I think it would be good to explain the idea behind this blog’s name in one of these first posts. Why is it named, “A Pilgrim’s Friend” and why is the sub-line, “Hoping to encourage pilgrims along the way”?

What’s a Pilgrim?

Shortly put, a pilgrim is a traveler. Now, don’t be mistaken, this is not a travel blog seeking to help people explore the world’s most exotic locations or a vacation guide unveiling the best happy hours in various cities. The travelers I am writing for and hope to encourage are those who call Christ Lord and Heaven home.

The Bible calls Christians travelers (2 Peter 2:11) who are pressing on toward their heavenly home. For the Christian, this world is not their destination, but a road. Their time here is not one marked by rest, but by work. They are not citizens of this land, but foreigners from another country. They are not settled, but passing through. Their maps are out. Their hiking shoes are on. Their tents are packed. I hope to encourage these travelers to press on well because the road they are on is wearisome and filled with hardship (2 Corinthians 5:1-10). We need as much help as we can get.

So why do I use the word Pilgrim instead of traveler? Two reasons. First, I like the way it sounds. Second, it alludes to The Pilgrim’s Progress. In this classic allegory of the Christian life, we meet the main character aptly named Christian. Upon hearing of the imminent destruction coming to his city, he leaves for the Heavenly City and begins his pilgrimage. Upon the way he meets tremendous hardships, enemies, and obstacles that work to keep him from his goal. However, among the difficulties, he finds many helps, among which are two friends, Faithful and Hopeful. These friends come alongside Christian at different times in his journey and help him reach the Heavenly City. To see how they help him, I will commend the book to you. But, to answer the question, I use the word Pilgrim in hopes to be of help to you as Faithful and Hopeful were to Christian. I hope to be your Faithful and Hopeful; doing what I can to help you reach the Heavenly City.

How Will I Seek to Encourage?

I hope to help fellow Pilgrims in the following ways.

1. To bring truth from God’s Word to equip, encourage, edify, exhort, and instruct.
2. To warn of various things I think may take Pilgrims off course or slow them down.
3. To introduce faithful and helpful teachers, preachers, sermons, books, articles and ministries.

My desire is for this blog to become a place of refreshment and help to Pilgrims. A little rest stop of encouragement along the road marked out for you. If you’d like, let me know how I can serve you well and I will do my best.