Bible 101 (3)

~ Selected 10:1 References From Scripture ~

A Mini-Bible Course:  Some of the resources and directions which Christians have been given regarding their life on earth. 

Instruction for Life on Earth  ~  “Then He arose from there and came to the region of Judea by the other side of the Jordan. And multitudes gathered to Him again, and as He was accustomed, He taught them again” (Mark 10:1).

   

Tasks to Accomplish on Earth  ~  “After these things the Lord appointed seventy others also, and sent them two by two before His face into every city and place where He Himself was about to go. Then He said to them, ‘The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest’” (Luke 10:1-2).

   

Power for Life on Earth  ~  “The prayer was no sooner prayed than it was answered. Jesus called twelve of his followers and sent them into the ripe fields. He gave them power to kick out the evil spirits and to tenderly care for the bruised and hurt lives” (Matthew 10:1, The Message).

Warnings & Assurances for Life on Earth  ~  “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers”  (John 10:1-5).

   

Examples of Effective Life on Earth  ~  “There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of what was called the Italian Regiment, a devout man and one who feared God with all his household, who gave alms generously to the people, and prayed to God always” (Acts 10:1-2).

additional comment:  Abundant Life Now has twice previously published “Bible 101” posts (also accessible from the index in the left column). Also other posts which utilize the same chapter & verse format of “Bible 210,” “Bible 316,” and “Bible 413.”

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

Messiah, 34

~ Messiah Would Be a Descendant of David, 2 ~

“Search the Scriptures—they testify of Me.”

— Jesus Christ (John 5:39)

The Scripture

“Now these are the last words of David… ‘The Spirit of the Lord spoke by me, and His word was on my tongue.’ …  “Although my house is not so with God, yet He has made with me an everlasting covenant”’” (2 Samuel 23:1-2, 5). 

The Messiah  

“The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham… and Jesse begot David the king” (Matthew 1:1, 6).

“He said to them, ‘How then does David in the Spirit call Him “Lord,” saying:  “The Lord said to my Lord, ‘Sit at My right hand, till I make Your enemies Your footstool?”’ If David then calls Him “Lord,” how is He his Son?’  And no one was able to answer Him a word, nor from that day on did anyone dare question Him anymore” (Matthew 22:43-46). 

“Then Jesus answered and said, while He taught in the temple, ‘How is it that the scribes say that the Christ is the Son of David?  For David himself said by the Holy Spirit: “The Lord said to my Lord, ‘Sit at My right hand, till I make Your enemies Your footstool.’” Therefore David himself calls Him “Lord;” how is He then his Son?’ And the common people heard Him gladly” (Mark 12:35-37).

“And He said to them, ‘How can they say that the Christ is the Son of David?  Now David himself said in the Book of Psalms: “The Lord said to my Lord, ‘Sit at My right hand, till I make Your enemies Your footstool.’” Therefore David calls Him 'Lord'; how is He then his Son?’” (Luke 20:41-44).

“Now his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying: ‘Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, for He has visited and redeemed His people, and has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of His servant David, as He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets, who have been since the world began” (Luke 1:67-70).

“Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God  which He promised before through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures, concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh, and declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead” (Romans 1:1-4).

“Therefore many from the crowd, when they heard this saying, said, ‘Truly this is the Prophet.’ Others said, ‘This is the Christ.’ But some said, ‘Will the Christ come out of Galilee? Has not the Scripture said that the Christ comes from the seed of David and from the town of Bethlehem, where David was?’” (John 7:40-42).

~~~ EXPLANATORY “MESSIAH” NOTES ~~~   

(1)  Each Saturday ALN posts an example of a Hebrew Scriptures prophecy (or foreshadowing) related to the coming Messiah which was fulfilled in the birth, life, death, or resurrection of Jesus Christ.

(2)  While extensive it will not be a complete list—there are hundreds of prophecies of the coming Messiah which have been fulfilled by one man—Jesus Christ at His First Coming.

(3)  It is important that there are many more prophecies of the Messiah, yet unfulfilled, which Christians believe will be fulfilled at the time of His Second Coming.  A particularly relevant Scripture verse in this regard is: “Do not despise prophesies” (1 Thessalonians 5:20).

(4)  These posts will typically consist only of Scripture—which speaks for itself.  Sometimes italicized or bold font will be used by ALN for emphasis.

(5)  The numbering of these fulfilled prophecies of the Messiah is used to differentiate individual posts. It is not chronological (either by time of the prophecy or by sequence in the life of the Messiah).  The posting sequence will, for the most part, be in the order that the prophecies appear in Scripture.

(6)  Because of the chosen methodology (#5 above) we will find many specific prophecies repeated multiple times throughout the Scriptures.

(7)  These serial posts are in addition to our regular Tuesday ALN postings on random topics.

(8)  Subscription to ABUNDANT LIFE NOW blog is simple—just use the link on the left sidebar.  Once subscribed you will not miss future posts.

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

Extra: Book Review – OPP, 6

~ A Review of “One Precious Pearl” by Benjamin Potter ~

Reproduced immediately below is one of the many positive reviews the book has received. This one is from Book ‘em Benj-O.

A Pearl of a Parable Study

One Precious Pearl – Robert Lloyd Russell

© 2010 Infinity Publishing, West Conshohocken, PA
Posted by Benjie

A pleasant Bible study on a little addressed parable.  Robert Russell is a Bible teacher and management consultant who takes his study of the Scriptures seriously.  He has written other articles and books including a previous volume in this study series, and has edited a collection of the words of Missionary/Martyr Jim Elliot.

One Precious Pearl: God’s Design for His Church studies the parable known as the Pearl of Great Price found in Matthew 13.  The author acknowledges that this particular parable has often been neglected in favor of other parables surrounding it, but insists that this simple parable is one that holds an ocean of wisdom for the church.  Dividing the study into two sections, Russell presents background to the parables of Matthew 13, and then draws some lessons from the Pearl of Great Value.

One conclusion that is not necessarily part of the main-stream of thought, but bears credence since this is a lesser-dealt-with parable, is the idea that the Pearl is a reference to the Church (rather than the popular Kingdom; or the less than likely Salvation).  In part II of the book, Russell compares the Church to a valuable pearl at length, and brings a new light—might I say, a new luster—to the images Jesus is presenting.

The chapters are kept short (between two to five pages in length) for easy access to the material.  Even slow readers like Yours Truly can finish the entire book in a relatively short time.  Such arrangement of the chapters makes the book ideal for devotional reading or for personal or small group study.  The ideal audience for this book (and its companions in the Christian Concepts Series, one would assume) are Bible teachers, preachers, and students of the Scripture who are interested in learning more about specific passages.  This book will find a worthy spot among my study materials and I’ll have another excellent resource the next time I’m preparing a study or sermon from Matthew 13.  And you can, too.  (four out of five reading glasses)

—Benjamin Potter

In the short time since “ONE PRECIOUS PEARL: God’s Design for His Church” was released, it has received many accolades including being named

“2011 Book-Of-The-Year” (Religion: Eastern/Western) by Reader Views Literary Awards,

“2011 Runner-up” (Religion: Christianity) by the International Book Awards, and

“2011 Winner” (Book: Biblical Studies) by The Word Guild. 

“2011 Finalist” (Religion: Christianity) by The USA “Best Books of 2011” Awards

“2011 Gold” (Literary Excellence – 1 of 3 Gold Awards across all genres) by the World Book Awards

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS:

There is more information about One Precious Pearl at the author’s website. 

You may order directly from Amazon or from Infinity Publishing. 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

Bee Alphabet

~ A Christian Should Be Sweet Like Honey ~           

Consider the following swarm of bees.

Be an Assured Christian ~  “For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day” (2 Timothy 1:12).   

Be a Bible Christian  ~  “Your testimonies I have taken as a heritage forever, for they are the rejoicing of my heart. I have inclined my heart to perform Your statutes forever, to the very end” (Psalm 119:111-112).  

Be a Consistent Christian  ~  “Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12).  

Be a Duty-loving Christian  ~  “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all” (Ecclesiastes 12:13).  

Be an Enterprising Christian  ~  “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going” (Ecclesiastes 9:10).  

Be a Forgiving Christian  ~  “And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32).   

Be a Generous Christian  ~  “But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:6-7).  

Be a Hopeful Christian  ~  “For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees?” (Romans 8:24).   

Be an Intelligent Christian  ~  “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding. Exalt her, and she will promote you; she will bring you honor, when you embrace her. She will place on your head an ornament of grace; a crown of glory she will deliver to you” (Proverbs 4:7-9).   

Be a Just Christian  ~  “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things” (Philippians 4:8).  

Be a Kind Christian  ~  “And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32).

Be a Loving Christian  ~  “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:34-35).

Be a Merciful Christian  ~  “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy” (Matthew 5:7).  

Be a Need-supplying Christian  ~  “And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance” (2 Corinthians 9:8).  

Be an Overcoming Christian  ~  “To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne” (Revelation 3:21).  

Be a Prayerful Christian  ~  “Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart” (Luke 18:1). 

Be a Quickened Christian  ~  “My soul clings to the dust; revive me according to Your Word. I have declared my ways, and You answered me; teach me Your statutes. Make me understand the way of Your precepts; so shall I meditate on Your wonderful works. My soul melts from heaviness; strengthen me according to Your Word. Remove from me the way of lying, and grant me Your Law graciously. I have chosen the way of truth; Your judgments I have laid before me. I cling to Your testimonies; O Lord, do not put me to shame! I will run the course of Your commandments, for You shall enlarge my heart” (Psalm 119:25-32).  

Be a Reverent Christian  ~  “Walk prudently when you go to the house of God; and draw near to hear rather than to give the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they do evil. Do not be rash with your mouth, and let not your heart utter anything hastily before God. For God is in heaven, and you on earth; therefore let your words be few” (Ecclesiastes 5:1-2).  

Be a Self-sacrificing Christian  ~  “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross” (Philippians 2:5-8).   

Be a Thankful Christian  ~  “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6).   

Be a Uniform Christian  ~  “But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 1:5-8).  

Be a Victorious Christian  ~  “Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:37-39).   

Be a Working Christian  ~  “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).  

Be an ‘Xcellent Christian  ~  “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me” (Galatians 2:20).   

Be a Yielding Christian  ~  “And do not present your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God” (Romans 6:13).  

Be a Zealous Christian  ~  “But it is good to be zealous in a good thing always, and not only when I am present with you” (Galatians 4:18).   

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW