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Quarterlife Ministries
Quarterlife Ministries exists to empower, equip and motivate quarterlifers (20s-30s) to become deeply rooted in the Word of God. Find us at doesitjivewiththeBible.com.
Quarterlife Ministries exists to empower, equip and motivate quarterlifers (20s-30s) to become deeply rooted in the Word of God. Find us at doesitjivewiththeBible.com.
Our Faith Story (published in Proclamation)
Great site. Indeed if it doesn’t jive with the bible then it needs to be tossed
Hi Ben
Hey Buddy, saw your article in the Proclammation. Interesting journey but certainly not one I would take. The article seemed to suggest that none of your colleagues in ministry really sat down with you to discuss doctrinal issues–well Ben–I don’t recall your bringing it up to me with the many discussions we had in my office about ministry issues.
However, be that as it may, as your brother in Christ I wish you all the best in Jesus. You certainly have a lovely family and I miss the freshness you brought to our meetings.
You mention where you differ with Adventism in the article but you do not really outline specifically where the doctrines fall short of Biblical support–perhaps that was not the scope of the article. The Proclammation issue also mentions the former SDA conference that you attended. Well, I wonder how you managed to navigate such doctrines as the human spirit (did he say–eternal spirit) and eternal hell-talk about dissonance with the concept of “God is love.” Then the sabbath issue–it is very interesting that many non-SDA Christians are beginning to “get” the sabbath issue as well as death sleep. Gabe Lyons in his book The Next Christian deals much with Sabbath issues and their value. Steve Green has been noted to find value in Sabbath keeping as well. The Sabbath issue, rightly understood and practiced, is a spiritual discipline that fosters our rest in Jesus rather than to detract from it. With regard to Sunday, I think you know all the arguments there. Dr. Bacchiocchi has done definitive work in this area which much of the Christian world is only beginning to embrace.
But this communique is not meant to discuss doctrinal issues–that is not the scope of this communication. It is only a point of contact for one reason–I really appreciate you as a brother in Christ. I really appreciated all the freshness and enthusiasm that you brought to our meetings. I really appreciated your willingness to focus on Jesus and I wish you God’s Spirit as you journey in your walk with the Lord.
In addition, in the true “spirit” of Adventism–I hope you do not close the door and your mind to future dialogue about doctrinal issues. For me, as a follower of Jesus, one who believes in His unchanging love and grace–I hope you continue on your Biblical journey and have some serious dialogue with your Adventist brothers in Christ.
Your brother in Jesus
Gerard
Gerard,
Thank you for your kind words. You are correct; I did not discuss my doctrinal disagreements with you. Knowing that you are a member of the Conference administration, I am surprised that you are surprised that I didn’t.
I’m wondering… what motivated you to post this in a public forum when you have my email and FB accounts (and we’ve communicated via both in the past)?
I’m wondering…even though you recognize that I’m following Christ, why is it still important to you that I remain open to Adventism?
I’m wondering … why, even now, you choose to spin and defend Adventist doctrines without Biblical support?
At any rate, I’m happy to learn that you read Proclamation.
God’s blessings to you.
Sincerely,
Ben
DEAR BROTHER BEN, JUST FINISHED THE WONDERFUL STORY OF YOUR JOURNEY FROM THE SDA CHURCH IN THE JAN-MAR 11 PROCLAMATION MAGAZINE. LOOKS LIKE GERARD DID NOT UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU AND DELINA WERE SAYING AS YOU WERE DOING YOUR BIBLE STUDIES AND THE HOLY SPIRIT WAS OPENING THE EYES OF YOUR HEART, TO SEE THE TRUTH, FOUND ONLY IN THE BIBLE, GODS WORD. MY WIFE IS AN SDA, THE PROBLEM I FIND IS LIKE GERARD, SDA’S ARE TAUGHT TO ONLY BELIEVE EGW. WHAT A SHAME, GLAD YOU FOUND THE WAY OUT. GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.
MEL SCOTT
MTN. HOME, AR.
Mel,
Thank you for your note. Our prayers are with you and you wife.
Blessings,