| Author | Message | ||
| Olga Registered user Username: Olga Post Number: 1 Registered: 11-2005 |
Hi everyone. I'm new to this discussion board and I guess I should do some sort of introduction. I grew up SDA. My parents were in and out of the church a couple of times over the years. I went to the church's schools on and off. By the time I entered high school I wasn't happy with my faith; I did attend AUC (1 year) in Lancaster, Mass. but while there I realized I didn't want to be in the church as I never felt worthy or good enough so I left. While in college I met my hubby (a great guy who doesn't believe in religion but who reads the Bible stories to our 3 children and prays with them). Hubby and I moved to Florida 11 1/2 years ago; in '95 I saw a huge 2-page ad in the local newspaper (there was no church affiliation named but I was sure it had to be SDA as it talked about the mark of the beast and the RCC). I called the telephone number given and to make a long story short, I ended getting re-baptized at the end of an evangelistic series. I was fine for a while and in love with Jesus but it got to be hard living with a non-SDA husband though he has tolerated the religion and has visited the church from time to time --he even tithes and gives to ADRA for disaster relief in spite of my reservations. While doing a search for EGW two years ago I came across several websites that had disturbing information about her and the church; I dismissed the whole thing for fear Satan was just trying to pull me farther away from the church. One day after I sent a very persistent JW lady away telling her I was SDA, firm in my beliefs and she should stop wasting her time, the doubts started again so I did a bit more research about the church. After everything I've read I can't call myself SDA anymore but have no idea where to turn. I am also very anxious about taking this step because my family is SDA and I think they would take this pretty hard. Please pray for me, my husband (who knows about my current struggle), my children (I want to take them to church but don't know where to go), and my family. I've been following the discussions on this board for a while and it feels like the safest place I have seen. Sorry for rambling so much but I am constantly interrupted by the 2 little ones. | ||
| Lynne Registered user Username: Lynne Post Number: 108 Registered: 10-2005 |
Olga, I recently determined it wasn't the will of God that I should remain adventist. I've been an on and off going to church adventist for 18 years. So many disturbing things were happening in the church and in my life as a result of adventistism that I feared taking my children to church, but didn't want them unchurched. I've always wanted to please God and do His will. In fact I've prayed almost daily for the will of God for many years. I almost gave up. But He does answer prayer in time. I determined from the Mark Martin website - www.sdaoutreach.org - that I believe he is correct and that God wanted me to see this, and that God didn't want me adventist anymore. I feel free! I am now going to a Sunday church and I like going. I am right where Jesus wants me. He doesn't want me trying to please Him by anything I can do. What I can give Jesus is like filthy rags. It is what He gives me, His Free Gift, that He offers that he wants me to accept, that is all. Romans 10:9-13 9That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. 11As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame."[a] 12For there is no difference between Jew and Gentileóthe same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, 13for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." I don't have an adventist family, just a few adventist friends. My husband is a Christian and prayed for many years along with others that I would leave adventism. After being married for 16 years, I finally made the decision to leave adventism a couple/few months ago. So if you decide to free yourself from this religion and to follow Christ as I have done, you can pray for your family, and although they may remain adventist for years, Gods time is entirely different than our time. He hears our prayers and Loves us! Acts 31:16 - They replied, "Have faith in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved! This is also true for everyone who lives in your home." I am praying for you! Bless you. Lynne | ||
| Esther Registered user Username: Esther Post Number: 267 Registered: 5-2004 |
Welcome Olga! I'm glad you've "shown your face". You will find that this is a safe place to come to share fears, prayer requests, and praise for what the Savior is doing in your life. Everyone here knows the pain of leaving or being involved with Adventism. You might find reading through the stories on the main page helpful. Many people have shared their journey and where they are now. There are all types of deniminations represented here now, and I think everyone would tell you to pray that God will lead you to a place where the Gospel is emphasized and your Spirit is fed. Praise God for leading you to Himself! And though the beginning stages of this are very hard (I've only been out a little over 1 1/2 years) the ride with Him is the BEST! | ||
| Dd Registered user Username: Dd Post Number: 586 Registered: 7-2004 |
