Steven Colborne's Blog, page 84

‘The Pilgrim’s Progress’ by John Bunyan (book review)

[image error]I wonder how many thousands of times this book has been reviewed and written about and what I can possibly add that hasn’t been said before. The Pilgrim’s Progress is a classic of English literature and has been studied in classrooms around the world. Written in 1678, the book has been translated into over 200 languages, and has never been out of print.

Rather than giving a synopsis of the story, which you can easily find online, I think I will just try and briefly comment on what the book means to me, having just read it for the first time.

My desire to read the book was sparked when I heard the book had a huge impact on the life of the famous Baptist preacher Charles Spurgeon, who is said to have read the book countless times. Spurgeon was a powerful preacher and often used to refer to the book in his sermons, so when I learned that, the book became a ‘must-read’.

The book’s power lies in its faithfulness to the Christian journey, and the trials experienced by the characters in the book are relatable to the life of the Christian reader. While there are not many direct Scripture citations, Biblical passages are mentioned and paraphrased, and stories from the Bible alluded to in the book’s infamous allegorical style.

The book does not make light of the Christian journey. If there is a message that comes out of the book, it’s that yes, the rewards of heaven are amazing, but that anyone who embarks on the Christian journey is going to face tremendous hardship and many trials in their attempt to ‘enter through the narrow gate’ into paradise.

I can see why Spurgeon loved this book. It’s engaging, vivid, truthful, and interesting. If I had to sum up the book’s depiction of Christianity in one word I would say the key word is perseverance. Under the Christian worldview, this is the harsh reality that pilgrims face; they are to endure and remain faithful through whatever onslaughts the devil throws at them. Only then can they at last expect to receive a crown of victory when their lives are over.

If anything, the book has helped cement my understanding of what it means to be a Christian. Readers of this blog will know that I find it hard to commit to the faith, not because I am daunted by it (I would do anything to avoid hell!) but because the Christian worldview presents certain philosophical and theological problems for me that I am yet to find answers to. This book won’t help you tackle the intellectual side of religion and theology, but it will make you appreciate the importance of simple and committed faith to the Christian journey.

You can find The Pilgrims Progress in bookstores everywhere, and because the book is out of copyright you can buy it very cheaply. I would highly recommend giving it a read, because it’s part of English literary history and also captures the essence of Christianity in a unique and wonderful way.

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Advent Songathon (14 Dec)

I’ve featured some quite unusual and obscure songs on the Songathon so far, as well as some modern interpretations of spiritual classics. Today, I’m sharing a song that it’s likely you’ve heard before, especially if you listen to Christian radio or seek out contemporary worship songs on YouTube. It’s a simple song, but beautiful and powerful.

This song has been covered by countless artists (including me on my YouTube channel!) but I will share the most popular version from YouTube which is by Jesus Culture. It’s called ‘One Thing Remains’ and the lyrics speak of the unfailing love of God. I hope it lifts your spirits!

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Blog Spotlight (Dec 2017)

Thank you to everyone who has submitted their blog to the Promote Your Blog page over the last month. There are so many amazing blogs to choose from, but I must stick to my guns and pick only three. Please don’t be disappointed if you’re not selected this month as there is every chance you will be featured in a future Blog Spotlight.

Here are the three blogs I’d like to shine the spotlight on this month…

1) The Abundant Heart Blog

Hi, I’m Angela of The Abundant Heart Blog. Pretty soon my baby girl will graduate from high school, and I’ll be free to pursue my dreams of becoming a writer and an artist. The blog is the prelude to my dream. Here I share poetry and devotional thoughts, but my ultimate goal is to get my poetry published.

Please stop by at https://theabundantheartblog.wordpress.com/

2) Lemon Zest

Hey, I write a blog called lemonzest. I’m a medical student in my final year. I started writing about 6 months ago when I was faced with some very hard times. Writing helped me heal and it helped me find myself. I realised who I truly am.

I write about travelling, baking and cooking, self help as well as other things that inspire me and help lift my spirit.

So here is the link, I hope you like it 

Poem for Pilgrims

I’m currently reading The Pilgrim’s Progress for the first time and it definitely lives up the hype. If you don’t know the book, it’s an allegory of the Christian life, written by John Bunyan in 1678. I just wanted to share one of the many wonderful poems from the book.

This poem really spoke to me this morning, as I’m feeling somewhat downcast and broken in spirit.

He that is down needs fear no fall;

He that is low, no pride;

He that is humble, ever shall

Have God to be his guide.

I am content with what I have,

Little be it, or much:

And, Lord, contentment still I crave,

Because thou savest such.

Fullness to such, a burden is,

That go on pilgrimage;

Here little, and hereafter bliss,

Is best from age to age.

Reading that poem brought this scripture to mind:

“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.” (Psalm 51:17)

So if you’re feeling broken at the moment, be encouraged, the Lord is looking over you! And as T.D. Jakes once preached, ‘nothing that you’ve been through will be wasted’.

Advent Songathon (13 Dec)

I came across today’s song a few years ago while lying in bed listening to a Christian radio station (I forget which one). It’s performed in a classic gospel style, and is a song of great hope, speaking of how God is able to fix our brokenness, no matter what we’ve been through.

