Episodios

  • Sermon: The Stone Was Rolled Away

    Sermon: The Stone Was Rolled Away
    Apr 5 2026
    Sermon Date: 04/05/2026 Bible Verses: Luke 24 Speaker: Rev. Timothy "Tim" Shapley Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/a-new Introduction Everything in the Christian faith rises or falls on one event. Not the teachings of Jesus. Not the miracles of Jesus. Not even the cross itself. It is the resurrection. If Jesus stayed in the grave, Christianity collapses. Paul said it plainly in 1 Corinthians 15: “If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile.” But on that first Easter morning, something happened that changed history forever. Luke 24 begins with these words: “On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb.” They expected to find a body. Instead, they found an empty grave. Because the stone had been rolled away. And that moment changed everything. The Impossible Problem When Jesus was crucified, it looked like the story was over. The disciples were devastated. Their teacher was dead. Their hope was gone. Their dreams had collapsed. To make matters worse, Jesus’ body had been placed in a tomb and sealed with a massive stone. That stone represented finality. Death. Defeat. No one expected resurrection. The women who came to the tomb were bringing spices to prepare a body. They were not expecting a miracle. They were expecting a funeral. And the stone made the situation feel impossible. In the ancient world, tombs were sealed with enormous stones that could weigh several thousand pounds. Once it was rolled into place, it meant one thing: The story was finished. The enemy had won. But God specializes in situations that look impossible. Because the stone that sealed the tomb… could not stop the power of God. The Power of God Luke 24:2 says something incredible: “They found the stone rolled away from the tomb.” The stone was gone. The grave was open. And the body of Jesus was not there. Angels appear and ask a powerful question: “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen!” The stone was rolled away. But here is something important to understand. The stone was not rolled away to let Jesus out. Jesus did not need help leaving the tomb. The same power that created the universe was not trapped behind a rock. The stone was rolled away so that people could see inside. So the women could see the empty tomb. So the disciples could see the grave clothes. So the world could see that death had been defeated. God was making a declaration. The grave is empty. Jesus is alive. And death no longer has the final word. Fear Turned to Joy When the women first saw the empty tomb, they were terrified. Luke 24:5 says: “They were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground.” At first, resurrection did not feel like good news. It felt overwhelming. Confusing. Impossible to process. But soon fear turned into joy. The women ran back to tell the disciples. Later in Luke 24, Jesus appears to His followers. He speaks to them. He eats with them. He shows them His wounds. The despair of Friday was replaced by the hope of Sunday. Everything changed. The cross had looked like defeat. But the resurrection revealed it was actually victory. The disciples who had been hiding in fear would soon become bold witnesses. The movement that looked finished would soon spread across the world. Why? Because Jesus was alive. And when resurrection power enters the story… despair gives way to hope. The Mission Begins The resurrection was not just good news to celebrate. It was good news to share. The angels tell the women: “Remember how he told you…” Later, Jesus sends His followers out with a mission. Go and tell. The resurrection is not meant to stay inside a church building. It is meant to change the world. The disciples went from frightened followers to fearless witnesses. Peter, who once denied Jesus, would stand up and preach to thousands. The gospel would spread from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth. All because of one truth. The tomb is empty. Jesus is alive. And the mission continues today. Every believer is part of that mission. We are called to go and tell the world what happened that morning. Application The resurrection is not just history. It is hope. Because Jesus lives, everything changes. Because Jesus lives: Sin can be forgiven. The cross paid the price for our sins. Death is defeated. The grave no longer has the final word. Hope is eternal. Our future is secure in Christ. The resurrection means our story does not end in the grave. It ends in victory. Conclusion That morning, the women came expecting death. But they discovered life. They came expecting defeat. But they found victory. They came expecting a sealed tomb. But they found an empty grave. And the stone rolled away still speaks today. It declares that Jesus is alive. It declares that sin has been defeated. It declares that death has been conquered. Because Easter proves something glorious. The cross paid the debt. The ...
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    25 m
  • Sermon: The King Who Rode to Die

