‘Why Adventism?’
It is an interesting question for me to think about.
Being Adventist has just become second nature!
I have been an Adventist for four years now. I didn’t grow up as an Adventist or even as a Christian. A friend during high school did introduce the concept of God to me. Unfortunately, I didn’t do much with that knowledge.
However, once I left home and went to university, I was given another opportunity by God to get to know to Him. During my first year, I was encouraged to go along to the on-campus church for university students. I cannot remember what the sermon was about, but I felt some of my questions being answered. I met up with a bible worker on campus as well, who introduced me to the Gospel. We worked through the gospel of Luke, reading about Jesus’ ministry and His sacrifice for us. One verse that struck out to me was Luke 9:23,
“And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”
Jesus wants 100% commitment, none of this fence-sitting business. This made me realise I needed to commit to Jesus, 100%.
But you’re probably wondering, where does Adventism come into this?? Well… While I was learning about God and coming to trust in Him, I met a boy.
He was an Adventist. We got to know each other over this time and decided to date. One important aspect while dating was having the same faith. This is when Adventism was introduced to me. I came at it with an open Bible and asked God for wisdom. One aspect that I really liked about the faith was the openness and beliefs founded on and from the Bible. This was something I hadn’t found in other denominations. The pastor also had bible studies with me and my boyfriend, now husband. This was a big check on my list in finding a denomination. I also agreed with a lot of the teachings that I heard from the Adventist church which aligned with what I read in the bible.
The way they present the love of God was so true to the way the Bible describes the character of God. God answered my prayers in finding me a family of global believers. The Adventist church is a hands-on church and community. With initiatives like, ADRA who help those in need by donating money and supplies all over the world. Adventist’s have a wonderful health message that we all should share, and the local churches have a great community focus.
Two years into looking into Adventism, myself and my husband both got baptised into the church.
I am glad that I found Adventism. God has opened my heart and taught me so much. Now I look back on my last six years, I wouldn’t want to go back to where I was. Lost, broken and hurt. Finding God has ultimately filled my heart and repaired me. Now I know where I am going and who I belong too. Adventism has opened up my mind to God, encouraging me and helping me grow in my walk with Him even more. I am proud to be a Seventh-day Adventist, we are a church that believes in Jesus Christ, wanting to share the Good News of salvation to the world, so that many will come to God.
WRITER: Lauren Paulet, attends Shepperton SDA Church