| Author | Message | ||
| U2bsda Registered user Username: U2bsda Post Number: 244 Registered: 11-2004 |
WalkonWater, I think you will find that those who left Adventism go various ways. If you are looking for a collective answer I don't think there is one. If you are looking for individual answers then you will likely find a variety of viewpoints. To answer your question I find the names of God to be a great description of who He is. For example, Adonai-Jehovah -- The Lord our Sovereign El-Elyon -- The Lord Most High El-Olam -- The Everlasting God El-Shaddai -- The God Who is Sufficient for the Needs of His People Jehovah-Elohim -- The Eternal Creator Jehovah-Jireh -- The Lord our Provider Jehovah-Nissi -- The Lord our Banner Jehovah-Ropheka -- The Lord our Healer Jehovah-Shalom -- The Lord our Peace Jehovah-Tsidkenu -- The Lord our Righteousness Jehovah-Mekaddishkem -- The Lord our Sanctifier Jehovah-Sabaoth -- The Lord of Hosts Jehovah-Shammah -- The Lord is Present Jehovah-Rohi -- The Lord our Shepherd Jehovah-Hoseenu -- The Lord our Maker Jehovah-Eloheenu -- The Lord our God If I could sum it up with one attribute I would say goodness. | ||
| Randyg Registered user Username: Randyg Post Number: 297 Registered: 12-2004 |
Walkonwater, Upon further reflection it appears to me that you are a registered member of this forum. That being said, it is now also YOUR site, this site, as noted in the preamble is for formers, current SDAs seriously studying their beliefs, their families and friends. Upon further reflection of those criteria, you fall into each of those categories, my brother. We are quite willing to listen to you as you are a follower of Jesus, and appear to be a seeker of truth, just like the rest of us. Your probing questions are appreciated, and I certainly hope that the equally probing questions being asked of you, and the answers you provide will allow a greater understanding for all of us. This is not an us vs you dialogue. Tough questions often cause deeper soul searching and honesty with ourselves. Your journey has created interest here because your situation is unusual. We thank-you for becoming a member of this form and sharing your journey. I too want to compliment you on your response to your daughter. As you have observed we don't all think alike, that is one of the beauties of Christianity. We have a wonderful Saviour who has allowed, and encouraged us to seek further understanding in the freedom He has provided. Peace and Goodwill, Randy | ||
| Susans Registered user Username: Susans Post Number: 16 Registered: 8-2006 |
Thanks for stating it's not an "us vs you" dialog. I hope you see that, Walk, even when we ask questions that may be offensive to you. I know as an Adventist those sorts of questions were offensive to me. I do have a sincere question to ask you. You left the Adventist church, and if I remember correctly, spent a lot of time in other churches and then returned to the SDA church, where you are now, and say you work towards helping people see the true gospel (my paraphrase, correct me if I'm wrong). My question to you is this? What was it about or in the SDA church that you found or believed that brought you back in that was different from all the other churches? Was it doctrine? Community? Was it because it happened to be the place where you met Jesus? Was He not there in the other churches? I'm curious to know, and I'm not trying to trap or debate you, I'm sincere in wanting to understand where you are coming from. Blessings, Susan | ||
| Agapetos Registered user Username: Agapetos Post Number: 416 Registered: 10-2002  |
Hi Walkonwater, Thanks for sharing your story! I pray that God uses you to help many people free of the guilt and bondage in Adventism. Some of it comes from the Old Covenant, some from Ellen, and some from other places. Whatever the case, I pray that He uses you (and others like you) to help people find total freedom in His Son. Bless you as you follow His agape love and the leadings of His Spirit. I don't know how He's going to lead you and the others around you, nor do I know how they will react to the straight preaching of His good news. I have many friends who have "stayed" in Adventism because their situations have not forced them to leave, or because they're in a tolerant community, or because they've personally attempted to redefine what an "Adventist" is and believes. I started at in the same way until I moved to Osaka, where the church was in a different environment. I had to kind of be "in the closet" there about what I believed, and that soon led to frustration. Then the Lord told me it was time to go, and honestly it was like being baptized! You know how if someone is the first in their family to accept the Lord and publicly proclaim it through baptism? That's how I felt when I told my family and loved ones and church that I was leaving Adventism for Jesus. It was incredibly wonderful, and accompanied by many, many butterflies in my stomach. Some people are called to a certain community to help & pray for them. Others are called into the lecture halls of universities. Still others are sent to high-level places, or are called to expose through in-depth study the fallacies an institution may be built on. I know that not everyone has the same field to focus on. As you pray for the Lord's heart for the field He's given you, may you be filled with His heart. And if your field should begin to change (as mine did), do not be afraid to follow Him wholeheartedly and clearly in whatever direction He may lead. Blessings in Him, Ramone Romero | ||
| Mwh Registered user Username: Mwh Post Number: 209 Registered: 4-2006  |
U2bsda, thats a great overview of names for God  thanks I've been enlighted. Jesus you are true love! | ||
| Walkonwater Registered user Username: Walkonwater Post Number: 24 Registered: 9-2006 |
Thank you all for your observations and comments! They are appreciated. Susan: I would sincerely like to answer your questions but I think that could involve a defense of Adventism on several points that would conflict with the general tone on this forum. I do not want to be accused of proselytizing and be asked to leave the forum. So it is probably best for me to remain silent on certain points and instead do my best to hear and understand your struggles with Adventism and how you have resolved those struggles. Does that make sense? I hope so. God bless, WalkOnWater | ||
| Susans Registered user Username: Susans Post Number: 21 Registered: 8-2006 |
Good morning, Walk. I'm not sure how long you have read on this site, but I've lurked for many years. I've NEVER seen anyone asked to leave because they are an Adventist or because they were accused of proselytizing. This is a discussion forum, and all views and statements about beliefs are welcome. This does not mean everyone will agree with you. I have to say I'm perceiving that you do not wish to have open dialog and that you are choosing not to answer sincere questions that are asked of you, when you have seen answers given to your questions. I don't understand why this is so. Are you really frightened that here you would be booted off this forum? Why did you join? All threads with the exception of the closed theology threads can be viewed by anyone who comes to this site. So, no, the reason you give for not answering my or anyone else's pointed questions to you (with a very few exceptions, I do see that) do not make sense to me. It's not a fearful thing to discuss what you believe, is it? Blessings, Susan | ||
| Susans Registered user Username: Susans Post Number: 22 Registered: 8-2006 |
However, I do want to add that I respect your decision. I'm not trying to force you into anything. I'm just curious why you don't see fit to answer when asked as you see others answer when you ask, that's all. | ||
| Susans Registered user Username: Susans Post Number: 23 Registered: 8-2006 |
I should have all my thoughts together before I post. One last thing...in gathering data for your book about why Adventists leave, there is abundant data here in just reading the posts that have been here for many many years. You could have had all the reasons of multitudes of former Adventists without ever having posted. I hope you don't stop posting however. I pray that you don't, and that you feel comfortable enough here to continue. As an Adventist, I used to love saying, "the truth can stand investigation". | ||
| Walkonwater Registered user Username: Walkonwater Post Number: 25 Registered: 9-2006 |
NOTE: email address change!!!! If you are interested in receiving a copy of Jim Cymbala's "My House Shall Be Called a House of Prayer" please use the following email address instead of the one I gave at the beginning of this thread. Correct email address is: TenBLo0@hotmail.com (Make sure you use the following letters and number in that address T E N B L Oh Zero) Phonetically it reads "Ten Below Zero at hotmail dot com" I will be happy to send you a VHS copy free of charge. Jim Cymbala is non denominational. He is not SDA and nothing on the tape advertizes or promotes Adventism. It simply glorifies Jesus. WalkOnWater | ||
| Walkonwater Registered user Username: Walkonwater Post Number: 26 Registered: 9-2006 |
Susan: I'd be happy to dialogue with you by email. I just want to respect other people's space. WalkOnWater | ||
| Helovesme2 Registered user Username: Helovesme2 Post Number: 674 Registered: 8-2004  |
I'm a little concerned Walk. You came here asking open questions on the forum and many people have been answering. But when questions are asked of you you shrink back and equivocate. Is the truth of your understanding something that embarasses you? The truth sets free. It is not something to be hidden under a bushel. If what you have to say does not stand up to the 'light of day' would you want to know? If it does, doesn't it need shared? Mary | ||
| Flyinglady Registered user Username: Flyinglady Post Number: 2931 Registered: 3-2004  |
I have to admit, that I, also am concerned by you Walkonwater. We answer your questions, but you do not answer ours, saying you want to respect other people's space and yet you are a part of this space. So, please answer the questions asked of you. I like what Mary said above, that if what you have to say does not stand up to the "light of day" would you want to know? If it does, doesn't it need to be shared. God's truth is always awesome. Diana | ||
| Jeremy Registered user Username: Jeremy Post Number: 1560 Registered: 10-2004  |