The group who perform this song, The Caravans, began making music back in 1947 and were active during the 50’s and 60’s. They went through various different line-ups; indeed, looking on Wikipedia I see that more than thirty different people have featured in the group over the course of their career! This song is from their reunion album, released in 2006, entitled Paved the Way.

Advent Songathon (12 Dec)

It’s music time! Today I want to mix up the genres again and bring you something that might be loosely termed ‘indie worship’. I struggle to pigeonhole this band stylistically, which is probably a good thing. But I would say folk, jazz, and rock have all influenced their sound. Their lyrics are usually firmly rooted in Scripture.

The band, Rivers & Robots, are from the North of England, and they aren’t very well-known around the world yet, though I anticipate that will change as they produce amazing music and art that has broad appeal. The band describe themselves as ‘creative missionaries’, and if you like the song, check out their YouTube channels ‘Rivers & Robots’ and ‘Set Sail’ (Set Sail is their vlogging channel). Enjoy!

Two Vital Questions

I have read the whole Bible and attended various Catholic and Protestant churches, and after much study and exploration I believe I have a pretty good idea of the central doctrines and tenets of the Christian faith. Those who have read my essay entitled An Almighty Predicament will know that there are some aspects of Christian doctrine that I struggle to accept and believe.

I have come to realise that there are two questions that I need to find answers to in order to determine whether or not I should be a Christian.

Is Jesus the only way to have peace with God?
Is the Bible God’s only revelation for people today in relation to spiritual Truth?

These two questions are interrelated. Jesus claims that He is the only way to the Father (John 14:6). But of course, we know about this claim from the Bible, so it only needs to be believed if the Bible represents absolute and exclusive Truth.

Within Christianity there are many different interpretations concerning what constitutes Truth. Learned Biblical scholars differ wildly concerning which interpretation of particular scriptures is correct, so it seems that interpretation is to a certain extent subjective. After all, the words of Scripture are merely markings on pages – the way we come to understand what is written is by God working in us as we read and reflect, and He can do this in myriad different ways.

The sole authority of the Bible is disputed by Catholics who believe Truth must be interpreted and defined by the leaders of the Catholic church. There are also many other groups who argue that the Protestant canon isn’t the exclusive embodiment of Truth and that we can find truth in nature, reason, and logic, as well as in other scriptures, whether it be the Qur’an, or the Book of Mormon, or some other supposedly inspired collection of writings.

How are we to know whether the 66 books of the Protestant Bible represent absolute and exclusive Truth? I believe the only way is through revelation from God to the human mind, resulting in a certain understanding or posture of faith. It must be a matter that we pray about, and ask God to help us discern.

Ultimately, what we believe to be true comes down to faith, and faith, I believe, comes from God. He is working out His plan for existence with sovereign authority, and whatever He wills us to believe is what we will believe. If you maintain it’s possible for us to believe things that are contrary to God’s will, then you are saying God is not in control of our lives, which is a belief that many Christians hold, but with which I profoundly disagree (read my aforementioned essay for my reasons why).

In my understanding God is completely sovereign, creation is His handiwork, and He is in control of all the details, including every aspect of our lives; our thoughts, words, actions, and beliefs (wouldn’t it be strange to pray to a God who isn’t in control?). And if I am to wholeheartedly dedicate my life to the teachings of Jesus Christ as we find them in the Bible, it will depend on God’s guidance, revelation, and ultimately, His will.

So I pray:

Lord God, shape me into who You want me to be, guide me so that I know I am on the right path, help me to live in a way that pleases You always. Be merciful to me and save me from any thoughts, words or deeds that lead to destruction. Sovereign God, help me to have sound understanding in matters of theology and Truth, and eradicate from me anything that is false, unsound, or evil. Help me to live well and be a blessing to others, and to be a person who will always be held in Your favour. Even if it’s difficult, Lord, show me the way. Amen.

Advent Songathon (11 Dec)

Hearty greetings! I hope you all enjoyed a bit of Andrae Crouch who featured in yesterday’s Songathon choice. Today, in contrast, I thought I’d choose something very contemporary. This song, written just a few years ago, is one of my favourite discoveries of 2017, and while you may not have heard of the artist, I think you’ll love her music.

I discovered this song while listening to a worship music playlist on Spotify, and it really stood out. It’s simple and haunting and at the heart of the song is a beautiful prayer from singer Harvest Bashta asking God to prepare us for the return of the Messiah. I hope it blesses you.

Advent Songathon (10 Dec)

Firstly, apologies that this is the second song I’m sharing with you today – the last thing I want to do is bombard you! But on the other hand, I had to let you know about the release of my new single this morning, and I also want to keep up the Songathon. So you’re getting a double-dose of music from me today. I really hope you don’t mind!

Today’s Songathon choice is a wonderful live version of the gospel song ‘Soon and Very Soon’ by Andrae Crouch. I didn’t realise that Crouch only passed away two years ago in 2015. This song has the feel of a timeless classic even though it was written relatively recently, in 1976. It captures something very moving about Christian hope.

Praying that all my followers have a joyful, productive, and blessed week!

Listen to my New Song!

As I look through my living room window here in London I can see the wonderful sight of the first proper snow of the year. So it’s very fitting that I’m releasing my new single today, which is a worship song that features a suitably seasonal video.

This song is the third single to be released as part of my T.E.N. Project. If you’re new to my blog you might not know what the project is about, so I invite you to take a look at my Music page for all the details.

I hope you enjoy the song and video!