Internet Bible Study - Chapter 21

CHAPTER 21 - SUMMARY REFLECTIONS
Readers are challenged to consider the multi-dimensional nature of God’s message and plan. While many aspects of God’s plan for offertory giving are explored in preceding discussions, none of them alone reveals the fullness of God’s intent. However, when all of the aspects are considered and implemented together, then like light in the facets of a gemstone, the brilliance of His intent is reflected and His glory is revealed.

Reference Scripture:
2 Corinthians 9: 12 – 15 9 (Thanksgiving, praise, prayers result from the obedience & generosity of the Corinthian giving)

Supporting Scriptures:
Matthew 25: 31 -46 (as we ministry to others we minister to Christ

Click on the link to the Internet Bible Study to review the full text of the lesson. The link is contained in the "Additional Resources" section of this blog.


Don't study alone. This is the world wide web. Invite a family member, friend, someone from another state or another country to join you.

New Podcast - Kingdom Giving

I have posted the morning message from the Progressive Baptist Church 12/21/08 worship service as a podcast. It is available on my website and the iTune Store. Links to each site are contained in the "Additional Resources" section of this page.

Announcement - Progressive Baptist Church

Based on the congregation's response to the Bible Study classes, the pastor of Progressive Baptist Church (Dr. Roy Brown) has requested that I deliver the morning message this Sunday. I request your prayers of support as God uses me and this message.


Larry

Bible Study at Progressive Baptist Church

I will be teaching from the More Than The Gift principles during the Bible Classes at Progressive Baptist Church (275 Barnes Road, Aurora, IL) on Wednesday 12/03 and 12/10. Please pray for God's anointing on both me and the Bible Study participants.

Thanks!

Larry

The Midwest Book Review

This week, the workbook received a " 5 Star" rating (highest rating) from the "Midwest Book Review". The review can be viewed on Amazon.com or my website: morethanthegift.net .

God has called me to plant seeds, but deep inside I also long to see the effort bear fruit. I have to admit, I'm a little tired. So, I needed that. Praise God for His grace. Thanks for your continued prayers and support.


Larry

Announcement - American Baptist Stewardship Conference

I will be a featured speaker at the American Baptist conference outlined below. Please pray for God's anointing and that my presentation will be a blessing to those who attend. I believe that God will continue to give me opportunities to speak to church leaders as a way to plant the seeds of change.

CHRISTIAN FINANCIAL STEWARDSHIP
in
DIFFICULT ECONOMIC TIMES

Third Annual Stewardship Seminar
American Baptist Churches of Metro Chicago

Saturday, September 20, 2008
9:00 a.m. – Noon
Heritage Plaza Center
1500 W. 95th Street
Chicago, IL 60643

A free seminar designed for church leaders who accept the challenge of securing resources to support the opportunities for ministries and missions of congregations.

Make reservations by calling (773-804-1655), faxing (773-804-1656), or e-mailing (office@abcmc.org) the ABCMC office.

Internet Bible Study - Chapter 20 - September 2008

CHAPTER 20 - A LESSON FOR CHURCH LEADERS
God’s guidance for offertory gifts is not limited to church members but guidance also exists for church leaders. The Biblical account of Jesus’ feeding of 5000 men with a boy’s lunch establishes a pattern for church involvement in God’s ministry efforts and the distribution of offertory gifts for ministry work.
Reference Scripture:
John 6: 1 – 12 (2 fish & 5 loaves)
Supporting Scriptures:
2 Corinthians 8 (Macedonian giving)
Matthew 14 (2 fish & 5 loaves)
Malachi 3: 10 (that there may be meat in my house)


Click on the link to the Internet Bible Study to review the full text of the lesson. The link is contained in the "Additional Resources" section of this blog.


Don't study alone. This is the world wide web. Invite a family member, friend, someone from another state or another country to join you.

Internet Bible Studies - July and August 2008

I apologize for my delay in posting the July Internet Bible Study. In light of the delay, I am posting both July and August simultaneously. The Internet Bible Study is now available on the More Than The Gift web site

July 2008 - CURSE OF THE TREADMILL
The prophet Haggai warns of the consequences of using God’s possessions to enrich ourselves while we neglect the needs of ministry. Readers are reminded that if it seems that their financial gains yield no actual progress, it would be wise to give careful thought to their patterns of giving to determine whether they are neglecting God.

