Pilgrim’s Well: Recent Episodes
7th Reformed Church
Pilgrim’s Well is produced by Seventh Reformed Church as a resource for travelers on their way to the promised land. Just like Christian stopped along the way for refreshment on his way to the Celestial City, you are warmly invited to use this channel as a source of knowledge and encouragement as we discuss key topics of the Christian faith and life.
“Is there anything more worthy of our tongues and mouths than to speak of the things of God and Heaven?” ― John Bunyan, The Pilgrim’s Progress.
Connect with us: Seventh Reformed Church 950 Leonard St. NW Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Office: 616.459.4451
Our culture groups men or women in categories or labels. Alpha men, beta men, boss babe, or trad-wife. Our culture is striving for meaning in all these things. But as Christians, the question becomes how should we live for God? How do we direct our lives for His purpose?
Complements to Pexels, GIPHY, Unsplash, Pixabay, and Motion Array for the music, sound FX, stock footage, and stock pictures.All media was original, used by permission, is in the public domain, or protected by fair use, fair dealings, or similar exceptions to copyright.
As we come to the end of our story of the Pilgrim's Progress, John Bunyan leaves us with a little warning to not be ignorant, but to be ready for what is to come.
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We are drawing near to the end of John Bunyan's book! It's been quite a journey and all along the way as we've watched Christian and Hopeful, but now we get a look at the glory that is to come.Follow our podcast!Spotify :: https://open.spotify.com/show/6uM953IhamkDJ1sg9etqDwApple Podcast :: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pilgrims-well/id1723381147Website :: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/7thref
Christian and Hopeful are finally nearing the end of their journey! After passing through the Enchanted Grounds, Christian and Hopeful can finally rest before reaching one of the most treacherous tests of faith yet: the River of Death.
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As Ignorance lags behind, Christian tells Hopeful about another man named Temporary.Follow our podcast!Spotify :: https://open.spotify.com/show/6uM953IhamkDJ1sg9etqDwApple Podcast :: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pilgrims-well/id1723381147Website :: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/7thref
As Christian and Hopeful continue along enchanted ground, they find Ignorance again behind them. Now we get a deeper glimpse into this man's thinking.Follow our podcast!Spotify :: https://open.spotify.com/show/6uM953IhamkDJ1sg9etqDwApple Podcast :: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pilgrims-well/id1723381147Website :: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/7thref
To keep themselves awake through the enchanted grounds, Christian and Hopeful engage in edifying fellowship.
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Right after running into Atheist, Christian and Hopeful enter the Enchanted Ground where they are feeling a little drowsy... Kinda like me right now. Why can't we make nap time a thing at work?Follow our podcast!Spotify :: https://open.spotify.com/show/6uM953IhamkDJ1sg9etqDwApple Podcast :: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pilgrims-well/id1723381147Website :: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/7thref#pilgrimswell #evangelism #church #witnesstotheword #witness #witnesschrist #witnesses #witnessing #evangelismtraining #evangelical #evangelicals #evangelicalchurch #christian #christianity #christianmotivation #christianmessages #christians #christianmessage #churches #churchfamily #gospel #gospelmessage #gospel2023 #outreachministry #outreachprogram #outreach #christ #jesus #jesuschrist #jesussaves #jesusislord #jesusisking #jesusiskingofkings #thewordofgod #theword #thewordalive #theworld #values #christianvalues #worldviews #worldview
Paul and Alex read a chapter from Pilgrim's Journey where Christian and Hopeful meet up with Atheist again who mocks them.Follow our podcast!Spotify :: https://open.spotify.com/show/6uM953IhamkDJ1sg9etqDwApple Podcast :: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pilgrims-well/id1723381147Website :: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/7thref
Christian and Hopeful follow a man dressed in white. Trusting him, they continued down a path that was not the direction they should've gone. They didn't recognize the flatterer until he removed his cloak! Now what will happen to them?
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John Bunyan takes us through the different characters in the church in this classic story. Today we find a believer with little faith. What happens with him?
Last episode we discussed the church and now John Bunyan takes us through different people you might find in the church.Follow our podcast!Spotify :: https://open.spotify.com/show/6uM953IhamkDJ1sg9etqDwApple Podcast :: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pilgrims-well/id1723381147Website :: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/7thref
Christian and Hopeful come to a place John Bunyan describes as the church in the Christian life.Follow our podcast!Spotify :: https://open.spotify.com/show/6uM953IhamkDJ1sg9etqDwApple Podcast :: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pilgrims-well/id1723381147Website :: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/7thref
Now wait! Christian and Hopeful don't get captured quite yet. But you still want to hear this chapter because something interesting happens to Christian in this chapter.
