1 Pres Pod: Recent Episodes
First Presbyterian Church of Fort Smith
This week, Phil and Stephen discuss souls. Does everyone have one? What happens to them? Where do we go from here? Join us.
This week, Phil and Tasha talk about preaching hard texts and topics. Wha t should be covered in a sermon? How should we approach challenging issues? What's it like for a pastor to approach hard subjects with their congregation? We discuss this and more this week. Join us!
As Rham nears his 4th year of sobriety, Tasha asks him what he’s learned about himself and about his faith.
Tasha has a conversation with Michael Mings, the mobility coordinator of Fort Smith. Michael shares details of a new children’s bike program here in town.
This week Phil is joined by his good friend Kate Davis of the Seattle School of Theology and Psychology. Together they will talk about the unique challenges facing clergy in modern America, as well as how congregations can best support pastors in this challenging time.
This week Phil and Tasha talk about marriage and pre-marital counseling. What have they learned over the years? How does one apply their faith to their marriage? What happens in a pre-marital counseling session? These questions and more, this week!
Tasha gets a good news story from the head of the Fort Smith United Way Shae Foldvary. His story focuses on the work of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. Get ready to be surprised by its reach in our area!
Tasha asks Phil to share an update on his work with rural congregations: what he’s learned, what has surprised him, and what exciting opportunities are up next.
Tasha and Rham talk about the journey of faith. Are you ever “finished” or an expert? When are you strong enough in your faith to, say…teach children’s Sunday School?
We are ending each month with some good news from our region. This month the good news comes from our own Maria Martinez, the emotional wellness coordinator at the church. Maria shares updates of what she’s been doing, what she’s learned, and a story of good news.
When someone says, "Let me tell you what the Bible says," what do they actually mean? This week, Stephen and Phil talk Bible translations and translation in general. Why are there so many translations of the Bible? Is there one that is "more right" than the others? How can we even begin to choose which one to read? Can we even know what the "Bible says?"
Lent has arrived once more. This week, Phil and Tasha talk about the significance of the season of Lent, what it means, and how it can shape us as followers of Jesus.
Why don’t women seem more upset at Eve? Or are they? Should they be? Rham and Tasha discuss the first woman and all the flack she gets.
In this episode, Phil and Tasha take a look ahead to 2024 and what is in store for the 1 Pres Pod. Then they discuss Christmas and the Christmas season.
Wait, what?!?!?! Yes, that's right, God is not religious, so if you are someone who is saying, "I am not religious," congratulations, God is with you on this one.
Did you think God was a capitalist? Probably not. So, why do we need to talk about it? Well, it's more insidious than you might imagine. Check it out.
This week Phil and Tasha continue their look at things God is not, with a conversation about God NOT having a nationality. What does that mean? How does it affect our discipleship? What hard choices does it mean for us?
This week Phil and Tasha talk about the risks we take when we imagine ourselves to be too similar to God. Building off the lyrics from the famous Joan Osborne song, they will talk about the perils of domestication, and the importance of awe and wonder.
Let's spend some time doing something differently. Instead of talking about who and what God is, let's talk about who and what God is NOT. This is actually an ancient theological practice that is largely forgotten in modern theology. Talking about what God is not can help expand our understanding of God as well as cultivate a sense of awe or wonder in our faith. Join Phil and Tasha as they explore and discuss this important part of our theological heritage.
Better late than never! Phil and Tasha wrap up their series on the Church's job description with this conversation about the Kingdom of Heaven. What exactly is the Kingdom of Heaven? How do we show it to the world? What does it mean for our lives? They will discuss these things + Taylor Swift.
Check it out.
Phil and Tasha are back but they are taking a break from the Great Ends of the Church to discuss the war in Israel. There will be no hot takes here, nor taking of sides. There will be no conversations about policies or tactics. Instead they talk about how we, as people of faith, can manage ourselves during this frightening and saddening time, and how we can remain true to our faith in Jesus.
This week Phil and Tasha talk about what it means to engage our neighbors as the Church. We would probably title this "social justice" rather than "social righteousness" in today's world. This notion of engaging the world and coming alongside the powerless is complicated and fraught with difficulties. How do we do it? Where do we start? What does it look like? Join us to discuss this and more.
This week Phil and Tasha talk about truth. What is truth, in the Christian sense? The appropriate question for us, however, is WHO is truth? That would be Jesus. So listen in while they discuss what this means, how religion can get in the way, and what it means to carry this truth into the world.
This week Phil and Tasha talk about the importance of worship in the life of the church. In particular they discuss maintaining our worship's focus on God. They also talk about some of the things we get wrong when we think about worship, as well as how best to bring young children into worship.
Join Phil and Tasha this week as they explore what it means to be "church" to one another. As they continue to discuss the Church's "job description" their focus this week is on shelter, nurture and spiritual fellowship. But what do those terms mean? How do we live them out? And what's at stake for the Church here?
Phil and Tasha will be co-hosting this six week series on the Great Ends of the Church. Codified in 1910, the Great Ends are functionally the Church's job description. This week we look at the first End, the Proclamation of the Gospel for the Salvation of Humankind. How do we go about proclaiming the Gospel? What are we actually proclaiming? How does that last work, humankind, influence our lives of faith? We will tackle these questions and more this week.
