Occupy Till I Come -...

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Occupy Till I Come

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PRESIDENT’S WELCOME REMARKS

Christian greetings !

It is my personal joy that God has given us

another time as His people to meet with Him

at this year’s campmeeting.I want to

congratulate and thank you for coming. As

you gather at this important meeting I pray

that you be revived and never go back

home the same.

Our Theme this year is: Occupy till I come

(Luke 19:13). May this theme challenge us

to be involved in mission and labour in

God’s vineyard.. E G White says….Every one who has received

the divine illumination, is to brighten the pathway of those who

know not the Light of life. To every one work has been allotted, and

no one can be a substitute for another. Each one has a mission of

wonderful importance, which he cannot neglect or ignore, as the

fulfilment of it involves the weal of some soul, and the neglect of it

the woe of one for whom Christ died. We should all be workers

together with God. No idlers are acknowledged as His servants. The

members of the church should individually feel that the life and

prosperity of the church are affected by their course of action.

Every soul whom Christ has rescued is called to work in His name

for the saving of the lost. This work had been neglected in Israel. It

is not neglected today by those who profess to be Christ's

followers?--Christ's Object Lessons, p. 191. {Christian Service

page 10 paragraph 6}

There is something for everyone to do. Every soul that believes the

truth is to stand in his lot and place. Lets occupy till He come.

About these meetings E G White says-It has been shown that our

campmeetings are to increase in interest and success. As we

PastorT C Rukuni

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approach nearer to the end, l have seen that in these meetings there

will be less preaching and more bible study. There will be little

groups all over the ground with their bibles in their hands and

different ones leading out in a free, conservational study of the

scriptures.(Testimonies volume 6 page 87 paragraph 4).I encourage

you to spent much time in bible studies-How best can I occupy till

He comes.

Thursday is set aside for prayer and fasting .Mathew 11:28-Come to

me, all you who are weary and burdened and l will give you rest. l

pray that we receive rest from God through the prayer and fasting

programme. Let’s also remember the projects by the conference

which must be finished, the clinics, the boarding schools and the

conference offices as we pray.

Let’s prepare for the campmeeting offering to be collected on

Sabbath. Deutronomy 16:16-17,Three times a year all man shall

appear before the Lord your God at the place he will choose, at the

feast of unleavened bread, the feast of weeks and the feast of

Tarbenacles. No man should appear before the Lord empty-handed.

God bless you during this campmeeting

With Warm Christian regards

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THEME SONG: HYMN 163

SHONA

Inzwa Jesu odaidza ndiani

osewenza

Minda yese yatoibva, Ndiani

achakohwa

Tenzi anodaidzira, achazokupa

tuso

Ndiani achapindura, ndiripano

nditumei!

Kana usingabiri nyanza, kana

kushumaira

Shumaira vahedhei,

vakakutenderedza

Kana usiri ngirozi, kana usiri

Pauro

Taura rudo rwaJesu, uti akatifira.

Kana usiri murindi, parusvingo

rweZioni

Uchinongedza kudenga kunovapa

upenyu

Neminamato nezvipo, woita kuda

kwake

Ungafanane naAaron kubatsira

M’porofita

Apo mweya irikufa Tenzi

achidaidza

Usazoti neunyope, handikwanisi

basa

Ita basa raanokupa, Farira basa

rake

Kasika kumupindura, ndiripano

nditumei!

NDEBELE

Yizwa uJesu ebiza,

nguban’osebenza?

Amasimu a vuthiwe,

nguban’othwal’iz’thungu?

iNkosi I yamemeza, Nank’umvuzo

wesihle

uphi ozokusho athi, Ngila Nkosi ngi

thume?

Um’u ngewele ulwandle,

uy’ekubahedeni

O y’ekubafica eduze, Ba hlalelene

nawe

Nob’u ngesiy’ingelosi, Nob’u ngase

Paule

Woland’ uthando IweNkosi, Uthi,

Yafela bonke.

Uma u ngebe uMlindi, odongeni

IweZion

Usho indela yezulu, Yomusa kubo

bonke

Ngom’thandazo nokuphana,

Wenz’intando yeNkosi

U kholeke njengo Aron, Ephasa

umprofethi

Nxa im’pefumlo I’bhubha, iNkosi I

kubiza

Yek’izaba zobuvila, Uthi, ngi ngenze

lutho

Yenz’umsebenzi u vume, u jabulele

wona

Ibiza shesh’u sabele, Ngi lapha

Nkosi, ng’thume!

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

The priority of Evangelism 6

Church Doctrines 21

The Sanctuary Services 55

The SDA Financial Support System 73

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Central Zimbabwe Conference

of the

Seventh-day Adventist Church

Camp meeting 2019

Theme: Occupy Till I come

THE PRIORITY OF EVANGELISM

Presented By

Pastor Logan Pasipano Masaiti

August 2019

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Introduction

2. Why is Evangelism Important?

3. Biblical Reasons for Evangelism

4. Phases of Evangelism

i). Pre Campaign

ii). Campaign

iii). Follow up and Nurture

5. Mission Challenges facing the Conference

i). Panta Ta Ethne

ii). Urban Ministry

iii). Special Needs Ministries

6. Special Appeal and Conclusion

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DAY 1

THE PRIORITY OF EVANGELISM

INTRODUCTION

Evangelism is the reason for the existence of the church. ”Then I

saw another angel flying in the midst of Heaven, having the

everlasting Gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth, to

every nation, tribe, tongue and people” (Revelation 14:6). This

passage explains the purpose for which the church was established:

to preach the gospel. If the church loses its purpose, it loses its

reason for existence.

Jesus established this principle by saying, “ You are the salt of the

earth, but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is

then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot

by man” (Matthew 5: 13). Therefore, we need to understand that

the church is not a religious club or grouping were people get

together on a weekly basis to sing, pray and take in a good sermon.

It must be understood that the church exists and lives for Mission

and must not lose its purpose. The Great Commission to “Go” into

the world with the gospel is a Divine order and compliance to it is

essential by all believers.

1. WHY EVANGELISM IS IMPORTANT

Evangelism is Heaven’s top priority. There is nothing more

important to God than saving lost humanity. For he desires that all

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men be saved and come to the full knowledge of the truth

(1Timothy 2: 4 and 2 Peter 3:9). It is important to note that the

focus of the life of Jesus was on saving the lost people. The bible

records that the Son of Man came to seek and save that which was

lost (Luke 19:10). He gave the totality of his life in winning lost

men and women back to God. Certainly we can do no less. To

follow Jesus means to follow Him in the path of soul winning. God

raised his church to partner Him in reaching out to win the lost. The

urgency of time demands that we do something great for God.The

harvest is plenty but the labourers are few, therefore pray for the

LORD of harvest to send labourers into His harvest. (Mat 9:37-38).

God is calling, summoning out men and women to rally to his cause

with great zeal and urgency.

What a time for us to believe and the time is now. In a world that is

busy seeking for answers to some life’s difficult questions, God has

called us to give His final appeal to the dying world.

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DAY 2

2. BIBLICAL REASONS FOR EVANGELISM

i. Evangelism is God’s means of saving lost people.

✓ His coming to earth was to reveal the love of the Father

✓ He came to save us from the penalty of sin

✓ Evangelism is the proclamation of the gospel in every way

possible so that every person may have the opportunity to

believe and be saved.

✓ God has ordained preaching as His means of saving lost

humanity. “ It pleased God through the foolishness of the

message preached to save those who believe”

(1Corinthians 1:21b)

✓ God is a seeking God. Genesis 3:9, Luke 15, Romans10:

13 deals with seeking the lost.

ii. Evangelism is God’s way to vibrant spiritual life.

✓ Without outreach one starts to experience spiritual

declension.

✓ You cannot receive continual spiritual nourishment

unless you are what God has done for you. (Acts 20:35)

✓ In order for us to develop a character like Christ, we

must share in his work. (Ellen G White, Desire of

Ages. page 142)

iii. Evangelism opens the channels of the heart to receive the

refreshing rivers of the Spirit.

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✓ The outpouring of the Holy Spirit in its fullness comes

to empower believers to become effective witnesses.

(Acts 1:8)

iv. Evangelism brings joy to the heart of God.

✓ Luke 15:7-9, Luke 15:11-32

v. Evangelism puts you at the center of God’s activities.

✓ Peter on the day of Pentecost was at the center of God’s

activities

✓ When you give a Bible study you are at the center of

God’s activities

✓ When you pray with someone you are at the center of

God’s activities

✓ When you give out literature you are at the center of

God’s activities

✓ When you visit a former member of the church you are

at the center of God’s activities

✓ God is working to save lost people.

vi. Evangelism is God’s means of unifying His church

✓ The unity of the church is related to mission

✓ Evangelism fosters, stimulates and promotes unity in

the church.

✓ The church was in one accord (Acts 1:14, Acts 2: 1-

3, Acts 2:42-47).

✓ Placing priority on mission is Heaven’s means of

unifying God’s church.

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vii. Evangelism is God’s means of finishing His work

✓ Jesus longs to come again

✓ He wants to return much more than we can imagine

✓ Jesus is waiting for the finishing of the work in this

generation.

✓ His desire to come and take us home is even greater

than our desire to go home and be with him forever

✓ He is not willing that anyone should perish but that all

should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).

✓ Will you commit your life to sharing His love?

✓ Make soul winning and evangelism the priority of your

life

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DAY 3

3. PHASES OF EVANGELISM

There are three main phases of Evangelism. These are outlined

below: “For thus says the Lord to the men of Judah and to

Jerusalem, Break up your fallow ground, and don’t sow among

thorns” (Jeremiah 4:3). This bible passage is talking about

thorough preparation of the ground before anticipating any harvest.

One can only reap where there was seed sown.

i). Pre-Campaign. 50% of the time must be spent in pre campaign.

✓ Preparation, Community Services and other seed sowing

programs.

✓ The need for thorough preparation is key to the success of

the campaign.

✓ A farmer spends more time in land preparation, sowing the

seeds and tending the field than the time he takes when

harvesting.

✓ The church must spend time in the field of labor preparing

souls for a great harvest.

✓ Success of evangelism does not rest upon the preacher but

upon what the church has done in the community.

✓ Let’s do everything possible. Let’s invest in preparation.

1b). Pre Campaign Activities

The following are suggested activities that can be part of the pre

campaign program. However they are not limited to these only.

✓ Revival Meetings in the churches

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✓ Training members in various ministries

✓ Outreach and Community Service activities that connect

the church with the community, such as Health Expos,

Nutritional cooking school and other Compassionate

acts.

✓ Vacation Bible School for children

✓ VOP schools

✓ Small group activities

✓ Family Life Seminars

ii). Public Campaign. 20% of the time must be spent on

proclamation of the message. When presenting the message we

need to pay attention to the following:

✓ Avoid being judgemental.

✓ Avoid being offensive

✓ Avoid hurting other people in the name of telling the truth

✓ Always remember we believe in the Everlasting Gospel and

not in the Everlasting Sermon. Keep sermons short ( Acts

20:7-9).

✓ Preach Christ and Him alone crucified (2 Corinthians 2:2-

3)

iii). Nurturing and Follow up.30% of the time must be spent on

follow up and nurturing the new believers. This should be

supported by a budget. Below are recommendations that can help in

keeping our new members in the fold:

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1. Every newly baptized member should continue in a post

baptismal class for at least six to eight weeks focusing on areas

of practical godliness and the joys of the Christian life

(Mat 28:19-20).

2. Christian witnessing, including giving Bible studies and doing

other personal work be introduced in the setting of the new

member’s spiritual gifts and that the new member be partnered

with more experienced ones.

3. The Spiritual Guardian Plan be adopted and implemented in all

churches.

4. There be quarterly big Sabbaths for newly baptized members in

each district.

5. Newly baptized members be assisted in getting the basic

literature such as a Bible, Bible Doctrine Manual and

Hymnbooks for their spiritual growth and nurture.

6. The evangelism budget should include the post campaign

period. Churches need to appreciate that the end product of

evangelism is not baptizing them but is keeping and nurturing

them. Therefore, the church should do everything possible to

retain all the newly baptized members.

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DAY 4

4. MISSION CHALLENGES

We congratulate ourselves for having been true to our prophetic

mandate of prophesying “about many peoples, nations, tongues, and

kings” (Rev. 10:11). We have been rather successful in

implementing the Great Commission to go and “make disciples of

all the nations” (Matt. 28:19 and Luke 24:47 Mark 16:15).

i) Panta ta Ethne

A fresh look at and understanding of the Great Commission is

critical. When we think of “nations,” most of us think of countries

like Malawi, South Africa,Namibia or Zambia. However, the words

in Greek are “panta ta ethne,” which goes beyond geopolitical

entities. They realistically point to the ethnolinguistic groups of

people within every nation. Jesus was not saying the gospel must be

proclaimed within the borders of every politically definable

country, but rather in every cultural groupings within those

countries. Jesus’ command was not merely a mission to enter as

many countries as possible, or to reach as many people as possible,

but to reach all the people of the world. Given the enlightened

understanding of “panta ta ethne,” we may deduce that the

fulfilment of the Great Commission is not measured by the number

of countries we enter, but by the extent to which we disciple all

groups of people and establish congregations in all nations.

