Pulpit Fiction Podcast

Notes Matthew 22:34-46 Deuteronomy 34:1-12 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8 In this episode of the Pulpit Fiction Podcast, hosts Robb McCoy and Eric Fistler discuss the lectionary readings for the week, focusing on the greatest commandment from Matthew, the death of Moses from Deuteronomy, and the implications of these texts for faith and community. They reflect on the importance of asking questions in faith, the role of love in the Christian mission, and the legacy of Moses as a leader. The conversation emphasizes the need for engagement and understanding in theological discussions, as well as the significance of community service and support. In this conversation, Robb McCoy and Eric Fistler explore the themes surrounding the death of Moses, the conclusion of the Torah, and the significance of choosing life over mere destination. They discuss the importance of lamentation in contemporary culture, particularly in the context of loss and grief, and how it relates to moving forward as a community. The conversation transitions into the teachings of Thessalonians, emphasizing the call to community and the challenges of maintaining authenticity in a world that often values popularity over truth. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the episode and guest 04:11 Overview of the week's lectionary passages 07:49 The question about the Messiah's identity 11:53 The importance of questions in faith and theology 14:08 Legalism, debate, and the wisdom of Jesus 15:58 The love of God, neighbor, and self as a mission 19:52 The challenge of authentic engagement and questions 21:49 The variations of the Great Commandment in Scripture 24:10 Understanding the Hebrew concepts of heart, soul, and strength 25:54 The biblical roots of loving one's neighbor 28:06 The importance of justice and compassion in love 30:10 The death of Moses and its theological reflections 33:58 Moses' final moments and leadership transition 36:06 The end of the Torah and the journey of Israel 37:56 The promise and ambiguity of the promised land 40:05 The ongoing journey of faith and community 41:55 Lamentation, mourning, and moving forward 44:11 The cultural and spiritual significance of mourning periods 46:03 The importance of lament and shared grief 47:53 The influence of culture on faith and leadership 50:08 Reflections on community, leadership, and legacy 52:10 The call to love and serve in faith 53:46 The challenge of authenticity and vulnerability 56:05 The influence of culture on Christian leadership 57:48 The importance of sharing our lives and struggles 59:48 The dangers of seeking popularity over faithfulness 01:01:51 The role of influence and humility in ministry 01:03:52 Supporting the podcast and community engagement 01:05:00 Closing thoughts and gratitude

Notes Matthew 22:15-22 Exodus 33:12-23 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 In this episode of the Pulpit Fiction Podcast, hosts Eric Fistler and Rob McCoy explore the lectionary texts for the week, including Matthew 22, Exodus 33, and First Thessalonians. They discuss the significance of these passages for preaching and the themes of hypocrisy, divine presence, and stewardship. The conversation highlights the relationship between Jesus and the Pharisees, as well as Moses' request to see God's glory. The hosts encourage listeners to engage deeply with scripture and reflect on their faith. In this conversation, Eric Fistler and Robb McCoy explore the intimate dialogue between Moses and God, emphasizing the nature of faith, the mystery of God, and the importance of community. They discuss the context of First Thessalonians, highlighting the significance of gratitude and the joy of serving in the church. The conversation encourages listeners to embrace uncertainty in their faith journey while recognizing the communal aspect of being chosen by God. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Pulpit Fiction Podcast 03:42 Exploring the Texts: Matthew, Exodus, and Thessalonians 04:12 The Tax Trap: Jesus and the Pharisees 25:22 Moses in the Presence of the Lord 30:04 Moses and God's Intimate Dialogue 35:16 The Nature of Faith and Certainty 39:00 Embracing the Mystery of God 42:00 Introduction to First Thessalonians 44:06 Understanding the Context of Thessalonica 47:57 Celebrating Community and Gratitude 51:04 The Joy of Serving and Imitating Christ

Notes

Notes Matthew 21:33-46 Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20 In this episode of the Pulpit Fiction Podcast, hosts Eric Fistler and Rob McCoy delve into the parable of the wicked tenants from Matthew 21. They explore the implications of the parable in the context of Jewish leadership and the rejection of prophets, emphasizing the need for accountability and the importance of producing good fruits in ministry. The conversation highlights the role of empathy and transformation in addressing issues of injustice and the call for churches to reflect on their impact in the community. The episode also touches on the significance of stewardship and the responsibility of congregations to care for the least of these. In this episode, Eric Fistler and Robb McCoy delve into the themes of worship, the significance of the Ten Commandments, and the relevance of the Sabbath in contemporary life. They explore the importance of benedictions in worship, the need for a holistic understanding of the commandments, and the implications of misusing God's name. The conversation emphasizes the commandments' role in fostering community and justice, while also challenging listeners to examine their priorities and the cultural relevance of these ancient laws. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Parable of the Wicked Tenants 02:28 Context of the Parable in Matthew 21 04:00 Jesus' Parable and Its Immediate Response 05:22 Historical and Theological Interpretations 07:38 Addressing Anti-Semitism and Misinterpretations 09:15 Justice, Injustice, and Modern Applications 12:02 Hope and New Leadership in the Parable 16:37 The Role of Empathy and Compassion 22:51 God's Response and the Rejection of Violence 24:38 Invitation to Justice and Transformation 27:43 Sanctified Art Advent Resources 31:21 Exodus 20 and the Ten Commandments 34:16 The Heart of the Commandments: Love and Rest 39:40 Living the Commandments Today 44:31 Misusing the Name of God and Justice 48:15 Universal Humanity and the Commandments 50:22 Justice in Society and Economy 52:13 Closing and Call to Reflection

Notes Matthew 21:23-32 Exodus 17:1-7 In this episode of the Pulpit Fiction Podcast, hosts Robb McCoy and Eric Fistler delve into the Gospel of Matthew, focusing on the theme of authority as Jesus confronts the religious leaders. They explore the implications of the parable of the two sons, discussing how authority is perceived and challenged in contemporary ministry. The conversation emphasizes the importance of recognizing the voices of marginalized individuals and the transformative nature of Jesus' message. In this episode, Robb McCoy and Eric Fistler discuss the importance of conviction and truth in faith, the resources available for understanding scripture, and the lessons from Exodus about community and leadership. They emphasize the need for compassion and sustained care in addressing the basic needs of individuals, while also exploring the role of faith in fostering a supportive community. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Pulpit Fiction Podcast 01:00 Gospel Reading and Contextual Setup 05:00 Exploring Authority in the Gospel of Matthew 13:46 The Parable of the Two Sons and Its Implications 21:00 The Nature of Authority and Its Relevance Today 26:07 The Power of Conviction and Truth 28:14 Resources for Understanding Scripture 33:36 Exploring Exodus: Water from the Rock 49:20 Community and Leadership in Faith