Hear 6 Things

~ Lessons From Phylacteries ~           

“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates” (Deuteronomy 6:4-9, c.f. 11:13-21 and Numbers 15:37-41).

Background  ~  This passage is considered by many theologians to be the greatest theological statement in the Scriptures. It begins with “Hear, O Israel” which is known as the Shema (literally “Hear Thou”)—a traditional Jewish confession of faith. The complete Shema comes from a combination of passages.

Many religious Jews use leather straps to tie a small leather box containing this Scripture collection to their wrists and/or their foreheads. Likewise small containers with the Scripture are attached to door frames and gates. These containers with Scripture are known as phylacteries. The leather is from clean animals. Phylacteries are readily seen when visiting Israel.

Consider six things—in three related pairs—which this portion of Scripture teaches.

First Pair

One: Internal Control  ~  “And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart” (v.6). God’s Word should be a integral part of your being. For some this may require the discipline of memorizing Scripture. For others it may involve regular reading of the Word of God. Others may gain much by meditating on passages or studying Scripture in depth. The key is that the words of God are internalized.

Two: External Control  ~  “You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up” (v.7). The key is that God’s Word is internalized to the point it controls your daily actions and overall lifestyle. 

Second Pair

Three: Control Your Work  ~  “Tie them as symbols on your hands” (v.8a). Hands symbolize your work whether performed at home, in private enterprise, for a non-profit organization, as a government employee, or whatever you do.

Four: Control Your Thinking  ~  “Bind them on your foreheads” (v.8b). Foreheads symbolize the thought life. Thinking should be under control when you are alone, with your family, in social events, within the community, and in your career.   

Third Pair

Five: Control Your Private Life  ~  “You shall write them on the doorposts of your house” (v.9a). Door frames represent entering private life behind closed doors—not visible to the public. 

Six: Control Your Public Life  ~  “Write them…  on your gates” (v.9b). Gates symbolizes public life where actions are visible to the public. 

summary: The emphasis in all three pairs is on complete obedience in all areas of life!

The proper response to God as revealed in His Word is to love Him! “We love Him because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19). If we truly love Him we will love those around us.

Matthew records an incident where a Pharisee tested Jesus Christ by asking Him a question. Here is the account: “‘Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?’ Jesus said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets’” (Matthew 22:36-40). It has often been noted that these two commandments summarize the first four of the Ten Commandments. 

the ultimate tests: Do you consistently give God control both internally and externally? How about your thought life and your actions—are they under His control? Are your private and public lives constantly under God’s direction and control?

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

Book Review – OPP, 10

~ Book Review of “One Precious Pearl” ~

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 Lloyd Russell 

Christian Concepts Series: Timeless Truths and Contemporary Perspective 

Infinity Publishing

Reviewed by: Miss Pickwickian

Rating: 7

Readability: 7

Impact: 7
I'll never think about pearls the same way. It certainly made me do some good thinking.

Read it Again: Yes.

Recommend it: Yes!

What to Expect

One Precious Pearl focuses on Jesus parables in Matthew 13, especially the parable of the merchant and the pearl.  He also touches on other uses and context of the gem in the Bible.

The second portion of the book explains analogies and symbolism that can be seen in the actual pearl and through history and tradition.

The book can be easily used as a personal or group Bible study or can be read in a couple sittings. It's divided into 22 short chapters with questions, and thought and discussion ideas at the end of each.  The book is engaging.

My Squib

I really enjoyed the book.  The symbolism and analogy are all very exciting.  (Especially after just finishing Through New Eyes.)  Russell has a wide Bible knowledge and pulls passages from throughout the Scriptures.  The style is understandable and relatively direct, although not outstanding.

One Precious Pearl gives the three common interpretations of Matthew 13:45-46 and then argues for what the author sees as the correct view, why this is important, and what it means.

The book then moves on to actual aspects of the pearl and how it may symbolize different qualities of the Church.

A pearl begins by something “piercing its side,” the impurity (us sinners) is then transformed through the body of the oyster...it is a result of suffering and “sacrifice,” the pearl is formed layer by layer, it is a perfect unit, etc...  This whole section is very interesting.

