Episodes

  • Sermon: Holiness Is for You

    Sermon: Holiness Is for You
    May 31 2026
    Sermon Date: 05/24/2026 Bible Verses: Romans 6:12–14 Speaker: Rev. Timothy "Tim" Shapley Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/a-new Introduction When many people hear the word holiness, they immediately think of restrictions. Rules. Things they cannot do. Things they must avoid. A life that sounds boring, joyless, or impossible. But biblical holiness is not about misery. It is about freedom. It is not about becoming less human. It is about becoming the person God created you to be. The world often sees holiness as punishment. God sees holiness as transformation. The truth is that holiness is not just for pastors, missionaries, or exceptionally spiritual people. Holiness is for every believer. It is God's desire for every person who follows Christ. And Romans 6 teaches us why. Holiness Begins with a New Master Romans 6:12–13 says: 12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts. 13 And do not present your members as [d]instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. 14 For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace. Paul speaks of sin as a ruler. A king. A master. Before Christ, sin ruled us. Our desires ruled us. Our flesh ruled us. Our passions dictated our decisions. We often hear people say: "I'm free to do whatever I want." But Scripture teaches that before Christ we are actually slaves to sin. Sin promises freedom. But it delivers bondage. It promises pleasure. But eventually produces destruction. Paul says: Do not let sin reign. Why? Because Christ has already defeated that ruler. The believer has a new King. A new Lord. A new Master. Jesus Christ. God Has Always Called His People to Holiness Holiness is not a New Testament idea. It has always been God's desire for His people. Leviticus 11:44 says: “Be holy, for I am holy.” Notice God does not merely say: "Act holy." He says: "Be holy." This is about identity before behavior. God's people are called to reflect His character. The word "holy" means: Set apart. Different. Dedicated to God. The goal has never been to look like the world. The goal has always been to reflect God. Just as children often resemble their parents, God's children should increasingly resemble Him. Holiness Stands Against the Culture of Sin Our world constantly pulls us toward impurity. Toward compromise. Toward self-centered living. But Scripture repeatedly calls believers to live differently. 1 Thessalonians 4:3–7 Paul writes: 3 For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality; 4 that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, 5 not in passion of lust, like the Gentiles who do not know God; 6 that no one should take advantage of and defraud his brother in this matter, because the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also forewarned you and testified. 7 For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness. Many Christians wonder about God's will. This passage gives a direct answer. God's will is your holiness. Specifically, Paul contrasts holiness with sexual immorality and impurity. The world says: Follow your desires. God says: Follow Christ. The world says: If it feels right, do it. God says: If it honors Me, do it. Holiness requires swimming against the current. But God's people have always been called to be different. Holiness Means Leaving the Old Life Behind 1 Peter 1:14–16 says: 14 as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; 15 but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, 16 because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.” Peter reminds believers that there was an old life. An old way of thinking. An old pattern of living. But now they belong to Christ. The Christian life is not simply adding Jesus to your existing lifestyle. It is transformation. Ephesians 4:22–24 explains it beautifully. Paul says: Put off the old self. Be renewed in your mind. Put on the new self. Holiness is not merely avoiding sin. It is becoming like Christ. It is learning to think differently. Love differently. Speak differently. Live differently. Not because we are trying to earn salvation. But because salvation changes us. Holiness Is Living by Faith Some people hear sermons on holiness and immediately feel discouraged. They think: "I can't do this." And they are right. Not alone. Galatians 2:20 says: “ I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” The Christian life is not self-improvement. It is Christ living through us. Holiness is not achieved by trying harder. It is produced by surrendering more fully. ...
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    36 mins
  • Sermon: When God Seems Silent

