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The Seventh-day Adventist Church is NOT The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day saints (Mormons). Please disregard those who have responded to this question from the standpoint of the LDS practice.Ellen White, her husband James and several other people were all con-founders of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. she died in 1915.During her lifetime, she was probably the most prolific writer of the SDA denomination. Her writings, as well as those of other early SDA leaders are available for purchase.A major focus of her ministry was administrative guidance to this denomination as it developed. We exist today in three (3) area primarily due to her guidance, which our early leaders believed was advice from God. Those three areas of guidance resulted in a) hospitals and health-care institutions around the world, b) educational institutions also around the world and in the c) establishment of major centers where denominational literature was published in the languages of the people.According to the official teachings of the SDA denomination, as well as the published writings of Ellen white, The Bible is the supreme authority by which all teachings, to include hers, must be judged. She is not the foundational source for the teachings of the SDA denomination. The Bible is that foundational source.If I were preaching a sermon, to an SDA audience, that went into the history of the SDA denomination and the historical development of SDA doctrines, I would likely quote from some of her writings and on some subjects, I would compare them with present SDA doctrine.If I were preaching to an non-SDA audience, I would base doctrine on the Bible.When I preach to a SDA audience, I occasionally quote from some other person. I have, on rare occasion quoted from Billy Graham. Generally I would only quote from the Bible. On rare occasions I might quote f rom a SDA author, which might include her.There are SDA clergy who do not follow the exact form of preaching that I follow.But, as by our official teaching, when SDAs call EGW a prophet, we are not placing her above the Bible, or even on the same level as the Bible. The Bible is the standard by which all teaching should b judged.

Thank you for the question, “How do you prepare before a Christian Baptism?”Christian Baptism is one public profession of one’s faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. It is a public testimony that one believes that Jesus Christ died for one’s sins and s/he desires to live the remainder of their days for the glory of God.I would suggest the following things to do before being baptized:A. Ask yourself, “Is this public profession a true statement of my inward belief in Jesus Christ as my Savior and Lord?” In other words, am I free from any compulsion by parents or peers? It is a step that I take freely and of my ow will.B. Ask yourself, “Am I ready to let Jesus Christ be the Lord of my life?” This means that I commit myself to him as a living sacrifice to do His will, not my will. (Rom. 12:1–2).C. Ask yourself, “Have I confessed my sins and am living in a right relationship and fellowship with Jesus at this moment?” I John 1:9 is a promise that God will forgive our sins if we confess them. Having or harboring sins blocks one’s fellowship with God. Thus at your baptism allow the Spirit of God to fill you and be blessed by him.D. Prepare a testimony of how you came to know the Lord. You may want to write it out as the Pastor may ask you before or after how youl can to know the Lord. He should be informing you of the baptismal procedure.E. Wear dark clothing if there’s isn’t a baptismal robe. Being wet, will make white clothing more translucent so select one’s clothing properly.F. Do not focus on the audience, but keep your eyes on Jesus the Author and Finisher of your faith. It’s not about how you look that day, but what is your heart saying to your Lord.G. Be aware that as you desire to walk with the Lord, you will be engaging in a more greater spiritual battle. Satan doesn’t want you to walk with the Lord so do expect more difficulties, but remain true to the Lord. You will be tempted by Satan or by your own desires.SUMMARY: Prepare your heart, not your appearance.

Thank you for your question on faith and doubt, “As a Christian, is it okay to have doubts in your faith?”As one reads the Old Testament, there were many persons who had doubts in regard to God’s promises to them. Doubt is unavoidable. Continually living in doubt about one’s faith needs resolution. It is not enough to acknowledge doubt, but to reflect upon the reason for one’s doubt. In other words, what is the cause for one’s doubt, the areas of doubt, and what does the Scripture says about my doubt or other Christians say about the doubt.Here are some thoughts for one’s consideration in sorting out one’s doubt:A. Is it a doubt about the existence of God?B. Is it a doubt about the works of God?C. Is it a doubt about my salvation?D. Is it a doubt about experiencing the Christian life?E. Is it doubt about the Bible itself as “inconsistencies” of Scriptures?F. Is it a doubt about Bible and science?After narrowing down the areas of doubt, then do one’s due diligence by studying the Scriptures, reading apologetic books, speak to the pastor or someone who you respect regarding your questions, and yes even to some extent on the internet. Surfing the internet, one has to be careful for not all sites are equal even Christian ones. I would encourage listening to debates and listening to how other apologetic Christians explain or defend their position. It’s knowing the pros and cons of the positions. It is being intellectual honest as well as reflecting on one’s experience with God.I believe that God is active and working in each believers life. God is in the process of transforming his children into the image of Jesus Christ (Rom. 8:28). God is active in working in one’s life and through one’s life (Phil. 1:3–6). God is not divorced/remote from our lives. He is intimately working in us even in the difficult circumstances of unanswered prayers.There is the perseverance of the faith. The Christian faith is not a “blind” faith. The world in which we live in has a different perspective that seeks to remove the existence and knowledge of God in our society. The Bible is already being contested as being true and truthful. The fundamental cornerstone of the Christian faith is the belief in the existence of God. Is there a Creator God or did the Universe come into existence without a cause or has perpetually existed?For myself, I believe there is a Creator God. It is illogical to think that the Universe came from nothingness and yet be so orderly. Design of Universe does not prove the existence of a Creator God, but it points to one. To argue that the Universe self-existed without a cause, then the alternative view of God self-existed without a cause is equally valid. One’s view of God will determine the purpose, values, and actions. Read and do one’s due diligence in understanding one’s faith.I leave you a familiar Bible chapter of Hebrews 11 of the Heroes of the Faith. Faith enables a believer to move beyond what we can see with our eyes or understand with our mind to God who created all things. “ Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. 2 This is what the ancients were commended for. 3 By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible” (NIV).SUMMARY: Having doubts or questions regarding one’s faith is normal, but do seek to resolve the questions one has regarding one’s faith. Study to show yourself approved unto God a workman who doesn’t have to be ashamed, correctly understanding and interpreting the Word of God.