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Freeindeed
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Username: Freeindeed

Post Number: 2
Registered: 3-2006
Posted on Wednesday, March 22, 2006 - 7:04 am:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I have been reading your posts for a couple of years. I was born and raised in the SDA church (4th generation), went all the way through the school system, have been an Adventist pastor, and am still currently employed by the church, heavily involved in ministry.

For many years I had questions, some of which I was afraid to find the answers for. But one-by-one, through layers of guilt, I asked them anyway and searched for answers. It sounds silly, considering my background with many, many years in the church, but I began realizing the truth by reading the Living Word. Imagine that! A pastor finding the truth in God's Word. I have to laugh at myself. It has been there in black and white the whole time and I just couldn't see it.

It has been so refreshing and freeing to discover who God REALLY is and what his truth REALLY is. I still have many unanswered questions, but the Holy Spirit really has been guiding me and teaching me what I need to know when I need to know it.

I have been fortunate to find a few friends in ministry who are not afraid to seek the truth and ask the questions. We study daily and offer encouragement to each other. We also visit and read here and other places regularly. Thank you all so much for your discussions and your constant focus on Jesus. I have read many of the stories and will one day post my own. Thank you.

I have begun the exit process and will make an exit as soon as possible. For the time being I would like to approach some of the unanswered questions I have and participate in discussions with you. I hope you don't mind my remaining anonymous but I feel it is necessary for now. I just wanted you to know a little about who I am and where I am coming from. I'm nobody special or important (just like everybody else) except that I am the object of God's affection (just like everybody else).

"For my part, I am going to boast about nothing but the Cross of our Master, Jesus Christ. Because of that Cross, I have been crucified in relation to the world, set free from the stifling atmosphere of pleasing others and fitting into the little patterns that they dictate.

Can't you see the central issue in all this? It is not what you and I do--submit to circumcision, reject circumcision. It is what God is doing, and he is creating something totally new, a free life!" Gal. 6:14, 15 (The Message)

Thank you,

I truly am Free Indeed!
Susan_2
Registered user
Username: Susan_2

Post Number: 2164
Registered: 11-2002
Posted on Wednesday, March 22, 2006 - 7:14 am:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Dear Free, It is good having you join in. I will pray it works out for you because I have been told the denomination can be very stone hearted to pastors who leave. I am looking forward to reading more of your story. Just remember Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the light." The rest is added on.
Violet
Registered user
Username: Violet

Post Number: 342
Registered: 2-2001
Posted on Wednesday, March 22, 2006 - 7:30 am:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Free Indeed, Thank you for joining our group. I will be praying for you as you journey into the arms of Jesus. This board has been a safe place for me to ask questions, spill my thoughts and drink in Christian fellowship. I hope you experiance the same.

Violet
Pheeki
Registered user
Username: Pheeki

Post Number: 768
Registered: 1-2003
Posted on Wednesday, March 22, 2006 - 7:40 am:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Hello Freeindeed. Welcome. I know how you are feeling...I sort of still want to be anonymous out of fear/respect for my in-laws...which is why I have never posted a picture. I hope someday I will have the courage to post a picture!

It is interesting, at a family dinner a few years back...my sister-in-law commented that they and only one other couple were still in the ministry from her husbands theology class at Andrews. Don't you find that interesting too? And...when I left the SDA church, the day my letter was presented at the board, so was their new associate pastors letter. He had only been there about a month and he and his wife renounced SDAism totally...and he had just graduated, it was his first job. That had to be hard.

It takes time to process out. I sat in the pews (for my family's sake) a year after I was liberated...and everytime I heard something that didn't match up with the bible, or a text taken out of context, the Holy Spirit would alert me and I would look it up and sure enough...it wasn't correct. Not to mention the prideful statements I was hearing from the laity. One doctor got up in SS class and was boasting how he got to be a witness to a whole group of doctors...and I am thinking, "Wow, he shared the Gospel." Wrong...he ordered vegetarian for their luncheon and they had meat and were commenting on his choice and he was able to share the "health message" with them. Sad, isn't it?!
Robby
Registered user
Username: Robby

Post Number: 2
Registered: 2-2006
Posted on Wednesday, March 22, 2006 - 9:08 am:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Hi Freeindeed,

As the son of a pastor and a product of the SDA school system, I am humbled by your courage to seek the truth. Your a part of a growing movement. God is on the move!

My prayers are with you.

Robby

Esther
Registered user
Username: Esther

Post Number: 299
Registered: 5-2004
Posted on Wednesday, March 22, 2006 - 10:41 am:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Hi Freeindeed!
Welcome the forum! I hope you find the same blessing from joinging this group that was given to me several years ago. I too appreciate your courage. My father, fatherinlaw, and grandfather are all pastors. Seeking truth from that position seems to be the hardest.

