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  • The Weekly Show - Episode 83: Study Five: Holding Your Temper & Your Tongue

    The Weekly Show - Episode 83: Study Five: Holding Your Temper & Your Tongue
    Feb 5 2026
    Join Tim and John as they study Anger and Murder. 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 Jesus has just finished teaching about true righteousness— a righteousness that works from the inside out. Now He begins to show what that looks like in real life. And He starts with something we all struggle with: our temper and our tongue. In Matthew 5:21–26, Jesus addresses anger—not the “I stubbed my toe” kind of anger, but the sinful anger that poisons relationships, damages hearts, and dishonors God. The Pharisees focused on avoiding the outward act of murder. Jesus goes straight for the root: the anger, bitterness, and hateful words that grow inside our hearts long before murder ever enters the picture. Jesus wants His followers to understand that: Sinful anger is serious. Angry words matter. Broken relationships cannot be ignored. God cares deeply about how we treat people. Why? Because sinful anger ruins peace, destroys friendships, and pushes us away from God’s heart. But here’s the good news: Jesus can change an angry heart. He can heal relationships, transform attitudes, and teach us how to respond with love instead of rage. In this study, you will learn why controlling your temper and your tongue is essential to pleasing God—and how the Holy Spirit helps us grow into people who build others up instead of tearing them down. This is where Jesus begins His deeper teaching on righteousness, and He starts with a truth we cannot afford to ignore: Your words reveal your heart. Your anger affects your relationships. And God wants both to reflect the love of Christ. Let’s dig in. 1. Sinful Anger Jesus begins His teaching on true righteousness by addressing one of the most common—and most dangerous—problems in the human heart: sinful anger. In Matthew 5:21–22, He reminds His listeners that the Law forbids murder, but then He takes it much deeper. He shows that sin doesn’t begin with the hands— it begins in the heart. Sinful anger is a big deal because it reveals something broken inside of us. Sinful Anger Damages Relationships Anger rarely stays hidden. It spills out: in harsh words in cold attitudes in bitterness in yelling in silent treatment in cutting someone down Sinful anger pushes people away and makes real friendship impossible. Wherever anger grows, relationships die. Sinful Anger Is Selfish Sinful anger usually says: “I didn’t get my way.” “You hurt my pride.” “You didn’t treat me how I think I deserve.” It puts self at the center and demands that others bow to our feelings. This kind of anger does not come from love—it comes from pride. We Must Admit Our Anger Is Wrong Jesus calls us to be honest: You can’t overcome sinful anger if you excuse it. You can’t fix it if you blame it on everyone else. You can’t heal it if you refuse to admit it’s sinful. A disciple of Jesus must say: “My anger is wrong. I need forgiveness.” This is where healing begins. God Can Change an Angry Heart The best news in this whole section is this: God does not leave angry people stuck in their anger. The Holy Spirit can: soften a hard heart replace bitterness with compassion calm a quick temper teach patience and self-control change how we respond to others heal the wounds that fuel our anger Where sinful anger once controlled us, God can produce gentleness, mercy, and peace. Sinful anger may be powerful, but Jesus is more powerful still. 2. The Heart of Murder Jesus does something shocking in Matthew 5:21–22: He connects anger to murder. Why? Because Jesus sees the heart-level truth we usually ignore: Murder doesn’t begin with a weapon—it begins with anger. Anger Is the Root That Feeds the Fruit Jesus says: “You have heard that it was said… ‘You shall not murder.’ But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment.” — Matthew 5:21–22 He isn’t saying all anger is murder, but He is saying all murder comes from anger. Just like: a seed becomes a tree a spark becomes a fire a thought becomes an action Anger, left unchecked, grows. When Jesus talks about “the heart of murder,” He’s showing us that: Sin doesn’t start big—it starts small. Not All Anger Leads to Murder—but All Murder Springs From Anger Some anger is righteous (like anger at injustice). But sinful anger is different: It dwells on hurt. It feeds bitterness. It fantasizes about payback. It speaks cruelly. It wishes harm on someone. No, most people will never commit literal murder— but Jesus wants to tear up murder at the root. He says that the same heart that commits murder is the heart that: hates insults curses demeans belittles holds grudges According to Jesus, these are heart-sins that must be taken seriously. Jesus Wants to Stop Murder Before It Starts The Pharisees said, “As long as you don’t...
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    57 Min.
  • Sermon: Apostle’s Creed Week Four - I Believe in the Holy Catholic Church and the Communion of Saints

