Things we can do and not???

[IreneFaye]

Well, I'm not a new adventist member if you asked me, in fact I was born and grow as an adventist. Both my parent and grand parents are an adventist too. And, yeah, my parent and grand parent are the leaders of my curch. So, I'm not new to the Ellen's White words.

But still--I don't know if it had been asked here or not since if it had, I can't find it, there're some thing that poking my head.

Like:

1. Can we or can we not go to the cinema? My parent had been strictly forbid me to go to the cinema (but as a teenager, of course there's time I didn't listened to my parent). They quoted some of Elle's White word to me and said that I may not go to the cinema. So please help me in this problem. Since, well I've rad the bibles, and I can't find the word that forbid me.

2. Is it bad to wear a wrist band to curch, or even wear it? It's not like I wear a wrist band to show it off to the whole world. I wear it because I like it. I even found some of WWJD wrist band. But my parents told me that as a SDA member, I can't wear any accesory, so it's quite confused me, since in the bible, even in the new testament, I still read about people who wear braclet, earings, and some other things, and it even made from gold (while mine is actualy rubber).

3. How should we dressed when we want to go to the curch? My parents told me that T-shirt and jeans was not good. But in some other curch, I've seen people wears both T-shirt and jeans to the curch. And my mother keep complaining whenever I wear a pants instead of skirt to the curch. Am I wrong?

That's all for now. I hope you could help me, since it won't be long till somebody will asked me about the same question. And to tell you the truth I don't know how to answered them.

[cricket]

If you're still living with your parents and they are the ones who take you to church, and sit with you in the church pews--then honor their wishes. None of the requests you've listed are against God's word, but dishonoring your parents is against it.

It sounds to me like you are a rational young person who has given a great deal of thought to these issues. When you are an adult, it is up to you to decide for yourself what God is leading you to believe. Ask yourself if any of these (or other activities) bring glory to God--if so, then do them.

[ClubV12]

IreneFay says,

"Since, well I've rad the bibles, and I can't find the word that forbid me."

There is much in the bible that doesn't offer specifics on a lifestyle. The Lord has given us a prophet for our time to help expand on the principles the bible presents. Like the bible, it can be difficult finding what is and isn't applicable to our times from EGW writings. I do thank God we have them though, it certainly helps our understanding, giving more light on the biblical principles, as God intended for our times.

No matter what source, or sources, you use to work out the specifics you must let the Holy Spirit guide you. Without Him, there will be no understanding.

I have not researched EGW comments on the theatre very much, because it's not an issue for me. But somehow I get the impression that the theatres of her time were considerably different in her time than in ours. Never the less, the principles remain. Some movies are just not good to see, period! Just like some TV programs are not good to see. Violence, blood, murder, spiritualism (Harry Potter comes to mind) and such movies are best left unseen. Choose wisely that which will engender more love, respect, the joy of life, for Christ. Something that will lift you up, enoble your spirit.

The bible does speak of people wearing various jewlery, gold ear rings and such. Generally speaking, it does not view that in a good light, often comparing it to the heathens and idol worship, outward adornment. I won't make a call on your wrist band, only you can do that. Try some long sleeves if you feel it might be a stumbling block to others. Will it encourage someone else to go a step farther in outward adorement? Or is it just being to picky and more about a legalistic approach rather than a true spiritual approach? There is no single answer, may God bless and guide as you contemplate these questions.

Crikets advice is spot on, by the way.

[IreneFaye]

@Cricket: Yes, I'm still living with my parents and they are the one who take me to curch (what could I say? In our country, most young adult stay with their parent until they get married). But I haven't sit with them for may years now--I'm maintaining our curch computer and Screen. And yes I know that dishonoring my parent are againts the God's word (thus, after I went to the cinema with my friend, I'll tell them the truth--only if they're asking though (don't get me wrong. I'm a young adult, I do have some rebellion spirit in me)).

You're right about me giving this things some thought too, I have even discuss it. But it's still becoming the greatest issues among us--young people. Every time we discussed it, it'll face the death end.

Well, it's true that you should do things that bring glory to God, but there's time when we teenager and young adult wants to do something for us to. My question is, is the thing we do for our self (that also the thing we called having fun) are wrong?

I mean, I only go to the cinema if my fellow friends ask me to join them, it's not like I'll just go to the cinema every time I see a new movie--I could just watch the movie in my home after all. So what's the main matter here? The movie or the place?

And about accesory and clothes, I still didn't get it? What's wrong with them? I mean what's wrong with wearing T-shirt and jeans to curch--Those are my favorite suit. (well,in some people mind, it could be translated to what's wrong with wearing the suit that feel most comfortable in your body?)

[ClubV12]

My feeling on what to wear to church is that I want to bring the very best I have to honor God. So I go out of my way to dress as nicely, without being showy, as I can. There are many folks in my church that wear jeans and maybe a nice shirt and tennis shoes. OK, I don't have a problem with that, but it's not my first choice! I have better clothes, and I choose to wear them on this special occasion.

