I am impressed...and I have questions...

[Satt]

So my internet goes out the other day and I call to get a tech out to the house to fix it. He just happens to be SDA and so I start talking to him about his beliefs because I have always been curious what SDAs believe compared to how I was raised. (Church of God) BTW, I haven't had a home church in years. I don't believe in the pre-trib rapture hype amungst other things so I never really got on well there. (No offense to the COG)

Anyway, just so you all know, this guy was a GREAT representative of the SDA church. He was very honest with me and I came to find out that we have the same beliefs!

Anyway, I asked where he went to church, and he just happens to go REALLY close to my house! I am REALLY interested in this church. I went and looked up their 28 core beliefs and now I have questions for you. Please bare with me as I have never been to a SDA church or anything.


About the 28 core beliefs...

#13: Does this mean that we who believe now are considered the "remnant"?

#18: How much stock MUST a SDA member put in Ellen G. White if the bible is the only creed?

#20: How do you view people who HAVE to work on Saturday?

#21: Are believer required to pay tithes? If so, how much is that considered?

#22: Would I not be allowed to have a glass of wine ever again?


Thanks in advance for your responses!

 

[Satt]

Did I post this in the wrong place by chance?

 

[Servant of the Lord]

No friend, you came to the right place. Welcome!

I'm going to give it a shot and answer some of these questions, but we shall await someone that is little older and wiser about the Adventist fundamentals to come in with better or more specific answers. I would like to learn some more about these too.

#13 - The SDA church is the remnant church. We are and will continue to be called upon and used by God for our testimony of his love and his free offer of salvation. During the last days of earth, he will use us individually to share the gospel to save souls.

From E.G. White in speaking of Seventh-Day Adventists(from Testimonies of the Church, I forget which volume.. but it's in my notes):
"In a special sense, Seventh Day Adventists have been set in the world as watchmen and light bearers....The most solemn truths ever entrusted to mortals have been given to us to proclaim to the world."

#18 - Ellen G. White was a prophet of God. While her testimony is in no way on the same level of the Holy Bible, the "It is Written", it serves as an AMAZING supplement to it. Her prophecy is so beautiful, and I urge you to read some. I personally use a KJV Bible that cross-references her words and it's such a blessing. Buy stock in her prophecy my friend, you will yield returns.

#20 - Nonsense. No one HAS to work on the Sabbath. We are all given free will and the power to serve God if we so desire it. If we ask of Him earnestly for the power (His Holy Spirit) to be keep His Commandments (the Commandments that are there to protect YOU from evil/sin), he will gladly help you.

For..

"If ye Love Me, keep My Commandments" - John 14:15

"Um..But God, I have to work overtime and sometimes on Saturdays to put food on the table for my children. Surely you understand??"

"Your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things: but seek ye first the kingdom of God and His rightneousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." - Matthew 6:32-33

Because ..

"For what shall it profit a man if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" - Mark 8:36

And finally, for total clarification Satt..

""For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all." - James 2:10

#21 - This is something I also need to study. Tithes = Ten = 10% of your earnings. I need clarification on this myself before I get baptized. I was presented to God as a child in the SDA church but I have yet to be baptized at 23 years of age. I want a FULL understanding of all the doctrines and a deeply personal relationship with Jesus before I get baptized, because at that point imo, I should have nothing in the way of living a Godly life as the Lord as my shield.

#22 - No. And It's not about not being allowed. It's about not having the desire to in the first place. You can live without it, and your body and spirit will appreciate it.

May God Bless you in your journey..

-SotL

 

[k4c]

So my internet goes out the other day and I call to get a tech out to the house to fix it. He just happens to be SDA and so I start talking to him about his beliefs because I have always been curious what SDAs believe compared to how I was raised. (Church of God) BTW, I haven't had a home church in years. I don't believe in the pre-trib rapture hype amungst other things so I never really got on well there. (No offense to the COG)

Anyway, just so you all know, this guy was a GREAT representative of the SDA church. He was very honest with me and I came to find out that we have the same beliefs!

