Andy Talks

In reflecting on the death and burial of Jesus in Luke 23, we see a profound contrast between those who viewed the crucifixion as a mere "spectacle" and those who responded with genuine faithfulness and sacrifice. We recognize that while the crowds were drawn to the drama of the event, the Centurion recognized Jesus' innocence, and the faithful women remained present even when the world seemed to have won. We understand that Joseph of Arimathea’s gift of a costly tomb serves as a model for how we can offer our best to the Lord, even in moments of perceived defeat. Ultimately, we are challenged to move beyond the search for spiritual "adrenaline rushes" and "cosplay" and instead embrace the quiet, consistent devotion of those who stayed by Jesus’ side until the very end, trusting that the stillness of the Sabbath is not the conclusion of the story.Shameless plug: here’s a link to Method(ist) to the Madness, our new, hopefully entertaining podcast about church history. - https

In our sermon from February 1, 2026, Andy shares with us from Colossians 3:16-17. We are supposed to marinate ourselves in God's Word, let it drench up every part of who we are.  And when we do that, it will change how we live our very lives. 

In Luke 23, we see the profound theme of mercy unfolding through the final moments of Jesus' life. From the physical burden shared by Simon of Cyrene to the spiritual grace extended to those mocking and crucifying Him, Jesus consistently chooses forgiveness over retaliation. This mercy is most poignantly captured in His promise of paradise to the repentant thief, reminding us that no matter the "size" of our sins—whether they are public acts or private struggles with pride and envy—we all stand in equal need of God's grace. Ultimately, this passage challenges us to move beyond our own suffering to reflect that same transformative mercy to the world around us.Shameless plug: here’s a link to Method(ist) to the Madness, our new, hopefully entertaining podcast about church history. - https://methodisttothemadness.buzzsprout.com/Join us for our daily reflections with Andy. In 10 short minutes, he'll dig a little deeper into Scripture and help you better understand God's Word.You can

In examining the exchange between Pilate, Jesus, and the crowd in Luke 23, we see the dangerous consequence of choosing political convenience over moral truth. We recognize that by demanding the release of Barabbas—a violent Zealot—and the crucifixion of Jesus, the crowd chose the way of earthly power and insurrection over the way of the Kingdom of God. We understand that Pilate’s failure to stand on his convictions, despite knowing Jesus was innocent, serves as a warning that "peace at any price" often leads to greater destruction in the long run. Ultimately, we are challenged to have the courage to stand for what is right and holy, trusting that even when the path is difficult, our true allegiance belongs to the King of Kings rather than the demands of the crowd.Shameless plug: here’s a link to Method(ist) to the Madness, our new, hopefully entertaining podcast about church history. - https://methodisttothemadness.buzzsprout.com/Join us for our daily reflections with Andy. In 10 short minutes, he&

In examining the interrogations of Jesus by Pilate and Herod in Luke 23, we recognize the human tendency to view Christ through the lens of our own personal interests and convenience. We see that while Pilate sought political peace and Herod sought entertainment, neither was willing to confront the reality of Jesus' true identity or authority. We understand that our faith cannot be something "moderately important" or a means to get what we want from a "heavenly genie," but must instead be a total surrender to His Lordship. By looking past our own desires and distractions, we commit to following Jesus not for the "signs" He might perform or the comfort He might provide, but because He is the King of Kings whose will must become our own.Shameless plug: here’s a link to Method(ist) to the Madness, our new, hopefully entertaining podcast about church history. - https://methodisttothemadness.buzzsprout.com/Join us for our daily reflections with Andy. In 10 short minutes, he'

In reflecting on the mockery and trial of Jesus in Luke 22, we see the profound power of His restraint and His unwavering commitment to the Father's mission. We recognize that while we often feel a natural impulse to defend ourselves and lash out when treated unfairly, Jesus chose the path of silence and submission, trusting that God's plan for redemption was greater than His current suffering. We understand that this "endgame" was not a result of weakness, but of a deliberate "not my will, but yours" posture that prioritized the salvation of the world over personal safety. Ultimately, we find encouragement for our own difficult paths—whether they involve health, finances, or relationships—by looking to the example of Christ, who trusted in the beauty of the final destination even when the road was paved with trials.Shameless plug: here’s a link to Method(ist) to the Madness, our new, hopefully entertaining podcast about church history. - https://methodisttothemadness.buzzsprout.

