The TRUTH book Volume 1 (PDF) - For My People Ministry

Chapter Seven - Linda Kirk 309forever shut out from the congregation of His people. See Deuteronomy23:3-6. In defiance of this word, the high priest had cast out the offeringsstored in the chamber of God's house, to make a place for thisrepresentative of a proscribed race. Greater contempt for God could nothave been shown than to confer such a favor on this enemy of God andHis truth.On returning from Persia, Nehemiah learned of the bold profanationand took prompt measures to expel the intruder. "It grieved me sore," hedeclares; "therefore I cast forth all the household stuff of Tobiah out ofthe chamber. Then I commanded, and they cleansed the chambers: andthither brought I again the vessels of the house of God, with the meatoffering and the frankincense."Not only had the temple been profaned, but the offerings had beenmisapplied. This had tended to discourage the liberalities of the people.They had lost their zeal and fervor, and were reluctant to pay their tithes.The treasuries of the Lord's house were poorly supplied; many of thesingers and others employed in the temple service, not receivingsufficient support, had left the work of God to labor elsewhere.Nehemiah set to work to correct these abuses. He gathered togetherthose who had left the service of the Lord's house, "and set them in theirplace." This inspired the people with confidence, and all Judah brought"the tithe of the corn and the new wine and the oil." Men who "werecounted faithful" were made "treasurers over the treasuries," "and theiroffice was to distribute unto their brethren."If the Conference failed to follow Nehemiah’s example, then according to EllenWhite’s example, supporting godly ministers directly would be appropriate. Wedo not believe that godly pastors would be without a job, because there wouldeither be godly people who would support them or they would find secularemployment. God would provide, just as we see from the previous quote asfollows: “. . . many of the singers and others employed in the temple service,not receiving sufficient support, had left the work of God to labor elsewhere.”For further details on tithe, please refer to chapter 1.2 Timothy 4:3For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; butafter their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, havingitching ears.The Review and Herald, August 11, 1903In this time evil angels in the form of men will talk with those whoknow the truth. They will misinterpret and misconstrue the statements ofthe messengers of God.The General Conference Bulletin, April 2, 1903I know that we are our worst enemies when we listen to thesuggestions of the enemy. Let us not allow the truth, the precious,sanctifying truth of God, to pass by without our laying hold upon it. Weare to be sanctified by the truth. The Lord will help us if we will buthumble our hearts before Him, and accept Him as our personal Saviour.