    Sermon: Apostle’s Creed Week Four - I Believe in the Holy Catholic Church and the Communion of Saints
    Feb 1 2026

    Sermon Date: 02/01/2026

    Bible Verses:

    • Various

    Speaker: Rev. Timothy "Tim" Shapley

    Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/a-new

    Introduction: Belief Is Never Private

    Modern faith loves the phrase “It’s just between me and God.” The Apostles’ Creed politely—and firmly—disagrees.

    The moment the Creed moves past “I believe in the Holy Spirit,” it moves straight into community.

    Because the Spirit never creates isolated Christians.

    Christian belief is personal—but it is never private.

    Point One: I Believe in the Holy Catholic Church (The Universal Church)

    That word “catholic” often trips people up, so let’s be clear from the start.

    “Catholic” does not mean Roman Catholic. It means universal—the whole Church, across time, cultures, nations, and denominations.

    Jesus Himself declared the Church’s origin:

    “I will build My church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” (Matthew 16:18)

    Notice who builds the Church. Not pastors. Not programs. Not institutions.

    Christ builds the Church.

    And His mission is global:

    “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…” (Matthew 28:19–20)

    The Church is not a building. It is not a brand. It is not a weekly event.

    Paul defines it this way:

    “You are no longer strangers and aliens, but fellow citizens… members of the household of God.” (Ephesians 2:19–22)

    Peter goes even further:

    “You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation.” (1 Peter 2:9)

    The Church is:

    • Holy — set apart by God
    • Universal — spanning the globe and the centuries
    • Alive — built on Christ Himself

    And Christ is not just associated with the Church—He is its authority:

    “He is the head of the body, the church.” (Colossians 1:18)

    To believe in Christ is to believe in His Church—not as an optional accessory, but as His chosen instrument in the world.

    ✦ You cannot love the Head and despise the Body.

    Point Two: The Communion of Saints (Fellowship)

    The Creed now deepens the idea of the Church—not just as an institution, but as a family.

    “The communion of saints.”

    This does not mean we pray to saints. It means we belong with saints.

    The Church is not just the living—it includes all who belong to Christ, past and present.

    Hebrews reminds us:

    “Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses…” (Hebrews 12:1–2)

    We are not alone in our faith. We are joined to believers who have endured, suffered, obeyed, and finished the race.

    “Remember your leaders… imitate their faith.” (Hebrews 13:7)

    The communion of saints is both vertical and horizontal:

    • Unity with believers who have gone before
    • Fellowship with believers walking beside us now

    Jesus prayed for this unity Himself:

    “That they may all be one… so that the world may believe.” (John 17:20–21)

    Christian fellowship is not optional. It is part of our witness.

    When we gather, Christ is present:

    “Where two or three are gathered in My name, there am I.” (Matthew 18:20)

    And because we belong to God, we belong to one another:

    “See what kind of love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God.” (1 John 3:1)

    That shared identity creates shared responsibility:

    “Encourage one another and build one another up.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

    The communion of saints means:

    • We carry each other’s burdens
    • We speak truth in love
    • We worship together
    • We suffer together
    • We persevere together

    ✦ Christian faith grows best in community, not isolation.

    Conclusion: Belief That Belongs

    To say “I believe in the holy catholic Church” is to confess that Christ has a people.

    To say “I believe in the communion of saints” is to confess that we are part of them.

    Belief joins us:

    • To Christ our Head
    • To the Church His Body
    • To the saints our family

    Faith is not a solo journey. It is a shared pilgrimage.

