Sermons on Pilgrims Progress:

Service - Pit Stops Along The Way

Contributed by Dale Pilgrim on Jan 19, 2009

Giving without heart is nothing more than dutiful response in an effort to relieve us of guilt or convince ourselves we’re good people.

The American Memorial Day weekend automobile race known as the Indianapolis 500 (a.k.a. Indy 500) attracts 400,000 spectators every year! It is probably the largest single sporting event that draws such a large crowd. The race requires many pit-stops – tire changes, fuel, oil, or repairs when ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 9:6-15

Denomination: Salvation Army

Blood Is Thicker Than Water

Contributed by Dale Pilgrim on Mar 25, 2009

God’s first and last thought is the welfare of his children! The Provision of the Cross is an act of covenant. It is not a half-job effort to fix things. It is a plan that would never turn back!

At some point or another you may have used this familiar phrase - Blood is thicker than water. The context in which we use it is to describe the meaning that blood-related families are more important than anyone else. R’ Richard Pustelniak, congregational leader for the Jewish community called ...read more

Scripture: John 19:26-27

Denomination: Salvation Army

House Rules (4 Of 4, Stewardship)

Contributed by Dale Pilgrim on May 17, 2008

Our giving to God should not be a mindless impulsive response to him. The lesson here teaches that our giving should be systematic, deliberate, intentional, and carefully though through. Not only that, but it should be proportionate to the income we recei

Today – conclude the series on Stewardship. * First sermon – God owns everything we have. God gave us the responsibility to manage his resources. * Second sermon – Stewardship of time * Third sermon – Stewardship of talents (gifts) * Today – Stewardship of treasures (money) Don’t leave! I ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:23

Denomination: Salvation Army

You Are What You Eat

Contributed by Dale Pilgrim on Apr 10, 2009

Is your fridge stocked full of fresh fruits, vegetables and lean meats OR is it full of fat-filled, overly salted processed convenience foods and abandoned take-out containers? If we truly are what we eat, what do your eating habits say about you?

Mike Warnke, Christian evangelist and comedian said, “Eat fat, greasy food and you become a fat, greasy dude.” BBC America hosts nutritionist Gillian McKeith who works with unhealthy eaters to break lifetimes of bad habits. BBC introduces their webpage with this introduction: Is your fridge ...read more

Scripture: John 19:28-30

Denomination: Salvation Army

When Hope Seems Gone Series

Contributed by Dale Pilgrim on Mar 28, 2010

Despair makes hope seem an empty dream as we snap awake to reality and we begin to believe the lie, “there's no way out.”...Our lesson today is one of “how” and “what”. “How” can I move from a spirit of despair to a life of hope?

DARE TO BELIEVE – “When Hope Seems Gone” Jonah 2:1-10 This picture (person sitting against a wall, very dark room, small light in the window) is, to me, a powerful image of despair. It creates a sense of aloneness where an overwhelming gloom settles into your spirit and there's ...read more

Denomination: Salvation Army

House Rules Series

Contributed by Dale Pilgrim on Mar 28, 2010

Like most of you, I could do without picking up my socks, mowing the lawn or setting the table for dinner. But you know why I do it (and for the most part) don’t have to be told to do it? I love my wife! I love being able to help her and that’s what gives

House Rules Text: Selected passages House rules – the blessing and curse of daily life. Pick up your socks. Brush your teeth. Mow the lawn. Take out the garbage. Set the table. Walk the dog. “Seriously Dale, you’re worst than the girls” laments my weary lady! God has ...read more

Scripture: Malachi 3:6-12

Denomination: Salvation Army

Is This Your Time Series

Contributed by Dale Pilgrim on Mar 28, 2010

The matter of destiny is something we can’t afford to treat lightly. We must carefully evaluate what our destiny choices mean, both for today and for the future and ultimately eternity.

IS THIS YOUR TIME? Luke 19:44 “…you did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you.” You may have seen the commercials about quitting smoking where the interviewee says, “I talked to my doctor and now I see quitting in a whole new way. It was my time to ...read more

Scripture: Luke 19:44

Denomination: Salvation Army

The Reason For The Season

Contributed by Dale Pilgrim on Jan 18, 2011

YOU are the reason for the Season called Christmas!