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As a Conference we still have some areas within our territory that

have remained un-entered, areas such as, Zimuto, Serima, some

parts of Gutu ,Bikita and Chikombedzi. We are all called upon to

reach out to these areas. A better understanding of “panta ta

ethne” should guide our mission strategy to encompass all people

groups and not just certain segments of the population. The Great

Commission is not all about foreign mission. All believers should

have a “ta ethne” focus beyond their doors to the communities they

live in.

There are groups of people who surround us. They may live next

door, down the street, or across town. Everyone has a part in the

mission of the church. All God’s people may engage in mission.

ii) Urban Ministry

The Mission field has moved to the city, and we need to respond to

this opportunity. We are reminded that “work in the cities is

essential for this time” Medical Ministry. We need to plant more

churches in our cities, we need more centers of influence in our

cities and these centers will connect the church and the community.

Building loving relationships is an essential part of any mission

work in urban areas and adopting the comprehensive approach

enhances this, as people in cities are no longer responding to the

message as before. The church in all our urban centers needs to

come up with a deliberate strategy of seed sowing programs,

Centers of Influence and, Digital Evangelism centers (Matthew

9:35-36).

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iii). Special Needs Ministry.The church in Central Zimbabwe

Conference has remained vibrant in its evangelism as seen by

growth in membership. We now need to shift our focus to all the

people as stated in the great commission. We have among our

population the deaf, the lame, the blind and other people living with

various disabilities. These groups have remained an un-entered

group in our country. The work among the deaf people is growing

slowly and there is need also to focus on people who are living with

various disabilities and collaborate with institutions that are taking

care of such people.

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DAY 5

5. SPECIAL APPEAL

In the natural world as well as in the spiritual world, there are laws

of the harvest. One of the most basic is simply this: “To have a

crop, it is necessary to plant the seed.” No farmer expects God to

work a miracle and germinate seed he has not sown. When the

seeds of kindness and love are planted, the Holy Spirit will lead the

people to listen the rest of the story.

✓ The only visits God can bless are the ones you make.

✓ The only literature God can bless is literature you

distribute.

✓ The only prayers God can bless are the prayers you offer.

✓ The only Bible studies God can bless are the ones you give.

✓ The only evangelistic seminars God can bless are the ones

you conduct.

✓ The only acts of kindness God can bless are the ones you

practice to others.

✓ Always remember that God is counting on you for the

salvation of mankind.

Read and pray to implement Romans 10:13-16 as a

matter of urgency.

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REFERENCES:

1. Bible texts are from the New King James Version. Copyright ©

1979, 1980, 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All

rights reserved.

2. Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church (Mountain View,

Calif.: Pacific Press Pub. Assn., 1948), vol. 9, p. 30.

3. Ellen G. White, in Review and Herald, July 9, 1901

4. Ellen G White, Christian Service

5. Ellen G White, Gospel Workers.

6. Robert Coleman: The Master Plan of Evangelism

7. Rebecca Pip pert, Out of the Saltshaker & into the World:

Evangelism As a Way of Life by (ISBN 0830822208)

8. Oswald Sanders, Spiritual Leadership: Principles of Excellence

for Every Believer by J (ISBN 0802467997)

9. Richard Black by, Spiritual Leadership: Moving People to God's

Agenda, (ISBN 0805418458)

10. Bruce A.B, The Training of the Twelve, (ISBN 0825420881)

11. John White, Excellence in Leadership, (ISBN 0877845700)

12. John C. Maxwell, The Maxwell Leadership Bible Developing

Leaders From The Word Of God by (ISBN 0785256881) -

Summarized by Barry McWilliams, March 2003

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OCCUPY TILL I

COME

Prepared By

Ps. T. Tunhira

2019 CAMPMEETING LESSONS

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LESSON 1

Topic: THE STATE OF THE DEAD

ARE THE DEAD REALLY DEAD?

Introduction

Death is one of the most misunderstood subjects today. Some

believe that their deceased loved ones are not dead at all, but

instead live with them or in other realms!

Still others are confused about the relationship between the body,

spirit and soul. But does it really matter what you believe? Yes,

absolutely! Because what you believe about the dead will have a

profound impact on what happens to you in the end-time. There is

no room for guessing. This study will give you exactly what God

says on this subject. Get ready for the real eye-opener.

Where do we come from?

“And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground” Genesis

2 v 7 first part “then God breathed into his nostrils the breath of life,

and man became a living soul” (Genesis 2v 7) last part.

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NB: Immediately man became a living being. How did it come

about? It was not in the dust of the ground or in the body, it was not

in the breath of life, but it was the combination of the two the breath

of life and the dust of the earth. Consciousness was produced as a

result of the union of the breath of life with the dust of the ground,

(the human body).

The Bible clearly states that “God breathed into Adam’s nostrils the

breath of life. There is no indication of any “immortal soul” being

put into Adam. No such spirit had ever existed. God simply

breathed into Adam’s nostrils the breath of life.

We have no right to assume anything more besides what the Bible

teaches.

An electric light bulb itself gives no light, but when an electric

current is sent through its inner wiring, light is produced. So God

switched on the current of life and Adam, “became a living soul.”

“Man and animals” Genesis 2:19

Man belongs to the animal kingdom. Do animals as well as man;

have the “breath of life?” (Gen 7:15, 22: Rev 16:3; Gen 2:7, 30).

The identical expression used in Genesis 2:7 when man became a

“living soul” or “nephesh hayyah” this phrase is also used in

Genesis 1: 20 - 21, 24 & 30 referring to the animals as living

creatures.

Can the living communicate with the dead?

Read the following texts and discuss:

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Eccl 9:5-6, 4, 10, 12; Psalm 115:17; Psalm 6:5; Psalm 146:3-4; Job

14:12,21.

Point of no return (Job 14:14 first part; Job 14:10,12; Job 7:9 – 10).

Grave, the land of forgetfulness (Psalm 88:10 – 12).

The theory that it is possible for those living to communicate with

those who are dead is known as Spiritism. If the communication

lines are open between the living and the dead then it would be

incorrect to speak of a person dying.

Death is the opposite of life. The death of a man is the creation of a

man in reverse. The first lie and first spirit medium on earth is

recorded in Genesis 3:1 – 4, “Then the serpent said to the woman,

you will not surely die.” that serpent of old, called the Devil and

Satan (Rev 12:9).

“You will not die but…” (Gen 5:5)

1. Man was created with the possibility of immortality in him

on condition that he meets the test of obedience.

2. Man was not created with inherent immortality. He was

“subject unto death” if he should sin and in this sense was

“mortal”.

Job 4:17

1. Man is mortal (Job 4 vs 17)

2. God is immortal (1 Tim 1vs 17)

3. God only has immortality (1 Tim 6vs16)

NB: The word “immortal” is found only once in the Bible,

and it refers to God (1 Tim 1 vs 17)

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4. Man must seek immortality (Rom 2 vs 7)

5. Immortality is brought to light throught the gospel (2 Tim 1

vs10)

In this earthly life we are all destined to death. We cannot

escape it. Its only through Christ where we find hope of life

after death (Heb 2 vs 14 – 15; John 11 vs 25; 2

Tim 1 vs 10).

The belief in reincarnation is expanding rapidly these days. Is

this teaching biblical? Ecclesiastes 9 vs 5 – 6 “… But the dead

know nothing … nevermore will they have a share...” yet one of

the pillars of the devil is the teaching that the dead are alive.

Almost half the people on earth believe in reincarnation – a

teaching that the soul never dies but instead is continually

reborn in a different kind of body with each succeeding

generation.

Psalm 104 vs 29; Eccl 9 vs 5 – 6; Psalm 146 vs 4; 2 Kings 20 vs

1; Job 17 vs 13; 14 vs 1 – 2; Eccl 3 vs 18 – 21

Satan’s Invention

Reincarnation, channeling communication with spirits, spirits-

worship and the “undying soul” are all inventions of Satan, with

one aim to convince people that when they die they are not

really dead, “spirits of devils, working miracles” (Revelation 16

vs 14) and posing as spirits of the dead (Ex 7 vs 11; 1 Sam 28

vs 3 – 25; Dan 2 vs 2; Acts 16 vs 16 – 18 and Matt 24 vs 24).

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In the past God insisted that mediums and others with “familiar

spirits” who claimed to be able to contact the dead should be

stoned to death (Lev 20 vs 27; Deut 18 vs 9 – 12; Lev 19 vs 28

“cuttings” tattoos and vs 31).

A solemn warning – In the end-time Satan will again use

sorcery – as he did in the past days (Revelation 18 vs 23).

Sorcery is a supernatural agency that claims to receive its power

and wisdom from the spirit of the dead.

Posing as Jesus’ disciples – posing as godly loved ones who

have died, saintly clergymen who are now dead, Bible prophets,

or even the apostles or disciples of Christ (2 Cor 11 vs 13 – 15).

Those who believe the dead are alive in any form will most

assuredly be deceived (Is 8 vs 19 – 20).

Further study: E.G White GC 546, 549, DA 557-558

YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED

1. Doesn’t 1 Peter 4 vs 6 say the gospel was preached to

dead people?

Answer: No! It says the gospel “was” preached to those who

“are” dead. They are dead now, but the gospel “was” preached

to them while they were yet living.

2. Doesn’t the Bible say Christ went and preached to lost

souls in hell between His crucifixion and resurrection?

Answer: No! The Bible passage in question is 1 Peter 3 vs 18 –

20. The preaching was done “by the Spirit” (vs 18) in Noah’s

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day to people who were then living (vs 19 – 20). The “spirits in

prison” referees to people whose lives were in bondage to

Satan. (Psalm 142 vs 7; Isaiah 42 vs 6 – 7; 61 vs 1; Luke 4 vs

18).

3. What about souls crying out from under the alter in

Revelation 6 vs 9 – 10?

Answer: This cry was figurative, as the cry of Abel’s blood in

Genesis 4 vs 10. The word “soul” here means people (or living

beings) who had been slain for their faith. Surely no one

believes that souls who die literally lie under the alter, nor do

people believe that the righteous beg God to punish their

enemies, rather, the righteous beg for mercy for their enemies,

as Christ did on the cross.

4. At death the body returns to dust and the spirit or

(breath) returns to God. Where does the soul go?

Answer: It goes nowhere. Instead it simply cease to exist. Two

things must be combined to make a soul: body and breath.

When you turn off a light where does the light go? It doesn’t go

anywhere. Two things must combine to make a light: a bulb and

electricity. . So with the soul, unless body and breath are

combined there is no soul. There is no such things as a

disembodied soul. (Discuss).

There are those who believe that the soul is neither matter or

visible, but it has mentality and is the soul immortal part of

man. The popular idea is that the soul can see, hear, love, hate;

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it can remember the past events and in some cases predict future

events. It is supposed to leave the body at death and go to either

heaven or hell, according to the kind of life the individual has

lived. Go over all the parts of man in any book of physiology or

anatomy and you will discover there is nothing labeled as soul.

The cause of last-day apostasy: Read and discuss

1 Timothy 4 vs 1: Note: These spirits and their mediums are

seducing spirits. They are bent on deception. They cause people

to depart from the faith and they proclaim doctrines of devils.

They are miracle—working spirits. Their supernatural

manifestations implement their deceptions and give them

plausibility (Matt 7 vs 22 – 23; Matt 24 vs 24; 2 Thess 2 vs 9;

Rev 13 vs 13 – 14; 16 vs 13 – 14).

Conclusion:

The time is coming when those who are dead will live again. Read

Job 14 vs 14 – 15; 19 vs 25 -2 7. Man will be given immortality at

the resurrection (1 Cor 15 vs 51 – 53). Accept Christ your Saviour

and eternal life is yours (Romans 6 vs 23; 2 Timothy 1 vs 9 – 10).

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LESSON 2

Topic: THE JUDGEMENT

Where there is crime, there must be courts. In God’s universe, when

there is sin, there must be a settlement. The jury is in the verdict

read “the judgement was set the books were opened” Daniel 7 vs

10; Revelations 20 vs 12. The day is fast approaching when every

person who has ever lived will have their lives reviewed before the

all-knowing eyes of God. 2 Corinthians 5 vs 10 (2 Timothy 2vs 19).

