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.
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    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....
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    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...
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    39 min
  • The Weekly Show - Episode 78: Study One: Setting the Stage

    The Weekly Show - Episode 78: Study One: Setting the Stage
    Jan 8 2026
    Join Tim and John This New Year as they set the stage for the Sermon on the Mount. 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/ 1. The Setting A Sermon Unlike Any Other Matthew 5–7 records the longest continuous sermon of Jesus that we possess. While Jesus preached many times, this sermon stands out for its scope, depth, and clarity. It is the kingdom manifesto—a concentrated look at what life under Jesus’ reign truly looks like. Scholars place this sermon early in Jesus’ three-year ministry, shortly after: His baptism His temptation in the wilderness The calling of His first disciples His early miracles and healings Jesus had just begun turning Galilee upside down, and people were starting to whisper, “Who is this Teacher with real authority?” A Hillside Classroom Matthew tells us that Jesus went up on a mountainside (Matthew 5:1). This is a subtle but meaningful detail—it echoes Moses ascending Mount Sinai to receive and deliver God’s law. But unlike Moses, who brought down tablets, Jesus sits down and speaks with His own authority. He isn’t just quoting God’s Word—He is God’s Word made flesh. Who Was Jesus Talking To? The sermon begins with an intentional audience: Primary audience: His disciples They were the ones who gathered close, ready to learn how to follow Him. But Jesus never stays small for long. A Rapidly Growing Crowd As Jesus taught, people flocked to Him. Matthew 4:23–25 explains why: He healed the sick He cast out demons He taught with authority He drew people from all over Galilee, the Decapolis, Judea, and beyond the Jordan In other words, Jesus had gone “viral” before the internet existed. By the time the Sermon on the Mount hits full stride, the crowd is massive. Picture families, skeptics, fishermen, religious leaders, the curious, the desperate—everyone gathering to hear the Rabbi who spoke like no one else. Honestly, if Jesus preached this sermon today, you’d need: Ushers Orange parking cones A shuttle service A backup shuttle service And you still wouldn’t fit everybody. Why the Crowd Matters This mixture of disciples and curious onlookers is important. It means everything Jesus teaches has a dual edge: Instruction for believers – “This is how you live in My kingdom.” Invitation to the seekers – “This is the life you’re being called into.” Jesus never separates mission from discipleship. He teaches the committed while reaching the curious at the same time. 2. God’s Original Purpose A Blueprint from the Beginning Before the Fall, before the brokenness, before the flood of bad news in human history, God had a clear and beautiful intention for humanity. Scripture opens with this foundational truth: “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule…” — Genesis 1:26 From day one, God designed us for three core callings: 1. We Were Created to Represent Him Human beings were made “in His image”—a royal, relational, and spiritual identity. In the ancient world, kings placed images of themselves in far-off territories as signs of their rule. God did the same—except His “images” breathe, think, love, and make questionable life choices. To be human is to reflect God’s character, His goodness, His creativity, and His love into the world. 2. We Were Created to Rule His World Under His Authority This wasn’t domination—it was stewardship. We were meant to: Tend creation Build culture Develop communities Shape the world with justice, wisdom, and compassion God entrusted His world to humanity—not as owners, but as caretakers carrying His heart. 3. We Were Created to Flourish in Relationship Flourishing wasn’t an optional add-on like leather seats in a minivan—it was central. We thrive when we live: With God — in trust and obedience With one another — in unity, love, and mutual care Within creation — working, resting, producing, and enjoying life as God intended This is biblical flourishing—the life of peace, purpose, and joy God always intended for His people. The Purpose That Refuses to Die Humanity rebelled. Sin entered the world. Everything cracked—our relationships, our desires, our purpose. But here’s the good news: God didn’t shred the blueprint. Even after sin’s damage: God still desires relationship. God still calls us to represent Him. God still invites His people to flourish under His reign. The Old Testament is filled with God patiently pulling humanity back to Himself. By the time Jesus steps onto the scene, people are starving for this restored life. Enter the Sermon on the Mount The Sermon on the Mount is Jesus standing on a hillside and saying: “Here is the life you were made for. Here is the way back to flourishing. Here is My kingdom—and this is what My people look like.” It’s not a list of rules. It’s a portrait of ...
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    1 h et 6 min
  • Sermon: Apostles' Creed Week One - I Believe

