| Author | Message | ||
| Marcell Registered user Username: Marcell Post Number: 29 Registered: 4-2004 |
In the last week, I have gotten a letter from two Adventist sources - the first one was from my former sda congregation letting us know some 'news' - and that a 'lay pastor' would be assigned to each member and would contact us soon. They apparently can't read the last three letters we sent saying goodbye. Then yesterday got a copy of an article (fundraising letter, actually!) by Doug Batchelor on his view of the new pope and how 'concerned' we should be. This came from a dear relative who I feel is sending it out of love and 'concern' - you know what I mean. This relative is of my parent's generation, some of you would probably know him if I mentioned his name. He is a very Christ like person in my experience, and it just breaks my heart that he probably feels sad that I need 'saving' from a mainstream church. I don't think it would do much good to start some sort of discussion about EGW being a false prophet. Also, don't know how to respond to my former church - I really feel I am being called TO respond in love, to be a light to them somehow. Any words of wisdom??? | ||
| Sabra Registered user Username: Sabra Post Number: 356 Registered: 10-2001 |
I did all of the "responding in love" I could stomach and it did NO good, so now I delete the e-mails and trash the mail and forget it. Your life in general as a witness is the only impact you will probably have on any SDA. | ||
| Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker Post Number: 1995 Registered: 12-2003  |
Marcell, the Holy Spirit really will direct you as you deal with this church. When the "lay pastor" calls, you could just verbally tell him/her that you have left, you are attending a new church, and you're very happy in the Lord. If they ask questions or insist on a meeting--let the Spirit be your guide, but it could be a one-shot witnessing opportunity that could plant a seed or two. I understand how you feel SO well. With our SDA family, in most instances it works best if we refuse to argue or engage in discussion of beliefs unless they ask direct questions. There's really not much we can do except pray. If they question, though, we can always answer re: our own experience with God. With prayers for you, Colleen | ||
| Becky Registered user Username: Becky Post Number: 18 Registered: 2-2005 |
Doug Bachelor, my parents hero, is a local out where I live now. Can I throw an egg at him... can I, can I, can I?? I concur with Colleen and Sabra. Absolutely nothing, not logic, facts or anything else but prayers has worked on my parents. When you SHOW them evidence etc, they just get this confused look on their faces and robotically say, "We keep the Sabbath and the law." Over and over they say this. They WILL NOT read anything that might make them actually think for themselves. FINALLY, sad to say, as a LAST resort, I turned to prayer. I have prayed and prayed and prayed, and guess what, it's working!! | ||
| Bob Registered user Username: Bob Post Number: 255 Registered: 7-2000  |
In dealing with resistant SDA friends, I have concluded that the Lord is trying to teach me that "not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit" is the way to approach them. In other words, as Becky has said, by prayer, not by argument. Bob | ||
| Seekr777 Registered user Username: Seekr777 Post Number: 132 Registered: 1-2003  |
Bob and Becky I agree with you that argument alone will seldom change a persons mind and lead them to accept truth. It is only with the power of the Holy Spirit working in a persons life that change takes place. Prayer is the key that unlocks the power of Jesus shed blood and the Holy Spirit into the lives of not only others but our own lives as well. Richard | ||
| Flyinglady Registered user Username: Flyinglady Post Number: 1518 Registered: 3-2004  |
Marcell, I have a problem like yours. First, let me say I have not been an SDA for a loooooong time. My name was taken off the church books many years ago. When I started going to church, here in Nevada, the SS class had my address and I gave it to the minister when I thought I would be rebaptized. Since I decided not to and my name is not officially on any church books, I thought that would be the last of it. Unfortunately, last year, I was sent a notice that my picture was wanted in the new church directory. I wrote to the pastor and told him I was a Christian, had been rebaptized in a Christian church and why and asked that my name be removed from their mailing list. I did not hear a thing for a long time. Then a a couple months ago I received an envelope with tithe envelopes in it, so I could send in my tithe. I put that one in the shredder. Then I received a post card say I was missed and it was signed by all the pastoral staff. So I sent a 4 page letter explaining why I am no longer SDA and politely asked to have my name and address removed from their mailing list. I have not heard a thing from the pastor. So from now on, if I receive mail from them, the mail will go in the shredder. I do continue to pray for them. Diana | ||
