finances

Bible Study – Biblical Principles of Finance

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December 5 – 11, 2021

Key Text

“All these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God” (Deuteronomy 28:2).

Study Help: The Acts of the Apostles, 70–76; Education, 135–145.

Introduction

“No man can lay up treasure in heaven without finding his life on earth thereby enriched and ennobled.” Education, 145.

Sunday

1 PERSONAL FINANCES

1.a. What may result now and eternally from neglecting the Lord’s cause? Haggai 1:5–11.

Note: “Those who are selfishly withholding their means need not be surprised if God’s hand scatters. That which should have been devoted to the advancement of the work and cause of God, but which has been withheld, may be entrusted to a reckless son, and he may squander it. A fine horse, the pride of a vain heart, may be found dead in the stable. Occasionally a cow may die. Losses of fruit or other crops may come. God can scatter the means He has lent to His stewards, if they refuse to use it to His glory. Some, I saw, may have none of these losses to remind them of their remissness in duty, but their cases may be the more hopeless.” Testimonies, vol. 2, 661, 662.

“The neglect to confess Christ in your account books cuts you off from the great privilege of having your name registered in the Lamb’s book of life.” Our High Calling, 192.

1.b. What should be considered by all who habitually tend to ask help, instead of offering it? Deuteronomy 28:12, 13.

Monday

2 CONDITIONAL PROMISES

2.a. What does God desire for His people even today? Deuteronomy 28:1–6.

 Note: “The word comes to every believer, ‘Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God’ (Isaiah 40:3). Economize in your expenditure of means upon yourself. The first step of self-denial is generally the most difficult, but begin without delay. Your self-denying offerings shall be used in this field to supply workers to give the last message of mercy to a fallen world.” The General Conference Bulletin, April 1, 1899.

“It is not God’s purpose that Christians, whose privileges far exceed those of the Jewish nation, shall give less freely than they gave. ‘Unto whomsoever much is given,’ the Saviour declared, ‘of him shall be much required’ (Luke 12:48). The liberality required of the Hebrews was largely to benefit their own nation; today the work of God extends over all the earth. In the hands of His followers, Christ has placed the treasures of the gospel, and upon them He has laid the responsibility of giving the glad tidings of salvation to the world. Surely our obligations are much greater than were those of ancient Israel.” The Acts of the Apostles, 337, 338.

2.b. What promises are assured to all who follow God’s financial plan? Malachi 3:11, 12.

Note: “All may feel that they can act a part in carrying forward the precious work of salvation. Every man, woman, and youth may become a treasurer for the Lord, and may be an agent to meet the demands upon the treasury. Says the apostle, ‘Let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him’ (1 Corinthians 16:2).

“Great objects are accomplished by this system. If one and all would accept it, each would be made a vigilant and faithful treasurer for God; and there would be no want of means with which to carry forward the great work of sounding the last message of warning to the world. The treasury will be full if all adopt this system, and the contributors will not be left the poorer. Through every investment made, they will become more wedded to the cause of present truth.” Messages to Young People, 304, 305.

Tuesday

3 LESSONS FROM THE DAYS OF CHRIST

3.a. How can the wise men’s devotion to the Child of Bethlehem serve as an encouragement to us? Matthew 2:1, 2, 11.

 Note: “The magi had been among the first to welcome the Redeemer. Their gift was the first that was laid at His feet. And through that gift, what privilege of ministry was theirs! The offering from the heart that loves, God delights to honor, giving it highest efficiency in service for Him. If we have given our hearts to Jesus, we also shall bring our gifts to Him. Our gold and silver, our most precious earthly possessions, our highest mental and spiritual endowments, will be freely devoted to Him who loved us, and gave Himself for us.” The Desire of Ages, 65.

3.b. What could we learn from Mary’s anointing of Jesus? Mark 14:3.

 Note: “In determining the proportion to be given to the cause of God, be sure to exceed, rather than fall short, of the requirements of duty. Consider for whom the offering is to be made. This recollection will put covetousness to flight. Only consider the great love wherewith Christ has loved us, and our richest offerings will seem unworthy of His acceptance. When Christ is the object of our affections, those who have received His pardoning love will not stop to calculate the value of the alabaster box of precious ointment. Covetous Judas could do this; but the receiver of the gift of salvation will only regret that the offering has not a richer perfume and greater value.” Testimonies, vol. 4, 485.

3.c. How can those who are habitually dependent on charity become like Mary—givers of charity? 2 Thessalonians 3:10–14.

 Note: “If those who have not made life a success were willing to be instructed, they could train themselves to habits of self-denial and strict economy, and have the satisfaction of being distributors, rather than receivers, of charity. There are many slothful servants. If they would do what it is in their power to do they would experience so great a blessing in helping others that they would indeed realize that ‘it is more blessed to give than to receive’ (Acts 20:35).” Testimonies, vol. 3, 400, 401.

Wednesday

4 IN THE TIME OF THE APOSTLES

4.a. In proclaiming the gospel, what intensity of purpose should we share with the early Christians? Acts 4:32–37.

 Note: “[Acts 4:34, 35 quoted.] This liberality on the part of the believers was the result of the outpouring of the Spirit. The converts to the gospel were ‘of one heart and of one soul’ (verse 32). One common interest controlled them—the success of the mission entrusted to them; and covetousness had no place in their lives. Their love for their brethren and the cause they had espoused, was greater than their love of money and possessions. Their works testified that they accounted the souls of men of higher value than earthly wealth.

“Thus it will ever be when the Spirit of God takes possession of the life. Those whose hearts are filled with the love of Christ, will follow the example of Him who for our sake became poor, that through His poverty we might be made rich. Money, time, influence—all the gifts they have received from God’s hand, they will value only as a means of advancing the work of the gospel. Thus it was in the early church; and when in the church of today it is seen that by the power of the Spirit the members have taken their affections from the things of the world, and that they are willing to make sacrifices in order that their fellow men may hear the gospel, the truths proclaimed will have a powerful influence upon the hearers.” The Acts of the Apostles, 70, 71.

4.b. What can we learn from Ananias and Sapphira’s artful deceit and its dire consequence? Acts 5:1–11.

 Note: “Desiring to gain a reputation for self-sacrifice, liberality, and devotion to the Christian faith, Ananias and Sapphira sold their property, and laid part of the proceeds at the feet of the apostles, pretending they had given it all. They had not been urged to give all they had to the cause. God would have accepted part. But they desired it to be thought that they had given all. Thus they thought to gain the reputation they coveted, and at the same time keep back part of their money. They thought they had been successful in their scheme; but they were cheating the Lord, and He dealt summarily with this, the first case of deception and falsehood in the newly formed church. He slew them both, as a warning to all of the danger of sacrificing truth to gain favor.” Medical Ministry, 126, 127.

Thursday

5 SYSTEMATIC SELF-DENIAL

5.a. What must we realize in the operation and financial sustenance of God’s cause in this earth? 1 Corinthians 14:33.

