Abiding Faith

by

October 25, 2024

6:33 am

Leave a comment on Abiding Faith

Music for Worship, Worship Song

, , , , , , ,

Abiding Faith Album Cover

New Recording

Listen and download a recording of this song from Bandcamp:

“And the apostles said to the Lord, ‘Increase our faith.’” (Luke 17:5).

Abiding Faith

A prayer that God would create in us a true and an abiding faith that will anchor us firmly in Christ and remain steadfast through all trials and troubles of this life.

A true and an abiding faith,
Create within our hearts,
A faith that carries us to Christ
And ne’er from Him departs.

Fashion us that we may be
Vessels ready to receive
Your Word, O Lord, help us to know
And ev’ry word believe.

Lord, give us an obedient faith
That comes with no demands,
But bows submissive to Your Word,
Delights in Your commands.

We want not faith that boasts itself
In pious words and deeds,
Nor faith that seeks the praise of men
Yet God’s Word will not heed.

Lord, give to us a humble faith
That boasts in Christ alone.
A faith that boldly speaks His name
And bows beneath His throne.

Create in us a saving faith,
A faith that will remain.
We need a faith not of ourselves,
Lest we believe in vain.

Search us now, our hearts expose;
Ev’ry spurious hope make known,
That we may flee from empty faith
And look to Christ alone.

Each day increase our faith, O Lord,
More firmly placed in You.
In mercy lift us when we fail
That we may walk anew.

We want not faith that rests content
In blessings of this life,
Nor faith that fails to persevere
Through trials, pain, and strife.

A true and an abiding faith,
Lord, grant to us, we pray;
A faith that will not fail or fade,
Create in us today!

Words and Music by Ken Puls
Set to the Tune: ABIDING FAITH
Words and Music ©2002 Kenneth A Puls

Download the lyrics and free sheet music for this song, including an arrangement of the tune ABIDING FAITH for classical guitar.

More Hymns and Songs by Ken Puls

Above image made from Unsplash

Clothed in White

by

October 22, 2024

6:33 am

Leave a comment on Clothed in White

Commentary, The Pilgrim's Progress

, , , ,

Fine White Linen


Then said the Interpreter again to the damsel that waited upon these women, “Go into the vestry, and fetch out garments for these people.” So she went, and fetched out white raiment, and laid it down before him; so he commanded them to put it on. It was fine linen, white and clean. When the women were thus adorned, they seemed to be a terror one to the other; for that they could not see that glory each one on herself which they could see in each other. Now therefore, they began to esteem each other better than themselves; “For you are fairer than I am,” said one; “And you are more comely than I am,” said another. The children also stood amazed to see into what fashion they were brought.

Notes and Commentary

Once the pilgrims are cleansed and sealed, the Interpreter instructs Innocent to bring them fine white garments. This mirrors Christian’s experience in Part 1 of The Pilgrim’s Progress. When Christian’s burden tumbles away at the cross, the Shining Ones tell him his sins are forgiven (cleansed) and they clothe him with a “change of raiment.” They also set a Mark on his forehead and give him a Roll with a Seal on it, identifying him as belonging to Christ.

The imagery of “fine linen, white and clean” comes from the book of Revelation. 

Continue Reading Notes and Commentary

The text for The Pilgrim’s Progress is public domain.

Notes and Commentary for Part II ©2014, 2024 Ken Puls

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from 
the New King James Version (NKJV) ©1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.

Return to A Guide to John Bunyan’s The Pilgrim’s Progress Part 2

Fair as the Moon

by

October 4, 2024

6:33 am

Leave a comment on Fair as the Moon

Commentary, The Pilgrim's Progress

, , , , , , , , ,

Fair as the Moon

When they were returned out of the garden from the bath, the Interpreter took them, and looked upon them, and said unto them, “Fair as the moon.” Then He called for the seal wherewith they used to be sealed that were washed in His bath. So the seal was brought, and He set his mark upon them, that they might be known in the places whither they were yet to go. Now the seal was the contents and sum of the Passover which the children of Israel did eat when they came out from the land of Egypt, and the mark was set between their eyes. This seal greatly added to their beauty, for it was an ornament to their faces; it also added to their gravity, and made their countenances more like those of angels.

Notes and Commentary

When the pilgrims return from the bath, the Interpreter describes them as “fair as the moon.” The moon has no light of its own, but it brilliantly reflects the glory of sun. We have no light in ourselves, but God has made us in His image to reflect His glory. We are saved “through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit” that we might shine forth the glory of Christ.

For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful and hating one another. But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life (Titus 3:3–7).

Marked with a Seal

Now that the pilgrims are washed, the Interpreter has them marked with His seal. This seal represents the sealing by the Holy Spirit for the day of redemption.

Continue Reading Notes and Commentary

The text for The Pilgrim’s Progress is public domain.

Notes and Commentary for Part II ©2014, 2024 Ken Puls

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from 
the New King James Version (NKJV) ©1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.

Return to A Guide to John Bunyan’s The Pilgrim’s Progress Part 2

Washed and Cleansed

by

September 20, 2024

6:33 am

Leave a comment on Washed and Cleansed

Commentary, The Pilgrim's Progress

, , , , , , ,

Into the Garden to the Bath

In the morning they arose with the sun, and prepared themselves for their departure; but the Interpreter would have them tarry awhile, “For,” said He, “you must orderly go from hence.” Then said He to the damsel that at first opened unto them, “Take them, and have them into the garden to the bath; and there wash them, and make them clean from the soil which they have gathered by traveling.” Then Innocent, the damsel, took them, and had them into the garden, and brought them to the bath; so she told them that there they must wash and be clean, for so her master would have the women to do that called at his house as they were going on pilgrimage. Then they went in and washed, yea, they and the boys and all; and they came out of that bath, not only sweet and clean, but also much enlivened and strengthened in their joints. So when they came in, they looked fairer a deal than when they went out to the washing.

Notes and Commentary

The next morning the pilgrims awake and prepare to resume their journey. Bunyan notes that they “arose with the sun.” After spending time in the House of the Interpreter, Christiana, her four boys, and Mercy arise with light for their path. 

They have the light of Christ. 

Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life” (John 8:12).
For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus’ sake. For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ (2 Corinthians 4:5–6).

And they have His Word that they might walk in its light and know what is pleasing to the Lord.

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), finding out what is acceptable to the Lord (Ephesians 5:8–10).

Continue Reading Notes and Commentary

The text for The Pilgrim’s Progress is public domain.

Notes and Commentary for Part II ©2014, 2024 Ken Puls

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from 
the New King James Version (NKJV) ©1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.

Return to A Guide to John Bunyan’s The Pilgrim’s Progress Part 2

O Spirit Now We Thank You

by

September 13, 2024

6:33 am

Leave a comment on O Spirit Now We Thank You

Hymn, Music for Worship

, , , , , , ,

O Spirit Now We Thank You Album Cover

New Recording

Listen and download a recording of this song from Bandcamp:

“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12).

O Spirit Now We Thank You

A prayer of thanksgiving to the Holy Spirit, who inspired and crafted God’s Word, asking that He “bless its proclamation” and help us rightly understand and apply its truths to our lives.

O Spirit, now we thank You
For giving us Your Word.
Please bless its proclamation,
The truths that we have heard.
Indwell us and empow’r us,
And cause us to obey;
Shine now the light of Scripture
On all we do and say.

Great Artist of the Scriptures,
In beauty You have made
God’s Word to shine in glory
That cannot fail or fade.
In poetry and proverbs,
Through narrative and line;
In prophecy and hist’ry,
God’s truth in splendor shines.

You, down through many ages,
Inspired men to write,
Progressively revealing,
You brought God’s truth to light.
O Spirit, come illumine
This truth for us today;
And guide us in sound doctrine,
The straight and narrow way.

Wield now Your Sword, O Spirit,
The quick and living Word,
And rend our hearts asunder
With truths that we have heard.
O search us now and know us,
Expose iniquity;
Conform us to our Savior,
And holy we shall be.

Words and Music by Ken Puls
Set to the Tune: GARRICK
Words and Music ©1998 Kenneth A Puls

Download the lyrics and free sheet music for this hymn, including an arrangement of the tune GARRICK for classical guitar.

More Hymns and Songs by Ken Puls

Above image made from Unsplash

Trust in God and Do the Right

by

August 12, 2024

8:18 am

Leave a comment on Trust in God and Do the Right

Hymn, Music for Worship

, , , , ,

Silhouette of person on a hilltop gazing at stars

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.
Do not be wise in your own eyes;
Fear the Lord and depart from evil.
It will be health to your flesh,
And strength to your bones.
(Proverbs 3:5–8)

Listen and download a recording of this hymn from Bandcamp:

Courage, brother! do not stumble,
Though thy path is dark as night;
There’s a star to guide the humble—
Trust in God and do the right.
Let the road be long and dreary,
And its ending out of sight,
Foot it bravely—strong or weary—
Trust in God and do the right.

Perish policy and cunning,
Perish all that fears the light;
Whether losing, whether winning,
Trust in God and do the right.
Trust no party, church, or faction,
Trust no leader in the fight;
But in every word and action
Trust in God and do the right.

Trust no forms of guilty passion—
Friends can look like angels bright;
Trust no custom, school, or fashion—
Trust in God and do the right.
Some will hate thee, some will love thee;
Some will flatter, some will slight;
Cease from man and look above thee—
Trust in God and do the right.

So take courage! do not stumble,
When the path is dark as night;
Find the star that guides the humble—
Trust in God and do the right.
Firmest rule, and safest guiding,
Inward peace and inward light;
Star upon our path abiding—
Trust in God and do the right.

Words by Norman Macleod, 1857, adapted
Arranged to the tune: BEACH SPRING from Sacred Harp, 1844
Words and Music ©Public Domain

Download a free chord chart for this hymn, set to the tune BEACH SPRING.

More Hymns from History

Above image from Unsplash

Mercy’s Testimony

by

July 26, 2024

6:33 am

Leave a comment on Mercy’s Testimony

Commentary, The Pilgrim's Progress

, , , , , , ,

Mercy at the Gate

Interpreter:  So he addressed himself to Mercy, and said unto her, “And what moved you to come here, sweetheart?”

Then Mercy blushed and trembled; and for awhile continued silent.

Interpreter: Then said he, “Be not afraid; only believe, and speak your mind.”

Mercy: So she began, and said, “Truly, sir, it is my want of experience that makes me covet to be in silence; and that also that fills me with fears of coming short at last. I cannot tell of visions and dreams, as my friend Christiana can; nor do I know what it is to mourn for my refusing of the counsel of those that were good relations.”

Interpreter: What was it, then, dear heart, that has prevailed with you to do as you have done?

Mercy: Why, when our friend here was packing up to be gone from our town, I and another went accidentally to see her; so we knocked at the door and went in. When we were within, and seeing what she was doing, we asked what was her meaning. She said she was sent for to go to her husband; and then she up and told us how she had seen him in a dream, dwelling in a curious place among immortals, wearing a crown, playing upon a harp, eating and drinking at his Prince’s table, and singing praises to Him for bringing Him there, etc. Now, it seemed to me, while she was telling these things unto us, that my heart burned within me. And I said in my heart, if this be true, I will leave my father and my mother, and the land of my nativity, and will, if I may, go along with Christiana.

So I asked her further of the truth of these things, and if she would let me go with her; for I saw now that there was no dwelling, but with the danger of ruin, any longer in our town. But yet I came away with a heavy heart; not for that I was unwilling to come away, but for that so many of my relations were left behind. And I am come with all the desire of my heart; and will go, if I may, with Christiana unto her husband and his King.

Interpreter: Your setting out is good; for you have given credit to the truth. You are a Ruth; who did, for the love that she bore to Naomi, and to the Lord her God, leave father and mother, and the land of her nativity, to come out, and go with a people that she knew not heretofore. “The Lord recompense your work; and a full reward be given you of the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings you are come to truth”.

Now supper was ended, and preparation was made for bed. The women were laid singly alone, and the boys by themselves. Now when Mercy was in bed, she could not sleep for joy, for that now her doubts of missing at last were removed farther from her than ever they were before; so she lay blessing and praising God, who had had such favor for her.

Notes and Commentary

After hearing Christiana’s testimony, the Interpreter asks Mercy to share her reasons for becoming a pilgrim. Mercy at first hesitates and is for awhile silent. Unlike Christiana, Mercy was quickly receptive to hearing truth. She does not carry the same measure of regrets and laments for past sins and rejection of the gospel. But she fears she lacks “experience” and “cannot tell of visions and dreams” like Christiana. Nor does she have the same boldness and assurance as Christiana. Her testimony is humble and unassuming. But it needs to be told. 

Continue Reading Notes and Commentary

The text for The Pilgrim’s Progress is public domain.

Notes and Commentary for Part II ©2014, 2024 Ken Puls

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from 
the New King James Version (NKJV) ©1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.

Return to A Guide to John Bunyan’s The Pilgrim’s Progress Part 2

Two Voices Cry Out to Be Heard

by

July 19, 2024

6:33 am

Leave a comment on Two Voices Cry Out to Be Heard

Hymn, Music for Worship

, , , ,

Two Arrows on a Street at Night

In John Bunyan’s allegory, The Pilgrim’s Progress, Christian and his companion, Faithful, must travel through the town of Vanity on their Way to the Celestial City. The town represents the conceit and craftiness of the world in its opposition against God as it dresses up sin to appear desirable and appealing. The merchants at Vanity Fair cry out in an attempt to entice the pilgrims to set their affections on the things of the world. But Christian and Faithful have found something more valuable and more precious than anything this world can offer. When they are asked what they would buy, they respond, “We buy the truth.”

Buy the truth, and do not sell it,
Also wisdom and instruction and understanding.
(Proverbs 23:23)

The truth we hold dear is the Word of God.

The entirety of Your word is truth,
And every one of Your righteous judgments endures forever.
(Psalm 119:160)

Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth (John 17:17).

If we are to find the way to life and peace and joy, we must tune out the noise of this world and listen intently to God in His Word. Christ alone is “the way, the truth and the life” (John 14:6). Only He has “the words of eternal life” (John 6:68).

Listen and download a recording of this song from Bandcamp:

Two Voices Cry Out to Be Heard

“My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent” (Proverbs 1:10).

“Wisdom calls aloud outside; she raises her voice in the open squares” (Proverbs 1:20).

Two voices cry out to be heard;
Take heed, my soul, and listen well.
For only one voice leads to life, 
The other down to death and hell.

The voice of sinners fills the streets,
There on the innocent they prey.
Take heed, my soul, do not consent, 
Lest you with them be cast away.

The voice of wisdom cries aloud
Above the din of sin’s deceit.
“How long, you simple, will you choose 
The evil way, the scoffer’s seat?”

It’s wisdom’s voice I long to hear
To guide my steps which way to go.
Her words of warning, I would heed; 
Her wealth of knowledge, I would know.

Lord, help me find the righteous way;
Guide me in ev’ry thought and choice.
For You alone have words of life, 
Atune my heart to love Your voice.

Let me hear clearly wisdom’s call;
Tune out the noise of sin’s allure.
Listen intently to God’s Word 
And there in Christ find rest secure.

Words ©2018 Kenneth A Puls

Arranged to the tune: FEDERAL STREET

Download the lyrics and free sheet music for this hymn, including an arrangement of the tune FEDERAL STREET for classical guitar.

