Andy Talks

Reflections with Andy - Romans 15: 7-13 - Welcome

Andy Stoddard

In today’s Advent reflection, Paul reminds us that God’s heart has always been for all people and that Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s promise to bless every nation. Because Christ has welcomed us with open arms, we’re called to welcome others with that same generosity — choosing unity over division, mercy over suspicion, and peace over agitation. Romans 15 shows us that God’s family is far bigger and wider than we often imagine, and we’re invited to live like that’s true. As Paul closes with his beautiful blessing — that the God of hope would fill us with joy, peace, and an abundance of hope through the Holy Spirit — we’re reminded that these Advent gifts don’t come from perfect circumstances but from God’s presence with us. Today, we’re invited to embody that welcome, that unity, and that hope as we move through our 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://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%2015%3A%207-13&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/