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February 20, 2011

Ellen G. White's Outrageous Teachings on Tithe Paying


compiled by

Dennis J. Fischer


  • If you don't pay tithe God may strike your favorite horse or cow dead
  • If you don't pay tithe God won't bless you
  • If you don't pay tithe you are not worthy of prayer when sick
  • If you don't pay tithe you may not get to heaven
  • If you don't pay tithe God may not answer your prayers
  • If you don't pay tithe you lie to the Holy Ghost
  • If you don't pay tithe it is recorded in heavenly record
  • If you don't pay tithe you must confess sin and pay up
  • If you don't have money for food you must endure privation and pay tithe first 
  • If you don't pay tithe you don't trust God and may fall into your grave
  • If you don't pay tithe heavenly record shows you are an embezzler
  • If you don't pay tithe you are not worthy of eternal life
  • If you don't pay tithe you will be cursed by God
  • If you don't pay tithe you will be poverty stricken
  • If you don't pay tithe the Lord will reduce your income
  • If you don't pay tithe you will receive a curse
  • If you do pay tithe you will receive a blessing
  • If you don't pay tithe you shouldn't be called a Christian
  • If you don't pay back tithes you will be cursed of God
  • Even young children are commanded to pay tithe
  • If a Christian has $10,000.00 or $20,000.00 he should pay a "sin offering"
Seventh-day Adventist prophetess and co-founder, Ellen G. White, warns what will happen if members do not faithfully pay ten percent tithe:

If you don't pay tithe God may strike your favorite horse or cow dead

"Those who are selfishly withholding their means, need not be surprised if God's hand scatters.  That which should have been devoted to the advancement of the work and cause of God, but which has been withheld, may be intrusted to a reckless son, and he may squander it.  A fine horse, the pride of a vain heart, may be found dead in the stable. Occasionally, a cow may die. Losses of fruit or other crops may come..."  Testimonies, Vol. 2, p. 661

If you don't pay tithe God won't bless you

"There are many who will not be blessed until they make restitution of the tithe which they have withheld. God is waiting for you to redeem the past." Counsels on Stewardship, p. 87

If you don't pay tithe church members should not pray for you when sick

"We should first find out if the sick one has been withholding tithes or has made trouble in the church."  Healthful Living, p. 121 "Prayer for the Sick"

If you don't pay tithe you may not get to heaven

"When we rob God we rob ourselves also.  We give up the heavenly treasure for the sake of having more on this earth.  This is a loss that we cannot afford to sustain."  Testimonies, Vol. 5, p. 272

If you don't pay tithe God may not answer your prayers

"As the Giver of every good blessing, God claims a certain portion of all we possess.  This His provision to sustain the preaching of the gospel. And by making this return to God, we are to show our appreciation for His gifts. But if we withhold from Him that which is His own, how can we claim His blessing?  If we are unfaithful stewards of earthly things, how can we expect Him to entrust us with the things of heaven?  It may be that here is the secret of unanswered prayer."  Christ's Object Lessons, p. 144

"...there are those who are guilty of the same sin as Ananias and Sapphira, thinking that if they withhold a portion of what God claims in the tithing system, the brethern will never know. Thus through the guilty couple whose example is given us as a warning...In keeping back part of the price, they lied to the Holy Ghost.  Guilt likewise rests upon every individual in proportion to like offenses."  Testimonies, Vol. 4, pp. 469, 470

If you don't pay tithe unfaithfulness is written in heavenly record

"The man who has been unfortunate, and finds himself in debt, should not take the Lord's portion to cancel his debts to his fellow-men.  He should consider that in these transactions he is being tested, and that in reversing the Lord's portion for his own use he is robbing the Giver. He is a debtor to God for all he has, but he becomes a double debtor when he uses the Lord's reserved fund in paying debts to human beings. "Unfaithfulness to God" is written against his name in the books of heaven.  Testimonies, Vol. 6, p. 391

