who helps best?

[rudywoofs (Pam)]

I was thinking (I know...sometimes not such a good thing to do <img src="/adventist/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> ) that it seems much easier for people to change denominations than it is to go from god to God. Changing churches really still involves worshipping the same God - different doctrines, but same God.

It's a different battle, though, to have left my goddess/god and declare my allegiance to Christ. It isn't *people* who try to persuade me go back - pagans don't do that ... but it's an invisible battle - it is seduction at its best. And it's harder to defend and maintain my stand. <img src="/adventist/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

I know there's various ideas that people who have been through situations - like drugs or alcoholism or abuse or ...yeah...witchcraft - are better able to *help* those who are still struggling in the midst. []http://img.inkfrog.com/pix/Rudywoofs/icon_confused.gif[/] Sometimes I think that is true. But other times I think not. Maybe it depends on what kind of situation it is...i.e., physical or spiritual? <img src="/adventist/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

(and no...I'm not doing so great atm <img src="/adventist/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> )

[Robert]

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rudywoofs said:...the same God - different doctrines, but same God.

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Here's something to think about:

2 Cor 11:3 But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ. 4 For if someone comes to you and preaches a Jesus other than the Jesus we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it easily enough.

<img src="/adventist/images/graemlins/DOVE.gif" alt="" />

[Nan]

Hi Pam. All Christians feels tugs to go back to what they left behind - the evil one does not want to let any of us go Jesus' way. With your background you have a clearly defined path - which you once enjoyed - and the pulls are going to be that much more difficult to resist.

Have you read recently how Jesus dealt with the direct temptation of the devil, in Matthew 4 ? There was no discussion, but a command to "Get thee behind me, Satan".

Can you do that in His strengh? When you recognise these feelings coming on, can you give the conflict to Him, and ask Jesus to rebuke the tempter?

Do you have some favourite hymns/songs and Bible verses that can come into your mind at such a time, and use them to focus on the way of life?

A couple of songs come to my mind - All the Way my Saviour leads me, and for something more modern, Shout to the Lord

SHOUT TO THE LORD

My Jesus, My Savior

Lord, there is none like You

All of my days,

I want to praise

The wonders of Your mighty love

My comfort, My shelter

Tower of refuge and strength,

Let every breath,

All that I am,

Never cease to worship You

Shout to the Lord all the earth, let us sing

Power and majesty, praise to the King

Mountains bow down and the seas will roar

At the sound of Your name.

I sing for joy at the work of Your hands

Forever I’ll love You, forever I’ll stand

Nothing compares to the promise I have in You

CCLI #1360011

Darlene Zschech, © 1993 Hillsongs Australia

Nothing compares to the promise I have in YOU

If the devil thought he had you secure, you would not be having this struggle. I, and I am sure many others, will continue to pray for you.

[rudywoofs (Pam)]

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CoAspen said:

I don't have any easy solutions or quick answers and I hate to say this...but, this forum may not be the place for you. Why do I say that..well...way to many of the posters here want to change you or correct you instead of just listening to your struggles and being a strong arm of support. You really have to be strong to withstand that type of input. I do not want to see you discouraged and lose faith in Christ. Much of what is posted here is not representative of SDA church's in my area. If you are haveing trouble with finding a loveing, non judgemental SDA church, you are in a tuff spot.

All I can say is, keep trusting in Christ!

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Perhaps it isn't. Another place where I dont belong... <img src="/adventist/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

::trembling sigh::

Y'know, there was always one thing good about Adventist beliefs that I remembered...that in any event, I wouldnt be burning in hell forever and ever.