Twisted Reasonings-Part 2

Journey to the Celestial City #63. In our continuing look at John Bunyan's "Pilgrim's Progress," today we find the conversation continuing between the one known as By-ends and three others: Mr Hold-the-world, Mr. Money-love and Mr. Save-all. The former proposes a question which leads to the discussion of a minister becoming more zealous in his profession for the purpose of gaining "more fat and plump by far." But to get there the minister must alter some of his principles because his audience requires it. The idea gets Mr. Money-love's stamp of approval. His rationale goes as follows: "Of course, Providence will back it. It's for a good end. And the minister is working so much harder. It's what the church needs and has been lacking. And the principles being altered issue ~ what self-denial on the minister's part for the sake of others after all? Ultimately, the change boils down to a small for a great." Thus Mr. Money-love's twisted reasonings come as only one with his expert experience can muster. And we, too, can pretty much rationalize anything in or out and make it seem that, of course, God, would and does approve. And the ends justifies the means, doesn't it? The flesh is cunning that way. And could it be that you're personally right now in the middle of convincing yourself something is God's will when really it isn't? "For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith, and pierced themselves with many a pang." (1Timothy 6:10) "Lead us not into temptation." (Luke 11:4c) 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 94-96

Twisted Reasonings-Part 1

Journey to the Celestial City #62. In our continuing look at John Bunyan's "Pilgrim's Progress," today we find the man, Christian, and his companion, Hopeful, forsaking the one known as By-ends. Joining with the latter are the following three: Mr. Hold-the-world, Mr. Money-love and Mr. Save-all~and thus they abide in conversation. Mr. Money-love asks why Christian and Hopeful "did not stay"? To which By-ends answers of their rigidness and how they will not put up with others who have not their understanding of Religion and commitment. To which Mr. Hold-the-world commends By-ends for not going after them for only a fool would do such a thing as refuse the "blessings of God" in worldly gain and comfort. Did not Abraham, Solomon and Job enjoy the same? Mr. Save-all agrees. And the four of them continue further down the road of their "pleasant" discussion and twisted reasonings. And there are many who would have riches and the world and "universalism" on their (supposed) journey to Heaven/the Celestial City. (Universalism: "the doctrine that emphasizes the universal fatherhood of God and the final salvation of all souls.") It's not Christianity. Not even close. "But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God; for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised." (1 Corinthians 2:14) "'If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.'" (Mark 8:34) "'For many are called, but few are chosen.'" (Matthew 22:14) 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 91-94

Pride in Family

Journey to the Celestial City #61. In our continuing look at John Bunyan's "Pilgrim's Progress," today we find the man, Christian, the Lord having just allowed him escape from Vanity Fair, upon leaving there he meets another friend, Hopeful. In good company these two travel and after a little while they encounter yet someone else, By-ends, from the town of Fair-speech. He will have Christian and Hopeful as companions, except on his road. In answer to Christian's reply about Fair-speech, "Is there any good that lives there?," By-ends turns to family pride. Of course, they are rich in Fair-speech and almost every last one there is a relation of By-ends including: the Lord Turn-about, Mr. Smooth-man, Mr. Facing-both-ways and Mr. Two-tongues. There is also his great-grandfather who "was but a waterman, looking one way and rowing another" from which By-ends inherited "most of his estate by the same occupation." And then there's the wife of By-ends. His and her religion consists of: (1) Never go against the flow; and (2) Only when the sun is shining. And pride in family is a dangerous trap. And even if it's our father or mother or wife or children that are against Christ, we must choose Him or lose our soul. "'No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other.'" (Matthew 6:24ab) "'If anyone comes to Me, and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple.'" (Luke 14:26) 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 90

