Why do I post here?

[Byfaithalone1]

It seems that many people are motivated to discuss doctrines. This includes me. So I've been asking myself a few questions lately. I wonder if I really know the reasons why I enter into such discussions. It seems that there could be a wide spectrum of motivations. So I've been asking myself whether I am interested in:

1. General fellowship?
2. Better understanding what others believe and why?
3. Telling other people about things that I've learned?
4. Moving toward greater unity through open and honest dialogue?
5. Sharing "the gospel?"
6. Convincing others to believe as I do?
7. Warning people about the possible end result of their theology?
8. Partnering with others to chasten dissenters?
9. Demonstrating a sense of superiority?
10. Condemning to hell people who disagree?
​

As you think about the reasons why you post here, how would you answer these questions?

God bless!
BFA

 

[EastCoastRemnant]

It seems that many people are motivated to discuss doctrines. This includes me. So I've been asking myself a few questions lately. I wonder if I really know the reasons why I enter into such discussions. It seems that there could be a wide spectrum of motivations. So I've been asking myself whether I am interested in:

1. General fellowship?
2. Better understanding what others believe and why?
3. Telling other people about things that I've learned?
4. Moving toward greater unity through open and honest dialogue?
5. Sharing "the gospel?"
6. Convincing others to believe as I do?
7. Warning people about the possible end result of their theology?
8. Partnering with others to chasten dissenters?
9. Demonstrating a sense of superiority?
10. Condemning to hell people who disagree?
​

As you think about the reasons why you post here, how would you answer these questions?

God bless!
BFA

Very introspective...

I would say that we all bring our carnal natures into these discussions and that we all do not always exibit the fruits of the Spirit.

I know that I am guilty of that...

There is a difference in standing solid in ones belief and being adversarial. I pray my faithfulness comes through over my stubbornness.

 

[Byfaithalone1]

I would say that we all bring our carnal natures into these discussions and that we all do not always exibit the fruits of the Spirit.

I agree.

I know that I am guilty of that...

Me too.

There is a difference in standing solid in ones belief and being adversarial.

I agree.

BFA

 

[Byfaithalone1]

It seems that many people are motivated to discuss doctrines. This includes me. So I've been asking myself a few questions lately. I wonder if I really know the reasons why I enter into such discussions. It seems that there could be a wide spectrum of motivations. So I've been asking myself whether I am interested in:

1. General fellowship?
2. Better understanding what others believe and why?
3. Telling other people about things that I've learned?
4. Moving toward greater unity through open and honest dialogue?
5. Sharing "the gospel?"
6. Convincing others to believe as I do?
7. Warning people about the possible end result of their theology?
8. Partnering with others to chasten dissenters?
9. Demonstrating a sense of superiority?
10. Condemning to hell people who disagree?
​

As you think about the reasons why you post here, how would you answer these questions?

God bless!
BFA

After reflecting on it a bit, I think my motivations most often live within #1-5 above. However, I admit that #6, #7 and maybe even #9 has crept in on occasion. These aren't the motives I want to have.

BFA

 

[stinsonmarri]

BFA:

My suggestion is to be openminded with a prayerful spirit. Always asked the Holy Spirit to show you through the Word what you need to say. Be kind, thoughtful and considerate of others feelings and belief even though they may appear to be wrong to you. Don't speak anything base on what you have been taught or traditional know of. Study your beliefs with a fine tooth comb and be assure that it is from the Bible. Learn meaning of words for yourself and not what someone told you what they mean this or that. Love people for who they are and first most of all search your heart for acceptance of truth even though you was taught or thought it differently. Truth is like gold you have to dig for it but make sure that it is truth and not fake gold that appears to be the real thing. Study history because you will not understand the Bible in its fullness unless you understand history.

May Yahweh bless you and keep you with perfect peace,
stinsonmarri

 

[k4c]

Thank God our salvation is not based on our ability to understand, but rather, on our ability to receive it freely, which sometimes can be harder for some people than trying to earn it. I see salvation as not only a truth to be received, but also, a truth that needs to be applied and lived out.

I'm fairly new to Adventism, only about 5 years or so. The cornerstone that changed my understanding of God's will for His people was the timeline and details found in the prophecies. It's very hard to deny and teach against the timeline and details revealed through the prophecies. Within the prophecies we find life changing truths that authenticate Jesus. We find details that confirm and establish God's eternal plan. We find details indentifying antichrist and the work of antichrist and his kingdom. These things have been established by God to help us believe, undertand and strengthen our faith in God's word. Satan really needs to first distort the prophecies in order to deceive God's people, which I believe he has. All these things together make it very hard to stray from truth. I believe if people take time to study the prophecies they too will have a sure foundation to stand on, which will be very hard to move because when God says someting, and it happens, you have to be a fool to reject it.

