Andy Talks

Today we look at 1 John 2: 15-17 and we are told this, do not love the world. But does it mean, in the Biblical sense to love and to hate?  What does it mean for us to not love the world?  Or what does it mean in other places when we see similar language?  Today we look deeper at love and hate from a biblical context.

Today in our reflections, we look at Acts 4: 8-12.  In this passage, we see Peter tell the assembled crowd that Jesus is the cornerstone of everything.  Jesus must be the cornerstone of faith, not some other doctrine, and the cornerstone of life, not some other, even good thing.  Only Jesus can be the foundation.  Only Jesus.

Today in our readings, we look at Ezekiel 37: 7-10.  In this passage we see God bring the dry bones back to life. But we learn something very important.  To live is not just to exist.  To live is to be lead by and guided by God's spirit.  Today, are we existing, or are we living?

In the next few weeks of Bible Study, Andy is going to share with us six of the most important things that we need to know in this moment.  The first is about how we are all made in the Image of God. The text is Genesis 1: 26-28.  

Today in our readings, we are told that we can do nothing apart from Jesus and that our greatest calling is to abide in Him.  But how do we do that?  How is it that we abide in Jesus?  

Today in our reading, we look at John 14: 25-27.  Jesus tells us that He will leave us peace. The Holy Spirit, the Advocate will be there for us.  He does not give to us as the world gives.  He gives peace. Today, if we do not have peace, ask yourself this.  Are we being formed more by the media (tv, social, news) that we consume, or more by Scripture and the Holy Spirit?  Jesus leaves us with peace. The world never will.  

In  our sermon from our Easter Traditional Service, Andy look at John 20: 1-23.  Nothing was the same after the resurrection.  Nothing could be back to normal. What does it mean for us to think about going back to normal?  Do we want to do that?  Or is there a better way? 

Today on this Good Friday we look at one of Jesus' last words, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"  In this moment, we fill the weight of the sin all around Jesus and the full of effect of it. This sounds like a moment of defeat for Jesus. But, when we understand that Jesus is actually quoting Psalm 22, this moment turns from defeat into a moment of victory.

Today on this Maundy Thursday, we look at John 13: 31-35.  Jesus models for us love with service and with the meal. Then He tells us that the world will know we are His disciples not by our political stands.  Or theological stands.  Or that we are right.  He tells us that they will know we are His by our love.  Of the things that God can and probably will judge the world, the church, and me over will be our lack of love.  That is how they will know we are His. By our love.  

The Wednesday of Holy Week is often called Spy Wednesday. This is the day when Judas agrees to betray Jesus.  This is a warning to us.  At some point, Judas was willing to leave all that he had to follow Jesus and was trusted by the other disciples.  Today we see Satan enter and he betrays everything and everyone.  Be on guard against the devil and against evil today.  He longs to cause to betray what is good and pure.