Rham wonders about selections and compilations of Scripture. If we just get parts of the Bible, is that enough? Also, how does creativity and art influence our faith, and should it?
The `1 Pres Pod is back!!! In August Phil will be joined by Jarred Rego and Rham Cunningham to kick around matters of faith. This week, Jarred wonders, "what is with the messianic secret in the Gospels? Why doesn't Jesus want people to know who he is? We will talk about this and more this week.
This week Phil sits down with new Communications Director Sarah Mings. They discuss Sarah's story, her role at First Presbyterian and her first impressions.
This week Phil talks with Maria Martinez, the new Emotional Wellness Coordinator at First Presbyterian Church. Phil and Maria talk about mental health, coping mechanisms and how to help children with their mental health. They talk about de-stigmatizing mental health as well as how to recognize our own mental health needs.
What does it mean to have faith like a mustard seed? Will perfect faith get us a perfect life? And, how do other people help our faith? In this episode Phil and Stephen wrap up their May conversations by discussing all this and more. Check it out!
"Built to Last"
1st Corinthians: Week 6
Rev. Tasha Blackburn
Sanctuary Worship 5-21-23
www.1pres.org/giving
This week, Phil and Stephen talk about gender roles in the home and church. How does Scripture inform these roles? Why does our interpretation of Scripture matter as we consider them? In fact, in the Christian worldview, is gender even important?
"We're One, But We're Not the Same"
1st Corinthians: Week 5
Rev. Phillip Blackburn
Sanctuary Worship 5-14-23
www.1pres.org/giving
This week Phil and Stephen talk salvation. They define and discuss predestination.; talk about the very human desire to control other people's salvation, and finally how we should approach our own salvation.
"Family Style"
1st Corinthians: Week 4
Rev. Phillip Blackburn
Sanctuary Worship 5-7-23
www.1pres.org/giving
Stephen Martin returns and joins Phil for this series which explores Christianity in popular culture. This week, we talk about Tupac Shakur's famous statement, "Only God Can Judge Me." Was he using it right? Wrong? Tune in to hear a conversation about judgment in and out of the Church.
"...But Have Not Love"
1st Corinthians: Week 3
Rev. Tasha Blackburn
www.1pres.org/giving
Tasha and Phil discuss what resurrected life looks like in the Christian faith and how that affects our hope even now. This is the fourth and final podcast around the themes of this month's book club, N.T. Wright's Surprised by Hope.
"At Play in the Fields of God"
1st Corinthians: Week 2
Rev. Phillip Blackburn
Sanctuary Worship 4-23-23
www.1pres.org/giving
Tasha talks with church member and avid reader of theology Charlie Wohlford about death, resurrection, and one of the Church’s earliest statements of faith: Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again. All of April’s episodes center around the church book club for the month, N.T. Wright’s Surprised by Hope.
"We Are Weak, but He Is Strong"
1st Corinthians: Week 1
Rev. Tasha Blackburn
Sanctuary Worship 4-16-23
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Tasha has a conversation with the Reverend DeeDee Autry on the hope of Easter and, in particular, how our hope is changed by the promise that even our bodies are resurrected.
"On Fidelity"
Rev. Phillip Blackburn
Easter Sunday
Sanctuary Worship 4-9-23
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Tasha has a conversation with the Reverend Jeff Champlin about the hope we find, not only in Jesus’ resurrection at Easter, but in his death on Good Friday.
"This is Your King"
Lent in Plain Sight: Coats
Rev. Phillip Blackburn
Palm Sunday Sanctuary Worship 4-2-23
www.1pres.org/giving
"The Church only wants my money." This is one of the main reasons behind the decline in American church attendance and participation. Today Rham and Phil explore the Church's relationship with money. What questions should you ask before you give? Why does the Church need money, and what does it do with it? How transparent should a church be with its finances. Join us for this conversation!
"Jesus the Christ"
Lent in Plain Sight: Oil
Rev. Tasha Blackburn
Sanctuary Worship 3-26-23
www.1pres.org/giving
Rham wonders if we should err on the side of our personal relationship with Jesus, or our communal relationship as mediated through the Church? As you might expect, Phil offers a "yes, with a but...no, with a however," for this particular question. Check it out!
"Highway to the Danger Zone"
Lent in Plain Sight: Shoes
Rev. Phillip Blackburn
Sanctuary Worship 3-19-23
www.1pres.org/giving
This week Rham and Phil talk about the famous"golden rule;" do unto others as you'd have done to you. This sounds well and good, but when we try to apply it things can get tricky. How should we handle this important teaching in our daily lives, and how does it apply to our most important relationships? Tune in and hear what they have to say!
Rham and Phil are joined by City Director and Vice Mayor Jarred Rego to talk about liturgical time. What is liturgical time, anyway? What difference does it make? How is it different from regular time? Join us for a fun and somewhat nerdy conversation about life in a liturgical church.
"The Old Rugged Cross"
Lent in Plain Sight: Cross
Rev. Tasha Blackburn
Sanctuary Worship 3-5-23
www.1pres.org/giving
Join Sara and Phil as they wrap up this brief series on the Sermon on the Mount. This week, they discuss the narrow gate and the wide gate. What do Jesus words about easy and hard roads mean for us, and what does the Roman Empire have to do with anything? Take a listen!
