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  • Sermon: The Great Commission

    Sermon: The Great Commission
    2026/04/12
    Sermon Date: 04/12/2026 Bible Verses: Matthew 28:16–20; Mark 16:14–16 Speaker: Rev. Timothy "Tim" Shapley Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/a-new Introduction These verses record some of the final words of Jesus before His ascension. Whenever someone gives their last instructions, we listen carefully. A general giving orders before battle. A father giving wisdom before leaving home. A leader preparing followers for the future. Jesus gathers His disciples on a mountain in Galilee, and He gives them their mission. Not just their mission. The mission of the Church. These verses are not simply a suggestion. They are the marching orders of every believer. This is what the Church exists to do. This is what our lives as Christians are meant to be about. We call it The Great Commission. The Authority of Christ Matthew 28:18 says: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” Before Jesus gives a command, He reminds them who He is. He is not simply a teacher. He is not merely a prophet. He is the risen King. The resurrection has proven His authority over: Sin Death Hell And the entire universe. Jesus says all authority has been given to Him. Not some authority. Not partial authority. All authority. This means when Jesus commands something, it carries the authority of the King of heaven. The Great Commission is not based on the Church’s authority. It is based on Christ’s authority. We go into the world not representing ourselves. We go representing the King. The Mission of the Church Matthew 28:19 says: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.” The command is simple but profound. Make disciples. The goal is not just to create church attenders. Not just to gain converts. Not just to fill buildings. The mission is to make disciples. A disciple is someone who: Follows Jesus Learns from Jesus Lives like Jesus And notice something important. Jesus says “Go.” The Church is not meant to sit still. The gospel moves outward. The early Church understood this. From Jerusalem the gospel spread to Judea. From Judea to Samaria. From Samaria to the ends of the earth. And today the mission continues. The gospel is for all nations. Every tribe. Every language. Every people group. God’s heart has always been global. The Church is called to take the message of Jesus everywhere. The Message of the Gospel Mark 16:15 records Jesus saying: “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.” What is the message we proclaim? The gospel. The word “gospel” means good news. The good news is this: Humanity is lost in sin. But God sent His Son to rescue us. Jesus lived a sinless life. He died on the cross for our sins. He rose from the grave. And anyone who believes in Him can be saved. Mark 16:16 says: “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved.” Salvation is offered to anyone who believes. The gospel is not good advice. It is good news. Advice tells you what to do. News tells you what has already been done. The cross paid the price. The resurrection secured the victory. And now the message must be shared. The Promise of Christ’s Presence Jesus ends the Great Commission with an incredible promise. Matthew 28:20 says: “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” The mission Jesus gives is enormous. Take the gospel to the entire world. Make disciples everywhere. But we do not do it alone. Jesus promises His presence. Wherever the gospel is preached… Christ is there. Wherever disciples are made… Christ is there. Wherever believers step out in obedience… Christ is there. His presence empowers the mission. His Spirit strengthens His people. And His power sustains the Church. The Great Commission is possible because Jesus is with us. Application The Great Commission raises an important question for every believer. What role am I playing in this mission? Some people go across the world. Some support missionaries. Some share the gospel with neighbors and coworkers. Some disciple new believers. But every Christian is called to participate. The mission of the Church is not just the responsibility of pastors or missionaries. It belongs to all followers of Christ. Jesus did not say: “Go if you feel like it.” He said: “Go.” Conclusion The Great Commission reminds us why the Church exists. We are here to proclaim the gospel. To make disciples. To bring the message of Jesus to the world. And we go with confidence because our King has all authority. We go with courage because Christ is with us. The mission is clear. The command has been given. The gospel must go to the ends of the earth. And the Church must rise to fulfill The Great Commission.
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    31 分
  • The Weekly Show - Episode 92: Study Fourteen: Two Ways (Part 1)

