First Baptist Church of Asheville Podcast

February 2, 2025. Fourth Sunday after Epiphany. Year C.

Though it begins well, Jesus’s sermon to his hometown congregation falls apart as they become enraged and try to kill him. What did Jesus say that provoked them to such hostility? Only the truth about God’s expansive love. Just as God’s love wasn’t for Israel alone in the time of Elijah, so God’s love will also pour forth far and wide in and through the ministry of Jesus. The truth (and the good news) is, God’s love crashes through all human constructs and limitations.

Preacher: Rev. Dr. Mack Dennis

January 26, 2025. Third Sunday after Epiphany. Year C.

The lectionary offers two accounts of the power of reading Scripture in worship, one by Ezra at the Water Gate and the other by Jesus at the synagogue in Nazareth. Both readings and their explanations have powerful effects on the congregation. In Nehemiah, the people weep and are moved to care for their neighbors. In Luke, Jesus announces the year of the Lord’s favor has been fulfilled as the people focus intently on him. These accounts highlight how revelatory, consequential, and life-saving it is to hear Scripture proclaimed publicly in worship.

Preacher: Rev. Dr. Mack Dennis

January 12, 2025. Baptism of the Lord. Year C.

Preacher: Rev. Casey Callahan

Worship with First Baptist Church of Asheville. Sundays: Bible study at 10:00 a.m., worship at 11:00 a.m. · 5 Oak Street, Asheville, NC · fbca.net

January 19, 2025. Second Sunday after Epiphany. Year C.

When Jesus’ mother says, “They have no wine,” she’s likely concerned about the host’s reputation. Running out of wine before the party’s over will shame the groom’s family. Still, when the stunned steward later tells the groom, “But you have kept the good wine until now,” that could also be a source of embarrassment. So it may be that Jesus has simply replaced one scandal with another as a foreshadowing of how he will operate. The revelation of Jesus’ glory will not fit societal norms or religious expectations, and it certainly will not always be a comfortable thing.

Preacher: Rev. Dr. Mack Dennis

January 5, 2025. Second Sunday after Christmas. Year C.

Preacher: Rev. Will Arledge

Worship with First Baptist Church of Asheville. Sundays: Bible study at 10:00 a.m., worship at 11:00 a.m. · 5 Oak Street, Asheville, NC · fbca.net