    Sermon: When God Seems Silent
    May 24 2026
    Sermon Date: 05/24/2026 Bible Verses: Psalm 44 Speaker: Rev. Timothy "Tim" Shapley Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/a-new Introduction Psalm 44 is not a comfortable Psalm. It is honest. Painfully honest. This Psalm does not sound like victory. It sounds like confusion. The people of God are suffering, defeated, humiliated, and struggling to understand why. And perhaps what makes this Psalm so powerful is that the people speaking believe they have remained faithful to God. This is not the prayer of people openly rebelling against God. This is the cry of believers asking: “Lord… where are You?” And if we are honest, many Christians have prayed prayers like this. Prayers whispered in hospital rooms. Prayers prayed after funerals. Prayers spoken during depression, betrayal, loneliness, or loss. The moments where faith collides with suffering. Psalm 44 teaches us what to do when God seems silent. Remember What God Has Done Psalm 44 begins with remembrance. Verse 1: “O God, we have heard with our ears, our fathers have told us, what deeds you performed in their days…” The Psalmist remembers God’s faithfulness in the past. How God delivered Israel. How He drove out nations. How He established His people. They remembered that their victories did not come from military power. Verse 6 says: “For not in my bow do I trust…” Their hope was never in weapons. Their hope was in God. And this is important because suffering can cause spiritual amnesia. Pain has a way of making us forget what God has already done. But faith remembers. Faith says: “God was faithful before.” “God carried me before.” “God answered before.” When life gets dark, remembering God’s past faithfulness helps steady us in present uncertainty. The Pain of God’s Silence Then the tone changes dramatically. Verse 9: “But you have rejected us and disgraced us…” The people feel abandoned. Defeated. Ashamed. Verse 17 says something striking: “All this has come upon us, though we have not forgotten you…” That is difficult theology. Because we often assume suffering must automatically mean disobedience. But Scripture repeatedly shows faithful people suffering. Job suffered. Jeremiah suffered. Paul suffered. Even Jesus suffered. Sometimes faithful people walk through painful seasons where God feels distant. And Psalm 44 gives believers permission to bring those feelings honestly before God. Notice what they do not do. They do not stop praying. They do not walk away from God. They bring their confusion directly to Him. Real faith is not pretending everything is fine. Real faith keeps talking to God even when your heart is hurting. Faith That Cries Out Anyway Toward the end of the Psalm, the cry becomes desperate. Verse 23: “Awake! Why are you sleeping, O Lord?” The Psalmist is not literally accusing God of sleeping. This is the language of pain. The language of desperation. They are crying: “Lord, it feels like You are not responding!” And perhaps some people today understand that feeling deeply. Prayers that seem unanswered. Waiting that feels endless. Silence that feels unbearable. But even here, notice something important. They are still praying. Still seeking. Still crying out to God. Their pain has not destroyed their faith. It has driven them deeper into dependence. The Foundation Beneath the Pain The Psalm ends with this plea: “Rise up; come to our help! Redeem us for the sake of your steadfast love!” That phrase matters. “Your steadfast love.” Even in confusion… they still trust God’s character. They do not understand their circumstances. But they still believe God is loving. That is mature faith. Faith is not always having answers. Faith is trusting God’s heart when you cannot trace His hand. And as Christians, we read Psalm 44 through the lens of Jesus Christ. Because Jesus Himself entered suffering. He cried out on the cross: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Jesus understands suffering from the inside. And through His death and resurrection, we know something the Psalmist could only hope for: God has not abandoned His people. The cross proves His love. The resurrection proves His victory. Even when He seems silent. Application Psalm 44 teaches us several important truths. Remember God’s Faithfulness Do not let present pain erase past grace. Bring Honest Prayers to God God is not afraid of your questions. Stay Near God in Suffering Pain should push us toward Him, not away from Him. Trust God’s Character Even when life makes no sense, His steadfast love remains. Conclusion Psalm 44 does not end with all the answers. The suffering is not immediately resolved. The tension remains. And that is real life sometimes. But the Psalm teaches us this: Faith is not the absence of struggle. Faith is continuing to cry out to God in the middle of it. And for the believer, there is hope even in silence. Because the God who seemed silent on Friday… rolled the...
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    22 mins
  • The Weekly Show - Episode 99: Articles of Religion Study (Part Two)

    The Weekly Show - Episode 99: Articles of Religion Study (Part Two)
    May 28 2026
    Join Tim and John as they talk about The Articles of Religion of the Southern Methodist Church. Articles of Religion Study (Part Two) Introduction In our last study, we looked at the foundational doctrines of the Christian faith: the Trinitythe deity and humanity of Christthe resurrectionand the Holy Spirit Those Articles answered the question: “Who is God?” Now these next Articles move us into another set of foundational questions: How do we know truth?What is wrong with humanity?Can people save themselves?What role does grace play in salvation? These are not small questions. In fact, every false religion, cult, or distorted theology eventually breaks down in one of these areas: the authority of Scripturethe seriousness of sinor the necessity of grace The Articles we study today remind us that: God has spoken clearly through His Wordhumanity is deeply fallen because of sinand salvation is impossible apart from the grace of God In other words: We are not basically good people who need improvement. We are sinners who need rescue. And that rescue comes through Christ alone. (Tim) Article V — Of the Sufficiency of the Holy Scriptures for Salvation (¶130) This Article begins with one of the most important truths of the Christian faith: Holy Scripture contains all things necessary for salvation. That means the Bible is sufficient. Not exhaustive about every subject imaginable— but completely sufficient for: knowing Godunderstanding salvationand learning how to live faithfully before Him Scripture Is Our Authority The Article says: “Whatsoever is not read therein, nor may be proved thereby, is not to be required… as necessary to salvation.” In other words: No church tradition… No preacher’s opinion… No religious experience… No human philosophy… has the authority to add to the gospel. Scripture stands above: culturetrendsdenominational preferencesand human ideas This is why Christians must constantly return to: “What does the Bible say?” Because God’s Word—not human opinion—is our final authority. The Canon of Scripture The Article also identifies the canonical books of the Old and New Testament. The word canonical means: “recognized as divinely inspired Scripture.” The church did not create Scripture. The church recognized the books God had inspired. And together, the Old and New Testaments form the complete written revelation necessary for salvation. Why This Matters If Scripture is not sufficient: then people will look elsewhere for truthemotions will replace doctrineand human opinion will slowly take God’s place But God has spoken. And His Word remains: trustworthyenduringand authoritative As Isaiah says: “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the Word of our God will stand forever.” Article VI — Of the Old Testament (¶131) This Article addresses the relationship between the Old and New Testaments. Some people wrongly assume: the Old Testament is outdatedor that the God of the Old Testament is different from the God of the New Testament But the Article rejects that completely. One Unified Story The Old Testament is not contrary to the New Testament. Both point to: Jesus Christ. From Genesis onward, the Bible tells one unified story of redemption. The sacrifices, promises, prophecies, covenants, and symbols of the Old Testament all point forward to Christ. Jesus Himself said: “I did not come to abolish the Law, but to fulfill it.” Christ: The Only Mediator The Article emphasizes that salvation has always been through Christ. Even Old Testament believers were ultimately saved: by God’s gracethrough faithlooking forward to the promises fulfilled in Jesus No one has ever been saved by: ceremoniesritualsor law-keeping Christ alone is the Mediator between God and man. The Moral Law Still Matters The ceremonial and civil aspects of the Mosaic Law are no longer binding on Christians. We no longer: offer sacrificesobserve temple ritualsor live under Israel’s civil government laws But the moral law still reflects God’s character. Christians are still called to: holinessobedienceand moral faithfulness Grace does not abolish righteousness— it empowers it. Article VII — Of Original or Birth Sin (¶132) This Article deals with one of the hardest truths about humanity: Sin is not merely something we do. It is something deeply wrong within us. The Corruption of Human Nature The Article teaches that because of Adam’s fall, humanity inherited a corrupted nature. This is called: Original Sin That does not mean people are as evil as they possibly could be. But it does mean sin affects every part of human nature: mindheartdesireswillemotions As Jeremiah says: “The heart is deceitful above all things…” Why This Matters Modern culture often says: “People are basically good.” Scripture says otherwise. Humanity is fallen. That explains: violenceselfishnessgreedhatredcorruptionand rebellion against God Sin is not just external behavior. It is an inward ...
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    57 mins
  • The Weekly Show - Episode 98: Articles of Religion Study (Part One)

    The Weekly Show - Episode 98: Articles of Religion Study (Part One)
    May 21 2026
    Join Tim and John as they talk about The Articles of Religion of the Southern Methodist Church. Introduction to the Articles of Religion Study Over the next few weeks, our study will focus on the Articles of Religion of the Southern Methodist Church. These Articles are not meant to replace Scripture—they are meant to summarize and clearly express what we believe Scripture teaches. Think of them like guardrails. They help protect sound doctrine, preserve biblical truth, and keep the church grounded in the essentials of the Christian faith. In a world full of confusion, changing opinions, and watered-down theology, these Articles remind us what the church has historically believed about: GodsalvationJesus Christthe Holy Spiritsingraceand eternal life And honestly, doctrine matters more than many people realize. What we believe about God shapes: how we worshiphow we prayhow we liveand how we understand salvation itself Bad theology eventually produces bad living. But biblical truth leads us toward faithful worship and faithful discipleship. Today we will begin with the first four Articles, which focus on the very foundation of the Christian faith: The TrinityThe Person of Jesus ChristThe Resurrection of ChristAnd the Holy Spirit These doctrines are not side issues. They are central to Christianity itself. (Tim) Article I — Of Faith in the Holy Trinity (¶126) One God The very first Article begins with the most foundational truth in all of Scripture: There is but one living and true God. Christianity is not polytheistic. We do not believe in many gods. From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible consistently teaches: one Creatorone Lordone sovereign God over all creation As Deuteronomy 6:4 says: “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one.” God alone is: eternalall-powerfulall-wiseperfectly goodCreator and Sustainer of everything visible and invisible Nothing exists apart from Him. God Is Spirit The Article says God is: “without body or parts.” This means God is not a physical being limited by space, weakness, or decay. Jesus said in John 4:24: “God is Spirit.” God is not bound by human limitations. The Trinity Yet within the unity of the one God exists: the Fatherthe Sonand the Holy Ghost (Holy Spirit) Not three gods. One God in three Persons. Each Person is: fully Godeternalequal in power and glory This doctrine is called: The Trinity The Trinity is not a contradiction. It is a mystery revealed in Scripture. We do not worship: three separate beingsor one Person wearing three masks We worship one God eternally existing in three distinct Persons. At Jesus’ baptism, we see all three Persons revealed: the Son baptizedthe Spirit descendingthe Father speaking from heaven The Trinity matters because salvation itself is Trinitarian: the Father sendsthe Son redeemsthe Spirit applies salvation to believers Article II — Of the Word, or Son of God, Who Was Made Very Man (¶127) This Article centers on the heart of Christianity: Jesus Christ. Everything rises or falls on who Jesus is. Fully God The Article declares that Jesus is: “the very and eternal God, of one substance with the Father.” Jesus did not begin at Bethlehem. He is eternal. John 1 says: “In the beginning was the Word…” Jesus is not merely: a propheta teacheror a moral example He is God the Son. Fully Man But the eternal Son also: “took man’s nature in the womb of the blessed Virgin.” This is the miracle of the Incarnation. Jesus became truly human while remaining truly divine. Two complete natures: Godhoodand manhood united in one Person forever. This matters because only someone fully God and fully man could: represent humanitybear sindefeat deathand reconcile us to the Father The Purpose of His Coming Jesus: sufferedwas crucifieddiedand was buried Not merely as an example of sacrifice— but as: the sacrifice for sin. Both: original guiltand actual sins were laid upon Him. The cross was not an accident. It was the center of God’s redemptive plan. Article III — Of the Resurrection of Christ (¶128) Christianity stands or falls on one historical reality: Jesus Christ rose bodily from the dead. The resurrection is not symbolic. Not merely spiritual. Not metaphorical. Jesus truly rose again. A Real Resurrection The Article emphasizes that Christ took back: “His body, with all things appertaining to the perfection of man’s nature.” The tomb was empty. Jesus physically rose. That matters because if Christ did not rise: sin remains undefeateddeath still winsand the gospel collapses But because He lives: salvation is securedeath is conqueredand eternal life is real Christ Reigns Now After His resurrection, Jesus: ascended into heavenreigns at the Father’s right handand will return again History is moving toward His return and final judgment. Article IV — Of the Holy Ghost (¶129) The final Article for today focuses on the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is not: an impersonal forcea spiritual energyor merely a ...
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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • Sermon: What It Takes to Change

    Sermon: What It Takes to Change
    May 17 2026
    Sermon Date: 05/17/2026 Bible Verses: Nehemiah Chapter 1 Speaker: Rev. Timothy "Tim" Shapley Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/a-new Introduction Real change rarely begins with strength. It usually begins with brokenness. Before walls were rebuilt… before gates were restored… before revival came to Jerusalem… one man allowed his heart to be burdened by what burdened God. Nehemiah Chapter 1 is not primarily about construction. It is about conviction. It is about what happens when a person: sees what is brokenrefuses to ignore itseeks God deeplyand becomes willing to act in faith Nehemiah teaches us that lasting spiritual change does not begin with: better programsstronger personalitiesor human ambition It begins with: open eyesa broken hearthumble prayerand courageous obedience And honestly? That’s usually the part we try to skip. We want rebuilding without repentance. Change without burden. Revival without prayer. Nehemiah shows us another way. Historical Context 445 BC | Susa, Persian Empire Nearly 150 years after Jerusalem had been destroyed by Babylon, the city still carried the scars of judgment and exile. Yes, the temple had been rebuilt under Zerubbabel. Sacrifices had resumed. Worship had returned in part. But the city itself remained vulnerable. The walls still lay in ruins. The gates were still burned with fire. Jerusalem was exposed, weak, and humiliated before the surrounding nations. In the ancient world, walls represented: protectionstabilityidentityand dignity A city without walls was a city without security. Meanwhile, Nehemiah lived far away in Susa, the winter capital of the Persian Empire. And he was not struggling in poverty. He served as cupbearer to King Artaxerxes I—one of the most powerful men in the world. This position was far more important than it sounds. The cupbearer: protected the king from poisoninghad daily access to the kingand occupied a position of immense trust and influence God had strategically positioned His servant at the center of world power. Not by accident. Not randomly. But for such a time as this. Who Was Nehemiah? Cupbearer to the King Nehemiah held a position of remarkable privilege and responsibility. He was trusted. Respected. Influential. He lived in comfort and security within the Persian palace. But what makes Nehemiah remarkable is this: His comfort did not numb his concern for God’s people. A Man of Deep Faith Though Nehemiah had been born in exile and raised far from Jerusalem, his heart still belonged to: GodGod’s peopleand God’s city His identity was not ultimately rooted in Persian success. It was rooted in covenant relationship with God. He understood something many people forget: You can live in luxury and still carry a burden for spiritual brokenness. A Servant Leader Nehemiah’s first response to crisis was not: politicsangersocial strategyor self-promotion It was prayer. When he heard the condition of Jerusalem, he: sat downweptmournedfastedand sought God Before he ever built a wall, he bent his knees. That is the foundation of spiritual leadership. For Change to Occur, We Must See the Need! (Nehemiah 1:1–3) “The remnant there in the province who had survived the exile is in great trouble and shame. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates are destroyed by fire.” Nehemiah’s story begins with bad news. And change often does. Broken Walls A city without walls was: defenselesseconomically unstablevulnerable to attackand publicly disgraced Jerusalem’s broken walls symbolized more than physical destruction. They reflected spiritual decline and national shame. Burned Gates The gates represented: authorityleadershipjusticeand identity Their destruction meant Jerusalem lacked order, security, and dignity. The First Step Toward Change Nothing changes until someone becomes willing to honestly face what is broken. Change begins when we stop pretending everything is fine. Nehemiah did not look away from the ruins. And neither should we. Seeing the Need Today Nehemiah’s burden forces us to ask hard questions about our own time. The Church In many places, the church has become increasingly marginalized and spiritually weakened. The Membership The average age of many congregations continues rising while younger generations drift away from biblical faith. Leadership Crisis Many churches face a growing shortage of faithful spiritual leaders. Attendance and Commitment Faithful church attendance and spiritual consistency continue declining. And the real question is not: “Can we criticize the problem?” The real question is: “Have we opened our eyes to the need?” For Change to Occur, We Must Care! (Nehemiah 1:1–4) Nehemiah did not accidentally discover the problem. He asked about it. He pursued the truth. He Asked the Hard Question Many people avoid hard realities because they fear what they might learn. Nehemiah was different. He actively sought information about: Jerusalemthe condition of God’s ...
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    39 mins
  • The Weekly Show - Episode 97: Study Eighteen: The Olivet Discourse (Part 3)