"Daily Bread"
Lent in Plain Sight: Bread
Rev. Tasha Blackburn
Sanctuary Worship 2-26-23
www.1pres.org/giving
Jesus said, "let your yes be yes and your no be no." But why did he emphasize this? What did it mean to his disciples? What does it mean to us today? Join Phil and Sara as they discuss this and more!
"Getting Skinny"
Sermon on the Mount: Week 6
Rev. Phillip Blackburn
Sanctuary Worship 2-19-23
www.1pres.org/giving
Phil and Sara are back (with better audio) to talk about the Sermon on the Mount. This week, they tackle the Beatitudes, with a particular focus on being pure of heart. Join us!
"You Can Quit"
Sermon on the Mount: Week 5
Rev. Tasha Blackburn
Sanctuary Worship 2-12-23
www.1pres.org/giving
In February, Phil will be joined by Sara Putman to discuss the Sermon on the Mount. Sara will choose passages from Matthew 5-7 that she finds interesting and then they shall discuss. This week, they talk about the Lord's Prayer. What does it teach us about prayer and how can it help us? You'll have to turn Sara's portions up a bit because Phil messed up the audio, but it should still work.
"This is the Way"
Sermon on the Mount: Week 4
Rev. Phillip Blackburn
Sanctuary Worship 2-5-23
www.1pres.org/giving
This week Tasha and Phil recap the themes from Kate Bowler's book, and discuss questions and comments which arose during the book club earlier. This will wrap up January's theme and we will move on to the Sermon on the Mount in February! Join us.
"Because I Said So"
Sermon on the Mount: Week 3
Rev. Tasha Blackburn
Sanctuary Worship 1-29-23
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Tasha has a conversation with Maren Ruestow about her work as a hospice nurse. Maren shares what she has learned from living at the intersection between life and death and what blessing looks like in our most difficult times.
"Shaken"
Sermon on the Mount: Week 2
Rev. Tasha Blackburn
Sanctuary Worship 1-22-23
www.1pres.org/giving
Tasha has a conversation with Father Mike Lager, priest at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Fort Smith. Mike shares his own background with the prosperity gospel as well as how he ministers to those who are facing hard times.
"Virtual Reality"
Sermon on the Mount: Week 1
Rev. Phillip Blackburn
Sanctuary Worship 1-15-23
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This month, in anticipation of the return of FPC’s Book Club on January 29, we will be looking at Kate Bowler’s best-selling book Everything Happens for a Reason And Other Lies I’ve Loved, and the themes we find there. This brief introductory episode will prepare you for the conversations and topics to come this month.
"Make a With"
Words of Wonder: With
Rev. Phillip Blackburn
Sanctuary Worship 12-11-22
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"Finishing School"
Words of Wonder: Welcome
Rev. Phillip Blackburn
Sanctuary Worship 12-4-22
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"You Snooze You Lose"
Words of Wonder: Awake
Rev. Phillip Blackburn
Sanctuary Worship 11-27-22
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"Finish Your Fish"
In the Cloud: Week 4
Rev. Tasha Blackburn
Sanctuary Worship 11-20-22
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"The Only Ship Worth a Darn is Friendship"
In the Cloud: Week 3
Rev. Phillip Blackburn
Sanctuary Worship 11-13-22
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"Stones in the Way"
In the Cloud: Week 2
Rev. Tasha Blackburn
Sanctuary Worship 11-6-22
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"Surrounded"
In the Cloud: Week 1
Rev. Tasha Blackburn
Sanctuary Worship 10-30-22
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"Just Keep Swimming"
Reset: Diligence
Rev. Carol Clark
Sanctuary Worship 10-23-22
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"Status Update"
Reset: Kindness
Rev. Tasha Blackburn
Sanctuary Worship 10-16-22
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How on earth do we embrace chastity in the modern world in a realistic manner? What does Scripture really have to say about our sexual ethics? Are we even allowed to enjoy our sexuality? Phil and Tasha tackle these questions and more on this week's episode.
"The Waiting is the Hardest Part"
Reset: Chastity
Rev. Phillip Blackburn
Sanctuary Worship 10-9-22
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This week we talk humility! What does it mean for us to humble ourselves as Christians? Why did Jesus use a little child as an example? And what on earth do Phil's driving habits have to do with this spiritual practice???? Join us!
"Becoming Little"
Reset: Humility
Rev. Phillip Blackburn
Sanctuary Worship 10-2-22
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This week we talk about holding back and holding on. All we really control is ourselves, but how can we do that better? How does self-control help us with anxiety? And finally, what does it mean to practice self-control as a follower of Jesus? Join Phil and Tasha as they discuss this and more!
"On the Run"
Reset: Temperance
Rev. Tasha Blackburn
Sanctuary Worship 9-25-22
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This week we....wait?!?!?!?! Patience is an important part of the Christian life and it is the other side of anger. In this episode we talk about cultivating the practice of patience, what Scripture passages might help us, and how patience fits within our lives of faith. Check it out!
"Who Are You Wearing?"
