DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- THE VALLEY OF THE SHADOW OF DEATH

PILGRIM'S PROGRESS – THE VALLEY OF THE SHADOW OF DEATH

"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me." (Psalm 23:3)

"Now at the end of the Valley of Humiliation, there was another valley, the Valley of the Shadow of Death. And since there was no other way to the Celestial City, Christian was obliged to go through it. Now this valley was a very solitary place, and as the prophet Jeremiah described it, 'a wilderness, a land of desert, and of pits, a land of drought, and of the shadow of death, a land that no man [but as a Christian] passed through, and where no one lived.'"

Quite often, we think of the Valley of the Shadow of Death as the death experience where go through the pangs of leaving this world. Bunyan had a different view. He saw it in terms of the times in the Christian walk where it seems dry and barren, where no there is no rejoicing, where it seems one walks alone without anyone to walk alongside to encourage. It is death in the sense that it seems that one is separated from God. We call it depression.

I've been through this valley more than once. Perhaps the worst time was in 1971-72. I thought God was leading us to vocational missionary service to Hispanics. When that did not happen, I walked through a very "desert" time when it seemed that God was absent, even though I sought Him with many tears. Another time was an extended period in the 1990s when it seemed that God was very far away, and my spiritual life was as dry as a bone that Skeeter had picked clean. It was again a time when what I had thought that what God was leading us to do collapsed in ashes. I went through the motions, but it was indeed a dark and dry time. The only thing that kept me going was my faith, my love for Jesus, and the promise that He would be with me to the end.

It wasn't until Christian came out of the valley and looked back that He could see that God had been faithful even during the dark times – that He was there. Christian growth is a funny thing, but it seems that the deepening of faith comes through the dry times when "the just shall live by their faith" (Habakkuk 2:4; Galatians 3:11, et al). God is present, even in the dark and dry times.

Love, Dad

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- THE VALLEY OF HUMILIATION

PILGRIM'S PROGRESS – THE VALLEY OF HUMILIATION

"Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in the appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross" (Philippians 2:3-8)

"Then Christian said, 'It appears that going down the hill is going to be as difficult and dangerous as it was climbing up the hill.' 'Yes,' said Prudence, 'it is a hard thing for a man to go down into the Valley of Humiliation … without slipping and falling….' "

Going down-hill – that is, being humbled – is a difficult thing. Some people slip and fall because they are humiliated. Many people do not come to Christ because they are not willing to humble themselves to acknowledge their need for a Savior.

The Lord Jesus was the great example of humility when He humbled Himself. He – the King of Heaven and the Lord of Hosts – gave it all up to humble Himself to become a human and experience the poverty and pain of this world. He didn't have to do it. But he was willing because of His great love for us. Love was the only thing that nailed Him to the Cross, which was a place of great humiliation. He was stripped of His dignity. He was stripped of his clothing, spit upon, beaten, mocked, forced to carry His cross, hanging as a criminal between other criminals. But these were not the greatest indignity. Carrying the sins of the world when He was without sin – that must have been the greatest humiliation for the Lord of Glory.

God calls us to have the mind of Christ, which means humbling ourselves as He did. God says He "resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He my exalt you in due time" (I Peter 5:5-6). Humbling ourselves under God's mighty hand and admitting our sin and failure is not easy because it goes against our pride. But it is the only way to gain release from them. Going through the Valley of Humiliation is not a choice; it is a requirement if we are to follow Christ.

Love, Dad

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DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- PILGRIM'S PROGRESS -- DISCIPLESHIP

PILGRIM'S PROGRESS

"Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him. But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit" (I Corinthians 2:9-10a).

"So in the morning they all got up, and after some more discourse they told him that he should not depart until they had shown him some the treasures of that place."

First, the inhabitants of the House Beautiful – that is Watchful, Discretion, Prudence, Piety and Charity -- showed him the historical records: the genealogy of the Lord of the Hill, the list of His acts, the roster of all those who had been in His service along with their mighty deed (ala Hebrews 11), and the writings of the prophets. There was a museum that contained the articles that represented the wonderful times when God showed Himself strong, such as the rod of Moses, the sling of David, and many other items of interest. Then they took him into the armory, where there was stored all of the articles of warfare that would outfit Christians, such as swords, shields, helmet, breastplates, shoes that would not wear out, and prayer which would help him be victorious in the Christian life (ala Ephesians 6). And just before he departed for the rest of his journey, they showed him the Delectable Mountains that he would come to on his way to the Celestial City – "a most pleasant mountainous country, beautified with woods, vineyard, fruits of all sorts, flowers, springs, and fountains, very delectable to behold." The name of this place was Immanuel's Land, from which he could see the Celestial City. Before he left the House Beautiful to continue his journey, Christian was dressed in armor from the storehouse, with which he would be victorious in future trials. Then he continued on his journey.

All of these things were important to the growth and strength of Christian on his journey – a secure basis for faith from the historical perspective, the preparation for battle, and a view of the Celestial City as the destination. We call this discipleship, and it is vital for being a strong Christian. Too often people bypass this place of learning and training and their faith suffers because of it. May we be faithful to obey the Lord's commandment, "teaching them to observe all thing I have commanded you" (Matthew 28:20).

Love, Dad

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- FELLOWSHIP OF BELIEVERS

PILGRIM'S PROGRESS – FELLOWSHIP OF BELIEVERS

"….that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unrighteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation" (Romans 10:9-10).

"The porter stated, 'Well, I will call out one of the virgins of this place who will, if she approves of your testimony, bring you in to the rest of the family, according to the rules of the house. Then Watchful, the porter, rang a bell, at the sound of which a serious-looking, beautiful maiden came out of the door of the house. Here name was Discretion, and she immediately asked why she had been called."

Receiving people into the family is not a light thing. Watchful would not let just anyone into the house without vetting the person who wants to enter. Discretion (which might be akin to discernment of spirits – I Corinthians 12:10) begins by asking him questions about where had come from and where he was traveling to, and about experiences he had encountered along the way. She then called for three more members of the family to hear his testimony – Prudence, Piety, and Charity. Together, they listened to his witness. He explained how he had left his native country because of the coming destruction, how he had met Evangelist, about the narrow gate, and about coming to the hill of the cross where his burdens rolled away. This testimony convinced them that his conversion was real and they invited him to partake of a meal with the rest of the family.

Everyone is welcome to attend our church. But in order to be enrolled into the fellowship as a member, a person must give a testimony of their conversion and their faith to ensure that their salvation is a genuine experience. Not everyone who says, "Lord, Lord," will enter into the kingdom (Matthew 7:21). God has placed elders as guardians of the membership, charged with guarding against those who would come into our midst in sheep's clothing (Matthew 7:15). It takes diligence and discretion, along with prudence, piety, and charity, to protect the integrity of the flock. One way to tell if a person's conversion is genuine is a clear testimony of the grace of God in a his or her life. Without that, we become only a social club filled with people who are not saved. This does not mean that everyone is perfect, but it helps ensure that the Gospel is the focus of our fellowship.

May God help the Church to remain steadfast in the Gospel of the Lord Jesus.

Love, Dad

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- PILGRIM'S PROGRESS -- A NEW NAME

PILGRIM'S PROGRESS

"To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat. And I will give a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it" (Revelation 2:17).

"My name is now Christian, but my name used to be Graceless."

Pilgrim made it past the lions and came to the House Beautiful where we was greeted by the porter of the house, Watchful. He was asked by Watchful, "What is your name," to which Pilgrim responded, "My name is now Christian." He used to be called Graceless, but he has had a change of name.

Pilgrim is no longer just a person on a journey to the Celestial City. He has a new identification. He is a Christian. He has truly experience the grace of God in his life that has transformed him. This is not just an external change, but an internal one as a person who has found freedom from the bondage of sin in his life.

Thereare examples in the Bible of people who have had name changes. There was Abram (exaltedfather) to Abraham (father of man nations) (Genesis 17:5). There was Jacob (supplanter or deceiver) who, when wrestling with God, had a name change to Israel (one who prevails with God)(Genesis 32:28). There was Simon who was called Cephas (stone) (John 1:42), but was changed to Petros (rock) (John Mark 3:16). There was Joses (exalted) who was called Barnabas (Son of Encouragement) (Acts 4:36). And of course Saul (desired) of Tarsus became Paul (small or little) the Apostle (Acts 13:9). These name changes all reflect a substantive change in their being.