    The Weekly Show - Episode 92: Study Fourteen: Two Ways (Part 1)
    2026/04/09
    Join Tim and John as they study how to enter to a relationship with God, and the fruit we produce. 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 Sermon on the Mount to a close, His tone shifts. The teaching becomes more urgent. The images become sharper. The warnings become clearer. Jesus is no longer explaining what kingdom righteousness looks like— He is pressing His listeners to choose. In this final section, Jesus gives three warnings that function like flashing caution signs at the end of the sermon: There is a narrow gate and a broad road. There are true teachers and false prophets. There are two outcomes, not many. Neutrality is not an option. Listening without responding is not enough. Three Warnings from Jesus Jesus closes His sermon by warning us that: It is the narrow gate, not the broad road, that leads to life. False prophets are real—and they are recognized by their fruit. Only those who listen to and obey Jesus are building on a firm foundation. He also shows us the serious consequences of ignoring Him: Those who take the broad road end in destruction. Trees that bear bad fruit are cut down and burned. Houses built on sand collapse with a great crash. Jesus is loving—but He is also honest. He refuses to soften the truth. 1. Restricted Access to Salvation? (The Narrow Gate and the Broad Road) Matthew 7:13–14 Jesus begins this final section of His sermon with a command, not a suggestion: “Enter through the narrow gate.” That word enter matters. It means a decision is required. No one drifts accidentally into the kingdom of God. Jesus makes it unmistakably clear that there are only two paths: One leads to life The other leads to death There is no third option. No middle road. No neutral lane. The Narrow Gate The gate that leads to life is narrow. That doesn’t mean it is hidden or secret, but it does mean it is specific. It is narrow because: it requires repentance — turning away from sin it requires humility — admitting you need grace it requires obedience — submitting to Jesus as Lord it requires intentionality — choosing Christ over self The narrow gate does not allow us to bring our pride, our self-rule, or our excuses with us. It strips us down and calls us to trust Christ alone. Jesus never says the narrow way is easy. In fact, He says it is difficult. But difficult does not mean bad. Difficult often means true. The Broad Road In contrast, the road that leads to destruction is broad. It is wide enough for everyone’s opinions. Wide enough for self-made religion. Wide enough for comfort without commitment. Wide enough for belief without obedience. And because it is easy, it is popular. Because it is popular, it is crowded. And because it is crowded, it feels safe. But Jesus says it is not. The broad road asks very little: no repentance no submission no self-denial no obedience You can stay in control. You can keep your sin. You can define truth for yourself. But easy does not mean safe. Jesus is blunt: The easy way does not lead to life. It leads to destruction. What This Does Not Mean This does not mean God wants to keep people out. God’s invitation is wide, sincere, and real. But there is only one way in— and that way is Jesus Himself. Salvation is free, but it is not casual. Grace costs us nothing, but it costs us everything— because it requires surrender. 2. Better to Not Be Bitter (An Unpleasant Surprise) Matthew 7:15–17 After warning about the path we choose, Jesus warns about the voices we follow. “Beware of false prophets.” This warning matters because false teachers don’t usually announce themselves. They don’t show up wearing labels that say “Danger”. Instead, Jesus says they come disguised as sheep. They look safe. They sound spiritual. They seem kind. They may even quote Scripture. That’s what makes them dangerous. The Simple Test: Fruit Jesus does not tell His followers to become suspicious of everyone. He gives a clear and simple test: Look at the fruit. If you don’t want an unpleasant surprise at harvest time, you need to pay attention while things are still growing. Good trees produce good fruit. Bad trees produce bad fruit. This is not complicated—but it does require patience. What Fruit Looks Like Fruit does not appear overnight. It shows up over time. Jesus says we should watch for things like: character — humility, integrity, repentance teaching — faithfulness to God’s Word conduct — how a person actually lives attitude — pride or servanthood faithfulness — consistency over time obedience — submission to Christ Charisma can fake spirituality for a while. Popularity can mask error. Good presentation can hide a rotten core. But fruit never lies forever. Root Problems Always Show Up Jesus’ point is sharp: If the fruit is rotten, the root is wrong. Bad ...
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    1 時間 10 分
  • Sermon: The Stone Was Rolled Away

