Christian Behavior

Having read a good portion of the written legacy ,which John Bunyan has left behind(which is a treasure store of riches for 'The Church Of Jesus Christ')I am very convinced that he was one of the great 'Evangelistic Preachers' 0f his age,or any other age.If you'd like an idea of what this mighty servant of God would have thought of 'The Carnal Christian Teaching' or that a believer has the option of whether or not to submit to Christ as Lord,there are many examples in his writings that clearly reveal where he would stand-"...a life of holiness and godliness in this world,doth so inseparably follow a principle of faith,that it is both monstrous and ridiculous to suppose the contrary." From this statement,and many others throughout his books and tracts,it is obvious he would considered such teaching to be an abomination.One of the reasons Bunyan gives that believers should exercise care "that their works be good" is because all of God's people,once converted will continue in this life the battle between ''The Works Of The Spirit' and 'The Works Of The Flesh' -Galatians 5:17 'For the flesh lusts against the Spirit,and the Spirit against the flesh.' This battle will be raging in every believer until their time in this life is over.Every Christian if they are not 'Walking In The Spirit' is capable of fulfilling the lusts of the flesh(doing evil works).This is what God has ordained,for his children in this life,because at conversion the sinful nature is not removed but sins enslaving power is broken.As believers we are to exercise care 'To Maintain Good Works'.If we are 'Followers Of The Lord Jesus ' we should be striving to be rich in good works.having said that,the best of us just scratch the surface,in comparison to 'The Son Of God'.A help in striving to be 'Rich In Good Works' is to be aware of those 'Attitudes Of Heart' which hinder us from 'Doing Good Works' that glorify God.-"...There are in my mind at present these eight notes of covetousness,which hinder good works...". What is one of the ways that 'A Covetous Heart' can hinder one from doing good works?When God has provided a sufficient livelihood and there is discontentment.If you are not content with what God,in His providence,has given you,you will be less likely.to be looking to meet the needs of others.Another category of sins that Mr.Bunyan cites as a hindrance to good works is pride.In what way can pride be a barrier to doing good-"...when men will not deny themselves things that they may,for the good and profit of their neighbors." Pride elevates self love,and self concern,so much so,that there is often flagrant apathy to the needs of others.I have found John Bunyan's written ministry not only to have a powerful evangelistic thrust but also a great help and encouragement to 'Practical Godliness'.

It was not what I expected, but I was fine and good read. It’s a short book, so you spend a few hours and read it.

Charles Spurgeon said of John Bunyan, “Read anything of his, and you will see that it is almost like reading the Bible itself. He had read it till his very soul was saturated with Scripture…. Prick him anywhere—his blood is Bibline, the very essence of the Bible flows from him. He cannot speak without quoting a text, for his very soul is full of the Word of God. I commend his example to you, beloved.” This is so true of his short treats Christian Behavior.Bunyan wanted Christians to behave like, well, Christians! He wrote, “They which have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works.” He was quick to point out that good works don’t purchase salvation, but that Christian good works should be evidence of a person’s salvation.His main text for this book comes from Titus 3:7-8. Of this passage he says,“From this Scripture, therefore, I do gather these things observable: First, that good works do to flow from faith. Second, that everyone that believeth should be careful that their works be good. Third, that every believer should not only be careful that their works be good, and for the present do them, but should also be careful to maintain them. That is, they should carefully study to keep in a constant course of good works. Fourth, and lastly, that the best way to provoke both ourselves and others to this work, is to be often affirming to others the doctrine of justification by grace, and to believe it ourselves.”Bunyan talks to husbands and wives, mothers and fathers, children, employers and employees, to challenge them to maintain those good works that would show others the admirable qualities of the Christian life. Even though Christian Behavior was written over 300 years ago, it’s message is as timeless as the Bible on which all of Bunyan’s thoughts were based.

very good

This review is not against the book from John Bunyan, but against the Publisher who published this book just to make a buck witkout caring on its readers in the Paperback copy of this book, as it has an extremely small font of the letters in the book and it's not readable!Do not buy this edition with picture of John Bunyan on the front cover, you will be extremely disappointed, as I am!

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What an odd man. He hears voices, runs amok so to say, gets jailed, writes very strange sermons about human behaviour which would certainly get you referred to the mental health services today, and this book didn't really add anything to his life story which is known about already. Then I suppose it is his sermons which we are looking at here. Read it, if you want to see inside the poor soul and mind of a troubled man. Otherwise give it a miss.