March 23, 2014Passage:  Matthew 26:57-75Speaker:  Pastor Bill KnepperMain Point:  The grace of God stands in stark contrast with the sin of mankind. I. The heart of man is desperately wicked.  (vv. 57-68; Jeremiah 17:9)            A. History is full of evil deeds.            B. The religious leaders lied to stay in power.            C. They even lowered themselves…

March 9, 2014Passage:  Matthew 26:31-56Speaker:  Pastor Bill KnepperMain Point:  True courage comes from truly trusting in the plans of God. I. We often think more highly of ourselves than we should.  (31-35)            A. Peter was certain of what he would do.            B. Our greatest battle is in our own heart. II. Jesus shows us how…

March 2, 2014Passage:  Matthew 26:1-30Speaker:  Pastor Bill KnepperMain Point:  God works all things together to accomplish His will. I. God uses the schemes of enemies.            A. The leaders call a meeting to plot treachery.            B. They declare their goal is murder. II. God uses the gratefulness of friends.            A. At great expense a woman of…

February 9, 2014Passage:  Matthew 25:31-46Speaker:  Pastor Bill KnepperMain Point:  God’s plan for good in nations requires favor to His messengers. I. God calls the nations to account.  (31-33)            A. Jesus is seated on His throne.            B. The nations are gathered and separated. II. Those who bless the messengers are blessed.  (34-40)            A. A blessing is…

February 2, 2014Passage:  Matthew 25:1-30Speaker:  Pastor Bill KnepperMain Point:  Live every day with firm faith in God’s promise. I. We are accountable for our use of time.            A. Marriage in the East was….                        1.  Arranged by parents.                        2.  A formal ceremony with a parade.                        3.  A wedding feast at the groom’s home.            B. The wedding…

January 26, 2014Passage:  Matthew 24:32-51Speaker:  Pastor Bill KnepperMain Point:  Those of faith should read the signs and stay faithful to the task. I. The Lord’s return will be evident.  (32-39)            A. Some will see the signs.                        1.  There are general signs.                        2.  There are specific signs            B. Some will not see the signs. II. The…

January 19, 2014Passage:  Matthew 24:29-31Speaker:  Pastor Bill KnepperMain Point:  The Second Coming will bring God’s answer to man’s rebellion. I. The judgment on rebellion has come.            A. The sun, moon and stars will darken.  (Revelation 6:12-13, 8:12)            B. The heavenly powers will be shaken.                        1.  Revelation 12:4                        2.  Isaiah 14:12-15                        3.  Psalm 19                        4.  Job…

January 12, 2014Passage:  Matthew 24:1-28Speaker:  Pastor Bill KnepperMain Point:  Things will get much worse but God will win the final victory. I. The world is headed toward chaos.            A. Many want to know the future.            B. Many have their own agenda. II. Believers must stay faithful.            A. The anger of man is turned against the…

November 24, 2013Passage:  Matthew 23:1-39Speaker:  Pastor Bill KnepperMain Point:  We stand in grace not religious garb. I. Some crave reverence.  (1-12)            A. The proud will be humbled.            B. The jumble will be exalted. II. Some hide behind ritual.  (13-24)            A. They use the faith for fraud.            B. They fail to see God’s grace. III. Some…

November 10, 2013Passage:  Matthew 22:1-46Speaker:  Pastor Bill KnepperMain Point:  In Christ is wisdom, assurance and courage. I. You must have the righteousness of Christ.  (1-14)            A. Those invited are both evil and good.            B. But those who remain are clothed. II. You must trust the Lord for wisdom.  (15-22)            A. The enemies of Christ set…