Perfect Timing
I read your article, “Freedom from Adventist Trauma” and I was floored! I thank God for your ministry on an almost daily basis, but this article came at the right time, and I praise God for that!
I’ve been struggling lately with resentments regarding feeling that my worship has been robbed because of my experience with Adventism. I attend new churches now (still trying to find my home away from home, aka Heaven) and I see their worship style that is so much different than what I grew up with, and at times I get so uncomfortable because it is so foreign to me. This past Sunday I was moved because I saw people who raised their hands during worship and praise, and they seem SO confident and comfortable doing that, and I thought, “Am I doing something wrong?” This article reminded me that I have trauma, and that my being uncomfortable with how others worship is a trauma response. I know that it will take a lot of time and patience to rid myself of the falsehood of Adventism, but I was convicted by the suggestion to renounce it. Such wonderful advice.
I appreciated so much your response to the other person who wrote the letter that prompted this blog. I, too, struggled with addiction to alcohol and drugs as well as many other things. I KNOW that my addiction was a symptom of the trauma I experienced in the Adventist church. I am now, as of today, 2,289 days sober, and alcoholism is NOT my identity. As a licensed addiction and mental health counselor, I always say this same thing to my clients: you are a new creation in Christ, not some -ism or -ic that the world wants to attach to you.
Thank you again for this wonderful and excellently written blog; you’re such a blessing in my life!
—VIA EMAIL
Response: Thank you for writing. Your letter is so encouraging; praise God that He is consistent and faithful, and His word cannot fail. He knows us!
I am so thankful that you have been set free from your addictions; the Lord is at work, and your responses to worship will also resolve. It might be interesting to think about the general “culture” of the churches you attend; are you hearing the word clearly taught? Or are you hearing “experience” or social needs being addressed primarily?
I truly have no idea, but sometimes we have reactions that are hard to understand when we find ourselves in a setting where the gospel and our Lord Jesus aren’t central. That being said, we DO have “worship trauma” after Adventism many times. I pray that the Lord will lead you to a place where you can worship freely and hear His word taught faithfully.
Need Help for Adventist Friend
My wife and I have been trying to witness to a friend that has been Adventist all her life. We are getting nowhere. Is there something you could provide that would help us?
—VIA EMAIL
Response: Thank you for writing! What a hard thing you are doing; witnessing to a life-long Adventist is really, really hard.
Have you considered giving her a book to read? Dale Ratzlaff’s Truth Led Me Out is an excellent first-read for many Adventists. It gives his own story, and he names names. It’s available here:
Also, she really needs to understand the concept of the new covenant. Here are some links that MIGHT help—although if she is extremely resistant, they might not. Nevertheless, it might be worth a try:
Articles:
Video:
These are some starters, but I can’t promise anything. Beyond this, have you tried studying with her, perhaps once a week, and just reading through books of the NT contextually? That is what our neighbors did with us, and it totally revealed that our proof texts were out of context. Perhaps begin with Galatians; move to Hebrews, and then go to the gospel of John.
Of course, praying for her is the most powerful weapon we have.
Thank you Dale
Dale, thank you so much for taking on this vital work. I am a former Adventist of four generations, and it is truly wonderful to know and experience REAL truth. Adventism never made sense to me beside Scripture. Proclamation! has really cleared the air of lies and deceit. The Lord will bless you always. Thanks again.
—RIDGECREST, CA
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