    The Weekly Show - Episode 97: Study Eighteen: The Olivet Discourse (Part 3)
    May 14 2026
    Join Tim and John as they talk about the judgment of God, salvation and works. Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/a-new-beginning and https://uppbeat.io/t/pecan-pie/halloween-time Transition Song: https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/ Introduction As Jesus brings the Olivet Discourse to its final section, the tone becomes even more serious. The warnings, parables, and calls to readiness now lead to one unavoidable reality: The final judgment. In Part 1, Jesus described the conditions that would mark the age between His ascension and His return: deceptionconflictsufferingpersecutionand global instability In Part 2, He explained how His followers should live in the middle of that waiting period: watchfulpreparedfaithfuland diligently serving while they wait Now in Part 3, Jesus brings everything to its climax. He shows us where history is ultimately heading. This is no longer a parable mainly about preparation. It is no longer just a warning about delay or unfaithfulness. This is a direct and sobering picture of reality: The moment when Christ returns in glory and judges every human being. Jesus pulls back the curtain on the final courtroom of history. Every nation. Every person. Every life. Standing before the King. And in that moment, there will be: no pretendingno hidingno confusion about who truly belonged to Him Everything will be revealed. God’s Master Plan To understand this final judgment correctly, we have to go all the way back to the beginning of the Bible. From the very start, God created humanity with a purpose. Human beings were made to: represent God in the worldrule under His authorityand steward His creation faithfully Humanity was designed to function as God’s vice-regent—His representative rulers on earth. But sin shattered that purpose. Instead of ruling creation faithfully, humanity rebelled against God. Instead of reflecting His character, mankind became corrupted by sin, selfishness, violence, and death. The world fell into disorder because humanity fell into sin. But God did not abandon His plan. From the moment of the Fall, God began unfolding a plan of redemption—not merely to rescue individuals from judgment, but to restore His kingdom purposes through Jesus Christ. Jesus is the true and perfect human being: the perfect image of Godthe obedient Sonthe righteous Kingthe faithful Vice-Regent humanity failed to be Where Adam failed, Christ obeyed. Where humanity rebelled, Christ submitted. Where sinners brought death, Christ brought life. And now the risen Christ reigns as: Lord of all creation. But one day His rule will no longer be hidden by the brokenness of the present world. At the end of history: Christ will return visiblyevil will be judged fullyrighteousness will be established completely And Jesus—the One once rejected, mocked, and crucified— will sit openly as Judge over all humanity. The One who once stood before human courts will one day hold court over the entire human race. The Sheep and the Goats 31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left. 34 Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36 I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ 37 Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? 38 And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? 39 And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ 40 And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers,[a] you did it to me.’ 41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’ 44 Then they also will answer, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?’ 45 Then he will answer them, saying, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’ 46 And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.” (Matthew 25:31–46) Jesus now gives one of the clearest and most sobering pictures of the final judgment found anywhere ...
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    1 hr
  • Sermon: The Heart of the Mother

