655: Baptism of Christ A (1/11/2026)
Pulpit Fiction Podcast
Summary In this episode of the Pulpit Fiction Podcast, hosts Robb McCoy and Eric Fistler explore the significance of the Baptism of Christ as described in Matthew 3:13-17, alongside readings from Isaiah 42 and Acts 10. They discuss the implications of baptism, the role of the Holy Spirit, and the inclusivity of God's message. The conversation reflects on the importance of understanding baptism as a rite of initiation into the community of faith, emphasizing justice and the call to action for all believers. Takeaways Baptism is a rite of initiation into the community of faith. The...
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Christmastide 2 (1/4/2026) REB
Pulpit Fiction Podcast
Originally boradcast 1/3/2021 w Richard Bruxvoort Colligan w Mason Parks
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654: Epiphany (1/4/2026)
Pulpit Fiction Podcast
Summary In this episode of the Pulpit Fiction Podcast, hosts Eric Fistler and Robb McCoy explore the significance of Epiphany, focusing on the visit of the Magi and the gifts they brought. They discuss the importance of understanding the context of the Magi's visit, debunking common myths, and emphasizing the practical and symbolic meanings of the gifts. The conversation also touches on themes of maternal health, community support, and the universal message of God's grace for all people. The hosts reflect on the prophetic words of Isaiah and the secret plan revealed in Ephesians,...
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653: Christmas 1A (12/28/2025)
Pulpit Fiction Podcast
Summary In this episode of the Pulpit Fiction Podcast, hosts Robb McCoy and Eric Fistler discuss the lectionary readings for the first Sunday of Christmas, focusing on Matthew 2:13-23, the flight to Egypt, and the implications of Herod's tyranny. They explore themes of hospitality, the significance of the Old Testament connections, and the faithfulness of God as highlighted in Isaiah 63. The conversation also delves into the humanity of Christ as presented in Hebrews 2, emphasizing the ongoing relevance of the incarnation in today's context. Takeaways The podcast discusses the...
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652: Christmas Eve (12/24/2025)
Pulpit Fiction Podcast
Summary In this episode of the Pulpit Fiction Podcast, hosts Eric Fistler and Rob McCoy explore the significance of Christmas Eve, focusing on the Gospel of Luke and John. They discuss the nativity story, emphasizing themes of hospitality, community, and the deeper meanings behind familiar narratives. The conversation highlights the importance of welcoming God into our lives and the transformative power of the incarnation. Through reflections on the shepherds and the poetic nature of John's Gospel, the hosts invite listeners to engage with the Christmas story in a meaningful way....
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651: Advent 4A (12/21/2025)
Pulpit Fiction Podcast
Summary In this episode of the Pulpit Fiction Podcast, hosts Robb and Eric discuss the readings for the fourth Sunday of Advent, focusing on Matthew 1:18-25, Isaiah 7:10-16, and Romans 1:1-7. They explore the significance of Joseph's role in the birth of Jesus, the prophetic message of Isaiah regarding Emmanuel, and the implications of Paul's letter to the Romans. The conversation emphasizes themes of faith, the importance of trusting in God, and the call to action for believers during the Advent season. Takeaways The birth of Jesus is a significant event in the Gospel of Matthew,...
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650: Advent 3A (12/14/2025)
Pulpit Fiction Podcast
Summary In this episode of the Pulpit Fiction Podcast, hosts Eric Fistler and Robb McCoy discuss the themes of Advent, focusing on the readings from Matthew, Isaiah, and James. They explore the challenges faced by churches during winter weather, the significance of John the Baptist's message, and the tension between expectations and reality during the Advent season. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community, patience, and the transformative power of faith, while also addressing the need for inclusivity and understanding in the church. Takeaways Advent is a time of...
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649: Advent 2A (12/7/2025)
Pulpit Fiction Podcast
Summary In this episode of the Pulpit Fiction Podcast, hosts Robb McCoy and Eric Fistler discuss the readings for the second Sunday of Advent, focusing on John the Baptist's message of repentance and the concept of the Kingdom of Heaven. They explore the significance of bearing good fruit in faith, the role of religious leaders, and the historical context of the Pharisees and Sadducees. The conversation emphasizes the importance of embodying faith through actions and the continual nature of repentance. In this conversation, Robb McCoy and Eric Fistler explore the themes of continuity...
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648: Advent 1A (11/30/2025)
Pulpit Fiction Podcast
Summary In this episode of the Pulpit Fiction Podcast, hosts Eric Fistler and Rob McCoy discuss the themes of Advent, focusing on the readings from Matthew 24, Isaiah 2, and Romans 13. They explore the significance of the unexpected hour in Matthew, the vision of peace in Isaiah, and the call to love in Romans. The conversation emphasizes the importance of action, hope, and the transformative nature of faith as they navigate the complexities of the church year and the messages of the scriptures. Takeaways Advent marks a new beginning in the church year. Matthew 24 reminds us to stay...
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647: Proper 29C (11/23/2025)
Pulpit Fiction Podcast
Summary In this episode of the Pulpit Fiction Podcast, hosts Robb McCoy and Eric Fistler explore the significance of Christ the King Sunday, discussing the readings from Luke 23, Jeremiah 23, and Colossians 1. They delve into the themes of forgiveness, God's promise of a good shepherd, and the supremacy of Christ over all creation. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding righteousness and justice in the context of faith, encouraging listeners to reflect on their allegiance to Christ over earthly powers. Takeaways This episode discusses the significance of Christ the...
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- The Pharisee's self-righteousness contrasts with the humility of the tax collector.
- Humility is essential in discussions of justice and righteousness.
- Justice and righteousness must be balanced with compassion and understanding.
- The parable challenges listeners to reflect on their own self-perception.
- The context of Jesus' parable is crucial for understanding its message.
- Joel's message of hope is relevant in times of despair.
- The Holy Spirit's outpouring is a transformative force for all.
- Paul's reflections in 2 Timothy highlight the importance of perseverance in faith.
- Legacy is built on the actions we take in our lives.
- The ongoing impact of our lives continues even after we are gone.
Summary
In this episode of the Pulpit Fiction Podcast, hosts Eric Fistler and Rob McCoy explore the themes of humility, justice, and the transformative power of faith through the lens of biblical texts. They discuss the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector from Luke 18, emphasizing the importance of humility in faith and the dangers of self-righteousness. The conversation then shifts to the prophetic message of Joel, highlighting the hope and renewal that comes from God's spirit. Finally, they reflect on Paul's farewell in 2 Timothy, considering the legacy of faith and the ongoing impact of our lives. Throughout the discussion, the hosts encourage listeners to engage with these themes in their own lives and communities.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Pulpit Fiction Podcast
02:23 Returning to Live Podcasting
05:19 Exploring the Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector
21:42 The Prophetic Vision in Joel
23:23 Exploring the Versatility of Joel's Texts
25:48 The Context and Relevance of Joel's Prophecies
28:45 Despair and Hope in Current Events
31:32 The Role of the Holy Spirit in Times of Crisis
35:20 Paul's Last Words and Legacy
47:13 Continuing the Work Amidst Challenges