Walnut Grove

By: Tim Shapley and John Howell
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  • Summary

  • 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.
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Episodes
  • The Weekly Show: Episode 37 - John 3:1-21

    The Weekly Show: Episode 37 - John 3:1-21
    Feb 20 2025
    Join Tim and John as they give an informative episode about The Gospel of John Chapter 3 Verses 1-21. Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/a-new-beginning Transition Song: https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/aspire Introduction to John 3:1-21 John 3:1-21 is one of the most well-known and theologically rich passages in the entire Bible. It contains Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus, a Pharisee and a ruler of the Jews, where He explains the necessity of being born again to enter the kingdom of God. This passage also includes John 3:16, one of the most famous verses in Scripture, summarizing God's love and the gift of eternal life through Jesus. Context & Background This event takes place in Jerusalem, following Jesus’ cleansing of the temple (John 2:13-25).Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council (Sanhedrin), approaches Jesus at night—possibly out of fear or seeking a private, in-depth conversation.This conversation contrasts superficial faith (John 2:23-25) with true spiritual transformation. Key Themes in This Passage Spiritual Rebirth (John 3:1-8) – Jesus introduces the concept of being born again, explaining that entrance into God's kingdom requires a transformation by the Holy Spirit.Jesus' Authority & Heavenly Truth (John 3:9-15) – Jesus clarifies that this rebirth comes from above, and that He, as the Son of Man, has come to bring salvation.God’s Love & the Offer of Eternal Life (John 3:16-21) – The passage culminates in the powerful declaration that salvation is available to all who believe in Christ, but those who reject Him remain in darkness. Why This Passage Matters John 3:1-21 challenges religious assumptions and emphasizes that salvation is not about outward rituals or human effort but about a personal transformation through faith in Jesus. It lays the foundation for Christian doctrine, emphasizing that: Salvation is by grace through faith (not by works or religious status).Jesus is the light of the world, calling people out of darkness.God’s love is universal, but people must choose to respond to it. This passage sets the stage for understanding the gospel message and invites us to examine whether we have truly experienced spiritual rebirth through Christ. Spiritual Rebirth (John 3:1-8) Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 2 This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.” 3 Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again[b] he cannot see the kingdom of God.” 4 Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?” 5 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The windblows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” John 3:1-8 introduces one of Jesus’ most profound teachings: the necessity of being born again to enter the kingdom of God. In this passage, Jesus engages with Nicodemus, a Pharisee and a member of the Jewish ruling council, who seeks to understand Jesus’ message. Jesus’ Authority & Heavenly Truth (John 3:9-15) 9 Nicodemus said to him, “How can these things be?” 10 Jesus answered him, “Are you the teacher of Israel and yet you do not understand these things? 11 Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know, and bear witness to what we have seen, but you do not receive our testimony. 12 If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how can you believe if I tell you heavenly things? 13 No one has ascended into heaven except he who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. 14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. In this section, Jesus continues His conversation with Nicodemus, addressing his confusion and revealing deeper truths about His divine authority and the necessity of faith for salvation. God’s Love & the Offer of Eternal Life (John 3:16-21) 16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. 18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. 19 And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. 20 ...
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    1 hr
  • Sermon: Be Holy

    Sermon: Be Holy
    Feb 17 2025
    Sermon Date: 2/16/ 2025 Bible Verses: Leviticus 19:2, Matthew 5:48, 1 Peter 1:15-16 Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/a-new-beginning Introduction: The word holy is often used in church, but what does it really mean? Many people associate holiness with strict rules or moral perfection, but the biblical meaning goes much deeper. Holiness is about being set apart for God, pure in character, and reflecting His nature. God commands His people to be holy because He is holy (Leviticus 19:2). Jesus calls us to be perfect as our Father in heaven is perfect (Matthew 5:48). The New Testament teaches that holiness is not just about following rules but about living a transformed life through Christ (Romans 12:1-2). Today, we will explore what holiness means, what it looked like in the Old Testament, how Jesus fulfills holiness, and how we are called to live holy lives as believers. What Does "Holy" Mean? The word holy in Hebrew (qadosh) and Greek (hagios) means set apart, sacred, pure, and morally blameless. Four Key Aspects of Holiness: Separate – God is separate from sin and calls His people to be different from the world. Leviticus 20:26 “ And you shall be holy to Me, for I the Lord am holy, and have separated you from the peoples, that you should be Mine.”Set Apart – Holiness is about belonging to God, being devoted to Him. Deuteronomy 7:6 “For you are a holy people to the Lord your God; the Lord your God has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a special treasure above all the peoples on the face of the earth.Pure – Holiness involves moral purity and righteousness. Psalm 24:3-4 “Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord? Or who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, Who has not lifted up his soul to an idol, Nor sworn deceitfully.”Perfect – True holiness reflects God's perfect nature. Matthew 5:48 “Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.” Holiness is not just about avoiding sin but about being fully dedicated to God in every area of life. Holiness in the Old Testament (The Law) Scripture: Leviticus 19:2, Exodus 19:6, Isaiah 6:1-5 In the Old Testament, holiness was central to Israel’s identity.God is holy, and He calls His people to be holy. Leviticus 19:2 “Speak to all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say to them: ‘You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy.Holiness in the Law was about obedience, separation, and purity:Moral Laws – Honesty, justice, sexual purity (Leviticus 18-20).Ceremonial Laws – Clean and unclean animals, rituals, sacrifices (Leviticus 11-15).Priestly Holiness – The priests had to be extra set apart to serve in the temple (Exodus 28). Isaiah’s Vision of God’s Holiness (Isaiah 6:1-5):Isaiah saw God’s glory and holiness in the temple.He immediately realized his own sinfulness and unworthiness. Key Lesson: The Law showed that God is perfectly holy, and sinful people fall short. Romans 3:23 “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” III. Holiness in Jesus Christ (Matthew 5:48 and More) Scripture: Matthew 5:48, John 17:17-19, Hebrews 7:26 Jesus is the perfect example of holiness. He is the Son of God, sinless and set apart for God's mission. Hebrews 7:26 “For such a High Priest was fitting for us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens.”Matthew 5:48 – "Be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect."This is not about being sinless in our own strength.It means living in complete devotion to God, just as Jesus did. Jesus prays for our holiness (John 17:17-19) – "Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. 18 As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. 19 And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they also may be sanctified by the truth.”Jesus sets believers apart through His word and truth. Jesus fulfilled holiness for us:He perfectly obeyed the Law. Matthew 5:17 – “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill.”He made us holy through His sacrifice. Hebrews 10:10 – “By that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” Key Lesson: We cannot be holy on our own, but through Jesus, we are made holy and empowered to live differently. Holiness in the Church (Romans, 1 Corinthians, 1 Peter) Holiness is not just an individual pursuit—it is the calling of the entire church. Holiness in Romans Scripture: Romans 12:1-2 "Present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God… Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." Holiness means offering our whole lives to God.It requires a renewed mind and heart, not just outward obedience. Holiness in 1 Corinthians Scripture: 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 "Do you not know that your body is the temple of the ...
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    32 mins
  • The Weekly Show: Episode 36 - John 2:13-25

    The Weekly Show: Episode 36 - John 2:13-25
    Feb 13 2025

    Join Tim and John as they give an informative episode about The Gospel of John Chapter 2 Verses 13-25.

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

    Transition Song: https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/aspire

    John 2:13-25 – Jesus Cleanses the Temple & His Authority Introduction
    • Brief overview of today’s passage (John 2:13-25)
    • Context: Jesus’ early ministry, His first recorded visit to Jerusalem during the Passover
    • Key themes: True worship, Jesus’ authority, and genuine faith
    I. Jesus’ Zeal for True Worship (John 2:13-17)

    A. The Setting: Passover in Jerusalem (v. 13)

    • Passover was the most important Jewish festival
    • Thousands of worshipers traveled to Jerusalem and the temple
    • Jesus arrives and finds a marketplace in the temple courts

    B. The Problem: Corruption in the Temple (v. 14)

    • Merchants selling oxen, sheep, and pigeons for sacrifices
    • Money changers exchanging foreign currency at unfair rates
    • This marketplace was in the Court of the Gentiles, turning a place of worship into a business

    C. Jesus’ Response: Righteous Anger (v. 15-16)

    • Makes a whip of cords and drives out the merchants and animals
    • Overturns tables and spills money—disrupting corrupt practices
    • Declares, “Do not make My Father’s house a house of trade”
    • Shows His divine authority—calls it His Father’s house

    D. Fulfillment of Prophecy (v. 17)

    • Disciples recall Psalm 69:9 – “Zeal for Your house will consume me.”
    • Jesus’ passion for pure worship foreshadows His suffering and opposition
    II. Jesus’ Authority and the Prophecy of His Resurrection (John 2:18-22)

    A. The Challenge from the Jewish Leaders (v. 18)

    • Religious leaders demand a sign to prove Jesus’ authority
    • Instead of recognizing the temple’s corruption, they question Jesus

    B. Jesus’ Prophetic Statement (v. 19)

    • “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.”
    • Misunderstood—leaders think He refers to the physical temple
    • Jesus actually speaks about His body, predicting His death and resurrection

    C. The Misunderstanding & John’s Clarification (v. 20-21)

    • Leaders argue—“The temple took 46 years to build!”
    • John explains Jesus was referring to His body as the new temple

    D. The Disciples’ Later Understanding (v. 22)

    • After Jesus’ resurrection, they remember His words
    • This deepens their faith in Scripture and Jesus’ teachings
    III. Superficial Faith vs. True Faith (John 2:23-25)

    A. Many Believe Because of Miracles (v. 23)

    • During Passover, many people believe in Jesus after seeing His signs
    • Their belief is based on miracles, not genuine faith

    B. Jesus’ Discernment (v. 24)

    • Jesus does not entrust Himself to them—He knows their hearts
    • Not all belief is true saving faith—some just seek signs

    C. Jesus’ Omniscience (v. 25)

    • He doesn’t need human approval—He knows what is in man
    • This leads into John 3, where Nicodemus struggles with true faith
    Conclusion & Reflection

    Key Takeaways:

    1. True worship is about honoring God, not self-interest or corruption.
    2. Jesus is the new temple—the true way to meet God.
    3. Signs don’t guarantee true faith—real belief is trusting in Jesus Himself.

    Reflection Questions for Listeners:

    • Is my faith based on who Jesus is, or just what He can do for me?
    • Am I worshiping God with a sincere heart, or have I let distractions take over?
    • How does Jesus’ cleansing of the temple challenge my view of worship and holiness?
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    1 hr and 15 mins

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