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Northwest Bible Church - Aug. 2, 2026 - Ephesians - Mike Southerland Ephesians 2:17-22 A Much Better Covenant Through Christ Intro 1. Verses 11-16 established that Gentiles have been brought into the new covenant by the blood of Christ. 2. Verses 17-22 continue that theme by showing the peace, access, citizenship, and temple blessings believers now have in Christ. A. CHRIST CAME AND PREACHED PEACE (Ephesians 2:17). 1. Christ Himself is the One in view in this verse. 2. He preached peace to those who were far off and to those who were near. 3. Isaiah 57:19 helps explain this promise of peace to far and near. 4. The peace announced in the gospel reaches both Jew and Gentile. B. THROUGH CHRIST WE HAVE ACCESS TO THE FATHER (Ephesians 2:18). 1. Through Christ, both Jew and Gentile have access to the Father in one Spirit. 2. Under the old covenant, access was restricted, but Christ opened the way by His sacrifice. 3. The torn veil shows that believers may now come boldly to the Father. C. BELIEVERS ARE NOW FELLOW CITIZENS AND OF GOD'S HOUSEHOLD (Ephesians 2:19). 1. In Christ, we are no longer strangers and aliens. 2. We are fellow citizens with the saints. 3. Even more, we belong to God's own household as His people. D. GOD'S HOUSEHOLD IS BUILT ON A LAID FOUNDATION WITH CHRIST AS THE CORNERSTONE (Ephesians 2:20). 1. The foundation of the apostles and prophets was laid once for all. 2. The foundation is the revealed Word of God given through those offices. 3. Christ Jesus Himself is the chief cornerstone of the whole structure. E. THE CHURCH IS GROWING INTO GOD'S HOLY TEMPLE (Ephesians 2:21-22). 1. Believers are like living stones being fitted together in Christ. 2. The church is growing into a holy temple in the Lord. 3. God is building His people together into a dwelling place of God in the Spirit. Conclusion 1. The new covenant is a much better covenant through Christ. 2. Through His sacrifice we have peace, access to the Father, and a place in God's household. 3. There is no veil for those who are in Christ; the Spirit now dwells in His people.

Northwest Bible Church - July 26, 2026 - Isaiah - Daniel Deeds Isaiah 61:1-4 The Myth of an Indifferent God Isaiah 61:1 The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, Because the LORD has anointed me To bring good news to the afflicted; He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to captives And freedom to prisoners; 2 To proclaim the favorable year of the LORD And the day of vengeance of our God; To comfort all who mourn, 3 To grant those who mourn in Zion, Giving them a garland instead of ashes, The oil of gladness instead of mourning, The mantle of praise instead of a spirit of fainting. So they will be called oaks of righteousness, The planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified. John 16:1 "These things I have spoken to you so that you may be kept from stumbling. 2 "They will make you outcasts from the synagogue, but an hour is coming for everyone who kills you to think that he is offering service to God. 3 "These things they will do because they have not known the Father or Me. 4 "But these things I have spoken to you, so that when their hour comes, you may remember that I told you of them. These things I did not say to you at the beginning, because I was with you. John 16:33 "These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” John 16:16 "A little while, and you will no longer see Me; and again a little while, and you will see Me.” 17 Some of His disciples then said to one another, "What is this thing He is telling us, 'A little while, and you will not see Me; and again a little while, and you will see Me'; and, 'because I go to the Father'?" 18 So they were saying, "What is this that He says, 'A little while'? We do not know what He is talking about." 19 Jesus knew that they wished to question Him, and He said to them, "Are you deliberating together about this, that I said, 'A little while, and you will not see Me, and again a little while, and you will see Me'? 20 "Truly, truly, I say to you, that you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; you will grieve, but your grief will be turned into joy. 21 "Whenever a woman is in labor she has pain, because her hour has come; but when she gives birth to the child, she no longer remembers the anguish because of the joy that a child has been born into the world. 22 "Therefore you too have grief now; but I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you. Isaiah 40:1 "Comfort, O comfort My people," says your God. 2 "Speak kindly to Jerusalem; And call out to her, that her warfare has ended, That her iniquity has been removed, That she has received of the LORD'S hand Double for all her sins." … 9 Get yourself up on a high mountain, O Zion, bearer of good news, Lift up your voice mightily, O Jerusalem, bearer of good news; Lift it up, do not fear. Say to the cities of Judah, "Here is your God!" 10 Behold, the Lord GOD will come with might, With His arm ruling for Him. Behold, His reward is with Him And His recompense before Him. 11 Like a shepherd He will tend His flock, In His arm He will gather the lambs And carry them in His bosom; He will gently lead the nursing ewes. 12 Who has measured the waters in the hollow of His hand, And marked off the heavens by the span, And calculated the dust of the earth by the measure, And weighed the mountains in a balance And the hills in a pair of scales? 13 Who has directed the Spirit of the LORD, Or as His counselor has informed Him? 14 With whom did He consult and who gave Him understanding? And who taught Him in the path of justice and taught Him knowledge And informed Him of the way of understanding? 15 Behold, the nations are like a drop from a bucket, And are regarded as a speck of dust on the scales; Behold, He lifts up the islands like fine dust. 16 Even Lebanon is not enough to burn, Nor its beasts enough for a burnt offering. 17 All the nations are as nothing before Him, They are regarded by Him as less than nothing and meaningless. 18 To whom then will you liken God? Or what likeness will you compare with Him? 19 As for the idol, a craftsman casts it, A goldsmith plates it with gold, And a silversmith fashions chains of silver. 20 He who is too impoverished for such an offering Selects a tree that does not rot; He seeks out for himself a skillful craftsman To prepare an idol that will not totter. 21 Do you not know? Have you not heard? Has it not been declared to you from the beginning? Have you not understood from the foundations of the earth? 22 It is He who sits above the circle of the earth, And its inhabitants are like grasshoppers, Who stretches out the heavens like a curtain And spreads them out like a tent to dwell in. 23 He it is who reduces rulers to nothing, Who makes the judges of the earth meaningless. 24 Scarcely have they been planted, Scarcely have they been sown, Scarcely has their stock taken root in the earth, But He merely blows on them, and they wither, And the storm carries them away like stubble. 25 "To whom then will you liken Me That I would be his equal?" says the Holy One. 26 Lift up your eyes on high And see who has created these stars, The One who leads forth their host by number, He calls them all by name; Because of the greatness of His might and the strength of His power, Not one of them is missing. 27 Why do you say, O Jacob, and assert, O Israel, "My way is hidden from the LORD, And the justice due me escapes the notice of my God"? 28 Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth Does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable. 29 He gives strength to the weary, And to him who lacks might He increases power. 30 Though youths grow weary and tired, And vigorous young men stumble badly, 31 Yet those who wait for the LORD Will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, They will walk and not become weary. Hebrews 12:5 and you have forgotten the exhortation which is addressed to you as sons, "My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the LORD, nor faint when you are reproved by Him. 6 for those whom the LORD loves He disciplines, and He scourges every son whom He receives." Hebrews 12:11 All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness. 1Peter 4:12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you; 13 but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation. Psalm 37:1 Do not fret because of evildoers, Be not envious toward wrongdoers. 2 For they will wither quickly like the grass And fade like the green herb. 3 Trust in the LORD and do good; Dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness. 4 Delight yourself in the LORD; And He will give you the desires of your heart. 5 Commit your way to the LORD, Trust also in Him, and He will do it. 6 He will bring forth your righteousness as the light And your judgment as the noonday. 7 Rest in the LORD and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who carries out wicked schemes. 8 Cease from anger and forsake wrath; Do not fret; it leads only to evildoing. 9 For evildoers will be cut off, But those who wait for the LORD, they will inherit the land. 10 Yet a little while and the wicked man will be no more; And you will look carefully for his place and he will not be there. 11 But the humble will inherit the land And will delight themselves in abundant prosperity. 12 The wicked plots against the righteous And gnashes at him with his teeth. 13 The Lord laughs at him, For He sees his day is coming. 14 The wicked have drawn the sword and bent their bow To cast down the afflicted an d the needy, To slay those who are upright in conduct. 15 Their sword will enter their own heart, And their bows will be broken. … 34 Wait for the LORD and keep His way, And He will exalt you to inherit the land; When the wicked are cut off, you will see it. 35 I have seen a wicked, violent man Spreading himself like a luxuriant tree in its native soil. 36 Then he passed away, and lo, he was no more; I sought for him, but he could not be found. Ps 94:1 O LORD, God of vengeance, God of vengeance, shine forth! 2 Rise up, O Judge of the earth, Render recompense to the proud. 3 How long shall the wicked, O LORD, How long shall the wicked exult? 4 They pour forth words, they speak arrogantly; All who do wickedness vaunt themselves. 5 They crush Your people, O LORD, And afflict Your heritage. 6 They slay the widow and the stranger And murder the orphans. 7 They have said, "The LORD does not see, Nor does the God of Jacob pay heed.” 8 Pay heed, you senseless among the people; And when will you understand, stupid ones? 9 He who planted the ear, does He not hear? He who formed the eye, does He not see? Proverbs 1:32 For the aimless wandering of the thoughtless will kill them, and the smug overconfidence of fools will destroy them; Isaiah 54:9 "For this is like the days of Noah to Me, When I swore that the waters of Noah Would not flood the earth again; So I have sworn that I will not be angry with you Nor will I rebuke you. 10 "For the mountains may be removed and the hills may shake, But My lovingkindness will not be removed from you, And My covenant of peace will not be shaken,” Says the LORD who has compassion on you. Isaiah 54:11 "O afflicted one, storm-tossed, and not comforted, Behold, I will set your stones in antimony, And your foundations I will lay in sapphires. 12 "Moreover, I will make your battlements of rubies, And your gates of crystal, And your entire wall of precious stones. 13 "All your sons will be taught of the LORD; And the well-being of your sons will be great. 14 "In righteousness you will be established; You will be far from oppression, for you will not fear; And from terror, for it will not come near you. 15 "If anyone fiercely assails you it will not be from Me. Whoever assails you will fall because of you. 16 “Behold, I Myself have created the smith who blows the fire of coals And brings out a weapon for its work; And I have created the destroyer to ruin. 17 "No weapon that is formed against you will prosper; And every tongue that accuses you in judgment you will condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, And their vindication is from Me," declares the LORD. Isaiah 49:14 But Zion said, "The LORD has forsaken me, And the Lord has forgotten me.” 15 "Can a woman forget her nursing child And have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, but I will not forget you. 16 "Behold, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands; Your walls are continually before Me. Isaiah 41:8 "But you, Israel, My servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, Descendant of Abraham My friend, 9 You whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, And called from its remotest parts And said to you, 'You are My servant, I have chosen you and not rejected you. 10 'Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.' 11 "Behold, all those who are angered at you will be shamed and dishonored; Those who contend with you will be as nothing and will perish. 1 2 " Yo u w i l l s e e k t h o s e w h o q u a r r e l w i t h y o u , b u t w i l l not find them, Those who war with you will be as nothing and non-existent. 13 "For I am the LORD your God, who upholds your right hand, Who says to you, 'Do not fear, I will help you.' 14 "Do not fear, you worm Jacob, you men of Israel; I will help you, declares the LORD, "and your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel. 15 "Behold, I have made you a new, sharp threshing sledge with double edges; You will thresh the mountains and pulverize them, And will make the hills like chaff. 16 "You will winnow them, and the wind will carry them away, And the storm will scatter them; But you will rejoice in the LORD, You will glory in the Holy One of Israel.