    Sermon: Apostles' Creed Week One - I Believe
    Jan 4 2026
    Sermon Date: 01/04/2026 Bible Verses: Various Speaker: Rev. Timothy "Tim" Shapley Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/a-new Introduction: Belief Is Not Neutral The Apostles’ Creed does not begin softly. It doesn’t ease us in. It doesn’t ask how we feel. It doesn’t say: “I feel like…”“I hope that…”“I was raised to believe…” It begins with a declaration that demands ownership: “I believe.” Those are not polite words. They are dangerous words. Because the moment you say “I believe,” you are no longer neutral. You have stepped off the fence. You have chosen a side. Belief is never just internal—it always leads somewhere. What you believe determines what you trust, what you obey, and ultimately what you worship. Everyone believes something. The only question is what and who. Jesus never treated belief as optional or abstract. He didn’t say, “Consider these ideas,” or “Adopt this philosophy.” He said, “Follow Me.” He spoke of belief as a road you walk, a foundation you build on, a gate you pass through. That’s why He framed belief as a fork in the road: A narrow way or a broad way.A house on the rock or a house on the sand.Life or death. You don’t accidentally end up following Christ. You don’t drift into faith like a leaf on the wind. Drift always takes you away from God, not toward Him. Faith requires a decision—a deliberate turning of the heart, mind, and will. To say “I believe” is to say: “This is true—even if it costs me.”“This is real—even if it confronts me.”“This will shape my life—not just my opinions.” The Apostles’ Creed begins here because Christianity does not start with behavior—it starts with belief. But belief is never content to stay in the head. It moves into the hands, the feet, the calendar, the wallet, and the conscience. So before we recite ancient words, we must ask a modern question: Do I believe—or am I just familiar? Because belief is not neutral. Belief is allegiance. Belief is direction. Belief is destiny. And once you say “I believe,” there is no turning back to indifference. Point One: I Believe — Two Worldviews, One Choice Jesus does not offer belief as a preference. He presents it as a decision with consequences. “Enter through the narrow gate…” (Matthew 7:13–14) That verse doesn’t sound tolerant, and that’s because truth rarely is. Jesus says there are two gates, two roads, and two destinations. One is easy, crowded, and familiar. The other is hard, costly, and life-giving. He presses the point further: “Everyone who hears these words of mine and does them…” (Matthew 7:24–27) Notice what Jesus doesn’t say. He doesn’t say, “Everyone who agrees with my words.” He says, “Everyone who hears and does.” Belief that never reaches obedience isn’t belief—it’s noise. Moses framed it the same way centuries earlier: “I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life.” (Deut. 30:15) Scripture does not give us a philosophical spectrum. It gives us a fork in the road. You don’t get a third option. You don’t get to stand in the middle forever. You choose by how you live. Two Worldviews The Biblical (Covenant) Worldview (And yes—bilabial works beautifully here: belief spoken and belief lived.) This worldview says: God is real.God has spoken.Truth is revealed, not negotiated.Obedience flows from trust, not fear. This worldview does not say God is one voice among many. It says God defines reality. At its core, it confesses: “God defines what is true—and I submit to it, even when it costs me.” Faith here is not blind—it’s anchored. Not naïve—it’s obedient. The Secular Worldview This worldview sounds free—but it enslaves. It says: Man is the final authority.Truth is flexible.Desire becomes doctrine.Feelings outrank Scripture. This worldview claims independence, but it quietly replaces God with self. At its core, it confesses: “I decide what’s right—and God can weigh in later, if at all.” Jesus does not pretend both foundations work. When the storm comes—and it will—only one stands. Same storm. Same rain. Same wind. Different foundations. That’s why this matters: Belief is not what you claim on Sunday. Belief is what you build your life on Monday. Point Two: I Believe in God — Can We Know Him? That single phrase—“I believe in God”—raises one of the most important questions a human being can ask: Who is God—and can He actually be known? The Bible answers without hesitation. “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one.” (Deut. 6:4) God is not a vague force. Not a cosmic suggestion. Not a spiritual placeholder. He is one, personal, distinct, and self-existent. And remarkably—He does not stay distant. “The LORD your God is in your midst… He will rejoice over you with gladness.” (Zeph. 3:17) Let that sit for a moment. The infinite, eternal, holy God doesn’t ...
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    32 min
  • Devotion: The Creed That Changed Everything