At a block party a few years ago, neighbors were introducing themselves, giving their name and a short biography.  I said to the group, "My name is John, but I want to be called Christian because that is what I want to be."  I do have a new name. Not just the change from the Alvin of my childhood to John, but a new name that reflects my new life in Christ. Jesus said that to those who overcome, He will give a new name (Revelation 2:17). "There's a new name written down in glory, and it's mine – oh, yes it's mine." I am not a just a seeking Pilgrim – I am a Christian – a new person in Christ (II Corinthians 5:17).

Love, Dad

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- PILGRIM'S PROGRESS -- THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD

PILGRIM'S PROGRESS – THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD

"I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed." (Galatians 1:6-8)

"Just then the porter at the lodge, whose name is Watchful, seeing that Christian had stopped his progress as if he would go back, cried out to him, asking, 'Is your strength so small? Don't fear the lions, for they are chained and are placed there to test your faith and to discover those who have none. Keep in the middle of the path, and no harm shall come to you."

Christian was on his way to the Celestial City, but when he thought about what Timorous and Mistrust had hold him about the lions, his heart became fearful. But he kept walking forward, thinking that he would come to a place of rest and peace. As he traveled, he spied a lodge not too far ahead, but there were lions along the path. He did not know that the lions were chained and could not touch him until the keeper of the lodge, whose name was Watchful, encouraged him to stay in the middle of the road and he would be okay.

There is an old negro spiritual that says, "Christian, keep in the middle of the road; Christian, keep in the middle of the road, Don't you turn to the left, don't you turn to the right, but keep in the middle of the road."

How many Pilgrims have been attacked by lions because they left the middle of the road to go after some strange doctrine. I have been tempted to do that myself. I have seen The Church goes through fads in the past 50 years and they are alluring because they are new and exciting, but they draw people away from the Gospel. Things like the Shepherding Movement, the Latter Rain Movement, the Laughing Movement, the Prosperity Movement, even the Charismatic Movement – all have their appeal but they can move people off the middle of the road of the Gospel and people are mauled by lions in the process. Even though they are chained and have no power, still they seek whom they may devour (I Peter 5:8). They will chew you up and spit you out.

God warns us about this. The Holy Spirit prompted Paul to write, "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables" (II Timothy 4:3-4). Itching ears are always listening for something new and exciting.

If I have learned one thing in my Christian experience it is this: stay in the middle of the road. The Gospel of Jesus Christ, and Him crucified and risen again, is the middle of the road. Straying from these doctrines will cause confusion and in some cases cause people to lose faith. I am safe if I keep in the middle.

Love, Dad ,  

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- PILGRIM'S PROGRESS -- LIFE ASSURANCE

PILGRIM'S PROGRESS – LIFE ASSURANCE

"…. for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day."  (II Timothy 1:12)

"So Mistrust and Timorous ran down the hill, and Christian went on his way. But thinking again of what he had just heard from the men, he felt in his coat for his scroll so that he might read it and be comforted; but it was not there."

I had telemarketers call me this past week – 7 times from the same company. They were selling insurance. I asked them not to call me again, but they did it anyway. I had in mind to talk to them about insurance – Life Assurance. Eternal Life Assurance, that is. It doesn't cost anything, and everyone needs it.

Probably all Believers have had times of doubt and questioning whether they are truly saved. Doubt is not a bad thing because it deepens faith as we struggle through those times of questioning. Unbelief is a different story. Unbelief says, "I don't believe." Doubt says, "I believe, but I need some reassurance. Help my unbelief." Pilgrim's assurance came from the scroll – the written word that he had received at the gate. But he had lost it along the way. So he went back to find it and be encouraged in his faith. Bunyan wrote, "No one could have been more joyful than this man was after he retrieved his scroll! The scroll was the assurance of his life and acceptance at the Celestial City." 

Assurance of Salvation does not come from our feelings, but from what God has declared is true. John wrote in his Gospel, "These things are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name" (John 20:31). Again he wrote in his epistle, "These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God" (I John 5:13). We have a solid rock for our faith in the Lord Jesus – God's Word. When questions creep in, we need to go back to the "scroll." Our Eternal Life Assurance is based on what God has said and what Jesus did, not what we feel.

Love, Dad

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- PILGRIM'S PROGRESS -- THE HILL OF DIFFICULTY

PILGRIM'S PROGRESS – THE HILL OF DIFFICULTY

"And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me. But none of these things move me, nor do I count my life dear to myself….." (Acts 20:22=24a)

"I saw, then, that they all went on until they came to the foot of the Hill of Difficulty, at the bottom which was a spring of fresh water. Here the men were faced with a choice of three paths.  The path that led directly from the gate continued straight up the steep hill. Another path turned to the left and a third to the right of the hill."