One chapter that really made me think was on the pearl reflecting the inner shell of the oyster... which is actually very pearly and beautiful.

Jesus was not comely that we should look at Him, but obviously He is truly more beautiful and pure than we can imagine.  And someday, as the Church becomes more like Him, it will become glorious and beautiful, reflecting His perfection.

While I don't think you could argue all these analogies are set in stone in the Bible, they can certainly be used as symbols of Christ's Church.  I found this very exciting as a way to explain key aspects of the Church after the Resurrection and the gift of the Holy Spirit.

The book is excellent for meditating on and discussing the Church that we are part of today.

The only real problem I had was the book was his theology on “end times”... but he almost seems to contradict himself.  I believe Jesus reigns now (we all sing it at Christmas).  His Word will spread and the Church will grow.

Russell seems more dispensationlist in his view, but at the same time has confidence in the spreading of the gospel and growth in the Church... but perhaps not it's visibility.  He also seems to believe that Israel is still very important in the future of Christ's kingdom (besides obviously being a nation that will bend the knee to Him).

I found it all pretty interesting and raised lot of questions for me.

And, again, I was surprised how doctrinal differences affect so many more things than I anticipate.  I'm afraid I'm not particularly confident I could argue our view of eschatology... but at 19 there's still hope, right?

Russell, however, demands respect when he does not shy away from sometimes tough or unpopular doctrine... or merely applying what he believes.  I sincerely believe that his greatest goal is to drive others to open their Bibles and study the perfect Word!  It certainly made me dig into my Bible, even if it I was because of a disagreement. :-) 

Although I didn't agree with everything, I thoroughly enjoyed One Precious Pearl.  I'm very glad I got the chance to read it.  I now view the pearl as a beautiful symbol and amazing teaching tool!

I recommend it and would love discussing it. :-)

From the Book

In both the beginning of a pearl and the initial formation of the Church, the side of a living organism was opened.

Both the impurity in the Oyster and sinners in the Church are transformed into items of great value.

Like a pearl, the Church is a product of a living thing—the Church is a organism rather than merely an organization.

Thanks for reading,

Miss Pickwickian

“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, 76

~ Messiah Is Righteous ~

“Search the Scriptures—they testify of Me.”

— Jesus Christ (John 5:39)

The Scripture

“Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom. You love righteousness and hate wickedness; therefore God, Your God, has anointed You with the oil of gladness more than Your companions” (Psalm 45:6-7). 

The Messiah  

“But to the Son He says: ‘Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated lawlessness; therefore God, Your God, has anointed You with the oil of gladness more than Your companions’” (Hebrews 1:8-9). 

~~~ 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.

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

2012 Gift Suggestions

~ Good Books Are Lasting Gifts ~

Good books are lasting gifts.  Great books can be life-changing gifts affecting eternity!  In this post I unashamedly recommend the books which I have written or edited.

(1)  GOD LIGHT: Sunlight Sonlight, is a great book for anyone desiring a fuller understanding of the nature of God, anyone interested in science, anyone interested in analogies in Scripture, as well as pre-Christians.

(2)  THY WILL BE DONE ON EARTH: Understanding God’s Will for You, is a great book for young people through their early thirties seeking divine direction for their life choices including careers, marriage, etc.  It is also useful for pre-believers.

(3)  JIM ELLIOT: A Christian Martyr Speaks to You, is a great book for anyone interested in Christian church history, missions, or deep thinking on critical topics such as sin in the life of a Christian.

(4)  ONE PRECIOUS PEARL: God’s Design for His Church, is a great book for anyone desiring a fuller understanding of the nature of the church, anyone interested in pearls, anyone interested in analogies in Scripture, as well as pre-Christians.

More information about each of these books is available on the side bar of the ALN blog, on the relevant tab at the top of the ALN blog, on the author’s book website, on Amazon, and elsewhere.

May this Christmas season be a truly significant time for each ALN reader as they contemplate the meaning of the Baby of Bethlehem and the Cross of Calvary.

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW