Andy Talks

In Luke 18:18–30, Jesus meets the rich young ruler who wants to know what he must do to inherit eternal life, and while the man has kept all the commandments, Jesus exposes the real issue in his heart—his wealth has become his idol. Jesus tells him to sell everything and follow Him, showing that true discipleship means surrendering whatever we love more than God. Wealth itself isn’t condemned, but when anything—money, status, comfort, approval—sits on the throne of our hearts, it keeps us from fully following Jesus. The passage reminds us that salvation is impossible on our own but possible with God, and it challenges us to honestly ask what idols we need to lay down so that Christ can be first in our lives.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 Luke 18:15–17, people bring their children to Jesus, and when the disciples try to turn them away, Jesus stops them and says, “Let the little children come to me.” In a culture where children were seen as unimportant, Jesus flips the script—He not only welcomes them but says the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Then He adds that unless we receive the Kingdom like a child, we’ll never enter it. That kind of faith is simple, trusting, and open-hearted—free from the doubts and cynicism that so often weigh us down as adults. Jesus calls us back to that pure, childlike trust that simply believes, “Jesus loves me.” So today, let’s approach Him with that same humble faith—ready to receive His grace, to welcome others with open arms, and to rest in the love of the One who welcomes us all.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 s

In Luke 18:9–14, Jesus tells the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector—a story that flips expectations upside down. The Pharisee, respected for his devotion and moral life, prays proudly, thanking God that he’s not like “that sinner.” Meanwhile, the tax collector, despised by society, humbly stands at a distance and prays, “Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner.” And it’s the tax collector—not the Pharisee—who goes home right with God. Jesus reminds us that it’s not our appearance of righteousness that saves us, but a humble heart that knows its need for mercy. I’ve learned that lesson myself—thinking I had it all together, only to realize how much I still needed grace. So today, let’s stay humble, stop comparing ourselves to others, and keep praying that simple, powerful prayer: “Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner.”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 ref

In Luke 18:1–8, Jesus tells the Parable of the Persistent Widow to remind us to pray always and not lose heart. I love this story because it’s both honest and funny—the unjust judge finally gives in, not because he cares, but because the widow simply won’t quit! Jesus uses that image to show us something powerful about faith: if persistence can move someone who doesn’t care, how much more will it move the heart of a God who loves us deeply? Prayer isn’t about bothering God—it’s about trusting Him enough to keep coming back. Even when we don’t see answers right away, we keep praying, keep showing up, and keep believing. So today, whatever you’re carrying, don’t give up. Be like that widow—faithful, persistent, and full of hope—because our God hears, loves, and will move in His perfect time.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 sho

In Luke 17:20–37, Jesus reminds us that the kingdom of God isn’t something we wait to see appear “out there” — it’s already here among us. The Pharisees wanted to know when it would come, but Jesus shifts the focus from when to where— and the answer is right in the midst of God’s people. The kingdom is breaking in now through grace, mercy, and love lived out in everyday acts of faithfulness. But Jesus also points ahead to the day when the Son of Man will return — suddenly and unmistakably — calling us to live ready, not fearful. We live in the “now but not yet” of God’s kingdom: it’s already begun, but it’s not yet complete. So while we wait for all things to be made new, we live faithfully, doing good, loving others, and letting God’s light shine through small acts of kindness. The kingdom is now — and it’s coming in fullness.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

In Luke 17:11–19, Jesus heals ten lepers who cry out for mercy, but only one — a Samaritan — returns to give thanks. This story beautifully reminds us that gratitude reveals true faith. The lepers’ healing restored more than their health; it gave them back their lives, their communities, and their dignity. Yet nine kept going, while one stopped to worship. That’s the challenge for us — not to take God’s blessings for granted, but to pause and thank Him. Like that one grateful leper, we’re called to recognize God’s mercy, to see His hand in every good thing, and to let gratitude shape our hearts. Because when we stop and give thanks, we don’t just acknowledge what God has done — we draw closer to the One who made us whole.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 yo

In our Traditional message from November 9, 2025, Andy shares with us form Psalm 17.  We see that we are the apple of God's eye. He will defend and He will protect us, because He truly loves us. 

In Luke 17:1–10, Jesus turns from the crowds to His disciples with a few short but powerful lessons about how to live faithfully. He warns us not to cause others to stumble — reminding us that our words and actions shape the faith of those watching us. He calls us to hold one another accountable, to lovingly correct those who wander, and to freely forgive those who repent — even when it’s hard. When the disciples cry out, “Lord, increase our faith,” Jesus reminds them that even faith as small as a mustard seed can do great things, because it’s not about how much faith we have but Who our faith is in. Finally, He calls us to simple, humble obedience — to serve faithfully without seeking praise. The message is clear: watch your witness, stay accountable, forgive freely, and above all, be faithful — because God can do extraordinary things through ordinary faithfulness.Shameless plug: here’s a link to Method(ist) to the Madness, our new, hopefully entertaining podcast about church history. - https://methodisttoth

This parable of the rich man and Lazarus reminds us how easy it is to overlook people right in front of us. The rich man had everything but missed what mattered most — compassion. He saw Lazarus every day but never really saw him, and even in eternity, his heart hadn’t changed. Jesus uses this story to challenge how we view others and what we value. Every person — whether a CEO, a custodian, a cashier, or a neighbor — bears the image of God and is loved deeply by Him. Today, let’s open our eyes to the people we might normally pass by and love them the way God loves us — freely, fully, and without distinction.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 passage here - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?searc

This passage shows us how easy it is to miss the heart of God’s Word. The Pharisees loved money and used the law to justify themselves, twisting it whenever it suited them. Jesus calls them out and reminds us that while the gospel has come, the intent of God’s law still stands — it’s about love, mercy, and faithfulness, not control or appearances. The danger for us is the same: we can know Scripture, quote verses, even win arguments, and still miss Jesus in the process. The Bible isn’t meant to make us right — it’s meant to make us new. So today, let’s not read for information or justification, but for transformation. Open your Bible, listen for God’s voice, and let His Word shape your heart.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

This parable can be confusing at first, but when you step back, it’s really about stewardship and the heart. The “dishonest” manager isn’t praised for being shady — he’s praised for being shrewd, for using what he had while he could. Jesus isn’t telling us to be manipulative; He’s reminding us to be wise with what’s been entrusted to us. Everything we have — our money, gifts, time, opportunities — ultimately belongs to God. The question isn’t how much we have, but how we’re using it. Are we serving God or serving wealth? Because we can’t do both. Our job isn’t ownership — it’s stewardship. So today, let’s use what God’s given us well, not for our own gain, but for His glory and the good 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 little deeper into Scripture and help you better understand God&a

In Luke 15, Jesus’ parable of the Prodigal Son shows us what grace really looks like. The younger son demands his inheritance early, squanders it in wild living, and ends up broke, starving, and feeding pigs—until “he comes to himself” and remembers his father’s goodness. When he heads home, the father runs to meet him, embracing him before he can even finish his apology. That’s the picture of God’s love—extravagant, undeserved, and full of joy. But the older brother, who’s stayed home and done everything “right,” grows bitter when grace is shown to someone who doesn’t deserve it. The father reminds him, “This brother of yours was lost and is found,” calling him back into the same grace. Both sons are lost in their own way—one in rebellion, the other in resentment—but the father’s love reaches for them both. We’ve all been the prodigal at some point, and the good news is that the Father still runs to meet us and says, “Welcome home.”Shameless plug: here’s a link to Method(ist) to the Madness, our new, hopeful

In Luke 15, Jesus tells the story of the lost son—or really, the lost sons—to show us the depth of the Father’s love. The younger son rebels, squanders everything, and hits rock bottom before “coming to himself” and returning home, only to be met by a father who runs to embrace him—a shocking act of love and grace in that culture. The older brother, though outwardly obedient, reveals a hardened heart, resenting his father’s mercy and refusing to join the celebration. Both sons are lost in different ways: one through rebellion, the other through pride. Yet the father’s love reaches out to both, calling them home. That’s the heart of God—He runs toward the prodigal and gently invites the self-righteous back into joy. His grace welcomes, restores, and unites us, reminding us that the lost aren’t just God’s children—they’re our brothers and sisters too.Shameless plug: here’s a link to Method(ist) to the Madness, our new, hopefully entertaining podcast about church history. - https://methodisttothemadness.buzzspro