A part of human nature is to find the easiest path. We are like water that finds the route of least resistance, which means that the river bends and turns to find the easiest flow. But the easiest path is often not the best way. I find that the easiest road often leads me into places I don't want to be.

At the base of the Hill of Difficulty, Pilgrim, Formalist and Hypocrisy are faced with the decision: do I take the easy way or the difficult way? Pilgrim decided to stay on the straight path that led him up over the hill. It was not an easy climb. "I saw Christian go up the hill, were I noticed him slowing his pace from running to walking and finally to scrambling up the path on his hands and knees because it was very steep." On the other hand, Formalist and Hypocrisy decided to go around the mountain instead of going over it. Formalist took the path called "Danger," and Hypocrisy took the path called "Destruction." Neither of them was heard from again.

Being sidetracked from the straight path will take a person away from the truth of the Gospel. In church-ese, it is called "easy believism." It says that there is no pain or suffering, no hardships in the Christian life. People who choose to take the easy road to avoid suffering for Christ will suffer for it. We don't like pain and suffering. That is why Christians who encounter the Hill of Difficulty often turn away from the straight path.

The Gospel song says, "God has not promised skies always blue, flower-strewn pathways all the way through. But He has promised strength from above. Unfailing kindness, undying love." This is why the Bible is filled with admonitions concerning endurance and patience. "Brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience" (James 1:2-3). "And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope" (Romans 5:3-4). Difficult paths strengthen our character and our faith as we experience God's strength to endure. The Christian walk is not always easy, but it is worth it in the end.

Love, Dad

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- THE SHORTCUT TO HEAVEN

PILGRIM'S PROGRESS – THE SHORTCUT TO HEAVEN

" 'Most assuredly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.'" (John 10:1)

"As he (Christian) was thinking about this, he saw two men come tumbling over the wall on the left side and onto the path. They immediately came toward Christian. The name of the one was Formalist, and the name of the other was Hypocrisy. Soon they were walking with Christian on the path."

People are always looking for shortcuts. When we moved to Sun City West, I kept getting lost because I was looking for shortcuts to where I wanted to go. But SCW is built around golf courses, and many of the streets end up in dead-ends, or bring you back where you started.

People who want to find a short-cut to heaven do not want to come by way of the cross, so they think that they can come another way that pleases them. Some are Formalists. That is, they think that by going through all the rituals, they can fulfill the obligations of being a Christian and God will accept them into heaven. If they keep all the rules, that is all that is required. They have no concept of grace that provided a way even though they are not worthy. Hypocrisy puts on a show of being a good Christian without having a change of heart. He just wears a mask that looks like a Christian and does the things that look Christian.

The attitude of Formalist and Hypocrisy is that as long as they keep the rules, they are okay. So, when confronted with the truth by Christian, they responded that as far as the laws and ordinances were concerned, they would obey them as conscientiously as Christians. They missed the whole point of Salvation. We are not saved because we keep a bunch of rules, but because we trust Christ to cover our shame and guilt and sin. The shortcuts of formalism and hypocrisy will not get us to heaven. They are dead ends. Only the blood of Jesus can cause us to be accepted into heaven.

Love, Dad

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- PILGRIM'S PROGRESS -- THREE FOOLS

PILGRIM'S PROGRESS – THREE FOOLS

" 'Awake, you who sleep, arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light.' See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise…." (Ephesians 5:14-17a)

"I saw then in my dream that Christian went on until he came to the bottom of the hill. There he saw laying by the side of the path three men fast asleep, with chains upon their feet. The name of one was Foolish, the second Sloth, and the third Presumption."

Christian encountered all kinds of people on his journey to the Celestial City, but these three are perhaps the most egregious in their apathy – Foolish, Sloth, and Presumption. They were all asleep, impervious to the world around them, not paying attention.

Foolish was the one who was sloppy in his walk. He just closed his eyes to his surrounding, oblivious to the dangers that might come his way. He said, "I see no danger." He stuck his head in the sand like the proverbial ostrich. It is the fool who does not pay attention to where he is walking (or not walking, as the case may be). God calls us to "walk circumspectly," paying attention to avoid potholes in the street so we can avoid them.

