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  TEARING THE BLANKET
  by Arthur Vess
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Summary: Arthur Vess's sermon 'Tearing the Blanket' calls for honesty
and diligence in tithing, emphasizing God's awareness of our
contributions.

Topics: "Stewardship", "Tithing"
Scripture References: Proverbs 3:9, Malachi 3:10, Luke 16:10, 1 Corinthians 4:2, Galatians 6:7

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DESCRIPTION
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Arthur Vess emphasizes the importance of being honest and diligent in
tithing, cautioning against the excuse of giving more than the tithe
without proper record-keeping. He highlights the need for self-
reflection and implementing a systematic approach to tithing, reminding
the congregation that God keeps accurate accounts of our offerings. Vess
stresses the significance of giving the correct amount to God, just as
one would in any financial transaction, as God cannot be deceived or
mocked.

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CONTENT
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10. Excuse Ten: "I give more than the tithe." How do you know that you
give more than the tithe? Do you keep books? Do not be so liberal; (?)
cut it down to the tithe and keep books and you will be shocked at the
little you were giving, and surprised at the amount of the tithe. A
small amount seems larger to give when you are self-centered and stingy.
Be honest enough to check upon yourself. Put some system into it. God
keeps books. Even the hairs of your head are all numbered, and Jesus
sits over against the treasury keeping tab on your tithe and offerings.

If you were getting 10% from an investment, you would want those in
charge of your money to keep books, would you not?

You would not want them to guess at it and then say, "Oh I pay you more
than your part," and make no pretensions at stating the correct amount.
But you say, "God knows the amount." Yes, and he knows that you are not
tithing too. Pay God the correct amount just as you do your groceryman.
You would not guess at your account at the store and tell the merchant
that you had paid more than was due when you had kept no books. You
cannot fool God -- "God is not mocked."

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/arthur-vess/tearing-the-blanket/
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