Hello Olga, Welcome! My story mirrors yours. I am praying that your walk with Jesus will bring you the peace, joy and comfort that it has brought me. My husband and children have joined me in my walk but we are the only 4 on both extended sides of the family. It is lonely and difficult. My friends here on FAF have been one of God's greatest gifts in this journey. He has redeemed lost support and love through the Christ-centered people He has brought to our lives. I would like to encourage you to find a Bible study group to join. It is an awesome place to find exactly what God's Word has FOR YOU! Not someone else's thoughts, motives, pressures...just you and the Holy Spirit. Jesus told us that, "...the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send...will TEACH YOU all things..." (John 14:26) The Word of God is living and breathing truths to each of us individually and specifically. God promises that a walk of faith is pleasing to Him and the spiritual rewards He gives will never cease. When you join a group to study with, you not only meet supportive people who understand your desire for real truth, you are placing yourself in a position that requires accountability and discipline. Just make sure the Bible study is the Bible ONLY. I am looking forward to "seeing" you around! | ||
| Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker Post Number: 3004 Registered: 12-2003  |
Welcome, Olga! Thanks for sharing your story with us and having the courage to join us. We're really glad to have you here, and we look forward to "walking" this road with you. Colleen | ||
| Jwd Registered user Username: Jwd Post Number: 160 Registered: 4-2005 |
Hello Olga, I am a former Adventist minister who was fired after discovering the "authentic Gospel" and refusing to stop preaching it. I know the pain of being ostracized, especially from relatives and those you considered your "true" friends. Expect that to happen. If they don't turn against you, then consider them to most likely be true Christians. "By their fruits you SHALL "know" them." (my emphasis) This forum is probably made up of mostly former Adventists. Each has their own unique story. The suggestion to read the stories posted on the opening page of this Forum is good. I encourage you to do that. You may look up a Presbyterial Church of America or a Christian and Missionary Alliance Church and phone them to see if they have a ladies Bible study group going. The PCA (above) is the conservative Bible only, Gospel only, Grace only, by faith only, through Christ only true Reformed group that split off from the liberal Presbyterian Church of the U.S. Stay away from that one. :c) There are solid Biblical books you can read on your own about God, the Holy Spirit, the Atonement, growing closer to God, that I or a number on this forum can recommend for your personal reading and spiritual feeding of your own heart. You MUST give your spirit daily, consistent spiritual Vitamins, from the Word of God, to guide you, and build you up in Christ to withstand any criticism or cruel judgment by others whose eyes are still blinded by the false sectarian teachings of the SDA Church. I recommend reading Romans and Ephesians and Galatians in a good, modern translation. Read these letters slowly, prayerfully, contemplating upon each text. Don't try to understand all the correct interpretation - just pick the beautiful flowers God gives you in each reading session. You WILL grow spiritually from reading these letters of St. Paul, inspired by Jesus Himself. When you're ready, you may want to ask those of us who have been out of "prison" for some time, for recomendations of solid spiritual-based books for your continued growth. Some of the discussions on this forum may confuse you or even discourage you, since they may appear to be above your level of understanding or even interest at this time. Don't let that discourage you. Just step over those for time being. Babies do not begin eating steak their first week home. You are a new babe in the new experience of freedom in Christ (Gal 5:1). You may feel lost and confused for awhile. If you do, please remember this: Take it as a natural emotional response to leaving your own comfortable (relatively speaking) prison cell in sectarian Adventism. Consider these emotions as part of your shedding your old skin and for the first time in your life experiencing True Freedom in Christ, allowing the Spirit of Truth to guide and teach you rather than the constricting, controlling, legalistic 28 official "rules" and teachings of that organization. You may feel a bit lost at first. That's okay. That too is natural and many of us here, if not the majority, have felt most of these kinds of emotions. So relax should any of them sneak up on you. Do not be afraid. Your life is NOW hid with Christ in God your Father. You are secure in Him. He, now is your Teacher, your Guide. Your eternal salvation is SOLIDLY SURE in Him. You have absolutely NOTHING to fear and no one! We'll all be praying for you. Welcome aboard. I rejoice in your decision and the evidence that you have responded to God's elective call to your own heart. You can NOW say freely with total assurance, "Praise God! I am SAVED!" In Jesus, Jess | ||
| Blacksheep Registered user Username: Blacksheep Post Number: 24 Registered: 3-2005 |