On four occasions when the book of Revelations mentions the great

judgement, it brings forth praises and thanksgiving! Revelation 11

vs 16 – 19; 15 vs 2 – 4; 16 vs 5, 7; 19 vs 1 - 2

Other books of the Bible mention judgement more than a thousand

times and almost every writer refers to it.

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THREE PHASES OF JUDGEMENT

The First Phase

The angel Gabriel gave Daniel the prophecy of the 1844 heavenly

judgement. The first phase of the judgement is called the pre-advent

judgement because it takes place before Jesus’ second coming.

What group of people will be considered in the first phase of

judgement?

Read Daniel 7 vs 13 – 14. The coming of Christ here described is

not His second coming to the earth. He comes to the ancient of

Days in heaven to receive dominion and glory and a kingdom,

which will be given Him at the close of His work as a mediator.

It is this coming, and not His second advent to the earth, that was

foretold in prophecy to take place at the termination of the 2300

days in 1844. Attended by heavenly angels, our great High Priest

enters the holy of holies and there appears in the presence of God to

engage in the last acts of His ministration on behalf of man to

perform the work of investigative judgement and to make an

atonement for all who are shown to be entitled to its benefits.

In the typical service only those who had come before God with

confession and repentance, and whose sins, through the blood of the

sin offering, were transferred to the sanctuary, had a part in the

service of the Day of Atonement. So in the great day of final

atonement and investigative judgement the only cases considered

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are those of the professed people of God. The judgement of the

wicked is a distinct and separate work, and takes place at a later

period.

GC 480 1 Peter 4 vs 17 (1 Tim 3 vs 15; Revelation 11 vs 1) Discuss

the Bible principle that “judgement must begin at the house of

God.” We would expect that Adam’s name be called fist, eventually

the last name will be reached.

Our advocate presents the cases of each successive generation, and

closes with the living. Every name is mentioned, every case closely

investigated, names are accepted, names are rejected. GC 483.

Those (Living and dead) who claimed to be Christians “the house

of God” – will be considered in the advent judgement.

When does the first phase of judgement end?

Revelation 16 vs 17; 22 vs 11 “close of probation”. It ends just

before the second coming of Jesus.

The source of evidence and nature of judgement

“The court (judgement) was seated, and the books were opened”

Daniel 7 vs 10; Revelation 20 vs 12 (Jeremiah 17 vs 13; EW 52;

GC 666).

Evidence for court comes from books in which all details of one’s

life are recorded. GC482 “every man’s work passes in review

before God and is registered for faithfulness or unfaithfulness.

Opposite each name in the books of heaven is entered with terrible

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exactness every wrong word, every selfish act, every unfulfilled

duty and every secret sin, with every artful dissembling. Heaven-

sent warnings or reproofs neglected, wasted moments, improved

opportunities, the influence exerted for good or for evil, with its far

reaching results, all are chronicled by the recording angel”.

Sins of commission and sins of omission

The law of God is the standard by which the characters and the

lives of men will be tested in the judgement (Eccl 12 vs 13 – 14; 1

John 3 vs 4; James 2 vs 10 – 12; Rev 14 vs 6 – 7).

We are also to be judged according to the light we have (John 9 vs

41; Matt 11 vs 24. John 3 vs 20, 19). Another principle of the

judgement read (Matt 7 vs 2; 1 Cor 4 vs 5). We shall be judged in

mercy as well (Rom 3 vs 23; Rom 6 vs 23; Prov 28 vs 13). “It is

God’s glory to encircle sinful, repentant human beings in the arms

of His love, to bind up their wounds, to cleanse them from sin, and

to clothe them with the garments of salvation”. EG White: PK668.

Discuss

Every detail of life will be reviewed in this first phase of the

judgement, which is also known as the investigative judgement

(Eccl 12 vs 14; Luke 8 vs 17; 12 vs 2 – 3, GC482; 1 Sam 2 vs 3

PK639; Matt 12 vs 36 – 37; Luke 6 vs 4, DA323, Jer 2 vs22).

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The judgement is not to inform God. He is already fully informed

(2 Tim 2 vs 19). It is important to remember that God will judge our

naked souls, “Thou art weighed” (Dan 5 vs 27).

Second Phase of the Final Judgement

What group is involved in the heavenly judgement during the 1000

years of Revelation 20? What is the purpose of this second phase of

the judgement?

“Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? … Do you

not know that we shall judge angels”. 1 Cor 6 vs 2 – 3 “And I saw

thrones …and judgement was committed to them”. Revelation 20

vs 4. The saints or righteous people of all ages whom Christ takes to

heaven in the cloud at his second coming will be participating in

this second phase of the judgement.

Suppose a family discovered that their much beloved son who was

murdered was not in heaven but the murderer was. Undoubtedly,

they would need some answers. This second phase of the judgement

will answer all questions of the righteous. The life of every lost

person (including Satan and his angels) will be carefully reviewed

by the righteous, who will then totally agree with Jesus’ decisions

regarding the reward for each one. It will become obvious to all that

the judgement is no arbitrary matter. Instead, it simply confirms the

choices which people have already made to serve either Jesus or

another master. Read the following tests and discuss (Rev 11 vs 16

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– 19; 15 vs 2 – 4; 16 vs 5, 7; 19 vs 1 – 2; Dan 4 vs 36 – 37). Note

that the praise and glory are given to God for the way He handles

the judgement.

Third phase of the final judgement

(Eccl 8 vs 11 – 13; Ps 37 vs 10 – 11; 50 vs 3, 21)

When and where will the third phase of the final judgement take

place? What new group will be present at this phase of judgement

(Rev 21 vs 12; Zechariah 14 vs 4, 10; Rev 20 vs 7 – 8)? The third

phase of the judgement will take place on the earth at the close of

the 1 000 years of Revelation 20 after Jesus’ return to earth with the

holy city. At the close of the 1000 years, the wicked dead of all ages

will be raised (Rev 20 vs 5). Satan immediately launches a powerful

propaganda campaign to deceive them. What happens next? Rev 20

vs 9. What interrupts their battle plan and with what results? (Rev

20 vs12; 2 Cor 5 vs10; Rom 14 vs 11 – 12).

Unexpectedly, without warning, God appears with almost

paralyzing brightness above the city (Rev 19 vs 11 -21; Ezekiel 38

vs 14, 17 – 20).

Every lost soul since the world began, including Satan and his

angles, now faces God in judgement.

“Each person sees own life reviewed”

Then each lost soul recalls his or her own life story. God’s constant,

warm, pleading calls to repent; that wooing, still, small voice, the

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awesome conviction that often came; the repeated refusals to

respond. It is all there. Its accuracy is incontestable. Its facts are

irrefutable. God wants the wicked to fully understand. He will

provide any details desired in order to make all things clear. The

books and records are available.

No cover – up

God is not involved in some celestial cover-up. He has destroyed no

evidence, erased no tapes. There is nothing to hide. Everything is

open, every person who has ever lived plus all the good and bad

angels will be viewing this drama of all dramas.

The lost fall to their knees and all confess that the sentence is

fair:

Suddenly there is a movement on all sides, people and evil angels

including Satan, fall prostrate before God (Rom 14 vs 11;

Philippians 2 vs 10 -11). They openly clear the name of God from

all false accusations and give witness to His loving, fair, merciful

treatment of them. Then all confess that the sentence of death

pronounced upon them is fair—the only safe way to handle sin. Of

each lost person it can be said, “thou hast destroyed thy self”

(Hosea 13 vs 9). God now stands vindicated before the universe.

The accusations and claims of Satan have been exposed and

unequivocally discredited as the perverse lies of a hardened sinner.

Then fire will completely eradicate sin and sinners from the

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universe forever (Rev 20 vs 9 -10; Malachi 4 vs 3; Isaiah 65 vs 17).

Sin will be completely eradicated and will never rise a second time

Nahum 1 vs 9. God and His manner of handling the sin problem

will be gloriously vindicated before the universe. This is a central

purpose of the judgement. Rev 19 vs 2.

“Ellen White … spoke of several aspects of judgement, including

its nearness (2T355), its certainty (RH Nov 22-1898), its basis (i.e

the law of God, C.O.L314), and the evidence to be examined (i.e

human actions as recorded in the heavenly books 4T481), as well as

the results of the judgement (eternal life) for the righteous and

(eternal death) for the wicked (GC673 – 674), yet perhaps her

greatest contribution to the topic was her placement of divine

judgement within the setting of the great controversy between good

and evil, and closely related to god’s love for His creatures (GC541,

543, 670-671; 4T165, PK292)” (Handbook of SDA Theology Vol

12 p853).

Christ says of the overcomer, Rev 3:5 “I will not blot out his name

out of the book of life”. The names of those who have once given

themselves to God are written in the book of life and their

characters are now passing in review before Him. Angels of God

are weighing moral worth. They are watching the development of

character in those now living, to see if their names can be retained

in the book of life. A probation is granted us in which to wash our

robes of character and make them white in the blood of the Lamb.

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Who is doing this work? Who is separating from himself sin and

selfishness?” (7BC960).

Conclusion: We are now in earth’s most solemn hour because the

judgement progresses in heaven now. We must search our hearts

and confess our sins. If we do, God will forgive.

1 John 1 vs 9. This is the way we can send our sins beforehand to

judgement. 1 Tim 5 vs 24 – 25.

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LESSON 3

Topic: HOW TO KEEP THE SABBATH

Theme Verse: Exodus 20 vs 8 – 11

The bible clearly shows that God’s original Sabbath is still the true

Sabbath of God today. Therefore, there is need to learn how to

observe the holy Sabbath day. The fourth commandment calls upon

all humanity to remember the Sabbath day (Exod 20 vs 8).

NOTE: All through the week the keeping of the holy Sabbath day

is to be remembered. No business arrangements or travel plans are

to be made which would cause us to break this command. The

keeping of the weekly Sabbath is to dominate our work during the

six preceding days. Anyone who doesn’t employ his time in useful

labour during the six working days is breaking the commandment

equally with the one who works on the seventh-day. The six days of

faithful work is essential if a man is to fully appreciate the blessings

of the Sabbath day of rest.

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“In Eden, God set up the memorial of His work of creation, in

placing His blessing upon the seventh-day. The Sabbath was

committed to Adam, the father and representative of the human

family. Its observance was to be an act of grateful

acknowledgement. On the part of all who should dwell upon the

earth, that God was their Creator and their rightful Sovereign; that

they were the work of His hands, and the subjects of His

authority…God saw that a Sabbath was essential for man even in

Paradise”. PP p48.

James G. Murphy, in a Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the

book of Exodus says, “The act of creation is the origin of all title to

the creation and to the obedience of the intelligent creation. The

creation of man is commemorated in the fourth commandment.

Hence it contains the fountain-head of all authority in God and all

duty in man”. ___P144

SABBATH, THE TEST OF OBEDIENCE

The test of obedience to Adam the father of all human family was

not to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 2

vs 17). Hence the test of obedience of all humanity is upon keeping

the Sabbath. Exodus 16 vs 4 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Behold

I will rain bread from heaven for you, and the people shall go out

and gather a certain quota every day that I may test them, whether

they will walk in my law or not. vs 5 And it shall be on the sixth

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day that they shall prepare what they bring in and it shall be twice

as much as they gather daily…” (vs19-30). Read and discuss.

In the last days of the earth’s history, the test of obedience to God

shall be upon the Sabbath God’s day of worship (Rev 1 vs 17; Rev

13 vs 15 – 18; Rev 14 vs 12). Many Christians today are buying

into a deception. They cannot discern the difference of the blessed

and sanctified day of God (Rev 14 vs 12). The news about God’s

ultimate triumph should encourage God’s people to remain faithful

through every trial and persecution. They can do this, God

promises, by trusting in Jesus and obeying the commands found in

His word. The secret of enduring therefore is trust and obedience.

Trust God to give you patience to endure even the small trials you

face daily, obey Him even when obedience is unattractive or

dangerous.

ACCORDING TO THE BIBLE, WHEN DOES THE

SABBATH BEGIN?

Gen 1 vs 5, 8, 13, 23, 31; Leviticus 23 vs 32; Ezekiel 46 vs 1 – 2

NOTE: The sun never fails to tell the correct time. Long before

man invested a clock, God had appointed the sun to mark the

beginning and end of the day. The day always begins at evening.

This was made clear in the record of creation it was still true in the

days when Christ was on earth, thus the Sabbath commences at

Friday sunset and ends at Saturday sunset.

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SABBATH AND CALVARY:

That also was the sixth day of the week. There was barely time to

bury Him before the sun went down and the holy hours of the

Sabbath come. Luke 23 vs 54 – 56. As He had finished creation’s

week on the sixth day and rested on the Sabbath, so at Calvary on

the sixth day of the week, He cried “It is finished” and rested in the

tomb on the Sabbath day. The cross of Jesus Christ cast the glorious

rainbow of heaven redeeming love around the Sabbath of God on

that holy day of rest nearly two thousand years ago (God speaks to

modern man by Author E. Lickey pg 418 – 419).

“On Friday let the preparation for the Sabbath be complete… If you

make it a rule, you can do it. The Sabbath is not to be given to the

repairing of garments, to the cooking of food, to pleasure – seeking

or to any other worldly employment. Before the setting of the sun,

let all secular work be laid aside and all secular papers be put out of

sight. Parents, explain your work and its purpose to your children

and let them share in your preparation to keep the Sabbath

according to the commandment”. (6T355).

“We should jealously guard the edges of the Sabbath. Remember

that every moment is consecrated, holy time… Before the Sabbath

begins the mind as well as the body should be withdrawn from

worldly business. God has set His Sabbath at the end of the six

working days that men may stop and consider what they have

gained during the week in preparation for the pure kingdom which

admits no transgressor. We should each Sabbath reckon with our

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souls to see whether the week that has ended has brought spiritual

gain or loss”. (6T356). Discuss.

God does not give us a “to do” and “not to do” list of activities for

the Sabbath. He does not define each minute detail of Sabbath

keeping. He does give us principles of proper Sabbath observance.

These principles guide us. They shape our Sabbath experience. As

we seek God in prayer committing our will to Him, the Holy Spirit

will guide us into a rich experience in Sabbath keeping. (M.

Finley_ When God said Remember p89).

Let’s examine some few principles from the Bible on how to keep

the Sabbath: The essence of Sabbath keeping is worship including

all heavenly hosts (Rev 4vs 11). According to Leviticus 23 vs 3

“Six days shall work be done, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of

solemn rest a holy convocation…” The Sabbath is a “holy

convocation” a sacred gathering of God’s people for worship and

praise. Jesus said “You shall know the truth and the truth shall

make you free” (John 8 vs 32). The truth about the Sabbath

liberates us from the unceasing burden of continued work. You will

notice that the even the gathering of manna ceased on Sabbath

(Exodus 16 vs 22 – 27). “cooking on the Sabbath should be

avoided; but it is not therefore necessary to eat cold food. In cold

weather the food prepared the day before should be heated. And let

the meals, however simple, be palatable and attractive. Especially in

families where there are children, it is well on Sabbath to provide

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something that will be regarded as a treat, something the family do

not have every day. MH308.

One of the main reform set to be done in times of old Israel was the

Sabbath keeping, which was one of the main reasons for them to be

in captive for seventy years. (2 Chron 36 vs 21; Neh 13 vs 15 – 22;

10 vs 21 Jeremiah 17 vs 21 – 27).

NOTE: Nehemiah did not force those outside the walls to keep the

Sabbath. He simply exerted his responsibility to keep them away

and to let them know they could not do business in the city on

God’s holy day. Forced Sabbath keeping is never after God’s order.

Since it is a sign of sanctification, without a life of holiness the

Sabbath is an empty ceremony that life never substitute for genuine

sanctification.

After the Babylonian captivity was over the Jews began to realise

that their failure to keep the Sabbath had been one of the causes of

their calamities. However, after Nehemiah’s time no more did they

make the Sabbath a common working day. Instead, their mistake

now was as seriously fatal as their former mistake. They began to

consider the Sabbath a means of salvation, instead of a sign of

sanctification. The Sabbath is of little value without the reality of

holiness. Think about what usually happens at some of our camp

sites where outside traders come and even in some of our urban

churches. (Discuss).

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Jesus our example on keeping the Sabbath

Jesus our example on keeping the Sabbath. Isaiah prophesied that

Christ would “magnify the law and make it honourable” (Isaiah 42

vs 21). The Jews had placed thousands of traditional regulations on

the Sabbath. The greater part of these restrictions were man-made

and cause the Sabbath to be a burden. Christ took all those away

restoring the Sabbath to its proper place as a day of worship, a day

of meditation upon God, a day for doing good. One of the most

prominent features of Christ’s ministry was His work of Sabbath

reform. He did not change the Sabbath but He did reject all of the

traditions surrounding it.

The blessing of the Sabbath keeping can only be realized by those

who lay “hold on it” (Isaiah 56 vs 1 – 7). Read and discuss the Acts

of Christ on Sabbath: Matthew 12 vs 1 – 13; Mark 2 vs 23 – 28;

Luke 13 vs 10 – 16; John 7 vs 21 – 23; John 5 vs 1 – 10.

Active obedience to God’s will is the great essential of every life.

Obedience is superior to knowledge (John 13 vs 17; Isaiah 1 vs 19).

Our attitude to the Sabbath is of great importance. Whether it

becomes a delight or a burden depends on the spirit with which we

welcome it. If we feel it is a day full of restrictive practices we shall

receive no blessing. Isaiah 58 vs 12 – 14. PK678.

Travelling on Sabbath

If we desire the blessing promised to the obedient, we must observe

the Sabbath more strictly. I fear that we often travel on this day

when it might be avoided … in regard to the observance of the

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Sabbath, we should be more careful about travelling on the boats or

cars on this day … it may be necessary arrangements on some other

day. When starting on a journey we should make every possible

effort to plan so as to a avoid reaching our destination on the

Sabbath (6T360).

(PP314) Directions had just been given for the immediate erection

of the tabernacle for the service of God, and now the people might

conclude, because the object had in view was the glory of God, and

also because of their great need of a place of worship, that they

would be justified in working at the building up on the Sabbath. So

to guard them from their error, the warning was given. Even the

sacredness and urgency of that special work for God must not lead

them to infringe upon His holy rest day. (Exodus 34 vs 21; PP307).

“Those who discuss business matters or lay plans on the Sabbath,

are regarded by God as though engaged in the actual transaction of

business. So keep the Sabbath holy, we should not even allow our

minds to dwell upon things of a worldly character. And the

commandment includes all within our gates. The inmates of the

house are to lay aside their worldly business during the sacred

hours. All should unite to honor God by will service upon His Holy

day”.

“Sins Done on Sabbath”

Angels keep faithful records of every man’s work, and as

judgement passes upon the house of God, the sentence of each is

recorded by his name, and the angel is commissioned to spare not

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the unfaithful servants, but to cut them down at the time of

slaughter … IT197. Remember the Sabbath begins at sunset Friday,

not 18 hours.

Sins we ignore:

1. Cooking after sunset Friday (Exodus 16 vs 23 6Tp357)

2. Polishing shoes, repairing garments (6Tp355 – 356)

3. Working (Exodus 20 vs 8 – 11, PP 307; 4 Tp146)

4. Washing dishes (3SMp258)

5. Business meetings (PP307 – 308)

6. Travelling (6Tp359 – 360)

7. Buying and selling (Nehemiah 13 vs 15; 10 vs 31)

8. Oversleeping (2Tp 704)

“In the church”

To the humble believing soul, the house of God on earth is the gate

to heaven (5Tp49)

1. Whispering and common talking in church (Hab 2 vs 20;

Gp542, 5T492)

2. Joking (preachers) (Ev641; TM 142)

3. Offering long prayers (GW 175 – 176)

NOTE: Ezekiel 20 vs 10 – 12. There is great significance in

Ezekiel’s statement that the Sabbath is a sign of sanctification.

Breaking the Sabbath is a symptom which reveals an attitude

toward all the commandments. It is rejection of or rebellion against

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God. The proper observance of it is the sign of obedience to God.

(Discuss)

Finally, the Sabbath question is to be the issue in the great final

conflict in which all the world will act a part … God has called us

to uplift the standard of his downtrodden Sabbath.

How important, then, that our example in Sabbath keeping should

be right (6T352) (6t368). However, there is a continual living

promise of God’s ability to help us grow through all the ups and

downs, tragedies and triumphs, of our lives.

We need that distinctive time with the heavenly father. We need

Sabbath quality time with the God who sanctifies us, the God who

helps us keep growing. Isaiah 66 vs 22 – 24. The Sabbath stretches

from paradise lost to paradise restored. In the Sabbath we can find a

sense of contented rest. We really need that kind of forever place

that ties the whole of our lives to an eternal relationship with God.

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LESSON 4

Topic: THE SECOND COMING

Theme Verse: Psalm 50 vs 3 & John 14 vs 3

Beginning that point in Genesis, you may trace like the scarlet

thread in every inch of English navy rope, the golden line of

promises and predictions of Christ’s first coming. Read and discuss.

Genesis 3 vs 15; Numbers 24 vs 17; Genesis 49 vs 10; Isaiah 53 vs

3; 9 vs 6. This was His first coming or His first Advent.

What of his second coming?

Here is a sweeping answer from the N.T (Acts 3 vs 20 – 21). “The

second coming of Christ is mentioned 1, 518 times in the Bible and

over 300 times in the N.T. This goes to prove God’s emphasize on

this important doctrine”. (The Free Methodist). G.C299. One of the

most solemn and yet most glorious truths revealed in the Bible is

that of Christ’s second coming, to complete the great work of

redemption. So God’s pilgrim people, so long left to sojourn in the

region and shadow of death, a precious joy-inspiring hope is given

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in the promise of His appearing who is “the resurrection and the

life”, to bring home again his banished”.

The doctrine of the second coming or advent is the very key-note of

the sacred scriptures. From the day when the first pair turned their

sorrowing steps from Eden, the children of faith have waited the

coming of the promised One to break the destroyers power and

bring them again to the lost Paradise.

Holy men of old looked forward to the advent of the Messiah in

glory as the consummation of their hope. Read and discuss: Jude

14, 15; Job 19 vs 25 – 27; Isaiah 26 vs 19; Isaiah 25 vs 8 – 9. Take

note on the next text Psalm 96 vs 11 – 13. Compare with Revelation

12 vs 12.

In Revelation 12, it was proclaimed only heaven to rejoice but on

earth it was said “Woe” yet at Christ’s Second Advent, both are

said to rejoice. Haggai 2 vs 7 He is said to be “the Desire of all

nations”.

Consider the patriarch Abraham also Christ said, “Your father

Abraham rejoiced to see my day and he saw it and was glad” (John

8 vs 56). Christ’s day include His second coming and reign of

glory. Paul writes about Abraham and other heroes of faith.

Hebrews 11 vs 10, 13: What a picture of saving faith! With eyes of

faith they saw the fulfillment of promises while they were yet afar

off and with the arms of faith they embraced the hope of God’s

future day of glory (Psalm 50 vs 3). It’s a blessed Hope to all

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believers (Titus 2 vs 13). Hence His last promise to his disciples

(John 14 vs 1 – 3) and thereafter came the testimony of angels after

his ascension “This same Jesus …” (Acts 1 vs 11). Paul ready for

execution by Nero’s decree exclaimed, “Henceforth there is laid

up…” (2 Tim 4 vs 8).

It is said that in the era of that early pagan persecution, Christian

believers passing each other at night on the streets of Rome

exchanged the greeting “Maranatha” meaning “the Lord is

coming.” They did not understand how far in the future that coming

was really to be but they did experience the heavenly thrill of its

hope in their hearts.

What Christians have said?

A deep abiding faith in the second coming of Christ has a

tremendous purifying and uplifting power. The devil knows that.

He uses two methods to destroy the influence of this great doctrine.

Sometimes he tries to minimize the importance of it by liberal

thinking. Thus, the “blessed hope” is practically destroyed. Second,

he uses fanaticism to bring it into disrepute. However, the towering

leaders of the tenacious faith, the likes of:

Martin Luther wrote, “I already hope that amidst these internal

dissensions on earth, Jesus Christ will hasten the day of His

coming”. He thought that it would be about three hundred years in

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the future from his day.” We live in the time when he thought it

would be near.

John Knox wrote, “We know that He shall return and that with

expedition”

The fervent John Wesley, commending on the closing verses of

Revelation said, “The spirit of adoption in the heart of every

believer says … come and accomplish all the words of this

prophecy” Revelation 22 vs 20: Moody said, “The church has very

little to say about it. Now I can see a reason for this, the devil does

not want us to see this truth, for nothing would wake up the church

so much”. Discuss – How often do, we hear this sermon being

preached in our churches?

How will He come? Acts 1 vs 10 – 11

Christ had ascended to heaven in the form of humanity. The same

Jesus who had walked and prayed with them; who had been with

them in their boats on the lake and who had that very day toiled

with them up the ascent of Olivet. The same Jesus had now gone to

share His Father’s throne. And the angels had assured them that the

very one whom they had seen go up into heaven, would come

again, even as he had ascended: DA832; Revelation 1vs 7; Matthew

24 vs 27. (Discuss)

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No secret rapture

As to the manner of Christ’s coming there can be no doubt. It will

not be hidden from the eyes of men. He will be seen by those living

on earth. “Looking for that blessed hope and the glorious appearing

of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ” (Titus 2 vs 13.. Read

and discuss (Col 3 vs 4; 2 Tim 4 vs 1; 1 Peter 5 vs 4; 1 John 2 vs

28; 1 John 3 vs 2; Heb 9 vs 28).

Christ has purchased the earth and it is His intention to bring back

to its original beauty (2 Peter 3 vs 13: John 11 vs 25 -26; Psalm 17

vs 15, Rev 1 vs 18) His coming forth (Isaiah 52 s 13 – 15;

Revelation 19 vs 11 – 16). He is the only man who shall balance

the world’s budget (1 Thess 4 vs 16 -18; Psalm 46 vs 8 – 9; Isaiah 2

vs 4; Hosea 2 vs 18; Isaiah 33 vs 17 – 18; and vs 24; Isaiah 65 vs

17, 21 – 25).

Statements from the pen of Inspiration

“The exact time of the second coming of the Son of Man is God’s

mystery” (DA632).

“So the coming of Christ will take place in the darkest period of this

earth’s history”. (COL414).

“Soon there appears in the east a small black cloud, about half the

size of a man’s hand. It is the cloud which surrounds the Saviour

and which seems in the distance to be shrouded in darkness. The

people of God know this to be the sign of the Son on man”.

(GC640).

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“Satan seems paralysed as he beholds the glory and majesty of

Christ. He who was once a covering cherub remembers whence he

has fallen. A shinning seraph, “son of the morning.” How changed,

how degraded! From the council where once he was honoured, he is

forever excluded. He sees another now standing near to the Father,

veiling His glory. He has seen the crown placed upon the head of

Christ by an angel of lofty stature and majestic presence, and he

knows that the exalted position of this angel might have been his”.

(GC669).

“The conflict between Christ and Satan was determined when the

Lord arose from the dead, shaking the prison-house of his enemy to

its foundations, and robbing him of his spoils by bringing up a

company of the sleeping dead, as a fresh trophy of the victory

achieved by the second Adam. This resurrection was a sample and

an assurance of the final resurrection of the righteous dead at

Christ’s second coming”. (3SP239).

“Christ will come in His glory in the glory of His father and the

glory of the holy angels. Ten thousand times ten thousand and

thousands of thousands of angels, the beautiful and triumphant sons

of God”, possessing surpassing, loveliness and glory, will escort

Him on His way. Then shall be gathered all nations. Then every eye

shall see Him and they also that pierced Him. In place of thorns, He

will wear a crown of glory-a crown within a crown. In place of that

old purple kingly robe, He will be clothed in raiment of whitest

white, ‘so as no fuller on earth can white them.’ (Mark 9 vs 3) and

54

on His vesture and His thigh, a name will be written, “King of

kings, Lord of lords. Rev 19 vs 16’. (DA739).

The last two chapters of the Bible present a picture of the restored

earth with the redeemed upon it. The return of Christ prepares the

way for the establishment of this new earth which God’s people

will occupy throughout eternity, “Blessed are the meek; for they

shall inherit the earth”. Matthew 5 vs 5.

Revelation 22 vs 12, 20

In the dark shadow’s cross. Jesus said simply, “I will come again”.

Some day amid the contrasting scenes of celestial glory and earthly

chaos, he will proclaim “I have returned”.

- THE END -

55

CENTRAL ZIMBABWE CONFERENCE

Camp meeting 2019

Theme : Occupy till I come

Theme Song : 163

Topic: The Sanctuary Services

Presented by: Ps Lucas Sibanda

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Table of contents

Holy Scriptures

SOP and Important verses

The Priestly garment and sanctuary artefacts

The Alter and the Law

Table of showbread

The Candle Stick and the Alter of Incense

Five Stations in the Sanctuary and the Ark of the Testimony

Ark of the Testimony and the 2300 Days

SOP and the Mercy Seat

Summary and Conclusions

Bibliography

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DAY 1

A. Holy Scriptures

The holy scriptures lie at the foundation of the Seventh-day

Adventist understanding of purpose, message and mission. We

respect the bible as the message of God transmitted through human

writers. Although the format of the scriptures manifests itself in

human language, background and historical setting, its content

consists of divine messages conveyed to humanity as a Whole and

especially to believers in God. Above the diversity reflected in

human language stands the unifying truth that ties together the

whole into the Word of God.

The Scriptures provide authentic, reliable reports of the creator God

and these activities in bringing into existence the world as well as

its inhabitants. They provide knowledge of origins, give meaning to

life and disclose the ultimate destiny of humanity.

Above all, the Scriptures bear testimony to Jesus Christ who is

ultimate revelation, God among us. Both Old and New Testaments

bear witness to him. For these reasons the Holy Scriptures stand as

the infallible revelation of the Lord’s will, the norm for Christian

values and life, the measure of all things within human experience

and the sole reliable guide to salvation in Christ.

This statement was approved and voted by the General Conference

Seventh-day Adventists Administrative Committee (ADCOM) and

58

was released by the office of the President , Robert S. Folkenberg at

the General Conference session in Utrecht, the Netherlands, June

29-July 8, 1995.

Therefore

- The absolute authority of the bible over our lives is based on

our conviction that this book does not merely contain the

word of God, but that it is the word of God in its sum and its

parts (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

- The bible is not a product elevated human conscience or

enlightened human intellect, but is directly breathed from

God himself (2 Peter 1:19-21).

- It is the source of all true doctrine

- It is in the Lord’s Word that I meet the Lord of the word.

S.O.P

Great controversy 37, the scriptures a safeguard (569 – 577)

- But God will have people upon the earth to maintain the

Bible and the Bible only, as the Standard of all doctrines and

the basis of all reforms.

- Satan is constantly endeavouring to attract attention to man

in the place of God. He leads people to look to Bishops, to

pastors to professors of theology as their guides, instead of

searching the scriptures to learn their duty for themselves.

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Then by controlling the minds of these leaders, he can

influence the multitudes according to his will.

- Many a portion of Scripture which learned men pronounce a

mystery or pass over as unimportant is full of comfort and

instruction to him who has been taught in the school of

Christ. One reason why many theologians (bible readers)

have no clearer understanding of Lord’s Word is; they close

their eyes to truths which they do not wish to practice.

B. Important Verses

Deuteronomy 29:29 Romans 15:4 1 Corinthians

10v11

- Exodus 25: 8 “And let them make me a sanctuary, that I

may dwell among them”

- The sanctuary is the place of encounter where people have

access to God. In the sanctuary God dwells among humans.

- When it comes to the resolution of the sin problem (1) a

sacrifice and (2) a priestly Ministry are necessary to offer

Salvation for humanity, bring about atonement, vindicate

God, fully and finally end the problem of sin as well as

establish God’s Kingdom of glory.

- The priestly garments: “Thou shall make holy garments for

Aaron thy brother, for glory and for beauty” (Ex 28.2).

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The priestly garments were proclaiming salvation to the Israelites.

Colour Symbol

Blue (Numbers 15:38-40) God’s law

Red (Hebrews 9: 21-22 Rev

7:14)

Christ’s blood that washes away

all sins

White (Eccl 9:8 Rev 7:9) Christ’s purity, his perfect life

that is imparted to those that

believe in Him

Purple (John 19:2 & 1 Peter

2:9)

Royalty and peculiar people.

Gold (Rev 21:18 & John 1:12) Kingly/Heavenly we are the sons

of God

- Thus we dress to the glory of Lord

- Thus when he dressed Adam & Eve, he covered them

physically to protect a spiritual nakedness, those whom are

being saved will shun physical nakedness.

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DAY 2

Location Object Reference

Courtyard Altar of burnt offering

Laver

Ex 38:1-7

Ex 38:8

Holy Place Table of shew bread

Lamp stand

Altar of Incense

Ex 37: 10-16

Ex 37:17-24

Ex 37: 25-28

Most Holy Place Ark of covenant mercy

seat

Ex 37:1-5

The Altar of Sacrifice Ex 27:1-8

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- As the altar is at the foot of the Sanctuary, so the cross

is the place I must come to place my sins on my

substitute.

- The alter had four horns symbolising power and

strength, thus through the blood of the sacrifice I

receive power and strength for each day.

- Read Hebrews 9:13&14 and 10:12

Christ offered himself as the sacrifice. That is why Paul pleads with

us; Roman 12: 1 to offer ourselves as living sacrifices. The best gift

we can ever give to Lord is the gift of ourselves. 2 Corinthians 8:5.

Luke 14:27 “And whoever does not bear his cross and come after

me cannot be my disciple”.

The laver Ex 30:18-21

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Ex 35:8 – The laver was made from the mirrors given by women.

Thus true worship will remove from us all self-righteousness and

put on the “new man” Ephesians 4:24, Colossians 3:10.

Thus the laver basin was an emblem of water baptism (John 3:5)

“Jesus answered verily verity. I say unto you thee, “Except a man

be baptised in water and of the spirit, he cannot enter into the

Kingdom of God”

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DAY 3

The Table of Shewbread Ex 25:28-30

This table had a border, a hands-breadth high around it and on the

top of it a gold crown. As a table top with a rim around it will hold

for more than a flat top will, we see a promise of abundance of help

for a heavenly victory.

Ex 34:6 “And the Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed, The

Lord, The Lord God, merciful and gracious, long suffering and

abundant in goodness and truth.”

The table got its name from what it held – the shewbread. As there

were twelve tribes, so the things that were used to make each cake

came from each tribe. Thus we see Total Member Involvement. Just

as each tribe was responsible so each member should play his part

in this great work of salvation.

1 Samuel 21:6, 1 Chro 9:82 and John 6: 48-50

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Christ is the Bread. Therefore in Christ is the abundance of all our

needs, both temporal and spiritual, for a victory for heaven. Each

Sabbath people remembered this, as we should and then receive a

“fresh, hot serving” of Jesus.

“The Shewbread was kept ever before the Lord as a perpetual

offering. Thus it was part of the daily sacrifice. It was an

acknowledgement of man’s dependence upon God for both

temporal and spiritual food, and that it is received out through the

mediation of Christ (PP. 354.1)

Phil 4:19: “But my God shall supply all your needs according to his

riches glory by Christ Jesus”.

The candle stick Ex 25:31-39

Ex 30:7-8, Ex 27:20 John 15:5

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Christ is the main shaft, we are the branches and the Holy Spirit is

the oil.

As the lamps were filled, evening and morning, so we should be

filled by the Holy Spirit, evening and morning.

There were “snuffers—flame extinguishing tools and trimmers”

(wick cutting tool) for the lamps. Whenever a lamp wick is snuffed

and trimmed and the lamp refilled with oil, it will always burn

brighter. When God allows trials to come to us we are unsnuffed

and trimmed, but refilled with the Holy Spirit so that we will burn

brighter for him because we have gone though trails with him.

The Altar of Incense Ex 30:1-10

• It has horns a sign of strength

• It has a crown a sign of victory

• The fire used was holy fire. Sign of the Holy Spirit.

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• No strange incense was to be used, signifying that no

other mediator shall be between men and God, apart

from Christ.

“The incense, ascending with the prayers of Israel represents the

merits and intercession of Christ. Pp 353.2.

Summary of the five stations in the sanctuary

Station Artefact

1 Altar of

sacrifice

The cross is the place I must come to

place my sins on my substitute, Christ

2 Laver The emblem of Baptism

3 Table of

Shewbread

Faith in Jesus for all our needs

4 Candle

stick

We become the light of the World

We should be filled by the Holy Spirit,

evening and morning when God allows

trails to come to us we are “snuffed and

trimmed” but refilled with the Holy Spirit

so that we will burn brighter

5 Altar of

incense

Christ is the connecting link between

God and man. As we approach God

through the virtue of the redeemer’s

merits, Christ places us close by his side

8T. 178.2

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DAY 4

A. The ark of the Testimony Ex 25:10-16

Ex 25:16 And you shall put into the ark the testimony which I will

give you.

God calls His law the testimony. What is a testimony?

It is a solemn declaration made to establish a fact.

Revelation 11:19 John calls the law of God the testament.

➢ The Law of God in the Ark was the basis of God’s covenant

with his people.

Leviticus 16:29

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This shall be a statute forever for you. In the seventh month, on the

tenth day of the month, you shall afflict your souls, and do not work

at all, whether a native of your own country or a stranger who

dwells among you (Verse 33). “then he shall make atonement for

the Holy Sanctuary and he shall make atonement for the tabernacle

of meeting and for the altar, and he shall make atonement for the

priests and for all the people of the assembly.

In the Most Holy Place/Holy of Holies. Is the second apartment of

the Sanctuary where only the High Priest officiated once every

year.

➢ With the death of Christ on the cross, the earthly Sanctuary

Services ended.

➢ When Christ ascended to heaven he began the first Priestly

ministration on the first apartment of the Sanctuary in heaven.

➢ In 1844 Christ, our high priest, began the second ministration

on the second apartment (Most Holy Place).