John 13:19 I tell you this now, before it takes place, that when it does take place you may believe that I am He.

 

[EastCoastRemnant]

Thank God our salvation is not based on our ability to understand, but rather, on our ability to receive it freely, which sometimes can be harder for some people than trying to earn it. I see salvation as not only a truth to be received, but also, a truth that needs to be applied and lived out.

I'm fairly new to Adventism, only about 5 years or so. The cornerstone that changed my understanding of God's will for His people was the timeline and details found in the prophecies. It's very hard to deny and teach against the timeline and details revealed through the prophecies. Within the prophecies we find life changing truths that authenticate Jesus. We find details that confirm and establish God's eternal plan. We find details indentifying antichrist and the work of antichrist and his kingdom. These things have been established by God to help us believe, undertand and strengthen our faith in God's word. Satan really needs to first distort the prophecies in order to deceive God's people, which I believe he has. All these things together make it very hard to stray from truth. I believe if people take time to study the prophecies they too will have a sure foundation to stand on, which will be very hard to move because when God says someting, and it happens, you have to be a fool to reject it.

John 13:19 I tell you this now, before it takes place, that when it does take place you may believe that I am He.

Vey similar to my experience. I also have been in the faith a little more than 5 years and was drawn by the undeniable truth of the prophesies.

 

[Byfaithalone1]

BFA:

My suggestion is to be openminded with a prayerful spirit. Always asked the Holy Spirit to show you through the Word what you need to say. Be kind, thoughtful and considerate of others feelings and belief even though they may appear to be wrong to you. Don't speak anything base on what you have been taught or traditional know of. Study your beliefs with a fine tooth comb and be assure that it is from the Bible. Learn meaning of words for yourself and not what someone told you what they mean this or that. Love people for who they are and first most of all search your heart for acceptance of truth even though you was taught or thought it differently. Truth is like gold you have to dig for it but make sure that it is truth and not fake gold that appears to be the real thing. Study history because you will not understand the Bible in its fullness unless you understand history.

May Yahweh bless you and keep you with perfect peace,
stinsonmarri

These are great tips. Thanks!

BFA

 

[Byfaithalone1]

Thank God our salvation is not based on our ability to understand, but rather, on our ability to receive it freely, which sometimes can be harder for some people than trying to earn it.

I agree.

BFA

 

[Byfaithalone1]

Vey similar to my experience. I also have been in the faith a little more than 5 years and was drawn by the undeniable truth of the prophesies.

If a person is not an SDA, which of the following may possibly be true about the person:

1. The person is probably "in the faith."
2. The person is clearly and most definitely "out of the faith."
3. Can't tell. The person could either be "in the faith" or "out of the faith."
​

BFA

 

[stinsonmarri]

Thank God our salvation is not based on our ability to understand, but rather, on our ability to receive it freely, which sometimes can be harder for some people than trying to earn it.

K4c;

The Bible was giving for all to understand. You cannot receive anything properly unless you understand. I will leave just a few Scriptures to aid you with your process of growth in your faith with the Savior.

Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people. Deut 4:6

For Elohim is the King of all the earth: sing ye praises with understanding. Psa 47:7

The fear of YAYWEH is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever. Psa 111:10

The righteousness of thy testimonies is everlasting: give me understanding, and I shall live. Psa 119:144

To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding; Pro 1:2

A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels: Pro 1:5

For YAYWEH giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. Pro 2:6

For my people is foolish, they have not known me; they are sottish children, and they have none understanding: they are wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge. Jer 4:22

Hear now this, O foolish people, and without understanding; which have eyes, and see not; which have ears, and hear not: Jer 5:21

The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, Eph 1:18

Consider what I say; and YAYWEH give thee understanding in all things. 2Ti 2:7

And we know that the Son of Elohim is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Yashua the Messiah. This is the true Elohim, and eternal life. 1Jn 5:20

Is my prayer that you receive these Scriptures in thankfulness and understanding.

Blessings,
stinsonmarri

 

[k4c]

If a person is not an SDA, which of the following may possibly be true about the person:

1. The person is probably "in the faith."
2. The person is clearly and most definitely "out of the faith."
3. Can't tell. The person could either be "in the faith" or "out of the faith."
​

BFA

Being SDA is not the issue, the issue is truth. It just so happens that the SDA has the most truth, IMO, from my experience. Now don't get me wrong, there are SDA members that are just as lost as those who are without Christ because it's not just having the truth, there has to be relationship as well.