Walk, You still have not told us why you are here. Are you just "using" us to write a book to help the SDA cause? What is your purpose for being here, if it is not to dialogue? As Susan said, you could have had all the answers you ever wanted about why people leave Adventism, just reading the many posts that have been posted on this forum over the years (or by reading the Stories section of the site). So what was your reason for joining? Jeremy | ||
| Aliza Registered user Username: Aliza Post Number: 29 Registered: 8-2006 |
My question echoes that of Jeremy's. I remember that as Ms Monica on the other forum you did defend SDA teachings. There, too, you had an array of formers telling you exactly why they left the SDA church. As I recall, it was primarily for doctrinal reasons as it is here. Has anything changed with you between then and now? | ||
| Susans Registered user Username: Susans Post Number: 26 Registered: 8-2006 |
Thank you for your offer to communicate privately over email, WalkonWater. I respectfully decline to do so. I did not join and begin to post here after all these years just to end up corresponding off the board with anyone, especially (and I don't intend to offend), current SDA's. I prefer for my comments, questions, and dialog be a blessing to all when read, and when I err, to have a community of Christ-followers to be accountable to. I hope you will reconsider, but as I stated earlier, I respect your choice. In Christ, Susan | ||
| Walkonwater Registered user Username: Walkonwater Post Number: 27 Registered: 9-2006 |
To those who are concerned about my lack of openess. Frankly, my biggest problem is time. I simply do not have the time to go into the details of my beliefs. I know how time consuming that can be from my days on Christinity.com where I sometimes spent as much as 8 to 10 hours per day. In addition, the fact is that I do not see things the same as you do on a number of issues. I am not embarassed by that and I don't want to hide it. However, after being kicked off Christianity.com for strongly defending my beliefs I suppose I am a little gun shy to open up that debate again. Another thing I learned on Christianity.com was that I don't think I ever saw anyone change their opinion or their theology as a result of all the debate. If anything, it seemed to make people more ridged and unwilling to listen to others. Sometimes the spirit of the debate got very unChristlike. I don't want any of that to happen here so I am going slowly and carefully. Thank you so much for your concerns. I really would like to dialogue with you but at the moment that is very difficult. WalkOnWater | ||
| Randyg Registered user Username: Randyg Post Number: 298 Registered: 12-2004 |
Walk, I appreciate your post. I have noticed the same thing at CARM, in that people debate for debates sake, and no one, at least those participating ever change their minds. I suspect it does give the lurkers something to think about though. I honestly don't think anybody here is looking to debate you. All anybody wants is dialogue, and then probably contextual scriptual support if you present something out of the ordinary. Everybody here has heard it all, and have dealt with deception and misrepresentation at some point along the way, so you must understand folks being leery of someone who appears to be unwilling to share in the forthright and upfront manner that we take pride in, and I dare say sets this forum apart from many others. We welcome the weak and the wounded. We gather around the hurting, and we share our joys and sorrows without fear of judgment or condemnation. However this safe place is predicated on the idea that those who participate do so without alterior motives or dubious intentions. Several here remain unclear as to your motivations, and therefore are I think justifiably bewildered. Peace to you, Randy | ||
| Timmy Registered user Username: Timmy Post Number: 84 Registered: 8-2006  |
Hi Walk! I completely understand the time issue. I also respect the fact that you do not want to jepardize your position on the 'board.' So I would like to ask one simple question that will take very little time. A simple 'yes' or 'no' answer will be sufficient. The question is this... 1. Are you saved? Please keep in mind the following statements penned by the inspired hand of your prophet. (Thankyou for your time) "Those who accept the Saviour, however sincere their conversion, should never be taught to say or feel that they are saved." Christ's Object Lessons, p. 155 "We are never to rest in a satisfied condition, and cease to make advancement, saying, "I am saved." When this idea is entertained, the motives for watchfulness, for prayers, for earnest endeavor to press onward to higher attainments, cease to exist. No sanctified tongue will be found uttering these words till Christ shall come, and we enter in through the gates into the city of God. Then, with the utmost propriety, we may give glory to God and to the Lamb for eternal deliverance. As long as man is full of weakness--for of himself he cannot save his soul--he should never dare to say, "I am saved." (Selected Messages Vol 1 page 314 paragragh 2) "If we are disobedient, our characters are out of harmony with God's moral rule of government, and it is stating a falsehood to say, "I am saved." 1SM 315.1 | ||
| Timmy Registered user Username: Timmy Post Number: 85 Registered: 8-2006 |
Search your soul brother and come to Jesus! All to Jesus I surrender, all to him I freely give. (Including my dead works...) We love you man! |
