| Author | Message | ||
| U2bsda Registered user Username: U2bsda Post Number: 416 Registered: 11-2004 |
Did you find that you needed to study and study the Bible to find answers to all your questions as soon as possible? After I left I questioned every belief. I mean, I was 100% convinced of many things and was totally wrong so I didn't know if my other Adventisty beliefs were right or wrong. I got my head screwed on right about the basics like the Gospel and the New Covenant and the true Sabbath rest before I actually stopped calling myself Adventist. After I left I just sat on that for several years. Those changes were immense in and of themselves and God knew what I could handle at that point. Throughout the years I learned about many things and have gone through periods of great growth in understanding the things of God and periods where I rest in what I learned. Anyone else have the overwhelming feeling that you actually knew nothing, when you had previously thought you knew everything? maamellu@hotmail.com | ||
| 91steps Registered user Username: 91steps Post Number: 138 Registered: 8-2005  |
Actually I did my intensive study before I left. I had a job where I had 12 hrs to sit and read, so I did quite a bit of studying the SDA beliefs. Once I "resigned" from the church I just study specific topics. | ||
| 91steps Registered user Username: 91steps Post Number: 139 Registered: 8-2005 |
Actually I did my intensive study before I left. I had a job where I had 12 hrs that I could sit and read, so I did quite a bit of studying the SDA beliefs. Once I "resigned" from the church I just study specific topics. | ||
| Flyinglady Registered user Username: Flyinglady Post Number: 3265 Registered: 3-2004  |
An SDA minister at the church I was attending challenged our SS class to read the NT without anything else at Christmas time 2003. So, at the beginning of 2004 I started reading the NT. About that time God directed me to a web page I had bookmarked on my computer. It was Anderson's website about EGW. By the beginning of February I had a Strong's Bible concordance(that is the only name I remembered from college) and I started studying all the SDA beliefs, one subject at a time. The Sunday morning I read Anderson's web site I remember telling God, I cannot go back to that church. That lady had to much influence on the doctrine of the SDA church. When I told God that I felt a large burden come off my shoulders that I did not know was there. I read my Bible, went to all the links at Anderson's and others web sites. That is how I found this one. I wrote to Dennis Fisher and another former SDA minister. My name had been taken off the church books long ago, after my divorce, when I quit attending church. I was getting ready to be rebaptized. I did not want to get embroiled in all the legalism though. The SDA minister was supposed to come by my house to talk to me and I was going to ask him questions. He never came. He did apologize and asked if he could come again, but he never did. When God directed me to the church I now attend and started studying their Starting Point class and DiscoveryE class, these just confirmed what God had taught me on my own with him. I praise God for that. Then every thing I learned was confirmed as I read what everyone here had learned also on their journey with Jesus Christ. Thank You God, You are awesome. Diana | ||
| Helovesme2 Registered user Username: Helovesme2 Post Number: 773 Registered: 8-2004  |
Yep! It was very humbling to find out that what I'd based my life on was fraudulent. But that humiliation is a small price to pay for the joy that I've found in Christ. And like you there are times that I drink in, and there are other times that I rest, but either way I now know from experience that I can trust God to teach me what I need to know when I need to know it and to bring me where I need to be when I need to be there, not just in 'spiritual' things but in practical everyday life as well. I lost the sense that I was part of a 'special people' who 'had the present truth' and who were facing imminent persecution for their faith (or rather their Sabbathkeeping and other works). I lost the feeling that as part of the 'remnant' (and active follower of the 'health message') I was somehow better off than, and not a regular part of, the rest of the human race. I lost the pride of place I'd had being a third or fourth generation SDA (depending on which way you count it). I lost the sense of entitlement as being one of those who would have a special place in heaven if we could just manage to be the 'last generation' who would be found faultless. I lost the huge cloud of guilt was ready to pop up at a moments notice if I accidentally didn't do a particular thing the 'proper way.' I lost the sense that 'ranking' people based on what they ate, wore, or did was fair and proper. I lost the anxieties based on the Investigative Judgment. All this and more, to gain freedom in Jesus, joy and confidence in His saving grace, peace with and security in God. It's worth it!! Blessings, Mary | ||
| Brian4 Registered user Username: Brian4 Post Number: 24 Registered: 1-2006 |