    Devotion: The Creed That Changed Everything
    Dec 29 2025

    Sermon Date: 12/28/2025

    Bible Verses:

    • 1 Corinthians 15:1-11

    Speaker: Rev. Timothy "Tim" Shapley

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

    Devotion: The Creed That Changed Everything

    1 Corinthians 15:1–11

    A creed is a short, authoritative statement of belief. Not a long explanation. Not a debate. Just the truth—clear enough to memorize, strong enough to stand on.

    In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul hands us one of the earliest Christian creeds. And he does it for a reason.

    The Corinthian church was confused. Some were questioning the resurrection. Paul doesn’t speculate. He doesn’t philosophize. He reminds them of what they already received.

    “I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received…” (v. 3)

    This isn’t Paul’s opinion. It’s not a new idea. It’s a received truth, passed on carefully, faithfully, and deliberately.

    The Gospel Is the Center, Not the Add-On

    Paul distills the faith into a few unforgettable lines:

    • Christ died for our sins
    • He was buried
    • He was raised on the third day
    • All according to the Scriptures

    That’s it. No fluff. No bonus material.

    Christianity doesn’t start with self-improvement or moral advice. It starts with an announcement: something happened.

    If you pull the resurrection out of the gospel, you don’t get a smaller Christianity—you get none at all. Paul will later say flat-out: if Christ isn’t raised, faith collapses like a lawn chair at a sumo convention.

    This Faith Is Public, Not Private

    Paul then lists witnesses—lots of them.

    Peter. The Twelve. More than five hundred people at once.

    This isn’t “I felt something spiritual one night.” This is “go ask them—they’re still alive.”

    Christian faith isn’t built on a lone mystic’s vision. It’s built on shared testimony. Eyewitnesses. Community memory. Public truth.

    The resurrection didn’t happen in a corner. It happened in history.

    Grace Turns Enemies into Messengers

    Then Paul gets personal.

    He calls himself “one untimely born.” A polite way of saying: I didn’t belong.

    He persecuted the church. He opposed Jesus. And yet—Jesus appeared to him.

    Paul doesn’t soften his past, and he doesn’t inflate his role. He credits grace for everything.

    “By the grace of God I am what I am.” (v. 10)

    Grace didn’t make Paul passive. It made him productive.

    He worked hard—but not to earn grace. He worked because grace had already found him.

    That’s the gospel rhythm: Grace first. Transformation follows.

    Why This Creed Still Matters

    Paul ends by saying it doesn’t matter who preached it—him or the others. What matters is what was preached.

    The same gospel. The same risen Christ. The same saving truth.

    This creed still holds the church together. It still anchors faith. It still turns doubt into confidence and fear into hope.

    Because Christianity doesn’t stand on how strongly we believe— it stands on what happened.

    Christ died. Christ was buried. Christ was raised.

