The Epic Life - Bob Hallman

In Matthew chapter 8, we are presented with the validating credentials of the promised Messiah (Isa 35:5-6; 42:6-7) who demonstrated His authority:

1. Over the physical world by healing the leper (Mt 8:1-4)
2. Over the natural world by calming the storm (Mt 8:23-27)
3. Over the spiritual world by casting demons out of the demoniacs (Mt 8:28-34)

Now Jesus will demonstrate His authority by forgiving the sins of a paralytic.

May God...

In Matthew chapter 8, we are presented with the validating credentials of the promised Messiah (Isa 35:5-6; 42:6-7) who demonstrated His authority:

1. Over the physical world by healing the leper (Mt 8:1-4)
2. Over the natural world by calming the storm (Mt 8:23-27)
3. Over the spiritual world by casting demons out of the demoniacs (Mt 8:28-34)

Now Jesus will demonstrate His authority by forgiving the sins of a paralytic.

May God...

National Freedom

The “Declaration of Independence”

On July 2, 1776, Congress voted to approve a complete separation from Great Britain. Two days afterwards — July 4th —the early draft of the Declaration of Independence was signed by only two individuals at that time: John Hancock, President of Congress, and Charles Thompson, Secretary of Congress.

Four days later, on July 8, members of Congress took that document and read it alou...

(Note:  Beginning of message has announcements)

The Fourth of July! Independence Day! It brings to mind fireworks, sparklers, family barbecues, picnics and baseball and, of course, our freedom!

National Freedom

The “Declaration of Independence”

On July 2, 1776, Congress voted to approve a complete separation from Great Britain. Two days afterwards — July 4th —the early draft of the Declaration of Independence was signe...

Matthew presents the credentials of Jesus Christ as the promised Messiah (Is 53:1-6):

1. He has power over disease in Matt 8:1-17
2. He has power over nature and demons in Matt 8:18-34
3. He has power over death in Matt 9

Application:

Are you an authentic follower of Jesus Christ?  What, if anything, is a potential rival/hindrance to the priority of you being an “immediate” sold-out follower of Jesus Christ?

Are you in the middle...

Matthew presents the credentials of Jesus Christ as the promised Messiah (Is 53:1-6):

1. He has power over disease in Matt 8:1-17
2. He has power over nature and demons in Matt 8:18-34
3. He has power over death in Matt 9

Application:

Are you an authentic follower of Jesus Christ?  What, if anything, is a potential rival/hindrance to the priority of you being an “immediate” sold-out follower of Jesus Christ?

Are you in the middle...

Introduction

Following the pronouncement of the principles of the kingdom in chapters 5-7, Matthew now presents the authenticating evidence of Jesus’ prophetic credentials as the Messiah King!

Lessons from this text:

1. Always come to the Lord with humility and with an acknowledgment that the eternal will of God always trumps our personal preferences: Our prayer must always be, “If you are willing …”
2. Make your need known to God a...

Introduction

Following the pronouncement of the principles of the kingdom in chapters 5-7, Matthew now presents the authenticating evidence of Jesus’ prophetic credentials as the Messiah King!

Lessons from this text:

1. Always come to the Lord with humility and with an acknowledgment that the eternal will of God always trumps our personal preferences: Our prayer must always be, “If you are willing …”
2. Make your need known to God a...

Introduction

Jesus is wrapping up the Sermon on the Mount, which is a proclamation of the law of His Kingdom, with three pairs of contrasts, all meant to sway us to a life of obedience to our sovereign Lord and King:

1. Two gates: One narrow leading to life – the other wide leading to destruction.
2. Two trees: One good bearing good fruit – the other bad and being cut down.
3. Two foundations: One on the rock surviving a storm – the ot...

Introduction

Jesus is wrapping up the Sermon on the Mount, which is a proclamation of the law of His Kingdom, with three pairs of contrasts, all meant to sway us to a life of obedience to our sovereign Lord and King:

1. Two gates: One narrow leading to life – the other wide leading to destruction.
2. Two trees: One good bearing good fruit – the other bad and being cut down.
3. Two foundations: One on the rock surviving a storm – the ot...

Encouragement for Dads! 

Duct tape is like the force--it has a light side and a dark side and it holds the universe together – everything from our car's dangling side-view mirror to making our slippers last just a little longer!

Key points:

• Stick to the main thing
• Hold it together
• Be strong yet flexible
• Avoid exposure to damaging elements
• Remember: You're not the permanent solution

May God bless you through this message!...

Introduction

As we continue our study of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus reveals the standards, morals, ethics, attitudes and conduct characterized by the citizenry of God’s kingdom and the importance of having “20/20 Spiritual Vision”!

I  The Problem with Judging

1. Do not judge or you too will be judged: [Verse 1-2]

Judge = Krino = “To separate or make a distinction between things”

Positive: “To distinguish or adjudicate”

...

Introduction

As we continue our study of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus reveals the standards, morals, ethics, attitudes and conduct characterized by the citizenry of God’s kingdom and the importance of having “20/20 Spiritual Vision”!

I  The Problem with Judging

1. Do not judge or you too will be judged: [Verse 1-2]

Judge = Krino = “To separate or make a distinction between things”

Positive: “To distinguish or adjudicate”

...

Is there really such a thing as “Wealth Without Risk”?  Absolutely!! But it’s not going to be found in the midst of man’s shifting principles as he clings desperately to his stuff on a doomed world.

Rather, it can only ultimately be experienced by those who believe God’s Word, become a child of God and live their lives for God’s eternal kingdom!

Beginning of sermon outline:

I  Kingdom Investing Wisdom

1. Do not store up for yours...

Principle:  What you are in private is the true measure of your spiritual life!

 Apparent contradiction: “Rule of Thumb” when it comes to good deeds:

1. If the motive is to pursue the praise of God, then let them be seen!  Matt 5:16  “In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”
2. If the motive is to pursue the praise of men, then let them be done in secret! ...

A newspaper is a daily miracle!  But they are far from perfect!  Mistakes are made! When mistakes occur, editors have a section of the paper called “Corrections and Clarifications” where they amend these mistakes.

Like the errant newspapers of today, the religious leaders in Israel had not only made mistakes – they had intentionally misinterpreted the facts about the true meaning of the Law in order to justify themselves before God...

A newspaper is a daily miracle!  But they are far from perfect!  Mistakes are made! When mistakes occur, editors have a section of the paper called “Corrections and Clarifications” where they amend these mistakes.

Like the errant newspapers of today, the religious leaders in Israel had not only made mistakes – they had intentionally misinterpreted the facts about the true meaning of the Law in order to justify themselves before God...

Like the errant newspapers of today, the religious leaders in Israel had misinterpreted the facts about the true meaning of the Law and had disseminated their misinformation among their fellow Jews for centuries. Jesus gives the correct interpretation of the law.

Note: The last half of the sermon is missing, but the instructive notes for Reconciliation are below:

The appeal for corrective action:     [Verse 23-24]

1. If you are o...

Introduction

Matthew skips some of the earliest events as recorded in John's Gospel: the wedding at Cana, the first cleansing of the temple, the encounter with Nicodemus, the visit to Samaria and reveals to us a most remarkable event – the temptation of the Messiah!

Why is this event so important?

1. It represented a supernatural showdown between Satan and the Son of God
2. It reversed the failure of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Ed...