Exploring The Here and Now of Scripture with Guest Speaker Jenn Richards

John 1:1-5 & 14

How 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:

1. What is one thing that stuck out to you from the teaching?

2. What is the good news you heard?

3. What remaining questions do you have?

4. 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 gender

• Women in leadership

• What 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

Famines, Pharaohs, and Feasting on Christ with Joshua Liem

Genesis 47:11-27

This Sunday, we confront the devastating reality of famine—both the physical suffering seen in places like Gaza and the deep spiritual hunger for God's Word in our world. Journeying through Genesis 47 and beyond, we'll explore how empires have historically used hunger and how God calls His people to a different way, ultimately finding our deepest satisfaction in Jesus, the Bread of Life. Join us as we conclude our "Reading Scripture Well" series, seeking to nourish our Christ-like imagination and find actionable hope for a starving world.

For reflection & discussion:

1. The sermon opened with a story from Gaza. How did hearing about the physical famine and its impact on children make you feel? Did it challenge any of your perspectives?

2. The sermon contrasted Pharaoh's system with God's ideal in Leviticus 25 (Jubilee, no interest, support for the poor). Why do you think God's people, both in ancient Israel and often today, struggle to live up to these ideals?

3. As a wrap-up to the "Reading Scripture Well" series, how does this sermon illustrate the importance of understanding the broader biblical narrative and God's character when interpreting individual passages?

4. Amos 8 speaks of a "famine of hearing the words of the Lord." In what ways do you see this spiritual famine manifesting in our culture or even in your own life?

5. The "paradox" of Jesus being a free gift yet requiring the surrender of everything (like the Egyptians or the merchant with the pearl) was discussed. How do you reconcile these two ideas in your own walk with Christ? What does that surrender look like for you today?

The First Theologian: God Through Hagar’s Eyes with Josh Liem

Genesis 16 + 21

This Sunday, we’re exploring the story of Hagar: the first person in Scripture to name God. Through her eyes, we encounter El Roi, the God who sees, even in the midst of suffering, abandonment, and oppression. Join us as we reflect on how this ancient story challenges us to see God more clearly and notice those whom the world overlooks.

For reflection & discussion:

1. What stood out to you as we read through Genesis 16 and 21? Was there a word, phrase, or moment that surprised or moved you?

2. The sermon mentioned that Hagar is the Bible’s first theologian. What might it mean to let marginalized voices shape how we talk about God?

3. In what ways do you think this story has been misused or misunderstood in the past? How can we read it responsibly today?

4. Have you ever had a moment where you felt truly seen by God or by another person? What was that like? Or the opposite: have you felt unseen, unheard, or forgotten? If you’re willing to be vulnerable, share that experience..

5. Who in your life right now might need to be seen? What would it look like to offer them your full attention this week?

6. How might our church embody the eyes of Christ for those who feel overlooked, oppressed, or dismissed?

A Jazz Homily: How Old Testament Law Shapes Beautiful Communities with Guest Dr. Mark Glanville

Exodus 3:7-12

This jazz-talk uses blues and jazz music explore the biblical law in the Old Testament, unpacking the significance for incarnational churches today. There are parallels between the development of blues and jazz and the development of biblical law: both have their roots in the atrocity of slavery. Blues and jazz developed in the oppression of slavery and of the reconstruction era in the U.S. Biblical law emerged from the atrocity of slavery in Egypt. This talk unfolds the invitation in biblical law by looking at three laws in Deuteronomy, reflecting how they can shape the church today to reflect the tenderness of Jesus.

Dr Mark Glanville (PhD, Trinity College, BristolI, UK) is the Director of the Centre for Missional Leadership at St. Andrews Hall, University of British Columbia, Vancouver. Mark trains leaders for post-Christian contexts, using biblical scholarship and jazz piano.Before pastoring, Mark worked full time as a jazz pianist. He currently plays on the Vancouver jazz scene, and he hosts the Blue Note Theology podcast. Mark is an Aussie: he likes to express his masculinity by snapping a crocodile’s neck with two fingers.

Entertaining Angels? Exploring Hospitality and the Sin of Sodom with Josh Liem

Genesis 18-19 NIV

This Sunday, we explore one of scripture’s most haunting and revealing stories—Genesis 18–19. From Abraham’s lavish hospitality to the destruction of Sodom, this tale confronts us with questions of justice, compromise, and how to live as people of love in a world of brokenness. Come reflect on what it means to entertain angels, resist the myth of consumption, and live toward the kingdom Jesus revealed

For reflection & discussion:

1. What stood out to you in this week’s sermon or the Genesis 18–19 story?
2. How does Abraham’s hospitality challenge our approach to strangers and guests today?
3. Why do you think Lot compromised so much? Have you ever felt caught in a similar situation?
4. What continuities and discontinuities do you see with our city and Sodom? What does it look like to be a faithful resident or alien of this city in light of that?
5. What is one act of radical hospitality you could try this week?
   

A Way Forward with Rev. Laura Wiens

Genesis 12:1-5

Ever feel like life keeps hitting dead ends? This Sunday, we’ll explore how God reroutes

our lives with purpose and hope through the story of Abram and Sarai.

Into the Waters: Easter and Resurrection Hope with Josh Liem

Romans 8:18-39

This Easter Sunday is extra special as we celebrate Christ's resurrection AND witness the baptisms of Sean and Phil! Join us as we explore what baptism meant for early Christians who risked everything to follow Jesus. Why pledge allegiance to Christ? Discover the costly, unbreakable hope of the resurrection that empowers us to live differently, even through suffering. Come witness new life!

For reflection & discussion:

• 1. The sermon emphasizes pledging "allegiance" over just "believing." What difference does that distinction make in how you understand your faith?

• 2. What are some of the competing "Caesars" or powers demanding our allegiance today?

• 3. The sermon contrasts God's power (love, forgiveness) with worldly power (domination, coercion). Where do you see these different kinds of power at play in your own life or society?

• 4. What does "taking up your cross daily" mean to you in the context of following Jesus' way of love and non-violence, even when facing opposition?

• 5. Reflecting on your own journey, what is one step the Spirit might be inviting you toward today – remembering your baptismal vows, considering baptism, or living out your allegiance more fully in a specific area?
  

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?