Reset: Patience
Rev. Tasha Blackburn
Sanctuary Worship 9-18-22
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Our new series focuses on the 7 Cardinal Virtues, the historic counterpoints to the 7 deadly sins. We begin this week with Charity. In this. episode we talk about the relationship between charity and freedom, the ways in which charity testifies to our faith in God, and the ways in which charity works against greed. Check it out!
"All Your Life, Nothing but Charity Sustains You"
Reset: Charity
Rev. Phillip Blackburn
Sanctuary Worship 9-11-22
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"Getting into Shape"
Rev. Tasha Blackburn
Sanctuary Worship 9-4-22
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We have come to the end of the fascinating Book of Jonah. This week we talk about satire, tribalism and God's justice and mercy. Join us!
"Does Sparing the Rod Spoil the Child?
Rev. Tasha Blackburn
Sanctuary Worship 8-28-22
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This week we look at chapter 3 of Jonah. The prophet arrives in Ninevah and proclaims his message. The city repents. Then God surprisingly relents. What does all this tell us about God's plans and purposes; God's mercy and judgment? Phil and Tasha talk about these questions and more. Join us.
"The Times Are Changing"
Rev. Phillip Blackburn
Sanctuary Worship 8-21-22
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Tasha and Phil talk about the relationship between suffering and joy. How does Jonah's time in the belly of the fish inform our understanding of discipleship and God's will? Can we grow in our faith by dying to ourselves. These topics and more this week. Join us!
This week Phil and Tasha talk about Jonah 1: 4-16; Jonah's stormy mediterranean cruise. We talk about what it means to be called by God, what God's call may be in our own lives, and what type of figure Jonah actually is. Join us.
"The Sound of Inevitability"
Rev. Phillip Blackburn
Sanctuary Worship 8-7-22
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During August our podcast will echo our sermon series and focus on the Book of Jonah. In episode one Tasha and Phil look at verses 1-3 of chapter 1 of Jonah. We talk about the call of the prophet, what it means to heed or flee that call, and what Jonah's story has to do with our own. Join us!
Those of us who follow Jesus know we should be more disciplined in prayer, scripture reading and more. But how do we do this? What difference does it make? Are we thinking too small with our understanding of practicing our faith?
In a brief episode, Phil and Rham talk about getting along at home when there are big differences in faith practices, values or politics. There are no easy answers, but perhaps some basic principles can help folks bridge divides in their own household.
This week we celebrate Rham's second sobriety anniversary. Then, we talk about inviting people to church. Why is it so hard? How should we do it? What are the barriers people experience?
Who or what is God? Since the beginning of faith, much less Christianity, humans have sought an answer to this question. For those of us who call ourselves "Christian," the answer is God is Triune. We believe in a God who is Father, Son and Holy Spirit. In this episode Tasha and Phil take a closer look at this ancient belief and discuss what it means for us today. Join us.
Christianity is communal. There is no other way around it. This week, Phil and Tasha talk about what it means, exactly, for us to think of ourselves as a people rather than a group of individuals. They reflect on the ways the Church does this well and poorly. And they talk about the many ways the Church was organized to foster a sense of unity and shared purpose.
Pastor Tasha and Jan wrap up the Heaven and Hell series looking at three images Jesus uses for Heaven: kingdom of God, resurrection of the body, and new creation.
"Picking Up the Mantle"
Next: Week 5
Rev. Tasha Blackburn
Sanctuary Worship 5-29-22
www.1pres.org/giving
So, what comes next? After we are finished here, what does the Reformed faith teach us to expect? In this episode Phil and Tasha talk about heaven, hope, and the nature of Jesus' promises. Finally, they discuss the difference between trust and control. Join us!
The Book of Revelation is known for many things, but what is not fully appreciated is the glimpse it offers us of heaven. This week, Phil and Jan talk about 5 "values" or "vibes" which Revelation attaches to heaven. So, what did John experience in his Revelation, and what can it tell us about what may be to come? Who will be there? What will be we be doing? What glimpses of it can we find today? Join us.
"In Defense of the Boring Bits"
Next: Week 4
Rev. Phillip Blackburn
Sanctuary Worship 5-22-22
This week Pastor Tasha shares what Presbyterians and other Reformed Christians believe about hell. This includes rethinking some assumptions both Christians and non-Christians make about hell. This is the third episode of three-part series.
If anyone knows anything about Presbyterian theology, it is the term "predestination." But what does that really mean? Does it mean God controls all aspects of our lives? Does it matter what I do in my life? Is it even Biblical? In this episode Tasha and Phil tackle the tricky topic of predestination and make the case that you might want to reconsider this ancient but misunderstood Christian doctrine.
Tasha and Jan discuss hell as we read about it in the New Testament. What hell does Jesus talk about? What is the devil's role? And what does sulphur have to do with anything? This and more are included in the conversation which is part two of three episodes on hell.
Ok, this may not sound like much fun, but it's really important! This week, Phil and Tasha talk about human sin and its ramifications for our faith. What does it mean to be created in God's Image? What is total depravity? Are things hopeless(No!)? Join us for this important episode of Presbyterian-Who!
Pastor Tasha and member Jan Stech discuss what ancient Jews believed after heaven, hell, and the afterlife. Spoiler Alert: you mind be surprised.
