Andy Talks

In examining the exchange between Pilate, Jesus, and the crowd in Luke 23, we see the dangerous consequence of choosing political convenience over moral truth. We recognize that by demanding the release of Barabbas—a violent Zealot—and the crucifixion of Jesus, the crowd chose the way of earthly power and insurrection over the way of the Kingdom of God. We understand that Pilate’s failure to stand on his convictions, despite knowing Jesus was innocent, serves as a warning that "peace at any price" often leads to greater destruction in the long run. Ultimately, we are challenged to have the courage to stand for what is right and holy, trusting that even when the path is difficult, our true allegiance belongs to the King of Kings rather than the demands of the crowd.

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%2023%3A13-25&version=NRSVUE

Click 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/vtYqtb6C

You can watch this in video form here - https://revandy.org/blog/

In examining the interrogations of Jesus by Pilate and Herod in Luke 23, we recognize the human tendency to view Christ through the lens of our own personal interests and convenience. We see that while Pilate sought political peace and Herod sought entertainment, neither was willing to confront the reality of Jesus' true identity or authority. We understand that our faith cannot be something "moderately important" or a means to get what we want from a "heavenly genie," but must instead be a total surrender to His Lordship. By looking past our own desires and distractions, we commit to following Jesus not for the "signs" He might perform or the comfort He might provide, but because He is the King of Kings whose will must become our 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.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2023%3A1-12&version=NRSVUE

Click 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/vtYqtb6C

You can watch this in video form here - https://revandy.org/blog/

In reflecting on the mockery and trial of Jesus in Luke 22, we see the profound power of His restraint and His unwavering commitment to the Father's mission. We recognize that while we often feel a natural impulse to defend ourselves and lash out when treated unfairly, Jesus chose the path of silence and submission, trusting that God's plan for redemption was greater than His current suffering. We understand that this "endgame" was not a result of weakness, but of a deliberate "not my will, but yours" posture that prioritized the salvation of the world over personal safety. Ultimately, we find encouragement for our own difficult paths—whether they involve health, finances, or relationships—by looking to the example of Christ, who trusted in the beauty of the final destination even when the road was paved with trials.

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%2022%3A63-71&version=NRSRVUE

Click 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/vtYqtb6C

You can watch this in video form here - https://revandy.org/blog/

In reflecting on Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane, we see the profound depth of His humanity and the intensity of His spiritual struggle. We recognize that Jesus’ plea to "remove this cup" validates our own moments of weakness and fear, showing us that true faith involves being honest with God about our burdens. We understand that while the disciples struggled to stay awake due to the sheer exhaustion of grief, Jesus remained alert, choosing to align His will with the Father’s even as His body bore the physical toll of His anguish. By following the example of the one who submitted to God’s plan despite the cost, we find the courage to bring our own "heavy cups" to the Lord, trusting in His presence as we walk toward the challenges ahead.

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%2022%3A%2039-46&version=NRSVUE

Click 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/vtYqtb6C

You can watch this in video form here - https://revandy.org/blog/

In reflecting on the transition from Jesus’ command to carry swords to His healing of the servant’s ear, we recognize the tension between fulfilling prophecy and practicing the ethics of the Kingdom. We understand that while the disciples were quick to use force to protect their interests, Jesus’ firm "no more of this" sets a definitive boundary against violence and retaliation. We acknowledge that in our own lives, especially in the heated climate of social media, we are often tempted to "lop off ears" in a show of misplaced righteousness. By following the example of the one who healed His enemy even in the moment of His own arrest, we commit to the difficult path of peace, trusting that God’s purposes are never achieved through the "power of darkness" but through the transformative power of humble service and healing.

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%2022%3A%2035-38%3B%2047-53&version=NRSVUE

Click 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/vtYqtb6C

You can watch this in video form here - https://revandy.org/blog/

In our Traditional sermon from January 25, 2026, Andy shares from John 17:1-3. Jesus tells us here what eternal life is: know Him. We experience it every day, and when Jesus is in the center of life together, we have unity.

In reflecting on Peter’s denial in Luke 22, we see that our failures, no matter how bitter, are never outside the reach of God’s foreknowledge and grace. We recognize that Jesus’ prayer for Peter was not that he would avoid the "sifting" of trial, but that his faith would endure and his future leadership would be defined by his return to the Lord. We understand that while our sin and betrayal cause genuine pain—as evidenced by Peter’s bitter weeping—they do not alter God’s fundamental commitment to us. Ultimately, we find hope in the truth that Christ has already "baked in" our mistakes to His plan for our lives, inviting us to turn back, receive His gaze of love, and find a purpose that extends far beyond our greatest stumbles.

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%2022%3A%2031-34%3B%2054-62&version=NRSVUE

Click 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/vtYqtb6C

You can watch this in video form here - https://revandy.org/blog/

In reflecting on the disciples' dispute over greatness in Luke 22, we see a sharp contrast between worldly power and the logic of the Kingdom of God. We recognize that while the world defines greatness through authority and status, Jesus calls us to a life characterized by the phrase "not so with you," where the greatest is the one who serves. We understand that even in the aftermath of the most sacred moments, like the Lord’s Supper, we are prone to the human desire for prestige and control. By following the example of Christ, who stood among us as one who serves, we commit to seeking a "superpower" found in humility and service, trusting that the path to true greatness involves laying down our earthly ambitions for the sake of others.

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%2022%3A24-30&version=NRSVUE

Click 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/vtYqtb6C

You can watch this in video form here - https://revandy.org/blog/

In exploring the institution of the Lord’s Supper in Luke 22, we recognize that this meal is the most sacred act of our Christian worship. We understand the Wesleyan perspective of the Real Presence, acknowledging that while the bread and juice remain physically unchanged, Christ is truly and fully present with us through the power of the Holy Spirit. We see the sacrament as a vital Means of Grace that sustains us on our journey and works to sanctify our hearts, drawing us closer to the holiness of God. Ultimately, we approach the table not because we are worthy, but because we are invited into a mystery that transforms us, unites us with the global Church, and offers us a tangible experience of God’s mercy.

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%2022%3A14-23&version=NRSVUE

Click 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/vtYqtb6C

You can watch this in video form here - https://revandy.org/blog/

In reflecting on the preparations for the Passover meal, we recognize the beauty of "quiet faithfulness" in the life of the anonymous homeowner who provided the Upper Room. We understand that just as Jesus orchestrated the details for His disciples then, He provides opportunities for us to serve Him in our everyday lives now. We acknowledge the shift from a youthful desire for "greatness" to a mature pursuit of "faithfulness," realizing that even the smallest acts—like providing a room or a cup of cold water—can have an eternal impact far beyond our understanding. By staying alert to the small doors God opens today, we commit to being faithful stewards of the tasks set before us, trusting the Lord with the ultimate results.

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%2022%3A7-13&version=NRSVUE

Click 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/vtYqtb6C

You can watch this in video form here - https://revandy.org/blog/