EXTRA: Book Review – OPP, 5

~ A Review of “One Precious Pearl” by Kirkus Reviews ~

Reproduced immediately below is one of the many positive reviews the book has received. This one is from Kirkus Reviews.

Russell, Robert Lloyd

ONE PRECIOUS PEARL: God’s Design for His Church

Infinity (138 pp.)

$14.95 paperback

November 12, 2010

ISBN: 978-0741462329

An in-depth exploration of one famous passage.

Though most Christians have a passing familiarity with Matthew 13:45-46, regarding a pearl of great price or great value (translations vary), few have considered these two verses with as much depth and curiosity as have Russell. In this book, Russell explores the passage from every possible angle and includes varying evangelical interpretations. Structured with short chapters, “Key Concept” summaries and questions for discussion, Russell’s book can easily serve as a source for personal or group study. He begins by discussing the passage in its immediate context, as one of seven parables in the 13th chapter of Matthew. Russell then goes on to describe three differing interpretations of the parable that have been raised by past theologians.

In his view, the pearl represents either the kingdom of heaven or the church, and in both cases most lessons from the parable apply equally. The merchant in the parable most likely represents Jesus Christ, “the Son of Man, Israel’s Kinsman-Redeemer.” Moving forward, Russell lists seven ways in which a pearl is a unique gem, all of which make it analogous to the church or the kingdom of God. For instance, it is formed in suffering, its spherical shape represents unity and it is the one gem that is most valuable if humans have not interfered with its shape or condition. Not stopping there, Russell also provides eight significant aspects of the pearl. These include its cost, symbolism, growth, history, appearance and hidden nature. A problem brought up in the text that is never fully resolved is the fact that pearls were not especially valued by Jews, and in fact came from a treif source, oysters. This presents a striking paradox coming from a Jewish source.

Russell has structured a meaningful study for the layperson and a useful go-to resource for preachers. Without delving into an extensive exploration of the original Greek, Russell makes about as thorough a study of the passage as one could expect.

Worthwhile resource on the pearl of great price.

 Kirkus Discoveries, Kirkus Media LLC, 6411 Burleson Rd., TX 78744

discoveries@kirkusreviews.com

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” (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

Micah, 1of2

~ The Man, The Message ~

Micah’s message in the Book of Micah is full of application for us. The book was written after Amos and before Isaiah, two books written in the same time period. In modern times Micah’s prophecy has been called “A Miniature Book of Isaiah.” Today the book of Micah is largely associated with Jesus’ birth, while the book of Isaiah is often associated closely with Jesus’ death.

Micah, the Man  ~  His name means “Who is like unto Jehovah?” His name is a basic reminder to us that God is incomparable! Micah was not from a distinguished family as his better known contemporary Isaiah seems to have been. On the contrary, he came from an undistinguished, small country village called Moresheth—which is why he was later called “Micah of Moresheth” by the Jerusalem elders. It was usually called Moresheth Gath (1:14). It was what we would term a suburb and was often identified by its proximity to the larger, well-known city of Gath. Micah was a rural person, a stranger to Jerusalem when he first went to the capital to give his prophecies. 

Micah has been described as “A Prophet Who Was Remembered.” The minor prophets largely conveyed a message of God’s judgment. This was true for the preceding prophets including Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, and Jonah. However, with the sole exception of Jonah, their messages of judgment went unheeded. The pattern was: prophets appeared, their warnings were rejected, judgment came. This is a depressing picture.  But suddenly we come to Micah.

Micah, the Message  ~  The encouraging part is not that some other message had replaced judgment. It is rather that in Micah’s case the message of judgment was heeded, repentance followed, and the disaster was postponed for a century. Hosea and Amos were ignored. Jeremiah was imprisoned. But here was one prophet who was listened to and whose preaching therefore changed history. We should be encouraged to learn that one man can make a difference. 

In his book Micah reminds his hearers of Amos’ message. He announces that his prophecy concerns Samaria (that is Israel, the Northern Kingdom) and Jerusalem (that is Judah, the Southern Kingdom). In the first section (1:2-9) he deals with the Northern Kingdom. But after that his message is entirely for the kingdom of the south, where he was then living and prophesying. In other words, there was judgment for others, but his message was primarily for the people of Judah. If we are going our way and not God’s way, as the people of Jerusalem were doing, then we must do as they eventually did and turn back to God. It is the way we ourselves will escape God’s judgment. 