Presbyterian theology dates back almost 500 years! Even if you are not a Presbyterian, you might be interested in some traditional Presbyterian ideas and how those relate to us today. In this new series, Phil and Tasha talk about some of the core beliefs of Presbyterians. This week they talk about God's Providence. To what degree is God acting in our lives and in the world? If something bad happens, is God punishing us? If something good happens, is God rewarding us? If you are curious about these and more questions join Phil and Tasha this week!
Have you ever noticed how scared everyone is? We are inundated with news, entertainment and information which is designed to induce fear. This is not good for us and has a spiritual consequence. Fear poisons our relationships with other people and our inner life. So, what are we to do? Michael Kinnamon addresses this in his book and Phil and Rebekah are here to chat about it. Join us.
This week our book takes a strong stance against conservative/evangelical Christianity in America. Pavlovitz offers an alternative Christianity but does he throw the baby out with the bath water? Phil and Rebekah talk about the strengths and weaknesses of Pavlovitz's argument via conversations about religion, the Church and the nature of human sin. Check it out.
"Caution"
Sign Posts: Week 6
Rev. Tasha Blackburn
Palm Sunday Sanctuary Worship 4-10-22
Pastor Tasha has a conversation with Elly Gibbons on her life of faith in seven questions. The two cover topics of loss, moving forward, and roosters made of bread.
This week, Phil and Rebekah discuss Thomas Merton's spiritual classic, "The Seven Storey Mountain." Distilling a 460 page book into a 30 minute podcast takes some doing, so don't expect a thorough discussion of the book as a whole. Instead, we will talk about the ways in which some of Merton's ideas about the Christian life are relevant (or not) to us. How do we live comfortable yet faithful lives? What is the purpose of our lives? What does it mean to contemplate Scripture? We talk about this and more. Join us!
What on earth is going on? If it seems like everything in the world is in tumult and that dramatic change continues to roll over us in waves, then fear not, Phyllis Tickle tells us we are not crazy because big change is happening. Her book, "The Great Emergence," asserts that the Church is in the midst of once-every-500 year revolution. In this podcast, Phil and Rebekah give a brief overview of Tickle's book and talk about what on earth is happening in the world! Join us.
Pastor Tasha has a conversation with Merelyn Aubrey about her faith from suburban Hunter, Arkansas, to now.
During the season of Lent Phil will be reading a book a week about faith. This week, he reports on The Pilgrim's Compass by Paul Lang. Together with special guest Rebekah Martin, Phil talks about thinking about our faith as a pilgrimage or journey. Phil and Rebekah also talk about the tools we have for the journey, the ways we encounter God in our lives, and the ways in which our struggles are a source of growth. Join us.
This is it! The Ten Commandments pod wraps up with a conversation about coveting. We are told not to covet our neighbor's house, wife, donkey, ox, land or anything else. Seems simple enough, yet, as always, getting to the heart of the commandment takes some work and asks some difficult questions of believers. Join Phil and Ken as they look into coveting, neighbors and...family heirlooms????
"Turn Around"
Sign Posts: Week 1
Rev. Tasha Blackburn
Sanctuary Worship 3-6-22
www.1pres.org/giving
This week, Tasha and Phil talk about how we can process the stories and images we are seeing from the tragic war in Ukraine. How do we, as Christians, spiritually respond? How should we shape our prayers? Is there anything we can do? Please join us for this special edition of the 1 Pres Pod.
Ken and Tasha discuss the commandment to not give false witness against your neighbor. Find out how this relates to courtrooms, vineyards, and…leprosy?
"Second Chances and Sheep"
Love: Week 4
Rev. Phillip Blackburn
Sanctuary Worship 2-27-22
Ken and Tasha discuss the commandment “do not steal”. Including what that has to do with wandering oxen and payday loans.
"Satisfaction"
Love: Week 3
Rev. Phillip Blackburn
Sanctuary Worship 2-20-22
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Tasha and Ken finish up discussion of the commandment to not kill and move onto the commandment against adultery.
When we say "God is in charge," what do we mean? Recognizing the limits of our understanding of God and God's power opens the door to a deeper faith. In this episode Stephen and Phil discuss our understanding of God relative to our abilities. They talk about Church, faith and the idea of pilgrimage. Join us!
What does it mean to honor our father and mother? How do we live it out as children and how do we live it out as adults?
We tend to get upset about all sort of things in culture. From how we greet one another at the holidays, to the use of Scripture to justify racism, Christians in America seem to be all over the map as we try to negotiate our faith in society. Phil and Stephen discuss issues of faith and our relationship with culture, and what our posture to society should be. Check it out.
"Love is a Many Splendored Thing"
Love: Week 1
Rev. Tasha Blackburn
Sanctuary Worship 2-6-22
It is time to rest! Take a break, kick up your feet, close your email and listen for awhile as Ken and Phil talk about the commandment to remember, or is it observe, the Sabbath. This week we talk about one of God's greatest gifts to humanity, how we should approach it in our modern world, and what it means for the world to come. Join us.
For centuries Christians have pushed women into background and support roles in the Church. It has happened for so long we tend to think it's the appropriate thing, but is it? Should women be allowed to preach and teach? Are women entitled to equal roles with men in the Church? In this episode, Phil and Stephen talk about the role of women in the Church, why they believe in equality, and what the Bible says about women in leadership. Check it out.
