| Author | Message | ||
| U2bsda Registered user Username: U2bsda Post Number: 108 Registered: 11-2004 |
Has anyone shared the freedom found in Jesus with SDA family/friends and it have it lead to them leaving Adventism? Has anyone successfully reached a SDA who lives and breathes and works for the church with the good news? What about someone who is dependant on the church for a salary/pension? If so, please share the approach you took. | ||
| Susan_2 Registered user Username: Susan_2 Post Number: 2310 Registered: 11-2002 |
Dear U2bsda, I have tried. However, soon as I open my mouth and say the name Jesus the SDA's in my life tell me something about the young Christians being fed babyfood and the more advanced Christians are ready for the real meat, or truth of full Bibical teachings and they immediatelly go to the Sabbath, meat and the state of the dead, completely bypassing any further discussion about Jesus and His saving grace. I keep my mouth shut around the SDA's. I actually pretend to be sleeping alot. I used to get up and leave but now their tactic is to invite me to go with them in their car somewhere and after we get on the road and I can't escape they start in about the Sabbath, meat and the state of the dead. I put my head back and close my eyes. For me it hasn't worked. | ||
| Dd Registered user Username: Dd Post Number: 698 Registered: 7-2004 |
Hello U2, I don't think there is "an approach". All of us who have left Adventism have a different story to tell. God reached down in His own timing and His own way and slowly lifted the veil over our eyes in many different ways. He is faithful. Only He knows the hows and the whys and the whens. Have you ever heard Jeremy Camp's song, "My Desire"? I don't have the words in front of me but the message for me is so strongly how I feel. It is my desire to be used by God in His purpose. I pray this prayer every day. "Lord, use my actions or my non-actions, my words, my body-language...whatever it takes to be used by you to show those I love and those around me what a life surrendered to you is about." Give me Jesus! Denise | ||
| Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker Post Number: 4487 Registered: 12-2003  |
I have to agree with Dd, U2. I know of no "approach" that "works". In fact, I can't honestly say I have had any noticable "success" reaching any loyal Adventist. It seems that the process of waking up to the reality of Adventism takes months and usually years. Along the way, each person usually has a great number of seemingly "random" events that plant seeds of doubt and concern. Sometimes we contribute to those "events" even without knowing we have done so. It seems, as Dd says, that it is entirely God's timing and His Spirit that is in charge of awakening people from the pit of deception and bringing them to a place of willingness to really know the truth. I firmly believe that as God brings us to awareness, He brings us to moments of decision where we have to deciede whether or not we will continue to desire more truth, or whether we will rationalize what we know and stay put. God doesn't stop working, but I don't know any consistent way to "get through" to people who are inside except for being willing to continually speak of Jesus. The answer, I believe, is articulated so well in Colossians 4:2-6, and just this morning I was praying this not only for myself but also for Richard who has his weekly lunch meeting with some former colleagues at the LLU cafeteria: "Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving, praying at the same time for us as well, that God will open up to us a door for the gospel so that we may speak forth the mystery of Christ, for which I have also been imprisoned; that I may make it clear in the way I ought to speak. Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person." Colleen | ||
| Mwh Registered user Username: Mwh Post Number: 150 Registered: 4-2006  |
I'm talking with my SDA friend a lot and I have found that she is having a hard time seeing the truth about SDA. I can show her some very obvious passages in the Bible which shows the falseness of many of the SDA doctrines, but she can't see it, she is blinded. What I can do is to just love her and that is exactly what Jesus has commanded me to do. I'm trying to be her friend, and we are now more Christians who are trying to be her friend. We are talking to her about Jesus, reading the bible together and having fun together. We pray for her and put everything in the hands of Jesus. He will draw her out of SDA when its the right time. | ||
| Zjason Registered user Username: Zjason Post Number: 46 Registered: 11-2005 |
And as a lot of you know already, it's very threatening and terrifying to leave the SDA camp. I recall egw writing warnings about those who leave the truth and how they will be destined for a hell worse than those who didn't know the truth...Which is why I am reluctant to share my "newfound" discoveries with others, including my wife...She has been brought up in this church from babyhood, so at this point in time I feel it would cause a whole lot more turmoil in her life than it has in mine.... | ||
| Grace_alone Registered user Username: Grace_alone Post Number: 149 Registered: 6-2006  |
I recently listened to a wonderful audio podcast from Greg Laurie called "How to effectively share the Gospel". (I downloaded it for free on www.Oneplace.com) Basically he talked about how you aren't going to convince a person of the Gospel, but you're playing a part in leading that person to Jesus. It was a blessing for me to listen to, because I've been anxious for my husband to finally let go of SDAism and see Jesus for who he really is. This of course, takes the pressure off me, and forces me to trust the Holy Spirit at the same time. Jesus commanded us to share the Gospel. 1st Cor. 15 is the purest and plainest explaination. So I showed my husband the verses and asked the Lord to take it from there. That's the best we can do really. Blessings, Leigh Anne | ||
