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Gems from Pilgrims Progress

Discussion in 'Books & Publications Forum' started by NaasPreacher (C4K), Feb 5, 2004.

  1. NaasPreacher (C4K)

    NaasPreacher (C4K) Well-Known Member

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    I read Pilgrims Progress around the first of each year. Every year it is a great blessing. I wanted to share a special gem from what I read last night - anyone else have sections that have touched you? I may add a few more as I go through the book myself.

    But now, in this Valley of Humiliation, poor CHRISTIAN was hard put to it; for he had gone but a little way, before he espied a foul fiend coming over the field to meet with him; his name was APOLLYON. Then did CHRISTIAN begin to be afraid, and to cast in his mind whether to go back or to stand his ground. But he considered again, that he had no armour for his back, and therefore thought that to turn the back to him might give him greater advantage with ease to pierce him with his darts; therefore he resolved to venture, and stand his ground. For, thought he, had I no more in mine eye than the saving of my life, it would be the best way to stand.

    The worst thing we can do in the battle is to turn back. Indeed, as Christian noted, there is no armour for our backs!
     
  2. following-Him

    following-Him Active Member

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    Roger,

    I have not yet read Pilgrims Progress and would certainly enjoy reading your comments on it.

    Blessings

    Sheila
     
  3. NaasPreacher (C4K)

    NaasPreacher (C4K) Well-Known Member

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    In this scene Christian has begun to do battle with Appolyon. What comfort we should take when we feel Satan has defeated. Like Christian we must reach out for the Word of God and thereby defeat our enemy –

    Then APOLLYON, espying his opportunity, began to gather up close to CHRISTIAN, and wrestling with him, gave him a dreadful fall: and with that, CHRISTIAN'S sword flew out of his hand. Then said APOLLYON, "I am sure of thee now"; and with that he had almost pressed him to death, so that CHRISTIAN began to despair of life. But as God would have it, while APOLLYON was fetching his last blow, thereby to make a full end of this good man, CHRISTIAN nimbly reached out his hand for his sword, and caught it, saying, "Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy; when I fall, I shall arise" (#Mic 7:8); and with that, gave him a deadly thrust, which made him give back, as one that had received his mortal wound. CHRISTIAN perceiving that, made at him again, saying, "Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors, through him that loved us" (#Ro 8:37). And with that, APOLLYON spread forth his dragon's wings, and sped him away (#Jas 4:7), that CHRISTIAN for a season saw him no more.

    We are more than conquerers, Apollyon has no power of us. How can we act defeated!

    Any other readers of PP?
     
  4. NaasPreacher (C4K)

    NaasPreacher (C4K) Well-Known Member

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    Note the attitude of Christian’s companion, Faithful when he dealt with Wanton.


    Faith. No, not to defile myself; for I remembered an old writing that I had seen, which saith, "Her steps take hold on hell" (#Pr 5:5). So I shut mine eyes, because I would not be bewitched with her looks (#Job 31:1); then she railed on me, and I went my way.

    How many problems we could solve today with wantonness if we could all learn to “shut our eyes” and “go on our way.”
     
  5. following-Him

    following-Him Active Member

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    Roger,

    Thank you for doing this.
    Blessings

    Sheila
     
  6. NaasPreacher (C4K)

    NaasPreacher (C4K) Well-Known Member

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    Just a small nugget today. Faithful is recounting his dealings with Shame (this section is well worth a read on its own) who had tried to make him feel ashamed for being so different from the world. Here is a tiny section of what Faithful said to Christian -

    Therefore, thought I, what God says is best, indeed is best; though all the men in the world are against it.

    What wise words for today!
     
  7. following-Him

    following-Him Active Member

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    Thank you Roger.

    Blessings

    Sheila
     
  8. NaasPreacher (C4K)

    NaasPreacher (C4K) Well-Known Member

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    You are welcome Sheila, I just wish some other PP readers would give us some input. I find it a fantastic blessing and challenge. I have enough "gems" to last several days already. Come on folks, anyone else want to jump in?
     
