In the Family of God

“Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all.”

– 1 Thessalonians 5:14

Exposition:

        In the family of God, some are mature and wise, others are young and energetic, yet many are children and so childish, nay, babes in Christ. We are not all of equal stature and strength. Some may need to be carried in arms, others may need to be led by their hand, yet many may need spoon-feeding until they can develop the conviction of their own. Paul mentioned four groups of people in this verse:

        The brethren, who are more mature and have the most responsibility. They are not to lord over the less mature ones, rather they must be a model for the edification of the body of Christ. The unruly ones who need confrontation and correction not only for their own good, but also to not let a little leaven leavens the whole lump. The fainthearted ones who are bogged down by trials and suffering (like the loss of loved ones in Thessalonica) might be tempted to doubt the goodness of God; they need help, comfort and encouragement. The weak ones who are naïve and easily swayed by every wind of doctrines need much support and instruction.

        Regardless of the group you belong to, you sometimes find yourself in every group. We all have strong and weak points. Nobody is perfect, everyone needs to exercise patience with one another. Besides, even the most mature ones were once babies, and they need to recall the patience others had on them. Remember the patience of Jesus Christ towards His disciples and the people of His days. Our God remains patient with us even to this day.

Personal Reflection:

·       Who are the most mature people that I may hang out with for my spiritual growth? Who are the discouraged ones who may need my encouragement? Have I been kind to my weaker brothers and sisters in Christ?

Personal Commitment:

·       To cultivate the virtue of patience.

Prayer:

Help me, Lord, to develop more patience towards all, Amen!

Be Known For Gentleness

“Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.”

– Philippians 4:5

Exposition:

        How would you like to be known for? We live in a time when people want you to care more about their feelings than their responsibility. It is not uncommon to see WhatsApp Status Update, "Feeling Angry," "Feeling Lazy," "Feeling so Tired," and so on. We often seek to be excused and be sympathized with our sins. Besides, vulgar expressions are considered more genuine and more convincing than gentle expressions. However, this verse instructs us to be known for gentleness.

        We are called to control our emotions and be gentle with one another, not just once or twice, not only to one or two individuals, not only in front of a camera or in a church but as our identity, for it says, “be known to all men.” Certainly, it is easier to shout at those who wronged us, but it is comely for a Christian to overlook in gentleness. It is easier to demand justice and be tough when we happened to be on the less-wrong side, it is comely for a Christian to forgive and avoid creating a scene.

        We (as individuals) have wronged God more than all the people in the world combined can ever wrong against us, yet God has forgiven us. He is gentle toward us evermore. We who love God, who fear God, and who wait for His appearing do well to clothe ourselves with gentleness as He is to us.

Personal Reflection:

·       How often have I chosen the path of humour, sarcasm, or satire at the expense of gentleness in my speech, writing, and conduct!!??

Personal Commitment:

·       I've got to look for an option of gentleness in all tough situations.

Prayer:

Gracious Lord, would You please make me more gentle in all my actions as the outworking of Your gentleness toward me! Amen!

Minding our Own Business

“That you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you”

– 1Thessalonians 4:11

Exposition:

        It is far easier to talk about others than about ourselves. We can comfortably point out their misdeeds, wittily give them suggestions, and self-righteously condemn them. On the contrary, it is difficult for us to even admit our own mistake, to take our own advice, and often justify ourselves by saying, “Nobody’s perfect.” It was so even among the Thessalonian Christians. Some of them were idle busybodies. Apostle Paul instructed them how Christians ought to live particularly in anticipation of the return of Jesus Christ.

        There’s a play of word in this instruction. Those who were busy meddling in the business of others but idle in their own affairs should be idle in others’ affairs and be busy in their own works. The Greek culture which was in Thessalonica and elsewhere considered manual labor to be the work of slaves. Paul taught that Christian culture has a high view of vocation: everyone must work for a living. Paul demonstrated that even he, a full-time minister of the gospel, worked diligently not only for his living but to help others. Christians are not to steal or beg, rather they must work laboriously that they have enough not only for themselves but to help others too (Acts 20:35; Eph4:28).

        We aren’t supposed to sell everything we have, stay idle, and wait for the return of Christ. We must be productive in all good works, also accumulating treasures in heaven, and befriending more eternal friends through our transient wealth. Above all, would we work on our own sanctification first and far more than we desire to see the work of sanctification in the lives of others?

