Shows
Central Lutheran Church - Elk RiverWho Touched Me? with Pastor Ryan BraleyIn this episode, Pastor Ryan unpacks the powerful story of the bleeding woman in the Gospels—the moment she reaches out to touch Jesus’ garment and is instantly healed. What seems like a simple act of desperation is actually a profound display of faith, courage, and restoration.Ryan explores how Jesus’ question, “Who touched me?”, isn’t about ignorance but about bringing her healing into the light—transforming private pain into public restoration. This story reveals what it means to be truly seen, named, and included by Jesus.Whether you’ve ever felt overlooked, unworthy, or on the margin...
2025-09-2232 min
Central Lutheran Church - Elk RiverNot Done Yet with Pastor Ryan BraleyWhat happens when our lives don't unfold according to plan? When we make mistakes or choose wrong paths? The ancient metaphor of a potter and clay offers profound insight into how God works with our imperfections and redirections.Through Jeremiah's visit to a potter's house, we discover a revolutionary perspective on divine guidance that challenges both ancient Greek fatalism and our modern anxiety about "missing God's will." Unlike the predetermined destiny of Greek mythology, Hebrew prophecy presented a God who responds to human choices while still accomplishing His purposes.The potter doesn't discard clay that...
2025-09-0828 minCentral Lutheran Church - Elk RiverPhronesis and Other Unpronounceable Miracles with Pastor Ryan BraleyWhat glasses are you wearing? How we view reality fundamentally shapes everything about our lives – our choices, our relationships, our definition of "the good life." In this illuminating exploration of Philippians 2, we dive deep into the ancient Greek concept of "phronesis" – a way of seeing that encompasses far more than mere thinking.Paul challenges the Philippians (and us) to adopt a revolutionary lens: the self-emptying, self-sacrificial mindset of Christ. This perspective stands in stark contrast to both ancient Greek values and our modern American frameworks. While the Greeks prized virtue, reason, and reputation, we often define reality thro...
2025-07-0734 min
Attention ShiftThe Indie Media Playbook: Eric Newcomer on Trust, Transparency, and the Business of Being FeistyWhat happens when a journalist ditches the newsroom and builds one of Substack’s most influential publications from scratch? In this episode, we talked to Eric Newcomer—former Bloomberg reporter and founder of Newcomer—about going independent, building trust in the chaos of modern media, and what it means to be both the reporter and the brand.Eric opened up about his transition from legacy media to solo operator, how the pandemic shaped the new media wave, and why insider-first reporting resonates so deeply in Silicon Valley. We dug into the power of showing your work, why being...
2025-07-0356 min
Central Lutheran Church - Elk RiverCan't Lose with Pastor Ryan BraleyWhat if I told you that regardless of your circumstances, you simply cannot lose? That's the radical truth Paul communicates from his prison cell to the Philippian church. Looking at a man who's been beaten, shipwrecked, starved, rejected, and now faces possible execution, we'd expect despair. Instead, we hear the triumphant declaration: "For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain."This message explores how Paul's perspective transcends his immediate circumstances by understanding what we might call the "Christ pattern" – suffering leads to union with Christ, which leads to resurrection. Rather than viewing suffering as an...
2025-06-3031 min
Central Lutheran Church - Elk RiverHome: A Father’s Day Sermon with Pastor Ryan Braley"Does anybody really love me?" It's a question that echoes in the depths of our hearts. For those who grew up without a father—or with complicated father relationships—this question carries extra weight, especially on Father's Day.Growing up without my father after years of family turmoil, I discovered that love and approval became synonymous. I built what psychologists call a "false self"—a constructed identity designed to win acceptance and love. This false self isn't unique to those with father wounds; we all create personas to protect our vulnerabilities and ensure our survival. Whether it's throug...
2025-06-1637 min
Central Lutheran Church - Elk RiverRhythm: Celebration with Pastor Ryan BraleyWhat if celebration isn't just something we do when life is going well, but a spiritual discipline we need to cultivate intentionally? In this eye-opening exploration of sacred celebration, we discover that God actually commanded his people to celebrate regularly—not as an optional add-on to faith, but as an essential practice for spiritual formation.The ancient Israelites were instructed to observe three major festivals annually, gathering to feast, remember God's faithfulness, and celebrate his provision. Even the tithe—often viewed today as merely giving to support religious leaders—originally included a command to "buy whatever you like...
