| Author | Message | ||
| Maggiethecat Registered user Username: Maggiethecat Post Number: 1 Registered: 7-2007 |
Hello! My name is Maree and I’m from Australia. What a blessing this site is, I only found it a week or so ago and I have just learnt so much from you all and I can’t thank you enough for that. My story starts with an Anglican (Church of England) upbringing but as I entered my teens I left the church. I stayed well away from all things religious until about 6 1/2 years ago when I met a friend through my husband’s work. She was/is a Seventh Day Adventist. She rekindled an interest in God in me and eventually after a couple of years I ventured along to her church, not really knowing what to expect and not even sure if there was really a God anyway. I found the people to be very friendly so I started going every week with my, then 3 year old, daughter. My husband, who was and still is, a complete unbeliever wasn’t overly happy about all the new ‘rules’ suddenly brought into our lives. I tried really hard to do what I was learning was the only way to salvation, but just felt so inadequate. I truly thought that all the people at church were perfect and I thought there was no way I would ever be as good as them. I kept going along though, even though my self esteem took a battering most weeks as I beat myself up over not having what it took. My constant thought was that I was never going to be good enough to make it, there was no way I was going to heaven if these were the standards that needed to be met. Eventually I was baptised, more because I thought I should than because I genuinely knew why I was. I had, however, come to know Jesus and this was the deciding factor for me in the end. Even though I took the vows I was never comfortable with all the rules and regulations and just the mention of Ellen White’s name made me feel uncomfortable. Her teachings just seemed so ‘out there’ to me and I just couldn’t believe them, but I couldn’t put my finger on why I couldn’t. Of course I didn't dare voice my thoughts though, I just kept it to myself. I thought it was my bad character that was stopping me from embracing their beliefs. I just wasn’t ‘surrendering’, if I loved the Lord then I would ‘want’ to do the right thing. This of course let me to the conclusion that obviously I didn’t love God enough or at all. This went on for some time, church just seemed to be all about what we should and shouldn’t do, not about Jesus’s saving grace. “Of course salvation is free, as long as you...(do this, do that, don't do this, don't do that)……” seemed to be the message that was portrayed. With each week I would dread the Sabbath approaching more and more. I just felt so trapped with all the rules that I couldn’t seem to keep and I almost felt like I was leading a double life, pretending to be something that I wasn’t and couldn’t be. I was so relieved when Sabbath was over each week. This was causing me a lot of stress and affected my health significantly. Attending church was hard enough with my daughter who has Asperger’s Syndrome and displays quite challenging behaviour, let alone having all these other concerns plaguing me. Last year my daughter started at the local Lutheran primary school and I was really struck with their love of the Lord and their more simplistic teaching of the gospel. Over the last 6 months big cracks started to form in my view of the SDA church, and it was like a light was slowly being illuminated on the path God wanted me to take. I just felt like I had to get out. My last Sabbath was about a month ago and I know I will never go back. Finding this site and others with similar content was an absolute God send. I’m getting the rounds of the kitchen from my friend about it all. She says Satan is leading me away from the true church and my salvation is at risk – she says knowing the truth and then turning away from it is worse than not knowing it at all. I am apparently turning my back on God and just doing what’s convenient for me, not doing what I know is right. She says because I haven’t laid prostrate on the ground pleading with God to show me the truth then I’m not really seeking the truth. I know from reading your posts though, that this is a common reaction of SDAs to people who leave the church and that puts my mind at ease. I just love reading all your posts. I have learned so much from you all in the last week or so and I just feel so positive about the future. I even bought a new bible today (NIV version)to make a fresh start with and actually read it with a positive mind set. I still feel a little jaded by the ‘rules’ but I am trying to put them out of my mind and focus on what Jesus did for me. I attended the local Lutheran church last Sunday and really enjoyed it. Sorry I've waffled on so long. Thank you again, God bless you all. Maree  | ||
| Emr Registered user Username: Emr Post Number: 12 Registered: 7-2007 |
Welcome, Maree. Our love for God, imperfect as it is, has little, if anything, to do with our salvation. What matters in the equation is his perfect, infinite love for us. Blessings. | ||
| Mwh Registered user Username: Mwh Post Number: 670 Registered: 4-2006  |
Dear sister Maree, peace, grace and love from our wonderful Savior Jesus Christ, be with you in abundance. Glad to see you here, hope we can be helpful to you . Also I pray that you will grow in the knowledge and love and mercy of our mighty God and Lord, Jesus. Check out the Proclamation magazines [1], they have been a real help to me, I've learned so much, anyways I would recommend you to learn from Jesus, His Word and be in prayer with Him always. Hugh's from Denmark, your brother in Christ, Martin 1) http://www.lifeassuranceministries.org/ | ||