"Call, a Friend"
Dreams and Visions: Week 4
Rev. Tasha Blackburn
Sanctuary Worship 1-30-22
We've heard that we aren't supposed to take the Lord's name in vain, but what does that really mean? And what is the Lord's name, anyway? In this episode Phil and Ken discuss oaths, blasphemy and how a single sentence can be so complex to live out and practice.
Have you ever heard someone say, "the devil made me do it?" The devil, or Satan, is a complicated figure in Christianity. For some, he is literally the embodiment of evil. For others, the devil is a personification of the human propensity for sin. In this episode Phil and Stephen talk about the devil. What does Scripture say? Is there more to him than we imagine. And, most importantly, where is God in all this. Join us.
"The Ez-Files"
Dreams and Visions: Week 3
Rev. Phillip Blackburn
Sanctuary Worship 1-23-22
This week Phil and Stephen look at some of the most common Christian platitudes. Heaven needed another angel. God doesn't give us more than we can handle. God helps those who help themselves. When God closes one door He opens another. Phrases like these help us say something when we feel uncertain about what to say, but are they helpful? Could we do better? This week we will break down what we are really saying in our platitudes, asking if that is what we mean, and wondering what might be better.
Over the coming 8 weeks we will look at the Ten Commandments. The Ten Commandments have become powerful symbols in current American culture wars. Because of this, they have become loaded with meaning they don't necessarily hold and they have been used as a cudgel to attack those who seem to be deviating from their teaching. Over this series we will try to reclaim these vital biblical teachings and let them speak to us without inducing shame, guilt or anger. This week, we consider commandments 1 and 2; having only 1 God and worshipping no idols. Those both sound easy, right? Yet if we really think about it, we will find that these commandments still challenge us today. In particular, we are every bit as good at worshiping idols as any of our forebears, they just look different. Join Phil Blackburn and Ken Pevehouse as they talk about their faith, their lives, and these two important commandments.
In this new series, Phil Blackburn and Stephen Martin tackle some common misconceptions in modern Christianity. This week, we ask the question, does God want us to be rich? We address the faulty idea that if you give to the church you are likely to get what you want. And we talk about what the material benefits of faith are or are not.
"Big Dreams in the House of the Lord"
Dreams and Visions: Week 1
Rev. Phillip Blackburn
Sanctuary Worship 1-9-22
Rham wonders what to do as mountain bike racing season approaches? Shall he skip worship and race? If not, why not? Listen as Phil and Rham talk about worship attendance, church and the nature of Christian community.
Silent Nights is a live, online meditative worship service beginning December 1st at 6:00 pm CST. Take a weekly break from the craziness of the season for a few minutes of scripture, prayer, song, and light.
Silent Nights is a live, online meditative worship service beginning December 1st at 6:00 pm CST. Take a weekly break from the craziness of the season for a few minutes of scripture, prayer, song, and light.
Silent Nights is a live, online meditative worship service beginning December 1st at 6:00 pm CST. Take a weekly break from the craziness of the season for a few minutes of scripture, prayer, song, and light.
"Preparations"
Rev. Tasha Blackburn
Sanctuary Worship 12-5-21
*This service has been edited for this podcast. To access the entire service, please visit our website at 1pres.org/worship/archives
Silent Nights is a live, online meditative worship service beginning December 1st at 6:00 pm CST. Take a weekly break from the craziness of the season for a few minutes of scripture, prayer, song, and light.
"Power and Great Glory"
Rev. Phillip Blackburn
Hanging of the Green Service
Sanctuary Worship 11-28-21
Why is that we think we can do everything ourselves? Are we truly enriched by other people? Let’s talk about the ways we need each other…
The Bible is full of images and stories about the end of time and the collapse of society. Why are they in there? How should we approach them? Can we learn anything from the Hunger Games? In the conclusion of their series, Phil and Sara talk the explosion of Dystopian fiction, particularly amongst young adults, and the role apocalyptic and dystopian stories in Scripture can shape our hope as followers of Jesus.
"Begin at the End"
Vanity: a series on Ecclesiastes
Rev. Tasha Blackburn
Sanctuary Worship 11-21-21
Rham and Phil talk about faith and intelligence. Does learning help our faith? What does Jesus mean when he says we should have faith like a child? Can we get more faith?
The Bible is absolutely full of poetry. The Psalter, in particular, seeks to shape our faith through poetry and verse. Considering how to best to read poetry and understanding it as a literary genre will help us. This week we will hear a portion of one of Phil's favorite Psalms, number 85, and Sara will share a poem from Mary Oliver. In addition, we will talk about the ways poetic imagery helps expand our view of the world, and of course, our faith.
"A Warm Blanket on a Cold Day"
Vanity: a series on Ecclesiastes
Rev. Phillip Blackburn
Sanctuary Worship 11-14-21
the Bible is unique and authoritative, but does that mean it's all literally true? How should we understand the role myth and mythology play in Scripture and its truths about God? Sara and Phil talk popular culture, mythology, faith and a little bit about The Dark Knight as they seek to help us understand Scripture on its terms.
"Built to (Not) Last"
Vanity: a series on Ecclesiastes
Rev. Phillip Blackburn
Sanctuary Worship 11-7-21
This week Rham and Phil talk about being "good people." What makes a person "good?" Does being good get us into heaven? Also, be warned, Phil cusses in this episode so it's NSFW!
