Why SDA?

[DanielRB]

Howdy, Brothers & Sisters,

PLEASE NOTE: I'm not looking at debating non-SDA Christians here; I'm just looking at discussing some things with fellow SDA Christians. I'm sorry if I offend any non-SDA Christians who read this post, however--my point is not to offend others.

It's been a long time since I posted at CF, and a lot has happened to me since my last post. My faith has been up, down, non-existent and back again (thanks be to God). By God's grace, I'm walking in faith again, wholly trusting in Jesus as my savior, and a member of a local SDA Church.

My question is, to those who have reflected on it: why are you SDA, as opposed to another denomination? Of course, the short answer would probably be "because I believe that it is the truth", or "Christ entered my life", but I'm looking more for specifics. There might me quite a few reasons--and not all of them because of logical/rational reasons--but I'm looking for some of the overarching reasons why people choose to be SDA (or choose to stay in it, or choose to return to it, if they were raised in the Church).

I have several reasons, but chief among them are two: (1) the belief in the changelessness of God's moral law (the Ten Commandments) and (2) the belief in the ultimate state of the dead (eternal life vs. eternal death). On both of these issues, I believe the SDA position is more Biblical. On the first issue, I wonder why so many conservative Christians (in the US at least) preach a lot about the Ten Commandments as a whole, but them see so indifferent about the fourth commandment. I just couldn't accept the inconsistency. (I believe the Dispensational view that pretty much dismisses the whole of the Ten Commandments to be more consistent, but I still reject it as ultimately not in harmony with the rest of Scripture.)

On the second issue, not only do I consider it more Biblical to believe the ultimate destruction of the wicked (rather than their eternal existence in torment), but I also cannot conceive of a more wicked view of God. If we believe that God's knowledge of the future is perfect, what kind of being would create millions of people, knowing that they would ultimately spend forever in an existence of indescribable agony?

Any way, there were many other factors in my decision to be SDA, but these are two of the big ones. What factors most influenced you?

In Christ,

Daniel

 

[TrustAndObey]

Hi Daniel, as happy as *I* am to say “welcome back”, I hope you know that our Father is thrilled to have you back near Him. Thrilled beyond either of our wildest imaginations!

And I am not referring specifically to the SDA church, just back in the flock.

Even though the SDA church isn’t the only church that believes that God meant His law to last throughout time for His people, or that believes in the biblical state of the dead, it is the only church that seems to pull both of those biblical principles together, among others. That’s why I joined the SDA church also.

I called around before I joined the church (5 years ago), and although some would teach about the adherence to God’s holy Commandments, they maybe wouldn’t take a stand on death, or they would, and it wouldn’t jive with what I believe the bible says. The SDA church makes a commitment to the biblical truth, and that’s exactly why I joined.

But here’s why I stay…..

It’s interesting that you asked this question today because I watched the movie “Pay It Forward” this morning, and although I had seen it years ago, I didn’t remember how powerful it is. Have you seen it? (I hope so, because I don’t want to spoil it if you haven’t).

The principle of paying it forward is to do or give something for/to someone that maybe they don’t even know they need. Basically the idea behind the “movement” was to go out of your way and truly GIVE to three people and invest some time and energy into their lives. All you are supposed to ask for in return is that they do the same for three other people.

It’s a great idea, and a local radio station near me picked it up and challenged people to do it one day a year. It’s a pretty big event around here and people call in to tell what wonderful deed they did for a stranger that day.

Unfortunately, just doing it one day a year pretty much defeats the purpose and takes away from the original intent.

When the people call in, they want a pat on the back. And I’ve watched it turn into people doing little things, again, once a year, like paying for the person’s coffee if they happen to be standing in line behind them at Starbuck’s—or asking the teller to deposit a $20 in the account of the person in line behind them at the bank. Now seriously, is either of those deeds in any way going to change a person’s life?

I see that happening in Christianity as well. People want to do as little as possible. They also seem to think the only kind of investment is monetary. They want to feel good about themselves for their occasional good deed here and there and expect some kind of crown here on earth for doing it.

The people in my church LIVE paying it forward. All the time. They invest time in other people (not asking for anything in return) and they invest in their relationships with our Lord.

They live by the principles Jesus taught us, and they don’t want any recognition for it.

That is definitely why I stay.

 

[Stryder06]

I don't have a very long reason for why I'm Adventist. I was born into the denomination and as I've grown into it I've come to wholeheartedly believe that it holds the truth. It is the only denomination that teaches we have to keep all the commandments of God as He gave them in Exodus.

 

[Avonia]

Daniel, this is such an interesting question. I am presently a part of the Seventh-day Adventist community because:

1. I feel indebted to a community that provided a rich, supportive environment for me as a child. The members of my church were extended family. I am grateful.

2. Family. Adventists everywhere. Some of them were close to the founders of the church. One was a friend of Ellen White.

3. At the moment, I feel like I am part of the Adventist community for a reason. This is an interesting sensation, because I don't know that I will be a member of this church - or even a part of another Christian faith - for the rest of my life.

