First Baptist Church of Asheville Podcast

December 29, 2024. First Sunday after Christmas Day. Year C.

On the First Sunday of Christmas, tenor Sully Hart offers a concert of hymns and sacred art songs in place of a sermon.

Featuring: Sully Hart, tenor

December 22, 2024. Fourth Sunday of Advent. Year C.

Mary stands to sing in the prophetic tradition, her words reminiscent not only of Hannah and Miriam but all of Israel’s prophets, from Moses to Malachi. With her song, she rejoices in God’s ongoing rescue of the lowly, the poor, the hungry, the people called Israel. Her poetry also foreshadows the world-turning mission of the child in her womb. Hers is a vision of what God has done as much as it is a vision of what God will bring to completion…the world finally turned upside down by the life and ministry of Jesus Christ.

Preacher: Rev. Dr. Mack Dennis

December 15, 2024. Third Sunday of Advent. Year C.

Consider the feeling of joy when a loved one is nearing home after a long journey, the excitement of a pregnancy in the ninth month, or even the calming experiences of the dying when they see their loved ones in visions. “The Lord is near…do not be anxious about anything.” Paul helps us see that God’s nearness is cause for rejoicing. His witness echoes Isaiah’s conviction, “I will trust and not be afraid.” As Christmas and the fulfillment of God’s promises draw nearer, the Scriptures compel us to shout for joy that our salvation is at hand.

Preacher: Rev. Dr. Mack Dennis

December 8, 2024. Second Sunday of Advent. Year C.

Zechariah clears his throat (after being muted for months by God) in order to sing about God’s tenderness. So taken by the fulfillment of God’s promises in the prophecy of Messiah’s birth, he can only conclude that God’s mercy is finally dawning on a hurting people. Zechariah senses in God’s imminent arrival a warmth and devotion to Israel, a tenderness of deep affection (v. 72). Zechariah also proclaims God’s sensitivity to Israel’s pain and centuries of pent up fear (v. 74). Today we recall and rest in the tenderness of God that leads to peace.

Preacher: Rev. Dr. Mack Dennis

December 1, 2024. First Sunday of Advent. Year C.

On the first Sunday of Advent we gather in the sanctuary as though it were a classroom, pens and pads ready, eager students looking to God for instruction. The Psalmist repeatedly describes God like a teacher: “Make me to know your ways,” “teach me your paths,” “Lead me in your truth and teach me,” “He instructs sinners,” “He leads the humble…teaches the humble…” Like most of the characters in the Christmas narratives, we still have a lot of wonderful things to learn about who this God is, and what God is capable of doing with and through us.

Preacher: Rev. Dr. Mack Dennis

November 24, 2024. Reign of Christ. Year B.

“And all the tribes of the earth will wail on account of him.” In his vision, John sees “the tribes” lamenting Christ’s arrival. The Son of Man’s coming on the clouds threatens those who have a deeper commitment to their tribe than to the claims of Jesus Christ. The good news on this Reign of Christ Sunday is that Jesus has already “made us a kingdom.” We are priests serving God and one another, unbound by social constructs, and freed from the sins that keep us cordoned off from others. Today we proclaim the waters of baptism run deeper than the blood of tribalism.

Preacher: Rev. Dr. Mack Dennis

November 17, 2024. Twenty-sixth Sunday after Pentecost. Year B.

With the conclusion of this passage, Hebrews calls us to provoke one another to good deeds. Interestingly, the Greek word for provoke is paroxysm (to incite, irritate, provoke, encourage…or stir up). The author seems to be playfully calling us to encourage one another in provocative ways, and even irritate each other if necessary, in order to exercise our faith with creativity and ingenuity, resilience and attentiveness. We’re all about to find out how much good can come from staying on each other’s case. Sometimes the good news can be so annoying!

Preacher: Rev. Will Arledge

November 10, 2024. Twenty-fifth Sunday after Pentecost. Year B.

We see two contrasting stories in this text. One is Jesus’ incisive critique of the deprivation caused by religious and other powerful leaders, whose ultimate aims are to enjoy power and esteem. Here the temple treasury becomes a site of judgment of those who give out of their abundance to wield influence. On the other hand, the widow’s generosity gives us a peek inside the life of a faithful person whose generosity despite her poverty reveals a kind of faith the religious/civic elite will never know.

Preacher: Rev. Dr. Mack Dennis