A Conversion
Most of us are familiar with “Pilgrim’s Progress” (first published in 1678), and some of us might even remember its author as John Bunyan. John’s father was a tinker – a mender of broken pots and kettles, and this became John’s trade. After a short stint in the army, and owning nothing more than his clothes, he married at the age of twenty. The young couple began life together without even a single dish or spoon. Her total dowry that she brought into the marriage consisted of two Christian books. Together they read and reread the books. Though still unconverted, John learnt from the books that a real relationship with God was possible. Another three turbulent years would pass before he experienced that relationship. Through that time both God and the devil earnestly contended for his soul. Each knew the potential within the man. One time he heard God’s clear voice “Will you leave your sins and go to heaven, or have your sins and go to hell?” The devil constantly buffeted John with temptation and condemnation. Overhearing a group of poor women discussing the new birth, he realised that all his attempts to be right with God were doomed to fail. Walking through a field soon after, the revelation that Christ alone was righteous, and that to be right with God meant he had to experience Christ’s righteousness, struck home. In that moment he felt as if chains that had held him all his life suddenly fell off. He was born again as he looked to Christ alone for his righteousness. Much more was to follow.
Never underestimate the power of God to use a book, your praying, or your faltering words to play some part in bringing another person to Christ.
To listen to this message, download in MP3 here.