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Walnut Grove

Walnut Grove

De : Tim Shapley and John Howell
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 Welcome to Walnut Grove, your spiritual haven for insightful sermons and engaging Bible study! Immerse yourself in the wisdom of the scriptures as we explore the profound teachings of the Bible. Our podcast is dedicated to nurturing your faith and deepening your understanding of the Word.

Join us each week as we deliver powerful sermons that inspire, motivate, and provide practical guidance for navigating life’s journey. Whether you’re seeking spiritual nourishment, a sense of community, or simply a deeper connection with your faith, Walnut Grove is here to support you on your spiritual path.

Our Bible study sessions go beyond surface interpretations, delving into the historical context, cultural nuances, and timeless lessons found in the scriptures. Discover the relevance of biblical teachings to your everyday life and gain valuable insights that will empower you to live with purpose and grace.

Hosted by passionate and knowledgeable Rev. Timothy (Tim) Shapley, Walnut Grove is committed to creating a welcoming space for individuals of all backgrounds and levels of faith. Tune in, engage with the teachings, and let the transformative power of the Bible guide you on your journey of spiritual growth.

Subscribe to Walnut Grove today and embark on a fulfilling exploration of the scriptures that will deepen your connection with God and enrich your spiritual life.Copyright 2023 All rights reserved. Christianisme Ministère et évangélisme Spiritualité
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    Épisodes
    • 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. 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 for those who know they fall short. He says, “Come empty, and I’ll fill you. Come broken, and I’ll restore you. Come poor, and I’ll give you My kingdom....
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      1 h et 9 min
    • Sermon: Apostles’ Creed Week Two - In Jesus Christ

      Sermon: Apostles’ Creed Week Two - In Jesus Christ
      Jan 12 2026
      Sermon Date: 01/01/2026 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
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