エピソード

  • Sermon: Holiness in an Unholy World

    Sermon: Holiness in an Unholy World
    2026/06/14
    Sermon Date: 06/14/2026 Bible Verses: John 17:9-19 Speaker: Rev. Timothy "Tim" Shapley Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/a-new Introduction One of the greatest challenges Christians face is not simply pursuing holiness. It is pursuing holiness in an unholy world. Every day we live in a culture that often celebrates what God condemns. We are surrounded by temptation. Surrounded by compromise. Surrounded by messages that constantly push us away from God. And yet Jesus never prayed for His followers to be removed from the world. In His High Priestly Prayer, Jesus said: “I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one.” (John 17:15) Notice the balance. We are not called to escape the world. Neither are we called to become like the world. We are called to live as holy people in the midst of an unholy culture. That is not easy. But it is exactly what Christ prayed for. We Are In the World, But Not of the World Jesus says in John 17:16: “They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.” Christians live in the world. We work here. Raise families here. Attend school here. Build friendships here. But our identity is no longer rooted here. Our citizenship is ultimately in heaven. The problem arises when believers begin to blend into the culture around them. When there is no visible difference. When the world can no longer tell where culture ends and Christianity begins. Paul wrote: “Come out from them and be separate.” (2 Corinthians 6:17) This does not mean isolation. It means distinction. God's people should look different. Speak differently. Think differently. Live differently. Not because we are better than others. But because we belong to Christ. Holiness Is Not Isolation When Christians hear about separation from the world, some misunderstand it. They think holiness means avoiding all contact with unbelievers. But Jesus never lived that way. Luke 5:30–32 tells us that Jesus ate with tax collectors and sinners. In fact, the religious leaders criticized Him for it. Jesus replied: “I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.” Jesus was among sinners constantly. Yet He never became like them. This is the balance Christians must learn. Paul addresses this in 1 Corinthians 5:9–10. He explains that believers are not expected to withdraw completely from unbelievers. Otherwise: “you would need to go out of the world.” We are called to engage the world. To love people. To share the gospel. To serve others. But we must do so without adopting the world's values. Holiness is not isolation. It is influence without compromise. The Word of God Sanctifies Us Jesus prays: “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.” (John 17:17) The word "sanctify" means to set apart for God. How does God make His people holy? Through His truth. Through His Word. Psalm 119:9 asks: “How can a young man keep his way pure?” The answer: “By guarding it according to your word.” We cannot live holy lives apart from Scripture. The world constantly shapes our thinking. Advertisements shape us. Entertainment shapes us. Social media shapes us. Culture shapes us. If we are not being shaped by God's Word, we will inevitably be shaped by something else. Holiness grows when God's truth becomes the standard by which we live. We Are Called to Shine Jesus called believers: “The salt of the earth” and “the light of the world.” (Matthew 5:13–14) Salt preserves. Light illuminates. Both are most effective when surrounded by darkness and decay. God never intended His people to hide. Philippians 2:14–15 says: “shine as lights in the world.” In a culture filled with confusion, Christians should display clarity. In a culture filled with hatred, Christians should display love. In a culture filled with impurity, Christians should display holiness. People should see something different. Not perfection. But Christlikeness. Holiness Will Often Bring Opposition Jesus warned His disciples: “If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own.” (John 15:19) The more faithfully we follow Christ, the more noticeable the difference becomes. Paul says: “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” (2 Timothy 3:12) Not everyone will appreciate holiness. Some will mock it. Some will reject it. Some will see it as judgment. Peter writes: “They are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery.” (1 Peter 4:4) The world expects Christians to compromise. But holiness means standing firm even when it costs us something. Lot: A Warning and a Lesson One of the clearest examples of living in a wicked culture is Lot. In Genesis 19, Lot lived in Sodom. A city marked by extreme wickedness. Peter tells us: “Righteous Lot was greatly distressed by the sensual conduct of the wicked.” (2 Peter 2:7–8) Lot remained troubled by the sin around him. That is good. His ...
    続きを読む 一部表示
    29 分
  • The Weekly Show - Episode 101: Articles of Religion Study (Part Four)

    The Weekly Show - Episode 101: Articles of Religion Study (Part Four)
    2026/06/11
    Join Tim and John for the one hundredth episode, as they talk about The Articles of Religion of the Southern Methodist Church. Articles of Religion Study (Part Four) The Last Study (For Now) Today we conclude our study through the Articles of Religion—for now. Over these studies, we have walked through foundational Christian doctrines: the Trinitysalvation by grace through faiththe authority of Scripturethe churchsingraceand holy living Now these final Articles move into very practical areas of Christian life and church practice: the sacramentsbaptismthe Lord’s Suppermarriagechurch ordercivil authoritystewardshipand truthfulness What’s interesting is this: Doctrine eventually becomes practice. What we believe always shapes: how we worshiphow we livehow we treat othersand how we understand the Christian life itself The Christian faith is not merely something we agree with intellectually. It is something we live. Article XVI — Of the Sacraments (¶141) The Article teaches that sacraments are not merely religious symbols or empty ceremonies. They are: “certain signs of grace and God’s good will toward us.” God uses them to: strengthen faithencourage believersand visibly proclaim gospel truth Two Sacraments The Southern Methodist Articles recognize two sacraments instituted directly by Christ: BaptismThe Lord’s Supper These alone were clearly ordained by Jesus in the Gospel. Other practices such as: confirmationmatrimonypenanceordination may be important practices or callings, but they are not sacraments in the same biblical sense. Sacraments Must Be Used Properly The Article also warns against treating sacraments as: magical ritualsobjects of superstitionor ceremonies detached from faith The sacraments were not meant: “to be gazed upon or carried about.” They are meant to be received with: faithreverenceand obedience Without faith, the outward ritual profits nothing spiritually. Article XVII — Of Baptism (¶142) Baptism is more than a public religious label. The Article calls it: “a sign of regeneration or the new birth.” What Baptism Represents Baptism visibly proclaims: union with Christcleansing from sinentrance into the covenant communityand identification with the death and resurrection of Jesus It does not save automatically. But it points powerfully to the saving work of God. Infant Baptism The Article also teaches that: “the baptism of young children is to be retained in the church.” Historically, Methodists understood infant baptism as: a sign of covenant inclusionGod’s prevenient graceand the responsibility of raising children in the faith Baptism is not the end of discipleship— it is the beginning of a life that must ultimately respond personally to Christ in faith. (Tim) Article XVIII — Of the Lord’s Supper (¶143) The Lord’s Supper is far more than a memorial meal. It is: “a sacrament of our redemption by Christ’s death.” Communion and Faith Believers spiritually partake of Christ through faith as they receive the bread and cup. The Article rejects the Roman Catholic doctrine of: Transubstantiation —the idea that the bread and wine literally become Christ’s physical body and blood. Instead, Christ is received: spirituallytrulyand by faith Communion points believers back to: the crossgraceforgivenessand the unity of the church Not Superstition, But Worship The elements themselves are not to be worshiped. The focus is always: Christ Himself. The Lord’s Supper nourishes believers spiritually when received: worthilyreverentlyand in faith Article XIX — Of Both Kinds (¶144) This Article simply teaches that all Christians should receive both: the breadand the cup in Communion. Historically, some traditions withheld the cup from ordinary church members. But Christ gave both elements to His followers. The gospel is not divided by spiritual class. Article XX — Of the One Oblation of Christ (¶145) This Article powerfully emphasizes the sufficiency of Christ’s sacrifice. Jesus offered Himself: once for all. His death completely accomplished: redemptionatonementand satisfaction for sin Nothing needs to be added. The Cross Was Enough No repeated sacrifices are necessary. No priest can re-sacrifice Christ. The cross fully paid the debt of sin. That is why Jesus cried: “It is finished.” The Christian life rests not on repeated atonement— but on a completed Savior. Article XXI — Of Marriage (¶146) This Article begins with a foundational truth: Marriage was instituted by God before human government. Marriage is not merely a social contract or cultural invention. It is part of God’s created order. Biblical Marriage The Article defines marriage as: lifelongmonogamousand between one natural man and one natural woman It also teaches that sexual intimacy belongs only within that covenant relationship. Marriage Reflects Christ and the Church Ephesians teaches that marriage points beyond itself. It reflects: Christ’s relationship with His ...
    続きを読む 一部表示
    1 時間 14 分
  • Sermon: The Holiness of Christ