Anyway, I asked where he went to church, and he just happens to go REALLY close to my house! I am REALLY interested in this church. I went and looked up their 28 core beliefs and now I have questions for you. Please bare with me as I have never been to a SDA church or anything.


About the 28 core beliefs...

#13: Does this mean that we who believe now are considered the "remnant"?

#18: How much stock MUST a SDA member put in Ellen G. White if the bible is the only creed?

#20: How do you view people who HAVE to work on Saturday?

#21: Are believer required to pay tithes? If so, how much is that considered?

#22: Would I not be allowed to have a glass of wine ever again?


Thanks in advance for your responses!

Hi Satt,

You will find within the SDA a wide range of beliefs regarding several different things. The 28 core beliefs are beliefs that came from deep Bible study but we are always open to a deeper and clearer understanding, if there is one.

The SDA church I believe is the remnant only because of Revelation 12:17.

Revelation 12:17 And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

The SDA do not have copy rights on keeping the commandments of God and having the testimony of Jesus. This tells me that the remnent is not so much a denomination as it is a life style. It just so happens that the SDA do strive to keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus.

As far as Ellen White goes, this is what God says about New Testament prophets.

1 Thessalonians 5:20-21 Do not despise prophetic utterances. But test everything and hold on to what is good.

God tells us to test everything and hold on to what is good. In other words, if what is said is not clear just keep it as information only. It may be that it's for another time and place.

As far as working on Saturday I will refer you to my website for an indepth study, How to keep the Sabbath holy according to Jesus. http://looking4jesus.com/Jesussabbath.html

As far as tithing goes. I believe giving is part of God's nature so if He gives so should His children who are His image. As far as ten percent, which is what a tithe is, this is what Jesus said.

Matthew 23:23 "It will be horrible for you, teachers of the law and Pharisees. You hypocrites! It is true that you give God ten percent of everything you have. You even give him ten percent of your spices--mint, dill, and cummin. But you forget about more important things in the law: being fair to other people, giving mercy, and faith. You should always tithe, but you must remember to do the more important things, too.

As far as wine goes, the Bible never says drinking wine is a sin nor do the 28 Beliefs of the SDA. The Bible is clear that getting drunk is a sin. We obstain from wine because of all the problems it causes in people's life. Drinking wine in front of an alcoholic or someone who was abused by a drunkard can cause problems and cause a weaker brother/sister to stumble. Tithing and wine beliefs of the SDA are not unique beliefs of the SDA, many denominations feel the same way.

Just remember this, you will never find a church where you will agree with every dot and tittle so we have to strive to have a unity of faith in those things we can see and promote that which does the most good. I believe the SDA has more light than any denomination in the world today because I've attended many of them.

I hope this helps.

 

[Satt]

Thank you both very much for your responces. I think I will go to the local SDA church on Saturday and talk to someone there. Are the "pastors", or whatever they are called, usually approachable?

 

[k4c]

Thank you both very much for your responces. I think I will go to the local SDA church on Saturday and talk to someone there. Are the "pastors", or whatever they are called, usually approachable?

I haven't met all the pastors in the SDA but the ones I've met were very friendly and open to talk Bible.

Keep in mind, not all SDA churches have the same attitude. Some are more liberal than others and visa versa. You will find this in all denomintations. One Baptist church may be more liberal than another while another may be very legalistic. You have to find one that fits best with your biblical personality.

 

[Servant of the Lord]

Let us know how you like the church, Satt..

As far as working on Saturday I will refer you to my website for an indepth study, How to keep the Sabbath holy according to Jesus.

Thank you for the link! Your site is very detailed.

 

[k4c]

Let us know how you like the church, Satt..



Thank you for the link! Your site is very detailed.

Thank You SOTL...

