John Bunyan

The Pilgrim's Progress is a Christian allegory written by John Bunyan in 1678. It is regarded as one of the most significant works of religious English literature, has been translated into more than 200 languages, and has never been out of print. It has also been cited as the first novel written in English.

John Bunyan was imprisoned in 1660 for "unlicensed" preaching in Bedford, England. Besides composing his classic work, Pilgrim's Progress, during twelve years of intermittent confinement, Bunyan also learned that the only way to glorify God in his sufferings was to pray often and pray devoutly. His thoughts and meditations on prayer were forged on the anvil of religious persecution, and it was from prison that he wrote "true prayer is a sincere, sensible, affectionate pouring out of your heart and soul to God."

An encouraging book for those who feel guilty about their sins. It is a wonderful reminder that Christ's grace to his people knows no bounds and that his power to save even the worst sinner is not limited.

"I have been vile myself, but I have obtained mercy; and I would have my companions in sin partake of mercy too: and therefore, I have writ this little book." Thus wrote John Bunyan about this unique gem.

The premise of this book is that Jesus wanted his disciples to proclaim the gospel to the worst of sinners - those in Jerusalem who crucified their Messiah. To Bunyan's mind, this was the worst possible sin. The apostles were to begin there, with these worst of sinners, because, in Christ's eyes, they had the greatest need. Also, when they believed in Christ, his name would receive the greatest fame, and thus others would be encouraged to come to Christ. The kingdom of Satan would then be weakened, and the tempted and the weak would be helped. Further, the greatest sinners would love Christ the most when saved, and those who refused to repent would be left with no excuse. To Bunyan's way of thinking, this command to preach the gospel to "Jerusalem sinners" shows the gracious intentions of Christ toward men and his sufficiency to save the worst of sinners, and gives encouragement to those who think that their sin is too great to be forgiven.

SERMONS

https://bit.ly/2oLW3BL

AUDIO SERMONS

https://bit.ly/2NlSHDy

VIDEOS ( a lot of good sermons!)

https://bit.ly/2wQVYRT

MOVIE (THE BOOK IS MUCH BETTER!!!)

New Version:

https://youtu.be/ksu-zTG9HHg

Old Version:

https://youtu.be/xUGVy_ntuKo

John Bunyan was born in Elstow, England, near Bedford, where he spent most of his life. Although today he is regarded as a literary genius, he had little formal education. At the age of 16, this rough and profane young man enlisted in the army of Parliament, and saw active duty during the English Civil War. In 1647, at the age of 19, he married a young woman, who persuaded him to attend church with her regularly, where he heard the Gospel. After deep and prolonged soul struggle, he made a complete surrender to Christ, and was converted, after which he was baptized and joined the Baptist church of Bedford. Soon, he began to preach there and also in the surrounding villages, which caused the people to recognize in him elements of leadership as well as ability as an expositor of the Scriptures. Continuing in his trade as a tinker, he witnessed wherever he went, in addition to spending his holidays and Sundays preaching in barns, shops, village greens, as well as in the open air. Soon great crowds began to follow him, which led to his arrest and imprisonment in 1660 for conducting a "conventicle" religious meeting without the permission of the State Church. When offered his freedom if he would promise not to preach, he refused and chose jail. While in prison, he studied, preached, wrote, and supported his family by making and selling shoelaces. It was while a prisoner that he wrote his immortal Pilgrim's Progress in 1672. He was released and immediately resumed his ministry. During the last 16 years of his life, he was active as pastor, writer, helper, counselor, organizer, administrator, and pastor-in-chief to a multitude of churches and young ministers. Bunyan was a champion for the cause of religious liberty and freedom of conscience in spiritual matters. One who knew him well wrote, "The grace of God was magnified in him and by him, and a rich anointing of the Spirit was upon him. And yet this great saint was always, in his own eyes, the chiefest of sinners and the poorest of saints." He died in 1688 after riding 40 miles in a driving rain on horseback to London to preach. He was always a poor man, yet, through his example, his ministry, and especially his pen, he bequeathed inestimable riches to posterity.

One leak will sink a ship: and one sin will destroy a sinner.

In prayer it is better to have a heart without words

than words with out a heart.

He who bestows his goods upon the poor shall have as much again,

and ten times more.

The reason why the Christians in this day are at such a loss as to some things is that they are contented with what comes from man's mouth, without searching and kneeling before God to know of Him the truth of things.

You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you.

The difference between true and false repentance lies in this: the man who truly repents cries out against his heart; but the other, as Eve, against the serpent, or something else.

If people really see that Christ has removed the fear of punishment from them by taking it into Himself, they won't do whatever they want, they'll do whatever He wants.

No man, without trials and temptations, can attain a true understanding of the Holy Scriptures.

Pray often, for prayer is a shield to the soul, a sacrifice to God, and a scourge for Satan.

~ JOHN BUNYAN ~