Help draws Christian out of the filthy Slough of Despond and places him on solid ground. The slough represents the "scum and filth" of doubts, fears and unbelief that accompany conviction of sin. It can lead one either forward with God's help, in retreat like Pliable, or further down. While the slough cannot be permanently fixed, God sustains believers through struggles with His promises of grace.
Convincing, impossible to refute, short (12 pages) biblical proof that Jesus is fully divine as God Almighty. Mostly scripture. (English--computer format in 8x11 size)
Listen to my sermon on this at http://www.john10-10.org/john10-10/Sermon_Audios/Entries/2014/6/22_Proving_that_Jesus_Is_Fully_God.html
Convincing, impossible to refute, short (12 pages) biblical proof that Jesus is fully divine as God Almighty. Mostly scripture. (English--computer format in 8x11 size)
Listen to my sermon on this at http://www.john10-10.org/john10-10/Sermon_Audios/Entries/2014/6/22_Proving_that_Jesus_Is_Fully_God.html
THIS MESSAGE SPEAKS ABOUT RIGHTEOUSNESS BY FAITH, THE ATONEMENT, THE SABBATH, THE STATE OF THE DEAD, ETC...THIS ALL HAVE TO DO WITH PRESENT TRUTH MESSAGES WITH REGARD TO THE SANCTUARY, AND WHAT'S TAKING PLACE IN HEAVEN WITH CHRIST BEING OUR HIGH PRIEST.
The sanctuary has deep relations between Christ and the desire He has for His people especially in this end time. A serious look into the importance of studying the sanctuary and the way sanctuary terminology is woven through out the scriptures.
Clearly reveals how a knowledge of the sanctuary affects your lifestyle and the food we eat. A truly enriching and Christ centred and biblical study.
THIS MESSAGE SPEAKS ABOUT RIGHTEOUSNESS BY FAITH, THE ATONEMENT, THE SABBATH, THE STATE OF THE DEAD, ETC...THIS ALL HAVE TO DO WITH PRESENT TRUTH MESSAGES WITH REGARD TO THE SANCTUARY, AND WHAT'S TAKING PLACE IN HEAVEN WITH CHRIST BEING OUR HIGH PRIEST.
The sanctuary has deep relations between Christ and the desire He has for His people especially in this end time. A serious look into the importance of studying the sanctuary and the way sanctuary terminology is woven through out the scriptures.
Clearly reveals how a knowledge of the sanctuary affects your lifestyle and the food we eat. A truly enriching and Christ centred and biblical study.
God's wrath, God's Will - Jesus Christ, God's Will - Church God's Will - The...franktsao4
The descent of the plague this time was large, violent, and wide-ranging, showing the wrath of God, but why is God so wrathful? If we put ourselves in the perspective of God, He sent Jesus Christ to pave the way for us to live a true and living eternal life. The price is the life of His single beloved Son. He established the church. He hope the church can continue to carry out this mission. However, is the church obeying God's command? And does the church interpret the Bible in accordance with God's will? Do those who participate in the church have salvation? If the answer to the above is no, it is no wonder that God is so angry.
Checks to Unconditional Covenants 2
Scriptural examples of casting off faith.
The Scriptures clearly tell us that the time will come when when some Christians in the body of Christ will not endure sound doctrine. All of us ought to separate the precious from the vile, the truth from the error and sound doctrine from fables. We cannot delegate this responsibility to anybody else. To this end we have been freely given the written word of God that by the grace of God through faith in his name we might be lead into all truth through the Holy Spirit.
I hope this series of meditations will help the word of God renew your mind and that you will be ready for the appearing of the Lord Jesus Christ.
What is our Godly Inheritance? How do we posses all that God has for us? We pray that these writings on the subject of "Our Godly Inheritance" is a blessing to you, today! This is an audio message that was transcribed into text for our listening audience in our Live Voice Conference, Beyond the Veil Prophetic Ministries, presented by Evangelist Sharon Foskey. We pray it is blessing to you, today!
Similar to Pilgrims Progress - Ch 04 The Slough of Despond (20)
The PBHP DYC ~ Reflections on The Dhamma (English).pptxOH TEIK BIN
A PowerPoint Presentation based on the Dhamma Reflections for the PBHP DYC for the years 1993 – 2012. To motivate and inspire DYC members to keep on practicing the Dhamma and to do the meritorious deed of Dhammaduta work.
The texts are in English.
For the Video with audio narration, comments and texts in English, please check out the Link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zF2g_43NEa0
The Good News, newsletter for June 2024 is hereNoHo FUMC
Our monthly newsletter is available to read online. We hope you will join us each Sunday in person for our worship service. Make sure to subscribe and follow us on YouTube and social media.
In Jude 17-23 Jude shifts from piling up examples of false teachers from the Old Testament to a series of practical exhortations that flow from apostolic instruction. He preserves for us what may well have been part of the apostolic catechism for the first generation of Christ-followers. In these instructions Jude exhorts the believer to deal with 3 different groups of people: scoffers who are "devoid of the Spirit", believers who have come under the influence of scoffers and believers who are so entrenched in false teaching that they need rescue and pose some real spiritual risk for the rescuer. In all of this Jude emphasizes Jesus' call to rescue straying sheep, leaving the 99 safely behind and pursuing the 1.
The Chakra System in our body - A Portal to Interdimensional Consciousness.pptxBharat Technology
each chakra is studied in greater detail, several steps have been included to
strengthen your personal intention to open each chakra more fully. These are designed
to draw forth the highest benefit for your spiritual growth.
Lesson 9 - Resisting Temptation Along the Way.pptxCelso Napoleon
Lesson 9 - Resisting Temptation Along the Way
SBs – Sunday Bible School
Adult Bible Lessons 2nd quarter 2024 CPAD
MAGAZINE: THE CAREER THAT IS PROPOSED TO US: The Path of Salvation, Holiness and Perseverance to Reach Heaven
Commentator: Pastor Osiel Gomes
Presentation: Missionary Celso Napoleon
Renewed in Grace
The Book of Joshua is the sixth book in the Hebrew Bible and the Old Testament, and is the first book of the Deuteronomistic history, the story of Israel from the conquest of Canaan to the Babylonian exile.
HANUMAN STORIES: TIMELESS TEACHINGS FOR TODAY’S WORLDLearnyoga
Hanuman Stories: Timeless Teachings for Today’s World" delves into the inspiring tales of Hanuman, highlighting lessons of devotion, strength, and selfless service that resonate in modern life. These stories illustrate how Hanuman's unwavering faith and courage can guide us through challenges and foster resilience. Through these timeless narratives, readers can find profound wisdom to apply in their daily lives.
What Should be the Christian View of Anime?Joe Muraguri
We will learn what Anime is and see what a Christian should consider before watching anime movies? We will also learn a little bit of Shintoism religion and hentai (the craze of internet pornography today).
Exploring the Mindfulness Understanding Its Benefits.pptxMartaLoveguard
Slide 1: Title: Exploring the Mindfulness: Understanding Its Benefits
Slide 2: Introduction to Mindfulness
Mindfulness, defined as the conscious, non-judgmental observation of the present moment, has deep roots in Buddhist meditation practice but has gained significant popularity in the Western world in recent years. In today's society, filled with distractions and constant stimuli, mindfulness offers a valuable tool for regaining inner peace and reconnecting with our true selves. By cultivating mindfulness, we can develop a heightened awareness of our thoughts, feelings, and surroundings, leading to a greater sense of clarity and presence in our daily lives.
Slide 3: Benefits of Mindfulness for Mental Well-being
Practicing mindfulness can help reduce stress and anxiety levels, improving overall quality of life.
Mindfulness increases awareness of our emotions and teaches us to manage them better, leading to improved mood.
Regular mindfulness practice can improve our ability to concentrate and focus our attention on the present moment.
Slide 4: Benefits of Mindfulness for Physical Health
Research has shown that practicing mindfulness can contribute to lowering blood pressure, which is beneficial for heart health.
Regular meditation and mindfulness practice can strengthen the immune system, aiding the body in fighting infections.
Mindfulness may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and obesity by reducing stress and improving overall lifestyle habits.
Slide 5: Impact of Mindfulness on Relationships
Mindfulness can help us better understand others and improve communication, leading to healthier relationships.
By focusing on the present moment and being fully attentive, mindfulness helps build stronger and more authentic connections with others.
Mindfulness teaches us how to be present for others in difficult times, leading to increased compassion and understanding.
Slide 6: Mindfulness Techniques and Practices
Focusing on the breath and mindful breathing can be a simple way to enter a state of mindfulness.
Body scan meditation involves focusing on different parts of the body, paying attention to any sensations and feelings.
Practicing mindful walking and eating involves consciously focusing on each step or bite, with full attention to sensory experiences.
Slide 7: Incorporating Mindfulness into Daily Life
You can practice mindfulness in everyday activities such as washing dishes or taking a walk in the park.
Adding mindfulness practice to daily routines can help increase awareness and presence.
Mindfulness helps us become more aware of our needs and better manage our time, leading to balance and harmony in life.
Slide 8: Summary: Embracing Mindfulness for Full Living
Mindfulness can bring numerous benefits for physical and mental health.
Regular mindfulness practice can help achieve a fuller and more satisfying life.
Mindfulness has the power to change our perspective and way of perceiving the world, leading to deeper se
2. ACCOMPANYING PPTs and VIDEOs
Downloading these will only give you a PDF document. If you would like to obtain the actual PowerPoint presentation
for your own use advise me as per the next bullet.
The majority of the presentations have an accompanying video of me giving the presentation. If you would like to
download a copy, send me an email at getlopi@yahoo.ca and I will give you access to my Google Docs or Dropbox
account where they are located.
Credits
These Pilgrim’s Progress Presentations are as a result of Bible Studies I did at my home church in Moose
Jaw, Saskatchewan, Canada. The only thing I ask is that when you use them to present to others, that you
give the Good Lord credit through my name (Michal Lopianowski).
Τhe version of Pilgrim's Progress I am using is the one by Barry Horner
Most of the text in the presentations, if it is not sited on the page itself, comes from Barry Horner’s
Commentary on the Pilgrim’s Progress from his website: www.bunyanministries.org
The comic snippets come from CREATOR ART STUDIO, published by KINGSTONE Comics at
www.kingstonemedia.com
Any place where I mention Maltese Website as a reference, the material was taken from
www.lavvanztalpellegrin.com; which no longer seems to be working
Other pictures are from www.garretttaylor.com and illustrations from Mike Wimmer
As I complete more presentations I will be putting them on line; usually in the winter months
3. They are careless and "not watching"
Mark 14:38 “Keep watching and praying that you may not
come into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is
weak.”
2John 1:8 Watch yourselves, that you do not lose what we
have accomplished, but that you may receive a full reward.
1Pet 5:8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the
devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to
devour. ESV
• Why was Pliable in the slough?
4.
5. His greater buoyancy?
He has no personal conviction
His strong discontent
• Frustrated through impatiently expecting uninterrupted
happiness (Matt. 13:20-21)
• Challenges the promises of Christian’s book
• His expectation of further trouble along the way is correct,
but he is unable to appreciate sustaining grace
4 I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of
God that was given you in Christ Jesus, 8 who will sustain you to
the end, guiltless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1Cor 1:4,8 (ESV)
6. His rapid retreat
• In conformity with his nature and greater buoyancy, he
exits from the side of the Slough nearest to the City of
Destruction
2 Pet 2:22 - It has happened to them according to the true proverb, “A DOG
RETURNS TO ITS OWN VOMIT,” and, “A sow, after washing, returns to
wallowing in the mire.”
• He gives evidence that he is not a true seeker after the
kingdom of God
1 John 2:19 - They went out from us, but they were not really of us; for if they
had been of us, they would have remained with us; but they went out, so that it
would be shown that they all are not of us.
7.
8. His depressing guilt causes him to sink
Because the promises of God in the book seem to be unknown
to him at this time
The case of depression
Guilt is not restricted to believers-to-be alone
His struggling perseverance manifests a desire for
progress
Christian struggles to that side of the Slough which is furthest
from his home and nearest to the Celestial City
Save me, O God, For the waters have threatened my life. 2 I have
sunk in deep mire, and there is no foothold; I have come into deep
waters, and a flood overflows me. Ps 69:1-2
9.
10. His Sovereign Intervention
• Help personifies God’s reigning, hovering mercy that
takes the initiative for His elect, before their
conversion, by means of particular prevenient grace
Ps 20:1-2 1 For the choir director. A Psalm of David. May the
LORD answer you in the day of trouble! May the name of the
God of Jacob set you securely on high! 2 May He send you
help from the sanctuary And support you from Zion!
Ps 70:5 But I am afflicted and needy; Hasten to me, O God!
You are my help and my deliverer; O LORD, do not delay.
11. • Spurgeon preached a sermon in 1865 entitled
Prevenient Grace based upon Gal 1:15 in which he
declared:
“Prevenient grace comes before regeneration and
conversion. I think we sometimes overlook it. We do not
attach enough importance to the grace of God in its
dealings with men before he actually brings them to
himself. Paul said that God had designs of love towards
him even before he had called him out of the dead
world into spiritual life.”
12. • And God has appointed in the church, first apostles,
second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts
of healings, helps, administrations, various kinds of
tongues. 1Cor 12:28
• This word helps is a Hapax legomenon!
• Notice HELP does not act as if Christian needs help, but
simply asks; "What are you doing here?"
Spurgeon says, "When you meet with someone who is
despairing and thinks he cannot be saved, get him to state his
case. This should always be the first thing."
• Who does helps represents?
13. Helps convicting counsel
• Help admonishes Christian concerning the steps
which he neglected to notice on account of fear.
For by these He has granted to us His precious and
magnificent promises, so that by them you may become
partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption
that is in the world by lust. 2 Pet 1:4
• The slough is not portrayed as the norm
Faithful and Christiana do not fall in
My steps have held fast to Your paths. My feet have not
slipped. Ps 17:5
14. His merciful deliverance
• Help draws Christian out of the
filthy slime and places him upon
solid ground.
He brought me up out of the pit of
destruction, out of the miry clay, And
He set my feet upon a rock making my
footsteps firm. Ps 40:2
15.
16. • It was the “scum and filth” of the “fears, doubts
and unbelief” that accompany conviction of sin.
• It is a place that takes you in one of three
directions
1. Onward, either because of the promises of God
(steps) or because HELP(S) assists you; so that
you may continue the journey.
17. The Promises of God:
• 2 Cor 7:1 - Therefore, having these promises, beloved,
let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh
and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
II Pet 1:4 - For by these He has granted to us His
precious and magnificent promises, so that by them
you may become partakers of the divine nature, having
escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust.
18. 2. In retreat, as is the case with Pliable
• Both the unbeliever and believer, though with
considerable distinction, will experience guilt.
• Pliable falls into the Slough but with the wrong result
9 I now rejoice, not that you were made sorrowful, but that you
were made sorrowful to the point of repentance; for you were
made sorrowful according to the will of God, so that you might
not suffer loss in anything through us. 10 For the sorrow that is
according to the will of God produces a repentance without
regret, leading to salvation, but the sorrow of the world
produces death. 2Cor 7:9-10
20. • Not just conviction …
• The slough makes the burden feel heavier, … the
“fears, doubts and unbelief” are making it heavier.
• You know what it’s like,
“Maybe I’m making too much out of this personal faith in
Christ” …
“Maybe I’m just making all this stuff up in my head” …
“Maybe I’m letting it get to me” …
“Maybe, I’m taking it too seriously”. …
• Christian was sinking, and he feared for his life.