    Sermon: The Heart of the Mother
    May 10 2026
    Sermon Date: 05/10/2026 Bible Verses: Proverbs 1:1–9, Colossians 3:12–14, Titus 2:3–5 Speaker: Rev. Timothy "Tim" Shapley Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/a-new Introduction Mother’s Day is a day filled with many emotions. For some, it is joyful. For others, it is difficult. Some celebrate wonderful memories. Some carry grief. Some are mothers by birth. Some are mothers by love, sacrifice, and influence. But throughout Scripture, we see that godly motherhood is not merely about biology. It is about heart. A mother’s heart shapes lives. Long before children understand theology… they often understand love through their mother. Long before they understand grace… they experience patience, compassion, correction, and sacrifice through her. And while no mother is perfect, God has designed mothers to reflect something powerful about His own character. Today we are looking at The Heart of the Mother. A Mother’s Heart Instructs Proverbs 1:8 says: “Hear, my son, your father’s instruction, and forsake not your mother’s teaching.” One of the greatest gifts a mother gives is her voice. Not volume. Not nagging. Not lectures that somehow begin with “I told you so” and end forty-five minutes later. Her influence. Her teaching. Her wisdom. Throughout Scripture, mothers are shown shaping hearts and guiding children. A godly mother teaches: Right from wrong Wisdom from foolishness Kindness from cruelty Faith from unbelief Much of what a child becomes is formed in ordinary moments: Around dinner tables. In bedtime prayers. In difficult conversations. In moments nobody else sees. And often, children do not realize the value of that instruction until years later. There are grown adults today still hearing their mother’s voice in their head: “Pray about it.” “Tell the truth.” “Trust God.” “Be kind.” “Don’t act stupid.” That last one may not be directly from Proverbs, but it’s spiritually adjacent. A mother’s words matter. A Mother’s Heart Reflects Christ Colossians 3:12–14 says: “Put on then, as God's chosen ones… compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience…” These qualities describe the character of Christ. And they are often beautifully reflected in mothers. A mother spends herself constantly. Loving. Serving. Helping. Encouraging. Correcting. Praying. Many mothers carry burdens nobody sees. They worry quietly. They pray constantly. They sacrifice daily. And much of what they do goes unnoticed. But God notices. The world often celebrates power, status, and achievement. But Scripture honors compassion, patience, gentleness, and love. And verse 14 says: “Above all these put on love…” That is the heartbeat of motherhood. Love that keeps showing up. Love that forgives. Love that keeps praying. Love that keeps believing. Even when exhausted. Even when hurt. Even when unappreciated. A Mother’s Heart Builds the Next Generation Titus 2:3–5 gives instruction for older women to teach younger women. This passage reminds us something important: Biblical motherhood is not just personal. It is generational. Godly women help shape future generations through example, wisdom, and discipleship. Some women in the church may never have biological children, yet they still carry spiritual influence that changes lives. Spiritual mothers matter deeply in the kingdom of God. Women who encourage younger believers. Women who teach truth. Women who show hospitality. Women who model faithfulness. The church desperately needs women whose lives point others toward Christ. Because culture disciples people every day. The church must too. And one godly woman can impact generations she may never fully see this side of heaven. Application Motherhood is not easy. It requires sacrifice. Patience. Faith. And a tremendous amount of coffee. Probably reheated three times. But the calling matters deeply. And for those who are mothers today: Never underestimate the impact of your faithfulness. The prayers you pray matter. The love you give matters. The truth you teach matters. And for all of us, today is an opportunity to honor those who have poured into our lives. Not because they were perfect. But because they loved, sacrificed, and reflected the heart of Christ. Conclusion The heart of a godly mother points us toward something greater. Toward the love of God Himself. A love that teaches. A love that sacrifices. A love that corrects. A love that never gives up. And ultimately, the greatest example of love is found in Jesus Christ. Because the gospel is the story of a Savior who loved us enough to give Himself for us. So today we honor mothers. But even more importantly… we honor the God whose love they reflect.
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    24 mins
  • The Weekly Show - Episode 96: Hymns (Part Two)

