I did not leave Adventism, it left me... Testimony by Diana L.

Note by George Manolov:

After I left the Seventh-day Adventist church, naturally I sought contact and fellowship with others who have have gone down this road before me. The decision my wife and I made to leave the SDA church was not influenced by an individual or anything in particular, it was a result of bible study and research we did on our own. When our knowledge and conviction grew, we came to a point where we had to make a decision. So we did... Like another former Adventist put it "I studied my way out of Adventism."

Now that we've done this, we are meeting so many wonderful Christians through the Internet who share a similar story. Even though you'll see repetition of many thoughts and experiences, each testimony is unique and shows how God is able to use circumstances around us to lead those who are willing to follow. My Adventist friends (hope I still have some left) will probably ask the question "Are you sure you follow God?", and I understand their concern, because of their genuine belief of belonging to the remnant church of Christ, which puts all of us who left the SDA in danger of losing our salvation. We all need to continue to pray for each other and allow the Holly Spirit convict each one of us through the Word of God.

Many Christians who no longer believe in the Adventist message wish to be anonymous, because they either have family in the SDA church or some even work for the church and are afraid of losing their jobs. Either way the testimonies I plan to publish here are real stories of real people. Here's the fist one:

Testimony by Diana L.

I did not leave Adventism, It left me. I will explain.

I married a man who became an Adventist just so I would marry him. We stayed together 15 years and had one child. We got a divorce and I stayed on the East Coast so my son would know his Dad.

When we divorced my SDA friends did not know how to give me support. So I looked else where for it. I found support in a national support group. I still have friends from this group that I consider sisters.

My name was removed from the church books within 3 years after the divorce. I did not find out about it until 2 years after when I saw a church elder at the store. He told me about my name being removed, without anyone telling me. Neither my address nor phone number had changed. I really did not care at that point. I had attended church only sporadically and never found any type of fellowship or satisfaction there.

I still identified myself as an SDA, even though I was not practicing it or living the SDA life style. When I went to church it was to the SDA church as it was the only one I knew.

I had no thought of going to any other church. It is funny to think back to when I did go to church. The minister would ask me how I was and I would reply, God is good and I am so happy. I am not sure the ministers really believed me.

I got into a 12 step program and have to include it. Why?? It was my 12 step program that taught me how much God loves me, that I am a child of God. It taught me how to pray for my enemies and those who hurt me and how to love them. It taught me how to accept people and love them for who they are. It taught me how to tell others what God was doing for me. Finally, I like to say the 12 step program cleared the cobwebs of Adventism from my brain so that when God finally called me, I did as He asked and followed Him out of Adventism as you will see.

I will jump past all those years to December 2003. I had not been living an Adventist life style. I went dancing every Friday and Saturday night and there was not much guilt associated with it. I quit paying tithe because when I did I could not pay my bills without having to pay a late fee. When I moved from the East Coast to the West I decided to return to church. Seeing as the SDA church was the only church I knew, I went back to it. In December just before Christmas one of the pastor’s came into our SS class and challenged us to read the New Testament without anything else. I took him up on that challenge. Within that time frame God directed my attention to a bookmark on my computer which led to Dirk Anderson’s website about Ellen G. White. I remember sitting at my computer and reading all of it. I read about the plagiarism and how she took credit for what others wrote and then claimed God inspired/told her. After reading all that I said out loud to myself, “I cannot go back to that church. She has had too much influence on it.” As soon as those words left my lips I felt a burden lifted from my shoulders that I did not know was there.

Along with reading the New Testament I went and bought a Strong’s Concordance and taking key words like Sabbath, tithe, covenant, I studied what the Bible had to say about each one. I learned the Sabbath was give only to the Children of Israel, Deuteronomy 5:3, 4, 15. That tithing was only on agriculture and animals and not everyone paid a tithe.

I learned Jesus fulfilled all the sanctuary system-sacrifices that the Children of Israel practiced. I learned that God wants us to love Him with all our soul, heart, and mind and our neighbors as ourselves.

The Gospel of John came to mean so much to me because it showed me how much God loves me. John 3:16-“for God so love the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” This has become my all time favorite verse in the Bible.

I knew that there was a verse in the Bible that said not to neglect gathering together to encourage each other. So I started praying about a church to attend. I also started visiting churches on Sunday mornings. It was uncomfortable at first. But with God’s help I persisted.

