662: Lent 2A (3/1/2026)

Notes John 3:1-17 Genesis 12:1-4a Romans 4:1-5, 13-17 Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Pulpit Fiction Podcast 02:57 Exploring John 3: Nicodemus and the Concept of Being Born Again 13:13 The Journey of Faith: Nicodemus' Transformation 19:20 Understanding 'Born Again': A Deeper Look 24:03 The Significance of Jesus Being Lifted Up 29:10 The Invitation of Belief: A Call to All 30:36 The Way of Jesus: A Universal Understanding 35:50 Genesis 12: The Call of Abram 48:59 Romans 4: Abraham's Faith and Righteousness Summary In this episode of the Pulpit Fiction Podcast, hosts Eric Fistler and Rob McCoy explore the themes of faith, transformation, and the journey of understanding through biblical texts. They delve into John 3, discussing Nicodemus's encounter with Jesus and the concept of being 'born again.' The conversation transitions to Genesis 12, where God calls Abram to be a blessing to all nations, and concludes with a discussion on Romans 4, emphasizing justification by faith. The hosts reflect on the implications of these texts for contemporary faith and the importance of understanding the broader narrative of God's promise. Takeaways Nicodemus's journey represents the struggle of faith and understanding. The concept of being 'born again' carries both positive and negative connotations. John 3:16 is often quoted but must be understood in context. Abram's call signifies a shift from universal to particular in God's plan. Faith is an active, ongoing journey rather than a one-time event. The promise to Abram extends to all families of the earth, not just Israel. Justification by faith emphasizes relationship over law. Understanding the dualism in John helps clarify spiritual truths. The invitation to transformation is central to the Christian experience. The relationship with God is about being a blessing to others.