Pastor Larre Kostenko stands amazed at the incredible love of God,
demonstrated in both His justice and His mercy. He loves nothing more
than teaching, preaching, and writing about the everlasting gospel of
the three angel's messages.
THE GREAT CONTROVERSY AND CHURCH AUTHORITY
Weakness and indecision in addressing spiritual rebellion are never justifiable. But too often, in the struggle against apostasy in the church, it is assumed that because ungodly leaders at times overstep their rightful authority and use bullying tactics against the godly, that godly leaders are therefore justified in using the same tactics against the ungodly.
Read MoreSOLID AS A ROCK
The prophecies found in the books of Daniel and Revelation are absolutely reliable. By the accuracy of their fulfillment in the past, we can rest assured that what is predicted for the future will also be fulfilled.
Read MoreTHE CHURCH OR THE STATE: WHICH SHOULD WE FEAR MOST?
Despite the fear so dominant just now in many conservative Christian circles, even some Adventists, the inspired pen never predicts a coming dominance of the church by secular government.
Read MoreCAN LABELS BE AVOIDED?
Despite their inadequacy, labels are unavoidable. But when in the spiritual realm we find ourselves using them, it behooves us to employ grace, understanding, and a listening ear. If at all possible, labels which offend should be avoided. What is most imperative for the Christian to understand is that while compromise and the quest for a middle ground may be prudent in the play of secular ideas—politics in particular—such a quest is most unwise when faithfulness to the inspired Word is at stake.
Read MoreWHAT TO MAKE OF [MICHIGAN] HOUSE BILL 4474
Contrary to what some have alleged, the bill in question does not threaten Constitutionally protected speech. In the bill’s own language, speaking of the intimidation it prohibits: “Intimidate does not include constitutionally protected activity or conduct that serves a legitimate purpose.” http://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/2023-2024/billengrossed/House/pdf/2023-HEBH-4474.pdf
Read MoreKINDNESS WITHOUT TRUTH
Unless transcendent divine revelation is the basis of kindness, the latter can become little more than a passing fad, subject to the slings and arrows of life and culture like any other expression of the human spirit.
Read MoreWHEN---AND WHEN NOT---TO CRY "ICHABOD!"
Giving up too soon is often a problem for would-be reformers. Understanding the role of testing truths in the experience of the faith community, together with the imperative of maximum effort and total trust in God to aid in the pursuit of revival and reformation, must inform and attend the work of the striving faithful in God’s last-day church.
Read MoreRELIGIOUS LIBERTY AND THE U.S. SUPREME COURT: 2023
Key decisions just announced by the U.S. Supreme Court go far in putting the lie to the notion, so popular just now among religio-political conservatives in America, that the legal establishment of this country is on a rampage to persecute Christians.
Read MoreIS LITERATURE DISTRIBUTION JUST A WASTE OF TIME AND TREES?
It doesn’t seem to have occurred to a good many “progressive” Adventists that with the world in so much chaos just now, with natural disasters multiplying and humanity giving increasingly paltry evidence of any ability to solve its own problems, that literature showing the hand of God in history and the latter’s trajectory toward a triumphant climax holds an appeal that their personal grievances against the faith of their upbringing prevent them from acknowledging.
Read MoreSTATEMENT OF THE GENERAL CONFERENCE REGARDING LOCALLY-SPONSORED ACTIVITIES PROMOTING OR SUPPORTING NON-BIBLICAL HUMAN SEXUALITY LIFESTYLES
The General Conference affirms the voted statements on human sexuality, homosexuality, and transgenderism published by the Seventh-day Adventist Church and does not support, endorse, or condone activities that seek to promote human sexuality behaviors not in accordance with God’s Word.
Read MoreSINFUL? YES. FINAL TEST? NO.
While it is imperative that we condemn evil in all its forms, including the LGBT lifestyle, the ultimate test that will face God’s people and the whole of humanity will not be sexual perversion or the legalization thereof, but rather, a professedly Christian power that will purport to bring the world back to God through civil enactments.
Read MoreTHE BLOOD OF JESUS: FORGIVING, TRANSFORMING, OR BOTH?
One of the strangest ideas floating around certain circles of contemporary Adventism is the notion that Last Generation Theology—the belief that God is waiting for a people perfected through heaven’s power so that Jesus can return—somehow denies the efficacy of the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross.
Read MoreWHO'S GOING TO LEAVE THE SDA CHURCH?
Some of those shaken out during the final crisis may surprise us.
Read MoreWHEN THE LORD BRINGS BACK HIS OWN
Let us each attend our Lord in His search for His straying sheep. And when even one is found and brought back, let us never fail to rejoice.
Read MorePRETERIST FOLLY
While the worldwide Seventh-day Adventist movement studies the three angels’ messages of Revelation 14, certain voices among us would have us adopt a localized interpretation of this pivotal Bible passage, an understanding which they can’t even identify, much less define.
Read MoreNEW ISSUES INVOLVING RELIGIOUS LIBERTY AND THE TEN COMMANDMENTS
It is one thing to permit public schools to display religious documents, whether one holds such permission to be constitutional or not. It is entirely different for the state to require that such documents be conspicuously posted in taxpayer-owned, taxpayer-funded institutions.
Read MoreSIGNS, WONDERS, AND THE SECOND BEAST OF REVELATION 13
If in the foreseeable future America loses its economic might and thus also its military and political power, how can it achieve what is outlined in Revelation 13 and Daniel 11?
Read MoreTHE DOWNWARD MARCH
It’s no longer just Ellen White and our distinctive teachings under attack anymore. It’s the Bible itself—the very foundation of Christian faith and practice—that is now being disputed by certain professed Adventists.
Read MoreGod's Holy Word, His Spirit of Prophecy, and His Mission
The following sermon was delivered by Elder Ted Wilson at the Hold the Line symposium sponsored by Amazing Facts at the Granite Bay Seventh-day Adventist Church in northern California.
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