Sentenced to Life

Journey to the Celestial City #60. In our continuing look at John Bunyan's "Pilgrim's Progress," today we find the man, Christian, along with his companion, Faithful, awaiting the jury's verdict as regards the latter. The jurors' answer cannot help but return with condemnation considering their names: "Mr. Blindman, Mr. No-good, Mr. Malice, Mr. Love-lust, Mr. Live-loose, Mr. Heady, Mr. High-mind, Mr. Enmity, Mr. Liar, Mr. Cruelty, Mr. Hatelight, Mr. Implacable (not to be appeased)." Thus 12 angry men determine Faithful's fate (except with a different result?). From the foremen's opening words (Mr. Blindman): "I see clearly that this man is a heretic," to Mr. Implacable's conclusion: "Might I have all the world given me, I could not be reconciled to him; therefore let us forthwith bring him guilty of death," a good man is sentenced to die (/to life!). So Faithful is scourged, buffeted, lanced, stoned, pricked and lastly, burned at the stake. But upon dying he is rescued via heavenly chariot and received into glory. And our stories don't end here. Isn't it true? Our stories don't end here, but continue "further up and further in." And even if we are killed we really do go on living (if our faith is in Jesus Christ). "'I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me shall live even if he dies.'" (John 11:25) "'He (God) is not the God of the dead but of the living.'" (Matthew 22:32b) 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 88-90

Wicked Determinations

Journey to the Celestial City #59. In our continuing look at John Bunyan's "Pilgrim's Progress," today we find the man, Christian, and his companion, Faithful, the latter having made his defense before the court, his fate is now to be determined. Judge Hate-good instructs the jury. He cites the following former cases as precedent to be followed. Case #1: Pharoah of Egypt (who knew not Joseph) dealt with "those of a contrary religion" by ordering their male babies to be discarded in the river. Case #2: Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon commanded those who would not bend their knee to the golden image to be thrown in the fire. Case #3: Darius the Mede ordered that anyone who prayed to any god except him should be offered as food to the lions. In this manner Judge Hate-good gives into the hands of the jury Faithful's case concluding that "he deserveth to die the death." And it's interesting how the Scripture can be twisted and used against God's people - and just by overlooking a part of the story. In each case above it should have meant vindication for Faithful. In Case #1, Pharoah's wicked determination was proven wrong as Israel's Deliverer (Moses) was plucked from the river by the daughter of Pharoah himself. In Case #2, Nebuchadnezzar's wicked determination was proven wrong as Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego passed through the hot oven's flames untouched and safe. In Case #3, Darius' wicked determination was proven wrong as Daniel lived through the night with the kings of beasts (picture above in the public domain on wikipedia). And so it shall be with us. The world may determine our fate based on a part of the story, but the Author who's writing the story will see us through. "The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed, and will bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom; to Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen." (2 Timothy 4:18) 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 88

Defending the Faith

Journey to the Celestial City #58. In our continuing look at John Bunyan's "Pilgrim's Progress," today we find the man, Christian, and his companion, Faithful, the latter having faced his accusers, Envy, Superstition and Pickthank, he now makes his defense. To Envy he replies, "I never said aught but this, that what rules, or laws, or custom, or people, were flat against the word of God, are diametrically opposite to Christianity." To Superstition he continues, "[W]hatever is thrust into the worship of God, that is not agreeable to divine revelation (in other words, does not measure up to the pattern of Jesus Christ), cannot be done but by a human faith, which faith will not be profitable to eternal life (in other words, such a person will find himself separated from God after he dies). To Pickthank he concludes, "[T]he prince of this town (Vanity Fair), with all the rabblement (disturbance), his attendants, by this gentleman named, are more fit for being in hell than in this town and country." And faith in Jesus is to find it's defense in those who call upon His name. And where is the man - where is the woman - who will take their stand for the Gospel during these last days? And where is the man - where is the woman - in the neighborhood, in the marketplace, in the schools, in politics - in the apostate church! - who will not apologize (say they're sorry for) but instead "apologize" (offer strong and conclusive evidence) to unbelievers? We are here. It is us. "[B]ut sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence." (1 Peter 3:15) "'For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place and you and your father's house will perish. And who knows whether you have not attained royalty for such a time as this?'" (Esther 4:16) 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 87-88

