John Bunyan: His life and his most famous work

Pilgrim's Progress, 1: Meet John Bunyan

John Bunyan — Tue, 22 Mar 2016 08:00:00 -0400

We begin a series on the classic "Pilgrim's Progress." Today, a bio of the author and intro to the book. Credit: bio from online article of Jeremy Walker.

Pilgrim's Progress, 2, directions from evangelist

John Bunyan — Wed, 23 Mar 2016 08:00:00 -0400

Christian is directed by Evangelist to go to the Wicket Gate so his burden can be removed. He is joined for a while by Pliable.

Pilgrim's Progress 3: Spurgeon speaks of Pliable (A)

C. H. Spurgeon — Thu, 24 Mar 2016 08:00:00 -0400

Charles Spurgeon weighs in on Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress. A serious warning to the "Pliables" of our own day, and in our own church.

Pilgrim's progress 4: Spurgeon speaks of Pliable, (B)

C. H. Spurgeon — Fri, 25 Mar 2016 08:00:00 -0400

After one negative experience, Pliable (of Pilgrim's progress)is on his way back home. Spurgeon speaks of the Pliables of our own day.

Pilgrim's Progress 5: Spurgeon: Pliable and Help

C. H. Spurgeon — Sun, 27 Mar 2016 08:00:00 -0400

Charles Spurgeon comments on Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress characters.

Pilgrim's Progress 6: Spurgeon: Help for the Helpers (A)

C. H. Spurgeon — Tue, 29 Mar 2016 08:00:00 -0400

Spurgeon here comments on Bunyan's character "Help" from Pilgrim's Progress. A very helpful discussion.

Pilgrim's progress 7: Spurgeon: Help for the Helpers, (B)

C. H. Spurgeon — Wed, 30 Mar 2016 08:00:00 -0400

Send a text Are you a helper? Spurgeon explores more about this gift and how to enhance it. Commenting on Bunyan's "Help" character in Pilgrim's Progress.

Pilgrim's progress 8: Spurgeon: Help for the Helpers, (C)

C. H. Spurgeon — Thu, 31 Mar 2016 08:00:00 -0400

Final in Spurgeon's Help series, based on the Pilgrim's Progress character. What one needs to be a good helper in the ministry of Christ.

Pilgrim's progress 9: Bunyan : Christian meets Worldly Wiseman

John Bunyan — Fri, 01 Apr 2016 08:00:00 -0400

Reading from Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress, we come to the fateful meeting with one who takes Christian off the Way of the Cross.

Pilgrim's progress 10: Spurgeon: Satan's fiery darts (A)

John Bunyan — Mon, 04 Apr 2016 08:00:00 -0400

Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress is continued, then addressed by Charles Spurgeon, as Christian is told of the weapons of Beelzebub.

Pilgrim's Progress 11: Spurgeon: Satan's fiery darts, (B)

John Bunyan — Tue, 05 Apr 2016 08:00:00 -0400

Conclusion of fiery darts message, then back to Bunyan, to follow Christian on to Goodwill, who directs him to the Interpreter. Don't miss an episode!

Pilgrim's Progress 12: Bunyan: Lessons from Interpreter

John Bunyan — Wed, 06 Apr 2016 08:00:00 -0400

Pilgrim's Progress continues with some important instructions from Interpreter to the aspiring Christian. Read by Bob Faulkner

Pilgrim's Progress 13: Spurgeon: Christian at the Cross, (A)

C. H. Spurgeon — Thu, 07 Apr 2016 08:00:00 -0400

13th in a series on Pilgrim's Progress. Spurgeon comments on the necessity of men coming to the cross for salvation, as did Bunyan's Christian.

Pilgrim's Progress 14:Spurgeon: Christian at the Cross, (B)

C. H. Spurgeon — Fri, 08 Apr 2016 08:00:00 -0400

Passionate words from Spurgeon talking of the joy of our salvation! Read by Bob Faulkner

Pilgrim's progress 15: Spurgeon: Christian, Formalist, Hypocrisy, (A)

John Bunyan — Mon, 11 Apr 2016 08:00:00 -0400

Christian meets Formalist and Hypocrisy on his way, and all are described in detail by Charles Spurgeon. A rich trip we are taking here. Join us.

Pilgrim's progress 16: Spurgeon: Christian, Formalist, Hypocrisy, (B)

C. H. Spurgeon — Tue, 12 Apr 2016 08:00:00 -0400

What it means to be a formalist and a hypocrite in our day. Spurgeon sermon. Bunyan book.

Pilgrim's progress 17: Spurgeon: Christian, Formalist, Hypocrisy, (C)

John Bunyan — Wed, 13 Apr 2016 08:00:00 -0400

Final words from Spurgeon about the two impostors, then back to Bunyan, up the hill difficulty, and the lost Roll.

Pilgrim's progress 18: Spurgeon: The Beautiful Palace

John Bunyan — Thu, 14 Apr 2016 08:00:00 -0400

Spurgeon comments on church membership, Bunyan's reference when speaking of a Beautiful Palace. Christian is about to enter the church, now that he is forgiven.

Pilgrim's progress 19: Spurgeon: Welcome to the church!

John Bunyan — Fri, 15 Apr 2016 08:00:00 -0400

Christian is being welcomed into the Beautiful Palace. Spurgeon comments on welcoming people into the Church. Part 19 of Pilgrim's Progress via Bunyan and Spurgeon.

Pilgrim's progress, 20: Bunyan: Prudence and Charity Interview Christian

John Bunyan — Mon, 18 Apr 2016 08:00:00 -0400

Just before entering the church fellowship he confronted by prudent and loving questions. From Pilgrim's Progress.

Pilgrim's Progress 21 : Spurgeon: Battle with Apollyon,(A)

C. H. Spurgeon — Tue, 19 Apr 2016 08:00:00 -0400

Spurgeon comments on the fierce battle between Christian and his arch-enemy. From Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress.

Pilgrim's progress 22: Spurgeon: Battle with Apollyon, (B)

C. H. Spurgeon — Wed, 20 Apr 2016 08:00:00 -0400

Spurgeon's final comments on spiritual warfare.

Pilgrim's progress, 23: Bunyan: Valley of the Shadow

John Bunyan — Thu, 21 Apr 2016 08:00:00 -0400

Christian now faces the valley to which we all must come. Bunyan's classic Pilgrim's Progress, part 23 in a series.

Pilgrim's progress 24: Spurgeon: Faithful and the Old Man, (A)

C. H. Spurgeon — Fri, 22 Apr 2016 08:00:00 -0400

Number 24 in the Pilgrim's Progress series. Spurgeon speaks of Faithful's encounter with the old man. An encounter we all have had...

Pilgrim's Progress 25: Spurgeon: Faithful and the Old Man, (B)

C. H. Spurgeon — Mon, 25 Apr 2016 08:00:00 -0400

Faithful experiences awful beatings at the hands of the old man. Spurgeon's final comments on this episode.

Pilgrim's Progress 26: Bunyan: Christian meets Talkative

John Bunyan — Tue, 26 Apr 2016 08:00:00 -0400

Christian and Faithful next encounter an old acquaintance from the City of Destruction. From Bunyan's classic Pilgrim's Progress.

Pilgrim's Progress, 27: Bunyan: Faithful exposes Talkative

John Bunyan — Tue, 26 Apr 2016 08:00:00 -0400

Difficult reading, because it exposes all hypocritical religion. Serious only today! Part 27 in a reading of Pilgrim's Progress and Spurgeon's comments on that Bunyan book. Read by Bob Faulkner.

Pilgrim's Progress 28: Bunyan: Warnings about Vanity Fair

John Bunyan — Wed, 27 Apr 2016 08:00:00 -0400

Evangelist meets up with Faithful and Christian, and lets them know that one of them will die at the hands of evil men in the next city, Vanity Fair. Number 28 in our Pilgrim's Progress series. Book by John Bunyan.

Pilgrim's Progress 29: Spurgeon: On Vanity Fair

C. H. Spurgeon — Thu, 28 Apr 2016 08:00:00 -0400

Charles Spurgeon comments on Bunyan's description of Vanity Fair, and the treatment of Faithful and Christian there. R

Pilgrim's Progress 30: Bunyan: Faithful martyred

John Bunyan — Mon, 02 May 2016 08:00:00 -0400

Faithful and Christian enter Vanity Fair. Only Christian will exit. Number 30 in Bunyan/Spurgeon series on Pilgrim's Progress. Read by Bob Faulkner

Pilgrim's Progress, 31: Bunyan: Christian's new friends

John Bunyan — Tue, 03 May 2016 08:00:00 -0400

Christian meets a good friend, but several bad ones, on his way to the Celestial City. Should ring a bell. Number 31 in Bunyan/Spurgeon series.

Pilgrim's Progress, 32: Bunyan: How hypocrites justify themselves

John Bunyan — Wed, 04 May 2016 08:00:00 -0400

A serious conversation by some not-so-serious Christians, on the way, as they suppose, to the Celestial City. Pilgrim's Progress, number 32 in series.

Pilgrim's Progress 33: Bunyan: The Giant Despair

John Bunyan — Thu, 05 May 2016 08:00:00 -0400

A great start, but a distraction brings Christian and Hopeful off of the Way, and into prison. Number 33 of the Bunyan/Spurgeon series, read by Bob Faulkner

Pilgrim's Progress 34: Bunyan: Escape from Doubting Castle

John Bunyan — Fri, 06 May 2016 08:00:00 -0400

Christian finds the key for his escape. The journey to the Celestial City continues. Number 34 in series of Pilgrim's Progress, read by Bob Faulkner

Pilgrim's Progress 35: Bunyan: A Meeting with Ignorance

John Bunyan — Mon, 09 May 2016 08:00:00 -0400

Self-assured is the word they use today. Faith assured is what God aims for. Christian and Hopeful on their way to the Celestial City. Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress.

Pilgrim"s Progress 36: Spurgeon: Beware the Flatterer (A)

C. H. Spurgeon — Tue, 10 May 2016 08:00:00 -0400

Christian and Hopeful find themselves trapped in a net. Spurgeon explains how it happened. Number 36 of Pilgrim's Progress series.

Pilgrim's Progress 37: Spurgeon: Beware the Flatterer, (B)

C. H. Spurgeon — Wed, 11 May 2016 08:00:00 -0400

Flattery comes in many forms, says Charles Spurgeon, commenting on Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress, number 37.

Pilgrim's Progress 38: Spurgeon: Warning: The Enchanted Ground

C. H. Spurgeon — Thu, 12 May 2016 08:00:00 -0400

Frightening message from Spurgeon to the slumbering church of our day. Based on Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress, read by Bob Faulkner.

Pilgrim's Progress 39: Bunyan: The fellowship of a friend

John Bunyan — Fri, 13 May 2016 08:00:00 -0400

Sharing testimonies with a close friend in Christ is one way to stay alert in God. Hear Hopeful's story, from Pilgrim's Progress, read by Bob Faulkner.

Pilgrim's Progress 40: Bunyan: Ignorance rebuked

John Bunyan — Mon, 16 May 2016 08:00:00 -0400

The Pilgrims decide to listen to and instruct Ignorance. But Ignorance will never listen... Read by Bob Faulkner

Pilgrim's Progress 41 :Bunyan : A Pilgrim Discussion of Fear

John Bunyan — Tue, 17 May 2016 08:00:00 -0400

As they near the city, and continue discussing the things of the Lord, the Pilgrims turn their thoughts to the subject of, the Fear of the Lord.

Pilgrim's progress 42: Bunyan: The Pilgrims Cross the River

John Bunyan — Thu, 19 May 2016 08:00:00 -0400

The last Enemy is Death. Christian struggles a bit with it, but finally crosses the River. Number 42 in a series on Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan.

Pilgrim's progress 43 (Final) : Bunyan: The Glories of the Celestial City

John Bunyan — Thu, 19 May 2016 08:00:00 -0400

They made it. The Pilgrim's Progress is complete.

Bunyan: Grace Abounding, 1

John Bunyan — Sat, 29 Nov 2025 07:00:00 -0500

Before actual reading of Bunyan's classic autobiography, I share the words of GEORGE OFFOR, editor of the 1875 edition of the 1666 book. Then, Bunyan's own preface to "GRACE ABOUNDING to the Chief of Sinners." Next time, we begin his actual relating of his life previous to his conversion.

