Andy Talks

In this passage, Jesus warns that it’s not enough to just cast out evil or avoid sin—if our lives remain empty, sin will creep back in even stronger. Instead, we’re called to be filled with God’s Word, Spirit, and love. When a woman praises Jesus’ mother, he shifts the blessing to those who hear and obey God’s Word, showing that true faith is about being transformed and filled, not just cleaned up on the outside. The Christian life isn’t simply “do no harm,” but also “do good” and stay rooted in God’s love. When we focus on the light—prayer, Scripture, acts of goodness—the darkness won’t stand a chance.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

As part of our series "The Scripture Way of Salvation," we look at Justifying Grace. This form of grace is what we see in "getting saved," or a "profession of faith," or "conversion."  This is when we walk through the door and enter the house, when we truly follow Jesus.  And this step is all about grace! 

In Luke 11:14–23, Jesus casts out a demon, and while the miracle itself is brief, the real focus is on his teaching that follows. When accused of working by Satan’s power, Jesus shows the absurdity of that claim—why would the devil fight against himself? Instead, he points to the truth: if this is the finger of God at work, then God’s kingdom has come near. The Pharisees couldn’t see it because they didn’t like or expect the way God was moving through Jesus. That’s the challenge for us too—are we willing to recognize God at work in unexpected people and places? If the fruit of the Spirit is there, then God’s hand is moving, and our job is to join Him rather than resist.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 toda

In Luke 11:5–13, Jesus reminds us of God’s deep generosity and love. Just as earthly parents naturally give good gifts to their children, our heavenly Father—who is perfect—gives us something far greater: His very Spirit. This passage isn’t about material blessings, but about receiving the presence, wisdom, and grace of God Himself. If our imperfect love for our children runs so deep, how much more must God’s love overflow toward us? That truth changes everything. As we head into the weekend, let’s rest in this: you are loved more than you can possibly imagine.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%2011%3A%205-13&version=NRSVUEClick her

The Lord’s Prayer teaches us to depend on God for today’s provision, to let forgiveness flow through us to others, and to remember that prayer can be both personal and shared. Just as the disciples asked, we too can come to Jesus each day and say, “Lord, teach us to pray,” trusting Him to guide our hearts and 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 understand God's Word.You can read today’s passage here - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2011%3A%201-4&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 can watch this in video form here - https://revandy.org/blog/

In Luke 10:38–42, we meet Martha, busy with hosting duties, and Mary, sitting at Jesus’ feet to listen. Martha deserves credit for welcoming Jesus, but she becomes so focused on her tasks that she misses the greater gift—being present with Him. While our work and responsibilities matter, Jesus reminds us that time with Him is the “better part.” Some of us naturally lean toward Mary, others toward Martha, but both are needed. The key is balance: Marthas must slow down to hear Jesus, and Marys must remember to serve as well. Ultimately, our greatest calling is to sit at Jesus’ feet, because everything else flows from His presence.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.biblegatewa

In Luke 10:25–37, Jesus answers the lawyer’s question, “Who is my neighbor?” with the parable of the Good Samaritan, where the unlikely hero is not a priest or Levite but a Samaritan—an outsider despised by the Jews—who shows mercy to a wounded man. By making the Samaritan the model of neighbor-love, Jesus teaches that God’s grace crosses every boundary and that true faith is measured not by ritual purity or status but by compassion in action. The challenge for us today is to see the “Samaritans” in our own lives—the people we’d least expect or most want to exclude—and to recognize that God loves them too. Jesus’ command remains clear: “Go and do likewise.”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 h

In our series on Wesley's understanding of Salvation, "The Scripture Way of Salvation," we talk about Prevenient Grace, the grace that goes before our conversion. God is always seeking us, calling us, saving us. He doesn't love us because we are perfect. He loves us because He is perfect.

In Luke 10:21–24, Jesus celebrates that God reveals His kingdom not to the “wise” but to the humble, and he reminds the disciples they are experiencing what prophets and kings longed to see. We, too, live in that blessing—with the Spirit within us, the Scriptures in our hands, and God’s grace poured out in countless ways. Yet, like Israel forgetting after the Red Sea, we often lose sight of God’s faithfulness. Jesus calls us to remember: it’s not about our wisdom or merit, but God’s gracious will. So today, let’s rejoice—not in circumstances, but in the deeper gift that our names are written in heaven and God has called us His 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'll dig a little deeper into Scripture and help you better understand God's Word.You can read today’s passage here - https://www.biblegat

In a week marked by tragedy and anxiety, we’re reminded that while we can’t control the whole world, we can control how we respond—choosing good over despair. In Luke 10:17–20, when the seventy return celebrating their victories, Jesus affirms their mission but tells them not to rejoice in power over evil, but in the deeper truth that their names are written in heaven. Our identity isn’t rooted in accomplishments, victories, or circumstances, but in belonging to Christ as beloved children of God. Every act of goodness—big or small—pushes back evil, but our true joy and stability come from knowing who we are in him.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/

In Luke 10:13–16, Jesus pronounces woes on Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum—towns that witnessed his miracles yet rejected him—saying their judgment will be worse than for Israel’s old enemies, Tyre and Sidon. The warning is clear: to reject Jesus’ messengers is to reject Jesus himself, and to reject Jesus is to reject the Father. While God never stops reaching out in grace, repeated rejection hardens the heart until it can no longer respond. Every choice matters—each “no” makes the next one easier, but each “yes” keeps us open to God’s Spirit. Jesus calls us to keep our hearts tender, responsive, and faithful, saying “yes” to him day by day.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:/

In Luke 10:1–12, Jesus sends out seventy followers to prepare the way for his coming, teaching them to travel lightly, offer peace, accept hospitality, and proclaim that God’s kingdom has come near. His instructions highlight both dependence on God and adaptation to the culture they enter—reminding us that ministry isn’t about standing apart but about living among people so the gospel can be heard. Just as Paul later connected with Greek culture at Mars Hill, we too are called to love our neighbors, build relationships, and share Christ in ways that show we genuinely care. True witness flows not from preaching at people, but from living with them in humility, love, and service.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 r

In Luke 9:57–62, Jesus challenges would-be followers who hesitate with excuses—whether comfort, family duties, or other priorities—and reminds them that discipleship is costly and urgent. His words may sound harsh, but they press us to see that there will always be reasons to delay obedience, and following him must come before everything else. Like choosing our highest priority in life, we’re called to put Christ first, trusting that everything else flows from that decision. The call of Jesus isn’t “later”—it’s always 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 today’s passage here - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%209%3A%2057-62&version=NRSVUEClick here if you'd like to join our GroupM

In Luke 9:49–56, Jesus teaches his disciples two important lessons about doing good and responding to rejection. When they try to stop someone outside their group from casting out demons in his name, Jesus tells them not to—reminding them that anyone doing good is on their side. And when a Samaritan village rejects him, James and John want to call down fire in anger, but Jesus rebukes them and simply moves on. Together, these stories show us that true discipleship means celebrating good wherever we see it and extending love even to those who reject us, because Jesus’ love is wide enough to embrace outsiders and enemies alike.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.c

This month, we will be looking at what it is that United Methodists believe about salvation. We'll look at what Wesley called "The Scripture Way of Salvation." We begin this series with these key points - all are made in the image of God, all need Jesus, all can be saved, and all can be saved to the uttermost!

In Luke 9:46–48, right after Jesus speaks of His coming betrayal, the disciples argue about who among them is greatest—a striking picture of human nature. Jesus responds by placing a child before them, showing that true greatness isn’t found in power, rank, or recognition, but in humility and in welcoming the least and overlooked. In God’s kingdom, greatness is measured not by status or wealth—what the world treasures most is as ordinary as pavement in heaven—but by service, love, and grace. Real greatness is found in following Jesus with humility and lifting up those society ignores.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%209%3A%2046-48&

In Luke 9:37–45, Jesus heals a boy tormented by a spirit after the disciples could not, and the crowd marvels at God’s greatness—but in that very moment of glory, Jesus warns his disciples that betrayal is near. It’s a powerful reminder that life holds both mountaintops and valleys, and we can’t live only for some distant “someday.” Every day is a gift from God, worthy of gratitude, faithfulness, and love. Like Jesus, who embraced the present even knowing what was coming, we are called to live fully today—cherishing our loved ones, seeking God, and savoring the grace given to us right 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 today’s passage here - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%209%3A%2037-4

In today’s passage, the Transfiguration in Luke 9:28–36, we catch a glimpse of Jesus in his true glory, shining with majesty as Moses and Elijah stand beside him, representing the Law and the Prophets all pointing to him. Peter, overwhelmed, blurts out his idea to build shelters, but God interrupts with the heart of it all: “This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him.” The disciples almost missed it because they were heavy with sleep, yet staying awake allowed them to see Jesus’ glory — and that’s the call for us too. In the middle of life’s distractions and weariness, we need to stay alert, pay attention, and keep our eyes fixed on Christ, because everything — Scripture, faith, and life itself — finds its center in him.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 b

Today is more than just a break from work; it serves as a reminder of the deeper need for both physical and spiritual rest. Scripture illustrates this truth through the story of manna in the wilderness, where God provided for His people and taught them the value of pausing to rest, and in the book of Hebrews, where we are invited to enter God’s rest by trusting in Christ rather than our own efforts. True rest is not simply about sleep or leisure but about laying down the burdens of striving, worry, and self-reliance, and instead finding peace in God’s presence. Just as a parent quiets a restless child, God holds us with His love and calms our weary hearts. On this Labor Day, we are reminded that rest is both a gift and a necessity—time to renew our bodies, refresh our spirits, and embrace the grace and mercy God freely gives 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

In our final sermon from our Three Simple Rules series, we look at Matthew 8:23-27. We see Jesus calm the storm. Where in our lives do we find God?  Build your life around that, and no matter the storm, we will find life.