Former Seventh-day Adventist Pastor Becomes Catholic

[Ben_Masada]

This is certainly a nice thing to read. I am delighted!

I believe I have seen an article on this man before. It is moving, to say the least.

Michael

I read the story of David Pendleton, the Adventist Pastor who became a Catholic. I am sorry to rain on your guys’ parade but what is so excellent about the story? The man remains still a Christian. It was almost a change of names only. He believed in Jesus as the Messiah before as a Seventh-Day Adventist, and still believes in the same Messiah as a Catholic. You all make of this change a thing out of this world.

I like to think that three Christian claims are the columns that hold Christianity atop: The Messiahship of Jesus, his resurrection,
and his divinity as the second person of the Christian Trinity. Did any of those columns was any different in the mind of this former pastor? No, they were the same and they remain the same. It’s all a matter of terminology. So, what’s the big deal about this story to be so excellent?

Ben:

 

[Patrick_Murebil]

I read the story of David Pendleton, the Adventist Pastor who became a Catholic. I am sorry to rain on your guys’ parade but what is so excellent about the story? The man remains still a Christian. It was almost a change of names only. He believed in Jesus as the Messiah before as a Seventh-Day Adventist, and still believes in the same Messiah as a Catholic. You all make of this change a thing out of this world.

I like to think that three Christian claims are the columns that hold Christianity atop: The Messiahship of Jesus, his resurrection,
and his divinity as the second person of the Christian Trinity. Did any of those columns was any different in the mind of this former pastor? No, they were the same and they remain the same. It’s all a matter of terminology. So, what’s the big deal about this story to be so excellent?

Ben:

Hi Ben,

Yes you are correct that both the SDA church and the Catholic church believe in the three columns that you identify above.

What makes this a “big deal” is that the SDA church teaches that the Catholic Church is the Whore of Babylon described in the Book of Revelation; and that the office of the Pope, and thus the Pope himself, is the anti-christ; and that over the years Satan has guided and used the Catholic Church to corrupt the teachings of Jesus and lead the majority of Christianity, both Catholic and protestant, into falsehood and rebellion against God, and therefore ultimately to their eternal loss in hell.

But other than that it isn’t such earth shattering news I suppose.

God bless all!!!

 

[Ben_Masada]

Hi Ben,

Yes you are correct that both the SDA church and the Catholic church believe in the three columns that you identify above.

What makes this a “big deal” is that the SDA church teaches that the Catholic Church is the Whore of Babylon described in the Book of Revelation; and that the office of the Pope, and thus the Pope himself, is the anti-christ; and that over the years Satan has guided and used the Catholic Church to corrupt the teachings of Jesus and lead the majority of Christianity, both Catholic and protestant, into falsehood and rebellion against God, and therefore ultimately to their eternal loss in hell.

But other than that it isn’t such earth shattering news I suppose.

God bless all!!!

Gosh! You did shatter my disregard for the experience of that former Pastor. Indeed, I am aware of those Adventist views about the Catholic Church and the Pope. You reminded me well of them and I have already shut my mouth up.

Ben:

 

[Patrick_Murebil]

hi patrick…i feel stupid…lol…i didnt realise u were ex-sda until i read the post above the one u wrote to me…did u go through the sda academy system?..how long have u not been sda?..i have a lot of questions…lol…fd

Hi jargon631,

Well you will find some very nice, and very informed, former SDAs on this site…at leat that was my experience when I first came on this site.

I did not go through the sda school system. I converted to the SDA church in 1978 at the age of 19. I did attend CUC and studied to be a minister, received a BA in Theology, yet turned down a call to the Ohio conference. Looking back I see God’s providence in that decision. I was active in many SDA church programs however, and if you have the time to wade through my initial voluminous mumblings when I first came to this site, you can find much of my history with the SDA church on the following thread:

forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=229981&highlight=amazing+facts+bible+study+guide

You will also read a lot of discussion between former and current SDAs on that thread.

I stopped attending the SDA church in 1994…and pretty much abandoned God over the next 10 years. But I would think about my spiritual life at times. I read a lot, and my reading began to lead me to an attempt to understand some Catholic teachings. About 2 years ago I became convinced of the truth in the teaching of the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist. But that meant joining the Catholic Church, and I do not need to describe to you what tremendous struggle ensued within me.

Last spring, I prayed every night for God to just let me die, and at the end of the week I prayed one night for God to just kill me on the spot because I couldn’t deal with my inner turmoil any longer. The next day something happened, and I won’t go into those details, but I found resolution to the biggest hinderance to me becoming Catholic, and that was the sabbath issue.

