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Pnoga
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Username: Pnoga

Post Number: 199
Registered: 1-2007


Posted on Tuesday, December 16, 2008 - 12:36 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Question. My former SDA church has recently changed pastors. The new pastor called me last week asking if he and a elder can come over for prayer. I know it's an attempt to win us back to the church.

One part of me does not want them to come because I know how it will play out. On the other hand I feel the need to share with them why I left and go over scripture. I'm sure they will not want to hear me out, but I feel I should do it anyway. I pretty much know how it will turn out, but I am very comfortable in scripture and believe God has given me knowledge in the Glory and Grace of Jesus Christ.

So my question would be... What would each of you do? Do you think I should not waste mine and their time?

I value your comments and opinions
Paul
Flyinglady
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Username: Flyinglady

Post Number: 6155
Registered: 3-2004


Posted on Tuesday, December 16, 2008 - 12:57 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

If it was me I would pray about it and ask God what He wants me to do. I did not have to go through that as my name was removed from the church books long before I left adventism.
Diana L
Daisie_girl
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Username: Daisie_girl

Post Number: 66
Registered: 9-2008
Posted on Tuesday, December 16, 2008 - 1:08 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Paul,

Never let it be said that talking with SDAs is a waste of time. I hear that over and over again! People say "What's the point?" "They won't listen to you." I believe that these statements are a direct lie from the enemy! I understand that you shouldn't cast pearls before swine - for they will trample them with their feet. But I don't believe that Christ wants us to just let the false doctrines and false truths fall by the wayside! If you had the cure for cancer, wouldn't you want to share it with anyone you knew? False Doctrine is a disease and a prison . . . you have the cure, the keys!

It may seem that what is being said has no affect - or rather, the affect isn't how you perceived or wanted it. Regardless, God's Word does not return void. It is sharper and more powerful than a two edged sword!! Rightly dividing the truth!!

My opinion is simply accept the invitation and share with this pastor where the Lord led you. Who is to say that it won't make an impact? It may not right away, but it could down the road. Reading all the testimonies on this sight is strong evidence that God uses anything and anyone to begin freedom and deliverance in a person.

I may be extreme in my thoughts . . . I've only been witnessing to SDAs for a few months. It's hard to make them see what real truth is and it's so easy to feel defeated, like you're not making much of a difference. My friend, with the Holy Spirit, He is all the difference we need!
Blessed
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Post Number: 242
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Posted on Tuesday, December 16, 2008 - 1:21 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Paul,

I agree with Daisie_girl. First, you never really know what might be going on in the head of the pastor or elder. They may have some doubts but of course would not admit them to anyone. I think, more importantly, it is good for them to see that you have not lost faith. They tend to categorize people who leave as either had a bad experience with the church or have left their faith completely. Show your excitement in your new life with Christ. That has to have an impact.
8thday
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Post Number: 589
Registered: 11-2007


Posted on Tuesday, December 16, 2008 - 6:16 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Paul,
Pray about it - of course, but every chance to share the truth is a good one I think. However, only if it won't throw you into a tailspin yourself. Be sure you're up for the battle - but I agree - the immediate results don't matter as far as getting through to them. It's planting the seeds and letting them see the fruit of what Christ has done for you that matters.
Sondra
Honestwitness
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Username: Honestwitness

Post Number: 752
Registered: 7-2005


Posted on Tuesday, December 16, 2008 - 7:58 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

As long as it's on your turf and not theirs, you can use all the boldness you want. They are your guests, not the other way around. I think it's a good opportunity.

Be strong in the Lord and the power of His might.

Just remember, we wrestle not against flesh and blood.

Honestwitness
Philharris
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Username: Philharris

Post Number: 1239
Registered: 5-2007


Posted on Tuesday, December 16, 2008 - 8:14 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Paul,

I have several recomendations:

1. As soon as you get past the greetings, etc., open the visit with your own prayer.

2. Whatever you have on your mind and wish to say, make it in the form of a statement, without letting things devolve in a debate.

3. At some point, thank them for taking the time to visit you.

Phil
Asurprise
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Username: Asurprise

Post Number: 571
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Posted on Tuesday, December 16, 2008 - 9:03 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

I would pray about it first to see what the Lord wants you to do.

For me, it took someone two years of discussing it with me (as well as fasting and prayer), before I saw the truth and came out. I'm SO THANKFUL that the person was willing to be used by God to do that! I was so blinded by Ellen White and the "proof" texts that Adventists use to "prove" that what they believe is true. (Actually each of the cults have their "proof" texts.)

