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notwellread's review
2.0
The Seventh Day Adventist Church was founded in the mid-19th century and the author of this little book, Ellen G. White, was one of its founders. A copy was given to me by a well-meaning Seventh Day Adventist and seems to be their standard pamphlet, but to me it did not seem noticeably different from the tracts of other groups.
Most of their beliefs appear to be similar to other evangelical Protestant beliefs, but I also noticed a significant emphasis on Satan and the threat of the Devil tricking you or tempting you to sin. I was interested to know more about the emphasis on vegetarianism in their faith and why they observe the Sabbath on a Saturday rather than a Sunday, but this wasn’t mentioned. According to my research they also believe the dead are unconscious until Judgement Day and that the divine judgement of Christians has been ongoing since 1844; I haven’t heard of these beliefs in the wild, but would be interested to know more.
The highlights of this pamphlet for me were the chapters where the author focused on doubts in faith (though I would have liked more practical elaboration on how to address these), and where the author discussed overcoming negative thoughts and dwelling on difficult times in our lives, and focusing on the positives given to us instead; this I found more relevant and applicable to my state of mind than any other part of the book. I also appreciated the emphasis on the Bible and the proliferation of Bible quotes throughout, though I would also have liked to know more about their views on different editions.
Most of their beliefs appear to be similar to other evangelical Protestant beliefs, but I also noticed a significant emphasis on Satan and the threat of the Devil tricking you or tempting you to sin. I was interested to know more about the emphasis on vegetarianism in their faith and why they observe the Sabbath on a Saturday rather than a Sunday, but this wasn’t mentioned. According to my research they also believe the dead are unconscious until Judgement Day and that the divine judgement of Christians has been ongoing since 1844; I haven’t heard of these beliefs in the wild, but would be interested to know more.
The highlights of this pamphlet for me were the chapters where the author focused on doubts in faith (though I would have liked more practical elaboration on how to address these), and where the author discussed overcoming negative thoughts and dwelling on difficult times in our lives, and focusing on the positives given to us instead; this I found more relevant and applicable to my state of mind than any other part of the book. I also appreciated the emphasis on the Bible and the proliferation of Bible quotes throughout, though I would also have liked to know more about their views on different editions.
nellamoon's review
4.0
Short, but filled with biblical wisdom (as per usual), and concise. Definitely a must read for any Christian in my opinion.
betanine's review
5.0
This is one of my favorite books. This came as a surprise because my expectations were based on fans of Ellen White who focus on some things she writes while failing to mention or demonstrate the obvious theme of God's never ending love for us.
What I love about this book is that it resonates with my heart in my desire to be God's friend and to live in His presence. I don’t want to spend time with those who are focused on behavior and perfection. I only feel inadequate and unwanted. God loves me just the way I am now. The more time I spend with him, the more like him I become. That is what I want more than anything.
What I love about this book is that it resonates with my heart in my desire to be God's friend and to live in His presence. I don’t want to spend time with those who are focused on behavior and perfection. I only feel inadequate and unwanted. God loves me just the way I am now. The more time I spend with him, the more like him I become. That is what I want more than anything.
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