Podcasts about Bunyan

My *everything* talk with Adam Ross, discussing his hit literary novel Playworld. Along with *everything* (we covered a lot of ground) we also chatted about (1) Safetyism v. Adventure in raising kids today, (2) the origin and theory behind his beautifully warm opening paragraph, and (3) his love/hate relationship with being compared to that other writer of precocious New York City kids, J.D. Salinger. Order Mark's novel Bunyan and Henry. All episodes of The Thoughtful Bro aired live originally on A Mighty Blaze. The Thoughtful Bro is proudly sponsored by Libro.fm and Writer's Bone.

This week - it's time to look at the connection between westward American Expansion and the apple. How is the apple all tangled up with our creation of the  19th century tall tales we started to tell on and about ourselves? So get ready for a visit from some of the features/specters of that myth making that inhabited a huge part of the 20th century. Links:Johnny Appleseed Cartoon (1948) Paul Bunyan Cartoon (1958)  John Henry Cartoon 1 (1973 – narrated by Roberta Flack)John Henry Cartoon 2 (2000 - Disney)Pecos Bill Cartoon (1948) Davy Crockett Disney TV show Theme Song (1954 – This is… OOoooF rough) Iriana Geogescu's plum dumplings you can use with apples.  Or apricots of course.   Music Credit: Fingerlympics by Doctor TurtleShow Notes: https://thehistoryofamericanfood.blogspot.com/Email: TheHistoryofAmericanFood at gmail dot comThreads: @THoAFoodInstagram: @THoAFood& some other socials... @THoAFood

In this episode of the Big Careers, Small Children podcast, Verena Hefti MBE speaks with Nadia Bunyan MCIPD, Director of People and Impact at Global Witness, and Tatiana Pignon, Associate Director at Autonomy.They discuss how to implement a 4-day working week in a way that supports both staff wellbeing and organisational performance. Nadia shares lessons from leading a successful 4-day week pilot at Global Witness, while Tatiana brings insights from supporting over 100 organisations through similar transitions.Together, they explore:✔️ What organisations get wrong when moving to a shorter week✔️ How to build trust and ensure leadership models healthy behaviours✔️ Why co-creating the model with staff matters✔️ How a shorter week supports working parents✔️ What to consider when navigating global teams, peak periods, and emergencies✔️ The mindset shift needed to move away from presenteeism✔️ Practical steps for organisations starting their 4-day week journeyWhether you're a senior leader or a working parent curious about flexible working, this episode offers practical advice and real-world experience to inspire change.What You'll Learn in This Episode:✔️ How to move to a 4-day week without compromising impact✔️ Why wellbeing and performance can go hand-in-hand✔️ The role of culture, leadership, and trust in making it work✔️ How flexible working can support inclusion and equityShow Notes:Learn more about Global Witness: globalwitness.orgLearn more about Autonomy: autonomy.workConnect with Nadia Bunyan on LinkedInConnect with Tatiana Pignon on LinkedInLearn more about the Leaders Plus: Big Careers, Small Children podcast and explore additional resources at leadersplus.org.Follow Leaders Plus on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Bluesky.Connect with our CEO, Verena Hefti MBE on LinkedIn.Find out more about the work of Leaders Plus by signing up to our Newsletter.Our multi-award-winning Leaders Plus Fellowships support parents committed to career growth while enjoying family life. Expertly designed to keep parents on the leadership path, our programme tackles gender pay gap issues and empowers parents to thrive. Learn more here: Leaders Plus Fellowship.More BCSC episodes you might love:Episode 190: Does the Four Day Week Really Work?Episode 178: [Future of Work]...

We explore the story of how the Bible was rewritten due to three devotionals.

In this episode, Oliver Allmand-Smith returns to give a thoughtful critique of the legacy of John Bunyan, its impact on present-day evangelicalism and the importance of confessionalism. The way Bunyan's strengths led to his weaknesses is explored, alongside his weak view of Baptism and Church Membership, and his hyper-individualistic approach to the Christian life. Oliver and John-Mark stress the importance of understanding Bunyan in his own historical context, before closing with a re-emphasis of the admirable qualities of John Bunyan.Send us a textContact Broken Wharfe Tweet us @Brokenwharfe Find us on Facebook at BrokenWharfe Follow us on Instagram at BrokenWharfe Email us at info@brokenwharfe.com Thanks for listening!

Part 5 of our ongoing book discussion series about the classic work by John Bunyan, The Pilgrim's Progress, is finally here! James, Jonathan, and Jeffrey Stivason, pastor of Grace Reformed Presbyterian Church and a professor at Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary, pick up where they left off with Christian coming out of the Valley of the Shadow of Death and meeting his friend, Faithful. Their subsequent conversation covers the profound themes of temptation, discontentment, and shame, subjects that are relatable and applicable to all believers and illuminate the complexities of the Christian journey for each individual.  Two things really jump out at me as I read this…Bunyan recognizes that there are differences in the ways in which Christians are tempted, the ways in which therefore they are comforted and find hope, and that's a profound insight… This conversation with Faithful serves such an important purpose because it shows two men, walking the same pilgrim journey, yet in one sense experiencing it very differently. – Jonathan Master Don't miss this enlightening, instructive discussion! For the opportunity to win a copy of The Pilgrim's Progress, thanks to the generosity of Banner of Truth, enter here.    Show Notes: The Pilgrim's Progress: https://reformedresources.org/the-pilgrims-progress-clothbound/ Pictures from Pilgrim's Progress: https://reformedresources.org/pictures-from-pilgrims-progress-paperback/ Previous episodes in The Pilgrim's Progress book series: Episode 1: https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-xagb6-15a7cd1 Episode 2: https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-yd3a6-15e351c Episode 3: https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-etvjk-16d1999 Episode 4: https://theologyonthego.podbean.com/e/the-pilgrims-progress-part-4/

In this episode, Oliver Allmand-Smith joins the show to discuss the life and legacy of John Bunyan. They explore Bunyan's early life, his exposure to Puritan preaching during the English Civil War, and his profound spiritual journey detailed in his autobiography 'Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners.' The podcast delves into Bunyan's religious convictions, his resistance to formalism, and his imprisonment for unlicensed preaching. They also reflect on the personal and historical context that shaped Bunyan's theological perspectives and his lasting influence, highlighting the enduring importance of his steadfast commitment to genuine faith and assurance in Christ.Send us a textContact Broken Wharfe Tweet us @Brokenwharfe Find us on Facebook at BrokenWharfe Follow us on Instagram at BrokenWharfe Email us at info@brokenwharfe.com Thanks for listening!

A sermon delivered by C.H. Spurgeon, Thursday evening, October 29th 1885.Spurgeon shows us our need of God. The Lord alone can turn our eyes away from sin and give us life. He alone can work in us ‘to will and to do of His good pleasure' (Philippians 2:13). Spurgeon refers more than once to the words that Bunyan heard, when he was a young man, as he was playing a game of ‘Tip Cat', on the Lord's day, on the village green at Elstow, Bedfordshire: “Wilt thou leave thy sins, and go to heaven? Or have thy sins, and go to hell?”Read by: Gavin Childress

My chat with Eric Puchner about his incredible Oprah's Book Club pick Dream State. We discussed (1) writing the "good old fashioned" novel, (2) writing the "big little" emotional moment on which stories often turn, and (3) whether you should write as if everyone you know is dead. Order Mark's novel Bunyan and Henry. All episodes of The Thoughtful Bro aired live originally on A Mighty Blaze. The Thoughtful Bro is proudly sponsored by Libro.fm and Writer's Bone.

My interview with Presumed Innocent author Scott Turow, on his latest novel, Presumed Guilty. Topics included, (1) The creative freedom that comes when authors realize they can't write like their heroes; (2) the advice Scott gave to Gillian Flynn, when she was on the rocket ship to literary fame, and (3) as a former President of the Authors Guild, his take on the threat AI poses to writers. Order Mark's novel Bunyan and Henry. All episodes of The Thoughtful Bro aired live originally on A Mighty Blaze. The Thoughtful Bro is proudly sponsored by Libro.fm and Writer's Bone.

It's Wednesday, February 19th, A.D. 2025. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 125 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Jonathan Clark Christians faced the most murders and abductions in Africa Global Christian Relief released the Violent Incidents Database last month in partnership with the International Institute for Religious Freedom. The publicly accessible resource records over 6,000 verified incidents of religious persecution starting from 2022. Christians faced the most murders and abductions in Africa according to the database. Europe led in terms of damage to religious buildings. Believers faced the most sentences and arrests in Asia. Asia also led in terms of attacks on houses and people being forced to leave their home or country.   Global Christian Relief reported Nigeria, India, China, and Azerbaijan were some of the worst countries for the persecution of Christians in their 2025 Red List Report.  British woman in trouble for holding pro-life sign outside abortion mill A retired medical scientist in England will face trial next month for her pro-life work. The case began when authorities confronted 63-year-old Livia Tossici-Bolt for holding a sign near an abortion mill. The sign read “Here to talk, if you want to.”  Jeremiah Igunnubole, Legal Counsel for Alliance Defending Freedom UK, noted, “Under far-reaching and vaguely-written rules, we have seen volunteers like Livia criminalized simply for offering conversations to those in need; and others dragged through courts for praying, even silently, in their minds.” Christian physician assistant fired for affirming two genders In the United States, a Christian healthcare worker is fighting for her religious freedom with the help of First Liberty. Back in 2021, the University of Michigan Health System fired Valerie Kloosterman. The physician assistant lost her job for remaining committed to the Biblical definition of male and female. She took her case to the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals earlier this month. Kloosterman said, “I couldn't do this without my faith. This battle belongs to the Lord. I'm His instrument and I'm required to be faithful. I'm hoping that I do that every step of this process even though it can be difficult and hard.” 2 Chronicles 20:15 says, “Thus says the LORD to you: ‘Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God's.” Trump announces reciprocal tariffs President Donald Trump announced reciprocal tariffs on Monday. He wrote on X, “On Trade, I have decided, for purposes of Fairness, that I will charge a RECIPROCAL Tariff -- meaning whatever Countries charge the United States of America, we will charge them. No more, no less!” A Trump administration official told The Hill the tariffs will apply equally to competitors, like communist China, or allies like the European Union or Japan or Korea. JP Morgan, Citigroup, & Morgan Stanley scrub DEI nonsense Big banks in the U.S. are reacting to President Trump's executive order against diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, also known as DEI. Banks like Morgan Stanley, JPMorgan, and Citigroup have scrubbed their public references to DEI in recent weeks, reports The Wall Street Journal.  A White House fact sheet from last month noted, “In the private sector, many corporations and universities use DEI as an excuse for biased and unlawful employment practices and illegal admissions preferences, ignoring the fact that DEI's foundational rhetoric and ideas foster intergroup hostility.” Delta plane crashed at Canadian airport, flipped upside down A Delta Air Lines jet crashed at Canada's Toronto Pearson International Airport on Monday, reports Fox News. The flight was carrying 80 people on board from Minneapolis.  The plane ended upside down on the runway, leaving passengers hanging from their seats “like bats” as one passenger described.  At least 21 people were injured, but thankfully no one died in the crash.  Republican Rep. Pete Stauber of Minnesota said, “I am praying for those involved and will continue to monitor this situation as details emerge. I am incredibly grateful for the quick response of the first responders on the ground!”  Anniversary of John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress And finally, this week is the 347th anniversary of the publication of John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress. His first volume of the book was announced on February 18, 1678. With 250 million copies sold, it's one of the best-selling books of all time.  If you don't have a copy, pick up one today. It's a must have volume for every Christian's library. Bunyan began the work from prison. He was sentenced for holding unsanctioned religious services. Despite suffering for his faith, he would produce a Christian classic that would influence the church for centuries.  The 19th century English preacher Charles Spurgeon said of Bunyan, “Read anything of his, and you will see that it is almost like reading the Bible itself. He had read it till his very soul was saturated with Scripture; and though his writings are charmingly full of poetry, yet he cannot give us his Pilgrim's Progress—that sweetest of all prose poems—without continually making us feel and say, ‘Why, this man is a living Bible!'” Jeremiah 15:16 says, “Your words were found, and I ate them, and Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart; for I am called by Your name, O LORD God of hosts.” Close And that's The Worldview on this Wednesday, February 19th, in the year of our Lord 2025. Subscribe by Amazon Music or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com. Or get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

Lee Génesis 6:9–22 En El progreso del peregrino de Bunyan (ver día 9), Cristiano y Fiel un día entraron en la Feria de las Vanidades, un lugar de muchas tentaciones mundanas. Ofendidos por su falta de voluntad de participar, los habitantes del pueblo los arrojaron a prisión. Celebraron un juicio simulado y los condenaron a muerte. Aunque Dios permitió que Cristiano escapara, Fiel fue torturado y quemado en la hoguera, entrando al cielo como un mártir honrado. Incluso cuando el precio es alto, debemos obedecer a Dios. Muchas historias de la Biblia ilustran este principio, incluido el sacrificio de Abraham de Isaac y Daniel en el foso de los leones. Noé también nos enseña esta lección. Su obediencia extrema estaba arraigada en su carácter recto y su estilo de vida piadoso (v. 9). Vivió en marcado contraste con el mundo que lo rodeaba (vv. 11–12). Cuando Dios le ordenó construir el arca, Noé pudo haber sido tentado a desobedecer o al menos a obedecer a medias. La tarea parecía ridícula. El tamaño enorme del barco ya era bastante malo (vv. 14–16). La afirmación de que toda la tierra se inundaría y toda vida perecería parecía absurda (v. 17). La idea de que sólo Noé y su familia, acompañados por parejas de animales, sobrevivirían parecía un delirio de grandeza (vv. 18–21). No obstante, “Noé hizo todo según lo que Dios había mandado” (v. 22). ¿Cuánto tiempo llevó construir el arca? Los eruditos sugieren unos 75 años, dadas las edades y los nacimientos registrados en las genealogías. Por ejemplo, Cam ni siquiera había nacido todavía cuando Dios le dio este mandato a Noé. A lo largo de los años, habría habido muchas oportunidades para que Noé abandonara el camino de la obediencia, pero persistió en la fe (Hebreos 11:7). Mediante palabras y hechos, predicó un mensaje de juicio y justicia al mundo que lo rodeaba (2 Pedro 2:5). ¿Qué podemos aprender del ejemplo de obediencia de Noé? ¿Cómo estás cultivando tú este estilo de vida? Ora con nosotros Señor Dios, equípanos. Haz que estemos preparados para seguirte y obedecerte pase lo que pase. Al estudiar el pasaje bíblico de hoy, que podamos aprender del ejemplo de Noé cómo enfrentar los desafíos, confiando en Ti contra viento y marea.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

My conversation with The New Yorker fiction editor of 20+ years, Deborah Treisman. Topics included: the "egoless" midwifery of editing; common traits among the famous writers she's known (obsessiveness and dedication are hallmarks); and anecdotes of the late David Foster Wallace. Order Mark's novel Bunyan and Henry. All episodes of The Thoughtful Bro aired live originally on A Mighty Blaze. The Thoughtful Bro is proudly sponsored by Libro.fm and Writer's Bone.

"Lookaftering" Well, we talked about doing the thing and the fact of the matter is, the British-born Vashti Bunyan started doing the thing pretty early. In the 1960s, while studying at the Ruskin School of Drawing and Fine Art at Oxford, Bunyan was expelled for focussing more on making music than on drawing. So she went home and started making music. When her mother's hip actress friend got the 19 year old Bunyan a face to face with the Stones' manager Andrew Loog Oldham, he was properly charmed and handed her the Stones track "Some Things Just Stick In Your Mind" to record. And so she did. Backed by her own song "I Want To Be Alone," "Some Things" featured Jimmy Page on guitar, but it didn't turn as many heads as Bunyan had hoped. She did another single, sang on a Twice As Much album, and appeared in a documentary about swinging London. So the ball was rolling. Bunyan and her fella hit the road in search of an artistic community and she ended up Holland, The Scottish Highlands and the Cumbrian Mountains. Her journey informed the songs for her debut album Just Another Diamond Day, which is fabulous, but was too fabulous for the time it was released. Look, sometimes the world just has to catch up and it did. But it took 30 years. Bunyan was so disappointed by Diamond Day not really troubling the charts, she hung up her guitar, lived in the Scottish Borders in cottages occupied by the Incredible String Band and raised three kids, putting her music career on mothballs, seemingly for good. The world was quietly catching up however, and Diamond Day had sneakily become a cult classic. It was re-released in 2000 and with Joanna Newsom and Devendra Banhart championing her work, Bunyan was introduced to a whole new generation, who adored her. Since then, she's recorded two more albums--Lookaftering and Heartleap--and she's appeared on albums by Banhart and Animal Collective, she appeared at London's Royal Festival Hall with The Heritage Orchestra () as part of Massive Attack's Meltdown (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meltdown_(festival)), she wrote a memoir, and was the subject of a full-length documentary. So she's back. Yes. No. I mean, sort of. But I also mean yes. Confused? You won't be for long. To commemorate Lookaftering's 20th anniversary, DiCristina Records is releasing an expanded edition of Bunyan's sophomore album and it's packed with demos, live stuff, fabulous liner notes, lyric sheets and paintings by Bunyan's daughter. Bunyan's music is hard to classify--it's bedroom pop that isn't pop and wasn't recorded in a bedroom but it's got this hushed and fractured quality that's filled with mysterious power. This conversation is a real treat and in the end, there's an unexpected walk across the rooftops that's really cool. IG: @vashtibunyan www.bombshellradio.com (http://www.bombshellradio.com) www.stereoembersmagazine.com (http://www.stereoembersmagazine.com) www.alexgreenbooks.com (http://www.alexgreenbooks.com) Stereo Embers IG: @emberspodcast Bluesky: @emberspodcast Email: editor@stereoembersmagazine.com

It's been an eclectic season for Canadian #2 and Pan Am Championships gold medalist Nicole Bunyan. We talk about her season which is about to get underway again and includes the Pan Am Champs, World Team Champs, PSA and of course Squash TV duties. Speaking of which, Nicole breaks down all of the finals day TOC drama both for the men and the women. And of course, she lays out a few things we ought to consider as regards our own game's as well as we flesh out some of her recent Squashletic content. Great chat!

British singer-songwriter Vashti Bunyan is celebrating her 80th birthday with a new edition of her 2005 record ‘Lookaftering’, including added demos, live versions and sleeve notes from its producer, Max Richter. The lyric booklet features paintings by Bunyan’s daughter, which beautifully brings to life the wistful, dreamy tracks. Robert Bounds sits down with Vashti Bunyan to discuss the cult reception to her work and how a new generation breathed new life into her music.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We continue with our survey of the open and closed communion debate in preparation for a later review of John Collett Ryland's principles and practices related to it. Next I'll review the interactions of John Bunyan and William Kiffen.   For more information about CBTS, visit CBTSeminary.org

We continue with our survey of the open and closed communion debate in preparation for a later review of John Collett Ryland's principles and practices related to it. Next I'll review the interactions of John Bunyan and William Kiffen. For more information about CBTS, visit CBTSeminary.org

We continue with our survey of the open and closed communion debate in preparation for a later review of John Collett Ryland's principles and practices related to it. Next I'll review the interactions of John Bunyan and William Kiffen.   For more information about CBTS, visit CBTSeminary.org

Come for the "sleep-deprived Ballyhoo," stay for the "bowling ball collectors who fly Cherokee 235s." In this episode, the crew reveals their "Ultimate Official Airplane of..." Guide where your aircraft choice might expose you as someone who "lectures about stick and rudder at parties" or "plans flights around Whole Foods locations." Plus, tales of an overenthusiastic ATC requesting a "60-mile left downwind," and why raising a puppy is just like raising a child, except "you only have to feed the dog twice a day." Featuring special guest appearances by a green-primered 737 and Ted's dirty belly (on his plane, that is). Mentioned on the show: * Nathan Ballard's first "learning from the military" video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ka_5m69KCKs * Ted's new video, "return from friday harbor with my favorite passenger", with the dirty belly: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwBmh8KX22A#t=3m55s * "Official airplane of" list on the MPP blog: https://midlifepilotpodcast.com/blog/the-ultimate-official-airplane-of-guide * MPP Aviation Apps Guide: https://midlifepilotpodcast.com/blog/comprehensive-ish-aviation-apps-guide * Bunyan's in Muscle Shoals: https://www.bunyansbarbeque.com/

Join us for Part 4 of The Pilgrim's Progress as we delve into the allegorical journey of Christian. Christian's path is fraught with challenges, temptations, and divine encounters as he seeks salvation and the celestial city of Mount Zion. In this part, Christian meets Goodwill at the gate, learns profound truths from the Interpreter, and witnesses the struggles of fellow travelers. Discover the rich symbolism woven through Christian's interactions with figures like Goodwill and the Interpreter. Christian's journey illuminates the spiritual battles we all face—the allure of worldly pleasures, the burden of sin, and the hope of redemption. As Christian progresses, he learns the importance of perseverance, faith, and the transformative power of grace. Through these encounters, Christian is reminded of the eternal consequences of his choices. This part challenges listeners to reflect on their own spiritual journey, encouraging a deeper understanding of the path to salvation and the obstacles that may arise along the way. Whether you're familiar with Bunyan's work or encountering it for the first time, this book offers timeless insights into the human condition and the pursuit of divine truth. Join us as we explore these timeless truths and ponder the significance of the journey to the celestial city. Let the narrative inspire and challenge you to reflect on your own spiritual path and the enduring truths embedded within its pages. If you would like to pick up a copy of The Pilgrim's Progress to add to your home library, we have listed some of our favorites below. And we were sure to include one of our favorites rewritten for children. (affil links) The Pilgrim's Progress Old English: https://amzn.to/4j1j3Xg The Pilgrim's Progress Modern English: https://amzn.to/3W3SNlv Little Pilgrim's Big Journey: https://amzn.to/41YDs9G If you appreciate our content and wish to support us, please consider the following: ▪️ Buy Me a Coffee: buymeacoffee.com/wanderingpilgrims ▪️ Patreon: ⁠https://www.patreon.com/TheWanderingPilgrims⁠ ▪️ Shop: ⁠https://shop.thewanderingpilgrims.com⁠/ Connect with us: ▪️ Website: www.thewanderingpilgrims.com ▪️Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thewanderingpilgrims⁠ ▪️ Facebook: ⁠https://m.facebook.com/The-Wandering-Pilgrims-581206039071736⁠/ ▪️ Podcast: ⁠https://anchor.fm/wanderingpilgrims⁠ ▪️ Twitter: @WanderPilgrims

'This book will make a traveller of Thee...' So begins John Bunyan's classic The Pilgrim's Progress. Many Christians of the past four centuries would testify that it is indeed a book to stir up the heavenbound pilgrim - offering encouragement, challenge, warning, and hope to the man, woman, or child, who desires to attain to the life to come. But the book has its critics, even prominent ones, and can be a challenging read for modern Christians. With this in mind, we read John Muether's commendation of Bunyan's classic, and an excerpt from the Trust's recent paperback edition of C. H. Spurgeon's Pictures from Pilgrim's Progress.   Featured Content: – 'Why Evangelicals Don't Read Pilgrim's Progress (and Why They Should)', John Muether, originally published in a Reformed Theological Seminary publication, this was featured on the Banner website on Nov. 2, 2003: https://banneroftruth.org/resources/articles/2003/why-evangelicals-dont-read-pilgrims-progress-and-why-they-should/ – C. H. Spurgeon, Pictures from Pilgrim's Progress (Edinburgh: Banner of Truth, 2024), pp. 145–153.   About the Contributors: John R. Muether joined Reformed Theological Seminary-Orlando as Library Director in 1989. Mr. Muether also serves as Professor of Church History, teaching core courses on education in the church, Christian engagement with culture and church government as well as elective courses on various topics. Mr. John R. Muether's faculty page: https://rts.edu/people/mr-john-r-muether/   C. H. Spurgeon was, for most of the second half of the 19th century, England's best-known preacher, becoming converted to Christianity at the age of 15 in 1850. During the 1850s, London's largest halls overflowed with people wanting to hear this youthful minister preach. During the 1860s, he founded the Metropolitan Tabernacle, along with a college for pastors and an orphanage, and he was already publishing sermons and a monthly magazine. He authored many books, with some of the most popular Charles Spurgeon books including Flowers From a Puritan's Garden with its inspiring illustrations and meditations; A Defence of Calvinism, where Spurgeon explains and defends Biblical teachings about God's grace in the Gospels; and the C.H. Spurgeon Autobiography, volumes 1 and 2. Volume 1 is subtitled “The Early Years,” while Volume 2 is “The Full Harvest 1860-1892.” The C.H. Spurgeon Autobiography is also available as a two-volume set.   Buy Pictures from Pilgrim's Progress: https://banneroftruth.org/store/theology-books/pictures-from-pilgrims-progress/   Explore the work of the Banner of Truth: www.banneroftruth.org Subscribe to the Magazine (print/digital/both): www.banneroftruth.org/magazine Leave us a voice message: www.speakpipe.com/magazinepodcast

Welcome to our book series. Each week we release a new chapter of an old book. Our first is one that is near and dear to our hearts: The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan. We hope you will enjoy this series as work to bring you edifying books from the past. If you would like to pick up a copy of Pilgrim's Progress, we have included links below to some of our favorite editions, including some rewritten for children. Embark on a literary journey with The Wandering Pilgrims as we delve into "The Pilgrim's Progress" by John Bunyan. In part 1, we explore the allegorical tale that has captivated readers for centuries, beginning with Bunyan's own reflections on the creation of his work. Discover the transformative journey of Christian, a man burdened by the weight of his sins, as he seeks salvation and eternal life. Whether you're familiar with Bunyan's masterpiece or encountering it for the first time, this episode promises to enrich your appreciation of one of the most significant works in Christian literature. Allow the narrative to inspire and challenge you, and reflect on the enduring truths embedded within its pages. Minor changes have been made to the original text for readability and understanding purposes. This is a book that should be in every home library. Check out our favorites here, and we were sure to include one of our favorites rewritten for children. (affil links) The Pilgrim's Progress Old English: https://amzn.to/4j1j3Xg The Pilgrim's Progress Modern English: https://amzn.to/3W3SNlv Little Pilgrim's Big Journey: https://amzn.to/41YDs9G If you enjoy and value this content, please consider supporting us through these links to help us be able to make more:

We are pleased to publish the fourth episode in our ongoing book discussion series about the classic work by John Bunyan, The Pilgrim's Progress. James, Jonathan, and Jeffrey Stivason, pastor of Grace Reformed Presbyterian Church and a professor at Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary, explore the significance of the Palace Beautiful and its representation of the church.  We want to just keep underscoring this point, I think in this episode, is the importance of the church, the importance of Christian fellowship as we walk our pilgrimage as followers of the Lord Jesus Christ. – Jonathan Master Discover how Christian fellowship, pastoral guidance, and the journey through the Valley of Humiliation and the Shadow of Death form a cohesive unit in Bunyan's timeless work. This episode provides deep insights into the importance of the church, the role of pastors, and the transformative power of Christian conversations. We should be encouraging each other to articulate the hope that we have – not just what we left or what we fled or how we used to be, but what we're aiming at now, so that we can encourage each other to press on. – James Dolezal For the opportunity to win a copy of The Pilgrim's Progress, thanks to the generosity of Banner of Truth, enter here.    Show Notes: The Pilgrim's Progress: https://reformedresources.org/the-pilgrims-progress-clothbound/ Pictures from Pilgrim's Progress: https://reformedresources.org/pictures-from-pilgrims-progress-paperback/   Previous episodes in The Pilgrim's Progress book series: Episode 1: https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-xagb6-15a7cd1 Episode 2: https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-yd3a6-15e351c Episode 3: https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-etvjk-16d1999

Ben, Brian, and Ted dive into why perfection might actually be holding you back in the cockpit! Between Brian's obsession with landing "THE MIDDLE of the centerline stripe" and Ben's tales of learning to embrace "sexy indifference" in the pattern, these midlife pilots share why being "just adequate" isn't always a bad thing. Plus, find out why "low VFR" apparently means there's "icing on the vegetables" and why sometimes you just need to "turn off that dang autopilot" and embrace the wobble!

My discussion with one of the towering literary and spiritual writers of our time, translator Stephen Mitchell. We dug into his insights and process in a career translating everything from the Tao Te Ching to The Iliad to The Bible to the Bhagavad Gita. I've read more of Mitchell's words than any other writer. In many ways I've been preparing my whole life for this interview. A meaningful one. Order Mark's novel Bunyan and Henry. All episodes of The Thoughtful Bro aired live originally on A Mighty Blaze. The Thoughtful Bro is proudly sponsored by Libro.fm and Writer's Bone.

My interview with Einstein's Dreams author Alan Lightman. His latest is The Miraculous From The Material, a beautiful book which pairs stunning nature photos with brief essays which explain the science behind everything from Saturn's rings to soap bubbles. Topics included (1) spirituality for the scientific-minded; (2) Alan's most powerful and personal spiritual experience; and (3) how Salman Rushdie quietly and unexpectedly helped launch Alan's career when he was an unknown debut. Order Mark's novel Bunyan and Henry. All episodes of The Thoughtful Bro aired live originally on A Mighty Blaze. The Thoughtful Bro is proudly sponsored by Libro.fm.

This part seven of a series of podcasts that will give you a snapshot of the No Name Heroes of the Faith. People who God used in small ways to make big things happen.In this episode we will learn about Mary and Elizabeth Bunyan.The main source I will be using for these episodes will come from the pages of Christian History Magazine. Check them out at https://christianhistoryinstitute.org/magazine/issues

My chat with New York Times-bestselling “recovering productivity geek” Oliver Burkeman, on how to re-program your brain so you can live a life of meaning. Topics included (1) finding self-worth outside of one's productivity output; (2) helpful ways to think about huge issues one can't control (elections, global warming); and (3) how (oddly) admitting that it's impossible to change is often the moment when real change begins. Order Mark's novel Bunyan and Henry. All episodes of The Thoughtful Bro aired live originally on A Mighty Blaze. The Thoughtful Bro is proudly sponsored by Libro.fm.

"This short 17 page updated booklet, is a spin-off from Bunyan's "Pilgrim's Progress". It is an allegory depicting the radical distinction between "the broadness of contemporary Christianity", and "the narrowness of Biblical Christianity". The vast majority of professing Christians have abandoned the Bible's demanding lifestyle of the narrow way, which alone leads to eternal life. A socially fashionable brand of 'easy religion' now masquerades as biblical Christianity."Hawthorne's dream carries him off to Bunyan's 'City of Destruction' where to his surprise, he is told that a RAILROAD has recently been built from the 'City of Destruction' to the 'Celestial City'. Sadly, this railroad never arrives at its promised destination."You will find it helpful to LISTEN to the Audio, as you READ the text here: https://www.gracegems.org/SERMONS2/celestial_railroad.htmProfessionally read by Christopher Glyn(https://www.chrisglyn.net/#)

Ben, Brian, and Ted share stories and adventures from their recent non-event gathering in West Virginia, including Ben's memorable "seven-mile base" skywriting approach with a fuel leak, Brian's encounters at unique mountain airports, and various flying experiences in challenging terrain. The hosts discuss their stops at small airports like Logan County (6L4) where they discovered classic cars and met fascinating local aviation enthusiasts. Ted provides audio clips of memorable radio exchanges from the trip. Hear your listener feedback about getting back into flying after breaks, chair flying techniques used by the Blue Angels, and the growing international reach of their aviation community. The hosts also tease plans for a future spring meetup while reflecting on how their impromptu airport visits often lead to the most memorable experiences in aviation. Mentioned on the show: * pepperoni rolls from Country Club Bakery: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pepperoni_roll * Woody's Hot Dogs: https://wvhotdogblog.blogspot.com/2019/07/fairmont-hdj-review-woodys.html * Bunyan's BBQ, Muscle Shoals: https://www.bunyansbarbeque.com/ * 4G7, Fairmont WV, great airport (with difficulty) to learn at: https://www.airnav.com/airport/4G7 * SJS, Big Sandy, Prestonburg, Kentucky: https://www.airnav.com/airport/SJS * 6L4, Logan County Airport, WV: https://www.airnav.com/airport/6L4 * C130 assault landing strips near 6L4: https://bit.ly/3Cf6CX5 * Luke's Landing, epic segment on on hot dogs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wYPGV1egrdk

What does it mean to be a Christian? How do you know that you are a Christian? What assurance can you have that you will remain a Christian? Well it is mentioned over thirty times in Ephesians, in fact we are told about 10 times in the very first and very long sentence that makes up the first 14 verses of Ephesians: In Christ, all the spiritual blessings in the heavenly places now belongs to you Christian (v. 3) In Christ, you were chosen before the foundation of the world (v. 4) Through Christ, you were predestined and adopted as sons and daughters of the living God (v. 5). In the Beloved Son of God, you are a favored child of God (v. 6). In Jesus, we have redemption, forgiveness, and the riches of Gods grace through His blood (v. 7). In Jesus, God made known the mystery of His will (v. 9). In Christ, the Father is bringing all things together to accomplish His good plan (v. 10). In Christ, we have obtained an inheritance in accordance with the plan of the Fathers perfect will (v. 11). In Christ, we are the praise of Gods glory (v. 12). In Jesus, you have been sealed by Gods Holy Spirit for the day of redemption (v. 13). To be a Christian is to be a person who was once spiritually dead, but now is alive with Christ not because of any religious activity on our part, but only because of the work of Jesus on our behalf (Eph. 2:1-9). This is what it means to be a Christian, but how does one become a Christian? I believe that in the same way that you become a Christian, is the same way you put on and take up the breastplate of righteousness. Some of you will remember our time spent in the sermon on the mount during my sermon series, Something Greater just over two years ago. In fact, if you are trying to make sense of the rhetoric and animosity that we are experiencing in our nation, I encourage you to read the first manuscript in that series from May 22, 2022. If you were here for that sermon series, you discovered that not only is the sermon on the mount the greatest sermon ever preached, but Jesus sermon shows us what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. During our time in the beatitudes I shared that the first three beatitudes, which are also known as beatitudes of need, reveal what is essential for any person to understand what is necessary for the salvation of your soul. Let me walk you through it because it will help you appreciate just how encouraging the breastplate of righteousness really is. So here are the first three beatitudes from Matthew 5:3-5, Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the gentle, for they will inherit the earth. To be poor in spirit is to arrive at the cross of Christ with empty hands, recognizing that you are spiritually bankrupt of any moral virtues adequate to earn or gain Gods forgiveness for sins committed against Him. Those who mourn are those who see and understand their sins for what they are and grieve because of them. The meek are those who understand that their problems are beyond them, their problems are because of the sin in them, and their problems are of their own doing. To come to Jesus for the forgiveness of your sins is to come to Jesus knowing that there is no righteousness in yourself; it is to mourn over the reality that your sins offend the God who is infinitely righteous, and to come to Jesus knowing that there is not one thing you can do to generate the kind of righteousness necessary for your salvation. The person who has been truly born again is one whose experience is now the fourth beatitude: Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied (Matt. 5:6). In Jesus, we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our wrongdoings, according to the riches of His grace which He lavished on us (Eph. 1:7-8). What is the Breastplate of Righteousness? The Roman soldiers breastplate was most likely form fitting and extended from the base of the neck to the top of the thighs, covering the thorax and abdomen for the purpose of protecting the vital organs such as the heart, lungs, kidneys, and bowels. The breastplate is the second piece of Gods armor we are told to put on, but what kind of righteousness does it represent? Is the breastplate of righteousness the righteousness of Jesus that has been imputed upon you the moment you were saved through faith by Christ alone? The imputed righteousness of Christ is when the righteousness of Jesus is applied to you the moment you believed the gospel as we are told in verses like 2 Corinthians 5:21, He [God] made Him [Jesus] who knew no sin to be sin in our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. Here, consider another passage that concerns the imputed righteousness of Christ from Romans 5:18-21, So then, as through one offense [Adams sin] the result was condemnation to all mankind, so also through one act of righteousness the result was justification of life to all mankind. For as through the one mans disobedience the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the One the many will be made righteous. The Law came in so that the offense would increase; but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, so that, as sin reigned in death, so also grace would reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. In other words, the imputation of Christs righteousness is good news because God the Father no longer sees you as a sinner because of your sinfulness but sees you as righteous because Jesus righteousness has been applied to you permanently. Do you remember last week when I showed you that the belt of truth includes your identity in Jesus and that He is now your truth? The One we follow is, the way and the truth and the life (John 14:6), and now we follow His way, we walk in His truth, and we are united to His life. Some of you, like John Bunyan, really struggle with the tension between what you know the Bible says about your salvation and your very real frustration over your sin. John Bunyan wrote Pilgrims Progress, a book he wrote while in prison for preaching the gospel, it has now been translated into more languages than any other book, except the Bible. Bunyan also wrote other books, and one such book so profoundly helped me with my own struggle of desiring to live for Jesus while struggling with my own sin. One day, while Bunyan was taking a walk, he discovered something that we dare not miss concerning the righteousness of Christ; he wrote about it in his book, Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners: One day, as I was walking in the field, my conscience still somewhat wounded and still fearing that all was not well, these words suddenly entered my soul: Your righteousness is in heaven. And I thought, moreover, that I saw, with the eyes of my soul, Jesus Christ at Gods right hand. I say, my righteousness was there [in heaven]; so that wherever I was, or whatever I was doing, God could not say of me, He is in need of my righteousness, as my righteousness was right in front of him. I also saw, moreover, that it was not my good state of heart that made my righteousness better, nor even my bad state that made my righteousness worse, since my righteousness was Jesus Christ himself, the same yesterday, today, and forever (Heb. 13:8). Now indeed the chains fell off my legs, and I was loosed from my afflictions and irons. My temptations fled away too, so that from that time those terrifying Scriptures of God stopped troubling me; I now went home rejoicing in the grace and love of God. So when I got home I looked to see if I could find that verse:Your righteousness is in heaven,'but I could find no such statement. So my heart began to sink again; the only words which came to mind were these: Of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God and righteousness and sanctification and redemption (1 Cor. 1:30).[1] Bunyans book was first published in 1666, but his words echo what so many of us struggle with today as we seek to walk in a manner worthy of our calling (4:1). But is this the breastplate of righteousness that we are to put on along with the belt of truth? The answer to that question is yes... and no. The answer is No in that if you are a Christian, you do not need to apply the righteousness of Christ to your life, that is something that only God can do and already has been done for you (see Eph. 1:7-12)! If you are a Christian, you can say with the apostle Paul, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them mere rubbish, so that I may gain Christ, and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith... (Phil. 3:8-9). So in what way is the breastplate of righteousness the righteousness of Christ then? We put on the breastplate of righteousness when we live and walk in the confidence and reality that all we have is Christ, and His righteousness is righteousness enough! John Bunyan said that after he realized that all his righteousness was before the Father because Jesus is our righteousness and sanctification before God. He went on to say, Having reached this point, I rested very comfortably here, for some time, at peace with God through Christ. Oh, I thought, Christ, Christ! There was nothing but Christ before my eyes.... Oh, I saw my gold was in my trunk at home, in Christ, my Lord and Saviour. Now Christ was all all my righteousness, all my sanctification and all my redemption.[2] This my dear brothers and sisters is what it looks like to take up and put on the breastplate of righteousness. It is Gods to give, and it is now yours to rest, stand, and walk in! Why is the Breastplate of Righteousness Needed? I am not sure I need to say much to convince you why the breastplate of righteousness is needed, but to be sure that you not only understand why it is needed, but that you are able to celebrate that it is yours to wear, I feel the need to point out a few more things. One of the great expositors and pastors of the 20th century, Martyn Lloyd-Jones, said of this piece of Gods armor: You do not put on the breastplate of experiences, you put on the breastplate of righteousness. The breastplate of righteousness, like the belt of truth, is not something you generate or create out of your own strength. When Paul described the armor of God, he didnt invent it based on what he saw the Roman soldiers wearing around him while in prison, his understanding of the armor of God came from various passages in the Old Testament such as Isaiah 59. In Isaiah 53 we are promised a suffering servant who would be pierced for our offenses and crushed for our wrongdoings and that suffering servant was Jesus who was punished for our sins (see Isa. 53:5-10). Then when we come to Isaiah 59, the suffering servant is now the divine and righteous warrior who will come to rescue His people from their sins. Isaiah 59 begins with these words: Behold, the Lords hand is not so short That it cannot save; nor is His ear so dull That it cannot hear. But your wrongdoings have caused a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden His face from you so that He does not hear (vv. 1-2). As we read on, we discover similar language that is used in Ephesians 2:1-3 used in Isaiah 59:12-13, For our wrongful acts have multiplied before You, and our sins have testified against us; for our wrongful acts are with us, and we know our wrongdoings: Offending and denying the Lord, And turning away from our God, Speaking oppression and revolt, conceiving and uttering lying words from the heart. Now listen to how desperate the condition of sinful humanity according to Isaiah: Justice is turned back, and righteousness stands far away; for truth has stumbled in the street, and uprightness cannot enter. Truth is lacking, and one who turns aside from evil makes himself a prey. Now the Lord saw, and it was displeasing in His sight that there was no justice (vv. 14-15). So what does Yahweh do to address the unrighteousness of His people? He made salvation possible for those who could not save themselves! It is in Isaiah 59:16-17 that Paul was referring to in Ephesians 6:14, And He saw that there was no one, and was amazed that there was not one to intercede; then His own arm brought salvation to Him, and His righteousness upheld Him. He put on righteousness like a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation on His head; and He put on garments of vengeance for clothing and wrapped Himself with zeal as a cloak (vv. 16-17). The Divine Warrior promised in Isaiah 59 is He who would conquer our sin by suffering the wrath of His Father for our sins in our place! The only truly and perfect righteous One hung on a cross for unrighteous sinners! Upon His head was a crown of thorns to serve as a reminder of the curse of sin that He bore in our place, and once He declared that it was finished, the Divine Warrior bowed His head in death to become our salvation! Oh, dear brothers and sisters... do you see how critically important the breastplate of righteousness really is? Jesus is not only our Divine Warrior who is qualified to save rebel sinners, but He is the One also promised in Jeremiah 23, Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, When I will raise up for David a righteous Branch; and He will reign as king and act wisely and do justice and righteousness in the land. 6In His days Judah will be saved, And Israel will live securely; and this is His name by which He will be called, The Lord Our Righteousness (vv. 5-6). Jesus is our righteousness and to put on the breastplate of righteousness is to walk in confidence that He is enough because His mercy is rich, His grace is sufficient, and His love is great! Charles Spurgeon described it this way: Saints are so righteous in Jesus Christ that they are more righteous than Adam was before he fell, for he had but a creature righteousness, and the Christian has the righteousness of the Creator. Adam had a righteousness which he lost, but believers have a righteousness which they can never lose, an everlasting righteousness. To put on the breastplate of righteousness is to stand, walk, live, and run in consideration of Jesus as your truth and as your righteousness. The breastplate of righteousness is important because when you put it on, it protects the vital organs of your faith, such as your heart. Your hope and salvation are not bound to a nation, or whoever the next president will be. Whatever happens today, tomorrow, on Tuesday, or any day before you, your Sovereign is Jesus, and it is He, Who walks on the waters Who speaks to the sea Who stands in the fire beside you He roars like a lion He bled as the Lamb He carries your healing in His hands! He has said, I am the first and the last, and the living One; I was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of death and Hades (Rev. 1:17-18). Amen. [1] John Bunyan, Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners (Auburn, MA: Evangelical Press; 2000), pp. 113-14. [2] Ibid, p.114.

What does it mean to be a Christian? How do you know that you are a Christian? What assurance can you have that you will remain a Christian? Well it is mentioned over thirty times in Ephesians, in fact we are told about 10 times in the very first and very long sentence that makes up the first 14 verses of Ephesians: In Christ, all the spiritual blessings in the heavenly places now belongs to you Christian (v. 3) In Christ, you were chosen before the foundation of the world (v. 4) Through Christ, you were predestined and adopted as sons and daughters of the living God (v. 5). In the Beloved Son of God, you are a favored child of God (v. 6). In Jesus, we have redemption, forgiveness, and the riches of Gods grace through His blood (v. 7). In Jesus, God made known the mystery of His will (v. 9). In Christ, the Father is bringing all things together to accomplish His good plan (v. 10). In Christ, we have obtained an inheritance in accordance with the plan of the Fathers perfect will (v. 11). In Christ, we are the praise of Gods glory (v. 12). In Jesus, you have been sealed by Gods Holy Spirit for the day of redemption (v. 13). To be a Christian is to be a person who was once spiritually dead, but now is alive with Christ not because of any religious activity on our part, but only because of the work of Jesus on our behalf (Eph. 2:1-9). This is what it means to be a Christian, but how does one become a Christian? I believe that in the same way that you become a Christian, is the same way you put on and take up the breastplate of righteousness. Some of you will remember our time spent in the sermon on the mount during my sermon series, Something Greater just over two years ago. In fact, if you are trying to make sense of the rhetoric and animosity that we are experiencing in our nation, I encourage you to read the first manuscript in that series from May 22, 2022. If you were here for that sermon series, you discovered that not only is the sermon on the mount the greatest sermon ever preached, but Jesus sermon shows us what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. During our time in the beatitudes I shared that the first three beatitudes, which are also known as beatitudes of need, reveal what is essential for any person to understand what is necessary for the salvation of your soul. Let me walk you through it because it will help you appreciate just how encouraging the breastplate of righteousness really is. So here are the first three beatitudes from Matthew 5:3-5, Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the gentle, for they will inherit the earth. To be poor in spirit is to arrive at the cross of Christ with empty hands, recognizing that you are spiritually bankrupt of any moral virtues adequate to earn or gain Gods forgiveness for sins committed against Him. Those who mourn are those who see and understand their sins for what they are and grieve because of them. The meek are those who understand that their problems are beyond them, their problems are because of the sin in them, and their problems are of their own doing. To come to Jesus for the forgiveness of your sins is to come to Jesus knowing that there is no righteousness in yourself; it is to mourn over the reality that your sins offend the God who is infinitely righteous, and to come to Jesus knowing that there is not one thing you can do to generate the kind of righteousness necessary for your salvation. The person who has been truly born again is one whose experience is now the fourth beatitude: Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied (Matt. 5:6). In Jesus, we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our wrongdoings, according to the riches of His grace which He lavished on us (Eph. 1:7-8). What is the Breastplate of Righteousness? The Roman soldiers breastplate was most likely form fitting and extended from the base of the neck to the top of the thighs, covering the thorax and abdomen for the purpose of protecting the vital organs such as the heart, lungs, kidneys, and bowels. The breastplate is the second piece of Gods armor we are told to put on, but what kind of righteousness does it represent? Is the breastplate of righteousness the righteousness of Jesus that has been imputed upon you the moment you were saved through faith by Christ alone? The imputed righteousness of Christ is when the righteousness of Jesus is applied to you the moment you believed the gospel as we are told in verses like 2 Corinthians 5:21, He [God] made Him [Jesus] who knew no sin to be sin in our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. Here, consider another passage that concerns the imputed righteousness of Christ from Romans 5:18-21, So then, as through one offense [Adams sin] the result was condemnation to all mankind, so also through one act of righteousness the result was justification of life to all mankind. For as through the one mans disobedience the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the One the many will be made righteous. The Law came in so that the offense would increase; but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, so that, as sin reigned in death, so also grace would reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. In other words, the imputation of Christs righteousness is good news because God the Father no longer sees you as a sinner because of your sinfulness but sees you as righteous because Jesus righteousness has been applied to you permanently. Do you remember last week when I showed you that the belt of truth includes your identity in Jesus and that He is now your truth? The One we follow is, the way and the truth and the life (John 14:6), and now we follow His way, we walk in His truth, and we are united to His life. Some of you, like John Bunyan, really struggle with the tension between what you know the Bible says about your salvation and your very real frustration over your sin. John Bunyan wrote Pilgrims Progress, a book he wrote while in prison for preaching the gospel, it has now been translated into more languages than any other book, except the Bible. Bunyan also wrote other books, and one such book so profoundly helped me with my own struggle of desiring to live for Jesus while struggling with my own sin. One day, while Bunyan was taking a walk, he discovered something that we dare not miss concerning the righteousness of Christ; he wrote about it in his book, Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners: One day, as I was walking in the field, my conscience still somewhat wounded and still fearing that all was not well, these words suddenly entered my soul: Your righteousness is in heaven. And I thought, moreover, that I saw, with the eyes of my soul, Jesus Christ at Gods right hand. I say, my righteousness was there [in heaven]; so that wherever I was, or whatever I was doing, God could not say of me, He is in need of my righteousness, as my righteousness was right in front of him. I also saw, moreover, that it was not my good state of heart that made my righteousness better, nor even my bad state that made my righteousness worse, since my righteousness was Jesus Christ himself, the same yesterday, today, and forever (Heb. 13:8). Now indeed the chains fell off my legs, and I was loosed from my afflictions and irons. My temptations fled away too, so that from that time those terrifying Scriptures of God stopped troubling me; I now went home rejoicing in the grace and love of God. So when I got home I looked to see if I could find that verse:Your righteousness is in heaven,'but I could find no such statement. So my heart began to sink again; the only words which came to mind were these: Of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God and righteousness and sanctification and redemption (1 Cor. 1:30).[1] Bunyans book was first published in 1666, but his words echo what so many of us struggle with today as we seek to walk in a manner worthy of our calling (4:1). But is this the breastplate of righteousness that we are to put on along with the belt of truth? The answer to that question is yes... and no. The answer is No in that if you are a Christian, you do not need to apply the righteousness of Christ to your life, that is something that only God can do and already has been done for you (see Eph. 1:7-12)! If you are a Christian, you can say with the apostle Paul, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them mere rubbish, so that I may gain Christ, and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith... (Phil. 3:8-9). So in what way is the breastplate of righteousness the righteousness of Christ then? We put on the breastplate of righteousness when we live and walk in the confidence and reality that all we have is Christ, and His righteousness is righteousness enough! John Bunyan said that after he realized that all his righteousness was before the Father because Jesus is our righteousness and sanctification before God. He went on to say, Having reached this point, I rested very comfortably here, for some time, at peace with God through Christ. Oh, I thought, Christ, Christ! There was nothing but Christ before my eyes.... Oh, I saw my gold was in my trunk at home, in Christ, my Lord and Saviour. Now Christ was all all my righteousness, all my sanctification and all my redemption.[2] This my dear brothers and sisters is what it looks like to take up and put on the breastplate of righteousness. It is Gods to give, and it is now yours to rest, stand, and walk in! Why is the Breastplate of Righteousness Needed? I am not sure I need to say much to convince you why the breastplate of righteousness is needed, but to be sure that you not only understand why it is needed, but that you are able to celebrate that it is yours to wear, I feel the need to point out a few more things. One of the great expositors and pastors of the 20th century, Martyn Lloyd-Jones, said of this piece of Gods armor: You do not put on the breastplate of experiences, you put on the breastplate of righteousness. The breastplate of righteousness, like the belt of truth, is not something you generate or create out of your own strength. When Paul described the armor of God, he didnt invent it based on what he saw the Roman soldiers wearing around him while in prison, his understanding of the armor of God came from various passages in the Old Testament such as Isaiah 59. In Isaiah 53 we are promised a suffering servant who would be pierced for our offenses and crushed for our wrongdoings and that suffering servant was Jesus who was punished for our sins (see Isa. 53:5-10). Then when we come to Isaiah 59, the suffering servant is now the divine and righteous warrior who will come to rescue His people from their sins. Isaiah 59 begins with these words: Behold, the Lords hand is not so short That it cannot save; nor is His ear so dull That it cannot hear. But your wrongdoings have caused a separation between you and your God, and your sins have hidden His face from you so that He does not hear (vv. 1-2). As we read on, we discover similar language that is used in Ephesians 2:1-3 used in Isaiah 59:12-13, For our wrongful acts have multiplied before You, and our sins have testified against us; for our wrongful acts are with us, and we know our wrongdoings: Offending and denying the Lord, And turning away from our God, Speaking oppression and revolt, conceiving and uttering lying words from the heart. Now listen to how desperate the condition of sinful humanity according to Isaiah: Justice is turned back, and righteousness stands far away; for truth has stumbled in the street, and uprightness cannot enter. Truth is lacking, and one who turns aside from evil makes himself a prey. Now the Lord saw, and it was displeasing in His sight that there was no justice (vv. 14-15). So what does Yahweh do to address the unrighteousness of His people? He made salvation possible for those who could not save themselves! It is in Isaiah 59:16-17 that Paul was referring to in Ephesians 6:14, And He saw that there was no one, and was amazed that there was not one to intercede; then His own arm brought salvation to Him, and His righteousness upheld Him. He put on righteousness like a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation on His head; and He put on garments of vengeance for clothing and wrapped Himself with zeal as a cloak (vv. 16-17). The Divine Warrior promised in Isaiah 59 is He who would conquer our sin by suffering the wrath of His Father for our sins in our place! The only truly and perfect righteous One hung on a cross for unrighteous sinners! Upon His head was a crown of thorns to serve as a reminder of the curse of sin that He bore in our place, and once He declared that it was finished, the Divine Warrior bowed His head in death to become our salvation! Oh, dear brothers and sisters... do you see how critically important the breastplate of righteousness really is? Jesus is not only our Divine Warrior who is qualified to save rebel sinners, but He is the One also promised in Jeremiah 23, Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, When I will raise up for David a righteous Branch; and He will reign as king and act wisely and do justice and righteousness in the land. 6In His days Judah will be saved, And Israel will live securely; and this is His name by which He will be called, The Lord Our Righteousness (vv. 5-6). Jesus is our righteousness and to put on the breastplate of righteousness is to walk in confidence that He is enough because His mercy is rich, His grace is sufficient, and His love is great! Charles Spurgeon described it this way: Saints are so righteous in Jesus Christ that they are more righteous than Adam was before he fell, for he had but a creature righteousness, and the Christian has the righteousness of the Creator. Adam had a righteousness which he lost, but believers have a righteousness which they can never lose, an everlasting righteousness. To put on the breastplate of righteousness is to stand, walk, live, and run in consideration of Jesus as your truth and as your righteousness. The breastplate of righteousness is important because when you put it on, it protects the vital organs of your faith, such as your heart. Your hope and salvation are not bound to a nation, or whoever the next president will be. Whatever happens today, tomorrow, on Tuesday, or any day before you, your Sovereign is Jesus, and it is He, Who walks on the waters Who speaks to the sea Who stands in the fire beside you He roars like a lion He bled as the Lamb He carries your healing in His hands! He has said, I am the first and the last, and the living One; I was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of death and Hades (Rev. 1:17-18). Amen. [1] John Bunyan, Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners (Auburn, MA: Evangelical Press; 2000), pp. 113-14. [2] Ibid, p.114.

With one of my oldest publishing friends, YA author Joe Moldover, discussing his latest novel Just Until. We unpacked: (1) writing about trauma, (2) whether you can really save another person, and (3), our most colorful insights re the publishing industry from a couple of young fellas just gettin in the game. Order Mark's novel Bunyan and Henry. All episodes of The Thoughtful Bro aired live originally on A Mighty Blaze. The Thoughtful Bro is proudly sponsored by Libro.fm.

Dan and Joe relive their exciting week at the 2024 Paul Bunyan Show in Cambridge, Ohio.  Perfect weather, cool machines, and good friends pretty much sums everything up!  What else could we ask for? 

My interview with CJ Leede on her latest freshy-fresh horror novel American Rapture. We got into (1) America's puritan resistance to/capitalist obsession with sex, (2) how to find your authentic writing voice/genre, and (3) rescue dogs! Order Mark's novel Bunyan and Henry. All episodes of The Thoughtful Bro aired live originally on A Mighty Blaze. The Thoughtful Bro is proudly sponsored by Libro.fm.

Maryland football faces another crucial road test this weekend at Indiana. Will the Terps pull off a win? Are the Hoosiers' gaudy stats a mirage? Also: Jeff gives the latest scoop on Terps basketball recruiting Terps starting offensive lineman Isaac Bunyan talks about his unusual background story How many NFL players are on Maryland's roster? The show unveils a cool new segment And more! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

*Danny said that Pilgrim's Progress was written by "Paul" Bunyan. It's actually, John Bunyan. Sorry! "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." What does this verse really mean and how can we all be encouraged by what it teaches. Let's find out together!

My glorious conversation with 2-time National Book Award winner Jesmyn Ward, discussing her latest novel, Let Us Descend. Topics included: (1) gaining hope and strength by remembering what others have borne; (2) making invisible history visible; and (3) finding authorial authenticity through concrete specifics. Order Mark's novel Bunyan and Henry. All episodes of The Thoughtful Bro aired live originally on A Mighty Blaze. The Thoughtful Bro is proudly sponsored by Libro.fm.

In this episode, Dr. Andrew Compton once again explores the use of fiction in apologetics, featuring guest Rob McKenzie, an elder at Westminster OPC in Countryside, IL, and co-host of the "Theology Simply Profound" podcast through Reformed Forum. Rob discusses his book Seekers Progress, a modern take on John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress, that addresses contemporary issues. Their conversation examines Rob's writing background and the inspiration behind Seekers Progress. Rob explains how the book examines the growing acceptance of religious pluralism within churches, using allegory to illustrate the dangers of compromising biblical truth. They also discuss the fine line between asking sincere questions and deconstructing faith, touching on themes of discernment, the resurgence of paganism in modern society, and the challenges facing contemporary Christianity.

In this episode, Dr. Andrew Compton once again explores the use of fiction in apologetics, featuring guest Rob McKenzie, an elder at Westminster OPC in Countryside, IL, and co-host of the -Theology Simply Profound- podcast through Reformed Forum. Rob discusses his book -Seekers Progress,- a modern take on John Bunyan's -Pilgrim's Progress,- that addresses contemporary issues. Their conversation examines Rob's writing background and the inspiration behind -Seekers Progress-. Rob explains how the book examines the growing acceptance of religious pluralism within churches, using allegory to illustrate the dangers of compromising biblical truth. They also discuss the fine line between asking sincere questions and deconstructing faith, touching on themes of discernment, the resurgence of paganism in modern society, and the challenges facing contemporary Christianity.

In this episode, Dr. Andrew Compton once again explores the use of fiction in apologetics, featuring guest Rob McKenzie, an elder at Westminster OPC in Countryside, IL, and co-host of the -Theology Simply Profound- podcast through Reformed Forum. Rob discusses his book -Seekers Progress,- a modern take on John Bunyan's -Pilgrim's Progress,- that addresses contemporary issues. Their conversation examines Rob's writing background and the inspiration behind -Seekers Progress-. Rob explains how the book examines the growing acceptance of religious pluralism within churches, using allegory to illustrate the dangers of compromising biblical truth. They also discuss the fine line between asking sincere questions and deconstructing faith, touching on themes of discernment, the resurgence of paganism in modern society, and the challenges facing contemporary Christianity.

In this episode, Dr. Andrew Compton once again explores the use of fiction in apologetics, featuring guest Rob McKenzie, an elder at Westminster OPC in Countryside, IL, and co-host of the "Theology Simply Profound" podcast through Reformed Forum. Rob discusses his book "Seekers Progress," a modern take on John Bunyan's "Pilgrim's Progress," that addresses contemporary issues. Their conversation examines Rob's writing background and the inspiration behind "Seekers Progress". Rob explains how the book examines the growing acceptance of religious pluralism within churches, using allegory to illustrate the dangers of compromising biblical truth. They also discuss the fine line between asking sincere questions and deconstructing faith, touching on themes of discernment, the resurgence of paganism in modern society, and the challenges facing contemporary Christianity.

With Alison Espach, author of the instant bestseller The Wedding People.  We discussed (1) her long, unpredictable process of writing her hilarious, absurdist mega-hit, (2) how writing a great book is often about letting characters just be honest and forcing them “stay in the room,” and (3) truly the *best piece of writing advice* I've heard in a minute, which instantly helped me improve my own work in progress. You have to listen to find out what it is. Order Mark's novel Bunyan and Henry. All episodes of The Thoughtful Bro aired live originally on A Mighty Blaze. The Thoughtful Bro is proudly sponsored by Libro.fm.

An inspiring conversation with two-time Oprah Book Club pick David Wroblewski. His first novel, The Story of Edgar Sawtelle, was a #1 New York Times best-seller, and now, 16 years later, he's back with his second novel, Familiaris.  We discussed (1) his writing process of overwriting, then pulling back (2) the unique ways novels seep into readers' lives, and (3) how writing, like computer programming, is ultimately about having “a conversation with the material.” Order Mark's novel Bunyan and Henry. All episodes of The Thoughtful Bro aired live originally on A Mighty Blaze. The Thoughtful Bro is proudly sponsored by Libro.fm.

Today, we get to hear from Mark Cecil whose debut novel, BUNYAN AND HENRY; OR, THE BEAUTIFUL DESTINY, was released in March. We'll be talking about ways in which an author can deliver deeply personal/private stories from secondary characters even while writing in 3rd person limited. Watch a recording here. The audio/video version is available for one week. Missed it? Check out the podcast version above or on your favorite podcast platform.To find Cecil's debut and many books by our authors, visit our Bookshop page. MARK CECIL is host of The Thoughtful Bro show, for which he conducts interviews with an eclectic roster of award-winning and breakout storytellers. Formerly a journalist for Reuters, he is Head of Strategy for literary social media startup A Mighty Blaze and has taught writing at Grub Street in Boston. Bunyan and Henry; Or, the Beautiful Destiny is his first book.By the way, Mark and myself are just a few of the hundreds of authors involved in WRITERS FOR BLUE. If you're interested in contributing, go here. Looking for a writing community? Join our Facebook page. credit: Janna Giacoppo This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit 7amnovelist.substack.com

A masterclass on thriller writing with bestselling phenom T. J. Newman, whose third novel Worst Case Scenario, follows the terrifying story of what happens when an airplane crashes into a nuclear power plant. We discussed (1) how to keep creative hope alive, and when to move on, (2) how writing about the heroism in everyday people invites readers in, and (3) how mastering pace is critical to bestsellerdom. Order Mark's novel Bunyan and Henry. All episodes of The Thoughtful Bro aired live originally on A Mighty Blaze. The Thoughtful Bro is proudly sponsored by Libro.fm.

Pumping Literary Fire straight in ya veins on my latest with Mateo Askaripour, discussing his new one, This Great Hemisphere.  Topics: (1) taking big risks after a bestseller (2) shaking up the publishing industry, and (3) helping people feel seen. Order Mark's novel Bunyan and Henry. All episodes of The Thoughtful Bro aired live originally on A Mighty Blaze. The Thoughtful Bro is proudly sponsored by Libro.fm.

In this episode of Candid, Jonathan welcomes Tyler Van Halteren, a man with a deep-rooted commitment to enriching the lives of children and youth through the power of Christian faith and storytelling. Tyler, a Master's Divinity graduate from the Master's Seminary, has dedicated most of his life to sharing Christ's teachings and the Bible's wisdom through storytelling.From serving as an Associate Pastor at Gorrie Bible Fellowship in his home country of Canada to teaching at Phnom Penh Bible School in Cambodia, Tyler's journey has been one of service and exploration. But the profound impact of 20-minute bedtime stories on his son sparked an innovative idea in him - why not blend the charm of bedtime stories with enduring lessons from the Bible?Taking up this challenge, Tyler founded Lithos Kids in 2020. His venture was no less than a mission to transform the world through biblically faithful and beautifully illustrated children's books. The launch of his first book, Little Pilgrim's Big Journey, on Kickstarter was a resounding success, exceeding its funding goal by 500%. It quickly became a treasured children's book, and Little Pilgrim's Big Journey, Volume 2, and Volume 3 was released shortly after.Now, as a father and an author, he continues his mission from southern Ontario, Canada, where he resides with his growing family. Join us as we dive into this inspiring journey with Tyler, discussing the importance of spiritual mentorship, the creative process behind his illustrated books, and his vision for instilling Christian values in young minds.This is an episode you don't want to miss, especially if you're a parent, an educator, or anyone interested in spiritual growth and innovative approaches to faith-based education. Be sure to tune in!Books by Tyler Van Halteren:Little Pilgrim's Big Journey Volume 1Little Pilgrim's Big Journey, Volume 2Little Pilgrim's Big Journey, Volume 3Kingdom of God Storybook BibleTo ask Jonathan a question or connect with the Candid community, visit https://LTW.org/CandidFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/candidpodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/candidpodTwitter: https://twitter.com/thecandidpodTRANSCRIPT:This transcript recounts Candid Conversations with Jonathan Youssef Episode 252: How 20 Minutes Can Impact Your Child's Spirituality: Tyler Van Halteren (Reprise)JONATHAN: Tyler, thank you so much for taking the time to be on Candid Conversations.[02:28] TYLER: Yeah, thanks, Jonathan. It's a joy to be here.[02:31] JONATHAN: Well, tell us a little bit about your background, upbringing, and then we'll transition into how you got into writing and producing kids' literature. [02:43] TYLER: By God's grace, I came from a Christian home. But one of the most significant moments, and I guess most relevant moments to this interview, was when I was beginning to explore the faith more seriously, not just walking in my parents' shoes but actually considering the weight of eternity, heaven, hell, my own faith, my own walk with God, and in that time I found an old 1975 version of Pilgrim's Progress, paperback, 95 cents, that was given to my dad when he was about that age, about 15, and it just sat on the shelf. So I picked it up, read it, and that's the first memory that I have of understanding the Christian life and wanting to follow Christ. That's the first book I remember reading in that season.So that led, by God's grace, to a hunger for His Word, for sharing His Word, and then through various camps I had a great experience in high school. Our Christian high school was connected to a children's camp. And so I was able to teach there and saw a measure of gifting, a desire to teach, and then went on to Master's Seminary and then to youth pastor Cambodia. In the midst of all that, had some kids along the way and then started brewing some of these book ideas.[04:07] JONATHAN: Tell me ... You just sort of lobbed Cambodia into that history. Tell us a little bit about that. [04:18] TYLER: Yeah, for about 10 years before that, my goal and desire and prayer was to go into missions. And so we set the course for that through seminary, and then even as I joined my church there was a sense of telling them we're going to be here five years and then we want to be sent out to the mission field. So we went. The goal was to teach the Bible at a Bible school there to college students. Had some other cool opportunities, like with some friends had started children's programs, so I'd go to villages and there would be 30 kids that would just show up, 30 or 40 Buddhist kids would just come. And they listened to some English teaching, some Bible teaching, and just really neat.But in the midst of all that, COVID happened and that shut a lot of missions down. But thankfully I was able to finish the Little Pilgrims book during that time. And then also during that time, I started having some significant health issues and that sort of ended up—a variety of numbness and extreme fatigue that kind of landed us back in Canada, but trusting God's providence in all that and encouraged now to see there are some of our books being translated into already in Spanish, but some being considered for the Cambodian language, Khmer language. So there is French, Vietnamese, so encouraged to see how God's continuing that missionary desire through these books.[05:44] JONATHAN: Unbelievable. Okay, so you've shared with us that it was Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress that set you on a particular path. I'm assuming that's the connection to wanting to retell it through a child's perspective. Tell us a little bit about how those pieces came together.[06:08] TYLER: Yeah, it was a neat few things that came together. So I've always had an entrepreneurial bent, always a desire for that. Buying and selling, doing different things. Little businesses on the side. And that gave a skill set that when my son was about three or four I started looking for, oh, is there a good children's version of Pilgrim's Progress? And at the time when I looked around, the only version was a 1985 one, Dangerous Journey. I bought that, opened it, and it was the first time I've opened a book and my son has sort of screamed and cried in terror at the illustrations. The illustrations were so—[06:53] JONATHAN: I have been there. Especially for a three- and four-year-old.[07:00] TYLER: Yes, absolutely terrifying. [07:01] JONATHAN: Here's the Christian faith, my child.[07:05] TYLER: Yeah, I saw that, and I thought, Okay, there's got to be a way to do a better version, especially for younger kids.[07:13] JONATHAN: I will say, I have seen one of the—I think it's more for teenage readers, maybe, and it is very graphic. Apollyon the dragon is very scary and menacing. And you're right, there's a lot—I mean, that's the way Bunyan wrote it, right? I mean, it is dramatic, very. But when you're thinking about little ones, you've got to tone some of that down so they're not actually terrified but wrestling with the core issues. And I feel like your book does that so well.[07:46] TYLER: Yeah, that was a real delight and surprise. I was writing with my son, three or four years old, in mind. And we read it 20, 30 times together in the process of writing it, and that was all super fun as we got new illustrations and as we pieced things together to see his excitement and to see things, Gospel truths click for him in that journey. But I'm coming into this somewhat naïve in a sense. I had no real understanding of the publishing industry and just had this goal. Write this as well as I can, with really great illustrations, for my four-year-old son. And then for whatever reason, the Lord's taken that, and it seems to have hit that target with a lot of families who say similar things, that these truths are connecting in a special way.[08:40] JONATHAN: Well, and let's talk about that. So as a parent, it is hard to find really good—and I know it's out there and I've got a lot of them. But there's not a lot of really great Christian children's books. It's either for an age up, as we just talked about, or it's kind of delves into more of a moralistic, you know, do this, behave this way, obedience—which are true things, but there are so many better, deeper truths that we need to expose our kids to. I think there's a longing of parents—I mean, I hear it from moms all the time, “Hey, if you can think of a kids' book and write it, like go for it.” Because there's a real need for that, especially at those young, really vulnerable ages, age category.[09:44] TYLER: Yeah, and we've seen a growing hunger in people, and through our social media and connecting with different people that there is this real longing for those kind of resources, and that's been an exciting part, too, seeing how much this has resonated with parents, this kind of idea. And there's other publishers that are doing some really great, like probably in the last five years really there's been almost a resurgence of good, solid books, Gospel-centered books. But before that it was pretty dismal, and that was about the time I started writing was when I was looking around and saying, “Okay, how do we get really good Gospel-centered books that hit the core of these issues for kids?”And the fun part of that has been the allegory idea of Bunyan's allegory and seeing how much that's resonated with people.[10:30] JONATHAN: So let's talk about just the impact I mean, it's obviously a tradition within ... it's been around forever, right? Either storytelling with your children before bed, or at a particular time, and just the impact that that has of, one, reading, just reading comprehension, storytelling, kids' abilities to have an imagination and picture things. Have you done any kind of research into that I mean, even in your own life and seeing the way that it relates with your own children?[11:09] TYLER: Yeah, that's one of the cool things, I think, for a lot of families, the question of family discipleship, family devotions, those kind of things come up, and it's challenging in our day and age. Generally, we're pretty busy people and probably more busy than we need to be, so it's hard to set aside a time. And sometimes it's hard to get kids that aren't wiggling during that time, or moving around, or asking, “Okay, when is it over? When is it over?”[11:36] JONATHAN: You need to draw them in, right?[11:38] TYLER: Yeah. So for my personal life it was bedtime. They kids knew, okay, we can read. It became part of the routine. And they are also glad because that time they're winding down and they know they're not going to bed yet, so they're getting a little extension. And so that just became a very simple, practical tool for me. Hey, maybe I can't do X, Y and Z with my kids, but 15 minutes before bed, that's a pretty easy thing to do. And I'm seeing how that impacted my son was a real treat and a joy.I'm thinking of our book, seeing Christian by the cross, his burden falling off, and him saying to  me, “Yeah, God ...” Or “Dad, that's what God does. He removes our burden of sin.” I remember reading David Helms' Big Picture Bible, and him seeing Jesus on the cross and saying, “I want to follow Jesus. I want to be saved from my sin. I want to know Jesus.” [12:42] JONATHAN: That's an iconic scene, isn't it? Bunyan's ... I mean, even people who haven't read the book are at least somewhat familiar with the scene of his burden falling off his back as he stands at the cross. It's such a picturesque scene. You have talked about how he's recognizing some of these things. What are the other things that are coming through the eye of the child as parents and grandparents are probably listening to this and thinking about we're trying to help formulate in our children and what they're getting from those 15 minutes before bed.[13:23] TYLER: Yeah, I think a big one I've seen, and I've heard from a lot of families, is the reality of death and eternity. And I can't think of many kids' books that hit that on the nose.[13:38] JONATHAN: Yeah, it's not coming up with regularity, that's for sure.[13:40] TYLER: Yeah, yeah. So that's not been dodged or snuck in. But reality is ... Yeah, people die. Kids are wrestling with some of these hard truths. They have some of these hard questions and they want answers to them. And so having this, again, the beauty of allegory are these spiritual truths told through images. The River of Death, the idea of someone crossing the River of Death, the sorrow of that and yet the joy of that for believers who enter the king's city, the celestial city.I've heard some very, very sweet stories from people and gotten emails that have brought me to tears where someone's reading this with their child. Their child is going through cancer and facing death, and that River of Death bringing such a comfort both to the child, the parents, siblings. And for us, when we were in Cambodia, my son would bring that up often. Because we'd left family behind and now we're going on this journey, in a sense, and that's all done in light of eternity. So these metaphors of the celestial city and living for the king's kingdom and things like that were all very helpful.And then one other story from Cambodia, which was seeing the surprise in Cambodian parents, and especially dads, that I would read to my kids for 15 minutes before bed. To me, it seemed like an obvious things. To them, it was very foreign, in literally true sense. But they were surprised. “You do that with your kids?”And I said, “Oh, you don't?”[15:20] JONATHAN: Culture shock there.[15:21] TYLER: Yeah, and they said, “No, no. They go to bed when they go to bed, and we're not too involved with that.”I said, “Oh, you should try it.” And some of them... one of the pastors could speak English, and I gave him some copies of the book. And he read it and I remember since we've left he messaged me saying, “We still do that every night. We still read to our daughter before bed. And we've gone through these books these many times and thank you for this.”I just thought that was a neat way the Lord used that.[15:53] JONATHAN: So you started with a Kickstarter fundraiser and you blew through your numbers on that. Tell us a little bit about that.[16:02] TYLER: Yeah, so again this was all kind of a leap of faith and partly the way God's wired me, willing to take a risk in that sense. So let people know this book was coming out and just kind of asked friends and family to share as widely as they could on social media and kind of leading towards this Kickstarter. So we launched, and then I was just absolutely shocked as it was within the first hour we far surpassed our initial goal. And just watching the numbers just sort of fly in was a shock and delight.[16:43] JONATHAN: It looks like you got about 500 percent of your funding. So if you were wondering if that was a need for people, that certainly made its case.[16:56] TYLER: Yes, it was awesome to see. Okay, we put all this work in and got it ready, and then, oh yes, this does resonate with other people. Other people are hungry for this kind of thing. And we've seen that tenfold since then.[17:08] JONATHAN: You've talked about how Bunyan's use of allegory helps bring forth great truths through imagery and picture. Parents are always trying to communicate the Gospel in a way for children at different ages and stages to understand. But sometimes we parents can sometimes if they don't have theological degrees like you and I, they can be overwhelmed—though having a theological degree doesn't necessarily help you in this category. It's not like how to teach children is one of the classes we get.But how do you take complex truths and break them down for children? This is one of the primary ways of doing that. But just for you as a dad of young ones, what are some of the other methodologies that you use for breaking that down for kids, big concepts that come, whether it's through Scripture or spiritual conversation or whatever it is. What other methodology do you use in an effective way?[18:21] TYLER: Yeah, yeah. A lot of at least homeschoolers talk about living books, like this idea of living books being an engaging way to teach ideas. And that's for anything—science, et cetera—to children. And allegories present this idea of a living book, which means truth is coming through in a very natural sort of conversational way. And again, I feel like Bunyan is just the master of that. So what a privilege to follow in his footsteps and to—[18:50] JONATHAN: And a good thing he was in prison, right?[18:53] TYLER: He had a very vivid imagination, and the results of just certain scenes ... And he had such a deep theology and understanding of God's Word. So I love in Part 2, which is less known (his original Part 2) there's a scene where they're walking by the cross with Great-heart, and it just goes into four or five pages on pretty technical like substitutionary atonement. But he does it in a way that's so helpful and clear, and so I loved when I was going through Part 2 to take a piece of that and just simplify it. They just go at the cross and it's a very clear explanation of what it means that the King's Son died in our place. He took our sin. He gave us his righteousness. And then that, combined with different images of Christian's filthy clothes are removed, his burden is removed. So things like that I found super helpful. And then another big piece is that kids, especially in this generation, are visual, becoming increasingly more visual learners, so that's our big slogan, Biblically Faithful, Beautifully Crafted. And the idea is to have these really vivid, beautiful illustrations that draw kids in.[20:19] JONATHAN: But they aren't too graphic.[20:20] TYLER: Yes, yes. That are age appropriate. And then also to have text that's sort of clear, deep but simple and not overwhelming, and to pair that up well. We visited a friend's house, and they had their range of kids from two to seven, and they had all the books out. They said, “We swear we're not just...”[20:44] JONATHAN: Not for you.[20:45] TYLER: “... because you're here.”[20:48] JONATHAN: It's normally like this. Well, you'd find that at our house, too. We've got both book 1 and 2 wide open on some page.[20:55] TYLER: That's awesome. And I will see them, just the kids were flipping through the pictures. Like they couldn't read yet, but—[21:03] JONATHAN: But they can remember the story associated with the picture, yeah.[21:08] TYLER: And they just loved flipping through it and looking. And they stare at all the details. And so I think that's another aspect that I found very helpful is just these vivid images in books.[21:18] JONATHAN: Apart from story time with your kids, are there rhythms or patterns or activities that you try and work in to family time that you've found successful at your home?[21:34] TYLER: Yeah, I wish I could have more to say. The story book has sort of been my big main one. The other was—[21:42] JONATHAN: And your big emphasis for sure.[21:44] TYLER: But the other has been sort of the Deuteronomy type of while you are going, while you are walking by the way to instruct your kids in these things. So where he's just saying, “Write it on your doorstops. Write it on ...” Like everywhere you're going, just have these moments. So where kids are inquisitive, kids ask. It's a crazy amount of questions per day, I think when you actually ... when you've done studies of that, I'm sure.But if you're feeding them these biblical things, then they're going to have questions about biblical things that come up naturally. Which was another little piece. I mean, like maybe my dad [unintelligible] or something. We'd always have at nighttime, it would be like, “Oh, you can watch a show, but it's going to be a Bible show.”I know different families have different rhythms and some don't like shows and some like shows. But first it was an easy switch to just say, “You want to watch Paw Patrol. Instead, let's watch something else.” And a lot of those ended up being moralistic, as we kind of said. But at least it's touching on biblical things.[22:51] JONATHAN: Well, and you're able to elaborate from that and helpfully redirect them towards a cross-centric faith instead of a duty sort of centrism.[23:07] TYLER: Yeah, definitely. And so those have led to a neat where they're just thinking about things and things are resonating. And so my grandma had died last year, and my son said, “Can we call her?” Like after she died. “Can we video call her because I want to see God? Because she's with God.” And so I was like, oh, that's such an interesting ...[23:33] JONATHAN: He's got a deep truth with some confusion.[23:38] TYLER: “She's in the presence of God, why wouldn't she have her cell phone? We used to call her. Now can't we call her now?” So then you just have these neat opportunities when you're just there. There's the input, intentional biblical input, and then they're going to be inquisitive, asking questions through the day as we experience ... “Why does this family do that? Why does my friend have a mom but no dad around?” Or “Why does this cousin not believe in Jesus?” and things like that.[24:12] JONATHAN: Yeah. Having kids keeps you on your toes. And if you're a believing family, then there's a lot of questions that I think even the greatest of us could stumble over and so you really need to be filling your own mind with helpful resources. You need to be in the Word and seeking to grow in understanding and knowledge and faith and bearing that fruit of the Spirit. There's, you know, as we kind of laughed about, I mean, kids ask a ridiculous amount of questions. And there's times where I think sometimes I'm like, “I'm done. Done answering your questions. I don't want to do this anymore.”And that's typical selfish mentality of this is about me and not you. But you know, you kind of flip the script a little bit and start thinking, Okay, this could be a really great opportunity for them. And in all their questions there's usually something underlying all of that. Fear, doubt, whatever it is. Or sometimes it is just curiosity. So it's important, I think, for parents to be as available as humanly possible, and really thinking through those things.And I think sometimes people are afraid. What if I don't know the answer? Then I'm going to fail my child, or whatever it is. And it's like, you know, kids don't think in that category necessarily. I think it's actually quite biblical to say, “You know what? You're asking really good questions. Why don't we look at this together? Why don't we kind of use this as an opportunity to show that mom and dad don't know everything, and they're seeking to grow just like you are?” So tell us a little bit about the Kingdom of God story books. This is another project that you've done. I don't know if it was before or after Little Pilgrim, Big Journey, but tell us a little bit about that.[26:12] TYLER: That was after the Pilgrim book, so that was six or seven months ago those landed. And that was a big project, and an exciting—[26:22] JONATHAN: Yeah, taking Old and New Testament, that's a big undertaking.[26:28] TYLER: That was the most challenging book I've written, obviously, because you want to do honor to God's Word and to be faithful. And initially it was going to be bird's eye overview. So I thought 70 pages and we'll touch on seven different kind of key moments that highlight the kingdom through the Bible. And then as I got into it, I said, Oh, it's still missing ... like there's something ... [26:53] JONATHAN: It's always something.[26:54] TYLER: ... in between these. And so that grew to 140, and then 280, and then all of a sudden it's—[27:01] JONATHAN: It's summer reading.[27:03] TYLER: Yeah, suddenly it's a 600-page fully illustrated 45-chapter thing. And the two big goals were one was to incorporate biblical theology, which was to have these themes that are tied through, woven through from Genesis to Revelation, and so the kingdom is one of those big themes. And there's many others. So that was an exciting challenge. And then seeing prophecies of the King to come in the Old Testament. There's so many of those. So to highlight those in a very vivid and helpful way was an exciting piece of that. And then just to give a clear understanding of God's kingdom. As Jesus said, “The Kingdom of God is now in your midst.” He said, “I have come for this purpose: to proclaim the Kingdom of God.” So if that's His understanding, He's saying, “For me to come and fulfill what God has promised is to display myself as the King of God's kingdom,” which He saw as clearly foreshadowed and set up in the Old Testament. So doing that in a kind of full way that knits. The goal was to sort of be seamless between each chapter and between each kind of scene or book. And the summary of it was God's presence, God's people, in God's place, through God's promise. And each chapter kind of has a summary in that way to connect those things.[28:28] JONATHAN: Ah, that's great. Books on the horizon. I think you have a third Pilgrim's Progress book coming out. Little Pilgrim, Big Journey, I should call it. I keep calling it Pilgrim's Progress. [28:38] TYLER: That's okay. Yeah, Part 3, which I'm excited about, it's about the two brothers, Christian's brothers. They saw their sister cross the River of Death and the king said it was not time for them to come yet. And I thought that was kind of a neat way to extend the allegory. Because some kids have viewed it, okay, we're going across this journey and then we get to death and then it's done. And there's this bigger picture of mission and evangelism and service. So kind of a follow-up to that. This idea is the king, instead of calling them to cross the River of Death, calls them to go back to their hometown, back to the cities, to proclaim the Gospel and to proclaim that the kingdom is coming. And so these brothers go and they experience the ideas of the Great Commission, missions, evangelism.[29:29] JONATHAN: Yeah, they've taken the mantle from Evangelist.[29:34] TYLER: Yeah. Yeah, so it's kind of an exciting. As even Evangelist and Great-heart pass, they say, over the River of Death, they say, “You take my sword. You go on.” And so I think that's a neat challenge and call for kids that have professed faith in Christ now to go back to serve, to spread the Gospel to their friends. And so I'm excited about that book.And then there's also. Our tribute to Bunyan was a legacy edition of the Pilgrim's Progress, so just a full, unabridged version more geared towards adults or older kids, teens. And has kind of 150 of the vintage illustrations and it's just a real treat to read.[30:17] JONATHAN: Well, my son will be excited for the third. Because he did ask why are Christiana's brothers stuck on the other side of the river. And so I can give him good news that the third one is coming. This is great. What a helpful conversation. We're going to put links for your website and all your books in our show notes. So those of you who are listening, I do recommend these. These are just fantastic. The illustrations are beautiful, they are age appropriate. The story brings through great truths and you'll have great questions. You do have questions that you ask. My son loves asking questions, and he loves answering questions as well. And so the fact that each chapter has questions that are asked—and they're not just recalling information, but there is some application in there as well, which really kind of speaks ... You know, because kids want to have understanding and then kind of relay that back to you. So I think that's been a great tool that you guys have put together on that.[31:24] TYLER: Yeah, that's been exciting. Initially, again, God has been gracious in this whole process. Because the first book, I was getting ready to print it, and then I just kind of asked on social media, “Would anyone find questions helpful?” And there was just a ton of response, “Yes, yes, please, please.” So I put them in.[31:40] JONATHAN: 500 percent again.[31:41] TYLER: Yeah, yeah. And a lot of parents have told us, yeah, these questions at the end of every chapter is such a help in our discipleship.[31:48] JONATHAN: It's so good. So helpful. Tyler Van Halteren, I am so grateful to have met you now that I've read through your books. And I hope that they continue to be a blessing for generations, just as John Bunyan has been for many centuries. And again, thank you so much for taking the time to come and chat with us on Candid Conversations. [32:09] TYLER: Yeah, thank you. 

A new 'Craftwork' episode, about how to structure a novel. My guest is Mark Cecil, author of the debut novel Bunyan and Henry, available from Pantheon Books. Cecil is the host of The Thoughtful Bro podcast, for which he conducts interviews with an eclectic roster of award-winning and breakout storytellers. Formerly a journalist for Reuters, he is Head of Strategy for literary social media startup A Mighty Blaze and has taught writing at Grub Street in Boston. This is his first book. *** Otherppl with Brad Listi is a weekly literary podcast featuring in-depth interviews with today's leading writers. Available where podcasts are available: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, etc. Subscribe to Brad Listi's email newsletter. Support the show on Patreon Merch Twitter Instagram  TikTok Bluesky Email the show: letters [at] otherppl [dot] com The podcast is a proud affiliate partner of Bookshop, working to support local, independent bookstores. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices