6 Major Creative Acts

~ Mornings in Scripture ~  

The God of all is also the Creator of all. Consider some of His major creative acts.

The Creation ~ This is the morning of time—when the seasons began. It is not the start of eternity for eternity includes not only our eternal future but also God’s eternal past! Creation was a joyous time, “How was its foundation poured, and who set the cornerstone, while the morning stars sang in chorus and all the angels shouted praise?” (Job 38:6-7).

The Great Exodus ~ The birth, or the morning of Israel.  A nation was born in a resurrection morning as the Song of Moses was sung on the banks of the Red Sea (Exodus 15:1-18). This was not just the birth of any nation but the birth of God’s chosen people. “When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called My son” (Hosea 11:1). 

The Incarnation ~ The morning of promised salvation was heralded by the light of a bright star. Israel’s plight had been dark and dreary for a long time. The prophets had been silent for centuries. Until now, nothing distinguished the city of peace. The angels which had been gone from Israel for so long now reappeared. God-given promises to Abraham and David, which anticipated the new birth of the people and of the kingdom, now have new meaning. “Through the heartfelt mercies of our God, God's Sunrise has broken upon us” (Luke 1:78). 

The Resurrection ~ The morning of victory came following the darkest day in history. It was like a deposit of earnest money as a pledge of a future eternal day. Now the first day of the week had special significance. “Early on Sunday morning, as the new day was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went out to visit the tomb” (Matthew 28:1). He was not there—death had been defeated and it was the dawn of a new day.

Today we are sandwiched between great mornings.

The Kingdom ~ The next great beginning will be the morning of divine rule. This will be a great dawning of day following a long night. Christ will rule the world righteously after man has failed to rule wisely. “And He shall be like the light of the morning when the sun rises, a morning without clouds, like the tender grass springing out of the earth, by clear shining after rain” (2 Samuel 23:4). 

The New Creation ~ The great morning of timelessness. It is the dawn of a second birth—a new heaven and a new earth. “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared. And the sea was also gone” (Revelation 21:1). It will be a place of righteousness where God supplies all our needs. “When everything and everyone is finally under God's rule, the Son will step down, taking His place with everyone else, showing that God's rule is absolutely comprehensive—a perfect ending! (1 Corinthians 15:28). 

Summary ~ (1) Soon after creation when God placed man in the Garden of Eden mankind turned God’s good gifts into evil. Creation which came with such beauty was turned into a cursed ground of weeds, thistles, and thorns. (2) God’s people soon forgot their resurrection on the banks of the Red Sea and became captives of their oppressors. (3) The babe of Bethlehem was crucified on Calvary’s Cross. (4) The glorious resurrection from the dead of the very Son of God has largely been forgotten by the masses. Even the Christian community is spiraling into the Laodicean church (see Revelation 3:14-21).

Today, you and I are fast approaching the next great morning. Are you prepared, expectant, and truly ready? (5) Soon the government of a new administration will break forth like a bright morning without a cloud in the sky. “Like the light of morning at sunrise, like a morning without clouds, like the gleaming of the sun on new grass after rain” (2 Samuel 23:4).  (6) With the dawn of the new creation God will maintain its beauty and vitality forever. There will never again be rebellion by mankind or any of sin’s corruption. Our sun will be extinguished—God Himself will be the source of unending light—His brilliance will shine forever. “And the city has no need of sun or moon, for the glory of God illuminates the city, and the Lamb is its light”(Revelation 21:23). It will be the final morning—of one eternal day. “There shall be no night there” (Revelation 22:5). 

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

EXTRA: Book Review

~ A Review of “One Precious Pearl” by Christian Book Reviews ~

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” by Reader Views Literary Awards.  Reproduced immediately below is one of the many positive reviews the book has received.

