Chapter One: City of Destruction, Part One

The journey of every Pilgrim begins in The City of Destruction, but too often we cannot see this world for what it truly is...

Forward this email to a Friend The City of Destruction Email 1 in a 16 part series on the 16 Worlds of The Pilgrim's Progress As The Pilgrim's Progress opens, we are introduced to an old city called "Noit Curtsed," or "Destruction" spelled backwards. As the script reads…  "For the city was indeed cursed with perpetual decay leaving the inhabitants no choice but to labor perpetually for the very sake of their existence."  This is where we find Christian Pilgrim, a man laboring day in and day out with no clear hope for the future. He remained trapped in a dark place, living under the rule of the Supervisors (representing the demons) and serving Apollyon (Satan). His work was difficult, and he found no respite in his present circumstances. With the dilapidated buildings, dirty factories, and smog-filled streets, it is clear how the city earned its title. We can see with our eyes the tragedy of this place. The journey of every pilgrim begins in The City of Destruction, but too often we cannot see this world for what it truly is. Even the most beautiful places are ultimately riddled with pain and suffering. Destruction is on display in cities ravaged by war, touched by riots, or overwhelmed by poverty and despair. When humanity fell into sin, the created order shared in that fall, and all of creation together is groaning for the return of the King (see Rom 8:20-21).   When humanity fell into sin, the created order shared in that fall, and all of creation together is groaning for the return of the King. Think of the most beautiful places on earth: cities like Paris, Rome, New York or Dubai, with extravagant buildings and structures reaching into the clouds. No matter how large or small, each place is touched by the curse of sin. Disease, war, and natural disasters threaten cities of every size.   Consider the majesty and greatness of the oceans, snowcapped mountains, grand waterfalls, and island beaches. These are all examples of places that cause our hearts to look up and remember that we are small in the face of an almighty God. Even these places live under the curse of Genesis 3. Yet, the beauty we see here is but a glimpse of the magnificence of the place the King prepares for his pilgrims. Sometimes it is too easy to set our sights on the beauty and riches this world might offer. However, the Scriptures clearly reveal that it will all be destroyed, and a new Heaven and new earth will come. Satan and his demons shall be conquered forever. "The heavens and earth that now exist are stored up for fire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly. But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells." - 2 Peter 3:7b,13 [ESV] Look beyond the façade of this world and take some time to notice the destruction around you. Do you see sickness, fear, and people hurting one another? In both small ways and in very big ways, we can see the evidence of the City of Destruction if we only look.   Ultimately, destruction is not our destination! Ultimately, destruction is not our destination! As pilgrims, we simply need to pick up the book, and take the journey on the King's road. It is an enthralling adventure, with dungeons and cages, sword fights and fairs, honest friends and two-faced flatterers. It is a journey where there is always help for someone who asks, and it ends in the most magnificent place: the Celestial City.  Do not invest too much in this world. It is not our home and is destined for destruction. Store up your treasures in heaven, for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also (see Matt 6:19-20). WATCH THE PILGRILM'S PROGRESS ONLINE FOR FREE Help Produce The 16 Worlds of The Pilgrim's Progress and Reserve Your Free Copy! The 16 Worlds of The Pilgrim's Progress: The Journey Begins is a 16-lesson book and video collection that guides individuals through Christian's journey from this world to that which is to come. It will feature The Pilgrim's Progress movie, broken into 16 powerful segments. These segments are designed to disciple the next generation to stay on the straight path. Each of the 16 chapters will also have a special video hosted by John Rhys-Davies, and will feature exclusive video content with special guests, and a behind-the-scenes look at making the film. Help Produce the 16 Worlds of The Pilgrim's Progress Devotional Copyright © 2020 RevelationMedia, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you opted in via our website. Our mailing address is: RevelationMedia PO Box 518 McKinney, Texas 75070 Add us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can *update your preferences or *unsubscribe from this list.

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