Northwest Bible Church - July 19, 2026 - Matthew - Alan Conner Matthew 7:7-11 Persevering Prayer Intro A. PRAYER PROMISE:  ASK AND RECEIVE (Matthew 7:7-8). 1. Promise (Matthew 7:7-8).   a. Command (Matthew 7:7).     b.  Statement (Matthew 7:8).   2. Perseverance - present imperative.   3. Qualifications:  John  14:14; 15:7; Mark 11:24; Ephesians 6:18; James 4:3; 1 John 3:22; 5:14-15.  B. ILLUSTRATIONS (Matthew 7:9-10). 1. Son asks father for a loaf will not get a stone.   2. Son asks father for a fish will not get a snake.   C. COMPARISON (Matthew 7:11).   1. Men are evil, God is good.   2. If evil men give good gifts to their children, how much more will our Father in  heaven.   3. Objection: but so often I don't get what I ask for.   a. God knows what is best for us.     b. We often do not know what we really need.   Conclusion

Northwest Bible Church - July 12, 2026 - Matthew - Alan Conner Matthew 7:6 Guard the Gospel Intro A. WHAT IS THE “HOLY” AND “PEARLS”? 1. What does “what is holy” refer to?  Matthew 4:23 2. What do the “pearls” refer to?  Cf. Matthew 13:45-46 B. WHO ARE THE DOGS AND HOGS? 1. “dogs” -   2. hogs, swine, pigs -     a. Can't refer to all Gentiles.   b. Calvin - “by dogs and swine he means here those who are so thoroughly [permeated]  with a wicked contempt of God, that they refuse to accept any remedy.”   C. CONSEQUENCES 1.  They (swine) will trample the gospel under their feet.   2. The wild undomesticated (dogs) will turn and tear you to pieces.   D. APPLICATIONS 1. Don't think everyone is either a dog or pig.   2. Requires discernment.   3. Principle:  Share the gospel until there is opposition.  Matthew 10:14-15 4. Examples.     a. Paul's example, Acts 13; 17; 19, 46-51; 18:6.     b. Jesus' example, Luke 23:9   5. Be fervent in evangelism.  Luke 10:2; Acts 1:8; Matthew 28:18-20 Conclusion

Northwest Bible Church - July 5, 2026 - Matthew - Alan Conner Matthew 7:1-5 “Judge Not!” Intro A. WHAT JUDGING DOES NOT MEAN. 1. It is always wrong to pass an unfavorable judgment on the conduct or opinions of others.     1 John 4:1; Matthew 7:6; 18:15-18; Ephesians 5:11; Luke 3:19 2. It does not mean that we should abolish all civil courts.  Romans 14; 1 Peter 2:13-14  B. WHAT JUDGING DOES MEAN. 1. Judging with a fault-finding spirit.      2. “Do not judge” is a present imperative which suggests currents acts.   C. PRINCIPLES OF JUDGING OTHERS. 1. The way you judge is the way you will be judged (Matthew 7:2).     a. being judged by others.        b. being judged by God.  James 2:13; 4:11-12 2. Before you judge your brother, examine yourself (Matthew 7:3-4).   3. Hypocrisy is the problem (Matthew 7:5).     a. Puts our righteous actions on display for the praise of men (6:1, 2, 5, 16).     b. Is self-righteous, and BLIND to their own sins.  Luke 18:11; Isaiah 65:5 4. The remedy for judging as a hypocrite (Matthew 7:5).   a. Operate on yourself before you operate on someone else.       b.  Then you will be able to see clearly to help your brother.   Conclusion

Northwest Bible Church - June 28, 2026 - Matthew - Alan Conner Matthew 6:31-34 Don't Worry - Part 2 Intro A. COMMAND REPEATED:  DON'T WORRY (Matthew 6:31). 1. Don't worry about your food, drink or clothing.   2. An urgent appeal never to worry at all. B. REASON 4:  WORRYING IS PAGAN (Matthew 6:32a).   1. Gentiles = pagans, worshipers of idols.   2. They eagerly seek all these things.      C. REASON 5 - WORRYING NEEDS REMINDING  (Matthew 6:32b). 1. You have a heavenly Father.  2nd time (Matthew 6:26).   2. You heavenly Father knows your needs.   D. REASON 6:  WORRYING HAS WRONG PRIORITIES (Matthew 6:33). 1. Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness.   2. All these things will be added to you.   D. REASON 7: WORRY LIVES IN THE WRONG TIMEZONE (Matthew 6:34) 1. Don't worry about tomorrow.   2. Tomorrow will worry about itself.   3. Each day has its own trouble (evil).   Conclusion

Northwest Bible Church - June 21 - Matthew - Alan Conner Matthew 6:25-34 Overcoming Worry Intro  WHAT IS WORRY?  One definition is that worry is a feeling of uneasiness, apprehension or distress usually about something in the future.   A. COMMAND:  DON'T WORRY (Matthew 6:25) 1. “worry” - 6 times in this paragraph.  Present imperative:  STOP WORRYING.   2. About your life, food, drink, clothes.   B. REASON #1 - WORRYING IS MINDLESS (Matthew 6:25-26). 1. Principle stated.  Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?   2. Example: #1 - look at the birds (Matthew 6:26).     a. Birds don't sow, reap or gather into barns.     b. Our heavenly Father feeds them.     c. Are you not worthy much more than they?  The argument is a fortiori.  C. REASON 2 - WORRYING IS WORTHLESS (Matthew 6:27).   1. Mixed metaphors.  “Add a single cubit to his life?” 2. Worry will more likely shorten your life than prolong it.   D. REASON 3 - WORRYING IS FAITHLESS (Matthew 6:28-30). 1. Example #2 - look at the lilies (Matthew 6:28-30).     a. They do not toil or spin (Matthew 6:28).     b. Solomon's clothing paled in comparison (Matthew 6:29).     c. If God clothes the “grass of the field” which ends up in the furnace, will He not much  more clothe you?   2. Worry is rooted in little faith.     Conclusion

Northwest Bible Church - June 14, 2026 - Psalms - Daniel Noren Psalm 16:1-11 True Joy and Refuge Intro Where do you flee when life is hard? Where is your refuge, security, and joy? A. FLEE TO AND REJOICE IN GOD, THE SOURCE OF JOY (Psalm 16:1-4). 1. David is surrounded by enemies yet takes refuge in God. 2. We also face death, suffering, worry, sin, and uncertainty. 3. False refuges and idols of the heart promise security but multiply sorrows. 4. Even good gifts can become idols when they replace God. 5. God alone is the firm foundation and the source of all good. 6. Joy in God also produces delight in God's people. B. DISCOVER AND REJOICE IN GOD AS YOUR INHERITANCE (Psalm 16:5-7). 1. The Lord is our chosen portion and our cup. 2. Like the Levites, our true inheritance is ultimately God Himself. 3. We are not promised an easy life, but we are promised Him. 4. “I have God and I have enough.” 5. God gives counsel through His word and grows our joy in Him. C. REST AND REJOICE IN GOD FOREVER (Psalm 16:8-11). 1. Fix your gaze on the Lord and you will not be shaken. Hebrews 12:2. 2. Our security is not in circumstances but in God's presence and promises. 3. Psalm 16 points beyond David to the true and better David, Jesus Christ. 4. Acts 2:23-33 shows Psalm 16 fulfilled in Christ's resurrection. 5. In Christ there is fullness of joy, lasting hope, and eternal security. Conclusion Flee to God, discover God as your inheritance, and rest in Him forever. In Jesus Christ there is true joy, real refuge, and pleasures forevermore.