| Flyinglady Registered user Username: Flyinglady Post Number: 2748 Registered: 3-2004  |
My close family, my brothers and sisters, are unchurched SDAs who still hang onto something SDA, which I do not know. My oldest sister will have nothing to do with God, religion or church, but believes in spirituality. My youngest brother studied his way out of adventism many years ago, long before I did. He does not attend any church. The oldest of my younger brothers goes to either a Messianic Jewish temple or to an assemble of God church, I am not sure which. The middle brother was never baptized SDA and has no feeling for the church. The other 3 sisters will not talk about how they feel about adventism or the doctrine. So I just pray for them and leave them in God's awesome hands. After all He got a hold of my heart and I know He is working on the rest. I like what some one said in the prayer section about loving people for Jesus and not for them or ourselves. That makes so much sense to me. I will just love them for Jesus. After all He gave me that love. Diana | ||
| Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker Post Number: 4491 Registered: 12-2003 |
Jason, I understand your reluctance. Even your wife, though, would ultimately experience great relief and freedom on the other side of recognizing the problems with Adventism. It is always helpful to pray that God will give you opportunities to speak the truth and to give you the words with which to speak. He is faithful; He will open up opportunities for you. Colleen | ||
| Timmy Registered user Username: Timmy Post Number: 1 Registered: 8-2006 |
Hi every body! I am new here. Interesting question... I studied the Bible more than ever because of my own doubts of salvation, primarily due to legalistic issues. At that time I think the Holy Spirit revealed to me that the Apostle Paul did not seperate the "Laws" This made me realize that there was a problem with the prophet I was raised with. So I decided to be brave and look at those anti-sda web sites. To my shock and amazment, the same issues were addressed there, and the rest is History. I was excited about the whole thing, I had never felt 100% saved until now, I never realized just how huge Jesus really is. So I approached my bro-in-law who was raised SDA,but struggled and was in and out of the church. I showed him that meat and wine was not a moral issue and that Christ did it ALL. He said, "You mean there might be hope for me?" I said "No, its not hope, it's a guaranty, it's a promise!" Well, this made big sister step in, she was excited that her husband was (after 15 years) finally exctited about spiritual things, but was concerned about the theology. So she wanted to start a Bible study. I said I would do it but she had to promise Bible only, of coarse she agreed. Our first study was amazing, every time she got goose bumps she would show me her arms! We talked about, meat issues, wine, law, grace, covnants, and the ten C's. When I was leaving she pulled up her sleeve and showed me her goose bumpy arm, I said, "What now?" She said , "I just thought of something, the IJ isn't biblical!" We had not even touched that subject! Anyway... We left the Church and some friends from church came over said EGW warned us that this would happen at the end of time, we never thought it would be you guys. We said we didn't either, could you please study with us and help us. They agreed and to make a long story short... They are no longer SDA's. But when you start talking to them about Jesus, their eyes start to leak, It is so fun to see the new joy and security they have in him and him alone!!!! Tim | ||
| Helovesme2 Registered user Username: Helovesme2 Post Number: 613 Registered: 8-2004  |
What an awesome experience Tim! God does work in strange, but awesome ways! Welcome to the forum. Blessings, Mary | ||
| Mwh Registered user Username: Mwh Post Number: 151 Registered: 4-2006 |
Grace_alone, could you give a direct link to that sermon? "How to effectively share the Gospel" | ||
| Randyg Registered user Username: Randyg Post Number: 235 Registered: 12-2004 |
Tim, Thank-you for sharing your wonderful story, and WELCOME! Randy | ||
| Mwh Registered user Username: Mwh Post Number: 152 Registered: 4-2006 |
Timmy, thats so cool!!! God is great and good! Its so right about salvation its a promise and God never breaks a promise of his. Everyday I feel so blesed to be saved, I wish so much that my family and friends will be saved as well, I can't bare that they should be lost, seperated from God y wish they will be experiencing love with God forever. Oh and welcome to you Timmy!!! Jesus has done it all!!! | ||
| Belvalew Registered user Username: Belvalew Post Number: 1061 Registered: 7-2004 |
I haven't had much success with "go to church every Sabbath" SDAs, but I've had wonderful success with a sister and brother who were "drifting SDAs." You know the ones I'm talking about--raised in the faith, gave up on themselves, and have accepted that they were born to be lost! Introduce those folks to the Gospel of Grace and they catch fire, just as Tim has related. And what's more, they are willing to evangelize for the first time in their lives. It was so good to see them really take a stand for their faith. I've since lost my sister, but my picture in my head is one of her standing tall and vital, and now living forever with Jesus. That is exactly what I want for myself, too. | ||
| Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker Post Number: 4496 Registered: 12-2003 |
Tim, Welcome! We're awfully glad to have you with us! What a wonderful story. I loved your clause, "their eyes start to leak" when you mention Jesus. I completely relate to that. I can't always explain what happens, but thinking of Jesus andóas you put itóhow HUGE He is makes my eyes leak as well. It's wonderful and amazing. We're glad you're here! Colleen | ||