[IreneFaye]

@ClubV12: Yes. That's true. It's just I feel quite wrong since if I go to some party (whatever it is), I'll still also stick with T-shirt and jeans. Is it right for me to wear something that quite makes me feel uncomfortable--I don't know about people, but I found skirt is quite uncomfortable, that's why when I went to buy my curch's suit--that's what I called them, I try to avoid short skirt (I liked long skirt, coz it felt closely like wearing pants), and wear some unpressed shirt--yeah you could always called me immodest, I don't care--when I went to the curch, but wear the things that makes me comfortable to the man's party? Which one is praising God? Torturing myself with clothes I felt uncomfotable while I'm in HIS pressence, or wearing the comfortable--but more imformal I'd say?

[ClubV12]

I wear a suit, coat, slacks, top button buttoned on the shirt, THEN the tie!! It's not "comfortable", I can't wait to get that tie off in particular. But, in my country, that is the acceptable and appropriate dress. For church, weddings, funerals and other formal events.

I'm OK with it, but that doesn't make it comfortable. Dress is also age related. I'm a retired older fellow, jeans and a tee shirt would be entirely out of place for my age and society expected decorum.

I wear the suit because I'm meeting with someone I love and respect, in their home, Jesus. I don't wear it to impress anybody else.

[onlyhumanme]

try not to get caught up in righteousness the outward works when its the condition of the heart(sanctification) thats more important,

Random Example :Lets say someone is molestered(not that rare) as a child there is no way when they read ellen whites book to wear a dress that its always appropriate as they might not feel safe in a dress.

Jesus friend was a prostitute of all things that says you can come into gods church representing your best individual self at the time not someone else.

Ellen white did not walk into heaven so i agree with most of her material but it can expanded on.

Do not feel guilty about the movies its something youve done its not who you are and all fall short of the glory of god so learn to rebuild the relationship you have with god and yourself as life has mistakes built into it( i have no problems with movies personally depends on your faith foundation i guess).

But as said you should listen to you parents as best you can under their roof.

[cricket]

Well, it's true that you should do things that bring glory to God, but there's time when we teenager and young adult wants to do something for us to. My question is, is the thing we do for our self (that also the thing we called having fun) are wrong?

I believe this is the biggest question we all have. It is a struggle of the personal will versus God's will. Some of the things we as individuals will to do are sinful and not in accordance with God's desires for us. However, many of the things we will to do ARE in accordance with God's desires for us. Every action, thought and deed are weighed in the balances--if not by God directly, then at least by our own God-given conscience.

It is through a close, personal relationship with God that you will discover which of your choices are in accordance with His will and which are not.

Though I am only middle-aged, my own personal experiences lead me to believe that His will is in accord with what brings me the greatest happiness; and when I do things that are not in His will, I am least happy.

[Woody]

Quote:

They quoted some of Elle's White word to me and said that I may not go to the cinema. So please help me in this problem. Since, well I've rad the bibles, and I can't find the word that forbid me.

There were no cinemas in Bible times nor in Ellen White's time and even if there were ... they would be far different now. And it's not the building that's a problem ... it's what we feast our eyes upon. But from both the Bible and Ellen White we can glean principles of what is good to allow our eyes to see. I have no doubt there is good in the cinema. ( I did go there one time in my lifetime) Not that I am a saint. I watch trash at home which is no better.

As a teenager ... one may not have great judgment. Not that us older geriatric population are much better. But while living in your parents home it is best to abide by their judgment and rules. Give them the respect due them unless it goes AGAINST scripture.

Quote:

Is it bad to wear a wrist band to curch, or even wear it? It's not like I wear a wrist band to show it off to the whole world. I wear it because I like it. I even found some of WWJD wrist band. But my parents told me that as a SDA member, I can't wear any accesory, so it's quite confused me, since in the bible, even in the new testament, I still read about people who wear braclet, earings, and some other things, and it even made from gold (while mine is actualy rubber)

What to wear or not to wear is a very individual choice. One can use Biblical principles. Some feel wearing something other than a watch would bring un-necessary attention to ones self. But again ... if you are living at home as a teen ... it is best to respect your parents judgment. You will have plenty of time to form your own judgment from your study. But in the meantime ... try to understand where your parents are coming from. For they clearly have your best interest at heart.

[Woody]

Quote:

3. How should we dressed when we want to go to the curch? My parents told me that T-shirt and jeans was not good. But in some other curch, I've seen people wears both T-shirt and jeans to the curch. And my mother keep complaining whenever I wear a pants instead of skirt to the curch. Am I wrong?

Like with most aspects of the Christian life ... there are different schools of thought. God does not have a rule for what you wear to church. He just wants you there.

Some feel they want to wear their best when they are in the Kings presence. (Rather than wearing their play clothes.)

Others feel they want to be comfortable and come as they are. There is no wrong answer. Go to a church that does the way you feel best or that accepts the way you want in this matter. But again ... IF you are living at home ... respect your parents wishes.

