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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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.
Takeaways
- This year Christmas falls on a Wednesday, which is exciting for many.
- The podcast will focus on the Gospel of Luke and John for Christmas Eve.
- Rob is hosting a preaching retreat in January for those interested in planning their sermons.
- The story of Jesus' birth is often simplified, but it holds deeper meanings.
- The concept of 'no room at the inn' can be reframed to highlight hospitality.
- Shepherds symbolize the vulnerable and caring nature of leadership in the story.
- The Gospel of John presents a poetic view of the incarnation.
- The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness cannot extinguish it.
- The story of Jesus' birth invites us to reflect on our own hospitality.
- The community aspect of faith is emphasized in the discussion.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Christmas Eve Preaching
02:56 Retreat Announcement and Preaching Preparation
05:46 Christmas Reflections and Personal Experiences
08:52 Exploring Luke 2:1-20 - The Birth of Jesus
14:44 The Significance of the Shepherds
21:55 Juxtaposition of Empire and Hospitality
28:19 The Kingdom of God and Vulnerability
38:50 The Word Made Flesh: A Poetic Exploration
54:47 Radical Hospitality and Welcoming God
56:42 Community and Connection in Faith