Title:  One Precious Pearl
Author:  Robert Lloyd Russell
ISBN#  0-7414-6232-X
Book Review Date:  March 12, 2011
Reviewed by:  Christian Book Reviews
10.0 on a scale of 10.0 stars

In His book, “One Precious Pearl”, Author Robert Lloyd Russell presents an enlightening, fascinating and enriching study of the parable of the “one pearl of great price” found in Mathew 13.  The Author concisely gives first an overview of the seven well-known parables of Matthew 13, then focuses in on the parallels of the “one pearl of great price”, revealing an in-depth study as to why Christ used the pearl in the parable.

After reading this book, you will never look, nor gaze, at a pearl in the same way.  Nor will you ever view the Church in the same way.  Author, Robert Lloyd Russell reveals a captivating, spiritual truth as demonstrated by Christ through the parable of the one pearl of great price, that a pearl is of great significance and value.  This in depth study and comparison will cause you to truly appreciate the kingdom of heaven that you have the privilege of belonging to and open your eyes to the free gift of salvation causing a new meaning to come forth about what exactly it means to be a Christ follower and to be a part of His true church.  Some may ask, “What is His true Church?”  This book explains just that and will give you a deeper knowledge and understanding of what it is to be a part of His true Church, inspiring you to the reality of the kingdom of heaven and what God’s true design is for His Church.  Oh, and what a precious pearl the Church truly is!

This book is revolutionary in that not only does it lay out the parallels between the true Church and the pearl in such an undeniable way, the significant analogies give light to the fact that the cross gave birth to the Church.  The author leaves you in awe to the new realization of why exactly Christ used an example of the pearl.  Founded and built upon scripture, never before has a teaching split open the truth of the reality of the parable of the “one pearl of great price” and the Church.  “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God, not of works, lest any man should boast” (Eph 2:8-9).

This book comes highly recommended, is filled with scriptural applications, wisdom, wise counsel, encouragement and will bless the reader abundantly. 

One Precious Pearl by Robert Lloyd Russell

ISBN# 0-7414-6232-X
10.0 on a scale of 10.0 stars
Reviewed by: Christian Book Reviews

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.  

  
   

How’s Your Love Life?

~ 7 Aspects of Christian Love ~ 

THE PREMISE ~ “The love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another” (1 John 4:9-11 NKJV, emphasis added).

THE COMMAND ~ While on earth in human form Jesus Christ said that if we live authentic Christian lives, those around us will know us by our love for one another. "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another" (John 13:34-35 NIV). 

There are a number of specific ways in which we can measure how well we are doing in our love life.

(1) Increasing Love ~ “And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all, just as we do to you” (1 Thessalonians 3:12 NKJV).  

(2) Intense Love ~ “Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart” (1 Peter 1:22-23 NKJV). “And above all things have fervent love for one another, for ‘love will cover a multitude of sins’” (1 Peter 4:8 NKJV).

(3) Sincere Love ~ “In purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love” (2 Corinthians 6:6 NIV). “Don't just pretend that you love others: really love them. Hate what is wrong. Stand on the side of the good. Love each other with brotherly affection and take delight in honoring each other” (Romans 12:9-10 TLB). 

(4) Continuous Love ~ “As the Father has loved Me, so have I loved you. Now remain in My love” (John 15:9-10 NIV).  “Continue to love each other with true brotherly love” (Hebrews 13:1 TLB).

 (5) Limitless Love ~ "But concerning the pure brotherly love that there should be among God's people, I don't need to say very much, I'm sure! For God Himself is teaching you to love one another. Indeed, your love is already strong toward all the Christian brothers throughout your whole nation. Even so, dear friends, we beg you to love them more and more” (1 Thessalonians 4:9-10 TLB).

 (6) Complete Love ~ “Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced His perfect love. We love each other because He loved us first” (1 John 4:18-19 NLT).

THE BOTTOM LINE

(7) Controlling Love ~ “Your life must be controlled by love, just as Christ loved us and gave His life for us as a sweet-smelling offering and sacrifice that pleases God” (Ephesians 5:2 TEV). 

A key question for you and for me: How does your love life measure up to these seven aspects of Christian love? 

