6 Major Creative Acts

~ Mornings in Scripture ~  

The God of all is also the Creator of all. Consider some of His major creative acts.

The Creation ~ This is the morning of time—when the seasons began. It is not the start of eternity for eternity includes not only our eternal future but also God’s eternal past! Creation was a joyous time, “How was its foundation poured, and who set the cornerstone, while the morning stars sang in chorus and all the angels shouted praise?” (Job 38:6-7).

The Great Exodus ~ The birth, or the morning of Israel.  A nation was born in a resurrection morning as the Song of Moses was sung on the banks of the Red Sea (Exodus 15:1-18). This was not just the birth of any nation but the birth of God’s chosen people. “When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called My son” (Hosea 11:1). 

The Incarnation ~ The morning of promised salvation was heralded by the light of a bright star. Israel’s plight had been dark and dreary for a long time. The prophets had been silent for centuries. Until now, nothing distinguished the city of peace. The angels which had been gone from Israel for so long now reappeared. God-given promises to Abraham and David, which anticipated the new birth of the people and of the kingdom, now have new meaning. “Through the heartfelt mercies of our God, God's Sunrise has broken upon us” (Luke 1:78). 

The Resurrection ~ The morning of victory came following the darkest day in history. It was like a deposit of earnest money as a pledge of a future eternal day. Now the first day of the week had special significance. “Early on Sunday morning, as the new day was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went out to visit the tomb” (Matthew 28:1). He was not there—death had been defeated and it was the dawn of a new day.

Today we are sandwiched between great mornings.

The Kingdom ~ The next great beginning will be the morning of divine rule. This will be a great dawning of day following a long night. Christ will rule the world righteously after man has failed to rule wisely. “And He shall be like the light of the morning when the sun rises, a morning without clouds, like the tender grass springing out of the earth, by clear shining after rain” (2 Samuel 23:4). 

The New Creation ~ The great morning of timelessness. It is the dawn of a second birth—a new heaven and a new earth. “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared. And the sea was also gone” (Revelation 21:1). It will be a place of righteousness where God supplies all our needs. “When everything and everyone is finally under God's rule, the Son will step down, taking His place with everyone else, showing that God's rule is absolutely comprehensive—a perfect ending! (1 Corinthians 15:28). 

Summary ~ (1) Soon after creation when God placed man in the Garden of Eden mankind turned God’s good gifts into evil. Creation which came with such beauty was turned into a cursed ground of weeds, thistles, and thorns. (2) God’s people soon forgot their resurrection on the banks of the Red Sea and became captives of their oppressors. (3) The babe of Bethlehem was crucified on Calvary’s Cross. (4) The glorious resurrection from the dead of the very Son of God has largely been forgotten by the masses. Even the Christian community is spiraling into the Laodicean church (see Revelation 3:14-21).

Today, you and I are fast approaching the next great morning. Are you prepared, expectant, and truly ready? (5) Soon the government of a new administration will break forth like a bright morning without a cloud in the sky. “Like the light of morning at sunrise, like a morning without clouds, like the gleaming of the sun on new grass after rain” (2 Samuel 23:4).  (6) With the dawn of the new creation God will maintain its beauty and vitality forever. There will never again be rebellion by mankind or any of sin’s corruption. Our sun will be extinguished—God Himself will be the source of unending light—His brilliance will shine forever. “And the city has no need of sun or moon, for the glory of God illuminates the city, and the Lamb is its light”(Revelation 21:23). It will be the final morning—of one eternal day. “There shall be no night there” (Revelation 22:5). 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

EXTRA: Book Review

~ A Review of “One Precious Pearl” by Christian Book Reviews ~

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” by Reader Views Literary Awards.  Reproduced immediately below is one of the many positive reviews the book has received.

Title:  One Precious Pearl
Author:  Robert Lloyd Russell
ISBN#  0-7414-6232-X
Book Review Date:  March 12, 2011
Reviewed by:  Christian Book Reviews
10.0 on a scale of 10.0 stars

In His book, “One Precious Pearl”, Author Robert Lloyd Russell presents an enlightening, fascinating and enriching study of the parable of the “one pearl of great price” found in Mathew 13.  The Author concisely gives first an overview of the seven well-known parables of Matthew 13, then focuses in on the parallels of the “one pearl of great price”, revealing an in-depth study as to why Christ used the pearl in the parable.