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Remember Lot's wife who looked back and turned into a pillar of salt!... and somehow in this episode we start talking about deconstruction.Follow our podcast!Spotify :: https://open.spotify.com/show/6uM953IhamkDJ1sg9etqDwApple Podcast :: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pilgrims-well/id1723381147Website :: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/7thref
Christian meet Demas, a man from the silver mines.Follow our podcast!Spotify :: https://open.spotify.com/show/6uM953IhamkDJ1sg9etqDwApple Podcast :: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pilgrims-well/id1723381147Website :: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/7thref
In this episode, Christian finds a new friend named Hopeful. Soon after By-ends, a deceitful little fellow.Follow our podcast!Spotify :: https://open.spotify.com/show/6uM953IhamkDJ1sg9etqDwApple Podcast :: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pilgrims-well/id1723381147Website :: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/7thref#pilgrimswell #evangelism #church #witnesstotheword #witness #witnesschrist #witnesses #witnessing #evangelismtraining #evangelical #evangelicals #evangelicalchurch #christian #christianity #christianmotivation #christianmessages #christians #christianmessage #churches #churchfamily #gospel #gospelmessage #gospel2023 #outreachministry #outreachprogram #outreach #christ #jesus #jesuschrist #jesussaves #jesusislord #jesusisking #jesusiskingofkings #thewordofgod #theword #thewordalive #theworld #values #christianvalues #worldviews #worldview
Evangelist warns Christian and Faithful about Vanity Fair.Follow our podcast!Spotify :: https://open.spotify.com/show/6uM953IhamkDJ1sg9etqDwApple Podcast :: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pilgrims-well/id1723381147Website :: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/7thref
Today Hopeful meets Talkative. But Christian has some grave news about him...Follow our podcast!Spotify :: https://open.spotify.com/show/6uM953IhamkDJ1sg9etqDwApple Podcast :: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pilgrims-well/id1723381147Website :: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/7thref
In this episode, we finish chapter 18 and discuss a new characters Wanton and Shame. Wanton: the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. Shame: the shame of walking the Christian walk.
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In the last two videos, we covered Liberation Theology. Now we get to see it in action. In this video, we read an article by a local pastor arguing for drag performers in the church. Pastor Paul responds.
You can access the article here:
https://plymouthchurchgr.org/why-invite-drag-performers-by-rev-jo-bahr/
In the last episode, we introduced the topic of Liberation Theology, but how do they come to their conclusions after reading scripture? What scripture do they use to back up their claim that saving the oppressed is the gospel? Are their interpretations correct? Find out now on the Pilgrim's Well!
In this episode, I sit down with Paul Van Engelenhoven to discuss one of the key issues creeping in theology of many churches today.
pilgrimswell #evangelism #church #witnesstotheword #witness #witnesschrist #witnesses #witnessing #evangelismtraining #evangelical #evangelicals #evangelicalchurch #christian #christianity #christianmotivation #christianmessages #christians #christianmessage #churches #churchfamily #gospel #gospelmessage #gospel2023 #outreachministry #outreachprogram #outreach #christ #jesus #jesuschrist #jesussaves #jesusislord #jesusisking #jesusiskingofkings #thewordofgod #theword #thewordalive #theworld #values #christianvalues #worldviews #worldview
How can sin happen in God's will? Does it happen? Today we look at the Old Testament and explore these questions with Israel Queresma.
Paul Van Engelenhoven analyzes and gives his critique on an article accepting LGBTQ+ lifestyles in the Christian church. Oxford Safe Churches Report: https://www.oulgbtq.org/uploads/1/1/0/3/110317091/oxford-safe-churches-report.pdf
People think that if we just put our trust in the best political party all will go well. When a nation turns its back on God, things begin to turn for the worse. Is America under God's Judgement?
Christian faces his most harrowing challenges yet. First, he encounters the formidable adversary, Apollyon, in a battle of epic proportions that tests his faith and determination. And as he ventures into the eerie and treacherous Valley of the Shadow of Death, Christian's resilience is pushed to its limits, as he confronts the darkest and most perilous aspects of his spiritual journey. Will he emerge victorious in his quest for salvation, or will the shadows of despair consume him? Dive into this timeless classic to uncover the gripping twists and turns that await our intrepid pilgrim.
In this episode, we discuss whether women should be given the role pastor in church. We'll analyze a short debate between Al Mohler and Rick Warren.
Christian engages in meaningful conversations and gains further spiritual insights, receiving encouragement and instruction for his journey towards the Celestial City. Here he also hears of his new companion Hopeful.
Christian encounters a character named Charity. She is one of the virgins residing in the Palace Beautiful. Here, the two engage in a difficult discussion regarding Christian's lost family.
