The theory that Biblical salvation involves no proactive human effort beyond passive belief and a surrender process best defined as “letting go and letting God” remains enormously popular in certain circles of contemporary Adventism.  Even among theologically conservative church members this notion persists, often to an alarming rate. 

Those in contemporary Adventism who adhere to Biblical faithfulness regarding the issues of human sexuality must certainly rejoice at the outcome of the recent Methodist General Conference session in St. Louis.  But due to earlier concessions by so many in the United Methodist Church regarding higher criticism, theological liberalism in general, and women’s ordination in particular, the struggle to hold the line on the sexuality issues will be vastly harder in that community than it might otherwise be.

Part 3: Original Headship.

Whatever lures our hearts from strict faithfulness to the counsel of God is most assuredly a distraction from the mission of the church.  But such distractions are not unimportant.  They merit the loving but firm corrective hand of Christ's body.

Part 2: Divine Principles of Leadership.

The unbalanced focus of so many in contemporary Adventism on the perils of extreme spiritual rigidity as distinct from the opposite peril, is reflected to a large degree in the disproportionate focus of some on certain episodes in denominational history to the neglect of others.

Part 1: Foundation Principles

In our present context, in which church authority and unity are being challenged in various quarters of the denomination relative to the ordination question, it is imperative that our people understand the simple truths of God’s written counsel which undergird the thrice-rendered decision of the worldwide Adventist body on this subject.

In the refrain of the song “Standing By a Purpose True,” the author (Philip Bliss) sings, “Dare to be a Daniel!” In fact, the desire to be a Daniel is a necessity in the life of every heaven-bound Christian.

Destructive belief systems and thought patterns will abound in our world till the end comes.  All of these will have to be met and opposed on the basis of God's Word.  But our prophetic scenario need not—indeed, cannot—be changed to accomplish this.