Reference Scripture:
Haggai 1: 1 – 7 (consider your ways)
Malachi 3: 8 – 9 (you are under a curse)
Supporting Scriptures:
Galatians 3 (redeemed from the curse by Christ)



August 2008 - THE PROMISED BLESSING
This section gives a brief review of scriptural promises associated with our giving. Abundant blessings flow from giving that honors God with its content and our conduct. However, seeking to obtain the promises should never be the primary motivation for our giving. Readers are encouraged to honor God with their giving and then to view His blessings not as the goal but as a natural consequence of Godly Giving.

Reference Scripture:
Malachi 3: 10 – 12 poured out blessing)
Luke 6: 38 (Give and it will be given unto you)
Proverbs 3: 9 Honor the Lord with your wealth , firstfruits… then your barns will be filled to overflowing)
Supporting Scriptures:
Isaiah 46:11 (If God speaks it he will do it)
Psalms 27: 13 ( I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living)
Psalms 23 (my cup runneth over)
1 Kings 17 (Elijah & widow)
Matthew 14 (2 fish & 5 loaves)
Genesis 15: 1 ( I am thy exceedingly great reward)


Click on the link to the Internet Bible Study to review the full text of the lesson. The link is contained in the "Additional Resources" section of this blog.


Don't study alone. This is the world wide web. Invite a family member, friend, someone from another state or another country to join you.

Amazon Updated

As of August 1st, the workbook is ranked #2 in Amazon's "Hot New Releases" for the "Stewardship" category. That's a great way to start a new month. Praise God!

Thanks for your prayers! Don't stop!

Larry

P.S.

Most of my internet traffic goes to my Blog site: christiangiving.blogspot.com However, I have an extensive web site: morethanthegift.net The Web site is intended to be the primary internet portal for the project. I invite you to visit it soon (a link is in the right-hand margin) . Let me know what you think. Thanks!

Project Praise Report

I want to extend my appreciate to Dr. Trunnell D. Felder (pastor of New Faith Baptist Church International) and his staff for their decision to include More Than The Gift as one of the class for their Fall Bible Study. New Faith Baptist Church International is a 6000 member church located in Matteson, Illinois. The classes will begin in late September. Praise God!

Please join me in prayer that God will allow the seed of this word to fall on good soil and draw those who participate in the classes into a deeper relationship with Him and each other. Pray also that as they are blessed they will be motivated to share this word and workbook with others.

Thanks for your support!

Larry

Praise Report

The workbook is ranked among Amazon’s “Hot New Releases” in the Stewardship category. It’s ranked #9.

This week I received my first web site visit from someone in Bosnia.

There is a new book out “A Revolution In Generosity: Transforming Stewards To Be Rich Toward God”. It’s principle author is a college professor with has authored 22 other books. I recently sent him a copy of the press release. I continue to send out emails of my press release to pastors, churches, other church leaders, denominational conventions, newspapers, radio stations, bookstores , college professors, etc. Most people don’t respond to unsolicited emails (you have to follow-up). My follow-up efforts are slow. Surprisingly this author responded without a follow-up. He took time to send me a word of encouragement.

Praise God! I am encouraged!


Larry

Workbook - Amazon.com Update 07/09/08

I promise that I won’t trouble you everyday BUT!!!! It’s amazes me what God is doing. I don’t know how long it will last but His activity is a great encouragement at a time when I need encouragement. Earlier today, the workbook dropped out of the top 100 and was unranked (which I expected). However, as of an hour ago the workbook was ranked #21 out of 1300 in the “Stewardship” category and #104,448 out of millions in books in general. I don’t understand. I won’t try to. I am just developing my marketing strategies. I don't have any advertising and no one knows who I am. The MBA in me knows that the time frame and sample size is too small to be statistically meaningful but the truth of the matter is that it is meaningful to me. Praise God!


Larry

Workbook Correction Update

The corrections have been implemented. Prayerfully, there aren't many of the old copies in inventory. Please resume ordering and recommend others to do so as well.


