The Pilgrim's Progress

 

Fall is in the air, and my Valadez men are loving it! I am a summer girl myself, but the change of colors and smells humble me to God's creativity and wisdom with seasons. This past month, our church has resumed various ministries, Husband continues with TC and we have been enriched by various interactions with the body of Christ and time in scripture and prayer. We are still praying about attending the bible conference in Rome, January 2022, because travel restrictions continue changing. Additional praise reports and prayer requests are noted below. Please let us know how we can praise with or pray for you. Also, we would like to share three encouragements from John Bunyan's classic, "The Pilgrim's Progress," published in 1678: 1. the life of a believer is transient, 2. provided for, and 3. tested by sin, but God is gracious. Husband and I had the pleasure of reading this book with others from our church earlier in the year, and we highly recommend it (and I would suggest the original translation, he would not, lol :).

First, distinct to "Pilgrim literature," the main character, Christian, is representative of a believer on his journey towards the desired goal of the celestial city or heaven (Introduction). One of our favorite lines is an opening exchange between "the man" (later to be named Christian) and Evangelist: "Do you see yonder shining light? He [the man] said, I think so. Then said Evangelist, Keep that light in your eye, and go up directly thereto..." (p. 10, John 8:12). Even with doubt, Christ is to be kept as our focus, to guide. Later, Goodwill tells Christian, "Dost thou see the narrow way? That is the way thou must go...it is as straight as a rule can make it...there are many ways...the right only being straight and narrow" (p. 24, Matthew 7:13-14). Evangelist continues, "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..." (p. 71, 2 Corinthians 4:18, Mark 4:19). Also, our journey will include valleys, doubt and despair, but our future hope is sure (2 Corinthians 1:8-11).

Second, our pilgrimage is well provided for. We have received faith: "Christ is so hid in God from the natural apprehensions of the flesh, that he cannot by any man be savingly known, unless God the Father reveals him to them" (p. 120, 1 Corinthians 2:14). In a commentary on Galatians by Martin Luther regarding salvation by faith alone, he states, "We do nothing for it, and we give nothing for it. We only receive it" (Ephesians 2:8-9). Also, the Lord has provided the Son, Spirit and word for every spiritual battle that will arise (Ephesians 6:10-20). We also have the church - 'Godly friends who will keep the word before our eyes and in our hearts' (presenter, Ecclesiastes 4:12). At the end of the narrative, before entering heaven, Christian is overcome with fear, but his companion, Hopeful, says, "My brother, you have quite forgot the text...call to mind that which heretofore you have received of his goodness, and live upon him in your distresses" (p. 127, Philippians 4). 

Third, while we continue to struggle with indwelling sin, the Lord is merciful. After receiving clear instruction for his journey, Christian is met by Worldly Wiseman who speaks contrary and leads him astray, "But why wilt thou seek for ease this way, seeing so many dangers attend it...I could direct thee to the obtaining of what thou desirest, without the dangers...I will add...safety, friendship, and content" (p. 17, Genesis 3:6). All are susceptible to all sin, so when we find a brother in transgression, 'May we bear, cover, extenuate and excuse, for we are one flesh' (Luther commentary, Genesis 9:20-23), and may they do the same, as we, too, are found in sin. This becomes an opportunity to rescue, restore, repent, reconcile and renew. "We need forgiveness, righteousness and new life, gifts that are afforded to us only in Christ" (Ken Puls Pilgrim's Progress Commentary, p. 294). Bunyan details Hopeful's testimony as the men near their destination, highlighting resistance, ignorance, love for sin and former friends, guilt, terror and conviction. Faithful evangelized him, affirming, "...you must be justified by him...Go, and thou shalt find him upon a mercy-seat, where he sits all year long...And him that cometh to me, I will in no wise cast out" (pp. 113-115, John 6:37).

Although believers have been called out of darkness and into His marvelous light, we continue struggling with sin (Romans 7:19-25). Our lives are flawed, imperfect representations of our perfect Father. And yet, before the foundation, He chose and called us to walk in good works and display His character (Ephesians 1:4, 9, 2:10). May we be men and women that humbly admit our faults and boldly claim our absolution in Christ (Acts 3:19, Galatians 1:3-4). We need not despair but hope in Him who is faithful (Hebrews 10:23). We enter the gate because, "Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb" (p. 129, Revelation 19:9). Please join us in praising the Lord for the path He has appointed, resourced and cleansed for each of us - that includes you! And pray that we would remain faithful, focused and found, in Him alone. Apart from Him, you and I can do nothing.

Praise Reports:

1. Our neighbor (whose husband passed away the week of Easter) joined us in our home for dinner one evening and Sunday church service two weeks
2. We were able to fellowship at our table over several meals with beloved brethren
3. I was able to meet up with 2 sisters, a friend and attend a wedding where I met a young lady
4. Rick has been attending TC since August 30, and is enjoying fellowship, accountability and growth in knowledge and retention - an elder was also able to join him one evening
5. Rick, Jacob and I have resumed men & women's bible study (I have been asked to lead a small group - please pray for wisdom and love)
6. Jacob turned 19, and was graciously protected from what could have been a serious scooter malfunction accident
7. I saw a new holistic Dr., and my sleep appears to be improving
8. Zachary attended an apologetics conference, "Stand to Reason," and he was able to enjoy his time getting to know some of his peers
9. My parents and sister appear to be recovering from COVID

Prayer Requests (the Lord's will in all):

1. Continued direction/balance with ministry (+ faith, patience, wisdom & obedience), especially as Husband starts bible training August 30
2. Faithfulness in our current season
3. Unity in marriage & family 
4. Physical healing for me & our ability to conceive
5. Continued provision &/or direction for me with work 
6. Zachary's salvation
7. The Italian Theological Academy's "Shepherd's Conference" in Rome, January 2022 - how we can support & attending