First Houston United Methodist Church

Jesus takes a passage in Deuteronomy and flips it in a new way, so that it teaches us how to follow him - that we need to love God, and love our neighbor. But there’s one more step we need to do. —— fmhouston.com

Andy’s determined not to keep telling stories about baseball now that the Astros have started losing, but he’ll tell one more. And that’s of a player whose gifts were considered unworthy. When Paul is writing to the Corinthian church, he’s writing to a church that is allowing spiritual gifts to rip them apart. It was his challenge to teach them that each of these gifts were equally worthy. What are you good at? Where do you see your gifts? And are you putting those gifts into service? If you’d like to take a spiritual gifts assessment to learn more about where God has gifted you, you can find one online at fmhouston.com/sunday this week. fmhouston.com

It is Donyale’s last podcast, and the group talks about the year of ministry that followed George Floyd’s death – the way their approach to ministry changed, and the need to be a church calling for justice. It’s a reconsideration of faith in politics, and call for faith in politics. The Ask Me Anything Podcast will be on a brief hiatus, but will return with new co-hosts later this summer! In the meantime, send us new questions at fmhouston.com/ama.

On Confirmation Sunday, Andy wonders what the church will look like in 60, 70 years. Does it invest in mercy and love and kindness? Because that’s what the church should be. Andy has learned a lot about baseball during the Pandemic, and he’s found a metaphor in some of the changes the game has made. fmhouston.com

Ken gets glasses to deal with eye strain and, as glasses do, they give him a little clarity. When Paul writes the Book of Romans, he's writing about the clarity he’s found. Paul is all about the Spirit. He believed that the central pursuit of the Christian life was living from the Spirit of God. Just knowing the law is not enough, we must commune with God. fmhouston.com

On a very loose podcast, the group tries to answer what to do when you feel you need your faith back, and how you're doing better than you think you are. This podcast sounds undedited, but trust me, it is very edited. Ask us a question! fmhouston.com/ama

The Gospel of John, from its opening chapter, challenges us. Rather than begin with the story of the Nativity, it first rewrites Genesis from a Jesus-centric point of view. John tells us to listen, to hear, that God is speaking to us. This should not strike us as unusual, since God has been in the speaking business for a long time. And if we just want to hear ourselves speak, we miss out our chance to hear God speak. Plus, a trick for making sure you always hear what others have to say. fmhouston.com

A follow-up question about the New Jim Crow podcast series asks if the conversation about black imprisonment is perhaps too one-sided. The group… does not agree! Ask us a question! Fmhouston.com/ama.

Chapter Five brings us to a fitting bookend for our series, as the whole book has called us to a life of action. The verses remind Donyale of a Twitter hashtag: #nomorethoughtsandprayers - a call to people to bring about concrete action, not vague feelings. James was also bringing a similar mindset against those who said “go in peace,” yet did nothing to stop the problems of the day. But James also calls on those same people to pray - in fact, call the community together to pray, underscoring it is our collective responsibility to care and alleviate suffering. When we pray, we are responding to God’s urging. We are responding to God’s invitation to get a glimpse of God’s understanding of others and the world. We can understand the hashtag, but let us not give up our prayers. fmhouston.com

As we wrap up our discussion on Michelle Alexander’s “The New Jim Crow” with Trinity United Methodist Church, Kenneth Jackson returns to the conversation to address the problems of trying to address a system built to consistently, repetitively keep people down. It leads to a discussion about what the church – and what we, as individuals – are required to do by our love of Jesus and willingness to follow his direction. The discussion will continue in the coming weeks, depending on what you ask us about! Reach out to us with a question: fmhouston.com/ama.

A strange experience on Houston light rail reminded Andy how we need to show grace and love in this time of recovery. “This is a great time for the church to be a pastor to one another." We are mist, James says. So why do our actions matter? Because time IS short. We need to make the most of these moments. “Yes you are mist. But you’re here now. And that MATTERS.” fmhouston.com

In the middle chapters of “The New Jim Crow,” Michelle Alexander breaks down racism baked into the justice system, and the group talks about being raised with different expectations, and passing those lessons along to their children. Plus, the exhaustion that comes with constantly being teachers, but the responsibilities we have to educate the people that we talk to. Got a question or a response? Reach us at fmhouston.com/ama!

Andy’s mom warned him early that his tongue could get him into a lot of trouble - and boy, has it. The third chapter has a very profound idea about how small things can take us drastic directions. A person who proclaims the gospel is someone who must have their words under control. The way we can bring heaven upon this earth can be just as simple as paying attention to the words that we are saying. fmhouston.com

On our first podcast discussing “The New Jim Crow,” Andy and Donyale are joined by Trinity United Methodist’s Deirdre Barrett. The group discusses what stands out in the early chapters of Michelle Alexander’s book, including her statement that “colorblindness is not the answer, it’s the problem.” The discussion fans out into the call each member felt like the book put on them, including learning to find beauty in diversity without being threatened by it, and trying to find an equal amount of justice and forgiveness. The discussion will continue for two more weeks! Got a question? Visit us at fmhouston.com/ama.

While studying the life of Ernest Hemingway via the new Ken Burns documentary, Andy is inspired about the importance of action, and urges the congregation to concentrate on positive, God-honoring actions and see where that leads them. "In our actions, in what we’re doing... let’s see what God can do." fmhouston.com

A pretty straightforward question leads to a surprisingly fun and revealing conversation as the group each talks about their favorite sections of the Bible. Got a question? Ask us at fmhouston.com/ama!

Andy digs into the first chapter of James as we start our walk through the book. fmhouston.com

The group considers the people God chose to destroy in the story of Noah’s ark, and point out the flaws inherent in comparing ourselves to people in the past, both for good and for bad. Ask us a question! Fmhouston.com/ama This podcast is powered by ZenCast.fm

It has been a very hard year, and there has been much to be afraid of. But we cannot let fear, death, and oppression write our story. It's on us to write another one. fmhouston.com

During a very tough recording session, the group fights through to talk about metaphor and reality in the Bible, how to approach the gospels, and dealing with matters of faith and the heart. Ask us a question! fmhouston.com/ama

Genesis 15:9-12; 17-18 Andy explores the passage where Abram makes a covenant with God. We may wander, we may sin, but God always brings us home. No matter how far we may stray, our Lord embraces us when we repent and return to Him. Where do you spiritually feel at home? It's not the structure that brings significance, but the realization of the holiness and goodness of the Lord. fmhouston.com

Today’s question covers a wide span – starting with John Wesley’s abolitionist stance, to the division of the United Methodist church in the run up to the Civil War, to its history within Houston and the Civil Rights movement. Plus, a long look at the ways Scripture has been used to maintain white supremacy in America, and an acknowledgement that this conversation can only be had when we recognize our failures – and learn from them. Books referenced in today’s show: Jamar Tisby, “The Color of Compromise” (https://www.amazon.com/Color-Compromise-American-Churchs-Complicity-ebook/dp/B07BB6R827) M. Shawn Copeland, “Enfleshing Freedom” (https://www.amazon.com/Enfleshing-Freedom-Intersections-Innovations-Religious/dp/0800662741/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1CPT8VEKJP48J&dchild=1&keywords=enfleshing+freedom&qid=1616532938&sprefix=enflesh%2Cdigital-text%2C206&sr=8-1) Our podcast with Trinity UMC regarding “The New Jim Crow” begins next month! Ask us a question: fmhouston.com/ama This podcast is powered by ZenCast.fm

Joshua 22 During the pandemic, we’ve learned something we should have learned long ago: how to as a church to be a church united with the churches around us. It doesn’t matter who we are, it doesn’t matter where we come from. The Lord is the Lord of all. We celebrate that through the altars we build. fmhouston.com

Genesis 12:11-19 Encountering the living God is awe-inspiring, and it’s something we don’t want to miss. The question is: “do we expect God in expected places?” When we come together for worship or Bible study, are we expecting to encounter God? fmhouston.com

Andy, Ken, and Ben debate whether the church has a role in talking about personal health, what our role is when your actions affect the health of the whole community, and how best to talk to friends and family about the vaccine. —— Ask us a question! Fmhouston.com/ama

The direction of the gospel always moves forward. God wants us to see not only the direction our faith goes, but the impact it can have. As this pandemic ends, who is the person that God is calling you to reach? fmhouston.com

A questioner wants to know how you’re supposed to treat other people with compassion when it’s difficult for you to treat yourself the same way. The gang talks about mental health, how God’s goodness affects how you interact with the world, and get honest about some of their own struggles. —— Ask us a question! fmhouston.com/ama

Learning to not lean on his own understanding is not something that comes easy to Andy. Andy is trying to become more fluent in the conversation about race around this country. It’s something that’s not come easy to him. And it’s shown him the ways that his own understanding is just such a small drop in a bucket. fmhouston.com

A member who remembers growing up with separate schools and water fountains wonders about how long the process will take before full racial healing is reached. The group talks about the process of doing work on yourself, what it means to try and become someone who brings about change, and how we need to pass things on to the next generation after us. A new podcast series on “The New Jim Crow” is coming soon! Send in your questions at fmhouston.com/ama.

In the midst of a difficult week, Andy finds hope. God has a plan, even though we may not. Crisis can be beautiful and humbling. In moments of need, lean on scripture and faith. HE will make your path straight. fmhouston.com

As we move into Lent, this week’s spiritual encourages us to “be more like Jesus in my heart.” So this Sunday, Andy looks at the heart - and encourages everyone to spend this Lenten season becoming the kind of disciple who gives Jesus the best they’ve got. fmhouston.com

A listener confides that the way the Bible pushes “the fear of God” terrifies them – is that supposed to be the point? The group discusses some of the roots of the term in the Bible, how Jesus fits into all this, and the way we need to be aware of people’s experience when talking about the Bible. Ask us a question! Fmhouston.com/ama

Lent is a time where people give things up to prepare their hearts for Easter. What if this year, you accepted the invitation? What if you participated in Lent? All of a sudden your faith has a way to speak to you in an even greater way. fmhouston.com

A question asking about whether brokenness is a good thing or not takes the group all over the Bible, through Old Testament and New, as they discuss the various ways God combats brokenness in the Scriptures, and what it is that he desires for us. —— Got a question? Send it to us at fmhouston.com/ama!

