Pilgrim Church

Parades, Promises and Possibilities With Guest Speaker: Rev. Dr. Ross LockhartLuke 19:28-40This Sunday around the world Christians gather to worship God and recall the story of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. This parade is memorable, but it also marks the beginning of an emotional roller coaster for all who know, love and seek to follow Jesus. What might we learn from joining the crowds and shouting Hosanna? What might we discover as we listen carefully to Jesus’ prophetic words?

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Reflection questions for small groups:
 

• Tell a story about the most memorable parade you’ve attended in your life.  What made it special?
  
• Jesus enters Jerusalem on a donkey rather than a war horse.  What does Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem tell you about his character and what we might be called to do as disciples?
  
• Why do you think the Pharisees try to get Jesus to quiet the crowds?  What were they afraid of?
  
• Reflect on Jesus’ words that if his disciples are quiet, even the stones will cry out.  What does it mean for Creation to cry out in these contemporary times when we wrestle with the impact of climate change?
  
• Where do you see yourself in today’s bible reading – do you identify with the crowds cheering Jesus on; or the Pharisees worried about things getting out of control; perhaps you see yourself aligned with Jesus moving through a temporary moment of celebration but sensing a time of trial ahead, or perhaps you see yourself more in the character of the donkey, lifting Jesus above the crowds for others to see and cheer?

Babel Babble and Bearing God’s Name with Josh Liem

Genesis 11:1-9

This week, we enter the story of the Tower of Babel with fresh eyes—exploring how language can be used to build empire or spread blessing. We'll reflect on God's surprising mercy in scattering humanity, trace the redemptive thread from Babel to Pentecost to Revelation, and consider how Jesus teaches us to bear God's name with humility, not pride. With stories of assimilation, ancient myths, and our own multicultural city in view, we’ll imagine together what it means to resist assimilation and celebrate difference in the Spirit of Christ.

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For reflection & discussion:

1. When have you felt pressure to assimilate?

2. What languages or cultural practices have shaped your identity?

3.  Read Genesis 11:1–9 again slowly. How does this story challenge common ideas about unity and civilization?

4. When have you seen or experienced tension in church around cultural or generational differences?

5. Why is it easier to minimize differences rather than value them?

6. What is one step we can take and be accountable for in moving towards unity in love across differences?

A Life of Sacrifice with Guest Dave Mohr

Romans 12:1-2

What does it look like to live a sacrificial kind of life? Really? According to God’s word, true sacrifice involves a lot more than the things we do on the outside, like our words or even our actions. It’s bigger than that, but more accurately it’s deeper than that. This weekend we will be looking at the roots of where a transformed life both comes from, and where it leads.

Before becoming the executive minister for the BCBA, Dave served as the pastor of an NAB church in Calgary, Alberta. Having been married since 1991, he and his wife, Kim, have three adult children. Though he has been geographically displaced fan for some time, Dave is a life-long Edmonton Oilers fan.

For reflection & discussion:

1. Paul starts verse 1 by saying, “In view of God’s mercy...” What does he mean by that phrase? Can you think of some practical applications of God’s mercy to you?

2. If the ancient world thought of sacrifice as religious behaviour, how did Paul approach the idea of sacrifice?

3. What does a life of sacrifice begin with (or, flow out of)?

4. What are some ways followers of Jesus might show mercy? How is God honoured when we show mercy to others? 

5. If being a living sacrifice is an everyday act of worship, how should I approach my day? Is that challenging or easy? 

6. What are some of the dangers of defining ourselves by anything other than how Jesus defines us? 

7. If transformation always starts on the inside, in your experience how does it show up on the outside? 

8. What kind of posture is God calling us to? What steps do I need to take to have that posture this week?

Water, Blood, and Fire: The Covenant Journey from Noah to Christ with Josh Liem

Genesis 9

"What does an ancient covenant after the flood have to do with Jesus—and with us today? This week, we explore Genesis 9 and how its themes of justice, peace, and covenant find their ultimate fulfillment in Christ. We’ll also examine how Scripture has been misused to justify injustice, and how Jesus offers a radically different way to live in light of God’s promises. Join us as we trace the grand story of God’s covenant faithfulness—from Noah to Abraham, Moses, David, and ultimately, to Jesus, whose new covenant reshapes everything."