Sloth was just plain lazy. He was tired of the journey. His attitude was to just let the rest of the world go by. To be a follower of Christ is to be alert, and not sleeping. Living for Jesus is joyful and rewarding, but it is not always easy. It takes attention and effort. God says, "Wake up, you who sleep."

Presumption was not careful about his thinking. "Everyone needs to make his own choices. You need to mind your own business and not meddle in ours," he said to Christian. He presumed that everyone would be okay, regardless of how a person walks, because everyone is going to heaven. Presumption would say that it doesn't matter how you live, because God is gracious and will overlook our sinful rebellion. Presuming on the grace of God is reckless. When Jesus was tempted by the Devil, one temptation was to jump off the pinnacle of the temple because God had promised to protect Him. Jesus said, "You shall not tempt the LORD your God" (Luke 4:12). To do something stupid just to prove a point is the epitome of presumption. God says, "Don't be unwise."

These are three associations we need to avoid. They are in bondage to their own ignorance. They are not people Christian wanted to keep company with, and after warning them, he went on his way

Love, Dad

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- PILGRIM'S PROGRESS -- THE BURDEN IS LIFTED

THE BURDEN IS LIFTED

"Come unto Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28)

"Now I saw in my dream that the highway up which Christian was to go was fenced on each side with a wall; the wall was called Salvation. Therefore, it was up his highway that Christian ran, but not without great difficulty because of the burden of the load on his back. He ran till he came to a small hill, at the top of which stood a cross and at the bottom which was a tomb. I saw in my dream that when Christian walked up the hill to the cross, his burden came loose from his shoulders and fell of his back, tumbling down the hill until it came to the mouth of the tomb, where it fell in to be seen no more."

Pilgrim has finally reached the place of freedom from the burden of guilt for sin that he had been carrying. It was a heavy load, and free from it with a joyful heart he exclaimed, "He has given me rest by His sorrow and life by His death." The old Gospel songs say it well. "I remember when my burdens rolled away. I had carried them for years, night and day. Rolled away, rolled away, I remember when my burdens rolled away" "Mercy there was great, and grace was free; Pardon there was multiplied to me; There my burdened soul found liberty, at Calvary." "At the Cross, at the cross, where I first say the light, and the burden of my heart rolled away. It was there by faith I received my sight, and now I am happy all the day." "I know a place where sins are washed away. I know a place where night is turned to day. Burdens are lifted, blind eyes made to see, there is wonder-working power in the cross of Calvary." "Burdens are lifted at Calvary." I remember that night almost 70 years ago when I knelt at an altar and asked Jesus to forgive my sins. The feeling joy, of lightness and freedom is still fresh in my spirit because I carry the burden no longer. What a wonderful thing to be forgiven and having that weight of guilt for sin being taken away. Praise God!!!!

Love, Dad

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- PILGRIM'S PROGRESS -- INTERPRETER

PILGRIM'S PROGRESS – INTERPRETER

"These things I have spoken to you while being present with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all the things that I said to you….However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you. All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to you" (John 14:25-26; 16:13-15)

"Christian then began to prepare himself for the journey. As he was getting ready, Good-Will told him that after he had gone a good distance from the gate he would come to the house of the Interpreter. He was told to knock at the door of that house, where he would be shown excellent things. Then Good-Will bid Christian Godspeed."

After Pilgrim left the narrow gate, he came to the house of Interpreter. He was invited into the house of Interpreter, who said to Pilgrim, "Come in. I will show you those things that will be profitable to you." This is Bunyan's way of highlighting the work of the Holy Spirit that brings a person to Salvation and then guides him in his Christian walk. No one can come to faith unless the Father, by the Holy Spirit, draws him (John 6:44). It is only God's gracious hand that guides us to Himself. The Holy Spirit convinces us of sin, of righteousness and of judgment (John 16:8). The Holy Spirit illuminates our own sinful condition, but also reveals the things that God has prepared for those who love Him (I Corinthians 2:10). Interpreter shows Pilgrim many things – a picture of Jesus on the wall, a dirty room that was cleansed, two children – Passion and Patience (Passion wants everything now while Patience is content to wait), a fireplace with a fire (signifying the grace that burns in our hearts), a man in a cage (a backslidden Christian) and other things that would be encouraging but also warning of things to beware of. As Pilgrim is about to depart from the house of Interpreter, Interpreter gives this advice: "Keep all these things in your mind as a constant encouragement and warning as you journey on ahead to the Celestial City." Even before he became a Christian, God was teaching Pilgrim to be careful how he walked on his way to the City. I am so glad for the ministry of the Holy Spirit Who not only draws us to Salvation but also leads us in our walk to heaven.

