| Author | Message | ||
| Flyinglady Registered user Username: Flyinglady Post Number: 3722 Registered: 3-2004  |
We have said all kinds of things about leaving adventism. Some of these can sound harsh. So I want to talk about life after adventism. What is your life like in your new church/congregation? How has you life changed? Since joining my church, Central Christian Church in Henderson, NV, I have met so many Christian people, in my church and in other churches. When I find some one who is a Christian, like at work, there is an instant bonding. We can talk about Christ and pray with each other, for our patients and our colleagues. I have gotten very involved in my church. Lots of volunteers are needed at each service to do all kinds of things. My volunteer work is to greet people who enter the church. After the service I go to Guest Central to talk and pray with people who want to know more about the church and what it believes. We have started a Celebrate Recovery program. This is the 12 step program, but it is based on Jesus Christ and the Bible, specifically the Beatitudes. This meets 2 nights a week. I am involved with the Club 50, a singles club for those over 50. What I find so much fun is mingling with other Christians and bringing our non Christian friends to the church and to our functions. I especially like the occasional person, who is in the process of getting to know Jesus. I am thinking of a young man I met last winter. When he walked in the church I greeted him. God used me to listen to him talk of getting drunk and hitting his girl friend a few days before I met him. After the service he came to Guest Central and he and I talked some more and I prayed with him. I saw him the following week. About a month ago I was greeting people as then entered the church for the Wednesday night service. A couple entered and I greeted them. The young man looked at me and said,"you don't remember me". I looked at him and remembered the incident of last winter and I remembered his first name. "You are------", I said. He smiled and told me his girlfriend was with him and he called her back to meet me. His girl friend said, "Oh,--told me about you." Then they told me they were taking the Starting Point course. My heart was singing all evening and continues to sing because they are getting to know Jesus and I had a very small part of it. When things like this happen, I am so thankful. So there is life after adventism. In fact, I talk more about Jesus now, then I did as an SDA and I very seldom talk about adventism unless some one asks me about my background. My church has all kinds of programs in which a person can get involved. Oh Yes, God has a plan for each of us out of adventism and it is exciting and fulfilling. So, What is your life like after adventism?? Our God is so awesome. Diana | ||
| Lucybugg Registered user Username: Lucybugg Post Number: 30 Registered: 2-2007 |
Love this topic! I'm such a happier person since I've been out of the church. I have such a closer, more personal walk/experience with God. I never realized how little I knew him until I began to study for myself. I'm a peace with myself and can now most assuredly say Yes...I am saved! Praise the Lord!! | ||
| Flyinglady Registered user Username: Flyinglady Post Number: 3723 Registered: 3-2004 |
Lucy, You are so right. When I wrote the above, I wanted to show where God has me and I am much happier now. I will add that right now. I am listening to God and doing what He wants me to do and I am so happy doing it. I am so free knowing I cannot do anything to earn/win salvation. It is all Jesus. Yes, I KNOW I AM SAVED. Diana | ||
| Snowboardingmom Registered user Username: Snowboardingmom Post Number: 284 Registered: 11-2005 |
Wonderful thread!!! There are so many changes in me since I left Adventism. Probably one of the biggest is that I have such joy. I've always considered myself to be an overall happy person. But happiness is dependent on circumstances, whereas my joy stems from God's love for me, and my security in Him. I now have a constant joy, and am filled with hope and peace, even when circumstances in my life aren't necessarily "happy". It's been remarkable how that affects my overall well being. When people "wrong" me, my reaction to it is so different than it used to be. Just recently (yesterday), I had a situation occur where a family member acted out passive aggressively against me because of my new walk in Christ. They caused a lot of damage and a lot of hurt. Rather than take it personally, and continually dwell on it (like I would have in the past), I can give the situation up to God. I know that they are not just wronging "me" as far as who I am personally, but they are wronging a child of God. God is my Savior, and I am protected under Him. They can say all they want, or do all they want against me, but ultimately they have to answer to God, because I belong to Him. It no longer becomes my issue to seek retaliation, "get back", or even confront. It's now between them and God. I find such peace in that. And oddly, as a result, I can find compassion for the individual because I know they don't know Jesus. So I now am able to pray for the people in my life who have "persecuted" me to submit their depraved, and sinful lives over to Jesus so that He can fill them with a joy and peace that only He can give. It's all His situation to handle, and it's all ultimately about His glory! In my old life, it was all about me... Ahhh...the joy of the Lord is my strength!!! Grace | ||
