First Baptist Church of Asheville Podcast

August 18, 2024. Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost. Year B.

This sermon pins its theme to vs. 2: “Great are the works of the Lord, studied by all who delight in them.” With this prompt, we will do just that—study, investigate, inquire about God’s wonderful works. But what are God’s wonderful works, and how can we discern them? Even more, how can we delight in them, as the Psalmist says? I’m reminded of when MLK Jr. concluded his sermon at Riverside Church by quoting Isaiah 2:4, “And I don't know about you, I ain't gonna study war no more.” The Psalmist agrees. We’ve more important research to do.

Preacher: Rev. Dr. Mack Dennis

August 25, 2024. Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost. Year B.

With his hands and feet shackled by rulers and authorities, Paul nevertheless assumes the role of a military outfitter, describing the gear we need to stand firm against this present darkness. We do well to let register Paul’s premise that the Christian life conscripts us into a battle of good vs. evil. But like Jesus sending the disciples on mission with no bag or tunics or even shoes, Paul now sends us like sheep into the midst of wolves with no weapon but words…“take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (v. 17). Elder veterans know from experience that’s the only weapon that ever could subdue the powers.

Preacher: Rev. Dr. Mack Dennis

August 11, 2024. Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost. Year B.

Elijah’s ministry has made him a fugitive, running from Jezebel’s threats. In the wilderness, an angel saves his life with meals and encouragement, and Elijah receives strength to go on. But crises of ministry and faith often thrust us into places of wilderness and times of vulnerability where it becomes clear that God is our only means of provision. In times like these we learn that communion is no mere symbol, but a means of survival. Just as God found a way to feed Elijah in his despair, so God prepares a table for everyone the Lord gets into trouble.

Preacher: Rev. Dr. Mack Dennis

August 4, 2024. Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost. Year B.

Preacher: Rev. Amy Stertz

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

July 28, 2024. Tenth Sunday after Pentecost. Year B.

“David Commits Adultery with Bathsheba,” is a common chapter heading in many translations, but such softened language papers over David’s rape of Bathsheba (the NRSV softens v. 4 to say, “David sent messengers to get her,” but the verb is to take, to snatch, to seize, and is the same verb Samuel uses to warn the Israelites of what kings will take from them). The sermon is entitled “Bathsheba” both to privilege her and to supplant David’s power as the central character in the narrative. This sermon imagines Bathsheba’s perspective, and “listen to the woman” whose life, husband, and womb were taken from her by David’s wickedness. The good news is that Bathsheba still has a name, a new future, and a sacred destiny.

Preacher: Rev. Dr. Mack Dennis

July 21, 2024. Ninth Sunday after Pentecost. Year B.

Speaking through the prophet Nathan, God resists David’s impulse to build a house of cedar for the Lord. Essentially, God responds, “Since when have I ever needed a house?” But here we also see the royal agenda laid bare—is David hoping to domesticate the wildness of God, to “elevate” God’s furnishings to match David’s affluence, to make God more accessible? We all need sacred places we can count on, but it becomes clear that the God who paints with sun and starlight will not be held back by ceilings and walls.

Preacher: Rev. Dr. Mack Dennis

July 14, 2024. Eighth Sunday after Pentecost. Year B.

This account of David’s repossessing the Ark of the Covenant is quite moving—or despicable—depending on your perspective. For most in the congregation, this is a service of great celebration and joyful dancing. But for Micah, it’s a grating demonstration of cynical manipulation. We have to wonder whether David’s worship is really genuine, or if he’s using God for political gain. The story shows how we can truly lose ourselves in the joy of worship, but also cautions all who praise God not to bend the gifts of worship back toward ourselves.

Preacher: Rev. Dr. Mack Dennis

July 7, 2024. Seventh Sunday after Pentecost. Year B.

Jesus becomes estranged from his own home and village. The phrase “a carpenter, Mary’s son,” is likely a disparaging reference, since a man’s credentials always traced his father’s lineage. Heartbroken but still determined, Jesus sends the disciples into the surrounding villages to preach and heal. Now the estranged must find a new home among strangers. Estrangement and hospitality condition the life of discipleship. Jesus shows us how to live and thrive as such vulnerable missionaries sent to proclaim God’s reign.

Preacher: Rev. Dr. Mack Dennis

June 30, 2024. Sixth Sunday after Pentecost. Year B.

Preacher: Rev. Mackenzie Smith (then Pastoral Intern)

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

June 23, 2024. Fifth Sunday after Pentecost. Year B.

Preacher: Rev. Dr. Libby Bellinger