I was born into an Adventist family. I grew up going to sabbath school every Saturday morning, sitting in the pews for church and doing Pathfinders. It hasn’t been smooth sailing all the time. It’s been through the lows and everyday life that I have discovered more and more why I’m a ‘sevvie’. Here are some of the reasons why I’m Adventist and SAV(e)D.
Sabbath
I mean who doesn’t love a day of rest every single week?! There’s something special about having a day off after 6 days of hard work, and there’s something even more special about Saturday afternoon naps 😉. Seriously though, a day to praise and worship (throwback to pre-COVID times) and fellowship with others is so precious.
Agape love
Agape love isn’t just love; agape love is the highest expression of love. It’s the kind of love our Heavenly Father has for us, an unconditional and overflowing love. I must say that it still baffles me, in the best way possible, that “[God] gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). God, knowing all my flaws and my imperfections, still sent his own son, Jesus, to free me from my sins because He loves me as if I was sinless. Jesus died on the cross for you too – He’s a “God of love” (1 John 4:8) because He’s got agape love for you.
Victorious
Fittingly, one of my favourite worship songs is “Victory Belongs to Jesus”, by Todd Dulaney, where he sings “Victory belongs to Jesus” because no one can stand against Him. There’s no one or anything that the Heavenly Father can’t win over. No sin, no mistake, no guilt is too big for you to give to Him. Take comfort in “Giv[ing] all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about you” (1 Peter 5:7), and He’ll always be your provider and deliverer.
Directional
I must admit I’ve been lost more than a few times… lost both metaphorically and literally. Whenever I’m lost driving, a quick prayer and Google Maps gets me to my destination. As much as I wish that my Google App could get my life orientated, it’s a little trickier when you find yourself, a little “off-course” in life. Proverbs 3:5-6 provides me with the comfort I need: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and He will make straight your paths.”.
Being Adventist means I am SAV(e)D.
Saved thanks to God’s overflowing love, and Jesus’ death on the cross that frees me from sin.
That’s why I’m Adventist.
WRITER: Julie Pavaday, attends Plentyvalley Church.