Northwest Bible Church - June 7, 2026 - Titus - Joe Hinton Titus 2:11-14 Grace Appeared Intro Titus, Crete, Purpose of the letter A. FOR THE GRACE OF GOD HAS APPEARED (Titus 2:11). 1. “For” - what proceeds is the cause of what precedes. 2. Grace has appeared. a. The gospel - Titus 1:3. b. Christ - John 1:14, 17-18; 2 Timothy 1:9-10. Grace is a person. c. The work of grace - regeneration, salvation, justification, sanctification. B. TRAINING US (Titus 2:12). 1. Training - disciplined instruction, like a child. 2. Negative and positive training. 3. Renounce - completely disown and reject. 4. Live godly lives. 5. “the goodness and loving kindness” of God's grace. C. WAITING FOR OUR BLESSED HOPE (Titus 2:13). 1. Not passive - 1 Peter 1:13; Hebrews 12:1; 2 Peter 3:11-12. 2. Our blessed hope. a. Christ Himself. b. The fulfillment of all God's promises. c. His glory. D. REDEEMED (Titus 2:14). 1. Matthew 20:28. 2. To pay for the liberation of a captive. 3. Redeemed from what? E. ZEALOUS FOR GOOD WORKS. 1. Ephesians 2:10. 2. What makes a good work good? 3. Practical application.

Northwest Bible Church - May 31, 2026 - Matthew - Alan Conner Matthew 6:22-24 Good eye, bad eye Intro A.  THE EYE IS THE LAMP OF THE BODY (Matthew 6:22a). 1. The physical meaning, the eye enables to body to perceive light.   2. The figurative meaning, the eye represents the heart.  Matthew 5:28; Hebrews 12:2.   B.  A CLEAR EYE FILLS THE BODY WITH LIGHT (Matthew 6:22b). 1. “If your eye is clear” (healthy, sound) - literally means “single.”   2. “your whole body will be full of light” -   3. Illustration of the heart.  TWO ideas.     a. the heart is clear/single when it is devoted to God.   b. the  clear/single heart is GENEROUS (James 1:5).   C.  A BAD EYE FILLS THE BODY WITH DARKNESS (Matthew 6:23). 1. “If your eye is bad” - Literally “evil.”   2. “your whole body will be full of darkness” -   3. Illustration of the heart - the evil eye/heart is greedy, stingy, covetous.   4. “If the light that is in you is darkness, how great is the darkness.”  Deception. D. APPLICATION: YOU CAN'T SERVE TWO MASTERS (Matthew 6:24). 1. Your heart can have only one ultimate master.   2. Your responses is to love one and hate the other. Conclusion 1. Exposes our failures 2. Shows us our need for grace. 3. Challenges us to make a choice between God and mammon.

Northwest Bible Church - May 24, 2026 - Matthew - Alan Conner Matthew 6:19-21 Treasures in Heaven Intro A. WHAT CHRIST IS NOT TEACHING. 1. Christ does not teach a ban on possessions or private property.     2. Christ does not teach it is wrong to save for the future.    B. WHAT CHRIST IS TEACHING (Matthew 6:19-21). 1. Don't store up for yourselves treasures on earth.     2. Treasures on earth are inferior and temporary (Matthew 6:19).   a. moths can destroy it -   b. rust can destroy it -  c. thieves break in and steal -  d. We are not durable.   Job 1:21; 1 Timothy 6:7 e. The key is our attitude toward our possessions,  f. Examples of sinfully storing up treasures on earth. 3. Treasures in heaven are superior and eternal (Matthew 6:20 4. Your heart will be devoted to what you treasure (Matthew 6:21).      C. HOW TO STORE UP TREASURES IN HEAVEN. 1. Use our earthly treasures to help others.  1 Timothy 6:18-19; Luke 12:33 2. Godly living.     Matthew 6:4, 6, 18; 1 Corinthians 3:14; Matthew 10:42; 1 Timothy 4:8 3. Persecution.  Heb. 11:24-26; Matthew 5:11-12 D. CHOOSE THE RIGHT TREASURE. 1. Our hearts are one with our treasure.   2. Examine hearts regularly.     3. Make effort to store up heavenly treasures.       Conclusion

Northwest Bible Church - May 17, 2026 - Matthew - Alan Conner Matthew 6:16-18 Fasting Intro A. DEFINITION OF FASTING. 1. A Christian's voluntary abstinence from food for spiritual purposes.   2.  A broader use.     B. PRACTICE OF FASTING 1. OT practice a. Mandatory for the Day of Atonement. b. Voluntary fasting for other occasions. 2. NT practice.   a. Christ fasted for 40 days, Matthew 4:2.      b. Pharisees.  Luke 18:12 ‘I fast twice a week;  c. Apostles and others.   Acts 13:2-3; 14:23. C. PURPOSE OF FASTING 1. To humble the flesh in order to humble the soul. Psalms 35:13; Isaiah 58:6; Joel 2:12-13 2. To seek God for a blessing.   Isaiah 58:4 3. To intensify our prayers.   Psalms 42:1-2 D. ABUSES OF FASTING (Matthew 6:16). 1. Fasting as a hypocrite.   Matthew 6:16 2. Merit in physical abuse.   Colossians 2:20-23 3. Secularizing danger.      E. PROPER FASTING (Matthew 6:17-18). 1. Don't advertise it.    2. God will reward you.  

Northwest Bible Church - May 10, 2026 - Matthew - Alan Conner Matthew 6:13 Lead us not into temptation Intro  A.  DO NOT LEAD US INTO TEMPTATION. The nature of this temptation. a. Not “temptation” as an enticement to sin.  James 1:13 b. “Temptation” can refer to testing.  Genesis 22:1-2; Deuteronomy 8:2, 26 Temptations expose our inner character. B. BUT DELIVER US FROM THE EVIL ONE. Satan is probably in view.     “Deliver” - to rescue someone from a fate he cannot escape on his own.   Jesus is the perfect example of overcoming all temptations.   Matthew 4:1-11 Means of grace to overcome Satan's temptations. a. armor of God.  Ephesians 6:10-18 b. the sword of the Spirit.    1 John 2:14; Psalms 119:9-11 C. DOXOLOGY Almost certainly a later addition.    Adopt it as your own personal words of praise to God.   D. LESSONS We are weaker than we think.     God is our Keeper.   1 Corinthians 10:13; 2 Peter 2:9 Conclusion

Northwest Bible Church - May 3, 2026 - Matthew - Alan Conner Matthew 6:12 Forgive us Intro I. THE REQUEST FOR FORGIVENESS (Matthew 6:12a). A. What are the “debts”?   Luke 11:4; Matthew 6:14-15   B. Request for forgiveness is not for justification here but sanctification.    C. Why should we regularly ask our Father for forgiveness? 1. Aborts the spread of sin.  2. Restores broken fellowship with God.    Mark 11:25; Psalms 66:18 3. Jesus knows we still have the flesh and need forgiveness.  1 John 1:9 II. THE MOTIVATION FOR FORGIVENESS (Matthew 6:12b). A. The meaning of “as also”.   Does not introduce merit but evidence. B.  The importance of forgiving others. 1. It indicates a humble and gracious heart.    2. It is sanctifying.   III. CONSEQUENCES OF UNFORGIVENESS (Matthew 6:14-15). A. If you forgive, you will be forgiven (Matthew 6:14).    B. If you do not forgive, you will not be forgiven (Matthew 6:15).   Cf. Matthew. 18:23-35 C. What about forgiving those who don't repent? D. Why forgive others? 1. God's providence reigns over all things.    2. Romans. 8:28.     3. Forgive because we have been forgiven more.    Conclusion