hi Olga! Welcome to FAF. This is where I was able to decide for sure that I was right in leaving SDA. Over time you will find peace and healing. God understands and will carry you through. It may be tough for a while. But you will find strength and you will settle into your beliefs. This forum will help guide you as it did me and all the other formers on this forum. I wish for you the best as you seek truth. | ||
| Thomas1 Registered user Username: Thomas1 Post Number: 187 Registered: 4-2002  |
Hi Olga, Welcome to the family. It's good to see another "Gator" on the board. You've taken the first of a number of grand and exciting steps. Never look back or take your eyes off of Jesus. What part of Florida are you from? There are a number of great Christian churches in my area, and I am sure there are in yours, as well. If you were in my area, I sure would love to invite you to my Sunday School Class. It's been a place of wonderful growth and blessing. Hang on to Jesus. He will take you from here! In His Grip <>< Thomas | ||
| Olga Registered user Username: Olga Post Number: 2 Registered: 11-2005 |
Hi everyone, Thank you all for sharing your thoughts, Bible verses and for the encouragement. I have been a part of a study group with a couple of friends and neighbors from different religions, the only thing is that so far it's been based on other books and while I've learned some stuff I've never felt that is where I need to be. Jwd - thanks for the advice; by the way, in today's mail I received a brochure from a Presbyterian church a few blocks from where I live (I'm not sure how I got to be on their mailing list) - the church has a Bible Study class and a "Family Connection" program which they tout as different from Sunday School in that it is family-based training in how to model a strong Christian environment at home. This sounds interesting but they mention using Scripture and catechism memorization (this sounds Catholic to me; what does anyone else think? Also, the pastor in the brochure photos wears a robe (catholic?). I hope I can find a church soon; I've gone from not really wanting to go to the SDA church to now being desperate as I think the kids need to grow up in a church; my best friend has invited me to hers (Methodist) but I'm not so sure about it. Thomas, I live in South Florida in Broward County. Thanks again to all for the kind words. Olga | ||
| Flyinglady Registered user Username: Flyinglady Post Number: 2060 Registered: 3-2004  |
Olga, Welcome to FAF. Pray and pray and pray some more. God will let you know what church He has in mind for you and your family. He has one all picked out for you right now. Visit other churches to find out what they teach. That is okay with God. That is how he told me where he wanted me. It was the church I did not visit. I will put you on my prayer list that God guide you in all you do. He is so awesome. Diana | ||
| Belvalew Registered user Username: Belvalew Post Number: 785 Registered: 7-2004 |
Dear Olga, Don't let a robe scare you away from a Christ-based church. I've been attending a Presbyterian Church in California for nearly 30 years now, and have been richly blessed by the sermons I've heard and the people I've come to love there. The robe is not a Catholic feature, it merely makes it clear who the pastor is. Welcome to our fellowship. There is always a topic of interest being investigated and pursued here, and these people will become as dear as brothers and sisters over time. God bless you as you continue to study toward the heart of God. Belva | ||
| Benevento Registered user Username: Benevento Post Number: 68 Registered: 4-2005 |
Welcome Olga--I'm Peggy and I have painfully transitioned out of the RC church and the SDA a Church so I am beginning to feel like a veteran!another Bible study group that some of us have liked is the Bible Study Fellowship International www.bsfinternational.org They explain what they are about and are interdenominational, Bible only, Go to the website and see if they have a study near you. They take seven years to go through books of the Bible. Last year we did Acts and Pauls letters and some others. I haven't been able to go this year,yet but hope to soon. It really was a blessing and I found them when they were studying just what I needed. God does guide us and you can trust Him to bring you to just what you are needing. | ||
| Dennis Registered user Username: Dennis Post Number: 502 Registered: 4-2000  |
Olga, A hearty FAF welcome! You have come to the right place. Your first name sounds German perhaps. Since I speak German as a second language, linguistics have always been very interesting to me. I look forward to reading your posts. Dennis Fischer | ||
| Jwd Registered user Username: Jwd Post Number: 161 Registered: 4-2005 |
