Q: Recently, a guest preacher came to our church. He focused heavily on emotions, instead of God’s Word. I realized how easily I could be swayed from my faith if I didn’t know what the Bible teaches. He’s part of an Adventist ministry that doesn’t include prophecy or the sanctuary in their presentations, explaining that they focus on “Christ-centered” teachings. What is your perspective on this? — Coleen, from the Philippines
A: Coleen, I wonder what could be more Christ-centered than the prophecies found in Daniel and Revelation — prophecies that foretold Christ’s first advent and that point to His Second Coming? And the biblical teaching of Christ being our High Priest, serving in our behalf in the heavenly sanctuary is completely centered in Christ — what He has done for us, what He is currently doing, and what He will do.
In fact, all 28 of our Fundamental Beliefs as Seventh-day Adventists center on Christ, as He is the “author and finisher of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2). Here is a PDF with a complete list of our Fundamental Beliefs.
Coleen, you are right to base your beliefs not on emotion, but on the Bible alone. The Bible is clear that it is the standard for determining truth.
“To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them” (Isaiah 8:20, NKJV).
Continue to stay close to God, reading His Word every day and growing in Him. I also encourage you to strengthen others in their walk with the Lord, pointing them to His Word as the solid rock upon which to build their faith.