Frequently Asked Questions
“We have nothing to fear for the future, except as we shall forget the way the Lord has led us, and His teaching in our past history” (LS, p. 196).
The Most Important Question- Why Free Seventh-day Adventists?
"And I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasing gospel to preach unto them that dwell upon the earth and to every nation kindred tongue and people, saying with a loud voice, fear God and give glory to him for the hour of his judgement is come, and worship him that made heaven and earth and the sea and the fountains of waters." Revelation 14:6,7
In what ways are Free Seventh-day Adventists similar to mainline Seventh-day Adventists?
We share a common heritage rooted in the Great Awakening of the 1800's, the Second Advent Movement of the 1840's, the preaching of William Miller, the Great Disappointment of 1844, and the understanding of moving by faith with Christ into the Most Holy place of the heavenly sanctuary after that experience. We also share a common heritage in the recognition of Ellen White's visions and writings as the manifestation of the gift and Spirit of prophecy. In addition to this, we share a doctrinal heritage hammered out by men such as Elders Joseph Bates, Hiram Edson, James White, and J.N. Andrews. Free Seventh-day Adventists continue to strictly uphold this heritage to this very day, and all the fundamental teachings and reforms established by our pioneers, because we believe that they are founded in the holy scriptures.
Do Free Seventh-day Adventists believe that the church is Babylon?
No. The church is not Babylon, neither are we. Our fight is not with the church. Our fight is to uplift Christ, preach the three angel's message, and expose the wickedness of the man of sin. Our fight is against apostasy. We view our relationship with "the church," as that of Abraham and Lot. Conflict and compromise may have separated us, but "we be brethren."
The General Assembly of Free Seventh-day Adventists is an historically African American mission. Do they welcome people of all races and nationalities?
Yes we do. We only require that they believe, teach, and practice the principles of seventh-day adventism as outlined in scripture.
Since the "Free Seventh-day Adventists" started due to the immature racial practices within the church long ago, wouldn't that make its existence today obsolete?
No, not anymore than Oakwood University, Breath of Life, and Message magazine, all of which are historically black institutions, are obsolete and should be done away.
Now that the church seems to have made significant progress in matters of race, shouldn't your organization join with the "regular" church?
"We have heard much about everything moving in the regular lines. When we see that the 'regular lines' are purified and refined, that they bear the mold of the God of heaven, then it will be time to endorse these lines." GCB, April 10, 1903 par. 3
"My Guide said, "This work will be sowing seed for time and for eternity." And then the instruction was given, "The angels of the Lord will go before him. He will be accounted out of line. But many ought to be out of the lines that have been maintained to be the regular routine, and unless they themselves come into line, they will say, 'The temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord are we.' Unless that temple is purified, cleansed, sanctified, God will not give them His presence in the temple of which they boast." . . . {3MR 264.2}
The regular structure of today does not bear the mold of heaven, and has not been purified or refined. We therefore cannot endorse these lines. Those who say "we are the church" or "The temple of the the Lord are we," must be cleansed and sancified in order for that to be true in word and in deed. Otherwise God himself will not give them his presence. How then can we? However, we love and pray for those within that structure, and recognize that there are many that are honest in heart seeking to do God's will and to obey His Word in spreading the three angel's messages.
Doesn't it create a problem having an organization not supported by mainstream adventism that uses the name of seventh day adventists?
No, it should not. This has not created a problem within the Baptists, Methodists...etc. There are several baptist organizations, all believing the same, sharing a common heritage, but with different leadership. All of which have gotten along very well over the past century. For example-the United Methodists, The Free Methodists, the Christian Methodists Episcopal, The African Methodist Episcopal, and The African Methodist Episcopal Zion churches. These are all varied organizations, yet we all generally refer to them as "the Methodist church", or "the Methodists."
Also, Jesus was confronted with this issue in his day. How did he respond?, " “We found someone who was casting out devils in your name so we told him to stop!” Jesus’ response was humbling: “Whatever you do, don’t stop him! … Whoever is not against us is for us” (Mark 9:38-40).
What is the difference between the organizational structure of the "Free Seventh-day Adventists", and the Main "Seventh-day Adventist Church"?
The main "Seventh day Adventist Church" has an hierarchy type structure (hierarchy-means "hie-Higher" and "archy" meaning "kings"), with conferences, union, divisions, and a general conference. We do not. We have a more simple form of organization adapted for today's times. In this day and time a local church can do what a conference does in many ways, including overseas missions. Cars, automobiles, planes, telephones, and the internet, makes it possible for a local church to collaborate with other churches and do what would have been impossible in 1863. Our churches follow a congregation model, which cuts down on the many layers of authorization which involves long waiting periods for the work to move forward.
Local churches in our system are autonomous, and not controlled by higher structural bodies. Why?-Because the local church is where preaching, bible study, and baptisms happen. As one pointed out, there are no baptismal pools in conference offices or committee board rooms. As in the early church, the local body under the unction of the Holy Spirit, dictates its own vision and destiny.
Ours is also smaller, and allows for easier communication. The main office in Brunswick, Georgia is the legal apparatus which welcomes members, and ensures doctrinal intergity for those entering the church. The hierarchy system with its many layers slows down and many times impedes the progress of advancing the message. This has not changed or simplified since its inception. More and more the local bodies are serving and financing the big hierarchy, and local bodies are becoming less and less important as far as the level of priority. The only change that has happened is the added layers of administrative control. We believe any of these can win people for the kingdom, we simply view our system as more efficient and biblical.
How can our church or group be a part of the Free Seventh-day Adventist Church?
You can contact us at our Eastern States office at 202-609-5514, or go to our contact page to recieve a packet and application for futher correspondence.
Where is the headquarters for your organization?
At the General Assembly of Free Seventh-day Adventists C/O Temple of Truth Free SDA Church, 1103 K St. Brunswick GA 31520. You can reach us by phone at 912-264-6682. Brunswick Georgia is just north of Jacksonville Florida.