Pilgrim Church

Destructive Zeal and Redemption with Josh LiemGalatians 1:11-2:10This Sunday, we continue our Life in the Spirit series in Galatians 1:11–2:10, where the Apostle Paul tells us his own story — the embarrassing parts and all. We'll see how Paul's shameful chapter became the very credential of his ministry, and how your own story is where Jesus is being made visible.For reflection & discussion:When you were 18, what did you think your life was going to look like? How close did it get?The sermon walked through Paul's autobiography in five movements: his former life, the great reversal, Arabia, his visit with Peter, and his ministry. Share your story.  Does it bear any resemblances to Paul's?  Were there any too-vulnerable details you left out? (you don't need to share, just notice.)Galatians 2:10 says the one thing the Jerusalem apostles asked of Paul was "remember the poor." Why was this the litmus test for the gospel? The sermon described Arabia as "a place of assimilation and reflection" — where Paul went to unpack his life before God. Eugene Peterson wrote, "Arabia can be a couple of hours in a quiet room, or in worship each Sunday, or seizing times of solitude." Where is your Arabia? When did you last go there? What kept you away?The sermon asked the question: "What is the trap you can see, because you used to live in it?" Paul's persecution-past gave him eyes to recognize religious coercion when it crept into the Galatian church. What trap can you recognize because of your own story? Who in your life — or in our city — is currently caught in that trap, and what could you do this month to be present to them?The Jerusalem apostles asked Paul to "remember the poor." The sermon said: "A freedom that ignores or forgets or despises the poor is a bogus freedom." In our specific neighbourhood — South Vancouver — who are the poor and forgotten that this group could begin to remember together? Brainstorm specifically. What's one small step?

Galatians: Life in the Spirit with Joshua LiemThe GospelGalatians 1:1-10This Sunday we start Life in the Spirit, an eight-week journey through Paul's letter to the Galatians. Paul writes with shocking urgency to a young church drifting toward a counterfeit gospel — and his words still cut through the noise of our own day. Whether you're new, exploring, or have been around forever, come and rediscover the rescue at the heart of the Christian story.For reflection & discussion:What's something you bought, tried, or believed in this past year because it promised to make your life better?   How did it actually go?How would you proclaim “the Gospel”?Paul writes from a community: "all the brothers and sisters with me" (1:2). He doesn't fight this fight alone. Who in this room (or in your wider life) has helped you stay anchored in the real gospel? What did they do? Tell the group about them.The sermon described sin not just as personal moral failure but as a power that enslaves, and Christ's death as breaking that power. Where in your life are you most aware of sin's grip? What would it look like to be free?The opponents in Galatia preached a Jesus who fit comfortably inside the existing world — a Jesus who didn't disturb their political safety, their social standing, their religious identity. Where in our city, our workplaces, or our neighbourhoods do we preach a Jesus too small to disturb anything? What might the real Jesus be asking of us there? Further Resources :N.T. Wright, Galatians (2021)Eugene H. Peterson, Traveling Light: Galatians and the Free Life in Christ (1982)

Q&R Brunch Potluck with Josh, our new Lead PastorModerated by Paul SueThis Sunday we're hosting a brunch potluck + Q&R. Bring your favourite brunch dish and a question — whatever's been sitting in the back of your mind. About a sermon, about Pilgrim, about theology, about the transition, about Josh himself. Nothing is off limits.