More Hymns and Songs by Ken Puls

Above image from Unsplash

Christiana’s Testimony

by

July 16, 2024

6:33 am

Leave a comment on Christiana’s Testimony

Commentary, The Pilgrim's Progress

, , , , , , ,

Christiana's Change of Heart

When the song and music were ended, the Interpreter asked Christiana what it was that at first did move her to commit herself to a pilgrim’s life?

Christiana answered, “First the loss of my husband came into my mind, at which I was heartily grieved; but all that was but natural affection. Then, after that, came the troubles and pilgrimage of my husband into my mind; and also how like a churl I had carried it to him as to that. So guilt took hold of my mind, and would have drawn me into the pond; but that opportunely I had a dream of the wellbeing of my husband, and a letter sent me by the King of that country where my husband dwells, to come to him. The dream and the letter together so wrought upon my mind, that they forced me to this way.”

Interpreter: But met you with no opposition afore you set out of doors?

Christiana: Yes; a neighbor of mine, one Mrs. Timorous (she was akin to him that would have persuaded my husband to go back for fear of the lions). She all-to-befooled me for—as she called it—my intended desperate adventure. She also urged what she could to dishearten me to it, —the hardship and troubles that my husband met with in the way, but all this I got over pretty well. But a dream that I had, of two ill looking ones, that I thought did plot how to make me miscarry in my journey, that hath troubled me much; yea, it still runs in my mind, and makes me afraid of everyone that I meet, lest they should meet me to do me a mischief, and to turn me out of the way. Yea, I may tell my lord, though I would not have everybody know it, that between this and the gate by which we got into the way, we were both so sorely assaulted, that we were made to cry out “murder.” And the two that made this assault upon us were like the two that I saw in my dream.

Interpreter: Then said the Interpreter, “Your beginning is good; your latter end shall greatly increase.”

Notes and Commentary

After supper, the Interpreter asks Christiana two significant questions. First he asks what caused her to become a pilgrim. Why did she finally relent concerning her decision to remain in Destruction and embark on a journey to the Celestial City? Did she consider her circumstances and come to a reasonable conclusion? Was she compelled by shame to do the right thing? Was she overcome with sorrow and moved by passion? What was it that caused her to change?

Continue Reading Notes and Commentary

The text for The Pilgrim’s Progress is public domain.

Notes and Commentary for Part II ©2014, 2024 Ken Puls

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from 
the New King James Version (NKJV) ©1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.

Return to A Guide to John Bunyan’s The Pilgrim’s Progress Part 2

How Dear and Treasured Is the Church

by

July 5, 2024

6:33 am

Leave a comment on How Dear and Treasured Is the Church

Hymn, Music for Worship

, , , , ,

Pillars holding up a building

New Recording

Listen and download a recording of this song from Bandcamp:

How Dear and Treasured Is the Church

“If I delay, [I write so that] you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth” (1 Timothy 3:15).

How dear and treasured is the church,
With voices joined in praise and prayers,
For God has made us one in Christ, 
To share our sorrows, joys and cares. 

Entrusted with the truth of God,
Called out to make the gospel known,
We boldly as His church proclaim:
There’s grace and hope in Christ alone!

God fashions us as living stones; 
Assembled as His dwelling place.
Though we were dead, He gives us life,
Each soul a miracle of grace.

Built as a buttress of the truth,
A pillar rising to the sky,
God sets His church before the world,
His Word and name to magnify.

To all the world we testify,
Our lives display in word and deed
The matchless worth of knowing Christ,
The boundless depth of our great need.

Brought near to God by Christ’s shed blood,
Loved and adopted as His own,
A household built upon the Word,
With Christ Himself the Cornerstone.

Built on this Rock, the church will stand,
The gates of hell shall not prevail,
All who are Christ’s shall be raised up,
The Word of God will never fail.

Words ©2017 Kenneth A Puls

Arranged to the tune: ERHALT UNS HERR

Download the lyrics and free sheet music for this hymn, including an arrangement of the tune ERHALT UNS HERR for classical guitar.

More Hymns and Songs by Ken Puls

Above image from Unsplash