Abigail

~ A Picture of the Church ~  

 

Abigail is one of the most beautiful women in the Bible and is a “type” of the universal Church. A type in the Bible is a picture of something else. The primary Biblical account of Abigail is found in 1 Samuel 25:2-42. Here are some examples of how Abigail pictures the Church:

Her Name ~ Abigail means “gift of the father.” The Church is a gift from the Father to Jesus Christ (John 17:6-8, 18:9). Abigail’s overall life displays how God hides from the proud and mighty but reveals Himself to those who humble themselves before Him (James 4:6). 

Her Beauty ~ Abigail possessed a “beautiful countenance” (25:3). The Church will be presented to Christ as His bride “without spot or wrinkle” (Ephesians 5:27). Abigail understood David’s true nature and value before it was widely recognized—long before the wedding. 

Her Background ~ Abigail was from Nabal’s house of great abundance (a type of the world). The Church is from the world with all its abundance and treasures. Abigail left behind the riches of Nabal’s household as she joined David in the wilderness (25:18-20). The Church is to forsake earthly treasures (Luke 14:33) and instead to lay up treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:20). The Church is still in the world but no longer of the world (John 17:14-16). 

Her Vision ~ Abigail saw David’s worth and glory when those around her did not, and she acted on faith (Psalm 25:14). She saw David as being the Anointed One and she acted in faith and believed in David. Today entrance into the Church is on the basis of faith in Jesus Christ.  

Her Insight ~ Abigail knew that after David suffered there would be glory. We are told that Abigail was a woman of “good understanding”—she had been given divine knowledge! Similarly the Church has spiritual insight and the “mind of Christ” (1 Corinthians 2:16) and looks forward to future glory.

Her Response ~ Abigail responded to David with “my lord” (25:24-31). David at the time was a fugitive and outcast from society. Abigail understood David even though the masses did not! Individuals become members of the Church as they respond “my Lord” (i.e., John 20:28) while Jesus Christ is not recognized by the majority (1 Corinthians 1:26).  

Her Request ~ Abigail said to David “remember your handmaid” (25:31). The thief on the cross is a good representative of each one who becomes a part of the Church when he said "Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom" (Luke 23:42).  

His Response ~ David saw Abigail’s ministry and gave her peace and ministered blessings to her in return (25:32-35). Christ is in the business of providing great blessings including peace in the middle of turmoil (Philippians 4:7) and abundant life now to those who serve Him (John 10:10b).  

The Initiator ~ David was the initiator of this relationship (25:39). It is Christ who seeks us (Luke 19:10).

Her Blessings ~ Abigail was favored and blessed—the Church is greatly favored and eternally set apart (1 Thessalonians 4:17).  

The Process ~ Abigail appeared to suffer loss by leaving her wealthy place. In reality it was nothing compared to her ultimate gain. But note the important parallel—she joined with David while he was still rejected and an outcast. Individuals become members of the Church while He is still widely rejected and scorned (Luke 21:12).  

The Bride ~ Abigail was David’s bride and the Church is the Greater David’s bride. 

The Bridegroom ~ David (a type of Christ) was despised and rejected prior to the wedding. David spent time in the wilderness (25:14), as did Christ (Luke 4:1-13). David was without a home in the wilderness. The Son of Man had “nowhere to lay His head” (Matthew 8:20). Both were kings yet at the time of courting were without a kingdom.

The Final Results ~ Judgment was slow in coming, but eventually it came: “the Lord smote Nabal and he died” (25:38). After Nabal’s death Abigail is united with David. As the world, the flesh, and the devil are slain, we are united with Christ (1 John 2:16-17). When complete victory arrives, we will be wedded to Christ.

The Wedding ~ Note the sequence. First Abigail was a partner in David’s sorrow after which she became his bride (25:42), and finally she was on the throne with David. The Church is a partner with Christ and His sufferings (Philippians 3:10) but will later become His bride (Ephesians 5:27) and rule with Him—the greater David (Revelation 20:4-6). 