In reflecting on Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane, we see the profound depth of His humanity and the intensity of His spiritual struggle. We recognize that Jesus’ plea to "remove this cup" validates our own moments of weakness and fear, showing us that true faith involves being honest with God about our burdens. We understand that while the disciples struggled to stay awake due to the sheer exhaustion of grief, Jesus remained alert, choosing to align His will with the Father’s even as His body bore the physical toll of His anguish. By following the example of the one who submitted to God’s plan despite the cost, we find the courage to bring our own "heavy cups" to the Lord, trusting in His presence as we walk toward the challenges ahead.Shameless plug: here’s a link to Method(ist) to the Madness, our new, hopefully entertaining podcast about church history. - https://methodisttothemadness.buzzsprout.com/Join us for our daily reflections with Andy. In 10 short minutes, he'll dig a litt

In our Traditional sermon from January 25, 2026, Andy shares from John 17:1-3. Jesus tells us here what eternal life is: know Him. We experience it every day, and when Jesus is in the center of life together, we have unity.

In reflecting on the transition from Jesus’ command to carry swords to His healing of the servant’s ear, we recognize the tension between fulfilling prophecy and practicing the ethics of the Kingdom. We understand that while the disciples were quick to use force to protect their interests, Jesus’ firm "no more of this" sets a definitive boundary against violence and retaliation. We acknowledge that in our own lives, especially in the heated climate of social media, we are often tempted to "lop off ears" in a show of misplaced righteousness. By following the example of the one who healed His enemy even in the moment of His own arrest, we commit to the difficult path of peace, trusting that God’s purposes are never achieved through the "power of darkness" but through the transformative power of humble service and healing.Shameless plug: here’s a link to Method(ist) to the Madness, our new, hopefully entertaining podcast about church history. - https://methodisttothemadness.buzzspro

In reflecting on Peter’s denial in Luke 22, we see that our failures, no matter how bitter, are never outside the reach of God’s foreknowledge and grace. We recognize that Jesus’ prayer for Peter was not that he would avoid the "sifting" of trial, but that his faith would endure and his future leadership would be defined by his return to the Lord. We understand that while our sin and betrayal cause genuine pain—as evidenced by Peter’s bitter weeping—they do not alter God’s fundamental commitment to us. Ultimately, we find hope in the truth that Christ has already "baked in" our mistakes to His plan for our lives, inviting us to turn back, receive His gaze of love, and find a purpose that extends far beyond our greatest stumbles.Shameless plug: here’s a link to Method(ist) to the Madness, our new, hopefully entertaining podcast about church history. - https://methodisttothemadness.buzzsprout.com/Join us for our daily reflections with Andy. In 10 short minutes, he'll dig a little deeper

In reflecting on the disciples' dispute over greatness in Luke 22, we see a sharp contrast between worldly power and the logic of the Kingdom of God. We recognize that while the world defines greatness through authority and status, Jesus calls us to a life characterized by the phrase "not so with you," where the greatest is the one who serves. We understand that even in the aftermath of the most sacred moments, like the Lord’s Supper, we are prone to the human desire for prestige and control. By following the example of Christ, who stood among us as one who serves, we commit to seeking a "superpower" found in humility and service, trusting that the path to true greatness involves laying down our earthly ambitions for the sake of others.Shameless plug: here’s a link to Method(ist) to the Madness, our new, hopefully entertaining podcast about church history. - https://methodisttothemadness.buzzsprout.com/Join us for our daily reflections with Andy. In 10 short minutes, he'll dig a

In exploring the institution of the Lord’s Supper in Luke 22, we recognize that this meal is the most sacred act of our Christian worship. We understand the Wesleyan perspective of the Real Presence, acknowledging that while the bread and juice remain physically unchanged, Christ is truly and fully present with us through the power of the Holy Spirit. We see the sacrament as a vital Means of Grace that sustains us on our journey and works to sanctify our hearts, drawing us closer to the holiness of God. Ultimately, we approach the table not because we are worthy, but because we are invited into a mystery that transforms us, unites us with the global Church, and offers us a tangible experience of God’s mercy.Shameless plug: here’s a link to Method(ist) to the Madness, our new, hopefully entertaining podcast about church history. - https://methodisttothemadness.buzzsprout.com/Join us for our daily reflections with Andy. In 10 short minutes, he'll dig a little deeper into Scripture and help you better under

In reflecting on the preparations for the Passover meal, we recognize the beauty of "quiet faithfulness" in the life of the anonymous homeowner who provided the Upper Room. We understand that just as Jesus orchestrated the details for His disciples then, He provides opportunities for us to serve Him in our everyday lives now. We acknowledge the shift from a youthful desire for "greatness" to a mature pursuit of "faithfulness," realizing that even the smallest acts—like providing a room or a cup of cold water—can have an eternal impact far beyond our understanding. By staying alert to the small doors God opens today, we commit to being faithful stewards of the tasks set before us, trusting the Lord with the ultimate results.Shameless plug: here’s a link to Method(ist) to the Madness, our new, hopefully entertaining podcast about church history. - https://methodisttothemadness.buzzsprout.com/Join us for our daily reflections with Andy. In 10 short minutes, he'll dig a little d

In our Traditional message from January 19, 2026, Andy shares with us from Matthew 5: 13-16.  We all want to leave a mark, we want to leave a legacy.  By being salt and light, we see what a true legacy looks like. 