If you haven't been paying tithe you must confess your sin and pay up

"As the sin of robbing God was presented, the people received clearer views of their duty and privilege in this matter.  One brother said that for two years he had not paid his tithes, and he was in despair; but as he confessed his sin, he began to gather hope:  'What shall I do?' he asked.  I said, 'Give your note to the treasurer of the church; that will be businesslike.'  He thought that was a rather strange request; but he sat down and began to write...'For value received. Have I not been receiving the blessings of God day after day?  Have not angels guarded me? Has not the Lord blessed me...?  For value received, I promise to pay the sum of $571.50."  Counsels on Stewardship, p. 95

Ministers must never touch tithe money in emergency even if they intend to repay

"Some have been at fault in diverting from the altar of God that which has been especially dedicated to Him.  All should regard this matter in the right light. Let no one, when brought into a straight place, take money consecrated to religious purposes, and use it for his own advantage, soothing his conscience by saying that he will repay it at some future time. Far better cut down on expenses to correspond with the income, to restrict the wants, and live within the means, than to use the Lord's money for secular purposes...The portion that God has reserved for Himself is not be diverted to any other purpose than that which He has specified. Let none feel at liberty to retain their tithe, to use according to their own judgment. They are not to use for themselves in an emergency,  not to apply it as they see fit, even in what they may regard as the Lord's work.  The minister should, by precept and example, teach the people to regard the tithe as sacred. He should not feel that he can retain and apply it according to his own judgment, because he is a minister.  It is not his..."  Testimonies, Vol. 9, p. 247

Even young children are commanded to pay tithe

"Teach Children to Pay Tithe and Offerings--Not only does the Lord claim the tithe as His own, but He tells how it should be reserved for Him. He says, "Honor the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase.' This does not teach that we are to spend our means on ourselves and bring to the Lord the remnant, even though it should be otherwise an honest tithe.  Let God's portion be first set apart.  The directions given through the Holy Spirit through the Apostle Paul is in regard to gifts presenting a principle that applies also to tithing.  'Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him.' Parents and children are here included."  The Adventist Home, page 389

If you don't have money for food you must endure privation and pay tithe first

"Many, oh, so many, among believers have scarcely food enough to eat, yet in their deep poverty, they bring their tithes and offerings to the Lord's treasury. Many who know what it is to sustain the cause of God in hard and trying circumstances have invested means in the publishing house.  They have willingly endured hardships and privation, and have watched and prayed for the success of the cause. Their gifts and sacrifices express the fervent gratitude and praise of their hearts to Him who called them out of darkness into His marvelous light.  No more fragrant influence can ascend to heaven.  Their prayers and their alms come in a memorial before God." Selected Messages, Vol. 2, p. 212

If you don't pay tithe you don't trust God and may fall into your grave

"The covetous are among us... They are withholding and robbing God, for they are fearful they shall come to want.  They dare not trust God. This is one of the reasons that, as a people, we are so sickly, and so many are falling into their graves."  Testimonies, Vol. 2, p. 199

If you don't pay tithe the records in heaven show you are an embezzler

"All that is withheld of that which God claims, the tenth of the increases, is recorded in the books of heaven as robbery against Him. Such defraud their Creator; and then this sin of neglect is brought before them, it is not enough for them to change their course and begin to work from that time upon the right principle.  This will not correct figures made in the heavenly record for embezzling the property committed to them in trust to be returned to the Lender.  Repentance for unfaithful dealing with God, and for base ingratitude, is required."  Testimonies, Vol. 3., p. 394

If you don't pay tithe you will not be worthy of everlasting life

"Our heavenly Father bestows gifts and solicits a portion back, that He may test us whether we are worthy to have the gift of everlasting life."  Testimonies, Vol. 3, p. 408

