Faith That Works in Real Life

Messiah Lutheran Church - Fort Wayne, IN
  • 5.0 (2)
  • SPIRITUALITY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Our Mission: To help people grow a faith in Jesus Christ that works in real life. messiahlutheranchurch.substack.com

  1. Sunday January 18th, 2026 - Pastor Brian Spahr

    JAN 19

    Sunday January 18th, 2026 - Pastor Brian Spahr

    Have you ever walked into a store just to be met by a salesperson asking, "Can I help you find something?" Our instinct is often to say, "I’m just looking." In this message, Pastor Brian explores the Gospel of John, where Jesus asks the disciples a similar, life-altering question: "What are you looking for?" We often spend our lives looking for the "sink repair kit"—that one thing we think will finally fix our brokenness or make our lives perfect. But Jesus invites us into something deeper. Through personal stories of transition, the messy reality of hospital chaplaincy, and the significance of a Tuesday at 4:00 PM, we discover that what we are truly looking for is a place to abide. Key Takeaways The Question: Jesus doesn't start with a lecture; he starts with an invitation to examine our own desires. The Hallowed Mundane: Why the Gospel writer included the specific time (4:00 PM) and why the "boring" details of our lives are often where God is most present. Reluctant Doors: How God uses our "second jobs," financial shifts, and moments of reluctance to lead us to where He is staying. Better, Not Easier: Following Jesus doesn't promise a simpler life, but it does promise a better one—one where we are never alone in the mess. Scripture Reference John 1:29–42 Reflection Question As you walk through the physical and metaphorical doors of your life this week—at the office, your child's bedroom, or a difficult conversation—pause and take a breath. What are you looking for on the other side? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit messiahlutheranchurch.substack.com

    18 min
  2. Standing in Line: Jesus Chooses Proximity Over Purity

    JAN 11

    Standing in Line: Jesus Chooses Proximity Over Purity

    Scripture: Matthew 3:13-17Date: January 11, 2026Preached at: Messiah Lutheran Church, Fort Wayne, IN Episode Description: What does a concert ticket line have to do with Jesus’ baptism? More than you might think. In this sermon, Pastor Brian shares a moment of humbling self-awareness while waiting in the wrong line at a Lainey Wilson concert—and how it connects to one of the most profound truths about who God is: Jesus didn’t need to be baptized, but he got in line anyway. He stepped into the muddy water with sinners, tax collectors, and ordinary people like us. This is a story about the God who chooses proximity over purity, who loves us dripping wet and messy, who declares “You are my beloved” before we accomplish anything. And it challenges us to ask: Where are we standing on the shore when Jesus is calling us into the water? In This Episode: * A concert parking lot confession about privilege and proximity * Why Jesus got in line when he didn’t have to * What it means that God declared Jesus “beloved” while he was still in the water * Wrestling with a grandmother’s conditional approval vs. God’s unconditional love * How fear of “the other” keeps us from seeing belovedness in everyone * An invitation to choose solidarity over separation this week Key Themes: * Proximity over purity: God doesn’t love us from a distance * Belovedness before accomplishment: God’s pleasure isn’t earned * Standing in line together: We’re all beloved, even the strangers beside us * The gift of getting muddy: Meeting God in the mess, not on the shore Scripture Reading Matthew 3:13-17 “Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him. John would have prevented him, saying, ‘I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?’ But Jesus answered him, ‘Let it be so now, for it is proper for us in this way to fulfill all righteousness.’ Then he consented. And when Jesus had been baptized, just as he came up from the water, suddenly the heavens were opened to him and he saw God’s Spirit descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from the heavens said, ‘This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.’” Questions for Reflection * Where am I standing on the shore when Jesus is calling me into the water? * How am I keeping my distance when God is asking me to step closer? * Where am I grumbling about having to stand in line with “all those people”—as if proximity to strangers or struggle is beneath me? This Week’s Invitation * Pay attention to one moment where you have a choice to stay separate or step into solidarity. * Maybe it’s showing up somewhere you don’t have to be—for people whose struggles aren’t your own * Maybe it’s asking a question instead of giving advice or making demands * Maybe it’s literally choosing the longer line—the one with “all those people”—and recognizing that maybe that’s exactly where you’re supposed to be Connect Website: www.messiahlc.comInstagram: @messiahfwChurch: Messiah Lutheran Church (ELCA), Fort Wayne, IN A Word of Grace God doesn’t love you from the shore. God doesn’t wait until you’re dried off and respectable. God loves you dripping wet, muddy, standing right beside you in the mess, saying: “You are my beloved. And I am well pleased.” Not because of what you’ve accomplished. Not because you finally got your act together. But because you belong to God. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit messiahlutheranchurch.substack.com

    18 min
  3. Sunday 11/2/25 Pastor Brian Spahr

    11/03/2025

    Sunday 11/2/25 Pastor Brian Spahr

    Luke 6:20-31 20 Then he looked up at his disciples and said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. 21 “Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you will be filled. “Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. 22 “Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you, revile you, and defame you on account of the Son of Man. 23 Rejoice on that day and leap for joy, for surely your reward is great in heaven, for that is how their ancestors treated the prophets. 24 “But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation. 25 “Woe to you who are full now, for you will be hungry. “Woe to you who are laughing now, for you will mourn and weep. 26 “Woe to you when all speak well of you, for that is how their ancestors treated the false prophets. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit messiahlutheranchurch.substack.com

    18 min
  4. Sunday 10/19/25

    10/20/2025

    Sunday 10/19/25

    Luke 18:1-8 18 Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray always and not to lose heart. 2 He said, “In a certain city there was a judge who neither feared God nor had respect for people. 3 In that city there was a widow who kept coming to him and saying, ‘Grant me justice against my accuser.’ 4 For a while he refused, but later he said to himself, ‘Though I have no fear of God and no respect for anyone, 5 yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will grant her justice, so that she may not wear me out by continually coming.’ ” 6 And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. 7 And will not God grant justice to his chosen ones who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long in helping them? 8 I tell you, he will quickly grant justice to them. And yet, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit messiahlutheranchurch.substack.com

    17 min

  5. 09/22/2025

    Sunday 9/21/25 - Pastor Brian Spahr

    Summary In this message, Pastor Brian explores the intersection of faith, community, and money, emphasizing the importance of relationships over wealth. It delves into the parable of the dishonest manager, challenging listeners to reconsider their views on money and its role in their lives. The message encourages a shift from seeking security in wealth to finding freedom in generosity and community. Takeaways * We trust in God to bring healing and wholeness. * Community and faith guide us through good and bad times. * Jesus uses the parable of the dishonest manager to teach us about money. * Wealth is often entangled in broken systems. * Money is not neutral; it bends us in one direction or another. * Direction matters more than perfection in our financial choices. * Community is more valuable than cash. * Discipleship is costly and requires letting go of control. * Generosity leads to freedom from the grip of wealth. * Life is found in Christ, not in material possessions. Keywords faith, community, money, parable, Jesus, generosity, wealth, relationships, discipleship, security This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit messiahlutheranchurch.substack.com

    23 min

  6. 08/10/2025

    Sunday, August 10th 2025 -- Pastor Brian Spahr

    SUMMARY:In this sermon, Pastor Brian explores the themes of fear, hope, and the nature of God's kingdom as presented in the Gospel of Luke. It emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's generosity and service, even amidst the uncertainties and anxieties of life. Pastor Brian encourages listeners to practice presence, seek grace, and recognize the good news that transforms us, reminding us that we are loved and held by God. TAKEAWAYS: * Do not be afraid, little flock. * God's pleasure is to give us the kingdom. * The kingdom is a gift, not a transaction. * God delights in serving * Look for grace in the midst of fear. * The good news changes us in profound ways. * We need to share and proclaim the good news. * God is already on the way, bringing the kingdom. KEYWORDS: Gospel, fear, God's kingdom, hope, anxiety, grace, service, generosity, good news, faith This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit messiahlutheranchurch.substack.com

    19 min

  7. 07/04/2025

    Sunday June 29th, 2025

    Scripture: Luke 9:51–62Preached on: June 29, 2025 Key themes: * The urgency of Jesus’ call to discipleship * The cost and clarity of following Jesus * How our comfort, delays, and divided attention hold us back * Jesus’ refusal to retaliate when rejected, showing what love looks like * What it means to put your hand to the plow and not look back Reflection Questions: * What’s your version of “first let me…”? * What comforts or conditions might be delaying your discipleship? * What would it look like for you to follow Jesus now, without hesitation?Summary: In this message, Pastor Brian reflects on one of Jesus’ hardest teachings about discipleship in Luke 9:51–62. Why does Jesus seem so intense when people ask to say goodbye or bury a loved one before following him? Because the stakes are high, and the invitation is urgent. This sermon invites you to wrestle with the difference between interest and commitment, between comfort and calling. Jesus doesn’t call spiritual spectators. He calls disciples—those willing to stay close enough to be covered in his dust. With honesty and grace, Pastor Brian explores what it means to follow Jesus without delay, distraction, or conditions. Highlights: * “Jesus doesn’t need volunteers. He calls disciples.” * “Discipleship is staying close enough to be covered in his dust.” * “You can’t follow Jesus on your own terms.” * “If we keep waiting for the ‘right time,’ we may never follow.” * “Do I want comfort more than I want Jesus?” * “The time is now. No more delays. Jesus is calling.” Keywords: * Discipleship * Luke 9:51–62 * Urgency of faith * No turning back * Following Jesus * Cost of discipleship * Full-body faith * Spiritual delay * Kingdom of God * Living faith now * Surrender * Jesus-centered life This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit messiahlutheranchurch.substack.com

    17 min

  8. 06/17/2025

    Sunday June 15th, 2025 - Pastor Brian Spahr

    Summary: What if God isn’t withholding answers… but offering mercy? In this message from John 16:12–15, Pastor Brian explores what it means to be guided by truth. Jesus tells his disciples, “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now,” and in doing so, reveals a kind of divine patience and tenderness. This message invites listeners to reimagine truth not as a finish line to reach or a set of doctrines to master, but as a journey the Spirit walks with us—step by faithful step. Through everyday illustrations, pastoral honesty, and poetic depth, this message asks: * What if the Spirit still speaks in whispers, not shouts? * What if truth is more about relationship than certainty? * What if your only job today is to take just this step? Show Notes: Scripture:John 16:12–15 Main Themes: * Truth as presence, not information * The Spirit as guide, not explainer * Divine generosity: what belongs to God is shared with us * Listening as a sacred act * Faith that takes one step at a time Practical Invitation:Name one thing God has given you—a story, a gift, a peace, a truth. Then share it.Not to convince or impress,but because it was given to be given again. Keywords: Holy Spirit, John 16:12–15, Christian spirituality, faith journey, spiritual formation, contemplative preaching, progressive Christian podcast, truth and grace, spiritual direction, ELCA sermon, church podcast, everyday faith, divine guidance, listening to God, discernment, faith in real life, Pastor Brian, Messiah Lutheran Church This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit messiahlutheranchurch.substack.com

    16 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Our Mission: To help people grow a faith in Jesus Christ that works in real life. messiahlutheranchurch.substack.com

Information

  • Creator
    Messiah Lutheran Church - Fort Wayne, IN
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    61
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Messiah Lutheran Church
  • Show Website
    Faith That Works in Real Life