Messiah, 113

~ Blessed Is The Messiah ~

“Search the Scriptures—they testify of Me.”

— Jesus Christ (John 5:39)

The Scripture

“Blessed is the One who is coming, the One sent by the Lord. We bless You from the Temple” (Psalm 118:26, TLB).  “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! We have blessed You from the house of the Lord” (Psalm 118:26). 

The Messiah  

“Then the multitudes who went before and those who followed cried out, saying: ‘Hosanna to the Son of David! “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!”

Hosanna in the highest!’” (Matthew 21:9).  “Then those who went before and those who followed cried out, saying: ‘Hosanna! “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” Blessed is the kingdom of our father David that comes in the name of the Lord!

Hosanna in the highest!’” (Mark 11:9-10).  “Then, as He was now drawing near the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works they had seen, saying: ‘“Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!” Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!’” (Luke 19:37-38).  “The next day a great multitude that had come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, took branches of palm trees and went out to meet Him, and cried out: ‘Hosanna! “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” The King of Israel!’” (John 12:12-13). 

~~~ 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

“Fascinating Study… Clear Lessons”

~ Book Review of “One Precious Pearl” by The Voice ~

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

BOOK REVIEWER:  The Voice (U.K.)

One Precious Pearl: God's Design for His Church

by Robert Lloyd Russell

Published by: Infinity Publishing

ISBN: 0-7414-6232-X

Price: US$14.95

Recently I was sent an email about a book which I felt looked interesting, and so I contacted the author to request a copy for review purposes.  How glad I am that I did so, for this is an easy-to-read, Bible study on the parable of the “Pearl of Great Price” which is a little addressed parable found in Matthew 13.  After providing a clear exposition of the parable, this landmark book provides a fascinating study with clear lessons for today.  Robert Lloyd Russell is a Bible teacher with over four decades of experience to support both his teaching and Biblical knowledge.  He is also a management consultant who approaches the study of the Scriptures very seriously.  He has written other articles and books including a previous volume in this study series, and has edited a collection of the words of Missionary/Martyr Jim Elliot.

Whilst acknowledging that this parable has often been neglected in favour of the other parables in the group of seven contained in Matthew's gospel, Robert Lloyd Russell insists that this simple parable is one that holds an ocean of wisdom for the church.  Dividing the study into two sections, he firstly presents a background to the parables of Matthew 13, and then draws some lessons from the Pearl of Great Price.

He postulates that this lesser-dealt-with parable is the idea that the Pearl is specifically a reference to the Church (rather than the popular Kingdom; or the less than likely Salvation).  In the second part of the book, headed Lessons from the One Precious Pearl, Russell compares the Church at length to a valuable pearl, bringing a new light to the imagery presented by Jesus.

The short chapters allow easy access to the study material, and allow the reader to complete the book in a relatively short time.  The book is ideal for devotional reading or for personal or small group study.  The ideal audience for this book (and its companions in the Christian Concepts Series, one would assume) are Bible teachers, preachers, and students of the Scripture who are interested in learning more about specific passages.  Russell is an accomplished writer who has taken some difficult concepts and presented them in an informative and interesting way.  Whether you are a believer or a seeker, you'll never look at a pearl the same way after reading One Precious Pearl.

This is a book which should have a prominent place on the bookshelves of anyone who is serious about delving deeper into the meaning and understanding of the Bible.

~ The Voice [a UK periodical]

“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

7 Things Paul Knew

~ The Apostle Paul Knew The Critical Essentials! ~

His Nature  ~  “For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells” (Romans 7:18a).  Notice that Paul had gained spiritual vision.

His Savior  ~  “For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day” (2 Timothy 1:12). Paul understood and was confident of his future.

His Knowledge  ~  “For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known” (1 Corinthians 13:12). He also knew that one day he would have all the answers.

His Character  ~  “For I know of nothing against myself, yet I am not justified by this; but He who judges me is the Lord” (1 Corinthians 4:4). Paul knew who his ultimate Judge was and he had confidence in His justice. 

His Ultimate End  ~  “For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death” (Philippians 1:19-20). He was keenly aware that his future was in the hands of God—and he was confident and happy that God would do best. 

His Plans  ~  “And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith, that your rejoicing for me may be more abundant in Jesus Christ by my coming to you again” (Philippians 1:25-26). Paul lived a purpose-driven life. He knew what his calling was. 

His Place  ~  “I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need” (Philippians 4:12). Paul had learned to be content in whatever circumstances he might find himself in—he had complete trust in his Lord and Savior and viewed himself rightly as a tool in God’s hand. It is the Master Craftsman who chooses which tool for which job and how to use that particular tool. 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

Christ in 1 Samuel

~ Jesus Christ Is The Anointed Prophet & Priest ~

The Bible is about Jesus Christ  ~  “Jesus said to them, ‘How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter His glory?’ And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, He explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning Himself” (Luke 24:25-27).

In First and Second Samuel we see glimpses or foreshadowings of Jesus Christ as the prophesied Son of David, our Trusted Prophet, and the Anointed One. 

Specifically to Second Samuel we see the Anointed Prophet and Priest, the true claimant to the Scepter of Judah, the heir to the Throne of David, the Everlasting Kingdom and the Great Judge.  “The adversaries of the Lord shall be broken in pieces; from heaven He will thunder against them.  The Lord will judge the ends of the earth. He will give strength to His king, and exalt the horn of His anointed” (1 Samuel 2:10). 

additional comment:  Compare these passages from Scripture.  “But now your kingdom shall not continue.  The Lord has sought for Himself a man after His own heart, and the Lord has commanded him to be commander over His people, because you have not kept what the Lord commanded you” (1 Samuel 13:14).  “And when He had removed him, He raised up for them David as king, to whom also He gave testimony and said, ‘I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart, who will do all My will’” (Acts 13:22). 

The Apostle Paul told us the Scriptures present many shadows of things to come but the reality is found in Jesus Christ (Colossians 2:17). 

~~~ EXPLANATORY “JESUS CHRIST IN EVERY BOOK OF THE BIBLE” SERIES ~~~   

(1)  Approximately once a month ALN posts an overview of how Jesus Christ is seen in a specific book of the Bible.

(2)  In most cases these posts only scratch the surface regarding Jesus Christ in the particular book.

(3)  These posts will typically be in the same order as the books are found in the Bible.

(4)  These serial posts are in addition to our other ALN postings.

(5)  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