Once that was resolved over the period of a few weeks and then throughout last summer, I read the Catechism of the Catholic Church cover to cover and decided to move forward in faith and join the Catholic Church. Many will say that the CCC is not meant to be read cover to cover but only serve as a resource…but I disagree. It is one of the most well developed writings of a spiritual progression and documenation of beliefs I’ve ever read. I highly recommend reading it!! I’m in R.C.I.A. right now and will be confirmed this Easter.

I was not angry with the SDA church…in fact I loved it very much. But I joined it in my search for the truth and the true Church. I left it when I found, and was convinced that the Catholic Church is the True Church, The One True Fold of Jesus Christ. I was a very fervent and committed SDA so you know what that conversion means to SDAs. SDA doctrine was deeply ingrained in my mind and soul…there had to be pretty good evidence to convince me to make the change…and there is!

Please feel free to ask me any questions you have. I really look forward to talking with you!!!

Once again…welcome to this site…it is really a great resource!!

God bless all!!!

 

[Patrick_Murebil]

Gosh! You did shatter my disregard for the experience of that former Pastor. Indeed, I am aware of those Adventist views about the Catholic Church and the Pope. You reminded me well of them and I have already shut my mouth up.

Ben:

Hi Ben,

I once held all of those beliefs. It was no small matter for me to join the Catholic Church. But God provides and God is good and His mercy endures forever!!!

But please don’t shut up…we can talk of other things!!!

God bless all!!!

 

[Ben_Masada]

Hi Ben,

I once held all of those beliefs. It was no small matter for me to join the Catholic Church. But God provides and God is good and His mercy endures forever!!!

But please don’t shut up…we can talk of other things!!!

God bless all!!!

But of course we can! Let’s take advantage of those Adventist negative slogans about the Catholic Church and the Pope and talk about an almost equally negative slogan about Paul. I’ll build the frame and you tell me if it doesn’t fit.

We are going to work on two texts only, no more. The first text is in Matthew 5:17. There, we have Jesus declaring the following: “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law…” Then, the second text is in Ephesians 2:15. Paul came and contradicted Jesus by saying that “The Law was abolished on the
cross.”

To contradict is to be against or anti. If Jesus was Christ as you believe he was, what different conclusion one is supposed to arrive at, if not that Paul was Antichrist?

Please, do not discard my question because it makes a lot of sense, if you think it trough.

Ben:

 

[Patrick_Murebil]

But of course we can! Let’s take advantage of those Adventist negative slogans about the Catholic Church and the Pope and talk about an almost equally negative slogan about Paul. I’ll build the frame and you tell me if it doesn’t fit.

We are going to work on two texts only, no more. The first text is in Matthew 5:17. There, we have Jesus declaring the following: “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law…” Then, the second text is in Ephesians 2:15. Paul came and contradicted Jesus by saying that “The Law was abolished on the
cross.”

To contradict is to be against or anti. If Jesus was Christ as you believe he was, what different conclusion one is supposed to arrive at, if not that Paul was Antichrist?

Please, do not discard my question because it makes a lot of sense, if you think it trough.

Ben:

Wow…I’m glad it’s not Monday morning. You are making my head spin with that question And no I don’t think that the conclusion that Paul was the Antichrist is an accurate conclusion…but I’d love to hear your thoughts on that one!

I will accept your premise of working on two texts only…but please clarify…do you want to work with the two full texts or just partial texts of the two verses?

Matthew 5:17"Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.

Ephesians 2:15 is a little trickier since it is part of one sentence that is contained in verses 14-16 as shown below. I highlighted verse 15 in red, the entire verse of 15.

Ephesians 2:14For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, 15by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace, 16and in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility.

These are from the New International Version, but please feel free to quote from any version you desire…just please do not quote from “paraphraed” Bibles, such as the Living Bible or the Good News Bible. I’m not hard nosed about a translated version since we aren’t going to read the Hebrew and Greek versions on here…at least I’m not…because I can’t.

God bless all!!!

 

[Sabbath_Keeper]

But of course we can! Let’s take advantage of those Adventist negative slogans about the Catholic Church and the Pope and talk about an almost equally negative slogan about Paul. I’ll build the frame and you tell me if it doesn’t fit.

We are going to work on two texts only, no more. The first text is in Matthew 5:17. There, we have Jesus declaring the following: “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law…” Then, the second text is in Ephesians 2:15. Paul came and contradicted Jesus by saying that “The Law was abolished on the
cross.”

