Faith That Works in Real Life

Mud and Spit This week, we dive into the messy, unglamorous reality of how grace actually works.. Looking at the story of Jesus healing the man born blind in John 9, we explore why Jesus chose to use mud and saliva rather than a tidy, “dignified” miracle.. If you’ve been feeling like the world is a bit too messy lately—or if you’re tired of trying to find someone to blame for the “un-normal” state...

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 fi...

Scripture: Matthew 3:13-17 Date: January 11, 2026 Preached 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...

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...

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...

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 communit...

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 tha...

Scripture: Luke 9:51–62 Preached 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 “fir...

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...

SUMMARY: In this sermon, Pastor Brian explores the themes of faith, understanding, and the role of the Holy Spirit in our lives. It begins with a reading from the Gospel of John, where Philip asks Jesus to show them the Father. The speaker reflects on the human desire for clarity and peace in times of uncertainty. The promise of the Holy Spirit is emphasized as a source of comfort and guidance, en...

Summary In this sermon, pastor Brian reflects on the command of Jesus to love one another, emphasizing the significance of love in the context of betrayal and hardship. The discussion explores the nature of glory as understood through Jesus' actions and teachings, highlighting the theological implications of love as a choice and a practice rather than merely a feeling. He also addresses the cost o...

Summary In this sermon, Pastor Brian explores the themes of suspense, faith, and grace through the lens of Jesus' teachings. It delves into the human experience of waiting and uncertainty, emphasizing that suspense is not a failure but a sacred space where we can encounter God's presence. He reflects on the nature of Jesus' voice as one of love and assurance, reminding us that we are held by grace...

LUKE 24:1-12 Summary: In this Easter sermon, Pastor Brian explores the themes of grief, confusion, and the transformative power of resurrection as depicted in the Easter narrative. It emphasizes the journey of the women who discovered the empty tomb, their initial confusion, and the eventual revelation of hope and belief in the resurrection of Jesus. The message invites listeners to embrace their...

Summary: In this sermon, Pastor Brian explores the arrival of Jesus in Jerusalem, the significance of the crowd's cry for salvation, and the profound meaning of the cross in the context of Holy Week. It emphasizes the contrast between the expectations of a powerful savior and the humble, loving nature of Jesus, inviting listeners to reflect on their own cries for help and the true essence of salva...

Keywords: Gospel, ministry, presence, community, compassion, pandemic, worship, Jesus, blessings, action Summary: In this message Pastor Brian reflects on the importance of presence in ministry, particularly in the context of worship during the pandemic. It emphasizes Jesus' approach to standing among the marginalized and suffering, challenging listeners to consider their own positions and actions...

Summary In this sermon, pastor Brian explores the expectations people have of Jesus and how those expectations often clash with the reality of his message. It delves into the themes of grace, love, and transformation, emphasizing that Jesus challenges us to expand our understanding of God's love beyond our comfort zones. Takeaways * Jesus challenges our expectations of him. * Grace extends beyond...

John 2:1-11 (NRSV) 2 On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. 2 Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. 3 When the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” 4 And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what concern is that to me and to you?[a] My hour has not yet come.” 5 His mother said to the servants, “Do wh...

Summary: In this sermon pastor Brian explores the themes of expectation, greatness, and grace within the context of the Gospel reading from Luke. It contrasts the hype surrounding modern church figures with the humility of John the Baptist and Jesus. TEhe messGE emphasizes the importance of recognizing God's grace and love, and the need for confession and reflection in the church community. Takeaw...

Summary: In this message, Pastor Brian explores the themes of light and darkness as presented in the Gospel of John, emphasizing the presence of God even in the darkest times. It reflects on personal experiences of darkness and the promise of light, illustrating how the light of Christ can guide and comfort us. The discussion also highlights the role of the church in embodying this light through a...

LUKE 21-25-36 SUMMARY: In this sermon, Pastor Brian explores the themes of distress, confusion, and hope as presented in the Gospel reading. He reflects on personal experiences with trauma and mental health, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and addressing these feelings. The message highlights Jesus' role in providing liberation from distress and encourages listeners to look for signs of...

John 18:33-37 Summary In this sermon Pastor Brian explores the concept of kingship through the lens of the Gospel of John, particularly focusing on the nature of Jesus as the King of Kings. It begins with a reading from the Gospel, followed by a light-hearted quiz about various kings in popular culture. The discussion then transitions into a deeper examination of what truly makes a king, contrasti...

MARK 13:1-8 Summary: This message reflects on Jesus' teachings as presented in the Gospel of Mark, emphasizing the importance of maintaining focus on Jesus amidst modern life's distractions. It discusses the need for discernment in hearing God's voice and responding to the world's chaos with faith. Pastor Brian parallels the pain of childbirth with the new creation God is birthing in us, reminding...

John 11:32-44 Summary This message explores the profound themes of grief, loss, and the search for meaning in suffering through the lens of faith. It reflects on the biblical story of Lazarus, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging pain and the hope found in resurrection. Pastor Brian articulates the struggle with the question of 'why' in the face of tragedy and highlights the compassionate r...

Mark 10:35-45 Summary This message explores the themes of servanthood, humility, and childlike faith as presented in the Gospel of Mark. It delves into the request made by James and John to sit at Jesus' right and left, highlighting the contrast between earthly greatness and the greatness defined by Jesus. Eric emphasizes the importance of serving others and approaching God with a humble heart, ak...

This message based on Mark 10:17-31 explores the themes of eternal life, the nature of God's kingdom, and the challenges wealth presents in accessing spiritual fulfillment. It emphasizes that eternal life is a gift from God, not something that can be earned through good deeds or wealth. The discussion encourages listeners to trust in God's possibilities and to stay close to Jesus as they navigate...