Key Verse  ~  “Where is there any god who can compare with You—wiping the slate clean of guilt, turning a blind eye, a deaf ear, to the past sins of your purged and precious people? You don't nurse your anger and don't stay angry long, for mercy is your specialty. That's what you love most” (7:18). Note a couple of thing about this verse. First, it poses the great question of his writings (“Who is like unto the one true God?”). Second, it is a play on Micah’s name (“Who is like Yahweh?”).

Prophecies  ~  Six specific prophecies of Micah have become history…

1. The Fall of Samaria in 277 b.c. (1:6-7)
2. The Invasion of Judah in 702 b.c. (1:9-16)
3. The Fall of Jerusalem in 586 b.c. (3:12, 7:13)
4. The Captivity of Babylon in 568 b.c. (4:10)
5. The Return from Captivity (4:1-8, 7:11,14-17)
6. The Birth of Jesus in Bethlehem (5:2)

Quotations  ~  Micah is quoted three times in Scripture…

1. The elders of Judah quoted Micah 3:12 in Jeremiah 26:18
2. The Magi quoted Micah 5:2 in Matthew 2:5-6
3. Jesus Christ quoted Micah 7:6 in Matthew 10:35-36

Lessons  ~  Micah’s message is relevant for today…

1. One person can make a difference.
2. Never give up.
3. The leaders of Israel were supposed to know right from wrong (3:1). Today’s Christian leaders, at all levels, are accountable to God for clearly directing their followers with regard to right and wrong.
4. Evil motives can so easily run the ministry of Christian leaders and workers today (3:11).
5. Does the effectiveness of our prayers depend upon our believing that God hears our praying? (7:7)

In our next posting we will look at an unusual overview of Micah’s message.

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

Messiah, 23

~ The Messiah’s Blood Would Atone for Sin ~ 

“Search the Scriptures—they testify of Me.”

— Jesus Christ (John 5:39)

The Scripture

"He shall then slaughter the goat for the sin offering for the people and take its blood behind the curtain and do with it as he did with the bull's blood: He shall sprinkle it on the atonement cover and in front of it. In this way he will make atonement for the Most Holy Place because of the uncleanness and rebellion of the Israelites, whatever their sins have been. He is to do the same for the Tent of Meeting, which is among them in the midst of their uncleanness. No one is to be in the Tent of Meeting from the time Aaron goes in to make atonement in the Most Holy Place until he comes out, having made atonement for himself, his household and the whole community of Israel” (Leviticus 16:15-17). 

The Messiah  

“Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus” (Romans 3:24-26).

   

Then indeed, even the first covenant had ordinances of divine service and the earthly sanctuary. For a tabernacle was prepared: the first part, in which was the lampstand, the table, and the showbread, which is called the sanctuary; and behind the second veil, the part of the tabernacle which is called the Holiest of All, which had the golden censer and the ark of the covenant overlaid on all sides with gold, in which were the golden pot that had the manna, Aaron's rod that budded, and the tablets of the covenant; and above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat. Of these things we cannot now speak in detail.

Now when these things had been thus prepared, the priests always went into the first part of the tabernacle, performing the services.  But into the second part the high priest went alone once a year, not without blood, which he offered for himself and for the people's sins committed in ignorance; the Holy Spirit indicating this, that the way into the Holiest of All was not yet made manifest while the first tabernacle was still standing. It was symbolic for the present time in which both gifts and sacrifices are offered which cannot make him who performed the service perfect in regard to the conscience—concerned only with foods and drinks, various washings, and fleshly ordinances imposed until the time of reformation.

But Christ came as High Priest of the good things to come, with the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands, that is, not of this creation. Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption. For if the blood of bulls and goats and the ashes of a heifer, sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies for the purifying of the flesh, 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? And for this reason He is the Mediator of the new covenant, by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant, that those who are called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance” (Hebrews 9:1-15). 

“Therefore it was necessary that the copies of the things in the heavens should be purified with these, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. For Christ has not entered the holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us; not that He should offer Himself often, as the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood of another—He then would have had to suffer often since the foundation of the world; but now, once at the end of the ages, He has appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment, so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation” (Hebrews 9:23-28). 

