Praise Report and Prayer Request

I use a print on demand publisher. This means that the books are printed as needed rather than being printed in advance and stored in warehouses awaiting sale. So, revisions can get to market quickly and overhead costs are minimized. My publisher has uploaded the revised version of the workbook with the printer. So any new copies printed will incorporate the revisions. The revised version will be available from the online book stores like Amazon and Barnes and Noble once their small inventory of older copies are sold. Praise God!

As you know, I am particularly excited about the revision regarding God's plan for the financial support of His ministry. I shared an advance copy with Scott Landon (Director of Finance & Administration for Wheaton Bibe Church). He felt led to quote directly from this material as part of his 201o Budget presentation. I feel honored and humbled as God allows me to see this message resonate with other believers. It is Him not me at work.

Apple is having a problem with the link between my website and iTunes. This means that my podcasts are no longer available on iTunes. Please pray that this condition is temporary. While the podcasts are still available on my website , I don't want to lose my presence on iTunes.

Your Brothers In Christ,

Larry

Praise Report

As of 01/13/10, our internet message has been received in:

45 States or Territories within the U.S.A

51 Countries Outside of the U.S.A.

6 Continents

Last night, someone from Dubai spent over 2 hours on the website. I will never know the breadth of God's purposes for this message, but His activity continues to be manifested. My prayer is that my efforts serve to glorify Him and bless his people.

Praise God!

Larry

Internet Bible Study - January 2010 - God's Plan For The Financial Support of His Ministry

During the last month, I have felt compelled to update the lesson on " God's Plan For The Financial Support of is Ministry". The changes are subtle but important in communicating the message God has given me to share. I believe the discussion flows better and the continuity of God's purposes is made clearer. The progression and harmony of His plan is revealed as we move through the Old and New Testaments. I sense that churches continue to struggle to find the scripture's harmony on this issue. So, I offer the the harmony that I see as the first lesson of the new year. It will be incorporated (along with a few other editorial changes) in the newly printed copies of the published workbook beginning sometime in February.

The role of tithes and offerings are discussed as elements of God’s plan for the support of ministry efforts and ministry workers. However, that support is meant to be the by-product rather than the goal of our giving. The Lord must always be the focus of our giving and that giving needs to be a response to our relationship with Him rather than compliance with external regulations. The work and workers of ministry are God's designated beneficiaries of our tangible gifts. As such they are dependent on our response to Him. As we respond to God, we also respond to them.

Reference Scripture:
Malachi 3:10 (Bring all the tithes)
Supporting Scriptures:
Leviticus 4 (sin offering)
Exodus 30: 11-16 (ransom offering)
Numbers 18:20-24 ( 1st tithe – ministry support)
Deuteronomy 14:22-26 (2nd tithe – pilgrimage)
Deuteronomy 26:12 & 14: 28-29 (3rd tithe – benevolence)
Malachi 3:8 (will a man rob God)
Exodus 25 (freewill offering – tabernacle)
Hebrews 9:11 – 10:18 (Christ’ death all sufficient offering for our sins)
Genesis 14: 14 – 20 ( Abram’s tithe)
Genesis 28:10 – 22 ( Jacob’s tithe)
Matthew 23:23 (Jesus’ sanction of tithing)
Leviticus 27:30 & 32 (tithe belongs to God)
Deuteronomy 14:22 – 23 (so that you may learn to revere the Lord your God)
Numbers 18: 20 – 24 (Levites received no inheritance in the promised land)
Deuteronomy 14: 27 – 29 ( ( remember the Levites who have no inheritance)
Numbers 18: 8 -20 (offerings given to the Levites)

Luke 9: 1 - 6 (Jesus sends forth the 12 disciples)

Luke 10: 1 - 16 (Jesus sends forth 72 additional disciples)
Matthew 25: 31 – 46 (Jesus’ priority on the less fortunate – sheep & goats)
1Corintians 9: 13 – 14 ( those who preach the gospel should live of the gospel)
2 Corinthians 9: 7 (cheerful giver)
2 Corinthians 9: 12 - 13 (Men will praise God for their obedience and sharing)

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.

Please keep praying for this ministry.

Larry