    And the same Christ who saves us individually binds us together corporately—so that the world might see not just what we believe, but who we belong to.
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    30 Min.
  • The Weekly Show - Episode 82: Study Four: Salt and Light

    The Weekly Show - Episode 82: Study Four: Salt and Light
    Jan 29 2026
    Join Tim and John as they study Salt and Light. 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 Right after describing the blessed life of His followers, Jesus uses two simple, everyday pictures that everyone understood: salt and light. “You are the salt of the earth…” “You are the light of the world…” — Matthew 5:13–16 These aren’t suggestions. They aren’t goals for “extra-spiritual” people. Jesus says: “You are.” If you belong to Him, you already are salt and light. What Does That Mean? In Jesus’ day: Salt preserved food, purified it, and added flavor. Light revealed truth, guided travelers, and pushed back darkness. Jesus chose these images because they describe what His followers are meant to be in the world: People who help slow the moral and spiritual decay around them People who show God’s truth and goodness People whose lives bring grace, compassion, and hope People whose actions help others see God clearly Jesus is saying: “You represent Me in this world. Your life makes My kingdom visible.” Why Here, Why Now? Jesus puts this teaching right after the Beatitudes on purpose. The Beatitudes show what kind of people His followers are becoming. Salt and Light show how those people influence the world. The world needs: humility mercy purity courage peace The world doesn’t need more darkness. It needs more light. Jesus and the Law Right after calling His followers salt and light, Jesus explains His relationship to the Old Testament: “I didn’t come to abolish the Law and the Prophets, but to fulfill them.” “The Law and the Prophets” was the Jewish way of saying “the Bible”—what we call the Old Testament. Jesus didn’t come to throw it away. He came to complete it, show its true meaning, and live it out perfectly. Then He adds something surprising: “Unless your righteousness goes beyond the Pharisees, you won’t enter the kingdom.” The Pharisees were known for strict outward obedience. But Jesus wants something deeper—a righteousness that comes from a changed heart, not just external rule-keeping. The Purpose Jesus finishes by explaining why we shine as salt and light: “…so that people may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” Not to make ourselves look good, but to lead others to see how good God is. The Salt of the Earth Immediately after describing the character of His kingdom people, Jesus uses a simple household image to explain their influence: “You are the salt of the earth.” — Matthew 5:13 Everyone in Jesus’ day knew exactly how valuable salt was. It wasn’t a seasoning you sprinkled casually—it was essential for survival. When Jesus called His disciples “salt,” He was giving them a profound and world-shaping identity. 1. Salt Preserves In the ancient world, refrigeration didn’t exist. Salt was the most common way to preserve meat and keep it from rotting. Jesus is saying: “My followers slow the decay of the world.” How? by living holy lives in an unholy culture by standing for righteousness when others compromise by protecting the vulnerable by seeking justice and doing good by living in such a way that pushes back corruption Where believers live out the Beatitudes, society is preserved from moral and spiritual decay. 2. Salt Adds Flavor Salt makes food taste like what it was created to taste like. Christians bring: joy to despairing places grace to hardened hearts compassion to the ignored truth to confusion hope to hopelessness the “flavor” of God’s goodness into everyday life A Christian who reflects Christ makes the world more livable, more beautiful, and more meaningful. You don’t have to preach a sermon— your life carries the flavor of the kingdom. 3. Salt Purifies Salt was also used as a cleansing agent. Christians purify the world by: confessing sin honestly living with integrity refusing corruption speaking truth in love living in holiness pointing people to Christ, the true purifier Where Christians live the gospel, purity spreads. 4. A Follower of Jesus Who Blends In Is a Contradiction Salt is only useful when it’s distinctly salty. Jesus warns that salt can lose its taste— not chemically, but practically, when it becomes mixed with dirt or impurities. Likewise: A believer who hides their faith is not salty. A believer who blends into the world’s darkness is not salty. A believer who compromises biblical convictions becomes spiritually ineffective. This is not about perfection—it’s about distinction. If your life looks no different from the world, you’re not seasoning anything. The world desperately needs the flavor, purity, and preserving power of Christians who live boldly and humbly for Christ. 5. “Of the Earth” — A Global Mission Jesus didn’t say: “You are the salt of your neighborhood.” “You are the salt of...
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    1 Std. und 10 Min.
  • Message: trusting God When You Don’t Understand

    Message: trusting God When You Don’t Understand
    Jan 25 2026

    Sermon Date: 01/25/2026

    Bible Verses:

    • Various

    Speaker: Rev. Timothy "Tim" Shapley

    Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/a-new

    Introduction: We Want Control, God Wants Trust

    We live in an age of planning, predicting, and protecting ourselves.