    Sermon: The Holiness of Christ
    2026/06/07
    Sermon Date: 06/07/2026 Bible Verses: 2 Corinthians 5:12–21 Speaker: Rev. Timothy "Tim" Shapley Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/a-new Introduction When we begin talking about holiness, there is a danger. The danger is that we start looking primarily at ourselves. Our failures. Our shortcomings. Our struggles. Our sin. And the more honestly we examine ourselves, the more aware we become of how far short we fall. The command of Scripture is clear: “Be holy, for I am holy.” (Leviticus 11:44; 1 Peter 1:16) But if we look only at ourselves, we can quickly become discouraged. We see impatience where there should be love. Pride where there should be humility. Selfishness where there should be service. And so before we consider our holiness, we must first consider the holiness of Christ. Because the more clearly we see His holiness, the more clearly we see both our need and our hope. The true Christian does not run from Christ when confronted by his sin. He runs to Christ. Like a man fleeing a storm into a strong refuge. The holiness of Christ is not meant to drive us to despair. It is meant to drive us to the Savior. Christ Lived a Perfectly Holy Life The testimony of Scripture is overwhelming. Jesus was completely holy. Perfectly righteous. Entirely without sin. Hebrews 4:15 says: “Yet without sin.” Think about that. Jesus faced every category of temptation we face. He experienced hunger. Weariness. Rejection. Suffering. Misunderstanding. Betrayal. Yet He never sinned. Not once. 1 Peter 2:22 says: “He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth.” Not merely no sinful actions. No sinful words. No sinful motives. No sinful thoughts. 2 Corinthians 5:21 describes Him as: “Him who knew no sin.” 1 John 3:5 says: “In him there is no sin.” The Bible does not simply say Jesus sinned less than others. It declares something unique in human history. Jesus never sinned at all. Every thought. Every word. Every action. Every motive. Perfectly holy. Perfectly pleasing to the Father. Jesus Himself Testified to His Holiness The testimony becomes even more remarkable when Jesus speaks about Himself. John 8:46: “Which one of you convicts me of sin?” No prophet ever dared speak this way. No apostle ever dared speak this way. No saint ever dared speak this way. Only Christ. Imagine standing before your enemies and asking them to point out your sins. Jesus could. Because there were none. In John 6:38 He said: “I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me.” In John 4:34: “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to accomplish his work.” In John 8:29: “I always do the things that are pleasing to him.” Always. Not usually. Not most of the time. Always. Every moment of His life was lived in perfect obedience to the Father. The holiness of Christ was not occasional. It was constant. The Holiness of Christ Reveals Our Need When Isaiah saw God in His holiness, he did not congratulate himself. He cried out: “Woe is me! For I am lost.” (Isaiah 6:5) The closer we get to holiness, the more aware we become of our sinfulness. A dirty room can seem clean in the dark. Turn on a bright light, and suddenly everything becomes visible. Christ is that light. When we compare ourselves to other people, we can always find someone worse. But when we compare ourselves to Jesus, every excuse disappears. His purity exposes our impurity. His humility exposes our pride. His obedience exposes our rebellion. His love exposes our selfishness. And that is exactly where the gospel begins. Not with confidence in ourselves. But with recognition of our need. Christ's Holiness Became Our Salvation The good news is that Jesus did not come merely to show us what holiness looks like. He came to save unholy people. 2 Corinthians 5:21 contains one of the greatest truths in Scripture: “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” This is the great exchange. Our sin placed upon Christ. His righteousness credited to us. The Holy One stood in the place of sinners. Isaiah 53:11 says: “By his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant, make many to be accounted righteous.” The sinless Christ became our substitute. The righteous Christ became our Savior. The holy Christ bore the judgment that belonged to us. This is why Paul calls himself: “The foremost” of sinners (1 Timothy 1:15). Because salvation is never about deserving. It is always about grace. The Holiness of Christ Becomes Our Pattern Once we are saved, Christ becomes more than our Savior. He becomes our example. 1 Peter 2:21 says: “Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.” Ephesians 5:1 says: “Be imitators of God, as beloved children.” Paul could even say: “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:1) The Christian life is not merely avoiding sin. ...
    続きを読む 一部表示
    34 分
  • The Weekly Show - Episode 100: Articles of Religion Study (Part Three)

