Where would I fit in?

[maco]

I am fairly new to the SDA church but I have been studying the Bible for many years. I use to have a Christ centered youth ministry for several years until about three years ago it was time make a change for many different reasons. About four years ago I began to understand the state of the dead, then the second coming and the Sabbath. I couldn't find any fellowship in my area so I began searching on line when I came across the SDA church. They had many of the same beliefs as I was reading in the Bible with just a few differences so about a year ago I was baptized. Now that I have been attending on a regular basis I have been realy stuggling with many of the day to day doctrines of the SDA, such as, the exaltation of Ellen's writings, the sinfulness of wearing any jewelry or drinking any wine just to name a few. I have put many hours of prayer and study into testing these things. I have spoken with many of the SDA lay people outside of my church and it seems that most of them agree with me yet there is a force beind these beliefs that seem unchangable.

I love the SDA denomination in how they have a love for God and have a desire to know and follow God's truth. I also love all the good they do in the world to bring about spiritual and physical heath. But I struggle with these things they call sinful because I just don't see it in the Bible. Many of my friends have some Bible knowledge in these things including my wife because of this I have a hard time bringing them, as well as, other people into the fellowship.. They say if its not in the Bible then it's legalism and I don't blame them because its true. If we call something sinful when the Bible gives us freedom with temperance then we become legalistic.

What are your thoughts and where do I fit in within the SDA comminity?

Many blessings,
John

[maco]

I guess I'll just stay where I am :wave:

[Sophia7]

I am fairly new to the SDA church but I have been studying the Bible for many years. I use to have a Christ centered youth ministry for several years until about three years ago it was time make a change for many different reasons. About four years ago I began to understand the state of the dead, then the second coming and the Sabbath. I couldn't find any fellowship in my area so I began searching on line when I came across the SDA church. They had many of the same beliefs as I was reading in the Bible with just a few differences so about a year ago I was baptized. Now that I have been attending on a regular basis I have been realy stuggling with many of the day to day doctrines of the SDA, such as, the exaltation of Ellen's writings, the sinfulness of wearing any jewelry or drinking any wine just to name a few. I have put many hours of prayer and study into testing these things. I have spoken with many of the SDA lay people outside of my church and it seems that most of them agree with me yet there is a force beind these beliefs that seem unchangable.

I love the SDA denomination in how they have a love for God and have a desire to know and follow God's truth. I also love all the good they do in the world to bring about spiritual and physical heath. But I struggle with these things they call sinful because I just don't see it in the Bible. Many of my friends have some Bible knowledge in these things including my wife because of this I have a hard time bringing them, as well as, other people into the fellowship.. They say if its not in the Bible then it's legalism and I don't blame them because its true. If we call something sinful when the Bible gives us freedom with temperance then we become legalistic.

What are your thoughts and where do I fit in within the SDA comminity?

Many blessings,
John

I have issues with many of these things myself. There are several Adventist doctrines that I don't believe are supported by the Bible (especially the investigative judgment), and I see many of the lifestyle restrictions as giving people unnecessary burdens that the Bible doesn't put on them. There are many Adventists who call themselves Evangelical Adventists or Progressive Adventists or whatever other labels they wish to use to distinguish themselves from Traditional and Historic Adventists, so you are not alone in the Adventist community. :)

[maco]

I have issues with many of these things myself. There are several Adventist doctrines that I don't believe are supported by the Bible (especially the investigative judgment), and I see many of the lifestyle restrictions as giving people unnecessary burdens that the Bible doesn't put on them. There are many Adventists who call themselves Evangelical Adventists or Progressive Adventists or whatever other labels they wish to use to distinguish themselves from Traditional and Historic Adventists, so you are not alone in the Adventist community. :)
Thanks for replying. Are you a SDA?

[DRL]

Just keep on praying and studying the Bible. God will reveal the truth to you.
BTW, I am a former Seventh day Adventist.
Diana

[icedragon101]

I am fairly new to the SDA church but I have been studying the Bible for many years. I use to have a Christ centered youth ministry for several years until about three years ago it was time make a change for many different reasons. About four years ago I began to understand the state of the dead, then the second coming and the Sabbath. I couldn't find any fellowship in my area so I began searching on line when I came across the SDA church. They had many of the same beliefs as I was reading in the Bible with just a few differences so about a year ago I was baptized. Now that I have been attending on a regular basis I have been realy stuggling with many of the day to day doctrines of the SDA, such as, the exaltation of Ellen's writings, the sinfulness of wearing any jewelry or drinking any wine just to name a few. I have put many hours of prayer and study into testing these things. I have spoken with many of the SDA lay people outside of my church and it seems that most of them agree with me yet there is a force beind these beliefs that seem unchangable.

I love the SDA denomination in how they have a love for God and have a desire to know and follow God's truth. I also love all the good they do in the world to bring about spiritual and physical heath. But I struggle with these things they call sinful because I just don't see it in the Bible. Many of my friends have some Bible knowledge in these things including my wife because of this I have a hard time bringing them, as well as, other people into the fellowship.. They say if its not in the Bible then it's legalism and I don't blame them because its true. If we call something sinful when the Bible gives us freedom with temperance then we become legalistic.

What are your thoughts and where do I fit in within the SDA comminity?

Many blessings,
John
Welcome to the Evanglical Adventist Club, not quite SDA not quite Evanglical some where in between.

[Sophia7]

Thanks for replying. Are you a SDA?

Yes, but not a traditional one.

[micbmac]

Hi there. I have been SDA my whole life and I agree w/ some of the things you said, especially abt the jewelry, so I wear it anyway. I guess there is no perfect religion.

[Sophia7]

Hi there. I have been SDA my whole life and I agree w/ some of the things you said, especially abt the jewelry, so I wear it anyway. I guess there is no perfect religion.

Welcome to the SDA forum. :)

[maco]

Yes, but not a traditional one.
Is there such a thing as Evangelical Adventist? In other words, is there a denomination called Evangelical Adventist separate and apart from SDA or is it just a title given to certain people who are within the Traditional Adventist denomination?

[NightEternal]

Is there such a thing as Evangelical Adventist?

Indeed there is. You're talking to one right now! :)

In other words, is there a denomination called Evangelical Adventist separate and apart from SDA

The best you can do right now in the SDA system is to find a progressive, Evangelical, grace-based church in Europe, Southern California or Australia. Most other areas are under the control of the TSDA's, but you can still luck out and find one of these gems somewhere. Usually it's best to look for SDA churches without the denominational name in the title and you're good to go; Son Valley, Grace Fellowship, Red Willow, The Lighthouse, Potter's Place, stuff like that. Many have female pastors and the sermons are relevant and Christ-centered.

The music is lively and contemporary, speaking to today's generation. They are places where you can feel totally at ease and comfortable bringing non-Christian friends and visitors without the danger of them being cornered by the TSDA Tofu Terrorists, or Standards Police. Dress is casual and no one is judged or condemned for ridiculous issues that do not matter.

or is it just a title given to certain people who are within the Traditional Adventist denomination?



Adventism has perfected enforcing non-essentials down to a science. My suggestion for you, and this has worked for me for over 20 years, is to settle for yourself what you believe in the non-issue areas and never let the right-wing intimidate you. It's completely none of thier business anyhow, even though many like to try and make it thier business. Many circles of TSDA's are nothing more than modern day circumcision parties. If you let them, they will heap so many lifestyle restrictions and behavioral standards in the areas of diet, entertainment, appearance and lifestyle choices that are not salvation issues, you will be crushed under the weight.