church has been exemplary and truly Christ like. As I have observed events over the past year, however, I have come to realize just how inappropriate it is for me to fellowship with the SDA church. I have several differences of opinion regarding basic SDA teachings, which I have not been very successful in keeping to myself. I have long been motivated by the belief that it is healthy to question and evaluate our varied interpretations of Scripture, which is why I have stayed in the SDA denomination for so long, even though that practice is not heartily encouraged. This past year has been an eye-opening one for me, though, in that I have participated in the business side of church life in a way that has been totally new to me. Being on the board has given me a new level of respect for the leaders who sacrifice so much of their time and energy to keep the organization running smoothly. On the other hand, I have been very disturbed by the importance church members give to protecting the organization from dissenting opinions and the measures they will take to prevent non-mainstream thinkers from participating in church activities. While I do believe the church governing body has every right to maintain the organization the way it sees fit, I feel the SDA denomination is more exclusive than inclusive. As a result of this, in the span of one year, the list of active individuals in our church directory has dwindled from 160 to 85. One of the elders recently gave a sermon in which he exalted Jesus Christ above Ellen White, which I found quite refreshing. As a result, this elder has been informed he will no longer be serving on the platform in any capacity. Because my beliefs are so similar to those of this elder, I feel the anguish of his chastisement in a very personal way. I, too, was the subject of discussion among the elders, after I was recently asked to take another turn at giving a sermon. However, it was decided that, with my differing beliefs, it will be better for the church if I am prevented from providing that service. The Adventist church desires to keep itself filled with those who are adherents to all of its basic doctrines, which it has every right to do. I am not one of those adherents, and as such, have never felt that I truly belonged in this denomination. I have enjoyed serving the church by producing the weekly bulletin and the church directory. But in light of my decision to withdraw from participation in the church, I no longer believe that is appropriate. Those tasks have been turned over to the elders. I plan to spend my Sabbaths honoring my Lord by engaging in private devotions or visiting other Sabbatarian churches in the area. I may even fellowship at some of the non-Sabbatarian churches. Some may say that I have apostatized. I have no fear of that label, because my definition of apostasy means leaving Christ, which I have no intention of doing. I will be an honest witness of all the good things and good people I have seen and known in the Adventist church. But I also plan to share respectfully, when asked, what are my differences with SDA doctrine. I have no desire to spread poison about the SDA church, but rather I hope to deepen people's understanding about it and respect for it. With warm regards and sad regrets, CDF | ||
| Honestwitness Registered user Username: Honestwitness Post Number: 10 Registered: 7-2005 |
Perhaps I should clarify...the letter I just posted is the one I have "adjusted" to be appropriate for sharing with church members. The one I sent to the head elder a few days ago, was a little more "direct." | ||
| Flyinglady Registered user Username: Flyinglady Post Number: 2010 Registered: 3-2004 |
I am sure God directed you in what to write in your letter Honestwitness. He is glorified with it. God will continue to hold you and will not let go of you. Diana | ||
| Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker Post Number: 2928 Registered: 12-2003 |
Honestwitness, God did help you with that letter. It is direct and honest. God will continue to lead you. You are on the most exciting journey of your life! Colleen | ||
| Melissa Registered user Username: Melissa Post Number: 1190 Registered: 7-2003  |
Honestwitness, very nice letter. I'm still available anytime you'd like to chat. Our church also has services on Saturday evenings if you'd ever like to visit .... I'd be glad to worship with you. No pressure, just an offer...  | ||
| Lisa_boyldavis Registered user Username: Lisa_boyldavis Post Number: 112 Registered: 3-2005 |
Honestwitness, Your letter was wonderful. Praise God you spoke the truth in Love and now are 100% dependant on Him. Don't forget we are praying for you. LISA | ||
| Honestwitness Registered user Username: Honestwitness Post Number: 11 Registered: 7-2005 |
Thank you all again for your prayers and kind words. Yes, Melissa, I would like to worship with you. I'll contact you soon to get directions. |