    The Weekly Show - Episode 100: Articles of Religion Study (Part Three)
    2026/06/04
    Join Tim and John for the one hundredth episode, as they talk about The Articles of Religion of the Southern Methodist Church. Articles of Religion Study (Part Three) Introduction In our last study, we focused on: the authority of Scripturethe reality of sinand humanity’s desperate need for grace Now these Articles move deeper into the heart of salvation itself. They answer questions like: How is a sinner made right with God?What role do good works play?Can Christians fall into sin after salvation?What is the church supposed to be? These doctrines matter because people constantly drift toward one of two dangerous extremes: trying to earn salvation through works ortreating grace like permission to live however they want The Articles we study today reject both errors. Salvation is: by grace alonethrough faith alonebecause of Christ alone But genuine salvation also produces a transformed life. Real faith changes people. Not perfectly. But truly. Article IX — Of the Justification of Man (¶134) This Article addresses one of the most important doctrines of the Reformation: Justification by faith. What Is Justification? To justify means: to be declared righteous before God. This is not because we are morally perfect. It is because Christ’s righteousness is credited to us through faith. The Article says: “We are accounted righteous before God only for the merit of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, by faith…” That word only matters. We are not justified: by good deedsby church attendanceby moralityby effortor by religious performance We are justified because of Jesus. Faith Alone The Article calls justification by faith: “a most wholesome doctrine, and very full of comfort.” And it truly is. Because if salvation depended on our performance, nobody could have assurance. We all fail. We all sin. We all fall short. But justification means that believers stand before God clothed not in their righteousness— but Christ’s. That is why the gospel is good news. Article X — Of Good Works (¶135) After teaching justification by faith, the next logical question is: “If we are saved by faith alone, do good works matter?” The answer is absolutely yes. Works Cannot Save The Article makes this clear: Good works cannot: remove sinsatisfy God’s judgmentor earn salvation No amount of morality can erase guilt before a holy God. But Good Works Matter Deeply Although works do not save us, they are: “the fruits of faith.” Real faith produces visible evidence. Just as a healthy tree produces fruit, a living faith produces: obediencecompassionholinessand love Good works are not the root of salvation. They are the fruit of salvation. Faith That Changes Lives The Article says true faith can be recognized: “as a tree discerned by its fruit.” This echoes Jesus directly. A transformed heart eventually produces transformed living. Not perfection. But direction. The Christian life is not merely believing different things. It is becoming a different kind of person through God’s grace. Article XI — Of Works of Supererogation (¶136) That’s a mouthful of a word. Supererogation refers to the idea that some people can do more good than God actually requires. Historically, this led to the belief that certain “super-spiritual” people built up extra merit before God. The Article rejects that idea completely. No One Earns Extra Credit with God Jesus Himself said: “When ye have done all… say, We are unprofitable servants.” Even our best obedience does not place God in our debt. Nobody reaches a level where they can say: “God owes me.” Salvation and grace remain gifts from beginning to end. Humility Matters This Article protects us from spiritual pride. The Christian life is not about: comparing holiness scoresaccumulating spiritual trophiesor pretending we are superior to others Everything we have is by grace. And even our good works are empowered by God’s Spirit. Article XII — Of Sin After Justification (¶137) This Article addresses an important and practical question: “What happens when Christians sin?” Some people wrongly teach that true Christians can never sin again. Others act as though sin no longer matters. This Article rejects both extremes. Christians Still Struggle The Article teaches that believers can: fall into sinwander spirituallyand depart from grace given Christians are not instantly perfected after salvation. We still battle: temptationweaknessand fleshly desires Repentance Is Still Available But here is the hope: Failure is not the same thing as final rejection. The Article emphasizes that repentance should not be denied to those who genuinely turn back to God. If believers confess and repent, God remains gracious and forgiving. That does not excuse sin. But it does magnify grace. A Warning Against Carelessness At the same time, this Article warns us not to treat salvation casually. Persistent rebellion is dangerous. The Christian life requires: ...
    続きを読む 一部表示
    1 時間 2 分
  • Sermon: Holiness Is for You

    Sermon: Holiness Is for You
    2026/05/31
    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. ...
    続きを読む 一部表示
    36 分
  • The Weekly Show - Episode 99: Articles of Religion Study (Part Two)

    The Weekly Show - Episode 99: Articles of Religion Study (Part Two)
    2026/05/28
    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 ...
    続きを読む 一部表示
    57 分
  • Sermon: When God Seems Silent

    Sermon: When God Seems Silent
    2026/05/24
    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...
    続きを読む 一部表示
    22 分
  • The Weekly Show - Episode 98: Articles of Religion Study (Part One)

    The Weekly Show - Episode 98: Articles of Religion Study (Part One)
    2026/05/21
    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 ...
    続きを読む 一部表示
    1 時間 2 分