After reading this book, you will never look, nor gaze, at a pearl in the same way.  Nor will you ever view the Church in the same way.  Author, Robert Lloyd Russell reveals a captivating, spiritual truth as demonstrated by Christ through the parable of the one pearl of great price, that a pearl is of great significance and value.  This in depth study and comparison will cause you to truly appreciate the kingdom of heaven that you have the privilege of belonging to and open your eyes to the free gift of salvation causing a new meaning to come forth about what exactly it means to be a Christ follower and to be a part of His true church.  Some may ask, “What is His true Church?”  This book explains just that and will give you a deeper knowledge and understanding of what it is to be a part of His true Church, inspiring you to the reality of the kingdom of heaven and what God’s true design is for His Church.  Oh, and what a precious pearl the Church truly is!

This book is revolutionary in that not only does it lay out the parallels between the true Church and the pearl in such an undeniable way, the significant analogies give light to the fact that the cross gave birth to the Church.  The author leaves you in awe to the new realization of why exactly Christ used an example of the pearl.  Founded and built upon scripture, never before has a teaching split open the truth of the reality of the parable of the “one pearl of great price” and the Church.  “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God, not of works, lest any man should boast” (Eph 2:8-9).

This book comes highly recommended, is filled with scriptural applications, wisdom, wise counsel, encouragement and will bless the reader abundantly. 

One Precious Pearl by Robert Lloyd Russell

ISBN# 0-7414-6232-X
10.0 on a scale of 10.0 stars
Reviewed by: Christian Book Reviews

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.  

  
   

How’s Your Love Life?

~ 7 Aspects of Christian Love ~ 

THE PREMISE ~ “The love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another” (1 John 4:9-11 NKJV, emphasis added).

THE COMMAND ~ While on earth in human form Jesus Christ said that if we live authentic Christian lives, those around us will know us by our love for one another. "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another" (John 13:34-35 NIV). 

There are a number of specific ways in which we can measure how well we are doing in our love life.

(1) Increasing Love ~ “And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all, just as we do to you” (1 Thessalonians 3:12 NKJV).  

(2) Intense Love ~ “Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart” (1 Peter 1:22-23 NKJV). “And above all things have fervent love for one another, for ‘love will cover a multitude of sins’” (1 Peter 4:8 NKJV).

(3) Sincere Love ~ “In purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love” (2 Corinthians 6:6 NIV). “Don't just pretend that you love others: really love them. Hate what is wrong. Stand on the side of the good. Love each other with brotherly affection and take delight in honoring each other” (Romans 12:9-10 TLB). 

(4) Continuous Love ~ “As the Father has loved Me, so have I loved you. Now remain in My love” (John 15:9-10 NIV).  “Continue to love each other with true brotherly love” (Hebrews 13:1 TLB).

 (5) Limitless Love ~ "But concerning the pure brotherly love that there should be among God's people, I don't need to say very much, I'm sure! For God Himself is teaching you to love one another. Indeed, your love is already strong toward all the Christian brothers throughout your whole nation. Even so, dear friends, we beg you to love them more and more” (1 Thessalonians 4:9-10 TLB).

 (6) Complete Love ~ “Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced His perfect love. We love each other because He loved us first” (1 John 4:18-19 NLT).

THE BOTTOM LINE

(7) Controlling Love ~ “Your life must be controlled by love, just as Christ loved us and gave His life for us as a sweet-smelling offering and sacrifice that pleases God” (Ephesians 5:2 TEV). 

A key question for you and for me: How does your love life measure up to these seven aspects of Christian love? 

Abigail

~ A Picture of the Church ~  

 

Abigail is one of the most beautiful women in the Bible and is a “type” of the universal Church. A type in the Bible is a picture of something else. The primary Biblical account of Abigail is found in 1 Samuel 25:2-42. Here are some examples of how Abigail pictures the Church:

Her Name ~ Abigail means “gift of the father.” The Church is a gift from the Father to Jesus Christ (John 17:6-8, 18:9). Abigail’s overall life displays how God hides from the proud and mighty but reveals Himself to those who humble themselves before Him (James 4:6). 

