| Author |
Message |
Bigal
Registered user
Username: Bigal
Post Number: 8
Registered: 9-2006
| | Posted on Friday, October 06, 2006 - 5:25 am: |     |
I read on another thread that River is working on a way to reach them (his SDA friends). I also have this burden in my heart. What wisdom does this board have on reaching those in the Adventist church? Is there an approach that has worked best? My guess right now is that all I can do is plant a seed and let the Holy Spirit do the work.
Thanks in advance,
Alan |
Mwh
Registered user
Username: Mwh
Post Number: 180
Registered: 4-2006
| | Posted on Friday, October 06, 2006 - 12:49 pm: | |
Its really difficult, but many Adventist are saved by Jesus and lead out of the grips of SDA, glory to God!
1. I can recommend telling them your testimony on how you were saved by Jesus.
2. Pray, pray and continue to pray for them, this is a spiritual battle we are fighting, be aware that they are subjects to doctrines of demons.
3. Learn as much as you can on how the SDA-system functions.
4. Plant seeds of truth in them, point them to materials on SDA, fx sdaoutreach.org, ellenwhite.org and truthorfables.com
5. Invite them to church and bible studies.
Again I will underscore once again that its a spiritual thing and I believe the spiritual grip has to be loosened by Jesus before we really can start having real loving friendships with them.
I pray for you Alan, please Dad, my Lord and Saviour give Alan wisdom on how to reach out to the lost SDA, give him power to love them and most of all protect him from the evils which are present in SDA, guard his heart. Make him strong and grounded in you Jesus. Amen.
Jesus I love you! |
Riverfonz
Registered user
Username: Riverfonz
Post Number: 2133
Registered: 3-2005
| | Posted on Friday, October 06, 2006 - 1:25 pm: | |
Some of you are familiar with how entrenched my dad was in Adventism--advancing in Adventism as Paul was advancing in Judaism--. God graciously led me out of SDA as a first one from my entire very large extended family. So when I left, it sent shock waves thru all my family. Then I just presented the Ford and Brinsmead gospel tapes to my sister who was also very SDA, but Dale Ratzlaff was her former boss , so she was at least familiar with some of the problems.
My dad almost wouldn't talk to me. But he basically saw my God-given zeal for the gospel, and my passion for the things of God. So, he was curious, and over ten years God led him out of Adventism, and he is happily attending an evangelical Sunday church. I won't take any credit, but if your family members really see that you are on fire for God, then that might rub off on them. God is the one who does the drawing, and he even redeemed the terrible mistakes I made.
Stan |
Randyg
Registered user
Username: Randyg
Post Number: 272
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Friday, October 06, 2006 - 11:15 pm: | |
I have concluded that the only way to reach our Adventist friends is to continue to associate with them. Even if religion and spiritual things are not brought up or talked about. If they recognize that that you have not left them as people they will eventually become curious, and opportunity to discuss what God has done for you will come up.
It is not our job to convert, convict or change anybody. That is the job of the Holy Spirit.
We have to let go of the idea that WE do any of this. People will see by your demeanor and friendliness what being a Christian is all about.The joy and peace of mind and assurance of salvation is a pretty attractive package, even to an Adventist, and sooner or later the lines of communication will open up. You have to be real and authentic, and let God be God.
Peace tonight to you all,
Randy |
Colleentinker
Registered user
Username: Colleentinker
Post Number: 4735
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Friday, October 06, 2006 - 11:28 pm: | |
Randy, I agree with you. Being with them is key.
There are situations, however, in which the Adventist pulls away. Not always, but sometimes they no longer want an ongoing relationship. In those cases, I think one can only wait. God's timing is perfectópushing ahead and rushing Him is pointless.
And peace to you, too!
Colleen
|
Seekr777
Registered user
Username: Seekr777
Post Number: 600
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Friday, October 06, 2006 - 11:31 pm: | |
Randy, well said, Amen. ! ! !
richard |
Honestwitness
Registered user
Username: Honestwitness
Post Number: 152
Registered: 7-2005
| | Posted on Saturday, October 07, 2006 - 8:43 am: | |
Randy,
How do you associate with them if you're not attending church with them any more?
Honestwitness |
Randyg
Registered user
Username: Randyg
Post Number: 274
Registered: 12-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, October 07, 2006 - 10:30 am: | |
HW,
It can be difficult, and my situation might be somewhat unique. My wife continues to teach at an SDA Academy, and my Golfing buddies are SDA. All my family on both sides remain SDA.
There are many I no longer see, but most of those were pretty superficial relationships. I do keep my ears open and try and keep in touch if I hear of accident or illness.
Every week I am usually at the hospital, and will pop in and say hello if I know some one is in. Being one of only 3 Podiatrists in a growing retirement community, I have several Adventist patients, many I'm sure do not know that I have left, but many do and I have had several good discussions in the office.
I live in a city of about 100,000 people, but I run into them all the time. Saturday afternoon my wife and I usually walk along the lake on the boardwalk through city park, or along the Mission Creek "Greenway". Who do you typically find on a Sabbath afternoon walking in "nature".
I have always been more of an introvert and somewhat shy, and I think some of that had to do with growing up knowing we were different, and didn't associate outside our circle. It is still a challenge for me, but now I have good news to share and that has allowed me to be more comfortable with who I am.
As Colleen said, many will draw away, but knowing how we were brought up, we can certainly understand the fear.
I hope this helps,
Randy |
Bigal
Registered user
Username: Bigal
Post Number: 11
Registered: 9-2006
| | Posted on Saturday, October 07, 2006 - 10:59 am: | |
Thank you all for your responses. Last night we had our small group meeting. This group is made up of 5 former SDA and 3 from other denominational backgrounds. After the formal part of the evening (video, discussion & food) all went home but the "formers." One "former" in particular had left the church 6 years ago and falls into the catagory of not seeking God during this time. He confessed that he had extreme anger towards his former SDA friends and church. This mixed up person is one of my best friends.
Now this is the wonderful thing. I and several others witnessed to him our story and how God through Jesus has changed our lives. I presented in an elementary way the New Covenent. I basically planted the seed. I felt lead by what I and other were saying. We spent 3 hours talking till 12:30pm. It is now up to the Holy Spirit to work in his life.
Thank you for your prayer Mwh. We need this for each other and for those we want to know what the freedom we have in Christ is all about.
Just thought you guys might want to know what is going on,
Alan |
Dd
Registered user
Username: Dd
Post Number: 731
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, October 07, 2006 - 11:03 am: | |
What a blessing it is to be a part of God's working in the lives of those we care for. Thank you for sharing, Alan, and letting us in on your blessing.
Denise |
Dd
Registered user
Username: Dd
Post Number: 732
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, October 07, 2006 - 11:05 am: | |
Randy,
Thank you for your example. Your connection with those SDAs in your world inspire me to put aside my own resentments and reach out to SDAs in my world.
Gratefully,
Denise |
Flyinglady
Registered user
Username: Flyinglady
Post Number: 2882
Registered: 3-2004
| | Posted on Saturday, October 07, 2006 - 11:31 am: | |
Bigal and Randy,
Isn't it a wonderful feeling that fills you when you recognize that God is using you. I get shivers up my spine when I realize God has used me. Then I feel very humble that God would even think of using little, sinful me.
Diana |
River
Registered user
Username: River
Post Number: 6
Registered: 9-2006
| | Posted on Saturday, October 07, 2006 - 11:39 am: | |
RandyG, I think you have it down about right my friend, we cannot sow a seed unless we are in the field, so I intend to keep sowing and leave the growing to God. |
Colleentinker
Registered user
Username: Colleentinker
Post Number: 4738
Registered: 12-2003
| | Posted on Saturday, October 07, 2006 - 1:01 pm: | |
Thanks for sharing your experience, Al. I've had many people comment to me that after they have left the church and really embraced Jesus, He orchestrates all manner of "accidental" and also non-"accidental" meetings with Adventist acquaintances and friends, and they have the opportunity to share their experience. It's amazing, reallyówhile we may have mouthed the words "God is sovereign" as Adventists, we really did not have any understanding of how truly in control He is!
Colleen |
|