Personal Reflection:

·       Could some of the things I have said or done were actually meddling the affairs of others, and not really helping them?

Personal Commitment:

·       To be more concerned with my own personal sanctification than with the sanctification of others.

Prayer:

Lord, help me to remain quiet and calm in the areas where I ought to be and be busy in all good works. Help me to be forgiving, compassionate, and generous to others as you have been to me. Amen!

How to and not to confront a brother

"Yet do not count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.”

- 2 Thessalonians 3:15

Few things are more difficult than confronting a sinning brother; much more difficult to do lovingly. Every one of us wants to be confronted lovingly and respectfully if we are caught in a sin, but when we find someone in sin, we really do the opposite. We are harsh, quick to condemn, as if we fear others may criticize us for associating with that brother in the past even in good works. This verse tells us how to confront one another in a godly way. Paul gives two Commandments here:  how not to, and how to.

First, confrontation must be done without giving in to hatred. Oftentimes, we condemn a person; let only God condemn a person. Also, we are not to treat him like an enemy. Even if he is a real enemy, our Lord tells us to love our enemy. Furthermore, this verse is not about ex-communication. Even in ex-communication, we are not to treat him as an enemy, but as other sinners. We don't hate sinners; we love them to be saved and look out for every opportunity to share the gospel of repentance.

Second, we must confront him in love. Remember, he is your brother, a family member. (Even if he is not a Christian, he is still a brother in the sense, we all are created in the image of God). Sin must be confronted because sin is contagious. It not only kills the person, but infects others too. Both Old and New Testaments commanded us to love not only our neighbors but also our enemies. We don't and shouldn't participate in their sins, but we must open our arms wide enough for them to see that there is forgiveness, restoration, and friendship in God's love.

Have you ever said or thought "I hate him," "I am really angry," "I don't want to do anything with him," or "He is useless" when you talk about a sinning brother? Would you ask God to change your heart? Maybe you need the grace of God as much as he does!

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The Secret vs The Revealed Wisdom of God

“The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but those things which are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.”

– Deuteronomy 29:29

Exposition:

        Above all God's creations, we are given an amazing brain capable of imagining things that we would want without restriction. We are curious about new things, we like challenges, confusions, and even horror for some time if we can resolve and regain control over them. However, some things are beyond comprehension. Sometimes we used our imagination to understand God. Scriptures forbid us to imagine a different God other than the God revealed in the Scriptures. Rather, we are commanded (not a suggestion or an advice) to study the Scriptures diligently to know Him more and more. The word of God is an infinite treasure of wisdom, inexhaustible, timeless, sufficient and beneficial for all those who seek to know.

        With the Israelites, we may wonder why God would bring a terrible judgment upon the stiff-necked Israelites? Could He not give them a change of heart instantaneously? Or any question like, “Why did God put the tree in the garden if He knew they would eat its fruit?” Those questions aren’t bad per se, but if they lead us to doubt and deny God, we must remember this verse: we are to seek and obey what is revealed in the Scriptures, and not to try to fool ourselves by attempting to know the infinite wisdom of God. Instead of asking ‘why?’ in our mind, we are supposed to study the Scripture and confirm “So, it was.” God warned them of judgment for disobedience, they disobeyed, and so, it was (that they were judged).

        We must not reject God or question His wisdom just because we don’t understand what He is doing. Our puny brain cannot understand the infinite God. God is revealed in the Scripture to be good, just, loving, merciful, and gracious. Would you humble yourself before Him and trust His wisdom? As one Hymn says, “To be happy in Jesus is but to trust and obey!”

Personal Reflection:

·       How often have I got angry in trying to understand some circumstances of life when I should have exercised trust and rest in God who has allowed them for my own good?

Personal Commitment:

·       To take delight in His word to understand Him better, especially in trying times.

Prayer:

Lord, help me to say like David, “I have quieted my soul before You. I do not seek to understand which is too difficult for me.” I put my trust in You, Amen!

Not to be Popular

 “Therefore when Jesus perceived that they were about to come and take Him by force to make Him king, He departed again to the mountain by Himself alone.”

– John 6:15

John 6 is about bread offered by Jesus Christ. When He offered the physical bread, many wanted him to be a king; He refused and walked away. Then He offered the spiritual bread, which is Himself; they refused and walked away. In verse 15, they wanted Jesus to be king after seeing His miracle of feeding about five thousand people. In fact, the narrative says that they'd force Him to be a king. Jesus wasn’t interested and ran away.