    We track. We insure. We analyze. We worry.

    And when life still goes sideways, we ask the same question in different forms: “Why didn’t this work?” “What did I miss?” “How do I fix this?”

    Scripture doesn’t shame those questions—but it does redirect them.

    God does not promise us full explanations. He promises His faithfulness.

    And the call of Scripture is not: figure everything out— It is: trust Me.

    Point One: Trust the Lord — Not Yourself

    Proverbs 3:5–6

    “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.”

    This passage does not say understanding is bad. It says understanding is limited.

    The problem isn’t that we think—it’s that we lean.

    To lean is to put your weight on something. To depend on it to hold you up.

    And Scripture is blunt: Your understanding cannot carry the weight of your life.

    God does not ask for partial trust. Not 80%. Not trust-until-it-hurts. Not trust-until-it-costs.

    “Trust in the LORD with all your heart.”

    That includes:

    • The unanswered prayer
    • The confusing diagnosis
    • The broken relationship
    • The closed door you were sure God would open

    And notice the promise:

    “He will make straight your paths.”

    Not easy paths. Not pain-free paths. But directed paths.

    Trust does not eliminate uncertainty. It anchors you inside it.

    ✦ Faith is not knowing where God is taking you—it’s knowing who is taking you.

    Point Two: Perfect Peace Comes From a Fixed Mind

    Isaiah 26:3

    “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.”

    Perfect peace does not come from perfect circumstances.

    It comes from a focused mind.

    The Hebrew phrase here is literally “peace, peace”—complete, settled, guarded peace.

    But notice the condition:

    “Whose mind is stayed on You.”

    Stayed means:

    • Anchored
    • Held
    • Fixed
    • Refusing to wander

    An anxious mind rehearses fear. A trusting mind rehearses truth.

    Peace is not pretending things aren’t hard. Peace is choosing where your thoughts live.

    This verse does not say:

    • God keeps everyone in peace
    • God keeps the distracted in peace
    • God keeps the panicked in peace

    It says He keeps the trusting in peace.

    ✦ Peace is not the absence of trouble—it is the presence of trust.

    Point Three: Cast Your Cares — Don’t Carry What God Invites You to Release

    1 Peter 5:7

    “Casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.”

    This verse assumes something important:

    You have anxieties.

    God is not surprised by them. He is not disappointed by them. He invites you to throw them on Him.

    Casting is not gently setting down. It’s not managing stress. It’s not spiritual stoicism.

    Casting is forceful release.

    Why?

    Because you were never meant to carry what only God can handle.

    And here’s the reason—simple, profound, and deeply personal:

    “Because He cares for you.”

    Not vaguely. Not theoretically. Not generally.

    You.

    Your worries matter because you matter to God.

    ✦ God does not ask you to trust Him blindly—He asks you to trust Him relationally.

    Putting It All Together

    Proverbs tells us where to place our trust. Isaiah tells us what trust produces. Peter tells us how trust is practiced.

    • Trust the Lord fully
    • Fix your mind on Him continually
    • Cast your cares on Him honestly

    This is not a one-time decision. It is a daily posture.

    Sometimes hourly. Sometimes moment by moment.

    Trust is not passive—it is practiced.

    Conclusion: Let God Carry What You Cannot

    You don’t have to understand everything. You don’t have to control everything. You don’t have to carry everything.

    God is not asking you to figure life out. He is asking you to trust Him with it.