    Sermon: The King Who Rode to Die
    Mar 29 2026
    Sermon Date: 03/22/2026 Bible Verses: Luke 19:28-44 Speaker: Rev. Timothy "Tim" Shapley Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/a-new Introduction Palm Sunday is one of the most dramatic moments in the life of Jesus. It is a day filled with excitement. Crowds fill the streets. People wave palm branches. Garments are thrown onto the road. Voices shout praises to God. For a moment it looks like Jesus is finally being recognized as King. But the celebration hides a tragic truth. The same city shouting “Blessed is the King!” will soon cry out “Crucify Him!” The same crowd laying palm branches on the road will soon turn their backs. Palm Sunday reminds us of something important: Jesus was praised as King on Sunday but crucified on Friday. And as Jesus enters Jerusalem, we see four powerful truths about who He is. The Humble King Luke 19:35 says: “They brought it to Jesus, and throwing their cloaks on the colt, they set Jesus on it.” Jesus rides into Jerusalem on a donkey. At first glance, that may not seem significant. But kings in the ancient world normally rode war horses when entering cities. A war horse symbolized power. Victory. Military dominance. But Jesus rides a donkey. This was not an accident. This was prophecy being fulfilled. In Zechariah 9:9, the prophet wrote: “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey.” Hundreds of years before Jesus was born, God declared that the Messiah would enter Jerusalem this way. Not as a conquering warrior. But as a humble king. Jesus did not come with an army. He came with mercy. He did not come with swords. He came with salvation. This King was different. His kingdom was not built on force. It was built on love and sacrifice. The Misunderstood King As Jesus enters the city, the crowd erupts with praise. Luke 19:38 says: “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!” They recognize Him as a king. But they misunderstand what kind of king He is. The people of Israel were under Roman occupation. They longed for freedom. They were hoping for a Messiah who would overthrow Rome. A political liberator. A military hero. Someone who would defeat their enemies and restore their nation. But Jesus did not come to overthrow Rome. He came to defeat something far greater. Sin. Death. And the power of evil. The crowd wanted a king who would change their political situation. Jesus came to change their spiritual condition. This is where many people still misunderstand Jesus today. People often want a Savior who will: Fix their problems Make life comfortable Bless their plans But Jesus came for something deeper. He came to rescue our souls. The Determined King What makes Palm Sunday even more powerful is this: Jesus knew exactly what was coming. He knew the road ahead. He knew the betrayal was coming. He knew the trial was coming. He knew the cross was coming. Yet He rides into Jerusalem anyway. Nothing about this moment is accidental. Jesus is not a victim of circumstances. He is a King fulfilling His mission. Earlier in the Gospel of Luke, Jesus said: “The Son of Man must suffer many things… and be killed, and on the third day be raised.” Jesus knew the destination. Calvary. The cross was not a surprise. It was the purpose. Every step that donkey took toward Jerusalem was a step closer to the cross. And Jesus rode forward willingly. Because love was driving Him. Love for sinners. Love for the lost. Love for the world. This King was not riding toward a throne. He was riding toward a cross. The Question of the Crowd In Matthew’s account of Palm Sunday, the crowd asks an important question. “Who is this?” That question still echoes through history. Who is Jesus? Is He just a teacher? A prophet? A good moral example? Or is He truly the King? Because how you answer that question changes everything. If Jesus is only a teacher, you can admire Him. If Jesus is only a prophet, you can respect Him. But if Jesus is King… then He deserves your life. Every person must answer this question. Who is Jesus to you? Is He your Savior? Your Lord? Your King? Or just someone you appreciate from a distance? Palm Sunday forces us to confront that question. Application There is something sobering about this moment in Scripture. The crowd praises Jesus. But many of them misunderstand Him. Some of them will abandon Him. Some will even demand His death. And it raises an important question for us. Why do we praise Jesus? Do we praise Him for who He is? Or do we praise Him for what we hope He will do for us? Sometimes our praise can be conditional. We praise God when life goes well. When prayers are answered. When blessings come. But when life becomes difficult… when the road leads toward the cross… our praise fades. True discipleship means following Jesus not only in celebration… but also in surrender. Conclusion ...
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    30 m
  • The Weekly Show - Episode 91: Study Thirteen: Not Judging Others