2025-06-0931 min
Central Lutheran Church - Elk RiverRhythm: Worship with Pastor Ryan BraleyHave we lost our breath in the modern world? In this profound exploration of worship, we discover that for ancient peoples, worship wasn't a scheduled event but as natural and necessary as breathing itself. It was woven into the fabric of their daily existence, punctuating their lives through prayers, celebrations, and sacred rituals.The word "worship" derives from "worth-ship" – showing something its true worth and value. When we worship, we turn our whole being toward something, recognizing its beauty and worthiness. This raises the crucial question that shapes our entire existence: what sits on the throne of yo...
2025-06-0232 min
Central Lutheran Church - Elk RiverRhythm: Silence & Solitude with Pastor Ryan BraleyWhat happens when we stop shaking the jar of our lives and let everything settle? In this exploration of silence and solitude, we discover how intentional withdrawal from noise and distraction creates space for profound spiritual encounters.The story of Elijah offers a powerful metaphor for our own journeys. After a tremendous spiritual victory, Elijah flees into the wilderness, overwhelmed by fear and despair. There in the "eremos" – the desert, the lonely place – he encounters God not through dramatic manifestations but through "the sound of sheer silence." This pattern reveals something essential about our spiritual lives: authentic conn...
2025-05-1932 min
Central Lutheran Church - Elk RiverRhythm: Fasting with Pastor Ryan BraleyWhat happens when we deliberately disrupt the rhythm of consumption in a world where virtually anything can be delivered to our doorstep within hours? This episode dives deep into the countercultural practice of fasting and how it shapes our spiritual lives.We begin by examining "the water in which we swim" - our culture of immediate gratification where indulgence is celebrated and boredom can be avoided with a few taps on a screen. Against this backdrop, we explore how fasting has faded from Christian practice since the Enlightenment as spirituality became increasingly focused on the intellect rather...
2025-05-0532 min
Central Lutheran Church - Elk RiverThe Rhythm is Gonna Get You with Pastor Ryan BraleyWhat forces are shaping your life right now? Beyond your conscious awareness, daily habits and patterns are carving pathways in your heart, sculpting your desires, and ultimately determining who you become.When we repeatedly complain, our lens for viewing the world darkens. When we reach for our phones first thing in the morning and scroll mindlessly through social media, we feed anxiety and discontentment. These aren't neutral activities—they're formational practices with profound consequences. As Aristotle wisely observed, "We are what we repeatedly do." The truth is stark: every action repeated creates grooves in our hearts like vi...
2025-04-2830 min
Vitamin SeeSINNERSRyan Coogler's original horror movie "Sinners" is the talk of town. Does it live up to the hype? What recommended movie did I also watch this week? What's my beef with birthday cards? Tune in now to hear it all...
2025-04-2341 min
Central Lutheran Church - Elk RiverI Am the Resurrection and the Life with Pastor Ryan Braley"I am the resurrection and the life." With these words, Jesus makes one of his most profound declarations while standing at the grave of his friend Lazarus. But what does this statement really mean for us today?When Jesus refers to the dead Lazarus as merely "sleeping," he hints at something revolutionary: death isn't permanent. While the disciples are confused and Martha believes resurrection is something for the distant future, Jesus boldly declares that resurrection power is present now, embodied in him.The raising of Lazarus serves as a powerful sign pointing to Jesus's own...
2025-04-2224 min
Central Lutheran Church - Elk RiverI Am the True Vine with Pastor Ryan BraleyThe ancient world valued gardens as rare treasures belonging only to kings and the wealthy. These weren't merely beautiful spaces but powerful symbols of divine blessing, order over chaos, and sacred communion. When Jesus declares "I am the true vine," he taps into this rich imagery that runs through Scripture from Eden to the New Jerusalem.What does it mean to be connected to this true vine? Through captivating garden symbolism and practical horticultural wisdom from a guest gardener, this message reveals how we're designed to be "mini gardens" and "mini temples"—living spaces where God's presence dw...
2025-04-1429 min
Central Lutheran Church - Elk RiverI Am the Good Shepherd with Pastor Ryan BraleyWhat if Jesus calling us "sheep" isn't just a poetic metaphor, but a profound truth about human nature? In this eye-opening message, Pastor Ryan explores why sheep perfectly represent our tendencies toward poor judgment, defenselessness, and aimless wandering - and why that's actually good news.Drawing from 10,000 years of sheep domestication history, we discover why these uniquely vulnerable animals require constant guidance. Sheep can't find their own food, fall into holes, wander off cliffs, and become easy prey when isolated. Sound familiar? Our human tendency to wander from safety into self-destruction mirrors these patterns with striking accuracy.
2025-04-0829 min
Central Lutheran Church - Elk RiverI Am the Gate with Pastor Ryan BraleyWhat happens when religious gatekeeping collides with divine compassion? Jesus' declaration "I am the gate for the sheep" emerges from a powerful confrontation over a man born blind—healed but subsequently expelled from the synagogue by religious leaders more concerned with rule-keeping than rejoicing in restoration.This declaration arrives during Hanukkah, the Festival of Dedication, when Jews celebrated the rededication of the temple—the gateway to God's presence—after it had been desecrated. The timing is no coincidence. While religious leaders were celebrating a historical gateway, they were simultaneously blocking access to those deemed unworthy. Into this contex...
2025-03-1738 min
Central Lutheran Church - Elk RiverYirah, and That One Time I Was In the Ocean with Pastor Ryan BraleyDive into a captivating exploration of the profound interplay between fear and wonder in the realm of faith in this episode. Drawing from personal stories and biblical narratives, we unpack the meaning of Yirah, a Hebrew word that translates to a unique blend of awe and fear in respect to the divine. As we share experiences of standing at the edge of mountains and experiencing the unrivaled vastness of the ocean, we awaken to the idea that encountering God invites both reverence and thrill. Join us as we discuss the transformative impact of awe on our understanding o...
2025-03-0341 min
Central Lutheran Church - Elk RiverSchool Principals, Logan’s Swimsuit, and the Pathos of God with Pastor Ryan BraleyCan the character of God be both wrathful and compassionate? Join us as we navigate this complex question, examining how these seemingly opposing forces might intertwine, particularly through the lens of the Minor Prophets. We invite you on a journey contrasting the God of the Bible with the distant deities of ancient cultures like Zeus and Odin, who remained aloof from human affairs. Our exploration seeks to unravel divine character in a way that resonates with our modern lives, helping listeners understand a God who is not only involved but deeply invested in humanity.The perception of...
2025-02-1834 min
Central Lutheran Church - Elk RiverThe Dancing God with Pastor Ryan BraleyCan a prophet from the past illuminate our present? Join us as we explore the compelling world of Zephaniah, one of the so-called "minor" prophets who packs quite a punch in a small package. Through humor and historical context, we liken Zephaniah to figures like Moses, revealing his potential royal lineage and the significant role he played in ancient Judean society. With a unique analogy, we liken these prophets to the "Reader's Digest" of biblical writings—short yet profoundly impactful. We're on a mission to make the rich narrative of these ancient texts accessible and engaging for everyone, regardless of...
2025-02-0332 min
Central Lutheran Church - Elk RiverWait a Minute... with Pastor Ryan BraleyCan questioning authority be an act of faith? Join us as we explore the intriguing lives of the minor prophets in our series, "The B-Sides," and discover how their bold actions communicated divine messages. Our spotlight this week is on Habakkuk, who, like his contemporaries, boldly questioned the justice of his time. We delve into the historical context of his era, contrasting it with Zechariah’s, to reveal how these brief yet powerful encounters with God shaped Israel's destiny. Through shocking tales, like Isaiah's symbolic three-year act, we show how these prophets were much more than mere fortune tellers.