False Witnesses

Journey to the Celestial City #57. In our continuing look at John Bunyan's "Pilgrim's Progress," today we find the man, Christian, and his companion, Faithful, the latter having just offered introductory testimony before Judge Hate-good, he now must face his accusers. Envy, Superstition and Pickthank are thus brought to the stand. Upon taking his oath, Envy calls Faithful "one of the vilest (morally despicable) men in our country" promoting "principles of faith and holiness." Superstition comes next to add that Faithful "is a very pestilent (causing displeasure, annoying) fellow" speaking against the religion of the town in his very hearing after all. Lastly, Pickthank (whose goal it always was to appear favorably to those in charge) points to Faithful's contemptible speech as regards the honorable townsfolk including the Lord Desire of Vain Glory, the Lord Lechery (known for his "inordinate indulgence in sexual activity") and Sir Having Greedy. And just as Christ was misrepresented in the trials and examinations leading up to His crucifixion, so His people will likewise be accused falsely. There ought not be anything in our lives that a person could use against us except by deceit. "Now the chief priests and the whole Council kept trying to obtain false testimony against Jesus, in order that they might put Him to death; and they did not find any, even though many false witnesses came forward." (Matthew 26:59-60a) "'Blessed are you when men cast insults at you, and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, on account of Me. Rejoice, and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.'" (Matthew 5:11-12) 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 85-87

Judged By Hate-Good

Journey to the Celestial City #56. In our continuing look at John Bunyan's "Pilgrim's Progress," today we find the man, Christian, and his companion, Faithful, having endured further mistreatment for their faith, they are now brought to trial. The presiding judge who will determine their condemnation is named "Lord Hate-good." The charges against the men include: "That they [are] enemies to, and disturbers of, their trade (that is the wicked goings on of Vanity Fair); that they [have] made commotions and divisions in the town (of Vanity), and [have] won a party to their own most dangerous opinions, in contempt of the law of their (Vanity's) prince." Against these charges Faithful confidently defends himself. The final straw comes when he defies Beelzebub, the judge's prince. This doesn't sit well with Lord Hate-good (to say the least). And Jesus followers and the enemies of God are destined for confrontation. And as Cain hated his good brother Abel and killed him so the world will despise the believer's testimony and reject it. Certain unbelievers simply will never budge. Neither should we. "And for what reason did [Cain] slay [Abel]? Because his deeds were evil, and his brother's were righteous. Do not be surprised, brethren, if the world hates you." (1 John 3:12b-13) "Christ Jesus, who testified the good confession before Pontius Pilate." (1 Timothy 6:13b) "I will also speak of Your testimones before kings And shall not be ashamed." (Psalm 119:46) 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 85

The Perfect Testimony

Journey to the Celestial City #55. In our continuing look at John Bunyan's "Pilgrim's Progress," today we find the man, Christian, and his companion, Faithful, having endured physical affliction, their testimony has the following effect. The mistreaters are put at odds with partners among them. These note the pilgrims' patient response while abused and how there are in Vanity Fair men more worthy of such judgment than they. Blows are thrown. The melee only turns back towards Christian and Faithful where they are put upon again with much beating and mockery. Yet the two "[behave] themselves yet more wisely, and [receive] the ignominy and shame that [is] cast upon them, with so much meekness and patience, that it [wins] to their side (though but few in comparison to the rest) several of the men of the fair." And we're being watched. And at all times. We're being watched by the unchurched, unbelievers - the lost. And very closely. They've got their eyes trained on us and our response. Are they seeing the perfect testimony even when they mistreat us? "Now when they heard this, they were cut to the quick, and they began gnashing their teeth at [Stephen]. But being full of the Holy Spirit, he gazed intently into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God; and he said, 'Behold, I see the heavens opened up and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.' But they cried out with a loud voice and covered their ears, and they rushed upon him with one impulse. And when they had driven him out of the city, they began stoning him, and the witnesses laid aside their robes at the feet of a young man named Saul. And they went on stoning Stephen as he called upon the Lord and said, 'Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!' And falling on his knees, he cried out with a loud voice, 'Lord, do not hold this sin against them!' And having said this, he fell asleep." (Acts 7:54-60) 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 84

Repaying Evil With Good

Journey to the Celestial City #54. In our continuing look at John Bunyan's "Pilgrim's Progress," today we find the man, Christian, and his companion, Faithful, having brought the Town of Vanity into a frenzy, the great one of the Fair calls for an examination of the men. As pilgrims interested in the Truth and journeying to the heavenly Jerusalem, the two are judged to be "bedlams and mad" and then the mistreatment begins. They are beaten. They are besmeared with dirt. They are thrown into a cage. There they are "made the object of any man's sport, or malice, or revenge." And how do Christian and Faithful respond to all this? Any guesses? And we are to remain patient in suffering as followers of Jesus. And we are to repay evil with good. It is through the power of the Holy Spirit who lives within us that we are enabled to handle abuse like Christ. "Blessed are you when men cast insults at you, and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, on account of Me." (Matthew 5:11) "[G]reater is He who is in you than he who is in the world." (1 John 4:4b) "'But if your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals upon his head.' Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." (Romans 12:20-21) 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 84

Hated By The World

Journey to the Celestial City #53. In our continuing look at John Bunyan's "Pilgrim's Progress," today we find the man, Christian, and his companion, Faithful, entering in upon Vanity's Fair. Their entrance can't help but bring on a "hubbub," a stir, as the two men are diametrically opposite the people of that place. In clothing, in speech and in non-desire for the merchandise of the fair, Christian and Faithful stand separate thus inviting the contempt of onlookers. When asked what they would buy, their statement: "We buy the truth," sends the fair into a frenzy and unbridled turmoil. And so it is with believers in the world. We are aliens. We are foreigners. Our citizenship is of a different place. Our allegiance is to a different master. This does not and can never go over well with those who hate Christ, despise His name and look upon His work on the cross as irrelevant, odious. "'If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you.'" (John 15:18-19) "'These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.'" (John 16:33) 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 82-83

The Sinless Prince

Journey to the Celestial City #52. In our continuing look at John Bunyan's "Pilgrim's Progress," today we find the man, Christian, along with his companion, Faithful, standing at the doorstep of Vanity's Fair. It was once visited by the Prince of princes Himself many years prior. While there Beelzebub invited Him to taste of its vanities even to the point of offering Him the position of lord of the fair. It was his to afford since he was the chief. The cost: a single bow of the knee in worship. But the God / Man would not. He could not. And it's a mystery that Christ was tempted in all things as we are yet without sin. And could Jesus have really sinned? And if He could not, then how was it a legitimate temptation? The fact is it was a legitimate temptation. Just like I don't understand how God created all things out of nothing and can't comprehend the Trinity (three equal Persons existing in one God) so I am unable to grasp how One who could not sin could be legitimately tempted to sin. The purpose of our Lord's temptation was to show He indeed was sinless. And don't be misled. Satan / Beelzebub was shaking in his boots at the sight. "Again, the devil took Him to a very high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world, and their glory; and he said to Him, 'All these things will I give You, if You fall down and worship me.' Then Jesus said to him, 'Begone, Satan! For it is written, "You shall worship the Lord Your God, and serve Him only."'" "For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin." (Hebrews 4:15) 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 81-82

A Fair of Vanity

Journey to the Celestial City #51. In our continuing look at John Bunyan's "Pilgrim's Progress," today we find the man, Christian, along with his companion, Faithful, having received the prediction of the suffering that awaits them from their good friend, Evangelist, they now come upon a town called: Vanity. In this town is a fair that takes place year round. It's name is: "Vanity Fair." It's founders include Beelzebub, Apollyon and Legion who have seen fit to allow each and every pleasure of sin that a man or woman could dream of or desire to embrace to be a part of the Fair. Take a look at some of the merchandise sold there, but don't look too long or set your own heart upon it or you, too, will be enticed: "houses, lands, trades, places, honours, preferments, titles; countries, kingdoms, lusts, pleasures; and delights of all sorts, as whores, bawds, wives, husbands, children, masters, servants, lives, blood, bodies, souls, silver, gold, pearls, precious stones, and what not." And is there a better description of the world that we live in and apart from God? It has been set up to distract us away from Him. It has been set up to take His place in our lives. Have you sold your soul to the Fair? "Do not love the world, nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. And the world is passing away and also its lusts." (1 John 2:15-17a) 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 80-81