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S.O.P

➢ The correct understanding of the ministration in the heavenly

Sanctuary is the foundation of our Faith “Evangelism p 221.

➢ The intercession of Christ on man’s behalf in the Sanctuary

above is as essential to the plan of salvation as was his death

upon the cross. The Great Controversy p489.

➢ And what was done in type in the ministration of the earthly

Sanctuary is done in reality in the ministration of the heavenly

Sanctuary. The Great Controversy, p.420.

B. The Mercy Seat. Ex 25: 17&21

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The mercy seat was above the ark of Testimony.

➢ Thus the Law of God which was transgressed by humanity

demands the death of the sinner. Yet above the law is God’s

mercy that demands the sinner to be pardoned.

➢ The law enshrined within the ark, was the great rule of

righteous and judgment. That law pronounced death upon the

transgressor; but above the law was the mercy seat, upon

which the presence of God was revealed and granted to the

repentant sinner. Thus, the work of Christ for our

redemption, is symbolised by the sanctuary service. “Mercy

and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have

kissed each other” ps85.10 Patriarchs and Prophets p349.

Summary and Conclusions

➢ The original and true Sanctuary is the heavenly sanctuary

(Heb 8:1-2).

➢ This is where God’s throne is and where the transcendent

Lord meets with His creatures. They worship and serve Him,

and He takes care of all their needs.

➢ The heavenly Sanctuary is the true centre of worship from

which also God’s will is revealed (Ps 103:19-22).

➢ From the Sanctuary judgment and salvation do come (Ps

18:14-19) Rev 6:9-10

➢ When it comes to the resolution of the sin problem a sacrifice

and a priestly ministry are necessary to offer Salvation to

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humanity, bring about atonement, vindicate God, fully and

finally end the problem of sin, and establish God’s Kingdom

of glory.

➢ Both sacrifice and priesthood have found their fulfilment in

Jesus (John 1:29) (Heb 7:23-27)

Conclusion

The Sanctuary is therefore about the God of the universe who

comes close to his people and allows them to have through Christ

access to “the throne of grace”. It is therefore about God’s

immanence in His transcendence and about being the centre of

worship. It helps us to understand God in His greatness, majesty,

love and care of us.

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Seventh-day

Adventist Financial Support

System Contributors: Pastors T. C. Rukuni, M.

Choga and, Elder P. Moyo

https://www.bing.com/images/search?view=detailV2&ccid=aLQM59//&id=67D26D6783F64004A658B4491C62E86710AED4F0&thid=OIP.aLQM59__3SFkbV_SxyoqKQHaGN&mediaurl=http://stewardship.euroafrica.org/uploaded_assets/98601-BW_Logo.jpg?thumbnail=original&1452119306&exph=1827&expw=2178&q=sda+stewardship+logo+grayscale&simid=607990810206142891&selectedIndex=6&qpvt=sda+stewardship+logo+grayscale

74

Introduction (Day 1)

Overview

EGW

___________________________________________

The Seventh-day Adventist financial support system

is the finest system that exists for any religious

organization. Unique to the Seventh-day Adventist

Church, this system allows for the support of the

worldwide church. Thus, each church member can

say that through this system, God allows him or her

to participate in the Great Commission, which is to

preach the gospel to all nations, tribes, and people.

You cannot do that with a congregational system

which tends to have a local focus.

The source of the finances is the member’s income

through tithes and offerings.

___________________________________________

“He has given his people a plan for raising sums

sufficient to make the enterprise self-sustaining.

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 of divine origin. In it are

combined simplicity and utility, and it does not

require depth of learning to understand and execute

it.” {PH166 3.3}

___________________________________________

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Tithe

What is

Tithe?

Issues on

Tithe

_____________________________________________

Tithe is 1/10 of one’s income/increase, that has been

hallowed (set aside) by God and is returned to Him as

an acknowledgement of His ownership and that He is

the source and provider (Gen 14:19-20; 28:20-22; Lev

27:30-33). Concerning the holiness of tithe.

Rodriguez’s observation is instructive:

“Tithe belongs to the Lord and

therefore is holy. It does not become

holy through a vow or a consecration

act. It is simply holy by its very

nature; it belongs to the Lord. No one

except God has a right to it. No one

can consecrate it to the Lord because

tithe is never part of a person’s

property.

In a sense tithe is like the Sabbath.

Both are holy to the Lord (qodesh

laYHWH; Exodus 16:23; Leviticus

27:30). God invested them with

holiness, and now it is part of their

very nature. Both can become a test

of loyalty to the Lord and to the

covenant because the Lord put them

at our disposal even though neither of

the two is ours. We can desecrate

both of them by using them in a

profane way.” (Rodriguez, 1994).

_____________________________________________

Naturally human beings like to have control over how

their money is used. Since we have already established

that tithe belongs to God. He reserves the right to

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decide its use. The Lord gave the tithe to the Levites as

a compensation for the Land that they did not possess

(Num 18-21).

NB. The Israelites were not paying the Levites for their

services. They were only returning the tithe to the Lord

in the form of an offering. It was the Lord who decided

how to use it. The Lord decided to give it to the Levites.

The significance of this procedure is found in the fact

that the quality of the services rendered by the Levites

to the Israelites did not affect the tithing practice of the

people at all. They returned their tithe to the Lord and

He gave it to the Levites. That idea is repeated three

times in the chapter (verses 21, 24, 25).

This same approach was also used concerning the tithe

assigned to the priests (verses 28, 29). The Levites were

commanded to present a tithe from the tithe returned to

the Lord, but it was the Lord who determined how it

was to be used. The tithe of the Levites was for the

Lord, and was not a payment made to the priests for

their services: “You must present a tenth of that tithe as

the Lord’s offering” (verse 25). The sustenance of the

priests was not in the hands of the Levites, but of the

Lord. This tithe was selected from the best portion of

the tithe of the Israelites (verse 29), thereby avoiding

any attempt on the part of the Levites to manipulate the

process.

According to Numbers 18, tithe was assigned by the

Lord to the Levites and priests as compensation for

their full‑time work in the sanctuary on behalf of the

people of Israel. Tithe was brought to the Lord, and was

not payment for the ministry of Levites and priests. In

fact, tithe never appears as payment for services

received. (Rodriguez, 1994)

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This point is critical in moving us away from the

traditional view that tithe is used to pay pastor’s

salaries. “This explanation centers upon the giver and

under this assumption, the tither may believe that it is

he or she, who is paying the pastor and supporting the

church. This belief leads to the following negative

results: Stewardship principles are preached less in the

pulpit, and when pastors do preach, they often feel as if

they are speaking to the issue of their own giving. The

matter almost becomes a conflict of interest.” Further,

“when church members are not in agreement with

church leadership, they may stop returning their tithe as

a type of protest.” (Maxson et. al., 2006)

It is important to emphasize that members do not pay

the pastors through tithe, rather, tithe is returned to God

as an act of worship in acknowledgement of His

ownership and providence.

Where does the Bible say that the pastors replaced

the Levites?

Talking about the use of tithe in most Adventist circles

always generates this question. However, this question

should not cause much consternation. It should be noted

that the tithing system predates the Levites (Gen 14:19-

20; 28:20-22), thus the two are not inextricably

intertwined. If the tithing system existed before the

Levites it can exist after the Levite.

However, the above statement alone is not sufficient to

answer the concern. To put the matter beyond doubt we

need to consider Paul’s argument for ministerial support

in 1 Corinthians 9:7-14 especially vv13 and 14 were he

grounds the support of those who minister the gospel on

the Old Testament temple system. Note vv14,

“Ordained. Gr. diatassō, “to arrange,” “to appoint,” “to

give order.” God has arranged that in general His

78

ministers on earth shall be relieved of the dual

responsibility of preaching the gospel and providing for

their own material needs.” When Jesus sent his

disciples on a training missionary excursion, He told

them not to take any provisions to meet their physical

needs because, “the worker is worthy of his support.”

(Matt 10:10; cf 10:9-11; Luke 10:7).

From this section, we can conclude that tithe in the Old

Testament was used to support the Levites and Priests

who committed their entire life to the Temple service.

In the New Testament Paul uses the same basis to argue

for the support of those who commit their lives to full

time gospel ministry.

Deuteronomy 12:6, 11, 17; 14:22‑29; 26:12‑15.

There are a number of significant differences between

the tithing legislation in Deuteronomy and the one we

find in Leviticus and Numbers.

a. In Deuteronomy tithe was imposed only on

grain, wine, and oil, while in the other

legislation all the produce of the earth and the

increase of herds and flocks were to be tithed.

b. Although the tithe discussed in Deuteronomy

was required by the Lord, it belonged to the

family which brought it to the sanctuary.

Leviticus and Numbers deal with a tithe which

belonged exclusively to God, and which was

given by Him to the Levites and priests.

c. Tithe in Deuteronomy was to be used by the

Israelites for a family fellowship meal to be

eaten at the central sanctuary. The other

legislations did not allow for that. They limited

the eating of the tithe to the Levites, the priests,

and their respective families.

The inescapable conclusion that we can draw from this

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observation is that we are dealing with two different

tithes. Rabbinic tradition called the Levitical tithe, the

first tithe, and the one we find in Deuteronomy, the

second tithe. Deuteronomy 14:28, 29 and 26:12‑15

shows that every third year, this tithe was kept in the

home town. Its purpose was that “the Levites . . . and

the aliens, the fatherless and the widows who live in

your towns may come and eat and be satisfied” (14:29).

This second tithe was also based on the conviction that

it was God who blessed Israel (12:6, 7). However, its

purpose was to teach reverence to the Lord (14:22) and

to provide for the needy (26:12). This tithe seems to

have been a “charity” tithe within the Israelite

theocracy.

There are some who suggest that members should be

expected to give a double tithe. It is worth noting that

our social and economic setting is different from

Israel’s. The theocracy of the Old Testament did not

collect separate civil taxes. Gifts to the sanctuary

system supported the total religious and secular life of

the nation. We also do not have any biblical support

requiring the Second tithe in the New Testament.

Where is the Storehouse?

Malachi 3:10 admonishes us to bring all the tithe to the

storehouse. It is from the storehouse that the Levites

administered the tithe received (cf. Nehemiah 13:12-

13). Following this biblical principle, we consider the

local conference to be the storehouse, 100% of the tithe

goes there.

The tithe dollar is used at every level of the church. A

large part of it goes back to the local church to support

the pastor and any other evangelism that needs to be

helped (This should clear the notion that a large part of

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tithe does not benefit the local church. On the contrary

much of the tithe dollar returns to the local church. It

goes up from the local church unrestricted and comes

back restricted). Then some goes to the higher

organization from the local conference.

The local conference

From the local conference or storehouse, the greater

portion of the tithe is then used for the salaries and

expenses of pastors, evangelists, ministers, Bible

teachers and other personnel, all of whom play different

supporting roles for the local church. Furthermore, tithe

is also used for the retirement benefits of these

personnel. Another portion of the tithe is used for

operating expenses, evangelistic and conference office

equipment, and the facilities used by the personnel. A

share of the tithe is also allotted to the Literature

Evangelist Benefit Fund. The tithing principle is

practiced throughout the church structure, which is why

a minimum of ten percent is transmitted to the local

union. Unique to the Seventh-day Adventist Church,

this tithe sharing program allows for the support of the

worldwide church.

The Local Union

The tithe portion that comes from the conferences

allows the union to pay its employees, support poorer

conferences, fund evangelistic efforts, open new un-

entered areas and support union boarding schools. In

addition, at least 10% is transmitted to the division.

The Division

In the same manner in which tithe is divided at the

union level, tithe received at the division level is used to

support poorer unions, open un-entered areas, and

support division seminaries. The North American

Division forwards 8% of the tithe received, although

other divisions send 2% to the General Conference.

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Church Policy on Tithe (Day 2)

How

Tithe is Collected

_____________________________________________

1. Numbers 18 verse 26 – Levites were assigned to

collect the tithe ( 10% of increase). Even today

Pastors through the church treasurers have been

assigned to collect the tithe of the Lord. The

Pastor, elders and church board members should

assist the church in being faithful in returning

tithe.

“Let the church appoint pastors or

elders who are devoted to the Lord

Jesus, and let these men see that

officers are chosen who will attend

faithfully to the work of gathering in

the tithe. If the pastors show that they

are not fitted for their charge, if they

fail to set before the church the

importance of returning to God his

own, if they do not see to it that the

officers under them are faithful, and

that the tithe is brought in, they are in

peril. They are neglecting a matter

which involves a blessing or a curse

to the church. They should be relieved

of their responsibility, and other men

should be tested and tried.” {RH,

December 1, 1896 par. 26}

2. Nehemiah 13 verse 13 – The local church must

choose a faithful treasurer who is responsible for

the collecting of tithe. The local treasurer

through the local Pastor takes the funds to the

Conference treasury department. At the

Conference, only qualified staff is chosen for the

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collection, management and distribution of these

funds now called Trust funds.

“Treasurer the Custodian of All

Funds—The treasurer is the

custodian of all church funds. These

include (1) conference funds, (2) local

church funds and (3) funds belonging

to auxiliary organizations of the local

church. All funds (conference, local

church, and local church auxiliary)

are deposited by the treasurer in a

bank or financial institution account

in the name of the church, unless the

local conference authorizes another

system.” Church Manual (2015: 83)

NB- Conference funds, are deposited into the

Conference account and local funds are deposited in the

local church account

“Because of the important functions

of the treasurer, it is wise to choose

one who can be re-elected to provide

continuity in record keeping and

reporting. Large churches may elect

assistant treasurers as needed. The

treasurer can greatly encourage

faithfulness in the returning of tithe

and deepen the spirit of liberality on

the part of the members. A word of

counsel given in the spirit of the

Master will help members to render

faithfully to God His own in tithes and

offerings, even in a time of financial

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stringency.” Church Manual (2015:

82)

3. Nehemiah 13 verse 12 – The tithe should be

brought into the treasuries that is the Bank

Accounts of the Conference. The Collection

cycle goes like this:

“Proper Method for Payment of Money by

Members—The treasurer should urge that all

money paid in by members, other than the

regular church collection, be placed in tithe

and offering envelopes, unless an alternative

method has been implemented by the

conference.”

“Members should list the various items and

amounts on the envelope as indicated and to

make sure that the money enclosed equals

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the total shown. They should also sign their

names and give their addresses, and place

the envelopes in the offering plate or hand

them to the treasurer, who should preserve

the envelopes to serve as vouchers until all

accounts are checked by the conference

auditor.” Church Manual (2015: 84-85)

4. All church funds are to be keep by the local

church treasurer. Only the authorised receipt book

from the conference is to be used. Every individual

who returns tithe has a right to receiving a receipt

from the church treasurer.

5. The treasurer’s book has three carbonated pages,

the first page is for the receipt for individual tither; the

second one is the one that is taken to the conference

together with all the funds collected or bank receipt

for all funds collected; the third page remains in the

book for record keeping.

“Receipts to Members—Receipts should

be issued promptly for all money received

from members, no matter how small the

amount, and a strict account of all receipts

and payments should be kept by the

treasurer. All general offerings not in

envelopes should be counted by the

treasurer in the presence of another officer,

preferably a deacon, and a receipt given to

such officer.” Church Manual (201:85)

Note : All church officers chosen in office must be

faithful in returning tithe.

“Setting Tithing Example—All officers shall set an

example in the matter of returning a faithful tithe to

85

Use of

Tithe

the Church. Anyone who fails to set such an example

shall not be elected to church office.” Church Manual

(2010: 72)

_____________________________________________

Numbers 18 verse 21, 24 ; Nehemiah 10 verse 37

• It is to be used for the welfare of those in full

time gospel ministry who were called Levites

and now called Pastors in the Seventh Day

Adventist Church.

• Nehemiah 10 verse 37 says, “... that the same

Levites might have the Tithe in all the cities of

our tillage. Agricultural tithes was collected at

different centers then to Jerusalem. In the SDA

church, tithing system as adopted from the

Bible, tithe is collected at the local church and

then brought to the Conference the storehouse

of the church. However special arrangements

can be made for those who cannot tithe at local

church. The collection will be made direct to the

Conference with the guidance of the Treasury

department at the Conference.

• SID Working Policy 2003 page 446, “The

Conference / mission shall receive from

churches and individuals within its territory 100

percent of all the tithe receipts.”

• Pastors or gospel ministers are beneficiaries to

the tithe fund as a distribution from the

Conference storehouse according to the policy

of the SDA Church.

Tithing Founded on Principle.

The special system of tithing was founded upon a

principle which is as enduring as the law of God. This

system of tithing was a blessing to the Jews, else God

would not have given it to them. So also will it be a

blessing to those who carry it out to the end of time.

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Our heavenly Father did not originate the plan of

systematic benevolence to enrich himself but to be a

great blessing to man. He saw that this system of

beneficence was just what man needed. {PH166 4.3}

The tithe of tithe

Numbers 18 verse 26 ; Nehemiah 10 verse 38

• The Pastor when he receives his salary from the

tithe fund is to tithe from his increase.

• When the Treasury department at Conference

receives Tithes from all the churches and

individuals in its territory must also tithe to the

higher organisation which is the Union

Conference.

• SID Working Policy 2003 page 446, “The union

conference/mission shall receive from the local

conference/mission 10 percent of the tithe

received.” The Policy goes on to say, Southern

Africa-Indian Ocean Division shall arrange for

the conferences to contribute a percentage of

their tithe, this is a special tithe on top of the

10% tithe to the Union.

• So if for example the conference receives $10

000 from tithe, the conference will return a 10 %

tithe to the Union of $1000 then if say the

agreed special tithe is 13%, they will give an

additional $1300 as a special tithe.

Setting an example and Confidentiality

“Church and Conference Officers to Set Example—

Elders and other officers, as well as the pastor and

conference and institutional employees, are expected to

set good leadership examples by returning tithe. No one

shall be continued as either a church officer or

conference employee who does not conform to this

standard of leadership.” Church Manual (2010:131)

87

“To Foster Tithing—By faithfully returning tithe, elders

do much to encourage other members to return a

faithful tithe. Elders can foster tithing by public

presentation of the scriptural privilege and

responsibility of stewardship and by personal labor with

members in a tactful and helpful manner.”Church

Manual (2010: 74)

• We should note that, being a faithful tither is a

pre-requisite to being elected as an Elder, church

worker or Pastor.

• All financial matters should be confidential

• “Elders should regard all financial matters

pertaining to members as confidential and shall

not give such information to unauthorized

persons.” Church Manual (2010: 74)

Purpose for which tithe can be used

The Philosophy of the use of tithe is guided by the Bible

and the ministry of Ellen G White. These will enable

the Church to develop sound policies, the application of

which will be in harmony with our understanding of

God’s revealed will.

1. Support of Pastors, Evangelists, Ministers – The

tithe shall be utilised to support salaried

personnel directly engaged in pastoral and

evangelistic soul-winning endeavours. These are

some of the items covered towards gospel

ministers.

➢ Salaries for the Pastors

“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.” E.G. White, M82,1904).

88

2. World Mission- The tithing system should

support in our conference and also in other

missions/conferences, countries and continents

other than ours. This is done through the Tithe

of tithe and the special tithe to the higher

organisation. The conference tithes to the union

mission/conference which will also tithe to

Division of the General Conference. Thus by

simply being faithful in returning tithe, one can

support the world mission.

3. Soul –winning Support personnel – include in

this section are departmental directors, and their

staff which is engaged in evangelistic and

nurturing ministries. Included here is the

President, Executive Secretary, Chief Financial

officer, the Conference departmental directors

and their staff members.

4. Conference/mission Operating Expenses –

Operating expenses include travel expenses,

phone allowances for those already defined to

benefit from the tithe fund.

5. Literature Evangelist Benefit fund – the tithe is

considered to be an appropriate source of

subsidy for the conference portion of the

literature Evangelist Benefit Fund.

6. Subsidies for Special Activities – the tithe may

be utilised for conference/mission operating

subsidies for such programs as youth camps and

camp meetings, as part of evangelistic thrust of

the Church. These can include travel costs for

Guest Pastors, and where funds allow can even

89

cater for their welfare during campmeetings and

youth camps.

7. Evangelistic and conference/mission Office

Equipment – Tithe funds may be used for the

purchase of evangelistic equipment and

conference/mission office equipment. All other

equipment shall be purchased with non-tithe

funds.

8. Bible /Religious and support personnel in

schools – In view of the Ellen G. White counsel

restricting the use of tithe “for school purposes”

she says our system of education must be funded

largely from other sources however subsidies

may be granted by the responsible authority as

allocated. Again tithe fund can be used to serve

those individuals who serve in a clearly

identifiable support role in educating in the

things of God and who sustain a relationship to

the work of the gospel minister.” These include

the Chaplain at our schools

9. Retired employees- The tithe may be used for

the retirement benefits of denominational

employees (except those who are otherwise

provided for e.g. health care employees.

Purposes for which Tithe shall not be used

1. Capital Expenditures for building and facilities

• Capital expenditure for building and

facilities shall be drawn from non-tithe

funds.

• This includes such items as

conference/mission office, camp meeting

facilities, youth camp, elementary

schools, academics, church buildings,

90

welfare centres, colleges and

Universities.

2. Equipment – all equipment except evangelistic

and conference/mission equipment shall be

purchased with nontithe funds

3. Local fund operating expenses

• Maintenance and other operating

expenses, including local church

employees, such as secretaries,

maintenance personnel, bus drivers

and others whose remuneration is

being funded by the church, are to be

provided from church expense funds.

• “The tithe is not to be consumed in

incidental expenses. That belongs to

the work of church members. They

are to support their church by their

gifts and offerings.”( Ellen G. White,

Letter 81,1897)

• All tithe shall be paid into the

treasury and under no circumstances

is it to be retained in the local church

for its use.

4. School Operating Expenses – The maintenance

and other operating expenses of elementary,

secondary, and higher education institutions

shall be funded from nontithe sources.

NB- This is according to the SID Working policy

(2003) page 448-450)

Take note that 100% Tithe goes to the conference

but it will be shared by the Union,Division and the

General Conference.

_____________________________________________

91

Offerings (Day 3)

Introduction

_________________________________________

The second source of income for the church is

through offerings. Traditionally, we give offerings

after an appeal is made. Unfortunately, church

members often give out of duty or guilt. According

to the biblical model, in bringing offerings to God

in proportion to how much He has blessed us, we

recognize that He is the great Provider.

_________________________________________

Principles

for

Offerings

1. Q. Which is more important, tithe or

offerings?

A. Tithe and offerings are of equal

importance Malachi 3:8.

2. Q. Are tithes and offerings interchangeable?

A. Tithe and offerings are distinct and not

interchangeable Malachi 3:8. The

instructions given in the Pentateuch

concerning the Levitical tithe are different

from those given concerning offerings

3. Q. When should I give an offering?

A. Offerings are prompted by increase

(Deuteronomy 16:17, Proverbs 3:9).

Wherever there is increase there should be

an offering. We should not wait for

appeals or special projects, “not

grudgingly or of necessity” (2 Cor 9:7).

“Selfishness is the strongest and most

general of human impulses . . . in our

labors and gift for God’s cause, it is

unsafe to be controlled by feeling or

impulse. To give or to labor when our

sympathies are moved, and to withhold

92

our gifts or service when the emotions are

not stirred, is an unwise and dangerous

course.” Counsels on Stewardship 25.

4. Q. How should I give an offering?

A. Offerings should be given based on fixed

principle. “[On giving] Christians should act from

fixed principle, following the Savior’s example of

self-denial and self-sacrifice” Counsels on

Stewardship 25.

“This matter of giving is not left to

impulse. God has given us definite

instruction in regard to it. He has

specified tithes and offerings as the

measure of our obligation. And He

desires us to give regularly and

systematically.” Counsels on

Stewardship 73.

“Regularly” speaks to the frequency of our offerings

which is every time we receive income.

“Systematically” speaks to the need of proportion

between the blessing and the income. In God’s plan

the poor can give a greater gift than the rich, not

according to the amount but according to the

proportion (Luke 21:1-3).

“In the balances of the sanctuary,

the gifts of the poor… are not

estimated according to the amount

given, but according to the love

which prompts the sacrifice....

God’s providence has arranged the

entire plan of systematic

benevolence for the benefit of

man.” Counsels on Stewardship

93

180.

5. Q. What proportion/percentage of my income

should be given as offerings?

A. Each one should make a decision (2 Cor

9:7). The Old Testament example,

“The contributions required of the

Hebrews for religious and

charitable purposes amounted to

fully one fourth of their income. So

heavy a tax upon the resources of

the people might be expected to

reduce them to poverty; but, on the

contrary, the faithful observance of

these regulations was one of the

conditions of their prosperity.”

Patriarchs and Prophets 527.

“In the days of Israel the tithe and

freewill offerings were needed to

maintain the ordinances of divine

service. Should the people of God

give less in this age? The principle

laid down by Christ is that our

offerings to God should be in

proportion to the light and

privileges enjoyed. "Unto

whomsoever much is given, of him

shall be much required." Luke

12:48. Said the Saviour to His

disciples as He sent them forth,

"Freely ye have received, freely

give." Matthew 10:8. As our

blessings and privileges are

94

increased--above all, as we have

before us the unparalleled sacrifice

of the glorious Son of God--should

not our gratitude find expression in

more abundant gifts to extend to

others the message of salvation?

