Interested in becoming a SDA

EastCoastRemnant · Apr 2, 2015

To ease your troubled soul, know that your salvation comes through belief in Jesus as the Son of God... believing He died for your sins and was resurrected... confessing your known sins to Him and asking for forgiveness.

All this information we are giving you does not ensure your salvation. It is to draw you closer to Christ and to develop a more intimate relationship with Him... to understand what He expects of us and to become humbly obedient to His Word.

JojotheBeloved · Apr 2, 2015

Well in that case, get to it in God's time. And I'm glad you're okay and I will pray for you to be able to get a ride or transportation to church, since that's what you want to do.

Praying for you now.

JojotheBeloved · Apr 2, 2015

EastCoastRemnant said:
To ease your troubled soul, know that your salvation comes through belief in Jesus as the Son of God... believing He died for your sins and was resurrected... confessing your known sins to Him and asking for forgiveness.

All this information we are giving you does not ensure your salvation. It is to draw you closer to Christ and to develop a more intimate relationship with Him... to understand what He expects of us and to become humbly obedient to His Word.

I completely agree with EastCoastRemnant on this statement!

Ubuntu · Apr 3, 2015

GracetotheHumble said:
Sometimes I get scared I'm going to die without getting close enough to God. I almost died 2 weeks ago in the hospital. I really want to review the materials and make it to Church on Saturday so I can see what a SDA Church is like. I feel like there are too many road blocks keeping me from going. I lost my car and since I've been sick I can't walk much anymore so everywhere I go I have to take taxis unless I can find a ride. I guess life just seems really hard. Christ have mercy.

It's been suggested that you read the Great Controversy, the 28 Adventist Fundamental Beliefs, etc, and I also agree that you should do this... But to be honest, if I were you I'd start with the book "Steps to Christ" before diving into any of the other stuff.

"Steps to Christ" is a very short book by Ellen White, you can complete it in an hour or two and it first and foremost deals with issues regarding our salvation... It's a description of the Christian life, and it describes how we can get peace and assurance through faith in Christ. It's an ABC of the Christian life, yet it's not only meant for beginners. It's a book that you read over and over again, and you'll find something new every time you read it.

You can of course read it online, but I strongly recommend that you get a physical copy.

Steps to Christ / Physical copy (Recommended)

Steps to Christ (html)

GracetotheHumble · Apr 3, 2015

JojotheBeloved said:
Well in that case, get to it in God's time. And I'm glad you're okay and I will pray for you to be able to get a ride or transportation to church, since that's what you want to do.

Praying for you now.

Thank you sister. I still haven't heard from the Pastor but I will try calling him again soon.

johnpaul7779 · Apr 3, 2015

I'm interested also based on the video with Roger Morneau, A Trip into the Supernatural.
He says that those who worship on Sunday are unwittingly worshipping the devil. Any thoughts?

GracetotheHumble · Apr 3, 2015

Ubuntu said:
It's been suggested that you read the Great Controversy, the 28 Adventist Fundamental Beliefs, etc, and I also agree that you should do this... But to be honest, if I were you I'd start with the book "Steps to Christ" before diving into any of the other stuff.

"Steps to Christ" is a very short book by Ellen White, you can complete it in an hour or two and it first and foremost deals with issues regarding our salvation... It's a description of the Christian life, and it describes how we can get peace and assurance through faith in Christ. It's an ABC of the Christian life, yet it's not only meant for beginners. It's a book that you read over and over again, and you'll find something new every time you read it.

You can of course read it online, but I strongly recommend that you get a physical copy.

Steps to Christ / Physical copy (Recommended)

Steps to Christ (html)

I added Steps to Christ to my amazon.com wish list. I'll read it as soon as God's grace allows. I also have The Great Controversy on my wish list. And I already read the 28 statements, as I have said I'm not so sure I agree with everything 100%. God bless and have a good Easter weekend. GracetotheHumble.

woobadooba · Apr 3, 2015

GracetotheHumble said:
I added Steps to Christ to my amazon.com wish list. I'll read it as soon as God's grace allows. I also have The Great Controversy on my wish list. And I already read the 28 statements, as I have said I'm not so sure I agree with everything 100%. God bless and have a good Easter weekend. GracetotheHumble.

You can read Steps to Christ online: Read Steps to Christ Online Here

On the page I linked to it is called Happiness Digest, but this book has a number of names—Steps to Christ being one of them.

You can also read the Great Controversy on the same website I linked you to, as well as a number of other books written by Ellen White.

JojotheBeloved · Apr 3, 2015

johnpaul7779 said:
I'm interested also based on the video with Roger Morneau, A Trip into the Supernatural.
He says that those who worship on Sunday are unwittingly worshipping the devil. Any thoughts?

Morneau's experience is a very interesting one, and I would not in any way want to negate his spiritual experiences or conversion story. However, that is his testimony and his opinion.

As to Sunday worshipers unwittingly worshipping the devil.... I don't think that's accurate. I don't think the Bible says that (from what I've studied and understood in my life and education). I also don't think that view depicts an accurate understanding of who God is - at the level of His character.

I do believe it is important to include Sabbath rest in one's weekly schedule - for many reasons including health, relationships, community, and spirituality. But I don't think fear of worshipping the devil is a good reason to keep Sabbath. It makes your devil greater than your god... and the living God I worship is so much greater it's not even a contest. I am His - forever and always and I believe I can trust Him to protect me against the devil's schemes.

EastCoastRemnant · Apr 3, 2015

Amen JoJo...

I think what Roger was saying was that Lucifer has always wanted to be God, so, because God has a specified day of worship, it is only logical that satan or Lucifer would want the same... or at least a reasonable facsimile. He set up all the false heathen sun deities and forms of worshipping him through them. The fact that Sunday worship is derived from these practices is the context, imo.

If you are not worshipping and living for God then by default, you are worshipping satan anyway. Satan doesn't require active worship. There are SDA's attending church every Sabbath that are living for satan so it's not day dependent, at least for now. The test of Sabbath worship will come at the Sunday law.

JojotheBeloved · Apr 3, 2015

EastCoastRemnant said:
I think what Roger was saying was that Lucifer has always wanted to be God, so, because God has a specified day of worship, it is only logical that satan or Lucifer would want the same... or at least a reasonable facsimile. He set up all the false heathen sun deities and forms of worshipping him through them. The fact that Sunday worship is derived from these practices is the context, imo.

This I can potentially see being more accurate indeed. If my history lessons were correct, the origin of Sunday worship services historically is rooted in worship of pagan deities. Gentile Christians sometimes began meeting for worship when they were already used to getting together... also when Christianity was legalized in Rome under Emperor Constantine that had a big part in "changing" the day of worship to Sunday for Christians. But as far as the Bible examples are concerned, there was never a directly stated change and I think it honors Him to keep Sabbath sacred. It also gives us a lot of benefits too.
But I think it's a big step in logic to go from the above historical evidence to saying that people who meet for worship on Sunday are worshiping the devil. I think God is bigger than that and I think He protects and loves His children even when they don't keep Sabbath sacred or even when they meet with the purpose of worshiping Him on a Sunday.

ricker · Apr 4, 2015

EastCoastRemnant said:
Amen JoJo...

I think what Roger was saying was that Lucifer has always wanted to be God, so, because God has a specified day of worship, it is only logical that satan or Lucifer would want the same... or at least a reasonable facsimile. He set up all the false heathen sun deities and forms of worshipping him through them. The fact that Sunday worship is derived from these practices is the context, imo.

If you are not worshipping and living for God then by default, you are worshipping satan anyway. Satan doesn't require active worship. There are SDA's attending church every Sabbath that are living for satan so it's not day dependent, at least for now. The test of Sabbath worship will come at the Sunday law.

I honestly forget my long ago SDA past. What exactly do you think this "Sunday Law" will legislate? Thanks!

woobadooba · Apr 4, 2015

ricker said:
I honestly forget my long ago SDA past. What exactly do you think this "Sunday Law" will legislate? Thanks!