2025-01-2133 min
Central Lutheran Church - Elk RiverAmidst Ruins with Pastor Ryan BraleyWhat if the hidden gems of the Old Testament have more to teach us than we ever realized? Journey with us into the world of the minor prophets in our new series, "The B-Sides: The Minor Prophets," where we unearth the timeless wisdom hidden in these often-overlooked biblical figures. You'll discover how the likes of Zechariah can provide crucial insights into our modern lives, moving beyond the stereotype of prophets as mere fortune tellers and revealing them as messengers chosen to deliver God's transformative guidance during times of despair.Explore the true role of prophets as partners...
2025-01-1336 min
Central Lutheran Church - Elk River57 Words with Pastor Ryan BraleyUnlock the profound wisdom hidden within the simplicity of the Lord’s Prayer. By dissecting its 57 Greek words, we promise you'll gain fresh insights into this ancient text and a deeper understanding of your spiritual connection. Our journey begins with a reflection on how this prayer, despite its simplicity, can often lose its depth in familiarity. You'll uncover how the Lord's Prayer stands in stark contrast to the elaborate prayers of its time, inviting you to identify the elements that resonate personally as you explore the subtle ways God communicates with us.We then shift our focus to...
2025-01-0639 minCentral Lutheran Church - Elk RiverThe Gifts of Christmas with Pastor Ryan BraleyImagine receiving an unexpected gift from a basement scavenger hunt—sounds humorous, right? We kick things off with a lighthearted tale of re-gifting that reframes this common practice as a meaningful act of sharing and connection. This playful beginning sets the stage for a warm exploration of the Advent season, where the true spirit of Christmas is captured through the joys of giving, whether it's a heartfelt prayer or a quirky office trinket that brings people together.As we shift gears, prepare to explore the darker side of history with the tragic figure of King Herod. Known fo...
2024-12-3031 minCentral Lutheran Church - Elk RiverThe Peace of Advent with Pastor Ryan BraleyImagine finding peace in the busiest season of the year, rediscovering the wonder of the Advent season in a world obsessed with data and facts. Our latest podcast episode invites you on a journey through the transformative themes of peace, hope, joy, and love, with a special focus on the concept of shalom. We kick off with a personal story about the simple act of picking up a dropped Tootsie Roll, illustrating how small, intentional actions can spark profound harmony in our lives. Join us as we explore the beauty of active waiting, symbolized by lighting the Advent candles...
2024-12-0230 minCentral Lutheran Church - Elk RiverHow to End with Pastor Ryan BraleyWhat if embracing your weaknesses could reveal your true strength? Join us as we journey through the final chapter of our series on Ephesians, where we unravel Paul's compelling message on the transformative power of prayer. We'll challenge the cultural norm of self-sufficiency and explore how admitting our vulnerabilities can strengthen our connection with God. As we prepare for Advent, discover the simplicity of the "three here's" prayer model, designed to deepen your spiritual journey and foster a practice of being present with God.In our discussion, we emphasize the metaphorical "armor of God," inspired by Paul's...
2024-11-2534 minCentral Lutheran Church - Elk RiverNo Greater Love with Pastor Ryan BraleyCan ancient texts provide the keys to solving modern relationship dilemmas? Imagine navigating the complexities of relationships by looking at age-old teachings through a fresh lens. Explore with us as we challenge the conventional interpretations of Paul's letters in Ephesians, bringing to light their revolutionary nature when viewed in the historical context of the Greco-Roman world. We journey into a time where these teachings dared to promote love and respect, ideas that were groundbreaking amidst the societal norms of that era. Our discussion reveals how these timeless insights can inspire more respectful and inclusive relationships today.Delving...
2024-11-1834 minCentral Lutheran Church - Elk RiverTo Tend the Light with Pastor Ryan BraleyWhat if the light that guides us is more than just a metaphor? Join us for a transformative exploration of the sacred essence of light throughout spiritual history and its profound role in human consciousness. We promise you'll walk away with a deeper understanding of how ancient rituals, like those of the Israelites, used light as a bridge to the divine. We unravel the intricate relationship between our earthly existence and heavenly aspirations through the construction of the tabernacle and the significance of the menorah, shedding light on the priest's role in maintaining this sacred flame.Explore...
2024-11-1235 min