21. • Cannot be mended because it has a purpose
To weed out the dabblers; who believe only for a season
John 6:66 - As a result of this many of His disciples withdrew and
were not walking with Him anymore.
• Wonder why Evangelist didn't mention it?
• David's experience – Ps 38:2-8
• Promises of God are the solution
22. • The King of the Land makes continuous repairs
23. • Existence is not the issue, but the condition!
There are preachers and teachers who labor to present the
Gospel to limit people's struggling and wallowing under
conviction.
24 The Lord’s bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to
all, able to teach, patient when wronged, 25 with gentleness
correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant
them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, 26 and they
may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil,
having been held captive by him to do his will. 2Tim 2:24-26
24. • Not only being mended, but also being marred!
In the second part of Pilgrim’s Progress, Christiana
asked the same question.
In her case, it was an old gentleman who explained to
her,
“Yes, too true, for many there be that pretend to be the
King’s labourers, and say they are for mending the
King's highway, that bring dirt and dung instead of
stones, and so mar instead of mending.”
25. • These are the preachers who do not preach the truth
of free and sovereign grace.
• Either 3 For the time will come when they will not
endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears
tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers
in accordance to their own desires, 4 and will turn
away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to
myths. 2 Tim 4:3-4
26. • or Millions of wholesome instructions, in the form of;
27. • It is impossible to mend the slough as
long as there is unbelief in the hearts of
men!
28.
29. • Bunyan draws upon his own experience here as
described in Grace Abounding To The Chief Of Sinners,
§ 82-111. In conflict and wrestlings just prior to his
conversion, he comments:
"I was more loathsome in my own eyes than was a toad; and I
thought I was so in God’s eyes too; sin and corruption, I said, would
as naturally bubble out of my heart, as water would bubble out of a
fountain. . . . I thought none but the devil himself could equalize me
for inward wickedness and pollution of mind. I fell, therefore, at the
sight of my own vileness, deeply into despair. . . . And now was I
sorry that God had made me a man, for I feared I was reprobate."
30. The steps of the Law-giver and
their changing state
• When the gospel is faithfully
proclaimed, sinners will not believe
and walk on the stones until the
Holy Spirit regenerates the heart
and gives real saving faith to them.
31. • Barry Horner comments,
Now while Bunyan places the Slough of Despond at a point
prior to conversion, yet is it not just as biblical to consider a
Slough of Despond as being a snare for pilgrim’s following
conversion?
Of course later incarceration in Doubting Castle by Giant
Despair will reflect this perspective.
• Need to be clear – Slough is NOT Conviction of Sin!
Martin Luther, John Bunyan, C. H. Spurgeon, and countless
notable ministers of God have been plagued with periodic fits
of deep melancholy due to a sense of personal unworthiness.
32. • For unbelievers, the slough will hopefully lead to Godly
repentance through the promises of God.
• For believers, it is the Word of God (promises) which is
best able to restore the soul that sorely grieves over its
deep corruption.
Let me encourage you with the word of an old Puritan: "The road
to heaven is very narrow, and worse yet, there is a dangerous
ditch on either side of that narrow road. On the one side is the
ditch of DESPAIR and on the other side there is the ditch of
PRESUMPTION, but bless God, in front of the ditch of Despair is
a hedgerow of God's promises and in front of the ditch of
Presumption is a hedgerow of God's precepts."
35. His neighbors come to visit and comment
• Some call him wise.
He has chosen the broad way in preference to the narrow way
(Matt. 7:13-14).
• Some call him a fool.
He has risked his life with a religious dreamer seeking "pie in
the sky when you die by and by."
• Some mock his cowardliness.
Even the world, which boasts in its worldly attainments, hates
a quitter. No wonder that Pliable sat "cringing" in shame.
36. • 8 Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary,
the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking
someone to devour. 9 But resist him, firm in your
faith,…. 1Pet 5:8-9
• Faith is based on:
Promises of God
Word of God (The whole counsel of God)
Holy Spirit working through the encouragement of others
Helps