The Pilgrim’s Progress

From This World, To That Which is to Come

Introduction:
A Gospel Journey from This World to That Which Is to Come

“As I slept, I dreamed a dream…” So begins one of the most beloved and enduring works of Christian literature ever written. The Pilgrim’s Progress, penned by the imprisoned tinker-preacher John Bunyan in 1678, has guided generations of believers along the narrow way. But this is more than a dusty allegory—it’s your story, and mine.

In this series, we walk stage-by-stage with Christian, the burdened man from the City of Destruction, as he flees judgment and journeys toward the Celestial City. Along the way, we meet characters who will feel hauntingly familiar: Talkative, who loves religion but hates obedience; By-ends, who serves God only when it’s profitable; Apollyon, who seeks to destroy the soul; and Ignorance, who trusts in his own righteousness. Each encounter, every valley and mountain, every battle and blessing—illuminates our own walk with Christ.

Whether you’re a seasoned believer or just beginning your spiritual pilgrimage, The Pilgrim’s Progress will equip you to:

• Understand the true gospel and distinguish it from counterfeit hopes.
• Recognize the enemies of the soul: pride, despair, complacency, and hypocrisy.
• Cultivate a heavenly mindset in a hostile world.
• Persevere through trials with joy, even unto death.
• Find fellowship, hope, and courage in every stage of your journey.

Each lesson in this series draws from Barry Horner’s Outlined Commentary, adapted and taught by Chris Reighley for today’s disciples. The format is rich with Scripture, expositional insights, historical context, and personal reflection—grounded in pastoral warmth and a Reformed theological framework.

So take up your staff, set your face like flint, and walk with us. For narrow is the gate, and hard is the road that leads to life—but the King Himself awaits you at the end.

Series Outline:

Each teaching session explores one of the ten distinct stages of the journey:

1. Introduction & Background – The dream begins; the burden awakens.
2. The First Stage – From the City of Destruction to the Slough of Despond.
3. The Second Stage – The Wicket-gate and the House of the Interpreter.
4. The Third Stage – The Cross, the Place of Deliverance, and the Palace Beautiful.
5. The Fourth Stage – The Valley of Humiliation and Christian’s battle with Apollyon.
6. The Fifth Stage – Christian and Faithful: Companions on the narrow way.
7. The Sixth Stage – The fiery trial at Vanity Fair and the martyrdom of Faithful.
8. The Seventh Stage – Hopeful joins the journey, and the snares of Lucre and Despair.
9. The Eighth Stage – The Delectable Mountains and the warnings of the Shepherds.
10. The Ninth Stage – Ignorance, Little-faith, the River of Death, and entrance into the Celestial City.
11. The Tenth Stage – Ignorance, Little-faith, the River of Death, and entrance into the Celestial City.

Each post includes:

• A full PDF outline for personal study

• Scripture-rich exposition

• Character studies and doctrinal themes

• Real-world applications for daily discipleship

• A visual companion from The Pilgrim’s Progress – An Outlined Commentary by Barry Horner

This journey will test you, teach you, and ultimately transform you. But the path is sure—and the King is faithful.

Let us run with endurance the race set before us… with Christian, Hopeful, and all the saints who have gone before.