| Reb Registered user Username: Reb Post Number: 121 Registered: 5-2007 |
I find that I have a lot more Faith than I ever did as an Adventist and a peace that was impossible to have as an Adventist. Now that I no longer live in fear of Sunday Laws, worry about passing the IJ, etc. etc., and now have assurance of Salvation, it's a whole new ballgame. | ||
| Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker Post Number: 5957 Registered: 12-2003  |
Great thread, Diana! One of the biggest differences for me, besides God replacing my chronic anxiety with peace, is my learning to trust Jesus. More and more I am finding that He holds my heart in calmness and confidence even when it seems everything around me is falling apart. I actually sense His presence and see His hand in things where I formerly would have been panicked, stressed out, and frantic. As you said, Grace, "The joy of the Lord is my strength!" This is the most amazing difference in my life. I'm not worried about the future; I know Who holds both my today and my tomorrows. I am secure, and nothing can touch me without His permission and provision. This is not to say I don't feel pain or experience hardships. I do. But He is with me. I am His, and He is faithful. Colleen | ||
| Bobj Registered user Username: Bobj Post Number: 171 Registered: 1-2006  |
Diana It will be three years in August. Best years ever! I praise the Lord for life. Several remarkable things have happened that I'm not yet free to comment about, just that I praise the Lord, and I hope to be free to share about these good things someday. God is doing incredible things, and I can see it! Richard and Colleen's FAF Friday evening Bible study group in Redlands and this forum have both been real blessings. I look up a lot of the websites and articles that are mentioned on this forum. Great stuff. We're not active members of any church right now, but I think that day will come. For now, we have strong Christian support groups and are continuing to learn and unlearn many things. Lucybugg and Grace You both mentioned peace. Praise God for your walk with the Lord! I've lost a couple friends as a result of leaving Adventism, and have other friends who are fearful of me now (that I might cause them to be lost, I guess) and who are absolutely clueless as to why I would give up the Sabbath or leave the remnant church or would stop trusting Ellen. I love SDAs dearly, and am well acquainted with two Adventist ministers who believe and teach, (and have confirmed this to me privately) in grace plus works, and one of these is pretty much works only oriented (and he can prove it from the Bible!) They have both argued against my belief in just trusting the Lord--in grace alone. One of these ministers is in his 30s, and his young family is so distressed and fearful--you can see the fear in their faces. This young minister proudly told me that he is not alone in preaching this--he really believes it, and bases it on Ellen. It just makes me really sad. Revelation 21:8 mentions the cowardly (fearful) and unbelieving. But it's been the most amazing time of my life, and I praise God for it. Much of the fear I carried with me as an Adventist has just vanished--just totally overshadowed by His love. I'd like to say a little more, and it has to do with Richard Tinker. God used Richard to help me during some of the most challenging times as I was transitioning out of Adventism. I was so worried about my own situation and Richard would remind me that I didn't have to do anything, but to just rest and wait on the Lord. Richard called it trust, and I say this with a smile, because it was so obvious, but it was exactly what I needed to hear! Richard would pray for me. The good news is that I think God is at work, and it's not over yet. I pray for this young family. Yes, there's life after Adventism! Thanks again, Diana, for this good thread. Bob | ||
| Marysroses Registered user Username: Marysroses Post Number: 17 Registered: 4-2007 |
