| Author | Message | ||
| Melissa Registered user Username: Melissa Post Number: 847 Registered: 7-2003  |
I just had a co-worker drop by and said she saw "my honey" at a church program she went to on Saturday night. She couldn't remember the name of the church, but it was a study "about Revelation". Well, as you might imagine, I told her to run, but it is much more complex as every story is. She has a 15 year old that was interested in a Bible study, which is a good thing, and happened to see the ad in a newspaper. I told her he was not getting an accurate representation of Revelation from that seminar. They are Catholic, so I warned her of the divisions ahead for her family if her son became sucked in. She didn't seem to be too alarmed initially, and even when she left my office was content they would go again tonight and see if anything I said was mentioned. (Tonight is about the beast). I gave her Greg Hunt's internet book (which I have printed off at my desk), but fear it may have been too big for her to digest in a short time. I told her I could get her websites and other books, but even after all I told her, she's still going to take her son back tonight. I know I did the right thing, and am SOOOO glad she mentioned it to me... for those who don't know, B and I work at the same place, so many people know of our past relationship, but aren't aware of the dynamics at a personal level currently ... and I have worked diligently to keep the workplace out of our personal issues....so, it's not inconceivable to me that she isn't aware of our strained relationship at this point. She loves big jewelry, and has a lot of beautiful pieces, so I mentioned they weren't that positive towards jewelry ... Of course, I had no idea B's church was conducting a revelation seminar and never would have dreamed of her going to it. I asked her if she knew it was an SDA church event, she couldn't remember the name initially...but since it was at a "church", that made it safe to her. I told her it was great her son wanted to study the Bible with some depth and offered to find programs that might help him, but that what she was giving him was not truth, and if he bought into it would ultimately create division and strife in their family. I had reaffirmed to B just this past week that I wasn't interested in a relationship with him as long as he was SDA, and to find out he is an active participant in this seminar only reaffirms to me that God continues to lead me in that regard. But I am burdened that my friend and her family could be negatively impacted and in one way because I have given her a comfort about B that she wouldn't have if she didn't know me. I have known her for 15+ years and she knows of my faith (for better and worse). By dating B, I'm seeing how people who know me could make extension conclusions about him and his religion (as though I might endorse it somehow). I'm only beginning to realize how far reaching a witness can be impacted by what/who we allow into our lives. But that's another topic. My main concern is for my friend (who historically has not been a strong Christian ...though a religious catholic) and her teen aged son, that his desire for Biblical knowledge won't be permanently damaged by the rubbish the Revelation seminar presents. | ||
| Pw Registered user Username: Pw Post Number: 401 Registered: 6-2004 |
Oh man, those two words (Revelation Seminar) sends chills down my spine as that's how I got trapped. I'm glad you were able to warn your friend in advance about what she could be in for. I only wish I knew what it was really about, but God had me go through it for a reason. I can't stand how the SDA continues to "mask" themselves when promoting this event and deceive the unknowing public in more ways than one about who they really are. | ||
| Colleentinker Registered user Username: Colleentinker Post Number: 1831 Registered: 12-2003  |
Oh, Melissa--I am so relating to your angst over the the implications of this situation. I am praying for your friend and her son, and I'm also praying for God to bring peace to your heart regarding your "involvement" in her comfort level with B's church. Praise God He is confirming your decision re: a relationship with B in these circumstances. I remember having to confess my witness for Adventism as an SDA teacher and Sabbath School teacher. I, of course, had no intention of leading anyone astray, but unwittingly I know I endorsed something I now believe is false. God will redeem this, Melissa. You can trust Him with your friend's response to this situation, and you can trust Him to guide her and her son into truth even if they do attend these seminars. Sometimes people have to be directly confronted with the false teaching before they "see" for themselves. And you can trust Him to put His words in your mouth as you talk to your friend. God's in control--He is using you, Melissa, and He knows your heart--as well as your co-worker's heart. Your faith in Jesus is so very clear, even to us who know you through your written words--I can only imagine how clear it is to people who interact with you in person. The deception of Adventism is SO frustrating--but God is faithful, and He is bigger than the Adventist church and its schemes. You're such a blessing, Melissa! Colleen | ||