If you don't pay back tithes you will be cursed of God

"Let the neglected tithes be now brought in. Let the new year open upon you as men honest in their dealing with God.  Let those that have withheld their tithes send them in before the year...shall close, that they may be right with God, and never, never again run any risk of being cursed by God." Testimonies to Ministers, p. 306

If you don't pay tithe you will be poverty stricken

"It is not returning to God His own that makes men poor; it is withholding that tends to poverty."  Testimonies, Vol. 6, p. 449

If you don't pay tithe the Lord will reduce your income

"I call upon our brethern to cease their robbery of God...The Lord sometimes opens the eyes blinded by selfishness by simply reducing their income to the amount they are willing to give...In many cases God tests man with blessings, and if unfaithfulness is manifested in rendering to Him tithe and offerings, His blessing is withdrawn."  Testimonies, Vol. 4., p. 484

If you don't pay tithe you will receive a curse--if you do you will be blessed

"But while He pronounces a blessing upon those who bring in their tithes, He pronounces a curse upon those who withhold them.  Very recently I had direct light from the Lord upon this question, that many Seventh-day Adventists are robbing God in tithes and offerings."  Testimonies to Ministers, p. 60

If you don't pay tithe you shouldn't be called a Christian

"Nothing but utter inability to pay can excuse one in neglecting to meet promptly his obligations to the Lord.  Indifference in this matter shows that you are in blindness and deception, and are unworthy of the Christian name."  Testimonies, Vol. 4, p. 476

STATEMENTS BY SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST LEADERS REGARDING MANDATORY TITHING:

The leaders warn "The tithe is not ours to tinker with."

"Church officers and church elders and other officers and institutional leaders are to recognize it as a principle of the leadership of God's work, that a good example be set in the matter of tithe-paying.  No one is to continue as either a church officer or conference worker who does not conform to this standard of leadership...The tithe is not ours to tinker with." Pacific Union Recorder, December 21, 1981;  "Let Me Answer Your Questions About Tithe," by Elder Walden, Treasurer

SDA credentialed employees must pay tithe and submit to tithe audit

"The 1985 Annual Council has revised the North American Division tithe policy (D-55-20).  It mandates that it become a clear condition of employment to all credentialed church employees that they pay tithe, permit the auditing of their tithe records, 'require their dismissal if they do not pay tithe, after persuasion fails..."  Limboline, December 6, 1986

SDA leaders insist members sell property or get bank loan to repay back tithe

"Paying Back Tithe...If we have been delinquent in returning God's tithe, we should consider our best possible approach should be in making restoration and then religiously do something about it...Some may choose to add specified extra amount in their regular tithe each week or month...Others may choose to sell a piece of property or go to the bank, as one dear sister did, when she remembered that she had never returned $2,000.00 tithe on a house she had inherited from her family..."  "It's Square Up Time" from a small pamphlet "Time to Tithe" published by the Department of Stewardship and Development, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

SDA leaders tell members they will be more spiritual if they pay tithe

"Nearly all offerings are neatly organized into three parts:  World Mission Budget, Conference Budget, and Local Church Budget.  Of course, tithe is not an offering and is returned before we give any offerings...Ellen White points out that 'Those churches who are the most systematic and liberal in sustaining the cause of God are the most prosperous spiritually..."  Pacific Union Recorder, June 1, 1981

EGW AND "SIN OFFERINGS"

"If a Christian has ten or twenty thousand dollars, God's claims are imperative upon him, not only to give his proportion according to the tithing system, but to present his sin offering and thank offerings to God." ("The Claims of Mrs. EGW As Stated By Herself"  Tract No. 1, p. 16)  See also: Testimonies, Vol. 1, pp. 390, 391, 394, 405, 510



courtesy of

DENNIS FISCHER MINISTRIES
Worldwide Chaplaincy Services
E-mail:  dfministries@gmail.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/dfministries






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HOW TO FIND A CHURCH THAT MATCHES YOUR THEOLOGICAL CRITERIA

by Dennis J. Fischer

Christians truly need each other.  Our spiritual growth is greatly decelerated by trying to go it alone. Most of the things we learn in life we learn from others.  Moreover, as Christ-followers, we shine our brightest in fellowship with like believers.  We thrive best with ongoing discipleship and encouragement. The writer of Hebrews admonishes us:  "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful;  and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the day drawing near" (Heb. 10:23-25 NASB).


