Frustrated in the End Times

[Cutielovepeanut]

I don't even know where to begin to be honest. I'm just losing faith in the church. I want to leave so desperately, but I know that it's God's end times church. Everyone wants to focus on everyone else, and not on their own journey with Christ. I'm just so frustrated that there is so much chaos and division in a place that is supposed to be unified. If Alcoholics Anonymous was like the church, noone would ever stay sober.

I see the world falling apart outside and noone will even talk about it. Not one person has made the connection that Ellen G White has said that the pope would use climate change to bring about Sunday law, and how he is coming to America in September to talk about climate change because of moral decline. I mean... This is the last post I am going to make, the last letter I am ever going to write, and the last plea I will make to turn people around. I just can't do it anymore. 

Can someone tell me it will be ok, and that this inter-political nonsense is going to end. It's like everyone is falling into a trap that keeps them in an intellectual state of mind rather than a spiritual one.

 

.......Frustrated

[Kevin H]

I'm sorry you are going through such a hard time.

[LifeHiscost]

 

Can someone tell me it will be ok, and that this inter-political nonsense is going to end. It's like everyone is falling into a trap that keeps them in an intellectual state of mind rather than a spiritual one.

 

.......Frustrated

As I watch the global news as well as keeping daily contact with a recognition of at least one prophecy of the Word being fulfilled with a vengeance, I can understand your frustration. OTOH, the Word tells of definite power to meet the assaults that have been seen by His servants.

…16but this is what was spoken of through the prophet Joel: 17'AND IT SHALL BE IN THE LAST DAYS,' God says, 'THAT I WILL POUR FORTH OF MY SPIRIT ON ALL MANKIND; AND YOUR SONS AND YOUR DAUGHTERS SHALL PROPHESY, AND YOUR YOUNG MEN SHALL SEE VISIONS, AND YOUR OLD MEN SHALL DREAM DREAMS; 18EVEN ON MY BONDSLAVES, BOTH MEN AND WOMEN, I WILL IN THOSE DAYS POUR FORTH OF MY SPIRIT And they shall prophesy.…Acts 2

8Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. 9Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your Christian brothers and sisters^b all over the world are going through the same kind of suffering you are.

10In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation. 11All power to him forever! Amen.

…12"Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and have them put to death. 13"You will be hated by all because of My name, but the one who endures to the end, he will be saved....Mark 13

Here is when we can expect the problems to come to an end.

50What I am saying, dear brothers and sisters, is that our physical bodies cannot inherit the Kingdom of God. These dying bodies cannot inherit what will last forever.

51But let me reveal to you a wonderful secret. We will not all die, but we will all be transformed! 52It will happen in a moment, in the blink of an eye, when the last trumpet is blown. For when the trumpet sounds, those who have died will be raised to live forever. And we who are living will also be transformed. 53For our dying bodies must be transformed into bodies that will never die; our mortal bodies must be transformed into immortal bodies.

54Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die,^j this Scripture will be fulfilled:

“Death is swallowed up in victory.^k

55O death, where is your victory?

O death, where is your sting?^l”

56For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power. 57But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.

58So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless....1 Corinthians 15

Some persons finding Jesus as Lord of their lives, have been led to believe Obama is the last President before Jesus comes. Keep looking up brother. This life is but a flash in the pan compared to eternity with Jesus.

God is Love! Jesus saves!

[Bravus]

You need to change what you feed your mind, my friend. 

Your confusion mirrors the confusion of those you're listening to. 

Take some time out in nature, in silence, alone, and just listen. Inhale some calmness and peace. 

[Gregory Matthews]

Exactly.

People are at different stages of spiritual development.  It just may be that you have as much to learn from others as you believe they have to learn from you.  This forum is a dialogue between people of differing understandings.

[JoeMo]

It's OK to lose your faith in a denomination; or religion in general.  We are not saved by a denomination or religious affiliation; we are saved by the sacrifice and grace of the Lord Jesus Christ.  Place your trust in Him; not a denomination or affliation.  Yes - corporate worship is an important part of our spiritual life - but it does not give life.  Only God does that.

You see the world falling apart?  Good for you - you are showing discenment!  You are seeing that the end is near! Now is NOT the time to give up on God - it is time for revival!  It is time to decide whether to succomb to the power of this earth or reconsecrate to the King of the Universe!  Believers now have a choice to make - will I turn my back on Jesus and fall to the powers of earth (possibly including organized religion); or will I rest in my belief that Jesus did indeed do a good enough job at Cavalry to secure my redemtion; and let Him worry about supernaturally protecting us from supernatural persecution and harassment.  Our job is to rest in Him; and not resist His leading.