Dear Olga, I am relatively limited in my knowledge of the Presbyterian Church. However, based upon the experience of my wife and me, as we visited all the Presbyterian churches here in Bakersfield, we literally stumbled (we believe now that the Holy Spirit placed a brick in our path to cause us to "stumble") upon a small group whose local church name is Covenant Presbyterian Church. Each church can give itself any name they prefer, such as Grace Presbyterian Church, etc. The important thing, especially for you right now, is that in order to test out any congregation, relative to Reformation teachings, which many in this forum appear to believe that those teachings are true interpretations of God's Word, especially in matters crucial to salvation and the Gospel; - you need to be able to distinguish all Presbyterian churches you may visit, as being either of the original main body of Presbyterianism, now called the Presbyterian Church of the United States; from the Presbyterian Church America; the latter being part of some 42,000, as I recall, that split off from the main body back in the 70s, because they could not agree with the liberalism that had permeated the main Presbyterian Church. We're talking about support of the Palestinians, approval of gay marriage, a most liberal view of teen-age sex, abortion, and their switch to no longer basing their beliefs on "sola Scriptura" - - Scripture ALONE. The group gave itself the name of PCA (Pres.Church of America) - - NOT U.S. Keep that distinction in mind. The PCA are not "high church" in their order of worship. While I cannot define all PCA pastors as NOT wearing a robe; I suspect most do not. But that may be left up to each pastor to decide. I don't know. The pastor of the small Covenant group (which is actually considred a Mission, as their basis for a church ID is a membership of a minimum of 150 persons.) This group ranges from 25 to 35 and is actually renting a chapel connected to one of the SDA Churches in Bakersfield. My wife and I felt strange just driving into the Adventist Church parking lot on our first Sunday we visited. This pastor preached in short-sleve shirts during the summer, usually wearing a tie, but no suit or sport jacket. Since Fall has arrived he has been wearing a typical suit and tie or sweater over a tie. They sing the old hymns, many of which we know from our years in Adventism, and which we love dearly. They read responsive readings from the hymnal as we did in the Adventist church; sing the Doxology, standing, after the offering is brought forward. They open with Scripture, prayer, then a hymn; then they have something I personally really like. It's under the bulletin heading as "Personal Confession" (Personal Examination and Private Confession.) The elder sits on the front row and there is a time of silence, during which members are encouraged to confess sins, pray for themselves, or the pastor - which I usually do. Usually we sing a Chorus, the words being printed in the simple bulletin. Following the Chorus the bulletin shows "Supplication" Usually the elder or the pastor offers this prayer. The subtitle in the bulletin is: "Prayer for the Concerns of the Congregation." This is very beautiful. Keep in mind they are a small group; but they have two elderly members who are in Convalescent Hospitals or Nursing Homes, and they give weekly reports on how they are doing, and they are prayed for, along with other prayer requests - - and the congregation is asked earlier in the service for requests for prayer, which the elder writes down to guide and remind him when he prays. These prayers are earnest, sincere, and very spiritual. World conditions are often included; persecuted Christians; individuals struggling over personal battles over their own conversion; marriage partners who need the Lord; the sick, discouraged, the pastor, each member. Oh, at the beginning, they also announce any birthdays or wedding anniversaries that took place the past week or coming up soon; and these are included in the main prayer. The pastor, Randy Martin, reads his Scripture (he has been preached 68 sermons on Romans, and has been in Rom 8 since we first attended around the 3rd of July. I think we came in around verse 12. Then he prays a most sincere prayer for the Spirit to teach us, to open our ears, to use him to clearly proclaim the Word, and for the Spirit to bless the Word to all present. He closes his sermon with a prayer. There is a response hymn and the pastor prays a benedictory prayer. Although small and humble, with no organ, chior or special music (so far), Bonnie and I have felt the presence of the Spirit of our Lord each week we have attended. If you care to give me your town and state, I could ask this pastor if he would know of any PCA Churches near you. Otherwise you could phone them and ask if they are associated with the PCA or PCUSA. Then you'd know. My e-mail is: JDixon1@bak.rr.com Regarding the word "Catechism." I admit, it is foreign to us as well, and I ONLY associated that word with Catholicism. But all it means is a study guide, with questions followed by Scriptures listed, to study to learn about what the church teaches. It's beliefs, in a study-outline. An example from the Shorter Catechism is: 1. Q. What is the chief end of man? A. Man's chief end is to glorify God, and enjoy him forever. #33. Q. What is justification? A. Justification is an act of God's free grace, wherein he pardoneth all our sins, and accepteth us as righteous in his sight, only for the righteousness of Christ imputed to us, and received by faith alone. The longer Catechism has tons of Bible texts following the Questions/Answers. Sometimes they will repeat / read in unison the Apostles Creed or the Nicene Creed. Olga, keep this in mind - - a point that frequently has confused Protestants, particularly Adventists. When, as stated in both these Creeds: "we believe in one holy catholic and apostolic church," ..... that word catholic - with the small "c" - simply means universal. Not