Tremendous Cognitive Dissonance
I am eternally grateful to have found your ministry on YouTube a few months ago. I am still actively going to an Adventist church (mainly because my five-year-old son enjoys his Sabbath school class and friends) but the cognitive dissonance I am experiencing is tremendous.
I have two things that I would love for you to help me with:
- Nikki mentioned in a podcast that she has Bible texts that speak to the nature of man; could you send those my way please?
- I believe that there are moral laws that mirrors nine of the Ten Commandments in the New Testament. Are you able to tell me some of those texts? I just started making my way through the New Testament, but I would love to get a head start on that specifically.
Thanking you in advance.
Please know that your ministry is reaching and helping a lot of Adventists who are searching. I feel like it’s even more difficult for multi generational adventists like myself.
May the good Lord continue to bless you all richly.
—VIA EMAIL
Response: Thank you for writing. Yes, the cognitive dissonance is powerful and is God’s tool, I believe. I remember living in that dissonance, and I remember how the Bible gradually resolved it for me!
Here is a link to Nikki’s article about the human spirit: “How the Bible Convinced Me We Have Spirits”
Here is another article I think you will find helpful: Are Humans More Than Living Bodies?
Please feel free to email anytime!
Do Commandments Equal the Decalogue?
This morning I was listening to a little bit of the Galatians Podcast—particularly Galatians 5. Adventists will say that God writes the 10 Commandments on our heart and thus try to perpetuate the validity of the law. I will need to listen more deeply to your podcast but was wondering if you had suggested material or texts from the Bible to use for studying this idea?
Being a former Adventist, there is always that problem where EVERY reference to the law automatically equals the decalogue—LOL. I SO MUCH appreciate your ministry and am a regular supporter of your work,
Thank you for everything.
—VIA EMAIL
Response: Galatians 6:22 states that when we bear one another’s burdens, we fulfill the Law of Christ. Also, 1 Cor 9:21 has Paul saying that to those without law, he becomes as one without law, “though not being without the law of God but under the law of Christ”.
This article, “What Commandments Are In Revelation 12 and 19?” should be helpful. Also, this video with Nikki explains the word “commandments” vs. law in John’s writings.
Please feel free to write again if you have more questions!
My Eyes Opened to Jesus
I have been listening to your podcast for a couple months now and I just want to say thank you.
I was raised a fifth-generation Seventh-day Adventist and taught in Adventist schools for many years. I am now a born again Christian and follower of Jesus and am leaving the shame and misguided teachings of Adventism behind. You have helped open my eyes to who Jesus really is and have given me an assurance of my salvation I never experienced before. I have a hunger and understanding of the Bible like never before. I am uncertain about my future with my family and friends given they are all still in the church, but I have hope that the Lord will guide me. Thank you for your good work and for helping to set me free in Jesus.
—VIA EMAIL
Response: Thank you for writing! Oh, my—I understand the roots and the pull of a fifth-generation heritage! Mine was only three, and it does seem as if the generations deepen those roots profoundly. Praise God for calling you to Himself! What a relief and what freedom!
I resonate with your uncertainty about the future with your family and friends. God knows, and He will open opportunities for you to speak. It may not always be well-received, but He will give you words and courage. You may also be surprised at what they may say.
You may even have the opportunity to read through the Bible with one or more of them—just one book at a time, perhaps Galatians or Hebrews, and discuss it chapter by chapter. Sometimes reading Scripture with an Adventist is the most helpful way to begin to show them what the gospel REALLY is!
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