Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Pilgrim's Progress (very cool animated adaptation!)

Part 1


Part 2


Part 3


Part 4

12 comments:

Dr. Russell Norman Murray said...

Good morning, Jeff.

I linked two of your blogs over on thekingpin68, and I have two new posts with my blogs.

You are turning into an animation KING.:)

Jeff said...

Thanks, Russ!

Jeff said...

Which two blogs did you just link? Poetic Spirit and Puppet Head?

Dr. Russell Norman Murray said...

This is not my main links. This is links in the post.

I have two new posts.

Jeff said...

Ah, OK. I'll have to check them out, though it may have to be late tonight, after work.

Great Googly Moogly! said...

We've begun reading "The Swill"...um...I mean, "The Shack" in our mid-week study this Fall. This is supposed to be a modern-day "Pilgrim's Progress"; I've only read the first 5 chapters, so I haven't really formed an opinion yet. According to the reviews I've read, this book is either the best thing in Christian literature and theology since "Pilgrim's Progress" or it's heresy to avoid like the plague.

BTW--My reference to "The Swill" comes from James White over at Alpha & Omega Ministries. He called it "The Swill" and couldn't get it out of my head :-) I even altered the cover of the book to read "The Swill"! Uh-oh...I don't know what I'll do if I end up liking it! :-)

Our Pastor thought that this would be a beneficial read so that we can understand and interact with "mainstream Christianity" which has fallen in love with the book. I tend to agree, though so far the writing has been rather pedestrian--in other words, it certainly aint no "Pilgrims Progress"! But I'll reserve my opinion of the book's content until after I've read it all.

GGM

Jeff said...

GGM,

I had never heard of that book, but I read a few reviews on Amazon. One lengthy review warns against its bad theology. But then, considering many of today's so-called "Christian" books, that's nothing new.

Jeff said...

The first "Pilgrim's Progress" video lists Chuck Girard playing the voice of "Little Pilgrim." I used to have albums of Chuck Girard's music, and used to really enjoy listening to him. He was in one of the pioneer Christian rock groups. His daughter, Alisa Girard, was a member of the Christian group ZOEgirl.

Jeff said...

GGM,

I even altered the cover of the book to read "The Swill"! Uh-oh...I don't know what I'll do if I end up liking it! :-)

LOL!

Jeff said...

From the beginning of the second video:

"For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them." (Galatians 3:10)

Those who try to obtain Heaven by their own works are under a curse.

and:

"Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him."

(based I think, on: "For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith." (Romans 1:17)

"Have you drawn back your foot from the way of peace at your own cost?"

Those who try to attain Heaven by their own works, or who try to add works to faith, are drawing back from the way of salvation by faith alone, which is the true gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Great Googly Moogly! said...

"Those who try to attain Heaven by their own works, or who try to add works to faith, are drawing back from the way of salvation by faith alone, which is the true gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ."

AMEN! Well said, Jeff.

Jeff said...

Thanks, GGM!

I think it is important to point that out, because cults and others incorrectly think that faith alone (in the shed blood of Christ) is not enough to get one to Heaven. Though I suspect they don't realize it, this is actually an offense against the Lord Who gave His all on the cross to pay for our sins.

Paul points out that the blood of Christ is not an excuse to live as you please, nor is it a doormat to wipe your shoes off, and then go and live a sinful life. Rather, if one is truly following Christ, and in love with the Lord Jesus Christ, that person will be eternally grateful for having been 'pulled from the flames,' so-to-speak, and given eternal life, when they only deserved eternal damnation. Therefore, a person who truly belongs to Christ should do everything they can to walk in obedience to their Lord. Of course, no one can do that in their own strength, but only through the power of the Holy Spirit. It is spending time in the Word of God, the Bible, which allows us to be filled with the Holy Spirit, along with prayer, which is our communication with God. Telling others about Christ is what serves as exercise to our faith, as well as participating in partnership with our Lord to bring His gospel to the world.

If we come to Christ by faith alone, then we must not fall back on the deceptive lie that our works can aid in our salvation. Our works are a natural result of our salvation, and are the fruit of our salvation. But only trusting in the shed blood of Christ can bring us to Heaven. And not simply a head knowledge, or an intellectual recognition, but a surrendered life where there is an initial transformation.

If there has not been a time where Christ has dramatically changed a person's life, and made that person into a brand new creation, then that person is not saved. Some may have accepted Him at an early age, and, not having lived a wicked life, may not see a dramatic difference as those who have lived as wicked sinners; nevertheless, regeneration must take place on the inside of that person in order for that person to obtain Heaven.