    And that changes everything.
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    19 min
  • Advent Message 04: Candel of Love, Candle of Christ

    Advent Message 04: Candel of Love, Candle of Christ
    Dec 22 2025
    Sermon Date: 12/21/2025 Bible Verses: 1 Corinthians 10:31 Speaker: Rev. Timothy "Tim" Shapley Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/a-new- Introduction: The Final Candle, the Final Word—Christ On this final Sunday of Advent, we light two candles: The Candle of LoveThe Candle of Christ These aren’t just ideas—they’re inseparable realities. The love of God is not a theory, it’s a person. And that person is Jesus Christ. That’s why this week, we sing: All glory be to Christ our King, All glory be to Christ. This modern hymn, written by Dustin Kensrue to the tune of Auld Lang Syne, beautifully captures the heart of Christmas and the hope of eternity. It reminds us that everything we build, achieve, or leave behind is nothing—unless Christ is the center. As Paul puts it in 1 Corinthians 10:31: “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” Let’s explore the message of this song in three parts, through the lens of Advent love, and the supremacy of Christ. The Futility of Self-Made Glory Verse one opens like a cold splash of water to the face—because Advent isn’t sentimental, it’s truthful: “Should nothing of our efforts stand, no legacy survive, Unless the Lord does raise the house, in vain its builders strive.” This is the gospel confronting our obsession with accomplishment. We live in a culture that measures worth by productivity, followers, résumés, and the legacy we leave behind. We’re told to build something that lasts, to make our mark, to secure our name. But Scripture interrupts that story with a hard and holy reality: “Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.” (Psalm 127:1) Not some of our labor. Not misguided labor. All of it—without Him—is vanity. James presses this even further: “What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.” That’s not meant to depress us—it’s meant to free us. Advent reminds us that we are not saved by what we build for God, but by what God has built for us in Christ. Our accomplishments don’t endure. Our trophies gather dust. Our names fade. But God’s love does not, because it is not dependent on our performance. Here’s the shift Advent calls us to make: From self-made glory to God-given graceFrom “Look at what I’ve accomplished” to “Look at what Christ has finished” True love doesn’t announce itself with applause. It kneels at a manger and later hangs on a cross. ✦ True love doesn’t say, “Look at what I’ve done.” It says, “Look at what He has done.” The Reign of the King of Love Advent is not merely about arrival—it’s about authority. The baby in the manger is the King of the universe. Christmas is not a soft introduction to Jesus; it is the unveiling of the rightful ruler of all things. That’s why this line matters: “His will be done, His kingdom come… Praise Him the Lord of love.” These aren’t just lyrics—they are allegiance. They echo the Lord’s Prayer and force a question: Whose kingdom am I really living for? Advent doesn’t ask us only to receive Jesus as Savior—it calls us to submit to Him as Sovereign. Isaiah 53 shows us the cost of that kingship: “He was pierced for our transgressions… the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him.” This King reigns not by domination, but by devotion. His authority was purchased with wounds. His crown was first made of thorns. And because of that, heaven declares: “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain.” (Revelation 5:12) His reign is not harsh. It is not distant. It is not self-serving. It is shaped by love that: Became flesh for us – God stepping into our frailtyWas broken for us – Love absorbing justiceRose and reigns for us – Power secured through sacrifice That’s why we don’t just say, “All glory be to Christ the Judge.” We say, “All glory be to Christ—the Lover of our souls.” Because His glory is not about crushing us—it’s about restoring us. ✦ Christ’s glory is not distant—it’s devoted. The Hope of the Coming King of Love The third verse lifts our eyes beyond the manger and beyond the cross—straight into the future God has promised: “When on the day, the great I Am, the Faithful and the True, The Lamb who was for sinners slain, is making all things new.” This is Advent at full strength. Not nostalgia. Not sentimentality. Expectation. The same Jesus who came quietly in Bethlehem will come again visibly, unmistakably, and gloriously. This time, not as a helpless infant—but as the victorious King. Jesus Himself promised it: “They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.” (Matthew 24:30) That’s not symbolic language meant to soften the blow. That’s reality meant to steady the saints. History is not drifting. It is moving—deliberately—toward a return. And the One who returns is called Faithful and True because He keeps ...
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    35 min
  • Advent Message 03: Candle of Joy

    Advent Message 03: Candle of Joy
    Dec 15 2025

    Sermon Date: 12/14/2025

    Bible Verses:

    • Psalm 98

    Speaker: Rev. Timothy "Tim" Shapley

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

    Introduction: The Sound of Joy in a Weary World

    We come today to the third Sunday of Advent—the Sunday of Joy. The pink candle, often called the Shepherds’ Candle, reminds us that the news of Christ’s coming brings joy so deep that it shakes the foundations of the world.

