God's Church: Christ's Pearl: Christian Concepts Series

By Robert Lloyd Russell

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. 

Awards.  This eBook is an updated version of the print book "One Precious Pearl" which won five book awards.

• Gold, Literary Excellence, 2011 World Book Award (1 of 3 awards across all genres).
• Book-of-the-Year, Religion: Eastern/Western, Reader Views Reviewers Choice Award (USA).
• Winner, Book: Biblical Studies, The Word Guild (Canada).
• Runner-up, Religion: Christianity, International Book Award.
• Finalist, Religion: Christianity, The USA "Best Books 2011" Award.

Common to all the Christian Concepts Series books…

• Intensely practical for today's Christian
• Enjoyable and entertaining reading 
• Full of richness about little understood Scripture passages
• Teaches profound truth in simple language through the use of analogy
• Appreciated by all levels of spiritual maturity
• Short, easy-to-read sections – ideal reading for the person "on the go"
• Described as "Inspirational Doctrine" and "Living Theology"
• "Think and Grow" questions for group study or personal contemplation

• Language: English
• Publisher: LCL Company NW
• Release date: Sep 1, 2019
• ISBN: 9781393268093

Robert Lloyd Russell

Robert Lloyd Russell has won 11 awards for Christian nonfiction books.  His writing mission is to help readers develop a “Living Theology and Dynamic Discipleship.”  He is also the Editor of transcribed messages of martyred missionary Jim Elliot.  In his professional career as a Business Management Consultant, Russell was known for making complex issues easy to understand, and he carries that unique skill into his writing.  His writing has been praised by a wide variety of readers – from prisoners to well-known theologians from a wide variety of perspectives. He describes himself as just a simple ABC kind of guy: Author—Blogger—Consultant.  His daily “Abundant Life Now” blog at http://robertlloydrussell.blogspot.com/ has been read in over 200 countries and translated into over 100 languages.  Visit his author website http://booksrlr.com/ and receive a free gift when you sign up for his occasional Newsletter. 

Book preview

While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this book, the publisher assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions, or for damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein.

GOD’S CHURCH: Christ’s Pearl

First eBook edition 2019 September 1 ~ 2020.01.05, 2023.04.12

First print edition 2020 July 2

Copyright © 2019 Robert Lloyd Russell

Written by Robert Lloyd Russell

Cover Photo: Fritz von Tagen

ISBN: 978-1393268093  

Website: BOOKSrlr . com

All Rights Reserved Worldwide ~ Permission granted to quote small portions in any Christian assembly such as for use in preaching, small groups, bulletins, newsletters, and teaching materials when attribution included.

Unless otherwise noted Scripture quotations are from:

NIV ~ The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission.

Other Scripture portions as noted are from:

DRB ~ Douay-Rheims Bible, 1899, public domain.

KJV ~ King James Version,1909, public domain

AMP ~ Scripture quotations taken from the Amplified® Bible (AMP), Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987, 2015 by The Lockman Foundation Used by permission.

NASB ~ Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

GNT ~ Good News Translation® (Today’s English Version, Second Edition) Copyright © 1992 American Bible Society. All rights reserved.

TLB ~ The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. The Living Bible, TLB, and the The Living Bible logo are registered trademarks of Tyndale House Publishers.

NKJV ~ New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

MSG ~ Scripture taken from The Message. Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group.

NASU ~ New American Standard—updated (nasu) © 1995 ~ Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scriptures marked NASU are taken from the New American Standard Updated.

NLT ~ Holy Bible, New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, IL 60188. All rights reserved.

NET ~ NET Bible® copyright ©1996-2006 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. http://netbible.com All rights reserved.

ESV ~ Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

NOTES: [1] For consistency and clarity, names and pronouns of God have been capitalized throughout including in Bible versions which do not follow that practice. [2] The author capitalizes three other words: Word when speaking of God’s Word; Church when speaking of the Church universal; and Cross when referring to the Cross of Calvary. [3] Italicized words and [bracketed words] in Scripture have been added by the author. [4] The author does not abbreviate the names of Bible books since abbreviations can be unknown to some readers. [5] The author chooses to use a lot of Scripture quotations based on his belief that the Word of God and the Spirit of God are the two dominant factors in changing lives and growing the lives of Christians.

