~ 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.
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
