Finance
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consecrate to God not merely a part but all our holiday gifts for the
relief of His cause, which is in so great need? How can we more
appropriately celebrate the coming Christmas, how better express our
gratitude to God for the gift of His dear Son, than by offerings to send
to all the world the tidings of His soon coming?—
The Review and
Herald, December 6, 1887
.
Local Church
Tithe is not to be used to care for the house of worship—“Thou
shalt command the children of Israel that they bring thee pure olive oil,
beaten, for the light, to cause the lamp to burn always.” This was to be
a continual offering that the house of God might be properly supplied
with that which was necessary for His service. His people today are to
remember that the house of worship is God’s property and that it is to
be scrupulously cared for. But the funds for this work are not to come
from the tithe. The tithe is to be used for one purpose—to sustain the
ministers whom the Lord has appointed to do His work. It is to be
used to support those who speak the words of life to the people, and
carry the burden of the flock of God.—
Manuscript Releases 7:135
.
Israelites contributed to “church expense”—Provision was also
made to support the public worship of God. In addition to the tithe the
congregation pledged themselves to contribute yearly a stated sum for
[262]
the service of the sanctuary.—
Prophets and Kings, 667
.
Ministers Need Some Financial Ability
Ministers need business ability if they are to deal wisely with
their churches—A man who has no business tact may make a minis-
ter, but he will lack qualifications that every minister must possess in
order to deal wisely in the church and build up the cause. But when
a minister is good in the pulpit, and, like Elder Hull, fails in man-
agement, he should never go out alone. Another should go with him
to supply his lack and manage for him.—
Testimonies for the Church
1:441
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To win souls, ministers should show their ingenuity in business
lines—There is a necessity of ministers using their powers of ingenuity,
that they may not be unskillful in the Word, and may show their