Love, Dad

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- PILGRIM'S PROGRESS -- GOOD-WILL

PILGRIM'S PROGRESS – GOOD-WILL

" 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!' " (Luke 2:14)

"So after a little while, Christian arrived at the gate. Now over the gate there was written, 'Knock, and it will be opened to you.' Christian knocked more than once or twice, saying, 'May I now enter?' ….. At last a very serious person came to the gate whose name was Good-Will."

After being delivered from Morality and Legality, Pilgrim continued his journey to the narrow gate. When he arrived, he knocked at the door several times. Finally, Good-Will opened the gate and asked what Pilgrim wanted. Pilgrim replied, "I come from the City of Destruction, but I am going to Mount Zion, so that I may be delivered from the wrath to come. I am informed that through this gate is the way to safety, and I want to know if you are willing to let me in!" Good-will answered, "I am willing with all my heart," and with that he opened the gate. Pilgrim wanted to be free from his burden, but even though he had entered the gate, Goodwill told him to continue his journey until he came to the place of deliverance. But he needed to go a ways further and meet another person on the way.

Everyone must go through the narrow gate. There is no other way to get to the Celestial City. Jesus said, "Enter by the narrow gate … narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it" (Matthew 7:13-14). Goodwill opened the gate to let him in because it is the Father's good pleasure to bring people into His kingdom (Luke 7:32). He is not willing that any should perish, but that all would come to repentance (II Peter 3:9). To get through that gate, one must be like Pilgrim, confessing that he or she is a sinner, an undeserving rebel. That is the criterion for entering the gate. The Father's good will receives the repentant person with all His heart.

Love, Dad

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- PILGRIM'S PROGRESS -- WORLDLY PHILOSOPHIES

PILGRIM'S PROGRESS – MR. WORLDLY-WISEMAN

"Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ" (Colossians 2:8)

"Now as Christian was walking by himself, he spied someone far-off, crossing over the field to meet him. When their paths crossed, the gentleman who me up with Christian introduced himself as Mr. Worldly-Wiseman. He lived in the town of Carnal Policy, a very great town that was near the place from which Christian had come."

As Pilgrim walked toward the Celestial City, a man intersected his path named Mr. Worldly-Wiseman. Upon learning of Pilgrim's goal of being free of the burden he carried, Mr. Worldly-Wiseman advised Pilgrim to go to a nearby village called Morality where he would find a man whose name was Legality. This is the path of just being a good moral person; just live a good life by the laws of society to find happiness. Pilgrim was impressed by the decorum of Mr. Worldly-wise so he decided to digress from the path that Evangelist had pointed him to, and go to that village. But on the way, he became very distressed and his burden seemed heavier. As he was in this state of fear and confusion, Evangelist came again to him and shared God's Word that we live by faith and not by our good works, and that moralism and legalism bring us into greater bondage. They are not able to lift the burden of sin, and they lead to death. Evangelist directed Pilgrim back to the path that would lead him to the narrow gate.

There will always be the temptations to substitute God's thoughts and God's ways with human, worldly ways, with worldly philosophy and traditions. They try to focus our attention on this world rather than spiritual things. They offer all kinds of human solution to solve the aching of the heart to be rid of our sin. It may be drugs or alcohol, human relationships, education, materialism, or a myriad of other things to soothe the emptiness of the heart. The worldly-wise think that just living a good moral life is the answer. That's why God's Word cautions us, "Do not be conformed to this world" (Romans 12:2). The philosophies of this world will not solve the sin dilemma. Only God's way will lift the load of sin and give us peace.

Love, Dad

DAD'S RA,MBLINGS -- PILGRIM'S PROGRESS -- HELPS

PILGRIM'S PROGRESS – THE MINISTRY OF HELPS

"And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues" (I Corinthians 12:28)

"Christian was left to struggle in the Swamp of Despond alone. In spite of the difficulty, Christian still tried to get to the side of the swamp that was the furthest from the City of Destruction and nearest the narrow gate. He finally reached the edge of the swamp, but he could not, no matter how hard he tried, lift himself out of the swamp because of the heavy burden that was on his back. Just then I saw in my dream that a man whose name was Help came to him …. Then Help said, "Give me your hand." So Christian gave him his hand and he pulled him out, set him on solid ground, and told him to go on his way."