Ok, we know this may not sound exciting, but understanding that when you are holding the Bible you are holding a translation is really important. Also, it's really, really interesting. Sara is going to talk about the art of translating in this episode with some quotes from The Odyssey, then Phil will chime in with some details around Biblical translation. Finally, we will learn the meaning of Tohu-Bohu! It will be great and we promise you will know more about the Bible 35 minutes from now! Check it out.
Rham and Tasha discuss the role of knowledge in faith and how to think about “woke-ness.”
Sara Putman and Phil Blackburn talk about the Bible. What is it? How should we read it? Do we believe "in" it? Check it out!!
When hard things happen is that God’s way of putting a speed bump in front of us to get our attention? Do hard things come from God?
Rham and Tasha talk about mixed messages: they are all around us. Are they even in the Bible?
This week Greg and Phil talk about the benefits and perils of hope, and...sacred chickens?!?!
"The Bread of Life and The Bread of Strife"
Rev. Phillip Blackburn
Sanctuary Worship 10-3-21
Often we have prayers or quotes that become as important to us as scripture. Is that wrong or is it the Holy Spirit?
This week Phil and Greg discuss grace, gratitude and how it's our relationships that matter.
As we learn more about “heroes” in the Bible, we find they weren’t always perfect. We learn the same thing about people outside the scriptures. How do we handle it when heroes disappoint us?
Phil and Greg talk about the relationship between chaos and anxiety as well as the epidemic of anxiety amongst those under 35 in our culture. Also, Phil pulls out a deep cut from Scripture to illustrate anxiety's endemic place in human life.
It's a challenging time for many of us. Before we wade into tips and strategies it is important for us to name our reality. Through the psychological theory that anger is an outflowing of fear, and the spiritual practice of lament, we will name the challenges in our lives and set the table for an authentic conversation about the world we inhabit.
"The Temporary Church"
Making All Things New
Rev. Tasha Blackburn
Sanctuary Worship 8-15-21
"There's No 'I' in the New Jerusalem"
Making All Things New
Rev. Phillip Blackburn
Sanctuary Worship 8-8-21
"Grits and Grace"
Rev. Carol Clark
Guest Preacher
Sanctuary Worship 7-18-21
Carol Clark was raised in a little Presbyterian Church in Hartsville, SC. She has served as senior pastor in churches in SC, TX, and NC, and as transitional pastor at Park Hill Presbyterian in NLR. She has been the worship leader and preacher at youth and worship conferences at Montreat Conference Center, Mo-Ranch, and various women's conferences. Carol is now serving part-time on the Arkansas Presbytery staff as the Presbytery 'builder'. Carol's husband Mark is a PCUSA pastor and an attorney, now an adjunct professor at Bowen Law School.
"Don't Forget Your Sweater"
In the Beginning
Rev. Tasha Blackburn
Sanctuary Worship 7-11-21
"What Is It That You Have Done?"
In the Beginning
Rev. Phillip Blackburn
Sanctuary Worship 7-4-21
“Sabbath is God’s Name”
In the Beginning
Rev. Tasha Blackburn
Sanctuary Worship 6-20-21
“Jesus, Repentance, and Things Christians Should Never Say”
To What End? Why Being the Church Matters: Good News
Rev. Phillip Blackburn
Sanctuary Worship 5-23-21
To What End? Why Being the Church Matters part six: proclaiming the gospel for the salvation of the world
“Jubilees”
To What End? Why Being the Church Matters: Outstretched Hands
Rev. Phillip Blackburn
Sanctuary Worship 5-16-21
To What End? Why Being the Church Matters. This episode looks at the Church’s calling to have outstretched hands to the world: participating in justice, loving mercy, and doing both with humility
“Theophanies”
To What End? Why Being the Church Matters: Heaven’s Worship
Rev. Phillip Blackburn
Sanctuary Worship 5-9-21
What about preaching and call, like capital T capital C God’s “Call”? Rham and Tasha discuss this and more.
To What End? Why the Church Matters. Second of six in the series: called to be previews of God’s kingdom here on earth
To What End? Why the Church Matters We explore a third aim and goal of the Church: to provide shelter, nurture and spiritual fellowship to the children of God
Rham wonders: What if you don’t feel like going to church? Are there times you just shouldn’t go?
We conclude our Sunday School series on Romans with a conversation about Romans 7. Check it out!
We are nearing the end of Romans, and this week we focus on the transformational nature of Jesus. Check it out!
This week we look at the relationship between Adam and Jesus and learn more about grace!! Check it out.
This week we look at chapters 2-3 of Romans. Paul attacks hypocrisy in the Roman church and helps them and us begin to understand the importance of grace.
This week we dive in to Romans 1, skipping all the way to the beginning of the book. How did Paul see himself? What does he mean when he says he is, "not ashamed of the Gospel?" We discuss this and more this week.
This week we talk about the "Strong" and the nature of the grace and redemption they have received. We also discuss Paul's words about the Israelites.
What ethnicity was Jesus? How does the answer to this question affect our faith? Tune in and check it out!
This week Paul teaches us how to engage the government, and tries to talk some of the more zealous elements of the Roman Church out of rebelling against the Romans!!