Robby,
I see this is your second post, must have missed your first! Welcome.
Colleentinker
Registered user
Username: Colleentinker

Post Number: 3595
Registered: 12-2003


Posted on Wednesday, March 22, 2006 - 10:51 am:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Freeindeed, I'm so glad you've joined us! We're looking forward to interacting with you.

Colleen
Nixon
Registered user
Username: Nixon

Post Number: 1
Registered: 3-2006
Posted on Wednesday, March 22, 2006 - 11:53 am:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

HELLO AGAIN,
I HOPE MY MESSAGE THIS AM WAS RECEIVED BY THE WEB SITE. I WILL BE LOOKING FORWARD TO COMMENTS BY ANYONE.

THOMAS C. NIXON.
Mrsbrian3
Registered user
Username: Mrsbrian3

Post Number: 38
Registered: 8-2005
Posted on Wednesday, March 22, 2006 - 12:08 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Nixon,

I hate to tell you this, but I think your first post was lost. Your "hello again" message shows as post number one.

I think we all lose messages now and then, at least you got yours over with right off the bat!

Welcome aboard.

Kim
Helovesme2
Registered user
Username: Helovesme2

Post Number: 456
Registered: 8-2004


Posted on Wednesday, March 22, 2006 - 12:17 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Welcome Freeindeed! Glad to see you on the forum!

Welcome to the forum Mr. Nixon! Hmm, I don't see any other messages from you, but look forward to hearing more from both of you.

Blessings,

Mary
Susan_2
Registered user
Username: Susan_2

Post Number: 2166
Registered: 11-2002
Posted on Wednesday, March 22, 2006 - 12:47 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Dear Thomas, It is my pleasure making your acquaintence. I am eagerally looking forward to reading your story and your insights.
Lisa_boyldavis
Registered user
Username: Lisa_boyldavis

Post Number: 181
Registered: 3-2005
Posted on Wednesday, March 22, 2006 - 1:41 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Dear Freeindeed and Mr. Nixon,

I love the Exodus I see happening inside Adventism because I lived among Adventists and know there are many people who want to do nothing that would tarnish God's name. I thank God you are part of that Exodus, and that you've had to courage to follow Jesus Christ no matter where He Leads You. There are many Adventist leaders in my family, pastors, missionaries, teachers, colporteurs, as well as members. They are possible candidates for this Exodus, for this SALVATION OF GRACE God has waiting for them. Why has God chosen to rescue YOU? We've asked ourselves that question so many times. Praise God He has chosen to rescue us despite ourselves. I can't wait to hear your stories.

Lisa B-D
Patriar
Registered user
Username: Patriar

Post Number: 238
Registered: 3-2005
Posted on Wednesday, March 22, 2006 - 2:12 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Freeindeed!

I shouted and clapped when I read your story. YES! The free life He has offered us is the Central story indeed!

I know I must sound like a lunatic, but I'm just so thrilled for another one to be breaking free of the bonds.

I look forward to reading more from you and will anticipate the time when you can feel comfortable openly sharing your story.

In Christ,

Patria
Riverfonz
Registered user
Username: Riverfonz

Post Number: 1446
Registered: 3-2005
Posted on Wednesday, March 22, 2006 - 3:28 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Freeindeed, It is great to be free indeed! Welcome to FAF!

Thomas, Welcome to you also. It is so great to see all these new people on the forum, and breaking free of the bonds of Adventism!

Stan
Colleentinker
Registered user
Username: Colleentinker

Post Number: 3602
Registered: 12-2003


Posted on Wednesday, March 22, 2006 - 3:38 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Welcome, Thomas. Glad you're here, and we're looking forward to interacting with you!

Colleen
Javagirl
Registered user
Username: Javagirl

Post Number: 186
Registered: 6-2005
Posted on Wednesday, March 22, 2006 - 3:46 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Free,
welcome! I am so excited about you being here. I have two dear sda pastor friends that I have been praying for, and your post gives me much hope!

Im with you on the Exodus Lisa. God is raising up a Holy People who will put Him first in their hearts. One of the benefits of visiting other churches has been seeing how many of different denominations are being set free by the Gospel of Jesus Christ, how many leaders even are being "called out" and risking all for the sake of the cross.

Welcome Robby and Thomas!
Freeatlast
Registered user
Username: Freeatlast

Post Number: 468
Registered: 5-2002
Posted on Wednesday, March 22, 2006 - 4:32 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Freeindeed, welcome Welcome, WELCOME!

