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
PastorT C Rukuni 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
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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 NDEBELE
Inzwa Jesu odaidza ndiani Yizwa uJesu ebiza,
osewenza nguban’osebenza?
Minda yese yatoibva, Ndiani Amasimu a vuthiwe,
achakohwa nguban’othwal’iz’thungu?
Tenzi anodaidzira, achazokupa iNkosi I yamemeza, Nank’umvuzo
tuso wesihle
Ndiani achapindura, ndiripano uphi ozokusho athi, Ngila Nkosi ngi
nditumei! thume?

Kana usingabiri nyanza, kana Um’u ngewele ulwandle,

kushumaira uy’ekubahedeni
Shumaira vahedhei, O y’ekubafica eduze, Ba hlalelene
vakakutenderedza nawe
Kana usiri ngirozi, kana usiri Nob’u ngesiy’ingelosi, Nob’u ngase
Pauro Paule
Taura rudo rwaJesu, uti akatifira. Woland’ uthando IweNkosi, Uthi,
Yafela bonke.
Kana usiri murindi, parusvingo
rweZioni Uma u ngebe uMlindi, odongeni
Uchinongedza kudenga kunovapa IweZion
upenyu Usho indela yezulu, Yomusa kubo
Neminamato nezvipo, woita kuda bonke
kwake Ngom’thandazo nokuphana,
Ungafanane naAaron kubatsira Wenz’intando yeNkosi
M’porofita U kholeke njengo Aron, Ephasa
umprofethi
Apo mweya irikufa Tenzi
achidaidza Nxa im’pefumlo I’bhubha, iNkosi I
Usazoti neunyope, handikwanisi kubiza
basa Yek’izaba zobuvila, Uthi, ngi ngenze
Ita basa raanokupa, Farira basa lutho
rake Yenz’umsebenzi u vume, u jabulele
Kasika kumupindura, ndiripano wona
nditumei! 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

Prepared21By
Ps. T. Tunhira
2019 CAMPMEETING LESSONS
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;
27
 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
30
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
31
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
35
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.

36
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

39
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.
40
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
41
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
42
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
44
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
45
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
46
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

48
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
49
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

50
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
53
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 -

54
 CENTRAL ZIMBABWE CONFERENCE

Camp meeting 2019

Theme : Occupy till I come

Theme Song : 163

Topic: The Sanctuary Services

Presented by: Ps Lucas Sibanda

55
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

57
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.

58
 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 Christ’s blood that washes away
7:14) 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 Royalty and peculiar people.
2:9)
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 Ex 38:1-7

Laver Ex 38:8

Holy Place Table of shew bread Ex 37: 10-16

Lamp stand Ex 37:17-24
Altar of Incense Ex 37: 25-28

Most Holy Place Ark of covenant mercy Ex 37:1-5

seat

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

64
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

65
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 The cross is the place I must come to
sacrifice place my sins on my substitute, Christ
2 Laver The emblem of Baptism
3 Table of Faith in Jesus for all our needs
Shewbread
4 Candle We become the light of the World
stick 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 Christ is the connecting link between
incense 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

73
Introduction (Day 1)
___________________________________________

Overview 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.
___________________________________________

EGW “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? 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).

_____________________________________________
Issues on Naturally human beings like to have control over how
Tithe their money is used. Since we have already established
that tithe belongs to God. He reserves the right to
75
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)

76
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
77
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

78
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
79
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 1. Numbers 18 verse 26 – Levites were assigned to

Tithe is collect the tithe ( 10% of increase). Even today
Collected 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
81
 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
82
 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
83
 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

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 the Church. Anyone who fails to set such an example
shall not be elected to church office.” Church Manual
(2010: 72)
_____________________________________________

Use of Numbers 18 verse 21, 24 ; Nehemiah 10 verse 37

Tithe • 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)
86
“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).

87
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
88
 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,
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 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.
_____________________________________________

90
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 1. Q. Which is more important, tithe or

for offerings?
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
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 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
92
 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
93
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.

94
Special (Project) Offerings (Day 4)
__________________________________________
Introduction
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.
__________________________________________

Biblical Occasionally, special offerings were brought to the

Basis for Lord for a specific purpose in the Old Testament.
Special The best example is the offering to build the
Project tabernacle. The Lord requested it from each
Offerings 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
95
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
96
 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).
__________________________________________

Collection of • A special project is either a local project or a

Special conference project. To make the collection of
Project these fund smooth, the individual giving
Funds 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

97
 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
__________________________________________

“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
Ellen G. bestowed. The stream is to be
White continually flowing, thus keeping open
Quotations 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

98
“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
_____________________________________________
99
Policy “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
How feast referred to as the Feast of the Tabernacles.
about
Camp – ➢ A camp-meeting offering is to be given as a way
meeting of thanking God for what he would have done
offering? 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.
____________________________________________
100
Management of Local church Fund – Nehemiah
13 verse 13 (Day 5)
_____________________________________________

Purpose 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.
Key
Passages
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
101
 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
102
 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
103
 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)

104
 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.

_____________________________________________
105
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.

106