    The Weekly Show - Episode 91: Study Thirteen: Not Judging Others
    Apr 2 2026
    Join Tim and John as they study how to judge Biblically. 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/ Introduction Few verses in the Bible are quoted more often—or misunderstood more badly—than Matthew 7:1: “Do not judge, or you too will be judged.” This verse is frequently used as a conversation-stopper. Anytime someone questions behavior, beliefs, or choices, the response is quick and confident: “Jesus said you shouldn’t judge me.” But that use of the verse turns Jesus’ words into a shield against accountability. It treats “do not judge” as meaning never evaluate, never disagree, or never call sin what it is. Jesus did not mean that. If He did, much of the rest of Scripture would make no sense—and Jesus would be contradicting His own teaching only a few verses later. To understand what Jesus did mean, we must first understand what He didn’t mean. Only then can we apply His words correctly and faithfully. 1. What Jesus Didn’t Mean Jesus was not telling His followers to abandon discernment or moral thinking. He was not saying that truth doesn’t matter. He was not teaching moral relativism. And He was not calling His disciples to silence when faced with falsehood or sin. In fact, later in the same chapter, Jesus says: “Beware of false prophets.” — Matthew 7:15 That command requires evaluation. To “beware” means to watch closely, test carefully, and make judgment calls about teaching, character, and fruit. You cannot obey Jesus here without making judgments based on truth. Jesus also taught that the church has a responsibility to lovingly confront a believer who continues in unrepentant sin (Matthew 18:15–17). This process is not harsh or hateful—but it does involve assessment, accountability, and discernment. So clearly, Jesus is not forbidding all forms of judgment. He is not saying: “Never think critically about behavior or beliefs.” “Never call sin what the Bible calls sin.” “Never warn others about harmful teaching.” “Never correct someone who is walking toward destruction.” If Jesus meant that, then Christians would have no way to: protect the church from false teachers guide believers toward repentance distinguish truth from error or live faithfully in a morally confusing world Jesus is not removing moral clarity. He is correcting how and why we judge—not eliminating discernment altogether. 2. What Jesus Really Meant Jesus is not condemning discernment— He is confronting hypocritical, self-righteous judgment, the kind the Pharisees were famous for. To expose this, Jesus uses a deliberately exaggerated picture: A person notices a speck in someone else’s eye while ignoring a beam in their own. The image is almost humorous, but the message is deadly serious. The Pharisees were experts at identifying other people’s sins. They could spot flaws instantly— mistakes, failures, and shortcomings in everyone else. But they were blind to their own deeper problems: pride hypocrisy spiritual arrogance lack of mercy and unrepentant hearts They judged others harshly while excusing themselves. Jesus had already said that His followers must have a righteousness that exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees. That greater righteousness does not begin by pointing outward—it begins by looking inward. True righteousness starts with self-examination. That is why Jesus calls His disciples to: take honest stock of their own hearts deal truthfully with their own sin repent humbly before God and only then help others grow The order matters. Jesus does not forbid helping others remove the speck— but He insists that the beam must be addressed first. Before correcting someone else, Jesus wants us to ask: “Am I submitting to the same standard I’m using on others?” “Have I dealt honestly with my own sin?” “Am I speaking from humility or from pride?” Only then can correction be loving rather than destructive. 3. The Danger of Being Judgmental John Newton once asked what good it does for a person to win an argument if they lose the humility and gentleness that the Lord delights in. Jesus issues a serious warning to those who judge harshly: “For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged.” — Matthew 7:2 This does not mean that God becomes unfair or arbitrary. God is always just. But it does mean that God takes our attitudes seriously. If we are: harsh unforgiving eager to condemn quick to criticize slow to show mercy we should not be surprised when we experience the same treatment in return. The standard we use on others becomes the standard we invite upon ourselves. Jesus is not threatening His followers— He is warning them. Judgmentalism hardens the heart. It poisons relationships. It destroys witness. It replaces humility with superiority. That is not the way of the kingdom. Jesus calls His followers to a ...
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    1 h y 1 m
  • Devotion: Faithful Servants