Her Beauty ~ Abigail possessed a “beautiful countenance” (25:3). The Church will be presented to Christ as His bride “without spot or wrinkle” (Ephesians 5:27). Abigail understood David’s true nature and value before it was widely recognized—long before the wedding. 

Her Background ~ Abigail was from Nabal’s house of great abundance (a type of the world). The Church is from the world with all its abundance and treasures. Abigail left behind the riches of Nabal’s household as she joined David in the wilderness (25:18-20). The Church is to forsake earthly treasures (Luke 14:33) and instead to lay up treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:20). The Church is still in the world but no longer of the world (John 17:14-16). 

Her Vision ~ Abigail saw David’s worth and glory when those around her did not, and she acted on faith (Psalm 25:14). She saw David as being the Anointed One and she acted in faith and believed in David. Today entrance into the Church is on the basis of faith in Jesus Christ.  

Her Insight ~ Abigail knew that after David suffered there would be glory. We are told that Abigail was a woman of “good understanding”—she had been given divine knowledge! Similarly the Church has spiritual insight and the “mind of Christ” (1 Corinthians 2:16) and looks forward to future glory.

Her Response ~ Abigail responded to David with “my lord” (25:24-31). David at the time was a fugitive and outcast from society. Abigail understood David even though the masses did not! Individuals become members of the Church as they respond “my Lord” (i.e., John 20:28) while Jesus Christ is not recognized by the majority (1 Corinthians 1:26).  

Her Request ~ Abigail said to David “remember your handmaid” (25:31). The thief on the cross is a good representative of each one who becomes a part of the Church when he said "Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom" (Luke 23:42).  

His Response ~ David saw Abigail’s ministry and gave her peace and ministered blessings to her in return (25:32-35). Christ is in the business of providing great blessings including peace in the middle of turmoil (Philippians 4:7) and abundant life now to those who serve Him (John 10:10b).  

The Initiator ~ David was the initiator of this relationship (25:39). It is Christ who seeks us (Luke 19:10).

Her Blessings ~ Abigail was favored and blessed—the Church is greatly favored and eternally set apart (1 Thessalonians 4:17).  

The Process ~ Abigail appeared to suffer loss by leaving her wealthy place. In reality it was nothing compared to her ultimate gain. But note the important parallel—she joined with David while he was still rejected and an outcast. Individuals become members of the Church while He is still widely rejected and scorned (Luke 21:12).  

The Bride ~ Abigail was David’s bride and the Church is the Greater David’s bride. 

The Bridegroom ~ David (a type of Christ) was despised and rejected prior to the wedding. David spent time in the wilderness (25:14), as did Christ (Luke 4:1-13). David was without a home in the wilderness. The Son of Man had “nowhere to lay His head” (Matthew 8:20). Both were kings yet at the time of courting were without a kingdom.

The Final Results ~ Judgment was slow in coming, but eventually it came: “the Lord smote Nabal and he died” (25:38). After Nabal’s death Abigail is united with David. As the world, the flesh, and the devil are slain, we are united with Christ (1 John 2:16-17). When complete victory arrives, we will be wedded to Christ.

The Wedding ~ Note the sequence. First Abigail was a partner in David’s sorrow after which she became his bride (25:42), and finally she was on the throne with David. The Church is a partner with Christ and His sufferings (Philippians 3:10) but will later become His bride (Ephesians 5:27) and rule with Him—the greater David (Revelation 20:4-6). 

Additional Thoughts ~ Abigail’s deepest thoughts were not concerning herself or her personal comforts but towards David. Everything we do should be for His glory not for our own benefit (1 Corinthians 10:31). In summary, while Abigail is a single individual, she is also a representative of many of whom the Bible says “of whom the world was not worthy” (Hebrews 11:38).   

ADDITIONAL COMMENT: The book One Precious Pearl (see the OPP tab at the top of the page) presents the Church from another Biblical perspective.

PERSONAL COMMENT:  My granddaughter—Abigail—becomes a teenager within a week. Honey, this week’s blog is dedicated to you! 