Bunyan: Grace Abounding, 2

John Bunyan — Sun, 30 Nov 2025 07:00:00 -0500

Here begins the actual reading of "Grace Abounding..." in which Bunyan tells of his wretched life before conversion. Filthy sins, then religious sins... We see in this true story of a real man, the inspiration for "Pilgrim's progress."

Bunyan: Grace Abounding, 3

John Bunyan — Sat, 06 Dec 2025 07:00:00 -0500

Bunyan begins his long process of seeking after God. He listens to true believers. He is deceived by false believers. His struggle continues to remind us of "Christian" in Pilgrim's Progress.

Bunyan: Grace Abounding, 4

John Bunyan — Sun, 07 Dec 2025 07:00:00 -0500

Bunyan continues to seek God's face with sometimes success, sometimes not so much. Now he begins to think blasphemous thoughts as the enemy attempts to keep him from God's intended place of honor among the people of God. (Imagine Christian history without "Pilgrim's Progress"!)

Bunyan: Grace Abounding, 5

John Bunyan — Sat, 13 Dec 2025 07:00:00 -0500

The enemy lies to him, the Lord Jesus gives him the truth he needs when he needs it.

Bunyan: Grace Abounding, 6

John Bunyan — Sun, 14 Dec 2025 07:00:00 -0500

Bunyan is tempted to "sell Christ" and he thinks he has. Torment follows...

Bunyan: Grace Abounding, 7

John Bunyan — Sat, 20 Dec 2025 07:00:00 -0500

The tempter continues to mock and discourage Bunyan, but words from the Scripture come to buoy him up.

Bunyan: Grace Abounding, 8

John Bunyan — Sun, 21 Dec 2025 07:00:00 -0500

The awful warnings from Hebrews now fasten themselves on this sensitive man reaching out to God.

Bunyan: Grace Abounding, 9

John Bunyan — Sat, 27 Dec 2025 07:00:00 -0500

Bunyan breaks through to victory, then muses upon the reasons he believes these awful temptations came upon him.

Bunyan: Grace Abounding, 10

John Bunyan — Sun, 28 Dec 2025 07:00:00 -0500

After more continuing struggles, Bunyan is asked to speak at the church in Bedford. His ministry takes off and more and more people begin to come and listen to him. But his strivings continue to haunt him, even immediately before and after his preaching!

Bunyan: Grace Abounding, 11

John Bunyan — Sat, 03 Jan 2026 07:00:00 -0500

A saved John Bunyan now labors for the souls of others in his ministry. As he gains more visbility in his service, the enemy attacks him through the tongues of some very evil people.

Bunyan: Grace Abounding, 12

John Bunyan — Sun, 04 Jan 2026 07:00:00 -0500

Bunyan is in prison. Here we have a recollection of his thoughts and attitudes while there.

Bunyan: Grace Abounding, 13

John Bunyan — Sat, 10 Jan 2026 07:00:00 -0500

For breaking rules of the "church" of England, Bunyan is sent to jail. We hear his conversations with those who would let him go if he would only promise to stop calling meetings.

Bunyan: Grace Abounding, 14

John Bunyan — Sun, 11 Jan 2026 07:00:00 -0500

Bunyan is released after 3 months and made to face the magistrates to see if he has repented from abstaining from the church of England and the Book of Common Prayer. He has not. Hear his case for praying without such a book.

Bunyan: Grace Abounding, 15

John Bunyan — Sat, 17 Jan 2026 07:00:00 -0500

Another discussion with an official who wants Bunyan out of jail but also wants him to submit to the church of England. Bunyan's heart revealed.

Bunyan: Grace Abounding, 16

John Bunyan — Sun, 18 Jan 2026 07:00:00 -0500

Bunyan's wife goes to court to plead for her husband... to no avail. The dialogue is recorded here.

Grace Abounding, 17 (Final)

John Bunyan — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 07:00:00 -0500

The last of this Bunyan series is a telling of the events following Bunyan's last writings by George Offor, who followed Bunyan's life and work nearly two centuries later.