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

1. Matthew 16:21-28
2. 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

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.

1. Matthew 16:13-20 Who do you say that I am?
2. Exodus 1:8-2:10 Shiphrah, Puah, and Miriam
3. Romans 12:1-8 Living sacrifice with Robin Lovett-Owen

Notes

• Matthew 15:(10-20) 21-28
• Genesis 45:1-15

This episode explores the complex and transformative stories of Jesus' interactions with the Canaanite woman and the story of Joseph, highlighting themes of growth, forgiveness, and social justice.

(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

Notes

1. Matthew 14:22-33
2. 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

Notes

1. Matthew 14:13-21
2. 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

7/26/2026 REBROADCAST

551: Proper 12A (July 30, 2023)

Welcome to the Pulpit Fiction Podcast, the lectionary podcast for preachers, seekers and Bible geeks. This is episode 551 for Sunday, July 30, 2023, Proper 12, Ordinary 17, Year A.

• Romans 8:26-39 Nothing Can Separate Us - No voice in the wilderness - checkout previous show.

• Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 Mustard Seed, Yeast, Pearls and the Kingdom of God

• Genesis 29:15-28 Jacob's Sister Wives

Robb hosting a men's retreat in Wheatland. Go to chmiowa.org, go to News and Events, select Prairie Calendar, then find his "Big Steppers" retreat.

Notes

1. Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43

2. Genesis 28:10-19a

Notes

1. Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23
2. Genesis 25:19-34

In this episode, we explore the parable of the soils from Matthew 13, examining its themes of faith, receptivity, and the nature of God's grace. We also discuss the story of Jacob and Esau from Genesis 25, highlighting themes of family dynamics, favoritism, and divine purpose.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Pulpit Fiction Podcast 05:12 Exploring the Parable of the Soils 10:26 The Role of the Sower 16:24 Judgment and Compassion in the Parable 19:38 Tending the Garden: Community and Support 22:23 The Fruit of the Spirit and Generosity 24:53 The Nature of Soil and Spiritual Growth 27:00 Deconstruction and Spiritual Resilience 29:47 Exploring the Abrahamic Narratives 31:40 The Rivalry of Jacob and Esau 39:01 Subversion of Norms in Biblical Narratives 44:58 Tension and Resolution in Family Dynamics

Notes

1. Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30
2. Genesis 24:34-38, 42-49, 58-67

In this episode, Robb and Eric explore the depths of biblical stories, focusing on themes of agency, justice, and the critique of Christian nationalism. They analyze passages from Matthew and Genesis, offering insights into how these texts challenge and inspire faith communities today.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Pulpit Fiction Podcast 01:14 Personal Reflections on Grief and Community Engagement 02:40 Experiences from Camp and Annual Conference 03:46 Pride Celebrations and Community Involvement 04:47 Cultural Reflections on Weddings and Traditions 05:42 World Cup Excitement and Cultural Commentary 06:12 Navigating the 250th Anniversary of the U.S. 11:10 Exploring the Gospel Reading from Matthew 11 12:05 Contextualizing Jesus' Teachings and Condemnations 18:32 The Invitation to Transformation and Rest 25:21 Orthodoxy vs. Orthopraxis 26:24 Christian Nationalism and Its Implications 27:22 Wisdom and Justice in the Pursuit of Faith 28:43 Liberation from Burdens of Patriarchy 30:02 The Story of Isaac and Rebecca 34:03 Rebecca's Agency and Power 39:06 The Complexity of Family Narratives 42:51 Critiquing Biblical Narratives 49:04 Love and Agency in Relationships

Notes

1. Matthew 10:40-42
2. Genesis 22:1-14

In this episode, we explore the challenging and complex stories of Genesis 22 and Matthew 10, examining themes of faith, sacrifice, hospitality, and God's justice. Join us as we unpack these biblical narratives and their relevance today.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Pulpit Fiction Podcast 01:22 Contemplative Prayer and Its Importance 05:39 Exploring the Good News in Matthew 10 10:03 The Role of Prophets and Righteousness 16:34 The Challenge of Radical Hospitality 19:02 Historical Context of Jesus' Teachings 21:36 The Rewards of Recognition 22:13 The Temptation of Celebrity in Faith 23:40 The Complexity of Hospitality and Power 25:01 Human Connection: Offering Water as a Gesture 27:13 Exploring Genesis 22: The Test of Abraham 29:28 God Who Sees: Connections to Hagar's Story 32:06 The Problematic Nature of Sacrifice 34:54 Cultural Context of Sacrifice in Faith 37:45 Rejecting Child Sacrifice: A Broader Message 40:28 The Finality of Abraham's Test

Notes

1. Matthew 10:24-39
2. Genesis 21:8-21

In this episode, we explore the challenging teachings of Jesus in Matthew 10, the story of Hagar in Genesis 21, and their implications for faith, family, and social justice. We also discuss the importance of context, interpretation, and standing with the marginalized.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Pulpit Fiction Podcast 02:00 Weather and Climate Change Discussion 02:46 Pride Month and Community Engagement 07:11 Exploring the Gospel of Matthew 09:11 Understanding Jesus's Family Values 15:00 The Complexity of Jesus's Teachings 21:12 The Importance of Chosen Community 25:52 Navigating Family Dynamics and Faith 30:18 Exploring Genesis: The Story of Hagar and Ishmael 45:39 The Legacy of Hagar: Liberation and Marginalization