I have been 'out' since 1982. For me, the feeling is gratitude. Even though things come up that I've had to work through, I'm grateful for where I am and the sense of peace and contentment I have. Stuff still comes up, I still find things that bring up emotions I thought I were past. Part of the problem is moving back to my hometown and seeing what remaining SDA is doing to my mother. She is getting older and doesn't seem to have any peace in her life. The manipulation and emotional blackmail to 'get me back in church' can be draining. I'm just so grateful I escaped. Twice. The first time when God led me out of the SDA, the second time when he pulled me back from the edge. To me, that is real Grace. I didn't do anything to deserve it, the second time especially, I didn't ask for it, wasn't even looking for it, and He saved me anyway, kicking and hollering, and put me back on the path. I'm grateful for this forum, letting me have a place to talk about it. People at my church think of the SDA as "just another denomination, at least its not a cult" but they really have no idea. I lurked for months before finally getting my courage up to write the email asking to join. Thanks for the kind words and warm reception. MarysRoses | ||
| Bobj Registered user Username: Bobj Post Number: 172 Registered: 1-2006 |
MarysRoses You wrote "To me, that is real Grace. I didn't do anything to deserve it . .." Prasie God for your walk with the Lord. I will pray for your mother. So many of us have family and friends in similar situations. Getting older doesn't mean the Lord just automatically lifts the veil, and I work with a lot of older people who really need prayer. I'd just like to say something that is occasionally mentioned on this forum, that when an Adventist talks about grace they often mean that Jesus was gracious enough to come and die for us, and that was His part, and now we have to do our part, which is . . . then they fill in the blanks. That's about as close as I can come to defining the grace that my "grace plus works" minister freinds are so proudly preaching. Bob | ||
| Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker Post Number: 5962 Registered: 12-2003 |
You're right, Bob. That's usually what Adventists mean when they speak of grace. There's such a sense of burden... Praise God for calling us to Himself! Colleen | ||
| Jonvil Registered user Username: Jonvil Post Number: 42 Registered: 4-2007 |
In ignorance there is bliss TICK! TICK! TICK! I’m better off not knowing – really! TICK! TICK! TICK! I really need all those rules that control every aspect of my life TICK! TICK! TICK! I enjoy not having any meaningful personal relationships – silence is golden TICK! TICK! TICK! I don’t want change – I want to know what to expect (Sabbath after Sabbath after Sabbath after Sabbath) TICK! TICK! TICK! Complacency rules – maybe I’m saved – I’ve learned to live with it TICK! TICK! TICK! COME ON! Knock it off – enough with the superlatives - I can’t take any more of your abuse– some of us are still inmates (I’m looking for a trowel so you can lay it on thicker) | ||
| Lydell Registered user Username: Lydell Post Number: 765 Registered: 7-2000 |
Just this week I had a guy in to clean the carpet. He really liked a stencil we have put on the wall, "God is Faithful" and began the conversation with, "He sure is!" As an SDA I likely would have responded by first trying to figure out what day of the week he went to church or basically avoiding really talking about spiritual things....who knows he might be one of "them" caring some error. Instead we just had a great time sharing stories of how God had proven himself faithful in our lives. That's the thing I notice the most. Shields no longer go up when I meet a Christian. And as others have noticed....just the absence of fear, especially about "end time" events. I really don't give a thought to how things will end up here on earth, because I now know that although things will get bad, it also means we are going to see such AWESOME displays of God's care. He will NEVER leave us through hard times. No, there is another thing.....since we have left Adventism there have been a handful of times of witnessing as Christians die. And just watching as one particular woman just simply stepped from here into His arms....that is just awesome. No terror of some "unconfessed sin", just loving trust in a Father who was waiting for the homecoming. | ||
| U2bsda Registered user Username: U2bsda Post Number: 482 Registered: 11-2004 |
Yes there is true life after Adventism. - Understanding His grace! - Freedom in Christ! - Life not consumed with worry. I used to be a BIG worrier. - Life with full assurance of salvation - Life where that church around the block is not people to witness to, but my brothers and sisters in Christ. - Life filled with purpose! - Fitting in to the body of Christ. The Adventist puzzle piece never fit well in me. I thought there was something wrong with me for so long. | ||
| Agapetos Registered user Username: Agapetos Post Number: 836 Registered: 10-2002  |