The true King of the Universe refused to be a king! And how many of us want to be a king, president, CEO, officers, and any position of leadership? Or to ask more accurately, “How many of us want to be popular?” Well, position and popularity in themselves are neither bad nor to be rejected bluntly. It just means that the mission (job, work) is more important than any position, popularity, or reputation. A position is given to fulfill a specific role. Popularity comes from being good at what one does.

Jesus was focused on His mission. He came into the world to die like a criminal, not to be crowned as king. We are criminals before God, we have violated all His laws. Jesus died for us, that we the real criminals may live as princes and princesses in the kingdom to come. In fact, at His crucifixion, He was crowned king again, but not in admiration, but in mockery – a crown of thorn. Jesus is the true King and the only King. He reigns in the heart of Christians now. He sustains and rules the universe invisibly. He will come back to earth again, and the whole world will confess (and rightly so) that He is King; because on that day, He comes not to die for sinners, but to judge sinners (unbelievers).

Sometimes, we are tempted to wish God to raise up famous pastors who are popular as Justin Bieber or Cristiano Ronaldo. And we would like to volunteer if a call is made. We thought that if they were popular as them, wouldn’t they be influencing much for the cause of the Kingdom? Actually, God doesn’t call pastors to be popular. If it were so, I’m sure, pastors would be the most popular people in the world. As a pastor, I am glad that the sorts of Bieber and Ronaldo are very popular to remind pastors that our calling is not to be popular, and we will never be popular as them. 

Our calling as a pastor is not to build a name or a kingdom for ourselves. Let Alexander do that. Let Justin Bieber be the crush of everyone. Let Ronaldo have his CR7 brands. And let Obama have million Twitter followers. Our job and mission is similar to our Lord Jesus Christ – to preach the gospel of the Kingdom of God, which is offensive to the world in that we can become so unpopular to the point of persecution. Having said that, I admit, "It's difficult!" Therefore, in God, seeking, both for mercy and obedience! Amen!

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Real Life from a Zombie Life

“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”

– John 10:10

Many have thought that Christian life is boring and bitter because it's so demanding and costly. Indeed, Christian life is demanding and costly, but it is the only life worth living. Actually, human race is a zombie race; we are spiritually dead people walking. We need a real death or a real life. This verse reveals us how both options are offered to us. 

The worldly lifestyle (its philosophy and temptations) and the false religions only deceive us and ultimately lead us to real death, which is the eternal separation from the love of God. They come like anyone but their intention is to fulfil their wicked desires. They burdened us with their man-made regulations, oppressed us for the benefit of the elites, threatened us with fear, and deceived us with false assurances. Jesus came to give true life. Wow! It's as if a zombie becomes a human being again through the antidote, as in a science fiction movie. Now, he stopped devouring one another, came back to his senses, and lives a life of deliverance– joyfully and meaningfully.

Only Jesus has such an anti-dote to give us real life. It is a life in its fullness. It is a life beyond anything we have ever dreamed of. The scripture promised this effectively. It says, “may have life.’’ Indeed, it says more than this. It says, “may have life abundantly.” It is a life of abundance. In fact, it says, again, more than this, for it says, “may have life more abundantly.” How could anyone say that Christian life is boring or bitter when we have not only true life but exceedingly abundant true life? 

A true Christian already died in Christ, the life that he now lives is the life given by Christ. Even this life is not lived on his own, but it is Jesus who lives in him (Gal 2:20). It is He who gives the will and the ability to live this abundant life. It is He who produces joy in his life. Would you receive this true life in Jesus Christ? Worldly life leads to death. Jesus gives eternal life, a life beyond physical death, a perfected life in the presence of the glorious God. “Nobody is perfect” will be “Everybody is perfected” there. 

Responsible Family Member

 “But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”

– 1 Timothy 5:8

Paul has a high view of the family. He requires that unless a man shows proven leadership in his home, he cannot be a public (church) leader. He further says that unless a man is a responsible family member, he cannot be possibly a church member (a Christian). In fact, he is worse than an unbeliever. Does this not come as a rebuke to many of us? We want to be leaders in the church or in society when we actually don't demonstrate a sense of responsibility in our own homes. Some are often saints outside their homes and devils in their homes.