 

[Kira Light]

Satt, don't jump into anything too fast. If you are any good with google, it will be your best friend here. If you have trouble finding info feel free to PM me.

 

[k4c]

Satt, don't jump into anything too fast. If you are any good with google, it will be your best friend here. If you have trouble finding info feel free to PM me.

I think you missed what he said. He said he is not an SDA and doesn't know much about them yet after talking with one he believes what we believe. Isn't that something how someone who is not an SDA yet he reads his Bible and comes to the same conclusion...amazing.

Rather than him PM you in secret he should just read all the post on these forums involving you and the others then he will get the inside scoop into what you believe and try to promote. Then he will know that you and your clan do not stand for God's truth.

 

[PROPHECYKID]

The responses here were very very good. K4c and Servant of the Lord, keep it up. I have nothing to add really. You guys were excellent.

 

[TrustAndObey]

#20 - Nonsense. No one HAS to work on the Sabbath. We are all given free will and the power to serve God if we so desire it. If we ask of Him earnestly for the power (His Holy Spirit) to be keep His Commandments (the Commandments that are there to protect YOU from evil/sin), he will gladly help you.

SOTL, I think you did a great job of answering Satt's questions (hi Satt, and welcome!). However, I do tend to disagree with this statement.

Some people really do have to work on the Sabbath. I gave birth to my first son on a Saturday and I can tell you, I was really glad to have a doctor and some nurses there.

The thing about it is that Jesus knew there would be emergency situations (the sheep in the ditch scenario, for example) and He said it would be lawFUL to do good on the Sabbath.

Where I disagree with other Adventist nurses is that I do not feel they should get paid to work on Sabbath and I think a lot of them use Jesus healing on the Sabbath as an excuse to get weekend pay. Jesus did not get paid to do what He did.

I think with as many nurses out there that don't keep the Sabbath, there should be plenty of nurses to work that day, but if there is an emergency, I would have no problem whatsoever going in to work. I would refuse pay however. I wouldn't allow 5 nurses to be in charge of say 50 patients, and I would consider that situation an emergency FOR the patients.

The problem is, my employer told me that they'd HAVE to pay me if I came in (when I told them I would work on Saturday in an emergency but I'd refuse pay). I just handed them the problem then because I wouldn't have a problem with them not paying me.

I have a feeling if it was an option not to pay me, they'd have an "emergency" every weekend.

I've gone through a lot to get Saturdays off but I know God honors those that honor Him. It's worth it.

If you took money out of the equation, I bet we'd be surprised how many people suddenly don't HAVE to work on Saturdays anymore. Better jobs come along with God's help when someone is threatened with breaking the Sabbath and stands their ground. I believe that with all of my heart.

 

[Servant of the Lord]

I've gone through a lot to get Saturdays off but I know God honors those that honor Him. It's worth it.

Yes he certainly does!

Better jobs come along with God's help when someone is threatened with breaking the Sabbath and stands their ground. I believe that with all of my heart.

Absolutely. And I agree with you about the nurses, doctors, etc. and emergency situations on the Sabbath. I guess I should have been more thorough.. I was more trying to convey my problem with God's people not willing to make sacrifices (because of money and/or selfishness).for the greater reward of honoring Him and Keeping his Commandments.

Thank you!

 

[TrustAndObey]

Yes, which one of you that had a donkey fall into a pit would not go and pull the donkey out on the sabbath? It is good to do good on the sabbath and not evil. Would you help to change someone's tire on the sabbath? Or your own if you broke down at this inopportune time? Then, what were you doing to break down on the sabbath? When is the sabbath? It is said to start on friday evening and to end saturday evening.

Right....Matthew 12:11 And He said unto them, What man shall there be among you, that shall have one sheep, and if it fall into a pit on the sabbath day, will he not lay hold on it, and lift [it] out? 12 How much then is a man better than a sheep? Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days.

