April 14, 2013Passage:  Matthew 13:24-43Speaker:  Pastor Bill KnepperMain Point:  Jesus warns of the dangers ahead. I. The church will grow despite evil in the world.            A. The weeds are enemies of God.            B. God will judge all in the end. II. The church will be a force in the world.            A. The church’s growth is…

March 31, 2013Passage:  Matthew 13:1-23Speaker:  Pastor Bill KnepperMain Point:  You must decide what to do about Jesus. I. Spiritual truth is not shallow.  (1-9)            A. Spiritual truth is never secret.            B. But spiritual truth can be complex. II. Spiritual truth is learned by seeking.  (10-17)            A. Some people just don’t get it.            B. But the…

March 24, 2013Passage:  Matthew 12:38-50Speaker:  Pastor Bill KnepperMain Point:  The resurrection is a call to the world. I. God has spoken to a needy world.  (38-42)            A. People want God to do what they want.            B. But God has spoken through the resurrection. II. Resisting God’s call leads to a hard heart.  (43-45)            A. Israel…

March 10, 2013Passage:  Matthew 12:1-37Speaker:  Pastor Bill KnepperMain Point:  Place Your Trust in the Savior. I. Love order but love God more.            A. Sometimes the rules are broken.            B. Sometimes the rules are wrong.            C. Sometimes the rules must yield. II. Love order but love mercy more.            A. Some have a hard heart.            B. Show…

February 24, 2013Passage:  Matthew 11:1-30Speaker:  Pastor Bill KnepperMain Point:  The relief you are looking for is in Jesus Christ. I. God has told us what He is going to do.            A. He told Israel that the Messiah was coming.                        1.  John the Baptist asks if it is Jesus.                        2.  Jesus says John was Elijah.            B.…

February 17, 2013Passage:  Matthew 10:16-42Speaker:  Pastor Bill KnepperMain Point:  In every age God promises His own ultimate victory. I. Persecution will happen.  (16-25)            A. The disciples are warned about persecution.                        1.  The people have been kind.                        2.  The warning looks to the future.            B. The gospel will go to the nations.            C. The Lord will…

February 10, 2013Passage:  Matthew 10:1-15Speaker:  Pastor Bill KnepperMain Point:  Serve the Lord with your whole heart. I. The Lord sends twelve Apostles into Israel.            A. Twelve is a national number.            B. Each Apostle was chosen by the Lord. The Twelve ApostlesThe Apostles are grouped in fours in all of the places where they are listed. …

January 27, 2013Passage:  Matthew 9:14-38Speaker:  Pastor Bill KnepperMain Point:  God is always working His old message in new ways. I. God works old truth in new ways.  (14-17)            A. Many struggle with change.            B. God’s plan includes new ways. II. Some will welcome God’s work.  (18-31)            A. Jesus shows God’s power at work.            B. God…

January 20, 2013Passage:  Matthew 9:1-13Speaker:  Pastor Bill KnepperMain Point:  You should reflect the mercy of God. I. Jesus shows mercy to a paralytic.            A. He heals the soul.            B. He heals the body. II. The religious leaders show no mercy.            A. Jesus calls Matthew.            B. Matthew hosts a dinner.            C. The guests are undesirables. III.…

January 13, 2013Passage:  Matthew 8:5-34Speaker:  Pastor Bill KnepperMain Point:  People respond to Jesus hot, cold or lukewarm. I. Some respond to Jesus with their whole heart.            A. A Roman commander believes the Lord.            B. Jesus is amazed at his faith in contrast to Israel.            C. Many are glad to receive the healing Jesus offers. II.…