Prediction of Suffering

Journey to the Celestial City #50. In our continuing look at John Bunyan's "Pilgrim's Progress," today we find the man, Christian, along with his companion, Faithful, having given leave to Talkative, they are now come upon by Evangelist. It is a most delightful reunion to meet their good, old friend and counselor once again. "How hath it fared with you?" Evangelist asks Christian and Faithful. And the two men go on to recount their whole journey to him. It hasn't been without difficulty that Christian and Faithful have made it to that place. But they have passed the test and Evangelist rejoices in the hearing of it. He responds, "My sons, you have heard in the words of the truth of the gospel, that you must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of heaven." And then Evangelist speaks further predicting the challenge that awaits both travelers in the next town. In the end, one or both will lose his/their life/lives. And trials are just a part of the package for the man/woman following Jesus. A watered-down and sugar-coated, 21st-century and Americanized gospel says, "It ain't so." Tell that to first-century Christians given as food to lions by a Roman Emperor. " None of us is exempt from suffering. Not a one. "[Simeon prophesied to Mary as regards her Son's crucifixion, 'A]nd a sword will pierce even your own soul.'" (Luke 2:35) "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Just as it is written, 'For Thy sake we are being put to death all day long; We were considered as sheep to be slaughtered.' But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us." (Romans 8:35-37) 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 78-80

Discerning the Talker

Journey to the Celestial City #49. In our continuing look at John Bunyan's "Pilgrim's Progress," today we find the man, Christian, giving "further discovery" of the man, Talkative's nature to his companion, Faithful. Talkative's name fits him well. For he just talks and talks - and talks some more. He talks of prayer, but prays not. He talks of repentance, but repents not. He talks of faith, but believes not. He talks of the new birth, but is saved not. All that Talkative is is in the saying of it, but there's no doing. But how can Christian go about judging such a one? I mean, isn't this just intolerance on his part and uncaring? And didn't Jesus say, "Judge not lest you be judged"? The fact is we are to judge, but with right judgments. Jesus wasn't saying not to judge. He was saying not to judge in a wrong and sinful fashion. When it comes to the person who is posing as a believer, Scripture is clear about how to discern such a one and deal with him / her. "'And if your brother sins, go and reprove him in private; if he listens to you, you have won your brother. But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you, so that by the mouth of two or three witnesses every fact may be confirmed. And if he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax-gatherer.'" (Matthew 18:15-17) "For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Do you not judge those who are within the church? But those who are outside, God judges. Remove the wicked man from among yourselves." (1 Corinthians 5:12-13) 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 70-77

A Bunch of Hot Air

Journey to the Celestial City #48. In our continuing look at John Bunyan's "Pilgrim's Progress," today we find the man, Christian, having listened to his companion, Faithful's, pilgrimage story to completion, the two good men now come across another traveler: Talkative. He is thus named for his loquacious and high-standing eloquence. Just listen to him: "What thing is so pleasant, and what so profitable, as to talk of the things of God? What things so pleasant? that is, if a man hath any delight in things that are wonderful . . . where shall he find things recorded so delightful, and so sweetly penned, as in the Holy Scripture?" And with such words and more Talkative would deceive even Faithful except for his brother Christian calling him to account. Talkative isn't as he presents himself to be. All he really is is a bunch of hot air. And even in our day great-sounding words can give the appearance of goodness / piety while all the time abandoning true religion. "Then Jesus spoke to the crowds and to His disciples, saying: 'The scribes and the Pharisees have seated themselves in the chair of Moses; therefore all that they tell you, do and observe, but do not do according to their deeds; for they say things and do not do them.'" (Matthew 23:1-3) "This is pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father, to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world." (James 1:27) 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 67-69

