Coastal Church Podcast

God has given us the Holy Spirit who guarantees success when we follow His guidance. “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.” - John 14:26

As we embark on our journey of faith, there are many obstacles that will try to hinder us from progressing into what God has for us. At first it can be daunting when we look at the giants and challenges in our way, but God has not left us alone. Just like was saw last week, He has given us the Holy Spirit who guarantees success when we follow His guidance.

But the Holy Spirit does not just guide us on our journey, He also empowers us for our journey. Success comes when we exchange our limited strength for His unlimited power.

At the conclusion of Pilgrim’s Progress, the protagonist, a man named Christian, arrives at the Celestial City. This is a metaphor for heaven, a prepared place for a prepared people. One of the most exciting and sobering events that is being prepared for every believer is the Judgment Seat of Christ. Yet sadly many believers aren’t aware of this event or what will be involved.

Jesus is risen. He is risen indeed!

Across Canada we enjoy the long weekend that Easter brings, yet for many what Easter really means is unclear. It is time to think deeper about Easter.

As we come to the end of the story of Pilgrim’s Progress, we see Christian and Hopeful enter the Celestial City. They have finished strong after facing numerous trials and challenges along the way. As they cross the river and enter into the City, they are greeted by angels who welcome them with songs of celebration.

The example of Christian is an inspiration for us as we run the race of faith. 

As Christian and Hopeful draw closer to the end of their pilgrimage, they reach the Enchanted Grounds, a place they had been warned about by the Shepherds at the Delectable Mountains. Bunyan describes the Enchanted Grounds as a place where the air naturally tends to make one drowsy. It is a place that is meant to make one tired and sleepy rather than refreshed. If Satan cannot cause us to succumb to unbelief, he will cause us to slumber.

As Christian and Hopeful leave Doubting Castle and the giant Despair, they reach the Delectable Mountains. These mountains are a picture of the Sabbath, Sunday the day of rest. The shepherds they meet represent the pastors that God has given the church to care and lead them.

In this chapter of Pilgrim’s Progress we learn why Sundays should be set apart.