Internet Bible Study - September 2009 - Ritual or Relationship

Two reference scriptures are used to illustrate Jesus’ view of giving in the context of relationships. In His comments Jesus both affirms the value of giving and emphasizes the priority of nurturing relationships. The focus of the relationship building about which Jesus spoke is our human relationships. The discussion explores how the scripture intertwines the nurturing of our human relationships with the nurturing of our spiritual relationship with the Father.

Reference Scripture:

Matthew 23:23 (you have neglected the more important matters – justice, mercy)

Matthew 5: 21 – 24 (first go and be reconciled with your brother)

Supporting Scriptures:

2 Corinthians 9: 1&2, 12 – 15 (effect of Corinthian giving on others)

John 17: 1 – 3 (This is eternal life)

Matthew 22: 35 – 40 (1^st & 2^nd commandment love God , love neighbor)

1 John 4: 7&8; 12 – 20 (love one another, love comes from God)

John 13: 34 – 35 ( by this shall all men know you are my disciples)

John 17: 20 – 22 (Jesus’ prayer for our oneness)

2 Corinthians 9:7 (cheerful giving)

Book Review - More Than the Gift: A Love Relationship

The new book received a review from The Black Christian Book Review. It reads in part:

"Larry Robinson who has served as budget chairperson in his local church is a gentleman worth listening to when it comes to a discussion on Christian giving or tithing. More Than The Gift by Larry Robinson challenges Christians to examine just exactly what Christian giving is all about--Is it simply giving a ten percent of one's money, or is there more to it?

Your giving to God will become more meaningful after reading More Than The Gift."

I praise God for this positive review.

Larry

September 2009 Web Promo

Today I published a new web video to You Tube and Tangle. It has a stronger flavor than the previous videos. The added spice was intentional.




Larry

Author's Spotlight On Black Christian News

Below is the URL to a promo on me and the new book from Black Christian News. The link tool in blogger doesn't appear to be working so you'll ned to cut and paste the URL to visit the site:


http://blackchristiannews.com/news/authors-spotlight-larry-robinson-author-of-more-than-the-gift.html





Larry

Faith Report

It appears that the book distributor has confused the files between the workbook and the new book. Their multiple attempts to correct the problem have only made matters worse. So, the inconsistent display of the book covers and book content on the Internet book sites continues at a time when interest in the new book appears to be building. I request that you join me believing that all things work together for good for those that love the Lord and are called according to his purpose. We are more than conquerors through Christ who loves us.

I will not be discouraged. God will be glorified and His purposes served.


Larry

Praise Report

On Friday, More Than The Gift: A Love Relationship was listed by Amazon.com as their #1 selling "new release" in the Stewardship category. I continue to praise God for His activity both the seen and the unseen.

Larry

P.S. "Worldwide Impact"

Praise Report

I have understood from the beginning that I would only personally witness a small portion of God's activity through this ministry effort. The scripture is clear that we should walk by faith and not by sight so I must take care not to get caught up in a numbers game. Still, I was encourage to notice that on Monday the new book was listed as the #2 best selling new release in the stewardship category.

Also on Barnes & Noble, a reader of the Workbook Edition gave it a 5-star" rating

We praise God for his activity, both the seen and the unseen.

Pray for "Worldwide Impact."


Larry

New Book Praise Report and Update

Praise Report
Over the weekend, the new book: More Than The Gift: A Love Relationship was listed as the 3rd best selling new release in the stewardship category.

After a year of trying to contact him, I received a call from my former pastor from St Paul AME Church in Cambridge, MA. After 30 years of pastoring this church he is now retired. The church staff forwarded my correspondence to him in Florida. He called me last week and shared that in this phase of his ministry he feels a burden to teach regarding the "Promises of God" and that one of his areas of interest is the topic of giving. He was excited about reading my book.



Update
There has been a mixup in the electronic files between the workbook and the new book. The content of the new book appears on the page for the workbook on the Amazon.com website and the cover for the workbook is being shown as the cover for the new book on the BarnesandNoble.com website. The problems are being corrected.


Please keep praying for Worldwide Impact.


Larry

Amazon.com "Look Inside" Feature

I have decided to utilize Amazon's "Look Inside" feature to give potential buyers a "sneak preview" of the book's content. This feature allows individuals to preview the front cover, back cover, table of contents, first chapter, a random passage or a passage containing a key word of their choice. I was previously hesitant to use this feature because of some of the contract language but I decided to trust the Lord with that issue. The feature is now active. While the feature is intended to increase sales, I pray that the previewed messages bless the previewers whether they ultimately purchase the book or not.


