Walnut Grove

Revival Message Two: All in for the Great Comission

Sermon Date: 3/15/2025
Bible Verses: Matthew 28:16-20
Speaker: Rev. Daniel "Dan" Shapley
Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/a-new-beginning

Revival Message One: Christ's Invincible Rule

Sermon Date: 3/14/2025
Bible Verses: Psalm 2
Speaker: Rev. Daniel "Dan" Shapley
Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/a-new-beginning

The Weekly Show: Episode 40 - John 4:43–5:47

Join Tim and John as they give an informative episode about The Gospel of John Chapter 4 Verses 43-54 and Chapter 5 Verses 1-47.
Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/a-new-beginning
Transition Song: https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/aspire
Introduction to John 4:43–5:47
This section of John’s Gospel continues to reveal Jesus’ divine authority, miraculous power, and the growing opposition against Him. It highlights two key miracles and Jesus’ confrontation with the Jewish leaders over His identity and mission.
Key Themes in This Section:
Healing by Faith (John 4:43-54) – Jesus heals the official’s son from a distance, emphasizing the power of faith in His word.
Healing at the Pool of Bethesda (John 5:1-15) – Jesus restores a man who had been disabled for 38 years, demonstrating His authority over sickness and the Sabbath.
Jesus’ Authority & Equality with God (John 5:16-30) – The healing leads to conflict with Jewish leaders as Jesus claims divine authority, making Himself equal with God.
Witnesses to Jesus’ Identity (John 5:31-47) – Jesus provides multiple testimonies—John the Baptist, His works, the Father, and the Scriptures—to affirm that He is the Son of God.
Why This Section Matters:
It challenges people to trust in Jesus’ word rather than demanding signs.
It reveals Jesus’ authority over illness, the Sabbath, and even life and judgment itself.
It exposes the hardness of heart among those who refuse to believe, despite clear evidence.
As we explore this passage, we will see how Jesus calls people to faith, confronts opposition, and reveals His divine mission.
Key Theme One: Healing by Faith (John 4:43-54)
Lessons from This Passage:
Faith is trusting in Jesus’ word even when we don’t see immediate results.
Jesus’ power is not limited by distance, time, or circumstances.
Genuine faith leads to transformation, as seen in the official’s entire household believing.
This miracle sets the stage for the next account, where Jesus heals another man—but this time, it leads to controversy with the Jewish leaders.
Key Theme Two: Healing at the Pool of Bethesda (John 5:1-15)
Key Lessons from This Passage:
Jesus seeks out the broken and offers healing beyond physical restoration.
God’s power is not limited by human effort or traditions.
Legalism can blind people to God’s work—rules should never replace compassion.
Spiritual transformation is just as important as physical healing.
This miracle not only demonstrates Jesus’ authority over sickness but also sets the stage for His deeper conflict with the religious leaders over His identity and mission.
Key Theme Three: Jesus’ Authority & Equality with God (John 5:16-29)
Key Lessons from This Passage:
Jesus is fully equal with God the Father—He shares in His work, gives life, and judges.
Faith in Jesus leads to eternal life—those who reject Him face judgment.
Jesus’ authority over life and judgment proves His divine identity.
The resurrection is real—every person will face either eternal life or judgment.
This passage is one of the clearest declarations of Jesus’ divinity and ultimate authority—a truth that fuels both faith in believers and opposition from His enemies.
Key Theme Four: Witnesses to Jesus’ Identity (John 5:30-47)
Key Lessons from This Passage:
Jesus provides overwhelming evidence of His identity through multiple witnesses.
The religious leaders rejected Him because of their spiritual blindness and pride.
Scripture testifies about Jesus, but knowledge alone is not enough—faith is required.
True faith seeks the glory of God, not human approval.
This passage challenges us to examine our hearts: Do we truly believe in Jesus, or are we blinded by pride, tradition, or worldly recognition?
Conclusion to John 4:43–5:47
In this section of John’s Gospel, we see Jesus revealing more of His divine authority through miraculous healings and His bold claims of equality with God. The passage emphasizes the power of faith, the compassion of Christ, and the necessity of recognizing Jesus as the fulfillment of Scripture.
Key Takeaways:
Faith in Jesus Brings Healing (John 4:43-54)
The royal official trusted in Jesus' word without seeing immediate evidence.
True faith relies on Jesus' promises, not just miracles.
Jesus Shows Compassion to the Broken (John 5:1-15)
The healing at the Pool of Bethesda demonstrates Jesus’ power and mercy.
Physical healing is important, but spiritual restoration is the greater need.
Jesus Claims Divine Authority (John 5:16-30)
Jesus clearly states that He is equal to God the Father.
He has the power to judge and give eternal life.
Multiple Witnesses Testify to Jesus (John 5:31-47)
John the Baptist, Jesus’ miracles, God the Father, the Scriptures, and Moses all confirm Jesus' identity.
The religious leaders refused to believe, showing that knowledge alone is not enough—faith is required.
Final Thoughts:
This passage forces us to ask:🔹 Do we trust in Jesus’ word, even when we don’t see immediate results?🔹 Are we seeking Jesus for who He truly is, or just for what He can do for us?🔹 Do we truly believe in Him, or are we blinded by pride, tradition, or worldly concerns?
Ultimately, Jesus calls us to faith in Him as the Son of God, the source of eternal life. The choice is ours—will we believe and follow, or will we reject the truth as the religious leaders did?

The Weekly Show: Episode 39 - John 4:1-42

Join Tim and John as they give an informative episode about The Gospel of John Chapter 4 Verses 1-42.
Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/a-new-beginning
Transition Song: https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/aspire
Introduction to John 4:1-38
John 4:1-38 records one of the most profound and personal encounters in Jesus’ ministry—the conversation with the Samaritan woman at the well. This passage not only highlights Jesus’ compassion and willingness to break social and cultural barriers but also reveals deep theological truths about living water, true worship, and the mission of evangelism.
Context & Background:
Jesus’ Growing Influence (v. 1-3) – As Jesus’ ministry gains attention, particularly among the Pharisees, He leaves Judea and travels toward Galilee, passing through Samaria.
Cultural Tensions – Jews and Samaritans had a long-standing hostility due to historical, religious, and ethnic differences. Jews typically avoided traveling through Samaria, but Jesus intentionally goes there.
Setting at Jacob’s Well – Jesus meets a Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well around noon, an unusual time for a woman to draw water, suggesting she may be an outcast.
Key Themes:
Jesus Breaks Barriers (v. 1-9) – He defies social norms by speaking with a Samaritan woman, showing that His mission includes all people.
Living Water (v. 10-15) – Jesus offers spiritual refreshment that satisfies far beyond physical needs.
True Worship (v. 16-26) – Jesus explains that worship is not about a location but spirit and truth.
Evangelism & Mission (v. 27-38) – The Samaritan woman becomes an unlikely witness, and Jesus teaches His disciples about the urgency of spiritual harvest.
Why This Passage Matters:
It reveals Jesus’ heart for the outcast and His willingness to engage with the broken.
It teaches that salvation is available to all—regardless of gender, race, or past mistakes.
It challenges believers to embrace true worship and actively participate in God’s mission to bring others to Christ.
This passage invites us to ask: Are we seeking the temporary water of the world or the eternal living water Jesus offers?
Key Theme One: Jesus Breaks Barriers (John 4:1-9)
One of the most striking aspects of John 4:1-9 is how Jesus intentionally crosses social, cultural, and religious barriers to reach an outsider. His interaction with the Samaritan woman reveals that the gospel is for all people, regardless of their background or status.
Key Theme Two: Living Water (John 4:10-15)
In this passage, Jesus introduces the concept of “living water,” a profound metaphor for eternal life and spiritual satisfaction. This conversation shifts the focus from physical needs to the deeper spiritual thirst that only Christ can quench.
Key Theme Three: True Worship (John 4:16-26)
In this passage, Jesus moves the conversation from physical water to spiritual transformation, ultimately revealing what true worship is and who He is as the Messiah.
Key Theme Four: Evangelism & Mission (John 4:27-42)
This passage highlights the power of personal testimony, the urgency of evangelism, and the mission Jesus calls His followers to participate in.
 
 Conclusion to John 4:1-42
The account of Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well is a powerful demonstration of His mission to seek and save the lost, break societal barriers, and call people to true worship and evangelism.
Key Takeaways:
Jesus Breaks Barriers (v. 1-9) – He intentionally reaches out to a social outcast, showing that salvation is for all people, regardless of gender, race, or past mistakes.
Jesus Offers Living Water (v. 10-15) – He shifts the conversation from physical needs to spiritual fulfillment, revealing Himself as the only source of eternal life.
True Worship (v. 16-26) – Worship is not about location or rituals but about a genuine relationship with God, through Spirit and truth.
Evangelism & Mission (v. 27-38) – The Samaritan woman immediately shares her testimony, and Jesus reminds His disciples of the urgency of the spiritual harvest.
Many Come to Faith (v. 39-42) – The woman’s testimony leads others to Jesus, and they come to believe in Him as the Savior of the world.
Final Reflection:
This passage challenges us to:
Follow Jesus’ example in breaking cultural and social barriers for the sake of the gospel.
Seek true spiritual satisfaction in Christ, rather than temporary fulfillment in earthly things.
Worship God authentically, in Spirit and truth.
Recognize the urgency of sharing the gospel, as people are ready to hear and believe.
Ultimately, Jesus is the Living Water that satisfies our deepest thirst, and He calls us to share that life-giving truth with the world.
 
 
 

The Weekly Show: Episode 38 - John 3:22–36

Join Tim and John as they give an informative episode about The Gospel of John Chapter 3 Verses 22-36.
Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/a-new-beginning
Transition Song: https://uppbeat.io/t/all-good-folks/aspire
Introduction to John 3:22–36
This passage marks the transition from Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus to a scene involving John the Baptist and his disciples. Here, John the Baptist reaffirms Jesus’ supremacy and the necessity of believing in Him for eternal life. The focus shifts to the growing ministry of Jesus, while John humbly acknowledges that his own role is decreasing as Christ’s influence increases.
Key Themes:
Jesus' Growing Ministry (John 3:22-26) – Jesus and His disciples begin baptizing, which leads to concerns among John the Baptist’s followers.
John’s Declaration of Jesus’ Supremacy (John 3:27-30) – John emphasizes that his role was to prepare the way for Christ, not to compete with Him.
Jesus’ Divine Authority and the Call to Faith (John 3:31-36) – John proclaims that Jesus, as the One from heaven, speaks God’s words and offers eternal life to those who believe.
Why This Passage Matters:
It highlights the humility of John the Baptist, who willingly steps aside so that Jesus may be glorified.
It reinforces the truth that Jesus has divine authority because He comes from heaven.
It presents a clear contrast between belief and unbelief, emphasizing that rejecting Christ leads to judgment.
This passage challenges us to consider our own response to Jesus: Do we acknowledge His supremacy, or do we let pride, competition, or doubt hinder our faith?
Jesus' Growing Ministry (John 3:22-26)
22 After this Jesus and his disciples went into the Judean countryside, and he remained there with them and was baptizing. 23 John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because water was plentiful there, and people were coming and being baptized 24 (for John had not yet been put in prison).
25 Now a discussion arose between some of John's disciples and a Jew over purification. 26 And they came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, he who was with you across the Jordan, to whom you bore witness—look, he is baptizing, and all are going to him.”
John’s Declaration of Jesus’ Supremacy (John 3:27-30)
27 John answered, “A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven. 28 You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, ‘I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him.’ 29 The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom's voice. Therefore this joy of mine is now complete. 30 He must increase, but I must decrease.”
Jesus’ Divine Authority and the Call to Faith (John 3:31-36)
31 He who comes from above is above all. He who is of the earth belongs to the earth and speaks in an earthly way. He who comes from heaven is above all. 32 He bears witness to what he has seen and heard, yet no one receives his testimony. 33 Whoever receives his testimony sets his seal to this, that God is true. 34 For he whom God has sent utters the words of God, for he gives the Spirit without measure. 35 The Father loves the Son and has given all things into his hand. 36 Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.
 Conclusion to John 3:22–36
This passage highlights the transition from John the Baptist’s ministry to the rise of Jesus’ public influence, while also reinforcing key theological truths about Jesus’ divine authority and the necessity of faith in Him for eternal life.
Key Takeaways:
Jesus’ Ministry is Expanding (v. 22-26) – His influence is growing, and people are flocking to Him, which causes concern among John the Baptist’s followers.
John’s Humility and Joy (v. 27-30) – John models the right response to Jesus’ increasing prominence: joyful humility and a willingness to step aside for Christ’s glory.
Jesus’ Divine Authority (v. 31-36) – Jesus is from heaven, speaks God’s truth, and offers eternal life to those who believe, while those who reject Him remain under judgment.
Final Reflection:
Do we, like John, joyfully point others to Jesus, or do we seek our own glory?
Have we fully embraced Christ’s authority, recognizing that He alone grants eternal life?
Will we choose faith in Jesus or remain under judgment?
Ultimately, Jesus must increase, and we must decrease. True life is found in surrendering to Him, trusting in His supremacy, and believing in His promise of eternal life.

Method of Murder – Episode 2: A King's Sin

Method of Murder: A Bible True Crime Podcast
In this episode, Tim Shapley and John Howell dive deep into one of the most infamous scandals in biblical history—the sin of King David. What began as a moment of desire led to deception, conspiracy, and ultimately, murder.
David, the beloved king of Israel, saw Bathsheba bathing from his rooftop and allowed his temptation to overpower his wisdom. What followed was a desperate attempt to cover up his wrongdoing, leading to the cold-blooded murder of Uriah, Bathsheba’s husband. But sin does not go unnoticed. The prophet Nathan would confront David, forcing him to face the weight of his actions and seek repentance.
Through dramatization and historical context, Tim and John unravel this tragic tale of lust, power, and redemption, showing that even the greatest of leaders are not immune to the darkness within. Join us as we uncover A King's Sin and the consequences that shaped a kingdom.
Listener discretion is advised.
Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/ra/coming-after-you

Devotion: Lent, repent

Sermon Date: 2/13/ 2025
Bible Verses: Isaiah 6:1-5, Psalm 51:10-19
Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/a-new-beginning
A Season of Reflection and Renewal
Lent officially starts March 5th This year.
Lent is a time of self-examination, repentance, and drawing closer to God. It is a season where we intentionally reflect on God’s holiness and our need for His cleansing. As we journey toward the cross, we are reminded that holiness is not simply about avoiding sin—it is about being set apart for God, fully devoted to Him.
When the prophet Isaiah encountered God’s holiness, he was immediately aware of his own sinfulness:"Woe is me, for I am undone! Because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts" (Isaiah 6:5).Isaiah saw his own impurity in the light of God’s perfect holiness. This moment of conviction led to his cleansing and his calling.
Like Isaiah, we are called to recognize the areas in our lives that do not reflect God's holiness. Lent is a season where we actively give up sin—not just in outward actions but in the hidden places of our hearts.
Repentance and Transformation
Psalm 51 is a prayer of deep repentance. David, after being confronted with his sin, cries out for God’s mercy and cleansing:"Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me" (Psalm 51:10).
True repentance is not just feeling guilty—it is about turning away from sin and turning toward God. It is a longing to be made new, to have a pure heart and a steadfast spirit.
Lent is a time to ask:
What sins have taken hold in my life?
What habits or attitudes keep me from fully surrendering to God?
Am I seeking God’s holiness in my daily actions, words, and thoughts?
As we fast or give up certain things during Lent, let us also give up sin—not just for a season, but as an act of lifelong transformation.
The Joy of Holiness
Sometimes, holiness is seen as a burden, as if God is simply demanding perfection from us. But the truth is, holiness brings joy. Psalm 51 does not end in sorrow—it ends in rejoicing:"Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners shall be converted to You. … My tongue shall sing aloud of Your righteousness" (Psalm 51:13-14).
Holiness is not about loss—it is about gaining more of God. When we give up sin, we are freed to experience the fullness of His presence. We no longer carry guilt and shame, but we walk in the joy of knowing we are set apart for Him.

The Weekly Show: Episode 37 - John 3:1-21

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 For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. 21 But whoever does what is true comes to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.”
This passage contains one of the most well-known verses in the Bible, John 3:16, which summarizes the heart of the Gospel. Jesus explains the depth of God's love, the purpose of His coming, and the consequences of belief versus unbelief.
 Conclusion to John 3:1-21
John 3:1-21 presents one of the most foundational teachings of Jesus regarding salvation, spiritual rebirth, and the necessity of faith in Him. Through His conversation with Nicodemus, Jesus explains that entering the Kingdom of God is not about religious background or good deeds, but about being born again—a transformation that comes only through the work of the Holy Spirit.
The passage highlights three key truths:
Spiritual rebirth is necessary for salvation (John 3:1-8) – No one can enter God’s kingdom without being born of water and the Spirit. This rebirth is a work of God’s grace, not human effort.
Jesus alone has the authority to offer eternal life (John 3:9-15) – As the Son of Man, He has descended from heaven and will be lifted up (on the cross) so that all who believe in Him may have eternal life.
God’s love is the foundation of salvation (John 3:16-21) – Jesus did not come to condemn the world, but to save it. However, those who reject Him remain in darkness and judgment, while those who believe step into the light of truth.
Key Takeaways:
Salvation is a gift from God, not something we can earn.
Jesus is the only way to eternal life.
Belief in Christ brings freedom, transformation, and light, while rejection of Him leads to judgment.
The Gospel is an invitation to accept God’s love and step into a new life in Christ.
Final Reflection:
This passage challenges us to examine our own faith: Have we truly been born again? Are we living in the light of Christ or hiding in the darkness? The choice is clear—eternal life or eternal separation from God. The good news is that God’s love has made a way for all to be saved through Jesus Christ.