Podcasts about pulpitfiction

Year A – Fourth Sunday of Easter – April 26, 2026 Pastor Megan Floyd Acts 2:42-47 Psalm 23 1 Peter 2:18-25 John 10:1-10 Grace and peace to you from God and the Holy Spirit, and from Jesus Christ, who came so that we may have life, and have it abundantly. Amen. *** The Common English Bible translation of John 10:10 reads, "I came so that they could have life - indeed, so that they could live life to the fullest." I share that… because I've often heard this verse misconstrued as promoting the acquisition of wealth and power. …choosing instead to understand Jesus to mean a "life of abundance" rather than… "abundant life." The abundance that Jesus has in mind… the fullness of life… isn't a life of material wealth, but rather, it is a life that is full of love and intimacy with God, and with Creation… like that of the trusted companionship of sheep and their shepherd. But this comparison of sheep and shepherds… and of Jesus being the gate to the protective enclosure of the fold… it doesn't come out of nowhere… Jesus is speaking to the Pharisees, who have accused him of being against God after he healed the man who was born blind… A man who proclaimed Jesus to be from God… and that Jesus must be the Messiah. He came to this conclusion after having worked out the only possible explanation of his miraculous healing… and for his proclamation, the Pharisees cast him out of their community. And Jesus, ever the Good Shepherd, finds that man again… and returns him to the safety of the fold among his disciples. Jesus protects him from those who would do him harm on account of his being a follower of Jesus. Jesus is the shepherd who protects his flock, not for the sake of harvesting wool or mutton, but rather for the sake of the sheep themselves… So the sheep may have lives that are flourishing… thriving… abundant… so we may have the very fullness of life. And by identifying himself as the gate, Jesus proclaims that through him, the sheep will find protection from the dangers of the night, and in the morning, it is through him that they will go out to green pastures to find nourishment. And we, who are the sheep, know and follow the sound of our shepherd's voice… not because we are mindless, but because we recognize that our shepherd has our best interests at heart, and also, we rejoice and glorify God …and so we live in a relationship of mutuality with our shepherd. The abundant life that Jesus longs for us to have… the fullness of life… is one that is full of love… full of grace and mercy… full of community that genuinely cares for one another and ensures that all are provided for and all are safe from harm. The abundant life that Jesus longs for us to have is built on faith, which manifests itself as experiential love and trust, and shapes the way we live. Yes, that…. That is abundant life… It looks a lot like the community described in our reading from Acts 2… which gives the four marks of a faithful community: they are devoted to the teachings of the apostles, to fellowship, to sharing meals with each other, and to prayer. And equally so, an abundant life looks like the trust proclaimed in Psalm 23… of being led to green pastures where no one goes hungry… of a cup that overflows so there is plenty to share. An abundant life looks like pausing long enough to appreciate all God has done for us, and trusting that God's goodness and mercy pursue us always. Yes, that is abundant life… life lived to the fullest. It's a glimpse of what the full kindom of heaven looks like… a glimpse of what we are building as we live together as children of God, grounded in our faith… in our trust in God's promise and provision. I appreciate this glimpse of abundant life in our reading from Acts and the Psalms… but you might be wondering how the suffering that Peter writes about comes into play. This one is difficult for our modern ears to hear, and we really should not hear it without also acknowledging the immense harm that has been done at the knife's edge of these words. This passage seems to glorify suffering and has led many to seek suffering. But moreover, it takes an even more chilling tone when we include the verse immediately before our selection… a verse our reading left off… Verse 18… which is… "Slaves, accept the authority of your masters with all deference, not only those who are kind and gentle but also those who are harsh." …the text goes on, then, to talk about suffering for Christ. I knew this woman who got married young and then found herself in an abusive and oppressive marriage. She had two kids and was torn between her drive to protect herself and her children… and her marriage vows, which she had taken seriously. She consulted the pastor of her non-denominational church and was told… her suffering was for the Lord, and she needed to endure it. She was told her husband was her Lord and she needed to submit to him. She was cast aside as less valuable in God's eyes and in the eyes of the faith community… she was alone and full of shame. She tried to endure it for years… But the violence was harming her children, and so she eventually left her husband… and the church… never having heard the promise that our Good Shepherd desires to protect us from harm… never having heard the promise from her faith community that her life mattered. This is one of those passages that oppressive powers have used to justify their oppression… to keep themselves in power and to dismiss and even glorify the harm they perpetrate on others… all in the name of being a "faithful Christian." The woman I knew was one of countless wives across centuries, who have been abused and worse, and told they must endure. …and I'm willing to wager that many of you also know someone who was shamed into enduring harm, with scripture as the threat that kept them there. This is one of those passages also wielded like a whip by people who kept other humans enslaved… they used these words to try and break the wills and spirits of those they kept in shackles… refusing to consider the one they held in bondage was, in truth, their brother… or sister… in Christ. The twisting of these teachings, and the incredible harm that has been caused, and is still caused today… is heartbreaking. But it can only be achieved by taking these passages out of context… and by not considering the population to which these letters were addressed. You see, most of the early followers of Jesus were already enslaved… already living in servitude… marginalized and oppressed… and already enduring pain and suffering at the hands of those who held power over them. It was NOT oppression in the name of being a "faithful Christian." It was oppression in the name of Empire… in the name of attaining and retaining power, wealth, and privilege… something that can only be achieved if you keep entire groups of people as a permanent underclass. And so, these words… they were never intended to be a prescription to seek suffering… or to justify gross abuses of power… no… These words were meant to be a lifeline… a message of hope that the harm you are already suffering is not all there is in life… that the Christ who suffered with you has defeated death and the grave… and offers you salvation. The encouragement to endure is shared to strengthen the wills of those who are being harmed on account of their faith in Christ… And so that they can make it to the next gathering of their faith community, where they are welcomed as equals… sharing together in the fullness of the life their community offers. It is important to name all this "Because any interpretation of the Gospel which supports, justifies, or remains silent in the face of slavery and oppression… is not the Good News… and it is not the way of Jesus." (Pulpit Fiction podcast) So, for us to understand this text from 1 Peter, we must hear it in the fuller context of God's promise of abundant life for us. We must hear it alongside the promise of Jesus as our Good Shepherd, who leads us to green pastures… And alongside the celebration of faith communities that share all in common, and are devoted to the teachings of the apostles, to community, to fellowship, and to prayer. And we must hear it alongside Jesus' promise that we will know the sound of his voice… and trust in his provision. For Jesus Christ came so that we may have life… and have it abundantly. Amen.  

Dr. Michael Barber debunks some popular misconceptions about ancient Judaism and early Christianity. 

Pulpit Fiction is a Bible study podcast for preachers, seekers, and Bible geeks. In this episode Robb and Eric discuss the entry into Jerusalem, which is the regular Revised Common Lectionary Text, but we keep going. The Narrative lectionary includes the clearing of the Temple, which we agree is a good idea. Gospel: Matthew 21:1-17  

Join us as we celebrate 10 years of Pulpit Fiction with guest Brian McLaren, Diana Butler Bass, and Terrell Carter. We talk about the state of the church and answer question you submitted.  Thank you to all out listeners, sponsors, supporters, guests, psalmists, and voices in the wilderness who have joined us for this journey!

Join us as we celebrate 10 years of Pulpit Fiction with guest Brian McLaren, Diana Butler Bass, and Terrell Carter. We talk about the state of the church and answer question you submitted.  Thank you to all out listeners, sponsors, supporters, guests, psalmists, and voices in the wilderness who have joined us for this journey!

Call it "Pulpit Fiction." This week, Steve and the gang hang out with author Champ Thornton to discuss how fantastic fables can actually reveal timeless truths. The post Champ Thornton | The Serpent Slayer | Steve Brown, Etc. appeared first on Key Life.

Winnipeg Priest Suspended, Kayak Rescue, Mini Canada Display, Oldest Life on Earth, Peru Conservatory Heritage and more

NOTES AND COMMENTARY Romans 5:1-8 Justified by faith (with Bryan Odeen) Matthew 9:35-10:8 (9-23) Jesus instructs the 12 Psalm 8 with Richard Bruxvoort Colligan Genesis 18:1-15 Sarah Laughs   SPONSORS Sanctified Art's new stewardship bundle called "Our Money Story." Use code "PULPITFICTION" at time check out to save.

Is your church a Sailboat or a Cruise-ship? Nick and I grew up together and talk about how similar our paths were. Leaving ministry and get deep into some major problems with power and politics inside the church. No matter the size, this affects all churches. Nick left a LOT out of this story. I wish we could tell you more. But just know, he was wronged in so many ways. The idea that NDA's exist and that churches have to use them is VERY telling.

NOTES AND REFLECTIONS Haggai 1:15b-2:9  Luke 20:27-38 Psalm 145:1-5, 17-21 2 Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17   VOICE IN THE WILDERNESS: Jeff Nelson Coffeehouse Contemplative Blog Twitter: @boldroastrev Jeff's author page on amazon   PSALMIST IN THE FIELD: Richard Bruxvoort Colligan psalmimmersion.com @pomopsalmist Patreon   SPONSOR: A Sanctified Art Advent resource "What Can't Wait," is available now, and so is a preview downloard of the Lent 2020 package "Wilderness." Use the promo code "Pulpitfiction" for 15% off at checkout.  

NOTES AND COMMENTARY Jeremiah 31:27-34 Luke 18:1-8 Psalm 19 2 Timothy 3:14-4:5 VOICE IN THE WILDERNESS: Renee Roederer Ann Arbor Michigan, Pastor of Michigan Nones and Dones Facebook Youtube: #Nextchurch2016 Michigan Nones and Dones Twitter: @renee_roederer   PSALMIST IN THE FIELD: Richard Bruxvoort Colligan Psalmimmersion.com @pomopsalmist Patreon SPONSOR: A Sanctified Art  http://sanctifiedart.org Use code "PulpitFiction" at checkout to get 15% off of their Advent Bundle.

NOTES AND COMMENTARY Jeremiah 32:1-3a, 6-15 Luke 16:19-31 Psalm 91:1-6, 14-16 1 Timothy 6:6-19 VOICE IN THE WILDERNESS: Casey Wait faithandwonder.com  storydivine.com PSALMIST IN THE FIELD: Richard Broxvoort Colligan psalmimmersion.com @pomopsalmist Patreon SPONSOR: Sanctified Art Advent package: What Can't Wait Use code "PulpitFiction" at check out for 15% off of their Advent package.

NOTES AND COMMENTARY Jeremiah 18:1-11 Luke 14:25-33 Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 Philemon 1:1-21   VOICE IN THE WILDERNESS: Melissa Myers Twitter: @PastorMelissa   PSALMIST IN THE FIELD: Richard Bruxvoort Colligan Twitter:@pomopsalmist Patreon: patreon.com/RichardBC Web: psalmimmersion.com   SPONSOR: Sanctified Art Use code "Pulpit Fiction" at checkout for a 15% discount.  

NOTES AND COMMENTARY Genesis 45:3-11, 15 Luke 6:27-38 1 Corinthians 15:35-38, 42-50 VOICE IN THE WILDERNESS: Nicole Cox Pastor Besties on Youtube Pastor Besties on Facebook SPONSOR: Sanctified Art (Use code "Pulpit Fiction" for 15% off) In this episode, we have the second part of Jesus' Sermon on the Plain and the end of Paul's explanation on the resurrection of the body. Plus Nicole Cox on the end of Joseph's story with his brothers. Some big issues here: How do we love our enemy? What is the difference between the soul and the spirit?

NOTES AND COMMENTARY Mark 13:1-8 Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18), 19-25 Psalm 16 Psalmist: Richard Bruxvoort Colligan Psalmimmersion.com @pomopsalmist Patreon SPONSOR: Sanctified Art has great Advent materials that are available at a discount when you use the code "PulpitFiction"  

Commentary and Notes We sat down with the Rev. Chris Davies, the Rev. Casey FitzGerald and Psalmist Richard Bruxvoort Colligan to discuss Holy Week! The Rev. Chris Davies Associate pastor at Wapping Community Church, UCC, South Windsor, CT @jesuslovesdinos  D. Min student at Andover Newton Theological Seminary  Creator of Queer Clergy Trading Cards (Website & Facebook) The Rev. Casey FitzGerald Associate Pastor at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Alexandria, VA @caseyfitzgerald storyteller--faithandwonder.com and podcast at storydivine.com The Psalmtastical Richard Bruxvoort Colligan @pomopsalmist Psalm Nugget of the Week- every episode of Pulpit Fiction psalmimmersion.com worldmaking.net Good Holy Week Resources- check out our resources page here! Saved from Sacrifice -Mark Heim Proverbs of Ashes Rita Nakashia Brock and Rebecca Ann Parker Offering the Gospel to Children Gretchen Wollf Pritchard

The first audio book offering, Pulpit Fiction is now available at Audible. There will be more audio books in the near future. This episode introduces you to the first audio book from Two Worlds Media on the Max Features imprint. Mentioned in this episode: Audible.com Pulpit Fiction 

Thanks for checking out this episode of Art of the Sermon! Be sure to subscribe through iTunes, Google Play Music, or your favorite podcast app. If you enjoy this episode, leave a review on our podcast’s page in the iTunes store. This will help others discover the show! Guest: Rev. Robb McCoy- Pastor, Two Rivers United Methodist Church, Rock Island, IL Rev. Eric Fistler- Pastor, First Congregational Church, Crystal Lake, IL General Topic: To Lectionary or Not To Lectionary Introduction to Robb, Eric, and their ministries (1:19) Philosophy and approach to preaching (3:02) Origins of the Pulpit Fiction Podcast (4:48) The benefits of doing the podcast (7:57) Choosing when and when not to use the lectionary (10:10) Strengths of the lectionary (13:11) Frustration with lectionary edits (15:49) Alternate lectionaries (17:17) Knowing what your church and/or the moment needs (18:45) The future of the Pulpit Fiction Podcast (20:07) Searching for sermon material on Saturdays (22:23) Toughest and favorite preaching experiences (23:33) Impactful preachers/communicators (28:36) How to follow Robb and Eric (34:12) Links to things mentioned in the episode Pulpit Fiction Podcast Robb and Eric on the SermonSmith Podcast We Make the Road by Walking: A Year-Long Quest for Spiritual Formation, Reorientation, and Activation by Brian McLaren Reaching out to our guest Pulpit Fiction Podcast on iTunes Pulpit Fiction Website Pulpit Fiction on Facebook @PulpitFPodcast on Twitter FatPastor.me (Robb McCoy’s blog) @FatPastor on Twitter (Robb McCoy) @PastorPirate on Twitter (Eric Fistler) Next Episode arrives December 15, 2015! Reflection on our interview with Robb and Eric, as well as your feedback on the show! Get yours in now using the links below. Connect with the Show I would love to hear what you think about the show—especially this episode. You can connect with the show and send me your feedback through the following channels: Facebook - Facebook.com/ArtOfTheSermon Twitter- Twitter.com/ArtOfTheSermon Instagram- Instagram.com/ArtOfTheSermon Comment on the Show Notes post at ArtOfTheSermon.com Art of the Sermon is a project by Dan Wunderlich of Defining Grace. Learn more at DefiningGrace.com Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in these show notes may be “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Defining Grace is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.

Pulpit Fiction at the Festival of Homiletics- Day 3 Roundtable discussion with friends attending the Festival of Homiletics on general thoughts and reflections on the festival, speakers, preaching and pastoral life.

Pulpit Fiction at the Festival of Homiletics- Day 2 Roundtable discussion with friends attending the Festival of Homiletics on general thoughts and reflections on the festival, speakers, preaching and pastoral life.

Pulpit Fiction at the Festival of Homiletics- Day 1 Roundtable discussion with friends attending the Festival of Homiletics on general thoughts and reflections on the festival, speakers, preaching and pastoral life.

Casey FitzGerald tells the story of Jesus getting angry in the temple. Episode notes: www.PulpitFiction.us HERE is the site for my communications coach, Ann Timmons:  Dr. Tom Boomershine's Website is www.gotell.org Here is the commentary on John 2:13-22 from Dr. Boomershinehttp://gotell.org/pdf/commentary/John/Jn02_13-22_commentary.pdf A link to the story HERE www.nbsint.org Go to this site to learn more about the Network of Biblical Storytellers!!!     Go to www.StoryDivine.com to see full episode notes!

Lent Round Table We sat down with the Rev. Sarah Renfro and the Rev. Diann Bailey to discuss Lent: what we like, what we don't and practical tips for worship throughout the season!The Rev Sarah Renfro:  Her Website: Beautiful Child of God (http://www.revrenfro.com/) Facebook Twitter: @revrenfro The Rev. Diann Bailey First Church of Christ, Congregational, Suffield The New Zealand Lord's Prayer

Tonight we are going to be talking about Holy Week. A little late than we had hoped, but we are fitting it just under the wire. Show Notes Here! Show notes, links to resources we mentioned, older episodes, and other resources can be found at Pulpitfiction.us Check out last year’s show on Holy Week! Follow us on Twitter @pulpitfpodcast Find us on Facebook, share episodes, get links, updates, and leave comments at facebook.com/pulpitfiction Find us on iTunes, subscribe and please leave us a review Or you can always e-mail us: show@pulpitfiction.us.

For Sunday April 6, 2014 Discussion of text for Lent 5A: John 11:1-45 - Death and Raising of Lazarus Psalm 130 - I Cry From the Depths  Featured Musician: Richard Bruxvoort Colligan Show notes! Show notes, links to resources we mentioned, older episodes, and other resources can be found at Pulpitfiction.us Follow us on Twitter @pulpitfpodcast Find us on Facebook, share episodes, get links, updates, and leave comments at facebook.com/pulpitfiction Find us on iTunes, subscribe and please leave us a review Or you can always e-mail us: show@pulpitfiction.us. And Robb was right....Compatriot is a word :)

For Sunday March 5, 2014 Discussion of text for Lent 5A: Matthew 4:1-11 - Temptation of Jesus Psalm 32  - Happy are those who are forgiven Show notes! Show notes, links to resources we mentioned, older episodes, and other resources can be found at Pulpitfiction.us Follow us on Twitter @pulpitfpodcast Find us on Facebook, share episodes, get links, updates, and leave comments at facebook.com/pulpitfiction Find us on iTunes, subscribe and please leave us a review Or you can always e-mail us: show@pulpitfiction.us.

For Sunday April 13, 2014 Discussion of text for Lent 6A/ Palm Sunday: Matthew 17:1-9 - The Transfiguration 2 Peter 1:16-21 - Peter’s witness Show notes!   Feedback: Show notes, links to resources we mentioned, older episodes, and other resources can be found at Pulpitfiction.us Follow us on Twitter @pulpitfpodcast Find us on Facebook, share episodes, get links, updates, and leave comments at facebook.com/pulpitfiction Find us on iTunes, subscribe and please leave us a review Or you can always e-mail us: show@pulpitfiction.us.

For Sunday February 16, 2014 Discussion of text for Lent 5A: Matthew 5:38-48 - Love your enemies 1 Corinthians 3:10-11,16-23 - You are God’s Temple Show notes!   Contact us/ Leave comments:  Pulpitfiction.us,@pulpitfpodcast,facebook.com/pulpitfiction, iTunes, show@pulpitfiction.us.

Episode 50: Plucking Out Eyes Before It Was Cool or After Epiphany 6A Opening Music: Bill Nye vs Ken Ham Debate For Sunday, February 16, 2014 Matthew 5:(17-20) 21-37 - Fulfilling the Law and Prophets 1 Corinthians 3:1-9 - God’s Co-workers Contact us/ Leave comments:  Pulpitfiction.us, @pulpitfpodcast, facebook.com/pulpitfiction, iTunes, show@pulpitfiction.us SHOW NOTES

A spiritual look at the secular song, "I Will Wait" by Mumford and Sons off their Grammy winning album, Babel.