Shame on Shame

Journey to the Celestial City #47. In our continuing look at John Bunyan's "Pilgrim's Progress," today we find the man, Christian, listening to Faithful's pilgrimage story yet further still. Having turned aside from the one called Discontent, Faithful tells of meeting another by the name of: Shame. Shame speaks of minding religion, cultivating a tender conscience, responding contritely to a sermon, asking a neighbor for forgiveness, making restitution, etc. But according to Shame, they're all embarrassments to conduct one's life in such a manner. Men ought not submit to such humiliations - that is, real men of the world. And why should they? It only gives invitation to ridicule. To which Faithful responds with blushing. But then his mind is quickened to the following: "that that which is highly esteemed among men, is had in abomination with God," that "they that make themselves fools for the kingdom of heaven are wisest," and "that the poor man that loveth Christ is richer than the greatest man in the world that hates Him." These reflections help Faithful to cast shame on Shame. And to follow Jesus is to bear His reproach - and "proudly." Is it not? And we aren't trying to "save face" with the world. Or are we? "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes." (Romans 1:12ab) "'Blessed are you when men cast insults at you, and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, on account of Me. Rejoice, and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.'" (Matthew 5:11-12) 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 64-66

Persuasions of Discontent

Journey to the Celestial City #46. In our continuing look at John Bunyan's "Pilgrim's Progress," today we find the man, Christian, taking in Faithful's pilgrimage story yet still. Having recently been rescued from the Law by the One with "holes in His hands and His sides," Faithful next encounters another called: Discontent. This one is not without his own strong persuasions which attend Faithful in the following manner (in Humility's Valley): Discontent tells Faithful there is no honor in a place like this. And to travel such a path is to turn his back on friends including: "Pride, Arrogance, Self-Conceit, Worldly Glory." How could Faithful allow himself to be made a fool in their eyes? Faithful counters that though these may have once been his associations, they are now as foreigners. As to the Valley of Humiliation's dishonor, Faithful puts off Discontent with the truth: "[B]efore honor is humility; and a haughty spirit before a fall." And discontentment's voice is a powerful force. If heeded it would have us turn from the very path of Christ for our lives. Many times God's will leads away from what the world upholds as the benchmark of success and achievement. But we're not living this life for ourselves. Or are we? "By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharoah's daughter; choosing rather to endure ill-treatment with the people of God, than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin." (Hebrews 11:24-25) "Not that I speak from want; for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I can do all things through Him (Christ) who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:11, 13) 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 63-64

Knocked Down by the Law

Journey to the Celestial City #45. In our continuing look at John Bunyan's "Pilgrim's Progress," today we find the man, Christian, listening to Faithful share his pilgrimage story yet further. Having just ripped himself away from Adam the first, he is now run down by another exceedingly powerful and deadly foe. It is none other than Moses the Lawgiver who fells Faithful not just once or twice, but even for a third time. And Moses would have made an end of Faithful except for the One who walks by and bids him: "forbear." The Rescuer isn't recognized at the first by Faithful, but having been enlightened to "the holes in His hands and His sides," he then perceives him to be the very Christ of God. And the Law was given to expose humankind's awful and wretched condition of sin. All of us are in dire straits and under the penalty of death. Are you trying to live according to the Ten Commandments? The fact is you can't. You need help. You need a Savior. You need Jesus. "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us - for it is written, 'Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree.'" (Galatians 3:13) "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 6:23) 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 62-63

Deceitful Man in a Deceitful Town

Journey to the Celestial City #44. In our continuing look at John Bunyan's "Pilgrim's Progress," today we find the man, Christian, listening to Faithful share his pilgrimage story. Having slipped through the clutches of Wanton, he tells of his next confrontation with a man named Adam the first whose dwelling place is the Town of Deceit. Adam the first beckons Faithful to take up residence in his home and offers his three daughters in marriage as part of the package. Faithful can hardly resist the beauties: the Lust of the Flesh, the Lust of the Eyes and the Pride of Life. Except for the words: "Put off the old man with his deeds" that he reads on Adam the first's forehead, he would have stayed. But Faithful is turned to flight. Upon his exiting the first Adam reaches out and would have literally torn off Faithful's arm he grabs at it so roughly. And the carnal nature is an awful and strong and persuasive parasite that just won't let go. It will have us to our death if we don't kill it first. Are you allowing any or all of three "ladies of lust" to live as a bride in your house? "'If your right eye makes you stumble, tear it out and throw it from you; for it is better for you to lose one of the parts of your body, than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.'" (Matthew 5:29) "Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its lusts." (Romans 6:12) 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 61-62