    Sermon: The Stone Was Rolled Away
    2026/04/05
    Sermon Date: 04/05/2026 Bible Verses: Luke 24 Speaker: Rev. Timothy "Tim" Shapley Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/a-new Introduction Everything in the Christian faith rises or falls on one event. Not the teachings of Jesus. Not the miracles of Jesus. Not even the cross itself. It is the resurrection. If Jesus stayed in the grave, Christianity collapses. Paul said it plainly in 1 Corinthians 15: “If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile.” But on that first Easter morning, something happened that changed history forever. Luke 24 begins with these words: “On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb.” They expected to find a body. Instead, they found an empty grave. Because the stone had been rolled away. And that moment changed everything. The Impossible Problem When Jesus was crucified, it looked like the story was over. The disciples were devastated. Their teacher was dead. Their hope was gone. Their dreams had collapsed. To make matters worse, Jesus’ body had been placed in a tomb and sealed with a massive stone. That stone represented finality. Death. Defeat. No one expected resurrection. The women who came to the tomb were bringing spices to prepare a body. They were not expecting a miracle. They were expecting a funeral. And the stone made the situation feel impossible. In the ancient world, tombs were sealed with enormous stones that could weigh several thousand pounds. Once it was rolled into place, it meant one thing: The story was finished. The enemy had won. But God specializes in situations that look impossible. Because the stone that sealed the tomb… could not stop the power of God. The Power of God Luke 24:2 says something incredible: “They found the stone rolled away from the tomb.” The stone was gone. The grave was open. And the body of Jesus was not there. Angels appear and ask a powerful question: “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen!” The stone was rolled away. But here is something important to understand. The stone was not rolled away to let Jesus out. Jesus did not need help leaving the tomb. The same power that created the universe was not trapped behind a rock. The stone was rolled away so that people could see inside. So the women could see the empty tomb. So the disciples could see the grave clothes. So the world could see that death had been defeated. God was making a declaration. The grave is empty. Jesus is alive. And death no longer has the final word. Fear Turned to Joy When the women first saw the empty tomb, they were terrified. Luke 24:5 says: “They were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground.” At first, resurrection did not feel like good news. It felt overwhelming. Confusing. Impossible to process. But soon fear turned into joy. The women ran back to tell the disciples. Later in Luke 24, Jesus appears to His followers. He speaks to them. He eats with them. He shows them His wounds. The despair of Friday was replaced by the hope of Sunday. Everything changed. The cross had looked like defeat. But the resurrection revealed it was actually victory. The disciples who had been hiding in fear would soon become bold witnesses. The movement that looked finished would soon spread across the world. Why? Because Jesus was alive. And when resurrection power enters the story… despair gives way to hope. The Mission Begins The resurrection was not just good news to celebrate. It was good news to share. The angels tell the women: “Remember how he told you…” Later, Jesus sends His followers out with a mission. Go and tell. The resurrection is not meant to stay inside a church building. It is meant to change the world. The disciples went from frightened followers to fearless witnesses. Peter, who once denied Jesus, would stand up and preach to thousands. The gospel would spread from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth. All because of one truth. The tomb is empty. Jesus is alive. And the mission continues today. Every believer is part of that mission. We are called to go and tell the world what happened that morning. Application The resurrection is not just history. It is hope. Because Jesus lives, everything changes. Because Jesus lives: Sin can be forgiven. The cross paid the price for our sins. Death is defeated. The grave no longer has the final word. Hope is eternal. Our future is secure in Christ. The resurrection means our story does not end in the grave. It ends in victory. Conclusion That morning, the women came expecting death. But they discovered life. They came expecting defeat. But they found victory. They came expecting a sealed tomb. But they found an empty grave. And the stone rolled away still speaks today. It declares that Jesus is alive. It declares that sin has been defeated. It declares that death has been conquered. Because Easter proves something glorious. The cross paid the debt. The ...
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    25 分
  • The Weekly Show - Episode 91: Study Thirteen: Not Judging Others

