Andy Talks

Today in our morning reading, we look at Romans 5: 15-19.  In this passage we see Paul teach us a very important distinction.  We see that we are all sinful.  Me, you everyone.  Today, we learn the difference between our nature (sinful ) and our actions (sins).  This is a huge thing for us to understand!  

In our Wednesday Night Bible Study, Andy looks at different passages and shows us the wrong motivations for fasting.  It is not about making us look good for other people or even to impress God.  It is an avenue God has given us to grow closer to Him and know Him better!  

Today we read Jeremiah 7: 23-26.  In this passage, God recounts the history of the people, and he reminds us how the people at one point, instead of looking forward, kept looking back.  The people desired the comfort of the past and of slavery to the discomfort of faith and the future.  Today, look forward; don't look back.

Today in our Traditional Message, Andy continues preaching about the Apostles' Creed, looking the importance of Pilate, the cross, and the grave. What do these essentials of the faith have to teach us? 

Today we look at Romans 4: 1-12.  In this passage, we see Paul talk about Abraham, how it was his faith that made him righteous, and this faith came before circumcision or any such thing.  This faith was the core of his relationship with God. That is what made him righteous, nothing else. But, that righteousness then showed itself through his actions.  

Today in our morning reflection, we look at Romans 2: 25-29.  We see Paul tell us what matters is not any outward appearance, but what matters is the inward change of the heart that is then shown in the keeping of the intent of the law.  It's not the outward, it's the inward. 

Tonight in our Bible Study we are going to look at Biblical example of fasting, from Jesus, to the early church, David, and Nehemiah.  What can these Biblical figures teach us about why fasting is an essential discipline for us?  

Today we look at Jeremiah 3: 11-18.  In this passage, we see that God is out to get us, but in a way that we may not expect.  God is out to get us because He longs to bring us back home, He longs to restore us, He longs to forgive us.  God pursues us because He longs to show us grace.

In our morning reflections, we look at Romans 1: 18-23.  Today we see how all of creation testifies to God's goodness and glory, we just have to make sure we are looking. And we need to make sure that we guard our heart because one of the greatest dangers of sin is that can blind us to who God is.  

Today in our morning reflection, we look at Romans 1: 8-12. Here we see that Paul is longing to come and be with the church in Rome.  He is longing to be mutually encouraged by them.  He encourages them; and them him.  We need to be encouraged by God.  And we need to encourage someone today.  That's our mission.  

In our service from February 28, 2021 Andy continues looking at the Apostles' Creed. Today, we answer the question, who is Jesus?

In our reading today, we look at Deuteronomy 10: 12-22.  This is called the essence of the law, what this the law really all about.  Love God.  Serve God.  Love your neighbor.  Turn your heart to God.  We find doing these things, they are for our own good.  They are for our well being. They give us life.   

Starting this week, during Lent we are going to look deeper at fasting as part of our Wednesday Night Bible Study.  Tonight we talk about why we fast and what does it do in our lives?

Today in our readings we look at Acts 1: 21-26.  Today is the day in the life of the church when we remember Matthias.  He was chosen to replace Judas among the Apostles.  We don't know much about him, other than these verses.  He was not famous, he was faithful.  Let's be careful in our lives that we are chasing the right thing - to be faithful.

Today we look at John 2: 13-22.  In this passage we see Jesus cleansing the Temple.  He cleans out all the things that are standing between people and God. We should do the same, we clear out all the barriers that can make folks believe that they aren't good enough to be loved by God.  Today, let's make sure as many people as possible know that God loves them.

In our reflections today we look at Hebrews 2: 14-18.  In this passage we see that we have been freed from the fear of death; Jesus has defeated the devil.  No longer must we be afraid.  We see as well when we face troubles, we are not alone.  He is with us.  In this season of Lent, and in all our lives, may we have regular times and practices of prayer, for, in that, we know that we will find Him in our times of trouble.  

In our series focused on the Apostles' Creed, today we look at the first part, I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of Heaven and Earth. What does it mean for us to confess these words?

Today in our morning reflections, we look at Ephesians 2: 1-10.  Today is a day set aside to remember Martin Luther.  We remember his call to the church, which is also Paul's message - we are saved by grace through faith.  Our life is not lived out to make God love us.  Our life is lived out as a response to God's love.  

In our Ash Wednesday service, Andy shares with us from Matthew 6: 1-6, 16-21.  Throughout scripture, there is always a time of preparation before the next thing that God calls His people to.  Let us prepare for wherever God is calling us.  

This morning we look at Psalm 51 as we begin the season of Lent together.  Hear this blessing and reflect upon the words of David.  God doesn't desire the outward ritual. What He desires is a broken and contrite heart.  Join us at 12 Noon (CST) for our Online Ash Wednesday Service at www.stm-umc.org/live