Saving Jesus 5 - Teachings of Jesus Wisdom Tradition

Pastor Michael Long - Finding Shalom in the Wilderness

The world can feel physically and spiritually heavy, with the weight of rolled-back rights and systemic injustice making us wonder: Does the work even matter? In this moving reflection, Pastor Michael explores Isaiah 32, reminding us that God’s righteousness isn't found in palaces of power, but in the "wilderness" with those on the margins. Through a personal lens as a Black queer man, Pastor Michael shares his journey of finding a "resting place" at Dayspring, a community that chose "costly faithfulness over institutional comfort". This episode is a powerful witness to what happens when a church moves beyond performance to practice true justice.

Pastor Michael Long - Faith Is Calling, Will You Answer?

What happens when you’ve reached the end of your resources and the "system" has taken everything—your money, your dignity, and your hope? In this moving sermon, Pastor Michael dives into the story of the unnamed woman in first-century Galilee who lived with a chronic hemorrhage for 12 years. Ostracized by Levitical law and labeled "unclean," she was a woman invisible to her community, forbidden even from entering the temple to pray. Pastor Michael invites us to use our "spiritual imagination" to walk in her shoes—crawling through a crowd that wasn't built for her, pushing past fear and exhaustion just to touch the hem of Jesus’ garment.

Pastor Michael Long - The Move of Disruption

What happens when the Holy Spirit breathes life into spaces that feel completely dried up? In this powerful Pentecost Sunday message, we explore the concept of "holy disruption"—the uninvited, unscheduled, and uncontainable movement of God that shakes us up before turning our lives around. Drawing powerful connections across history and scripture, this episode traces the journey of faith from moments of deep emptiness to radical resurrection. We look back at John Wesley’s infamous 1738 "Aldersgate experience," where a failing ministry and a heavy heart were unexpectedly ignited into a 53-year spiritual wildfire. We then step into the valley with the prophet Ezekiel, confronting the devastating reality of "dry bones". This isn't just ancient history; we address how the valley exists today in our modern headlines, manifesting as systemic injustice, voter suppression, and modern-day gerrymandering targeting Black communities. Yet, the message remains clear: the empire cannot gerrymander the movement of the Holy Spirit (Ruah). Finally, we journey to the upper room in Jerusalem to witness the birth of the church, reminding us that Pentecost is never just about a feeling—it is a commission to step out the door and fight for justice, love, hope, and empathy. If you have been experiencing a "rattling season" of uncertainty, take heart. The rattling isn't a sign that something is wrong; it is the sound of the Spirit moving, restructuring, and preparing you for what is next. Tune in to find out how you can say "yes" to the breath of life and become a modern-day oasis of healing and justice.

Pastor Michael Long - The Good Work Continues

How do you maintain hope and joy when life feels confined or uncertain? In this powerful graduation Sunday message, we dive into the Book of Philippians to uncover the true context behind Paul’s letter of encouragement. While many assume Paul wrote from a place of comfort, he was actually under house arrest, chained to a guard, and paying for his own confinement. Yet, despite his chains, he trusted that God was still getting the glory and promised that "the good work that God has started in you will see completion." Whether you are a recent high school or college graduate stepping out into the world, or someone navigating a major life transition—like retirement, a new career path, or commissioning into a new ministry—change can be terrifying. The uncertainty might stop you in your tracks, but this episode is a timely reminder that God isn’t finished with your story yet. The Holy Spirit is still writing your chapters, erasing the mistakes, and ordering your steps. Tune in to be encouraged, turn the page on your next chapter, and find the strength to keep pushing forward, knowing that the good work in you continues.

Pastor Michael Long - A Love Like This

What happens when religious gifts, status, and rules are used as weapons of control rather than tools for community? In this powerful and deeply personal message, we dive into the Apostle Paul’s letter to the church at Corinth—a bustling, divided community that got its wires crossed when it came to the true meaning of love. Paul wasn’t talking about the "fuzzy," superficial love seen in Lifetime movies or Hallmark cards. He was calling them back to Agape love—a fierce, unconditional, God-given love that doesn't care about your economic status, who you are, or who you love. Reflecting on Ascension Sunday, the greatest commandment, and the deeply human struggle of loving ourselves, this episode challenges us to look past our own fuzzy, distorted mirrors. Through personal stories of healing from institutional and religious trauma, we explore what it truly means to be an affirming, welcoming, and safe harbor for those seeking refuge from harmful spaces. Tune in as we ask the ultimate question for our community and our lives: What will you do with a love that holds no grudges, keeps no record of wrong, and is meant to be shared with the world?