What do SDAs believe?

[ReChoired]

Thanks for the detailed responses.

Sure thing Josho!, my pleasure.

What about things like marriage?

Yes, we believe in proper marriage as found in God's word (especially Genesis 2), which is one natural man and one natural woman united together by God.

What are the general views about SDAs marrying a Christian from a different denomination?

Commonly, though not Biblically, most don't care, or are ignorant of what the word of God says, and thus are ignorant (or willfully ignorant) of the actual doctrines taught. In truth, the Bible, as well as the SoP/ToJ, teach that two should not be married unless they are evenly yoked (2 Corinthians 6:14). Now people might point to the word "unbelievers" in that quote, but it goes deeper than most think. An unbeliever in scripture and in the SoP/ToJ is more than an outward denial of God/Christ (like an atheist would do). An unbeliever is anyone not grounded in present truth and faith, no matter their outward profession.

"... The Lord commanded ancient Israel not to intermarry with the idolatrous nations around them: “Neither shalt thou make marriages with them; thy daughter thou shalt not give unto his son, nor his daughter shalt thou take unto thy son.” The reason is given. Infinite Wisdom, foreseeing the result of such unions, declares: “For they will turn away thy son from following Me, that they may serve other gods: so will the anger of the Lord be kindled against you, and destroy thee suddenly.” “For thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God: the Lord thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto Himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth.” “Know therefore that the Lord thy God, He is God, the [page 120-121] faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love Him and keep His commandments to a thousand generations; and repayeth them that hate Him to their face, to destroy them: He will not be slack to him that hateth Him, He will repay him to his face.” Deuteronomy 7:3, 4, 6, 9, 10.

In the New Testament are similar prohibitions concerning the marriage of Christians with the ungodly. The apostle Paul, in his first letter to the Corinthians, declares: “The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 7:39. Again, in his second epistle, he writes: “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? and what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? and what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be My sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.” 2 Corinthians 6:14-18.

My sister, dare you disregard these plain and positive directions? As a child of God, a subject of Christ's kingdom, the purchase of His blood, how can you connect yourself with one who does not acknowledge His claims, who is not controlled by His Spirit? The commands I have quoted are not the word of man, but of God. Though the companion of your choice were in all other respects worthy (which he is not), yet he has not accepted the truth for this time; he is an unbeliever, and you are forbidden of heaven to unite yourself with him. You cannot, without peril to your soul, disregard this divine injunction. ..." - Testimony Treasures, vol. 2, pages 120-121 - Testimony Treasures, vol. 2, Page 120 -- Ellen G. White Writings​

Is it widely accepted so long as the other person is a Christian or is it usually frowned upon?

It is actually forbidden by God in scripture, and the SoP/ToJ. It takes a long time to go through all that though, but if you want, we can. It just takes time.

Or are SDAs expected to marry SDAs?

Basically yes, but again, not everyone who says that they are Seventh-day Adventist are really Seventh-day Adventist, and thus one must be very careful even there. Marriage is not a thing to be entered into lightly or without prayerful consideration and God's approval with Godly counsel (based in scripture)

 

[ReChoired]

And some other questions

What is the main SDA view about celebrating Christmas and Easter?

More difficult because of the nature of mankind to slink back towards idolatry, paganism, etc. In essence, both are merely man-made 'days' (Christ Jesus was not born Dec. 25th (it was actually around the time of Tabernacles), and Easter according to modern calender is off because they use the wrong calendar, they use a standardized Rabbincal one Hillel II, which is in error sometimes by 30 days, see that here - https://archive.org/download/sda-karaites/SDA- Karaites.pdf ) in an attempt to celebrate the life and death of Jesus Christ and the Everlasting Gospel. What happens though is that many people lose sight of that, and involve the days (they chose) in all manner of worldliness, revelry, drunkenness, gluttony, idolatry, and sin. Even the word Christmas, has a connection with the idolatry of the Mass of Roman Catholicism, but most don't even know that. Easter (passover as celebrated in Christ Jesus), simply comes from Tyndale's "ester" (Acts 12:4) and/or Luther's "Ostern" (from the east, sun rise), or "esterlambe" (1 Corinthians 5:7), but even here paganism has long ago been co-mingled with it.

It would fall within the context of Roman 14 essentially, though with caution about some things.

There is nothing wrong with having a tree in one's home, office or even church, for such were even depicted in the Sanctuary itself (1 Kings 6:32, etc). It is how they are used that matters, and the function they serve.

There is nothing wrong with taking any given day in any given year and celebrating God's work. Just don't make it one of force. Don't make it pagan, or worldly or selfish. As long as it is about worshipping God, service in love to others, etc, and staying within the bounds God has given in his word, one is pretty safe, and if one doubts in conscience, don't do it.

