| Author | Message | ||
| Freeofe Registered user Username: Freeofe Post Number: 2 Registered: 10-2005 |
Hello! My name is Heather, I'm 29, and aside from a single post a week or so ago, I've been a lurker here for 2+ years. I'm a 4th generation Adventist who has yet to request removal of my membership. I grew up feeling lucky to be born into the "true church." As a child I had an oversensitive conscience and was very preoccupied with "doing the right thing." It wasn't until my late teens started questioning Adventism and in the beginning my questions were about people I saw not living up to EGW's messages, including myself. I felt a need to return to a more strict way of life. When I was 20, I spent a year with the strict Adventist offshoot started by Wayne Bent. My husband, who was then my fiance, had been raised in that group for quite a while and had been out of it a few years. We were looking to get back to a more conservative approach to Christianity and were drawn to the simple life of the members. However, it was clear to us before we got married that the church was too fanatical. We made a painful exit just before we were married and started attending Adventist church once again. My husband's parents are still involved in Wayne Bent's group and it has been hard to watch the craziness that has commenced since we left. It wasn't until around 3 years ago my Ellen White questioning really began. I originally started studying so I would have more knowledge. I felt it was important to understand the church beliefs on a deeper level, in part to help convince others of their benefit. It's funny how God works. It didn't take long for me to realize something was amiss. I never before realized how much of the "Bible" I thought I believed was actually Ellen White. At first I was angry. I couldn't believe all the time I'd wasted reading the rantings of a false prophet. I then became scared, as the realization of what I'd learned sunk in. My life would need to change. I prayed and shared what I'd found with my husband. It didn't take long for him to come to the same conclusion I did. My parents have been pretty supportive of my decision. My mother is an Adventist teacher and my father serves as a deacon. Their view on Christianity has evolved over the years to be less legalistic and I can tell that they (especially my father) have questions. I am praying they will study for themselves. My sister actually started studying Ellen White the same time I did unbeknownst to me at the time and has come to the same conclusion. We've since confided in each other and have been part of a great mutual support system for several years. So, you may ask, why are you still an Adventist? Truly, the Sabbath issue has been something that I've struggled with. I have been able to see Ellen White is a false prophet VERY clearly for years but the Sabbath issue has been something that's taken me longer to reconcile. I also feel a strong emotional tie to the church, especially since the church I currently attend is the one I grew up in. We considered trying to find another Sabbatarian denomination to attend. However, we soon realized from reading doctrinal beliefs that many of them were also quite legalistic. The churches that draw us are the evangelical non-denominational churches that meet on Sunday. I've finally realized that I just need to trust God to be my Sabbath. Whenever I try to go back to the model of Sabbath keeping, I begin to see all the old legalistic ideas and attitudes re-emerge. I can feel my negative spirit coming back and I find myself arguing with my husband over whether it's ok to watch TV or go shopping on Saturday. I'm finally learning to accept that Sabbath keeping is simply juxtaposed to my new life in Christ. Our baby boy is due in September (our first child) and we both want to raise him in a church environment free from false prophetic influence. Most of all, I want him to truly love God and be free in Christ! That's something I'm only beginning to understand for myself. Please pray for us as we look for a new church. I'm impressed I need to remove my membership before the baby is born and am finding this last step to be more stressful than I thought. I look forward to being a more active participant here and sharing in the journey. Reading your experiences has really helped me these past two years. Thank you! I look forward to being a more active participant here. God Bless! | ||
| Esther Registered user Username: Esther Post Number: 328 Registered: 5-2004 |
Freeofe, Welcome! I'm glad you've come to join us. When I transfered out the Sabbath was the hardest thing to let go of too, so I understand your struggles. Truly though, finding and knowing Jesus as the ultimate fulfillment of all of those shadows (as beautiful as they may have been) is the most blessed thing I never could have imagined. Trust Him. He will never lead you astray. No matter what terrors arise in your soul as you make the "official" step to leave Adventism (and trust me, we've all grappled with our own fears in those moments) Jesus will never leave you. Your salvation is secure in Him. He's done it ALL. Hang on to that rest. So glad to have "met" you. Esther | ||
