Each week millions of Christians give tithes and offerings during the worship services they attend. Yet, many people do not understand the biblical reasons behind their giving nor do they realize what God wants to accomplish in and through them by their giving. More Than the Gift by Larry Robinson will give you a clearer understanding of God's purposes and plans for Christian giving. Larry Robinson, using a devotional format, offers a fresh perspective on giving, and helps us to see that Christian giving involves more than the gift given. This 18-lesson book reveals God's intent for Christian giving by "connecting the dots" between numerous passages of Scripture regarding giving. Robinson draws from the life of Old Testament saints such as Abraham and David, and takes us all the way to the New Testament to visit the Apostle Paul who gives us a better understanding of this important subject and how it can revolutionize our Christian life. You will indeed become a "cheerful giver" after you are finished reading this book.
Here's what Robinson writes regarding our giving as Christians from the section entitled "Connecting the Dots: What God has Allowed Me to See" in the second lesson:
"Rather than just asking them to give an offering, David asked who was willing to consecrate themselves to the Lord. It is clear that David understood that God desires more than the substance of our gifts. Our willingness involves more than things. It involves us.
"The second element involves the people's response to the offering given by their leaders. The leaders responded to David's appeal by giving an offering that would be worth more than a billion dollars today. The amount given was mind boggling, yet the scripture says that the people rejoiced that the leaders had given willingly and with their whole heart. The people focused on how the leaders gave rather than solely on what they gave. This is God's focus also.
"The third element is found in David's prayer of thanks to God. In it, David comments that God uses our giving to test us. In response to their test, David notes that he and Israel had given willingly and honestly. Embedded in this prayer is David's message to us that one of the reasons God presents to us opportunities to give is to test our willingness to do so...The magnitude of our gift is not of critical importance. David and the Israelite leaders gave out of their wealth, while the Macedonian Christians gave out of their poverty. In each instance, their giving was marked by their willingness. It was their offering of willingness that guided the substance of their giving and pleased God."
In the late 1990s, Larry Robinson served in his local church as a deacon, budget chairperson, and teacher. In those roles, he was exposed to both the questions and misunderstandings many Christians have regarding offertory giving. During that time, his personal Bible study repeatedly revealed relevant biblical principles that seemed to speak to those concerns. He sensed that the insights received were not for his benefit alone. Larry shares his observations in an effort to help other Christians explore God's will for our giving.
He develops and offers educational resources on this topic through More Than The Gift Ministries. Larry's gift of teaching is evident in his ability to clarify messages of Scripture in a way that both stimulates the mind and inspires the heart.
Larry is married to the love of his life, Sharon, and is the proud father of four sons. Born in Chicago, he is an unapologetic Bears and Bulls fan as well as a suffering Cubs fan. In addition to writing and sports, Larry enjoys teaching, singing contemporary gospel, photography and vacationing in quiet places with his family. Over the years, he discovered that most of his favorite foods are on both his wife's and physician's prohibitive "hit lists," but every once in a while he still finds occasion to enjoy a few slices of a good sweet potato pie. Larry and his family currently reside in Winfield, Illinois.
To book Larry Robinson for speaking engagements and/or book signings, please call 630-929-6010 or email: morethanthegift@comcast.net.
For more information about More Than The Gift Ministries, visit: www.MoreThantheGift.net.
More Than The Gift: A Love Relationship is available wherever fine books are sold including: www.Amazon.com, www.BlackCBC.com, www.GospelLightBookstore.com, and www.StPaulChristianBookstore.com. The ISBN for this title is 978-1593305949. This book will also be available in a fine bookstore near you in August 2009.
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