| Melissa Registered user Username: Melissa Post Number: 849 Registered: 7-2003 |
Thanks for your encouragement, Colleen and PW. I did mention your story, PW, but I could tell she was overwhelmed. I'm sure she told me thinking we would have a connection, not expecting me to implode on her. At least she knows she has somewhere to go and not to trust what she hears out of hand. My concern is the age of her son, and how teenagers typically respond when their parents try to warn them against something. At least his parents aren't sending him by himself, and he doesn't have friends that are encouraging him to attend. But his parents aren't strong christians, if Christians at all. Maybe this will open their whole family up to the truth of scripture (not the SDA truth). That's my hope! | ||
| Dt Registered user Username: Dt Post Number: 18 Registered: 4-2005 |
Melissa, are they promoting themselves as SDA since it is being held in a church? The very last big seminar I was involved in they started in a Holiday Inn and we were coached by the evangelist to get friendly with the people but DO NOT reveal we are SDA. They had a whole list of responses we were supposed to use, all lies. When asked, he said he wasn't a pastor. He excused that by calling himself something else. After that, I refused to have anything to do with this type of deception and told our pastor my reasons next time they asked. I had no problem giving Bible studies etc. Still don't, even though in current discussions when EGW comes up I don't hide my beliefs. | ||
| Pw Registered user Username: Pw Post Number: 402 Registered: 6-2004 |
The Revelation Seminar I attended was held at a local Moose Lodge, of all places. The pastor only identified himself by his name, but not what denomination he represented. Same as the newspaper ad that began the bait and hook process. | ||
| Sabra Registered user Username: Sabra Post Number: 339 Registered: 10-2001 |
I remember back in the day when my neighbors went to the Revelation Seminar and didn't become SDA, as if! I was so busy praying for God to get through to them, frantic as you Melissa-------------ya know what? God is in control, you did your duty, let the Holy Spirit do his and let us know what happens. | ||
| Melissa Registered user Username: Melissa Post Number: 850 Registered: 7-2003 |
Dt, I asked if they had announced it was put on by the SDA church, and she said that they didn't say, but since it was in their church, it must have been. She really didn't think that much about it, and when I asked if the ad mentioned it, she didn't remember. I didn't want to "lead" her to my expected answers, so I hated to ask too pointed questions, really just wanting to hear what she remembered. After we talked a bit, she mentioned they did say they didn't usually hold services on Sundays, and yesterday was the exception since this particular teacher was in from out of town. She said that when I started telling her how it would eventually become an issue of what they do with the Sabbath (rather than Christ). It made me wonder if they're making the rounds locally because the SDA church near my house had a seminar a few weeks ago. I had seen the sign out in front of their church, but this time they did not send out the fliers that they have in the past. I don't read the newspaper regularly, so I don't know about specific advertisements. On previous occasions when it has been done, it has been done as Dt and PW mention, starting in a strip center location one time, before moving to the church. Yes, Sabra. I know. I guess this is the first time I've been in a frontline situation beyond B where I feel able to impact someone. It's one of those "for such a time as this" type moments, I guess. | ||
| Seekr777 Registered user Username: Seekr777 Post Number: 123 Registered: 1-2003  |
Dear Friends I will be taking a few days vacation from reading the discussions here. I have been reading and occassionally commenting on this forum for some time. I'm currently in a time of emotional pain and stress (family issues) and need to get away from all the discussions about the false represention of Revelation Seminars, meat eating or vegitarianism, SDAs cultic or not cultic, etc. etc. etc. etc. The only thing that is sustaining me is my belief and reliance in my Savior and His grace and love for me. I am usually feed by what I read here but the past 24-48 hours have not been uplifting for me. The discussions are important, YES ! ! but right now I need more than the constant litany of negativity. There appears to my ear a constant drumbeat of the negative. It's not that I disagree but I need more than that right now. I need to rest in His love alone and the current discussions are distracting me from that. I'll be back but I need to spend my time quietly in His presence. Please keep me in your prayers. Just a short PS, as some of you know my wife is Jewish and she is feeling the "need" to experience more of life while she can and we are getting a divorce to allow her more freedom. I know that God works in our lives in mysterious ways and I must quietly stand faithfully in His presence and listen to His voice in my life. It is not easy but He is at my side and in me.  