690: Proper 19A OT24 (9/13/2026)

690: Proper 19A OT24 (9/13/2026)

Author: Robb McCoy and Eric Fistler September 8, 2026 Duration: 51:26

Notes

  1. Matthew 18:21-35
  2. Exodus 14:19-31

In this episode of the Pulpit Fiction Podcast, hosts Robb McCoy and Eric Fistler delve into the theme of forgiveness as presented in the Gospel of Matthew. They explore the parable of the unforgiving servant, emphasizing the importance of mercy and the interconnectedness of community. The discussion highlights the complexities of forgiveness, the role of debt in the Lord's Prayer, and the challenges posed by rising Christian nationalism. The episode also touches on the church's mission to embody forgiveness and the resources available for sermon preparation. In this conversation, Eric Fistler and Robb McCoy explore various themes related to worship, children's engagement, and the biblical narrative of the parting of the Red Sea. They discuss resources for children's worship, the significance of the Red Sea story as a defining moment for the Israelites, and the dual narratives of liberation and destruction present in the biblical accounts. The conversation culminates in a reflection on the importance of choosing life and well-being for all, emphasizing the need for reconciliation and community affirmation in faith practices.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and overview of the week's texts
04:28 Matthew 18: The call to forgive endlessly
06:28 The parable of the unforgiving servant explained
09:20 The theological meaning of forgiveness and grace
12:21 Economic and social dimensions of debt and forgiveness
17:37 Biblical foundations of forgiveness and community
22:21 The story of the Red Sea crossing as liberation
30:31 The significance of the Red Sea in biblical theology
36:58 Different biblical accounts of the Red Sea story
44:37 Remembering and living out the story of liberation


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: 50

Pulpit Fiction Podcast
Podcast Episodes
691: Proper 20A OT25 (9/20/2026) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:34
Notes Matthew 20:1-16 Exodus 16:2-15 In this episode of the Pulpit Fiction Podcast, hosts Eric Fistler and Rob McCoy delve into the parable of the Workers in the Vineyard from Matthew 20:1-16. They explore themes of fair…
689: Proper 18A OT23 (9/6/2026) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:10
Notes Matthew 18:15-20 Exodus 12:1-14 In this episode of the Pulpit Fiction Podcast, hosts Eric Fistler and Rob McCoy explore the themes of conflict resolution, community, and reconciliation as presented in the Gospel of…
688: Proper 17A OT22 (8/30/2026) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:37
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 t…
REBROADCAST 555: Proper 16A for 8/23/2026 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:35
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, Pro…
686: Proper 15A OT20 (8/16/2026) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:53
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, forgiven…
685: Proper 14A OT19 (8/9/2026) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:24
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 minis…
684: Proper 13A OT18 (8/2/2026) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:42
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 strugg…
REBROADCAST 551: Proper 12A for 7/26/2026 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:41
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, Ordina…
681: Proper 10A OT15 (7/12/2026) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:14
Notes Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 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 J…