Larry

Praise Report

As of 07/08/08, our internet message has been received in:

38 States within the U.S.A
35 Countries Outside of the U.S.A.
6 Continents

Last week someone from Botswana spent over 30 minutes reviewing the Blog. I may never know the extent to which God uses this material to build His Kingdom. I may never meet most of the people whose lives are touched. It doesn't matter. I stand in awe that He is allowing me the blessed privilege of fellowship with Him while He performs a miracle!!

Praise God!

More Than The Gift - Workbook Update

There were some formatting and typing errors in the original file. So, the first printed copies of the book contained those errors. Since I published through an on-demand publisher the impact is minimized. A PDF of the manuscript is maintained by the printer and can be updated within few days. Books are only produced as they are needed. Amazon only purchases a few copies for its inventory and then reorders as necessary. It is currently sold out of its inventory. I’ve updated the PDF file and I’m confident that corrected books will be available next week. Please delay any new orders until next week.

Amazon.com gives some sales performance data (though they do not divulge how it is calculated). The workbook is classified in the Christian Stewardship category. As of today, the workbook ranked #83 out of 1300 books in the category. So, the workbook makes the top 100 list for the category. It’s all pretty amazing to me. Praise God!


Thanks for your prayers!! Don't stop!!

Larry

Annoucement - The Workbook Has Been Published - PRAISE GOD!!

The publication process moved faster than I anticipated. The workbook is now available for ordering from Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Praise God! Thank you for all of your support, but don’t stop now. Please consider one or more of the following:

1) Continue to prayer for this ministry effort,
2) Order a workbook for you or someone you know,
3) Encourage someone else to do so,
4) Post a book review on the Amazon or Barnes and Noble website and/or
5) Post a podcast review on iTunes


Larry

Next Project Phase

Now that the workbook has gone to press, I can give more attention to the next project. I am working on a book comprised of excerpts from the podcasts. I am using a devotional format rather than a workbook format. While the material is essentially the same, the target audience is different. Some people will read a devotional piece who wouldn’t tackle a workbook. My observation is that many of the people who have advanced copies of the workbook, haven’t actually written answers to the questions. Ultimately, the workbook may be used more by church leaders and teachers while the podcast book may be more readily embraced by individual believers. At any rate, my job is to follow the instructions that I’m receiving. God will do the rest.

The podcast book is organized around the central themes that God revealed to me from the workbook and will be a “quick read”. The themes are:

God is interested in more than just our gift
The gift is still important because of what it reveals and
The gift is important because of what it accomplishes


I may add one more theme. The completion of the book is contingent on my progress in doing additional podcasts. Pray for my productivity.


P.S. I’m researching whether I can be a speaker at the Urban Ministries Conference in Chicago (Fall 2008). Pray for God’s leading and blessing.


Thanks!


Larry

Workbook Publication Countdown

I have authorized Aventine Press to publish the More Than The Gift Workbook. Today I signed off on the final changes and authorized the publisher to send the workbook to the printer. In approximately 30 days the workbook will be available for ordering from online bookstores like Amazon, Barnes and Nobel. Thus it will be available worldwide. I serve an awesome God. I am amazed by His mercy and grace, yet I am aware that publication is not my destination. It is simple part of the journey. Much work lies before me but I want to thank and praise God for how far he has brought me. Thank you for walking the journey with me. Thank you for your comments, criticisms and prayers.

Prayer Request

I ask for your prayers. This will be a challenging month and I am in a mental rut.

Today I posted a new Internet Bible Study on the SBC website. The study is entitled “Polluted Offerings”. I encourage you to share it with someone you know.

I expect to receive the formatted draft of the book from the publisher this week. Publication should be completed approximately 4 weeks after I edit and return it. The workbook will be available online from Amazon and Barnes & Nobles in July.

In support of that, I need to step-up my marketing campaign ( announcements, press releases, book reviews, etc).

I also want to post two new podcasts this month. I need to reestablish consistency with this effort so that I can publish the “podcast book” during the 1st quarter of 2009. The podcast and the podcast book are targeted for a different audience than the workbook. I discuss this issue in some detail on my website.

Thanks for your love and support!

Love!