Centered-Set Church with Joshua LiemLuke 15What are we aiming for as a church?  This Sunday, we will set up our next sermon series in Galatians by re-reading the parable of the Prodigal Son and asking: what does this story reveal about the journey of repentance towards God at the center of life?For reflection & discussion:If you've heard of the parable of the Prodigal Son before, which character did you most identify with?  Has that changed over time?The sermon pointed out that Jesus doesn't actually use the word “repent” in the third parable, and we never get a clear look at the younger son's heart.  Does the sincerity of his repentance matter to the story?  Why or why not?The father in the parable is revealed to have real flaws — he overindulges one son, overlooks the other, and only realizes he's lost the older son when the older son explodes. What was your reaction to the idea that the father in this parable is not a perfect picture of God?Think back on the churches or faith communities you've been part of. Which of the three models (bounded, fuzzy, or centered) best describes each one? What fruit did you see from that approach?What does it look like, practically, to keep Jesus himself at the center of our life together? What helps us avoid drifting toward a lesser center?The sermon suggested that the first two parables (sheep, coin) show reconciliation "in the abstract," while the third shows reconciliation as it actually happens: slow, messy, and unfinished. Where have you seen real reconciliation play out in your life or someone else's? Was it clean or complicated?Is there a journey of reconciliation that God is calling you to?  If so, how can we support and pray for you?

The Generosity of the Good Shepherd with Guest Dr. Sean WoodJohn 10:1-8In a world where leaders often take, Jesus reveals a Shepherd who gives. In John 10, Jesus describes a radically different kind of leadership. It is marked not by power or control, but by sacrificial love. The Good Shepherd lays down his life for the sheep, knows them by name, and leads them into life that overflows. What if Christian generosity does not begin with obligation, but with encounter? Join us this Sunday as we explore how Christian generosity flows from encountering the generous heart of the Good Shepherd.Sean Wood is currently serving as a Church Advisor for World Vision Canada. Sean brings over 20 years of pastoral experience serving some of Canada's most influential churches. He holds a Doctor of Ministry in Global Leadership from Bethel University, and a Master of Divinity from Tyndale University. He is passionate about life transformation and building a better world where every child can live life in all its fullness.For reflection & discussion:What stood out to you most from the sermon, and why?How does this message challenge or affirm your current understanding of God or faith?Was there a specific story, scripture, or phrase that you found especially meaningful or difficult?How can we live this out together in our daily lives or as a group?What is one step you feel invited to take this week in response to the sermon?

God's Command to Party with Joshua LiemExodus 34After the golden calf, Israel's greatest failure, God does something no one expects. He doesn't tighten the rules. He throws a feast. (Three of them, actually!) This week, as we close our Exodus series, we explore why God's answer to anxiety, idolatry, and a world in crisis isn't just more discipline but celebration, and what that celebration has to look like if it's going to be real. Join us as we gather at the table together.

The Problem of the Heart with Joshua LiemJohn 10:9-18What if we could live forever?  Is a world without death paradise, or would that just be a world where the worst of humanity would have more time to do whatever they want?  This Easter Sunday, we explore what Jesus meant when he said he came to give “life to the full,” and the hope of resurrection.

The Golden Calf with Guest John HauExodus 32John Hau is the lead pastor at Reality Church in Vancouver — a community centered on the person, life, gospel, and hope of Jesus.  John is a father of three and is married to his wife, Sarah.  John loves to be active and enjoys reading, biking, and running in his spare time.

God's Solution for Tough Times with Guest Bronwyn SpilsburyExodus 31:1-11The people of Israel were in a season of change, when everything familiar vanished and they had to find a new pattern of life. God provided a plan, a person, and the power for wonder, worship, and a way forward in wilderness. Do you need that? Discover God's priorities and what happens if they're followed - or not. See where your season of life matches, and learn how to thrive in tough times. Bronwyn Spilsbury is an intrepid explorer of land and spirit and loves being with people. She is passionate about leading groups to discover their spiritual heritage in the places where Biblical stories are rooted. In the process, we become friends!

Slavery, Retaliation, Death Penalties, and Enemy Love with Joshua LiemExodus 20:22-23:19This Sunday we begin exploring the Covenant Law Code in Exodus 20-23:  the messy, controversial, and surprisingly beautiful laws that follow the Ten Commandments. We'll wrestle with what the Bible actually says about slavery and capital punishment, discover enemy-love hiding in plain sight in the Old Testament, and see how Jesus read these same texts and followed them all the way to the cross.

