Scripture

Brothers, think about your own calling. Not many of you were wise by human standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth.

1 Corinthians 1:26, ISV

Quote

Divine grace is so radical that it transforms our very desires.

~John Bunyan

When I come across a good story, I like to share it.  We all know that the apostle Paul was an intellect. The Corinthians said his presence was weak and his speech contemptible, but they were not foolish enough to question his intelligence. First Corinthians 1:26 is a reference to me and others, not Paul who was wise by human standards. I tell people I made 32 on the ACT–16 both times. To be honest with you, I doubt I could make sixteen. Thomas Goodwin, Richard Sibbs and John Owens were in Paul’s class. They were highly educated, scholarly, and at home is the best universities. John Bunyan was not: he was poor and poorly educated. No one expected him to make an impact on the world, but this is how the LORD delights to work. God choses things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. He choses things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful. He choses things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and uses them to bring to nothing what the world considers important. As a result, no one can ever boast in the presence of God.

Now for the rest of the story. John Bunyan’s PILGRIM PROGRESS is the number one book seller in the world next to the Bible. Wow! I had no idea. Plus he authored fifty-seven other books. This was news to me. The one that Ortlund recommends is COME AND WELCOME TO Jesus Christ. The entire book is based on one verse, John 6:37,  All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out. Bunyan says…All, not most…gives, not haggles over…comes, not dragged…comes to Me, not a church.

But I am a great sinner says you.

But I will in no wise cast out says Christ.

But I am a hard-hearted sinner says you.

But I will in no wise cast out says Christ.

But I have no good thing to bring, says you.

But I will in no wise cast out says Christ.

Bunyan knew that we humans try to project our values and character on to Christ, as if He were like us, but He is not. Every human friend has a limit. If we offend and keep on offending, the relationship will be severed, but this is no so with Christ. With Christ nothing is required except our coming to Him. Now that coming must be in humility and repentance, but He does not cast us aside because of our sin.

Extra

The Indians counted time by moons and winters: I would go by the sun and summer. They had a dread for winter; I have a dread for summer. I need prayer: hot dry weather depresses my spirit. Different schedule today. I am on my way to the POINT to stain some finish trim.

I hope you have a good week and a wonderful day. Thanks for reading the blog.