This should help to answer your questionstraight from the mouth of a Senator.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2uu_FOLpi0

GracetotheHumble · Apr 4, 2015

I'm pretty disappointed in the SDA today. They said they were going to give me a ride to Church today and they didn't show. It's Easter weekend and I really wanted to visit.

GracetotheHumble · Apr 4, 2015

woobadooba said:
You can read Steps to Christ online: Read Steps to Christ Online Here

On the page I linked to it is called Happiness Digest, but this book has a number of namesSteps to Christ being one of them.

You can also read the Great Controversy on the same website I linked you to, as well as a number of other books written by Ellen White.

Alright I'll try to check out the online version. Thank you for the link and have a good Easter weekend.

Honestly I'm pretty disappointed right now. They said they'd give me a ride today and I even left a message offering gas money. I almost took a cab but then I decided no because that would be breaking the Sabbath. I don't want to be too harsh right now. I guess I'll wait and pray.

JojotheBeloved · Apr 4, 2015

I'm sorry to hear you're having such trouble getting to church. Try not to be too hard on people though. Remember that just as much as you're struggling they might be struggling too. The devil is a real thing (even though God is much much greater and stronger) and is probably doing everything possible to keep you from going to church. That means he's not only messing with you but he's probably messing with your ride as well. That's not to say that people shouldn't follow through on their obligations, but just try to be kind and patient. Yes, you will know them by their fruit, but at the same time remember that they are not Christ. They are human and just as fallen as you. We all need Christ and sometimes we let each other down, but Christ won't let any of us down and there's still a way for you to connect with Him this Easter weekend. Maybe try watching one of the livestreams of the SDA churches for today and try to connect again with your local SDA church this coming week.

Ubuntu · Apr 4, 2015

GracetotheHumble said:
Alright I'll try to check out the online version. Honestly I'm pretty disappointed right now. Jesus said you will know his true followers by their fruit. They said they'd give me a ride today and I even left a message offering gas money. I almost took a cab but then I decided no because that would be breaking the Sabbath. I don't want to be too harsh right now. I guess I'll wait and pray.

The spiritual condition of a Church will inevitably vary from place to place, and in my experience not all SDA Churches are able to deal with seekers in a sensible way. In some Churches visitors are treated as if the came from another planet But mind you, this will be the case in other denominations as well, don't for a moment think that this is a problem that you'll only face in relation to SDA churches. The spiritual condition is at a low in Christendom in general.

So, is there any other SDA Church nearby? Perhaps it would be a better idea to visit another SDA Church a little further away rather than going to the Church that is geographically closest to you?

When it comes to transportation It might sound strange at first, but paying for transportation in order to get to Church isn't Sabbath breaking according to Ellen White, so I wouldn't be afraid to use a taxi to get to Church if I were you.

The idea is that some things are necessary even on a Sabbath. For instance, people in hospitals and homes for the aged need to be fed and cared for, and I think it's possible to argue that public transportation shouldn't be completely shut down on the Sabbath. If you became sick on the Sabbath and had to go to the Emergency Ward you shouldn't feel bad about using a taxi, and the same thing is true about going to Church.

In fact, adventists living in Israel complain that going to Church is a real problem because of the lack of public transportation on the Sabbath.

GracetotheHumble · Apr 5, 2015

Ubuntu said:
The spiritual condition of a Church will inevitably vary from place to place, and in my experience not all SDA Churches are able to deal with seekers in a sensible way. In some Churches visitors are treated as if the came from another planet But mind you, this will be the case in other denominations as well, don't for a moment think that this is a problem that you'll only face in relation to SDA churches. The spiritual condition is at a low in Christendom in general.

So, is there any other SDA Church nearby? Perhaps it would be a better idea to visit another SDA Church a little further away rather than going to the Church that is geographically closest to you?

When it comes to transportation It might sound strange at first, but paying for transportation in order to get to Church isn't Sabbath breaking according to Ellen White, so I wouldn't be afraid to use a taxi to get to Church if I were you.