(I see that we share the same first name) ;>)
Nixon
Registered user
Username: Nixon

Post Number: 2
Registered: 3-2006
Posted on Wednesday, March 22, 2006 - 4:39 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

NORTH FREE:

THIS IS MY THIRD LETTER TODAY. RICHARE TINKER ASSIGNED ME A PASSWORD TODAY. I DID SOMETHING WRONG AND THE FIRST ONE DID NOT EXIT MY PC. HOWEVER, THANKS TO KIM AND MARY AND OTHERS FOR THE ENCOURAGEMENT ABOUT MY SECOND LETTER.

I DISCOVERED THIS WEB SITE LAST WEEK AND AM OVERJOYED THAT THERE ARE SO MANY EX-SDA'S OUT 'THERE.' I HAVE LONGED FOR SUCH A THING FOR THE PAST 5 YEARS (AFTER USING A COMPUTER FOR 15 YEARS AND THEN GOING ONLINE)

THIS IS TRUE EVEN THOUGH I KNEW ABOUT DALE RATZLAFF AND PROCLOMATION MAGAZINE FROM ALMOST THE BEGINNING. IN FACT, I THINK I WAS THE FIRST PERSON TO BRING THE BOOK, 'DAYS OF DELUSION' (by Sarah Endicott Sears) TO DALE'S ATTTENTION ALTHOUGH I DO NOT KNOW FOR CERTAIN.

MY REASONS FOR WANTING TO JOIN THE DISCUSSION IS TWO FOLD. FIRST: LEARNING NEW STUFF. I HAVE ALREADY LEARNED SOME NEW THINGS BY JUST READING (FOR HOURS) PREVIOUS ENTRIES.
I WANT TO DISCUSS A LOT OF TOPICS WITH OTHER FORMER EX-SDA'S.

I ALSO WANT TO SHARE THE EXPERIENCE OF MY CONVERSION WITH OTHERS. I MAY BE ABLE TO HELP SOMEONE IN THAT WAY.

MY 'STORY' IS A RATHER LONG ONE. THUS, I WILL TELL IT IN SEPARATE LETTERS. I AM QUITE SURE THAT SOME MAY WANT TO ASK QUESTIONS OF ME.

FIRST: -- OF ALL THE PEOPLE ON THE PLANET, I AM PROBABLY ALONE IN THE TOTAL ABSENCE OF ANY EXCUSE FOR TAKING MY FAMILY INTO THE UTTER THRALLDOM OF SUCH A CULT. THAT HAPPENED ABOUT 38 YEARS AGO.

HOWEVER, I BROUGHT ALL OF THEM OUT; I.E., MY WIFE AND BY THEN (1987) OUR 3 GROWN CHILDREN.

YOU SEE, I WAS CONVERTED TO THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST BEFORE I HEARD OF THAT CHURCH OR ELLEN WHITE. IN MY IGNORANCE, I THOUGHT EVERY CHURCH MEMBER HAD A SIMILAR EXPERIENCE AS MINE.

I WAS A YOUNG MAN OF ABOUT AGE 25, MARRIED WITH 2 BABIES. (we later added another boy to our family). I WANTED A CHURCH 'HOME' WITHIN WHICH TO RO RAISE OUR CHILDREN. I HAD BEEN RAISED IN A STRICT 'CALVINISTIC' HOME WHERE RULES WERE MEANT TO BE OBEYED. I THOUGHT THE SDA CHURCH WAS WHAT THEY CLAIMED IT TO BE.

AT THIS POINT, I KNOW THERE ARE SOME WHO MAY NOT BELIEVE THE STORY OF MY CONVERSION TO JESUS CHRIST. HOWEVER, LET ME ASSURE YOU THAT IT IS TRUE. I ATTEST TO THE TRUTH OF MY STORY UPON MY MOTHER'S GRAVE.

I LATER FOUND OUT THE REASON FOR MY EXPERIENCE BUT THAT IS ANOTHER STORY FOR ANOTHER TIME. AFTER ALL, EVERYONE OUT 'THERE' KNOWS THAT GOD CAN CALL ANYONE HE WISHES TO DO WHATEVER HE WISHES DONE.

I WAS CONVERTED IN ONE NIGHT. AT THE END OF THAT NIGHT, I HAD CONFESSED MY SINS AND ASKED FOR THE FORGIVENESS OF GOD. THAT WAS WHEN THE 'FIREWORKS' STARTED.