| Toria Registered user Username: Toria Post Number: 176 Registered: 2-2006  |
Maree; Welcome to the forum. So happy you found us. Blessings Toria | ||
| Flyinglady Registered user Username: Flyinglady Post Number: 4101 Registered: 3-2004  |
Maree, Welcome to FAF. God is leading you and do not let any one else tell you differently. Read the Bible. Pray. And Listen to God as you read. God is so awesome. Diana | ||
| Philharris Registered user Username: Philharris Post Number: 136 Registered: 5-2007  |
Maree, Welcome! There is a special place in my heart for those who call Australia their homeland. One of my favorite aunts comes from there and even after sixty years of being away still has that "down under" twang to her voice. When Ellen White returned from Australia, she settled in her home at Elmshaven. I am a 4th generation SDA and grew up within shouting distance of Elmshaven, in the upper Napa Valley of Northern California. You are so blessed to not have this long "tradition" being in and around the SDA family and not having all the "baggage" that I have had to shake out of my life. Anyway, keep "Jesus Christ: First, Only, Always" in your search for truth and direction in your life. The thing that has amazed me is that he is the answer to every question of doctrine and the solution to all of the issues in our lives. Your brother in Christ, Phil | ||
| Reb Registered user Username: Reb Post Number: 496 Registered: 5-2007 |
Welcome to the FAF forum, Maree. | ||
| Susans Registered user Username: Susans Post Number: 402 Registered: 8-2006 |
Welcome, Maree! We're so glad you found us! "My constant thought was that I was never going to be good enough to make it, there was no way I was going to heaven if these were the standards that needed to be met" Your thoughts were right! None of us are ever good enough to make it, that's why we need Jesus! I used to think one way about those words, because I played them myself in my head over and OVER again for many years until I gave up. Now, just now, I see that perhaps it was the Holy Spirit pointing me towards the only One who IS good enough, my Saviour, Jesus! I was blinded by Adventism, though, and didn't see that Jesus was standing at the door of my heart wanting to come in and live inside me! Praise God I finally opened the door to him and left Adventism behind. You are certainly not alone. I also bought a new translation of the bible and read it with fresh eyes instead of the SDA blinders. I think you will find when you read the bible only, it is much the opposite of what those proof texts would lead you to believe it says. We look forward to having you here and joining the form. Blessings, Susan | ||
| Pheeki Registered user Username: Pheeki Post Number: 870 Registered: 1-2003 |
Maree. Don't listen to the SDA when they tell you you are in danger of losing your salvation if you leave their fold. It isn't true. Salvation is not through a wo(man)-made organization...it is through Jesus Christ. The Sabbath doctrine is a hard one to let go when you have been brainwashed to believe it is what saves you! I too had many warning signs when I was SDA...the Clear Word bible for example felt wrong when I tried to read it...but most SDA have shut out that small voice or ignore it for so long it goes away. I am so glad God has led you into a Gospel based church. Stay strong. Your friend, Pheeki. | ||
| Melissa Registered user Username: Melissa Post Number: 1607 Registered: 7-2003 |
Maree, thanks for sharing your story. I really enjoyed reading it. I have a daughter with PDD (a form of autism) and she has all sorts of behavior issues. She's also mentally retarded, so that is bonus. I feel great compassion for moms in our shoes. You are not alone on several fronts! Welcome. | ||
| Berit Registered user Username: Berit Post Number: 9 Registered: 7-2007 |
Welcome! Yes, God must have lead you to this site, it truly is a wonderful place to learn when one is making the sda exodus! Wish you all the best and Gods blessing! | ||
| Jamundson Registered user Username: Jamundson Post Number: 26 Registered: 7-2007 |
MAree, Nice to have you here, looking forward to your contributions to this forum. I am curious about your relationship with your husband now that you are no longer SDA. Is he interested in your spiritual walk. You said he was a non believer, has that changed? Jay | ||
| River Registered user Username: River Post Number: 1236 Registered: 9-2006  |
Maree, A warm welcome to the forum. River | ||
| Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker Post Number: 6479 Registered: 12-2003  |
Maree, I'm so glad you've joined us. God is leading you. We will enjoy getting to know you. I was also thinking about your husband. Now that you are finding Jesus alone, there is more and more possibility that your life with Jesus will begin impacting him. With prayers for you and that your husband will come to know Jesus as well. Colleen | ||
| Gcfrankie Registered user Username: Gcfrankie Post Number: 38 Registered: 1-2007 |
Welcome Maree, I am glad you have joined us. I know many here have helped me in my walk away from SDA but the biggest help is Jesus Christ and he lead me to FAF people who have lived in the same situation and can answer questions we may have about SDA. May Jesus bless you in your walk and He will give you the words you need to answer any accusation your friend uses. In Jesus's love. Gail | ||