There is counsel in the SoP/ToJ also about how one can utilize a tree in the church for "Christmas" (which I personally relabel to "Christ-night" or Christ-time", as an ex-Roman Catholic I cannot stand the word "Mass" in association).

For instance, see Adventist Home:

""Shall We Have a Christmas Tree?"--God would be well pleased if on Christmas each church would have a Christmas tree on which shall be hung offerings, great and small, for these houses of worship. [NOTE: REFERENCE IS MADE IN THIS ARTICLE TO CURRENT BUILDING PROJECTS. AS THE PRINCIPLES SET FORTH IN THIS CONNECTION ARE APPLICABLE TODAY, THESE SPECIFIC REFERENCES ARE LEFT IN THE ARTICLE.] Letters of inquiry have come to us asking, Shall we have a Christmas tree? Will it not be like the world? We answer, You can make it like the world if you have a disposition to do so, or you can make it as unlike the world as possible. There is no particular sin in selecting a fragrant evergreen and placing it in our churches, but the sin lies in the motive which prompts to action and the use which is made of the gifts placed upon the tree. {AH 482.1}

The tree may be as tall and its branches as wide as shall best suit the occasion; but let its boughs be laden with the golden and silver fruit of your beneficence, and present this to Him as your Christmas gift. Let your donations be sanctified by prayer. {AH 482.2}

Christmas and New Year celebrations can and should be held in behalf of those who are helpless. God is glorified when we give to help those who have large families to support. {AH 482.3}"​

Do SDAs do communion in the same way as most other protestant churches? Or do they do it differently?

Unleavened Bread, with Fruit of the Vine (unfermented) - Grape Juice, with footwashing (John 13) and prayer before, generally quarterly (seasonally as allowed in God's word). Sometimes a meal before (called agape feast of fellowship knowing that Christ Jesus is the passover) may be had.

And a totally different one, why do SDAs place a lot of emphasis on USA for end time prophecy?

The United States, with its Apostate protestantism, is found in Revelation 13:11-18. It is the "beast" from the "earth".

It is a worldwide super (over) power:

[Beast of the Sea; Papacy] Rev 13:7 And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.

[Beast of the Earth; Apostate Protestantism of the United States] Rev 13:12 And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.
​

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[farouk]

Re. some issues raised:

Hebrews 7.12 says the law was changed.

Hebrews 7.19 says what we now have is better than the law.

 

[ReChoired]

Re. some issues raised:

Hebrews 7.12 says the law was changed.

Hebrews 7.19 says what we now have is better than the law.

I always ask the question when those texts are brought up. What "law" in context of Hebrews 7 "change[d]"?

 

[farouk]

I always ask the question when those texts are brought up. What "law" in context of Hebrews 7 "change[d]"?

And I am not by God's grace a legalist and do not see Scripture leading me back under the law.

"Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.

But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster." (Galatians 3.24-25)

 

[Enoch111]

The scriptures say that Christ was tempted just like we are. You cannot explain that away my friend

"Apart from sin". "Yet without sin". And are unable to explain that.

 

[ReChoired]

And I am not by God's grace a legalist and do not see Scripture leading me back under the law.

"Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.

But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster." (Galatians 3.24-25)

You avoided the question and context of Hebrews 7's "law" that was "change[d]". It is so plain in Hebrews 7, it must be why you did what you did. Let me know when you want to be honest and look at Hebrews 7 in context. Then afterward we can look at the separate context of Galatians 3:24-25.

 

[ReChoired]

And I am not by God's grace a legalist ...

You have the wrong word farouk. I would not call you a legalist. I would call you "lawless" (antinomian), the other "L" word.

 

[Brakelite]

And I am not by God's grace a legalist and do not see Scripture leading me back under the law.

"Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.

But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster." (Galatians 3.24-25)

You avoided the question and context of Hebrews 7's "law" that was "change[d]"

I noticed this also. And I have previously pointed out the context of that law which was changed to the above writer,Farouk. It surprised me that he has chosen to continue with this line of reasoning having already been appraised of the truth of the matter.

 

[ReChoired]

... What ... about ... Christmas ...

Just as a PS, and you might find this neat:

Exo_35:14 The candlestick also for the light, and his furniture, and his lamps, with the oil for the light,
Exo_39:37 The pure candlestick, with the lamps thereof, even with the lamps to be set in order, and all the vessels thereof, and the oil for light,
Exo_40:4 And thou shalt bring in the table, and set in order the things that are to be set in order upon it; and thou shalt bring in the candlestick, and light the lamps thereof.
Num_8:2 Speak unto Aaron, and say unto him, When thou lightest the lamps, the seven lamps shall give light over against the candlestick.