    The Weekly Show - Episode 96: Hymns (Part Two)
    May 7 2026

    Join Tim and John as they talk about some more of their favorite Hymns.

    Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/a-new-beginning and https://uppbeat.io/t/pecan-pie/halloween-time

    Transition Song: https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/

    Hymns aren’t just songs—they’re theology set to melody. They stick with us because they connect truth, memory, and emotion. Everyone has that one hymn that hits differently depending on the season of life.

    Tim’s Picks

    In Christ Alone (2001) Writers: Keith Getty and Stuart Townend A modern hymn with a classic feel. It walks through the full gospel—Christ’s life, death, and resurrection. Key idea: Confidence in Christ alone. That line really lands: “No guilt in life, no fear in death.”

    Sing Your Praise to the Lord (1981) By Rich Mullins Joyful, expressive worship. Feels like freedom and celebration—almost childlike in its energy.

    I Wish We’d All Been Ready (1969) By Larry Norman One of the early Christian rock songs with a prophetic edge. Themes of the Second Coming and urgency. Interesting note: Norman was controversial—too Christian for the world, too worldly for the church

    Blessed Assurance (1873) By Fanny Crosby A classic testimony hymn. Focuses on assurance of salvation and personal relationship with Christ. Feels steady and confident.

    There Is Something About That Name By Gloria Gaither and Bill Gaither Simple but powerful. Centered on the authority and beauty of the name of Jesus.

    We Will Glorify By Twila Paris Straightforward, declarative worship. Built for congregational singing.

    Have Thine Own Way, Lord By Adelaide A. Pollard Inspired by surrender to God’s will. Uses the imagery of the potter and clay. Theme: Letting God shape your life—easy to sing, harder to live.

    In His Time By Diane Ball Focus on trusting God’s timing. Great for seasons of waiting and uncertainty.

    Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus By George Duffield Jr. A bold, action-oriented hymn. Calls believers to stand firm in their faith.

    In My Heart There Rings a Melody By Elton M. Roth Upbeat and joyful. Faith overflowing into praise.

    John’s Picks

    Holy, Holy, Holy By Reginald Heber A deeply Trinitarian hymn. Majestic and reverent in tone.

    Amazing Grace By John Newton One of the most well-known hymns ever written. A story of redemption from a former slave trader. Theme: Grace that transforms.

    Change My Heart, O God By Eddie Espinosa A simple, heartfelt prayer. Focuses on inner transformation.

    Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us Attributed to Dorothy Ann Thrupp Uses shepherd imagery. Emphasizes trust and guidance.

    Be Thou My Vision Traditional Irish hymn with roots in a 6th-century poem. Rich, poetic devotion. Theme: Christ as everything.

    There Is a Redeemer By Melody Green Centers on Jesus as the Lamb of God. Often connected to communion themes.

    I Need Thee Every Hour By Annie Sherwood Hawks A quiet, honest expression of dependence on God.

    In the Garden By C. Austin Miles Reflects a personal, intimate walk with Jesus. Almost conversational in tone.

    Search Me, O God (Cleanse Me) By J. Edwin Orr Based on Psalm 139. Theme: Inviting God to examine your heart.

    More Precious Than Silver By Lynn DeShazo Focuses on valuing God above everything else.
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