Faith Unfiltered

First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte
  • 5.0 (10)
  • Christianity
  • Updated Biweekly

The content of this podcast originates from First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte, an inclusive, urban city church in the center of Uptown Charlotte. Visit us at firstpres-charlotte.org.

  1. 4d ago

    Standing at the Back of the Line

    No One Left Out | Matthew 20:1–16 & Genesis 12:1–3 What if God's grace isn't fair? In this sermon, Rev. Dr. Chuck Williamson explores one of Jesus' most surprising parables, where workers hired at the very end of the day receive the same wage as those who labored from sunrise. Rather than teaching us about economics or fairness, Jesus invites us to see the world through the eyes of a generous God—a God who refuses to rank people according to worth, achievement, or status. Drawing on stories from a Civil Rights pilgrimage, reflections on Carl Sandburg's observation that "the ugliest word is exclusive," and the biblical promise that all the families of the earth will be blessed, Rev. Wood reminds us that the gospel is always moving toward inclusion, reconciliation, and grace. If none of us stand before God because of our own merit, then every one of us stands because of God's generosity. And that changes the way we see one another. Preached by Rev. Dr. Chuck Williamson at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte.

  2. 4d ago

    Defining Moments

    Defining Moments | Jonah 1:1–17 & Mark 1:14–20 There are moments that change the direction of our lives—a door opens, another closes, and suddenly we're faced with a choice about where to go next. In this sermon, Rev. Dr. Lewis Galloway reflects on the defining moments when God's call asks us to respond. Jonah hears God's call and runs. The disciples hear Jesus say, "Follow me," and leave behind what is familiar. Most of us probably find ourselves somewhere between the two. But calling isn't reserved for pastors or church leaders. Our vocation is the life we live in response to God, using our particular gifts, experiences, relationships, and work to serve Christ in the world. As Frederick Buechner famously described it, calling is found where our "deep gladness and the world's deep hunger meet." And what happens when we run? Through Jonah's story and the story of historian Tim Tyson, Lewis reminds us that God doesn't abandon us when we take the long way around. Sometimes we say no before we say yes. Sometimes we run before we find our way home. Wherever we are in listening for God's call—perhaps somewhere between "no" and "yes"—God continues to call us toward the lives we were created to live. Preached by Rev. Dr. Lewis Galloway at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte on August 9, 2026.

  3. Jul 27

    Reaching Life's Goal

    Reaching Life's Goal | Proverbs 3:1–8 & Philippians 3:4–14 The Christian life isn't a sprint—it's a lifelong journey of becoming more like Christ. In this sermon, Rev. Dr. Lewis Galloway reflects on Paul's image of running a race and reminds us that while following Christ requires intention and discipline, it always begins with grace. Christ has already claimed us; our calling is to keep pressing forward, trusting that God is at work within us. Lewis explores three practices that have shaped Christians for generations: worship, prayer rooted in Scripture, and lives marked by generosity and service. These disciplines don't earn God's love—they create space for God's transforming work within us. Preached by Rev. Dr. Lewis Galloway at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte on July 26, 2026.

  4. Jul 20

    Being in the Right Mind

    Being in the Right Mind | Psalm 1 & Philippians 2:1–11 In a world that often rewards pride, certainty, and self-interest, what would it look like to have the mind of Christ? In this sermon, Rev. Dr. Lewis Galloway reflects on Paul's letter to the Philippians and the beautiful hymn describing Christ's humility. Rather than calling Christians to think alike, Paul invites us to share a common way of living—one marked by compassion, service, and self-giving love. Drawing on stories of ordinary people whose quiet acts of kindness transformed those around them, Lewis explores how the pattern of Christ's life becomes the pattern for our own. What if true strength looks like humility? What if real leadership begins with serving others? And what if the most beautiful thing we could create is a community shaped by the love of Christ? This message is an invitation to let go of pride, embrace humility, and discover the profound beauty that emerges when we learn to think, love, and live like Jesus. Preached by Rev. Dr. Lewis Galloway at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte on July 19, 2026.