Now as far as your questions go. I believe when a person puts their faith in Jesus they enter into a living relationship with God as a new creation, they are in the faith at that moment. This relationship is a living and growing relationship. In this relationship our faith is tested where we can harden our heart and turn away from God. At what point that happens in the life of a believer is between them and God. The Bible tells us that our life from God is like a branch on a tree that can be severed. If this happens, the branch can live for a while seperated from the tree but if it's not grafted back in it will whither and die. At what point this takes place is known by God but I believe we can see the fruit in the life of a dying believer that will reveal a branch that has been severed.

 

[k4c]

K4c;

The Bible was giving for all to understand. You cannot receive anything properly unless you understand. I will leave just a few Scriptures to aid you with your process of growth in your faith with the Savior.

Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people. Deut 4:6

For Elohim is the King of all the earth: sing ye praises with understanding. Psa 47:7

The fear of YAYWEH is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever. Psa 111:10

The righteousness of thy testimonies is everlasting: give me understanding, and I shall live. Psa 119:144

To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding; Pro 1:2

A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels: Pro 1:5

For YAYWEH giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. Pro 2:6

For my people is foolish, they have not known me; they are sottish children, and they have none understanding: they are wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge. Jer 4:22

Hear now this, O foolish people, and without understanding; which have eyes, and see not; which have ears, and hear not: Jer 5:21

The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, Eph 1:18

Consider what I say; and YAYWEH give thee understanding in all things. 2Ti 2:7

And we know that the Son of Elohim is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Yashua the Messiah. This is the true Elohim, and eternal life. 1Jn 5:20

Is my prayer that you receive these Scriptures in thankfulness and understanding.

Blessings,
stinsonmarri

Can you explain, in detail, how the Word became flesh?

How about the Trinity?

Can you tell where and whats going on in Tartarus?

 

[Byfaithalone1]

Being SDA is not the issue, the issue is truth.

What do we do with the reality that there are none who understand? Does this mean that there are none who are "in the faith?"

I believe when a person puts their faith in Jesus they enter into a living relationship with God as a new creation, they are in the faith at that moment.

Is there something that might cause them to later be "out of the faith?"

BFA

 

[k4c]

What do we do with the reality that there are none who understand? Does this mean that there are none who are "in the faith?"



Is there something that might cause them to later be "out of the faith?"

BFA

You probably misunderstood me so I'll post it again.

Thank God our salvation is not based on our ability to understand, but rather, on our ability to receive it freely, which sometimes can be harder for some people than trying to earn it.

 

[stinsonmarri]

If a person is not an SDA, which of the following may possibly be true about the person:

1. The person is probably "in the faith."
2. The person is clearly and most definitely "out of the faith."
3. Can't tell. The person could either be "in the faith" or "out of the faith."
​

BFA

BFA:

I would said number three because it is simple. We cannot judge people of any religion. We have to show outwardly our faith. You know many SDA are not going to make it and others from all other religions will in the end. Because the Bible said His sheep will hear his voice. Read Early Writings EGW first vision. Learn about the 144,000 and the work they will be doing during the Time of Trouble.

Blessings,
stinsonmarri

 

[Byfaithalone1]

You probably misunderstood me so I'll post it again.

Thank God our salvation is not based on our ability to understand, but rather, on our ability to receive it freely, which sometimes can be harder for some people than trying to earn it.​

​

Cool. Then we agree that being "in the faith" has nothing to do with how much truth a person understands or whether the person is a member of the right denomination. I'm glad for that.

I was a little confused by ECR's earlier reference to being "in the faith." Maybe he will confirm whether he has a different point of view on this.

BFA

 

[Byfaithalone1]

You know many SDA are not going to make it and others from all other religions will in the end.

How does a person go about "making it?"

BFA

 

[EastCoastRemnant]

[/indent]Cool. Then we agree that being "in the faith" has nothing to do with how much truth a person understands or whether the person is a member of the right denomination. I'm glad for that.

I was a little confused by ECR's earlier reference to being "in the faith." Maybe he will confirm whether he has a different point of view on this.

BFA

Being in the faith means, as K4C stated, being in the truth that has been given. To go where the Lamb leads... the protestant denominations closed their doors to the three angels message in 1842. They were not willing to follow God into an understanding of the truth that was being given at that time.

 

[Byfaithalone1]

Being in the faith means, as K4C stated, being in the truth that has been given. To go where the Lamb leads... the protestant denominations closed their doors to the three angels message in 1842. They were not willing to follow God into an understanding of the truth that was being given at that time.

I'm having a difficult time reconciling your view with K4C's. That's no problem -- we don't all see eye to eye on everything.

Why do you connect being "in the faith" to being "in the truth?"

Is it true that there are none who understand? If so, does it follow that there are none who are "in the truth" or "in the faith?" Admittedly, I'm having a hard time with this concept.

Do you view non-SDA protestant denominations (i.e. Methodists, Presbyterians, Baptists, etc.) as being "the daughters of the harlot" as described in Revelation?

BFA