The week after Mothers’s Day, 2004, while driving between patient’s houses as an occupational therapist, I talked to God. I always do this when I am alone in my car. I was telling Him what churches I had visited and none seemed quite right. I asked Him where He wanted me to go. I did not expect an answer but as soon as I said that I heard a voice in my car tell me to “Go to that BIG church on Russell Rd off 95”. Let me explain about that BIG church. Every Saturday I drove past it going to and from the SDA church. I remember telling myself about those poor people who do not know the Sabbath and I could never go to a big church like that. Well, Surprise, Surprise!! That is the BIG church God told me to attend.

You know when God tells me to do something I have learned to do it, especially when He audibly talks to me. So the following Sunday I went to this BIG church. As I sat down I had the most incredible feeling come over me. I FELT LIKE I HAD COME HOME!! I signed up for the Starting Point class and learned in that class that what God had taught me from the Bible, since Jan 2004, is what this church teaches also.

I was baptized into Jesus Christ the last Wednesday of June 2004. I am now a member of God’s family. I am learning that it is a large family. I meet brothers and sisters where ever I go.

What I find interesting is that I had asked to be re baptized into Adventism, but the pastor never came by my house to talk to me about it. Looking back I see God had other plans for my life.

As I look back on my life I see where God has always been in control. It just amazes me that He is so awesome. Take it from me that when God calls you, follow Him where ever He leads you. He will not mislead you or forsake you. He is so Good and SO AWESOME.

Life after Adventism 

(added by Diana L. on Feb 14, 2009)

When God told me to go to the church I now attend, I went.  I had the incredible feeling of having come home come over me as I sat there and worshipped.  Tears came to my eyes.  After the service I went to Guest Central.  This is where visitors are invited to go to find out more about the church and what they teach.  I told the young lady there my story of leaving adventism.  She prayed for me and told me about Starting Point.  It is a 6 week course about the Bible and what is taught in it.  I signed up for the course that day.  As I went to the weekly classes I discovered that what I had learned from God and the Holy Spirit, when reading the New Testament, was exactly what this church teaches.  The 2nd week at church God brought to my attention another Bible course.  It was called DiscoveryE (it is no longer given as it was 20 weeks long).  So I signed up for DiscoveryE also.  Word got around that this "crazy" lady was studying both courses simultaneously.  When the pastors asked me about it I told them that I had studied an untruth about the Bible for so long (all my academic life and in church also) that I wanted to learn the truth as fast as possible.  God was teaching me because most of what was being taught there were things He had already taught me while reading the New Testament. 

I had never volunteered to do anything in the SDA church.  Here I wanted to volunteer for something.  God brought to my mind that I like to meet people and am not afraid to meet strangers, so I asked if I could volunteer to greet people in Guest Central.  I  was asked if I was a born again Christian  and I said a definite YES.  Then I was told that when I was baptized I could.  I was baptized into Christ on the last Wednesday night in June 2004.  What a joyous night that was.  My youngest sister was at my baptism.

The summer of 2005 I took 5 books written by Ratzlaff and others to our senior pastor so he would know what SDAs teach.  I have educated the pastor for seniors and our Care pastor by giving them Dale Ratzlaff's book about The Cultic Doctrine of SDAs.  I have met a local Baptist minister and his wife who studied the SDA beliefs of EGW and the IJ while they were in seminary.  I have discovered that there is a pastor in our church who knows the abberant beliefs of adventism.  God is using me to educate others about adventism.  Thank you awesome God.  I also volunteered to greet people when they come in the door of the church.  I am so glad I have done that.  God made sure I met a couple and the husband was a former SDAs who attend that church.  I have met another couple and the wife is a former SDA.  That was through the singles group.  They are both younger then me, but God made sure I met them.

I met a Muslim lady who was converted by a dream given to her by God.  Then there was the young man who had beat on his girl friend the week before.  He and his girl friend went to starting point and got baptized about a year and one half later.  And there is the young man from work who was impressed with his friend's Christianity.  He asked me what time my church services were.  I told him.  He and his wife attend every week since then and are now in Starting Point. 

Another reason God wanted me there was for Celebrate Recovery (CR).  He knew I needed recovery from my addiction to food and written pornography.  I have belonged to a 12 step program for my addiction. CR is a Christ centered 12 step program using the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous.  CR started in April of 2006 and all I wanted was recovery.  God had other plans and now I am a leader in that with plans to go to Tijuana, Mexico to give my CR testimony there in a Spanish church.  I am also supposed to go to a Spanish Church in Victorville, CA and give my testimony there, in Spanish. 