    The Weekly Show - Episode 91: Study Thirteen: Not Judging Others
    2026/04/02
    Join Tim and John as they study how to judge Biblically. 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 Few verses in the Bible are quoted more often—or misunderstood more badly—than Matthew 7:1: “Do not judge, or you too will be judged.” This verse is frequently used as a conversation-stopper. Anytime someone questions behavior, beliefs, or choices, the response is quick and confident: “Jesus said you shouldn’t judge me.” But that use of the verse turns Jesus’ words into a shield against accountability. It treats “do not judge” as meaning never evaluate, never disagree, or never call sin what it is. Jesus did not mean that. If He did, much of the rest of Scripture would make no sense—and Jesus would be contradicting His own teaching only a few verses later. To understand what Jesus did mean, we must first understand what He didn’t mean. Only then can we apply His words correctly and faithfully. 1. What Jesus Didn’t Mean Jesus was not telling His followers to abandon discernment or moral thinking. He was not saying that truth doesn’t matter. He was not teaching moral relativism. And He was not calling His disciples to silence when faced with falsehood or sin. In fact, later in the same chapter, Jesus says: “Beware of false prophets.” — Matthew 7:15 That command requires evaluation. To “beware” means to watch closely, test carefully, and make judgment calls about teaching, character, and fruit. You cannot obey Jesus here without making judgments based on truth. Jesus also taught that the church has a responsibility to lovingly confront a believer who continues in unrepentant sin (Matthew 18:15–17). This process is not harsh or hateful—but it does involve assessment, accountability, and discernment. So clearly, Jesus is not forbidding all forms of judgment. He is not saying: “Never think critically about behavior or beliefs.” “Never call sin what the Bible calls sin.” “Never warn others about harmful teaching.” “Never correct someone who is walking toward destruction.” If Jesus meant that, then Christians would have no way to: protect the church from false teachers guide believers toward repentance distinguish truth from error or live faithfully in a morally confusing world Jesus is not removing moral clarity. He is correcting how and why we judge—not eliminating discernment altogether. 2. What Jesus Really Meant Jesus is not condemning discernment— He is confronting hypocritical, self-righteous judgment, the kind the Pharisees were famous for. To expose this, Jesus uses a deliberately exaggerated picture: A person notices a speck in someone else’s eye while ignoring a beam in their own. The image is almost humorous, but the message is deadly serious. The Pharisees were experts at identifying other people’s sins. They could spot flaws instantly— mistakes, failures, and shortcomings in everyone else. But they were blind to their own deeper problems: pride hypocrisy spiritual arrogance lack of mercy and unrepentant hearts They judged others harshly while excusing themselves. Jesus had already said that His followers must have a righteousness that exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees. That greater righteousness does not begin by pointing outward—it begins by looking inward. True righteousness starts with self-examination. That is why Jesus calls His disciples to: take honest stock of their own hearts deal truthfully with their own sin repent humbly before God and only then help others grow The order matters. Jesus does not forbid helping others remove the speck— but He insists that the beam must be addressed first. Before correcting someone else, Jesus wants us to ask: “Am I submitting to the same standard I’m using on others?” “Have I dealt honestly with my own sin?” “Am I speaking from humility or from pride?” Only then can correction be loving rather than destructive. 3. The Danger of Being Judgmental John Newton once asked what good it does for a person to win an argument if they lose the humility and gentleness that the Lord delights in. Jesus issues a serious warning to those who judge harshly: “For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged.” — Matthew 7:2 This does not mean that God becomes unfair or arbitrary. God is always just. But it does mean that God takes our attitudes seriously. If we are: harsh unforgiving eager to condemn quick to criticize slow to show mercy we should not be surprised when we experience the same treatment in return. The standard we use on others becomes the standard we invite upon ourselves. Jesus is not threatening His followers— He is warning them. Judgmentalism hardens the heart. It poisons relationships. It destroys witness. It replaces humility with superiority. That is not the way of the kingdom. Jesus calls His followers to a ...
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    1 時間 1 分
  • Sermon: The King Who Rode to Die