To contradict is to be against or anti. If Jesus was Christ as you believe he was, what different conclusion one is supposed to arrive at, if not that Paul was Antichrist?

Please, do not discard my question because it makes a lot of sense, if you think it trough.

Ben:

Pardon me for just jumping but I’d like to weigh in my opinion on this and it is simple, Paul is talking about a different law then what Christ was talking about. It only makes sense, otherwise what has been presented must be true.

 

[Ben_Masada]

Wow…I’m glad it’s not Monday morning. You are making my head spin with that question And no I don’t think that the conclusion that Paul was the Antichrist is an accurate conclusion…but I’d love to hear your thoughts on that one!

My thoughts are derived from what is written. From you I expect as beautiful a defense as you built one on behalf of the Catholic Church and the Pope with regards to the Adventists’ slogans.

I will accept your premise of working on two texts only…but please clarify…do you want to work with the two full texts or just partial texts of the two verses?

It doesn’t matter. You have all the right in the world to form your defense of Paul the way you please. Those two texts were only to start the shooting.

Matthew 5:17"Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.

When I proposed the first text, I said, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law” and stopped here for a purpose: There was no need to continue. You finished the verse with, “but to fulfill them;” and here is the reason why there was no need: Verse 19 says that we all have to fulfill them too. Therefore, verse 19 would cancel the end of verse 17. That is, the Law would not be over with Jesus fufilling it, but with we all doing the very same.

Ephesians 2:14For he himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, 15by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace, 16and in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility.

So, we understand from the above that Paul did declare that Jesus did abolish in his flesh the law with commandments and regulations, which was not true from Jesus himself who came to confirm all the Law with commandments and regulations down to the dot of the letter. And it means 613 commandments and regulations. Nu! does it mean you agree with me that Paul was Antichrist?

Ben:

 

[Ben_Masada]

Pardon me for just jumping but I’d like to weigh in my opinion on this and it is simple, Paul is talking about a different law then what Christ was talking about. It only makes sense, otherwise what has been presented must be true.

I accept your interference if it’s okay with Patrick.

You must be aware that Jesus was an Othodox observant Jew. Therefore, when he found necessary to guarantee to those who thought he had come to make some change in the Laws, he could not make himself more clear to everyone that he did not come to abolish any of the laws and the Prophets, down to a jot or a title, untill all be fulfilled, not only by himself but by every single Jew.(Mat. 5:17-19)

It’s only obvious that every single law remained to be observed by all of the Jews. It means all the 613 commandments and regulations. Now, I stop here to give you the chance to mention to me which different laws Paul found to talk about. The ball is in your court.

Ben:

 

[Patrick_Murebil]

My thoughts are derived from what is written. From you I expect as beautiful a defense as you built one on behalf of the Catholic Church and the Pope with regards to the Adventists’ slogans.

It doesn’t matter. You have all the right in the world to form your defense of Paul the way you please. Those two texts were only to start the shooting.

If you are being sarcastic about my “beautiful defense”, then I am happy. Because if you are being sincere in the statement…I’m really concerned that I’m going to let you down

When I proposed the first text, I said, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law” and stopped here for a purpose: There was no need to continue. You finished the verse with, “but to fulfill them;” and here is the reason why there was no need: Verse 19 says that we all have to fulfill them too. Therefore, verse 19 would cancel the end of verse 17. That is, the Law would not be over with Jesus fufilling it, but with we all doing the very same.

I don’t see how verse 19 cancels the end of verse 17.

Matthew 5:19Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.

These verses beginning in Matthew chapter 5 is Jesus’ teaching regarding the Law and the implications of following His teachings regarding the Law as stated in verses 19 and 20.

After verse 20 and through the rest of Matthew chapters 5, 6, and 7, Jesus outlines His teaching regarding the Law. Not only did Jesus fulfill the Law…all 600 plus laws…but now that He has fulfilled the Law, He teaches what it now means for us to fulfill His Law.

And I say that it is His Law because He is God…at least that is what I believe…some do not believe in Jesus’ Divinity…but I do. And because of this He could not only perfectly fulfill the Law, He can declare the Law. And in the New Covenant He works with us in fulfilling His Law in our lives. Why, because He has the authority that only God has because He is God. And after Jesus finished His teaching on The Law, the crowds were amazed. And why? Because Matthew 7:28When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, 29because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.

