I became an Adventist because of Pastor Doug, from a very obscure website that isn't even being supported by his ministry anymore – It was called "Word of Truth Radio". For all I know, that station that no longer is Adventist, may have been there just for me, for I have never heard of another person say that they were saved from that ministry. It was there that I learned of the State of the Dead, and that Hell was not an eternal everlasting torture chamber – an absurdity to be supported by a Loving God. I was Calvinist but I could not reconcile the Love of God with the concept of irresistible grace. I finally broke down one day and told God that if I were to be a robot, then (though terrifyingly difficult to say to the Creator of all that exists) "I could not be a Christian". That moment I will never forget. I didn't want to say that to God. What kind of fool would say such a thing? From there It came to me that – if there was no everlasting punishing, then God would show me. There was no harm in investigating this topic. I could always go back to believing that the lost would be tortured throughout the vast, immeasurable eons of time.
It was during these self examining moments that I had been listening to Pastor Doug and my mind was in torment. I cannot express how difficult and mind bending it was for me, a staunch Calvinist, to try to change gears to believe that it wasn't the Choice of God to arbitrarily send certain people to hell, and others to heaven. I then found that pastor Doug was an Adventist, and I searched for an Adventist Church. I became acquainted with Ellen White, Patriarch and Prophets and I was astounded at the teaching. I was baptized on 7/7/2007 – a date impossible to forget. I finally understood the free choice of the believer and how important that this is to God. It made me actually love God, and my heart became so much more tender toward Him. What a Loving God!
Also, it is because of Adventist teaching that I love both the Old and New Testaments and I cannot imagine them being separated. I worry now that I love the OT passages even more because I see the Love and Power of God so richly through-out. Perhaps it is just a balancing that is going on because for years and years I studied and memorized so many New Testament verses.
We have been given so very much in the Bible – and in the repository of the remnant teachings found in the Spirit of Prophecy. It is so true that God has lavished His love on us beyond Measure. It is impossible to give Him all the praise – and Love that He deserves.
I'll always support Pastor Doug and his ministries as long as I have breath in me. If I am found worthy by my obedience to the faith of Christ and am ultimately saved, I will surely talk of my journey to him on that day.
Thank you pastor Doug!
Happy Sabbath to all , thank you Pastor Doug and God Bless you abundantly and all the brothers and sisters at Granite Bay .!!!
I became an Adventist because of Pastor Doug, from a very obscure website that isn't even being supported by his ministry anymore – It was called "Word of Truth Radio". For all I know, that station that no longer is Adventist, may have been there just for me, for I have never heard of another person say that they were saved from that ministry. It was there that I learned of the State of the Dead, and that Hell was not an eternal everlasting torture chamber – an absurdity to be supported by a Loving God. I was Calvinist but I could not reconcile the Love of God with the concept of irresistible grace. I finally broke down one day and told God that if I were to be a robot, then (though terrifyingly difficult to say to the Creator of all that exists) "I could not be a Christian". That moment I will never forget. I didn't want to say that to God. What kind of fool would say such a thing? From there It came to me that – if there was no everlasting punishing, then God would show me. There was no harm in investigating this topic. I could always go back to believing that the lost would be tortured throughout the vast, immeasurable eons of time.
It was during these self examining moments that I had been listening to Pastor Doug and my mind was in torment. I cannot express how difficult and mind bending it was for me, a staunch Calvinist, to try to change gears to believe that it wasn't the Choice of God to arbitrarily send certain people to hell, and others to heaven. I then found that pastor Doug was an Adventist, and I searched for an Adventist Church. I became acquainted with Ellen White, Patriarch and Prophets and I was astounded at the teaching. I was baptized on 7/7/2007 – a date impossible to forget. I finally understood the free choice of the believer and how important that this is to God. It made me actually love God, and my heart became so much more tender toward Him. What a Loving God!
Also, it is because of Adventist teaching that I love both the Old and New Testaments and I cannot imagine them being separated. I worry now that I love the OT passages even more because I see the Love and Power of God so richly through-out. Perhaps it is just a balancing that is going on because for years and years I studied and memorized so many New Testament verses.
We have been given so very much in the Bible – and in the repository of the remnant teachings found in the Spirit of Prophecy. It is so true that God has lavished His love on us beyond Measure. It is impossible to give Him all the praise – and Love that He deserves.
I'll always support Pastor Doug and his ministries as long as I have breath in me. If I am found worthy by my obedience to the faith of Christ and am ultimately saved, I will surely talk of my journey to him on that day.
Happy Sabbath Everyone 🙏🏽
That song was really lovely! I enjoyed the harmony. Thank you!