Would I help change someone's tire on Sabbath? Sure I would. Not if it was sitting in the driveway and they didn't have anywhere to go, but if they were traveling or did have somewhere to go, I sure would.

If my tire got a flat on Sabbath I suppose I'd ask someone to pick me up and I'd get it fixed another day. If it broke down, same thing. That's happened before actually and there were plenty of people in my church that helped me push it out of traffic. It ended up starting again and some church family followed me home to make sure it did okay and didn't die again on the way there.

I didn't pay any of them and they didn't ask for any money, they were just helping a sister out of a ditch.

A day starts at sunrise and ends at sunset, and that's true for the seventh day. Biblically speaking.

 

[bloodbought09]

You certainly fell into a pit, and I am glad to hear that the nurses did good on a sabbath to deliver your baby.

 

[TrustAndObey]

Absolutely. And I agree with you about the nurses, doctors, etc. and emergency situations on the Sabbath. I guess I should have been more thorough.. I was more trying to convey my problem with God's people not willing to make sacrifices (because of money and/or selfishness).for the greater reward of honoring Him and Keeping his Commandments.

Thank you!

No problem. I just know the emergency situation got brought up when I was interviewing and I had asked to have Friday nights or Saturday days off. I said I agreed that people still get in accidents or have to have emergency surgery on Saturdays, and that I'd sure come in if they would allow me to work for free.

I knew what you meant, I was just covering the bases, because some people/professions really do have to work on the Sabbath. They can volunteer though and then they'd really be following in Christ's footsteps.

And again, I think you did a great job of answering Satt's questions!

 

[bloodbought09]

Is the remnant the 144,000 described in revelation?

 

[TrustAndObey]

You certainly fell into a pit, and I am glad to hear that the nurses did good on a sabbath to deliver your baby.

I'm very thankful as well.

 

[bloodbought09]

Right....Matthew 12:11 And He said unto them, What man shall there be among you, that shall have one sheep, and if it fall into a pit on the sabbath day, will he not lay hold on it, and lift [it] out? 12 How much then is a man better than a sheep? Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days.

Would I help change someone's tire on Sabbath? Sure I would. Not if it was sitting in the driveway and they didn't have anywhere to go, but if they were traveling or did have somewhere to go, I sure would.

If my tire got a flat on Sabbath I suppose I'd ask someone to pick me up and I'd get it fixed another day. If it broke down, same thing. That's happened before actually and there were plenty of people in my church that helped me push it out of traffic. It ended up starting again and some church family followed me home to make sure it did okay and didn't die again on the way there.

I didn't pay any of them and they didn't ask for any money, they were just helping a sister out of a ditch.

A day starts at sunrise and ends at sunset, and that's true for the seventh day. Biblically speaking.

That is well. It is good to pull someone out of the fire on the sabbath as well.

As for what composes a day:

Genesis 1:5 And God called the light Day, and the darkness Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day.

Sorry about the error about the donkey instead of the sheep. You could say that God does speak from donkeys sometimes.

 

[TrustAndObey]

By the way, hello. I will be putting your faith and my faith to the test, that is if you do not mind. Anyone here involved in apologetics?

Hello back!

I love reasoning the scriptures. I've been in my fair share of debates.

However, I work 12-hour shifts and when I'm not working, I don't always have time to get on here.

I follow the rules of debate though and I've found that most people don't. i.e. a point unrefuted stands as truth and if you don't contest it right away (like the very next post) then it's assumed you do agree, but it'd sure be nice to hear that you agree instead of guessing. If you need clarification, just ask.

I also believe that if someone is shown a better explanation than what they currently believe, that they not only admit they changed their mind, but that they'll do their best to explain it to others (share the light).

And I have zero tolerance for personal attacks. It has no place among God's children.

After sunset we're going to put in an offer on a house, so I won't be on here anymore tonight (and working 12 hours tomorrow). It was nice meeting you and I look forward to talking with you.

~Lainie