Northwest Bible Church - April 26, 2026 - Matthew - Alan Conner Matthew. 6:11 Our Daily Bread Intro A. PERSPECTIVE: THE FOCUS ON PHYSICAL NEEDS. 1. Christ's perspective on our physical needs.  Matthew. 6:25, 33. 2. Spiritual life has precedence over physical.     B. PETITION: GIVE US 1. “Give” -  2. “us” -   C. PARTICULARS: THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD 1. “Bread” -  2. Normal means of God giving bread is from our labors.   3. Lesson from this petition -  a. Total dependence - James. 1:17 b. Daily dependence - Proverbs. 30:8-9 c. Universal dependence -  d. Responsible dependence - Proverbs. 6:8   e. Thankful dependence  -  f. Spiritual dependence -   D. GOD'S ABILITY TO PROVIDE.   Conclusion

Mike Southerland Continues in Ephesians. Sermon notes included below.  Ephesians 2:10-16 “We Are His Workmanship” I. Introduction II. We Are His Workmanship A. Creation B. God's children specifically III. Good Works A. Works as filthy rags B. Good Works from Soli Deo Gloria C. Free will IV. God's Chosen People – The Church A. God's people were Christians, though in the Old Testament they weren't yet called that. B. We are all one in Christ Jesus V. Conclusion A. God created us for good works B. God's church is made up of all ethnicities and nations C. There is no Jew and Gentile. All of us “in Christ” are God's chosen people

Northwest Bible Church - April 12, 2026 - Matthew - Alan Conner Matthew 6:10 God's Kingdom and Will Intro  A.  THE MEANING OF KINGDOM. 1. BDAG - 1. The act of ruling; royal power, rule and reign.  This is the primary component, God's reigning activity.    2. territory ruled by a king, kingdom. 2. TDNT, I:582f.   1. the essential meaning is reign rather than realm.  2. this reign comes down by divine intervention, not by human efforts.  .  .  3. “the concern of the kingdom as God's action towards man is soteriological, so that our explanation of it stands or falls with our explanation of soteriology generally in the preaching of Jesus Christ and His apostles.”    B. THE PRESENT KINGDOM. 1. The kingdom of God came with Jesus.  Mark. 1:15; Luke. 17:20-21 2. The kingdom of God has come.  Matthew. 12:28; Acts 5:16; 8:7 3. The keys of the kingdom were given.  Matthew. 16:18-19; 18:18. 4. The kingdom of God was given to the church.  Matthew. 21:43; Luke. 12:32; Revelation. 1:6 5. The kingdom started small and grew.  Matthew. 13:31-32 6. The kingdom is being entered now.  Luke. 16:16 7. Christ's kingdom is not of this world.  John 18:36; Colossians. 1:13 C. HOW TO PRAY “THY KINGDOM COME”. 1. ETHICAL - Intensively for God's people.   2. EVANGELISTIC - Extensively among the lost.    3.  ESCHATOLOGICAL - ultimately for the future. D. THY WILL BE DONE ON EARTH AS IN HEAVEN. 1.  Reference is to God's “revealed will” of His moral law now and future glory.   2.  Immediate, complete and whole-hearted obedience on earth as in heaven.   3. This is needed both by unbelievers and believers.    Conclusion

Northwest Bible Church - April 5, 2026 - Resurrection Day - Alan Conner John 18-21 Christ's Death and Resurrection Intro A.  THE ARREST - John 18:1-6. 1. Christ is in control.   2. “I am” and the mob falls (John 18:6).   B. THE TRIAL - John 18:12-19:15. 1. The Jewish trial a. Before Annas, John 18:12-24.    b. Before Caiaphas, John 18:24-27.     c. A kangaroo court trial. d. Jesus supplied the evidence for their conviction (Matthew 26:63-64). 2. The Roman trial (John 18:28-19:15). a. Did not want to get involved, John 18:31 b. John 18:31-32, Prophecy must be fulfilled, Isaiah 53:5; Psalms 22:16; Zechariah 12:10.    c. Pilate interviews Jesus and concludes, “I find no guilt in Him” (John 18:38). d. Jesus is scourged, crown of thorns, purpose robe, mocked, slapped (John 19:1-2). e. Pilate, “I find no guilt in Him” (John 19:4). f. Chief priests and officers, CRUCIFY, CRUCIFY (John 19:6). g. Pilate, “I find no guilt in Him” (John 19:6-15). C. THE CRUCIFIXION (John 19:16-37). 1. Jesus carried His own cross (John 19:17). 2. The inscription: JESUS THE NAZARENE, THE KING OF THE JEWS (John 19:19).   3. Casting lots for His clothes (John 19:23-24).  Fulfills prophecy, Psalms 22:18 (John 19:24). 4. Jesus' sayings on the cross:     5 of 7 dealing with redemption. a. “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they are doing.” Luke 23:34 b. “Today, you will be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:43 c. “MY GOD, MY GOD, WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME?”  Matthew 27:46; Psalms 22:1.   d. “It is finished.” John 19:30.   A CRY OF VICTORY.    e. “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.” Luke 23:46; Psalm 31:5.   5. No broken legs (John 19:31-37).   6. Soldiers pierced His side and out came blood and water (John 19:34).   D. THE BURIAL (John 19:38-42). 1. Joseph of Arimathea, the secret disciple requests Jesus body (John 19:38).   2. Nicodemus, the devoted follower brings 100 lbs. of spices (John 19:39).    E. THE RESURRECTION (John 20-21). 1. Mary Magdalene is the first to report the empty tomb (John 20:1-2).    2. Peter and John run to the tomb, Peter sees, but John believed (John 20:6-8). 3. Mary returns and looks into the tomb, sees two angels (John 20:11-18).    4. Jesus' first appearance to the disciples (John 20:19-25).   THOMAS DOUBTS. 5. Jesus' second appearance to the disciples (John 20:26-29).  Thomas, “MY LORD AND MY GOD.”   6. Jesus' appearance to the disciples at the Sea of Galilee (John 21:1-25).   a. Jesus restores Peter.   b. “FOLLOW ME” (John 21:19, 22). Conclusion

Northwest Bible Church - March 29, 2024 - Matthew - Alan Conner Matthew. 6:9 Hallowed be Thy Name Intro  A. HALLOWED BE THY NAME. 1. A request not a statement.     2. Meaning of “hallowed”.   3. Meaning of “Your name.”    4. Realms of application.     a. in my heart b. in our church c. in the world 5.  The need for this petition.      6. The temporal perspective.    B.  HOW TO HALLOW GOD'S NAME. 1. By meditating on His Word and works.  Psalms. 119:38; 111:2 2. Hallowing and harvesting.     3. God sanctifies His name through the gospel.    4. Response. Conclusion

Northwest Bible Church - Mar. 22, 2026 - Matthew - Alan Conner Matthew. 6:9 The Lord's Prayer Intro   OUTLINE:    Address;   “Our Father who art in heaven”         Requests:1-3  deals with God's glory;           Requests: 4-6 deals with man's need (pardon, provision, protection) A. THE MODEL PRAYER (Matthew 6:9a). 1. “Pray” is a present tense imperative.    2. “you” is emphatic. 3. “Then” indicates the conclusion to Jesus' previous teaching on prayer.    4. “in this way” -  this prayer is a model. B. OUR FATHER (Matthew 6:9b). 1. The name “Father” in Matthew.   a. “your Father”, “My Father.”     b. Israel's concept of God as Father.    c. Our relationship with the Father.    2. “Our Father”  a. speaks to an exclusive relationship.    b. speaks to an inclusive relationship.    C.  WHO IS IN HEAVEN (Matthew 6:9b). 1. Plural, “heavens”.       2. The significance of “heaven”.       Conclusion

Northwest Bible Church - March 15, 2026 - Matthew - Alan Conner Matthew. 6:5-8 Principles of Prayer Intro  A. THE IMPORTANCE OF PRAYER TO JESUS. 1. In His own personal life He was committed to prayer: 2. Jesus also emphasized prayer in His teaching.    B. THE FAULTY PRAYERS OF HYPOCRITES (Matthew 6:5). “When you pray, don't be like the hypocrites” -  1. Wrong motive: they love to stand when they pray.    2. Wrong location: synagogues and street corners.      3. Wrong audience:  to be seen by men.     4. Paid in full.   C. THE RIGHT WAY TO PRAY (Matthew 6:6). 1.  Go into your inner room, close the door.     2. Pray in secret.      3. Your Father will reward you.     D. THE FAULTY PRAYERS OF GENTILES (Matthew 6:7-8). 1. Do not use “meaningless repetition” (Matthew 6:7a).   a. speak without thinking, rote repetition of formulas of prayer.    b. to babble, to stammer.   Grk = “battalogeō”.   2. Wrong assumption: they will be heard for their many words (Matthew 6:7b).    3. Correction: your Father knows what you need before you ask Him (Matthew 6:8).      Conclusion