My goodness, it is difficult to describe this! Maybe it is like living in a different country. I live in Japan now. Yet we also have cars, we also have buildings, we also have people and food, etc, etc. But everything is different. I can describe some of it, but you won't really understand until you come see it for yourself. I have never been able to be comfortable in Adventism again. I see only Christ now. He is the special one. It's not about any church group or theology or idea or anything. Christ is a person, and He is the unique one, the special one, the one whom it is all about. Seeing Scripture actually make sense is another wonderful perk, I might add! As an Adventist I felt that Scripture was difficult. It was basically kind of "heavy". EGW's writings were simpler (well, except for the Great Controversy!) and explanatory. The epistles of the New Testament were especially a bit confusing. After being set free, however, things are completely reversed. The Bible makes sense! And it is not difficult. Yes, there is some difficult chronological history, ceremonies, prophetic stuff, etc., but that is basically it. Everything else clearly falls into place -- and even those things are not burdensome anymore because my salvation is not staked on my understanding of them. Now, when I try to look at EGW (even for research) it is sooooo heavy!! It is so DEAD! I guess I'm centering around the question: "How do I describe 'life' to someone who is dead?" Before I was dead and I didn't know it. Now I am alive because Christ has made me so. Now, to get closer to Him or to be "spiritual", I rest in Him, and I understand that His Spirit is alive and resting inside me! Once before I used to try to read many EGW books, plod through difficult scriptures, etc., and with the result that I tired out and never felt closer to God anyway (rather, I felt less and less capable of ever "getting there"). Now I suddenly know He is REAL! He is here with me and in me. I can't explain how I talk to Him or how He talks to me, but I dare not say that He does not speak to me! As one brother once told Watchman Nee, "I can't say that I have not seen God, but I dare not say that I haven't either." Or as Job said in the end, "My ears have heard of You, but now my eyes have seen You." I had heard much about Him, and much about how "the truth" would set me free. I studied what I thought was "the truth" for many years, longing for the freedom it seemed to promise but never delivered. But Jesus has delivered everything in Himself and in His Spirit. He is just SO MUCH LARGER!!! And it's wonderful! It's an adventure! Every day is different, every day is special. Though I stumble, He won't let me fall beyond His catch. Though I fall, He keeps me in His hands. Though at times I long for yesterday, He speaks and says to seek Him now, because what He has for me now is better than what I left yesterday -- it's an ever-deepening intimacy with Him. He knew me yesterday, knows me today, and knows me tomorrow. He's seen it all ahead of time, and I am with Him always because He is always with me. And even IN me! He is just BIGGER than I ever imagined. And He is REAL! No more "figuring it out" or guessing or speculating about Him. Now I know Him and He knows me, and I can go to Him and talk to Him, and if I hear no answer, I receive His peace and rest anyway. He's just awesome.  | ||
| Flyinglady Registered user Username: Flyinglady Post Number: 3726 Registered: 3-2004 |
Ramone, I am so glad you mentioned understanding the Bible. On CARM one of the SDA asked a question about Isaiah. I have not read the OT for years because I got so scare that God was going to do to me what he did with the rebellious Israelites. I told him I could not answer until I read the whole book as I wanted to get the whole picture of the text in context. Yesterday, while waiting at the airport for my flight to Little Rock, Arkansas, I pulled out my Bible and started reading Isaiah. I read on the plane and have 3 chapters to finish. What an interesting book!!! It no longer frightens me. God is SO LARGE. That is why I usually close with saying God is so aweome. Diana | ||
| Olga Registered user Username: Olga Post Number: 63 Registered: 11-2005 |
Marysroses, you said: "Stuff still comes up, I still find things that bring up emotions I thought I were past. Part of the problem is moving back to my hometown and seeing what remaining SDA is doing to my mother. She is getting older and doesn't seem to have any peace in her life. The manipulation and emotional blackmail to 'get me back in church' can be draining. " I can so relate to your statements above!! In fact, I will be visiting my parents for 3 weeks and I've been dreading this (I feel drained and even sick to my stomach!). I've been praying hard and would like to know if others here wouldn't mind praying @ this so I can have God's peace on this and other issues concerning my visit : I know this isn't the prayer area so I apologize for that. Anyways, I'm afraid my parents will try to start a conversation about the path I'm taking and will attempt to convince me otherwise, which won't work but I hate getting caught up in that kind of discussion. Also, I'll probably go out of my mind, hanging with my kids and folks Friday sundown through Saturday given they keep the Sabbath. I'm gonna have to find ways to get out!!! Sorry for going off track from the thread! As for what's different about my life after Adventism: * No longer worry so much about the end times and persecution. * I can (and do) fellowship with other Christians, Catholics included and feel at peace doing so. * Occassionally, I can enjoy a couple of alcoholic drinks without guilt (only feel guilty if I think I've taken a bit more than my small body can handle; hubby calls me a 'lightweight') * I've tried pork (and shrimp) and even had pork rinds (tasty! but not too great for my stomach) * I listen to rock and roll and other music without feeling guilty unless the lyrics are not appropriate. * Most importantly: I have more peace than ever before, even on those days when I feel a 'dry spell' (before as an SDA I would have thought I was 'lost', now I just pray for God to lead me in the right direction) * I'm happier now in my marriage as my husband sees a different person (not as 'uptight' about everything). * Last: I'm just so eternally grateful to God that he chose to pull me out. I would have never believed I would live my life as a 'mainstream' Christian (it was either SDA or just a lost soul, with no religion). Because God pulled me out just in time, my children will have the chance to live with more freedom than I ever did and without the EGW trash. Sorry for the long post. | ||
| Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker Post Number: 5973 Registered: 12-2003 |
Olga, I'll be praying for you visit with your folks. I understand the dread. And yes, that peace and joy do not go away. Even in the dry spells...I know I'm not abandoned. Sometimes when I'm feeling stipped of external securities and I feel overwhelmed and down, I pray that Jesus will be all I need. It's amazing how, even though everything isn't 'fixed' right away, He does not leave me, and I KNOW He's with nme. I can endure the down times because I'm not bereft. He STAYS with me. Colleen | ||
| Ric_b Registered user Username: Ric_b Post Number: 700 Registered: 7-2004  |
Nice thread! There is abundant life after SDAism. The first year was hard at times, and everyone here was great in providing support through those struggles. I didn't find a perfect church. But I found a church with other people proclaiming grace plus nothing more. I found that I have plenty to learn from other Christians. I also found that my time spend in the legalism of SDAism gives me an additional perspective on grace. My Spiritual life still has ups and downs, but I feel more free to discuss those with others without fear of judgment and condemnation. Bible study has become a greater source of joy than it has ever been. And I am more likely to talk about my faith at work and other places outside of church. God is more a part of my life every day than He was before. | ||
| Bobj Registered user Username: Bobj Post Number: 178 Registered: 1-2006 |
Olga, You wrote: "Because God pulled me out just in time, my children will have the chance to live with more freedom than I ever did . . ." We tell our children the same thing. We want them to be free in the Lord. I have real difficulty respecting those who tried to put up roadblocks as the Lord was leading us out of Adventism. I've previously mentioned the "bluff and bluster tactics" used on me by three different ministers as I was leaving. God commands us to stand fast in our freedom as Christians! Bob | ||
| River Registered user Username: River Post Number: 818 Registered: 9-2006  |
Olga, I'll pray for you now so I don't forget it. Think of your FaF family often, we do care. Whatsosever thing are wonderful and of good report, try to think on those things, that sounds empty I know but if you can keep you mind staid on Jesus it will help. Now if I could just take my own advice wouldn't that be cool? River | ||
| Flyinglady Registered user Username: Flyinglady Post Number: 3731 Registered: 3-2004 |
This morning, here in Little Rock, I am thinking of my freedom I have found in Jesus Christ. I will be going to a church with my son and his family that is new to all of us. It was recommended by the minister at my church in Henderson, as he had been in Little Rock before being called to Henderson. So I will be worshipping with other Christians and not worrying about what will be preached and how people will see me. The point I am trying to make is that I can worhip with other Christians any where and not have to look for a specific church. God bless each of you here as you worship God today. He is so awesome. Diana | ||
| Lucybugg Registered user Username: Lucybugg Post Number: 31 Registered: 2-2007 |
