PSALM 96:8 (KJV): “Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name: bring an offering, and come into his courts.”
ABSTRACT
The anticipation of Jesus Christ’s second coming drives us to faithful stewardship through spreading the gospel and generous giving. This article examines the biblical call to proclaim salvation worldwide, the divine provision for ministry support via tithes and offerings, historical examples of sacrificial giving, and practical ways to apply these principles in our lives today. By embracing these responsibilities, we participate in God’s plan, reflecting His love and hastening Christ’s return.
CHRIST’S COMING CALLS US!
The anticipation of Jesus Christ’s second coming is a cornerstone of Christian faith, inspiring us to prepare for this pivotal event. This blog explores the divine commission entrusted to Christians, the scriptural mandates guiding their mission, and the practical steps to fulfill their spiritual responsibilities. By delving into these themes, we aim to encourage personal and communal application of God’s word in readiness for Christ’s return. Hebrews 9:28 declares, “So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.” Philippians 1:6 assures, “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” Ellen G. White emphasizes this preparation, writing, “The Lord is coming. We hear the footsteps of an approaching God. We are to prepare the way for Him by acting our part in getting a people ready for that great day” (The Review and Herald, November 12, 1914). A prophetic voice further urges, “Transgression has almost reached its limit. Confusion fills the world, and a great terror is soon to come upon human beings. The end is very near. We who know the truth should be preparing for what is soon to break upon the world as an overwhelming surprise” (Testimonies for the Church 8:28, 1904). These truths call us to vigilant readiness, prompting the question: What urgent mission does Christ’s imminent return demand from us?
GLOBAL GOSPEL QUEST BEGINS!
The expectation of Christ’s return is central to Christian doctrine. Mark 16:15 commands, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” This mandate highlights the global scope of the mission, emphasizing the need to reach all people with the message of salvation. Ellen G. White underscores this urgency, stating, “At this time there should be representatives of present truth in every city and in the remote parts of the earth” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 6, p. 24, 1900). Romans 1:16 proclaims, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.” Matthew 28:19 instructs, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.” Through inspired counsel, Sr. White warns, “The work which the church has failed to do in a time of peace and prosperity, she will have to do in a terrible crisis, under most discouraging, forbidding circumstances” (Testimonies for the Church 5:463, 1882). In a passage from Gospel Workers, she adds, “The message of the soon coming of the Saviour must be given in all parts of the world, and a solemn dignity should characterize it in every branch” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6, p. 289, 1900). This divine charge fuels our collective effort, raising the question: How does God equip us to sustain those who carry this worldwide proclamation?
MINISTRY MIGHT UNLEASHED!
God has established practical means to ensure the gospel’s proclamation, particularly through the support of those who dedicate their lives to ministry. In 1 Corinthians 9:14, Paul asserts, “The Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel.” Sr. White explains, “Verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law” (The Acts of the Apostles, p. 336, 1911). Philippians 4:19 promises, “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Galatians 6:6 directs, “Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.” The inspired pen affirms, “When the importance of laboring to reach the higher classes is urged, let none receive the idea that the poor and unlearned are to be neglected. Right methods of labor will not in any sense exclude these. It was one of the evidences of Christ’s Messiahship that the poor had the gospel preached to them” (Gospel Workers, p. 308, 1892). Through prophetic insight, she declares, “God is a God of justice, and if the ministers receive a salary for their work, their wives, who devote themselves just as disinterestedly to the work, should be paid in addition to the wages their husbands receive, even though they may not ask for this” (Gospel Workers, p. 347, 1915). Such provisions strengthen our shared labor, leading us to wonder: What examples from ancient times inspire our own commitments to generous support?
ANCIENT GIVING HEROES!
