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...
info_outline
658: Epiphany 4A (2/1/2026)
Pulpit Fiction Podcast
Summary 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...
info_outline
657: Epiphany 3A (1/25/2026)
Pulpit Fiction Podcast
Summary In this episode of the Pulpit Fiction Podcast, hosts Robb McCoy and Eric Fistler delve into the Gospel reading from Matthew 4:12-23, which recounts the calling of the fishermen. They explore the significance of Jesus' call to Simon Peter and Andrew, as well as James and John, emphasizing the differences in the Gospel narratives. The discussion highlights the socio-political context of Galilee, where Jesus begins his ministry amid Roman oppression, and the implications of being 'fishers of men' as a call to advocate for justice rather than mere evangelism. The hosts also touch on...
info_outline
656: Epiphany 2A (1/18/2026)
Pulpit Fiction Podcast
Summary In this episode of the Pulpit Fiction Podcast, hosts Eric Fistler and Rob McCoy explore the lectionary readings for the second Sunday after Epiphany, focusing on the Gospel of John, Isaiah's servant songs, and Paul's letter to the Corinthians. They discuss the significance of Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy, the challenges of navigating ordinary time amidst current events, and the importance of community and spiritual gifts in the church. The conversation emphasizes the prophetic voice in ministry and the call to action for preachers and congregations alike. Takeaways The...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
Christmastide 2 (1/4/2026) REB
Pulpit Fiction Podcast
Originally boradcast 1/3/2021 w Richard Bruxvoort Colligan w Mason Parks
info_outline
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,...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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....
info_outline
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,...
info_outlineSummary
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 God's eyes.
- Being 'salt of the earth' means recognizing our worth and the impact we can have.
- Worship should lead to action and justice in the community.
- Christ's crucifixion serves as a model for nonviolent protest against injustice.
- The importance of context in interpreting biblical passages cannot be overstated.
- Our voices and actions matter in the pursuit of justice and compassion.
- The call to be 'light of the world' is a call to visibility and authenticity in faith.
- Engagement in community events and conferences can enrich our preaching and understanding.
- The connection between the Old and New Testament readings highlights a consistent message of justice.
- Understanding our identity in Christ empowers us to act with purpose and love.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Pulpit Fiction Podcast
02:13 Upcoming Conferences and Events
05:37 Listener Engagement and Surveys
08:15 Exploring the Good News: Salt and Light
10:03 Understanding the Context of Jesus' Teachings
18:01 The Value of Identity and Affirmation
24:06 Living Out the Teachings of Jesus
27:15 Connecting Matthew to Isaiah's Call to Action
27:25 Wrestling with the Law
32:02 The Call to Justice
34:25 The Power of Isaiah's Message
45:38 Paul's Humble Approach
57:14 Closing Thoughts and Reflections