im not implying anything. im flat out stating that we cannot judge another and how God possibly has dealt with them just because it doesnt fit our picture of how it should be.

i know people who stand up and give their "testimony" of having been delivered from smoking and drinking. thats great!! but apparently the demon just morphed because they have diabetes with, or without, severe obesity.

in other words, they were "supposed to" give up smoking and drinking, and that is right, but why did God give us this lesson unless it is for us to study?

the people mentioned above testify to the validity of this fact.

now if the lady you mention has just traded "vices" as in is now overeating, or not eating healthily, perhaps gently pointing out reading the desire of ages to learn of Jesus might help.

Are you contradicting yourself? Why would I gently point out that eating unhealthfully is unChristlike? Wouldn't I be judging them because their lifestyle choices do not fit my picture of how life should be lived?

In your opinion, does the following testimony reflect and reveal what the Bible and the SOP says about the path to victory and Christlikeness?

"I used to smoke dope. But when I became a Christian I gradually gave it up. Then I switched to cigarettes. I enjoyed smoking for years and then one day it occurred to me that smoking was wrong. It took several more years to quit but eventually God answered my prayers. I went from smoking three packs a day, to two packs a day, to one pack a day, and so on, until Jesus finally gave me the victory."

i didnt say that. you read that into what i did say.

im sorry if God did not work in her life according to your picture of how He should have.

The quarterly said perfect Christlikeness wasn't taught for us in the Bible, but I think it is. In the lead up to that point in the quarterly it covered other aspects of the atonement concisely & well.

Yes, Teresa, it is by highlighting Christ that the eye is sensitive to the Holy Spirit pointing out needs for reformation we're ready to face, when working with Christ, of course.

I think it can take as long as physically necessary, like that victory over narcotics, and we may only suggest improvements but not require adoption of them!

I agree Colin.

Teresaq, looks I've missed the mark again. Sorry. I didn't mean to put words in your mouth. Does your objection to what I posted indicate you disagree with it? That is, if someone you know is doing something you know is unhealthful or unChristlike, would you ignore it and simply encourage them to read the DA hoping that eventually it will become as obvious to them as it is to you?

Also, you didn't address the following question:

Amen!

how do your questions fit in this ladys testimony?

as for
you are asking for a judgment on how you understand what they are saying.

people have to find God before they find victory, otherwise its works, pure and simple. works, many times, urged on by the ignorant. Php 2:13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

if so many adventists are going to walk out the door come the sunday law, perhaps we should assume it is me that could, and start searching our soul and seeking God to find out what is in me that would lead me out the door.

thats how ive looked at it for the last 30 years or so anyway.

While perfection is taught in the Bible, I don't think sinlessness is. 1Jn 1:8 comes to mind.