  5. Jul 13

    A Life Worth Living

    A Life Worth Living | Jeremiah 15:15–21 & Philippians 1:1–11, 27–30 What keeps us grounded when life feels uncertain? In this sermon, Rev. Dr. Lewis Galloway reflects on Paul's letter to the Philippians and the prophet Jeremiah, exploring what it means to live a life rooted in faith, strengthened by community, and worthy of the gospel. Along the way, Lewis introduces a striking idea: that we can suffer from a kind of spiritual amnesia—forgetting who we are, where we've come from, and the God who has remained faithful through every season. Drawing on stories from everyday life, the early church, and the power of Christian friendship, this message reminds us that faith is sustained not only by personal devotion but by a community that remembers, encourages, serves, and prays together. What happens when we remember God's faithfulness? How do shared stories, worship, and acts of love shape our lives? And what does it look like to live "a life worthy of the gospel" in an uncertain world? This sermon offers a hopeful invitation to stand firm in Christ, remain rooted in community, and move into the future with courage. Preached by Rev. Dr. Lewis Galloway at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte on July 12, 2026.

  6. Jul 6

    What Belongs to God

    What Belongs to God | Genesis 1:26–27 & Matthew 22:15–22 What if Jesus' famous words about Caesar and the coin are really about us? In this sermon, Rev. Anna Dickson explores one of Jesus' most well-known teachings through the lens of Genesis, where we learn that every person is created in the image of God. When Jesus asks whose image appears on a Roman coin, he invites his listeners to think beyond taxes and politics. If the coin bears Caesar's image and belongs to Caesar, what about those who bear God's image? This message is a reminder that our deepest identity is not found in what we own, what we accomplish, or what the world says about us. We belong to the God who created us, loves us, and calls us by name. As we learn to live from that identity, we begin to see ourselves and our neighbors differently. We discover that every person carries the image of God and is worthy of dignity, compassion, and love. What belongs to God? The answer is more personal—and more hopeful—than we often imagine. Preached by Rev. Anna Dickson at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte on July 5, 2026.

  7. Jun 29

    The Shape of Freedom

    The Shape of Freedom | Proverbs 3:3–8 & Galatians 5:1, 13–26 What does it really mean to be free? In this sermon, Rev. Dr. Lewis Galloway reflects on Paul's letter to the Galatians and the surprising truth that Christian freedom is not the absence of responsibility but the freedom to become the people God created us to be. Through stories of everyday faithfulness, reflections on the Fruit of the Spirit, and the wisdom of Proverbs, Lewis explores the difference between a life driven by self-interest and a life shaped by God's Spirit. Too often, we think of freedom as the ability to do whatever we want. But Paul offers a different vision. In Christ, we are set free from fear, striving, and the need to earn God's love so that we can love others with joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Rather than focusing only on avoiding what is wrong, this message invites us to pursue what is good—to become people whose lives bear the fruit of the Spirit and reflect the love of Christ in our homes, our communities, and our world. Because the shape of Christian freedom is love. Preached by Rev. Dr. Lewis Galloway at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte on June 28, 2026, the Fifth Sunday after Pentecost.

  8. Jun 22

    God's Big Idea

    God's Big Idea | Genesis 12:1–4 & Galatians 3:19–4:7 What if God's vision for the world is bigger than we imagine? In this sermon, Rev. Dr. Lewis Galloway explores the promise God made to Abraham and Sarah, the freedom Christ offers through grace, and the remarkable invitation to become part of God's family. From the very beginning, God's purpose was never limited to one people or one place. Through Abraham and Sarah, God promised a blessing that would extend to all the families of the earth. Generations later, Paul reminds us that in Christ we are no longer separated by status, background, or circumstance, but adopted as beloved children of God. Through stories of faith, hospitality, and transformation, this sermon reflects on the ways God's dream continues to challenge human boundaries and call us toward a more expansive vision of community. What happens when we make room for the people God is already welcoming? And what might the church become if it truly embraced God's big idea? At its heart, this message is a reminder that God's grace is always reaching wider, God's family is always growing, and God's dream for the world has room for all. Preached by Rev. Dr. Lewis Galloway at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte on June 21, 2026.

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

The content of this podcast originates from First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte, an inclusive, urban city church in the center of Uptown Charlotte. Visit us at firstpres-charlotte.org.

Information

  • Creator
    First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    99
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    Faith Unfiltered

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