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29. Means for Proclaiming the Gospel |
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- We believe that God is the owner of the world. "The earth
is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell
therein." Psalm 24:1. He has appointed
us as His stewards. Every believer has the privilege and duty to give
the tithe of all the property and income with which God has blessed
him.
- The tithe serves to support the messengers who serve in the work of
God and to spread the gospel. Since the tithe is God's property, the
Lord regards the withholding of it as fraud. Genesis 28:22;
Nehemiah 13:10-12; Malachi 3:6-12; Matthew 23:23; Hebrews 7:4-9; 1 Corinthians
9:13, 14.
"God's plan in the tithing system is beautiful in its simplicity
and equality. All may take hold of it in faith and courage, for it is
divine in its origin. In it are combined simplicity and utility, and
it does not require depth of learning to understand and execute it.
All may feel that they can act a part in carrying forward the precious
work of salvation. Every man, woman, and youth may become a treasurer
for the Lord, and may be an agent to meet the demands upon the treasury.."
-Testimonies for the Church, vol. 3, pp. 388, 389.
"Besides the tithe the Lord demands the first fruits of all our
increase." - Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6, p. 384.
- Other offerings, such as missionary offerings, thank offerings, Sabbath
school offerings, offerings for special purposes, and offerings for
the poor, serve in the proclamation and support of the gospel work.
- With these gifts we express our deep thankfulness for God's blessings
and favor. Faithfulness and conscientiousness in paying our tithes and
offerings make it possible for us to grow in love, help us overcome
selfishness and greed, and will be rewarded with Heaven's blessing.
2 Corinthians 9:6, 7; Acts 20:35.
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IMS Beliefs 
