Walnut Grove Podcast Por Tim Shapley and John Howell arte de portada

Walnut Grove

Walnut Grove

De: Tim Shapley and John Howell
Escúchala gratis

Acerca de esta escucha

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. Cristianismo Crímenes Reales Espiritualidad Ministerio y Evangelismo
Episodios
  • The Weekly Show: Episode 58 - John 16:1-15
    Jul 10 2025
    Join Tim and John as they talk about life and study John Chapter 16 Verses 1-15 Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/a-new-beginning Transition Song: https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/ Introduction to John 16:1–15 As Jesus continues His Farewell Discourse, He shifts from warning about the world’s hatred to offering comfort and clarity about what lies ahead. In John 16:1–15, Jesus prepares His disciples for the hardship of persecution and the sorrow of His departure, while also revealing the powerful role of the Holy Spirit. This passage is both sobering and hopeful. Jesus doesn’t downplay the pain they will face—He tells them plainly that they will be cast out, hated, and even targeted by those who believe they are doing God a service. But in the same breath, He promises the coming of the Helper—the Holy Spirit—who will strengthen them and continue Jesus’ work through them. He explains that His departure is necessary for the Spirit to come, and that the Spirit will have a vital role: Convicting the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment Guiding the disciples into all truth Glorifying Christ by declaring what belongs to Him This section is a turning point. Jesus is preparing the disciples not just for survival, but for mission. They will face sorrow—but that sorrow will make way for Spirit-empowered witness and joy. Key Themes We’ll Explore Why Jesus warned His disciples ahead of time The danger of religious persecution and spiritual blindness The promised coming of the Holy Spirit—the Helper The Spirit’s role in conviction, guidance, and glorifying Christ Why Jesus’ departure was part of God’s greater plan In John 16:1–15, we see that truth and comfort walk hand in hand. Jesus does not hide the cost of following Him, but He also gives us everything we need to endure it—including the Holy Spirit, who will lead us in truth and empower us to bear witness in a world that desperately needs to see Christ. Key Theme One: Warning Before the Storm Study Breakdown Jesus Warns to Keep Them from Falling Away (v. 1) Jesus speaks with urgency and care: “I have said all these things to you to keep you from falling away.” The Greek word for “falling away” (skandalizō) means to stumble or lose faith under pressure. Jesus is preparing the disciples for coming persecution—not to scare them, but to anchor them. Knowing what’s coming ahead of time helps guard their faith when the suffering begins. Rejection by Religious Institutions (v. 2a) “They will put you out of the synagogues.” This was more than social embarrassment—it meant losing community, status, and access to worship. Jesus warns that faithfulness to Him may come at the cost of being rejected by religious systems that resist the truth. This kind of religious persecution can be especially painful because it comes from those claiming to represent God. Misguided Zeal Will Lead to Violence (v. 2b) “Whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God.” This verse is both chilling and historically accurate. From the martyrdom of early disciples to modern-day persecution, many have been attacked by those convinced they are doing God's will. Paul (then Saul) is a clear example—he persecuted the church before his conversion, believing he was serving God (Acts 9). The Root: They Do Not Know the Father or the Son (v. 3) Jesus exposes the real issue: “They do these things because they have not known the Father, nor me.” Religious persecution stems not from too much truth, but from a lack of true knowledge of God. Without knowing the heart of the Father or the person of Jesus, people can twist religion into a weapon. He Tells Them in Advance (v. 4) “But I have said these things to you, that when their hour comes you may remember that I told them to you.” Jesus’ forewarning is an act of pastoral care and spiritual preparation. When the persecution arrives, they’ll remember His words—and that will steady them in the storm. Jesus never promised comfort—but He always promises clarity and presence. Key Takeaways Jesus warns His disciples not to discourage them, but to prepare and preserve them. Persecution may come from religious people or systems that do not truly know God. Faithfulness to Christ may cost social acceptance or religious standing—but Jesus is worth it. The world may believe it's doing right—even while committing violence against God’s people. Remembering Jesus’ words in times of hardship is vital for perseverance. Key Theme Two: The Coming of the Helper Study Breakdown Jesus Points to His Departure (v. 5) Jesus reminds the disciples that He is returning to the Father—“to him who sent me.” Their focus is understandably emotional—they are grieving the thought of losing Him. Jesus gently notes that they haven’t truly asked about where He is going—meaning they haven’t yet grasped the bigger purpose of His departure. Sorrow Has Filled Their Hearts (...
    Más Menos
    57 m
  • Sermon: Keep Going
    Jul 7 2025

    Sermon Date: 7/6/2025

    Bible Verses:

    • Deuteronomy 31:1–8
    • 1 Thessalonians 5:1–19

    Speaker: Rev. Timothy "Tim" Shapley

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

    Obedience to the Lord is not always easy, but it is always worth it. We are called to serve even when we’re discouraged, frustrated, or tired—because the Lord goes before us and is at work through us.

    1. Obedience in Transition

    Deuteronomy 31:1–3

    Moses is 120 years old. After years of leading the people of Israel, he’s now passing the mantle to Joshua. Moses himself won’t enter the Promised Land.

    Key Point: Even faithful servants don’t always get to finish the job. Sometimes obedience means preparing others to carry the work forward.

    Obedience doesn’t always come with immediate reward—but it always honors God.

    Application:

    • Are you willing to obey even when you don’t see the result?
    • Are you preparing the next generation to continue what you’ve started?
    1. God Goes Before You

    Deuteronomy 31:6, 8

    “Be strong and courageous… for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.”

    Moses reassures both the people and Joshua: don’t be afraid, because God is already ahead of you.

    This is not about your strength—it’s about God’s presence.

    Even when your strength is failing, God's promise still stands.