Larry

Internet Bible Study - Chapter 17

CHAPTER 17 - POLLUTED OFFERINGS
Just as there are acceptable offerings, there are also unacceptable offerings. The reference scripture outlines several attributes that can render our gifts unacceptable to the Lord: polluted attitudes, polluted content, lack of obedience and deceptive giving practices.
Reference Scripture:
Malachi 1: 1 – 14 (polluted offerings)
Supporting Scriptures:
Leviticus 10: 1 – 2 (Nadab and Abihu – strange fire)
Proverbs 3:9 (first fruit)
Deuteronomy 23: 18 ( wages of prostitution not an acceptable offering)
Matthew 26:15 (Judas betrays Jesus for 30 pieces of silver)
Matthew 27: 6 (It is against the law to put blood money into treasury)
Leviticus 22: 17 – 25 (lame sacrifices forbidden)
1 Samuel 15: 22 – 24 ( obedience is better than sacrifice)
Acts 5: 1 – 10 (Ananias and Sapphira)
Malachi 1: 14 (cursed is the cheat)

Click on the link to the Internet Bible Study to review the full text of the lesson. The link is contained in the "Additional Resources" section of this blog.


Don't study alone. This is the world wide web. Invite a family member, friend, someone from another state or another country to join you.

Internet Bible Study - Chapter 16

CHAPTER 16 - TRUSTING GOD WITH YOUR TREASURE
Similar to the preceding section, the discussion here also focuses on our values. Our actions reveal both what we value and where we place our trust. The reference scripture warns against placing our trust in wealth that is uncertain rather than in God. In a supporting passage of scripture, Jesus helps us understand that through our daily activities we are working to store treasure either on earth or in heaven. He cautions that “where your treasure is, there will your heart be also”. God wants our hearts.

Reference Scripture:
1 Timothy 6: 17 – 19 ( command rich … not to be arrogant nor to put trust in wealth)

Supporting Scriptures:
Acts 17:28 ( In Him we live and move)
Deuteronomy 8:18 (God gives us the ability to gain wealth)
Luke 12: 13 – 34 (Jesus teaches about treasure- rich fool & take no thought what you shall eat… where your treasure is

Click on the link to the Internet Bible Study to review the full text of the lesson. The link is contained in the "Additional Resources" section of this blog.


Don't study alone. This is the world wide web. Invite a family member, friend, someone from another state or another country to join you.

AME Conference - Update

Thanks for your support. satan was busy trying to keep me from attending the conference but God prevailed. God blessed and the conference was a success. The most humbling and gratifying comment I received was from Elder McCants who said “ I felt the anointing of God as you spoke”. Praise the Lord!

Praise Report

As of 04/30/08, our internet message has been received in:

37 States within the U.S.A
33 Countries Outside of the U.S.A.
6 Continents

Praise God!

Event - AME Church Conference (4/24)

Rev. Gary McCants (Presiding Elder of the South District of the Illinois Conference of the AME Church) has invited me to be a guest speaker at their 3-day conference this week. I’ll conduct a 1-hour session on Thursday (4/24) from the More Than The Gift materials. The conference will be attended by church leaders and lay-persons from 25 churches from Southern & Central Illinois.

The conference will be held at:

Bethel Madison African Methodist Episcopal Church
1035 Market Street
Madison, Il. 62060

Rev. Willie Gholston, II is the host pastor

My session will begin at 2pm.


I request your prayers that my efforts will bring glory to God and bless His people. Amen!

Internet Bible Study - Chapter 15

CHAPTER 15 - YOUR MONEY OR YOUR LIFE
Jesus’ encounter with a rich young ruler facilitates this discussion regarding our need to establish clear priorities concerning the use of the possessions under our stewardship. The young man was asked to choose what he valued most. His initial question to Jesus suggested that he valued eternal life but when asked to choose between his money and eternal life he turned away sorrowfully. God is not against us possessing wealth but He knows the danger of wealth possessing us. Offertory giving provides an opportunity to clarify our priorities.
Reference Scripture:
Mark 10:17 – 22 (rich young ruler)
Supporting Scriptures:
Luke 16:13 ( no servant can serve two masters)
Mark 8:34 – 37 ( what good is it for a man to gain the whole world)

Click on the link to the Internet Bible Study to review the full text of the lesson. The link is contained in the "Additional Resources" section of this blog.


Don't study alone. This is the world wide web. Invite a family member, friend, someone from another state or another country to join you.



Ask questions! Make comments! Let's create a worldwide conversation.