I am constantly in awe of what God does for me and how He uses me.  I am a senior citizen and God is still using me, which amazes me when there are so many younger people around.  He still has something for me to do.  Our CR minister, Bob, told me that God was not going to let me retire yet.  Colleen from Former Adventist Forum told me, basically,  the same thing.  Everything I have read in the Bible shows that God used the patriarchs, prophets, disciples, apostles until they died.  What better way to go, doing what God has given us to do.

God reminded me this past November when I was on vacation "Never will I leave you;  never will I forsake you" Hebrews 13:5.  It does not matter what your age as God has a plan for each of us and does not leave us or forsake us.  He is so awesome.

Diana L

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Published with the permission of Diana L.

Internet and the Information Boom is the latest threat for Seventh-day Adventists and the reputation of their prophetess Ellen G White

I'd like to quote an ex-Adventist Pastor by the name Walter Rea who is the man responsible of exposing the plagiarism of SDA prophet Ellen G White in 1980. Turned out after his study and such of other independent researchers, that arguably up to 90% (10% according to SDA church) of Mrs White's writings did not come from God, but indeed came from books which were previously written by other Christian authors. The issue for most people is not that Mrs White borrowed from other writers without giving the proper credit, but the fact that she claimed in her own words that all of her published writings came under divine inspiration. This literary dependency on other authors, or let's call it what it is - a plagiarism, discredits her as a prophet. God says: I have not sent these prophets, yet they ran: I have not spoken to them, yet they prophesied. ... Therefore, behold, I am against the prophets, saith the LORD, that steal my words every one from his neighbour. Jer. 23:25,30. Even though the official SDA statement is that Scripture has authority over Mrs White's writings, in reality nothing is taught or preached in the church, unless it has her seal of approval. I spent over 10 years studying the Adventist message, the last 5 of which as a member of the church, but if I am not credible enough, there is virtually 100's of Adventists pastors who were fired for questioning the teachings of Ellen White and her authority in the church especially when there's discrepancy between her "inspired" writings and the bible. Each one of these pastors have a story to tell and some of them were very influential in the church like Dr Desmond Ford for instance, yet they were willing to lose their position and livelihood, but they stood for the truth.

But let me get back to the quote from Walter Rea during an interview on previously recorded John Ankerberg Show, which can be seen here. It was in response to the book called "Omega" by Lewis R. Walton, published by the SDA church, which book appears to discredit those members who oppose the teachings of the church by implying that they are demons in human form among the pews of Adventist churches. This certainly is a convenient response to opposition, but more so it shows paranoia in the attitude of the Adventist church, which creates unfriendly atmosphere in the church and according to Walter Rea, this book shows that "Anyone who has an IQ over 85 is a threat to the SDA church." It's a funny comment, surely not intended to offend Seventh-day Adventist Christians who are sincere in their faith, but the organization itself. I wish the SDA church had more respect towards the conviction of others, even if it opposes the denomination's teachings. Instead I was told by an Adventist pastor in regards of our difference of opinions not to share any of my changed beliefs with my wife, because "she would not understand", other words insulting her intelligence. According to him this is the right attitude when it comes to hard topics, and he was not ashamed to share that this is the practice he employs in his own household. In the same breath he insulted my own intelligence by telling me that I should stop reading any materials outside of the teachings of the Adventist church whether found on the Internet or any other media, because they will add confusion and possibly lead me astray from the truth.

A person whom I respect and consider a good friend among the Adventists very recently preached a sermon on how we should study our bible. While most of the points he outlined are absolutely essential when doing a bible study, such as authority of scripture, spiritual state of mind, correct translation, taking scripture in context, motive behind the study etc. I can't help but notice that Internet as a source of information was once again somewhat disproved. In fact it was rather insulting to me personally or anyone else who uses the Internet as a platform to share a message or publish a study, as according to the speaker "even a monkey can do it". Once again we see tendency to undermine an individual's ability to approach a publication with a scientific mind and use their own intelligence to compare multiple opinions, test them to the bible and make their own conclusion.