    Devotion: Faithful Servants
    Mar 22 2026

    Sermon Date: 03/22/2026

    Bible Verses:

    • Luke 17:1-10

    Speaker: Rev. Timothy "Tim" Shapley

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

    The disciples ask Jesus for something many of us have asked for:

    “Increase our faith.”

    They likely imagined faith like a muscle—something that could be bulked up with a divine spiritual protein shake. More faith, more miracles, more power.

    But Jesus gives an unexpected answer.

    He tells them they don’t necessarily need more faith.

    They need faith that is genuine, even if it is very small.

    Jesus says faith as small as a mustard seed can move a tree.

    The point is not the size of faith.

    The point is the object of faith.

    A tiny faith placed in a powerful God can accomplish more than a massive confidence placed in ourselves.

    Sometimes we think we need giant faith before we obey God.

    But Jesus flips that idea.

    Often obedience comes first, and faith grows as we walk with Him.

    The Lesson of the Servant

    Then Jesus tells a short parable.

    A servant works all day in the field.

    When he comes inside, the master doesn’t say, “Sit down and relax.”

    Instead the servant continues serving.

    At first, the story may sound harsh.

    But Jesus is teaching something deeper.

    Discipleship is not about seeking applause.

    It is about faithful obedience.

    When we serve God, we are not doing Him a favor.

    We are simply living out what we were created to do.

    Our culture often celebrates recognition.

    But Jesus points us toward humility.

    A faithful servant does not need constant praise.

    A faithful servant simply says:

    "I have only done what my Lord asked me to do."

    Application

    This passage challenges two common misunderstandings.

    First, we think we need huge faith before we can obey.

    Jesus says even small faith is enough when it trusts in a great God.

    Second, we sometimes expect recognition for serving God.

    Jesus reminds us that the greatest posture of discipleship is humble obedience.

    Faith grows when we trust God in small steps.

    And a servant’s heart grows when we remember who we are serving.

    Closing Thought

    God is not looking for perfect people.

    He is looking for faithful servants.

    People who trust Him with small faith.

    People who obey even when no one applauds.

    People who quietly live their lives for His glory.

    And when we do, we can say with humility and gratitude:

    “We are servants of the Lord. We have only done our duty.”
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    19 m
  • The Weekly Show - Episode 90: Study Twelve: Trusting Your Heavenly Father