Blessings to you, Brother! You may think what you are facing is impossible; but all things are possible through King Jesus!

[Naomi]

You have been given a plethora of good advice.  I do believe the most important issue you appear to be facing is those with whom you are dialoging.  GIGO ... sure we have issues to be dealt with, so what.  Life is filled with issues.  It will become even more so before our Lord returns.  When we see these things happening in our church, world and personal lives we should take heart because they are indicators that the return of our Creator is drawing closer. 

The church can't save you, but it can be there to give you courage and a shelter.  One day soon we may not be able to gather together in public worship ... let's gleam as much strength from those true Christians and from our Bibles today as possible.  Soon we may not have that opportunity.

You said "I don't even know where to begin to be honest. I'm just losing faith in the church"

FYI  Focus Your faith  in God and His holy Word ... not the church.  

[LifeHiscost]

You have been given a plethora of good advice.  I do believe the most important issue you appear to be facing is those with whom you are dialoging.  GIGO ... sure we have issues to be dealt with, so what.  Life is filled with issues.  It will become even more so before our Lord returns.  When we see these things happening in our church, world and personal lives we should take heart because they are indicators that the return of our Creator is drawing closer. 

The church can't save you, but it can be there to give you courage and a shelter.  One day soon we may not be able to gather together in public worship ... let's gleam as much strength from those true Christians and from our Bibles today as possible.  Soon we may not have that opportunity.

FYI  Focus Your faith  in God and His holy Word ... not the church.  

25Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching....Hebrews 10

 

    God is Love!  Jesus saves! 

It's OK to lose your faith in a denomination; or religion in general.  We are not saved by a denomination or religious affiliation; we are saved by the sacrifice and grace of the Lord Jesus Christ.  Place your trust in Him; not a denomination or affliation.  Yes - corporate worship is an important part of our spiritual life - but it does not give life.  Only God does that.

You see the world falling apart?  Good for you - you are showing discenment!  You are seeing that the end is near! Now is NOT the time to give up on God - it is time for revival!  It is time to decide whether to succomb to the power of this earth or reconsecrate to the King of the Universe!  Believers now have a choice to make - will I turn my back on Jesus and fall to the powers of earth (possibly including organized religion); or will I rest in my belief that Jesus did indeed do a good enough job at Cavalry to secure my redemtion; and let Him worry about supernaturally protecting us from supernatural persecution and harassment.  Our job is to rest in Him; and not resist His leading.

Blessings to you, Brother! You may think what you are facing is impossible; but all things are possible through King Jesus!

God is Love!  Jesus saves! 

[phkrause]

I don't even know where to begin to be honest. I'm just losing faith in the church. I want to leave so desperately, but I know that it's God's end times church. Everyone wants to focus on everyone else, and not on their own journey with Christ. I'm just so frustrated that there is so much chaos and division in a place that is supposed to be unified. If Alcoholics Anonymous was like the church, noone would ever stay sober.

I see the world falling apart outside and noone will even talk about it. Not one person has made the connection that Ellen G White has said that the pope would use climate change to bring about Sunday law, and how he is coming to America in September to talk about climate change because of moral decline. I mean... This is the last post I am going to make, the last letter I am ever going to write, and the last plea I will make to turn people around. I just can't do it anymore. 

Can someone tell me it will be ok, and that this inter-political nonsense is going to end. It's like everyone is falling into a trap that keeps them in an intellectual state of mind rather than a spiritual one.

 

.......Frustrated

Sorry to hear that. That's exactly what Satan wants you to see and hear. You need to keep your eyes on Christ, when things seem to be going out of control.

Could you give a link to where EGW mentions climate change and the Pope? Thanks

[Cutielovepeanut]

There are multiple quotes from EGW on the pope and climate change actually. It might take me a little while to find all of them, and each quote is written the same, but differently. But Ill start you off with Last Days Events: 

http://www.ellenwhitedefend.com/Books-EGW/lde/lde09.htm

Arguments Used by Sunday-Law Advocates

Satan puts his interpretation upon events, and they think, as he would have them, that the calamities which fill the land are a result of Sundaybreaking. Thinking to appease the wrath of God these influential men make laws enforcing Sunday observance.--10MR 239 (1899).

This very class put forth the claim that the fast-spreading corruption is largely attributable to the desecration of the so-called "Christian sabbath" and that the enforcement of Sunday observance would

130

greatly improve the morals of society. This claim is especially urged in America, where the doctrine of  the true Sabbath has been most widely preached.--GC 587 (1911).

[phkrause]

I've read all of these and have no problem with them. I'm interested in reading the ones on EGW saying that the pope would talk about climate change. I personally have not read one before, so am very interested.

