Book Review – OPP, 8

~ A Review of “One Precious Pearl” by San Francisco Book Review ~

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

One Precious Pearl: God's Design for His Church
By Robert Russell
Infinity Publishing, $14.95, 137 pages
Reviewed by San Francisco Book Review
Star Rating: 4 out of 5

One could spend a lifetime studying each verse of the Bible.  Robert Lloyd Russell, in his book One Precious Pearl: God's Design for His Church, helps the reader better understand the parable known as the Pearl of Great Price found in Matthew 13:45-46.  His goal is to demystify a passage that is often misinterpreted or overlooked.  In Russell's analysis, the one precious pearl is analogous to God's universal Church.  Made up of short chapters (between two to five pages each), the book is divided into two parts; Part One is a broad discussion of Matthew 13, and Part Two includes analogies that the symbol of the pearl provides to the modern reader. 

The chapters can be used in Bible study and Sunday school for both adults and children and can be used for the basis of sermons or as a devotional.  At the end of each chapter are questions, summaries, and key concepts for further study and consideration.  Russell's book is a useful source for personal or group study.  He begins with a discussion on the Two Adams (first Adam was the fallen Adam of the Garden of Eden and the last Adam is Jesus Christ).  He compares and contrasts the birth, life and death of the Two Adams as a way to prepare for the discussion of the one pearl of great price. 

A plus is that anyone who picks up the book can use it as a study guide because of its simplicity and clarity.  It certainly encourages deeper analysis of other versus or phrases found in the Bible.

“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

Messiah, 55

~ Messiah’s Hands and Feet Would Be Nailed ~

“Search the Scriptures—they testify of Me.”

— Jesus Christ (John 5:39)

The Scripture

“They have pierced My hands and My feet” (Psalm 22:16b).   