 Note: “He [God] desires His work to be carried forward with thoroughness and exactness so that He may place upon it the seal of His approval. Christian is to be united with Christian, church with church.” The Acts of the Apostles, 96.

5.b. What must we learn from the ways in which God’s faithful people have exemplified self-denial? Hebrews 11:8–10, 24–26, 37–40.

 Note: “There was a time when there were but few who listened to and embraced the truth, and they had not much of this world’s goods. Then it was necessary for some to sell their houses and lands, and obtain cheaper, while their means were freely lent to the Lord to publish the truth, and otherwise aid in advancing the cause of God. These self-sacrificing ones endured privations; but if they endure unto the end, great will be their reward.

“God has been moving upon many hearts. The truth for which a few sacrificed so much has triumphed, and multitudes have laid hold of it. In the providence of God, those who have means have been brought into the truth, that, as the work increases, the wants of His cause may be met. God does not now call for the houses His people need to live in; but if those who have an abundance do not hear His voice, cut loose from the world, and sacrifice for God, He will pass them by, and will call for those who are willing to do anything for Jesus, even to sell their homes to meet the wants of the cause. God will have freewill offerings. Those who give must esteem it a privilege to do so.” Counsels on Stewardship, 215.

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1    How can a receiver of charity become its distributor?

2    How should our benevolence compare to that of the ancient Jews?

3    What examples of generosity in Christ’s day should inspire us?

4    What can we learn from the spirit of the early Christian church?

5    How can the self-denial of the pioneers of present truth be revived today?

Copyright 2012, Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia 24019-5048, U.S.A.

Bible Study – God’s Plan to Finance His Work

by

Faithful Stewardship 2

November 28 – December 4, 2021

Key Text

“We are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building” (1 Corinthians 3:9).

Study Help: Testimonies, vol. 4, 571–575, 645, 646.

Introduction

“God has made men His stewards. The property which He has placed in their hands is the means that He has provided for the spread of the gospel.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 529.

Sunday

1 SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

1.a. What is God’s method of perfecting and uniting His scattered sheep? Ephesians 4:11–16.

 Note: “In sending forth His ministers our Saviour gave gifts unto men, for through them He communicates to the world the words of eternal life. This is the means which God has ordained for the perfecting of the saints in knowledge and true holiness.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 237.

1.b. How does this involve a duty and a privilege for every believer? 1 Corinthians 3:7, 8.

 Note: “The Lord has made the proclamation of the gospel dependent on the consecrated ability and the voluntary gifts and offerings of His people. While He has called men to preach the Word, He has made it the privilege of the whole church to share in the work by contributing of their means to its support.” In Heavenly Places, 303.

Monday

2 LEARNING GOD’S WAY

2.a. What was the basis of the sin of Nadab and Abihu? Leviticus 10:1, 2.

 Note: “Where, in God’s directions for the support of His work, do we find any mention of bazaars, concerts, fancy fairs, and similar entertainments? Must the Lord’s cause be dependent upon the very things He has forbidden in His word—upon those things that turn the mind away from God, from sobriety, from piety and holiness?

“And what impression is made upon the minds of unbelievers? The holy standard of the word of God is lowered into the dust. Contempt is cast upon God and upon the Christian name. The most corrupt principles are strengthened by this un-Scriptural way of raising means. And this is as Satan would have it. Men are repeating the sin of Nadab and Abihu. They are using common instead of sacred fire in the service of God. The Lord accepts no such offerings.” Counsels on Stewardship, 204, 205.

2.b. What can we learn from the way Moses raised funds—and from the Israelites’ response? Exodus 35:4, 5, 21, 29; 36:3–7.

 Note: “The plan of Moses to raise means for the building of the tabernacle was highly successful. No urging was necessary. Nor did he employ any of the devices to which churches in our day so often resort. He made no grand feast. He did not invite the people to scenes of gaiety, dancing, and general amusement; neither did he institute lotteries, nor anything of this profane order, to obtain means to erect the tabernacle for God. The Lord directed Moses to invite the children of Israel to bring their offerings. He was to accept gifts from everyone that gave willingly, from his heart. And the offerings came in so great abundance that Moses bade the people cease bringing, for they had supplied more than could be used.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 529.

2.c. What should we keep in mind with regard to giving? 2 Corinthians 9:7.

 Note: “Have you brought to God your gifts and offerings out of the abundance He has bestowed upon you? Have you given Him that which He claims as His own? If not, it is not yet too late for you to make the wrong right. The Spirit of Jesus can melt the icy selfishness that pervades the soul.” The Review and Herald, October 13, 1896.

Tuesday

3 PRACTICAL COUNSEL

3.a. How may we risk receiving the curse placed on Meroz? Judges 5:23.

 Note: “[Judges 5:23 quoted.] What had Meroz done? Nothing. This was their sin. The curse of God came upon them for what they had not done.” Testimonies, vol. 2, 284.

“The fruits of selfishness always reveal themselves in a neglect of duty, and in a failure to use God’s entrusted gifts for the advancement of His work.” Counsels on Stewardship, 26.

“Only a small amount of means flows into the Lord’s treasury to be appropriated to the saving of souls, and it is with hard labor that even this is obtained. If the eyes of all could be opened to see how prevailing covetousness has hindered the advancement of the work of God, and how much more might have been done had all acted up to God’s plan in tithes and offerings, there would be a decided reform on the part of many; for they would not dare to hinder the work of advancing the cause of God as they have done.” Testimonies, vol. 4, 483.

3.b. What does Scripture teach about personal economy? Proverbs 21:20; John 6:12.

3.c. What does the Christian seek to do when he hears a Macedonian cry today? Acts 16:9, 10.

Note: “Each one should strive to do for Jesus all that it is possible for him to do, by personal effort, by gifts, by sacrifices. There should be meat in the house of the Lord, and that means a full treasury, that responses may be made to Macedonian cries coming from every land. How pitiful it is that we are obliged to say to these who cry for help, ‘We cannot send you men or money. We have an empty treasury.’ ” Counsels on Stewardship, 298.

“We are to place in the Lord’s treasury all the means that we can spare. For this means, needy, unworked fields are calling. From many lands is sounding the cry, ‘Come over, … and help us’ (Acts 16:9). Our church members should feel a deep interest in home and foreign missions. Great blessings will come to them as they make self-sacrificing efforts to plant the standard of truth in new territory. The money invested in this work will bring rich returns.” Testimonies, vol. 9, 49.

Wednesday

4 OUR PART IN GOD’S PLAN

4.a. How is tithe to be appropriated? 1 Timothy 5:17, 18.

Note: “The tithe is the Lord’s, and those who meddle with it will be punished with the loss of their heavenly treasure, unless they repent. Let the work no longer be hedged up because the tithe has been diverted into various channels other than the one to which the Lord has said it should go. Provision is to be made for these other lines of work. They are to be sustained, but not from the tithe. God has not changed; the tithe is still to be used for the support of the ministry. The opening of new fields requires more ministerial efficiency than we now have, and there must be means in the treasury.” Gospel Workers, 227, 228.

“If all the professed people of God, both old and young, would do their duty, there would be no dearth in the treasury. If all would pay a faithful tithe and devote to the Lord the first fruits of their increase, there would be a full supply of funds for His work.” Testimonies, vol. 6, 385.

4.b. How does David encourage us to be liberal givers? 1 Chronicles 29:10–14.

 Note: “It is God who blesses men with property, and He does this that they may be able to give toward the advancement of His cause. He sends the sunshine and the rain. He causes vegetation to flourish. He gives health and the ability to acquire means. All our blessings come from His bountiful hand. In turn, He would have men and women show their gratitude by returning Him a portion in tithes and offerings—in thank offerings, in freewill offerings, in trespass offerings. Should means flow into the treasury in accordance with this divinely appointed plan—a tenth of all the increase, and liberal offerings—there would be an abundance for the advancement of the Lord’s work.” The Acts of the Apostles, 75.

“Had God’s plan been followed, means would now be flowing into His treasury; and funds to enable ministers to enter new fields, and workers to unite with ministers in lifting up the standard of truth in the dark places of the earth, would be abundant.” Testimonies, vol. 6, 386.

Thursday

5 A RESPONSIBILITY AND A PRIVILEGE

5.a. How do God’s people hasten or delay Christ’s return in the clouds of glory? 2 Peter 3:11, 12.

Note: “Had the church of Christ done her appointed work as the Lord ordained, the whole world would before this have been warned, and the Lord Jesus would have come to our earth in power and great glory.” The Desire of Ages, 633, 634.

“The work of God, which should be going forward with tenfold its present strength and efficiency, is kept back, like a spring season held by the chilling blast of winter, because some of God’s professed people are appropriating to themselves the means that should be dedicated to His service. Because Christ’s self-sacrificing love is not interwoven in the life practices, the church is weak where it should be strong. By its own course it has put out its light, and robbed millions of the gospel of Christ.” Counsels on Stewardship, 54.

5.b. What privilege is extended to every believer? 1 Corinthians 3:9.

Note: “God has made men His almoners, copartners with Himself in the great work of advancing His kingdom on the earth; but they may pursue the course pursued by the unfaithful servant, and by so doing lose the most precious privileges ever granted to men. For thousands of years God has worked through human agencies, but at His will He can drop out the selfish, the money-loving, and the covetous. He is not dependent upon our means, and He will not be restricted by the human agent. He can carry on His own work though we act no part in it. But who among us would be pleased to have the Lord do this?” Counsels on Stewardship, 198, 199.

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1    What is one way we can help to perfect and unite God’s people?

2    How do wrong methods of raising funds contrast with God’s way?

3    How can little personal expenditures hinder God’s work?

4    What would happen if all cultivated the magnanimity of David?

5    How may we be hastening or delaying our Lord’s return?

Copyright 2012, Reformation Herald Publishing Association, 5240 Hollins Road, Roanoke, Virginia 24019-5048, U.S.A.

ISSUES: The Pseudo Issues, Section III

SECTION THREE: THE PSEUDO ISSUES
Chapter V – The Pseudo Issue Of Attacking The Church
Chapter VI – The Pseudo Issue Of Divisiveness
Chapter VII – The Pseudo Issue Of Personalities
Chapter VIII – The Pseudo Issue Of Alleged Financial Irregularities
Chapter IX – The Pseudo Search For Historic Adventism

by Dr. Ralph Larson

Chapter V – The Pseudo Issue Of Attacking The Church

The fallacy of identifying the small group of officers of the North American Division who wrote Issues as “the church” has been pointed out in Section One. We concede that they are members of the church and leaders in the church, but by no stretch of the imagination can they properly say:

We are the church! Anyone who disagrees with us is rejecting the authority of the church! Anyone who presumes to criticize anything that we do is attacking the church!

From the human standpoint we probably must recognize that if a church leader is criticized for wrong doing, his most effective defense would be to set up a cry that the church is being attacked. This would be calculated to produce an emotional response akin to that produced by the burning of the flag or an attack on motherhood. Thus we find the Issues tract and book liberally sprinkled with phrases like these:

Increasingly critical of (the church), at stake is the integrity of the church, undermine confidence in the church, threaten the viability of the church, threaten to pull the church apart, criticize and tear down the church, fighting the church, etc.

Perhaps the most astonishing of these misleading phrases is in the line that describes the purposes of Hope and Hartland as “gaining control of the church and ‘purifying’ it by purging out those who do not agree with their theology. “— Issues book, page 19. If the reader will pause a moment to reread the paragraph of descriptive phrases above and substitute the word “unauthorized theology” for every use of the word “church,” this will make it a much more accurate statement.

If the emotion arousing purpose of such language as this is successful, it can be counted upon to arouse an unreasoning fury against any persons who would so assault the church of God. But not all Seventh- day Adventists are that unreasoning or unreasonable. Many will reflect that they have not heard or read any such attacks on the church in the presentations of the independent ministries. They have, rather, heard and read many warnings against unauthorized changes in the church’s doctrines, and criticisms, by a few, of wrong doing on the part of certain individuals, but nothing remotely resembling a wholesale condemnation of the church.

Under the date of April 3, 1992, a “study paper” was circulated among the leaders of the North American Division which set forth a rationale for taking strong action against certain independent ministries. Portions of this paper were later incorporated into the Issues tract and book.

The proposed strategy is to (a) represent to the church members that certain independent ministries are “attempting to force (their) view on the church” and are planning “to purge out those who would resist them” NAD Paper, pages 9, 11, 14.

The next step in the proposed strategy is to (b) argue that since force is being used against the church, the church is justified in taking forceful actions against these ministries and those who support them.

Though the charge of “using force” is as false as it is ridiculous, this accusation is a device of deception quite commonly used by those who are trying to persuade people to do something which their consciences do not approve. While pursuing my doctoral studies in the liberal radical educational community of Boston, I attended a seminar in which the dean of a liberal theological seminary used the same technique by stating with emphasis that:

If a man overcharges you for a loaf of bread, that is violence!

The intent of this strategy is obvious. If a man is using violence against you, you are clearly justified in taking strong measures in return. So— go ahead and burn down his store, or take whatever other actions seem appropriate. You may quiet your conscience by accepting the concept that he first “used violence” against you.

But is overcharging for a loaf of bread a valid definition of violence? Not to a careful thinker. And is charging certain persons with apostasy a valid definition of “using force”? If it is, then our church has been “using force” against both Catholic and Protestant churches throughout our entire history in that we have been charging them with apostasy. Are we ready to plead guilty to “using force” against these churches, or would it be better to simply reject in its entirety this false definition of “using force”?

Chapter VI The Pseudo Issue Of Divisiveness

This is a charge that is carefully left undefined. It is apparently desired that church members simply accept the testimony of the leaders of the North American Division that the independent ministries are divisive, and not ask, “Divisive about what?” We are reminded of a passage in The Desire of Ages, page 724:

Again Pilate asked, “What accusation bring ye against this Man?” The priests did not answer his question, but in words that showed their irritation, they said, “If He were not a malefactor, we would not have delivered Him up unto thee.” When those composing the Sanhedrin, the first men of the nation, bring to you a man they deem worthy of death, is there need to ask for an accusation against him? They hoped to impress Pilate with a sense of their importance, and thus lead him to accede to their request without going through many preliminaries. They were eager to have their sentence ratified; for they knew that the people who had witnessed Christ’s marvelous works could tell a story very different from the fabrication they themselves were now rehearsing.

