Faith Unfiltered

Small Seed, Big Bloom | A Sermon on Hidden Faith and God's Surprising Work What if the kingdom of heaven is already growing — quietly and invisibly — within us? In Small Seed, Big Bloom , guest preacher Rev. Cecelia D. Armstrong , Co-Moderator of the PC(USA) General Assembly, reflects on Matthew 13:31–33 , where Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to a mustard seed: small, easily overlooked, yet...

The Reconciliation of All Things | A Sermon for an Anxious World When the world feels fractured and uncertain, what does Christian hope look like? In this sermon, The Reconciliation of All Things , Rev. Dr. Lewis Galloway reflects on Amos 5:18–24 and Matthew 17:1–9 to explore how justice, glory, and reconciliation belong together. Amos calls God's people beyond hollow worship toward justice that "...

In this sermon, "Form and Content," Rev. Anna Dickson reflects on how the way we share the gospel must match the heart of the gospel itself. Drawing on Exodus 4:10–16 and 1 Corinthians 2:1–12 , this message explores Paul's decision to proclaim Christ not through polished speech, persuasive technique, or displays of strength, but through humility, vulnerability, and trust in the Spirit. At the cent...

Why Didn't I See That? | A Sermon on Practicing Love in Plain Sight What if the greatest surprise of faith is not what we believe—but who we fail to notice? In this sermon, Why Didn't I See That? , Rev. Dr. Lewis Galloway reflects on Jesus' parable of the sheep and the goats and the unsettling realization that Christ is already present among us—especially in people who are hungry, forgotten, overl...

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 Fi...

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 Presb...

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 readin...

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 Presbyteria...

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...

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...

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 t...

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 co...

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.

Sermon preached by Rev. Lucy Baum on September 28, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. The scripture for this sermon is John 15: 1-12

Sermon preached by Rev. Chuck Williamson on September 21, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. The scripture for this sermon is Luke 15:1-2.

Sermon preached by Rev. Anna Dickson on September 14, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. The scripture for this sermon is Mark 2:1-12.

Sermon preached by Rev. Lewis Galloway on September 7, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. The scripture for this sermon is Mark 12:28 -31.

Sermon preached by Rev. Mary Bowman on August 31, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. The scripture for this sermon is 1 Samuel 16:1-13. This sermon is part of the series, I've Always Wondered - Kids' Questions of Faith

Sermon preached by Rev. Pen Peery on August 24, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. The scripture for this sermon is Job 38 (various), 42:1-6. This sermon is part of the series, I've Always Wondered - Kids' Questions of Faith.