The Reason for the Season Scripture: John 10:1-10 John 10:10 “I came so that they” Every Christmas season there’s a point when my spirit becomes agitated with Christmas. The disruption comes and goes all during the festivities. It usually occurs in November or can be as late as ...read more

Scripture: John 10:1-10

Denomination: Salvation Army

Fitting In

Contributed by Dale Pilgrim on Feb 13, 2011

comedian Lenny Bruce gives our Christian psychology a metaphorical cattle prod shock when he said, “Every day people are straying away from the church and going back to God.’” I suspect it has a lot to do with fitting in.

“Fitting In” John 17:11-19 I read the prologue to a story called Girl in the Middle. The girl is Kim Satinsky who is in eighth grade. She says, “You would think that being in a clique is fun but take my word for it: It’s not. They make me wear expensive things when I’m not really rich and tell me ...read more

Scripture: John 17:11-19

Denomination: Salvation Army

The Call

Contributed by Dale Pilgrim on Feb 14, 2011

This sermon speaks to the question, does God call people specifically to the pastorate? This sermon was presented in the context of inviting Salvationists to consider if God is calling them to "shepherd ministry" as a Salvation Army officer.

The Call – Not a Ten Digit Number Scripture: 1 Samuel 3:10 • As you consider your life-call to ministry today’s invitation is to ask if your life-call can be best lived out as an officer with The Salvation Army 1. Understanding the Call Two things at play: a. “Priesthood ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 3:10

Denomination: Salvation Army

With One Mind

Contributed by Dale Pilgrim on May 30, 2017

Emphasis on being witnesses of Jesus and the foundational place of prayer and the unity of God's people in that journey.

May 28, 2017 Seventh Sunday of Easter With One Mind Acts 1:6-14 Swiss Chalet has a new commercial for their Crispy Chicken special. It is funny to watch as one lone customer, taking a bite says, "This is SO good, I have to tell everyone…immediately!” Then we see him scooting down the street in ...read more

Scripture: Acts 1:6-14

Denomination: Salvation Army

Faith In Action

Contributed by Dale Pilgrim on May 30, 2017

I used this devotional message in a retirement home. It is intended to encourage those who lived a life of faith and leaves a legacy of faith.

Faith in Action Hebrews 11:39-12:3 President Abraham Lincoln met with a group of ministers for a prayer breakfast during the Civil War. One of the ministers suggested to the President that they pray that God will be on their side. Lincoln’s deep insight prompted the response, "Let us prayer that ...read more

Denomination: Salvation Army

Restoring The Broken

Contributed by Dale Pilgrim on Jan 9, 2018

The lame beggar was over 40 years of age (Acts 4:22) and spent every day in the same place the whole of his life. He is a representation of any person living out their lives without an “other” context.

I was browsing the internet a few days ago – news stories about the “same old, same old”. “Same old” suggests “nothing has changed” and speaks to those things that frustrate us or annoy us. We can easily slip between boredom and depression because nothing ever seems to change or improve. It could ...read more

Scripture: Acts 3:1-26

Denomination: Salvation Army

Diving In

Contributed by Dale Pilgrim on Aug 12, 2008

The alternative to inexhaustible purpose is to stay in the RUT of the familiar and common-place...“The only difference between a rut and a grave is one of dimension.” (anon)

LIFE GOALS VIDEO CLIP... Jesus gives us an invitation to go diving! He invites us to plunge into the deep waters of his inexhaustible purpose! I warn you. Diving has its risks. It is not without dangerous possibilities. That’s why many people choose to play it safe. SAFE is familiar and ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:24-27

Denomination: Salvation Army

When The Odds Are Stacked Against You

Contributed by Dale Pilgrim on Aug 27, 2008

The Gold in life’s marathon is pleasing God. Too often we burden ourselves with a different focus which asks, "What’s in it for me?¨ Sometimes it’s not even about that but focuses on what everyone else expects or how he or she believes I should perfor

“When the odds are stacked against you” Scripture reading/text: Hebrews 12:1-3 VIDEO CLIP - ALIEN Last week Glenys spoke on “Clearing the Hurdles” - Perdita Felician: “I won’t quit until the final hour.” - Elyse Hopfner-Hibbs medalist raised by a single mom (two Olympians in this story) We learned ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:1-3

Denomination: Salvation Army