    The Weekly Show - Episode 90: Study Twelve: Trusting Your Heavenly Father
    Mar 26 2026
    Join Tim and John as they study how to not worry. 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/ Introduction: Trusting Your Heavenly Father (Matthew 6:25–34)** Jesus has just finished teaching His disciples about earthly treasure versus heavenly treasure. Now He goes straight to the biggest symptom of misplaced treasure: Worry. Because if your heart clings to earthly things, your mind will be filled with earthly fears. But Jesus wants His people to live with a confident trust in their Father— not crushed by anxiety, not driven by fear, and not controlled by the “what ifs” of life. In this passage, Jesus gives seven powerful reasons why His followers should not worry about their lives, their food, their bodies, or their clothes. This isn’t Jesus ignoring real-life problems. It’s Jesus teaching real-life trust. 1. The Stuff of Life (Matthew 6:25)** Jesus starts by telling His disciples not to worry about the basics: food drink clothes daily needs He reminds us that life is more than stuff. If you’re like the average person, you worry—probably a lot. But Jesus invites us to step back and see the bigger picture. You are more than the things you own. Your life is bigger than the things you want. Your worth is not tied to your possessions. Jesus is saying: Stop burning mental energy chasing things that can never satisfy you. 2. More Than Many Sparrows (Matthew 6:26)** Jesus points to the birds—creatures with no farms, no savings accounts, and no grocery lists. God feeds them. Then Jesus makes the comparison crystal clear: “You are worth more than many birds.” If God continually provides for tiny creatures, how much more will He provide for His children? God usually supplies our needs through ordinary means— like giving us strength, opportunity, and ability to work. But the source is always the same: Your Father feeds you. 3. Trashing Your Time (Matthew 6:27)** Worry is not only unnecessary— it is useless. Jesus asks a simple question: “Can any of you add a single hour to your life by worrying?” The answer is obvious: No. In fact, worrying actually takes hours away from your life. Constant anxiety drains your strength, steals your joy, and harms your health. Every moment you spend worrying is like tossing a piece of your life into the garbage can. And besides— nothing you worry about can change what God has already decided. 4. Leaves and Petals vs. Royal Robes (Matthew 6:28–30)** Jesus then draws our attention to the lilies. They don’t work. They don’t sew. They don’t design outfits. Yet God dresses them with a beauty so stunning that even King Solomon in all his royal splendor never came close. Creation’s fashion show puts human designers to shame. So Jesus asks: “If God clothes the lilies… won’t He clothe you?” Flowers live one day and die the next— yet God cares for them. You are far more valuable. You are made in His image. You are His child. He will not forget to meet your needs. 5. Children of the King (Matthew 6:31–32)** Jesus now draws a contrast: Unbelievers anxiously chase physical needs. Believers have a Father who owns the universe. If you belong to God, you are not an orphan fending for yourself. You are a child of the King. You don’t have to live in panic, wondering whether you will be fed, clothed, or cared for. Whatever food you receive, whatever clothing you wear— it all ultimately comes from the hand of your Father. 6. Omniscient Father (Matthew 6:32)** This reason is short but strong: God already knows what you need. You never surprise God. You never catch Him off guard. You never have to convince Him to care for you. He knows. He sees. He provides. Worry is often rooted in the fear that we are unseen, forgotten, or overlooked. Jesus reminds us: Your Father is not like that. 7. One Day at a Time (Matthew 6:34)** Jesus ends with incredibly practical wisdom: Don’t get crushed by tomorrow’s problems. Don’t borrow trouble from the future. Don’t stack today’s stress on top of tomorrow’s fears. God promises strength for today— not for every possible scenario in your imagination. Tomorrow will come with its own challenges, but it will also come with new grace. Worry doesn’t just waste your time. Worry is disobedience. Worry is forgetting who your Father is. Conclusion to Study Twelve Jesus does not dismiss our needs. He does not make fun of our fears. He does not shame us for worrying. Instead, He gives us seven loving reminders of why we can trust our Father completely. He feeds the birds. He clothes the lilies. He gives life. He sustains life. He knows our needs. He cares for His children. He gives fresh strength each day. Worry shrinks your world. God’s care expands it. Trust your Father. He has never failed His children— and He won’t start with you.
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    1 h y 8 m
  • The Weekly Show - Episode 89: Study Eleven: Earthly or Heavenly Treasure

