Finishing Strong: the Celestial City | The Journey

Coastal Church

Finishing Strong: the Celestial City | The Journey

The Journey

April 2, 2023 • Pastor Dave Koop

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 Judgment Seat of Christ | The Journey

April 16, 2023 • Pastor Dave Koop

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.

The Trap of Ignorance | The Journey

March 26, 2023 • Pastor Fermin Garcia

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. In the same way, we will come across seasons in our lives where we are tempted to slumber. Satan’s tactic is that the slumber would lead us to insensibility, inaction and illusions about ourselves and God. Before the Enchanted Grounds, Christian and Hopeful had met Atheist who tried to cause them to not believe in God. Christian and Hopeful refused to yield to unbelief. If Satan cannot cause us to succumb to unbelief, he will cause us to slumber.

Humility Keeps You On Track | The Journey

March 19, 2023 • Pastor Dave Koop

As the characters Christian and Hopeful journey on they encounter some devious travelers that put their faith to the test. One of the lessons we learn from this chapter is the power of humility in having a safe journey. Humility definition: an attitude of spiritual modesty that comes from understanding our place in the larger order of things, it is freedom from pride or arrogance. This Biblical humility keeps us from walking down the wrong path, from living life how we see fit instead of how God sees it. It ensures that they we are prioritizing other people, not just ourselves. By seeking humility, we acknowledge who God is and His authority over our lives.