EXTRA: Best Books 2011

~ One Precious Pearl Recognized Again! ~

LOS ANGELES – USABookNews.com, the premiere online magazine and review website for mainstream and independent publishing houses, announced the winners and finalists of THE USA “BEST BOOKS 2011” AWARDS on November 1, 2011. Awards were presented for titles published in 2010 and 2011. Jeffrey Keen, President and CEO of USA Book News, said this year’s contest yielded an unprecedented number of entries.

Award highlights included (Full results listing available on USABooknews.com):

• One Precious Pearl: God’s Design for His Church by Robert Lloyd Russell (Infinity Press) was a Finalist in the “Religion: Christianity” category.

One Precious Pearl provides an intriguingly different look at the universal Christian church through an analysis of the parable of the “one pearl of great price” and has been acclaimed by laypeople and theologians. Examples include, “His content is superior throughout. He has drawn on a natural science and Biblical thought without violating either” (Ronald B. Allen, Senior Professor of Bible Exposition, Dallas Theological Seminary). “I absolutely love the way you have drawn a parallel between the pearl and the Church. This is inspired!” (Elizabeth Hightower, Women’s Ministries Leader, Laurelwood Baptist Church).

One Precious Pearl is Russell’s second book in his “Christian Concepts Series” (Timeless Truths ~ Contemporary Perspectives). Additionally, he edited Jim Elliot: A Christian Martyr Speaks to You, which contains transcribed messages given by this famous Christian martyr before leaving for the mission field.  

One Precious Pearl has now received four significant recognitions this year:

Book-of-the-Year, Religion: Eastern/Western,  Reader Views Reviewers Choice Award (USA)

Runner-up, Religion: Christianity,  International Book Awards

Winner, Book: Biblical Studies, The Word Guild (Canada)

Finalist, Religion: Christianity, The USA “Best Books 2011” Awards

The USA “Best Books 2011” Awards are now in their ninth year, Keen says, “The 2011 results represent a phenomenal mix of books from a wide array of publishers throughout the United States. With a full publicity and marketing campaign promoting the results of the USA ‘Best Books’ Awards, this year’s winners and finalists will gain additional media coverage for the upcoming holiday retail season.”

Winners and finalists traversed the publishing landscape: Simon & Schuster, St. Martin’s Press, Random House, Penguin, Harper Collins, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, McGraw-Hill, John Wiley & Sons, and hundreds of independent houses contributed to this year’s outstanding competition. Keen adds, “Our success begins with the enthusiastic participation of authors and publishers and continues with our distinguished panel of industry judges who bring to the table their extensive editorial, PR, marketing, and design expertise.”

USABookNews.com is an online publication providing coverage for books from mainstream and independent publishers to the world online community. JPX Media Group in Los Angeles, California, is the parent company of USABookNews.com.

A complete list of the winners and finalists of The USA “Best Books 2011” Awards is available online at http://www.USABookNews.com.

For more information about One Precious Pearl click on the 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. 

4 Gospels

~ 4 Views of 1 Savior ~

November 2011 Tuesday Countdown:  4 – 3 – 2 – 1 – 0 

There are many different ways of comparing the four Gospels.  Here is a very brief overview—much more could be said.

The Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke) stress the humanity of Christ.

The Fourth Gospel (John) stresses the deity of Christ.

Consider the opening of the four Gospels in conjunction with their primary readers:

Matthew  ~  Jews (genealogy—Jesus, the Son of Abraham) – King of Israel

Mark  ~  Romans (action, no genealogy) – Servant of the Word

Luke  ~  Greeks (starts with Adam—Jesus, the Son of Adam) – Son of Man

John  ~  Church (goes back to eternity—Jesus, the Son of God) – Son of God

Matthew  ~  Jesus Christ as King (the Messiah) – The Prophesied King

Sovereignty (to reign, to rule)

Mark  ~  Jesus Christ as Servant (all action) – The Obedient Servant

Humility (to serve, to suffer)

Luke  ~  Jesus Christ as Man (the Son of Man) – The Perfect Man

Humanity (to share, to sympathize)

John  ~  Jesus Christ as God-man (the Son of God) – The Divine Son

Deity (to redeem)

Matthew  ~  David’s “Righteous Branch” (Jeremiah 23:5, 33:15)

Mark  ~  Jehovah’s servant, “The Branch” (Zechariah 3:8)

Luke  ~  The man whose name is “The Branch” (Zechariah 6:12)

John  ~  “The Branch of Jehovah” (Isaiah 4:2)

Matthew  ~  The Royal Lawgiver (Matthew 28:18-20)

Mark  ~  The Mighty Worker (Mark 16:16-20)

Luke  ~  The Friend of Man (Luke 24:50-53)

John  ~  The Son of God (John 20:28-31)

Matthew  ~  The Gospel of the Jewish Messiah (Christ)

Mark  ~  The Gospel of the Wonder Working Servant (God)

Luke  ~  The Gospel of the Savior of all sorts of people (Holy Spirit)

John  ~  (The Son of God)

Matthew ~ What Jesus Christ THOUGHT (and said) – His Kingdom

Mark  ~  What Jesus Christ DID – His humanity

Luke  ~  What Jesus Christ FELT – His ministry (His human nature)

John  ~  Who Jesus Christ WAS – His Deity (He was fully God)

Matthew  ~  The Way of Righteousness

Mark  ~  The Way of Suffering

Luke  ~  The Way of Wisdom

John  ~  The Way of Love

Consider the closing of the four Gospels in conjunction with their primary readers:

Matthew  ~  Jewish mind: Resurrection (the crowning proof of His Messiahship)

Mark  ~  Roman mind: Ascension (exalted to glory and honor)

Luke  ~  Greek mind: Holy Spirit (promises of a Comforter to man)

John  ~  the Church: Second Coming (our Lord’s own promise of His return)

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

Messiah, 18

~ Messiah Would Be from the Tribe of Judah ~

“Search the Scriptures—they testify of Me.”

— Jesus Christ (John 5:39)

The Scripture  

“You, Judah, your brothers will praise you: your fingers on your enemies' throat, while your brothers honor you. You're a lion's cub, Judah, home fresh from the kill, my son. Look at him, crouched like a lion, king of beasts; who dares mess with him? The scepter shall not leave Judah; he'll keep a firm grip on the command staff until the ultimate ruler comes and the nations obey Him. He'll tie up his donkey to the grapevine, his purebred prize to a sturdy branch. He will wash his shirt in wine and his cloak in the blood of grapes, his eyes will be darker than wine, his teeth whiter than milk” (Genesis 49:8-12). 

The Messiah  

“Now Jesus Himself began His ministry at about thirty years of age, being … the son of Judah” (Luke 3:23a, 33b). 

A record of the genealogy of Jesus Christ … the father of Judah and his brothers” (Matthew 1:1a, 2b). 

“For it is evident that our Lord arose from Judah, of which tribe Moses spoke nothing concerning priesthood” (Hebrews 7:14). 

~~~ 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.

7 Cs of Christian Living

~ How Do You Measure Up? ~

Acts 2 provides seven glimpses of an authentic Christian life. 

Confessing Life  ~  During this time of the early church a miracle was evidenced and we read that “All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages as the Spirit enabled them” (verse 4). Clearly they were expressing their faith in God and what He had done in their lives. Today we should be witnessing with words about what we have experienced in Christ. “One thing I know: that though I was blind, now I see” (John 9:24). 

Convicting Life  ~   Those observing the scene were convinced that something special was occurring. “Utterly amazed, they asked: ‘Are not all these men who are speaking Galileans?’” (verse 7). Today we are to have a lifestyle which is convicting to others because of our love for one another. “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John 13:35). Today we are witnessing by our lives regarding the reality of what we have experienced in Christ.

Converting Life  ~  “‘Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.’ When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, ‘Brothers, what shall we do?’” (verses 36-37). Because of the reality of what was heard and observed, others were converted by putting their faith in Christ. 

Constant Life  ~  “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer” (verse 42). Their conversions had a consistent impact on their lifestyle.

Continuing Life  ~  “Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts” (verse 46a). Clearly “every day” indicates that this was not a flash-in-the-pan experience. 

Communing Life  ~  “They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts” (verse 46b). Are you regularly meeting with fellow believers in Jesus Christ?

Contagious Life  ~  “Praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved” (verse 47). The natural result of authentic Christianity will be others wanting what we have and coming to know our Lord as their personal Savior.

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

Messiah, 17

~ Messiah Would Be a Blessing to Gentiles, 4 ~

“Search the Scriptures—they testify of Me.”

— Jesus Christ (John 5:39)

The Scripture  

I will perform the oath which I swore to Abraham your father. And I will make your descendants multiply as the stars of heaven; I will give to your descendants all these lands; and in your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed; because Abraham obeyed My voice and kept My charge, My commandments, My statutes, and My laws (Genesis 26:3-5).

The Messiah  

You are sons of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying to Abraham, “And in your seed all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” To you first, God, having raised up His Servant Jesus, sent Him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from your iniquities (Acts 3:25-26).

   

And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel to Abraham beforehand, saying, “In you all the nations shall be blessed.” So then those who are of faith are blessed with believing Abraham” (Galatians 3:8-9).

