Joseph: Believing the Unbelievable

Joseph: Believing the Unbelievable
Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is…

9. Christian Gains a Companion

9. Christian Gains a Companion
The conversation continues between Christian and his neighbors Pliable and Obstinate: CHRISTIAN: I have been directed by a man whose name is Evangelist, to hasten toward a little gate that is before us, where we will receive further instruction about the way ahead. PLIABLE: Come then, my good neighbor, let…

Mary: Praise Overshadows Fear

Mary: Praise Overshadows Fear
And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation…

Advent: A Thrill of Hope

Advent: A Thrill of Hope
My favorite Christmas carol, “O Holy Night,” has a lyric that always seems to resonate with me, and I have a feeling that many of you might need to hear it this year: A thrill of hope! The weary world rejoices. As we enter this Advent season, do you feel…

8. Pliable Proves His Name

8. Pliable Proves His Name
The conversation between Christian and his neighbors Obstinate and Pliable continues: OBSTINATE: Come then, neighbor Pliable, let us turn about and go home without him. He represents those crazy-headed coxcombs [pompous and silly strutting cocks] who, when possessed by some blind passion, are wiser in their own eyes than seven…

7. Attempt to Convince Obstinate

7. Attempt to Convince Obstinate
Christian said, "Be content, good neighbors, and go along with me." "What," said Obstinate, "and leave our friends and our comforts behind us!" "Yes," (Now claiming the pilgrim name of Christian) "because that all which you forsake is not worthy to be compared with a little of that I am…

6. Christian is Pursued

6. Christian is Pursued
CHRISTIAN IS PURSUED BY OBSTINATE AND PLIABLE The neighbors also came out to see him run; (1) and as he ran, some mocked, others threatened; and some cried for him to return. Now among those that did so, there were two that were determined to fetch him back by force.…

5. Flee From Wrath

5. Flee From Wrath
Then said Evangelist, "If this is your condition, then why are you standing still?" He answered, "Because I do not know which way to go." Then Evangelist gave him a parchment scroll (1) on which was written within, "Fly from the wrath to come." (2) Therefore, the man read the…

4. Meeting Evangelist

4. Meeting Evangelist
Now I noticed on a particular occasion, when he was walking in the fields, that he was (according to his habit) reading in his book, and greatly distressed in his mind; and as he read, he burst out, as he had done before, crying, "What shall I do to be…

3. Bearing Reproach

3. Bearing Reproach
At this, these close relatives of his were greatly amazed. It was not that they believed to be true what he said to them, but rather because they thought that some frenzy distemper (disorientating disease) had got into his head. Consequently, with the night approaching, and with the hope that…