   

“My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the whole world” (1 John 2:1-2). 

~~~ 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: World Book Awards

~ Three “Gold Awards” Across All Book Categories ~

World Book Awards

Announce 2011 Gold Awards

Ann Chamberlin, Dave Ramsey, and Robert Lloyd Russell

receive top honors at the 2011 World Book Awards

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

– (Press Release) – Nov. 28, 2011 –

The World Book Awards Selection Committee has announced the recipients of its prestigious Gold Award for Literary Excellence. Three masterworks have been chosen by a panel of judges to receive top honors in the 2011 competition.

The World Book Awards Selection Committee has chosen “The Woman at the Well” by Ann Chamberlin, “EntreLeadership” by Dave Ramsey, and “One Precious Pearl: God’s Design for His Church” by Robert Lloyd Russell to receive the prestigious Gold Awards.

“The Woman at the Well” is the fictional story of three lives braiding together during the early days of Islam.

“EntreLeadership” presents tips for growing your business through effective leadership of your organization.

“One Precious Pearl” provides an analysis and interpretation of the often misunderstood parable of Jesus Christ concerning the “one pearl of great price.”

Links to purchase these three Gold Award-winning books can be found at www.WorldBookAwards.com

The World Book Awards congratulates its three Gold Award winners and looks forward to the 2012 World Book Awards competition.

The World Book Awards were established in order to celebrate literary excellence in every genre of the printed word. By honoring these talented and unique authors for their efforts, we hope to inspire future generations of authors.

# # #

--- end ---        

added note:  “One Precious Pearl: God’s Design for His Church” has received five awards this year. 

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

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

“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) by the World Book Awards

0 To Do

~ What Must YOU Do To Be Saved? ~

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

Is belief in Christ sufficient for your salvation or do you need to do something after receiving His free “gift of salvation”?  Some groups teach that once you have put your faith in Christ you must do something to make your salvation secure. But what did our Master say? “It is finished!” (John 19:30). 

Claiming that an individual must do something to earn their place in heaven is saying that the life, death,  and resurrection of Jesus Christ was not enough! What an insult to God! 

It is not Do, but Done.

It is not for us to Try, but to Trust.

It is not by Attainment, but by Atonement.

It is not by our Merit, but by God's Mercy.

Jesus took our Place that we might have His Peace.

He took our Sin that we might have His Salvation.

Jesus died among Sinners, that we might dwell among Saints.

Christ became the Son of Man, that we might become the Sons of God!

Jesus Christ came to a world in which there is no light, that He might take us to a world in which there is no darkness. 

When it comes to spiritual issues a key question is: Is the work of salvation complete, or can we add anything to His finished work?  

I remember a story told to me many years ago. It seems that an old man once said it took him forty years to learn three simple things. The first was that he could not do anything to save himself; the second was that God did not expect him to; and the third was that Christ had done it all, and all he had to do was to accept the accomplished fact. 

contemplate: 

(1) You can’t; God never said you could. – He can; He always said He would! 

(2) You will never feel gratitude for things you feel entitled to. 

“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” (Ephesians 2:8-9).

comments: 

(1) Nothing to do is true with regard to earning salvation. The normal response of one who has gained salvation is to respond in love to their Savior which includes loving service and work on His behalf.

(2) This is a recycled/modified ALN post (used previously in early 2010 by a different title).

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

Quote: Moral Integrity

~ A Basic Issue of the Christian Life ~

It is a lifelong issue!  

The following is an excerpt from a book.

The basic issue of the Christian life is His will or mine! When the will of God for you aligns with your personal desire, keeping His will is easy. It is when God’s desire and your desire differ that conflict arises and decisions are critical.

There is an old story of a humble man who moved to a new community. His faith was strong even though his doctrinal knowledge was light. After he visited a local church the pastor made a visit to his home. To the pastor’s delight the man expressed a desire to become a member of the congregation. In order to be sure of this man’s relationship to Jesus Christ, the pastor began to ask a few questions.

“What do you believe regarding the doctrine of election?” The man thought carefully for quite a while. Finally, in a low soft voice the man replied, “Well, the way I see it, the Lord votes one way, the devil votes another way, and … well, whichever way I vote—that decides the election!”   

This man may not have had his doctrinal terminology correct, but more importantly, he knew about the essence of life on earth for the Christian. Regardless of what decision you are facing, it is a war between Christ and Satan. Your mind and heart may be saying, “Yes, Lord,” but your body (and all the cares of this life) may be saying, “Not now, Lord,” or “I won’t pay the costs of making the right decision.” In the final analysis, the choice is yours.

Developing the moral integrity of making the right choices, regardless of cost, is a lifelong exercise. This personal inner strength is formed by a thousand small decisions that demonstrate a commitment to the Lordship of Christ.

~ from “THY WILL BE DONE ON EARTH: Understanding God’s Will for You” by Robert Lloyd Russell, pgs 147-148 (ISBN: 9781606474303)

Learn more about this important book at Amazon, the Publisher, or the Author’s website. 

Messiah, 22

~ Messiah’s Blood Would Be Shed ~

“Search the Scriptures—they testify of Me.”

— Jesus Christ (John 5:39)

The Scripture

“When Moses went and told the people all the Lord's words and laws, they responded with one voice, ‘Everything the Lord has said we will do.’ Moses then wrote down everything the Lord had said. He got up early the next morning and built an altar at the foot of the mountain and set up twelve stone pillars representing the twelve tribes of Israel. Then he sent young Israelite men, and they offered burnt offerings and sacrificed young bulls as fellowship offerings to the Lord. Moses took half of the blood and put it in bowls, and the other half he sprinkled on the altar. Then he took the Book of the Covenant and read it to the people. They responded, ‘We will do everything the Lord has said; we will obey.’ Moses then took the blood, sprinkled it on the people and said, ‘This is the blood of the covenant that the Lord has made with you in accordance with all these words’” (Exodus 24:3-8).   

The Messiah  

“But Christ came as High Priest of the good things to come, with the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands, that is, not of this creation. Not with the blood of goats and calves, but with His own blood He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, having obtained eternal redemption. For if the blood of bulls and goats and the ashes of a heifer, sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies for the purifying of the flesh, 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? And for this reason He is the Mediator of the new covenant, by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant, that those who are called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance. For where there is a testament, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament is in force after men are dead, since it has no power at all while the testator lives. Therefore not even the first covenant was dedicated without blood. For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and goats, with water, scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book itself and all the people, saying, ‘This is the blood of the covenant which God has commanded you.’ Then likewise he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle and all the vessels of the ministry. And according to the law almost all things are purified with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no remission. Therefore it was necessary that the copies of the things in the heavens should be purified with these, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. For Christ has not entered the holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us; not that He should offer Himself often, as the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood of another—He then would have had to suffer often since the foundation of the world; but now, once at the end of the ages, He has appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment, so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation (Hebrews 9:11-28).