  9. computerjunkie

    computerjunkie New Member

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    Unfortunately, Roger, I have never read PP, so I can't help you out! But I am thoroughly enjoying your daily synopsis of it!

    Thanks!
    CJ
     
  10. following-Him

    following-Him Active Member

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    Roger,
    I started on the Introduction of PP last night. I have the Penguin edition with the notes. Is that the same as you have?

    God Bless

    Sheila
     
  11. NaasPreacher (C4K)

    NaasPreacher (C4K) Well-Known Member

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    Sheila,

    I have an old version I bought a bookstore in Cardigan. It is probably a late 19th century and therefore unabridged of course.

    The first time I committed to read it I took it in small bites.

    Enjoy the read!


    Today's gem

    Obviously it is impossible to cover everything in this little thread. There is a lengthy dialogue between Faithful and Talkative. Talkative is one who only talks about his “faith” but never shows it in his works. This is another section which is well worth reading. Finally, Christian convinces Faithful to openly confront Talkative about his inconsistent walk. Talkative walks off in a huff and Faithful wonders if he did the right thing. Note carefully below Christian’s reply.

    Chr. You did well to talk so plainly to him as you did. There is but little of this faithful dealing with men nowadays, and that makes religion to stink in the nostrils of many as it doth; for they are these talkative fools whose religion is only in word, and are debauched and vain in their conversation, that (being so much admitted into the fellowship of the godly) do stumble the world, blemish Christianity, and grieve the sincere. I wish that all men would deal with such as you have done: then should they either be made more conformable to religion; or the company of saints would be too hot for them.

    Today, 350 years later, we still often are fearful to confront people with their sin. We can be so focused on numbers that we are afraid that, “the company of saints would be too hot for them,” and instead allow them to “stumble the world, blemish Christianity, and grieve the sincere.
     
  12. Gwyneth

    Gwyneth <img src=/gwyneth.gif>

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    Hi Roger,
    About two years ago, my Pastor at the small country church I then attended, read through PP with the congregation, we used to do it in the morning service for about half an hour each week. Read a bit, explain a bit .... I have a copy, and have not read it since that time, this thread has given me an appetite for it again .......THANKS.
    Gwyneth
     
  13. NaasPreacher (C4K)

    NaasPreacher (C4K) Well-Known Member

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    Glad you are enjoying it Gwyneth.
     
  14. NaasPreacher (C4K)

    NaasPreacher (C4K) Well-Known Member

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    Faithful and Christian have face some opposition, Their next stop is going to Vanity Fair. Note how Evangalist prepares them for the trials there-

    Evan. "Right glad am I, "said EVANGELIST--"not that you met with trials, but that you have been victors; and for that you have (notwithstanding many weaknesses) continued in the way to this very day. I say, right glad am I of this thing, and that for mine own sake and yours: I have sowed, and you have reaped; and the day is coming when both he that sowed and they that reaped shall rejoice together--that is, if you hold out: for in due time ye shall reap, if you faint not. The crown is before you; and it is an incorruptible one: so run that you may obtain it. Some there be that set out for this crown; and after they have gone far for it, another comes in and takes it from them! Hold fast, therefore, that you have: let no man take your crown (#Joh 4:36 Ga 6:9 1Co 9:24-27 Re 3:11); you are not yet out of the gunshot of the devil; you have not resisted unto blood, striving against sin. Let the Kingdom be always before you; and believe steadfastly concerning things that are invisible. Let nothing that is on this side the other world get within you; and, above all, look well to your own hearts, and to the lusts thereof, for they are deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked. Set your faces like a flint; you have all power in heaven and earth on your side."
     
  15. NaasPreacher (C4K)

    NaasPreacher (C4K) Well-Known Member

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    I have skipped several important sections, Faithful's death in Vanity Fair, the meeting up of Hopeful and Christian, those who tried to draw them astray, etc.

    We come now to the time when Christian foolishly leads Hopeful off the path. Hopeful is striving to get them back on path when Christian makes a vital discovery and shares it with us -

    (Then I thought that it is easier going out of the way when we are in, than going in when we are out.)

    How true that is! It is so much easier to wander into carnal living then it is to repent and turn again to following Christ!
     
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