This week we talk about what it means to call ourselves the Body of Christ, to be together, and to embody the abundance of God's grace in Jesus Christ. It was a great conversation so check it out!
Join Tasha and Rham as they talk about our cherished First Amendment and our faith. What would Jesus think about that? You know you want to know where this goes...check it out!
This week we look at a Christoform way of life, that is embodying our beliefs. Paul helps the Romans consider what it means to bring the essence of Jesus himself into their lives, and we get to listen in! Join us.
As Christians we say words matter, but in our hyper-polarized era, how do we, as Christians faithfully use our words. We discuss this and Rham's facial hair decisions. Join us!
This week we study Romans 14:1-15:13. We learn about Paul's designations of the two factions in Rome as the "weak" and the "strong." We also discuss the importance of unity in the Church. Check it out!
This week we look at Romans 16: 1-16. Who carried and read Paul's letter? What was the church in Rome like? Who was there? What is the context for this famous epistle? We tackles these questions and more, join us.
In this episode Rham asks Phil and Tasha how to interpret the more mystical elements of Scripture. Check it out.
Why are there so many translations of the Bible? Which is best? How do we read this thing?
As Christians, what do we think about Halloween? Is it a fun holiday or something more sinister?
This week we talk salvation. Can you lose salvation? What do we need to do to keep salvation? Does it matter if we are experience salvation early in life or late? Check it out...
What Happened to the Apostles? In this class we trace what tradition says happened to Jesus’ disciples after his ascension.
In our second episode, we talk about forgiving others, ourselves and how God sees us. Check it out.
In this new podcast, Phil and Tasha talk with Rham Cunningham about matters of faith big and small. This week, we talk baptism. What is it? What do Presbyterians think? How does one's baptism affect their daily life? Join us for this and more!
We continue through Mark as Phil tells you why Jesus' healing of a leper is a favorite of his.
Today we discuss the Church. What are its biggest weaknesses? What is its job? What does 1 Corinthians 13, the famous "love" passage, have to do with anything? Give it a listen
We talk about praying in deserted places. The audio will stop a bit early, so we apologize for that.
A devotion on Anne Lamott’s third essential prayer “wow” from her book “Help, Thanks, Wow”
A devotion on Anne Lamott’s second essential prayer “thanks” from her book “Help, Thanks, Wow”.
A devotion on Anne Lamott’s first essential prayer “thanks” from her book “Help, Thanks, Wow”
Sadly, the Holy Spirit is often overlooked or ignored. We dive into a conversation about who the Holy Spirit is and how to look for the Spirit's work in this world and in our own lives.
Who is Jesus and how does he save us? These two questions form the basis of all conversation about our relationship with the One who is our Lord, our Savior, our Friend. This conversation on Jesus continues our series on the basis tenants of our faith.
"Freedom, the Holy Spirit, and a Rattlesnake"
Rev. Phillip Blackburn
Sanctuary Worship- 8/2/20
Enjoy this discussion and class on what it means that God has placed his image within us. Class led by Rev. Tasha Blackburn.
In this new podcast, Phil and Keley talk about mission in Fort Smith, and the church's response to the Covid-19 Pandemic.
It's tax day! What better way to celebrate than by reflecting on Psalm 126:3; the wonders of God?
Why do bad things happen? Is God punishing us? Is God indifferent to our suffering? These are the questions theology seeks to answer with the Doctrine of Providence. This also happens to be our topic for today. Check it out!
Tasha and Phil talk about staycations, God’s Providence and theology that makes Phil angry. Check it out.
This service focuses on the background, and meaning, of some of your favorite hymns. Tune in to hear the guest musicians, hymn stories read, and be moved by the spirit through music.
In this episode we explore how God relates to the Creation he has made and the role we play. We also talk about "thin places" and where we've found them in our own lives.
What does it mean when we say we worship the Father, Son and Holy Spirit? Today we discuss the mystery of the Trinity.
You’ve read your Bible, but growing in faith is as much about how you read as what. Let’s explore the authority of Scripture and how it forms us.
We continue our journey in the Lord's Prayer. Our focus tonight was "who art in heaven."
Today we discussed the doctrine of Revelation (Not the book!!). How do we know anything about God? What role does the Bible play in our knowledge? The Church? Nature and experience? We talk about these things and more. Check it out.
In this new podcast, Phil and Tasha discuss that week that was and look ahead to worship. Check it out.
Lindsay has been singing in the First Presbyterian choir for years. Now, as she graduates college and prepares for life as an adult, we invite you to listen as Tasha talks with her about her past year, what music means to her, and her life at First Presbyterian. Check it out...
Phil speaks with Evan Rathera, a Professor of History at UAFS who has lived in Fort Smith since August. He has attended First Presbyterian practically since he arrived. In this episode he will tell us a little about himself and a lot about his field of study; the Civil War. Hear about his first book, the lives of Civil War soldiers, and more. Check it out.
Join Tasha as she interviews church member and youth director Dylan Brumley. They will talk about his faith journey, his love of junior high students, and what following Jesus means to him.
In this edition we talk about the Golden Rule, False Prophets and walking the narrow road. Check it out.
This week we talk money and treasure. Join Phil as we read and discuss Matthew 6: 19-24