Reviews ~ One Precious Pearl

"A simple, yet profound read for any age. ...  One Precious Pearl belongs in Sunday school, Bible Study classes, and many other church settings.  It's a must read for Christians everywhere."

(Read the complete review below the excerpts section.)

This is an easy-to-read, Bible study ...  approaches the study of the Scriptures very seriously... this simple parable is one that holds an ocean of wisdom for the church... Russell compares the Church at length to a valuable pearl, bringing a new light to the imagery presented by Jesus. ...

The book is ideal for devotional reading or for personal or small group study. The ideal audience for this book ... 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.

(Read the complete review below the excerpts section.)

One Precious Pearl by Robert Lloyd Russell

Reviewed by Miss Pickwickian

The book is engaging. ... The symbolism and analogy are all very exciting. ... 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.

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 ... I thoroughly enjoyed One Precious Pearl. ... I now view the pearl as a beautiful symbol and amazing teaching tool!

I recommend it and would love discussing it.

(See the complete review below the excerpts section.)

5.0 out of 5 stars

"One Precious Pearl" is a thoughtful and highly recommended pick, not to be missed by any Church authority.

5 Stars (out of 5)

"That Russell's explication is exhaustive there can be little doubt. ... Though Russell's parsing of the pearl analogy is extensive, the book remains solidly grounded in the land of the laity, making it accessible to virtually anyone who picks it up. ... A simple but intelligent analysis of an often overlooked parable in the New Testament, One Precious Pearl can be appreciated by a wide range of readers, none of whom will ever look at a pearl quite the same again."   

(See the complete review below the excerpts section.)

Expertly written by a man with over forty years of experience as a popular Bible teacher, this is a book which guides you through the background and interpretation of the parable, concluding each chapter with the instruction to 'Think and Grow'. Russell leads you through and stays with you throughout the book, ready to explain and point you towards the answers to your questioning and seeking mind. 

This is a book which feeds the seeking and open mind, and which opens the closed heart, to Biblical truth which is as encouraging  as it is enlightening, and which I can thoroughly recommend to all seekers of the timeless truths of the Bible.

(See the complete review below the excerpts section.)

BOOK REVIEW: Kirkus Discoveries

Russell, Robert Lloyd

One Precious Pearl: God's Design for His Church

Structured with short chapters, "Key Concept" summaries and questions for discussion, Russell's book can easily serve as a source for personal or group study.  ...  Russell has structured a meaningful study for the layperson and a useful go-to resource for preachers.  ...  Russell makes about as thorough a study of the passage as one could expect.  ...  Worthwhile resource on the pearl of great price.

(See the complete review below the excerpts section.)

BOOK REVIEW by Benjie

One Precious Pearl: God's Design for His Church

A Pearl of a Parable Study

... a pleasant Bible study on a little addressed parable.  ...  The author acknowledges that this particular parable has often been neglected in favor of other parables surrounding it, but insists that this simple parable is one that holds an ocean of wisdom for the church.  ...  In part II of the book, Russell compares the Church to a valuable pearl at length, and brings a new light - might I say, a new luster - to the images Jesus is presenting. ... The chapters are kept short... Such arrangement of the chapters makes the book 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.  This book will find a worthy spot among my study materials and I'll have another excellent resource the next time I'm preparing a study or sermon from Matthew 13.  And you can, too.       - Benjamin Potter

(See the complete review below the excerpts section.)

BOOK REVIEW: Reader Views

One Precious Pearl 

Robert Lloyd Russell
Infinity Publishing (2010)
ISBN 9780741462329
Reviewed by Richard R. Blake for Reader Views (Dec. 2010)

One Precious Pearl guides the reader into a deeper understanding of God's Design for His Church. ... The book is divided into two parts made up of short chapters to accommodate the pace of today's busy reader. ... I found the evaluations, summaries, and commentary used throughout the format of the book to be stimulating, practical, and well thought out. ...  One Precious Pearl: God's Design for His Church is inspiration devotional reading made up of changeless truths presented from a contemporary perspective. This book is highly recommended.      

One Precious Pearl
by Robert Lloyd Russell
Infinity Publishing

reviewed by Maggie Harding, December 2010

In One Precious Pearl the author clearly demonstrates that, though Biblical principles are simple, they are not simplistic.  ...  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. 

(See the complete review below the excerpts section.)

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

Book Review:  ONE PRECIOUS PEARL
Author: Robert Lloyd Russell
Reviewer: Tom Rutherford, the AfterWord Group
February 2011

Robert Lloyd Russell's One Precious Pearl: God's Design for His Church is a fusion of biblical scripture and natural science. The book is an interpretation of the parable of Matthew 13:45-46: "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he had found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had, and bought it." One Precious Pearl is divided into two parts: scripture-based and lesson-based material. Essentially, Russell's purpose in writing this book is two-fold. For those who are believers in the kingdom of heaven, the book strives to instill a deeper appreciation for the Church. The second purpose is to "demystify a passage" that is too often misinterpreted. Ultimately, One Precious Pearl: God's Design for His Church is designed to be an enlightening experience for one and all.