The Christian instruction is that first and foremost, as an individual, each of us must pursue personal sanctification. Unless we are transformed by the Spirit to live a responsible life, how can we possibly help others? And unless we are taking care of our own family members, how can any outsider trust our message that we love them? Parents must bring up their children to maturity – that includes their physical needs, education, life skills, and instruction in righteousness and godliness. Children must grow up in obedience, and they should learn to repay their parents when they grow old.

The issue is not about how much they can provide (quantity) or the level of comfort they can give (quality). The issue is concerning the responsibility and the priority one has for his household. Paul expects even the unbelievers to follow this principle because God has written it on our conscience and in the fabric of human society. Sure, a believer may identify with other believers, but his responsibility towards his own family, even to the unbelieving family members, does not decrease. Rather, a Christian has an increasing responsibility not only to his household of blood but of faith too.

Are you having a good relationship with your family members? Have you been neglecting your family (or your spouse) because of your work? Take heed to the words of Apostle Paul. Would you please have a high view of the family?

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OMG and the 3rd Commandment

"You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.”

— Exodus 20:7

        Every now and then we hear people saying, "O My God" or "OMG!" Is it okay for a Christian to say those? The 3rd Commandment forbids us to take the name of our God Yahweh in vain. Even if this weren't found in the 10 Commandments, doesn't our common sense tell us not to use the name of whom we love, respect, fear in vain? Non-Christians may say whatever they like, because their 'God' is not our Yahweh, they never know Him. But for a Christian when he says 'God' that's none other than the biblical God, Yahweh!

        Abusing God's name is abusing God's character. Claiming to speak for God, but speaking one's agenda is abusing the name of God. Professing to be a Christian (a child of God) and living a sinful life blasphemes the name of God. Swearing by the name of God is invoking the character of God, who is the supreme being of the Universe. Even in real life, the High Court or the Supreme Court of the earth is the last place we want to settle our dispute, why, O why invoke the name of the Supreme Judge for petty issues?

        However, there are perfect occasions where we may even say "Oh! My God" with reverence in prayer. Blurting out in funny instances or even in a surprising situation is a misuse. We do not shout out our name or the names of those we respect and love in such instances saying, “O My ___,” it doesn’t sound good or right. May we revere our God! If it is not a reaction to invoke the mercy or any help of God, it is to use the name of God in vain.

        God demands that we honor Him, worship Him, serve Him, and live for His glory. A life that doesn't honor God and that does not give Him the glory is a sinful life; it invites the wrath of God. None can deliver us from the wrath of God. Let us fear and tremble before Him. Have you ever misused the name of God, misrepresented God, invoked the name of God in vain? Ask for forgiveness and commit yourself to not do them anymore!

Review Of Pilgrim's Progress With Questions For Discussion.

Adapted version of Dick Worth

        I first read this edition twelve years ago. What impressed at the time were the incidents at the Slough of Despond and the Doubting Castle; they were so relatable to me. Four years ago while I was visiting a friend in Shillong, I befriended some teenagers. It seemed appropriate to me to help them cultivate the habit of reading books, particularly Christian literature. What would be the best book for teenagers who have never grown accustomed to reading books? Without competition, this edition of the Pilgrim’s Progress came into my mind because this edition is easy to read, simple to understand, inexpensive in price, and very pertinent in its contents. I went through all the Christian bookshops in Shillong, but I couldn't find it. Sorry! I wasn’t able to help them. As one of our famous Zeliangrong proverbs says, “Nimduakmeikha dai ran ne,” loosely translated, the fish that slipped your hand was the biggest, I was even more determined to get this book for the youngsters. Time went by, and when I was in Imphal, I went to all the Christian bookshops, hoping to find at least an old copy but it was not found.

        Time continued to pass, and I was in Punjab. There, I befriended other youngsters and increasingly felt the need to give this book away. I went to all the known Christian bookshops in Delhi just to return empty-handed. I sent an email to the online distributors and they said the book was out of stock and out of print. Last year, in December, I came across it online and ordered dozens of copies. The reason I am narrating this is to make it clear that this is a book that I want everyone to read and be rejuvenated. By now, I have read this edition 4 times. You may be young or old if you have not acquired the habit to read Christian books, I would submit to you that this edition of Pilgrim’s Progress is the best one to start with. Well, there are a lot of good Christian books, but my recommendation is this. 

        I have already mentioned some features of this edition of Pilgrim's Progress, and I will elaborate on them here:

1.     This is not an original version of the 1684 edition of John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress. That version is much longer, tougher to read as it was written in old English, slightly intimidating, and will cost you more money. Even if that version sounds perfect for you, this version will complement well, and vice versa. How about reading both? Or I would press further, why not read both again and again?