Larry

What I Believe

It dawned on me that visitors to this website would probably desire or need some perspective on my belief system. Outlined below is a summary of some of my central beliefs that are relevant to the subject of this website and ministry. The list is representative, not exhaustive.


About My Faith

I believe in one God who is manifested in three person: The Father, The Son and The Holy Spirit

I believe in the inspiration, inerrancy and sufficiency of the Holy Scripture

I believe that all have sinned

I believe that the wages of sin is death and that man cannot save himself from that death

I believe that eternal life is about the depth of our relationship with the Lord rather than the length of our existence. Every soul will live forever either in the presence of the Lord or apart from His presence

I believe that Jesus (The Son) is the way, truth and life and that no on comes to the Father except through Him.

I believe in Jesus’ virgin birth, sinless life, atoning death for the sins of the world and bodily resurrection

I believe that our salvation is a gift from God, made possible by the atoning death of Jesus and is available to be received by anyone who places their faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior

I believe in the present-age ministry of The Holy Spirit, who lives in believers, gifts them and guides them

I believe in the present-age ministry of the church (the body of Christ) to tangibly demonstrate the love of Jesus in and to the world, to model discipleship and to make disciples

I believe that Jesus will return to judge the world and receive His bride the church


About Our Giving
I believe the opportunity to give is a gift from God to us.

I believe that God’s purposes for Christian giving always has been and continues to be about much more than the gift itself.

I believe that the attitudes and substance of our giving present mirrors that reflect back to us the condition and quality of our relationship with God.

I believe that God uses our giving to nurture our relationship with Him and each other, witness to the world and bring glory to His name.

I believe our stewardship is intended for our benefit. It is a role of preparation in our relationship with the Lord. It prepares us for ownership of our eternal inheritance and the true riches He has ordained for us since before the dawn of creation.

I believe that God must be the focus of our giving rather than the blessings He gives to us as a natural consequence of that giving.

I advocate Generous Giving. While I want believers to start tithing, I don't want them to stop there. I believe that our obsession with arguing over the appropriateness of tithing as the model for Christian giving is a distraction of the adversary. It causes us to lose focus on God and His purposes for our giving. I believe that tithing was never meant to be a goal unto itself, but rather a path intended to lead us to a higher destination in our relationship with the Lord. Deuteronomy 14:23b gives a glimpse of the tithe’s purpose: “..... so that you may learn to revere the Lord your God always” (NIV). I believe that tithing was/is intended as training wheels for our spiritual development. It provides a developmental step as we grow in spiritual maturity and in our willingness to submit our all to the Lord. Submission to the discipline of tithing lays a foundation on which a life of total submission and generous giving can be built. Our Lord seeks our willingness to surrender our all to Him but it is hard to surrender 100% if we struggle with giving 10%.


Larry

Praise Report

There have been a number of setbacks in the loading of the book's data on the Amazon and Barnes and Noble websites. The title was initially listed as "More Than The Gift" rather than "More Than The Gift - A Love Relationship". This has caused confusion between the workbook and the new book. Also the image of the book cover has yet to be loaded.

The waiting is the hard part but I choose not to be discouraged. God is greater than any challenge the adversary can set before me. While the battle of difficulty is not over, I choose to Praise God is advance for the victory.

Praise the Lord!

Larry

P.S. Please continue to pray these words with me: Worldwide Impact!

Introduction: GenerousGiving.org

I would like to introduce you to an organization that I believe is equally committed to moving the body of Christ from ritualistic giving to relational giving. It's name is Generous Giving. As their name suggests, the founders have discovered the freedom that exists as we move past legalism in our giving. The story of Generous Giving began in the 1990s when five friends came together, challenged by the question of what could happen if Christians were truly generous with their resources, living out the joy of giving instead of the duty of tithing. They have amassed a tremendous array of resources and references to help guide believers on that journey of spiritual growth.

I have included a link to their website in "Sites you might not know."

Larry

Now Available: More Than The Gift - A Love Relationship

My new book: More Than The Gift - A Love Relationship is now available for ordering from numerous online book stores including: Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, BlackCBC.com, GospelLightBookstore.com, and StPaulChristianBookstore.com. These sights are still loading the details regarding the book but their acceptance of orders began today. In concert with the book's availability, we are coordinating the distribution of an email press release. The initial release will go to approximately 60,000 church leaders next week. Today I also published the following web promo on You Tube:






Please pray that this ministry effort would bring glory to God and draw His people closer to him and each other.

