GOD'S CHURCH Christ's Pearl
Engaged? Which will you choose? A diamond? A pearl?
In Jesus' day a pearl was the most precious of gems. Are you engaged to Christ?
Read great insights from an award-winning author.
Matthew 13:45-46
eBook ISBN:
978-1393268093
ASIN: B07XFPMVQT
Print Edition ISBN:
978-1393348597
About 140 pages
Clear analysis with keen insights!
A little-understood parable that is full of practical teaching. This landmark book reveals parallels about the beginning of a pearl and the beginning of the Church, their formation, shape, location, source, condition, value, and more.
This book is an updated version of an earlier book “One Precious Pearl” which won five book awards. • Gold, Literary Excellence, World Book Award (1 of 3 awards across all genres)• Book-of-the-Year, Religion: Eastern/Western, Reader Views Reviewers Choice Award• Winner, Book: Biblical Studies, The Word Guild (Canada)• Runner-up, Religion: Christianity, International Book Award• Finalist, Religion: Christianity, The USA "Best Books" Award
REVIEWS: GOD'S CHURCH Christ's Pearl
Reader Responses
Jerry & Maureen Shoop, Senior Pastor ~ We have been Christians for over 40 years, but never have been so enlightened and enriched by the in-depth study of [God's Church: Christ's Pearl]. Now when we come across passages dealing with the subject, you have given us new meaning and insight.
William J. Peterson, Senior Editor for Christian Book Publishers ~ This is an excellent Bible study. He really develop insights that I hadn’t appreciated before in [God's Church: Christ's Pearl]. He writes clearly so that the material is easily understood by both clergy and laity. (Mr. Petersen is Emeritus Senior Acquisitions Editor for Baker Book House and Fleming H. Revell. He also serves on the Editorial Board and as a mentor for the Christian Writers Guild.)
Elizabeth Hightower, Women’s Ministry Leader, Laurelwood Baptist Church ~ Thank you so much for giving me the honor of reviewing your beautiful book! I will never think of a pearl in the same light again. I absolutely love the way you have drawn a parallel between the pearl and the Church. This is inspired!
Ronald B. Allen, Senior Professor of Bible Exposition, Dallas Theological Seminary ~ [Mr. Russell] has shown his best work, in the development of the concept of the Church as a pearl of great price. Throughout this study there is a development of analogical thought, where the latent imagery of the pearl is made clear for the modern reader. His content is superior throughout. He has drawn on a 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.
Loren Fischer, Senior Pastor ~ I admire what you are doing and your way of putting it! Praise the LORD!
Shelley Cramm, Author ~ I love this book -an excellent inquiry on the layers of metaphor in God's Word. Once I watched the author dig deep into these layers, I could apply them in other Scriptures and in what I see in my garden. If you love to notice details, this book is for you!!
Christian Book Review (10 out of 10 Stars) ~ In His book, “GOD'S CHURCH: Christ's 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 succinctly 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. 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 design is for His Church really is. 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” (Ephesians 2:8-9).
This book comes highly recommended, is filled with scriptural applications, wisdom, wise counsel, encouragement and will bless the reader abundantly. The Erratic Muse ~ [God's Church: Christ's 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. 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. It's an exciting, easy read that can be used as a individual or group Bible study or a quick read. Bethany B. ~ I'll never think about pearls the same way. It certainly made me do some good thinking. Read it Again: Yes. Recommend it: Yes![God's Church: Christ's 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. 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 ... The book 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... 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... I thoroughly enjoyed the book and 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.
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. 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 design is for His Church really is. 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” (Ephesians 2:8-9).
This book comes highly recommended, is filled with scriptural applications, wisdom, wise counsel, encouragement and will bless the reader abundantly. The Erratic Muse ~ [God's Church: Christ's 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. 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. It's an exciting, easy read that can be used as a individual or group Bible study or a quick read. Bethany B. ~ I'll never think about pearls the same way. It certainly made me do some good thinking. Read it Again: Yes. Recommend it: Yes![God's Church: Christ's 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. 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 ... The book 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... 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... I thoroughly enjoyed the book and 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.