Andy Talks

It’s good to be back in Luke’s Gospel, and today we’re looking at Jesus’ teaching on judgment in Luke 6:37–42. We started with a little fun—Jesus never called it the “Sermon on the Plain” or “Sermon on the Mount,” and He certainly didn’t ask for red pencils! But the message is serious: we’re not called to judge, because we’re all carrying logs in our own eyes. We also talked about why karma doesn’t fit in Christian theology—Jesus didn’t get what He “deserved,” and neither do we. Grace, not karma, is our hope. We give, forgive, and show mercy because that’s what we’ve received. And if we’re going to point at anything, let it be toward Jesus—not at someone else’s speck.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’

This morning we looked at one of Jesus’ most challenging teachings in Luke 6:27–36—his call to love our enemies, do good to those who hate us, and be merciful just as God is merciful. It’s not easy, and I’ll be honest—I don’t like it. But Jesus wasn’t just tossing out metaphors; he meant what he said. This kind of love isn’t natural—it’s only possible through God’s grace working in us. If we’re going to follow Jesus, we have to ask ourselves: what are we feeding in our hearts—love or hate? Because what we nurture will shape how we live.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%206%3A%2027-36&version=NRSVUEClick here if you'd like to j

This morning we dove back into Luke 6:20–26, where Jesus lays out blessings and woes that flip the world’s values upside down. On Friday, we looked at the big picture—how Luke’s “Sermon on the Plain” compares to Matthew’s “Sermon on the Mount.” Today we focused on the heart of Jesus’ message: our Christian ethics aren’t grounded in this world—they’re grounded in eternity. Jesus says the poor, the hungry, the weeping, and the hated are blessed, while those who seem to have it all now—the rich, the full, the laughing, and the praised—should be warned. Why? Because worldly success is fleeting, but the Kingdom of God is forever. When we live for eternity, we gain purpose, freedom, and a deeper joy in the here and now. So let’s aim at heaven—and trust that God will take care of the rest.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 minu

As we start our new series in August, talking about the "Three Simple Rules," we take time to talk about what it means to have a rule.  We look at Deuteronomy 6:1-8 and talk about how it is, in the busyness of our lives, we build our lives around God.

This morning’s reading from Luke 6:17–26 gives us a version of Jesus’ famous teaching that’s often called the Sermon on the Plain. Like the Beatitudes in Matthew, Jesus speaks blessings over the poor, the hungry, the grieving, and the hated—but Luke also includes a set of “woes” that warn the rich, the satisfied, and the admired. The setting is different too: Luke places Jesus on level ground, while Matthew has Him on a mountain. But both versions are true—Jesus likely shared these core messages many times, and each Gospel writer highlights different angles. Matthew emphasizes Jesus as the new Moses; Luke shows Him as a teacher for everyone. Together, they help us see Jesus more clearly.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

This morning’s passage from Luke 6:12–16 shows us how Jesus called His apostles—but not before spending the whole night in prayer. That alone reminds us to lead with prayer when facing big decisions. From a larger group of disciples, He chose twelve very different people—like Simon the Zealot and Matthew the tax collector, who would’ve naturally been enemies. And yes, even Judas was called. Jesus didn’t pick perfect people; He picked people willing to follow. Not everyone was in the inner circle, and that’s okay—growth takes time, and faithfulness matters more than position. So wherever you are in your journey, stay prayerful, stay open, and trust that Jesus is leading you.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

This morning’s reading from Luke 6:1–11 shows us that faithfulness to God can sometimes challenge our routines and religious structures. The Pharisees had good intentions—they wanted to honor God by protecting the Sabbath—but over time, their focus on rules caused them to miss the heart of the Sabbath itself. Jesus reminds us that the Sabbath is a gift meant for rest, worship, and doing good. When He heals a man on the Sabbath, the religious leaders get angry—not because He did wrong, but because He didn’t follow their rules. It’s a warning for us: we can be religious without being faithful. Jesus calls us to something deeper—not just rule-following, but lives marked by compassion, grace, and Spirit-led obedience.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

This morning’s reading from Luke 5:33–39 reminds us that following Jesus means being open to new things. When questioned about why His disciples aren’t fasting like others, Jesus responds with a parable about weddings, wine, and garments. His message is clear: something new is happening, and it can’t be squeezed into old patterns. Just like you can’t patch an old coat with new fabric or pour new wine into old skins, you can’t experience the fullness of Jesus while clinging to old ways. But here’s the challenge—most of us prefer what we know. We like the old wine. Yet Jesus invites us to be stretched, to embrace the new, and to make room for joy and transformation. Let’s not miss what God is doing because we’re too comfortable with what’s familiar.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

This morning’s reading from Luke 5:27–32 reminds us that Jesus sees people not for who they’ve been, but for who they can become through grace. When He calls Levi, a tax collector, to follow Him, Levi leaves everything behind and throws a banquet—inviting Jesus and a house full of “sinners.” The religious leaders are shocked, but Jesus makes it plain: He came for the sick, not the well. That’s the kind of love that changes lives—one that starts with relationship, leads with grace, and calls people into something more. If we’re going to follow Jesus, we’ve got to love people the way He does—honestly, fully, and right where they are.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 our last series from our summer "Road Trip" series, we look at John the Revelator. While this book can be, and is, confusing, this book reminds us of this central truth. God wins!  We are a people of hope! 

This morning’s reading from Luke 5:17–26 reminds us of the power of faithful friendship and the deeper healing Jesus offers. A paralyzed man is brought to Jesus by friends so determined they tear through a roof to reach him. Jesus, seeing their faith, forgives the man’s sins—causing a stir among religious leaders—and then heals his body to show His divine authority. This story is about more than just a miracle; it reveals Jesus as God and calls us to be like those friends: carrying others to Jesus with love and persistence. May we be bold in friendship, honest about brokenness, and open to God doing “strange things” in our midst.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.biblegatew

This morning’s reading from Luke 5:12–16 reminds us of both Jesus’ compassion and His commitment to prayer. A man with leprosy, desperate and untouchable by society, comes to Jesus and says, “If you choose, you can make me clean.” Jesus responds, “I do choose,” and—remarkably—touches him. That touch not only heals but restores the man’s dignity. In a world that cast him out, Jesus draws him in. And after healing, Jesus again withdraws to pray—showing us that even in the busiest moments, communion with the Father is essential. May we learn to extend compassion like Jesus and ground our lives in prayer, especially when things get overwhelming.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://ww

This morning’s passage from Luke 5:1–11 reminds us that Jesus calls imperfect people to follow Him. Peter, overwhelmed by the miracle of the great catch of fish, falls at Jesus’ feet and confesses his sinfulness. But Jesus doesn’t turn him away—instead, He calls Peter to a new purpose: to fish for people. It’s a beautiful reminder that our flaws don’t disqualify us. Following Jesus may cost us something, but whatever we give up, He uses for His glory. Jesus just asks us to trust Him and take that step.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%205%3A%201-11&version=NRSVUEClick here if you'd like to join our GroupMe and receive this eac

Today we looked at Luke 4:38–44, where Jesus heals Simon’s mother-in-law, and I was struck by her immediate response—she gets up and starts serving. That’s such a beautiful image of what grace should lead to: not just comfort or rest, but loving service. Then we see Jesus stepping away to a quiet place to pray, reminding us how important it is to unplug from all the noise and just be with God. We’re so constantly connected and distracted that we sometimes miss what God is trying to say. So today’s two simple takeaways are this: when Jesus changes your life, serve others—and when life gets loud, follow Jesus’ example and get quiet with the Father.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

This morning we read Luke 4:31–37, where Jesus, fresh off a brutal rejection in Nazareth, walks right into another synagogue in Capernaum and keeps preaching. That really struck me—he didn’t let one bad experience shake his calling. And that’s a great reminder for us too. Sometimes we try something for God and it flops. We teach, serve, speak up—and it doesn’t go the way we hoped. But failure doesn’t mean we’re not called. I shared a story about my first sermon (it was rough!) and how, over time, I grew because I didn’t give up. If God has placed something on your heart—whether it’s music, teaching, behind-the-scenes service, or anything else that brings you joy and purpose—keep going, even when it’s hard. You won’t get it perfect, but if you’re walking in your calling, God will meet you there.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 1

In our Traditional sermon from July 13, Andy shares with us the story of Priscilla and Aquila.  We see in their lives the power of welcome and hospitality.  Their love changed Apollo's life and, through that, so many others!

This morning we look at Jesus’ first sermon in Luke 4, and wow—it did not go over well. At first, the hometown crowd was impressed, but when Jesus challenged their assumptions and reminded them that God’s grace extends to outsiders too, things turned ugly fast. It’s a powerful reminder that Jesus’ ministry, from the start, was Spirit-filled, bold, and deeply focused on the least and the lost. And it raises some tough questions for us: Are we making space for the Spirit in our lives like Jesus did? Are we open to hearing truth—even from people we think we know too well? And do we really depend on Jesus, or just fit Him in when it’s convenient? The good news is this: when Jesus is all we have, we find He’s all we need. As we head into the weekend, let’s make time to rest, reflect, and remember where every blessing comes from.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 dai

This morning, we look at the temptation of Jesus in Luke 4:1–13, where Jesus faces three key temptations—comfort, power, and safety—right after His baptism and just before starting His public ministry. Each temptation challenges His mission and identity, but Jesus resists by leaning on Scripture, staying rooted in truth, and trusting the Father. The big takeaway is this: even Jesus was tempted, so we shouldn’t be surprised when we are too. But temptation isn’t sin—how we respond to it matters. Like Jesus, we can resist by staying grounded in God’s Word, prayer, and community. The good news? We’re not alone. Jesus has been there, and He gives us strength to stand firm.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’

Today we looked at the genealogy of Jesus in Luke 3:23–38, and while it might seem like one of those parts of Scripture to skip, it actually tells us something really powerful. I talked about the differences between Luke’s and Matthew’s genealogies—how Matthew traces Jesus’ line back to Abraham to show He’s the fulfillment of Jewish promises, while Luke goes all the way back to Adam to show that Jesus came for everyone, not just the Jewish people. That’s one of the beautiful things about the Gospel—Jesus is both the fulfillment of Israel’s hope and the Savior of the whole world. So, whether you connect more with the deep roots of tradition or the wide reach of grace, the takeaway is the same: Jesus came for you, for me, for all. And if He came for all of us, maybe we ought to live, love, and treat each other like that really 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 f

Today we look at the baptism of Jesus from Luke 3:21–22 and why baptism is such a big deal for us as Christians. No matter our denomination—Methodist, Baptist, Catholic—we may see it differently, but we all agree it's important. In my tradition as a United Methodist, baptism is a sign of God’s covenant with us, and I especially love how we include infants as part of that covenant family. I talked about how baptism is like putting on your uniform—it marks us as part of God’s team and reminds us who we are. In a world where we search for identity in so many places, our true identity is found in Christ. So today, I encouraged us all: remember your baptism, remember who you belong to, and remember where your true home is. 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