John Bunyan is the well known author of Pilgrim's Progress. He was born in England in 1628. He had very little education and worked with his father making and mending pots and kettles. After the death of his mother, he joined the British Army. He had seen his fair share of death, first in the army when a soldier who took his place was killed while he watched, and later when his first wife.
His preaching drew a lot of attention. After only 3 years, a warrant was issued for his arrest. He knew that the authorities were coming for him, and yet he chose to stay and preach and be arrested rather than flee for his freedom. He was imprisoned for not submitting to a preaching license.
It was so hard for him to be separated from his second wife and children, but God used him in a miraculous way! It is said that men who are broken and yet chose to let the Lord shine through the cracks are the ones who do the most for God. It was during his time in jail that the Lord allowed him to write Pilgrim's Progress. He had very little schooling, and yet he knew his Bible quite well. His allegory of the Christian life could easily be applied to any person with any walk of life.
Pilgrim's Progress has touched the hearts of so many people! It has lead to countless conversions and many lives being surrendered to the will of God. It is also one of the most published books around the world. John Bunyan died in 1688, never knowing how big of an influence his "prison work" would have on the lost and dying world. But, any Christian who is surrendered to the will of God can have a life that can change the course of history if they are willing to surrender to the Lord's will!
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