Changing my denomination?

[KC02]

SDAs follow the teaching of Ellen White, and other cults, that Jesus Christ is Michael the archangel.

Whoa! That is very troubling. Sounds very much like the Jehovah Witnesses. The JW's branched from the adventist movement. Here is an interesting fact about the 2DA:

Ellen G. White. Considered

Edited June 11, 2009 by KC02

[OneLight]

I think one thing to keep in mind is that we would end up ripping up any denomination that we could list.

Yes.

Some more than others . But yes.

Yes, this is so true since not one denomination is perfect in every way ... not one.

May I suggest that you take the time to visit other churches if you feel like you need a place to call home. During this time, dig deep into His word. Study His word yourself, ask question to those who you know are solid in the Lord. Allow the Holy Spirit to speak to you and teach you. Then, when you do find a body you think is right, you will have the answers to the questions you may have about their doctrines and beliefs.

What is important is your walk with the Lord. 2 Timothy 2:15 (New King James Version) Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Don't be in a hurry to accept the teachings of anyone. Instead, be as the Berean's were, taking what is said and search the scriptures to see if they line up with His word.

God Bless!

[Guest man]

However I do think they have some interesting views on prophecy and of course the on-going debate about the Sabbath and keeping some dietary restrictions. They write some good sermons.

2 Peter 2

18 For when they speak great swelling words of emptiness, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through lewdness, the ones who have actually escaped from those who live in error.

2 Corinthians 11

13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ.

14 And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light.

15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.

[yesult]

your replies have been great.

i will definitely have to check out the abortion thing. i'm pretty radical on that issue. also regarding the foods, as far as i can tell, that's an advisement for good health, but maybe not a requirement, i'll see. one thing i see that there are misunderstandings about is the post about '2nd phase of atonement'. it's a little different than that. yes, Jesus' atonement is finished but now He is busy in the Holy of Holies being our high priest and preparing to come back as Judge, which is biblical.

i guess i'm tired of what i think of as motivational seminar sermons. i can listen to tony robbins or dwayne dyer if i want to hear more about how to make the most of my life or how to be happier. i just think we're supposed to be watching for Jesus' return and that's pretty much the most important thing in a christians life whether it's today or 100 years from now. Jesus commanded us to watch and that seems to be the main job of the 7DA.

Have to agree with you on the motivational seminar sermons. I've had it up to my eyeballs with them as well. And like neb said, our mandate is to go out and spread the gospel first, watching for jesus isn't a priority - the bible says we won't be able to miss him when he comes. Being alert (parable of the ten virgins) means making sure you're always fresh and filled in your spiritual life. We arn't supposed to slacken off, thinking that Jesus's return is a long way off and we can coast in the christian walk. We won't need to watch for the return of Jesus Christ or be in danger of missing it. The parable is a warning against slackness, not God trying to be tricky.

I grew up in a very traditional church with some SDA beliefs. I know a little more about them then most people, because of that experience and I can tell you that they're very legalistic and controling. They also push the person of christ and what he did into the background and base salvation too much around works.

They're also quite cultish, in that you can't disagree with the overall leadership or you're a 'rebel' - you have to tow the line. You can forget 'working out your own salvation with fear and trembling' as we're instructed to do in Phil 2:12. As much as they might claim it, it's not encouraged or possible in that kind of denominaton. You're either in or out.

Being controlled stifles our relationship with God, it doesn't build it. We end up as 'good' people rather then righteous people. Because only God can build his righteousness in us. He refers to human righteousness as 'filthy rags'.

If you want to be closer to God, go to him in prayer and give him your entire life and get spirit filled. Unrealistic motivational sermons are as fruadulant as the reason they're preached (to gain favour and followers) but the fryingpan is definatly not better then the fire. A closer walk with God comes through God, not man.

PS. One good thing about the SDA's though is that they make you read your bible. But unfortuantly they force you to do it through their denominational viewpoint. That's really bad. However if the mainstream church read the bible even a quarter of the amount as the SDA's, the church would be so different. Mainstream christianity is incredibly slack in comparison. I knew more about the bible then most mainstream pastors (and still do) after an upbringing in my church. For that I'm eternally grateful. A good understanding of the word is priceless. (However that doesn't mean I recommend the SDA's as a way to get it, I don't.)

[yesult]

PPS. The bible tells us that 'those who are led by the spirit of God are the sons of God'. SDA's are not led by the spirit, they're led by their doctrines. That's a big difference.

The bible also tells us that we have to be willing to give up mothers, fathers, sisters and brothers Matt 29:37 etc to be worthy of following him. In otherwords we can't ever put a human being between Him and us. Other christians are part of our family and are there to help us in our walk, but God is our ultimate teacher or we become guilty of idolatry because we've put our trust in human beings over Him.

[Ovedya]

I believe that there are lovers of Christ in every denomination, in every sect of Christianity. We all have the capacity for falling for doctrines, rituals, practices, etc.

[EricH]

For some reason the title of this thread sounds like a title the group R.E.M. woudl have come up with --- like "Losing My Religion"

[WayneB]

I believe that there are lovers of Christ in every denomination, in every sect of Christianity. We all have the capacity for falling for doctrines, rituals, practices, etc.

Agreed.

...but we must be like the men of Berea!

[AnnaMoodley]

Perhaps i'll be kicked off this forum, but i am truly considering converting to a seventh day adventist church. It will not be an impulsive choice. Here is what has happened:

I have been praying for wisdom and insight for some time. Certain traditional preachings i haven't been able to accept after many many sermons preached in their favor. Other things i do believe as truth, i can't hear a sermon on no matter what preacher i try to listen to.

hi. I'm kinda wondering what sermons are bothering you...not to be invasive but maybe we can help you make a better decision if we know.

from what i know about SDA's, they are particular about some earthly things such as what you should eat. That makes Christianity more religious than holy. religious obligations such as what to eat bring more of a burden than freedom in my opinion. I hope God really speaks to you and gives you chrystal clear guidance. take care beloved.

[Guest yod]

The SDA is as diverse as any denomination so it's hard to make a general statement on them but I will say this:

If the particular church you are considering thinks that Ellen White is a prophet...RUN!!!!

Once they accept that premise, all scriptures are viewed through a skewed lense and can be made to mean anything they want.