Ten Words with Joshua LiemExodus 20This Sunday we're diving into the Ten Commandments in Exodus 20. These are a portrait of God's character, given to a people he'd already rescued, meant to be meditated on and embodied in everyday life. We'll explore what these ancient words reveal about who God is, how Jesus brought them to life, and what it looks like for us to do the same as we gather at the communion table together.

Of Blood and Covenants with Josh LiemExodus 19-24This Sunday we're in Exodus 19-24: the story of God entering into a covenant with Israel at Mount Sinai. Like a wedding, it has vows, promises, and a feast; but, perhaps differently from a modern wedding, blood. We'll trace the arc from Sinai to the Last Supper and ask what it means that we still gather at this same table.

Jethro, Moses, and the Mission of God with Josh LiemExodus 18Who gets included into the family of God?  This baptism Sunday, we explore Exodus 18: the story of Jethro's conversion and advice to Moses.  Discover what he has to teach us about leadership, delegation, and how God's truth can come from unexpected places.  Join us as we celebrate Andrew's baptism and recommit ourselves to the mission of making disciples together.--For reflection & discussion:What stood out to you from Andrew's testimony?  Share your own testimony— your journey of what led you to faith, baptism, and this community.Moses received wise counsel from a Midianite priest. Have you ever received meaningful wisdom from someone outside the faith, or from an unexpected source? How did you test it?Where in your own life are you tempted to write someone off as an outsider or enemy? What would it look like to see them as a potential brother or sister?Jethro's criteria for leaders were capability and character. Who in your life models both? How are you developing those qualities yourself?Jesus' commission to make disciples, baptize, and teach wasn't just for pastors — it's for all of us. What's one concrete way you could take that seriously this week?Jethro heard what God had done and it moved him to worship. Who in your life needs to hear your testimony right now?  Pray for them in your prayer time.

From a Promise Comes a People with Guest Rebecca ThornberExodus 13:17-15:21Moses said to the people of Israel in Exodus 14:13: “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance of the Lord.” Why was this message important for the Israelites as they left Egypt? How might it be important for us today? This week we will explore what the Red Sea crossing shows us about God, and what it means to be his people, both then and now.

The Passover with Guest Dr. George GuthrieExodus 12:1-14One of the most important stories in the Grand Story of Scripture, the Passover speaks to us about key moments of orientation in life, our need for liberation from the things that enslave us, and the need for ongoing celebration of the great things that God has done. We will look at the story in Exodus 12:1-14, discuss its relationship to the Lord's Supper in the New Testament, and examine our own need for ongoing, spiritual orientation in our chaotic world.Dr. George Guthrie is the Marshall Sheppard Professor of Biblical Studies at Regent College and a leading expert on the New Testament. A prolific author and commentator, he has written extensively on the books of Hebrews, 2 Corinthians, and Philippians, and has served as a consultant for major Bible translations including the ESV and CSB. Beyond his academic work, Dr. Guthrie is deeply committed to biblical literacy, creating resources like Read the Bible for Life to help the church better understand and apply Scripture. He lives in British Columbia with his wife, Pat, where they enjoy mentoring, hospitality, and exploring the outdoors.

A Tyrant's Heart and a Nation's Fate with Guest Daniel Melvill JonesExodus 7-10What happens when a leader believes the land, the water, and the people belong to him? In the Exodus story, a single hardened heart brings the undoing of creation and suffering for all who depend on it. Watch how God works deliverance for those who suffer, even through the heart of a tyrant.Daniel Melvill Jones is in the final semester of his Master of Divinity degree at Vancouver School of Theology, having previously studied at Regent College. He lives on the edge of Pacific Spirit park with his beloved wife, Annie, and their black cat, Babette; and although their apartment is crammed with overflowing bookshelves, he will still stop to check every Little Free Library he comes across.

Delayed Deliverance - Bricks without straw with Jessica ChanExodus 5-7:6When we catch a glimmer of hope in Jesus, how do we keep it from being snuffed out?  Lets reflect on the three things God said to Moses in his doubt: I am Yahweh, I know I made a promise to you, and I have heard your complaint.

Escaping Pharaoh' Grind: Freedom for Faithfulness with Josh LiemExodus 1-4We're beginning a new sermon series in the book of Exodus: a story of deliverance, power, and formation that shaped Jesus' own vision of God's kingdom. Exodus invites us to ask not only what we long to be freed from, but what we are being freed for. Join us as we explore the God who hears the cry of the oppressed and forms a people who reflect His character in the world.

A Whisper in Herod's Winter: Christmas as Clandestine Hope with Guest Dr. Mark GlanvilleMatthew 2:1-12As we journey through the Christmas season and anticipate Epiphany, we will spend time with the Magi in Matthew chapter 2. We will ask: what is the emotion, the tone of Christmas, in the stories themselves? Christmas is joyful, but it is not the full-blooded victory celebration of Easter Sunday. Rather the incarnation is whispered into the night. After all, the wise men slinked away, undercover, for fear of Herod. Christmas is a clandestine celebration. How can we enter into 2026 in this spirit? How can we journey into the coming year alert to the harmful ways of Herod, while whispering and embodying a different way?

Revealing Our Hidden Idols with Felix ChanMatthew 4:1-11This week we'll close the year by looking at Jesus' testing in the wilderness and how it exposes the idols we often carry - performance, approval, and control. Through Scripture and story, we'll reflect honestly on the past year and discover how God meets us in the places we feel most challenged or overwhelmed. As we step into a new year, we'll explore what it means to live grounded in God's enduring love and acceptance.

Christmas Eve - Meditation with Josh LiemChristmas Eve service was Wednesday, December 24th from 5:30-6:30pm. This was a combined service with Zion, and was an evening service of carols, candles, community, and the Christmas story.

The God Who Enters the Dark with Josh LiemPsalm 80, Isaiah 7:10-16, Matthew 1:18-25On the longest night of the year, the final Sunday of Advent invites us to stop running from the darkness and to sit in it, with our doubts, fears, and longing. The ancient cry of Psalm 80, "Restore us, O Lord," echoes through King Ahaz's failure, Joseph's quiet obedience, and our own prayers for a world still waiting. Yet God's answer isn't a plan to extract us from the darkness, but rather to enter into it: Emmanuel, God with us.For reflection & discussion:What's one thing you're looking forward to this Christmas season, and one thing you're finding hard about it?Joseph receives a word from God that doesn't remove the scandal or suffering—it just asks for obedience. Have you ever felt called to obey God even when it didn't make your life easier?The sermon says, "God's answer to 'Restore us' is not to get us out of the darkness, but to enter into it himself." How does that change what you expect from God in difficult times?Isaiah tells Ahaz that a pregnancy in wartime is a sign of hope. Why is caring for the vulnerable an act of trust in God?  Who are the vulnerable you may be called to care for?

Tidings of Comfort and Joy with Joshua LiemIsaiah 35:1-10; Matthew 11:2-11, James 5:7-10Gaudete Sunday invites us into the strange Advent tension of joy in the midst of darkness.  We will explore how Scripture teaches us to find joy not by escaping suffering but by paying attention: to creation rejoicing, to John the Baptist waiting in prison, and to the patient hope of the prophets. Come discover how attentive presence with God and one another opens us to a deeper, surprising joy in this season.

Q&R Sunday with Pastor Josh, Jess, and AI JesusJoin us for a special Q&R (Questions & Responses) this Sunday during our regular service times! Our two pastors will be joined by a special guest — an AI chatbot — for a lively and thoughtful conversation about faith, life, and your big questions. This is your chance to ask what's been on your mind — from theology to everyday faith practice — and hear honest, engaging responses from both human and digital perspectives.We'll also be sharing a potluck meal together during the service, so please bring a dish to share and come a little early to help us get set up. We're looking forward to a warm morning of food, fellowship, and worship together!