| Marcell Registered user Username: Marcell Post Number: 32 Registered: 4-2004 |
I am the coordinator for the Prayer ministry at a large church, so I totally agree that prayer is the key. In fact, we have a group of intercessors that take staff requests every week, and I have been putting the SDA church on my list of requests. I did write the SDA pastor today, and explained that we had become Christians, could no longer support the SDA prophet or doctirnes, that we had recieved deliverance and would hold them in our hearts and prayers. I emphasized that I loved them and did not leave because of a 'bad experience', but because I had to choose either Jesus or being SDA. I also said that I do not judge those who remain SDA for whatever reason. I figure that should finally get us off the books. I think I will keep praying about a gentle and loving, non-confrontational response to my relative. | ||
| Sabra Registered user Username: Sabra Post Number: 357 Registered: 10-2001 |
Becky, Yes, you can throw the egg, and throw one for me! LOL! | ||
| Flyinglady Registered user Username: Flyinglady Post Number: 1523 Registered: 3-2004 |
Yes, Becky, throw an egg for me also. LOL  Diana | ||
| Flyinglady Registered user Username: Flyinglady Post Number: 1524 Registered: 3-2004 |
Yes, Becky, throw one for me also.LOL Diana | ||
| Flyinglady Registered user Username: Flyinglady Post Number: 1525 Registered: 3-2004 |
Sorry for the double post. How do I edit what I write so I can get rid of them, when I do it again. Diana | ||
| Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker Post Number: 2006 Registered: 12-2003 |
Diana, click on "edit profile" at the top right of this page. That will lead you to a place where you can edit your posts--IF you do it within ten minutes of posting! Not to worry, though-- we can chuckle at your egg-throwing twice! Colleen | ||
| Hrobinsonw Registered user Username: Hrobinsonw Post Number: 163 Registered: 7-2004 |
Marcell, Even as a non-SDA I ran into similar issues with my wife and friends. I resolved to praying and leaving the issue alone and praying like alot of you on this board recommended. It worked. Just be easy. It will come around. This is the age of the internet. They cannot hide from the truth for too long. Hey, Becky, boil an egg for me, then give it a good heave. | ||
| Flyinglady Registered user Username: Flyinglady Post Number: 1530 Registered: 3-2004 |
Hrob, I was thinking more of a good "splat", but the heaviness added when an egg is boiled may leave a good bump on the head and it would be felt better Diana | ||
| Tisha Registered user Username: Tisha Post Number: 69 Registered: 3-2005 |
Marcell, I love what you said to the pastor about your decision to leave the SDA's. .................................................. "I did write the SDA pastor today, and explained that we had become Christians, could no longer support the SDA prophet or doctirnes, that we had recieved deliverance and would hold them in our hearts and prayers. I emphasized that I loved them and did not leave because of a 'bad experience', but because I had to choose either Jesus or being SDA. I also said that I do not judge those who remain SDA for whatever reason." .................................................. That is such a clear and concise statement! It let's them know just where you stand, and that you still have love for those people who still remain SDA. I love the part about receiving "deliverence" and choosing Jesus over SDA. I agree with you about the power of prayer. We have a very active prayer chain and also spend quite a bit of time in prayer at Church - both for Praises and requests. And our small group spends time in prayer also. We each keep a list of requests and also how these requests have been answered. We have seen so many answers to prayers! It really strengthens my faith as I witness God's power. And sometimes we are so amazed at the answers - not what we expected but so much better! When we leave things up to God's will we can usually see how His way is best. Sometimes we can't, but having witnessed His power so often, it is easier to trust that whatever the answer, it is for the best. I'm praying for you to know just the right words to use in response to your relative. And also, that this relative will be open to hearing what you have to say. -tisha |