I'm not surprised by this attitude one bit. According to some Adventist pastors the church's own prophet Mrs White discourages them to use any sources outside of the SDA approved reading. On a lower level I can testify to this, as soon as my wife and I became members of the church we were told to be careful what spiritual books we read. Yet at the same time Mrs White "borrowed" material from previously written books, under "inspiration" of course, I guess this makes it OK.

I am also not surprised of the attack on the Internet. I'm convinced that because of the recent information explosion people are finally able to find answers to their questions much quicker than before. Those who are willing to research can find original documents, pictures, transcripts, things that were hidden for many years. Yes, it is true that anyone these days can publish anything they want, so we need to be selective, but at the same time the censoring is gone as well, and let's not be fooled, censoring is often the cause of information darkness and a favorite tool for brainwashing. It is no surprise that over 300,000 Adventists leave the church every year. During the July 2005 SDA General Conference, Bert Haloviak, director of Archives and Statistics for the Adventist world church, made an official statement that "…nearly 1.5 million left membership during the time period 2000 to 2005." The church growth during that time was less than 5%. Compare this with 37% growth in the 1970's.

No wonder Adventist pastors and elders preach the formula:
Sabbath School quarterlies (25% Ellen White quotes) = GOOD
Internet (and other uncensored media) = BAD

George

Why did Jesus say “Pray that your flight may not be on a Sabbath”? (Matthew 24:20)

In response to my recent article “What is the place of the Old Testament Law in the Christian life” I received some questions and rather opposition from my Sabbath keeping friends. In short my article concludes that the Old Testament Law is not eternal, it was a Covenant between God and the nation of Israel, and we can not separate the law in “moral” and “ceremonial” parts, therefore when the bible says the law was nailed to the cross it means that the Ten Commandments were also nailed to the cross. This naturally puts me in the “bad books” of those who keep the seventh day Sabbath, because it is the Fourth Commandment. I probably already lost some friends among the Seventh-day Adventist people and I apologize if I hurt anyone’s feelings, but will continue to share what I believe is the truth according to the gospel of Christ.

Now, one of the verses pointed out to me as proof that Jesus did not abolish the Sabbath is Matthew 24:20: “Pray that your flight will not take place in winter or on the Sabbath.” Why would Jesus say such a thing if Christians are not obligated to keep the Sabbath anymore? I have to admit it sounds like a convincing piece of evidence. No wonder this is a favorite verse used by Sabbath keepers to prove their point.

Let’s examine the text. Jesus is answering direct question asked by His disciples: "Tell us," they said, "when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?" Matthew 24:3. Jesus answers, talking about His second coming, but He’s mixing it with another event, which is to come first – the destruction of Jerusalem. "So when you see standing in the holy place 'the abomination that causes desolation,' spoken of through the prophet Daniel—let the reader understand— then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let no one on the roof of his house go down to take anything out of the house. Let no one in the field go back to get his cloak. How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! Pray that your flight will not take place in winter or on the Sabbath.” Note in verse 15, Jesus makes reference to the Daniel’s prophecy (Daniel 11:31, Daniel 12:11), which we know points to the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple. History tells us, this took place in 70 AD.

Since we know which event Jesus is talking about, let’s look at the three things He mentions and let us try to understand why:

1. Pregnant women and nursing mothers – I think it’s quite obvious why it would be difficult or even impossible for them to flee the city.

2. Winter conditions – again it is obvious cold and snow would make the evacuation and survival difficult.

3. Sabbath – Jerusalem was predominantly Jewish city, which kept the Law. All inhabitants of the city and this includes all Christians, were subject to certain rules. In Nehemiah 13:19-22 we see that the gates of the city were closed on the Sabbath. How can the Christians or anyone for that matter escape if the gates are closed? It would certainly be a difficult thing to do. This is why Jesus told His disciples to pray so that their flight will not be on the Sabbath.

Those readers who still think that in Matthew 24:20, Jesus wanted to emphasize on the importance of the Sabbath, must also believe that our Lord expected His followers to sacrifice their lives in order to keep the Sabbath. This is rather illogical conclusion when we know this same Jesus said “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” (Mark 2:27), this is the same Jesus who will not condemn a man for taking his farm animal out of the ditch on Sabbath. I’m sorry, but I don’t believe Christ would allow Sabbath breaking in order to save the life of a goat or a donkey, but at the same time would condemn men for running to save their lives on Sabbath.

More to follow…