"Now Interpreter led the pilgrim into a private room, and there
he ordered his man to open a door. Then did Christian see the
picture of a very serious person hanging against
the wall, and its features were as follows. This man had his eyes
directed up toward Heaven, the best of books in his hand, the law
of truth was written upon his lips, the world was behind his back;
he stood as if he pleaded with men, and a crown of gold hung over
his head." John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress
Christian was directed by the Gatekeeper to the Interpreter. The Interpreter is showing Christian all that he needs to continue his journey. He guides and gives comfort to Christian during this time.
The first object Christian is shown is a portrait. It is of a man. The man's countenance is sober and solemn. He is serious. He knows his calling requires his full attention.
"Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to your care." I Timothy 6:20
His gaze is toward the object of his attention. When you trying to hit something it is best to pin point that object and none other.
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." Hebrews 12: 1-3
He holds the best of books is the Bible. It has been translated in part or in whole into over 1200 languages and dialects. 100 million are purchased each year. It is estimated there are currently over 8 billion in circulation.
"For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ." John 1:17
The man has placed the world behind him. He has turned from any interest in worldly things and placed all his attention on God. He has come to full knowledge that all the world has to offer is foolish, deceit, and wrath.
Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever. I John 2:15-17
He now pleads for men to turn from their wicked ways. He warns them of the pending doom that they face. He teaches that death to self is the answer to freedom.
"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." Galatians 2:20
There is a man that this description brings to my mind. He was a man of God. He was my hero, my mentor, my Abraham. He was everything I hope to be someday. He was my Father-in-law, Eldon Otha Raley. He fit all of these renderings.
He could joke and brought much laughter, but was dead serious when it came to his walk with God. He let nothing damage that relationship. He made sure to spend every morning in the God's Word before starting the day. His gift was the prophetic and he made sure he told you the truth. Holy Spirit used him to set many men free of sin by telling Eldon how to pray for those men. The world and anything it may have offer could not compete with his Creator. In 2009, Eldon went to be with Him. The word says that he will be told, "'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!' and there he will receive a crown of righteousness.
Prepare now to be such a person. Pray that God will bring such a person into your life to help train you to be one. Let nothing that this world get between you and your Creator.
he ordered his man to open a door. Then did Christian see the
picture of a very serious person hanging against
the wall, and its features were as follows. This man had his eyes
directed up toward Heaven, the best of books in his hand, the law
of truth was written upon his lips, the world was behind his back;
he stood as if he pleaded with men, and a crown of gold hung over
his head." John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress
Christian was directed by the Gatekeeper to the Interpreter. The Interpreter is showing Christian all that he needs to continue his journey. He guides and gives comfort to Christian during this time.
The first object Christian is shown is a portrait. It is of a man. The man's countenance is sober and solemn. He is serious. He knows his calling requires his full attention.
"Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to your care." I Timothy 6:20
His gaze is toward the object of his attention. When you trying to hit something it is best to pin point that object and none other.
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." Hebrews 12: 1-3
He holds the best of books is the Bible. It has been translated in part or in whole into over 1200 languages and dialects. 100 million are purchased each year. It is estimated there are currently over 8 billion in circulation.
"For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ." John 1:17
The man has placed the world behind him. He has turned from any interest in worldly things and placed all his attention on God. He has come to full knowledge that all the world has to offer is foolish, deceit, and wrath.
Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions—is not from the Father but is from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever. I John 2:15-17
He now pleads for men to turn from their wicked ways. He warns them of the pending doom that they face. He teaches that death to self is the answer to freedom.
"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." Galatians 2:20
There is a man that this description brings to my mind. He was a man of God. He was my hero, my mentor, my Abraham. He was everything I hope to be someday. He was my Father-in-law, Eldon Otha Raley. He fit all of these renderings.
He could joke and brought much laughter, but was dead serious when it came to his walk with God. He let nothing damage that relationship. He made sure to spend every morning in the God's Word before starting the day. His gift was the prophetic and he made sure he told you the truth. Holy Spirit used him to set many men free of sin by telling Eldon how to pray for those men. The world and anything it may have offer could not compete with his Creator. In 2009, Eldon went to be with Him. The word says that he will be told, "'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!' and there he will receive a crown of righteousness.
Prepare now to be such a person. Pray that God will bring such a person into your life to help train you to be one. Let nothing that this world get between you and your Creator.
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