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grand feast. He did not invite the people to scenes of gaiety, dancing,
and general amusement. Neither did he institute lotteries or anything
of this profane order to obtain means to erect the tabernacle of God
in the wilderness. God commanded Moses to invite the children of
Israel to bring the offerings. Moses was to accept gifts of every man
that gave willingly from his heart. These freewill offerings came in
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so great abundance that Moses proclaimed it was enough. They must
cease their presents, for they had given abundantly, more than they
could use.
Satan’s temptations succeed with the professed followers of Christ
on the point of indulgence of pleasure and appetite. Clothed as an
angel of light, he will quote Scripture to justify the temptations he
places before men to indulge the appetite, and in worldly pleasures
which suit the carnal heart. The professed followers of Christ are
weak in moral power and are fascinated with the bribe which Satan
has presented before them, and he gains the victory.
How does God look upon churches that are sustained by such
means? Christ cannot accept these offerings, because they were not
given through their love and devotion to Him but through their idolatry
of self. But what many would not do for the love of Christ they will
do for the love of delicate luxuries to gratify the appetite and for love
of worldly amusements to please the carnal heart.—
The Review and
Herald, October 13, 1874
.
Motive for Giving Is Chronicled—I was shown that the record-
ing angel makes a faithful record of every offering dedicated to God,
and put into the treasury, and also of the final result of the means thus
bestowed. The eye of God takes cognizance of every farthing devoted
to His cause and of the willingness or reluctance of the giver. The
motive in giving is also chronicled. Those self-sacrificing, consecrated
ones who render back to God the things that are His, as He requires of
them, will be rewarded according to their works.—
Testimonies for the
Church 2:518, 519
.
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