    ✦ What you release to God is not lost—it is secured.
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    26 Min.
  • The Weekly Show - Episode 81: Study Three: The Eight Beatitudes (Part Two)

    The Weekly Show - Episode 81: Study Three: The Eight Beatitudes (Part Two)
    Jan 22 2026
    Join Tim and John as they study the last Four Beatitudes. 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 to the Last Four Beatitudes If the first four Beatitudes describe the heart of a disciple, the last four describe the life of a disciple—how a transformed heart expresses itself in a broken world. These final Beatitudes show what happens when the inner work of God overflows into outward relationships, attitudes, and actions. The progression is intentional: A person who knows they need God (poor in spirit), Who grieves their sin (mourning), Who surrenders their pride (meekness), And who longs for God’s righteousness… …will naturally begin to treat others in a radically different way. The last four Beatitudes describe this outward expression: Merciful — We respond to others with compassion. Pure in heart — We pursue integrity and sincerity before God. Peacemakers — We work to heal and reconcile. Persecuted for righteousness — We endure suffering with joy because our hope is in eternity. These final four Beatitudes form the fruit of kingdom character. They show: How kingdom people love the weak How they pursue holiness How they heal relationships How they stand firm when opposition comes While the world honors power, comfort, and success, Jesus honors: Mercy Purity Peacemaking Perseverance These are the unmistakable marks of a disciple who is becoming like Christ. The first four Beatitudes shape who we are. The last four shape how we live. Together, they form the full portrait of the flourishing life in God’s kingdom—a life only Jesus can create in us. 5. Mercy for the Merciful Jesus shifts from the inward transformation of the first four Beatitudes to the outward expression of a changed heart: “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.” — Matthew 5:7 This Beatitude reveals something essential about kingdom people: Those who have received mercy become people who give mercy. What Is Mercy? Mercy is compassion expressed in action. It is kindness toward those in misery, sin, weakness, or need. Mercy means: Not giving people what they deserve Offering forgiveness instead of revenge Showing patience instead of harshness Helping the weak instead of ignoring them Being moved by compassion rather than judgment Where grace gives us what we don’t deserve, mercy withholds what we do deserve. Why Are Kingdom People Merciful? Because they know firsthand what it feels like to need mercy. When you know that God has: forgiven your offenses, carried your shame, healed your wounds, lifted your burdens, and shown compassion in your failure, it becomes much harder to withhold mercy from others. Mercy is the overflow of a forgiven heart. What Mercy Looks Like in Everyday Life Merciful people: Forgive quickly Assume the best Help the hurting Love the weak Care for the outcast Show patience with annoying people Give generously Pray for those who wrong them Treat others the way God treated them Mercy is not weakness—it is strength governed by compassion. A Word of Warning: The Opposite of Mercy Mercy stands in stark contrast to: a harsh spirit a judgmental attitude an unforgiving heart a desire to see others "get what they deserve" indifference toward suffering Jesus repeatedly warns against becoming a “merciless disciple.” Nothing contradicts the heart of the kingdom more than receiving God’s mercy but refusing to show it. The Promise: “They Shall Receive Mercy.” This promise works in two ways: 1. We Experience God’s Ongoing Mercy Here and Now God continually pours mercy into the lives of those who extend it to others. This doesn’t mean we earn mercy— it means we walk in the stream of mercy that God delights to give. 2. We Will Experience God’s Final Mercy in the Last Day At the judgment, God will show mercy to those whose lives demonstrated mercy. Not because their mercy saved them, but because their mercy proved they were saved. Mercy is evidence of genuine faith. The Christlike Example Jesus is the ultimate picture of mercy. He touched lepers. He wept with the grieving. He forgave sinners. He restored the broken. He prayed for His executioners. He bore our sin on the cross. No one is more merciful than Jesus. So when Jesus calls His followers to mercy, He’s calling them to reflect His heart. The Good News The kingdom belongs to people who know they have been forgiven much and therefore love much. God says to the merciful: “The mercy you give will never outgrow the mercy you receive.” In God’s kingdom, mercy is a two-way street, and no one who walks it will ever walk alone. 6. The Pure in Heart See God Jesus moves deeper into the inner life of His disciples with one of the most breathtaking promises in all of Scripture: “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” — Matthew 5:8 This Beatitude reaches ...
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    1 Std. und 15 Min.
  • Sermon: Apostle’s Creed Week Three - The Holy Spirit

