Faith Unfiltered
The content of this podcast originates from First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte, an inclusive, urban city church in the center of Uptown Charlotte. Visit us at firstpres-charlotte.org.
info_outline
A Faith That Lives In You
06/15/2026
A Faith That Lives In You
A Faith That Lives in You | 2 Timothy 1:1–7 In this special installation service sermon, Rev. Dr. Millie Snyder reflects on Paul's words to Timothy and the faith that was nurtured in him through family, community, and the care of those who walked alongside him. Whether we inherit faith from those who came before us or discover it later in life, this message reminds us that faith is rarely formed alone. It grows through relationships, belonging, encouragement, mentorship, and the steady presence of people who help us recognize God's work in our lives. Drawing on memories of Sunday School classrooms, youth groups, mission trips, church choirs, and faithful role models, Rev. Snyder explores what it means to cultivate a faith that becomes woven into the fabric of who we are. In a rapidly changing world, how do we nurture faith in ourselves, our children, our communities, and future generations? This sermon offers a hopeful answer: faith is not simply taught—it is shared. It is nurtured in community. It is strengthened through hospitality, welcome, and relationships rooted in grace. As First Presbyterian Church celebrates the installation of Rev. Lucy Baum as Associate Pastor for Formation and Fellowship, this message serves as a reminder that faith formation belongs to all of us. Because faith is a team sport. And together, we are all on the team. Preached by Rev. Dr. Millie Snyder at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte on June 14, 2026.
/episode/index/show/fpcclt/id/41653970
info_outline
Tax Collectors and Sinners
06/08/2026
Tax Collectors and Sinners
Tax Collectors and Sinners | Matthew 9:9–13 In this sermon, Rev. Lucy Baum reflects on one of the most surprising moments in Jesus’ ministry: the calling of Matthew the tax collector. When Jesus invites Matthew to become one of his disciples and then shares a meal with tax collectors and sinners, those around him are scandalized. Why would a teacher who speaks about the righteousness of God choose to spend time with people who seem so clearly in the wrong? As the story unfolds, we discover that Jesus is asking a deeper question than we might expect—not simply who belongs, but what mercy really means. Drawing on Matthew 9, the prophet Hosea, and stories of forgiveness and restoration, this sermon explores the relationship between mercy and justice. It challenges us to consider why God's mercy can sometimes feel uncomfortable, especially when it is extended to people we believe do not deserve it. What if justice is about more than punishment? What if mercy and justice are not opposites, but partners? And what if healing damaged relationships is more powerful than settling a score? Through a powerful reflection on restorative justice, Rev. Baum invites us to imagine a way of life that holds mercy and accountability together—a way that opens the door to transformation for everyone involved. “I desire mercy, not sacrifice.” It is a challenging invitation. And it is one that still has the power to change us today.
/episode/index/show/fpcclt/id/41575640
info_outline
What Do We Mean by “Apocalypse”?
06/02/2026
What Do We Mean by “Apocalypse”?
Why are we so fascinated by the end of the world? In this Moment with a Minister, Rev. Rob Spach reflects on apocalyptic thinking, the stories we tell about the future, and how faith can help us move from fear toward wonder, hope, and deeper trust. Here's Rev. Rob.
/episode/index/show/fpcclt/id/41508855
info_outline
The One and the Many
06/01/2026
The One and the Many
The One and the Many | Ephesians 4:1–7, 11–16 & John 17:1–11 In this Trinity Sunday sermon, Rev. Dr. Lewis Galloway reflects on one of Jesus’ final prayers for the church: that his followers “may be one.” Drawing from Ephesians 4 and John 17, this message explores the mystery of Christian unity and the work of the Holy Spirit in bringing diverse people together as one body in Christ. Using images of Earth seen from space, stories from history, and reflections on contemporary culture, Rev. Galloway invites us to consider the difference between unity and uniformity. Christian unity does not require us to think alike, act alike, or share identical opinions. Rather, it is rooted in the presence of God among us and within us. From the mystery of the Trinity to the life of the church, this sermon reminds us that diversity is not a threat to unity—it is one of God's gifts. We each bring different experiences, perspectives, and talents, yet the Holy Spirit weaves them together into something larger than ourselves. In a culture that often prizes individuality over community, this message offers a compelling vision of belonging: a church where differences are not erased but embraced, where love is greater than division, and where unity becomes a witness to God's presence in the world. If the church is to offer hope to a fractured world, it must first learn to embody the unity for which Christ prayed. What would we see if we could step back and view the whole church as we see our blue planet from space? A fragmented body divided by conflict and fear? Or something beautiful—many people, many gifts, and many voices, united by the Holy Spirit in the love of Christ?
/episode/index/show/fpcclt/id/41496230
info_outline
Heart Surgery
05/26/2026
Heart Surgery
Heart Surgery | Joel 2 & Acts 2 In this Pentecost sermon, Rev. Dr. Lewis Galloway reflects on the story of Pentecost and the radical transformation that takes place when the Holy Spirit gives us a new heart. Drawing from Joel 2 and Acts 2, this message explores repentance not as guilt or shame, but as a turning — a reorientation of the heart toward God and toward one another. Through baptism, community, worship, and the power of the Spirit, ordinary people are invited into a new way of living together. From stories of literal heart surgery to young people inspired to change the world, this sermon reminds us that spiritual transformation does not happen simply by trying harder, but by learning to trust more deeply in the work of God within us. Again and again, Pentecost breaks open closed doors, dismantles fear, and builds bridges between strangers. The Holy Spirit creates a community where people from every language, nation, and background are welcomed together in Christ. Before Pentecost, the disciples gathered in fear behind closed doors. After Pentecost, the church became an open community filled with courage, joy, and hope. This is God’s theater of operation — where anyone and everyone can receive a new heart.
/episode/index/show/fpcclt/id/41426170
info_outline
The Stranger At The Table
05/18/2026
The Stranger At The Table
The Stranger at the Table | Genesis 18:1–15 & Philemon 1–25 In this sermon, Rev. Dr. Lewis Galloway reflects on the deeply Christian practice of hospitality — not simply welcoming friends or familiar faces, but extending love to the stranger, the outsider, and the forgotten. Through the story of Abraham and Sarah welcoming mysterious visitors beneath the trees of Mamre and Paul’s appeal for Philemon to receive the runaway slave Onesimus “no longer as a slave, but more than a slave, a beloved brother,” we are invited to see how the gospel reshapes human relationships and creates a new kind of community rooted in grace. Again and again, this message reminds us that hospitality is more than politeness or kindness. It is love in action. From stories of strangers becoming friends, to churches opening their doors during times of crisis, to moments of reconciliation across racial and social divides, this sermon explores how welcoming others transforms not only the guest, but the host as well. When we open our hearts and tables to others, Christ often meets us there in unexpected ways. And when Jesus sits at the table, we never know what grace might do next.
/episode/index/show/fpcclt/id/41338600
info_outline
Hidden Treasure
05/11/2026
Hidden Treasure
In this sermon, Rev. Dr. Lewis Galloway reflects on Paul’s image of the gospel as a treasure carried in “clay jars.” Through scripture, storytelling, and deeply human examples, we are reminded that God has always chosen ordinary, imperfect people to bear extraordinary grace. Again and again, God works through those who feel unprepared, wounded, weak, or unsure—from Moses and Isaiah to the disciples and the early church. The power of the gospel does not come from polished appearances or human strength, but from the presence of Christ shining through fragile human lives. This message explores what it means to stop confusing the “clay pot” with the treasure inside it. Our wounds, weaknesses, griefs, and imperfections are not obstacles to God’s work—they can become places where healing, hope, and light are shared with others. At a time when fear and exhaustion tempt us to retreat or lose heart, this sermon offers a hopeful reminder: the treasure of the gospel is already within us, and God can use even ordinary lives to bring love, justice, peace, and healing into the world.