Northwest Bible Church - Mar. 8, 2026 - Matthew - Alan Conner Matthew. 6:1-4 Hypocrisy in Giving Intro  A.  GENERAL PRINCIPLE: HYPOCRISY IS BAD (Matthew 6:1).       1.  “Beware” -  2.  The danger: “practicing your righteousness before men to be seen by them.”      a. What is a hypocrite (Matthew 6:2)?    b. What is the motive of the hypocrite?  3. No reward with your Father in heaven.   B. UNGODLY GIVING TO THE POOR (Matthew 6:2).   1. “When you give” -   2. Do not sound a trumpet as the hypocrites do.   3. The desire to be honored by men.  4. They have their reward in full.   C. GODLY GIVING TO THE POOR (Matthew 6:3-4). 1. “When you give to the poor” -  2.  Do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing (Matthew 6:3).   3. Give in secret (Matthew 6:3).     4. Your Father will reward you (Matthew 6:4).   Conclusion -   

Northwest Bible Church - March 1, 2-26 - Matthew - Alan Conner Matthew. 5:43-48 Love your Enemies Intro A. THE FAULTY JEWISH VIEW (Matthew 5:43).      1.  Love your neighbor.   a. Who is our neighbor? b. Their answer:  fellow Jew with whom you have good relations. 2. Hate your enemy.      a. Not in the O.T. so what is the justification for this attitude? b. Who is our enemy? B.  JESUS CORRECTS THE FAULTY JEWISH VIEW (Matthew 5:44). 1. Love your enemies.      a. Note the present tense and it is plural. b. Love for the non-Jew in the O.T.   Leviticus. 19:3-34;  Exodus. 23:4-5; Proverbs. 25:21 2. Pray for those who persecute you.    Cf. Luke. 6:27-28 C.  REASONS TO LOVE OUR ENEMIES (Matthew 5:45-47). 1. You will be sons of your Father in heaven (Matthew 5:45a).     2. You will imitate God's common grace love to all His creatures (Matthew 5:45b).   3. Your love will be greater than mere friendship love (Matthew 5:46-47).    a.  Question #1.   “If you love those who love you, what reward do you have?”    b. Question #2.   “Do not even the tax collectors do the same?”   c. Question #3.  “If you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others?” (Matthew 5:47).    d. Question #4.  “Do not even the Gentiles do the same?”     D.  BE PERFECT AS YOUR HEAVENLY FATHER IS PERFECT (Matthew 5:48).   1. Your love should be perfect.   2. This is what we aim for.    Conclusion

Northwest Bible Church - Feb. 22, 2026 - Matthew - Alan Conner Matthew. 5:40-42 Dealing with Conflicts Intro  A. HOW TO RESPOND WHEN ATTACKED LEGALLY (Matthew 5:40). 1. Guilty?        2. The regulations of the law.    Exodus. 22:26; Deuteronomy. 24:13, 3. If they take your shirt (inner garment), give them your coat (outer garment) also. B. HOW TO RESPOND WHEN COERSED BY THE GOVERNMENT (Matthew 5:41).   1. The Roman practice of conscription.    2. The proper response.    C. HOW TO RESPOND WHEN ASKED FOR SOMETHING (Matthew 5:42).   1. It is assumed that the request is legitimate.      2. The proper response is to have a generous heart.    Leviticus. 25:35; Deuteronomy. 15:7-8. Conclusion

Northwest Bible Church - Feb. 15, 2026 - Ephesians - Mike Southerland Ephesians 2:4-9 “But God…” Introduction "But God" changes everything. Being Rich in Mercy/Alive Together with Christ Mercy triumphs over judgment "That's Not Fair!" by Galal Ahmed III.What has God done, according to verses 5 and 6? He made us alive with Christ. Exchanged heart of stone for a heart of flesh He raised us up with Him Col 1:18 Acts 17:28 Galatians 2:20 He seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus Christ is our federal head. He represents us in Heaven. IV.Salvation is a gift of God Ages to come Surpassing Riches of His Grace By grace we are saved Gifts are given, not earned You should not seek to pay a donor for their Not from works. Conclusion

Northwest Bible Church - Feb. 8, 2026 - Matthew - Alan Conner Matthew. 5:38-42 Turning the Other Cheek Intro  A. THE O.T. law of Lex Talionis (Matthew 5:38). 1. Jesus quotes from Exodus. 21:22-25; Leviticus. 24:19-20; Deuteronomy. 19:15-21.   2. The Lex Talionis laws were to be applied by the court's judicial system. 3. The punishment must be just and fair.    4. The O.T. taught against personal revenge.  Leviticus. 19:18; Proverbs. 24:29; 20:22; 25:21. B. THE RABBINIC DISTORTION. 1. Personal revenge rather than punishment by the courts.    2. Retaliation was assumed to be a personal right or duty.    C. CHRIST'S CORRECTION (Matthew 5:39-42).      “But I say to you” (Matthew 5:39). 1. PRINCIPLE:  “Do not resist an evil person” (Matthew 5:39).    a. What it does not mean: (1) can't rebuke one for sin (Galatians. 2:11). (2) no self-defense (Exodus. 21).   (3) no stand against evil.    b. What does Jesus mean?     No revenge on a personal level. 2.  EXAMPLES:  Do not resist a slap on the cheek, but turn the other (Matthew 5:39b).     a.  Christ's example during His trial.  Isaiah. 50:6 b.  Don't seek revenge when persecuted.    Jam. 5:6; Hebrews. 10:34 c.  Return good for evil.  Romans. 12:17-21. d.  Love does not take revenge.   Matthew. 5:44; 1 Corinthians. 13:5    D. QUALIFICATIONS TO THE PRINCIPLE. 1.  A slap is an insulting gesture.     2.   Law of self defense is biblical, Exodus. 21. 3. Does it matter if it is a higher authority doing the persecution or harm?  Conclusion

Northwest Bible Church - Feb. 1, 2026 - Matthew - Alan Conner Matthew. 5:33-37 Vows and Oaths Intro A. WHAT IS AN OATH AND A VOW? 1. Oath is calling upon God to bear witness to the truthfulness of our words. 2. Vow is a promise we make to God to do something. B.  OATHS AND VOWS. 1. The O.T. teaching.  Leviticus. 19:12; Numbers. 30:2; Deuteronomy. 23:21-23; Exodus. 20:7. 2. Jesus summary (v. 33).  ‘YOU SHALL NOT MAKE FALSE VOWS, BUT SHALL FULFILL YOUR VOWS TO THE LORD.'   C. PHARISAICAL PERVERSIONS. 1.  Oaths became clever lies.    2. They were experts in creating loopholes.    Matthew. 23:16-22 D. CHRIST'S TEACHINGS (vv. 34-37). 1. Make no oath at all (vv. 34-36).      a. Not by heaven, or by the earth, or by Jerusalem.   b. Nor by your head.     c. Not saying that taking an oath in a court of law is wrong.   2. “Yes, yes or No, no; anything beyond these is of evil” (v. 37).     3. The character of the righteous is that they tell the truth.    Psalms. 15:4; Jam. 5:12 LESSONS

Northwest Bible Church - Jan. 25, 2026 - Matthew - Alan Conner Matthew 5:31-32 Divorce and Remarriage Intro A. THE O.T. TEACHING ON DIVORCE FROM DEUTERONOMY 24:1-4 (Matthew 5:31). “It was said”  Observations on Deuteronomy 24:1-4. a. There is no command to divorce, nor is God giving grounds for divorce.    b. The meaning of “indecency.” The prevailing view was that of Hillel: divorce for any reason.     B. CHRIST'S VIEW ON DIVORCE (Matthew 5:31-32). Jesus' view has only one exception.     The added information from Matthew 19: a.  19:4-6.  Christ appeals to God's original design for marriage.   b.  19:8.  Divorce was allowed due to the hardness of their hearts.  c.  19:9.  Jesus repeats the one exception rule mentioned in Matthew 5:32.    The meaning of “unchastity”  (porneia) is sexual sin in general (Matthew 5:32).    How did the death penalty for adultery get changed to divorce? a. Sinful unwillingness to obey, and God allowing divorce. b. In 1st century Judaism, the law required divorce for an adulterous wife. c. The law seems to allow for lesser punishments (Numbers 35:30-31). d. God's example of divorcing Israel, Jeremiah 3:8.  SUMMARY

Northwest Bible Church - Jan. 18, 2026 - Matthew - Alan Conner Matthew 5:27-30 The Sin of Adultery Intro A. THE 7TH COMMANDMENT (Matthew 5:27-28). The implied oral law interpretation of the 7th commandment (Matthew 5:27). Jesus' interpretation of the 7th commandment (Matthew 5:28). a. “Lust” = adultery in the heart.   Cf. the 10th commandment  b. The present tense “looks” indicates a gazing look with sexual intent.   The problem of lust today.    B. THE REMEDY FOR THE SIN (Matthew 5:29-30). Understand the danger. Take immediate action. a. Remove your right eye or right hand.   b. Cast it from you.   The wisdom principle:  It is better to lose a little than to lose everything.   C. PRACTICAL APPLICATION Always be on the alert for sin.   Proverbs 4:23; 1 Peter 5:8. Guard what you look at.  Psalms 101:3; 119:37; Job 31:1 Remove the source of temptation.    Proverbs 5-7; Genesis 39:12; Acts 19:19. Say NO to sin.     1 Peter 2:11; 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 Remember your new condition. Romans 6:11; Galatians 5:24 Remember your Helper.  Romans 8:13; Galatians 5:16 When you fail, repent of your sin, pray for more grace and start over with #1.     Conclusion

Northwest Bible Church – Jan. 11, 2026 – Matthew – Alan Conner Matthew 5:21-26 The Law against Murder Intro A. THE LAW TO THE ANCIENTS (Matthew 5:21). “You have heard that the ancients were told” –  the 6th commandment – “You shall not commit murder.”    “Whoever commits murder shall be liable to the court.”   Two errors.   a. the oral law limited this sin to just the outward action of murder.     b. they limit punishment to the courts of men.    B. THE LAW FROM CHRIST (Matthew 5:22). “But I say to you.”    The law addresses the heart.      a. attitude of anger  b. words of anger.   (1) RACA -   (2) FOOL -  The punishment from man and God.   C. APPLICATIONS OF THE LAW (Matthew 5:23-26). Reconciliation before worship (Matthew 5:23-24).    Reconciliation before jail (Matthew 5:25-26).      Conclusion

Northwest Bible Church – Jan. 4, 2026 – Matthew – Alan Conner Matthew 5:18-20 The Law of God Intro A. THE DURATION OF THE LAW (Matthew 5:18).  The Law in its entirety shall last until the end of this creation. a. iota = smallest letter of the Greek alphabet. b. stroke = probably a tiny projection on some of the letters.   c. the double negative for emphasis.  “until all is accomplished” - a. Jesus was born under the law.   Galatians 4:4-5 b. Christ will usher in a new priesthood and a change of law.  Hebrews 7:12 Changes to the law. a. Ceremonial law is fulfilled.   Colossians 2:16-17; Hebrews 8:5; 10:1 b. Dietary laws are fulfilled.   Mark 7:18-19 c. Civil/judicial laws are expired.   The moral law continues.   Romans 7:14, 22; 1 Corinthians 7:19; 1 John 2:3; James 2:8. B. STATUS IN THE KINGDOM (Matthew 5:19). Least in the kingdom. Great in the kingdom. C. RIGHTEOUSNESS IN THE KINGDOM (Matthew 5:20).   The righteousness of Jesus' kingdom demands perfection.    Galatians 3:10-11 The righteousness of Jesus' kingdom is both external and internal. Heaven requires a higher righteousness. a. It must be sought after.  Matthew 5:6; 6:33 b. It is a righteousness that comes from God through faith.  Romans 3:21-22; 10:4; Philippians 3:9 c. It is a gift of righteousness by faith demonstrated through works. Conclusion

Northwest Bible Church – Dec. 28, 2025 – Matthew – Alan Conner Matthew 5:17 Christ Fulfills the Law and Prophets Intro A. JESUS DID NOT COME TO ABOLISH THE LAW AND THE PROPHETS. “Do not think” -    Jesus does not abolish the law and prophets.     B. JESUS CAME TO FULFILL THE LAW AND THE PROPHETS. Primary meaning: Christ fulfilled all the prophecies and types of O.T.    a. Prophecies:  b. Types:    Secondary meaning: Christ fulfilled the law by His perfect obedience.  a. Jer. 23:5-6 b. Isa. 53:11 Secondary meaning: Christ fulfills the law by correctly interpreting the law.  a. Matthew 5:21-48 b. Lk. 24:27 Conclusion

Northwest Bible Church – Dec. 21, 2025 – Christmas – Alan Conner Christmas Revelations Gospels of Matthew/Luke Intro A. GABRIEL TO ZACHARIAS     Luke 1:17  B. GABRIEL TO MARY. Luke 1:31-35  C. AN ANGEL TO JOSEPH Matt. 1:20-23  D. THE HOLY SPIRIT IN ELIZABETH AND JOHN 1. Luke 1:15  2. Luke 1:41-44  E. THE HOLY SPIRIT IN ZACHARIAS 1. Luke 1:67-69  2. Luke 1:76-79 F. AN ANGEL TO THE SHEPHERDS 1. Luke 2:8-12    2. Lk. 2:13-20 G. THE HOLY SPIRIT ON SIMEON     Luke 2:25-32  H. THE STAR AND THE MAGI  Matt. 2:1-11  Conclusion

Northwest Bible Church – Dec. 14, 2025 – Matthew – Alan Conner Matthew 5:14-16 You are the Light of the World Intro  A. THE WORLD IS DARKNESS. The symbolism of darkness.   The world of darkness needs light.    B. CHRIST IS THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD. The role of Israel.    Isa. 60:1-3.   The Messiah was prophesied to be “a light to the nations.” Isa. 42:6; 49:6; Matthew 4:16. Light symbolizes primarily salvation and life.  Isa. 49:6; Jn. 1:4; 8:12.    C. YOU ARE THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD (Matthew 5:14-16). The disciples of Jesus are the light of the world (Matthew 5:14).     The light comes from God.    Jn. 3:19-20; 2 Cor. 4:6; Col. 1:13 The light must shine and not be hidden (Matthew 5:14b-15). a. The light exposes what's in the dark.    b. A city on a hill cannot be hidden (Matthew 5:14b).    c. A lamp is not lit and put under a basket (Matthew 5:15).    The nature of our shining (Matthew 5:16).    a. good words. b. good works.     The purpose of our shining: the glory of the Father (Matthew 5:16).    Conclusion

Northwest Bible Church – Dec. 7, 2025 – Matthew – Alan Conner Matthew 5:13-16 Salt and light Intro A. THE SALT OF THE EARTH (Matthew 5:13).  The uses of salt.     a. add flavor to food.  Job 6:6; Col. 4:6.   b. preservation.   Numb. 18:19; 2 Chron. 13:5. c. purification.   Lev. 2:13; Ezek. 43:24; Ex. 30:35. How do Christians function as salt. a. by holy living and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom. b. promoting godly values.    Prov. 14:34.  B.  BAD SALT AS A PICTURE OF AN APOSTATE. Tasteless salt. Not the saved who loses salvation.     1 Jn. 3:9; 2:19 Good for nothing.  Lk. 14:34-35 trampled under foot by men.    Conclusion

Northwest Bible Church – Nov. 30, 2025 – Matthew – Alan Conner Matthew 5:10-12 Blessed are the Persecuted Intro A. THE RANGE OF PERSECUTION (Matthew 5:10-11). “persecuted” (Matthew 5:10-11) – “insult” (Matthew 5:11) –  “falsely say all kinds of evil against you” (Matthew 5:11) -   B. THE REASONS FOR PERSECUTION (Matthew 5:10-11). “for the sake of righteousness” (Matthew 5:10) -   “because of Me” (Matthew 5:11) -   C. THE RESPONSE TO PERSECUTION (Matthew 5:10-12). “Rejoice and be glad” (Matthew 5:12) -   The reasons for the rejoicing. a. You are blessed (Matthew 5:10-11) – b. Theirs is the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:10) -   c. Your reward in heaven is great (Matthew 5:12).     d. Fellowship with the prophets (Matthew 5:12).       e. Evidence of the presence of the Spirit (1 Pet. 4:13-14). D. THE REALITY OF PERSECUTION. In America we have the 1st amendment.    Expect persecution.         Conclusion  

Northwest Bible Church – Nov. 23, 2025 – Thanksgiving – Alan Conner 1 Thess. 5:18; Eph. 2:20 Give Thanks! Intro A. THE DUTY OF GIVING THANKS TO GOD. 1. Why give thanks to God?    Ps. 95:2; 100:4; 50:23 2. For what are we to be thankful?  1 Thess. 5:18 3. When are we to give thanks?    Eph. 5:20 B.  HOW TO DEVELOP A THANKFUL HEART. 1. Feel your own unworthiness.     a. Remember who we are by nature.  Eph. 2:3; Rom. 5:10. b. Remember that all that we have and are is by His grace.  1 Cor. 4:7; 15:10 c. A humble heart is fertile soil for a thankful heart. 2. Remember that every blessing comes from God.   Jam. 1:17. a. all temporal blessings:  b. all spiritual blessings in Christ:   3. Remember that every trial comes from God.   Lam. 3:38; Rom. 8:28.    a. Paul – 2 Cor. 12:7 b. Job – Job 1:21; 2:10 4. Remember the character of your God.   Eph. 1:11; Ps. 100:5; 103:19 C. THE BLESSINGS OF GIVING THANKS TO GOD. 1. It subdues anxiety.   Phil. 4:6-7 2. It empowers a trusting heart.  Dan. 6:23, 10. Conclusion

Northwest Bible Church – Nov. 16, 2025 – Matthew – Alan Conner Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the Peacemakers Intro A. THE DEFINITION OF PEACE. 1. Centers on relations with others.    2. NOT “peace at any price” under guise of “love”.    B. THE NEED FOR PEACEMAKERS. 1.  The world is full of peace-breaking.    2.  Hostility between believers and unbelievers.  Matthew 10:34-36 3. Divisions within the church.  Phil. 4:2; Jam. 4:1; 1 Cor. 6-8 C. AREAS FOR PEACEMAKING.   1. Gospel of peace - evangelism.  Eph. 6:15; Rom. 5:1; Col. 1:20 2. Peace in relation to others.  Rom. 12:18; Ps. 120:7; Heb. 12:14. a. When you are the offender -  Matthew 5:23-24 b. When you are offended -  Eph. 4:32; 1 Cor. 13:5; Rom. 12:20-21 c. When others are in conflict.   Phil. 4:2 D. QUALITIES OF A GOOD PEACEMAKER. 1. Christian maturity.  Prov. 16:7; Jam. 3:17-18.  2. Not quarrelsome.  2 Tim. 2:24-25; Prov. 15:1-2; 17:14 3. Not self-willed.   Jam. 3:17; Titus 1:7 E. THE PRIZE OF BEING A PEACEMAKER. 1. “Blessed” –    2. “Called sons of God” -   Conclusion

Northwest Bible Church – Nov. 9, 2025 – Matthew – Alan Conner Matthew 5:8 Blessed are the Pure in Heart Intro A. THE DEFINITION OF PURE IN HEART. 1. The heart describes the inner man.  Mt. 15;18-20; Prov. 4:23. 2. Purity in heart.    a. Moral purity -    Ps. 24:3-6. b. Single-minded commitment to God.   Ps. 86:11 B. THE DEPRAVITY OF THE HEART. 1. The problem: our hearts are not pure.    Gen. 6:5; 8:21; Jer. 17:9; Eph. 4:18 2. God's solution.   Deut. 30:6; Ezek. 36:26. a. Justification -  Acts 15:9 b. Sanctification – Rom. 7:22-23; Ps. 51:10; 2 Cor. 7:1 C. THE DEVELOPMENT OF A PURE HEART. 1. Confession of sin.   1 Jn. 1:9 2. Walk in the Word.  Ps. 119:9-11; 140; Jn. 17:17 3. Walk by the Spirit.  Gal. 5:16 4. Walk in prayer.   Ps. 51:10 5. Focus on Christ and His coming.  1 Jn. 3:2-3 D. DESTINY OF A PURE HEART. 1. Man on earth cannot see God.  Ex. 33:20; 1 Tim. 6:16; Jn. 1:18; 1 Jn. 4:12 2. We shall see God. a. Now.    2 Cor. 4:6; 3:18 b. Later.   1 Cor. 13:12; Ps. 17:15; 1 Jn. 3:2; Rev. 22:2; Jn. 17:24 Conclusion

Northwest Bible Church – Nov. 2, 2025 – Matthew – Alan Conner Matthew 5:7 Blessed are the Merciful Intro A. THEOLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS. 1. Showing mercy does not earn mercy.    2. True faith produces mercy.     B. THE MEANING OF MERCY. 1. Mercy and grace.         2. Mercy is compassion toward those in need.     Matthew 9:27; 15:22; 17:15; Lk. 17:13 3. Mercy embodies a forgiving spirit.    Lk. 18:13 4. World's view of mercy. 5. The opposite of mercy is cruelty.  Prov. 12:10; 11:17 6. The objects of mercy.  Gal. 6:10 C. EXAMPLES OF MERCY. 1. POSITIVE.  Good Samaritan.   Lk. 10:30-37. 2. NEGATIVE.  Unforgiving servant.  Matthew 18:21-35. 3. PERFECT.  Our triune God.  2 Cor. 1:3; Heb. 2:17; Titus 3:5 D. IMPORTANCE OF SHOWING MERCY. 1. Reveals we are children of God 2. We are chosen to be vessels of mercy and should dispense mercy to others.  Rom. 9:23; Lk. 6:36. E. THE BLESSING OF MERCY. 1. Now. 2. Future. Conclusion

Northwest Bible Church – Oct. 26, 2025 – Reformation Day – Alan Conner Romans 5:1 The Doctrine of Justification Intro A. JUSTIFICATION: WHAT DOES IT MEAN? 1.  LBCF 11.1 -  Those whom God effectually calleth, he also freely justifieth, not by infusing righteous-ness into them, but by pardoning their sins, and by accounting and accepting their persons as righteous; not for anything wrought in them, or done by them, but for Christ's sake alone; .  .  . but by imputing Christ's active obedience unto the whole law, and passive obedience in his death for their whole and sole righteousness by faith, which faith they have not of themselves; it is the gift of God. 2. A legal declaration of being righteous, not to make them righteous (sanctification).  Lk. 7:29; Deut. 25:1; Prov. 17:15    B. JUSTIFICATION: HOW DOES IT OCCUR? 1. One lives a perfectly righteous life.    Jas. 2:10; Romans 3:10   2. One must be given a righteousness that is perfect.   Romans 3:24; 5:17; Phil. 3:9; 2 Cor. 5:21 3. The transaction of imputation or “credited.”  Romans 4:5  C. JUSTIFICATION: WHAT DOES IT GIVE?   1. Forgiveness of all our sins.  Romans 4:6-8; Col. 2:13 2. Imputed righteousness of Christ.    Phil. 3:9; 2 Cor. 5:21 3. The Great Exchange.   Double imputation.  D. JUSTIFICATION: WHEN DOES IT HAPPEN? 1. Accomplished at the cross.  Romans 3:24; 5:9 2. Applied at the moment of saving faith.  Romans 3:28; 5:1; Gal. 2:16 E. JUSTIFICATION: WHAT DOES IT RESULT IN? 1. Sanctification.    Jas. 2:26 2. Glorification.    Romans 8:1, 33-34, 30 Conclusion

Northwest Bible Church – Oct. 19, 2025 – Matthew – Alan Conner Matthew 5:6 Blessed are the Spiritually Hungry  Intro A. WHAT KIND OF RIGHTEOUSNESS? 1. Not man-made righteousness.    Mt. 5:20; Jer. 2:13.   2. God's righteousness.    a. Imputed righteousness.    Phil. 3:9 b. Practical righteousness.   2 Tim. 2:22; Rom. 6:13 c. Civil righteousness.  Isa. 61:1-2 B. HUNGERING AND THIRSTING 1. Speaks to an intense longing, metaphor.    Ps. 42:1-2 2. Tests of this hunger and thirst. C. THE BLESSING OF BEING SATISFIED. 1. Divine passive. 2. To make full, to fill up to the brim.   3. For the lost – 4. For the believer -   Conclusion

Northwest Bible Church – Oct. 12, 2025 – Matthew – Alan Conner Matthew 5:5 Blessed are the Meek Intro A. MEANING OF MEEKNESS. 1. World's false impression.   2. Grk. Lexicon – “not being overly impressed by a sense of one's self-importance; gentle, humble, considerate.”         3. Submission to God.     4. Humility toward others. a. Humble, non-aggression, gentleness.   Mt. 5:39, 41 b. Opposite of violence and retaliation.  Heb. 10:34; Jam. 5:6 B. EXAMPLES OF MEEKNESS. 1. Abraham with Lot.  Gen. 13:8-9.    2. Moses.  Num. 12:3; Ex. 4:10; Num. 11:29  3. David.   2 Sam. 16:11-12 4. Christ the greatest example.  Mt. 11:29; 12:20; 21:5.  5. Paul.  2 Cor. 10:1 C. EXHORTATIONS TO MEEKNESS. 1. From Paul.    Tit. 3:2; Gal. 5:23; Col. 3:12; Eph. 4:2; 2 Tim. 2:25; Gal. 6:1 2. From Peter.   1 Pet. 3:15 3. From James. Jam. 3:13 D. REWARD OF MEEKNESS: INHERIT THE EARTH. Conclusion

Northwest Bible Church – Oct. 5, 2025 – Matthew – Alan Conner Matthew 5:4 Blessed are Those Who Mourn Intro    A. THE MEANING OF MOURNING. 1. What it does not mean. 2. What it does mean. B. AREAS OF MOURNING. 1. Personal sin.     2. Sin of others.     3. Painful circumstances of life.   C. MOURNING WITHOUT COMFORT. 1. Mourning without Christ.    2. Mourning that seeks worldly comfort.   D. MOURNING WITH COMFORT. 1. God's comfort now.  Isa. 61:1-2    2.  How does God give us His comfort?   a. By believing that God is LOVING, GOOD, WISE, SOVEREIGN.    b. By believing that He is always with us, never leaves us.   Ps. 23:4 c. We know that our mourning is temporary.   Ps. 30:5, 11 d. That God's word is where I need to go.  Ps. 119:50, 76 3. Future comfort.    Lk. 16:25; Rev. 21:4 Conclusion