    Sermon: Apostle’s Creed Week Three - The Holy Spirit
    Jan 19 2026
    Sermon Date: 01/18/2026 Bible Verses: Various Speaker: Rev. Timothy "Tim" Shapley Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/a-new Introduction: The Most Misunderstood Line in the Creed When we say “I believe in the Holy Spirit,” many people get uncomfortable. Some think of emotional excess. Some think of strange behavior. Some think of vague spiritual feelings. Others quietly think, “I believe in God the Father… I believe in Jesus Christ… but the Spirit feels fuzzy.” But the Holy Spirit is not an optional add-on to Christianity. He is not the background music of faith. He is not a force, a vibe, or a spiritual mood. The Holy Spirit is God present with and within His people. Christianity does not function without the Spirit. Without Him, we have information but no transformation, belief without power, obedience without strength. That’s why the Creed insists we say it out loud: “I believe in the Holy Spirit.” Point One: The Holy Spirit Is God With Us — and In Us Jesus promised the Spirit before the cross: “I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper… the Spirit of truth.” (John 14:15–17) Jesus calls Him Helper—not a substitute Savior, but God’s own presence continuing Christ’s work in us. The Spirit is not less God than the Father or the Son. He is fully God—personal, active, and intentional. Paul presses this truth home: “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit…?” (1 Corinthians 6:19–20) That means God no longer dwells in buildings made by hands. He dwells in His people. Christian belief says: God walked among us in ChristGod now lives within us by the Spirit You are not spiritually alone. You are not abandoned. You are not expected to follow Jesus by sheer willpower. ✦ The Christian life is not lived for God—it is lived with God. Point Two: The Holy Spirit Helps Us When We Are Weak One of the most comforting promises in all of Scripture is this: “The Spirit helps us in our weakness… intercedes for us.” (Romans 8:26) Notice what that assumes: we are weak. The Holy Spirit is not given because we are strong—but because we are not. When we don’t know what to pray, the Spirit prays for us. When we don’t have the words, the Spirit carries our groans to the Father. When faith feels thin, the Spirit sustains it. The Spirit is not disappointed by your weakness. He was sent because of it. ✦ Grace does not eliminate weakness—it meets us inside it. Point Three: The Holy Spirit Empowers the Church for Witness Jesus was clear: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be My witnesses.” (Acts 1:8) The Spirit does not exist to make Christians strange. He exists to make Christ known. Power in Scripture is not about control or spectacle—it is about faithful witness. The Holy Spirit: Gives courage where there is fearGives clarity where there is confusionGives boldness where there is hesitation The early church did not grow because it was impressive. It grew because the Spirit made ordinary people faithful. ✦ The Spirit’s power is not about drawing attention to us—but to Jesus. Point Four: The Holy Spirit Produces Obedience from Love, Not Fear Jesus said: “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” (John 14:15) And then immediately promised the Spirit. Why? Because obedience without the Spirit becomes legalism. And love without obedience becomes sentimentality. The Holy Spirit bridges the gap. Paul says: “God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 5:5) The Spirit does not just tell us what God wants—He reshapes our desires so we begin to want what God wants. Obedience becomes response, not pressure. Holiness becomes joy, not burden. ✦ The Spirit changes us from the inside out. Point Five: The Holy Spirit Makes Faith Personal and Present Jesus said the world cannot receive the Spirit—but believers can: “He dwells with you and will be in you.” (John 14:17) That means Christianity is not merely historical—it is present tense. The Spirit convictsThe Spirit comfortsThe Spirit teachesThe Spirit remindsThe Spirit sanctifies The Holy Spirit is the reason belief doesn’t stay theoretical. He is the reason the Creed moves from words to life. ✦ What Christ accomplished, the Spirit applies. Conclusion: Belief That Breathes To say “I believe in the Holy Spirit” is to confess that God has not left us to figure this out alone. The Father planned salvation. The Son accomplished salvation. The Spirit applies salvation—daily, personally, powerfully. Belief in the Spirit means: You are not alone in your obedienceYou are not abandoned in your sufferingYou are not powerless in your witness The Christian life is not self-improvement. It is Spirit-dependence.
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    26 Min.
  • The Weekly Show - Episode 80: Study Two: The Eight Beatitudes (Part One)