I have stayed faithfull and supportative in our marriage but as a Christian there are some things I can not yield or change in. Again thanks and I'll be back. In Christ, Richard rtruitt@mac.com | ||
| Freeatlast Registered user Username: Freeatlast Post Number: 352 Registered: 5-2002 |
Richard, may you find the grace you need in your time of need. Even Jesus had to step away from things for time with His Father. May you return refreshed and strengthened. Blessings, Brian | ||
| Bob Registered user Username: Bob Post Number: 215 Registered: 7-2000  |
Richard, I am grieved to learn of your pain, and the dissolution of your marriage. You are in my prayers. You know how to contact me by email. Feel free to write to me any time. I can give you my phone number if you ever want to call and talk. Bob | ||
| Carol_2 Registered user Username: Carol_2 Post Number: 305 Registered: 2-2002  |
Oh Richard, I'll be praying for you too. May God give you peace and may you sense His constant presence, He holds you in the palm of His hand, and will never let you go. The time in my life that I was going through a divorce, although the most painful time by far, was also the most peaceful time if that makes sense. I spent every moment with Jesus, and He made His presence known to me over and over and over again. It was incredible. Richard, my husband and I have both been through what you're going through, and my husband is a wise, gentle Christian man, as well as a great listener. Same here, if you need to talk, please e-mail us at presley0108@yahoo.com. Love and prayers, Carol | ||
| Helovesme2 Registered user Username: Helovesme2 Post Number: 172 Registered: 8-2004 |
Praying here too Richard! Mary | ||
| Melissa Registered user Username: Melissa Post Number: 851 Registered: 7-2003 |
Peace to you, Richard. I know you will find Christ faithful in your hour of need. | ||
| Hrobinsonw Registered user Username: Hrobinsonw Post Number: 150 Registered: 7-2004 |
Richard, The wonders of God are far beyond our comprehension. You have done the right thing in seeking him for comfort. I pray for you in your time of need. | ||
| Velo1 Registered user Username: Velo1 Post Number: 6 Registered: 1-2005 |
Richard, sorry to hear about your pain. I echo your sentiments regarding the tone of the forum as of late. I am a reader and (very) "occasional" commentator here as well. I think you are wise to take a breather. Internet forums can have their ups and downs so I suspect things will be in the up and up soon enough. I wish you well and I am praying for you tonight. | ||
| Heretic Registered user Username: Heretic Post Number: 64 Registered: 2-2005 |
Richard, You can never go wrong by clinging to Jesus Christ in trying times like these. He WILL see you through this, my friend. My prayers are most definitely with you. May grace and peace be freely given to you. | ||
| Flyinglady Registered user Username: Flyinglady Post Number: 1414 Registered: 3-2004  |
Richard, You are in my prayers at this time. God is holding you and will carry you until you are ready to stand. Stay close to Him and pray, and pray, and pray. Diana | ||
| Heretic Registered user Username: Heretic Post Number: 65 Registered: 2-2005 |
Interestingly enough the SDA church I go to (at least for the time being) has for weeks been plugging an upcoming Revelation Seminar here in our town. Yes, it's being put on in a public, off-site location. No, the promotional materials do not give credit to the sponsoring organization. I suppose its time to get out when you hope that the seminar your church is sponsoring is a failure. I have to admit that I feel a bit guilty having these thoughts but I can't help it. Heretic | ||
| Flyinglady Registered user Username: Flyinglady Post Number: 1415 Registered: 3-2004 |
Heretic, The last SDA church I attended and almost joined was getting ready for a revelation seminar or something similar to it and I did not want to help with it. The SS class I attended all jumped in to help. I thought I was being disloyal to God and had tremendous guilt over it. I thought I was fighting the Holy Spirit. That is when God brought my attention to the EGW website about her plagiarism and having others write for her. The guilt quickly left and here I am. God will guide you and help you make the right decision for you and Him. He is awesome. Diana |