The Word That Changed the World with Guest Dave Mohr, BCBA Executive MinisterLuke 2:8-14In the middle of fear, chaos, and the unknown, heaven delivered a single word to the world: peace. But what did that word truly mean then - and what does it mean for us now? Whether rediscovering, or discovering for the first time, this one word changed everything then - and it can do the same for you now. Come experience the peace only Jesus can give.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.

You're Invited!... to Stand Together with Joshua LiemEphesians 6:10-24We're wrapping up Ephesians with Paul's famous "armour of God" passage.  Teaser: this isn't about simply your personal spiritual protection or mobilizing for culture wars, but rather a source of meditation for growing your imagination and vocation in life.

You're Invited!..  To Walk in Wisdom with Joshua LiemEphesians 5:15-6:9This Sunday, we're tackling one of Paul's most controversial and misinterpreted texts: the household codes in Ephesians 5-6.  We'll explore how this ancient wisdom literature was actually radical for its time, why context matters desperately when lives are at stake, and what it means to be filled with the Spirit rather than following magic formulas. (Spoiler: Paul isn't giving us a one-size-fits-all blueprint for family life.)

Keys to True Community with Dr. George GuthriePhilippians 2:1-4As with anything worth having, the building of true Christian community takes effort. We will look at Paul's prescription for how to live as a unified body of Christ-followers.Dr. George Guthrie is Marshall Sheppard Professor of Biblical Studies at Regent College and a highly sought-after lecturer, who has taught across North America, as well as in East Asia, the United Kingdom, Germany, South Africa, and Israel. George has a passion for equipping church leaders and laypeople to read and live the Bible more effectively.

Christ in All: Participating in the Renewal of the World with Joshua LiemThis Sunday, join us for our Brunch Church Potluck as we share a meal together and hear from Pastor Josh as he shares his heart and vision for our church community. It'll be a time of fellowship, good food, and meaningful conversation as we look ahead together to what God is doing in our church.

You're invited!... to Put on Christ with Joshua LiemEphesians 4:17-5:14Paul calls the Ephesian church to “put off the old self and put on the new,” instructing believers to stand out in a culture shaped by greed, lust, and anger. What might it look like to live as children of light in Vancouver — a city that prizes comfort, freedom, and success? Join us as we explore a gospel-shaped life that doesn't blend in but shines with love.--For reflection & discussion:If you are a first or second-generation immigrant to Vancouver, what were some cultural clashes that you or your parents had with each other or other people in this city?  (Examples: timeliness, food, expectations around manners, funny moments around cultural taboos, Indigenous relations, individualism/self-determination/freedom vs collectivism)Pick one of the three to go into deep discussion with: sex, greed, or anger. (You can also break up into smaller groups of 2-4 to discuss one each)What is your understanding of the Christian sexual, economic, or relational/justice ethic?  Contrast it with what you believe is Vancouver's underlying ethic.  How is it the same? How is it different?  Did anything from the sermon stand out or affirm your understanding of a Christian ethic?How do you see sexuality, greed, or anger expressed in our culture? How do you hope these would be expressed differently within the church?Who / what has been influential in your understanding of Christian sexual/economic/justice ethics? What voices have shaped your views, for better or for worse? What would you recommend for further understanding or practices?Is there an area that we can walk and pray together in for better encouragement and accountability?

You're Invited!... To Unity with Jessica ChanEphesians 4:1-16Paul calls himself a "prisoner of Jesus."  He doesn't call himself a prisoner of those who put him in chains.  Paul reaches past his circumstances to look for ways that God may use him despite the injustice inflicted upon him.  Why is this?  Because there is something that Paul desires more than retaliation.  Paul desires unity.  Ultimately Paul desires love.

You're Invited!... To Comprehend a Love Beyond All Knowing with Joshua LiemEphesians 3:13-21This week, as we celebrate 60 years of Pilgrim Church, we will explore Paul's bold prayer for the Ephesians – a prayer for nothing less than the fullness of God's love to fill us. Come discover the true nature of Godly power: not as "power over," but as the strength to deeply know and experience a love that surpasses all understanding. Join us in reflecting on how Christ desires to make His home in your heart, preparing us for a future filled with His glory.

You're Invited!... To Belong In Community with Joshua LiemEphesians 2:19-3:13What is the Church for, and why does belonging matter? In Ephesians 2:19–3:13, Paul says God displays his “manifold wisdom” through the church: a diverse, unified people who become a living temple where God dwells. This Sunday we'll explore why following Jesus means belonging to his body, and how that shapes our life together in Vancouver.

You're Invited!... to Re-Humanize Our World with Joshua LiemEphesians 2:11-18 FNVIn a world filled with division and dehumanizing language, how can we find true peace? Join us as we uncover Paul's vision in Ephesians for a 'new humanity' where hostility is overcome. You're invited to discover how Jesus calls us to re-humanize our enemies and build bridges of reconciliation.

God's Masterpiece with Guest Ted NgEphesians 2:1-10The gospel is God's open invitation to a totally different way of seeing, imagining and living. We each find our place and purpose together in this new reality. We are God's masterpieces who participate in bringing about the redemption of the whole world.Ted Ng has been committed to the spiritual formation and training of pastors for over 20 years through apprenticeship, mentoring, and teaching. He has served as an adjunct professor at Carey Theological College. His interests are in Spiritual Theology, Pastoral Formation, Intercultural Engagement, Next Generation Chinese Ministry and Missional Church Ministry.

You're Invited!  …to Be an Answer to Prayer with Joshua LiemEphesians 1:15-23Paul's prayer in Ephesians 1:15–23 gives us a glimpse into his deepest hopes for the church. From prison and in the face of uncertainty, he prays that God would open our eyes to see our hope, our worth, and God's incomparable power at work in us. Today, we're invited not only to receive this prayer but also to live as its answer—together as Christ's body filling the world with his glory.

You're Invited! …to Join God's Plan with Joshua LiemEph. 1:1-14This Sunday we're kicking off a new series in Ephesians! Paul invites us to see the world with fresh imagination—caught between an age of darkness and the age of Christ's glorious light. Come hear how God's grand plan of forgiveness and redemption shapes our identity in Christ and what it means for our life together in Vancouver.

Pray For Your Pastor with Guest Raymond SeetohRomans 15:30-33Ministry is a blessing, but it is also a struggle. In Romans 15, Paul shows us that pastors are not meant to carry the burden alone—they need the prayers of God's people. This Sunday, discover why praying for your pastor matters more than you think.Raymond Seetoh grew up in Singapore and met Jesus while in high school in Australia. He's served as a pastor in both Singapore and Vancouver, and now calls Cornerstone home while also helping with the B.C. Baptist Association. Raymond is married to his college sweetheart, Rhema, and together they enjoy life with their two teenage daughters.

The City of God with Joshua LiemRevelation 18-22This Sunday we conclude our Love Thy City series by looking at the final city in Scripture—the radiant city of God in Revelation. John gives us two powerful pictures: Babylon, a city of pride and violence, and the Heavenly City, a bride radiant with transparency, hospitality, and healing. Which city are we living in today, and how can we embody the city of God here in Vancouver?

The Antichrists: Discerning Love from its Counterfeits1 John 4:1-5:2Joshua LiemIn a world full of voices claiming authority, how can we tell the difference between Christ's Way and its counterfeits? This Sunday, we'll explore 1 John's warning about the antichrists already among us and how to live discerningly in the love of Jesus.For reflection & discussion:Before the sermon, what was the first image or person that came to mind when you heard the word "antichrist"?The sermon talked about "testing the spirits." What are some of the "spirits" or influential voices in our culture (or even in the church) that we need to test today?Have you ever encountered the idea that the physical world is "less spiritual" or that our bodies don't really matter to God? How does the sermon's central point—that Jesus came in the flesh—challenge that?Does the idea of "obeying commandments" feel freeing or restrictive to you? How did the sermon's explanation of it as "the shape of love" sit with you?The final challenge was to reflect on Jesus's life. What is one aspect of Jesus's life or teaching that you feel challenged or inspired to focus on this week?The sermon connects the spirit of antichrist to domination and accumulation, and the Spirit of Christ to self-giving love. Where do you see this conflict playing out in your own life or city?

Has This Ever Happened To You? with Guest Speaker Graham McCarthyJudges 3:12-30The story of Ehud and Eglon is a weird story and a small snippet of what we see happen over and over again in the book of judges. Through this story, we see the absurdity of our humanity's of violence, and it leaves us exhausted, making us long for a time when our cycles of absurdity come to an end, and we're ruled by a King that can bring our world to peace.For reflection & discussion:What stood out to you most from the sermon, and why?How does this message challenge or affirm your current understanding of God or faith?Was there a specific story, scripture, or phrase that you found especially meaningful or difficult?How can we live this out together in our daily lives or as a group?What is one step you feel invited to take this week in response to the sermon?

War Pigs on Judgement Day with Joshua LiemPsalm 137What do anti-war anthems, psalms of vengeance, and the kingdom of God have in common? This Sunday we'll explore how rage and grief can be sung in worship.

Who is the Greatest? with Jessica ChanMark 9:30-37We all love to be great, don't we?  So how does Jesus define greatness?  What did Jesus have to say to his disciples about what it means to be truly great?For reflection & discussion:What stood out to you most from the sermon, and why?How does this message challenge or affirm your current understanding of God or faith?Was there a specific story, scripture, or phrase that you found especially meaningful or difficult?How can we live this out together in our daily lives or as a group?What is one step you feel invited to take this week in response to the sermon?

Church and State: Navigating a Divided World with Joshua Liem1 Peter 2:5, 9-20In a world that feels more politically divided by the day, how are followers of Jesus supposed to respond? The Bible has been used to justify everything from silent submission to radical protest, and the Church's own history is filled with both beautiful and horrifying examples of its engagement with state power. This Sunday, we'll dive into a challenging passage from 1 Peter to find a surprising and prophetic path forward— one that calls us to be faithful exiles who seek the peace of our city with both the compassion of the cross and the courage to flip tables. Join us as we explore what it means to be a holy nation in a hurting world.

Love Thy City - Neighbours & Enemies with Guest Darren Lof1 Peter 2:11-12; Luke 10:25-37; Matthew 5:43-48; Romans 12:9-21As exiles in a city notoriously known for loneliness, Jesus calls us to live counter-culturally through radical love - for our neighbours and our enemies.Darren and his wife Crista run a small church in Steveston called Church at the Hub. It has been described as a fresh expression of church that aims to help people to live a flourishing life with and through Jesus. In addition, they also run the Steveston Hub, which is an alternative community space in the heart of Steveston. Darren and Crista have a daughter, son-in-law, and grandson living in South Africa, as well as another son who is known to play the drums at Pilgrim.For reflection & discussion:Who is a neighbour that I've ignored or written off?Who is an enemy I can start praying for and loving this week?What difference could radical love for neighbours and enemies make in this city?

The Idol Economy: When the Gospel Starts a Riot with Joshua LiemActs 19When the Gospel spread in Ephesus, it was so disruptive that it threatened the city's entire economy, sparking a full-blown riot. The core issue? Following Jesus meant no longer buying into the local idol industry. This Sunday, we're diving into Acts 19 to ask some pointed questions for us in Vancouver: What happens when our faith clashes with our finances? What are the modern idols our city's economy is built on? And what is the church's unique, powerful, and perhaps disruptive role in it all?  

A Long Obedience To the Den with Joshua LiemDaniel 6Most of us know the story of Daniel in the lion's den… but what if the way we pictured it completely missed the point?  This Sunday, we'll revisit this familiar passage to uncover a powerful message for our modern age of burnout, anxiety, and the temptation to just "lie flat." Discover how an ancient story about surviving lions offers a profound, resilient hope that can move us from apathy to action, empowering us to love our city and live faithfully for the long haul.

The Table That Defies the Empire with Josh LiemDaniel 1:1-21In a world of military parades and propaganda, how do we resist empire without becoming what we oppose? This week we explore how Daniel and his friends found a surprising form of resistance - through what they ate. Join us as we learn how a simple meal can become a profound act of allegiance to the peaceful Kingdom of God, shaping us into a flourishing presence in our city.For reflection & discussion:What stood out in the sermon for you?The sermon outlined the key strategies of the "beastly empire" (asserting divine power, co-opting the influential, indoctrination, stripping identity). Where do you see echoes of these strategies in our world today?Have you ever experienced a loss of identity, name, or culture? How did you respond?Daniel and his friends drew a line at the king's food. Why do you think this seemingly small act was so significant? What are the "royal delicacies" we are tempted by today?Daniel chose a diet that made him distinct. In what practical ways can we, as a community, live more distinctly from the values of the "empire" around us?

Plant Gardens with Dr. Ed NgJeremiah 29:4-7What does it mean when God gives this word to the Israelites who had been carried away from their homeland? And what does it mean for us now?Dr. Edward Ng is a Registered Psychologist in private practice in Vancouver and is the founder and director of Eastgate Psychological Services. He provides counselling services to individuals and some couples, and provides consultations for leaders looking for relational and cultural insight.For reflection & discussion:What stood out to you most from the sermon, and why?How does this message challenge or affirm your current understanding of God or faith?Was there a specific story, scripture, or phrase that you found especially meaningful or difficult?How can we live this out together in our daily lives or as a group?What is one step you feel invited to take this week in response to the sermon?

Hope & Resistance in an Age of Upheaval with Joshua LiemExodus 1:6-2:10This week we begin a new sermon series exploring how God's people live faithfully in times of fear, empire, and uncertainty. We start in Exodus 1–2, where courageous women defy Pharaoh and lay the foundation for liberation, echoing the subversive power of Jesus' own birth. In a moment where global powers are shifting and anxiety is high, come be rooted in Scripture's call to be a non-anxious presence and a people of peace.For reflection & discussion:What fears or anxieties surfaced for you during the sermon, especially in light of today's global or political tensions?How does naming spiritual forces (rather than just political ones) change the way we understand current events?The midwives "feared God" more than Pharaoh. What does "fearing God" mean to you in a practical sense, especially when faced with pressure to conform to something unjust or ungodly? How does this differ from being afraid of God?The sermon acknowledged the temptation to downplay our "first world problems" when compared to severe oppression. How can we hold the reality of our own anxieties (e.g., job market, cost of living in Vancouver) while also maintaining a broader perspective on God's work and global suffering?Considering our specific context in Vancouver, what are some subtle (or not-so-subtle) "Pharaohs" or oppressive systems/mindsets that God might be calling us to creatively resist or bear witness against?What is one practical way you can be a non-anxious presence this week—in your family, work, or community

Exploring The Here and Now of Scripture with Guest Speaker Jenn Richards John 1:1-5 & 14How do we come to an application of Scripture that is faithful to the text while also being good news for today? How can we assess if an application of a passage of Scripture is good?  This coming Sunday we'll explore these questions and more.For reflection & discussion:What is one thing that stuck out to you from the teaching?What is the good news you heard?What remaining questions do you have?Split into groups of 3-4.  Have each  group separately follow the steps below. Choose a “sticky”/controversial topic among Jesus Followers. Some ideas are:Is it ok for Christians to choose to fight in war?Should everyone attending a worship service be invited to take communion?One specific topic around sexuality or genderWomen in leadershipWhat is the “standards” for someone to be a church leader? Have each person have the opportunity to share a brief personal connection to the topic (experience from their own story, someone they care about etc…).  Brainstorm parts of scripture that talk about this topic.  Use your Bible and  Google to find the exact reference to each example. Consider one possible application (i.e. “here and now”) of the passage. Talk about what other passages or themes in scripture flow in the same direction as that application and if there's are parts that go in a different direction. Then consider another possible application and follow the same additional conversation step