Daniela grew up a Protestant, but turned away from the faith and eventually slipped into esotericism after a severe bout of pneumonia. But God intervened and saved her.
===
Music in this video:
Title: Beautiful Dreamer
Artist: Stephen FosterArr. Stefano Civetta (PRS)
Album: Bedtime Stories 3412
Publisher: Audio Network Limited
Title: Belle Of The Ball
Artist: Paul Mottram
Album: Solo Piano, Classical 1062
Publisher: Audio Network Limited
Transcript
From atheism in search of answers
I grew up Protestant, but was an atheist for almost twenty years. My life felt like I was stuck in deep snow – with no clear path ahead of me. I dimly remembered the biblical promise: “He who seeks me will find me.”
In disbelief, I prayed one last time: “Show yourself if you really exist.” Two weeks later, I fell seriously ill with pneumonia and was convinced that this was proof against the existence of God. In search of help, I finally turned to esotericism.
Encounters with mediums and my entry into esotericism
I visited three different mediums, even though I knew that the Bible warned against it. The first woman knew an amazing amount of details about my life – things she couldn’t possibly know. She told me about reincarnation and tried to get me to contact the deceased.
I continued my search and visited a second medium to verify her statements. This one also knew a lot about me and confirmed the content of the first session.
I also wanted to see a third medium, although I had the strong inner impression that I shouldn’t go. But curiosity and stubbornness won out – and it turned out to be a shocking experience.
Confrontation with the dark
The third medium was hostile towards me right from the start. When I mentioned Jesus, her aura changed abruptly: her eyes turned black and she insulted me violently. She predicted bad things about illness and misfortune and only let me go after a long tirade.
On leaving the house, she called after me: “I’m letting you go!” – a sentence that shook me to the core.
Returning to the Bible and searching for truth
These experiences led me back to the Bible. I began to study it intensively, especially questions about death and the afterlife. I finally came across Adventist content and thoroughly examined whether its teachings were really biblically sound.
It was important to me that no pagan symbols or human traditions took precedence over the Word of God. I found no such elements among the Adventists, so I decided to attend their Bible study group.
A sister later told me that they had even prayed for me in the church so that I would not discover any pagan symbols – because I was very sensitive to this. God showed me that you have to come clean and put aside human traditions in order to truly follow Him.
Why pagan symbols are a problem
I later realized how difficult conversations with people of other faiths become when there are Christmas trees or other symbols in churches. These things are difficult to justify biblically.
The Bible clearly says not to make an image or place pagan objects next to the altar. For me, it is crucial to always be able to justify actions biblically – not through tradition or personal opinion.
When we decide for ourselves what we take from God’s word, we create our own religion. But God wants our best, and his word is our foundation.
Genuine discipleship instead of compromise
My strong adherence to God’s commandments is not radicalism. It is the result of my experiences. I have seen the other side – the dark, destructive side of esotericism – and know how difficult it was to get away from it.
I want to encourage other Christians: don’t see the things of Satan as harmless decoration. When you turn to Jesus, do it one hundred percent. Only then can true deliverance happen.
I was saddened when I later realized that worldly or pagan elements are increasingly appearing in some churches. These things make Christians lukewarm and distract them from the essentials. It’s about life and death – not about traditions.
Biblical basis instead of human tradition
The Bible repeatedly warns against human commandments, traditions and objects that have their origins in pagan sun worship. Even if such things have been “Christianized”, their origin remains the same.
Just because an object is interpreted differently does not automatically make it sacred. God wants us to keep ourselves unspotted from the world and not compromise.
The meaning of the second commandment
The second commandment forbids idols and any images to which one could prostrate oneself. Some Christians argue that they do not worship Christmas trees or symbols. But the question is: why set up something that God does not want?
A simple, pure worship service does not need any aids. The Christmas season can be used to reach people through literature or conversations – but in the life of faith, we don’t need crutches. God wants us to follow him in simplicity.
Closing words: Why I live a convinced Adventist life
I am convinced that the Adventist Church is the right church because it is faithful to God’s Word. Traditions are not placed above the Bible, and efforts are made to maintain a pure foundation from God’s Word.
In my experience, I would like to encourage people to follow God uncompromisingly and to separate themselves completely from esoteric and pagan influences.