4. It's my sense that many of our beliefs stem from beautiful, universal principles – if you look deeply enough. Although in fairness, I also have this sense of many other creeds.

 

[k4c]

Hi Daniel,

About 15 years ago God did a powerful work in my life which caused me to turn 180 degrees. I went from having no interest in God to having a hunger for Him that caused me to travel from Maine to Florida to learn about Him.

I began in mainline churches and graduated from Moody Bible Institute, which is basically a Baptist Bible School.

After seeking God for several years I started a youth ministry called, Kids 4 Christ. It was then that I really had to study the Scriptures for myself becuase I was putting Bible studies together to teach. It was during this time in my walk that I began finding verses that didn't make sense, in other words, I didn't have the keys to unlock what they meant based on what I was taught over the years. This led me to search for a more clearer understanding of God's word.

One of my first challenges was the state of the dead. I was always taught to believe that when we die we either go right to heaven or hell but what I was reading in the Bible was not what I was taught. The next thing that I struggled with was OSAS (eternal security). I was always taught that once you believe you're in no matter what. This too I was not seeing in the Scriptures.

I continued searching figuring that if I can see these things in the Bible then there must be others who can see them. I continued studying and searching when I came across Amazing Facts. They came on early Sunday morning so I had to get up early specifically to watch Amazing Facts. Just about everything the oreacher was saying I was seeing in the scriptures. This went on for seveal months before I learned it was connected to the SDA.

About three years ago I was baptized and became a member of the SDA.

Even though there are some things I don't agree with within the SDA denomination, there is so much more that I do. I believe the SDA is changing to more of how I see the Scriptures in certain areas but it's a slow process.

I believe we are all saved by the grace of God from beginning to end but we are all at different levels and grow at different speeds. Some times we take three steps forward and two steps backwards and I believe God will use all our steps to bring us closer to Him in the end. He does make all things to work togather for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.

So in short, I became an SDA and continue in the SDA faith because it has the clearest understanig of Scripture and the love of God to share with the world.

 

[help_the_lord]

I was compelled to join after trying to find the bride of christ.. i came across a website backed up by scripture that stated 8 characteristics that you should look for when seeking the bride (keep in mind this site had no stated denomination) anyways so i looked for a church that met the characteristics becaused I deemed them to be right, and it led me here. On a side note I feel like got pushed me twoards this destination in my jounrey. Its kind of interesting in looking back that I cant even seem to find the site that brought me here in the first place. I love how these things work out.

 

[k4c]

I was compelled to join after trying to find the bride of christ.. i came across a website backed up by scripture that stated 8 characteristics that you should look for when seeking the bride (keep in mind this site had no stated denomination) anyways so i looked for a church that met the characteristics becaused I deemed them to be right, and it led me here. On a side note I feel like got pushed me twoards this destination in my jounrey. Its kind of interesting in looking back that I cant even seem to find the site that brought me here in the first place. I love how these things work out.

Amen...

 

[Jimlarmore]

Basically, I can only mirror most of what has been said above. The main reason I became SDA is because this denomination teaches "ALL" Biblical truth. I have been in other denominations that teach some or even most but fall short of teaching it all. I will say this as a repeat from other times saying the same thing before. If I could find a church/denomination that teaches more Biblical truth than the SDA's then I would go and join it there.

God Bless
Jim Larmore

 

[TRUDY465]

I been a SDA for about 7 months. I grew up in the baptist and the methodist church. I was given a childrens bible when I was 9 I read almost the entire thing. I had questions that no one could answer for years and years and fears developed when I turned 15. I had nightmares of Jesus coming again and leaving me behind I had these dreams for almost 30 years. I lived in fear almost all of my life. I really searched to find the truth but couldn't what people told me I tried to believe but that part of me that was still seeking rejected what I was taught right away. I gave up. I just felt that no one knew the truth and it was impossible to be perfect for God. Just like another person I was watching TV and I taped the amazing fact. I thought it was new discoveries that would amaze me but bring on more and more fear. so this guy comes on and I am looking for the remote control to delete the program because I never liked TV evangelist. He says something that blew me away I was stumped and had to sit down and listen to him. He said God is going to save you through the tribulation not from it. I was like what then he went on to talk about the hewbrews and Egypt and I was stunned. Totally stunned and the empty thing in me moved l knew in my heart this is the truth and so I got hooked watched it everyday. turns out I had tapped it in my bedroom and in the living room and my son was watching it too and going online I hadn't gotten that far yet but he and my daughter was watching and and we all sat down with bugged out eyes. its like we all knew it was the truth right then and there it took us two months of studying online in the bible and asking questions to other people and then we found out that is was the Seventh Day Adventist and so we visited all the churches in our area until we found one that we love and we have been going every since. I got baptised 6 months later my girls 8 months and we are still waiting on my son. Next month it will be a Year March 2010 that I been going to this church and studying SDA and I love it with my entire heart. I love being a SDA I have no problems telling people that encouraging people talking about the Lord. Becuase I can't believe I lived on this earth for 44 years and no one ever approached me to study the bible with an SDA not once. I was open. I was desparate to know the truth desparate. now I have to learn how to start yelling it out myself.