The Old Testament provides compelling examples of generous giving. The Hebrews were often required to contribute significant portions of their resources to religious and charitable purposes. Sr. White notes that some gave as much as one-third of their income for God’s work (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 4, p. 467, 1881). Exodus 35:5 calls, “Take ye from among you an offering unto the Lord: whosoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it, an offering of the Lord; gold, and silver, and brass.” 2 Chronicles 31:5 records, “And as soon as the commandment came abroad, the children of Israel brought in abundance the firstfruits of corn, wine, and oil, and honey, and of all the increase of the field; and the tithe of all things brought they in abundantly.” In Patriarchs and Prophets, a passage reminds us, “In the Hebrew economy one tenth of the income of the people was set apart to support the public worship of God. Thus Moses declared to Israel: ‘All the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the Lord’s: it is holy unto the Lord’” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 525, 1890). Thematic guidance adds, “The plan of redemption provided that the Israelites should give gifts and offerings in abundance for the sanctuary service” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 343, 1890). These stories stir our resolve today, inviting reflection: Why do these timeless practices remain essential in our current context?
TITHE TRIUMPH TODAY!
Tithes and offerings remain vital in modern times, serving as expressions of faith and tools for advancing God’s mission. Sr. White writes, “All the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the Lord’s: it is holy unto the Lord” (Counsels on Stewardship, p. 67, 1940). Malachi 3:10 challenges, “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.” Leviticus 27:30 affirms, “And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the Lord’s: it is holy unto the Lord.” A prophetic voice declares, “The time has come when the tithes and offerings belonging to the Lord are to be used in accomplishing a decided work. They are to be brought into the treasury to be used in an orderly way to sustain the gospel laborers in their work” (Manuscript Releases 21:61, 1896). In Counsels on Stewardship, inspired counsel reinforces, “The tithe is the Lord’s; and He bids us return to Him that which is His own” (Counsels on Stewardship, p. 73, 1940). This sacred duty empowers our mission, sparking curiosity: In what ways does our giving echo the boundless love of our Creator?
LOVE’S GIVING LIGHTNING!
How do these concepts reflect God’s love? The principle of tithing and offerings illustrates God’s provision and care. Just as He provided for the Levites in the Old Testament, He ensures the needs of His servants today. Sr. White writes, “God has made men His stewards, and He requires that His means be used in His service” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 3, p. 394, 1875). 2 Corinthians 9:7 encourages, “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.” John 3:16 reveals, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Nature and revelation alike testify of God’s love, as in Steps to Christ we read, “Our Father in heaven is the source of life, of wisdom, and of joy” (Steps to Christ, p. 9, 1892). Righteousness is holiness, likeness to God, and “God is love,” a passage from Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing reminds us, “Give, and it shall be given unto you” (Luke 6:38); for the word of God cannot fail (Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, p. 110, 1896). Through such generosity, we embody divine compassion, pondering: How might these acts transform our individual and collective lives?
PERSONAL POWER PLEDGE!
On a personal level, I have found peace and purpose in honoring God through my giving. Recognizing that my contributions support ministry work inspires me to be faithful in this duty. As a community, we are called to unite in this sacred responsibility. Together, we can hasten Christ’s return by sustaining the ministry, spreading the gospel, and living as faithful stewards of God’s blessings. 1 Peter 4:10 exhorts, “As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” Luke 6:38 promises, “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.” Those who live for a purpose, seeking to benefit and bless their fellowmen and to honor and glorify their Redeemer, are the truly happy ones on the earth, as Mind, Character, and Personality notes (Mind, Character, and Personality, vol. 2, p. 514, 1977). Willing obedience and pure love bind every offering on the altar, through inspired counsel we are told (Counsels on Stewardship, p. 269, 1940). This commitment renews our zeal, urging us to consider: Are we ready to fully align with God’s eternal purpose?
VICTORY IN GIVING GRACE!
Are we willing to embrace this challenge? The preparation for the second coming is both a privilege and a responsibility. By answering God’s call to spread the gospel, supporting His ministry, and reflecting His love through giving, we actively participate in His divine plan. Let us remain steadfast in our commitment, knowing that our labor in the Lord is never in vain.
Revelation 22:12 “And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.”
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SELF-REFLECTION
How can I delve deeper into stewardship principles in my devotions, letting them shape my daily choices?
How can we make tithing and giving teachings engaging for all ages in our church?
What common myths about tithing exist, and how can Scripture and Sr. White’s writings correct them?
How can our community exemplify joyful giving to draw others to Christ’s love?
PEOPLE OF THE BOOK 
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