Mat_5:15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
Luk_8:16 No man, when he hath lighted a candle, covereth it with a vessel, or putteth it under a bed; but setteth it on a candlestick, that they which enter in may see the light.​

God likes a proper Tree with Lights on it and "gold" for His service with decorations of His character, even in His home (the LORD's house), in the "Living" (prayer (Altar), assimilating God's word (Table), and witnessing (Candlestick)) room, and gifts of thanks giving upon His altar, and food on His table and coming in with thanksgiving and praise.



God even knows about "Ho, ... Ho Ho ..."

Isa_55:1 Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.
Zec_2:6 Ho, ho, come forth, and flee from the land of the north, saith the LORD: for I have spread you abroad as the four winds of the heaven, saith the LORD.​

Come to Christ, flee Babylon.

I thought you might get a kick out of those.

 

[ReChoired]

Have you seen the evidence, that many others, non-Seventh-day Adventists (and before them), teach that satan is the scapegoat of Leviticus 16? If you would like I can provide those sources for you (I had them posted on CARM, but they banned me for the umpteenth time, and erased all my posts, those included, for posting them).

I still haven't seen anyone ask for the evidence. Maybe they already know and would like it to be kept silent ... maybe they want Lazarus dead too.

 

[Josho]

Just as a PS, and you might find this neat:

Exo_35:14 The candlestick also for the light, and his furniture, and his lamps, with the oil for the light,
Exo_39:37 The pure candlestick, with the lamps thereof, even with the lamps to be set in order, and all the vessels thereof, and the oil for light,
Exo_40:4 And thou shalt bring in the table, and set in order the things that are to be set in order upon it; and thou shalt bring in the candlestick, and light the lamps thereof.
Num_8:2 Speak unto Aaron, and say unto him, When thou lightest the lamps, the seven lamps shall give light over against the candlestick.

Mat_5:15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
Luk_8:16 No man, when he hath lighted a candle, covereth it with a vessel, or putteth it under a bed; but setteth it on a candlestick, that they which enter in may see the light.​

God likes a proper Tree with Lights on it and "gold" for His service with decorations of His character, even in His home (the LORD's house), in the "Living" (prayer (Altar), assimilating God's word (Table), and witnessing (Candlestick)) room, and gifts of thanks giving upon His altar, and food on His table and coming in with thanksgiving and praise.

View attachment 16186

God even knows about "Ho, ... Ho Ho ..."

Isa_55:1 Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.
Zec_2:6 Ho, ho, come forth, and flee from the land of the north, saith the LORD: for I have spread you abroad as the four winds of the heaven, saith the LORD.​

Come to Christ, flee Babylon.

I thought you might get a kick out of those.

I knew the "Ho" was Biblical.

 

[GerhardEbersoehn]

Salvation/Redemption is in Christ Jesus. Heavenly Sanctuary/Tabernacle/Temple and the ministry of Christ Jesus there.

That's enough. ROFL

 

[marksman]

Could you list the top 3 (I'll even take the top 5) "whackey" (sic) "beliefs", so we could at least take at look at the subjective list you go by?

I am not sure that getting informatrion from a third party is such a good idea. I always prefer to get mine from the horses mouth and to do that one has only to look up the teachings of the SDA in their own words.

 

[Josho]

@ReChoired

And what about structure of Church services, do SDAs like to do things in any particular order in the services?

Do SDAs also have house churches?

 

[ReChoired]

@ReChoired

And what about structure of Church services, do SDAs like to do things in any particular order in the services?

In general, Yes. I say in general because the state of any congregation will vary depending upon size, or members. For instance, some bodies or believers are not yet formed into official 'church' status, but are in varying degrees, such as a gathering 'company', or small group fellowship, etc. The main General Conference is not always aware of every little group, house gathering, etc, but is aware of formed 'church' groups being registered or officially recognized by the General Conference officers (elders, and normally sends such to inaugurate that body into fullness of recognition). You can see a ceremony of how that takes place here:

Maranatha Seventh-day Adventist Multicultural Church Organization Service & Process - Kili Silafau : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive

This was our own small church that recently, last year (there abouts) became officially 'organized' and recognized.

As for the services themselves, generally, we always begin with Sabbath School (circa 9am-10am, with some variation, some may have their Sabbath School after main services for convenience), studying through the Bible with the church at large (world-wide) in what is known as a quarterly (study). In other words, we go through the Bible with the world-wide church body of Seventh-day Adventist in the same texts, passages and books of scripture.