My husband, sons and I went to church yesterday, our first time going to church on Sunday. I thought I'd feel awkward and weird, but I didn't. Every person we met so kind and friendly. The lesson study was how we can have an error-filled perception of God because of the wrong things we've been taught up to this point. Talk about God reaching down and gettin my attention! The sermon was about using worship to draw unbelievers into the church. The pastor also said that too many people fight and argue about style of worship and what day to worship on and that the unbelievers get lost in the battle. On the way home Rodney asked me what I thought about the pastor's comment. I said..I think it was God saying it really was ok to be in church today, and Rodney said..I think you're right. The only way I can describe how I felt in church yesteday is...I felt free. Free to be a child of God and to worship him without limits or restrictions. God is so good! | ||
| Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker Post Number: 5990 Registered: 12-2003 |
Lucy, that is so awesome! Praise God! What you did was a huge step--visiting a church on Sunday. God will continue to guide you and bless you. Colleen | ||
| Flyinglady Registered user Username: Flyinglady Post Number: 3737 Registered: 3-2004 |
Lucy, It sounds like you were where God wanted you yesterday. Isn't it awesome, the freedom we have in God. That is one of the many reasons I say He is awesome. Diana | ||
| Javagirl Registered user Username: Javagirl Post Number: 397 Registered: 6-2005 |
Lucy, thats a big step. I'm so excited to hear that. I love how God confirmed that for both you and your husband. He prepared a sermon in advance for you! Perhaps the preacher was even surprised at a couple things he said. You said" The only way I can describe how I felt in church yesteday is...I felt free. Free to be a child of God and to worship him without limits or restrictions. God is so good!" Oh, the worship part is the part that gets better and better for me. Because I love God more, as I know God more, I am able to worship. In fact, I have to worship. It just bubbles up. There is definitly life after adventism. Another question is WAS there life while IN adventism? Not for me. Not LIFE. Not like life I know now. Its like the difference between a horse and buggy, and a convertible. In Adventism, I was the horse! In Jesus, I am IN the convertible, the wind is blowing through my hair, I'm free! Lucy, that freedom you felt is only the beginning. Praise God! (I'm one year, three months free) It took me a bit longer to get comfortable in a "Sunday" church. Now It's the highlight of my week---In the presence of God with other Believers for the purpose of worship. Lori | ||
| Flyinglady Registered user Username: Flyinglady Post Number: 3739 Registered: 3-2004 |
Lori, I like to describe life with Jesus as being in a military jet fighter. God is the pilot, doing acrobatics and I am in the back seat just enjoying the ride because I trust Him. Diana | ||
| Flyinglady Registered user Username: Flyinglady Post Number: 3754 Registered: 3-2004 |
Oh, YES, THERE IS LIFE AFTER ADVENTISM. SEE MY POST "AND NOW THE REST OF THE STORY...." I saw Jud, our minister, after the service and shared my Good news and Bob the minister from Little Rock and told him also. They both told me I had a part in this couple's being baptized. Now that I think of it, no one was baptized an adventist because of something I had done(except for my ex husband, but that is a completely different circumstance). Life after adventism can be so exciting and fulfilling. Thank you God. You are awesome. Diana | ||
| Lucybugg Registered user Username: Lucybugg Post Number: 32 Registered: 2-2007 |
I told my mom on Friday that we attended church last Sunday. I thought she'd be all distraught and upset, but she wasn't. She smiled and asked "do I seem surprised or upset?" She then said...you have to do what God leads you to do. She also said that she's been studying and God has been pointing out some things to her that are surprising her. Hubby made his weekly Saturday morning phone call to his SDA mom, and in the course of the conversation she asked if we'd found a church yet. Hubby said yes, but are you sure you want to know where? Then he told her we'd attended the 1st Baptist Church last Sunday. Her response: Well, at least the kids are in church. I love you anyway. But you do know the Sabbath will be the test of faith, right? And you do know that whole churches will convert, right? Oh, do you watch 3ABN? He didn't try to convince her of anything; he just sat and listened to her. I'm sure Saturday morning the entire Smokey Mountain SDA church prayed for our lost souls. God is at work! | ||
| Flyinglady Registered user Username: Flyinglady Post Number: 3761 Registered: 3-2004 |
Hallelujah and Praise God for how He is working on the Mothers. I am so glad for you. One day they will tell you what they are finding out. Thank you God for teaching these ladies. You are so AWESOME. Diana |