Repeat these words with me: "Worldwide Impact"


Larry

Videos and Web Promos Link

I've expanded my Internet presence to include channels on You Tube and Tangle (formerly God Tube). Links to those channels are in the right margin under "Internet Links and Additional Resources". It is my desire to add a new promo each month for the next few months. Also, in the future I will include excerpts from speaking and teaching engagements. I continue to try to minister to people where they are.

Larry

Praise Report

I will never fully appreciate the impact of what God is doing with the message He has given me but every now and then He gives me a glimpse. While searching the Internet last night, I discovered that the Christian Leadership Alliance had placed my website on their list of Recommended Websites. They described it as " A new and innovative annual appeal program for congregations."

The CLA is an association that serves more than 8,000 members working in more than 4,500 organizations worldwide. The former Christian Management Association and the former Christian Stewardship Association joined together in April 2008 to create Christian Leadership Alliance—the nation's leading resource for enhancing the organizational effectiveness of churches and para-church ministries.

A link to their website is included under "Sites you might not know about."


Also, an online book store in Australia and 2 in India are carrying the workbook for sale.

Praise God!


Larry

Internet Bible Study - August 2009 - A Love problem

Internet Bible Study
A LOVE PROBLEM
This lesson examines the traditions surrounding Valentine’s Day and then draws parallels to Christian practices in offertory giving. It suggests the premise that our relationship with God is a love affair and that giving is a fundamental expression of love. Trouble in our attitudes toward offertory giving reflects problems in our love relationship with God.
Reference Scripture:
John 3:16
Supporting Scriptures:
Mt. 20:28 (Jesus gave his life)
John 15: 13 (greatest love – give life for friend)
Ephesians 5:25 (husbands love wives like Christ who gave himself for the church)
Romans 8:32 (God gave his son for us)


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

Coming Soon; More Than the Gift - A Love Relationship

The input received has been invaluable. The book is a better manuscript because of your input and prayers. We've gone to press. The book will be available from Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com at the beginning of August.

My goal was/is to remain faithful to God's leading and message. I believe I have done that. I have no agenda other than obedience. I would never have chosen this topic on my own. Yet, I am excited and humbled by the revelation that I have received. I am planting this seed in obedience and look to God for its watering, increase and harvest.

From my perspective this is not about me. It is certainly not about self-promotion. Yet, I have come to realize that from God's perspective, I am the project. Each assignment is always part of His plan to advance the kingdom within us and conform us into the image of Christ. Please pray that the book will glorify our God, bless the body of Christ and that the process will help accomplish in me that which God intends.

Yours In Christ,
Larry

New Book Update

I just signed off on the manuscript for More Than The Gift - A Love Relationship. It will be published in August and available on Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com. This is an important step in this ministry. I sense that this book is a key component in the work God is accomplishing in His kingdom through this ministry. Please pray that this seed bears fruit.

I feel led to explore and utilize a variety of marketing initiatives. I pray for discernment. Attached is the July You Tube Video.

Editor's Comment

Recently, the editor of my (soon to be released) second book made this comment:

“I should also remember to pray for guidance in editing this book especially since I'm sure it's destined to bring enlightenment to countless Christians around the world. I'm in awe of the inspiration you received in conceiving and writing the book. I expect there will be many requests for permission to translate it into many languages soon after it's released.” 

I thank God for the encouragement those words brought me. He is editing the book from Panama so the comments contained added meaning. As I reflect on them, I pray that they are more than words of flattery but words of prophetic truth.



Larry

Internet Bible Study - June/July

I've been negligent in posting new chapters for this study. I am committed to getting back on track. I have attached two new lessons for your study.



GOD’S PLAN FOR THE FINANCIAL SUPPORT OF HIS MINISTRY
Tithes and offerings are discussed as God’s plan for the support of ministry efforts and ministry workers. However, in God’s financial plan, the Lord must always be the focus of the giving. The work and workers of ministry are His designated beneficiaries of the tangible gift. Emphasis is given to the fact that tithes and offerings as a pattern of giving to the Lord preceded Judaism as a religion and the Mosaic Law as a religious practice and still remains relevant for the Christian Church.
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)
2 Chronicles 7 ( freewill offering Solomon)
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)
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)


GOD’S PLAN IN ACTION
While the workers and work of the ministry are beneficiaries of the tangible substance of offertory giving, its full impact is intended by God to be more far reaching. The benefit is intended to be reciprocal. An examination of the Biblical account of Elijah and the widow of Zarephath demonstrates how God uses giving to establish a relationship of mutual benefit between His ministry and the recipients of ministry efforts.
Reference Scripture:
1 Kings 17: 1 – 23 ( Elijah and the widow)
Supporting Scriptures:
Luke 10: 1 – 9 ( Jesus send the 72, take no purse, eat what they give you)


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