No you are correct The Law was not over, it was fulfilled, and Jesus taught what the fulfillment of the Law would be for all those who follow Him…this is found in Matthew chapters 5-7.

So, we understand from the above that Paul did declare that Jesus did abolish in his flesh the law with commandments and regulations, which was not true from Jesus himself who came to confirm all the Law with commandments and regulations down to the dot of the letter. And it means 613 commandments and regulations. Nu! does it mean you agree with me that Paul was Antichrist?

Ben:

Based on what I said above I do not see where Paul is in conflict with what Jesus taught, and so I do not agree with you that Paul was Antichrist.

Ok…those are my first shots fired…now please allow me to put on my kevlar, get behind the tree, and then you may feel free to shoot back. But be gentle…I don’t have too many bullets for this gun fight…and I don’t see or hear the reinforcements coming…but go ahead and shoot away!!

God bless all!!!

 

[Patrick_Murebil]

I accept your interference if it’s okay with Patrick.

You must be aware that Jesus was an Othodox observant Jew. Therefore, when he found necessary to guarantee to those who thought he had come to make some change in the Laws, he could not make himself more clear to everyone that he did not come to abolish any of the laws and the Prophets, down to a jot or a title, untill all be fulfilled, not only by himself but by every single Jew.(Mat. 5:17-19)

It’s only obvious that every single law remained to be observed by all of the Jews. It means all the 613 commandments and regulations. Now, I stop here to give you the chance to mention to me which different laws Paul found to talk about. The ball is in your court.

Ben:

Not only is it ok with me, but I encourge his participation and look forward to his responses to you!!

God bless all!!!

 

[Ben_Masada]

If you are being sarcastic about my “beautiful defense”, then I am happy. Because if you are being sincere in the statement…I’m really concerned that I’m going to let you down

Now, you are going psychological and making me feel uncomfortable. If I say I am being sarcastic, I’ll be lying. If I say I am not sincere, I’ll lose credibility. Let’s assume you didn’t propose the above.

I don’t see how verse 19 cancels the end of verse 17.

Simple. If Matthew 5 had only 17 verses, I would not be having this discussion with you, because Jesus had fulfilled the Law and Paul would be vindicated. But because of verse 19, the Law remains and Paul contradicts Jesus. Therefore,
Antichrist.

After verse 20 and through the rest of Matthew chapters 5, 6, and 7, Jesus outlines His teaching regarding the Law. Not only did Jesus fulfill the Law…all 600 plus laws…but now that He has fulfilled the Law, He teaches what it now means for us to fulfill His Law.

Thank you! It means the laws were not
abolished.

And I say that it is His Law because He is God…at least that is what I believe…some do not believe in Jesus’ Divinity…but I do. And because of this He could not only perfectly fulfill the Law, He can declare the Law.

You are making things easier for me and worse for Paul. Since you believe that Jesus was God declaring that the Jewish laws were not abolished, Paul becomes not only antichrist but also anti-God.

No you are correct The Law was not over, it was fulfilled, and Jesus taught what the fulfillment of the Law would be for all those who follow Him…this is found in Matthew chapters 5-7.

Oh! I know I am correct. The Law was not over but fulfilled by Jesus and remained to be fulfilled by all his People according to verse 19. But thanks for reminding me.

Based on what I said above I do not see where Paul is in conflict with what Jesus taught, and so I do not agree with you that Paul was Antichrist.

Now, here resides the problem that I thought you
would have as beautiful a defense as you had against the attacks
from the Adventists. But your specialization is good only when fighting with them, not with Jews. It means, Paul is convicted, for his Lawyer has lost the case.

Ben:

 

[Patrick_Murebil]

Now, you are going psychological and making me feel uncomfortable. If I say I am being sarcastic, I’ll be lying. If I say I am not sincere, I’ll lose credibility. Let’s assume you didn’t propose the above.

Ok…the above proposal is withdrawn…but I would have really loved a sincere compliment from you!

Simple. If Matthew 5 had only 17 verses, I would not be having this discussion with you, because Jesus had fulfilled the Law and Paul would be vindicated. But because of verse 19, the Law remains and Paul contradicts Jesus. Therefore,
Antichrist.

Thank you! It means the laws were not
abolished.

You are making things easier for me and worse for Paul. Since you believe that Jesus was God declaring that the Jewish laws were not abolished, Paul becomes not only antichrist but also anti-God.

Oh! I know I am correct. The Law was not over but fulfilled by Jesus and remained to be fulfilled by all his People according to verse 19. But thanks for reminding me.

