The Rebirth of Wonder
Faith Unfiltered
The Rebirth of Wonder | A Sermon for Epiphany In this sermon, we reflect on The Rebirth of Wonder and the invitation of Epiphany to see the world—and God’s work within it—with renewed awe, curiosity, and openness. This sermon was preached by Rev. Dr. Lewis Galloway on January 4, 2026, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte, on the Second Sunday of Christmas and Epiphany. The scripture readings for this message are Isaiah 60:1–6 and Matthew 2:1–12. Drawing from the story of the Magi, this sermon suggests that anxiety often takes root when wonder is lost—and that God does not...
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Nurturing Jesus
Faith Unfiltered
Nurturing Jesus | Mary, Discipleship, and Faithful Presence In this sermon, we reflect on Nurturing Jesus and what it means to care for, protect, and grow the presence of Christ in our lives and in the world—drawing especially from the faithful witness of Mary, who nurtured Jesus with courage, trust, and love. This sermon was preached by Audrey Webb-Kahrs on December 28, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte, on the First Sunday of Christmas. The scripture readings for this message are Isaiah 11:1–6 and Luke 2:22–41. Drawing from these texts, the sermon invites us to reflect on...
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The Power of Joy
Faith Unfiltered
The Power of Joy | A Sermon on Faith, Strength, and Hope In this sermon, we reflect on The Power of Joy and how joy, rooted in God’s love, becomes a sustaining strength in our lives. This sermon was preached by Rev. Dr. Lewis Galloway on December 14, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. The scripture readings for this message are Isaiah 40:1–5 and Luke 1:39–56. Drawing from these texts, the sermon invites us to consider how joy shapes our faith, carries us through seasons of challenge, and opens us to deeper trust in God’s presence at work in the world and in our own lives....
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The Mystery Made Known
Faith Unfiltered
In this Advent sermon, The Mystery Made Known, Rev. Dr. Lewis Galloway reflects on God’s surprising way of working through ordinary people and unexpected moments. Drawing from 2 Samuel 7:1–16 and Luke 1:26–38, he explores how God’s promises often unfold in ways we could never foresee—and how Mary’s faithful “yes” invites us to trust the mystery of God’s presence in our own lives. Sermon preached by Rev. Dr. Lewis Galloway on December 7, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte.
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The Mystery of Time
Faith Unfiltered
Preached by Rev. Dr. Lewis F. Galloway on November 30, 2025, and rooted in Matthew 3:1–12 and Mark 13:24–37, this Advent sermon explores the mystery of time—the difference between the hours that govern our days and God’s “eternal now” that breaks into our ordinary lives. Through the voices of John the Baptist and Jesus’ call to watch and stay awake, we’re invited to prepare our hearts, embody the fruits of the Spirit, and look for the moments when God’s time interrupts our own. A reflection on hope, transformation, and the sacred work we do while we wait for Christ to come...
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Treating Folk Right
Faith Unfiltered
In this compelling message, Rev. Dr. Jerry Cannon invites us into a powerful call to live out genuine Christian love in our everyday encounters. Drawing from Scripture, Hebrews 113:1-5, he explores what it truly means to treat folk right—not merely with politeness, but with dignity, compassion, and radical grace. He challenges us to consider how we respond to those on the margins, how we handle conflict, and how we reflect the character of Jesus in our relationships. Whether with longtime friends or people we barely know, the way we treat “the other” becomes a gospel witness. Using the...
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Words of Grace
Faith Unfiltered
Sermon preached by Rev. Alice Ridgill on November 16, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. The scripture for this sermon is John 4:4-18, 27-30, 39-42.
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Seeing Through Gods Eyes
Faith Unfiltered
Sermon preached by Rev. Lucy Crain on November 9, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. The scripture for this sermon is 1 Samuel 16 (selected verses).
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Every Tear
Faith Unfiltered
Sermon preached by Rev. Anna Dickson on November 2, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. The scripture for this sermon is Revelation 7:9-17.
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Tomorrow
Faith Unfiltered
Sermon preached by Rev. Anna Dickson on October 26, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. The scripture for this sermon is Acts 4:32-37.
info_outlineThe Rebirth of Wonder | A Sermon for Epiphany
In this sermon, we reflect on The Rebirth of Wonder and the invitation of Epiphany to see the world—and God’s work within it—with renewed awe, curiosity, and openness.
This sermon was preached by Rev. Dr. Lewis Galloway on January 4, 2026, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte, on the Second Sunday of Christmas and Epiphany. The scripture readings for this message are Isaiah 60:1–6 and Matthew 2:1–12.
Drawing from the story of the Magi, this sermon suggests that anxiety often takes root when wonder is lost—and that God does not always relieve our fear by giving us certainty, but by giving us light enough for the next faithful step.
Epiphany invites us to follow that light, even when the path leads beyond what we can control or fully understand. Wonder widens our vision, restores imagination, and opens us again to trust that God is still at work in the world and in our lives.
In this message, we explore:
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How wonder expands faith when anxiety narrows it
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The Magi as models of curiosity, courage, and attentiveness
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Following God’s light without needing certainty or control
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Epiphany as an invitation to ongoing discovery and trust
Whether you are joining us from Charlotte or beyond, this sermon offers a thoughtful and hope-filled reflection on how God’s light restores wonder—and how wonder, in turn, helps steady anxious hearts and reorient us toward hope.
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Topics: Epiphany sermon, wonder and anxiety, rebirth of wonder, Matthew 2 sermon, following the star, Christian hope, light of Christ