Also the same as everyone else that has posted. I believed that the SDA teaches all bible truth and I can now study for myself. Plus I do love EGW books they have really helped me. I rejected them before I ever read then and when I did I was more then greatful for them. I still go to them if I want to seek a more understanding of a certain thing.

 

[k4c]

I been a SDA for about 7 months. I grew up in the baptist and the methodist church. I was given a childrens bible when I was 9 I read almost the entire thing. I had questions that no one could answer for years and years and fears developed when I turned 15. I had nightmares of Jesus coming again and leaving me behind I had these dreams for almost 30 years. I lived in fear almost all of my life. I really searched to find the truth but couldn't what people told me I tried to believe but that part of me that was still seeking rejected what I was taught right away. I gave up. I just felt that no one knew the truth and it was impossible to be perfect for God. Just like another person I was watching TV and I taped the amazing fact. I thought it was new discoveries that would amaze me but bring on more and more fear. so this guy comes on and I am looking for the remote control to delete the program because I never liked TV evangelist. He says something that blew me away I was stumped and had to sit down and listen to him. He said God is going to save you through the tribulation not from it. I was like what then he went on to talk about the hewbrews and Egypt and I was stunned. Totally stunned and the empty thing in me moved l knew in my heart this is the truth and so I got hooked watched it everyday. turns out I had tapped it in my bedroom and in the living room and my son was watching it too and going online I hadn't gotten that far yet but he and my daughter was watching and and we all sat down with bugged out eyes. its like we all knew it was the truth right then and there it took us two months of studying online in the bible and asking questions to other people and then we found out that is was the Seventh Day Adventist and so we visited all the churches in our area until we found one that we love and we have been going every since. I got baptised 6 months later my girls 8 months and we are still waiting on my son. Next month it will be a Year March 2010 that I been going to this church and studying SDA and I love it with my entire heart. I love being a SDA I have no problems telling people that encouraging people talking about the Lord. Becuase I can't believe I lived on this earth for 44 years and no one ever approached me to study the bible with an SDA not once. I was open. I was desparate to know the truth desparate. now I have to learn how to start yelling it out myself.

Also the same as everyone else that has posted. I believed that the SDA teaches all bible truth and I can now study for myself. Plus I do love EGW books they have really helped me. I rejected them before I ever read then and when I did I was more then greatful for them. I still go to them if I want to seek a more understanding of a certain thing.

You shall know the truth and the truth will make you free. Praise God, another soul for the kingdom.

 

[OldStudent]

You ask a basic question that is well worth the review.
I was raised in a conservative New England SDA (read moderately legalistic) home. There can be a lot of wisdom in legalism. There are blessings even in that.

I find it amazing that 25 years ago when a local congregation called me to a major office in the congregation - so did God. The first question I fielded after accepting was: "Church, Why Bother?" That is a different, though related, question from the one you ask. But in dealing with it a considerable part of the foundation for your question has been dug and cemented. Here are some factors that hold me to the SDA church.

Its origins say much. One view of the messages to the seven churches is that they describe the progression of the historical church. If you follow Strong's Concordance on Laodicea you discover that it is a composite word containing the idea of "a people adjudged" - a judgement theme. In the progression of services (salvational duties) being executed in heaven a major transition was due to occur - the place and role of Jesus in the Sanctuary took a major step. Laodicea opened its doors as Jesus entered a crucial phase of at-one-ment - atonement. The SDA church came into existance in response to that time and message and was commissioned to carry that message. This is an unmistakable evidence of Divine underwriting.

"Surely the Lord God will do nothing except He reveal His secrets unto His servants the prophets." The (SDA) church was honored with the presence and guidance of such a personage. Another mark of Divine underwriting.

Ocassionally through history God has presented humanity with bursts of revelation: In Eden as sin broke upon us, at Sinai, Jesus, the Reformation, the Judgement/sanctuary. The early (SDA) church membership had a fundamental and awesome love for God and His honor and were blessed and honored to be recipients of a major burst of revelation. They did fairly well with recording and transmitting what they discovered. But unfortunately Satan was successful in insinuating himself into the work by interfering with the transmission of the faith of Jesus. Thus God and "faith" became a science (a list of "fundamental beliefs") rather than relationships shaped by those "fundamental beliefs." To this day we are good at "teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you" but we have come to be largely clueless about "baptizing (immersing) them in the name (His nature and qualities)..."

This church (SDA) has brought the Reformation well beyond anything any other denomination can bring to the table. One of the reinforcments of this idea to me was a couple of years in Theology at a Nazarene college under one of the denominations top theologans.

Saul was well trained in the writings of Moses and the prophets. There was nothing there he needed to forget - except much of the body of added tradition and commentary. But when he was "enlightened" just outside Damascus and he saw Jesus in them he had a whole different approach to the writings. It is that enlightenment I/we so seriously need to make sense and application of our doctrines. This church holds to tools to allow that to happen - if/when we do.