Introduction What do you think of when you hear the phrase, “True Confessions”? Some might be reminded of Catholic confession. Others might think of finally coming clean with someone we have deceived or betrayed. True Confessions Magazine, a cherished classic first published in 1922, looks into women's souls and reveals their deepest secrets. It deals with family problems, relationship issues, romances, single moms, abuse, and any other realistic issue women face in our society. But today, I want to suggest that we consider the meaning of these two words: True: To be in congruence with fact or reality Confession: To be in agreement I  Seeking a Sign by the Pharisees and Sadducees The Pharisees and Sadducees came to Jesus: The Pharisees and Sadducees were the principal religious and political parties among the Jews and together they represent official Judaism in its entirety. Fast facts about Pharisees and Sadducees: Pharisees: They embraced the Law, the prophets and the oral tradition. They were the fundamentalists of their day, opposed to Roman rule and concerned about preserving historic Judaism. They codified the Scriptures into 365 negative commandments and 248 positive commandments (613 in total), which became the basis of one’s salvation. Sadducees: They accepted only the Torah as the authority. They were theologically liberal, politically powerful and social ladder climbers. While the Pharisees believed in angels, spirits, and the resurrection of the dead, the Sadducees did not (Acts 23:8). These two opposing groups found temporary unity in their mutual opposition to Jesus Christ. (2014) May God bless you through this message!  You can support this ministry: Donate The Epic Lifehttps://www.theepiclife.org https://www.facebook.com/livetheepiclife https://www.instagram.com/Living_The_Epic_Life

Introduction What do you think of when you hear the phrase, “True Confessions”? Some might be reminded of Catholic confession. Others might think of finally coming clean with someone we have deceived or betrayed. True Confessions Magazine, a cherished classic first published in 1922, looks into women's souls and reveals their deepest secrets. It deals with family problems, relationship issues, romances, single moms, abuse, and any other realistic issue women face in our society. But today, I want to suggest that we consider the meaning of these two words: True: To be in congruence with fact or reality Confession: To be in agreement I  Seeking a Sign by the Pharisees and Sadducees The Pharisees and Sadducees came to Jesus: The Pharisees and Sadducees were the principal religious and political parties among the Jews and together they represent official Judaism in its entirety. Fast facts about Pharisees and Sadducees: Pharisees: They embraced the Law, the prophets and the oral tradition. They were the fundamentalists of their day, opposed to Roman rule and concerned about preserving historic Judaism. They codified the Scriptures into 365 negative commandments and 248 positive commandments (613 in total), which became the basis of one’s salvation. Sadducees: They accepted only the Torah as the authority. They were theologically liberal, politically powerful and social ladder climbers. While the Pharisees believed in angels, spirits, and the resurrection of the dead, the Sadducees did not (Acts 23:8). These two opposing groups found temporary unity in their mutual opposition to Jesus Christ. (2014) May God bless you through this message!  You can support this ministry: Donate The Epic Lifehttps://www.theepiclife.org https://www.facebook.com/livetheepiclife https://www.instagram.com/Living_The_Epic_Life

Introduction Allude We left off in Matthew 15, where Jesus was up in Gennesaret, being confronted by the Pharisees and Scribes for not requiring His disciples to practice ritualistic hand washing – an extra-biblical tradition of the elders not found in the Bible! If that weren’t enough to upset Israel’s religious leaders, now Jesus redirects His ministry and attention toward the surrounding pagan Gentiles! (2014) May God bless you through this message!  You can support this ministry: Donate The Epic Lifehttps://www.theepiclife.org https://www.facebook.com/livetheepiclife https://www.instagram.com/Living_The_Epic_Life

Introduction Allude We left off in Matthew 15, where Jesus was up in Gennesaret, being confronted by the Pharisees and Scribes for not requiring His disciples to practice ritualistic hand washing – an extra-biblical tradition of the elders not found in the Bible! If that weren’t enough to upset Israel’s religious leaders, now Jesus redirects His ministry and attention toward the surrounding pagan Gentiles! (2014) May God bless you through this message!  You can support this ministry: Donate The Epic Lifehttps://www.theepiclife.org https://www.facebook.com/livetheepiclife https://www.instagram.com/Living_The_Epic_Life