Let me just add that when one concentrates on all the do's and don'ts rather than learning of Christ and developing a relationship with Him ... one can soon be driven AWAY instead of TOWARDS Christ. Get to know HIM and then these kind of questions will become more clear. Now I realize that most of your friends will be focused on these kinds of questions. But while you are young ... you have a good 'out'. You can simply tell them you wish to respect your parents wishes while you live under their roof. This will give you time to establish a close relationship with Jesus Christ FIRST.

Wishing you the best and praying for YOU.

[Gail]

IreneFaye, you have very good counsel here to consider! There are people here who have their own children and there are those who have asked similar questions in their own lives.

My question to you is, What does Jesus tell you? As you learn of Him in the Bible, you will learn what things were important to Him. You will learn how He behaved and how He treated people. He is our best example!

When you talk to Him in prayer, bring to Him your big questions and wait to see what He tells you. Tell Him that you are His and you want to live in harmony with Him and walk His way. You may be surprised if God gives you bigger life situations to have to deal with that makes your current wonderings seem small in comparison. Tell Him, "Your will be done on earth," and see then how He leads you.

Let us know how it goes!

[IreneFaye]

My question to you is, What does Jesus tell you? As you learn of Him in the Bible, you will learn what things were important to Him. You will learn how He behaved and how He treated people. He is our best example!

Let us know how it goes!

Here,s what I think GOD tell me. By what the bible tell me and through prayer, it seems that GOD tell me to wear what I want. But since I lived with my parents, I also wear only the thing that my parents wants me.

I asked this questions not for me but for all the teenager and young adult in my church, since they lived in the dorm just beside our church, and it's been a problem dealing with them (for me and all my fellow AY and pathfinder leader). Some of them are new to this religion, and they keep asking question, that sometimes dificult to answer, since, well, there's time we do something that by what other people tell them we shouldn't do (we think we haven't been a good example, and also when they asked we can't really answer them).

Thanks

[Woody]

Originally Posted By: Gail

My question to you is, What does Jesus tell you? As you learn of Him in the Bible, you will learn what things were important to Him. You will learn how He behaved and how He treated people. He is our best example!

Let us know how it goes!

Here,s what I think GOD tell me. By what the bible tell me and through prayer, it seems that GOD tell me to wear what I want. But since I lived with my parents, I also wear only the thing that my parents wants me.

I asked this questions not for me but for all the teenager and young adult in my church, since they lived in the dorm just beside our church, and it's been a problem dealing with them (for me and all my fellow AY and pathfinder leader). Some of them are new to this religion, and they keep asking question, that sometimes dificult to answer, since, well, there's time we do something that by what other people tell them we shouldn't do (we think we haven't been a good example, and also when they asked we can't really answer them).

Thanks

Hi IreneFaye. I would advise that living in the dorm has the same principle as living with parents. Just my two cents worth ... not that you would understand that expression - but others might. :)

[IreneFaye]

Hi IreneFaye. I would advise that living in the dorm has the same principle as living with parents. Just my two cents worth ... not that you would understand that expression - but others might.

I'm quite worried about this kids, since the dorm they're staying at, is not like other dorm. They don't had a real dorm counselor--so it's like leaving the kids in the home without the parents. It's sad but the one who is supposed to taking care of them used to leave them astray--well, there's also some adventist guy who didn't show the adventist side of them. That's why we as the leader of AY and Pathfinder try our best to lead them, and well a youth didn't used to guide other youth, since they didn't look at us the way they look at their parent and the elder.

[Woody]

Originally Posted By: Woody

Hi IreneFaye. I would advise that living in the dorm has the same principle as living with parents. Just my two cents worth ... not that you would understand that expression - but others might.

I'm quite worried about this kids, since the dorm they're staying at, is not like other dorm. They don't had a real dorm counselor--so it's like leaving the kids in the home without the parents. It's sad but the one who is supposed to taking care of them used to leave them astray--well, there's also some adventist guy who didn't show the adventist side of them. That's why we as the leader of AY and Pathfinder try our best to lead them, and well a youth didn't used to guide other youth, since they didn't look at us the way they look at their parent and the elder.

Wow!!! I am slowly getting a better picture of things now and realize what you are facing and asking. This changes things. We many need to start over on this discussion.

[IreneFaye]

Wow!!! I am slowly getting a better picture of things now and realize what you are facing and asking. This changes things. We many need to start over on this discussion.

Well, I don't really know about that. My parent are also worried about them, but most of them are looks like stray, and when some elder try to talk to them they would close their ears and walk away.

We, as the AY and Pathfinder leader are trying to do some more nice and friendly approach for them, and that's why I put this question here, hoping I'd get some answer I can share to the kids later. We hope by giving them the more friedly approach, we can reach them (well, there's some change now. They would pay thite, and say thanks when my parents give them something, but still my 3 question above is the hardest one to tell to them).

I'll try to add some of your answer on our (AY and Pahtfinder) seminar for them, some sabbath later. Hope it'll teach them something.