the Roman Catholic Church. Keep that distinction in mind. The universal "catholic" church is God's universal true remnant church, comprised of all who have accepted Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord and look only to Him for their salvation; it is Protestant as far as we are concerned. It's NOT any specific church; but the "fold" Jesus said He was the Shepherd of. In some 23 years of visiting many churches, attending some for a few months, this is the only one we have found, so far, who base their beliefs on Sola Scriptura, Salvation by faith alone, through Grace alone, by Christ alone and where the Gospel is (so far anyway) paramount in all the preaching, with Christ being uplifted in every sermon. No emotional altar calls; no "entertaining" music, no calls for money, just simple, sincere worship.......this is the first church experience where I have felt I was truly coming to worship God; not just attend a program; just the clear, plain, teaching of the Word of God. We feel we are being fed steak and potatos every week compared to the pablum we have been offered in virtually every other church we have attended; with the exception of one Baptist Church, the largest in our city (some 7000 members); where the minister did preach the Word; but the rest of the service was spiritual entertainment, with no felt emphasis upon true Worship in "spirit and in truth." Granted, I am only sharing OUR personal impression. So, Olga, I suspect, you attended the liberal, original, Pres. Church, and not the concervative group that split off, because they wanted to follow the Bible ONLY, and uplift Jesus Christ as their only Source and Authority. If I can help locate a PCA group for you, please let me know. I'll do my best. And you can check it out for yourself. Meanwhile, keep praying for the Spirit to direct you. He will. Praying for you, Jess Then the offering is taken, followed by the singing of the Doxology as I stated. Next is the Exposition of the Word - the sermon. | ||
| Anotherseeker Registered user Username: Anotherseeker Post Number: 5 Registered: 8-2005 |
Welcome to the forum Olga. I am also new to this and am grateful for the opportunity to share my thoughts and feelings without fear of manipulation. I also grew up in an Adventist home and attended for 21 years b4 falling away into the world because i became too worldly for the church{i thought} I returned 2 years ago of my own free will and got converted and got baptised within 6mths. I was DELIGHTED because i had finally received the JOY OF THE LORD that i had been hearing about my whole life. As time progressed my spirit detected that SOMETHING was not right within my church fellowship and this was exaggerated when i began to attend a Sunday Pentecostal type church on the DREADED SUNDAY!!!! I discovered another level in God through the worship in that church and became a regular attendee, while still going to SDA on Saturday. Last year i found myself praying a couple times for God to reveal the sda church to me. I did not really know why. While at a friends house in the summer this year i overlooked my friends lap-top and saw truthorfables .com and this began my SEARCH PROPER!! I used to be up until 5am reading stories on former adventist and 1 night i read through the entire Proclamation {the one about the old and the new covenant} and by the end of it i had tears in my eyes and KNEW that i had to leave. Olga I KNOW WHAT YOU ARE GOING THROUGH i do not know where to turn i am just leaning on Christ and have been through an awful lot of confusion and twists and turns. EVEN TODAY i have been left to ponder some Adventist material i listened to most of this afternoon. I understand your dilema is perhaps more urgent than mine as you have your precious children to consider. The Lord know's your heart and will lead you and your family in the loving embrace of his arms. Look out for future posts from myself as i share with the FAF community. GODS PEACE | ||
| Riverfonz Registered user Username: Riverfonz Post Number: 1050 Registered: 3-2005 |
Welcome Olga to FAF! Thanks for sharing your story. I will just second what Jess said about PCA vs PCUSA or United Presbyterian. The latter two churches are very liberal while the PCA and Orthodox Presbyterian church are true to the Bible. Anotherseeker, thanks for sharing your story, and a hearty FAF welcome to you. Stan | ||
| Olga Registered user Username: Olga Post Number: 3 Registered: 11-2005 |
Wow! Thanks again to all for the warm welcome and for taking time to share and give advice. Jwd, thank you also for such detailed info. re. the Presbyterian church; Benevento, thanks for the link to the Bible study site. I'll be sure to check all of these out some more. Dennis, I am actually of Puerto Rican descent, born in Connecticut. My mother named me after a Swedish lady she knew (though the name is actually common in P.R. and Cuba). I am married to an Irish-American guy with a Native American sounding last name (Bearhope). Anotherseeker - truthorfables .com was one of the first websites I came across; just like you, the stuff I stumbled upon on this and other websites had me crying and mad - at other times it actually made me laugh (ie. the cartoon about Mrs. White not being able to see anyone else because she was in the middle of a "vision"). God bless you all! Olga |