Throughout the ages, even in modern times, the pearl is a symbol of elegance and value. In fact, "historically pearls were only possessed by kings and monarchs. The one precious pearl - the finest of all pearls - belongs to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords." Essentially, various interpretations conclude that the pearl could be a symbol of salvation, the kingdom of heaven, or the Church on earth.

In practical terms, the growth of a pearl is likened to the growth of the Church. The one precious pearl represents the unity within the Church of Jesus Christ. The bottom line is that, on earth, the pearl is the Church because it will nurture the one precious thing that every man needs: acceptance of Christ.

Ultimately, "the pearl is the only gem that is perfect without additional work by man. Provision for the Church was complete with Christ's death on the Cross. Man cannot improve upon either a pearl or the Church." Therefore, the pearl is a representation of all that is pure and perfect, like the great white throne of God.

Overall, Robert Lloyd Russell's One Precious Pearl: God's Design for His Church is a simple, yet profound read for any age. Also, Russell inserts a "Think and Grow" section that discusses the key concepts of the lesson. One Precious Pearl belongs in Sunday school, Bible Study classes, and many other church settings.  It's a must read for Christians everywhere.

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.

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

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 than 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

5.0 out of 5 stars

January 10, 2011

By Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA)

This review is from: One Precious Pearl: God's Design for His Church (Paperback)

God's church is his house, and it should be revered.  "One Precious Pearl: God's Design for His Church" is a driven read from Robert Lloyd Russell as he seeks to inspire other church leaders to find their own way to make their congregation and church into something greater.  "One Precious Pearl" is a thoughtful and highly recommended pick, not to be missed by any Church authority. 

RELIGION

One Precious Pearl: God's Design for His Church

Robert Lloyd Russell

Infinity Publishing

978-0-7414-6232-9

5 Stars (out of 5)

A book-length exposition on just two verses of the New Testament, One Precious Pearl offers the reader an in-depth analysis of Jesus' parable of the merchant seeking goodly pearls.

Turning to Matthew 13, where seven parables of Jesus are recorded, Russell (Thy Will Be Done on Earth, 2008) focuses his attention on the two verses (13:45 and 46) containing the parable of the merchant. The merchant finds one especially valuable pearl and sells everything he has in order to possess that single precious gem. According to Russell, compared to the other parables - especially that of the sower, the mustard seed, the weeds among the wheat, the yeast, and the hidden treasure in the field - this elusive idea about a merchant searching for a pearl has not received the full explication that it deserves. Russell fears that even those theologians who have studied this parable have overlooked some of its more salient points. In writing this book, Russell aims to give these two verses their full due and thereby make the parable of the pearl as central to the Christian imagination as is the parable of the mustard seed and the sower.

That Russell's explication is exhaustive there can be little doubt. Asserting that the one precious pearl is analogous to God's universal Church, Russell explores everything from the chemical composition of a natural pearl to its perceived value throughout history to describe in detail how each and every aspect of a pearl correlates to the creation of God's Church. From an oyster's point of view, for example, Russell sees the development of a pearl as a result of the oyster's suffering. A foreign object (i.e., a grain of sand) enters into the oyster's environment, and it is the oyster's reaction to that intrusion that ultimately results in the creation of a lustrous gem. Given the proper environment, what originally starts as an irritant can become something wondrous to behold.

Though Russell's parsing of the pearl analogy is extensive, the book remains solidly grounded in the land of the laity, making it accessible to virtually anyone who picks it up. One does not have to be a biblical scholar to grasp Russell's claim that a pearl is the result of a living creature, as the universal Church is the result of a living savior. Nor does one have to be versed in Hebrew to share Russell's idea that the spherical shape of a pearl symbolizes the unity of God's Church, which cannot be divided without destroying it. Nor does one even have to attend services regularly to follow Russell's contention that the perfection of a natural pearl, like the universal Church, is unattainable through manmade interventions. The ideas may be profound, but Russell's delivery is not.

A simple but intelligent analysis of an often overlooked parable in the New Testament, One Precious Pearl can be appreciated by a wide range of readers, none of whom will ever look at a pearl quite the same again.

I'm currently reading One Precious Pearl, subtitled 'God's Design for His Church', written by Robert Lloyd Russell. This book deals with the parable found in the Bible in the book of Matthew, chapter 13, of which the 'Parable of the Pearl of Great Price' is one of a group of seven. Expertly written by a man with over forty years of experience as a popular Bible teacher, this is a book which guides you through the background and interpretation of the parable, concluding each chapter with the instruction to 'Think and Grow'. Russell leads you through and stays with you throughout the book, ready to explain and point you towards the answers to your questioning and seeking mind. 

