668: Easter 2A (4/12/2026)
Pulpit Fiction Podcast
Summary Exploring the profound themes of Easter and Pentecost in John 20 and Acts 2, this episode delves into the significance of belief, forgiveness, and the transformative power of resurrection. Join us as we unpack these scriptures and their relevance for faith communities today. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Context of the Episode 04:52 Exploring the Story of Doubting Thomas 10:02 The Significance of Belief and Forgiveness 15:02 The Role of the Holy Spirit and Community 19:59 The Challenge of Forgiveness in Today's Context 23:44 The Weight of Forgiveness 24:51 Peace and...
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667: Easter Sunday A (4/5/2026)
Pulpit Fiction Podcast
Summary This episode explores the Easter resurrection stories from Matthew and John, analyzing their unique elements, theological themes, and practical implications for preaching and faith. It emphasizes the significance of seeing, believing, and living in the hope of the resurrection. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Easter Readings 04:48 Exploring Matthew's Resurrection Narrative 21:09 The Significance of Seeing in Matthew's Gospel 27:11 Embracing Grief and Fearlessness 27:55 Understanding Fear in a Privileged World 30:10 The Call to Action: Don't Be Afraid 32:07 Seeing and Acting: The...
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666: Palm Sunday A (3/29/2026)
Pulpit Fiction Podcast
Summary In this episode of the Pulpit Fiction Podcast, hosts Eric Fistler and Rob McCoy delve into the significance of Palm Sunday, focusing on Matthew 21:1-17. They explore the themes of Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, the cleansing of the temple, and the political implications of these actions. The conversation highlights the symbolism of the donkey, the role of religious authorities, and the contrasting responses of marginalized voices versus established power. The hosts reflect on contemporary issues and the importance of service and protest in the face of oppression,...
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665: Lent 5A (3/22/2026)
Pulpit Fiction Podcast
Summary Exploring the profound themes of resurrection, faith, and community through biblical stories from John 11, Ezekiel 37, and Romans 8, this episode delves into how these scriptures inspire hope and renewal in challenging times. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Pulpit Fiction Podcast 03:10 Lent Preparations and Sanctuary Updates 04:43 Exploring the Gospel of John: Lazarus' Story 09:03 The Significance of Jesus' Miracles 11:18 The Irony of Death for God's Glory 14:25 Understanding Jesus' Control Over Life and Death 18:09 The Importance of Timing in Jesus' Actions 20:34 Mary,...
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664: Lent 4A (3/15/2026)
Pulpit Fiction Podcast
Summary This episode explores the profound themes of sight, blindness, and community in John 9, alongside insights from 1 Samuel 16 and Ephesians 5. Join us as we unpack the spiritual and social implications of these passages, emphasizing justice, love, and God's call to see beyond appearances. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Pulpit Fiction Podcast 01:52 Survey Results and Community Engagement 04:28 Exploring John 9: The Healing of the Blind Man 09:05 Understanding the Johannine Community's Struggles 12:00 The Significance of Jesus' Healing 17:47 Reframing Disability and Divine Works...
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663: Lent 3A (3/8/2026)
Pulpit Fiction Podcast
Summary In this episode of the Pulpit Fiction Podcast, hosts Robb McCoy and Eric Fistler explore the readings for the third Sunday of Lent, focusing on the Gospel of John 4:5-42, the story of the Woman at the Well. They discuss the cultural context of the passage, the significance of Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman, and the themes of transformation and evangelism. The conversation also delves into Exodus 17, examining the Israelites' struggles in the wilderness, and Romans 5, reflecting on justification and the nature of God's love. The hosts emphasize the importance of...
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662: Lent 2A (3/1/2026)
Pulpit Fiction Podcast
Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Pulpit Fiction Podcast 02:57 Exploring John 3: Nicodemus and the Concept of Being Born Again 13:13 The Journey of Faith: Nicodemus' Transformation 19:20 Understanding 'Born Again': A Deeper Look 24:03 The Significance of Jesus Being Lifted Up 29:10 The Invitation of Belief: A Call to All 30:36 The Way of Jesus: A Universal Understanding 35:50 Genesis 12: The Call of Abram 48:59 Romans 4: Abraham's Faith and Righteousness Summary In this episode of the Pulpit Fiction Podcast, hosts Eric Fistler and Rob McCoy explore the themes of faith, transformation,...
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661: Lent 1A (2/22/2026)
Pulpit Fiction Podcast
Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Pulpit Fiction Podcast 03:03 Exploring the Temptation of Jesus 12:00 Understanding the Nature of Satan 20:00 The Connection Between Baptism and Temptation 29:58 The Genesis Narrative: The Fall of Humanity 50:00 Paul's Perspective on Sin and Grace Summary In this episode of the Pulpit Fiction Podcast, hosts Robb McCoy and Eric Fistler explore the readings for the first Sunday of Lent, focusing on the temptation of Jesus in Matthew 4:1-11, the Genesis narrative of Adam and Eve, and Paul's reflections on sin and grace in Romans 5:12-19. The conversation...
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660: Transfiguration A (2/15/2026)
Pulpit Fiction Podcast
Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Transfiguration Sunday 05:31 Exploring the Transfiguration of Jesus 12:02 The Significance of Transfiguration Sunday 20:35 The Role of Festivals in Worship 27:21 Transitioning into Lent 30:01 The Encounter with Moses in Exodus 39:35 Understanding 2nd Peter and Its Context Summary In this episode of the Pulpit Fiction Podcast, hosts Eric Fistler and Rob McCoy delve into the significance of Transfiguration Sunday, exploring the biblical texts from Matthew, Exodus, and 2nd Peter. They discuss the importance of transformation in faith, the role of festivals in...
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659: Epiphany 5A (2/8/2026)
Pulpit Fiction Podcast
Summary In this episode of the Pulpit Fiction Podcast, hosts Robb McCoy and Eric Fistler discuss the readings for the fifth Sunday after Epiphany, focusing on Matthew 5:13-20, Isaiah 58:1-12, and 1 Corinthians 2:1-16. They explore themes of identity, the importance of community engagement, and the call to live out one's faith through action. The conversation emphasizes the significance of being 'salt and light' in the world, the necessity of justice in worship, and the transformative power of Christ's message. Takeaways The Beatitudes set the foundation for understanding our value in...
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In this episode of the Pulpit Fiction Podcast, hosts Eric Fistler and Robb McCoy explore the Beatitudes from the Gospel of Matthew, Micah 6's call for justice and humility, and the message of the cross in 1 Corinthians. They discuss the importance of community relationships in ministry, the depth of the Beatitudes, and the implications of Micah's message for contemporary faith practice. The conversation emphasizes the need for justice, mercy, and humility in the Christian life, while also addressing the foolishness of worldly wisdom in light of God's truth.
Takeaways
- The Beatitudes highlight the values of the Kingdom of God.
- Building relationships with other Christian communities is essential for support during crises.
- Micah 6 emphasizes justice, mercy, and humility as core requirements from God.
- The message of the cross challenges worldly wisdom and power structures.
- Preachers should focus on the heart of the Beatitudes rather than just the text.
- Community support is vital for those mourning or in need.
- The foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom.
- God chooses the lowly and foolish to confound the wise.
- The Beatitudes can be explored in depth, offering rich material for sermons.
- Understanding the context of scripture enhances its application in today's world.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Beatitudes and Context
08:36 Exploring the Beatitudes: A Deeper Look
19:01 The Nature of Happiness and Blessings
25:22 Mourning and Community Support
29:56 The Meek and Their Inheritance
30:25 Understanding Meekness and Its Misinterpretations
32:43 Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness
34:34 The Beatitudes: Persecution and Righteousness
36:29 Micah 6: A Call to Justice and Humility
49:47 The Foolishness of the Cross
52:05 Reversals of Wisdom in the Kingdom of God
59:53 Outro-.mp4