    The Weekly Show - Episode 80: Study Two: The Eight Beatitudes (Part One)
    Jan 15 2026
    Join Tim and John as they study the first Four Beatitudes. 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 opens the Sermon on the Mount, He doesn’t begin with commands, warnings, or theological arguments. He begins with blessing. Before He tells His disciples how to live, He tells them who they already are in His kingdom. The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3–12) form the doorway into the entire sermon. They are not random sayings or poetic lines—they are the foundation stones of kingdom identity. Jesus is painting a picture of the kind of people who flourish under His reign. And, as we discovered in Study One, flourishing in God’s kingdom often looks nothing like flourishing in the world. Where the world celebrates strength, Jesus blesses poverty of spirit. Where the world avoids sorrow, Jesus blesses those who mourn. Where the world rewards pride, Jesus blesses the meek. Where the world hungers for power, Jesus blesses those who hunger for righteousness. It’s an upside-down kingdom that is—if we’re honest—the right way up. Each Beatitude contains two powerful parts: A description of the kind of person God blesses A promise of the blessing God gives These descriptions are not entry requirements for salvation. They are the evidence that someone belongs to Jesus and is being reshaped by His grace. In this study, we will take each Beatitude one at a time and look carefully at what it means—and why Jesus calls these people “blessed.” We’ll see that: The poor in spirit are given the kingdom. The mourners receive comfort. The meek inherit the earth. The hungry for righteousness are satisfied. The merciful receive mercy. The pure in heart see God. The peacemakers are called God’s children. The persecuted gain eternal reward. These aren’t personality traits. They’re kingdom traits—the character Jesus forms in those who follow Him. And as we unpack each one, we will see something incredibly hopeful: Jesus blesses people the world overlooks, and He transforms people the world underestimates. The Beatitudes invite us to examine our hearts, embrace the grace of Jesus, and grow into the flourishing life God designed for us. Now let’s step inside this kingdom doorway and explore each Beatitude in detail. 1. The Poor in Spirit Are Given the Kingdom Jesus begins His list of blessings with a statement that instantly cuts against the grain of every culture, ancient or modern: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” — Matthew 5:3 What Does It Mean to Be “Poor in Spirit”? Jesus is not talking about financial poverty, personality weakness, or lack of confidence. He’s talking about spiritual poverty—a deep awareness that: We bring nothing to God that can earn His acceptance. We cannot save ourselves. We cannot impress God with our goodness. We are spiritually bankrupt apart from His grace. To be “poor in spirit” means standing before God and saying: “I’ve got nothing. You have everything. I need You.” This is humility at the deepest level. Not self-hatred. Not insecurity. But honest dependence. Why Is This the First Beatitude? Because this is where life in God’s kingdom begins. You cannot receive the kingdom while your hands are full of pride. You cannot follow Jesus if you still think you’re your own savior. Jesus starts here because: Grace begins where self-sufficiency ends. Salvation begins where spiritual pride dies. Transformation begins where humility takes root. The whole Sermon on the Mount is built on this foundation. The Paradox of the Kingdom Here’s the wild part: The ones who admit they have nothing… are the ones who are given everything. Jesus promises that the kingdom of heaven belongs to the poor in spirit. Not “will belong.” Not “might belong.” Not “someday after judgment.” It is theirs—right now. What Does It Mean to “Have the Kingdom”? It means: You belong to Jesus. You are a citizen of His kingdom. You live under His rule and blessing. You have access to His presence, power, and promises. You are adopted into God’s family. You are part of God’s work on earth. This is the greatest reversal in Scripture: Those who have nothing to offer receive everything God offers. Practical Application Being poor in spirit shows up in everyday life: You pray with dependence instead of self-confidence. You confess sin quickly instead of hiding it. You give God credit instead of stealing the spotlight. You approach others with humility instead of superiority. You seek God daily because you know you need Him constantly. Poverty of spirit is not a moment—it’s a lifestyle. Why This Is Good News If Jesus had said, “Blessed are the impressive… the strong… the morally flawless,” most of us would pack up our Bibles and go home discouraged. But Jesus begins with blessing ...
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    1 Std. und 9 Min.
  • Sermon: Apostles’ Creed Week Two - In Jesus Christ

