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Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan

 

The Valley of the Shadow of Death was a terrifying section of Christian’s journey, where he cried out to God in prayer to protect him from the many dangers that surrounded him. After coming through the difficulties, he looked back and could see his course with clarity and understanding. Then he met Faithful who became a companion with him in his journey. As the two of them walked together, they discussed the things Faithful had experienced up to that point.

 

Next week we will discuss pages 94-103 to “Christian on Talkative’s Character” of Pilgrim’s Progress.

Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan

 

The Christian life is full of spiritual warfare, and today we see Christian being equipped with the armor of God, fighting with Apollyon, and entering the Valley of the Shadow of Death. Through the doubts, attacks, and discouragement, Christian clings to God’s Word and stays faithful to his Master. This is a great depiction of the everyday Christian life. May we strive to remain as committed to Christ as Christian was. Thanks for listening!

 

Next week we will discuss pages 84-94 to “How Moses Treated Faithful” of Pilgrim’s Progress.

Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan

 

While at Palace Beautiful, Christian enjoys edifying conversation, a good meal, and a peaceful night’s rest—all of which prepare him for the arduous journey ahead. It is here that he is fitted with armor to protect him in the way. We see pictures of the church, the Lord’s Supper, sanctification, looking forward to heaven, heroes of the faith, and more. Next week, Christian will be back on the journey towards the Celestial City.

 

Next week we will discuss pages 75-84 to “The Horrors of the Valley” of Pilgrim’s Progress.

Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan

 

As Christian goes along the way, he encounters sojourners who try taking a shortcut that ends in destruction and some travelers who become discouraged at the dangers of the journey and decide to turn back. Even with a poor decision of his own, Christian continues to trek towards the Celestial City despite the challenges, and at last he comes to the Palace Beautiful where he can safely and comfortably spend the night on his journey.

 

Next week we will discuss pages 64-74 (to the end of the page) of Pilgrim’s Progress.

Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan

 

What better section to discuss on the week of Thanksgiving than when Christian arrives at the cross. We have everything to be thankful for in our salvation, as we are reminded when Christian reaches the cross and is freed of his burden. We hope you will take time to thank God for the wondrous gift of salvation this week!

 

Next week we will discuss pages 54-64 to “Discourse with Piety” of Pilgrim’s Progress.

Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan

 

Christian makes it to the narrow gate, where he is directed to the house of the Interpreter. While he is there, he hears multiple lessons on the gospel that are helpful for us to internalize. This section sparks some good conversation about the difference between grace and works. When we get all the components of the gospel aligned—faith, grace, repentance, change—it is such a beautiful thing. Pilgrim’s Progress presents all of these really well.

 

Next week we will discuss pages 45-53 (to the end of the page) of Pilgrim’s Progress.

Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan

 

Not long after Christian goes through the Slough of Despond, he encounters Mr. Worldly Wiseman who counsels him to take a shortcut to getting his burden removed. His advice was to go up a steep mountain to the house of Mr. Legality, who lived in the city of Morality. This journey proved perilous to Christian who is finally encountered by Evangelist and instructed to return to the way God’s Word directed.

 

Next week we will discuss pages 35-45 up to “The Fire of Grace” of Pilgrim’s Progress.

Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan

 

In the opening pages of this allegory, we see Christian recognize his burden, flee from the wrath to come upon the city of Destruction, trudge through the slough of despond, and encounter people who both help and hinder him along the way. It is a good reminder of what genuine repentance looks like and the persuasion our faith should have in our lives. It will be two weeks before we see Christian make it to the cross, but these beginning steps are crucial.

 

Next week we will discuss pages 24-35 up to “Christian Enters in at the Gate” of Pilgrim’s Progress.