    The Weekly Show - Episode 89: Study Eleven: Earthly or Heavenly Treasure
    Mar 19 2026
    Join Tim and John as they study how to and fast and desire heavenly treasures. 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/ Introduction to Matthew 6:16–24 In Matthew 6, Jesus continues to peel back the layers of what true righteousness looks like. He has already shown us that following Him is not just about what we do—it’s about why we do it. First, He warned His disciples not to practice righteousness “to be seen by others.” You can give generously, pray beautifully, or serve faithfully… and still be seeking the applause of people instead of the approval of God. Jesus applied this warning to: giving praying and now fasting Three good and godly practices— but all easily corrupted by wrong motives. Jesus is not simply correcting behavior. He is addressing the heart behind the behavior. From Motivation to Treasure After teaching about the danger of spiritual showmanship, Jesus shifts His focus from motives to treasure. Because ultimately, our motives reveal what we treasure. Why do we want attention? Why do we crave approval? Why do we cling to things that don’t last? Why do we get distracted from the things of God? It all comes down to what our hearts value most. So Jesus confronts us with a simple but life-defining question: What do you love more—earthly treasure or heavenly treasure? This is not a small question. It cuts to the root of every choice we make: how we spend our time how we use our money how we chase success how we see people how we handle possessions how we prioritize our lives If the heart is the steering wheel of the Christian life, treasure is the hand gripping that wheel. Why This Matters Jesus knows that our hearts are easily pulled toward things that fade: money possessions popularity status comfort attention None of these last. None of these satisfy. So He calls His followers to something higher, richer, and eternal— to invest their lives not in what fades, but in what lasts forever. This section of the Sermon on the Mount will challenge us to examine where our treasure truly lies… and whether we are serving earthly masters or our heavenly Father. 1. Fasting and Faking (Matthew 6:16–18) Jesus now turns to the third spiritual practice that people often misuse—fasting. Fasting means giving up food for a period of time in order to focus on God, pray more intentionally, and humble your heart. Done rightly, it is an act of worship and devotion. But in Jesus’ day, something had gone terribly wrong. Fasting Had Become a Performance The Pharisees fasted two days every week (Luke 18:12). That might sound incredibly spiritual… but Jesus exposes their real motive: They weren’t hungry for God. They were hungry for attention. So they made sure everyone noticed their “sacrifice”: They wore gloomy expressions. They let their hair get messy. They looked weak and dramatic. They made their fasting public on purpose. Their goal wasn’t to get close to God— their goal was to get praise from people. Why Are We Tempted to Do the Same? Jesus understands the struggle behind this. He knows why we want attention so badly: People feel real. God feels invisible. We crave affirmation we can see and hear. This is why spiritual hypocrisy is so easy: people’s applause feels immediate, while God’s approval feels distant. But Jesus warns that if your goal is human praise, then human praise is the only reward you will ever receive. Real Holiness Shines Without a Spotlight Jesus’ solution? Stop performing. Start being genuine. He tells His followers: wash your face look normal don’t draw attention to yourself let your fasting be between you and God In other words: If your fasting is real, you won’t need to advertise it. God sees what others can’t see. He knows the heart behind the practice. He rewards quiet devotion far more than public showmanship. When Holiness Is Real When your desire for God is genuine—not a performance—your life shines with a different kind of light. Not a spotlight you shine on yourself, but the light of God shining through you. Your holiness becomes: sincere humble joyful invisible to others, but visible to God And that is the kind of righteousness Jesus delights to reward. 2. Hypocrisy and Honesty (Matthew 6:16–18) Jesus continues His teaching by exposing the deeper issue behind spiritual showmanship: the problem of hypocrisy. “Hypocrisy” means pretending— acting one way on the outside while being something very different on the inside. The Pharisees had mastered this. They performed righteous deeds publicly, but their hearts were full of pride, selfishness, and self-promotion. External Behavior Is Not Enough Jesus never says fasting, praying, or giving are bad. Those practices are good and pleasing to God—when done with the right heart. The problem is not the action. The problem is the motivation. You can...
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    1 h y 7 m
  • Sermon: The Heart of the Father