Download Brochures Update

A new brochure entitled "Our Fellowship In Ministry" has been added to the inventory of download brochures. The link for the downloadable brochures is contained in the "Additional Resources" section of this blog.

ITunes Technical Difficulties - Solution

I have added a direct link to my podcast on iTunes. If you have iTunes software on your computer, this link will take you directly the Monday's Meditation podcast. You no longer need to use the iTunes search function. If you do not have the iTunes software, I have also provided a link to allow you to download the iTunes Software.

The links are located in the "additional Resources" section of this blog.

Monday's Meditation - March 31, 2008 - Our Fellowship In The Ministry

A new podcast has been published to the More Than The Gift website and iTunes Store:

Our Fellowship In Ministry

Every now and then, I am reminded that our human experiences often convey spiritual messages. Not so long ago, as I was carrying a large box through our home, my youngest son stopped me and asked “Daddy can I help?” A part of me wanted to politely reject his offer. The item was awkward and heavy and his attempt at assistance would actually slow down the progress I could achieve alone. However, when I looked down into his eyes I realized the true significance of the moment. The task at hand immediately lost its importance and I turned my focus to my son. I told him to grab a corner of the box. I repositioned my grip to make certain that there was no more weight on his corner than he could bear. As he placed his tiny hands on the box, his eyes began to glisten. Together we completed the chore but now with a greater sense of fulfillment and joy.

On the human level, God allowed me to see that there is a bond that grows out of our co-laboring together. My son’s partnering with me in my activity gave us an opportunity to fellowship together. Our working together actually nurtured our growing together. On the spiritual level, God allowed me to see that my activity with the Lord has the same effect. It’s not that God needs my help to carry the load or get the job done faster but when God allows me to participate with Him, God is offering me an opportunity for fellowship. After I received this spiritual message, God then led me to consider the profound implications this revelation has for my giving. My giving is never meant to be a burden. God does all of the heavy lifting. He is just inviting me to come along side His activity. When I extend my hands to help and I think about what God is really doing, like my son, my eyes begin to glisten with joy at the opportunity for fellowship through co-laboring with my Father.


This podcast is a continuation the series of podcasts regarding the theme : "What Our Giving Accomplishes".

As always, I invite you to receive Monday’s Meditation as “food for thought “ for the week, then let it become “fuel for action” for the weekend and beyond.

The is audio podcast is available on my website: morethanthegift.net and the iTunes Store. Links are provided in the "Additional Resources" section of this blog. if you don't have iTunes on your computer, a link is provided below to download the iTunes software.

After listening to the podcast in the iTunes Store, I encourage you to offer a review and to send an invitation to a friend or loved one to listen also.


A separate link for the podcast website is also provided .

Use this blog for your comments, questions and testimonies regarding the episode.



Keep praying with me!

ITunes Technical Difficulties

I am experiencing technical difficulties with my iTunes feed. My last podcast doesn't play and my attempts to publish a remake have been unsuccessful. I plan to publish a new podcast on 03/31/2008 but I am unsure whether it will appear in iTunes. I am working with the iTunes staff but it is a very slow process since all of the communication is by email.

However, you don't have to miss anything. All podcasts are still available at my website: morethanthegift.net

I apologize for the inconvenience.

New Website - Testimonies Page

My new website: http://morethanthegift.net has a page dedicated to the testimonies and reviews of those who have been touched by this project. Thus far, the project has touched individuals from 33 states in the U.S.A., 29 countries and 6 continents. I invite the worldwide community of believers to begin sharing their hearts regarding God's ministry of this message in your life. You can comment directly to the blog or send an email with a request for your comment to be posted on the website.

Larry

Announcement - More Than The Gift Website Launched

As I move closer to the publication of the "More Than The Gift Workbook", I believe it is important to expand the project's internet presence. I anticipate publication of the workbook this summer. This weekend I launched a website for the project. The website will expand my capability to keep the internet community informed about the breadth and progress of the project (including the publication of the workbook). The website will complement the blog. The blog format facilitates an open dialogue about recent events but makes it harder to find background information. The website allows me to dedicate separate pages to topics of interest, making information searches easier.

The website url is: http://web.mac.com/lrobinson67/

A link for the website has been added to the "Additional Resources" section of this blog.