The work of the gospel, as it

widens, requires greater provision

to sustain it than was called for

anciently; and this makes the law of

tithes and offerings of even more

urgent necessity now than under

the Hebrew economy. If His people

were liberally to sustain His cause

by their voluntary gifts, instead of

resorting to unchristian and

unhallowed methods to fill the

treasury, God would be honored,

and many more souls would be won

to Christ.” Patriarchs and

Prophets 528.

95

Special (Project) Offerings (Day 4)

Introduction

Biblical

Basis for

Special

Project

Offerings

__________________________________________

Regular church tithe and offering resources are

sometimes not enough to start a new project or build

a new building. A capital fund campaign is

sometimes needed, but how does such a campaign fit

into the Combined Offering Plan? The Combined

Offering Plan allows room for additional offerings.

The fact is, these offerings should remain

“additional” since a church does not regularly need,

for instance, a new building or funds for a special

mission project.

Examples of special projects include church

building, new Masvingo conference office building,

current conference office renovation, campsite

development, borehole drilling for a local church

school, Save Boarding school, Mundondo Boarding

School, Masivamele Clinic, Gatawa Clinic.

__________________________________________

Occasionally, special offerings were brought to the

Lord for a specific purpose in the Old Testament.

The best example is the offering to build the

tabernacle. The Lord requested it from each

individual (Exodus 25:2), yet, it was to be a freewill

offering (36:3). Giving was to be the expression of

an inward attitude in which the center of the

personality of the individual was to be involved.

Only those whose “hearts prompted” (nādab = “urge,

give voluntarily”) them to give were to bring this

offering (Exodus 25:2; 35:5). The internal

disposition is also expressed by the phrase “whose

heart was lifted” (Exodus 35:21) or “whose spirit

was prompted” (verse 29). The request of the Lord

96

was to find in the hearts of the people a positive

response, and it did. Consequently they brought as an

offering gold, silver, bronze, precious stones, yarn,

fine linen, skins of animals, wood, olive oil, and

spices (Exodus 25:2-7). Every one, men and women,

brought something from their possessions (Exodus

35:5); in fact, they brought more than was needed

(Exodus 36:6-7).

When the first group of exiles was ready to return to

Jerusalem in 539 BC, their neighbors provided for

them gifts, freewill offerings, to be used in

rebuilding the temple (Ezra 1:6). In 457 BC Ezra

returned with another group of exiles. This time the

king, his advisors and officers, and the Jews gave a

donation (terûmāh = “gift”) to support the temple

services (8:25). Ezra kept careful records of this

offering (8:26-30).

Whenever the temple needed repairs, an offering was

collected from the people for that purpose. In 2

Chronicles 24:6, 9 such an offering is called a

maś’ēth. This noun is based on the verb nāsā’ which

means “to lift, carry,” suggesting that the noun

designates a gift or an offering as “something that is

carried to someone else,” in this case to the Lord.

During the time of King Joash, when the temple was

being repaired, a chest was placed outside the temple

to collect this offering. The Bible states that the

people brought this freewill offering joyfully (2

Chronicles 24:10).

A special offering was requested by the Lord during

the dedication of the altar and the sanctuary

(Numbers 7). Each tribe sent their gifts (qorbān,

verse 3) through their representatives. Their gifts

97

Collection of

Special

Project

Funds

consisted of sacrificial animals, utensils of gold and

silver, flour, and incense, which were needed to

begin the sanctuary services. The Israelites were

responsible for providing enough resources to

operate the sanctuary services, and they fulfilled that

responsibility through their offerings.

The Campmeeting offering also fall in this category

of special offerings (Deuteronomy 16:16-17).

__________________________________________

• A special project is either a local project or a

conference project. To make the collection of

these fund smooth, the individual giving

towards special project must specify for

which project he/she is giving.

• All funds received for a special project for the

conference must be send to the conference

via the appropriate account as given from the

Conference.

• All funds received towards the local church

special project are to be banked in the

appropriate account or kept by the local

church treasurer.

• The Central Zimbabwe Conference has thus

introduced a Special Project Fund where if all

churches and members support the fund, no

additional request for special project funds

will be made to churches. Each one will give

willingly and according to your earnings.

• Make promotion of the special project fund

and collect freewill offerings using the

98

collection cycle of tithe and offerings. Each

person gives freely as he purposes in his

heart.

• People may write their pledges which must

fulfilled in due course

__________________________________________

Ellen G.

White Quotations

“The Lord requires gifts to be made at

stated times, being so arranged that

giving will become a habit and

benevolence be felt to be a Christian

duty. The heart, opened by one gift, is

not to have time to become selfishly

cold and to close before the next is

bestowed. The stream is to be

continually flowing, thus keeping open

the channel by acts of benevolence.”

{FLB 245.3}

“The contributions required of the

Hebrews for religious and charitable

purposes amounted to fully one fourth

of their income. So heavy a tax upon

the resources of the people might be

expected to reduce them to poverty;

but, on the contrary, the faithful

observance of these regulations was

one of the conditions of their

prosperity.” {FLB 245.4} or

Patriarchs and Prophets page 527

para2

99

“In the days of Israel the tithe and freewill offerings

were needed to maintain the ordinances of divine

service. Should the people of God give less in this age.”

Patriarchs and Prophets page 528

• Israel of those days was required to give a

minimum of one quarter of one’s income, how

much more are we expected to give in this age

when we are closer to Jesus’ soon return.

10% Tithe

10% Offerings

5% Special project

• When we follow God’s way, we enjoy the

blessings of obedience

• “The principle laid down by Christ is that our

offerings to God should be in proportion to the

light and privileges enjoyed. “Unto whomsoever

much is given, of him shall be much required.”

Luke 12 verse 48

• Matthew 10 verse 8, “Freely ye have received,

freely give.”

• “The work of the gospel as it widens, requires

greater provision to sustain it than was called for

anciently; and this makes the law of of tithe and

offerings of even more urgent necessity now than

under the Hebrew economy.

• If His people were liberally to sustain His cause

by their voluntary gifts, instead of resorting to

unchristian and unhallowed methods to fill the

treasury. God would be honoured, and many

more souls would be won to Christ.” PP page528

-529

_____________________________________________

100

Policy

How

about

Camp – meeting

offering?

“To Cooperate With the Conference—The pastor,

elders, and all officers should cooperate with conference

officers and departmental directors in carrying out

approved plans. They should inform the church of all

regular and special offerings, promote all the programs

and activities of the church, and encourage all officers to

support conference plans and policies.” Church Manual

(2015: 76)

_____________________________________________

Deuteronomy 16 verse 10, 16 -17 – Camp meeting is the

feast referred to as the Feast of the Tabernacles.

➢ A camp-meeting offering is to be given as a way

of thanking God for what he would have done

for you throughout the year. Again you give

according to the blessings bestowed upon you.

➢ From Ellen G. White Manuscript releases, this is

what other people have done for the work of

God.

“I gave $1,000 at the last camp-meeting to buy land for

the location of the school, and paid my tithe, and this

was considerably more than my whole year's wages.

Besides this I have helped the poor, invested in

churches, contributed to camp-meeting expenses in New

Zealand and Australia, and during the years 1893 and

1894, I have expended $2,000 in this field, and hungry

Australia is still to be fed, and must be fed.” {8MR

141.1}

➢ Camp-meeting offering goes to the conference to

support programmes like evangelism, church

development and building projects. Both are

amounts are receipted in the conference receipt

book either individually or as a church receipt.

____________________________________________

101

Management of Local church Fund – Nehemiah

13 verse 13 (Day 5)

Purpose

Key Passages

_____________________________________________

1. The local church treasurer is the one who is

supposed to keep all church funds including

departmental funds and church building funds.

2. The church board or business meeting

authorises the disbursement of funds.

3. The local treasurer can then pay the authorised

bills from the expense fund.

“Local Church Funds—Local

church funds include church

expense, building and repair funds,

and the fund for the poor and needy.

These funds belong to the local

church and are disbursed by the

treasurer only by authorization of the

board or business meeting. However,

the treasurer shall pay from the

expense funds all bills for local

expense that have been authorized by

the board.” Church Manual (2015:

83)

4. When money has been authorised to move out,

the disbursement must have the minute number

for the action and receipts for the transaction

made. Vouchers can be used for the

disbursement of funds and a receipt attached for

102

the transaction made. All these documents must

be kept neatly in a well covered file or any other

storage facility you see fit.

“Preservation of Financial Documents—Financial

documents, vouchers, or receipted bills should be

secured for all funds received and disbursed in

accordance with the system authorized by the local

conference.” Church Manual (2015; 85)

“The treasurer shall give receipts for all funds received.

On receiving money from the treasurer, the secretary of

the auxiliary organization shall give a proper receipt to

the treasurer.” Church Manual (2015:84)

5. Monthly reports or quarterly reports of funds

are to be presented at a regular business

meetings of the church thus giving feedback to

the church.

“Reports of all funds received and

disbursed should be presented at the

regular business meetings of the

church. A copy of these reports

should be given to the leading

officers. When the number of

individuals returning tithe in the

church is reported, the spouse and

minor children who are non-wage

earners but members of the church

should be counted in this group, in

addition to the wage earner of the

family.” Church Manual (2015 ; 85)

6. Funds for Auxiliary Organisation may be

collected using different methods which include

103

an allocation from the church budget may be

made. These funds fall under thespecified

departments , however they are to be kept by the

church treasurer and the funds are disbursed by

order of the auxiliary organisation.

“Funds of Auxiliary Organizations—

Auxiliary organization funds include

such funds as church outreach

programs, family life, Adventist Youth

Society, Community Services/Dorcas

Society, Sabbath school expense, and

that portion of the health ministries

funds belonging to the church, and

may include church school funds. All

money received by and for these

organizations is turned over promptly

to the church treasurer by the

secretary of the organization, the

deacons, or whoever has received the

funds. These funds belong to the

auxiliary organizations of the church.

They may be disbursed only by order

of the auxiliary organization to which

they belong.” Church Manual (2015:

84)

7. Each year, every church is to have an audit by

the local Conference personnel. The audit

covers funds to the Conference and the local

church funds.

“Books Should Be Audited—The

conference treasurer, or other

individual appointed by the

conference committee, audits the

104

church financial records, usually

each year. The treasurer’s books and

other financial records relating to the

work of the treasurer, the church

school treasurer, and the treasurer of

any other organization may be called

for and inspected at any time by the

conference auditor or by the pastor,

district leader, head elder, or by any

others authorized by the church

board, but should not be made

available to unauthorized persons.”

Church Manual (2015; 85)

8. It is encouraged for every church to have

faithful offering givers, and in that system the

church is to adopt the “Church Budget system”.

The church budget system is when a church

makes predictions of the expected Local Income

and how they plan to use the funds available.

“Church Budget for Local

Expenses—The most satisfactory

method of providing for church

expenses is the budget plan. Before

the beginning of the new budget year,

the board should prepare a budget of

expenses for church activities during

the next year. The budget should

include all income and expenses,

including those related to all

departments. It should provide for

such projected costs as utilities,

insurance, maintenance, janitor

service, funds for the poor and needy,

and church school expense. Church

Manual” (2015: 139)

105

9. The Budget is to be presented to the church for

example during a church business meeting for

its study and for the promotion of faithful

stewards.

“The budget should be presented to

the church for its study and adoption,

and for plans to assure that funds

shall be provided to balance the

budget during the coming year.

Funds to meet the church expense

budget may be raised by offerings or

subscriptions. Members should be

urged to support their local church in

proportion to their financial

circumstances.” Church Manual

(2015:139)

10. All churches and districts are encouraged to

have Bank Accounts for the safety of all local

funds. For the smooth running of all district

programs, monthly subscriptions can be made

by the churches to the district based on agreed

percentages. For example these funds are used

when you have a district big Sabbath, they are

used for the payment for the venue, decoration,

PA system welfare and transport for the guest

speaker and so on.

Closing Remarks: The church of God need financial

support for it to survive. God bless you as you support

God’s church by being faithful in tithes, offerings and

special projects.

_____________________________________________

106

References General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Seventh-day

Adventist Church Manual. Silver Spring, MD: General

Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, 2015.

Nichol, Francis, ed. Seventh-day Adventist Bible

Commentary. Rev. ed. Washington, DC: Review &

Herald, 1976-1980.

Rodríguez Angel, Stewardship Roots. Silver Spring, MD:

General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, 1994.

Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Division of the General

Conference of the Seventh-day Adventists. Working

Policy of the Southern Africa Indian Ocean Division of the

General Conference of the Seventh-day Adventists, 2015

-2016 ed. Pretoria, South Africa: SID, 2015.

White, Ellen G. Complete Published Ellen G. White

Writings [CD ROM]. Silver Spring, MD: Ellen G.

White Estate, 1999.

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