Are You an April Fool? …an Everyday Fool?

~ The Elliot Family: A Comet and Distant Stars ~  

The story of Jim Elliot, the missionary who was one of five martyred in the jungles of Ecuador, has been well documented. The entire Elliot family—Jim’s father, mother, two older brothers, and sister—were all committed to serving the Lord Jesus Christ in every aspect of their lives. It was my privilege to know the family well. In this posting, I will focus on Jim’s brother Herbert Ironside Elliot (he was named after the great preacher Harry Ironside who was instrumental in his father’s salvation). 

Bert and his wife Colleen left to their mission field in Peru in 1949—some years prior to Jim’s departure for Ecuador. They have been serving as God’s ambassadors in that country continuously since then.

For many years Bert and Colleen served about half the year among the native people of the Amazon jungle. At first they traveled by canoe; later they had a motor launch named “Maranatha” (literally “our Lord cometh”—see 1 Corinthians 16:22).

The other half of the year they served native people in high areas of the Andes Mountains. Traveling by foot, by animal, and later by 4x4 vehicles, they brought the message of God’s love to the people of Peru. Somehow they also had time to work among the people of Peru’s coastal areas! 

For whatever reason, God has chosen that they should be childless—but they are the spiritual parents of thousands and have impacted many thousands more. In their labors for their Lord and Savior, they have established well over 150 churches throughout Peru. What a sense of joy there will be when someday they move from their humble dwelling on earth and are welcomed to their mansion in heaven!

Bert and Colleen chose to forego the luxuries of this life in order to bring individuals to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. They have endured many hardships. At one point they were targeted for assassination by the guerrilla terrorist drug lords misnamed the “Shining Path.” In order to help the people they love even more, they acquired additional medical and dental skills—going beyond offering  a cup of water in Christ’s name (Mark 9:41).   

Bert and Colleen Elliot are now in their eighties and still serving those around them in Peru as servants of Christ. Many years ago they ceased considering themselves as missionaries and rightly viewed themselves as Peruvians. The verse that reappears in my thinking is, “henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness” (2 Timothy 4:7-8).  

Bert has commented that while his brother Jim was like a comet streaking across the sky which caught the attention of those on earth, God chose him to serve in a different capacity as one of the many dim stars from earth’s viewpoint—stars which are countless in the vast universe. There are many who consistently shine as lights where God has put them but never achieve the recognition that has come to Jim Elliot and the other four Christian martyrs at that time. 

But God chooses to use both a few streaking comets and the many stars!   

Bert and Colleen fully understand the meaning of “laying up treasures in heaven” (Luke 18:22; 1 Timothy 6:17-19).

Bert’s brother Jim who is well known for a written comment in his journal, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose," must be smiling as he looks down and observes the work of one of his older brothers!

Luke tells us what God says to those who are wealthy on earth but have neglected their spiritual life, "But God said, 'You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?' This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God" (Luke 12:20-21). Are you an April Fool? Far more importantly, are you an everyday fool?