Lady Prudence provides Christian with valuable advice and guidance, helping him to navigate the challenges of his journey and encouraging him to stay on the path towards the Celestial City.
Christian passes by the lions and enters Palace Beautiful where he meets the porter and the three ladies.
Christian encounters two fierce lions guarding a narrow passage. Despite feeling fearful, Christian decides to press on, recalling the guidance of Evangelist.
Christian encounters two men named Timorous and Mistrust. They warn him about the dangers ahead on the narrow path to the Celestial City, encouraging him to turn back. Christian loses his scroll and his hope and peace falters.
The coming age of social media seemed pretty innocent in the 1990s, now it's captivated our thinking and dominates our culture today. What would Scripture say about setting boundaries to allow the Holy Spirit to better captivate our thinking?
In this episode, we explore the history of the early church from the book of Acts and their powerful example as witnesses. We compare their approach to how we should be witnesses in today's world, discussing the challenges we face and offering practical tips for success. Join us as we uncover insights from the past and apply them to our present-day mission.
In this chapter of Pilgrim's Progress, Christian faces a steep and treacherous hill on his journey. He struggles to climb it until a fellow traveler brings aid.
Christian meets two new characters, Formalist and Hypocrisy, who claim to be on the Christian path but are more concerned with outward appearances than true faith. Christian recognizes their hypocrisy and warns them of the consequences of their false piety.
In this episode, Christian has been on his journey for a considerable amount of time with the burden still weighing on him heavily on his back.
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How should Christians listen to the news? Fox and CNN have become huge now no doubt, but it's because of the change in their new business strategy to take sides and present opinions to gain a larger following. People not only want the news, but they want to belong to a group with like-minded values. As a result, we are left guessing if Fox and CNN have turned media and journalism into a propaganda machine presented like an entertainment industry. Should Christians listen to the news? Does our society look to media as the idols of our new age? What does scripture have to say about the priorities politics plays in our lives?
In this episode of the Pilgrim's Well, we go over a section in Romans that discusses the election of God's chosen people. Whether Israel the chosen race, or the chosen people on the individual level, God is sovereign over those he calls to repentance and sanctification.
In this episode, Paul and Paul both continue this talk on communion with God, this time discussing how it pertains with the Son and Holy Spirit.
Imagine an eternal communion with an eternal Father. In this episode, Paul Van Engelenhoven and Paul Smalley sit down to talk about communion with the Father.
*At 4-5 minutes in, Tammy meant to say Sunday, not Saturday.
She thought that as long as she was catholic, she would go to heaven. She thought that if she married a Christian, her life would be complete. She thought that bitterness was her best reaction to her unforeseen circumstances. Every step of the way, the Lord shows her a different path. Along the way, she learns to take the steps of faith. This is Tammy's Story.
Paul is the lead pastor of 7th Reformed Church and a familiar face at Pilgrim's Well. Today, he shares part one of his testimony where his zeal leads him to discover his complete hopelessness and need for Christ.
This video was produced weeks ago, as Brandt has now left for Texas. This cherished friend and fellow member of the Seventh Reformed Church and Pilgrim's Well, is wrapping up this chapter of his life as he and his family return to their hometown. Paul sits down with Brandt and reflects on the captivating narrative of Brandt's journey, in which God's faithfulness guided him to come to faith in Christ and enabled a transformative experience of the gospel.
How would you live your life differently if you started living from an eternal perspective?
When you have a relationship with God, is it authentic? Is it personal? Or is your relationship with God only exist to be seen by others?
What was Jonathan Edward's foundation for reasoning? Could we use Scripture as a foundation for our reasoning and experience like him too?
Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758) was a prominent theologian, pastor, and preacher in the early American colonies. He is widely considered to be one of the most important figures in American religious history. He believed that salvation was only possible through faith in Jesus Christ, and his powerful sermons led the church into an era that was known as the Great Awakening.
Dr. Neele is a professor at the Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary in Grand Rapids. In this first video, he sits down with Paul to share his testimony.
Christian meets the Interpreter, who shows him a series of symbolic scenes that provide insight into the nature of the Christian life. Through the Interpreter's guidance, Christian gains a deeper understanding of the challenges and rewards of the Christian journey, and his faith is strengthened. This is part two of this chapter.
Christian meets the Interpreter, who shows him a series of symbolic scenes that provide insight into the nature of the Christian life. Through the Interpreter's guidance, Christian gains a deeper understanding of the challenges and rewards of the Christian journey, and his faith is strengthened. This is part one of this chapter.
In John Bunyan's "The Pilgrim's Progress," Christian arrives at the Wicket Gate, a narrow entrance to the path that leads to the Celestial City. The gatekeeper, Good-Will, questions Christian about his purpose and his journey, and Christian admits his desire to be saved and his fear of the coming wrath.
Christian reaches the village of Morality, where he encounters Evangelist, who confronts him about his straying from the path to the Celestial City. Evangelist reminds Christian of his commitment to God and the dangers of being seduced by the attractions of this world. Christian realizes his error and repents, returning to the true path. This chapter reflects the Christian life by illustrating the temptations and distractions that believers face on their journey towards salvation. Just as Christian strayed from the path, believers may also be tempted by worldly pleasures or enticed by false teachings. However, through repentance and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, they can return to the true path and continue their pursuit of eternal life.
In this episode, Christian meets a new character. Mr. Worldly Wiseman symbolizes the temptation of worldly wisdom and the dangers of following it. He tries to steer Christian away from his journey to the Celestial City and towards a life of comfort and ease.
Pastor Paul van Engelenhoven discusses chapter three of Pilgrim's Journey, focusing on the dialogue between Christian and Pliable. Pliable chooses to join Christian on the pilgrimage, but only as long as the journey is comfortable. Christian explains the glorious destination that awaits those who remain dedicated to their faith. However, Pliable's commitment to the journey is questionable as he lacks the literal burden of personal guilt, a crucial aspect of the pilgrimage.
Hi all! Today we sit down and have a conversation with the Quaresma family. Israel's parents flew into the United States and we were able to get in touch and bring them in for this week's special episode at the Pilgrim's Well! Here they discuss church and family and how all the things they do in their lives are centered around how they serve and disciple at their church in Brazil.
Pastor Paul van Engelenhoven reads chapter two of Pilgrim’s Progress and comments on Christian’s encounter with two new characters: Obstinate and Pliable. Obstinate stubbornly refuses to follow the path of salvation and soon turns back to the city of destruction. Christian continues in the way leading to salvation, determined to pursue the path described by Evangelist.
Pastor Paul van Engelenhoven continues the journey through Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan. In this episode the main character Christian receives a guide for his journey when he meets Evangelist. Evangelist gives him a book that will eventually lead him to the Celestial City. By God’s grace, we too are given the one book, the Bible, that can lead us to the Promised Land.
Pastor Paul van Engelenhoven continues the journey through Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan. In this episode the main character Christian receives a guide for his journey when he meets Evangelist. Evangelist gives him a book that will eventually lead him to the Celestial City. By God’s grace, we too are given the one book, the Bible, that can lead us to the Promised Land.
What was the Puritans' view of meditation? How do we meditate on God's word and how is that contrary to the world's way of meditation? Today we explore with Dr. Joel Beeke some good tips for practicing meditation as a Christian, and how you can dedicate everything you do in your daily life to Christ by meditating.
In this episode, we walk through with Joel Beeke how the Puritans thought about and acted upon prayer. What could we learn from their prayer life? How can our relationship with God become more vibrant through more personal and deeper prayer?
Today on the Pilgrim's Well podcast, pastor Paul sits down with Dr. Joel Beeke as Beeke shares his testimony of how Christ completely changed his life for the gospel. Beeke is a passionate leader, pastor, teacher, reader, and writer for Christ. He is the founder and president of the Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary. Beeke is also the pastor at Heritage Reformed Church in Grand Rapids Towards the end of the episode, listen for his top picks of recommended literature for you to read in the year 2023!
In this episode, Paul van Engelenhoven and Brandt Barnard talk through Matthew 5:10. What does it mean to be persecuted? How can one who is persecuted be blessed?
In this video, Paul van Engelenhoven and Brandt Barnard sit down and talk about Matthew 5:9. Blessed are the peacemakers. What does it mean to be blessed? What does it mean to be a peacemaker?
The Basic Christianity series continues by answering the question “What Is Salvation?” Ben Bessett and Brandt Barnard explain how Christians are saved from sin by grace through faith. Claiming Christ as Savior and Lord is the real path to salvation.
The Basic Christianity series continues by answering the question “Who Is Jesus and What Did He Say?” Ben Bessett and Brandt Barnard describe Jesus as the foundation of the Christian faith and the centerpiece of the entire Bible. Having both a divine and a human nature, Jesus is the Messiah who able to pay for our sins!
The Basic Christianity series continues by answering the question “What Is Sin?” Ben Bessett and Brandt Barnard describe the essence of sin as breaking the law of God. Also, they trace the origin of sin, the effects of a sinful nature, and several different types of sin.
The Basic Christianity series begins with the fundamental question “Where Do We Start?” Ben Bessett and Brandt Barnard use the book of Genesis to describe who God is: the ruler of all reality, knowledge, and morality.