[Cutielovepeanut]

I just posted one.... She calls it calamities by sea, fire, etc etc. We call it climate change. 

[Naomi]

Good advice Douglass.  If it's not a salvation issue then don't let it distract you from your relationship with our Lord.  God is still in control.

[BobRyan]

It is no surprise at all that the Pope STILL thinks it is important that all Christians keep Sunday AND that the Pope would love to see some sort of church-state system established in all countries where what the Pope says becomes the "next thing" for the state to put on its agenda.

Same 'ol same 'ol. Not at all necessary to get a new revelation to confirm that this is "what Popes have been doing all these centuries".

The Pope embraces evolution -- and praying to the dead. Two false religions all combined. Not too surprising.

So then where is the "news"?

News would be in the form of the U.S. actually paying attention to the Pope and passing laws in obedience to the Pope.

in Christ,

Bob

 

[Gregory Matthews]

Ais. . .welcome to  this forum.  We hope that you will have an enriching time here and one that will help you to grow spiritually.  However, this forum is a place were people often disagree with each other.  All of us are at different stages of Christian growth and many here are not members of the SDA Church.  So, you can expect us to differ.

Even among us, there are differences in belief, doctrinal understandings, life practices, how we understand the Bible and how we relate to Ellen White.  Please do not expect all of us to agree with you at all times.  We attempt to get along as a family even with our lack of total agreement.

Probably the majority of us will disagree with some of what you are posting about Ellen White, the Pope and climate change.  I hope that you will be able to accept this and us.  Please continue to fellowship with us regardless of our lack of agreement with you on some issues.

 

[Deaconess]

I don't even know where to begin to be honest. I'm just losing faith in the church. I want to leave so desperately, but I know that it's God's end times church. Everyone wants to focus on everyone else, and not on their own journey with Christ. I'm just so frustrated that there is so much chaos and division in a place that is supposed to be unified. If Alcoholics Anonymous was like the church, noone would ever stay sober.

I see the world falling apart outside and noone will even talk about it. Not one person has made the connection that Ellen G White has said that the pope would use climate change to bring about Sunday law, and how he is coming to America in September to talk about climate change because of moral decline. I mean... This is the last post I am going to make, the last letter I am ever going to write, and the last plea I will make to turn people around. I just can't do it anymore. 

Can someone tell me it will be ok, and that this inter-political nonsense is going to end. It's like everyone is falling into a trap that keeps them in an intellectual state of mind rather than a spiritual one.

 

.......Frustrated

Dear AIsaac,

It it hard to look at what is going on in the news and in the church nowadays and hold onto your bearings.    When you see so many others going off in other directions, it can be easy to lose heart.   We know that the church will be shaken.   However, none of us truly realizes what each other may be going through.    What brought me to this point in my life may be totally different that what brought you to your point in life.    We may arrive at different points at different times because our experiences have been so different.   God is our only steady beacon.   

Just because you see the outer portion of someone who does wrong, does not mean that they are not struggling inwardly and on the verge of some breakthrough that only experience will cause.   The church is made of people.   Sinful people in need of a savior and they are not necessarily forthcoming with what obstacles they face that no one knows of...  If you give up trying to share your faith, someone might miss the message.   If you need a time to recharge and step back, then take that time just as Jesus did in quiet prayer with his Father.   You can't share with others what you have run out of....  

I read somewhere that Ellen White came to a time where she had a dream of cutting out white garments.   In her dream, she grew tired and started to consider how unworthy some of the people were who were to be recipients of the garments.  She was told that it was not for her to consider who was worthy of such garments, but to keep cutting them out.    When she turned back to her work, she had new, sharper shears for cutting and the work became easier.   

No one knows the hour, but the Father.   Things will ONLY unravel here on earth when he allows it to occur.   People were scared in the '60s because JFK was Catholic.   An older college student in my class, was so scared of end-times that she shot each of her daughters in the head and then herself.   That was over 25 years ago.   We know September is coming, but we can't say that it will be the end time or not.   We know its closer than ever before, we just don't know all the details except that God will provide for us when that times comes, just as he always has....   Keep your eyes on him and trust that he will lead the church with faithfulness.

We have nothing to fear except we forget how God has led us in the past.  -E.G.W.

[Gail]

Wow! What a story about the frightened mother shooting her children and herself! We just never know a heart, how tortured it may be  

We live in turbulent times, but God knows it and the Bible has warned us. Acts 20:29 warns us that wolves will enter among our own people. But God has promised never to leave us nor forsake (abandon) us. Jesus said that He will give us rest. You may have to face difficult situations on your own. It is a jumbled up time, with some folk leaving the church and some coming in, but God has all in His hands and you are safe in Him.