COMMENT:  There is more information about the Elliot family in the background section of the book “JIM ELLIOT: A Christian Martyr Speaks to You” edited by myself. For more information about this book see the right column of this blog. 

~~~~    ~~~~    ~~~~    ~~~~  
UPDATE:   Bert Elliot went home to be with his Lord on February 17, 2012.  He had served 62 of his 87 years in Peru.  Colleen joined him a short time later.  The memorial service planned for Bert in his home town of Portland, Oregon was changed to a joint service for these two dear saints who labored for our Lord side-by-side throughout their adult lives. 

Defend Your Faith

~ The Ten Commandments of Apologetics ~   

The following is from an unknown original source. 

Apologetics is giving a reasoned defense of Christian truth-claims, in particular of the authenticity of the Bible and the deity and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Critical thinking and persuasive reasoning are tools of the trade of apologetics. Christians have religious truth and the evidence to prove it.

“Sanctify Christ as lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense [Greek: apologia] to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence” (1 Peter 3:15).

(1)  Gospel first, apologetics second. ~ Always try to start a witnessing encounter with the Gospel. The job of apologetics is to pave the way for a presentation of the Gospel. It is pre-evangelism. It is wrong to assume that every unbeliever harbors intellectual objections to Christianity. Hence not every evangelistic situation will require an apologetics defense.

(2)  Stay with the essentials. ~ Most non-Christians know little about the Bible or what Christians believe—and what they think they know is often in error. When sharing the Gospel, avoid theological subjects that will be confusing to unbelievers, like eschatology or predestination. Confirm the message of the Gospel by sharing your personal testimony demonstrating the life-transforming power of the Holy Spirit in your own life.

(3)  Remember your goal. ~ The goal of apologetics is to overcome intellectual obstacles to Christianity so that unbelievers are willing to consider the Gospel. Apologetics is not theology. You don’t have to give the definitive theological answer to any issue, only an appropriate answer that can be defended scripturally.

(4)  Never give people a problem. ~ Never force apologetics on someone or create illegitimate reasons to use it. The impulse is to go out and confront everyone you know and challenge their misbeliefs. Apologetics is not an excuse to argue. Often Christian love and understanding may be all that is needed.

(5)  Find out the real problem. ~ Sometimes unbelievers will raise issues against Christianity that do not mirror their real concerns. They may feel more comfortable discussing a popular argument rather than what’s really bothering them. Whatever the issues, you must identify them and respond accordingly.

(6)  Avoid distractions. ~ Apologetics deals with intellectual obstacles, not moral issues. For example, that a man and woman are living together out of wedlock should not prevent you from sharing Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Nor should it interfere with a discussion of apologetics. God will deal with the moral issues once a person sees his or her need to become a Christian.

(7)  Apply evangelistic and missionary techniques. ~ The ultimate goal of apologetics is evangelistic. The purpose is to bring people as quickly and as efficiently as possible to the point where they renounce their non-Christian worldviews and accept Jesus as Lord. It also involves seeking unbelievers on their own turf.

(8)  Know what unbelievers believe. ~ Be as a missionary who before going into a foreign culture learns as much as possible about their religious beliefs, language, social customs, ethical behavior, cultural taboos, and so on.

(9)  Don’t be intimidated. ~ Most non-Christians have little knowledge of the Bible and few have read even a portion of it. They seldom ask sophisticated questions or need in-depth answers. If you do encounter questions you can’t answer or arguments you can’t refute, admit it.

(10)  Keep the right attitude. ~ Don’t be self-righteous or pushy. Try to create an environment that encourages the work of the Holy Spirit.

   

“Through thick and thin, keep your hearts at attention, in adoration before Christ, your Master. Be ready to speak up and tell anyone who asks why you're living the way you are, and always with the utmost courtesy. Keep a clear conscience before God so that when people throw mud at you, none of it will stick. They'll end up realizing that they're the ones who need a bath” (1 Peter 3:15-16, The Message).

7 Great Truths

~ Critical Components of Christianity ~  

The Bible is the Truth Handbook. Jesus Christ was Truth in human form (John 1:14,17). Here are Seven Critical Truths as presented in the Scriptures. 

The Divine Inspiration of the Bible ~ If the Bible was written by man alone, it has no authority with regard to directing our lives. But if the Bible is what it claims to be, then its contents are critically important for every living person on earth. “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17, emphasis added).

The Triune God; God in Three Distinct Persons ~ God is unique in that He is simultaneously One God yet three distinct persons—each with a distinct personality. “And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’ Amen” (Matthew 28:18-20, emphasis added). “Then Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God [Father] will call’” (Acts 2:38-39, emphasis added).