Generally, after Sabbath school study time (usually about an hour or so), with a small break for restroom, time to greet, shift, announcements, testimonies, etc, arrange what is needful for main service (and needful tables-chairs), etc, then comes Divine worship hour, which includes about 3 or so songs from the Hymn book, then a main standing intro for the preacher and elders who come in, followed by introductions, welcomes, followed by the opening Hymn, group (collective) prayer, and then with various other activities, tithe/offering collections, like children's worship time (about 10 minutes or so), special music (singular or group) to God, and then straight into the message by the presenting person (usually an elder (males), deacon (males), or even guests invited (we've had doctors, evangelists, Conference personnel etc preach), or anyone scheduled, can be man or woman sharing even from the local or external, membership), followed by appeals, and closing hymns. After this is usually 'potluck' (I dislike the term), or fellowship meal. Then more activities, such as more bible studies (individual groups, at the main facility or in homes (I have an in home study group (called "Shepherd's Pie") for non, new and old members, with adults, youth (teens) and children as young as 3-4)), and later that day there may be hymn practices, outreach to elderly, sick, infirm, old members who have not come in a while, and the children with adults go and sing, take baskets of food, and what is needful (usually call first to see if they may visit, so as not to disturb any who cannot receive visitors), then if we have the materials, there can be GLOW tracting (on vehicles, or person to person, even door to door), and usually at the end of the day is AY (Adventist Youth) program, where there is singing, sharing, testimonials, a bit of group activity, Bible memorization, or something educationally fun, like a creation or history (of sacred scripture, or reformation, etc) video with questionaires, and things like that. Then everyone if together or in individual homes, closes out the sabbath with a few final short spiritual songs, and that reaches to close of sunset, and then people might go have a meal together, or eat in house or go their separate ways, until next meeting, like prayer meeting on Wednesdays, or Vespers, or special events, like song practice throughout the week, etc.

You can see some events here:

Vespers for Children by a beach side campmeeting:

Maranatha Seventh-day Adventist Church Children's Camp Vespers - July 2020 : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive

Children's outreach ministry sharing in the church for their day, and ready to go out afterwards:

We Are His Hands - Maranatha SDA Church Adventurer Club - 09 21 2019 : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive

You can see a home church or study group here:

Pastor Kili - Bible Studies - Lesson 01 : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive

You can see an entire Divine service here with a special presenter at a sister church:

Sea Of Glass - brother Aaron Earnest : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive
https://archive.org/download/sea-of-glass/Sea of Glass.pptx

Short Baptismal video and ending AY services:

AY & Baptism Service At Alofau Seventh-day Adventist Church (Short) - Pastor Kili Silafau : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive

You can see part of the Evangelistic series here led out by the sisters of Maranatha:

End Time 13 - Armageddon & The 7 Last Plagues - Sister Helen : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive
https://archive.org/download/13-sermon-19-armageddon-and-the-seven-last-plagues/13 - Sermon 19 - ARMAGEDDON AND THE SEVEN LAST PLAGUES.ppt

End Time 14 - Hope For The Millennium & Revelation's Grand Finale - Sister Helen : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive
https://archive.org/download/14-sermon-20-21-combined-hope-for-the-millennium-revelations-grand-finale/14- Sermon 20 - 21 - Combined - HOPE FOR THE MILLENNIUM & REVELATIONS GRAND FINALE.pptx

You can see a Sabbath School Youth Day in Campmeeting style here:

Sabbath School Youth Tent - Day 6 - Kili Silafau : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive

You can see a special Sabbath school study presentation (incomplete) here:

https://archive.org/download/the-seven-trumpets-sabbath-school-presentation/The Seven Trumpets (Sabbath School Presentation).pptx

You can see a special guest speaker presentation in the 10 days of prayer at a sister church here:

Jeremiah Davis (2020) - 10 Days Of Prayer (American Samoa) Day 01 - Wake Up (LMM Feed) : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive

You can see special music (individual) here:

People Need The LORD - (2020) sister Helen Brown : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive

You can see special music (group) here:

At Calvary - Reinaia, Bethany, & Helen - Music Video : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive

Hopefully I got everything that you might be interested in.

Do SDAs also have house churches?

Yes. Most of the smaller groups begin that way, until such time they become too large to maintain that in a single small house, and so seek for a larger place, usually with their own funds to rent or build a sanctuary, or place to meet for the larger group. As the days past, and more restrictions will come (guaranteed, I expect more this year, but either way) one will see more house churches (for all of Acts is about to repeat; Ecclesiastes 1:9, 3:15), though in certain places, larger structures will still be seen in the city, until such time as they will be closed down, and one can only gather in smaller groups.