In one of the streets of Bedford I came to where there were three or four poor women sitting at a door in the sun and talking about the things of God. Willing to listen, I drew near to hear what they said, for I was a brisk talker myself in matters of religion. But I have to say that I heard, but I didn’t understand, for they were far above, out of my reach. They spoke about a new birth, the work of God in their hearts… They said how God had visited their souls with His love in the Lord Jesus, and with what words and promises they had been refreshed, comforted and supported against the temptations of the devil… And it seemed to me they spoke as if joy did make them speak. They spoke with such pleasantness of biblical language, and with such obvious grace in all they said, that they were to me as if they had found a new world.
— John Bunyan (1628–1688), Schriftsteller/Prediger
Topics: Joy & Gratitude, Faith & Trust, Church & Congregation
Occasions: For Reflection, Encouragement
John Bunyan
John Bunyan war ein englischer puritanischer Prediger und Schriftsteller des 17. Jahrhunderts, der wegen seines unlizenzierten Predigens über zwölf Jahre im Gefängnis von Bedford inhaftiert war. Bekanntheit erlangte er vor allem durch sein allegorisches Werk „Die Pilgerreise“ sowie seine theologische Betonung von Gnade, Buße und Standhaftigkeit in geistlichen Anfechtungen. Bibellesern veranschaulichen seine Texte bis heute die Herausforderungen der christlichen Nachfolge, Heilsgewissheit und das Ringen mit Glaubenszweifeln in bildhafter Sprache.
All quotes by John Bunyan (46)
When you see a child, you catch God in the act.
Martin Luther
Gertrud von le Fort
Man is unhappy because he doesn't know he's happy. It's only that.
Fyodor Dostoevsky
Paul Gerhardt
Augustine of Hippo
For all that has been - Thanks. For all that will be - Yes.
Dag Hammarskjöld
The world is more than its burden, and life is more than the sum of its gray days.
Alfred Delp
Frederick Buechner