The purpose of the Issues writers seems to I be to avoid entering into theological discussions of any kind, yet the charge of divisiveness leads directly to theological realities. Repeatedly the Issues writers affirm that the independents are creating division by urging (forcing) their theological opinions upon the church.

We have already pointed out that it is not our opinions that we are defending, but rather the Bible doctrines that are expressed in the book, Seventh- day Adventists Believe. Thus, we challenge the use of the term “opinions,” but we do not challenge the use of the term “theological.” Theology is what it is all about, or more precisely, unauthorized changes in our theology.

Thus we are led directly to the question, Who is properly chargeable with divisiveness, those who are making the unauthorized changes, or those who are resisting the changes? Surely any fair- minded person would place the responsibility at the door of those who are making the unauthorized changes.

When the Review editor writes that disagreements about the nature of Christ are harmful to the unity of the church and create division, we respond that this is a valid point, but it is 35 years too late. It should have been advanced in 1956 and 1957 when the Review was printing arguments against our historic position on the nature of Christ and the secret writers of

Questions On Doctrine (QOD) were preparing that ill- fated volume for publication. They are the ones who destroyed the unity of the church on this point. We are not.

In our massive research report, The Word Was Made Flesh, we record 1,200 statements by Adventist writers, including many of our most prominent leaders, that our Lord came to this earth in the human nature of fallen man. Four hundred of them were from the inspired pen of Ellen White. All were published in the one hundred year period 1852- 1952. There was total unity on the subject. In all of our research, we did not find a single dissenting opinion. This perfect unity was shattered in 1957 when the secret writers of QOD foisted upon the unsuspecting church members the Calvinistic doctrine that Christ came to earth in the human nature of the unfallen Adam. Brazenly they declared that this had always been the belief of our church. Possibly never before in the history of Christianity had so many been misled by so few, and so easily.

The perfect unity that our church had enjoyed for more than a hundred years on this point and on other points that depend on it was destroyed and division was created. And now, in defiance of all logic, fairness and justice, the similarly secret writers of Issues are proposing that the independent ministries are responsible for this division. Can judgment be more unfair than this?

Likewise, the literature of our church before the publishing of QOD abounded with statements, sometimes entire articles, affirming that victorious Christian living through the power of the indwelling Christ is possible for all Christians. This statement appears in the writings of Ellen White more than 4,500 times and it has appeared in our statements of faith as well, including 140 times in Seventh- day Adventists Believe. Yet those who are bringing the doctrines of Calvinism into our church are now teaching and preaching, without authorization, that all Christians must keep on sinning until Jesus comes, at which time He will miraculously fix us so that we will not sin any more. Ellen White has written 48 warnings that nothing of this kind will ever happen.

Nevertheless, the writers of Issues are saying that victorious Christian living is a new standard of Adventism invented by the independent ministries, and are charging us with divisiveness. Yet perhaps this should not surprise us. Ellen White wrote:

When controversy is awakened, the advocates of truth are accredited with causing a disturbance.— ST 10- 17- 95.

Elijah was declared to be a troubler in Israel, Jeremiah a traitor, Paul a polluter of the temple. From that day to this, those who would be loyal to truth have been denounced as seditious, heretical, or schismatic. Multitudes who are too unbelieving to accept the sure word of prophecy, will receive with unquestioning credulity an accusation against those who dare to reprove fashionable sins. This spirit will increase more and more.— GC 458, 459.

Should divisiveness be charged against those who are resisting unauthorized changes in our church’s theology, or upon those who are making the unauthorized changes? We submit this question to the considered judgment of every fair-minded Seventh- day Adventist, and we reaffirm that this is a pseudo issue.

Chapter VII – The Pseudo Issue Of Personalities

One of the most time tested realities about discussion and debate is that those who have evidence will present their evidence, whereas those who do not have evidence will attack the man. This has been recognized for so long that it has come down to us with a Latin name: the argument ad hominem (against the man.) It is very disappointing to historic church members when they ask their pastor or even their conference president why wrongful and unauthorized changes are being made in our church’s theology, and they are told in reply that certain independent ministry leaders are not good men. In support of this allegation, barrages of hear- say, innuendo and pure gossip are often presented by those who are expected to preach against such things.

But that is beside the point. Arguments about men can go on forever, but this has nothing to do with the problem of wrongful and unauthorized changes in our church’s theology. To point to an alleged fault in a man, or even to an apparent and discernible fault, does not provide anyone with authority to change a doctrine of our faith.

One of the most regrettable and indefensible of these arguments against the man is the allegation that the historic Adventists are setting themselves up as the standard for others to follow and imitate. (Issues, page 14, et al.) Surely this is the absolute nadir of discussion, the lowest level that argument can possibly reach.

I have been ministering to historic Adventists for nearly half a century and have become personally acquainted with many of the independent ministry leaders. I have never met nor heard of a single person among them who would dream of setting himself or herself up as the standard for anything. They would all with one accord declare that our standard and example is the Lord Jesus Christ, and that no human being should be regarded as our example. This is in sharp contrast to the theological position of the Calvinist, which places great emphasis upon the sacrificial substitution of Christ and minimizes as much as possible His role as our example. Arguments such as this are obviously pseudo issues, and should be recognized as confessions of the abject poverty of a cause.

Chapter VIII – The Pseudo Issue Of Alleged Financial Irregularities

Since this is a variation of the argument against the man, which was discussed in the previous chapter, we need not analyze it at length here. The same principles apply to both. To state the matter simply, if by microscopic examination of the life records of all independent ministry leaders it could be demonstrated that one or all of them had been involved in an apparent financial irregularity of some kind, would this provide authorization for anyone to make changes in the doctrines of the church? To ask the question is to answer it, because the idea is so ridiculous. This is transparently a pseudo issue.

But if the North American Division leaders insist on trying to make it appear as a real issue, then there are several more chapters that will have to be written and published. We will simply list a few of the chapters that would be needed:

  1. A chapter dealing with financial irregularities involving NEMA and the Kettering law suit.

  2. A chapter dealing with the suit against the Lake Union by Lloyds of London.

  3. A chapter dealing with the Davenport scandal.

  4. A chapter dealing with the unnecessary declaration of bankruptcy by the Harris Pine Mills.

  5. A chapter dealing with the Rebok scam.

  6. A chapter dealing with the solicitation of tithe from well- to- do members in certain conferences in North America and the diversion of that tithe to a mission field in Central America, along with an explanation of the means whereby that tithe was channeled through a North American Division office so that the donors could have a tax exemption.

  7. A chapter dealing with the highly irregular arrangements that were set up whereby money could be channeled through the books of a certain Union in order to provide secret salaries to the wives of certain highly placed church leaders.