Looking back, I'm not sure just why I believed in the SDA church so strongly, except that I thought that the "proof" texts "proved" the SDA church to be right. There were so many things in the new testament that I would read quickly or skip over, because they made no sense in Adventist theology. I would tell myself that I just didn't understand. Even verses that were clear like Ephesians 2:8,9 that says "by grace you have been saved," I couldn't take literally, because Ellen White didn't agree with it. Therefore I took a middle stance between her writings and the Bible, which still came out to no gospel at all.
Colleentinker
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Username: Colleentinker

Post Number: 9141
Registered: 12-2003


Posted on Wednesday, December 17, 2008 - 12:26 am:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Great advice above. God really will show you whether or not to do this--and if you are confident and not tenuous enough that you could be confused, your clear statement may be what they need to hear. I like Phil's three recommendations, and as Honestwitness said, the fact that it's on your turf makes it possible for you to be clear and bold.

This is a spiritual battle for the souls of people. They will be confused and confusing--but they may also be surprised by your own input.

Ask God to show you His will, to put His words in your mouth, and to prepare their hearts.

Colleen
Bskillet
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Username: Bskillet

Post Number: 81
Registered: 8-2008
Posted on Wednesday, December 17, 2008 - 3:17 am:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Maybe you should start off by questioning them, instead of letting them set the tone by questioning you:

"How do you explain your denomination's obsession with the Ten Commandments in light of 2 Cor 3?"
or
"What did John mean when he said, 'for although the law came through Moses, grace and truth came through Jesus Christ'?"
or
"If Adventism has 'the truth,' why do you need an extra-Biblical prophet in order to explain it? Shouldn't the Bible be enough?"
or
"Would you like a shot of vinegar?"

(Message edited by bskillet on December 17, 2008)
Honestwitness
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Username: Honestwitness

Post Number: 753
Registered: 7-2005


Posted on Wednesday, December 17, 2008 - 11:05 am:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Bskillet! You almost got me in trouble at work. I'm sitting here in a very serious meeting, but I'm reading this forum on my PDA. I'm reading all these sober comments about having SDAs come to your home...and then..."Would you like a shot of vinegar?" I almost laughed out loud!!!

Honestwitness
Seekr777
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Username: Seekr777

Post Number: 734
Registered: 1-2003


Posted on Wednesday, December 17, 2008 - 12:08 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

My personal response to this discussion is:

First I'd ask them to join me in prayer as we gathered to visit. You have an opportunity to let them hear in your prayer the relationship you have developed with your Savior.

I'd not ask them questions about why this or that, this just starts an argument and people seldom change their minds when in the midst of an argument.

I would direct the conversation so I would be able to gently allow the Holy Spirit to use me to reveal my NEW found faith and assurance in the Lord.

Keep it simple and use scripture that you have found touches your heart and revealed the simple Gospel to you.

This is not about you convincing them of anything at all. It is allowing God's love to shine forth through you. One of the most powerful "arguments" that has been "used" on me is the changed life and joy I see in friends who have this relationship with Jesus Christ.

In Him,

Richard
Jonvil
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Username: Jonvil

Post Number: 255
Registered: 4-2007
Posted on Thursday, December 18, 2008 - 6:13 am:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Richard, I agree! A heartfelt presentation of what is true trumps debate over what is false.

Light banishes darkness.

John Douglas
Gcfrankie
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Username: Gcfrankie

Post Number: 271
Registered: 1-2007
Posted on Thursday, December 18, 2008 - 8:41 am:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Paul,
Everyone has given you good advise and all I would add is to meet with them in a neutral place, not the church nor in your home and then turn God loose as He will know how to touch their hearts through you.
I am praying for you.
Gail
Pnoga
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Username: Pnoga

Post Number: 200
Registered: 1-2007


Posted on Thursday, December 18, 2008 - 11:54 am:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Thank you all so much for your comments and advice. There is so much advice that will be taken and used. Each of you made valid points and helpful tips, except the Vinegar, sorry Bskillet :-)

My plan is to allow them into my home and show forth my Faith in Christ and my relationship with Him. I will allow Christ to love them through me, regardless of my own emotions. I am praying that God will work a might work in me to keep calm, patient and loving. I will also add in my own prayer. I will share with them why I left the church and it was only to follow Christ more closely.

Thanks,
Paul
Colleentinker
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Username: Colleentinker

Post Number: 9154
Registered: 12-2003


Posted on Thursday, December 18, 2008 - 5:01 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post   Move Post (Moderator/Admin Only)

Let us know when the meeting will be, Paul.

Praying now for the arrangements,
Colleen

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