Many years ago, in fact
back in 1678, John Bunyan wrote and published a book called “The
Pilgrim's Progress from This World to That Which Is to Come”.
The short title is simply Pilgrim’s Progress. It is a Christian
allegory that has been translated into more than 200 languages, and
has never been out of print since February of 1678. “Christian” is
the main character of the allegory. The allegory centers itself on
his journey from his hometown, the "City of Destruction", to the
"Celestial City". It is a story of progress, even in very difficult
times when he faced many adversaries.
Progress…….. What is it?
Progress is defined
as: (1) forward or onward movement toward a goal or to a further,
higher state or stage, (2) advancement, (3) growth or development,
(4) continuous improvement, (5) the development of an individual or
society in a direction considered more beneficial than and superior
to the previous level.
If you are not
progressing forward, you are actually going backwards. Neither is
progress made by simply standing still.
The Bible refers to
Christians as both “strangers and pilgrims on the earth”. (see Heb
11:13, 1 Peter 2:11). We are strangers because this world is not our
home. We are pilgrims because and we are just passing through this
time-world.
We are travelers, and
as travelers, we must be making steady progress. There is no place
in the Christian race for stopping or for stagnation.
The need of making
progress is true both individually and collectively. Spiritually,
we must mature and “grow in grace and in the knowledge of our
Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” Knowledge equates to light and
understanding. If we are not learning and walking in revealed Light,
we are not progressing.
In our past, we were
associated with a church affiliation that called itself a
“Reformation Movement”, rather than a denomination. They viewed
themselves as a Reformation because that were focused on
“reforming”, or we might say, overcoming deficiencies and reversing
a departure from “the faith which was once delivered unto the
saints.” The goal was to be a replica of the New Testament
church. They labeled themselves as a Movement, as they refused to
become stagnant and bound to the traditions and creeds of men. They
were willing to lay aside anything that they found was not in
agreement with “Thus sayeth the Lord” and the walked in the Light of
His Word. One stanza of a song that they sung tells it all. It says
“He leads me each day in the heavenly way, so onward and upward I’ll
climb.”
Sadly, over time this
“Reformation Movement” became just another church among churches.
Indeed they were moving, but in a wrong direction. In the 1950s, a
small element of this movement recognized the need to reverse course
and get back on track again. They continued to make strides for a
few decades or so, rediscovering hidden truths, but in time they
experienced many internal problems. The result was
division after division,
which was caused by things such as fanaticism, compromise, doctrinal
issues, personality conflicts and an unscriptural hierarchy
structure. It seems that these groups have been plagued with problem
after problem to the point that no progress is being made today. In
fact, they are now in a reverse pattern and are losing ground very
quickly.
Others are yet
moving, but they seem to only be going in circles. In such cases,
there is a lot of action taking place, but they are going no where.
Like a preacher that rides a Hobby Horse, there is a lot of movement
and effort going on, but they are going no place!
Let us ever make
spiritual progress.
Many
there are who start in the race,
but, with the Light, they refuse to keep pace.
Others accept it, because it is true.
But not very many expect to go through.
But,
I’m going through. Yes, I’m going through.
I’ll pay the price, whatever others do.
I’ll take the way with the Lord’s despised few.
I’ve started with Jesus, and I’m going through.
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