Thank you for your prayers!

Larry

Internet Bible Study - Chapter 14

CHAPTER 14 - WHY DID SHE DO THAT? – A RESPONSE OF GRATITUDE
Not only are believers recipients of great mercy but we also receive amazing grace. God’s grace is His extension of favor that we have not earned and do not deserve. It is difficult to acknowledge God’s unmerited favor without being overwhelmed with gratitude. The responses of Mary, the sister of Lazarus, and Zacchaeus, the tax collector, to the mercy of Jesus are examined to illustrate expressions of gratitude through giving.
Reference Scripture:
John 12:1 – 8 (Mary and the anointing perfume)
Supporting Scriptures:
Luke 10:41 – 42 (Mary chooses the better part, sitting at Jesus’ feet)
John 11:25 (I am the resurrection)
John11: 14 – 15 (I am glad I was not there)
Luke 19: 1 – 10 ( Zacchaeus)

Click on the link to the Internet Bible Study to review the full text of the lesson.



Don't study alone. This is the world wide web. Invite a family member, friend, someone from another state or another country to join you.



Ask questions! Make comments! Let's create a worldwide conversation.

Internet Bible Study - Chapter 13

CHAPTER 13 - WHY DID SHE DO THAT? – A RESPONSE OF LOVE
The next examination of motive involves the Biblical account of Jesus’ visit to the house of Simon the Pharisee. In this account we see how those who receive and recognize the great mercy of God respond with great love. The woman’s response to Jesus illustrates that our love for God involves more than emotion, it involves action and that its natural expression is selfless giving.
Reference Scripture:
Luke 7:36 – 47 ( Simon the Pharisee and the sinful woman)
Supporting Scriptures:
Revelation 3:20 (I stand at the door and knock)
Ephesians 1:22&23 ( the church is the body of Christ)


Click on the link to the Internet Bible Study to review the full text of the lesson.



Don't study alone. This is the worldwide web. Invite a family member, friend, someone from another state or another country to join you.



Ask questions! Make comments! Let's create a worldwide conversation.

Internet Bible Study - Chapters 12

A new lesson has been added.

CHAPTER 12 - WHY DID HE DO THAT? – A RESPONSE OF FAITH
This is the first of three topics discussing examples of motives for giving that please God. Abraham’s willingness to offer his son Isaac as an offering to God is examined to discern what motivated his actions. Abraham’s offering above all else was an offering of faith. He was willing to give Isaac because he believed God. He knew that God would either provide an alternative sacrifice or raise Isaac from the dead. He establishes a human example of giving without reservation with the belief that God will provide.
Reference Scripture:
Genesis 22: 1- 15 (Abraham willing to sacrifice Isaac)
Supporting Scriptures:
Hebrews 11:17 – 19 (Abraham reasoned that God could raise the dead)
Genesis 15:1 ( I am your shield, your very great reward)



Click on the link to the Internet Bible Study to review the full text of the lesson.



Don't study alone. This is the worldwide web. Invite a family member, friend, someone from another state or another country to join you.



Ask questions! Make comments! Let's create a worldwide conversation.

Introduction - Tommy Gathen - A Song Writer's Heart

I want to introduce you to Tommy Gathen. Tommy is another anointed brother in Christ. I met Tommy while he was a member of my local church. Tommy was a founding member of the ensemble named "GBW". The name was an acronym for the church's mission: Glory God, Buildup the saved, Win the lost. At that time, it was easy to see that God was nurturing the musical gift He had planted in Tommy. In addition to playing the piano and singing, Tommy continued taking piano lessons seeking to pursue excellence in his craft. Tommy and his family moved to Tennesse a number of years ago but he continued to work out that which God had planted in him. He now serves as the Minister of Music for his local church and through diligent effort has birthed his first formal musical project entitled " A Song Writer's Heart". The project is under the "Majestic Kingdom Melodies Entertainment" label.

The CD is a compilation of Christian Love Songs, Worship Melodies and contemporary soulful instrumentals. Tommy wrote/arranged all of the songs (except the Lord's Prayer of course). Several other vocalists are featured performing the songs. The music is very fitting for weddings, banquets, or just quiet times of meditation.

I have created a link to the label's website as I expect this to simply be the first of many projects. Enjoy!