    Sermon: The King Who Rode to Die
    2026/03/29
    Sermon Date: 03/22/2026 Bible Verses: Luke 19:28-44 Speaker: Rev. Timothy "Tim" Shapley Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/a-new Introduction Palm Sunday is one of the most dramatic moments in the life of Jesus. It is a day filled with excitement. Crowds fill the streets. People wave palm branches. Garments are thrown onto the road. Voices shout praises to God. For a moment it looks like Jesus is finally being recognized as King. But the celebration hides a tragic truth. The same city shouting “Blessed is the King!” will soon cry out “Crucify Him!” The same crowd laying palm branches on the road will soon turn their backs. Palm Sunday reminds us of something important: Jesus was praised as King on Sunday but crucified on Friday. And as Jesus enters Jerusalem, we see four powerful truths about who He is. The Humble King Luke 19:35 says: “They brought it to Jesus, and throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it.” Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a donkey. At first glance, that may not seem significant. But kings in the ancient world normally rode war horses when entering cities. A war horse symbolized power. Victory. Military dominance. But Jesus rides a donkey. This was not an accident. This was prophecy being fulfilled. In Zechariah 9:9, the prophet wrote: “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey.” Hundreds of years before Jesus was born, God declared that the Messiah would enter Jerusalem this way. Not as a conquering warrior. But as a humble king. Jesus did not come with an army. He came with mercy. He did not come with swords. He came with salvation. This King was different. His kingdom was not built on force. It was built on love and sacrifice. The Misunderstood King As Jesus enters the city, the crowd erupts with praise. Luke 19:38 says: “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” They recognize Him as a king. But they misunderstand what kind of king He is. The people of Israel were under Roman occupation. They longed for freedom. They were hoping for a Messiah who would overthrow Rome. A political liberator. A military hero. Someone who would defeat their enemies and restore their nation. But Jesus did not come to overthrow Rome. He came to defeat something far greater. Sin. Death. And the power of evil. The crowd wanted a king who would change their political situation. Jesus came to change their spiritual condition. This is where many people still misunderstand Jesus today. People often want a Savior who will: Fix their problems Make life comfortable Bless their plans But Jesus came for something deeper. He came to rescue our souls. The Determined King What makes Palm Sunday even more powerful is this: Jesus knew exactly what was coming. He knew the road ahead. He knew the betrayal was coming. He knew the trial was coming. He knew the cross was coming. Yet He rides into Jerusalem anyway. Nothing about this moment is accidental. Jesus is not a victim of circumstances. He is a King fulfilling His mission. Earlier in the Gospel of Luke, Jesus said: “The Son of Man must suffer many things… and be killed, and on the third day be raised.” Jesus knew the destination. Calvary. The cross was not a surprise. It was the purpose. Every step that donkey took toward Jerusalem was a step closer to the cross. And Jesus rode forward willingly. Because love was driving Him. Love for sinners. Love for the lost. Love for the world. This King was not riding toward a throne. He was riding toward a cross. The Question of the Crowd In Matthew’s account of Palm Sunday, the crowd asks an important question. “Who is this?” That question still echoes through history. Who is Jesus? Is He just a teacher? A prophet? A good moral example? Or is He truly the King? Because how you answer that question changes everything. If Jesus is only a teacher, you can admire Him. If Jesus is only a prophet, you can respect Him. But if Jesus is King… then He deserves your life. Every person must answer this question. Who is Jesus to you? Is He your Savior? Your Lord? Your King? Or just someone you appreciate from a distance? Palm Sunday forces us to confront that question. Application There is something sobering about this moment in Scripture. The crowd praises Jesus. But many of them misunderstand Him. Some of them will abandon Him. Some will even demand His death. And it raises an important question for us. Why do we praise Jesus? Do we praise Him for who He is? Or do we praise Him for what we hope He will do for us? Sometimes our praise can be conditional. We praise God when life goes well. When prayers are answered. When blessings come. But when life becomes difficult… when the road leads toward the cross… our praise fades. True discipleship means following Jesus not only in celebration… but also in surrender. Conclusion ...
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    30 分
  • The Weekly Show - Episode 90: Study Twelve: Trusting Your Heavenly Father