I will hold on to the Biblical Truth as I understand it until the day Jesus comes to take me with him. A great deal I studied and learned prior to becoming an SDA. I held fast to that sound doctrine all during my 12 years as an SDA. I admit there are some things I have studied and may have bought into just a little during those 12 years. However, I believe that the power of the Holy Spirit and an in depth study of the scriptures will prove to keep us from error when we submit to the teaching of the word by the power of the Holy Spirit. 1 Thessalonians 5:21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. 2 Timothy 1:12-14 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us. Ecclesiastes 12:11-13 The words of the wise are as goads, and as nails fastened by the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd. And further, by these, my son, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh. Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. I love the words of the book of 2nd Timothy. I suggest an in depth study. No one knows it all, however, I know what I know and I need to hold fast till He comes. I want to assure you if you allow the Bible speak to you by the power of the Holy Spirit without any preconceived notions, you will be fine. Hang on! 2 Timothy 3:14-17 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. 1 John 2:27 But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. The Truth shall set you free! | ||
| Ric_b Registered user Username: Ric_b Post Number: 688 Registered: 7-2004  |
I am still amazed at how much more I don't know now. God is so much bigger than that tiny box SDAism had placed Him within. I think you have hit on one of the important reasons for former SDAs to find a good group studying Scripture. There is so much to unlearn before we can even start learning. | ||
| Grace_alone Registered user Username: Grace_alone Post Number: 379 Registered: 6-2006  |
Mary you wrote, "But that humiliation is a small price to pay for the joy that I've found in Christ." I absolutely love that! That can really be said for anything. Thank you for that beautiful testimony and blessing.  Leigh Anne | ||
| Flyinglady Registered user Username: Flyinglady Post Number: 3270 Registered: 3-2004 |
Ric, like you I am amazed at how much I do not know. That is why I have been looking for a study group that reads only from the Bible. A week from Monday I am going to a study group at my church with a man who is going over the parables of Jesus. Mary, you wrote and Leigh Anne agreed: "But that humiliation is a small price to pay for the joy that I've found in Christ." I absolutely love that! That can really be said for anything. Thank you for that beautiful testimony and blessing. Thanks to each of you for your comments and for contributing to my growth. Diaina | ||
| River Registered user Username: River Post Number: 340 Registered: 9-2006  |
Ya know U2, there is an advantage in all that study you and others here had to do, you folks have had the rare privilege of really looking at your Bible and digging in it, there are many evangelicals that donít do that. There is a big difference from looking at the Bible from an evangelical stand point and looking at it over against Adventism. Most evangelical knows the basics of salvation and grace from the get go and never bother, I think, to look into the Word in such an in depth way. I believe I am able to speak to this with some knowledge because when I began to look into Adventism going on four years ago I was plunged into more study of the Word than all my previous years, I have spent an average of 4 hours a day, 7 days a week/365 studying and meditating and learning and digging, looking at false doctrine, and then praying and studying for what is true doctrine, what is acceptable doctrine, what we are and who Jesus is. I didnít set out to prove Adventism wrong, I set out to prove me wrong. One does not study, pray and meditate on the things of God four hours, seven days a week, for four years and not get anything out of it. I didnít set out to disprove anybody or attack anybody and In fact have been far more than fair to the Adventist. They have never once gave a care about what I believe, to tell the truth, so who is the friend here? Now I donít spend four hours a day/seven/365 anymore though, I only spend six to eight hours/7/365. And I still donít know much Bible but I do believe I know more that when I started. But you guys catch things I miss yet today, oh sure, I disagree sometimes and I know you all disagree with me. You canít have that many people from so many different backgrounds and in so many different places where they are in knowledge and in their walk with Christ and have we all agree but I have learned from that also. Godís church is a huge church. Some body said on here ìJesus uses everything and waste nothingî and I do believe that was a mouthful. I am continually impressed with you folks, about time I get to know one of you a little bit, another one pops up and I say ìLord, where are all these serious students of your word coming from, they pop up like a herd of rabbits in a fieldî I do believe Jesus has given me a special treat that not one in a thousand get and I am both humbled and delighted by his by his grace. And what impresses me most is your love and care for one another. Now I am not trying to grease your skids, I try to be at all times honest although I do want to be loved and accepted and that does get in my way many times, but I try not to let it. Now I am rambling again! River | ||
| Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker Post Number: 5217 Registered: 12-2003  |
U2óI had that same feeling. After studying the NT for three years and reading the internet research Richard unearthed, after finally reading Dale's books and KNOWING that Jesus 100% fulfilled the law and ushered in the new covenant, I suddenly felt as if I were a baby starting at the beginning. After we joined our church Richard frequently said to me, "We're just baby Christians beginning to understand salvation." I had to delve deeply to figure out all the new questions that began to surface as I examined every doctrine I had ever believed. I still find that God's word is the only place where reality and truth come into focus. Life makes sense only through the lens of the word of God. I still pray that God will teach me the truth. River, I am amazed at the time you have taken to understand Adventism. I know of few people besides questioning Adventists who spend that kind of time figuring it out. God has blessed your commitment with great spiritual insight and depth. We all benefit from your commitment to truth. Thank you for being part of us! Colleen | ||
| Jwd Registered user Username: Jwd Post Number: 259 Registered: 4-2005  |
The initial conscious awareness of feeling more like a Kindergartner student rather than the filing cabinet filled with all the answers, comes as a shock to one's ego. Eventually emptying out the filing cabinet leads to a relaxed feeling of enjoying the Kindergarden feeling; for it brings another shocking realization, that for the first time in your life you are open to everything the Teacher is telling you. You don't argue, you accept with wonder and excitement, and the center of "Importance" shifts from yourself to Christ Jesus as "The ONLY Truth." It's also liberating to have the "cap and gown" of "Know It All - Teacher" removed so you can enjoy the ego-less position of new student on the first day of class. Gone are all the self-made false teachers. The one and only True Teacher of the Cosmos is now the Ultimate Authority. But the squeezing dry of the sponge (the unlearning stage), at first, takes energy and determination and patience, so that you can become available to NOW, begin to soak up the Whole Truth, Nothing But the Truth! Or something like that. (smile) | ||
| River Registered user Username: River Post Number: 342 Registered: 9-2006 |
Colleen and all, Your quote: I suddenly felt as if I were a baby starting at the beginning. That is exactly what happened to me, I had to clean my slate of all my preconceived notions and start over. You said in one half sentence what I bumbled around up there a took up a whole page trying to say, itís amazing how I say so much and say so little. Although it was a little daunting and even scary to do such a thing it made me available to be taught from Godís word and I have been extremely blessed. When in college my first two years was taking electronics for communications, we had one instructor who when he opened the door and walked in began to teach before he got through the door and one had better be prepared for his class I kid you not. In the third year we had microwave theory and applications, that same instructor walked through the door that fall and I remember well his words ìI want you to forget all you have learned about wave theory in the first two years, if you do not you will not be able to understand microwaves, itís a whole new ballgame.î When the master of the universe touched me in a special way that morning going on four years ago I believe it was a little like that instructor ìget rid of all your preconceived notions, this is a whole new ballgameî and it surely has been. One thing I have observed over the years, the more I learn, the more I realize that I know nothing and when the master of the universe begins to teach, one had better be prepared to learn, I kid you not. River | ||
| Lrcrabtree Registered user Username: Lrcrabtree Post Number: 12 Registered: 1-2007  |
My experience is a little unique from most, it appears. I simply quit going to any church about 35 years ago, after spending 18 years in Adventism; the community, church and schools. After coming back to Jesus, I only remember the 'theories' or 'concepts' and very few of the verses or citations. My study with non-denominational evangelicals has made me realize that many, if not most or all, of my conceptual beliefs were skewed by EGW and her non-biblical teachings. Even after 5 years in evangelical churches, I still have a difficult time distinguishing my earlier brainwashed concepts from true biblical theology. Now I read and question every doctrine that is presented to me, if it is an important doctrine(for example, I'm not certain why the state of the dead is an important doctrine to salvation - it's interesting to study and debate, but is it really critical to salvation?). I thought that I had a really good grasp of doctrine and theology from my 18 years of study, but am now realizing that I have to unlearn and re-learn all over again. It's difficult to make a slate 'clean' that has been tainted for as long as mine has been. But with God's help, I'm getting there. Thank Goodness that he put my wife in my life - I've told her on more than one occasion that the reason He put her in my life is to lead me back to Jesus, and to the truth of true Biblical teachings. Larry | ||