DQs:

1. Do you doom scroll?  If so, how does it affect your emotional or spiritual well-being?  Have you incorporated  any helpful practices to break from unhealthy information consumption patterns?

2. What stood out in the sermon to you?  Anything new, challenging, questionable, or particularly helpful?  

3. How have you seen Scripture misused to justify injustice (historically or today)?

4. How do water (baptism), blood (communion), and fire (the Spirit) shape Christian identity today?  

5. Where do you sit on the scale of pacifism/non-violence to justified violence, and why?

6. In Lent, we are invited to repentance and renewal. How can we live more fully into the covenant of Jesus this week?

Further Resources :
BibleProject, “The Covenants,” www.bibleproject.com/explore/video/covenants

The Flood and Noah's Ark with Rev. Laura Wiens

Genesis 6-8

The story of the Flood and Noah’s Ark is more than just a children’s tale. In a world filled with violence, God called Noah to build a life-saving vessel. Join us this Sunday as we explore Genesis 6-8 and consider what we can learn about God’s character through this portion of

Scripture.

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For reflection & discussion:

1. How does Genesis 6 describe the state of the world before the flood? What stands out to you about God’s response to human corruption and violence?

2. In the sermon, we explored how God “destroyed destruction” through the flood. What does the flood say about God’s character?

3. Some theologians compare the ark to the cross. What parallels do you see between Noah’s ark and Jesus’ sacrifice?

4. The flood account shows God’s desire to restore shalom. Where do you see brokenness in the world today, and how might God be calling you to be part of His restoration?

5. The story of Noah requires trust—trusting in God’s warning, God’s plan, and God’s promise. What areas of your life require greater trust in God right now?

6. What practical steps can you take this week to partner with God in bringing reconciliation and restoration to your community?

Resources:

• Flood and Fury: Old Testament Violence and the Shalom of God by Matthew Lynch

• The Mediterranean Flood by Glenn Morton

https://www.asa3.org/ASA/PSCF/1997/PSCF12-97Morton.html

Guest Sunday with Lawrence Cheung

Luke 4:1-13

Join us this Sunday as we welcome back Rev. Cheung. We have been challenged and encouraged from Lawrence's wisdom that comes from walking with people into the last moments of life and those moments of health crisis that remind us of our mortality and eternity.

Lawrence Cheung is a certified clinical chaplain working for Mount St. Joseph Hospital. He primarily works with folks with chronic pain and in palliative/hospice care. He and his family call Willingdon Church home. Prior to that they had been part of the Mennonite Brethren family for over 30 years. Outside of work Lawrence enjoys being in perpetual angst cheering for his beloved Canucks and marathon training. He is in firm belief if he keeps his current pace he will qualify for the Boston Marathon when he reaches age 79.

We’ll dive into a Q&R session (Questions & Responses) with Josh and Jenny, where we’ll tackle some of the big questions about our current series.

Corruption, Nephilim, and two Lamechs: The Hopeful Path in Wicked Times with Joshua LiemGenesis 4:17-6:5What story are you living in? Genesis 4-6 presents a stark contrast between two family lines—one rooted in violence and vengeance, the other in faith and hope. From Cain to Lamech to the mysterious Nephilim, we’ll explore how these ancient narratives shape our understanding of power, corruption, and God’s plan for redemption. Bring your Bible and join us this Sunday as we unpack this ancient text and its relevance for today.

For reflection & discussion:

1. In what ways do we still live in a “mythological world” today? What modern myths shape our culture?

2. What do you imagine Enoch’s walk with God looking like?  What are ways that you think he distinguished himself with the rest of the world?

3. Who or what do you think the "Nephilim" were? How do different interpretations impact our understanding of Genesis 6?

4. What does this passage say about the spread of sin and evil? How do we see similar patterns in history and today?

5. What does Noah’s name ("This one will bring us comfort…") reveal about the longing for redemption in the biblical narrative?

6. How does this story connect to Jesus and the gospel? What does it mean to live in His story rather than the world’s?

7. What are the ways the stories of Cain, Lamech, and the Nephilim play out in our modern myths?  How might we live counter-narratively?

Fleeing Sin, Finding Grace with Rev. Laura Wiens

Genesis 4

What do a towering ape statue, a crouching predator, and an unexpected act of grace have in common? They all help us understand a powerful truth from Genesis 4—how sin lurks and how God invites us into His loving embrace. This Sunday, join us as we explore the story of Cain and Abel, uncovering what we should flee from and whom we should run toward. Don’t miss this opportunity to grow in faith and discover the grace that is always waiting for us!

For reflection & discussion:

1. What stood out to you most from the sermon? Was there a particular idea, story, or Scripture that resonated with you?

2. Genesis 4:7 describes sin as "crouching at the door." How do you see this imagery playing out in real life? Can you think of times when sin seemed small but later grew into something bigger?

3. Cain’s anger led to destructive actions. What are some ways we can recognize and process anger in a healthy, God-honoring way before it leads to harm?

4. The sermon highlighted how sin often hides in plain sight—whether in gossip, grudges, workaholism, or dishonesty. Which of these (or others) do you think are most overlooked in today’s culture?  

5. Cain struggled with comparing himself to Abel. How does comparison fuel negative emotions in our lives today? What are some ways to shift our focus back to God’s perspective?

6. N.T. Wright’s illustration compared sin to a terrifying animal and Jesus to a beloved friend. What are some practical ways we can learn to “flee from sin” and “run toward Jesus” in our daily lives?

7. The sermon mentioned that having trusted people in our lives can help us see sin more clearly. How can we cultivate relationships where we encourage one another in faith and accountability?

Resources:
Genesis by Derek Kidner

Grasping for Godhood with Joshua Liem

Genesis 2:25-3:24

In Genesis 3, Adam and Eve grasp for godhood, seeking wisdom and control on their own terms… and the world begins its descent into chaos.  This Sunday, we’ll explore the deception of the serpent, the fall of humanity, and the profound contrast between their grasping and Christ’s humility in Philippians 2. Join us as we uncover the hope hidden within the curses and reflect on how God’s mercy points us to a Savior who did not grasp for power but gave himself for us. Come ready to wrestle with questions and discover a fresh perspective on this ancient story.

DQs:

1. What stands out to you about the serpent’s method of deception in Genesis 3? How do you see similar tactics at work today?

2. Why do you think Adam and Eve’s sin was described as “grasping for godhood”? How does this contrast with Jesus’ humility in Philippians 2?

3. What role does trust in God’s timing and provision play in resisting temptation? How can we grow in that trust?

4. Discuss the nature of the consequences in Genesis 3. Do you see them as punishments, warnings, or something else? Why?

5. How does the idea of Adam’s passivity shape your understanding of sin and responsibility? What lessons can we draw from it?

6. Do you find it comforting or challenging that God sought Adam and Eve after they sinned? How does this shape your view of God’s character?

7. What does it mean to you that Adam named his wife “Eve” after the curses were pronounced? Where do you see signs of hope even in difficult circumstances?

8. How does this passage challenge or affirm your view of gender roles and equality?

Further Resources :

Amanda W. Benckhuysen, The Gospel According to Eve: A History of Women’s Interpretation

Matthew Lynch, Flood and Fury: Old Testament Violence and the Shalom of God

Iain Provan, Discovering Genesis: Content, Interpretation, Reception