~~~ 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.

1 Life

~ A Grain of Sand on a Huge Beach ~

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

Consider a single grain of sand on a vast ocean beach. Proportionately that speck of sand is huge in relation to its beach when compared to your physical life on earth compared to your eternal future! 

Christian missionary C.T. Studd put it his way in his famous poem:

ONLY ONE LIFE

Two little lines I heard one day, Traveling along life’s busy way;
Bringing conviction to my heart, And from my mind would not depart;
Only one life, ‘twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, yes only one, Soon will its fleeting hours be done;
Then, in ‘that day’ my Lord to meet, And stand before His Judgment seat;
Only one life, ‘twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, the still small voice, Gently pleads for a better choice
Bidding me selfish aims to leave, And to God’s holy will to cleave;
Only one life, ‘twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, a few brief years, Each with its burdens, hopes, and fears;
Each with its clays I must fulfill, Living for self or in His will;
Only one life, ‘twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

When this bright world would tempt me sore, When Satan would a victory score;
When self would seek to have its way, Then help me Lord with joy to say;
Only one life, ‘twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Give me Father, a purpose deep, In joy or sorrow Thy word to keep;
Faithful and true what e’er the strife, Pleasing Thee in my daily life;
Only one life, ‘twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Oh let my love with fervor burn, And from the world now let me turn;
Living for Thee, and Thee alone, Bringing Thee pleasure on Thy throne;
Only one life, ‘twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

Only one life, yes only one, Now let me say, “Thy will be done;”
And when at last I’ll hear the call, I know I’ll say “‘twas worth it all;”
Only one life, ‘twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

comment:  Have you considered what a small part of your total life your time on earth is?

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Jesus Christ, Matthew 6:19-21).

“He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose” (Jim Elliot, Christian missionary).

“And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but are yourself lost or destroyed?” (Jesus Christ, Luke 9:25, New Living Translation).

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW