Introduction

Three levels of proof within the courts of Law in our country:

1. Proof by a preponderance of the evidence: The standard is met if the proposition is more likely to be true than not true (anything greater than 50 percent chance).
2. Proof by clear and convincing evidence: The evidence establishes a high probability that the facts are true. These first two are the standard used for civil litigation.
3. Proof beyond a reasonable doubt: This is the strictest standard of proof and requires that there be no doubt as to a person’s guilt or innocence. This is the standard for criminal proceedings. The reason that the high proof standard of reasonable doubt is used in criminal trials is that such proceedings can result in the deprivation of a defendant's liberty or even in his or her death.

In Matthew chapter 8-9, we are presented with the evidences or proof of Jesus rightful claim as the Messiah (Isa 35:5-6; 42:6-7), demonstrated by 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)
4. Over the penalty of sin by forgiving the sins of a paralytic (Mt 9:1-17)

And now, over death by bringing a dead girl back to life!

Perhaps you remember that John the Baptist had gone through a time of doubting. He was in prison; and sent some of his disciples to Jesus to ask if He truly was the Messiah. And Jesus assured him by sending them back; saying, “Go and tell John the things which you hear and see: The blind see and the lame walk; the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear; the dead are raised up and the poor have the gospel preached to them. And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me.” (Matthew 11:4-6).

Each of these uniquely Messianic activities were prophesied over 700 years in advance of Christ! (Is 29:18; 35:5-6; 42:6-7; 61:1-2)

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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 bless you through this message!

You can support this ministry: Donate

The Epic Life https://www.theepiclife.org https://www.facebook.com/livetheepiclife https://www.instagram.com/Living_The_Epic_Life

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 bless you through this message!

You can support this ministry: Donate

The Epic Life https://www.theepiclife.org https://www.facebook.com/livetheepiclife https://www.instagram.com/Living_The_Epic_Life

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 aloud from the steps of Independence Hall, proclaiming it to the city of Philadelphia, after which the Liberty Bell was rung. The inscription around the top of that bell, Leviticus 25:10, was most appropriate for the occasion: “Proclaim liberty throughout the land and to all the inhabitants thereof”.

On August 2 of that same year, fifty-six men signed their names to the historic document, giving birth to a new nation as they declared their independence from Great Britain.

On the very day they approved the Declaration, Adams, foreseeing that their actions would be celebrated by future generations told Abigail: “It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty”.

The signers of the document

1. Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists.

1. Eleven were merchants
2. Nine were farmers and large plantation owners
3. The rest were a collection of physicians, politicians, educators, and ministers

They were well-educated, successful and financially secure -- but they valued liberty more. With courage and resolve they agreed to the following commitment: "For the support of this declaration, with firm reliance on the protection of the divine providence, we mutually pledge to each other, our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor."

These men signed the Declaration of Independence knowing full well that, if captured by the British, they would be executed.

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(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 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 aloud from the steps of Independence Hall, proclaiming it to the city of Philadelphia, after which the Liberty Bell was rung. The inscription around the top of that bell, Leviticus 25:10, was most appropriate for the occasion: “Proclaim liberty throughout the land and to all the inhabitants thereof”.

On August 2 of that same year, fifty-six men signed their names to the historic document, giving birth to a new nation as they declared their independence from Great Britain.

On the very day they approved the Declaration, Adams, foreseeing that their actions would be celebrated by future generations told Abigail: “It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty”.

The signers of the document

1. Twenty-four were lawyers and jurists.

1. Eleven were merchants
2. Nine were farmers and large plantation owners
3. The rest were a collection of physicians, politicians, educators, and ministers

They were well-educated, successful and financially secure -- but they valued liberty more. With courage and resolve they agreed to the following commitment: "For the support of this declaration, with firm reliance on the protection of the divine providence, we mutually pledge to each other, our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor."

These men signed the Declaration of Independence knowing full well that, if captured by the British, they would be executed.

May God bless you through this message!

You can support this ministry: Donate

The Epic Life https://www.theepiclife.org https://www.facebook.com/livetheepiclife https://www.instagram.com/Living_The_Epic_Life

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 of a storm in your life?

1. Don't be surprised; they’re a part of His plan for your growth and His glory!
2. Be confident that, even if it seems like He's asleep, Jesus is with you!
3. Don’t forget to cry out to Him for deliverance!
4. Resist cowardice – instead, put your faith in Him!
5. Rest assured that, in due time, He will calm the waters!
6. Rejoice that His eternal purposes, though often unseen by human eyes, are being achieved in the midst of your patient trust and obedience!
7. Give Him thanks and praise when you get to the other side! - Ps 107:23-32

May God bless you through this message!

You can support this ministry: Donate

The Epic Life https://www.theepiclife.org https://www.facebook.com/livetheepiclife https://www.instagram.com/Living_The_Epic_Life

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 of a storm in your life?

1. Don't be surprised; they’re a part of His plan for your growth and His glory!
2. Be confident that, even if it seems like He's asleep, Jesus is with you!
3. Don’t forget to cry out to Him for deliverance!
4. Resist cowardice – instead, put your faith in Him!
5. Rest assured that, in due time, He will calm the waters!
6. Rejoice that His eternal purposes, though often unseen by human eyes, are being achieved in the midst of your patient trust and obedience!
7. Give Him thanks and praise when you get to the other side! - Ps 107:23-32

May God bless you through this message!

You can support this ministry: Donate

The Epic Life https://www.theepiclife.org https://www.facebook.com/livetheepiclife https://www.instagram.com/Living_The_Epic_Life

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 and others: James 5:13-16
3. Have a thankful heart!

Ps 103:2-3 “Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits -- who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases …”

May God bless you through this message!

You can support this ministry: Donate

The Epic Life https://www.theepiclife.org https://www.facebook.com/livetheepiclife https://www.instagram.com/Living_The_Epic_Life