Poetry

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Pilgrims Progress

Christian read the warnings of God's word
And was filled with tribulation.
He fled the City of Destruction which
Sent him off with scorn and humiliation.

Pliable also came, but not with the same sense of shame.

Christian met Evangelist who pointed him to the wicker gate.
He obeyed, but falling in the Slough of Despond,
Believed this was his fate.
Pliable fled, he could not endure the test or bear to wait.

Evangelist preached again the gospel of grace.
At the cross, his sinful burden fell off.
His sins forgiven he had a new heart.

The narrow way was hard as dangers arose;
he lost his scroll when he decided to doze.
In great dread, he found the promise of life again.
That roll he now held tightly secure
encouraged by Faithful his friend.

Worldly Wise, spoke to enlighten his eyes:
"The way of grace would be your demise.
Seek Morality and Civility in all their glorious pride,
this self righteous living will cause you to rise."

But the Law's flaming fire,
demanded poor Christian perfect obedience or die.
Evangelist warned Christian and redirected his eye:
"The Righteousness you need comes from on high."

Christian won a gruesome fight;
by all prayer and supplication,
He defeated the Serpent one dark night.
The sword of the Spirit, the shield of faith
And helmet of salvation were Christian's weapons of light.

Other battles, more subtle and clever,
met Christian in fairer weather.
Vanity fair, Hypocrite and Formalism too,
tried to show Christian what he really ought to do.

Evangelist spoke once again:
"the way is narrow, turn not the right or left to them. "

Those who lost their way
were witnesses from their grave.
So much trouble and hardship I fear,
sent Christian into Doubting Castle to be beaten by Giant Despair.
Lash after lash drove Christian to his knees,
by faith he escaped after finding –
the promises of God, his only key.


He saw the celestial city beyond,
full of light, joy and peace for those chosen by God.
But the dark valley of death, by faith he must trod.
He was not alone one moment in time,
The Savior held him close to His side.

My pilgrim friends, the true Evangelist speaks the truth, so believe.
Faith is a gift as is repentance over sins we grieve.

The City of Destruction must be fled.
Your soul will escape and feed
Forever on His living bread.

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