Mark 13:9-13 Reading today's scripture, it points out that we need to be ready to go at any moment. Because there will be a point where you're going to have to account for the kind of person that you are, and you need to be ready for that day. Who are we as Christians? Do we take ALL of the Christian life on? We either love God and love neighbor, or we don’t. fmhouston.com

The group sorts through the various ways Scripture is viewed by modern-day Christians, try to differentiate between historical events and metaphorical stories, and knock down some common misconceptions. ——— Ask us a question! fmhouston.com/ama This podcast is powered by ZenCast.fm

This has been a tough year financially for our congregation, for the people of our city, and for our church. But looking forward, how is the Holy Spirit going to move in the next year? How is he going to change us. Because that's what the Holy Spirit does - he makes us into more complete and sacred people. fmhouston.com

A listener asks a question that came up in their small group - how do you actually pray for your enemies? It seems awfully difficult. And how do you know what to say? Ask us a question! fmhouston.com/ama

On MLK weekend, Andy considers Dr. King's legacy, and encourages listeners to go an listen to MLK's "I Have A Dream" speech. (We've made the speech available at fmhouston.com/mlk if you'd like to do so) He also talks about the transition we are going through - as a nation, as a people, and as a church - and reminds us of where our values should always be. “If we hold on to the future, the present, and the past, and do each equally well, I believe the Lord will bless us. I am excited to see what the Lord does.” fmhouston.com

The group discusses what led them to become pastors, and why they abandoned other avenues to head towards ministry. Plus, is it ever too old to enter full-time ministry? Then, at the group's urging, Ben shares his journey into the world of church media. fmhouston.com

When God spoke aloud after Jesus was baptized, he wasn't speaking just to His Son - he was speaking to the world, so that they could understand that God had come to live among them. fmhouston.com

A follow up to one of our earlier episodes – Episode 96: “Why Are Young People Leaving The Church?” – an actual young person writes about how relationships helped them maintain their connection to the church, and he finds that to be the magical elixir for other young people who get connected to churches. So what does the group think? There’s conversation about how to be a person who listens to questions, how to handle questions you don’t know the answers to, and how the long history of the church can help you out of a tough situation even if you don’t know much about it. Ask us a question! fmhouston.com/ama

When Moses was trapped by the Red Sea, he had only to lift his hand, and God did the rest. Can we learn to be hand-raisers, too? fmhouston.com

As we begin to explore moments of change in the Bible, we start way back in Exodus, with Moses trapped by the Red Sea. In Moses’ moment of crisis, it is there where he discovers his faith. When Moses steps into the water and obeys the orders that God has given him, he realizes that God has provided a way. When we find ourselves in the same spot, when we step forward in faith, God provides. If we learn anything from this 2020 experience, learn that God is always with us. fmhouston.com

Whenever she's on the road at a hotel, Donyale always makes sure to have the front desk give her a wakeup call. Because as not a morning person, it is difficult for her to arise - never mind to arise and shine. But the prophet Isaiah has given us a call to action. We have a divine summons to be active in the restoration of God’s kingdom. We are to be walking lamp stands, reflecting the glory of heaven. "We may, too, have to answer that call in times of darkness. But, friends, we have the confidence that the light within us cannot be overtaken by even the deepest, densest darkness” fmhouston.com

At the end of a terrifically difficult year, Andy thinks of the people in his life who have made a difference in the world, the people who’ve been the Holy Spirit in action. People who went an extra mile to do the right thing, the things that meant so much to the people who received those acts of love. As he thinks about the story of Christmas, it is people like that who make him see the same love of God that came down all those years ago alive in the world today. fmhouston.com

Marty is worried that we know the Christmas story so well we've forgotten just how big this story really is. fmhouston.com

Andy shares Biblical parallels between the story of Christ’s birth and a story from the Old Testament - and the story of his eventual death. As he stresses over tough decisions, he reminds us that all that matter is "is Jesus who he says he is?" fmhouston.com

For their last show of 2020, the group looks back on the lessons they learned, the things that they missed the most, and the things they've discovered how to appreciate. Ask us a question! fmhouston.com/ama

Someone who thought Christmas would be easier without all the busyness is discovering that this is a much tougher season than they expected. Andy, Marty, and Ben talk about why so many people find Christmas to be hard, how to handle this year's particular difficulties, and the way loss affects the Christmas season. fmhouston.com/ama