Much more might be added, but perhaps this is enough to demonstrate our point. I am proposing that it would be better to give our attention to the real issue of wrongful and unauthorized changes in our church’s theology and leave pseudo issues such as this one alone.

Chapter IX – The Pseudo Search For Historic Adventism

Those who are changing the doctrines of our church have endeavored to apply the term “traditional Adventists” to those of us who do not accept their changes. This may be a purposeful ploy. To most Seventh- day Adventists the word “tradition” carries very negative connotations. We have recognized and identified the problem of other churches as following tradition rather than Scripture. So we have preferred to call ourselves “historic Adventists.”

As our published writings have made quite clear, we understand and use the term “historic” to refer to the truths that were held by virtually all Adventists before the book Questions on Doctrine appeared in 1957.

We are not ignorant of our church’s history. We are well aware that the formation of our doctrines was a gradual process, with major principles being established in the early years and further refinements coming later. We are also well aware of the difference between “landmarks” and “pillars” of our faith and the less important items.

But these matters had been sorted out and our theology well refined before 1957, and it is to the common faith of the pre- 1957 era that we have reference when we describe ourselves as “historic Adventists.” Again, this is clearly stated in our writings.

We, therefore, look in wonder at the 18 page search for historic Adventism in the Issues book, pages 35- 53. The chapter requires us to look back to the earliest years of SDA experience for definitions of the term “historic Adventism.” Insofar as the present discussion is concerned, this has little or no relevance. We are talking about pre- 1957, not pre- 1857.

We are further mystified by the selection of material and by the treatment of material.

The Selection of Material. Throughout most of its existence, our church has printed and published to a phenomenal degree. The Archives contain untold thousands of pages of material in which our doctrines were expounded, explained and recommended to the world. The writers of this material did not neglect the two points of faith now under consideration— the nature of Christ and sanctification. As mentioned elsewhere, our leading administrators, editors and other writers went into print 1,200 times during the years 1852- 1952 with statements that our Lord came to earth in the human nature of fallen man, and not a single statement affirming the opposite. Four hundred of these statements were by Ellen White. Her statements expressing our historic view of sanctification total more than 4,500. The statements on that subject by other writers are too numerous to count.

There is no lack of source material. If you want to know what historic Adventism consisted of, especially in regard to the nature of Christ and sanctification, spend just a few months in the Archives. My wife and I have done this and have reported our findings in our two research volumes, The Word Was Made Flesh and Tell of His Power.

The Issues authors have not done this. They have chosen a different approach which we view with astonishment. They have chosen to ignore this enormous mass of historical evidence and look only at the few and unofficial statements of faith that can be found in the 1861,1872 and 1931 historical records.

The first statement to which they direct our attention (1861) was not by the general church but only by the Michigan Conference. It consisted of 30 words:

We the undersigned, hereby associate ourselves together, as a church, taking the name of Seventh- day Adventists, covenanting to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus Christ.— Issues book, page 36.

The Issues writers then lead us to 1872 and a statement composed by Uriah Smith and published in the Review, of which he was editor. Here we find the treatment of evidence no less astonishing than the selection of evidence.

The Treatment of Evidence. We present this as it appears in Issues on page 39 with emphasis supplied and quotation marks to indicate the words of Uriah Smith:

In 1872 Adventists published an anonymous, non- binding statement of beliefs. In the introduction, the unnamed author (Uriah Smith) took great pains to emphasize the unofficial and non- creedal nature of the document: ‘In presenting to the public this synopsis of our faith, we wish to have it distinctly understood that we have no articles of faith, creed, or discipline aside from the Bible. We do not put forth this as having any authority with our people, nor is it designed to secure uniformity among them, as a system of faith, but is a brief statement of what is and has been, with great unanimity, held by them. We often find it necessary to meet inquiries on this subject, and sometimes to correct false statements circulated against us, and to remove erroneous impressions which have obtained with those who have not had an opportunity to become acquainted with our faith and practice. Our only object is to meet this necessity.’

The non- binding, non-creedal status of the statement is of special interest. Even more significant, however, is the fact that the statement is distinctly non-Trinitarian. Jesus is described as Creator and Redeemer but is nowhere identified as God or as eternal. He simply is “the Son of the Eternal Father.”

For those who would wish to define “historic Adventism” in terms of specific doctrinal content, the 1872 date presents a real dilemma. To accept what Adventists considered binding at that time would exclude any reference to the nature of Christ or to a particular type of obedience.

We see no dilemma. We consider historic Adventism as pre- 1957. We observe that:

1- The Issues writers in describing this statement acknowledge that it was the work of one man (Uriah Smith) and was published in the Review on his own initiative. It was, therefore, not produced by the “Adventists” speaking by way of a board, a committee or a constituency meeting.

2- Though Uriah Smith may not have been clear on the eternal pre- existence of Christ, he was clear on the human nature of Christ and on sanctification, as shown in his book Looking Unto Jesus (c189 7 ), pages 23 and 30:

In the likeness of sinful flesh, He reached down to the very depths of man’s fallen condition, and became obedient unto death, even the ignominious death of the cross. He came in the likeness of sinful flesh to demonstrate before all parties in the controversy that it was possible for men in the flesh to keep the law. He demonstrated this by keeping it Himself. On our plane of existence, and in our nature, He rendered such obedience to every principle and precept, that the eye of Omniscience itself could find no flaw therein. His whole life was but a transcript of that law, in its spiritual nature, and in its holy, just and good demands. He thus condemned sin in the flesh, by living Himself in the flesh and doing no sin, showing that it was possible for man thus to live.

3— The Issues writers also describe the statement as non- binding, unofficial, non-creedal, non- binding and non-creedal.

Yet in the tenth line following we find this: To accept what Adventists considered binding at that time. . . . So the statement no longer reflects the thinking of Uriah Smith but of “Adventists” and that which was described as non- binding, unofficial, and non-creedal, has suddenly become “what Adventists considered binding.”

While you are catching your breath, we will move on to the next problem. Throughout their discussion, the Issues writers place great emphasis on the alleged absence from the three statements (1861, 1872, 1931) of any reference to our historic view of the nature of Christ and the doctrine of sanctification. But when we examine those statements in the appendices of

Issues, this is what we find:

1861
. . . covenanting to keep the commandments of God.— Issues book, page 36.

1872
That there is one Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Eternal Father, the one by whom God created all things, and by whom they do consist; that he took on him the nature of the seed of Abraham for the redemption of our fallen race. . . . That the new birth comprises the entire change necessary to fit us for the kingdom of God, and consists of two parts: first, a moral change, wrought by conversion and a Christian life. . . . That as all have violated the law of God, and cannot of themselves render obedience to His just requirements, we are dependent on Christ, first for justification from our past offenses, and, secondly, for9race whereby to render acceptable obedience to his holy law in time to come.— lbid. 437, 439.

1931
While retaining His divine nature He took upon Himself the nature of the human family. . . .

By accepting Christ, man is reconciled to God, justified by His blood for the sins of the past, and saved from the power of sin by his indwelling life. Thus the gospel becomes “the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth.” This experience is wrought by the divine agency of the Holy Spirit, who convinces of sin and leads to the Sin- Bearer, inducting the believer into the new covenant relationship, where the law of God is written on his heart, and through the enabling power conformity to the divine precepts.— lbid. 444.

The end is not yet. The Issues writers have woven through all of their presentation a very strong emphasis upon the doctrines of church authority, Christian unity, and tithes and offerings. We have taken note of this emphasis in our section on side issues.

Then, turning their attention to the alleged faults of historic Adventists, they argue strenuously that if a doctrine is not specifically mentioned in the 1872 statement it is therefore nonbinding, but rather optional, and different views and practices on those points are not subject to challenge.

We ask. Where in the 1872 statement do we find a reference to the three doctrines that are the basis for their planned disciplinary actions— the doctrines of authority, unity, and tithe? Answer: nowhere. There is not a word in the 1872 statement about any of these three doctrines. Therefore, by their own argument, the Issues writers have pronounced judgment against themselves for preparing to apply church discipline to us.

We rest our case. Section Four: Credibility Credibility is a crucial factor in all church administration. The church is not able to levy taxes on its members like the government does and collect them by force, applying stiff fines and even prison sentences for failure to pay. The vast financial structure of our church and its institutions, involving total annual budgets that doubtless run into billions of dollars, must of necessity rest upon a foundation of confidence, trust, credibility. Let this confidence and trust be lost, let this credibility be destroyed, and the church will struggle in vain to collect money from its members.

How important, then, that wise statesmanship be exercised in all decision making and in the conducting of all church affairs. The question that urgently needs to be considered at every step of the way is, How will this affect the church’s credibility? Openness, accuracy, fairness, justice and truthfulness are the vital elements that will enhance credibility. The absence of any of them, in whole or in part, will do enormous damage to the church’s credibility and thus to the church’s financial structure. financial structure.

We would like to suggest that the expensive publication of the Issues tract and the 467 page book has done nothing to enhance the church’s credibility. The many responses that are reaching us indicate that it may have a severely damaging effect. As briefly as possible we will list some potential problems.

The next section: The Credibility Crisis

Money

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Daily we deal in one of the most dangerous threats to our spirituality and happiness, yet we cannot escape it. In the words of the apostle Paul, “The love of money is the root of all evil.” 1 Timothy 6:10. In our contemporary world, it is impossible to live without money, yet untold millions will trace their eternal loss to the dollar bill. The question before us, then, is, Will we master money or will money be our master? “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” Matthew 6:24.

Testing Treasures

In order to correctly understand how to master money, we must realize the purpose for which the Lord has put money into our hands. In the parable of the rich fool, this is aptly illustrated. This unnamed fool had been blessed abundantly by God. “The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully.” But his thoughts were not of gratitude: “What shall I do, because I have no room where to bestow my fruits?” His needs were supplied, but master money had taken the reins of his life. He answered himself, “I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.”

In this simple statement, there are ten references to himself. The fool thought solely of himself. He was thinking of his comfort, his convenience, his pleasure, and his retirement. His thoughts were not on what he could do for the One who had given the abundance nor of how to help those around him. As a result, the terrible verdict was pronounced upon the man who could think only of himself: “[Thou] fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?” He was not condemned for having farms and lands and barns. He was not condemned because he had been blessed with a particularly productive year. He was not condemned for his wise management. He was condemned because he thought and lived only for himself. His usage of the heavenly gifts was not the problem; it was the visible indicator of the root problem. Thus, the warning sounds down to our time: “So [is] he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.” Luke 12:16–21.

Money is indicative of the heart condition. Are we thinking solely of ourselves and our families, or are we thinking outside of ourselves?

“As money is a snare, made so by the greed after it, we need to be guarded on every side. We are put into possession of money for a little while to try us individually. The soul has its test—whether money stands as having greater power over us than God and His requirements. Our Saviour says, ‘Ye cannot serve God and mammon.’ [Matthew 6:24.]” Manuscript Releases, vol. 16, 257.

“Money is not necessarily a curse; it is of high value because if rightly appropriated, it can do good in the salvation of souls, in blessing others who are poorer than ourselves. By an improvident or unwise use, . . . money will become a snare to the user. He who employs money to gratify pride and ambition makes it a curse rather than a blessing. Money is a constant test of the affections.” The Adventist Home, 372.

An Account of Stewardship

As we study Jesus’ parables, we find that a number of His parables were directly related to the principle of stewardship; especially does Luke record this recurring theme. Perhaps the most striking are the words found in Luke 16:2, “Give an account of thy stewardship.” Jesus has made it very clear that He has set each of us as stewards on this earth; stewards that will be called to give an account of our stewardship. The Lord has made us stewards of all that He has given us—time, talents, influence, health, family, and especially money. “The idea of stewardship should have a practical bearing upon all the people of God.” Testimonies, vol. 3, 387.

In no other parable is the lesson of stewardship taught so plainly as the parable of the talents. As the nobleman prepared to go to a far country to receive for himself the kingdom, he called his ten servants and gave to each of them a pound, or mina. The command was then given, “Occupy till I come.” Luke 19:13. The Greek word for occupy, pragmateuomai, does not have the connotation of sitting down and enjoying while awaiting the Lord’s return, but to be busy oneself and do business. The nobleman gave his servants the funds (enough to buy about 30 sheep or goats) and told them to be busy in working with the funds that he had given them. Then, as he returned, he required not just the mina that he had given, but also what they had gained from working with the master’s goods. “And it came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called unto him, to whom he had given the money, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading.” Luke 19:15.

The parallel is unmistakable. The command is given to us, “Occupy till I come,”—not by making our home in this world, doing our own business or seeking our own pleasure, but as stewards of the Master, doing business for Him. We are to be busy with the funds that He has given for the advancement of His interests. “God has left us in charge of His goods in His absence. Each steward has his own special work to do for the advancement of God’s kingdom. No one is excused. The Lord bids us all, ‘Occupy till I come.’ By His own wisdom He has given us direction for the use of His gifts. The talents of speech, memory, influence, property, are to accumulate for the glory of God and the advancement of His kingdom. He will bless the right use of His gifts.” Counsels on Stewardship, 116.

This parable, rightly understood, should change our entire perspective on life. We are to be living, working with the Master’s goods for the advancement of His kingdom—nothing more, nothing less. How is it with us? Are we being stewards of all that we have, busy about the Master’s service, or are we busy about our own service? Do we realize that for every dollar we spend an account will be required of our stewardship? If we are slack in our stewardship of the Lord’s goods, the command that none can refuse will come: “Give an account of thy stewardship.” “Wherefore then gavest not thou my money into the bank, that at my coming I might have required mine own with usury?” Luke 16:2; 19:23.

As we consider the unavoidable blessing and responsibility of stewardship and the fact that the usage we make of our stewardship is a constant test revealing the heart, we are led to ask, How can we practically master money and be stewards of the funds that the Lord has granted to us in our day and age? Let us consider three principles of Christian stewardship to help us to master what is ever clamoring for the mastery—money.

