Extra: Book Review – OPP, 7

~ A Review of “One Precious Pearl” by Rev. Colin ~

Reproduced immediately below is one of the many positive reviews the book “One Precious Pearl” has received. This one is from Reverend Colin a retired Presbyterian minister in Wales.

A Pearl of a Parable Study

One Precious Pearl – Robert Lloyd Russell

I’m currently reading One Precious Pearl, subtitled ‘God's Design for His Church’, written by Robert Lloyd Russell. This book deals with the parable found in the Bible in the book of Matthew, chapter 13, of which the ‘Parable of the Pearl of Great Price’ is one of a group of seven. Expertly written by a man with over forty years of experience as a popular Bible teacher, this is a book which guides you through the background and interpretation of the parable, concluding each chapter with the instruction to ‘Think and Grow.’ Russell leads you through and stays with you throughout the book, ready to explain and point you towards the answers to your questioning and seeking mind. 

I quote Ronald Barclay Allen, Senior Professor of Bible Exposition at Dallas Theological Seminary, who is quoted on the back cover as follows: ‘Throughout this study there is a development of analogical thought, where the latent imagery of the pearl is made clear for the modern reader. Mr Russell's content is superior throughout. He has drawn on natural science and Biblical thought without violating either. I have learned a great deal about the concept of a pearl and have appreciated more the concept of the Church as the Pearl of Christ.’

This is a book which feeds the seeking and open mind, and which opens the closed heart, to Biblical truth which is as encouraging  as it is enlightening, and which I can thoroughly recommend to all seekers of the timeless truths of the Bible.

Posted by Rev. Colin

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

Jesus Christ, 5

~ A Fourfold Witness of Jesus Christ, the Messiah, in One Passage ~

The Scriptures repeatedly tell us that two or three witnesses are enough to establish credibility (i.e., Deuteronomy 17:6, 19:5; Matthew 18:16; 2 Corinthians 13:1, 1 Timothy 5:9). Perhaps that is why we find more than three witnesses regarding the truth of Jesus Christ.

While on earth Jesus Christ proclaimed that He was the Son of God—the Messiah. In one statement He spoke of four witnesses to this reality (John 5:31-47).

(1)  The Witness of John the Baptist  ~  “If I [Jesus Christ] bear witness of Myself, My witness is not true. There is another [John the Baptist] who bears witness of Me, and I know that the witness which he witnesses of Me is true. You have sent to John, and he has borne witness to the truth. Yet I do not receive testimony from man, but I say these things that you may be saved. He was the burning and shining lamp, and you were willing for a time to rejoice in his light” (John 5:31-35).

(2)  The Witness of His Works  ~  “But I have a greater witness than John's; for the works which the Father has given Me to finish—the very works that I do—bear witness of Me, that the Father has sent Me” (John 5:36).

(3)  The Witness of God the Father  ~  “And the Father Himself, who sent Me, has testified of Me. You have neither heard His voice at any time, nor seen His form. But you do not have His Word abiding in you, because whom He sent, Him you do not believe” (John 5:37-38).

(4)  The Witness of the Scriptures  ~  “You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me” (John 5:39).

Conclusion  ~  “But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life. I do not receive honor from men. But I know you, that you do not have the love of God in you. I have come in My Father's name, and you do not receive Me; if another comes in his own name, him you will receive. How can you believe, who receive honor from one another, and do not seek the honor that comes from the only God? Do not think that I shall accuse you to the Father; there is one who accuses you—Moses, in whom you trust. For if you believed Moses, you would believe Me; for he wrote about Me. But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe My words?” (John 5:40-47).

Jesus Christ spoke directly about a fourfold witness as seen above. How about you? Can you witness (first-hand knowledge) about Jesus Christ? Is He your Messiah? Are you reading the Scriptures which testify of Him? Are you living a life which pleases Him?

It begins with your attitude which affects your actions resulting in a life which pleases God. “Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus … and became obedient …  for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose” (Philippians 2:5, 8, 13, NIV).

the key question: “Who do you say that I am?” (Matthew 16:15). This is the most important question you will ever answer. If you do not answer it, or answer it incorrectly, you have made the biggest mistake anyone can make!

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

Messiah, 42

~ Messiah Would Be Spoken To Directly By God His Father ~

“Search the Scriptures—they testify of Me.”

— Jesus Christ (John 5:39)

The Scripture

“‘I have installed My King on Zion, My holy hill.’ I will proclaim the decree of the Lord: He said to Me, ‘You are My Son; today I have become Your Father. Ask of Me, and I will make the nations Your inheritance, the ends of the earth Your possession. You will rule them with an iron scepter; You will dash them to pieces like pottery’” (Psalm 2:6-9).

The Messiah  

“God has fulfilled this for us their children, in that He has raised up Jesus. As it is also written in the second Psalm:  ‘You are My Son, today I have begotten You’” (Acts 13:33).

“For to which of the angels did He ever say: ‘You are My Son, today I have begotten You?’ And again: ‘I will be to Him a Father, and He shall be to Me a Son?’” (Hebrews 1:5).

“When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, ‘This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased’” (Matthew 3:16-17). 

“And immediately, coming up from the water, He saw the heavens parting and the Spirit descending upon Him like a dove. Then a voice came from heaven, ‘You are My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased’” (Mark 1:10-11).

 “And the Holy Spirit descended in bodily form like a dove upon Him, and a voice came from heaven which said, ‘You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased’” (Luke 3:22).

“While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, ‘This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!’” (Matthew 17:5).

“And a cloud came and overshadowed them; and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, ‘This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!’ Suddenly, when they had looked around, they saw no one anymore, but only Jesus with themselves” (Mark 9:7-8).  

 “And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, ‘This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!’” (Luke 9:35).

~~~ 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

7 Part Riddle

~ Most Kindergartners Solve This Riddle ~

Note:  The original source of this riddle is unknown.

It is said that 80 percent of kindergartners solved this riddle but only five percent of Stanford graduates figured it out.

Can you answer the following questions with the correct answer?

(1)  The word has seven letters.

(2)  It preceded God.

(3)  It is greater than God.

(4)  It is more evil than the devil.

(5)  Poor people have it.

(6)  Wealthy people need it.

(7)  If you eat it, you will die.

Did you figure it out?

Try hard before giving up.

Did you get it yet?

hint for adults: The correct answer will be posted a week from today.

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW