Pastor's Corner - "Pilgrim's Progress"

Dear Friends,

As I mentioned a few weeks back, the next book I would like us to read together is Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan. This book is absolutely a classic and a must read! Charles Spurgeon said of this classic, "Next to the Bible, the book I value most is John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress. I believe I have read it through at least a hundred times. It is a volume of which I never seem to tire; and the secret of its freshness is that it is so largely compiled from the Scriptures."  Furthermore, Pilgrim's Progress is the most printed and most translated book of all time, next only to the Bible!

Simply stated, Pilgrim's Progress is a Christian allegory. An allegory is "a story, poem, or picture that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning, typically a moral or political one." It tells the story of a man named Christian who sets off on his journey to the Celestial City. In very short order, you will discover that Christian's journey is our journey. You will discover the joys of the Christian life and well as the trials of walking with Christ as you follow along with Christian on his journey.

This book is an exciting read and an excellent book to read aloud with your family. If you have never read it, now is your chance! This book is available for free online in many different places and formats. There is also a new version adapted for children. The original version is great, but if you have young children, I recommend getting a new version published by Great Commission Publications that brings the story to life with colorful illustrations of the story. (Click here to get a copy.)

As I mentioned before, I want us to read books together that will make us want to pick up our Bibles and read them more. I believe Pilgrim's Progress will do just that. In 3-4 weeks, I will post a review over on our Facebook Page and invite you to tell me what you think.

By His grace and to His praise,

Wilson