As we begin the narrative of the Passion in Luke 22, we are confronted with the sobering reality of Judas’s betrayal. We recognize that even those closest to Jesus, those trusted with the community's resources and called to His side, are susceptible to the influence of spiritual darkness when they prioritize their own agendas over God's will. We understand that while improving our society through education and resources is a vital Christian duty, these clinical solutions cannot reach the spiritual root of sin. We acknowledge our own agency and accountability, realizing that we must keep our hearts guarded and focused on Christ, who is the only ultimate answer to the brokenness within us and around us.Shameless plug: here’s a link to Method(ist) to the Madness, our new, hopefully entertaining podcast about church history. - https://methodisttothemadness.buzzsprout.com/Join us for our daily reflections with Andy. In 10 short minutes, he'll dig a little deeper into Scripture and help you better un

As we conclude Jesus’ public teaching in Luke 21, we recognize that the call to be "alert" is not just about watching the skies for the end of the age, but about keeping our hearts sensitive to God’s presence in the present. We understand that the "worries of this life" can weigh us down and numb us just as much as any vice, causing us to miss the ways Jesus comes to us every day in the "least, last, and lost." We acknowledge that if the devil cannot make us "bad," he will often try to make us "busy," distracting us from our primary task of following Christ. By looking for Jesus in the intersections and crosswalks of our daily lives, we ensure that we are ready for His ultimate return while staying faithful to His work today.Shameless plug: here’s a link to Method(ist) to the Madness, our new, hopefully entertaining podcast about church history. - https://methodisttothemadness.buzzsprout.com/Join us for our daily reflections with Andy. In 10 short minutes, he&

In studying Jesus’ apocalyptic teaching, we confront the reality that the permanent structures of our world—much like the stones of the ancient Temple—are temporary. We recognize the tension between knowing that no one can predict the day of Christ's return and our call to live with a constant, hopeful expectation of His "any-moment" arrival. We understand that the Second Coming is not a source of dread or a "horror movie" scenario, but the long-awaited moment of our ultimate redemption when all brokenness is healed. By choosing to stand tall and raise our heads even in the midst of global turmoil or personal suffering, we demonstrate a faith that relies on God's presence to sustain us until His Kingdom is fully realized.Shameless plug: here’s a link to Method(ist) to the Madness, our new, hopefully entertaining podcast about church history. - https://methodisttothemadness.buzzsprout.com/Join us for our daily reflections with Andy. In 10 short minutes, he'll dig a little dee

In reflecting on the widow’s two copper coins, we recognize that while her individual generosity is an inspiring model of faith, the passage also serves as a sharp warning against religious systems that exploit the vulnerable. We understand that by reading this story in the context of Jesus' condemnation of those who "devour widows' houses," we are called to examine how our own lives and structures treat the poor. We acknowledge that our Wesleyan calling is to ensure that our faith is not merely a matter of "religious optics" or long prayers, but a commitment to protecting and elevating the "least among us." Ultimately, we seek to align our hearts with Jesus by moving beyond the abundance of our own comfort to care for those living in the scarcity of poverty.Shameless plug: here’s a link to Method(ist) to the Madness, our new, hopefully entertaining podcast about church history. - https://methodisttothemadness.buzzsprout.com/Join us for our daily reflections with Andy.

In our INTERSECTION message from January 11, 2026 Andy shares with us from Matthew 3: 13-17.  In our baptism we remember who we are. We remember whose we are.

As we conclude Luke 20, we reflect on Jesus’ warning against a faith built on "optics" and public approval. We recognize the temptation to use our religious "uniforms"—whether literal or metaphorical—to gain respect and status, while our hearts remain untransformed. We understand the profound danger that our virtues can pose when they lead to self-righteousness and pride, effectively blinding us to our own need for grace. By choosing to prioritize an inward-seeking devotion over outward-facing performances, we guard ourselves against the hypocrisy of the Scribes and ensure that our lives authentically reflect the humility and love of Christ.Shameless plug: here’s a link to Method(ist) to the Madness, our new, hopefully entertaining podcast about church history. - https://methodisttothemadness.buzzsprout.com/Join us for our daily reflections with Andy. In 10 short minutes, he'll dig a little deeper into Scripture and help you better understand God's Word.You can read today’s passa