658: Epiphany 4A (2/1/2026)

658: Epiphany 4A (2/1/2026)

Author: Robb McCoy and Eric Fistler January 25, 2026 Duration: 1:00:58

Notes

  1. Matthew 5:1-12
  2. Micah 6:1-8
  3. 1 Corinthians 1:18-31

Summary

In this episode of the Pulpit Fiction Podcast, hosts Eric Fistler and Robb McCoy explore the Beatitudes from the Gospel of Matthew, Micah 6's call for justice and humility, and the message of the cross in 1 Corinthians. They discuss the importance of community relationships in ministry, the depth of the Beatitudes, and the implications of Micah's message for contemporary faith practice. The conversation emphasizes the need for justice, mercy, and humility in the Christian life, while also addressing the foolishness of worldly wisdom in light of God's truth.

Takeaways

  • The Beatitudes highlight the values of the Kingdom of God.
  • Building relationships with other Christian communities is essential for support during crises.
  • Micah 6 emphasizes justice, mercy, and humility as core requirements from God.
  • The message of the cross challenges worldly wisdom and power structures.
  • Preachers should focus on the heart of the Beatitudes rather than just the text.
  • Community support is vital for those mourning or in need.
  • The foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom.
  • God chooses the lowly and foolish to confound the wise.
  • The Beatitudes can be explored in depth, offering rich material for sermons.
  • Understanding the context of scripture enhances its application in today's world.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Beatitudes and Context
08:36 Exploring the Beatitudes: A Deeper Look
19:01 The Nature of Happiness and Blessings
25:22 Mourning and Community Support
29:56 The Meek and Their Inheritance
30:25 Understanding Meekness and Its Misinterpretations
32:43 Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness
34:34 The Beatitudes: Persecution and Righteousness
36:29 Micah 6: A Call to Justice and Humility
49:47 The Foolishness of the Cross
52:05 Reversals of Wisdom in the Kingdom of God
59:53 Outro-.mp4


Every week, Reverend Robb McCoy and Reverend Eric Fistler sit down for a conversation that feels more like a thoughtful chat between friends than a formal sermon. Their Pulpit Fiction Podcast uses the weekly Revised Common Lectionary readings as a starting point, but the discussion quickly branches into the unexpected. You’ll hear them draw connections between ancient scripture and contemporary movies, television, and headlines, creating a space where faith feels immediately relevant. This approach makes the podcast an invaluable resource for pastors and laypeople crafting a Sunday message, but its real appeal is much broader. It’s for anyone who appreciates a deep, critical, and often humorous dive into the Bible without pretense. Listening feels like being included in a genuine dialogue where curiosity is welcomed, and hard questions are met with intellectual honesty and pastoral care. The hosts’ dynamic brings both scholarly insight and everyday practicality, ensuring that each episode offers not just interpretation, but meaningful application. Whether you’re deeply rooted in Christian tradition or simply exploring spiritual ideas, this podcast provides a unique blend of theological reflection and cultural commentary that challenges and enriches.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Pulpit Fiction Podcast
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Notes Matthew 17:1-9 Exodus 24:12-18 2 Peter 1:16-21 Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Transfiguration Sunday 05:31 Exploring the Transfiguration of Jesus 12:02 The Significance of Transfiguration Sunday 20:35 The Role of F…
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Notes Matthew 4:12-23 Isaiah 9:1-4 1 Corinthians 1:10-18 Summary In this episode of the Pulpit Fiction Podcast, hosts Robb McCoy and Eric Fistler delve into the Gospel reading from Matthew 4:12-23, which recounts the cal…
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Notes Matthew 3:13-17 Isaiah 42:1-9 Acts 10:34-43 Summary In this episode of the Pulpit Fiction Podcast, hosts Robb McCoy and Eric Fistler explore the significance of the Baptism of Christ as described in Matthew 3:13-17…
Christmastide 2 (1/4/2026) REB [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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654: Epiphany (1/4/2026) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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Notes Matthew 2:1-12 Isaiah 60:1-6 Ephesians 3:1-12 Summary In this episode of the Pulpit Fiction Podcast, hosts Eric Fistler and Robb McCoy explore the significance of Epiphany, focusing on the visit of the Magi and the…
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Notes Matthew 2:13-23 Isaiah 63:7-9 Hebrews 2:10-18 Summary In this episode of the Pulpit Fiction Podcast, hosts Robb McCoy and Eric Fistler discuss the lectionary readings for the first Sunday of Christmas, focusing on…
652: Christmas Eve (12/24/2025) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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Notes Luke 2:1-20 John 1:1-14 Summary In this episode of the Pulpit Fiction Podcast, hosts Eric Fistler and Rob McCoy explore the significance of Christmas Eve, focusing on the Gospel of Luke and John. They discuss the n…
651: Advent 4A (12/21/2025) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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Notes Matthew 1:18-25 Isaiah 7:10-16 Romans 1:1-7 Summary In this episode of the Pulpit Fiction Podcast, hosts Robb and Eric discuss the readings for the fourth Sunday of Advent, focusing on Matthew 1:18-25, Isaiah 7:10-…