Andy Talks

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.

In Luke 9:18–27, Peter rightly confesses Jesus as the Messiah, but Jesus immediately redefines what that means: the Messiah must suffer, die, and rise again, and His followers must walk the same path by denying themselves and taking up their cross daily. True discipleship isn’t about power or comfort—it’s about surrender, humility, and dying to selfishness so that we can discover real life in Christ. Like C. S. Lewis’s picture of Eustace shedding his dragon skin, following Jesus can feel painful, but it’s ultimately freeing, stripping away false identities until only true life remains. To follow the crucified and risen Messiah is to lose ourselves—and in doing so, to find joy.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 re

In Luke 9:10–17, Jesus feeds the 5,000 with just five loaves and two fish, showing that He cares for the whole person—teaching, healing, and providing for physical needs. The disciples felt inadequate, just as we often do when faced with overwhelming problems, but Jesus didn’t ask them to solve it all; He only asked them to bring what they had and follow His instructions. That’s the heart of this story: we’re not called to fix everything, but to offer our small gifts in obedience and trust Jesus to multiply them. In His hands, even our “not enough” becomes more than enough, overflowing with grace.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%3

In Luke 9:7–9, Herod is confused by Jesus, hearing rumors that He might be John the Baptist raised from the dead, Elijah, or another prophet. Unlike Matthew and Mark, Luke only gives a brief mention of John’s death, keeping the focus squarely on Jesus—which is fitting, since John’s mission was always to point people to Christ. Herod’s question, “Who is this?” is the right one, because Jesus should unsettle and perplex us; He doesn’t fit neatly into our categories or expectations. Faith isn’t about having everything figured out—it’s about trusting God in the mystery. Real faith begins when we stop demanding certainty and instead choose to trust the One who holds the future.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 Luke 9:1–6, Jesus gives His disciples power and authority, sending them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and heal, relying not on their own resources but on God’s provision. This passage reminds us that the kingdom isn’t a distant hope but a present reality—Jesus is Lord right now. Like the disciples, we’re called to live and proclaim that truth in our homes, communities, and workplaces, not just with words but through lives that reflect His love and power. And we don’t go alone—we go together, filled with Christ’s authority, carrying hope and courage into a world that needs to see His kingdom at hand.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=

In our Traditional message from August 24, 2025, Andy shares with us from Philippians 2 12-13. We are called to place ourselves in a position to experience God, and then God will do the rest.  In our disciples, we are faithful, but God does the work!

In Luke 8:40–56, we see two powerful healings woven together—Jesus restores a bleeding woman who had suffered for twelve years and raises Jairus’s twelve-year-old daughter from death. Both were marginalized and overlooked, yet Jesus saw them, touched them, and made them whole. What’s striking is that, unlike in Jewish law where uncleanness spreads, with Jesus it’s the opposite—His holiness flows outward, stronger than sin, shame, or even death. This passage reminds us that no situation is too far gone and no person too unclean for His grace. Whatever feels impossible or broken in our lives, Jesus is greater—and when we place it in His hands, He brings restoration and life.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 Luke 8:26–39, Jesus crosses into Gentile territory—unclean, scary, “off-limits” land for a good Jewish person—and meets a man possessed by demons, living among tombs and pigs, cut off from everything. To the disciples, it was like stepping straight into a nightmare—but Jesus went right to the heart of the fear and brought peace. Just like He calmed the storm, He calmed this man’s chaos, showing that He is greater than anything that scares us. And while the man begged to follow Jesus, Jesus told him to stay and tell his story at home—a reminder that sometimes our calling is to be faithful right where we are. Whatever your “boogeyman” is today, remember: God is bigger.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