    Application:

    • God has not abandoned your calling.
    • Just because it’s hard doesn’t mean it’s not holy.
    • Obedience is sustained by trust in God's nearness and faithfulness.
    1. Service in the Everyday

    1 Thessalonians 5:11–15

    “Encourage one another and build each other up…”

    Paul tells the church to support one another in the day-to-day life of faith—not just in the highs, but also in the grind.

    Faithfulness in the small, mundane acts of obedience builds a strong witness.

    Application:

    • Are you building others up, or simply getting by?
    • Are you mistaking God’s silence for absence? He is still present and working.
    1. Don’t Quench the Spirit

    1 Thessalonians 5:16–19

    “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances…”

    These verses can be difficult to live out when we’re worn down or discouraged. But Paul reminds us that the Spirit is always at work, and we must not smother that fire.

    Sometimes the greatest act of obedience is simply refusing to quit.

    “Do not quench the Spirit.” Even in a dry season, continued obedience keeps the fire alive.

    Application:

    • Stay in the fight even when you don’t feel like it.
    • Be intentional in joy, prayer, and gratitude—they are fuel for your calling.
    • Trust that the Holy Spirit is doing more than you can see.

    Closing Challenge

    To the weary servant: Don’t stop. Don’t give in to fear or frustration. The Lord goes before you, and He is not finished with your story.

    To the faithful worker: It may not feel fruitful now, but obedience always honors God—and He is the one who brings the harvest.

    Call to Action:

    • Recommit yourself to faithful obedience.
    • Ask God for fresh strength and courage.
    • Encourage someone else this week who may be struggling.
    • Remember: the work is not in vain. The Lord is with you.
    Más Menos
    24 m
  • The Weekly Show: Episode 56 - John 15:18-27
    Jul 3 2025
    Join Tim and John as they talk about life and study John Chapter 15 Verses 1-15. Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/a-new-beginning Transition Song: https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/ Introduction to John 15:18–27 — The Hatred of the World As Jesus continues His Farewell Discourse, He shifts the tone. After teaching about abiding in Him and loving one another, Jesus now warns the disciples about what they will face in the world.In John 15:18–27, Jesus prepares His followers for opposition and persecution. He makes it clear: the same world that rejected Him will also reject those who follow Him. This is not a possibility—it is a certainty for those who live in allegiance to Christ. Jesus does not say these things to discourage His disciples, but to prepare them.He reminds them that they are not of the world, that they have been chosen out of the world, and that their witness will bring conflict with a world that is in rebellion against God. At the same time, Jesus promises that the Helper—the Holy Spirit—will come and empower their witness, even in the face of hatred. Though the world may reject them, they are not alone. Key Themes We’ll Explore The world’s hatred of Christ and His followers — why opposition is inevitable.The identity of believers — chosen out of the world, no longer belonging to it.The reason for persecution — allegiance to Jesus’ name.The guilt of the world — rejecting Jesus and the Father despite clear revelation.The ministry of the Holy Spirit — bearing witness to Jesus through His disciples.The call to faithful witness — empowered by the Spirit, even in a hostile world. This passage is a sober but important reminder: To follow Jesus is to expect opposition from the world.But in the face of that opposition, we are called to stand firm, bear witness, and trust the Spirit who empowers us. Key Theme One: The World’s Hatred Is Expected (John 15:18–19) Study Breakdown Hatred of the World Is Inevitable Jesus begins with a clear statement: “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you.”The word “if” here does not imply uncertainty—in the Greek, it carries the sense of “since” or “when.”Hatred and opposition from the world is not unusual—it is expected for those who follow Jesus. The Root of the World’s Hatred The world hated Jesus because His light exposed its darkness.The world continues to hate His followers for the same reason: they belong to Christ and reflect His truth.This hatred is ultimately not about personal offense—it is about rejection of Christ Himself. The Distinction: Not of the World Jesus reminds the disciples: “You are not of the world.”Through faith in Christ, believers have been spiritually separated from the world’s system of sin and rebellion.Their values, priorities, and allegiance have changed—they are now citizens of the Kingdom of God. Chosen Out of the World Jesus further says: “I chose you out of the world.”Our new identity is the result of Christ’s initiative—He has called us to Himself.This choice marks us as different, and the world resents that difference. The World Loves Its Own Jesus contrasts this by saying: “If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own.”The world embraces those who conform to its values.But when believers live according to Christ’s truth, they can expect rejection and opposition. Key Takeaways Opposition from the world is normal for followers of Jesus—not a sign of failure or something to fear.The root of the world’s hatred is its rejection of Christ and the truth of His message.Believers are not of this world—they have been chosen out of it by Jesus. Living faithfully for Christ will inevitably cause conflict with a world that opposes Him We should not seek the world’s approval—we are called to live in allegiance to Jesus, regardless of opposition. Key Theme Two: Persecution for Jesus’ Name (John 15:20–21) Study Breakdown The Servant Is Not Greater Than His Master Jesus reminds the disciples of a truth He had taught earlier: “A servant is not greater than his master” (also see John 13:16).If Jesus, the perfect and sinless Son of God, was persecuted and rejected, His followers should expect the same treatment.Following Jesus means walking in His footsteps—which includes suffering for righteousness’ sake. Persecution Is Linked to Jesus Jesus says plainly: “If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you.”The hatred and hostility believers face is not ultimately personal—it is because of their connection to Jesus.Persecution is “on account of my name”—because we bear His name, live according to His truth, and proclaim His gospel. The World’s Response Is Divided Jesus acknowledges that not all responses will be negative: “If they kept my word, they will also keep yours.”While many will reject the message, some will believe—there will always be...
    Más Menos
    47 m
Todavía no hay opiniones