[debbym]

We don't have to have faith in our church, our church cannot save us, and never has saved anyone.

Our faith can safely rest in Jesus, fastened on the all powerful promises of His word.  We can look away from all the failures of other's, away from the failures of our church, and the failures within ourselves, and look to Jesus who never failed and who will never fail.

He is able to save to the uttermost all who come to the Father in Jesus name, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for  Them Hebrews 7:25

[whbae]

No one will be saved by others' merit.  It is only you, you alone  with relationship  with Jesus will save you. I do not have much doubt that Pope Francis is fit to the prophesy by EGW., however, you should plan things as though you are going to live here on earth another thousand years.

 

[DreamWeaver]

aisaac070, I would suggest that you find another church home and see if you can deal with the people there. But you do not want to separate yourself totally because I know how it feels to feel like you and not have a church home while this world is falling apart. Its not a wonderful feeling at all! Keep in mind that no matter what church, denomination, religion or even group of friends you have, you will always have the same issues and stress. Its inescapable. People are just inherently annoying on this earth. Please hang on and keep in mind that there is a great shaking going on that will only get worse as things escalate. Maybe in the future you will find more serious Christians as more of the frauds are sifted out of the church, but currently we have to wait on Christ and deal with the foolishness for a little longer. He's almost here and we have to wait patiently so we can withstand the time in history when on a greater scale our feelings will be hurt and we will even be threatened for our faith due to foolish accusations and silly rumors.

I can definitely say it will be okay if you hold on and keep your faith strong. But before things get better, prepare for a bumpy ride inside and outside of the church. I'm sorry to say that, but I can not run from this fact either as much as I would like to. I don't have faith in the church either, but I do have faith in Christ and God has been pushing on my heart for the past couple of years with this statement: "What doest thou here, Elijah?" Ever since I have stopped striving with other Christians and I attempted to be alone and pout about the state of the entire Protestant body from afar, I have been feeling as though I am operating off of a spirit that is unfit to endure the coming crisis if it is my destiny to do so. 

Edited July 4, 2015 by DreamWeaver

[Gail]

Hard times are coming to us all... But now is the time to cling to Jesus and pray for His meek spirit. He told us:

Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls"- Matt.11:29, KJV

 Some people will go through hard times and become more bitter and Satanic. But for the righteous, the fires of trial and persecution are God's character purifiers.

[BrendaM.]

Anne: What you see is the shaking of the S.D.A church. This is when the "sheep and goat"  or "Sabbath and Sunday keepers" will be separated. This is what needs to happen and is predicted. As for you, the most important thing to remember is to keep your relationship with Jesus strong, obey all of his commandments, seek forgiveness, make amends to those you've hurt and peacefully and with a light heart await for his return.

[hch]

I don't even know where to begin

Jesus is the beginning: start with Him, stay close to Him, give Him your frustration.

"Keep your wants, your joys, your sorrows, your cares, and your fears before God. You cannot burden Him; you cannot weary Him. He who numbers the hairs of your head is not indifferent to the wants of His children." {SC 100.1}

[JoeMo]

Anne: What you see is the shaking of the S.D.A church.

Not just the shaking of the SDA Church; the shaking of all humanity!  Many will be shaken out; but many, MANY others will be shaken in.  The end times are ultimately not about the destruction of the wicked; they are about the rescue and salvation and the power given to thesaints.

[Cutielovepeanut]

Please guys, demand your church contact and get training to start your 12 step groups at church. These are PROMISES.

 

http://www.adventistrecovery.org/article/43/about-us/12-step-comparison

 

Excerpted from ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS Chapter 6 
"INTO ACTION" (Page 83-84)

If we are painstaking about this phase of our development, we will be amazed before we are half way through.

1. We are going to know a new freedom and a new happiness.
2. We will not regret the past nor wish to shut the door on it.
3. We will comprehend the word serenity
4. and we will know peace.
5. No matter how far down the scale we have gone, we will see how our experience can benefit others.
6. That feeling of uselessness and self-pity will disappear.
7. We will lose interest in selfish things and gain insight into our fellows.
8. Self-seeking will slip away.
9. Our whole attitude and outlook upon life will change.
10. Fear of people and of economic insecurity will leave us.
11. We will intuitively know how to handle situations which used to baffle us.
12. We will suddenly realize that God is doing for us what we could not do for outselves.

Are these extravagant promises? We think not. They are being fulfilled among us - sometimes quickly, sometimes slowly. They will always materialize if we work for them.