Prioritize

If we are going to be prepared for the kingdom of heaven and be among the faithful stewards in the day of reckoning, we must begin by prioritizing our finances. How do we prioritize? From the ever applicable words of the Sermon on the Mount: “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on.” “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” Matthew 6:19–21, 25, 33.

In managing our finances, we must put the Owner of all finances where He belongs—first. Jesus has promised that as long as we put God first, our needs will be supplied. Not that all of our needs will be airdropped from heaven, but, rather, He will supply the means and the ability for us to make use of His gifts, and, thus, He will provide for us.

Are we prioritizing the Giver of all good things in all our earning and spending habits? Do we realize that He has the very first claims upon our finances before anything else is considered? The kingdom of God must have a higher priority than our rent, mortgage, food, utilities, credit cards—everything.

One of the greatest aspects of the Jewish economy was the constant prioritizing of our heavenly Benefactor. When a child was born, sacrifices were required giving thanks for God’s goodness. (Leviticus 12:1–8.) The firstborn of all animals belonged to the Lord, to be offered as a sacrifice or redeemed. (Leviticus 27:26, 27.) Before the harvest could be harvested, the firstfruits had to be presented before the Lord. (Exodus 22:29.) After the final harvest took place, a feast of rejoicing and sacrifices of thanksgiving were offered. (Leviticus 23:39–41; Numbers 29:12–40.) The tithe, or ten percent, of their increase was required. (Leviticus 27:30, 32.) Then there was the second tithe used for two years to sustain the expenses of the annual gatherings and the third year used for the Levite and the poor. (Deuteronomy 14:22–29.) Then there were thank offerings (Leviticus 7:12–15), sin offerings (Leviticus 4), and freewill offerings (Leviticus 1–3). In their worship, they were always bringing an offering of their substance and giving it back to the Lord.

How much do we return to the Lord? “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.

“A conscientious few made returns to God of about one third of all their income for the benefit of religious interests and for the poor. These exactions were not from a particular class of the people, but from all, the requirement being proportioned according to the amount possessed.” Testimonies, vol. 4, 467, 468.

Priorities Skewed

Sadly, we have forgotten the principle of prioritizing heaven first amid the bustle of bills and allurements in our world. Ellen White continued with these words: “There must be an awakening among us as a people upon this matter. There are but few men who feel conscience-stricken if they neglect their duty in beneficence.” Ibid., 468. Perhaps we render a faithful tithe and maybe even offerings, but when something extra comes, of what do we think? Do we think of giving a portion back to the One who gave it, or do we think that now we can get ahead or buy some coveted item?

Ellen White continues, “The majority of professed Christians part with their means with great reluctance. Many of them do not give one twentieth of their income to God, and many give far less than that; while there is a large class who rob God of the little tithe, and others who will give only the tithe. If all the tithes of our people flowed into the treasury of the Lord as they should, such blessings would be received that gifts and offerings for sacred purposes would be multiplied tenfold, and thus the channel between God and man would be kept open.” Ibid., 474.

Into which category do we fit—the many giving less or far less than one twentieth of our income? Are we robbing God of the little tithe? Are we giving only the tithe? Or are we spiritually awake, not waiting for the thrilling missionary appeals to arouse us? May the Lord help us each to have an awakening in this matter that the gifts and offerings would be multiplied tenfold.

As we study the Jewish economy, as instituted by Moses, may we realize that “God expects no less from us than He expected from His people anciently.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 300. What we put first indicates who or what we love the most. Money is the constant test of our affections. If we place the One who died for us first, we are manifesting that we are preparing to dwell with Him, but if we place the things of this world first, we are telling that we do not want to leave this present world.

“Of all our income we should make the first appropriation to God. . . . Yet our work needs tenfold more means now than was needed by the Jews. The great commission given to the apostles was to go throughout the world and preach the gospel. This shows the extension of the work and the increased responsibility resting upon the followers of Christ in our day. If the law required tithes and offerings thousands of years ago, how much more essential are they now! If the rich and poor were to give a sum proportionate to their property in the Jewish economy, it is doubly essential now.” Testimonies, vol. 4, 474.

Budgeting

An underlying principle in all financial management is to make a budget. In the corporate world, budgets and goals are essential to success; how much more so for a Christian. In Jesus’ illustration regarding the necessity of counting the cost of salvation, we see the essential principle of making a budget. “For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has [enough] to finish it—lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’ ” Luke 14:28–30. Jesus was asking, Which of you does not count the cost of a building project? Which of you does not make a budget?

Solomon tells us the importance of planning and budgeting: “Through wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches.” Proverbs 24:3, 4. It is only by wisdom and knowledge that a house will be built and its rooms filled. Not having a budget is one of the major reasons for financial embarrassment and failure of Christian stewardship.

Keeping accounts or budgeting is something that every single one of us needs to know how to do and practice. “All who expect to engage in the work of the Lord should learn how to keep accounts. In the world there are many who have made a failure of business and are looked upon as dishonest, who are true at heart, but who have failed to succeed because they did not know how to keep accounts.” Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 218.

Even children can and should be taught to keep their simple accounts. “Let children be taught to keep an account. This will enable them to be accurate. The spendthrift boy will be the spendthrift man. The vain, selfish, self-caring girl will be the same kind of woman.” Child Guidance, 136.

Why are we given such strong counsel that we all need to keep accounts? Because otherwise we have no idea where our money is going and, thus, how effective we are being as stewards. We see something that would be handy, so we buy it; then we go on, not realizing how quickly these “little” expenses add up. It does not seem very expensive, or it is on sale; we have the money, but in the end, we have wasted our Lord’s money on trifles. “The amount daily spent in needless things, with the thought, ‘It is only a nickel,’ ‘It is only a dime,’ seems very little; but multiply these littles by the days of the year, and as the years go by, the array of figures will seem almost incredible.” The Adventist Home, 384. If we keep a budget, it helps to rein in these unknown expenses that deplete our bank account and the Lord’s treasury.

Make a Plan

First, make a plan. Put God first. Put the tithe down as your first expense; then consider how much you can give for offering. Then, start with your fixed expenses. How much is your mortgage, rent, or other fixed payments? Then estimate what utilities and food normally cost. When you have a framework of these basics, you will then be able to evaluate the little nickels that deplete budgets. After making a basic budget, keep track of all your expenses. “All should learn how to keep accounts. Some neglect this work as non-essential; but this is wrong. All expenses should be accurately stated.” Gospel Workers, 460.

To be wise stewards of the Lord’s means, we need to discipline ourselves to write down every expense. When our expenses are written down (or inputted into a computer program or spreadsheet), we are then able to categorize them together and to see how much we are spending and where. As we see how much we are spending, we can then adjust our budget and make goals for how we can be better stewards. The painful part then comes when we see how much the little luxuries are costing us, but that is just what we need to see so that we can then bring these excessive expenditures under control.

