Andy Talks

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

In Luke 14; 1-6, Jesus heals a man on the Sabbath while dining at a Pharisee’s house, knowing full well they’re watching to see if He’ll “break” the law. But Jesus exposes their hypocrisy by asking if they wouldn’t rescue their own child or ox that fell into a well on the Sabbath. Of course they would. He reminds them—and us—that the heart of the law is mercy, not rigid rule-keeping. The Pharisees had become so focused on legalism that they missed God’s compassion. Jesus didn’t come to destroy the law but to fulfill it, showing that true obedience flows from love, not pride. It’s easy for us, too, to slip into thinking holiness is about getting everything right. But the imperfect life that clings to grace is closer to God than the perfect life convinced of its own righteousness. So today, let’s lean on grace, love others well, and remember that God desires hearts of mercy more than mere rule-following.Shameless plug: here’s a link to Method(ist) to the Madness, our new, hopefully entertaining podcast about ch

In Luke 13:31–35, we see one of the most tender and heartbreaking moments in Jesus’ ministry. When He laments over Jerusalem, saying, “How often I have longed to gather your children as a hen gathers her brood, but you were not willing,” we glimpse the deep humanity and compassion of Christ. He isn’t angry at those who reject Him—He’s heartbroken. His love is so great that He grieves even for the ones who will betray and crucify Him. This passage reminds us that God’s heart isn’t one of condemnation but of longing—longing for His children to come home. And if His heart breaks for those who turn away, how much more does it overflow with grace for those who keep trying to follow Him? Today, take comfort in this truth: Jesus’ love is patient, tender, and unrelenting. He longs to gather you close and remind you that you are deeply loved.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 f

In today’s passage from Luke 13:22–30, Jesus teaches about the narrow door, reminding us that faith isn’t about proximity to Him or checking the right religious boxes—it’s about truly knowing and following Him. Just like the mustard seed and yeast we looked at Friday, the Kingdom of God is His work, not ours. We don’t earn our way in; we enter through Jesus alone. The door may be narrow, but it’s open to everyone who comes by grace. So today, let’s make sure our faith isn’t built on doing things to look good or fit in, but on loving and following Jesus with sincere hearts. When we walk with Him daily, we find ourselves already living in the joy of His Kingdom here and now.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 t

In our sermon from October 19, Andy shares with us from Luke 8 1-3. We see how Mary and the other women gave to Jesus because they were thankful. Jesus has done so much for us; He deserves all that we can give Him.

God’s Kingdom rarely shows up in big, flashy ways—it starts small, like a mustard seed or a pinch of yeast. But those little moments of faithfulness, kindness, and love are how the Kingdom grows. You don’t have to do something grand to make a difference today. Just be faithful in the small things—smile, pray, serve, love—and trust that God will take care of the growth. The Kingdom may start small, but it’s unstoppable.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/?search=Luke%2013%3A%2018-21&version=NRSVUEClick here if you'd like to join our GroupMe and receive this each morning at 7:00 a.m. CST. - https://groupme.com/join_group/107837407/vtYqtb6CYou

In Luke 13:10–17, Jesus heals a woman who had been crippled for eighteen years, doing so intentionally on the Sabbath to challenge the rigid interpretations of religious law. While the synagogue leader protests, citing Sabbath restrictions, Jesus highlights the hypocrisy of caring for animals on the Sabbath but denying healing to a fellow child of Abraham. This moment underscores that true holiness is not found in strict rule-following but in love—love of God and neighbor. Right belief should lead to right living, and if our theology doesn’t produce love, it misses the heart of God’s law.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/?search=Luke%2013%3A%2010-1

In Luke 13:1–9, Jesus responds to news of two tragedies—the Galileans killed by Pilate and the people crushed when the tower of Siloam fell—by rejecting the idea that their suffering was God’s punishment. He reminds us that tragedy isn’t always tied to sin; sometimes bad things just happen in a broken world. Then Jesus tells a parable about a fig tree that hasn’t borne fruit, but instead of cutting it down, the gardener pleads for more time and care. That’s the heart of God—patient, merciful, always giving us another chance to repent and grow. Repentance isn’t about guilt; it’s about grace and the opportunity to start fresh. Today, let’s take that chance—to turn back to God, bear good fruit, and live in the joy of His mercy and love.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

In Luke 12:54–59, Jesus challenges the crowd for being able to read the weather but missing the spiritual signs right in front of them. It’s a reminder for us to pay attention—to what the Holy Spirit is doing, to those small nudges from God in Scripture, worship, or everyday life. Jesus also calls us to be peacemakers, to settle things before they spiral, to bring calm instead of conflict. The early church understood this as a call to live wisely and faithfully—not seeking out suffering, but trusting God in it. So today, let’s be attentive and gracious. Pay attention to what God might be showing you, and look for ways to be an agent of peace and love wherever you go.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

In Luke 12:49–53, Jesus says he came not to bring peace but division, reminding us that following him always requires a choice—and real choices have consequences. While in some parts of the world faith can cost family or even life, here it often costs very little, which can make it easy to take for granted. But true discipleship should change how we live, shaping our priorities, relationships, and decisions. Our lives ought to look so different that others notice and ask why, giving us the chance to say, “Because of Jesus.” The challenge is simple but serious: What does following Jesus actually cost me, and am I willing to follow wherever he leads?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 - htt

In our message from October 12, 2025, Andy shares with us from Genesis 14:17-24.  Where does tithing come from? Why is it important? We see Abram gives 10% of what he has to Melkizedek, who is a spiritual forerunner to Jesus (Psalm 110, Hebrews 7).  He had a vision for what God was doing. It is the same for us. That is why we give.

In our Traditional message from October 5, 2025, Andy shares with us from 1 Timothy 6:3-10.  Wesley told the early Methodists to "earn all you can, save all you can, and give all you can."  Our budget is our greatest theological statement.