I FELT THE HOLY SPIRIT PHYSICALLY ENTER INTO MY BODY AND COMPLETELY FILL MY INNERMOST BEING WITH HIS LOVE AND POWER AND JOY. IT WAS THE MOST EXILERATING EXPERIENCE OF MY YOUNG LIFE. THE HOLY SPIRIT CONVEYED LOVE TO ME, IN AN INEXPRESSABLE WAY. HE HAS NEVER DEPARTED FROM ME. I FELT JOYFUL AND EXILERATED AND FREE. PLUS ALL THE MANY OTHER ADVERBS AND ADJETIVE THAT ONE CAN USE IN DESCRIBING SUCH FEELINGS. I STILL REMEMBER WITH TENDER FEELINGS THE LIFE CHANGING EVENTS OF THAT NIGHT.

TWO ANGELS OF GOD APPEARED TO ME AS I WAS SITTING READING IN THE LIVING ROOM OF OUR FT. WORTH APARTMENT LATE THAT NIGHT AFTER MY FAMILY WAS ASLEEP. I WAS READING A LITTLE BOOK WHICH WILL NOT NOW BE NAMED. THEY TALKED TO ME A BIT BEFORE GOING BACK INTO THEIR WORLD TO JUST WATCH ME. I COULD 'FEEL' THEM WATCHING ME.

AFTER RETIRING FROM MY TEACHING JOB AND MOVING TO NORTH IDAHO, I WROTE A LTTLE 100 PAGE BOOK ABOUT MY EXPERIENCE. THAT EXPERIENCE WAS SO PRIVATE AND PRECIOUS, I COULD NOT BRING MYSELF TO EVEN TELL MY DEAR WIFE ABOUT IT FOR 2 YEARS.

(I AM NOT TRYING TO SELL BOOKS. IN FACT, I HAVE ABOUT 40 COPIES LEFT OF MY 5TH PUBLISHED BOOK WHICH I GIVE AWAY FREE, FOR POSTAGE).

I WOULD HAVE DIED FROM FRIGHT THAT NIGHT NOT ONE OF THOSE ANGELS TOUCHED MY CHEST ABOVE MY HEART AND RESTORED MY BODILY FUNCTINS. I WAS LITERALLY DYING FROM FRIGHT.

THE FIRST QUESTION THAT MOST ASK WHEN TOLD THIS STORY IS: WHAT DID THE ANGELS LOOK LIKE??? MY ANSWER IS SIMPLY THAT YOU DO NOT EVER WANT TO MEET AN ANGEL OF GOD FACE TO FACE. YOU WILL DIE UNLESS THAT ANGEL SAVES YOUR LIFE.

AS MANY OF YOU MAY KNOW, THE VERY FIRST WORDS SPOKEN BY ANGELS TO MEN OR WOMEN IN THE BIBLE IS 'FEAR NOT.' THE REASON: READ DANIEL CHAPTER 10. THE VERY FRIST WORDS OF BOTH ANGELS TO ME THAT NIGHT WAS 'DON'T BE AFRAID' DON'T BE AFRAID.'

I JOINED THE SDA CHURCH PARTLY BECAUSE OF THE STORIES OF ELLEN WHITE AND HER ANGEL VISITS. I AM HERE TO TELL ANYONE ON EARTH THAT THOSE ARE LIES. I KNOW. NEVER DID SHE EXPRESS FEAR. SHE NEVER MENTIONED BEING AFRAID OF AN ANGEL OF GOD.

IT WAS THIS FACT THAT CONVINCED ME OF THE HOAX OF ELLEN WHITE AND THE SDA CHRUCH. OF COURSE, I LATER FOUND SHE CONTRADICTED THE BIBLE ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. BUT THAT IS ANOTHER STORY FOR ANOTHER TIME.

I JUST THAKK GOD AND JESUS CHRIST FOR MY WONDERFUL CONVERSION AND THE FACT THAT THE HOLY SPIRIT STILL DWELLS IN MY BODY AND THAT I HAVE THE ABSOLUTE ASSURANCE OF ETERNAL LIFE IN THE PARADISE OF GOD.

SINCERELY, AND IN THE NAME OF OUR REDEEMER, JESUS CHRIST.

THOMAS C. NISON---NORTH FREE
Freeindeed
Registered user
Username: Freeindeed

Post Number: 3
Registered: 3-2006
Posted on Wednesday, March 22, 2006 - 8:24 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Thanks for the welcome. I look forward to the discussions. I will jump right in. If I'm going to change the topic is it best to start a new thread?
Brix
Registered user
Username: Brix

Post Number: 21
Registered: 2-2006
Posted on Wednesday, March 22, 2006 - 8:40 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Welcome Freeindeed, Although my experance with the SDA's church is more like getting a foot wet in the river you all have swam out of, I thank our Lord Jesus for his work in your life.

Nixon, I think we share some common ground. My home town is Sandpoint, sold my place in November and moved to Orofino.
BRIX

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