    The Weekly Show - Episode 90: Study Twelve: Trusting Your Heavenly Father
    2026/03/26
    Join Tim and John as they study how to not worry. 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: Trusting Your Heavenly Father (Matthew 6:25–34)** Jesus has just finished teaching His disciples about earthly treasure versus heavenly treasure. Now He goes straight to the biggest symptom of misplaced treasure: Worry. Because if your heart clings to earthly things, your mind will be filled with earthly fears. But Jesus wants His people to live with a confident trust in their Father— not crushed by anxiety, not driven by fear, and not controlled by the “what ifs” of life. In this passage, Jesus gives seven powerful reasons why His followers should not worry about their lives, their food, their bodies, or their clothes. This isn’t Jesus ignoring real-life problems. It’s Jesus teaching real-life trust. 1. The Stuff of Life (Matthew 6:25)** Jesus starts by telling His disciples not to worry about the basics: food drink clothes daily needs He reminds us that life is more than stuff. If you’re like the average person, you worry—probably a lot. But Jesus invites us to step back and see the bigger picture. You are more than the things you own. Your life is bigger than the things you want. Your worth is not tied to your possessions. Jesus is saying: Stop burning mental energy chasing things that can never satisfy you. 2. More Than Many Sparrows (Matthew 6:26)** Jesus points to the birds—creatures with no farms, no savings accounts, and no grocery lists. God feeds them. Then Jesus makes the comparison crystal clear: “You are worth more than many birds.” If God continually provides for tiny creatures, how much more will He provide for His children? God usually supplies our needs through ordinary means— like giving us strength, opportunity, and ability to work. But the source is always the same: Your Father feeds you. 3. Trashing Your Time (Matthew 6:27)** Worry is not only unnecessary— it is useless. Jesus asks a simple question: “Can any of you add a single hour to your life by worrying?” The answer is obvious: No. In fact, worrying actually takes hours away from your life. Constant anxiety drains your strength, steals your joy, and harms your health. Every moment you spend worrying is like tossing a piece of your life into the garbage can. And besides— nothing you worry about can change what God has already decided. 4. Leaves and Petals vs. Royal Robes (Matthew 6:28–30)** Jesus then draws our attention to the lilies. They don’t work. They don’t sew. They don’t design outfits. Yet God dresses them with a beauty so stunning that even King Solomon in all his royal splendor never came close. Creation’s fashion show puts human designers to shame. So Jesus asks: “If God clothes the lilies… won’t He clothe you?” Flowers live one day and die the next— yet God cares for them. You are far more valuable. You are made in His image. You are His child. He will not forget to meet your needs. 5. Children of the King (Matthew 6:31–32)** Jesus now draws a contrast: Unbelievers anxiously chase physical needs. Believers have a Father who owns the universe. If you belong to God, you are not an orphan fending for yourself. You are a child of the King. You don’t have to live in panic, wondering whether you will be fed, clothed, or cared for. Whatever food you receive, whatever clothing you wear— it all ultimately comes from the hand of your Father. 6. Omniscient Father (Matthew 6:32)** This reason is short but strong: God already knows what you need. You never surprise God. You never catch Him off guard. You never have to convince Him to care for you. He knows. He sees. He provides. Worry is often rooted in the fear that we are unseen, forgotten, or overlooked. Jesus reminds us: Your Father is not like that. 7. One Day at a Time (Matthew 6:34)** Jesus ends with incredibly practical wisdom: Don’t get crushed by tomorrow’s problems. Don’t borrow trouble from the future. Don’t stack today’s stress on top of tomorrow’s fears. God promises strength for today— not for every possible scenario in your imagination. Tomorrow will come with its own challenges, but it will also come with new grace. Worry doesn’t just waste your time. Worry is disobedience. Worry is forgetting who your Father is. Conclusion to Study Twelve Jesus does not dismiss our needs. He does not make fun of our fears. He does not shame us for worrying. Instead, He gives us seven loving reminders of why we can trust our Father completely. He feeds the birds. He clothes the lilies. He gives life. He sustains life. He knows our needs. He cares for His children. He gives fresh strength each day. Worry shrinks your world. God’s care expands it. Trust your Father. He has never failed His children— and He won’t start with you.
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    1 時間 8 分
  • Devotion: Faithful Servants

    Devotion: Faithful Servants
    2026/03/22

    Sermon Date: 03/22/2026

    Bible Verses:

    • Luke 17:1-10

    Speaker: Rev. Timothy "Tim" Shapley

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

    The disciples ask Jesus for something many of us have asked for:

    “Increase our faith.”

    They likely imagined faith like a muscle—something that could be bulked up with a divine spiritual protein shake. More faith, more miracles, more power.

    But Jesus gives an unexpected answer.

    He tells them they don’t necessarily need more faith.

    They need faith that is genuine, even if it is very small.

    Jesus says faith as small as a mustard seed can move a tree.

    The point is not the size of faith.

    The point is the object of faith.

    A tiny faith placed in a powerful God can accomplish more than a massive confidence placed in ourselves.

    Sometimes we think we need giant faith before we obey God.

    But Jesus flips that idea.

    Often obedience comes first, and faith grows as we walk with Him.

    The Lesson of the Servant

    Then Jesus tells a short parable.

    A servant works all day in the field.

    When he comes inside, the master doesn’t say, “Sit down and relax.”

    Instead the servant continues serving.

    At first, the story may sound harsh.

    But Jesus is teaching something deeper.

    Discipleship is not about seeking applause.

    It is about faithful obedience.

    When we serve God, we are not doing Him a favor.

    We are simply living out what we were created to do.

    Our culture often celebrates recognition.

    But Jesus points us toward humility.

    A faithful servant does not need constant praise.

    A faithful servant simply says:

    "I have only done what my Lord asked me to do."

    Application

    This passage challenges two common misunderstandings.

    First, we think we need huge faith before we can obey.

    Jesus says even small faith is enough when it trusts in a great God.

    Second, we sometimes expect recognition for serving God.

    Jesus reminds us that the greatest posture of discipleship is humble obedience.

    Faith grows when we trust God in small steps.

    And a servant’s heart grows when we remember who we are serving.

    Closing Thought

    God is not looking for perfect people.