~~~ 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.

EXTRA: Book Review – OPP, 4

~ A Review of “One Precious Pearl” by Richard R. Blake ~

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. 

Reproduced immediately below is one of the many positive reviews the book has received.

One Precious Pearl: God’s Design for His Church

Robert Lloyd Russell
Infinity Publishing (2010)
ISBN 9780741462329
Reviewed by Richard R. Blake

Robert Lloyd Russell draws from the lessons and insights he has gleaned from his forty years in Christian Leadership and Bible Teaching. One Precious Pearl guides the reader into a deeper understanding of God’s Design for His Church. It is Russell’s prayer that the reader will personally recognize Christ’s sacrificial gift for their individual salvation as well as the importance of becoming a part of the true church.

Russell demystifies the content of the seven parables from Jesus’ teaching in Matthew chapter thirteen. The book is divided into two parts made up of short chapters to accommodate the pace of today’s busy reader. Each of the twenty-two chapters can be read as a devotional, as the basis for a foundation for discussion, or as an adult Bible lesson for small groups. Part One is a commentary on the thirteenth chapter of Matthew. Part Two is made up of “Lessons from the One Precious Pearl” and contains some interesting analogies. Russell combines natural science with Biblical truth to provide an in depth study.

The Key Concepts and questions for consideration, at the end of each chapter, are ideal for further meditation, application, and assimilation. I found the evaluations, summaries, and commentary used throughout the format of the book to be stimulating, practical, and well thought out.

I found the epilogue with thoughts for contemplation on the symbolism of the gifts of the Wise Men interesting and informative. The Gospel message included as an appendix was clear and persuasive.

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.

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

Two Inheritances

~ Do You Possess Two Inheritances? ~   

Has your faith made you a part of Christ’s inheritance? If so, are you aware of your personal fantastic inheritance—far better than any lottery winnings?

(1)  Our Inheritance—Rejoice that you are a joint-heir with Christ of all things.  ~  Jesus Christ owns all things and you are a joint-heir of all things with Him!

“The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ” (Romans 8:16-17a).

“If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise… and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir” (Galatians 3:29,4:7b).  

“In Christ we also have obtained an inheritance… you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory” (Ephesians 1:11, 13b-14).  

 “That is why He is the One who mediates a new covenant between God and people, so that all who are called will receive the eternal inheritance God has promised them” (Hebrews 9:15). 

“We have a priceless inheritance—an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay” (1 Peter 1:4).

Our Resulting Responsibility  ~  “Do your best. Work from the heart for your real Master, for God, confident that you'll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance. Keep in mind always that the ultimate Master you're serving is Christ” (Colossians 3:22b-24).

“For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins” (Colossians 1:9-14).

(2)  Christ’s Inheritance—Rejoice that you are part of Christ’s inheritance!  ~  As a blood-bought sinner who has accepted Jesus Christ as the only way of salvation you are part of the inheritance which Jesus Christ Himself receives!

“I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints, and His incomparably great power for us who believe” (Ephesians 1:18-19a). “For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago” (Ephesians 2:10).

“But in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, and through whom He made the universe” (Hebrews 1:2).

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW