Gems for the Christian Pilgrim 💎
Connect to the resource that keeps your heart burning
The pilgrim's path is layered with the blood and tears of many witnesses. It requires careful treading. Many are the help available to the traveller: water to quench his taste, shelter from the scorching heat and the warmth of fellowship. “Gems for the Christian Pilgrim” is a collated resource of upper-room episcopal epistles for the faithful. We hope your heart burns and staff strengthen for the journey ahead as you traverse the list.
And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures? Luke 24:32
Summary: In this absorbing piece, the writer emphasizes the critical role of nurturing and training future leaders in righteousness, detailing the responsibilities of parents and guardians in guiding children to become wise and just rulers.
Summary: “A Long Walk to Death" discusses the necessity of facing life's inevitable end with courage, highlighting the Christian perspective that dying to oneself is essential for spiritual resurrection and eternal life.
Summary: Discussing the cost of straying from the appointed path, this article explores the critical need to adhere to the true gospel, highlighting the dangers of deviating towards convenience and materialism and calling for a return to genuine, sacrificial faith and commitment.
Summary: One of the most-read articles, "The 5 Lords of the Philistines" examines the metaphorical challenges of self, lust, fear, envy, and pride that Christians must combat, drawing parallels to the biblical Philistines and urging believers to remain vigilant and spiritually prepared.
Summary: Reflecting on Isaiah 40:8, this article highlights the importance of living in alignment with God's righteous standards, warning against disobedience and the self-deception that can hinder the fulfilment of God's promises.
Summary: “The Sole Purpose of Man” explores the fundamental purpose of human existence from a biblical perspective, it explains that humanity's ultimate purpose is worship, which involves a deep relationship with and admiration for the divine, transcending temporal pursuits like fame, wealth, and family.
Summary: Based on Matthew 12:20, this article reassures readers of God's compassion and care for the broken and crushed, encouraging believers to persevere despite their weaknesses, as victory and purpose lie ahead through Christ.
Summary: Reflecting on John 8:31-32, “If you abide” emphasizes that true discipleship requires continuous engagement with God's word through study, prayer, and evangelism, warning that neglecting these foundational practices leads to spiritual decline.
Summary: Using Matthew 9:22, 29, this article explores the importance of unwavering faith in God's power and plan, encouraging believers to trust in divine omnipotence and align their desires with God's will for true spiritual fulfilment.
Summary: This fast-moving narration explores the metaphor of the sheepfold to explain God's restoration, protection and nurturing care for His followers, emphasizing the importance of remaining within His spiritual boundaries to experience His love and guidance.
Summary: “My Lord, my God” narrates the significance of Thomas' declaration and transformative encounter with the resurrected Christ in John 20:28, as a profound expression of faith and worship, recognizing Jesus' divinity and sovereignty and acknowledging His lordship and divinity in one’s life.
Summary: A short writeup that critiques the tendency of some believers to be emotionally stirred by religious teachings without genuine transformation, urging them to move beyond superficial excitement and truly live out their faith.