Ellen Chat Conversation

Ellen White taught that the tithe is to be brought into the "storehouse" or the Lord's treasury to support the gospel ministry. She emphasized the biblical instruction found in Malachi, stating, "Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in Mine house" (GRC 42.1), and noted that this is the specific channel God has appointed for these funds. The primary purpose of the tithe is the support of those dedicated to spiritual labor. She wrote that "The tithe should go to those who labor in word and doctrine, be they men or women" (Ev 492.2). When church members are "faithful in paying their tithe into His treasury, His laborers will be encouraged to take up ministerial work" (7MR 137.4). She cautioned that the treasury often becomes depleted because "selfish hearts and hands had not made use of the tithe to support other lines of work" (7MR 137.4), which hinders the advancement of the gospel. Regarding the local church's role, she noted that "if all would be prompt in paying an honest tithe to the Lord, which is His portion, the treasury would not lack for means" (CS 95.2). She viewed this practice as a sacred duty and an "acknowledgment of their dependence upon God" (GW 370.1). Ministers are specifically instructed to ensure that "new converts should be fully enlightened as to their duty to return to the Lord His own" (GW 370.1), as this support is essential for the support of the ministryand the "opening of new fields" (Echoes June 21, 1905, par. 7). She also warned against the misuse or diversion of these sacred funds. She stated that "The tithe is the Lord's and those who meddle with it will be punished with the loss of their heavenly treasure unless they repent" (Echoes June 21, 1905, par. 7). Instead of using the tithe for various other church projects or personal interests, it must be "kept sacred" to ensure there is money to pay the ministers who otherwise might "receive nothing for their labor" (PH157 7.2). For practical application, this means that the tithe is not a matter of personal discretion but a reserved resource for the ministry. By returning an honest tithe to the church treasury, believers ensure that the work of God is not "hedged up" and that those called to preach the gospel are properly sustained (Echoes June 21, 1905, par. 7). --- 💡 **You might also want to explore:** • What did Ellen White say about how the tithe should be used? • What are the consequences of withholding tithe according to her writings? • How did she describe the "storehouse" mentioned in Malachi? --- 📚 **thousands of passages found** containing these search terms — [Explore in Full-Text Search](/advanced-search?q=Where+does+it+say+that+tithe+should+be+paid+to+the+church)

Ellen White taught that "The world’s Redeemer has invested great power with His church" (PCL 162.3), establishing it as His primary agency on earth for both the proclamation of truth and the administration of spiritual order. She explained that this authority is particularly visible in the church's responsibility to maintain order among its members. When the church follows the specific directions laid out in Scripture, "even the heavenly authority ratifies the discipline of the church in regard to its members when the Bible rule has been followed" (PCL 162.3). This means that the church acts as Christ's representative, and its decisions regarding membership and conduct—when aligned with the Bible—carry weight that is recognized by God Himself. This authority is not based on human wisdom but on the church's role as the "depositaries of His law" (MR311 5). Ellen White noted that the church is God's agency for the proclamation of truthand is "empowered by Him to do a special work" (PK 259.3). To assist in this mission, God placed spiritual gifts within the church, including "the spirit of prophecy" (1TT 17.2), which is intended for the perfecting of the saintsand the "edifying of the body of Christ" (1TT 17.2). For practical application, this connects to the previous discussion on tithe because the church is the organized body through which Christ's work is finished. As the delegated servants of Christ" (3TT), the church leadership and its members are "committed to them sacred trust and eternal truth to be given to the world" (MR311 5). By returning tithe to the church, believers recognize this divine appointment and support the agency Christ has chosen to represent His authority and character to the world. In conclusion, while the church holds this high position as the "bride, the Lamb's wife" (16MR 277), Ellen White also cautioned that "a mere outward connection with any church will not save a man" (16MR 277). The authority of the church is most effective when its members possess "personal faith in a personal Saviour which brings the soul into spiritual union with Christ" (16MR 277). --- 💡 **You might also want to explore:** • What did Ellen White say about the consequences of the church failing to follow Bible rules in discipline? • How does the "spirit of prophecy" specifically help the church maintain its spiritual authority? • What is the relationship between individual conscience and the authority of the organized church?