Expert: Sal - 10/29/2009

Question
Dear Sal:
An SDA friend is really trying to pull me out of my church (Southern Baptist), He has been very aggressive telling me that God wants all people to be SDAs He says that b/c the sabbath is in the Ten Commandments we must keep it or sin against God's holy Law. How do you think I can respond to this attack?
Thank you so much for any help you can give me,
Kerrie

Answer
Dear Kerrie:

Be patient with your friend. He has been deceived by the SDA hierarchy and will be very sure he is right. Pray for your friend’s eyes to be opened to the truth. No matter how aggressive your friend becomes you must remain calm and friendly. Don’t get into arguments with him because you will not do any good and will likely lose a friend.

What you can do is calmly explain to your friend that you agree that we must obey God and that is what you want to do. Then explain that you as a New Covenant Christian look into the New Testament Scriptures to find God’s will for you as a Christian. Then ask him if he can provide you with a New Testament verse commanding Sabbath keeping on Christians. He will not be able to comply because there is no such verse. Point out to him that all the other commandments in the Ten Commandments are reiterated in the New Testament as necessary for Christians. Only the Sabbath commandment is omitted for Christians. This will not be totally convincing to your friend because he wants to believe his Church. So remember to be a friend even when you feel attacked for your beliefs.

If I can be of further help just let me know.  

God Be With You,
Sal