We got mail…

Need Great Controversy help

My sister-in-law is an Adventist of 40 years’ vintage. We are evangelical Christians. Thus we have a little bit of a conflict. I have learned so much from your publications and podcasts. You and Nikki do a great job on the podcasts. I consider them great Bible studies and very informative regarding Adventism. The other day I was given a copy of The Great Controversy and would like some study material about it. Is there something you would recommend? Keep up the good work! Shalom

—VIA EMAIL

Response: It’s interesting that you would ask about The Great Controversy right now; we recorded a podcast on that topic (Fundamental Belief #8) this week! 

Here’s the big picture about TGC that may be most helpful: it is a worldview, not just a teaching. It depends upon the Adventist physicalist view of humanity (no spirit but breath), and that understanding informs their view of Jesus (who was just like them with no advantage they don’t have, so He, too, as a man, was merely body-plus-breath and ceased to exist while He lay in the tomb). It further establishes the belief that Satan is of a higher order of creation than humanity: angelic. Thus he is more powerful and able to torment and terrorize and tempt us in ways we’re powerless to prevent and can only fight by praying a lot and depending on God as Jesus did. Jesus, they believe, defeated Satan’s temptations as a MAN with sin-degenerated flesh. 

The Great Controversy also establishes the idea that the supposed cosmic conflict raging in the universe is about the Ten Commandments (God’s law). Thus, winning the controversy will vindicate both the eternal perpetuity and fairness of the law as well as vindicating the reputation of God and establishing that He IS fair and good and Satan IS bad. 

Here is an article that outlines the Great Controversy worldview and contrasts it with a biblical worldview: What Is Seventh-day Adventism?

 

Need encouragement

I’m a 22-year-old college student who just told my parents I’m leaving the Adventist church. I’m an only child, and my entire family has been Adventist since before I was born, so this journey has been lonely at some times. I’d love to receive advice from other people who have been have been where I am, as well as give encouragement when given the opportunity. 

Thank you for what you do. 

—VIA EMAIL

Response: If you would be interested in joining us for our weekly FAF Bible study by zoom on Friday evenings at 7:00 Pacific Time, we would love to have you. I know the time difference is significant and may be prohibitive; nevertheless, we do have people from Canada, the Midwest, and even England who do join us. If you are interested, please email FormerAdventist@gmail.com and request a link.

I know how lonely your journey is, and how disorienting and discouraging and even confusing it can be. It is so helpful to have others who walk the same path to help “unpack” one’s worldview and to become grounded in Scripture. If you are able to join us on Friday evenings, I think you would enjoy it very much!

Please feel free to email anytime. We are here to support and to answer questions!

I see that you do get the weekly email; I would encourage you to listen to the podcasts if you aren’t. Many people say they are very helpful in both defining and uprooting the subtle but profound Adventist lies we find rooted in our heads even subconsciously.

 

Led away by Adventism

I just found this blog as I watched Justin and Alan Parr on Youtube. My best guy friend of 15 years got led away into the legalism of Seventh-day Adventism. He now eats carbs like crazy, idolizes the Sabbath (which is his only way of salvation); he is end-time crazy, and he has no joy. He says Jesus is investigating our sins. I pray he comes back to truth in God’s word. He watches Adventist videos all the time. The Youtube was so clear to me—the twisting of beliefs Justin kept volleying back and forth with Alan. The deception was so clear to me. Even when digging on Christian websites, the Adventists do not reveal who they are. My heart breaks for him as we used to do ministry together. The Sabbath is forefront in everything when he is proselytizing; he even sends me Youtubes. I am a Christ-follower for over 20 years. He believes only Sabbath-keepers go to heaven. I am still praying!

—RESPONSE TO POST ON PROCLAMATIONMAGAZINE.COM