| Flyinglady Registered user Username: Flyinglady Post Number: 3276 Registered: 3-2004 |
In writing on here I overlooked the overwhelming feeling that I knew nothing when I finally left the SDA church. The Starting Point class and DiscoveryE class are 6 and 20 weeks. I signed up for the first one and the next week, signed up for the 2nd, to be taken simultaneously. That is not the way it usually is done. I explained to the person in charge that I had been in SDA schools and learned so much that was non Biblical that I wanted to learn as much as I could as fast as possible. I was permitted to do this. It was interesting, fun and I learned, by that time I was half way through the New Testament, that what I had learned with the Bible and God was what the Christian church teaches. So, yes, I needed those courses. I also had to look for a course where one reads from the Bible and does not study it through another person's book. God found that for me also. I will say I had forgotten most adventist doctrine except for the sabbath, food, tithing. All the rest has come back as some one mentions it and I think, oh yes, I learned that also. God has been awesome in how He has taught me. Diana | ||
| Godssonjp Registered user Username: Godssonjp Post Number: 9 Registered: 1-2007 |
Larry, I may be in the same boat as you. I'm not a bible scholar by any stretch. But I think I have clearer understanding of some principals than I did before. Even though I didn't hold all of EGW teachings, I realize there are still 'residual effects' that snuck up into my beliefs and still reside there. The state of the dead is also a question that I have (how important is it to know?) I figure when it's time God will school me on that, too. Right now, I just happy that everyday He reveals more truth to me and I'm sure He'll do the same for you. | ||
| River Registered user Username: River Post Number: 344 Registered: 9-2006 |
I hope God don't school me to quick on the state of the dead!! I want to go to heaven but I not gettin up load to go just yet. I never could see why the Adventist get in such a tizzy over that one. one of my Adventist associates got really adamant about his belief and I ask him how he supposed Moses got into the Garden with Jesus to have a meetin' He never did give me an answer though. I don't think i'll hold my breath till he does give me one. These guys are experts at sidestepping, they really oughta be in politics, shame they missed their calling. anyhow you boys go on and get taught, I think i,ll try to wait a day er even two. River | ||
| Grace_alone Registered user Username: Grace_alone Post Number: 382 Registered: 6-2006 |
Godssonjp, There are excellent audio resources regarding the state of the dead on www.exadventist.com. You can find them at this link http://www.exadventist.com/Home/Audio/tabid/57/Default.aspx under "What happens when you die?" Also, if you scroll down you'll find some of our friends here on FAF have audio testimonies. Colleen is there and Dennis too. Leigh Anne | ||
| Aliza Registered user Username: Aliza Post Number: 144 Registered: 8-2006 |
To go back to U2's original question, I found that once the veil started to lift I needed to study through all the beliefs. I strongly suspected that my life was about to be turned upside down, and it was. Once I made the decision that I could not longer honestly remain SDA, there was that peace and relief from having to know everything like we had to as SDAs. Now I try to listen to the Holy Spirit's guidance as to topics to study and research. I can even say "I don't know" without feeling guilty. JWD, I really related to your post! Larry, my guess is someone just quitting the SDA church is absolutely the most common thing. But most are in the wilderness, many sowing wild oats. But that SDA mindset and taped messages in the head remains. It seems if they later want to reconnect with God, I would guess most try returning to the SDA church first. Aliza | ||
| Helovesme2 Registered user Username: Helovesme2 Post Number: 774 Registered: 8-2004 |
Aliza wrote, "I can even say "I don't know" without feeling guilty." Don't you love that! That's one of the joys of my life now. I don't have to know everything 'just right' to be saved! I don't have to straighten out the rest of the world either! I can trust God to work in me, and through me, and for me and without me. In fact it's not even about me. It's about God and the amazing plans he has for us! Mary |
