“Fascinating Study… Clear Lessons”

~ Book Review of “One Precious Pearl” by The Voice ~

Reproduced immediately below is one of the many positive reviews the book “One Precious Pearl” has received.

BOOK REVIEWER:  The Voice (U.K.)

One Precious Pearl: God's Design for His Church

by Robert Lloyd Russell

Published by: Infinity Publishing

ISBN: 0-7414-6232-X

Price: US$14.95

Recently I was sent an email about a book which I felt looked interesting, and so I contacted the author to request a copy for review purposes.  How glad I am that I did so, for this is an easy-to-read, Bible study on the parable of the “Pearl of Great Price” which is a little addressed parable found in Matthew 13.  After providing a clear exposition of the parable, this landmark book provides a fascinating study with clear lessons for today.  Robert Lloyd Russell is a Bible teacher with over four decades of experience to support both his teaching and Biblical knowledge.  He is also a management consultant who approaches the study of the Scriptures very 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.

Whilst acknowledging that this parable has often been neglected in favour of the other parables in the group of seven contained in Matthew's gospel, Robert Lloyd Russell insists that this simple parable is one that holds an ocean of wisdom for the church.  Dividing the study into two sections, he firstly presents a background to the parables of Matthew 13, and then draws some lessons from the Pearl of Great Price.

He postulates that this lesser-dealt-with parable is the idea that the Pearl is specifically a reference to the Church (rather than the popular Kingdom; or the less than likely Salvation).  In the second part of the book, headed Lessons from the One Precious Pearl, Russell compares the Church at length to a valuable pearl, bringing a new light to the imagery presented by Jesus.

The short chapters allow easy access to the study material, and allow the reader to complete the book in a relatively short time.  The book is 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.  Russell is an accomplished writer who has taken some difficult concepts and presented them in an informative and interesting way.  Whether you are a believer or a seeker, you'll never look at a pearl the same way after reading One Precious Pearl.

This is a book which should have a prominent place on the bookshelves of anyone who is serious about delving deeper into the meaning and understanding of the Bible.

~ The Voice [a UK periodical]

“ONE PRECIOUS PEARL: God’s Design for His Church” 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