Introduction  Virtually every religion outside of Christianity has extra-biblical traditions and teachings (sources that accompany and, many times, supersede the authority of the Bible) that guide and instruct their beliefs: The Mormons have the Bible PLUS the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants and Pearl of Great Price. The Jehovah Witnesses have their own translation of the Bible called the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures PLUS the Watchtower and Awake Magazines. Islam has the Bible PLUS the Quran (God’s final and complete revelation to man) along with half a dozen other books they believe to be of divine origin. The Catholic Church has the Bible PLUS the Vatican Councils, Papal Encyclicals and Catholic traditions: "It is an article of faith from a decree of the Vatican Council that Tradition is a source of theological teaching distinct from Scripture, and that it is infallible. It is therefore to be received with the same internal assent of Scripture, for it is the word of God." - Catholic Dictionary, p. 41-42 "Do you have to believe in Tradition? Yes, because it is the Word of God and has equal authority with the Bible." - Catholic Catechism For Adults, p. 11 The Jews have the Tanakh (the Torah and prophets) PLUS the Midrash, Mishnah and the Talmud. Unlike, these other religions, which place their writing on par with the Bible, Judaism’s supplemental books were considered commentaries, non-holy interpretations that were supplemental to their only divinely authoritative writings – the Old Testament scriptures. But over time, these supplemental books took on an authoritative role in Judaism that many times superseded even the OT scriptures. In contrast, Christians believethe Bible to be the inspired and only infallible, authoritative Word of God. “We believe that the scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are the Word of God, fully inspired without error in the original manuscripts, and the infallible rule of faith and practice. The Word of God is the foundation upon which this church operates and is the basis for which this church is governed. We believe that the Word of God supersedes any earthly law that is contrary to the Holy Scriptures.” (Is 28:13; Neh 8:8; Jn 17:17; 2 Tim 3:16-17; Heb 4:12; 1 Pet 1:23-25; 2 Pet 1:21) (2013) May God bless you through this message!  You can support this ministry: Donate The Epic Lifehttps://www.theepiclife.org https://www.facebook.com/livetheepiclife https://www.instagram.com/Living_The_Epic_Life

Introduction  Virtually every religion outside of Christianity has extra-biblical traditions and teachings (sources that accompany and, many times, supersede the authority of the Bible) that guide and instruct their beliefs: The Mormons have the Bible PLUS the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants and Pearl of Great Price. The Jehovah Witnesses have their own translation of the Bible called the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures PLUS the Watchtower and Awake Magazines. Islam has the Bible PLUS the Quran (God’s final and complete revelation to man) along with half a dozen other books they believe to be of divine origin. The Catholic Church has the Bible PLUS the Vatican Councils, Papal Encyclicals and Catholic traditions: "It is an article of faith from a decree of the Vatican Council that Tradition is a source of theological teaching distinct from Scripture, and that it is infallible. It is therefore to be received with the same internal assent of Scripture, for it is the word of God." - Catholic Dictionary, p. 41-42 "Do you have to believe in Tradition? Yes, because it is the Word of God and has equal authority with the Bible." - Catholic Catechism For Adults, p. 11 The Jews have the Tanakh (the Torah and prophets) PLUS the Midrash, Mishnah and the Talmud. Unlike, these other religions, which place their writing on par with the Bible, Judaism’s supplemental books were considered commentaries, non-holy interpretations that were supplemental to their only divinely authoritative writings – the Old Testament scriptures. But over time, these supplemental books took on an authoritative role in Judaism that many times superseded even the OT scriptures. In contrast, Christians believethe Bible to be the inspired and only infallible, authoritative Word of God. “We believe that the scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are the Word of God, fully inspired without error in the original manuscripts, and the infallible rule of faith and practice. The Word of God is the foundation upon which this church operates and is the basis for which this church is governed. We believe that the Word of God supersedes any earthly law that is contrary to the Holy Scriptures.” (Is 28:13; Neh 8:8; Jn 17:17; 2 Tim 3:16-17; Heb 4:12; 1 Pet 1:23-25; 2 Pet 1:21) (2013) May God bless you through this message!  You can support this ministry: Donate The Epic Lifehttps://www.theepiclife.org https://www.facebook.com/livetheepiclife https://www.instagram.com/Living_The_Epic_Life