Additional Thoughts ~ Abigail’s deepest thoughts were not concerning herself or her personal comforts but towards David. Everything we do should be for His glory not for our own benefit (1 Corinthians 10:31). In summary, while Abigail is a single individual, she is also a representative of many of whom the Bible says “of whom the world was not worthy” (Hebrews 11:38).   

ADDITIONAL COMMENT: The book One Precious Pearl (see the OPP tab at the top of the page) presents the Church from another Biblical perspective.

PERSONAL COMMENT:  My granddaughter—Abigail—becomes a teenager within a week. Honey, this week’s blog is dedicated to you! 

Are You an April Fool? …an Everyday Fool?

~ The Elliot Family: A Comet and Distant Stars ~  

The story of Jim Elliot, the missionary who was one of five martyred in the jungles of Ecuador, has been well documented. The entire Elliot family—Jim’s father, mother, two older brothers, and sister—were all committed to serving the Lord Jesus Christ in every aspect of their lives. It was my privilege to know the family well. In this posting, I will focus on Jim’s brother Herbert Ironside Elliot (he was named after the great preacher Harry Ironside who was instrumental in his father’s salvation). 

Bert and his wife Colleen left to their mission field in Peru in 1949—some years prior to Jim’s departure for Ecuador. They have been serving as God’s ambassadors in that country continuously since then.

For many years Bert and Colleen served about half the year among the native people of the Amazon jungle. At first they traveled by canoe; later they had a motor launch named “Maranatha” (literally “our Lord cometh”—see 1 Corinthians 16:22).

The other half of the year they served native people in high areas of the Andes Mountains. Traveling by foot, by animal, and later by 4x4 vehicles, they brought the message of God’s love to the people of Peru. Somehow they also had time to work among the people of Peru’s coastal areas! 

For whatever reason, God has chosen that they should be childless—but they are the spiritual parents of thousands and have impacted many thousands more. In their labors for their Lord and Savior, they have established well over 150 churches throughout Peru. What a sense of joy there will be when someday they move from their humble dwelling on earth and are welcomed to their mansion in heaven!

Bert and Colleen chose to forego the luxuries of this life in order to bring individuals to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. They have endured many hardships. At one point they were targeted for assassination by the guerrilla terrorist drug lords misnamed the “Shining Path.” In order to help the people they love even more, they acquired additional medical and dental skills—going beyond offering  a cup of water in Christ’s name (Mark 9:41).   

Bert and Colleen Elliot are now in their eighties and still serving those around them in Peru as servants of Christ. Many years ago they ceased considering themselves as missionaries and rightly viewed themselves as Peruvians. The verse that reappears in my thinking is, “henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness” (2 Timothy 4:7-8).  

Bert has commented that while his brother Jim was like a comet streaking across the sky which caught the attention of those on earth, God chose him to serve in a different capacity as one of the many dim stars from earth’s viewpoint—stars which are countless in the vast universe. There are many who consistently shine as lights where God has put them but never achieve the recognition that has come to Jim Elliot and the other four Christian martyrs at that time. 

But God chooses to use both a few streaking comets and the many stars!   

Bert and Colleen fully understand the meaning of “laying up treasures in heaven” (Luke 18:22; 1 Timothy 6:17-19).

Bert’s brother Jim who is well known for a written comment in his journal, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose," must be smiling as he looks down and observes the work of one of his older brothers!

Luke tells us what God says to those who are wealthy on earth but have neglected their spiritual life, "But God said, 'You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?' This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God" (Luke 12:20-21). Are you an April Fool? Far more importantly, are you an everyday fool?

COMMENT:  There is more information about the Elliot family in the background section of the book “JIM ELLIOT: A Christian Martyr Speaks to You” edited by myself. For more information about this book see the right column of this blog. 

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UPDATE:   Bert Elliot went home to be with his Lord on February 17, 2012.  He had served 62 of his 87 years in Peru.  Colleen joined him a short time later.  The memorial service planned for Bert in his home town of Portland, Oregon was changed to a joint service for these two dear saints who labored for our Lord side-by-side throughout their adult lives.