    Sermon: The Heart of the Father
    Mar 15 2026
    Sermon Date: 03/15/2026 Bible Verses: Luke 15:11-24 Speaker: Rev. Timothy "Tim" Shapley Theme: https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/a-new Introduction Luke 15 contains some of the most beautiful pictures of God’s heart in all of Scripture. Jesus tells three stories: A lost sheepA lost coinA lost son Each story answers a question the religious leaders were asking. Luke 15:2 tells us: “This man receives sinners and eats with them.” The Pharisees were offended that Jesus welcomed broken people. So Jesus tells these stories to explain why He came. And the most powerful story is the last one—the story we often call The Prodigal Son. But honestly, it might be better called: The Loving Father. Because this story is not mainly about the son’s rebellion. It is about the father’s heart. And the truth Jesus is teaching is simple: The journey to the cross begins with the Father’s love for lost people. The Rebellion of Humanity Jesus begins the story in Luke 15:12: “The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.’” To modern ears this may not sound shocking. But in that culture, this request was deeply insulting. The son was basically saying: "I wish you were dead. Give me my inheritance now." This was rebellion. It was disrespect. It was selfishness. And yet… this is exactly what sin looks like. Humanity constantly tells God: "I want your blessings… but not your authority." We want: God’s gifts God’s provision God’s protection But we do not want God to rule our lives. The younger son represents all of us. Romans 3:23 says: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Every human heart has this rebellious streak. We want to run life our own way. And the father does something surprising. He lets him go. Because love does not force obedience. The Misery of Sin Jesus continues in Luke 15:13: “Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country…” The son believed the lie that many people believe today. That freedom is found away from the Father. So he leaves home. He spends everything. He parties. He lives wildly. For a moment it probably looked like he was winning. But sin always has an expiration date. Luke 15:14 says: “And when he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in that country.” Notice the order: First the rebellion. Then the famine. Sin promises freedom. But it produces emptiness. The son ends up feeding pigs. For a Jewish audience, this was the lowest possible point. Pigs were unclean animals. And Jesus says something heartbreaking. Luke 15:16: “He would gladly have filled his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating.” This is what sin does. It takes you farther than you intended to go. It keeps you longer than you intended to stay. And it leaves you emptier than you ever imagined. The son thought he was escaping the father’s authority. But instead he found misery. The Grace of the Father Then the turning point happens. Luke 15:17 says: “But when he came to himself…” Sin clouds our thinking. But eventually reality sets in. The son remembers something. His father is good. Even the servants in his father’s house are treated well. So he prepares a speech. Luke 15:18–19 “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.” He plans to return home as a servant. But something incredible happens. Luke 15:20 says: “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him…” That means the father was watching. Waiting. Looking down the road. And then Jesus says something shocking. “And felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.” In that culture, dignified men did not run. Running meant lifting your robes and exposing your legs. It was considered humiliating. But the father does not care about dignity. He runs. He runs toward his broken son. And the son begins his apology speech. But he never gets to finish it. The father interrupts him. Why? Because grace always speaks louder than guilt. The Celebration of Redemption The father immediately calls for a celebration. Luke 15:22–23: “Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him… put a ring on his hand… and bring the fattened calf and kill it.” Every item has meaning. The robe represents honor. The ring represents sonship. The feast represents joy. The father is not restoring him as a servant. He is restoring him as a son. Then comes one of the most powerful lines in the story. Luke 15:24: “For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.” And the house fills with celebration. Why? Because heaven celebrates when lost people come home. Jesus actually says earlier in Luke 15: “There is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” Every time someone turns back to God… heaven throws a party. Application Many people think God is waiting for them with anger. They...
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    28 m
  • The Weekly Show - Episode 88: Study Ten: Praying the Way Jesus Taught