Ok…we’re missing each other here by just a little span.

I believe Jesus fulfilled the Law…the entire Jewish Law by His life and finally at His death. By doing that He defeated the curse and effects of sin for all of mankind. In His resurrection He defeated death for those who follow Him.

The Law that remains for His followers after verse 19 is outlined in the rest of Matthew chapter 5, and chapter 6 and chapter 7. In fulfilling the Law as a man, He,as God, has the authority to teach the Law and require His followers to follow it. That Law is presented by Him in Matthew chapters 5-7.

That is what I believe. Continue to shoot…I now take off the kevlar and come out from behind the tree and present myself as your target!

Now, here resides the problem that I thought you
would have as beautiful a defense as you had against the attacks
from the Adventists. But your specialization is good only when fighting with them, not with Jews. It means, Paul is convicted, for his Lawyer has lost the case.

Ben:

I must admit that I am a novice discussing this topic with Jews, or anyone else for that matter, but I feel happy that this will cause me to think more deeply and grow in grace…and for that I thank you! The thought of Paul as antichrist is a new one on me. Keep talking…I’m listening.

I have, what a Jewish friend of mine once told me is, a “goyam kauff”???..probably mispelled…but you know what I mean… a “gentile mind”

And what that means is not that Paul is convicted…it merely means that I’m now unemployed and Paul is looking through the yellow pagers for a new lawyer And who could blame him?

I suppose I should have listened to my mom and gone to medical school

God bless all!!!

 

[SpiritSword]

Hello! I am an Adventist elder.
I was reading through some of your posts and I was struck with the urge to respond.
I am a former Catholic, though I never actually chose to be one. As you all know, babies are “baptized” into the religion before they are given the chance to choose.
I personally know that many catholics are faithful, God-fearing people. People that will undoubtedly decorate heaven’s multitudes like roses in a garden.
But are sure about your system?
Have you beloved, read your Bibles and studied?

Paul wrote: *“Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves…” *2Cor13:5. Peter said: “…be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and in fear” 1Pet3:15
Based on this, may I ask a few questions?

1. 
   *]Could you please tell me who gave the popes the authority as "God on Earth’?
   *]Could you please tell me how the priests gained the authority to forgive sins?
   *]Is it right to worship anyone but God? Is it right to worship humans? Is it right to worship Mary? (Jesus is “God in the flesh” 1Tim3:16, therefore worthy of worship)
   *]Why are priests called “father” when Jesus expilcitly said not to do so? Mat23:9
   
   I’m interested to read your responses.
   In the name of Jesus Christ

 

[twopekinguys]

Hello! I am an Adventist elder.
I was reading through some of your posts and I was struck with the urge to respond.
I am a former Catholic, though I never actually chose to be one. As you all know, babies are “baptized” into the religion before they are given the chance to choose.
I personally know that many catholics are faithful, God-fearing people. People that will undoubtedly decorate heaven’s multitudes like roses in a garden.
But are sure about your system?
Have you beloved, read your Bibles and studied?

Paul wrote: *“Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves…” *2Cor13:5. Peter said: “…be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and in fear” 1Pet3:15
Based on this, may I ask a few questions?

1. 
   *]Could you please tell me who gave the popes the authority as "God on Earth’?
   *]Could you please tell me how the priests gained the authority to forgive sins?
   *]Is it right to worship anyone but God? Is it right to worship humans? Is it right to worship Mary? (Jesus is “God in the flesh” 1Tim3:16, therefore worthy of worship)
   *]Why are priests called “father” when Jesus expilcitly said not to do so? Mat23:9
   
   I’m interested to read your responses.
   In the name of Jesus Christ

1. 
   First, let me tell you that the Catholic Church is not a “system”, as you have used it here. You may also be suprised how many Catholics on here are quite familiar with their Bibles, and what they contain.
   
   Question 1. The Pope is not God on Earth, and I am not aware of any Catholic that believes that, so, I’m not sure where you got that. The Pope is the successor to Peter, and goes by many titles, such as Pope, The Vicar of Christ (A vicar is one who represents another and acts as a steward,), Holy Father. His official title is The Bishop of Rome.
   
   Question 2 See Matthew 18:18, “Amen I say to you, whatsoever you shall bind upon earth, shall be bound also in heaven; and whatsoever you shall loose upon earth, shall be loosed also in heaven.” See also, John 20:23 "Whose sins you shall forgive, they are forgiven them; and whose sins you shall retain, they are retained. "
   
   Question 3 Another misconception. Catholics do not worship Mary. Never have, never will. We venerate her, and honor her as the Mother of God (Jesus), but we do not worship her. By the way, there are numerous threads on here about that, I’m sure you can dig up a few.
   
