First Presbyterian Church of Pittsburgh's Podcast

The Advent sermon series is based on the beautiful hymn we’re using for the Introit, “People Look East.” Each week, we will take the image of Christ from a verse and develop that image.

When we are expecting company, we tidy up the house and put everything in order. How would we prepare if we really expected Love Incarnate to come and live with us?

Everything, absolutely everything, is infused with the grace of God.

Do we see God’s grace in everything? Are we thankful for it?

One of the classic theories of the atonement (how God saves us) is the “ransom” theory. This is what Jesus tells the disciples he has done for us; he’s “ransomed” us, bought us back at the cost of his life.

The message this week features an imaginary encounter with Francis Herron, the minister of First Church from 1811 to 1850. Early in Herron’s ministry, the church was literally bankrupt, and the sheriff put the church building and lot up for sale to pay its creditors. Herron purchased everything with his own money, redeeming the church from its creditors. (Part of a series on church history in anticipation of our 250th anniversary next year).

Jesus’ puzzling (to us) parable of the employer who pays the same amount to five different groups of workers, even though they didn’t all work the same amount of time.

We like to think that we ought to “get what we deserve.” But do we really dare to ask God to give us what we deserve?

The good news is that Jesus got what we deserved so that when we believe, we get what he deserved.

Jesus’ most famous parable.

This passage has often been titled the “Prodigal Son.” But there are two sons in the story. At the end of the parable, which one was farther away from God, the one who lost everything in wild living, or the one who stayed home and did his duty?

Jesus said, “Ask and it will be given to you.” Does that mean he will give us everything we want?

Probably not, unless we have his wisdom, and ask after we know everything he knows.

“Body and Soul” #5. How do we respond to what Jesus Christ has done for us? Are we grateful? What does a grateful life look like?

Covers Q&A 86-115.

The Apostle Paul teaches how the Holy Spirit transforms us after we start to believe.

“Body and Soul” #4. This week, we’re looking at what the Heidelberg Catechism teaches about the Holy Spirit, and especially the Spirit’s work in transforming our very nature into people who are more loving, joyful, peaceful, and kind.

Covers Q&A 53-85.

Can we begin to imagine how far Jesus Christ had to stoop to become one with us? Can we imagine how high he lifts us up?

“Body and Soul” #3. How might we live, what comfort would we have, if we really believed Jesus Christ was at the side of God interceding personally for us?

Covers Q&A 26-52

The lesson this week is the Apostle Paul’s powerful indictment of those who know of God, but intentionally choose to live as if God doesn’t exist.

“Body and Soul” #2. Sin is when we make something more important to us than God. By definition, sin makes us miserable. Why do we go on pursuing the things that make us miserable?

Covers Q&A 2-25.

The most famous (and most comforting) words of the Heidelberg Catechism come in the first Question and Answer. Do you believe that you belong, body and soul, in life and in death, to Christ? How does that make you feel?

Begins a new fall series “Body and Soul,” a six-week study of the Heidelberg Catechism. The study will coincide with the kickoff of Sunday School. The purpose of the study is to refresh everyone on the basics of the faith and acquaint everyone with the catechism, one of the most beloved teaching tools for 450 years. Covers the most famous Q&A if the catechism, #1.