In Luke 15, Jesus tells another “parable of lost things”—this time about a woman who loses one of her ten silver coins and searches tirelessly until she finds it, rejoicing when she does. The coin likely represented something deeply personal and valuable, perhaps part of her marriage dowry or future security, making its loss more than just financial. Through this story, Jesus shows us God’s heart for the lost: every single person matters, and heaven rejoices when even one sinner repents. Just as the woman lights a lamp and sweeps the house until her treasure is found, God never stops searching for us. We’re reminded not to forget what it felt like to be lost, nor to lose the joy of being found. The gospel isn’t a test of goodness—it’s a rescue story of relentless grace, where God celebrates every soul that comes home.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 ref

Luke 15 opens heaven’s heart, showing us God’s relentless love through stories of lost things — a sheep, a coin, and two sons. When the Pharisees grumbled that Jesus “welcomes sinners and eats with them,” they missed the point: sharing a meal meant sharing life, and Jesus was declaring that the lost mattered to God. In the parable, the shepherd leaves ninety-nine sheep to search for the one that’s gone astray, reminding us that God’s math is mercy — every single soul matters. Each of us has been that one sheep, carried home on the shoulders of grace, and as followers of the Good Shepherd, we’re called to love as He loves — to go after the lost, to welcome the broken, and to rejoice when grace brings someone home.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

In Luke 14:34–35, Jesus says, “Salt is good, but if salt loses its taste, how can its saltiness be restored?” It’s a short passage, but it packs a punch. Salt in Jesus’ day had two main purposes—to season and to preserve—and that’s exactly what our faith should do. We should make life better, like seasoning that brings out flavor, and we should help preserve what’s good and holy in the world. Our families, workplaces, and communities ought to be brighter and kinder because we’re there. And just like salt keeps things from decaying, we’re called to hold on to what’s good—kindness, honesty, forgiveness, grace. Jesus’ warning reminds us to stay “salty,” to keep our edge, our joy, and our witness alive. So today, bring out the best wherever you go, preserve what’s good, and let your life reflect the goodness of Christ. Stay salty, friends.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

In Luke 14:25–33, Jesus reminds us that following Him isn’t something we do halfway — it’s a full commitment. He says we must “hate” our family and even our own lives, not because He wants us to literally hate anyone, but because He’s calling us to love Him more than anything else. Being His disciple means putting Him first — above comfort, plans, and even relationships. When Jesus says to “carry your cross,” He’s talking about dying to ourselves — letting go of pride, control, and selfish desires so we can truly live in Him. He gives two examples — a builder and a king — both of whom count the cost before starting something big. In the same way, we’re called to count the cost of discipleship. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it. Because when we surrender everything to Jesus, we don’t lose our lives — we finally find them.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 r

In our Traditional sermon from October 26, 2025, Andy shares his favorite Biblical character, Barnabas.  Barnabas is called the Son of Encouragement because he believes in what others can be through Jesus. We need people who believe in what we can be, and what we are doing, through the power of the Holy Spirit. We need sons and daughters of encouragement!

In Luke 14:15–24, Jesus tells a story about a great banquet where everyone’s invited, but most of the original guests make excuses and don’t show up. So the host opens the doors wide, welcoming the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame — anyone willing to come. It’s a powerful picture of God’s grace: His invitation is open to all, but we have to accept it. The danger isn’t that God stops calling — it’s that we stop listening. Like the faint beep of a smoke alarm we’ve tuned out, we can get so used to hearing God’s voice that we no longer notice it. Today’s a reminder to pay attention — to say yes to the Father’s invitation, to make space for His grace, and to come to the table where we belong.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

This morning in Luke 14:7–14, Jesus uses a dinner party to teach us a powerful lesson about humility and the dangers of power. He notices how guests scramble for the best seats and reminds them that those who exalt themselves will be humbled, but those who humble themselves will be exalted. Then He turns to the host and says not to invite people who can repay the favor, but to invite those who can’t—the poor, the crippled, the blind—because that’s what real generosity looks like. Jesus is showing us that God’s Kingdom isn’t about status, influence, or power—it’s about humility, service, and grace. Power can corrupt us if we chase it, but humility draws us closer to Christ. So today, let’s choose the lowly seat, give without expecting anything in return, and trust that in God’s time, He’ll lift us up in the way that truly matters.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 o