Faith Unfiltered

This sermon was preached by Rev. Anna Dickson on January 12, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte.  The Scripture passage for this sermon is John 1:35-51.

How do you feel about street evangelists? Have you ever wondered why they do what they do? Sam Bethea and his message of love are well-known by those who live and work in Center City Charlotte. In this episode, he talks with humor and vulnerability about how he grew beyond what he calls his jailhouse Christianity to fill the call to share the love of Jesus.

In this episode of Voices from Church and Trade, we talk with a woman who was told she had no place in the pulpit of a church. In a week, she will preach at Charlotte's citywide Easter Sunrise Service. Let Gail tell you how God called her to share her voice.

A southern millennial Presbyterian observes the change in culture, change in the world and the need for the church to evolve.

A southern millennial Presbyterian left for college and on the journey rediscovered his faith. 

For Such a Time as This | A Sermon on Fate, Calling, and Courage In this sermon, we reflect on For Such a Time as This and the enduring human question of how we discover our purpose in a world shaped by forces we did not choose—and what it means to respond when a moment of moral clarity and courage is placed before us. This sermon was preached by Rev. Dr. Lewis Galloway on January 18, 2026, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte, on the Second Sunday after Epiphany. The scripture readings for this message are Romans 12:9–21 and Esther 4:1–17. January 18, 2026 Bulletin Drawing from the story of Queen Esther, this sermon explores the difference between fate—the circumstances we are born into or find ourselves in—and destiny—the calling we discover when we listen for God's voice and choose to act. Esther's story becomes a lens for our own time, when silence, comfort, or going with the flow can feel easier than risk, truth, or faithfulness. In this message, we explore: The tension between fate and God-given purpose How calling often emerges in moments of crisis The courage to speak and act for the sake of others What it means to live a transformed life shaped by love, justice, and hope Whether you are joining us from Charlotte or beyond, this sermon offers a thoughtful and timely invitation to listen for what God is asking of us—not in some abstract future, but here and now, in the world as it is. Subscribe for sermons, reflections, and stories from First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. Topics: Esther sermon, for such a time as this, Christian calling, courage and faith, Romans 12, purpose and destiny, discipleship, Christian ethics

Will These Bones Live? | A Sermon on Hope in Desolate Places What do you do when a situation—personal, communal, or even global—feels beyond repair? In this sermon, Will These Bones Live?, Rev. Dr. Jacqueline Lapsley reflects on Ezekiel's haunting vision of the valley of dry bones and the deeply human question it asks: Is new life still possible here? Preached on January 11, 2026, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte, this message draws from Ezekiel 37:1–14 and Ephesians 2:1–10 to explore how God's Spirit meets us not in mild discouragement, but in places of real loss, exhaustion, and devastation. This sermon invites you to consider: Where you may have stopped expecting renewal What it means to tell the truth about how dry things really are How God's breath brings life in ways we cannot manufacture or control Why hope is not denial, but a form of courage If you are carrying grief, weariness, or a sense that something in your life or in the world is beyond saving, this sermon offers a steady, honest, and deeply hopeful word: God is still at work, even here.

The Rebirth of Wonder | A Sermon for Epiphany In this sermon, we reflect on The Rebirth of Wonder and the invitation of Epiphany to see the world—and God's work within it—with renewed awe, curiosity, and openness. This sermon was preached by Rev. Dr. Lewis Galloway on January 4, 2026, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte, on the Second Sunday of Christmas and Epiphany. The scripture readings for this message are Isaiah 60:1–6 and Matthew 2:1–12. Drawing from the story of the Magi, this sermon suggests that anxiety often takes root when wonder is lost—and that God does not always relieve our fear by giving us certainty, but by giving us light enough for the next faithful step. Epiphany invites us to follow that light, even when the path leads beyond what we can control or fully understand. Wonder widens our vision, restores imagination, and opens us again to trust that God is still at work in the world and in our lives. In this message, we explore: How wonder expands faith when anxiety narrows it The Magi as models of curiosity, courage, and attentiveness Following God's light without needing certainty or control Epiphany as an invitation to ongoing discovery and trust Whether you are joining us from Charlotte or beyond, this sermon offers a thoughtful and hope-filled reflection on how God's light restores wonder—and how wonder, in turn, helps steady anxious hearts and reorient us toward hope. Subscribe for sermons, reflections, and stories from First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. Topics: Epiphany sermon, wonder and anxiety, rebirth of wonder, Matthew 2 sermon, following the star, Christian hope, light of Christ