2.     This edition is a modern English adaptation by Dick Worth. It was published by Good Shepherd Books, 2019 Reprint, Indian Edition (copyright 1994). It doesn’t contain the author’s apology, which I am not sure is a good or a bad omission, but maybe the 236 rhyming apologetic lines would put off a naïve reader.

3.     It has a total number of 138 printed pages of which only 98 are readable pages. Indeed, a light reading, isn’t it? It is a very small book which you could tuck inside your pocket. Its dimension is only 18 cm in length, 12 cm in width and only 0.9 cm thick.

4.     Another great feature of this edition is that it contains 18 illustrations, 8 pages of Journey Chart and 4 pages of John Bunyan's biography.

5.     In fact, this is a combination of John Bunyan’s two books: Christian’s Journey (Part I) and Christina’s Journey (Part II). Part I has 52 readable pages and 10 illustrations. Part II has 46 readable pages and 8 illustrations. [I am giving this detail that you may know it is easily readable in one sitting.]

6.     At Christianstore.in it is sold for only rupees 79 without any shipping charge. Place an order now, and I hope you will be able to answer the following questions with ease.

PART I: Christian’s Journey

Q1. Who had a dream? p.9, 69, 73, What does that tell you about this story, novel? Literary Genre?

Q2. Who helped Mr. Christian to start his journey? p. 9 How does someone become a Christian? [Refer p.91 too.]

Q3. What was the message of Mr. Evangelist? p.9. 11. How must we preach the gospel?

Q4. What was the name of the gate? p.11. How must we live our lives? [Similar to Q14.]

Q5. What made Mr. Christian leave all his friends and the life he enjoyed before unlike Mr. Obstinate? [p.11] What comes with the good news of Salvation?

Q6. What is the name of the place where Mr. Christian first fell in? p.13. Why is that bog named like that? Also, refer to p.77.

Q7. What has been done to that bog in the last 2000 years? p.13. When was the last time you had fallen into that bog?

Q8. What was on the back of Mr. Christian and how did he get it? p.15, 9

Q9. What was the advice of Mr. Worldly-Wiseman to get rid of his burden? p. 15, 14

Q10. What was wrong with the advice of Mr. Worldly-Wiseman? p. 17. Why should not we heed to the saying of the wise men of the world?

Q11. What would you reply if Jesus asks you, “Why should I let you into My Kingdom?” p. 19, 97, 77

Q12. What is the difference between the law and the gospel? p.21

Q13. Who are the Shining Ones? How did they greet Mr. Christian? p.24

Q14. Who climbed over the wall by not going through the Wicket-Gate, and what did they lack in doing so? p.25. How must we live? [Similar to Q4.]

Q15. Where did Mr. Christian fall asleep? What made him sleepy and what had he lost because of falling asleep? p.26, 27. Where was right for him to sleep? p.27

Q16. What was wrong with Mr. Shame, according to Mr. Faithful? p.34-35. Why should we not give in to self-pity?

Q17. Mr. Faithful, Lady Christina and the children, and others went through the Valley of the Shadow of Death in daylight, why did Christian go through the night? p.35, 103, 106, 32

Q18. What is the difference between Mr. Talkative’s theology of sin and Mr. Faithful’s theology of sin? p. 39. Refer p.64-65 too.

Q19. What are the characteristics of Saving Grace according to Mr. Faithful in response to Mr. Talkative? p.40

Q20. After the death of Mr. Faithful who went with Mr. Christian? p.48

Q21. What was Mr. By-ends philosophy of life? p.49

Q22. Do you agree with John Bunyan that Esau, Ananias, and Sapphira are in Hell? [p.58 ]Also do you agree with his view on dreams? p.95. Refer p.135 too.

Q23. Analyze the character of Mr. Ignorance (p.58, 62-64, 69) and Mr. Talkative (p.35-41)

Q24. What was that river at the end? p.67. How and What happened to Mr. Ignorance? p.69

PART II: Christina and the Kids’ Journey

Q1. What should a sinner do as Ms. Mercy did? p.76, 79, 80

Q2. What has happened to the Slough of Despond? p.77. What is the nature of Christianity nowadays?

Q3. What’s your thought on chicks and hens? p.85-86

Q4. How did the young James know to reply to a Trinitarian answer? p.95-96, 98

Q5. What did Ms. Mercy want in her man? p.98-99. How did John Bunyan view of works?