The Messiah  

“Now Thomas, called the Twin, one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came [post resurrection]. The other disciples therefore said to him, ‘We have seen the Lord.’ So he said to them, ‘Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.’ And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, ‘Peace to you!’ Then He said to Thomas, ‘Reach your finger here, and look at My hands; and reach your hand here, and put it into My side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing.’ And Thomas answered and said to Him, ‘My Lord and my God!’ Jesus said to him,  ‘Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed’” (John 20:24-29).

~~~ 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

Extra: “GOD LIGHT” Release

~ “GOD LIGHT: Sunlight Sonlight” is Finally Available ~       

Thirty years in development, this just-released revolutionary book provides a new look at God’s attributes! Part two provides an overview of the “Light of the World” in Scripture. Part Three compares the interaction of physical objects with natural light and human beings with spiritual light. All three parts are full of practical ramifications and applications. Chapters are short—great for busy lifestyles; however, each chapter has a Think & Grow section for further contemplation. A great book for group study! 

Title: “GOD LIGHT: Sunlight Sonlight”

Author: Robert Lloyd Russell

ISBN:  978-0-7414-7553-4  

Pages: 302 

Part of the “Christian Concepts Series” (Timeless Truths * Contemporary Perspectives)

Available from Infinity Publishing,  Amazon, and other sources.

Reviewer Quotes: 

“First there was Tozer with The Knowledge of the Holy, and then Packer gave us Knowing God, and now Russell has taken us further with God Light. … There is a tremendous need for a book on this subject. We have witnessed the publication of many books around the statement ‘God is Love,’ but I cannot recall ever seeing one around the statement ‘God is Light.’ It is important that these two attributes of God be brought into conjunction with each other because it is really impossible to discuss love intelligently without understanding light.” (Dr. Earl D. Radmacher, General Editor, Nelson Study Bible/New King James Study Bible)

“This is truly amazing. I marvel at the wisdom God has given you and the talent to put it on paper in a meaningful/fascinating way. I have anything but a scientific mind! I found myself saying out loud, ‘Wow, that's amazing,’ many times. I worked through the technical only to be thrilled by the application at the end of each chapter. The parallel of God and His Son to the sun is brilliant! I know it’s in God's Word but you have brilliantly explored His message and made it meaningful to an ‘un-brilliant’ person such as myself! … You have opened my eyes to the light around me. Yesterday, as I looked at the clouds casting shadows on the earth, I thought of the truths you have taught me. I look at ordinary things differently. I have already used many of the truths in my mentoring and find myself sharing your thoughts in everyday conversation. … This is so rich! … This is great! … Wonderful! … Mind boggling to say the least! … Great material for discussion! … Application pieces are truly inspired!” (Elizabeth Hightower, Women’s Ministries Leader, Laurelwood Baptist Church) 

 COMMENTS ABOUT EARLY MANUSCRIPTS OF GOD LIGHT

“He obviously is hitting on all twelve cylinders! What an exciting insight into Christ as the light of the world. Thank God for people like this who have the background to illuminate some of these Biblical concepts.” (Dr. Joe Aldrich, President, Multnomah Bible College & Biblical Seminary)

“I was utterly fascinated... I am impressed with the work that you have done, with the directionality it has... I do believe that you have an important message which could be greatly used of the Spirit of God in the world today both among the Christian community and in pre-evangelism of the world.” (Dr. Ronald Barclay Allen, Senior Professor of Bible Exposition, Dallas Seminary)

“It is must reading.” (Richard C. Halverson, Chaplain, U.S. Senate) 

“The content is terrific... This is a timely book... There is so much content that many other books and articles could be written from small parts of it.” (Dr. Freeman L. Schmitt, Senior Pastor) 

“I got so involved in the subject and read with such great interest that I had trouble reading it critically for accuracy.” (Maury J. Merrick, Light Consultant & Optics Professor)

“I find it most inspirational. I can’t profess to knowing anything of physics, never having studied the subject: but the explicit way in which you describe it all – I feel I am able to understand... You make the reader think, and that is a great talent.” (Evelyn Cox, homemaker) 

“I loved the book God Light!... It is very well written and very understandable. Without seeming condescending or talking down to anyone he gets the point across. The Josh McDowell book, Evidence That Demands a Verdict, is good too... as soon as I finish it I plan on reading God Light again. It’s definitely the better of the two.” (Bobby Glasgow, prison inmate) 

Why not obtain your personal copy of "GOD LIGHT: Sunlight Sonlight" today.

Available from Infinity Publishing,  Amazon, and other sources.

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

Keys to Effective Living

~ Life Lessons from Amos ~

Amos was a prophet of God’s justice and righteousness and his name means “bearer” or “born of God.” While his prophecy contains the word righteousness only three times, the theme of his book can be summarized as the righteousness of God. He emphasizes that one cannot have true religion without ethics (i.e., 7:10-17) because righteousness expresses itself in everyday honesty and fair dealings.

One outline of the book of Amos is:

Introduction (1:1-2)

A series of oracles (1:3-2:16) 

A series of sermons (3:1-6:14)

A series of visions (7:1-9:10)

Conclusion (9:11-15)

Many believe the key word in the book of Amos is “threatened” and the key verse is 5:24, “But let justice run down like water, and righteousness like a mighty stream.” 

What can we learn in 2012 from the life of the prophet Amos? Here are a few ideas:

First, you can begin as a non-professional in whatever you have to do for God. 

Second, Amos gave us an example of someone who possessed a broad knowledge of life and the people living around him.

Third, make sure you’re working in a place of significance. In other words find out where God is working and join Him there.   

Fourth, justice is of paramount concern to God and it should be for His children.

Fifth, Amos spoke the truth even though it was not an easy message (i.e., Amos 5). 

Finally, Amos acted upon his convictions and called upon the people of his day to repent and to change their ways.

suggestion:  Take time today to read and meditate on the book of Amos.

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

Quote: Jim Elliot, 4

~ Witnessing ~

What is important to Satan?

The following is an excerpt from a book.

“It is precisely the resurrection which makes earth so very unimportant, my friend. That’s why it doesn’t make any difference whether or not I’ve got a good bank account, if souls aren’t being saved. That’s why I ought to be weeping, even though I’ve got good food in my belly three times a day, if souls aren’t being saved. If heaven’s not greeting people and my belly is being filled, I ought to be in tears about it.

“Earth is important no longer, because Jesus Christ is going to regard it as unimportant except as it’s related to what’s on the other side of death. And what is important is this, my friend: the souls of men. Even the king of Sodom recognized this, for when Abraham came back with the spoils from those five kings that had ravaged the cities of the flame, the king of Sodom says, ‘Take what you will, Abraham. Only give me the souls.’

“And that’s all Satan cares for, friend. Satan doesn’t care two scraps of his finger whether or not you’re rich or whether wicked men are rich. What he wants is souls. And if he can, he will get you to go to sleep because souls will perish, which is fine with him, and he doesn’t care how he does it.” 

~ from “JIM ELLIOT: A Christian Martyr Speaks to You” edited by Robert Lloyd Russell, pg 25 (ISBN: 9781615797646)

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

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW