Pulpit Fiction Podcast

688: Proper 17A OT22 (8/30/2026)

In this episode of the Pulpit Fiction Podcast, hosts Robb McCoy and Eric Fistler discuss the lectionary texts for Proper 17, focusing on Matthew 16:21-28, where Jesus predicts his suffering and challenges his disciples to understand the true nature of discipleship. They explore the implications of following a Christ who leads to the cross, the cost of discipleship, and the importance of inviting transformation within the church community. The conversation also touches on contemporary issues such as climate change and the responsibilities of faith leaders. In this episode, Eric Fistler and Robb McCoy explore themes of calling, community service, and the significance of curiosity in faith. They discuss the challenges of volunteerism in church, the resources provided by Sanctified Art for worship, and delve into the biblical narrative of Moses and the burning bush. The conversation emphasizes the importance of curiosity in encountering the divine and the complexities of Moses' reluctant response to God's call, ultimately highlighting the relational aspect of faith and the call to serve others. Notes Matthew 16:21-28 Exodus 3:1-15 Chapters 00:00 Introduction and episode overview 01:55 Climate change and community updates 06:05 Good news from Matthew 16: Jesus predicts his suffering 12:10 Peter's declaration and Jesus' rebuke: from rock to stumbling block 19:46 The call to follow Jesus and take up the cross 32:12 Moses' encounter with the burning bush 40:02 The ordinariness of Moses' life and divine curiosity 49:59 God's call and Moses' reluctance 52:05 The significance of God's name 'I Am' and divine presence

REBROADCAST 555: Proper 16A for 8/23/2026

8/23/2026 REBROADCAST 555: Proper 16A (August 27, 2023) Hello and welcome to the Pulpit Fiction Podcast, the lectionary podcast for preachers, seekers and Bible geeks. This is episode 555 for Sunday, August 27, 2023, Proper 16, Ordinary 21, Year A. Matthew 16:13-20 Who do you say that I am? Exodus 1:8-2:10 Shiphrah, Puah, and Miriam Romans 12:1-8 Living sacrifice with Robin Lovett-Owen

686: Proper 15A OT20 (8/16/2026)

Notes Matthew 15:(10-20) 21-28 Genesis 45:1-15 This episode of *Pulpit Fiction* covers two lectionary texts: Matthew 15:10 to 28 amd Genesis 45:1 to 15. Robb McCoy and Eric Fistler focus especially on the tension between purity, inclusion, and repentance, with close attention to Jesus and the Canaanite woman, and Joseph's reunion with his brothers. (00:00) Episode intro and the lectionary texts for Proper 15A   (01:35) Listener emails, including Mabel Laird's insight on Matthew 21   (05:57) Matthew 15 begins: what contaminates a person and the Canaanite woman   (08:24) Why verses 10 to 20 matter for the meaning of the story   (10:54) Jesus as one who is challenged and changed   (13:54) The theological risk of saying Jesus grew here   (15:49) The feeding of the 4,000 and the meaning of the leftovers   (17:00) The Canaanite woman will not be silenced   (19:09) Why this reading matters politically now   (20:28) Jesus' deeper debate about purity, harm, and righteousness   (22:17) Feasting on the Word quote on radical hospitality   (23:41) Strength in changing after losing the argument   (24:06) Pharisees, Jewish debate, and internal theological conflict   (26:47) Why the feeding of the 5,000 sets up the conflict   (28:16) Face to face encounter versus abstract condemnation   (30:55) Genesis 45: Joseph reveals himself to his brothers   (33:01) Why verse 8 is the hardest line in the Joseph story   (35:11) Forgiveness, race, and the pressure placed on the wounded   (38:30) The danger of romanticizing forgiveness without truth   (40:33) Privilege and the ability to ignore suffering   (42:23) Joseph's forgiveness is his prerogative, not everyone's   (44:19) God working for good without justifying evil   (47:15) Modern parallels, including fear, power, and replacement anxieties   (48:37) Closing announcements and support information

685: Proper 14A OT19 (8/9/2026)

Notes Matthew 14:22-33 Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28 In this episode, we explore the profound lessons from the story of Peter walking on water, emphasizing the importance of faith, self-trust, and the need for self-care in ministry. We discuss how these biblical insights can inspire and guide contemporary faith practices. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the episode and main themes 01:53 Jesus walking on water and the disciples' fear 05:07 Peter's bold request to walk on water 08:06 The significance of faith and doubt in the story 11:55 Jesus' encouragement and the meaning of 'little faith' 16:03 The importance of self-care and taking time for prayer 20:07 Lessons on failure, trying, and trusting in God 24:04 The paradox of boldness and humility in faith 27:50 Application to ministry and personal life 32:12 The story of Joseph and family cycles of favoritism 38:09 The brutal reality of family dysfunction and systemic injustice 43:52 The importance of honest storytelling and historical awareness 50:09 Hope, resilience, and the journey toward wholeness

684: Proper 13A OT18 (8/2/2026)

Notes Matthew 14:13-21 Genesis 32:22-31 Join us as we explore the rich biblical stories of the feeding of the five thousand and Jacob's wrestling with God, delving into themes of abundance, compassion, and faith's struggles. This episode offers deep insights into scripture's relevance for faith and life today. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the episode and biblical context 05:13 The feeding of the five thousand: story and significance 07:22 Reframing communion through the miracle of abundance 11:29 Contrast of banquets: violence vs. compassion 16:19 Psalm 23 and the Good Shepherd imagery 20:33 Temptations and the kingdom of God 22:12 Jesus' ministry of feeding and inclusion 33:25 Jacob's wrestling with God: story and symbolism 34:35 Jacob's encounter and transformation 40:31 Jacob's complex character and faith journey 42:04 God's naming of Jacob and the wrestling with identity 46:32 The importance of wrestling with faith and faults 48:52 Reflections on faith, forgiveness, and humility