It is somewhat awkward and sometimes even frightening for former Seventh-day Adventists to venture out to find a church family. Many former Adventists, having never needed to church shop before, can waste a lot of time in this important endeavor.  After all, we are often not familiar with the theological landscape in our community.  Are there any shortcuts in this process?  How many churches do I need to visit before making a decision to become a member?  Some churches do not have formal membership requirements to be active participants. Is it really possible to find a church in a small community that fits one's theological criteria? Unfortunately, after repeated attempts of finding a solid, Bible-believing church, some have needlessly given up in utter despair and disappointment.


Without any doubt, if there really is a perfect church out there somewhere, it would certainly no longer be perfect by my presence. On the other hand, we have a sacred responsibility to embrace sound doctrine.  While we don't want to major in minors like we used to, we have diligently prayed and studied our way this far and don't want to fail in our quest for finding a church family where we can feel both comfortable and challenged at the same time.  Above all, continue to pray for the Lord to direct you in finding a new church home. For a former Adventist, the church selection process can feel akin to a scary spiritual free-fall.  Indeed, we serve a prayer-answering God.


If we have children, we should be concerned about children's and youth ministries as well. Fortunately, most churches today have websites that are most helpful in finding what they believe and what they feature and/or emphasize in their ministries.  To avoid the need of visiting every church in your city or neighborhood, it is often helpful to contact a favorite seminary or Bible college instead.  Their placement office will gladly tell you where their graduates are now serving as pastors.


If that doesn't work for you, then make a few phone calls to senior pastors in your area. Ask them about their beliefs before visiting their church.  When visiting, be sure to speak to the pastor.  If the theology fits, be sure to complete their welcome class.  This orientation will be most helpful in getting acquainted with your new church family. Fortunately, I live in a larger city and have many choices.  


If you live in a small town or in a rural area, you may need to find a church a few miles down the road or even in the next town. Driving a few extra miles for better youth programs is a wise thing to do. The same holds true for theological compatibility.   All in all, by contacting your favorite seminary or Bible college, you can usually shortcut the process of church shopping. Most importantly, pray earnestly that God will bless you with a wonderful church family. In most communities, you will not have merely one choice but several options.


Amazingly, in my own experience, I overlooked the best match in town for several years.  In regard to finding a Bible-believing pastor, John MacArthur rightly stated that "The measure of a pastor is not how clever or how interesting he is, but how well he guards truth." Admittedly, it was well worth shopping for, but I regret not having found my church family many years earlier.  In truth, however,  I may not have been ready earlier.  I had many things to learn and to unlearn. Thankfully, our awesome, sovereign God will not allow His people to remain unsettled perpetually. Only God knows why we were allowed to be a part of a false gospel for so long. Through God's amazing, saving grace, He didn't leave us where He found us. To God alone belongs all the honor, glory, and praise!  Soli Deo Gloria!


Moreover, in my case, it was purely a theological decision because our children are now adults, and they now have their own needs and preferences. Furthermore, I realize that our sovereign God sometimes allows us to learn extra things in preparation for finding our favorite church family. Apparently, some families must think the Sunday church service is like a convention—sending just one delegate. Oh yes, don't forget to attend and participate in an adult education class each week at your new church as well.  May God abundantly bless your quest for Biblical truth and your search for a church home.



ON A CHURCH PLAQUE

Enter this door
As if the floor
Within were gold;
And every wall
Of jewels all
Of wealth untold;
As if a choir
In robes of fire
Were singing here;
Nor shout nor rush
But hush...
For God is here.