| Jeremy Registered user Username: Jeremy Post Number: 1317 Registered: 10-2004  |
Welcome to the forum, Heather! It's great that you've joined us here. Something to keep in mind is that even if the Sabbath was binding on us as Christians, the commandment does not say to have corporate worship or to go to church on that day. In fact, it says that "it is a sabbath to the LORD in all your dwellings" (Leviticus 23:3) and, "Remain every man in his place; let no man go out of his place on the seventh day" (Exodus 16:29). So even if we were still supposed to follow the Sabbath law, there would still be nothing wrong with having our "church day" be on Sunday, the day of the Lord's Resurrection.  But you are right that we do need to give up the shadow and cling only to the reality--Jesus Himself (Colossians 2:16-17). God bless, Jeremy | ||
| Violet Registered user Username: Violet Post Number: 384 Registered: 2-2001 |
Heather, Welcome Welcome Welcome Rest assured that you are not alone in your struggles, especially about the Sabbath. That was the hardest struggle I had. I still miss the 24 hours set aside. It was almost a shade tree from work. But Jesus always provides something for us that is even better we just have to seek Him. Look forward to getting to know you better, and am interested who Wayne Bent is. V | ||
| Mwh Registered user Username: Mwh Post Number: 44 Registered: 4-2006  |
°Bienvenido Heather! Great to hear your story, its sad that a thing like an argue over what can be done and which can not be done on Saturday overshadows the love whe is supposed to live in  I pray for you and your family that all of you may be aware of the truths about the SDA church and that you may grow in faith, hope and love each and every day. Violet, you can read a bit about Bent her: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayne_Bent | ||
| Justdodie Registered user Username: Justdodie Post Number: 73 Registered: 2-2006  |
Welcome, Heather! I have only been posting here for about two months myself. I left Adventism many years ago, and also left all religion behind as well until recently. I am struck by the number of people on this forum who say that they have studied the Bible while still Adventists and then had to struggle with making a decision of what to do. I guess, all things considered, I probably had an easier time of it than a lot of folks, since I just drifted away and didn't give a lot of though to any of it until years later. But I also had to eventually get out my Bibles and study to get my answers, because there was always that nagging doubt: could they be right? Best Wishes to you, Joyce | ||
| Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker Post Number: 4081 Registered: 12-2003  |
Welcome to FAF, Heather! We're delighted to have you join us. Yes, the Sabbath was the most difficult hurdle for me as well. It's a powerful shadow because it, more than any other Mosaic symbol, foreshadowed the actual finished work of Christ. It's not surprising that it has become the emotional (and spiritual) "replacement" or competitor for Jesus Himself; it was the shadow of His rest for us. Praying for you as you and your husband look for a church. God has one already planned for you; He will guide you to it. We look forward to hearing more from you! Ciolleen | ||
| Snowboardingmom Registered user Username: Snowboardingmom Post Number: 101 Registered: 11-2005 |
Welcome Heather! First of all, congratulations on the soon arrival of your first child. How exciting! My son is 18 months old now, and he has completely changed our lives. It's been a blast! We have had so much fun watching him grow. Being a parent is great! I too, had a hard time with letting go of the Sabbath (if fact, it's still sometimes hard for me to not feel bad about "breaking it", or even my lack of preparing for it like having the car filled with gas, house clean, etc, on Fridays; it's so ingrained in us that I think that will take time to "get over"). And I too, as a new mom, really wanted my son to be raised in a "grace environment" free from all of the guilt baggage that I had. I do believe that was a huge catalyst in our journey out of Adventism; children really are quite motivating . But through all of the guilt, and BIG decisions, stepping out in faith to follow God completely and fully submitting to Him (all of my guilt and fears), has changed me so much -- even more than becoming a mom changed me! God bless you as you continue to discover the realities of Christ as your Sabbath rest, and as you prepare for your new expanded family. I'm excited for you in all sorts of ways! Grace | ||
| Cw Registered user Username: Cw Post Number: 73 Registered: 4-2006  |
Heather, looking forward to hearing more from you. I wish I could say I understand your problem with the Sabbath but as one of the few Non-Formers on this forum I have never been compelled to keep the Sabbath. I'm here because my daughter dates an SDA member and it scares me that she may become one to keep from losing him. I gain much support from the Formers here and you have come to the right place for answers. CW | ||