The Pilgrim was sinking in despair under his heavy load. Along came Help who offered to pull him out of the swamp. God has put into the Church the gift of helps to give a hand to those who are sinking under their burdens. Even Christians get discouraged under the loads they carry. We all, whether Christians or Pre-Christians, need at one time or another someone to reach out their hand to us. Jesus invited us to come to him when we are heavy-laden, and God has sent the Paraclete to come along side to help us carry our loads. But He also uses human hands to minister grace to those who are sinking in the swamp of despair. Praise God for the gift of helps. Maybe I can be used that way today.

Love, Dad

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- PILGRIM'S PROGRESS -- OBSTINATE AND PLIABLE

PILGRIM'S PROGRESS – OBSTINATE AND PLIABLE

"The sower sows the word. And these are the ones by the wayside where the word is sown. When they hear, Satan comes immediately and takes away the word that was sown in heir hearts. These likewise are the ones sown on stony ground who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with gladness; and they have no root in themselves, and so endure only for a time. Afterward, when tribulation or persecution arises for the word's sake, immediately they stumble" (Luke 4:14-18; See also Matthew 13:18-21).

"So I saw in my dream that the man (Christian) began to run. He had not run very far from his home when his wife and children, realizing what was happening, cried after him to return. But the man put his fingers in his ears and ran on crying, 'Life! Life! Eternal life.' So without looking back, he fled toward the middle of the valley …. Among those were two who decided to bring him back by force. The name of the one was Obstinate, and the name of the other was Pliable.""

Upon hearing the words and directions from Evangelist, Pilgrim started running toward the light. His family tried to stop him, and his friends and neighbors mocked him and tried to get him to return. But he kept on running toward the light. There were two of these "friends" who were determined to bring him back by force. One was named "Obstinate" and the other was named "Pliable." They ran after him to persuade him to return. But he answered, "That is not possible. You live in the City of Destruction, the place where I was born; and I believe that if you stay in that city, you will die sooner or later. Please consider, good neighbors, and come along with me." "What!" said Obstinate, "and leave our friends and comforts behind us? Will you come back with us or not?" "No," replied Christian. "I have started this journey, and I must finish it."

There are people we meet who are obstinate in their rejection of the Gospel. They like the way they are living and do not want to change. They stubbornly refuse to hear the message of salvation because they do not think they need a Savior. They have no inclination to hear about God or His Word. They reject the message of eternal life, and they will not keep company with Christian very long.

There are other people who are more willing to hear the Good News but they are wishy-washy – pliable to follow whatever sounds good to them. They receive the Gospel with joy and enthusiasm and follow for awhile. But when troubles come, they turn back. Both Christian and Pliable fell into the Sough of Despond. It seemed that both of them were going to be pulled under. Pliable says, "Is this the happiness you have been telling me about all the time we have been together?" With some struggle, Pliable got out of the Swamp on the side of the City of Destruction, and he returned home, leaving Christian to fend for himself.

There are those who would deter us from finishing our journey. But if our destination is the Celestial City, nothing in this world is worth going back to. "I have started this journey, and I must finish it." "Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us" (Hebrews 12:1).

Love, Dad

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- POINTING TO THE LIGHT

PILGRIM'S PROGRESS – POINTING TO THE LIGHT

"And He Himself gave some to be….evangelists…." (Philipians 4:11)

"Now when they heard this [Peter's Sermon], they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostle, 'Men and brethren, what shall we do?' " (Acts 2:37)

"Then one day I saw the man walking in the fields (which he often did), reading in his book, and greatly distressed in his mind. As he read, he burst out, as he had done before, crying, 'What shall I do to be saved?' "

The Pilgrim was still living at home in the City of Destruction, but he would often walk alone in the fields, reading and praying. On this particular day, he could not decide which way to go, when suddenly, there was a man coming toward him. His name was Evangelist. "Why are you crying," asked Evangelist. Pilgrim answered, "Because I have been reading in this book that I am condemned to die, but I am not ready either to die or to be judged. These things distress me greatly, and I don't know which way to go." Evangelist pointed is finger and said, "Do you see that narrow gate?" "No," replied Pilgrim. "Then do you see that distant shining light?" "I think so," responded Pilgrim. "Then keep your eye on that light, and go toward it."