Q6. How does the fear of God differ from the fear of hell? p.106

Q7. Analyze the character of Mr. Fearing (p.105-106) and Mr. Feeble- (p.110-111, 112, 122)

Q8. What were the rest of the pilgrims not crossing the river? p.125

Critical Comment: Of course, Pilgrim’s Progress is not a perfect book, it doesn’t even come close, for that matter. I do not agree with some of his (John Bunyan) allegorical interpretations and allusions. Particularly in this edition, there is a lack of clarity on some issues like the fate of Ananias and Sapphira (p.58) and the issue of dreams (p.95). Also, in this edition, in one of the scenes of the Delectable Mountains (Part II, page 117), there is an omission of a character Godly-man which was replaced by neuter gender “it,” which unfortunately is misleading. However, the illustration on p116 shows that “it” was a person, not a mountain. I could say a little more on the choice of illustrations as well, that some of them are inaccurate (p. 68, 36), and some are somewhat confusing (p44, who’s who?). However, the picture of a man with a muck-rake ignoring the crown (p84) is so captivating that even if the rest of the illustrative pictures fail, I shall not murmur.

Why re-read Pilgrim’s Progress again and again?

           

            Apart from the Bible, Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan is the only book which I have read several times and planning to read at least once in every year to come. Charles Spurgeon, the prince of preachers had read it a hundred times. It has been one of the best and most-read and purchased Christian literature along with the Bible over the centuries. I love Pilgrim’s Progress for at least three reasons: 1. Because of the clarity of scriptural doctrines, especially the justification, sanctification, perseverance, and eternal life. 2. Because the characters therein are easily recognized, relatable, and remembered. 3. Because its message is true for all sorts of people because all the conversations can be traced back to the pages of the Bible.

I understand some people were critical of Bunyan’s style of writing, and there may be more now, but I am satisfied with Bunyan’s 236 rhyming lines reply to those critics, especially this section:

The prophets used much by metaphors
To set forth truth; yea, who so considers
Christ, his apostles too, shall plainly see,
That truths to this day in such mantles be.
Am I afraid to say, that holy writ,
Which for its style and phrase puts down all wit,
Is everywhere so full of all these things--
Dark figures, allegories? Yet there springs
From that same book that lustre, and those rays
Of light, that turn our darkest nights to days.
Come, let my carper to his life now look,
And find there darker lines than in my book
He findeth any; yea, and let him know,
That in his best things there are worse lines too.

John Bunyan was not a well-educated man from Oxford or Cambridge, but he was a genius. His Pilgrim’s Progress is a masterpiece. It is simple enough for a child to comprehend and also profound enough for adults to ponder upon. Some literary critics may have their opinions on Bunyan style of fiction novel, but I agree with H.R. Williamson’s assessment, “whether this quality in Bunyan will appeal generally to an age which applauds purposeless and patternless psychological meanderings as masterpieces of fiction, I do not know. I can only admit that I found it exhilarating” (emphasis added). Why should you read Pilgrim’s Progress? Read what John Bunyan has to say:

This book it chalketh out before thine eyes
The man that seeks the everlasting prize;
It shews you whence he comes, whither he goes;
What he leaves undone, also what he does;
It also shows you how he runs and runs,
Till he unto the gate of glory comes.
It shows, too, who set out for life amain,
As if the lasting crown they would obtain;
Here also you may see the reason why
They lose their labour, and like fools do die.
This book will make a traveller of thee,
If by its counsel thou wilt ruled be;
It will direct thee to the Holy Land,
If thou wilt its directions understand:
Yea, it will make the slothful active be;
The blind also delightful things to see.

This book is writ in such a dialect
As may the minds of listless men affect:
It seems a novelty, and yet contains
Nothing but sound and honest gospel strains.

Why should you re-read Pilgrim’s Progress again and again? Well, because each time you read you will find yourself journeying in one of those places where Christian and Christina had encountered a major incident, and it will encourage you to have a faithful pilgrim life on earth. Remember, we all are pilgrims longing and journeying towards that celestial city (cf. Hebrews 11:16; Philippians 3:20; 1Peter 2:11).

In the next post, I'm going to review one particular edition of Pilgrim's Progress and propose some useful study questions. Remembers, Pilgrim’s Progress has been published by different publishers in the last 400 years, we need to own and read that suits us, nah?