    He is looking for faithful servants.

    People who trust Him with small faith.

    People who obey even when no one applauds.

    People who quietly live their lives for His glory.

    And when we do, we can say with humility and gratitude:

    “We are servants of the Lord. We have only done our duty.”
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    19 分
  • The Weekly Show - Episode 89: Study Eleven: Earthly or Heavenly Treasure

    The Weekly Show - Episode 89: Study Eleven: Earthly or Heavenly Treasure
    2026/03/19
    Join Tim and John as they study how to and fast and desire heavenly treasures. 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 Matthew 6:16–24 In Matthew 6, Jesus continues to peel back the layers of what true righteousness looks like. He has already shown us that following Him is not just about what we do—it’s about why we do it. First, He warned His disciples not to practice righteousness “to be seen by others.” You can give generously, pray beautifully, or serve faithfully… and still be seeking the applause of people instead of the approval of God. Jesus applied this warning to: giving praying and now fasting Three good and godly practices— but all easily corrupted by wrong motives. Jesus is not simply correcting behavior. He is addressing the heart behind the behavior. From Motivation to Treasure After teaching about the danger of spiritual showmanship, Jesus shifts His focus from motives to treasure. Because ultimately, our motives reveal what we treasure. Why do we want attention? Why do we crave approval? Why do we cling to things that don’t last? Why do we get distracted from the things of God? It all comes down to what our hearts value most. So Jesus confronts us with a simple but life-defining question: What do you love more—earthly treasure or heavenly treasure? This is not a small question. It cuts to the root of every choice we make: how we spend our time how we use our money how we chase success how we see people how we handle possessions how we prioritize our lives If the heart is the steering wheel of the Christian life, treasure is the hand gripping that wheel. Why This Matters Jesus knows that our hearts are easily pulled toward things that fade: money possessions popularity status comfort attention None of these last. None of these satisfy. So He calls His followers to something higher, richer, and eternal— to invest their lives not in what fades, but in what lasts forever. This section of the Sermon on the Mount will challenge us to examine where our treasure truly lies… and whether we are serving earthly masters or our heavenly Father. 1. Fasting and Faking (Matthew 6:16–18) Jesus now turns to the third spiritual practice that people often misuse—fasting. Fasting means giving up food for a period of time in order to focus on God, pray more intentionally, and humble your heart. Done rightly, it is an act of worship and devotion. But in Jesus’ day, something had gone terribly wrong. Fasting Had Become a Performance The Pharisees fasted two days every week (Luke 18:12). That might sound incredibly spiritual… but Jesus exposes their real motive: They weren’t hungry for God. They were hungry for attention. So they made sure everyone noticed their “sacrifice”: They wore gloomy expressions. They let their hair get messy. They looked weak and dramatic. They made their fasting public on purpose. Their goal wasn’t to get close to God— their goal was to get praise from people. Why Are We Tempted to Do the Same? Jesus understands the struggle behind this. He knows why we want attention so badly: People feel real. God feels invisible. We crave affirmation we can see and hear. This is why spiritual hypocrisy is so easy: people’s applause feels immediate, while God’s approval feels distant. But Jesus warns that if your goal is human praise, then human praise is the only reward you will ever receive. Real Holiness Shines Without a Spotlight Jesus’ solution? Stop performing. Start being genuine. He tells His followers: wash your face look normal don’t draw attention to yourself let your fasting be between you and God In other words: If your fasting is real, you won’t need to advertise it. God sees what others can’t see. He knows the heart behind the practice. He rewards quiet devotion far more than public showmanship. When Holiness Is Real When your desire for God is genuine—not a performance—your life shines with a different kind of light. Not a spotlight you shine on yourself, but the light of God shining through you. Your holiness becomes: sincere humble joyful invisible to others, but visible to God And that is the kind of righteousness Jesus delights to reward. 2. Hypocrisy and Honesty (Matthew 6:16–18) Jesus continues His teaching by exposing the deeper issue behind spiritual showmanship: the problem of hypocrisy. “Hypocrisy” means pretending— acting one way on the outside while being something very different on the inside. The Pharisees had mastered this. They performed righteous deeds publicly, but their hearts were full of pride, selfishness, and self-promotion. External Behavior Is Not Enough Jesus never says fasting, praying, or giving are bad. Those practices are good and pleasing to God—when done with the right heart. The problem is not the action. The problem is the motivation. You can...
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