Pre-Christians recognize their plight, and they are searching for freedom from their heavy burden of sin, but they do not yet understand how to be saved. God gave evangelists to point the way of salvation to seeking souls. We, as evangelist, point them to the Light.

Love, Dad

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- PILGRIM STARTS HIS JOURNEY

PILGRIM STARTS HIS JOURNEY

"Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?" (Luke 3:7b)

"WHAT SHALL I DO?"

"As I walked through the wilderness of this world, I came to a certain place where there was a cave; and I lay down in that place to sleep. As I slept, I dreamed a dream, and in this dream I saw a man clothed in rags, standing in a place with his face turned away from his own house. He had a book in his hand and a heavy burden upon his back. I looked and saw him open the book and begin to read; and as he read, he wept and trembled. Not being to contain himself, he cried out in a loud voice, 'What shall I do?' " – Chapter 1  (See Acts 2:37; 16:30)

Bunyan tells his story in the form of a dream. In his dream he saw a man who was apparently in great agony. He was carrying a great burden on his back, and he was reading a book. From reading the Book, he had come to understand that there was great destruction coming to his home city. He had tried to warn his family and friends of the coming destruction, but they all scoffed at him, and thought he was insane. In his quandary, he was prone to wander in the fields, trying to find the solution to his inner turmoil. He was not yet a Christian, but he had started the journey – the pilgrimage – to find an escape from the City of Destruction. In his turmoil and agony, he was very distressed and cried out, "What shall I do?" As we follow him in his quest to escape the City of Destruction, we shall meet some very interesting people. Come, let us journey with him together.

Love, Dad

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- THE PILGRIMS PROGRESS

THE PILGRIM'S PROGRESS – INTRODUCTION – THE UPWARD CALL

"… this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 3:13b-14).

The Pilgrim's Progress is a classic allegory written by John Bunyan that has encouraged Christians through the centuries.

John Bunyan (1628-1688) was in jail for 12 years from 1661-1673 because his religious convictions were at odds with the Church of England. While in prison, he wrote this story, using only his imagination and his Bible as sources. It is written in allegory form, and should be understood in that sense. The various characters represent forces that try to discourage "Christian" from reaching the Celestial City.

The Pilgrim's Progress is the tale of a man who has come to understand that the city he lives in is doomed for destruction because of its wickedness. So he leaves his family and friends to begin the pilgrimage to the Celestial City. Along the way, he meets with various trials and temptations that try to deter him from continuing along the path to the heavenly destination.

As one reads the story, he or she might identify with many of the situations and characters in the book. But the Pilgrim endures and stays true to his upward calling, despite many distractions and battles. So let's join Pilgrim on his journey.

Love, Dad

DAD'S RAMBLIGS -- LESSONS FROM JOB #21 -- TOMORROW

LESSONS FROM JOB #21 – TOMORROW

"The LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before …. Now the LORD blessed the latter days of Job more than his beginning…." (Job 42:10b, 12:a)

Job came through the trial with a perfect score, and his faith was stronger because of it. His faith was not just because he had heard about Yahweh, but "now my eyes have seen you" (vs. 5). He had a greater understanding of God because of what he had been through. Sometimes the days of our affliction seems to go on forever with no light at the end of the tunnel. But there will be a tomorrow. Little Orphan Annie was in an orphanage where things were tough. But in the musical, she was able to sing, "Tomorrow! The sun'll come out tomorrow!" One preacher's favorite text was, "And it came to pass." Remember the black preacher's message: "It's Friday but Sunday's acomin'." The faith of the Christian is Tomorrow. My suffering may not be eliminated in this life, but there will be a Great Tomorrow when all pain and suffering will be a distant memory. In the film, "A Man Called Peter," the story of Peter Marshall who at one time was Chaplain of the U.S. Senate, Peter had a heart attack. As he was being carried away on the stretcher by the EMTs, he looked up at his wife, Catherine, and said, "I'll see you in the morning." That is the great hope of the Christian – sunrise in the Great Tomorrow. "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us" (Romans 8:18). What a day that will be – TOMORROW!

Love, Dad