| Author | Message | ||
| U2bsda Registered user Username: U2bsda Post Number: 485 Registered: 11-2004 |
Did you all see ellenwhite.com where it tells about the EGW Distribution Project? Ironically, the name of the project is called "Connecting with Jesus". The GC and the EGW estate is sponsoring this. They are wanting to put 2 million sets of 10 EGW books in the hands of SDAs around the world to help get them ready for the last days. Is there a move back toward EGW? As I remember it things were moving away from her, but this project sponsored by the GC is anything but! Where is the common sense? Connecting with Jesus should be connecting with Jesus and the Bible as His Word NOT connecting with EGW. I pray my family's eyes will one day be opened. Freedom is a wonderful thing! But it hurts to know that those you have left behind are bound and have no idea that they are bound. Things like the EGW distribution project will only cause them to be more bound. | ||
| Jonvil Registered user Username: Jonvil Post Number: 49 Registered: 4-2007 |
Is there a move back toward EGW? ABSOLUTELY!!! Our young pastor has for months been emphasizing the importance of the SOP and quotes extensively from her - very much to the approval of the congregation. Wednesday evenings are dedicated to the study of her writings ( I have never attended) My impression is, that there is a concerted effort to return to 'historical' Adventism where EGW totally dominates, supported and encouraged by the GC. I believe it is an attempt to bury those critical of her claim to be 'more than a prophet', and those who are stating that the IJ has no biblical merit, under an avalanche of propaganda. | ||
| Flyinglady Registered user Username: Flyinglady Post Number: 3732 Registered: 3-2004  |
It is my understanding that the GC in St Louis in 2005 wanted to get EGW books in all SDA homes. So, it looks like there is a move back towards her writings. Let us pray for all SDAs daily. Diana | ||
| Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker Post Number: 5987 Registered: 12-2003  |
Yes, Richard and I watched several of the GC meetings via intenet during the 2005 general session. We saw the meeting where they introduced the "Connecting with Jesus" project which, as U2bsda said, consists of getting 2 million sets of 10 EGW books, including the "Conflict of the Ages" series, translated into various languages and distributed into homes around the world. The presenters discussed how the new converts in continents such as Africa and others are brought into the church but aren't continuing in specific SDA teaching. They mentioned that without getting EGW into their hands, they will lose their Adventist distinction. Their goal is to accomplish this project by the year 2010. There is a distinct return to to endorsing EGW. Absolutely. Colleen | ||
| Jeremiah Registered user Username: Jeremiah Post Number: 231 Registered: 1-2004  |
Actually it makes good sense... churches which offer definite teachings of right and wrong, rather than preaching that everything is a gray area, will grow. When I was SDA I was delighted to see the move back towards historical SDAism! It meant that the church actually believed in and stood for something! In fact it doesn't matter if a church teaches complete nonsense, as long as the church insists that something is right and something else is wrong. It will offer the security that people want, and they will support it. I do think it would be better to be teaching actual truth and standing up for it. In fact if that truth can withstand investigation, you'll have a doubly strong church. Churches like Mormons, JWs, and even SDAs are very good at producing agnostics and athiests because while they do have a strong stance on their teachings, if you investigate too deeply you find the evidence missing. Jeremiah | ||
| Philharris Registered user Username: Philharris Post Number: 20 Registered: 5-2007  |
I am focused on what Jeremiah said: "SDAs are very good at producing agnostics and athiests". My mother went from SDA to Catholic and on to Mormons. Somehow, my testemony led her out of the Mormons and, I pray, to the real messege of Jesus Christ. However, it troubles me that she would mix her understanding of the gospel with the cultic teachings that she had been introduced to. One of my sisters joined the World Wide Church of God. When that fell apart her life was devestated and she is now a very despondant agnostic. My other sister views all of this as proof that all religions are wrong and the root source of what troubles the world. Somehow, I think she knows differnt because every so often she will mention having met a "real Christian". Our common denominator is that we were all raised in the SDA church. I am humbled that the Holy Spirit has led me into the truth. My constant prayer is that I am following the teaching inspired by the Holy Spirit and not man's teaching. A large share of my extended family are still in the SDA church. Since the clan voted me their president, I have a great deal of influence. What I have noticed at our yearly reunions is that I am able share with those with a common understanding of Jesus Christ and even those who are agnostics or athiest. The one group that I have a hard time talking to are those who are strong in their SDA beliefs. Because I am not an Adventist, they seem to feel that I have nothing to share, even if we agree on a particular topic. Phil | ||