Nurturing Jesus | Mary, Discipleship, and Faithful Presence In this sermon, we reflect on Nurturing Jesus and what it means to care for, protect, and grow the presence of Christ in our lives and in the world—drawing especially from the faithful witness of Mary, who nurtured Jesus with courage, trust, and love. This sermon was preached by Audrey Webb-Kahrs on December 28, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte, on the First Sunday of Christmas. The scripture readings for this message are Isaiah 11:1–6 and Luke 2:22–41. Drawing from these texts, the sermon invites us to reflect on Mary's role in nurturing Jesus—from presenting him in the temple to pondering his life in her heart—and how her attentiveness, faith, and perseverance model a way of discipleship grounded in care and trust. The message reminds us that Jesus is formed not only through miracles and proclamation, but through ordinary acts of love, presence, and devotion. In this message, we explore: Mary's role in nurturing and forming the life of Jesus Faithfulness through care, patience, and trust The sacredness of ordinary moments in spiritual growth How we are called to nurture Christ's presence in the world today Whether you are joining us from Charlotte or beyond, this sermon offers a gentle and hope-filled reflection on how the promise of Christmas continues through the quiet, faithful work of nurturing love. Subscribe for sermons, reflections, and stories from First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. Topics: Mary in the Gospel of Luke, Christmas sermon, nurturing faith, Luke 2 sermon, discipleship, spiritual growth, First Sunday of Christmas, Christian reflection

The Power of Joy | A Sermon on Faith, Strength, and Hope In this sermon, we reflect on The Power of Joy and how joy, rooted in God's love, becomes a sustaining strength in our lives. This sermon was preached by Rev. Dr. Lewis Galloway on December 14, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. The scripture readings for this message are Isaiah 40:1–5 and Luke 1:39–56. Drawing from these texts, the sermon invites us to consider how joy shapes our faith, carries us through seasons of challenge, and opens us to deeper trust in God's presence at work in the world and in our own lives. In this message, we explore: The biblical meaning of joy Joy as a source of spiritual strength Faith and joy in uncertain or difficult seasons Living with hope and love in our everyday lives Whether you are joining us from Charlotte or beyond, this sermon offers a thoughtful reflection on how joy forms us as people of faith and calls us to live with compassion, resilience, and hope. Subscribe for sermons, reflections, and stories from First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. Topics: sermon on joy, biblical joy, faith and hope, Christian encouragement, spiritual strength

In this Advent sermon, The Mystery Made Known, Rev. Dr. Lewis Galloway reflects on God's surprising way of working through ordinary people and unexpected moments. Drawing from 2 Samuel 7:1–16 and Luke 1:26–38, he explores how God's promises often unfold in ways we could never foresee—and how Mary's faithful "yes" invites us to trust the mystery of God's presence in our own lives. Sermon preached by Rev. Dr. Lewis Galloway on December 7, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte.

Preached by Rev. Dr. Lewis F. Galloway on November 30, 2025, and rooted in Matthew 3:1–12 and Mark 13:24–37, this Advent sermon explores the mystery of time—the difference between the hours that govern our days and God's "eternal now" that breaks into our ordinary lives. Through the voices of John the Baptist and Jesus' call to watch and stay awake, we're invited to prepare our hearts, embody the fruits of the Spirit, and look for the moments when God's time interrupts our own. A reflection on hope, transformation, and the sacred work we do while we wait for Christ to come again.

In this compelling message, Rev. Dr. Jerry Cannon invites us into a powerful call to live out genuine Christian love in our everyday encounters. Drawing from Scripture, Hebrews 113:1-5, he explores what it truly means to treat folk right—not merely with politeness, but with dignity, compassion, and radical grace. He challenges us to consider how we respond to those on the margins, how we handle conflict, and how we reflect the character of Jesus in our relationships. Whether with longtime friends or people we barely know, the way we treat "the other" becomes a gospel witness. Using the simple but profound framework of A-C-T, he invites us to consider what faithful living looks like in real time: Acceptance — seeing every person as created in God's image, without condition or exclusion Compassion — responding to human need not with judgment, but with presence, empathy, and shared humanity Testimony — allowing our lives to speak, becoming living witnesses to the love of Christ in the world With warmth, humor, and pastoral wisdom, Rev. Cannon challenges us to move beyond good intentions and practice a faith that shows up—at home, in the church, and in the community. This message calls us not only to believe differently, but to live differently. Listen and be encouraged to ACT with courage, kindness, and Christ-shaped love. And yes—he manages to connect The Beverly Hillbillies to the gospel, reminding us that hospitality doesn't have to be fancy to be holy.

Sermon preached by Rev. Alice Ridgill on November 16, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. The scripture for this sermon is John 4:4-18, 27-30, 39-42.  

Sermon preached by Rev. Lucy Crain on November 9, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. The scripture for this sermon is 1 Samuel 16 (selected verses).

Sermon preached by Rev. Anna Dickson on November 2, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. The scripture for this sermon is Revelation 7:9-17.

Sermon preached by Rev. Anna Dickson on October 26, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. The scripture for this sermon is Acts 4:32-37.

Sermon preached by Rev. Anna Dickson on October 19, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. The scripture for this sermon is Mark 5:21-43.

Sermon preached by Rev. Anna Dickson on October 12, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. The scripture for this sermon is Hebrews 11-12:3 (selected verses).

Sermon preached by Rev. Keith Grogg on October 5, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. The scripture for this sermon is 2 Timothy 1:1-14.