Northwest Bible Church – Sept. 28, 2025 – Matthew – Alan Conner Matthew 5:3 Blessed are the poor in spirit Intro A. THE MEANING OF POOR IN SPIRIT. 1. Not financial poverty.    2. Spiritual poverty – humility.   a) their neediness.    b) depends totally on God to provide for those needs.  Isa. 57:15; 66:2   3. The contrast would be one who is “rich in spirit.”    B. EXAMPLES OF BEING POOR IN SPIRIT.    1. Pharisee and publican in prayer (Lk. 18:9-14). 2. Prodigal son (Lk. 15:11-24).    C. THE ORIGIN OF BEING POOR IN SPIRIT. 1. Not natural to our depraved human nature.   2. Produced by the Holy Spirit.   This is a heaven grown virtue.    3. Christ centered focus.     4. A permanent virtue.    D. HELP ON BEING POOR IN SPIRIT. 1. Attitude toward self a. Remember our sinful nature.   Eph. 2:1-3; Rom. 3:10-12 b. Remember that all we have is a gift.  1 Cor. 4:7; 1 Cor. 3:6-7; Jas. 1:17 c. We can do nothing apart from Christ. Jn. 15:5 d. Humility.  1 Cor. 15:9; 1 Tim. 1:15; 2 Cor. 3:5 2. Attitude toward others.   a. Esteem others as more important than self.  Phil. 2:3 b. Servant's attitude.  Mk. 10:44-45. 3. Attitude toward Christ. a. Esteem Christ above all.  2 Cor. 5:15; 1 Pet. 3:15 b. Seek first His kingdom.  Mt. 6:33 E. THE BLESSING: THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN.   1. The blessing is present.   2. The blessing is future.   Conclusion

Northwest Bible Church – Sept. 21, 2025 – Matthew – Alan Conner Matthew 5:1-3 Intro to the Sermon on the Mount Intro A. WHO IS THIS SERMON FOR? 1.  Given to His disciples  (Matt. 5:1).     2.  You can find these teachings scattered throughout the rest of the NT. 3.  Matt. 28:20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you;  B. EMPHASIS ON THE LAW.   1.  The law reveals and condemns us all as sinners.    2.  The moral law of God is still a standard of righteousness for believers.   Rom. 7; 1 Cor. 7:19; 1 Tim. 1:8; Jn. 14:15; 1 Jn. 2:3 C. PURPOSE OF THE SERMON 1.  To give to His disciples the ethical standards for living in His kingdom 2.  To show that we need a new heart. 3.  To show us our need for Christ.   4.  To show us the blessings of righteous living by God's grace.    D. OUTLINE OF THE SERMON 1. Christian character (Matt. 5:3-16). - Beatitudes - Salt and Light 2. Christian and God's law (Matt. 5:17-48). 3. Christian and God's presence (Matt. 6:1-34). 4. Christian and others (Matt. 7:1-12). 5. Christian and the narrow gate (Matt. 7:13-27). E. THE BEATITUDES 1. What is a Beatitude? 2. The order of the Beatitudes. 3. The structure of the Beatitudes. Conclusion

Northwest Bible Church – Sept. 14, 2025 – Matthew – Alan Conner Matthew 4:23-25 Summary of Christ's Ministry Intro A. CHRIST'S TEACHING MINISTRY (Matthew 4:23).     1. Throughout all Galilee.     2. Teaching in their synagogues.    3. Proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom.    4. “the gospel of the kingdom” -    a. Two phases of the kingdom: present and future. b. The kingdom was manifested in Christ's teaching ministry.  Isa. 61:1-2. B. CHRIST'S HEALING MINISTRY (Matthew 4:23-24).     1. The kingdom was manifested in Christ's healing ministry.  2. These healings were prophesied.   Isa. 35:5-6; 26:19; 61:1-2 3. The purpose of these healings.  a.  These healings proved He was the Messiah.   Mt. 11: 4-6.                    b. They confirmed His message.    c. They show that the presence and power of the kingdom had arrived.   d. We also see the compassion of Jesus for those who suffer.    4. The temporary nature of the gift of healing.    C. CHRIST'S INFLUENTIAL MINISTRY (Matthew 4:24-25).   1. “Syria” (Matthew 4:24).  2. Great crowds from Galilee, Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea and beyond the Jordan (Matthew 4:25).       Conclusion 1. Christ is our great Physician.    2. Jesus came to be the Savior of the world.

Northwest Bible Church – Sept. 7, 2025 – Matthew – Alan Conner Matthew 4:18-22 Christ Calls His First Disciples Intro 1. New method.     2. Distinction between “disciple” and “apostle”.  A. THE CALLING OF PETER AND ANDREW (Matthew 4:18-20). 1. Location (Matthew 4:18).     2. Brothers and fishermen (Matthew 4:18).     a. Jesus “saw” them.    b. “Simon who was called Peter”. c. Andrew his brother  3. Command and promise (Matthew 4:19).      a. “Follow Me” -    b. “I will make you fishers of men” -    4. Response (Matthew 4:20).     B. THE CALLING OF JAMES AND JOHN (Matthew 4:21-22).   1. Location.    2. Brothers and fishermen (Matthew 4:21).     3. Christ's call (Matthew 4:21).   4. Response (Matthew 4:22).     APPLICATIONS

Northwest Bible Church – Aug. 31, 2025 – Matthew – Alan Conner Matthew 4:12-17 The Beginning of Jesus' Ministry Intro A. JESUS SETTLES IN CAPERNAUM (Matthew 4:12-13).   1. Why leave the southern region for Galilee?     a. Danger that went with John's arrest.  b. It was time to begin His public ministry in earnest.    c. Primarily to fulfill prophecy (Matthew 4:14-16).   2. Why leave Nazareth for Capernaum?       a. Strategic location.    b. The reaction of Nazareth.   Lk. 4:14-31 B. THE FULFILLMENT OF ISA. 9:1-2 (Matthew 4:14-16). 1. Context of Isa. 9:1-2.     2. The territories of the prophecy: Zebulun, Naphtali, the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan,  Galilee of the Gentiles.    3. Those sitting in darkness will see light.   4. The “great light/upon them a light dawned.”  C. THE PREACHING OF JESUS BEGINS (Matthew 4:17). 1. Repent  2. “the kingdom of heaven is at hand”  APPLICATION 1. Location and geography play an important part in God's works 2. Jesus is the Light.   He shines His light through us.  

Northwest Bible Church – Aug. 24, 2025 – Matthew – Alan Conner Matthew 4:8-11 Satan's Third temptation Intro A. THE LOCATION OF THE TEMPTATION (Matthew 4:8). 1. A very high mountain.    2. Location is unknown.  B.  THE TEMPTATION (Matthew 4:8-9). 1. Supernatural vision? (Matthew 4:8). a. "in a moment of time" -  b. What we learn about Satan.   2. Satan claims to be able to give Christ what he just showed Him (9). a. Could Satan really make good on his offer?   b. Cf. Ps. 2:8; 24:1; 103:19; Dan. 4:17. 3.  The temptation -  The crown without the cross  (Matthew 4:9).    a. Jesus is promised dominion by the Father.  Dan. 7:13-14; Ps. 2:8. b. The price tag for this transaction is SIN.  C.  CHRIST'S ANSWER (Matthew 4:10).    1. Jesus now commands Satan to GO. 2.  Jesus quotes Deut. 6:13; 10:20. a. Context. b. Where Israel failed, Christ prevailed. D.  THE BATTLE WON (Matthew 4:11). 1. Satan is dismissed.    2. Angels are sent to minister to Him.     APPLICATIONS 1.  Satan employs visions in tempting us.    2.  What we see can lead us astray.   3.  Don't make the power and glory of this world the goal of your life.  4. Christ never despised the cross.   5. The importance of Scripture to the saints when tested.  

Northwest Bible Church – Aug. 17, 2025 – Matthew – Alan Conner Matthew 4:5-7 Do Not Test the LORD Intro A. LOCATION OF THE TEMPTATION (Matthew 4:5). 1. “the pinnacle of the temple” –  2. Application.    B. THE DEVIL'S TEMPTATION (Matthew 4:6). 1. Satan again calls Jesus “the Son of God”. 2. Challenge:  “Throw Yourself down” -      3. Confirmation:  Ps. 91. a. Satan misquotes the text.    b. Satan misinterprets the text.   c.  Satan misapplies the text.       C. CHRIST'S TRIUMPH OVER THE TEMPTATION (Matthew 4:7). 1. Again Christ uses the Word to defeat Satan's temptation.    2. Context of Deut. 6:16.   Cf. Ex. 17:2-7    3. Both Israel and Jesus were tempted to test God.   D. LESSONS 1. Use the Scriptures correctly.     2. Don't put God to the test.   Conclusion 1. Learn to trust God, and not to test Him. 2. Do not presume on the Father's protection when we deliberately sin.   3. Use the Bible to resist temptations.