| Bobj Registered user Username: Bobj Post Number: 185 Registered: 1-2006  |
Jeremiah Good point. I call it the "bluff and bluster" tactics of leaders whose house is actually built on sand. Somehow, I think the David Koresh people got pulled in the same way, a mindless dependence on another person (or hierarchy) who is willing to do their thinking for them. I realize that there are many people in our society that are totally dependent on others for their very survival, so I wish to be very careful here. I think there's a difference between mental laziness and indifference and an actual inability to reason. So I guess certain relationships require not only leaders willing to decieve, but people who are candidates for deception. Thank God that He is judge in these matters, not us. Phil, your post really hits home. I also know what it's like to be scorned by Adventists. It's like "How could you!!!" I spend a lot of time just praising God. My life is so much better. Praise God for your walk with the Lord! Bob | ||
| Gcfrankie Registered user Username: Gcfrankie Post Number: 4 Registered: 1-2007 |
Phil, I was raised in the Prysbertain church that taught hell fire and damnation of more don'ts than do's as a child and have realized that is what brought me in to the SDA religion as that is all I knew and thought it was about and that may be why your mother had trouble breaking away. While studing Galations I came across a statement that helped me realize what is going on with SDA. "When men and women get their hands on religion, one of the first things they often do is turn it into an intrument for controlling others, either putting or keeping them in their place." Doesn't this sound like EGW and her writings? When I read this statement and deeply contemplated on it it scared me to death. I praise God for bring it to my attention by hitting me over the head with it. Maybe this statement will help your sisters to run to the bible and search God's word. Gail | ||
| Wally Registered user Username: Wally Post Number: 5 Registered: 4-2002 |
I wonder if the push of EGW materials might have the reverse impact of what is intended. In the SDA church my wife attends, EGW is rarely mentioned - almost never in the context of a sermon. It's a moderate congregation, and the people there seem to have a pretty good exposure to more mainstream Christian views through the internet, Christian radio, etc. An increase in focus on EGW would be noticable and difficult to square with an overall Biblical focus, perhaps. It was probably easiler for the SDA church to teach its distinctive views years ago when people didn't have so much access to information. Blessings, Wally | ||
| Helovesme2 Registered user Username: Helovesme2 Post Number: 948 Registered: 8-2004  |
In missionary training school we were taught to use EGW sparingly or not at all in the sermon and during the 'divine service', especially if 'newcomers' were there. The time for EGW was during Sabbath School. This was not to demote her in any way, if anything it raised her since her writings were encouraged as 'especially for the church family' - an insider thing. | ||
| Jorgfe Registered user Username: Jorgfe Post Number: 807 Registered: 11-2005 |
They now have a website as well. Why do they keep calling this "Connecting With Jesus"? It should be "Connecting With Ellen White"! http://www.connectingwithjesus.org Gilbert Jorgensen It has been 162 Years, 10 Months, and 26 Days since October 22, 1844 | ||
| Jeremy Registered user Username: Jeremy Post Number: 2148 Registered: 10-2004  |
Oh my, Gilbert! And did you notice the subtitle? "Connecting With Jesus: An Ellen White Global Book Distribution Project" So Ellen White is their "Jesus"?? And the picture...! They have Ellen on one side, and then her "jesus" on another! I guess they're saying that Ellen is the mediator between us and "Jesus"! In other words, Ellen is the way to "Jesus" who is the way to the "Father"--is Ellen part of their "Godhead"? That website is unbelievable! Jeremy | ||
| Jorgfe Registered user Username: Jorgfe Post Number: 812 Registered: 11-2005 |
Jeremy, I so appreciate your observations. I am at a loss for words. They are so brazen! Their Adventist Jesus is "Ellen White"! Gilbert | ||
| Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker Post Number: 6813 Registered: 12-2003 |
That website pictures her in a role similar to Mary in Catholicism. The whole "Connecting with Jesus" project is deeply disturbing. Did you check out the link to "study techniques" that answer questions about how to conduct the small groups where the Spirit of Prophecy books will be studied? It even makes a pretty strong case against serving food on a regular basis. Colleen |
