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Arthur Vess
Arthur Vess, born circa 1895, died circa 1970, was an American preacher and author whose ministry within the Holiness movement emphasized sanctification, holy living, and bold scriptural preaching during the mid-20th century. Likely born in the rural South—possibly Tennessee or a neighboring state, given the Holiness movement’s strong foothold there—Vess emerged as a voice for uncompromising faith, though precise details of his early life, such as exact birth date and family background, remain elusive due to limited documentation. His work suggests a modest upbringing, steeped in evangelical Christianity, leading him to a calling as an itinerant preacher and writer focused on equipping believers and ministers alike. Vess’ ministry centered on delivering practical, no-nonsense sermons and writings, many preserved through platforms like RaptureReady.com and oChristian.com, including titles such as How To Preach And Teach Holiness and Youth’s Three Great Choices. He pastored and preached across Holiness churches, advocating for a life of prayer, discipline, and separation from worldly compromise—themes evident in his exhortations to preachers to “live what they preach” and maintain “secret contact with God” for effective ministry. His booklets, like The Bible on the Tongues Doctrine, tackled contentious issues within Pentecostalism, reflecting his engagement with theological debates of his era.
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Arthur Vess addresses the excuse of not seeing financial improvement from tithing by emphasizing that tithing is a divine command to fulfill a spiritual need, not a means for personal gain. He challenges the congregation to consider if they have grown spiritually through obedience to God's command on tithing, highlighting that the purpose of tithing is not self-enrichment but the advancement of the cause of Christ and the salvation of souls. Vess reminds the listeners that while earthly gains may not always be evident, the true reward of tithing is stored in heaven, providing assurance and readiness to face any challenges.
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Not on Trial
1. Excuse One: "I tried tithing once and could not tell that I got along any better financially." We answer, the law of tithing is not subject to your trial and approval. It is a divine command to meet a spiritual necessity and cannot be annulled or changed. Did you get along any better spiritually? God said, "I will open the windows of heaven," not the banks, "and pour you out a blessing." Your motive is wrong; Tithing is not a "get rich quick scheme." If it were, gamblers and counterfeiters would all tithe for selfish gains. Did the cause of Christ prosper by your tithing? Though God blesses us for obedience in tithing, as in all obedience, yet the end of tithing is not self but souls. Tithers may lose on earth, but not in heaven. When trouble comes, it is fine to know that all the tithe is in the Storehouse, and that you are ready to meet God and your record.
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Arthur Vess, born circa 1895, died circa 1970, was an American preacher and author whose ministry within the Holiness movement emphasized sanctification, holy living, and bold scriptural preaching during the mid-20th century. Likely born in the rural South—possibly Tennessee or a neighboring state, given the Holiness movement’s strong foothold there—Vess emerged as a voice for uncompromising faith, though precise details of his early life, such as exact birth date and family background, remain elusive due to limited documentation. His work suggests a modest upbringing, steeped in evangelical Christianity, leading him to a calling as an itinerant preacher and writer focused on equipping believers and ministers alike. Vess’ ministry centered on delivering practical, no-nonsense sermons and writings, many preserved through platforms like RaptureReady.com and oChristian.com, including titles such as How To Preach And Teach Holiness and Youth’s Three Great Choices. He pastored and preached across Holiness churches, advocating for a life of prayer, discipline, and separation from worldly compromise—themes evident in his exhortations to preachers to “live what they preach” and maintain “secret contact with God” for effective ministry. His booklets, like The Bible on the Tongues Doctrine, tackled contentious issues within Pentecostalism, reflecting his engagement with theological debates of his era.