We hope you enjoy this book. Robert Lloyd Russell’s goal is to provide high-quality, thought-provoking books that connect truth to real life needs and challenges. For more information on his other books based on Biblical interpretation and application, please visit his author’s website booksrlr.

If you find value in this book, please consider writing an online review. The author would be grateful.

Reader Response and Literary Awards

☆☆☆☆☆ This is an excellent Bible study. Mr. Russell really develops 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. It was very edifying for me to read. ~ William J. Petersen, Emeritus Senior Acquisitions Editor, Baker Book House and Fleming H. Revell

☆☆☆☆☆ A source for personal or group study ... a meaningful study for the layperson and a useful go-to resource for preachers ... worthwhile resource. ~ Kirkus Reviews

☆☆☆☆☆ 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. ~ Ronald B. Allen, Senior Professor of Bible Exposition, Dallas Theological Seminary

☆☆☆☆☆ I find it most inspirational... You make the reader think, and that is a great talent. ~ Evelyn Cox, homemaker

☆☆☆☆☆ We have been Christians for over 40 years, but never have been so enlightened and enriched as we have been by the in-depth study of the GOD’S CHURCH: Christ’s Pearl. You have given us new meaning and insight. ~ Jerry & Maureen Shoop, Senior Pastor (retired)

☆☆☆☆☆ 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! ~ Elizabeth Hightower, Women's Ministry Leader, Laurelwood Baptist Church

☆☆☆☆☆ Expertly written... feeds the seeking and open mind... opens the closed heart... encouraging as it is enlightening... I can thoroughly recommend to all. ~ Rev. Colin, Wales

Awards

Gold, Literary Excellence, World Book Award.

Book-of-the-Year, Religion: Eastern/Western, Reader Views Reviewers Choice Award (USA).

Winner, Book: Biblical Studies, The Word Guild (Canada).

Runner-up, Religion: Christianity, International Book Award.

Finalist, Religion: Christianity, The USA Best Books Award.

Preface

Why did I write this book? It is my sincere desire and prayer that it will accomplish one of two things for each of my readers. First, for all readers who are certain they are members of the kingdom of heaven, my desire is that this book will instill a deeper appreciation for both the kingdom of heaven and the Church they are an important part of—so important that Christ died for each of them individually. Secondly, for all other readers, my sincere prayer is that it will cause them to make a decision to become a part of His true Church—and that there be no delay! It may very soon be too late!

Another key purpose in writing is to demystify a passage which I believe is often misinterpreted. The goal is to bring joy and comprehension to the reader and ultimately glory to our Creator.

This book is written in short chapters. Slightly longer chapters are sub-divided. The result is a book easily used by individuals who are on-the-go. It could even be used as a devotional.

Acknowledgements

Of particular importance in my own spiritual development are many Godly individuals who have mentored or coached me during my years as a Christian. Among those of particular significance are professors at Western Seminary.

Additionally, I must include all those I have been involved with in various Bible studies, Sunday school classes, and seminars. Your input has been very valuable as I have sought to grow in the knowledge of my Lord and Savior.

A number of individuals stand out with regard to the success of this writing project. Of particular significance are those who reviewed the manuscript before release to the publisher. Listed alphabetically are Dr. Ronald Barclay Allen of Dallas Seminary, Dr. Gerry E. Breshears of Western Seminary, Women’s Ministries Leader Elizabeth Hightower, and Pastor Jerry Shoop along with his wife Maureen.

One person has supported my writing efforts more than any other. Connie, my bride for more than 50 years, has been consistent in her support of my ministry and my writing. Honey, I am deeply indebted to you!

Introduction

On occasion I have been asked if it is correct to seek meaning in the metaphors and similes in the Bible. First, I would reply that Christ used extensive use of parables and analogies in His teaching, many of which were related to ordinary physical objects. It is clearly stated in Scripture that Christ used such imageries to hide the meaning from some while allowing enlightenment to others.

I like the way A.W. Tozer put it in his work entitled Why People Find the Bible Difficult: "Not only does God address His words of truth to those who are able to receive them, He actually conceals their meaning from those who are not. The preacher uses stories to