Passing By The Mouth of Hell

Journey to the Celestial City #37. In our continuing look at John Bunyan's "Pilgrim's Progress," today we find the man, Christian, having entered into the Valley of the Shadow of Death, he cautiously ventures forward. And coming to the midst of the Valley, another terrible fright awaits him. For in the middle of the Valley of the Shadow of Death resides the very mouth of Hell. "Flame and smoke ... come out [from it] in such abundance, with sparks and hideous noises." Christian's sword, though able to vanquish the insidious Apollyon, will have no effect against this foe and it's continuous attempts to capture his soul. He must turn to another weapon. Thus Christian's sword is thrust back in it's sheath to be replaced by none other than: All-Prayer. And even if Hell throws everything at us, it will not prevail. The praying man or woman it can not overcome. "[A]nd upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of [Hell] shall not overpower it." (Matthew 16:18b) "Put on the full armor of God. ...With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit." (Ephesians 6:11a, 18a) More to come in the next blog post. Check back soon. (To read this entire blog post series, scroll down to "Pilgrim's Progress Series" in the left sidebar.) pp 55