Lessons from Pilgrim's Progress

This sermon explores the doctrine of the perseverance of the saints through the lens of 2 Thessalonians 3, emphasizing that Christian security rests not on human strength but on the unchanging faithfulness of God. The message contrasts the faithlessness of men, including false believers and external opponents, with the sovereign preservation of God's people, who are guarded by Christ despite the attacks of Satan and the world. Drawing on the example of Peter and the imagery of Pilgrim's Progress, the teaching illustrates that God sustains believers through the means of grace, such as prayer, preaching, and fellowship, rather than removing them from spiritual warfare. The tone is both convicting and comforting, urging believers to reject cynicism about the church's failures and instead find assurance in the fact that God begins and finishes the work of salvation. Ultimately, the sermon calls for active participation in the life of the church and transparent prayer, trusting that the Lord who elected believers will preserve them to the end.

This sermon explores the practical remedy for anxiety and worry found in Philippians 4:8-9, emphasizing the importance of intentionally directing one's thoughts toward what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, and praiseworthy. Drawing on John Bunyan's allegory of the soul's gates, the message warns against allowing falsehoods and harmful influences to penetrate the mind through the ear, eye, and mouth. The central argument posits that while believers are called to meditate on these virtues, only Jesus Christ perfectly embodies all of them, making Him the ultimate focus of such contemplation. By fixing the mind on the character and work of Christ, believers can counter the internal assaults of worry and experience the surpassing peace of God that guards their hearts and minds.

This sermon explores the final chapter of Joel, highlighting three key aspects of God's character: His foretold faithfulness to covenant promises, His revealed retribution against enemies, and His performed promises of restoration. Using John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress as an illustration, the message emphasizes that believers possess a key called Promise to overcome doubt and despair. The exposition details the Valley of Jehoshaphat as the place of divine judgment where God avenges His people and defeats wicked nations. Ultimately, the text points to the certainty of God's faithfulness, encouraging listeners to anchor their hope in Christ and cling to the unchangeable nature of His word.

The sermon explores the doctrine of divine providence through Philippians 1, demonstrating how God sovereignly repurposes painful circumstances for the advancement of the gospel. By examining Paul's imprisonment and historical examples like John Bunyan and Joseph, the text illustrates that suffering produces internal confidence in God's control and external courage to witness without fear. The preacher emphasizes that trials are not random but are ordained by a loving Father to refine believers and strengthen the entire body of Christ. This theological perspective encourages believers to trust in God's infinite wisdom even amidst persecution, knowing that all things work together for good. Ultimately, the message calls the congregation to stand firm in faith, viewing their struggles as opportunities to glorify God and embolden others.

The sermon utilizes John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress to illustrate the journey of a sinner from the realization of guilt to the freedom found in Christ. It emphasizes that the Bible is a living, impartial word that convicts humanity of sin and reveals the necessity of faith for salvation. The preacher warns against spiritual hindrances such as family pressure, worldly mockery, and procrastination, urging immediate response to God's invitation. Central to the message is the assurance that Christ's sacrifice removes the burden of sin completely, offering forgiveness and new life to all who believe. The service concludes with a passionate appeal for unsaved individuals to accept Jesus as their Savior without delay.

This discussion explores the role of pastoral shepherding through the lens of John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress and Jesus' teaching in John 10. The speakers examine how pastors must balance doctrinal knowledge with sincere love to protect congregations from error and hypocrisy. They emphasize that true saving faith relies on Christ's substitutionary work rather than moral performance or social approval. The conversation highlights the necessity of local church membership for accountability and spiritual growth, warning against the dangers of self-reliance. Ultimately, the message encourages believers to persevere in their faith, trusting in God's preservation even when their own strength is weak.

This discussion explores the Christian journey through John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress, focusing on the temptations to leave the narrow path for easier alternatives. The speakers examine how individuals in the arts face specific pressures regarding compromise, immediate gratification, and maintaining integrity. They address the severe struggle with despair and depression, emphasizing that suicide is never a solution because life holds inherent value as God's image-bearer. The conversation highlights the necessity of community and mutual encouragement to combat isolation and spiritual defeat. Ultimately, the message asserts that believers possess the key to deliverance through the promises of God and the presence of the Holy Spirit, even amidst severe trials.

Message from the 2026 John Bunyan Conference by Pastor Moe Bergeron, entitled, "The Practical Implications of Right and Wrong Theologies."

Message from the 2026 John Bunyan Conference by Pastor Greg Van Court, entitled "Theological Liberalism, Fundamentalism and Evangelicalism."

Message from the 2026 John Bunyan Conference by Dr. Tony Costa, entitled, "Dawning of Fringe Groups, Cults and Dispensationalism" [Note this message is not calling Dispensationalism a Cult or a Fringe Group.]