Is there more to learn about God?

[crystalrainfall]

Do you ever feel like you have learned everything there is to know about the church, and you hunger to learn more about God and the Bible? In the Adventist churches, we are not allowed to ask questions, unless the answer is one of the 28 beliefs. Like what about the prophecies in the Old Testament that Adventists do not clearly understand? Learning more is not acceptable, because every question must be framed within the agreed upon belief set. If a person goes a little beyond what we believe, they backstep and explain it with acceptable Adventist answer. It seems that something is missing. Every Sabbath school lesson rehashes the same beliefs that I have understood for years and years, and nothing is new. God must be bigger, closer, there must be more of the Holy Spirit than a small church in which I don't feel loved or understood. I heard a sermon last week about how the Bible is not one of love, but of rebuke, reproof, exhortation. It left me feeling that God did not love us, until he explained that he meant God wants to warn us to shield us from not being ready when He comes. I think what I am missing is the feeling of being close to God, especially in the church. I do not feel that the people in the church care about me, or that I am important to them. I try to reconnect with old friends from Adventist college, and none of them seem very interested in remaining friends anymore. Do you ever feel like there is more for us to grasp than our set beliefs which are never changing?

 

[Chief]

To be honest with you, I have never been in a situation where learning about any biblical concept was unacceptable, neither have I ever been denied an opportunity to ask or investigate an issue. If what you're describing here happens in your congregation, that's concerning.

Like what about the prophecies in the Old Testament that Adventists do not clearly understand?

Like which one in particular?

If a person goes a little beyond what we believe, they backstep and explain it with acceptable Adventist answer.

When you say 'goes beyond what we believe', does it mean the belief is still consistent with the bible or this person has introduced their own thoughts and ideas?

Every Sabbath school lesson rehashes the same beliefs that I have understood for years and years, and nothing is new.

I have heard concerns over the same. Knowing that God does not change slows me down from making quick judgment on certain issues. Methods of doing things change but the principle remains unchanged.

Is there any new belief that has been stifled? In such a case, I want to believe there is a procedure for doing things if we really mean well and would genuinely want to see spiritual growth in our midst. Have you shared the issues you feel need to be addressed?

God must be bigger, closer, there must be more of the Holy Spirit than a small church in which I don't feel loved or understood. I heard a sermon last week about how the Bible is not one of love, but of rebuke, reproof, exhortation. It left me feeling that God did not love us, until he explained that he meant God wants to warn us to shield us from not being ready when He comes. I think what I am missing is the feeling of being close to God, especially in the church. I do not feel that the people in the church care about me, or that I am important to them.

Someone once told me that the day we understand everything about God, that will be the end of eternity because there will be nothing more to learn. I do agree, God is infinite. God is love and is seeking to have a loving relationship with each one of us (this is what I learnt from the book Song of Solomon). God also says, "As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent" (Revelation 3:19).

I want to believe the people care about you (simple things like noticing when you are not around should tell you that). However, you should also try to reach out and cultivate your relationships with other people. Remember this verse, "And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man." (Luke 2:52). You will also find favour and good reputation with both God and people (Proverbs 3:4). Work on it. God will be with you.

 

[rob]

Yes my friend, I feel for you. You never get SDA emailing me, not even a Pastor.
The longest emails I got was 3 from a Pastor from my local church.

When I battled with a Gnostic Christian over many things, we posted together taking many hours, over 4,000 posts each over a period of 4 years ! How is that commitment and witnessing. I loved his friendship and dedication, though he eventually told me to leave as the Lord made my witness stronger and stronger as time progressed. I learned Scripture that I never knew existed.

So if you want to discuss things daily, not wait days for a reply, make daily replies here and we will discuss things.

I will pick something new to learn

See https://spiritualsprings.proboards.com/thread/69/bible-study-heart

The heart in Hebrew comes in two words "LB" the flesh one and "LBB" the heart in relationship to God
Such word meanings are lost in the NT sadly.

This has profound impact on our understanding of genuine faith, surrender and how salvation works as a process.
Shalom