Comment on Michigan Conference takes substantial action in LSU conflict by Bill Wennell.
I was 33 years old when I left the “world” of atheism, drugs, alcohol (etc) and started reading the Bible. I fell in love with it cover to cover, old testament and new; but had one problem – where was the church that REALLY preached what the Bible stated?
I had never heard of Seventh-day Adventists until one day I happened to start working with one (fate? I don’t think so!). Here was a church that preached, to me, EVERYTHING the Bible states. Yes I had problems at the beginning with the perception of Ellen White as a “prophetess” and remember trying to dispute that claim by comparing the Desire of Ages to the Biblical record. I would say that 99% was totally accurate and the other 1%, while not found directly in the Bible can be justified by the Bible writers.
I stand as one not seeking to justify SDA doctrines but as nothing more than Biblical ones. I realize that others can claim the same story, that their reading of the Bible did just the opposite, drove them away from SDA doctrines. On the Day of Judgment we will each stand before the all seeing eye of One who will make known why we choose the way we did and the real reasons behind our decisions.
As I read these statements I am glad for the ones who chose to leave rather than “change” the church though I am at the same time sad that they made the decision to turn from what they feel are the unjustifiable conclusions made by other Christians over why SDA doctrines are unorthodox. I make no theological conclusions here as that only breeds argument, the best recommendation is to ask Jesus to totally clear our minds of ALL preconceived notions and start from the Bible with a mind to learn His truths.
God help us to be unyielding in our stand and defiance of Truth yet compassionate for those that differ from us – until one or the other seeks to stand directly in the way of others and their salvation then we are compelled to stand as Jesus did against the leaven of the Pharises, Sadducees, and Herodians that search the world for proselytes only to make them twice a child of hell such as themselves.
LSU as made a decision that is not yet unrevokable though they have not yielded to the right side yet (evolution? please! At a time when other scientists are coming over to the truth of creation, Adventists are trying to say Evolution is correct). Ellen White wrote when this time as come we are to sell it off to the world, this also is not being done. While the headship of the church moans the results, what are they actually doing to right the wrongs? Nothing! (thank God the Michigan Conference is though!)
I love my church as the church of Biblical prophecy but fully realize that as the church militant, she is dying from internal wounds other than what is going on at LSU. As God stated, the whole head is sick. We must stick together, seek to put godly men in positions of trust, point out error and sin wherever found, and pray for the Lords guidance until He comes. God help us!