| Pegg Registered user Username: Pegg Post Number: 20 Registered: 2-2006 |
Hello Heather! Welcome! I lurked around here for a long while myself, and I still do. It's funny now, though, when I come home from work I start to think, "I wonder what my friends have been talking about today." This is a friendly place, and I think that's one of the things I like about it. Congratulations to you and your husband on your journey and on your coming baby. Sabbath is special to me. I just don't feel compelled or guilty about it anymore. In fact, it's more special now that I am free to choose to do what is comfortable for me on Saturday, which is take a walk, read my bible, pray, kick-back and rest. I tell my mom, "Happy Sabbath! Have a nice Sabbath!" and she says it back to me, and both of us do. I wish you and your lovely little family joy and peace. Let's all keep searching! Pegg | ||
| Raven Registered user Username: Raven Post Number: 476 Registered: 7-2004  |
Welcome, Heather! I'm also a 4th generation (was) SDA, but left almost two years ago. The Sabbath issue kept me in the SDA church much longer than I would have otherwise. It's a little tricky, I think especially since as SDA's we were taught it's an "either, or." We were taught there are really only two options for anyone who even thinks they're a Christian 1) keep Sunday (only the misinformed or defiant do this) or keep Saturday (only option for the honest in heart, astute Bible student). It was so beautiful when I came to understand the third option we were never told about, that Jesus fulfilled the Sabbath and we rest every day in His finished work. In fact, I was so surprised the first couple Saturdays that I intentionally did "work" by mowing our lawn and I found it was such a relaxing time with God. I could think on Jesus and pray to Him without interruption, and it felt like spiritual private time. And I discovered that could happen any day of the week. Of course I don't overlook Romans 14 where we are reminded of the freedom we have as Christians to make our own decisions on if and which day we honor for God. | ||
| Bobj Registered user Username: Bobj Post Number: 18 Registered: 1-2006 |
Welcome Heather! I can't add much to the testimonies above, just to say how thankful I am to the Lord Jesus for his tender care and leading in our lives. I read a lot more than I write here (on this forum). It's been such a blessing to me. I thank God for for the friends on this forum. How would we have ever reached each other without the internet?! Bob | ||
| Cathy2 Registered user Username: Cathy2 Post Number: 140 Registered: 2-2006 |
Welcome Heather! May Jesus continue to always be your Sabbath-Rest, every second, releasing your anxieties more and more, and receiving his serenity. Stay in prayer with him; he is there. Let us know when your son is born. What a joy! Cathy | ||
| Patriar Registered user Username: Patriar Post Number: 285 Registered: 3-2005 |
Hi Heather! Welcome and congratulations on your baby boy! I have a son who will be 8 (uggghh) this September. I don't know if you're interested, and maybe you already have it, but Dale Ratzlaff's book "Sabbath in Christ" is phenomenal. It is an exhaustive study on the Sabbath. You can order it at www.ratzlaff.com Looking forward to hearing more from you... Patria | ||
| Insearchof Registered user Username: Insearchof Post Number: 76 Registered: 8-2005 |
Hello Heather! Welcome to FAF! I also lurked for a while before I joined (not 2 years, but a few months). Glad to have you here. For me, leaving Adventism is a slow process. I still attend my local SDA church most every week. When I don't, I generally go to a local Messianic Jewish synogogue. I don't think that there is a 'right' or 'wrong' tied to what day you worship. It should be whatever you are most comfortable with AND what types of congregations fit with what you believe. I think it is safe to say that most formers (and others) on this board attend worship on Sunday, but there are a few Sabbatarians as well. I am curious about the offshoot you were involved in. I have been SDA all my life and seriously considered joining the SDA Reform Movement at one time. I also studied with the Sheperd's Rods. Just wondered where the group you were associated with fit in. Anyway, welcome! Enjoy your rest in Christ! InSearchOf | ||
| Randyg Registered user Username: Randyg Post Number: 192 Registered: 12-2004 |
Welcome Heather, Welcome to a place where all questions and opinions are legitimate and valued. The Sabbath question was one that I did not struggle with after I started to actually read what the New Testament says. Once I finally started to get back to reading the Bible for what it says it started to make perfect sense to me. Christianity is inclusive and not exclusive. It is designed to draw believers together in Christ, not to separate them out based on denominational traditions and manmade dictums. Welcome to the joy, peace, and assurance of unconditional grace through Jesus. No longer do you have to think that salvation is based on denominational affiliation, sanctity of a day, or your ability to be perfect. Burdens truly are lifted at Calvary. For those who feel compelled to participate in corporate worship on Saturday, thats okay. As long as you recognize that the day of worship is not a salvation issue, but rather an opportunity to spend time with God. God seeks the praise of his children everyday and all heartfelt worship is acceptable to God. The Baptist church I worship with has a wonderful service Saturday evening as well as Sunday morning. I understand many churches have this option. Emphasis is always on worship of God, and caring for each other. There is a spiritual peace there that can only be attributed to the presence of the Holy Spirit. Once you find that peaceful place, you will never go back too what you had before. Randy | ||
| Helovesme2 Registered user Username: Helovesme2 Post Number: 520 Registered: 8-2004  |
Welcome Heather! Glad you decided to let us know you're here, and to join in the conversation! I'm curious about Wayne Bent a bit too, especially since he seems to have disappeared from cyberspace. Insearchof, I was a member of the SDA Reform Movement for 11 tears or so before resigning in August 2004. How did you come across them? (If you don't want to go into it that's ok too). Blessings, Mary | ||
| Insearchof Registered user Username: Insearchof Post Number: 77 Registered: 8-2005 |
Mary, I am trying to remember. Somehow my wife met up with someone from SDARM here in Ky-Tn region. We got their SS lessons, magazine, they sent tapes. We requested a visit, but as must be typical with SDAs of every stripe, they never showed for any of the appointments that we set up. Looking back now, I see that God must have been working! It seemed to me at the time that if one were going to be a 'true' SDA then SDARM was the 'truest' to the historic message of Adventism. InSearchOf | ||
| Helovesme2 Registered user Username: Helovesme2 Post Number: 521 Registered: 8-2004 |
O my! That's the area I'm in too. Haven't heard from many people here on the forum from around here. (I'm in south central Kentucky). Yes, the Reform Movement, at least in print and preaching is very close to the historic message of Adventism. That's part of what attracted me to it - that and the fact that my father would allow us to attend church there, while he did NOT want us at 'regular Adventist' meetings because of the SDA church's position (or lack of one) on abortion. It's an interesting world we live in! Blessings, Mary | ||
| Lynne Registered user Username: Lynne Post Number: 421 Registered: 10-2005 |
Hi Heather. Congratulations on your first new baby that is coming! I absolutely love babies You may not find the perfect church to raise your child in, but God is perfect and the Word of God will not let you down. Here is some great advise from the bible. Philippians 4:8 (NKJV) Meditate on These Things - ... whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthyómeditate on these things. Lynne | ||
| Flyinglady Registered user Username: Flyinglady Post Number: 2570 Registered: 3-2004  |
Heather, Welcome to FAF. Congratulations on becoming almost parents. Children/babies are so adorable. Congratulations on studying yourself out of Adventism. I had no problem giving up the sabbath. My leaving started more than 30 years ago and I let go of adventism a little at a time while I learned how much God loves me and is interested in the smallest area of my life. The last thing I gave up was the state of the dead. God has brought you this far and He will not let go of you. He is so awesome. Diana | ||
| Freeofe Registered user Username: Freeofe Post Number: 4 Registered: 10-2005 |
Thank you everyone for a wonderful welcome! I appreciate your support. I understand the Old/New Covenants and Dale Ratzlaf's "Sabbath in Crisis" was definitely a help in that regard. In fact, I first heard about that book when perusing this website. I think my main issues with Sabbath come down to false guilt. I know it's not from God but it can be perplexing to deal with. I'm trusting that my feelings will catch up with my head at some point and in the meantime I'm just going to keep to what God has shown me. As for Wayne Bent, where do I begin? I'll be sure to post more about that soon! | ||
| 91steps Registered user Username: 91steps Post Number: 48 Registered: 8-2005 |
Welcome Heather. I was an SDA for about 9 years, worked at the GC for almost that entire time. During that time I experienced more prejudice from SDA's then I have in my entire life. Mostly it was because I was a "baby SDA", I would be looked down upon because I was not a 5th, 6th, 7th++++++ generation SDA. Then, when folks found out I was a combatant and carried a weapon in the Military all hell broke loose. People actually wanted my boss to fire me because I had been in combat and had fired my weapon. Nice bunch of folks. I now work for the Govt, and have NEVER worked with a better bunch of folks. |