Eliminate Debt

There are several areas that need particular attention in a budget. Number one, after putting God first in our finances, is getting out of debt. Solomon has warned us, “The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower [is] servant to the lender.” Proverbs 22:7. With 11 trillion dollars in American household debt, most today are servants to the financial institutions of the world. Debt drives people to work more, have less time for God, less family time, less personal time, and more stress. The result: decaying
spirituality, crumbling society, shattered homes, and broken bodies. How true is the apostle Paul’s maxim, “Owe no one anything except to love one another”! Romans 13:8. Credit cards are the worst offenders, but then there are also mortgages and car payments.

Many Christians have bought into the devil’s lie of buy now, pay later. We have been counseled, “Be determined never to incur another debt. Deny yourself a thousand things rather than run in debt. . . . Avoid it as you would the smallpox. Deny your taste, deny the indulgence of appetite, save your pence and pay your debts. Work them off as fast as possible. When you can stand forth a free man again, owing no man anything, you will have achieved a great victory.” “Shun the incurring of debt as you would shun leprosy.” Counsels on Stewardship, 257, 272.

While all debt is to be shunned, it is true that some debts are much less objectionable than others. Debt for a home is frequently unavoidable in our contemporary world, but with the Lord’s guidance and wise purchasing, there should be equity to back up the debt if difficulties arise. Thus, while still not desirable, it is much less objectionable than the unsecured consumer debt that is rampant today. This unsecured consumer debt is “one of Satan’s nets which he sets for souls.” Colporteur Ministry, 93. Are we budgeting to work off our debts as fast as possible, or are we trapped in society’s materialistic mesh?

Savings

Another area that needs to be placed in our budget is savings. Not only should we shun debt, but as responsible Christian stewards, we should have an emergency fund to fall back on, if need be, or to put in the Lord’s work. “[There is] treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish man spendeth it up.” Proverbs 21:20. It is fun and easy to spend everything that comes in, but when adversity arises, by our unwise stewardship, we have no net to fall upon, and thus, the fall is much further and harder. In the dwelling of the wise, there are reserves in case of need. For seven years, Joseph taught the Egyptians the principle of saving, and without this wise stewardship, the entire land of Egypt may have perished.

“Had Brother and Sister B been economical managers, denying themselves, they could ere this have had a home of their own, and besides this have had means to draw upon in case of adversity.” Testimonies, vol. 3, 30.

“To carefully reserve a portion of each week’s wages and lay by a certain sum every week which is not to be touched, should be your rule.” Selected Messages, vol. 2, 330.

Be it large or small, we can and should budget what we can to save. We must be certain that we are saving for the right reason, though; we are to save that we may give. “You might today have had a capital of means to use in case of emergency and to aid the cause of God, if you had economized as you should. Every week a portion of your wages should be reserved and in no case touched unless suffering actual want, or to render back to the Giver in offerings to God.” Ibid., 329. Are we, like Joseph, realizing that days of famine will come, or are we, like the fool, spending everything?

Economize

The lesson of economy is so important to learn that Jesus himself gave the example. “Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.” John 6:12. Nothing is to be lost. Economizing is sometimes the hardest to do because it means restricting our wants and desires. We are to make sure that not one fragment that could be saved and used in the Lord’s service is lost. We all have things that we can do without—be they trinkets, delicacies, books, or gadgets.

The trick in economizing is knowing the difference between wants and needs. Do we just want something, or do we really need it? Will it help us and others heavenward, or will it just steal time and space? Is it the best use of my funds, or could something else suffice? “You have a lesson to learn which you should not be backward in learning. It is to make a little go the longest way.” Testimonies, vol. 2, 432.

“It is so easy in preparing your table to throw out of your pocket twenty-five cents for extras. Take care of the pennies, and the dollars will take care of themselves. It is the mites here and the mites there that are spent for this, that, and the other, that soon run up into dollars.” Counsels on Stewardship, 257.

Restrict Wants

In all that we do, the world must know that, like Abraham, we are just strangers in this land—heaven is our home. “Let us fitly represent our faith by restricting our wants.” The Adventist Home, 375. How much do we buy that we could do without? Are we restricting our wants, or are we adding dress to blouse and tool to gadget?

“The fields are white for the harvest. Shall we not have means for gathering in the precious grain? . . . Will everyone cut off all needless expenditures? See what you can do in self-denial. Dispense with all that is not positively necessary.” Australasian Union Conference Record, January 1, 1900.

Are we dispensing with all that is not positively necessary, or are we desiring more and more? Do we realize the work that needs to be done, and are we living in accordance with our faith? Every time we enter a store, we should pray, for our belief in the soon coming of the Lord is being tested. Every time we come to the checkout counter, we should ask ourselves, Do I really need this item? Will this purchase be to the glory of God or to my own glory? Am I representing to the clerk that I believe that the end of all things is at hand?

It is true that, “Since mortals have bodies and heads and hearts to be provided for, some provision for the body must be made in order to hold a proper position in the world. Not to meet the world’s standards—oh, no, no indeed; but to be of influence in the world for good.” Selected Messages, Book 2, 330. Too often, though, we are providing for our bodies, heads, and hearts, and not the kingdom of God.

“God calls upon the young to deny themselves of needless ornaments and articles of dress, even if they cost but a few dimes, and place the amount in the charity box. He also calls upon those of mature age to stop when they are examining a gold watch or chain, or some expensive article of furniture, and ask themselves the question: Would it be right to expend so large an amount for that which we could do without or when a cheaper article would serve our purpose just as well?” Testimonies, vol. 4, 511.

May we learn not just to think before opening our pocketbook but, more importantly, to pray. May our faith shine strong not just on Sabbath morning, but going through the checkout line, as well.

Economy and Self-denial

The lesson of economy and self-denial is the underlying principle of the entire kingdom of heaven. “Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any [man] will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.” Matthew 16:24. Jesus denied himself, left heaven and came to save us. Do we think it hard to deny ourselves the trinkets of this world? This principle, more than any other in managing our finances, we need to learn; for it is self-denial that will prepare us for the mansions above.

“But they will not economize as others have done. . . . If they neglect to learn these lessons, their characters will not be found perfect in the day of God.” Testimonies, vol. 3, 30, 31. All heaven beats with the harmonies of self-sacrificing love, and if we do not learn the lesson here, our discordant note will find no place in the melodies above.

The Lord has entrusted us weak and erring mortals to be His stewards. All that we have and are is His, but He has given it to us for the upbuilding of His kingdom. Will we prove faithful to that high and holy trust?

Will we learn to master money, or will money be our master? By prioritizing, budgeting, and economizing, we have the tools to reveal to the world and unfallen beings who our Master really is. When Jesus returns, He is only returning for those who have learned to put God first in every area of their lives and those who have lifted the cross of self-denial for the Master. May we pray and strive each and every day to be among that group.

“Our God shall come, and shall not keep silence: a fire shall devour before him, and it shall be very tempestuous round about him. He shall call to the heavens from above, and to the earth, that he may judge his people. Gather my saints together unto me; those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice.” Psalm 50:3–5.

[All emphasis added.]