| Grace_alone Registered user Username: Grace_alone Post Number: 152 Registered: 6-2006 |
MWH, here's the link you requested. It's a great podcast! http://www.oneplace.com/ministries/A_New_Beginning/archives.asp How to effectively share the Gospel - Look under 8/10/2006 (Thursday and Friday) Free download!  Leigh Anne | ||
| Timmy Registered user Username: Timmy Post Number: 3 Registered: 8-2006 |
Well you know, us men don't cry. But sometimes our eyes leak... ts | ||
| Susan_2 Registered user Username: Susan_2 Post Number: 2316 Registered: 11-2002 |
Timmy, Welcome and I truly am looking forward to learning more about you and from you. Your friend, Susan | ||
| Flyinglady Registered user Username: Flyinglady Post Number: 2751 Registered: 3-2004 |
Tim, That is an awesome story how you, your relatives and friends, with God's help, left the SDA church. God is truly awesome. Diana | ||
| Esther Registered user Username: Esther Post Number: 345 Registered: 5-2004 |
Welcome Timmy! I also have leaky eyes quite often when I think about Jesus and what He's done! | ||
| Dd Registered user Username: Dd Post Number: 699 Registered: 7-2004 |
Thanks for sharing your story. It gave me goose-bumps! Denise | ||
| Randyg Registered user Username: Randyg Post Number: 236 Registered: 12-2004 |
Tim, please thank Cherie for taking the time to put it all down on paper. What a powerful testimony. So much of what she said, is the life many of us have lead, but have had the inability the share quite so eloquently. I have been very fortunate in that I have not experienced the shunning from my Adventist friends and family. I have also been fortunate in that I have been able to carry on some civil conversations with some Pastoral friends from the local pastor to some at the GC level. Many have conceded to me that they recognize many of the problems(esp EGW, IJ) but are not going to let that get in the way of their ministry. I strongly feel we are going to see a continuing, and increasing exodus from the Adventist Ministry of those Pastors who pride themselves as being honest independent thinkers (believe me there are some, I know them). This will however happen in God's time and when they are ready. Every time a parishioner sends in a letter to have there name removed from the church, God uses that letter to challenge the Pastor. At some point they will have to deal with these same issues themselves. We must pray for these Pastors as the theological understanding of many congregations rests on whether they are strong enough to be honest and truthful in their presentation of Christianity. Again, Christianity and Adventism are not one in the same. A Christian has accepted Christ's sacrifice and lives knowing his sins are forgiven and feels the joy and peace that that knowledge provides. An Adventist is never secure in their salvation because their probation is not closed and their actions, thoughts(conscious or unconscious), diets, ability to achieve perfection, and ability to keep the Sabbath will always fall short. I love the song "I Serve a Risen SAVIOUR" as it describes my new found journey. In Adventism this song is not theologically accurate and should read "I Serve a Risen Example", because Adventists cannot be sure of their salvation under their theological paradigm. May God continue to lead your witness, Randy | ||
| Bmorgan Registered user Username: Bmorgan Post Number: 90 Registered: 7-2000 |
Welcome to FAF,Timmy. What an awesome, awesome experience. Thanks for sharing. Tell me... about those leaky eyes. WOW! Oh, brother, start talking to me about Jesus; my eyes flood and tears do stream down, sometimes. Often, I'd drop to my knees and raise my arms to the sky and shout, "Jesus, lover of my soul, I love you." No offense to anyone charismatic, even if I am not of the charismatic persuasion, nothing keeps me from praising my Lord, like they do. | ||
| Bmorgan Registered user Username: Bmorgan Post Number: 91 Registered: 7-2000 |
"I love the song "I Serve a Risen SAVIOUR" as it describes my new found journey. In Adventism this song is not theologically accurate and should read "I Serve a Risen Example", because Adventists cannot be sure of their salvation under their theological paradigm." Randy, I agree with you. | ||
| Dd Registered user Username: Dd Post Number: 701 Registered: 7-2004 |
Randy, That pastors and friends do not find it uncomfortable to speak with you must testify to your strong love for Jesus and your gentle spirit. God will continue to use you. What a thrill! Please keep us informed of how He does so. Denise | ||
| Mwh Registered user Username: Mwh Post Number: 157 Registered: 4-2006 |
Randyg, great song!!! I love it. | ||
| Timmy Registered user Username: Timmy Post Number: 5 Registered: 8-2006 |
Wow! Lots of activity here since yesterday morning! Randy, I think you are right, there is going to be a great exodus. I think there was a small one in the 80s but the corporate church did a good job keeping it hush hush, people like me were locked away at academy and knew nothing of it. But it's the information age now... no more secrets, no more lies, I love it. The song made me smile, after my bro-in-law was SAVED, he was a little upset with SDAism for many reasons, so with a little sarcasm he chaged the words of "Blessed redeemer" to "Blessed redeemer, the law is mine....." I think he is over that now but it goes to show what a foothold the law has in Adventist justification. Bmorgan, I have found that I have a lot to learn about raising hands. We were told right from the SDA pulpit that this was from the devil, but I am finding a good number of examples where leaders in the Bible did it and were blessed. I am going to be gone until Monday, I am going to miss this site, you guys are great! Have a great weekend! Tim |