    The Weekly Show - Episode 88: Study Ten: Praying the Way Jesus Taught
    Mar 12 2026
    Join Tim and John as they study how to and pray the way Jesus taught. 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/ Introduction (Matthew 6:9–15) After warning His disciples not to pray like hypocrites who perform for people or like Gentiles who babble to impress their gods, Jesus does something incredibly helpful— He teaches us how to pray. Matthew 6:9–15 contains one of the most famous passages in the entire Bible: the Lord’s Prayer. But it’s not just a prayer to memorize— it’s a pattern, a framework, a guide that shows us what matters most when talking to God. Jesus wants His followers to pray with: sincerity simplicity confidence humility and a heart that trusts the Father The Lord’s Prayer teaches us: who God is what we should desire most what we should ask for and how we should relate to others This prayer is short, simple, and powerful— so simple a child can pray it, yet so deep that believers never outgrow it. In Study 10, we will break down the prayer Jesus gave and see what it teaches us about: God’s character God’s kingdom Our daily needs Our need for forgiveness Our need to forgive others God’s protection from sin and evil Jesus didn’t just command us to pray— He showed us how to pray, and He invites us into the same intimate relationship He enjoys with His Father. 1. Our Father in Heaven (Approaching God as His Children)** Jesus begins the Lord’s Prayer with two simple but life-changing words: “Our Father…” — Matthew 6:9 Before we ask for anything, before we confess anything, before we bring any request to God, Jesus wants us to remember who we’re talking to. God Is Our Father Calling God “Father” is not something people naturally assumed in the Old Testament. But Jesus teaches His followers that through faith in Him, they are adopted into God’s family. This means: prayer is not a speech prayer is not a ceremony prayer is not a performance prayer is a conversation with your Father A Father who loves you, cares for you, knows you, and wants you to come to Him. You don’t have to impress Him. You don’t have to convince Him. You don’t have to fear approaching Him. You are His child. He invites you in. Our Father—not just “My” Father Jesus teaches us to say “our Father,” not “my Father.” This reminds us that: we’re part of God’s family we’re not meant to follow Jesus alone we pray not just for ourselves, but for others too Even in prayer, Jesus pulls us away from selfishness and into community. **Who Is This Father? “The One in Heaven”** God is not just a loving Father— He is a powerful, sovereign Father. “In heaven” reminds us that: He rules over everything He is above every problem He is greater than every fear He is strong enough to answer any prayer He sees what we cannot see His wisdom is perfect So we approach God with confidence and reverence. He is both near and mighty. He is tender and strong. He is Father and King. Prayer Begins with Relationship Jesus wants His followers to pray out of: trust love closeness assurance confidence in God’s care Before we ask for anything, Jesus teaches us to rest in this truth: “God is my Father, and He loves me.” That changes everything about how we pray. 2. Hallowed Be Your Name (Honoring God First)** After teaching us to approach God as our Father, Jesus immediately shows us the first and highest priority in prayer: “Hallowed be Your name.” — Matthew 6:9 “Hallowed” is not a word we use every day, but it simply means “to make holy, to honor, to treat as sacred.” Jesus is teaching us that before we ask God for anything— we worship Him. Prayer Begins with Praise “Hallowed be Your name” means: Let Your name be honored. Let Your character be treasured. Let Your reputation be lifted high. Let people see how great You are. Jesus wants us to start prayer by focusing on who God is, not on what we need. When we begin with God: our worries shrink our faith grows our hearts soften our motives get cleaned up our priorities fall into place That’s why Jesus places worship first. God’s Name Represents His Character In Scripture, a person’s “name” stands for who they are. So when Jesus tells us to pray, “Hallowed be Your name,” He means: “Father, be honored for who You are.” We are praying: May Your love be honored. May Your holiness be honored. May Your mercy be honored. May Your justice be honored. May Your power be honored. May Your faithfulness be honored. We want God's name to be treated as the greatest name in the world. This Prayer Changes Our Hearts When you pray, “Hallowed be Your name,” you are also asking God to help you honor Him: in your thoughts in your words in your actions in your choices in your friendships in your goals This prayer shapes your priorities. It puts God first. It pushes self out of ...
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