September 22, 2013Passage:  Matthew 20:1-33Speaker:  Pastor Bill KnepperMain Point:  Grace is the currency of God’s Kingdom. I. Grace is generous.            A. God’s kingdom has different rules.            B. God’s standard is grace not debt. II. Grace is expensive.            A. Jesus prepares the disciples.            B. The debt will be paid. III. Grace is all-consuming.            A. James and…

September 15, 2013Passage:  Matthew 19:13-30Speaker:  Pastor Bill KnepperMain Point:  All that really matters is having a relationship with Jesus. I. Children show us how to trust.  (13-15)            A. The disciples rebuked the parents.            B. The Lord instructed the disciples. II. The rich man trusts the wrong thing.  (16-22)            A. He has a desire for God.           …

September 8, 2013Passage:  Matthew 19:1-12Speaker:  Pastor Bill KnepperMain Point:  All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. I. God loves marriage.            A. He designed marriage.            B. He defends marriage.            C. He displays marriage. II. God loves righteousness.            A. He set the rules.            B. He set the penalty. III. God loves grace.            A.…

August 18, 2013Passage:  Matthew 18:15-35Speaker:  Pastor Bill KnepperMain Point:  Restoration and forgiveness are Kingdom values. I. Love leads us to confront sin.            A. Sometimes the sin is against us.            B. Sometimes the sin is against the body. II. Love helps us protect dignity.            A. We approach privately & Biblically.            B. If the response is negative…

August 11, 2013Passage:  Matthew 18:1-14Speaker:  Pastor Bill KnepperMain Point:  Greatness in the Kingdom is living in humility and care. I. Greatness is measured by humility.  (1-5)            A. The disciples wondered about greatness.            B. Humility is the key to greatness.                        1.  Humility is required to enter the kingdom.                        2.  Humility is required to live in the…

July 21, 2013Passage:  Matthew 17:14-27Speaker:  Pastor Bill KnepperMain Point:  Unbelief leads to defeat, but faith trusts even in the impossible. I. Unbelief leads to defeat.            A. The disciples failed to heal the boy.            B. The Lord points directly to unbelief.            C. Even little faith is better than unbelief. II. Faith sustains us through difficult times.           …

July 14, 2013Passage:  Matthew 16:24 – 17:13Speaker:  Pastor Bill KnepperMain Point:  Life today depends of a clear view of what is to come. I. The true measure of a well-lived life is in eternity.            A. Following Christ requires denying self.            B. Living for self leads to loss.            C. Living for Christ leads to real reward.…

June 30, 2013Passage:  Matthew 16:1-23Speaker:  Pastor Bill KnepperMain Point:  God speaks to our hearts, but we must be willing to hear. I. Some people simply refuse to believe.  (1-4)            A. The Pharisees were testing Jesus.            B. Jesus rebukes them and leaves. II. Some people are just slow to understand.  (5-12)            A. The disciples worry about…

June 23, 2013Passage:  Matthew 15:21-39Speaker:  Pastor Bill KnepperMain Point:  God’s grace is for all, the Jew first and then the gentile. I. Salvation comes from the Jews.            A. God has used one race to save a world.            B. God has grace for all who believe. II. God’s blessings are for all people.            A. The Lord…

June 16, 2013Passage:  Matthew 15:1-20Speaker:  Pastor Bill KnepperMain Point:  Pride blinds but humility heals. I. Pride blinds.            A. Pride blinded the Pharisees.            B. Pride is the point of legalism.            C. Pride replaces obedience to God. II. Humility heals.            A. Food is amoral.            B. Words reveal our true heart. III. Choose humility.            A. Pride seeks to…