| Luzisbornagain Registered user Username: Luzisbornagain Post Number: 83 Registered: 7-2007 |
Welcome Maree. So happy to hear from you. I love these stories. Praise the Lord. | ||
| Bsim Registered user Username: Bsim Post Number: 3 Registered: 7-2007 |
Maree, I am so glad you are here. Try not to worry about what others tell you that you should or should not do. Especially those who are still Adventists - they have their own agenda. Just focus on where God is leading you. One thing that really helped me was to read my bible - from Romans to 3rd John, without any other readings. Just the bible. I began seeing and understanding verses in a way I never had before. I will be praying for you also. Bsim | ||
| Dennis Registered user Username: Dennis Post Number: 1204 Registered: 4-2000  |
A hearty FAF welcome, Maree! Dennis Fischer | ||
| Maggiethecat Registered user Username: Maggiethecat Post Number: 2 Registered: 7-2007 |
Wow, thanks for all your responses! I feel quite overwhelmed with all the support that is found here. I can't thank you all enough, and of course God, who led me here! In regards to my hubby, I was actually told by my friend that I was throwing away the only chance he will ever have at salvation, the only way he can be saved is through my influence (??)and if I turn away from the truth then how will he ever find it. I see it the opposite way, I was certainly never shining the light of Jesus when I lived in fear of Him and everything seemed such a burden. I honestly feel like I've been on an Adventist roller coaster for the last 3 years or so and now I am off my head is still spinning a little but I can see things I couldn't see when I was 'on the ride'. Hope that makes sense. I feel I don't really have much to offer this forum, I know so little and have SOOOO much to learn. I just want to start from scratch again. I'll be sticking around though, I just love to read all your loving and caring posts. I feel I've learn more about God in the last week than I have my whole time in the SDA church. Thanks again for such a warm welcome. God bless, Maree | ||
| Bobj Registered user Username: Bobj Post Number: 237 Registered: 1-2006  |
Maree I just read your first post! Praise God! Welcome! Glad you're here! Bob | ||
| Pnoga Registered user Username: Pnoga Post Number: 8 Registered: 1-2007 |
Hello Maree, I'm new here myself. This forum truly is a blessing from God. Welcome! | ||
| Bmorgan Registered user Username: Bmorgan Post Number: 152 Registered: 7-2000 |
Maree, Welcome to the forum. Your testimony resonated loudly in my soul. I have "been there and done that" Adventist thing too. Oh, the warnings and advice you get about leaving the "truth" and jeopardizing your salvation is far too common. My husband's comeback still is; "I'd take the risk of being in hell and live with what I now know, Christ, than live in what you call truth-Adventism." You said, "I feel I don't really have much to offer this forum, I know so little." Your simple, powerful testimony, is more than you would imagine. Thank you for sharing. It's wonderful to be free; free to run, dance and live for Christ Alone. Erma Toussaint | ||
| Jamundson Registered user Username: Jamundson Post Number: 30 Registered: 7-2007 |
Maree, You said, "I feel I don't really have much to offer this forum, I know so little." You have more to contribute that you think. Just asking questions will generate a multitude of responces. Then all here can learn and grow from the discusion. Jay | ||
| Susans Registered user Username: Susans Post Number: 413 Registered: 8-2006 |
Welcome to you as well, Pnoga! Susan | ||
| Maggiethecat Registered user Username: Maggiethecat Post Number: 3 Registered: 7-2007 |
There was one thing I probably should have mentioned and that is that I don't 100% regret going along to the SDA church. Before I started attending I was pretty much a non believer and I have come out the other side a believer so that's definitely a positive from where I stand. Things can only look up from here. Maree | ||
| Helovesme2 Registered user Username: Helovesme2 Post Number: 991 Registered: 8-2004  |
Yep Maree! God brings us to Himself through all sorts of unexpected ways. I was raised Adventist, and have my then SDA parents to thank for my childhood exposure to the Bible, my belief that prayer actually gets to God (though I was cautioned to address it right), and an enduring interest in wild plants and 'outdoorsy' ways of living. (For surrendering my life to Jesus as a young child however, I have my parents' habit of visiting other churches to thank.) I know God has awoken other people to the things He has for them through other means but for me He used THIS way. And He works even my heritage for my good and His glory. I praise God that even as you see the errors of SDAism and have been brought out, you can thank Him for what He did for you while you were in it! You spoke about you 'last Sabbath' being a while back. One of the joys I've found in understanding that salvation is through Jesus ALONE is finding that HE, and not a day, is my Sabbath. I get to 'Sabbath' (rest from my own works as a means of salvation) twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. It's awesome! Hang in there and keep following your shepherd. He won't lead you astray! Blessings, Mary |