    And what better hymn to drive that home than “Joy to the World”?

    What most people don’t realize is that Isaac Watts wasn't writing about the baby in the manger—he was writing about the King on the throne. This hymn is not just about Christmas past; it’s about the coming kingdom. It’s rooted in Psalm 98, which opens like this:

    “Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things…” (Psalm 98:1)

    It’s a psalm of triumphant joy—not naive happiness, but world-shaking, sin-conquering joy grounded in God’s promise and power.

    Let’s break down that kind of Advent joy in three parts.

    1. Joy Declared: The King Has Come, The King Will Come Again

    “Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her King!”

    Watts was pointing to the fulfillment of Psalm 98, which celebrates a God who:

    • Acts with power (v. 1)
    • Reveals righteousness (v. 2)
    • Remembers His love and faithfulness (v. 3)

    Advent joy doesn’t start with us—it starts with God. The Lord has come. He entered our world not to observe suffering, but to overcome it—from Bethlehem to the cross to the empty tomb.

    Every time we sing “Joy to the world,” we’re not just remembering Christmas—we’re rehearsing the moment when Jesus returns as King and joy floods everything that’s been broken.

    ✦ Advent joy isn’t rooted in what we feel—it’s rooted in who reigns.

    1. Joy Received: Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room

    Joy is offered—but it must be received.

    The line we sing so casually—"Let every heart prepare Him room"—is a direct challenge. It asks: Have you made room in your life for the King?

    Joy doesn’t come from a perfect December. It doesn't come from the right gifts, the right balance in the bank, or even the right relationships. Joy comes from surrendering the throne of your life to the One who already rules heaven and earth.

    Psalm 98 repeats the word “all” and “every”—indicating the reach of God’s joy:

    • “All the ends of the earth have seen…” (v. 3)
    • “Let the sea resound, and everything in it…” (v. 7)
    • “Let the rivers clap their hands…” (v. 8)

    If seas and rivers and mountains can rejoice—how much more should the people He came to save?

    ✦ Joy is not automatic—it’s the echo of a heart where Jesus is welcome.

    1. Joy Restored: Far as the Curse Is Found

    Why is this hymn connected to Genesis 3? Because Jesus didn’t just come to save souls—He came to undo the curse. Every sorrow, every brokenness, every ache in your bones comes from a world still shadowed by sin. But Watts reminds us:

    “He comes to make His blessings flow, far as the curse is found.”

    Psalm 98 ends with anticipation:

    “…for He is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world with righteousness and the peoples with equity.” (Psalm 98:9)

    That’s not bad news—that’s good news. Jesus doesn’t just bring joy—He restores justice. He doesn’t just save hearts—He heals creation. He doesn’t just reign someday—He reigns today.

    In Jesus, joy is not fragile—it’s unstoppable. It’s coming with Him when He returns, and it’s breaking into the world now through every believer who refuses to let despair have the last word.

    Conclusion: Light the Candle, Live the Joy

    Today we light the Candle of Joy—not because life is perfect, but because God’s promise is. Joy is not a mood—it’s the music of heaven breaking into earth.

    So let the good news of Advent ring louder than the bad news around us. Let every heart prepare Him room. Let every home, every workplace, every struggle, and every silence feel the weight of this truth:

    ✦ Joy to the world—the Lord is come. ✦ Joy to the world—the Lord is coming again. ✦ Joy to the world—let us live like we believe it.
    Afficher plus Afficher moins
    25 min