The idea is that some things are necessary even on a Sabbath. For instance, people in hospitals and homes for the aged need to be fed and cared for, and I think it's possible to argue that public transportation shouldn't be completely shut down on the Sabbath. If you became sick on the Sabbath and had to go to the Emergency Ward you shouldn't feel bad about using a taxi, and the same thing is true about going to Church.

In fact, adventists living in Israel complain that going to Church is a real problem because of the lack of public transportation on the Sabbath.

A few thoughts here. Jesus said you will know them by their fruits. And I'm going to be quite honest with you and you're probably not going to like what I'm about to say. But over the years I've attended a lot of different Churches and by far the best fruit I have seen is in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. So I am highly leaning towards becoming LDS again. Really the only thing stopping me from totally committing is the issue of the seventh day Sabbath. The Latter-day Saints are always there for me. They give me rides they are looking for me a new place to live and they are offering to help me find a new job and counseling me how to get a wife and have children and be a good husband. I just don't get this kind of fellowship and rewards anywhere else. But I'm still reading, praying, and giving more time to examine things before I totally commit because I've made the mistake of committing to organizations or people too quickly many times before in the past.

But when a Christian says they are going to do something they should always follow through. It's a very bad example for your Church and for Christ to say you are going to give someone a ride on Easter weekend and then not show up or even call. But I know that Jesus says unless we forgive others we will not be forgiven so brothers and sisters I'm willing to let it go and give your Church grace and another chance but quite honestly it's a really bad sign for me that your Church is right when my ride doesn't show on Easter weekend. I will try and give the gentleman a call today again and ask him why he didn't make it.

Also the Church I chose was actually a little further away. There is a SDA church closer but I felt like this one would be a better choice for several reasons. It is larger and so mainly I thought I would have more of a chance to fellowship and meet more people.

Lastly I do not feel comfortable taking taxis on the Sabbath because you are not supposed to be buying or selling or causing others to work occupations and so I disagree with you brother that this is alright. If you are going to claim you are keeping the Sabbath then you better try and do it right. Forcing others to work is not a good thing. I'm sure God understands if we need emergency medical attention on the Sabbath. But I prayed and asked him and he said no do not take the taxi he said he would rather have me stay home and rest then be a poor example to this man on the Sabbath.

GracetotheHumble · Apr 5, 2015

This is the Church that let me down: https://mesapalms.adventistfaith.org/

Jesus said we need to come to the light and not hide in the darkness.

So I'm going to put them on blast so maybe someone can call them and fix the problem. I'm considering leaving this area soon because I don't have a permanent residence here so I may not be in this town next Sabbath.

Also the Pastor has never called me back like I requested to set up a meeting to discuss SDA doctrine. These are not good signs that this is Christ's true Church.

EastCoastRemnant · Apr 5, 2015

Sorry that you are being disappointed by people that claim to be God's people... as you stated, by their fruits...

I am sure you know this, but for the sake of clarification, I will say that choosing a church, or more particularly finding the truth being preached cannot rest with the hospitality of the congregation. A great 'church' experience will not gain you Heaven.

Sadly, a lot of Adventist churches are not what they should be. Even sadder, the message that is preached from some of their pulpits is not present truth and will not prepare you for the time soon to come.

My wife and I found this when we started attending a few of our local SDA churches 10 years ago. We didn't know much at the time but were not getting the straight testimony and we felt we were growing faster and learning more from other sources. After my wife's diagnosis of cancer a little over a year after we started with the SDA, we couldn't attend because of her treatments and compromised immune system. We found a group of like minded people online to 'temporarily' study with them while Deb recuperated. We found the message being given and the encouragement to be so much more than we were receiving locally, that we are still having daily devotionals and 2-3 hour Sabbath studies online.

I know this doesn't address the want for physical fellowship, but to us, the truth outweighs the warm fuzzy feelings. We are told by Ellen White that our Christian experience shouldn't be driven by emotions but rather the straight testimony of His Word.... basically, get it where you can.

There are still churches out there that do offer the best of both worlds but it is not a denominational standard, unfortunately.

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