The Power of the Key

Recently, Pastor Sean led our ministry through the Pilgrim's Progress.  I was less than enthusiastic at first, but came to realize the value of John Bunyan's finest work.  My thoughts have been drifting to Christian and Hopeful's stay at Doubting Castle.  After being captured by Giant Despair, they were imprisoned, mercilessly beaten, tempted to suicide, and threatened with death.  Having encouraged his prisoners to kill themselves, Giant Despair returns to find them alive and resistant to his suggestion.  He then shows them the skeletal remains of previous victims, exits the dungeon in a fit of rage, and vows to return at sunrise and finish what he had started.  During the evening, Christian and Hopeful discussed their options, facing certain death.  Finally, about midnight, they began to pray.  In fact, they prayed almost until morning!  At this time Christian remembers the "key of promise" he had in his pocket.  Their means of escape lie hidden on his person the entire time!  Had he only remembered the "key of promise" sooner, they could have escaped Doubting Castle, forgoing the tortures of their nefarious captor.  The key unlocked the door to the dungeon, as well as any and every door needing opened on their way to freedom.  Oh how Christian abused himself over his forgetfulness.

The message is unmistakably clear.  As Christians we possess the promises of God which release us from doubt and despair to experience the joyous freedom of the Pilgrim life!  Yet two forms of unbelief hinder our use of these promises:  Prayerlessness and forgetfulness.  More to come.....