I quote Ronald Barclay Allen, Senior Professor of Bible Exposition at Dallas Theological Seminary, who is quoted on the back cover as follows:
'Throughout this study there is a development of analogical thought, where the latent imagery of the pearl is made clear for the modern reader. Mr Russell's content is superior throughout. He has drawn on natural science and Biblical thought without violating either. I have learned a great deal about the concept of a pearl and have appreciated more the concept of the Church as the Pearl of Christ.'

This is a book which feeds the seeking and open mind, and which opens the closed heart, to Biblical truth which is as encouraging  as it is enlightening, and which I can thoroughly recommend to all seekers of the timeless truths of the Bible.

An in-depth exploration of one famous passage.

Though most Christians have a passing familiarity with Matthew 13:45-46, regarding a pearl of great price or great value (translations vary), few have considered these two verses with as much depth and curiosity as have Russell. In this book, Russell explores the passage from every possible angle and includes varying evangelical interpretations. Structured with short chapters, "Key Concept" summaries and questions for discussion, Russell's book can easily serve as a source for personal or group study. He begins by discussing the passage in its immediate context, as one of seven parables in the 13th chapter of Matthew. Russell then goes on to describe three differing interpretations of the parable that have been raised by past theologians. In his view, the pearl represents either the kingdom of heaven or the church, and in both cases most lessons from the parable apply equally. The merchant in the parable most likely represents Jesus Christ, "the Son of Man, Israel's Kinsman-Redeemer." Moving forward, Russell lists seven ways in which a pearl is a unique gem, all of which make it analogous to the church or the kingdom of God. For instance, it is formed in suffering, its spherical shape represents unity and it is the one gem that is most valuable if humans have not interfered with its shape or condition. Not stopping there, Russell also provides eight significant aspects of the pearl. These include its cost, symbolism, growth, history, appearance and hidden nature. A problem brought up in the text that is never fully resolved is the fact that pearls were not especially valued by Jews, and in fact came from a treif source, oysters. This presents a striking paradox coming from a Jewish source. Russell has structured a meaningful study for the layperson and a useful go-to resource for preachers. Without delving into an extensive exploration of the original Greek, Russell makes about as thorough a study of the passage as one could expect.

Worthwhile resource on the pearl of great price.

Book'em Benj-O

BOOK REVIEW:  Reader Views - "Reviews, by Readers, for Readers"

One Precious Pearl: God's Design for His Church

Robert Lloyd Russell
Infinity Publishing (2010)
ISBN 9780741462329
Reviewed by Richard R. Blake for Reader Views (Dec. 2010)

Robert Lloyd Russell draws from the lessons and insights he has gleaned from his forty years in Christian Leadership and Bible Teaching. One Precious Pearl guides the reader into a deeper understanding of God's Design for His Church. It is Russell's prayer that the reader will personally recognize Christ's sacrificial gift for their individual salvation as well as the importance of becoming a part of the true church.

Russell demystifies the content of the seven parables from Jesus' teaching in Matthew chapter thirteen.  The book is divided into two parts made up of short chapters to accommodate the pace of today's busy reader. Each of the twenty-two chapters can be read as a devotional, as the basis for a foundation for discussion, or as an adult Bible lesson for small groups. Part One is a commentary on the thirteenth chapter of Matthew.  Part Two is made up of "Lessons from the One Precious Pearl" and contains some interesting analogies. Russell combines natural science with Biblical truth to provide an in depth study.

The Key Concepts and questions for consideration, at the end of each chapter, are ideal for further meditation, application, and assimilation. I found the evaluations, summaries, and commentary used throughout the format of the book to be stimulating, practical, and well thought out.

I found the epilogue with thoughts for contemplation on the symbolism of the gifts of the Wise Men interesting and informative. The Gospel message included as an appendix was clear and persuasive.

One Precious Pearl: God's Design for His Church is inspiration devotional reading made up of changeless truths presented from a contemporary perspective. This book is highly recommended.

READER VIEWS

See the One Precious Pearl review here.

One Precious Pearl
by Robert Lloyd Russell
Infinity Publishing

reviewed by Maggie Harding, December 2010

"The pearl is the only gem that is perfect without additional work by man."  Discover what the precious pearl is. 

In One Precious Pearl the author clearly demonstrates that, though Biblical principles are simple, they are not simplistic.  Anyone can understand the concept of a man seeking pearls and finding one so precious that he sells everything he has to buy it.  But, I believe, it is God's desire that we delve into His word in order to go beyond the obvious so that we can know Him better.  The author presents several versions of what the pearl represents.  Is it Salvation?  Is it the Kingdom of Heaven?  Or is it the Church, the body of believers in Christ?  Digging more deeply into the content and context of the parable of the precious pearl reveals the many layers that lie beneath the apparent interpretation.

Too often religious leaders are willing to accept doctrine based on phrases in the Bible that are not only out of context but also fail to consider the constancy of God's character.  This has lead to the formation of many denominations as well as many false sects that attract CINO's, Christians in name only.  Just as cultured pearls mimic natural pearls and can mislead even the most accomplished gemologists, so false teachings mislead many who consider themselves to be Biblical scholars.

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.