   Question 4. See this answer from one of the apologists here at CAF. It should answer any questions you may have.
   
   forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=336622
   
   Hope all of this helps.

 

[KathleenGee]

Reading the takes by the SDA pastor who just came on, and is a former Catholic, it would be best for him to take formal Catholic instruction on the nature and mission of the church.

Then he would be in a better position to teach what the Church actually is.

 

[benidict]

I read the story of David Pendleton, the Adventist Pastor who became a Catholic. I am sorry to rain on your guys’ parade but what is so excellent about the story? The man remains still a Christian. It was almost a change of names only. He believed in Jesus as the Messiah before as a Seventh-Day Adventist, and still believes in the same Messiah as a Catholic. You all make of this change a thing out of this world.

I like to think that three Christian claims are the columns that hold Christianity atop: The Messiahship of Jesus, his resurrection,
and his divinity as the second person of the Christian Trinity. Did any of those columns was any different in the mind of this former pastor? No, they were the same and they remain the same. It’s all a matter of terminology. So, what’s the big deal about this story to be so excellent?

Ben:

hello brother. this is a big story for the fact that the sda church considers the Catholic church to be the beast of revelation. and that anyone who accepts Catholic doctrine or worships on sunday is in effect taking the mark of the beast. for a sda pastor to join the Catholic Church is huge. it would be like a jew becoming a christian or vice versa. for him to convert, he had to give up alot in terms of ideaology, and very strong tenets of their faith.such as the investigative judgment, sabbath keeping, believer baptism only. and the teaching that ellen g. white is a prophetess. im glad he still has been able to maintain his family and some of his friends. but i am sure he hast lost many friends too. coming out of a background such as this is huge.
AND GOD SAID TO ABRAHAM I WILL BLESS THOSE WHO BLESS YOU AND CURSE
THOSE WHO CURSE YOU. so in that spirit my jewish brother…
AND SHALOME

 

[benidict]

Gosh! You did shatter my disregard for the experience of that former Pastor. Indeed, I am aware of those Adventist views about the Catholic Church and the Pope. You reminded me well of them and I have already shut my mouth up.

Ben:

please dont do that. the rabbinical writings i have read, and the rabbis i have been fortunate enough to know have taught me so much reguarding the tanakh. i told my daughter if she wants to learn in deapth about what we consider the old testament, she should make jewish friends. who says a teenager doesnt listen to their parents lol! she did and shes alot happier for it. these writings have come alive for her. off opic, but please, do not be silent. i love hearing from members like yourself who are part of our extended family. hopefully i can vist Jerusalem one day. and i do pray continually for its peace and yours. God love you Brother

 

[benidict]

Hello! I am an Adventist elder.
I was reading through some of your posts and I was struck with the urge to respond.
I am a former Catholic, though I never actually chose to be one. As you all know, babies are “baptized” into the religion before they are given the chance to choose.
I personally know that many catholics are faithful, God-fearing people. People that will undoubtedly decorate heaven’s multitudes like roses in a garden.
But are sure about your system?
Have you beloved, read your Bibles and studied?

Paul wrote: *“Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves…” *2Cor13:5. Peter said: “…be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and in fear” 1Pet3:15
Based on this, may I ask a few questions?

1. 
   *]Could you please tell me who gave the popes the authority as "God on Earth’?
   *]Could you please tell me how the priests gained the authority to forgive sins?
   *]Is it right to worship anyone but God? Is it right to worship humans? Is it right to worship Mary? (Jesus is “God in the flesh” 1Tim3:16, therefore worthy of worship)
   *]Why are priests called “father” when Jesus expilcitly said not to do so? Mat23:9
   
   I’m interested to read your responses.
   In the name of Jesus Christ

1. 
   hello my friend. someone else has already explained our position to you. but please with all due respect, explain to me how all of those wonderful God fearing Catholics are going to " decorate heavens multitudes like roses in a garden". when your prophetess wrote in the great controversy that we follow the beast of revelation and have received his number? on one hand your church basically calls Catholics satan worshipers, and you as an elder, state many of us are going to be in heaven. on what basis? you have to go against your own doctrine and your prophetess, (who if she was a prophetess was infailable, since she was speaking the words of God.) please clarify. ill be happy to take on the adventist “system” if you want to start another thread. appreciate your time.:tiphat: