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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 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.
Tearing the Blanket
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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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.