Jesus  Christ is Fully God ~ God the Father’s only Son came to earth in human form to redeem mankind. If He were not fully God, He could not have lived a sinless life. His blameless life sacrificed on your behalf was the only sufficient substitute payment for your sins. He was and is fully God. “In the beginning was the Word [Jesus Christ], and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1). “The woman said to Him, ‘I know that Messiah is coming’ (who is called Christ). ‘When He comes, He will tell us all things.’ Jesus said to her, ‘I who speak to you am He’” (John 4:25-26). “And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. But He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, ‘Do not be afraid; I am the First and the Last. I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of Hades and of Death’” (Revelation 1:17-18).

The Atoning Death of Christ ~ The sinless life of Jesus Christ was the only possible substitute payment for your sin. “How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?” (Hebrews 9:14)

Justification is by Faith Alone ~ To accept the free gift of salvation you must come to God on the basis of faith. (You exercise faith every day, such as when you drive over a highway bridge even though you do not fully understand the engineering and other aspects which cause it to hold you up. You exercise a huge amount of great faith if you believe the complex design of the world just happened by happy coincidences rather than by design.) “Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law” (Romans 3:28). 

The Triune Aspect of Salvation: Past, Present, and Future ~ God offers you a point of salvation when you accept His Son, on-going salvation on earth, and eternal salvation with Him forever in the future glory. “Although he was a Son, He learned obedience from what He suffered and, once made perfect, He became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey Him” (Hebrews 5:8-9, emphasis added).  There is more on this topic in a three-part post on this blog on March 2, 9, 16, 2010 – readily available by clicking on “March” under “2010” in the Abundant Life Now “Blog Archive” in the left column.

The Certainty of Future Eternal Punishment for Those Who Do Not Accept Christ as Their Personal Savior ~ Your future is in your hands! A righteous God demands judgment for sin including your sin. In His great grace He has offered an alternative for you: eternal judgment or the alternative of eternal glory by accepting the death of His Son on your behalf. You choose your final and eternal destiny in either the smoking or non-smoking section of eternity! “And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life” (Matthew 25:46). 

4 Critical Connections

~ Are You “With Christ”? ~

The book of Colossians mentions three current connections regarding effective Christian living and a fourth future connection. 

Alive with Christ ~ A Christian is a new person—not an improved makeover! A Christian is one who has been made spiritually alive or “born again” (a term used by John, James, and Peter). The Christian is to put to death the old way of life and nurture a new life with Christ.

“You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for He forgave all our sins” (Colossians 2:13). Do you have new life in Christ?

Risen with Christ ~ In order to rise from the dead we first must die. The Christian puts to death his old natural life with its sinful desires and actions. God has given us all we need to accomplish growth in our new spiritual life. “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness. Through these He has given us His very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires” (2 Peter 1:3-4). 

“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sits on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth” (Colossians 3:1-2). Where are your affections? 

Hid with Christ ~ The world at large does not recognize Christians for who they are—“saints,” and “children of God,” who are also “joint heirs with Christ.” Christians make up the true church—not church buildings—and are commanded to gather together with their fellow Christians (Hebrews 10:25). The world does not understand or see the reality of Christians or the true church of Jesus Christ.

“You died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3). Are you sure you are part of the true church of Christ? 

Appearing with Christ ~ What a glorious future awaits every Christian! 

“When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory” (Colossians 3:4). 

Do you know beyond a shadow of doubt that God will recognize you as one of His born-again children and that He will welcome you into His eternal kingdom? This is the most important question any human being can answer!    

EXTRA: Book of the Year Award

~ “One Precious Pearl”—Literary Award ~

Reader Views Literary Awards has named One Precious Pearl the Book of the Year in the religion category. It is the first time in the history of these awards that a conservative Christian book has been a finalist, let alone the winner. 

As part of the Reader Views evaluation, Richard Blake wrote:  “One Precious Pearl guides the reader into a deeper understanding of God’s Design for His Church. … The book is divided into two parts made up of short chapters to accommodate the pace of today’s busy reader. … I found the evaluations, summaries, and commentary used throughout the format of the book to be stimulating, practical, and well thought out. …  One Precious Pearl: God’s Design for His Church is inspiration devotional reading made up of changeless truths presented from a contemporary perspective. This book is highly recommended.” The complete review and a listing of all 2011 winners may be found at the Reader Views website.  

Since its release One Precious Pearl has received many excellent reviews. Here is another example:  U.K. magazine The Voice said, “The book is ideal for devotional reading or for personal or small group study. The ideal audience for this book 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.”

For more information about One Precious Pearl click on the OPP tab at the top of this blog or see the author’s website (link at top right of the Abundant Life Now blog). You may order directly from Amazon.