    Sermon: Apostles’ Creed Week Two - In Jesus Christ
    Jan 12 2026
    Sermon Date: 01/11/2026 Bible Verses: Various Speaker: Rev. Timothy "Tim" Shapley Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/a-new Introduction: Belief Has a Name Last week, the Apostles’ Creed confronted us with a decision: “I believe.” Two words. A personal declaration. A line in the sand. But belief does not float in the abstract. Belief always has an object. You don’t just believe something—you believe someone. And this week, the Creed presses us further. It refuses to let belief remain vague. Because belief without an object is meaningless. Christian faith is not generic spirituality. It is not belief in belief. It is not positive thinking wrapped in religious language. It is not a set of values, a moral framework, or a comforting tradition. Christian faith is belief in a Person. A Person with: a namea historya bodya crossa tomband a throne That’s why the Creed doesn’t say “I believe in goodness” or “I believe in love” or “I believe things will work out.” It gets specific. It gets concrete. It gets uncomfortable. “And in Jesus Christ…” That name is not neutral. It divides history into before and after. It confronts every culture. It unsettles every conscience. And it demands a response. You can admire Jesus. You can study Jesus. You can reference Jesus. But you cannot remain undecided about Jesus. Because the moment His name is spoken, neutrality dies. Point One: And in Jesus Christ, His Only Son, Our Lord This phrase answers the most important question anyone will ever face—not just theologically, but personally: Who is Jesus? Not “Who do you think He is?” Not “What does He mean to you?” But who is He—really? Paul answers with shocking simplicity: “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord…” (Romans 10:9) Notice what Paul doesn’t say. He doesn’t say “Jesus is inspiring.” He doesn’t say “Jesus is helpful.” He doesn’t even say “Jesus is Savior” first. He says Lord. Not a lord. Not one option among many. Not your truth. Lord. Philippians takes that claim and stretches it to cosmic scale: “God has highly exalted Him… that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow.” (Phil. 2:9–11) Every knee. In heavenOn earthUnder the earth That includes emperors and slaves, skeptics and saints, kings and commoners. Some will bow in joy. Some will bow in regret. But all will bow. Why? Because Jesus is: God’s only Son — unique, eternal, not created, not adopted laterOur Lord — sovereign, authoritative, ruling now, not waiting for permission Jesus Himself claimed this authority without apology: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.” (Matthew 28:18) Not most authority. Not shared authority. All. And Revelation seals it with the final title history will ever need: “King of kings and Lord of lords.” (Revelation 19:16) To say “Jesus is Lord” is not a religious slogan. It is not a worship lyric. It is not church language. It is a declaration of allegiance. It means: You don’t vote Him in.You don’t negotiate His authority.You don’t redefine His commands.You don’t domesticate His claims. You either submit—or you resist. There is no third category. And the Creed puts that decision right at the front because Christianity does not begin with comfort. It begins with lordship. Point Two: Who Was Conceived by the Holy Spirit Jesus did not begin at birth. The Creed includes this line to protect us from one of the most common and dangerous misunderstandings about Jesus—that He was simply a good man who became important, a moral teacher who was later elevated, or a prophet who happened to be exceptional. No. His very conception was divine. This was not mythology. This was not symbolism. This was intervention. The Holy Spirit overshadowed Mary—not as a metaphor, but as a miracle—so that salvation would be: Fully God’s workFully God’s initiativeFully God’s power No human effort produced the Savior. No lineage earned redemption. No strength of will brought Christ into the world. Redemption did not rise up from the earth—it came down from heaven. This matters because it tells us something essential about the gospel: We do not save ourselves. Christianity does not begin with human potential—it begins with divine grace. It does not begin with what we offer God, but with what God gives us. ✦ Christianity begins with grace, not genetics. From the very first moment, Jesus is God reaching toward humanity, not humanity climbing toward God. Point Three: Born of the Virgin Mary The Creed now grounds the miracle of Christ’s conception in the soil of history. “Behold, the virgin shall conceive…” (Isaiah 7:14) Matthew and Luke go to great lengths to tell us this wasn’t a legend passed down through whispers—it was an event anchored in names, places, rulers, and timelines. Why does this matter? Because the Creed insists that Jesus was not half-God and half-human. He was not God pretending...
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    39 Min.