UnTied Universe

A friend of mine recently told me that a preacher came to his church and asked the youth why they were Adventists. One of the youth replied, "Because I love Jesus," to which the preacher replied "Yeah, well the Pentecostals love Jesus too. Next!" Some where undoubtedly impressed by the preachers candid approach. Frankly, I was disappointed. However, this experience was certainly good for one thing: It encouraged me to ask myself the question, "Why am I an Adventist?"I know why I am a Christian. It is because I love Jesus. And I "love him because he fist loved [me]" (1 John 4:19). But all sincere Christians, regardless of denomination, love Jesus - so is this a good enough reason to also be an Adventist? Or am I supposed to have a more profound and eloquent response? Is the cross not good enough grounds to be an Adventist? As I thought about this I was reminded that the only element that separates one denomination from another is their understanding of the story of scripture which I call their God-story. So if I am an Adventist it must be because I find our understanding of the God-story to be the most logical and rational of any other denomination. However, the problem I have with that statement are the following nouns: understanding, logical, and rational. All of these nouns describe an intellectual and factual reason for being Adventist. And while I believe in the intellectual aspect of spirituality I also believe in the emotional and experiential. So why am I an Adventist? Trending Prophets of the Seventh Day Adventist ChurchEllen G. White according to the SDA Church (1863) is the denominations Prophet. She herself claims to be a messenger from God. Testimonies to Ministers p475 says 'Elijah is to come and when HE comes... Self-proclaimed Prophet Victor Houteff (1929) Davidian Seventh Day Adventist, Self-proclaimed Prophet Benjamin Roden (1960)and Self-proclaimed Prophet Lois Roden (1979) Branch Davidians, Self-proclaimed Prophet Vernon Howell aka David Koresh (1990) Branch, Koreshites.The Three Denominational SimilaritiesAround the time of the mid 1800's a couple of other denominations sprang up. The Jehovah Witnesses and the Mormons each claim to have prophets. The Jehovah Witness (1870's late) had - Charles Taze Russell and Judge Rutherford. The Mormons (1820) - Joseph Smith (died 1844) followed by Brigham Young.Again all three denominations have some things in common, they all have prophets, health reform, chastity reform and visions, but also all three have cultish behavior as well.For example the JW's believed Christ is to return in 1914 (first event did not occur as World War 1 broke out), E.G. White along with the Millerite movement believed that Christ was to return sometime in 1844, first time setting didn't eventuate and then it was reset to Oct 1844 around the time of the Jewish (Yom Kippur). None of the above events happened with regards to the advent of Christ.E.G White believed that probation was closed for the World, later to still believe this, until late into her ministry, dispelled it.The JW's have the 7 volumes of 'the studies of the scriptures' the final book 'the finished mystery' written by Taze Russell plus other extensive books written by him and later by Judge Rutherford.The Adventist have the Spirit of Prophecy 'Testimonies to the church' 9 volumes plus additional writings of E.G. White and James White and other SDA Authors.The Mormons have 'the book of Mormon', the Doctrine in Covenant and the 'Pearl of Great Price'Let it be known that we are talking about 'Truth and Error' as Satan would have it thus, so even in all these writings from all three denominations there are elements of 'Truth' but as for these messengers, are they 'Prophets'? Walther Martin an Evangelical does not make claim that the 'Seventh Day Adventist Church is a Cult' but when interviewed on the John Ankerberg show he had reservations due to proposed questions not being answered satisfactorily by the Speaker for the 'Seventh Day Adventist Church' on fundamental Church doctrine.The bible states that the Spirit of Prophecy is the Testimony of Jesus Christ (Rev 12:17) and (Rev 19:10)The book of RevelationThe book of Revelation written by John the Apostle was a book written and completed around 95AD and was written on the isle of Patmos. The book can be defended as canonical by Justin Martyr (c. 100-165 AD) who was acquainted with Polycarp, who had been mentored by John, although it wasn't sure if it was going to be included in the Canon. It was the last book to be canonized.