/episode/index/show/fpcclt/id/41253230
info_outline
Rooted in the Right Place and Space
05/04/2026
Rooted in the Right Place and Space
What if faith isn’t something you have to manage… but something that grows? In this week’s sermon, Rev. Lucy Crain reflects on the familiar words about the fruit of the Spirit and invites us to hear them not as a checklist to achieve, but as a gift to receive. Through a personal story about stepping into something that felt overwhelming, we are reminded how easy it is to believe we have to get everything right—to keep everything thriving on our own. But fruit isn’t forced. It’s grown. Drawing on Galatians 5 and Psalm 1, and the image of a tree planted by living water, this message explores what it means to be rooted in God rather than in our own striving. When we are grounded in that love, something begins to grow within us—not by effort, but by grace. Love. Joy. Peace. Patience. Kindness. Generosity. Faithfulness. Gentleness. Self-control. Not as expectations—but as signs of life. This sermon is a gentle but powerful invitation to release the pressure of “being enough,” and to trust that God is already at work within you—nourishing, tending, and bringing forth fruit in its own time. Because you don’t have to force what God is already growing.
/episode/index/show/fpcclt/id/41147040
info_outline
Tough Love
04/27/2026
Tough Love
Tough Love | Youth Sunday Sermon | Matthew 5:43–48 On Youth Sunday, the youth of First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte lead us in a powerful reflection on what it means to practice “tough love.”
/episode/index/show/fpcclt/id/41035185
info_outline
Reborn to the Ordinary
04/20/2026
Reborn to the Ordinary
Reborn to the Ordinary | Sermon | Luke 24:13–35 In this Easter season, we turn to the story of the road to Emmaus, where two disciples walk alongside the risen Jesus without recognizing him. In Reborn to the Ordinary, Rev. Anna Dickson reflects on this familiar and mysterious story, inviting us to consider how Christ meets us not only in moments of clarity and joy, but in the ordinary rhythms of our lives—on the road, at the table, and in the midst of confusion and uncertainty. Faith is not always constant or easy to see. Sometimes we recognize God’s presence clearly, and sometimes we don’t. And yet, this story reminds us that Christ is still with us—teaching, nourishing, and walking beside us, even when we are unaware. Through story, humor, and honest reflection, we are invited to see that faith is often sustained in community, in shared memory, and in the simple act of continuing forward together. This is Easter faith—not only in moments of celebration, but in ordinary time. Preached at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte on April 19, 2026.
/episode/index/show/fpcclt/id/40945440
info_outline
Doubting Thomas
04/13/2026
Doubting Thomas
Doubting Thomas | Sermon | John 20:19–31 What if doubt isn’t the opposite of faith—but part of the journey toward it? In this sermon on the story of Thomas in John 20:19–31, we look again at a disciple often remembered only for his doubt. But Thomas isn’t asking for anything the others didn’t receive—he’s asking a deeper question about trust. We are often taught to think of belief and doubt as opposites. But in reality, both are shaped by uncertainty, and both require something more: trust. And trust, by its very nature, makes us vulnerable. In this message, we explore: The relationship between belief, doubt, and trust Why doubt can be a faithful and necessary response What Thomas was really asking when he said, “Show me the wounds” How the wounds of Christ reveal a God who fully enters human suffering What it means to trust a God who meets us in our deepest pain Rather than rebuking Thomas, Jesus meets him with gentleness and grace—offering not certainty, but presence. “Look at my hands… see my side… you are not alone.” This is the kind of God we are invited to trust. Preached at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte on April 12, 2026.
/episode/index/show/fpcclt/id/40860830
info_outline
Life Before Us
04/07/2026
Life Before Us
Life Before Us | Easter Sermon | Matthew 28:1–10 What if the resurrection is not only about what happens after we die—but about the life set before us right now? In this Easter sermon, Life Before Us, Dr. Lewis Galloway reflects on the story of the women at the empty tomb, who arrive expecting death but are met with something entirely different. Their assumptions are shattered as they hear the words: “He is not here… he has been raised.” This message invites us to consider how our own assumptions—about what is possible, about how life turns out, and about what God will or won’t do—can quietly shape the way we live. In this sermon, we explore: How assumptions can limit hope, faith, and imagination Why we often settle for cautious, diminished lives What it means for the resurrection to disrupt what we think is final How Jesus meets us not just in extraordinary moments, but in the ordinary places of our daily lives—our own “Galilee” Easter is not simply the end of the story. It is an invitation to see differently, to live differently, and to trust that God’s life is already at work in the world around us. Preached at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte on Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026.
/episode/index/show/fpcclt/id/40762475
info_outline
Shaking the City
03/30/2026
Shaking the City
Shaking the City | Palm Sunday Sermon | Matthew 21:1–10 What happens when Jesus enters a city—and everything begins to shift? In this Palm Sunday sermon, Shaking the City, Dr. Lewis Galloway reflects on Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, where celebration and expectation quickly give way to something deeper. The crowds shout “Hosanna!”, but beneath the surface, the whole city is stirred—unsettled, even shaken. This message invites us to consider what it means for Jesus to enter not just a city, but our lives. In this sermon, we explore: The difference between celebration and true transformation The temptation to settle for comfortable or convenient faith What it means to live fully rather than “partly living” How following Jesus may disrupt our routines and assumptions Why Christ becomes the only unshakable foundation in our lives As we begin Holy Week, we are invited not just to observe the story—but to step into it. To follow Jesus in a way that may stretch us, challenge us, and ultimately reshape how we live. Preached at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte on March 29, 2026.
/episode/index/show/fpcclt/id/40672770
info_outline
Lenten Devotional March 29
03/29/2026
Lenten Devotional March 29
In today’s video devotional, Rev. Anna Dickson reflects on the quiet, surprising ending to Jesus’ triumphal entry: after the fanfare and palm branches, he simply returns to Bethany for the night. Rather than claiming power, Jesus chooses presence — resting, sharing meals, and tending to his companions before facing what lies ahead. Today’s devotional invites us to do the same, remembering that before we confront difficult work, we, too, must be grounded in grace, relationship, and the steady care of God. Subscribe to daily devotionals sent to your inbox every morning in Lent at fpc.tiny.us/news.
/episode/index/show/fpcclt/id/40242895
info_outline
Set Free for This?
03/24/2026
Set Free for This?
Set Free for This? | A Sermon on Wilderness, Thirst, and Honest Faith What do you do when faith doesn’t feel like it’s working anymore? In this sermon, Set Free for This?, Rev. Anna Dickson reflects on Exodus 17:1–7, where the Israelites, newly freed from Egypt, find themselves in the wilderness—thirsty, frustrated, and wondering, “Is the Lord among us or not?” Rather than dismissing their complaints, this message invites us to see them for what they are: not shallow grumbling, but honest cries from people in real need. Because this isn’t about small inconveniences—it’s about thirst. It’s about the deep human longing for something more than we can provide for ourselves. In this sermon, we reflect on: Why wilderness seasons are part of the life of faith The difference between surface complaints and deeper spiritual longing How Lent invites us into honesty rather than performance What it means to trust God when familiar signs of God’s presence disappear The good news that God meets us even in the wilderness In a culture of quick answers and easy spirituality, this message invites us to something deeper: to tell the truth about our lives, to acknowledge our thirst, and to trust that even in the most barren places, God is still at work—bringing living water from unexpected places. Preached at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte on March 22, 2026.
/episode/index/show/fpcclt/id/40604060
info_outline
Lenten Devotional March 22
03/22/2026
Lenten Devotional March 22
In today’s video devotional, Rev. Lucy Crain reflects on the story from John’s Gospel as a Lenten invitation to self-examination — urging us to resist judgment, acknowledge our need for mercy, and receive grace as a gift that transforms. The focus shifts away from the woman’s sin and toward our own hearts, inviting us to live with deeper humility, compassion, and trust in God’s grace. Subscribe to daily devotionals sent to your inbox every morning in Lent at fpc.tiny.us/news.
/episode/index/show/fpcclt/id/40242870
info_outline
Boundless
03/16/2026
Boundless
Boundless | Fifth Sunday in Lent What happens when we discover that God’s compassion extends far beyond the people we expect? In this sermon, we explore the often-overlooked story of Hagar and Ishmael, a story of abandonment in the wilderness and the God who hears the cry of the forgotten. Again and again throughout Scripture, God’s mercy reaches beyond the boundaries humans create. Through the story of Hagar and Jesus’ welcome of children, this message invites us to consider what it means for the church to embody the boundless compassion of God in a world marked by suffering, injustice, and division.
/episode/index/show/fpcclt/id/40498935
info_outline
Lenten Devotional March 15
03/15/2026
Lenten Devotional March 15
In today’s video devotional, Rev. Lewis Galloway discusses how Jesus blessing the children becomes a lens for reflecting on God’s habit of reversing human values. Where the world overlooks the small and powerless, Jesus stops, gathers the children close, and offers blessing and belonging. This act echoes a broader biblical theme in which God lifts up the lowly and calls care and attention to those on the margins. During Lent, we are invited to examine our own assumptions about importance and power, and to listen for how Christ is calling us to care for “the least of these.” Subscribe to daily devotionals sent to your inbox every morning in Lent at fpc.tiny.us/news.
/episode/index/show/fpcclt/id/40242690
info_outline
Holy Waste
03/09/2026
Holy Waste
Holy Waste | A Sermon on Extravagant Grace What if the most meaningful acts of faith look wasteful to the world? Reflecting on 1 Kings 17:7–16 and Luke 7:36–50, this sermon explores how God’s grace moves us beyond careful calculation into lives of generous love and gratitude. In this sermon, Holy Waste, Rev. Dr. Lewis Galloway reflects on moments when faith calls us beyond practicality into something generous, extravagant, and deeply sacred. Drawing from the story of the widow of Zarephath who shares her last meal with the prophet Elijah, and the unnamed woman who pours costly perfume on Jesus’ feet, this message invites us to consider how encounters with God’s grace inspire acts of courageous generosity and devotion. In this episode, we reflect on: The meaning of “holy waste” in the life of faith How gratitude for God’s grace leads to extravagant love Why faith sometimes calls us beyond practicality How generosity and worship reshape our understanding of time and value When we encounter God’s grace, we are invited to pour out the “alabaster jar” of our lives—the gifts, time, and love we have been given—in acts of gratitude and compassion. Preached on March 8, 2026, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte.
/episode/index/show/fpcclt/id/40367710
info_outline
Lenten Devotional March 8
03/08/2026
Lenten Devotional March 8
In today’s video devotional, Rev. Anna Dickson reflects on the woman who interrupts a Pharisee’s dinner to anoint Jesus with tears and costly perfume, crossing every social and religious boundary along the way. While others see only her sin and impropriety, Jesus receives her honest, unguarded love as a beautiful gift and blesses her without hesitation. Her bold vulnerability becomes a picture of grace—reminding us that we don’t have to polish ourselves or earn our place at God’s table. Subscribe to daily devotionals sent to your inbox every morning in Lent at fpc.tiny.us/news.
/episode/index/show/fpcclt/id/40242650
info_outline
Bread For All
03/02/2026
Bread For All
Bread for All | From Scarcity to God’s Abundance Is there ever enough? In this sermon, Bread for All, Rev. Dr. Lewis Galloway reflects on Exodus 16:2–4, 9–15 and Mark 6:32–44, where God feeds the Israelites with manna in the wilderness, and Jesus feeds thousands with only a few loaves and fish. Both stories begin in places of worry and scarcity — people who are hungry, tired, and unsure whether their needs will be met. Yet again and again, God responds not with limitation, but with provision. Before teaching, before instruction, Jesus feeds the crowd, reminding us that God’s care is practical, embodied, and meant for everyone. In this message, we reflect on: How scarcity shapes our fears and decisions What it means to trust God for daily bread The connection between compassion, generosity, and faith Jesus as both Good Shepherd and Bread of Life How sharing transforms communities from anxiety to abundance As we journey through Lent, this sermon invites us to notice where fear tells us there is not enough — and to rediscover the freedom that comes from trusting in God’s abundance. Preached at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte on March 1, 2026.
/episode/index/show/fpcclt/id/40281770
info_outline
Lenten Devotional March 1
03/01/2026
Lenten Devotional March 1
In today’s video devotional, Lucy Baum reflects on Jesus’ compassion for the crowd and the surprising abundance that unfolds in a deserted place. While the disciples see only scarcity and send people elsewhere, Jesus calls them to trust what they already have and share it. Whether through miracle or generosity, God turns small offerings into more than enough. The story reminds us that God’s grace meets us right where we are, transforming even deserted places into spaces of grace, generosity, and unexpected provision. Subscribe to daily devotionals sent to your inbox every morning in Lent at fpc.tiny.us/news
/episode/index/show/fpcclt/id/40242580
info_outline
Small Seed, Big Bloom
02/23/2026
Small Seed, Big Bloom
Small Seed, Big Bloom | A Sermon on Hidden Faith and God’s Surprising Work What if the kingdom of heaven is already growing — quietly and invisibly — within us? In Small Seed, Big Bloom, guest preacher Rev. Cecelia D. Armstrong, Co-Moderator of the PC(USA) General Assembly, reflects on Matthew 13:31–33, where Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to a mustard seed: small, easily overlooked, yet capable of transforming everything around it. Preached on February 22, 2026, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte, this sermon invites us to look beyond expectations of rapid growth or visible success and instead pay attention to what God may be nurturing beneath the surface. Rather than focusing only on dramatic expansion, this message asks a deeper question: What is hidden within you that God is waiting to bring to life? In this sermon, we reflect on: The surprising and sometimes disruptive nature of God’s kingdom Why faith does not always grow in predictable ways How God works through what is unseen and unexpected Discovering the gifts and calling hidden within us Trusting that small seeds of faith can lead to transformative change As we journey through Lent, this sermon invites quiet introspection — noticing what God has already planted within us and allowing that hidden seed of faith to grow for the sake of our community and the world.
/episode/index/show/fpcclt/id/40199270
info_outline
The Reconciliation of All Things
02/16/2026
The Reconciliation of All Things
The Reconciliation of All Things | A Sermon for an Anxious World When the world feels fractured and uncertain, what does Christian hope look like? In this sermon, The Reconciliation of All Things, Rev. Dr. Lewis Galloway reflects on Amos 5:18–24 and Matthew 17:1–9 to explore how justice, glory, and reconciliation belong together. Amos calls God’s people beyond hollow worship toward justice that “rolls down like waters,” while the Transfiguration reveals Christ’s radiant glory — a vision meant not to remove us from the world, but to steady us for life within it. In this message, we consider: Why worship and justice cannot be separated The danger of assuming God is automatically on our side How the mountaintop vision strengthens us for the valley What it means to participate in God’s work of reconciliation How trusting God’s larger purposes frees us from anxious striving The future does not depend on our fear or frantic control. It belongs to God. And that frees us to live with courage, clarity, and compassion here and now.
/episode/index/show/fpcclt/id/40125620
info_outline
Form and Content
02/09/2026
Form and Content
In this sermon, “Form and Content,” Rev. Anna Dickson reflects on how the way we share the gospel must match the heart of the gospel itself. Drawing on Exodus 4:10–16 and 1 Corinthians 2:1–12, this message explores Paul’s decision to proclaim Christ not through polished speech, persuasive technique, or displays of strength, but through humility, vulnerability, and trust in the Spirit. At the center of the sermon is the conviction that the good news of Jesus Christ is the good news of a crucified love—and that only love can truly carry that message. This sermon invites us to consider what it looks like to embody what we proclaim, how God’s power is revealed in weakness, and how the church can offer a credible and hopeful witness in a weary and divided world—when our lives reflect the love we speak about. Sermon preached by Rev. Anna R. Dickson on February 8, 2026, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. Scripture readings: Exodus 4:10–16 and 1 Corinthians 2:1–12.
/episode/index/show/fpcclt/id/40047570
info_outline
Why Didn't I See That?
02/02/2026
Why Didn't I See That?
Why Didn’t I See That? | A Sermon on Practicing Love in Plain Sight What if the greatest surprise of faith is not what we believe—but who we fail to notice? In this sermon, Why Didn’t I See That?, Rev. Dr. Lewis Galloway reflects on Jesus’ parable of the sheep and the goats and the unsettling realization that Christ is already present among us—especially in people who are hungry, forgotten, overlooked, or struggling. Drawing from Ezekiel 34:1–6, 11–16 and Matthew 25:31–46, this message invites us to listen for God’s voice in places we may have learned to pass by. It gently challenges the way we measure faith and reminds us that discipleship is formed not only by what we believe, but by how love quietly shapes our daily choices. In this episode, you are invited to reflect on: Why so much goodness goes unnoticed until it is too late What Jesus means when he says, “you did it to me” How compassion becomes a habit of the heart Why the practice of love matters more than religious arguments If you’ve ever wondered how to live faithfully in a world full of need, division, and distraction, this sermon offers a clear and hopeful word: Christ is already near—and love is the way we learn to see.
/episode/index/show/fpcclt/id/39967285
info_outline
For Such a Time as This
01/20/2026
For Such a Time as This
For Such a Time as This | A Sermon on Fate, Calling, and Courage In this sermon, we reflect on For Such a Time as This and the enduring human question of how we discover our purpose in a world shaped by forces we did not choose—and what it means to respond when a moment of moral clarity and courage is placed before us. This sermon was preached by Rev. Dr. Lewis Galloway on January 18, 2026, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte, on the Second Sunday after Epiphany. The scripture readings for this message are Romans 12:9–21 and Esther 4:1–17. January 18, 2026 Bulletin Drawing from the story of Queen Esther, this sermon explores the difference between fate—the circumstances we are born into or find ourselves in—and destiny—the calling we discover when we listen for God’s voice and choose to act. Esther’s story becomes a lens for our own time, when silence, comfort, or going with the flow can feel easier than risk, truth, or faithfulness. In this message, we explore: The tension between fate and God-given purpose How calling often emerges in moments of crisis The courage to speak and act for the sake of others What it means to live a transformed life shaped by love, justice, and hope Whether you are joining us from Charlotte or beyond, this sermon offers a thoughtful and timely invitation to listen for what God is asking of us—not in some abstract future, but here and now, in the world as it is. Subscribe for sermons, reflections, and stories from First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. Topics: Esther sermon, for such a time as this, Christian calling, courage and faith, Romans 12, purpose and destiny, discipleship, Christian ethics
/episode/index/show/fpcclt/id/39799850
info_outline
Will These Bones Live?
01/12/2026
Will These Bones Live?
Will These Bones Live? | A Sermon on Hope in Desolate Places What do you do when a situation—personal, communal, or even global—feels beyond repair? In this sermon, Will These Bones Live?, Rev. Dr. Jacqueline Lapsley reflects on Ezekiel’s haunting vision of the valley of dry bones and the deeply human question it asks: Is new life still possible here? Preached on January 11, 2026, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte, this message draws from Ezekiel 37:1–14 and Ephesians 2:1–10 to explore how God’s Spirit meets us not in mild discouragement, but in places of real loss, exhaustion, and devastation. This sermon invites you to consider: Where you may have stopped expecting renewal What it means to tell the truth about how dry things really are How God’s breath brings life in ways we cannot manufacture or control Why hope is not denial, but a form of courage If you are carrying grief, weariness, or a sense that something in your life or in the world is beyond saving, this sermon offers a steady, honest, and deeply hopeful word: God is still at work, even here.
/episode/index/show/fpcclt/id/39703215
info_outline
The Rebirth of Wonder
01/05/2026
The Rebirth of Wonder
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 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: How wonder expands faith when anxiety narrows it The Magi as models of curiosity, courage, and attentiveness Following God’s light without needing certainty or control 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. Subscribe for sermons, reflections, and stories from First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. Topics: Epiphany sermon, wonder and anxiety, rebirth of wonder, Matthew 2 sermon, following the star, Christian hope, light of Christ
/episode/index/show/fpcclt/id/39618210
info_outline
Nurturing Jesus
01/02/2026
Nurturing Jesus
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 Mary’s role in nurturing Jesus—from presenting him in the temple to pondering his life in her heart—and how her attentiveness, faith, and perseverance model a way of discipleship grounded in care and trust. The message reminds us that Jesus is formed not only through miracles and proclamation, but through ordinary acts of love, presence, and devotion. In this message, we explore: Mary’s role in nurturing and forming the life of Jesus Faithfulness through care, patience, and trust The sacredness of ordinary moments in spiritual growth How we are called to nurture Christ’s presence in the world today Whether you are joining us from Charlotte or beyond, this sermon offers a gentle and hope-filled reflection on how the promise of Christmas continues through the quiet, faithful work of nurturing love. Subscribe for sermons, reflections, and stories from First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. Topics: Mary in the Gospel of Luke, Christmas sermon, nurturing faith, Luke 2 sermon, discipleship, spiritual growth, First Sunday of Christmas, Christian reflection
/episode/index/show/fpcclt/id/39590925