Introduction  -  Context: Jesus has been presented and authenticated as the Messiah of God The Jews have rejected Jesus and have demonized Him But Jesus never stopped teaching and healing the crowds He discovered that Herod has brutally beheaded his cousin and forerunner, John the Baptist and is devastated by the news His first attempt to be alone was interrupted by the physical needs for food by 5,000 men – plus women and children! In this passage, we find the disciples in the grip of a fierce storm on the Sea of Galilee.  A storm similar to the one they encountered in Matthew chapter 8.  A storm so violent that it left these weathered and experienced seamen in fear for their lives. It’s a very strange and sometimes confusing place to be – in the will of God and in the midst of a storm, all at the same time!! Have you ever found yourself in that place? - Doing what you understand to be the will of God - Facing the headwinds of a threatening crisis I don’t know what kind of storm you might be facing today, but I do know that the Lord has a purpose in allowing that storm to rage in your life. (2013) May God bless you through this message!  You can support this ministry: Donate The Epic Lifehttps://www.theepiclife.org https://www.facebook.com/livetheepiclife https://www.instagram.com/Living_The_Epic_Life

Conclusion 1. Have you touched the hem of Jesus’ garment that has been washed in His blood? 2. Are you in the midst of a storm right now? a. Don’t be surprised; they’re a part of His plan for your growth and His glory! b. Be confident that, even if it seems like He’s absent, Jesus is with you! c. Don’t forget to cry out to Him for deliverance! d. Resist cowardice in the face of the headwinds – instead, put your faith in Him! e. Rest assured that, in due time, He will calm the waters! f. Rejoice that His eternal purposes, though often unseen by human eyes, are being achieved in the midst of your patient trust and obedience! g. Give Him thanks and praise when you get to the other side! - Ps 107:23-32

Introduction In Matthew 14:1-21, we find Jesus facing the very personal, senseless, painful and brutal death of His cousin and Messianic forerunner, John the Baptist!  No one would blame Jesus for being consumed with grief, taking some time off from ministry, meeting His own needs for a while and turning the ministry over to someone else!  But He doesn’t do that.  Instead, He continues to serve!! In truth, this passage teaches us a great deal about how to respond when faced with life’s inevitable challenges, injustices, losses and disappointments! (2013) May God bless you through this message!  You can support this ministry: Donate The Epic Lifehttps://www.theepiclife.org https://www.facebook.com/livetheepiclife https://www.instagram.com/Living_The_Epic_Life

Conclusion: 1. Unbelievers: Don’t be like Herod -- soften your heart to the gospel! Heb 3:7 “Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says: ”Today, if you will hear His voice do not harden your hearts …” 2. Believers: Be like Jesus -- keep on sowing, even in times of tears!

I  The Hidden Treasure The kingdom of heaven is like …: [Verse 44a] Treasure hidden in a field, which a man found Treasure =  Thesauros = “A deposit, i.e. wealth” Hidden = Krupto = “To conceal by covering” The man’s joyful response: [Verse 44b] He hid it He sold all that he had He bought that field Interpretation and application A common interpretation is that the man who finds the treasure/pearl is an unbeliever who finds Christ and sells all he has in order to obtain salvation.  Here are the problems with this interpretation: It violates the principle of “Expositional Constancy”. In the previous parables, Jesus has already informed us that the “field” is symbolic of the world (Matt 13:38) – a rather unlikely place to find spiritual treasure. It violates a biblical understanding of salvation by faith: The treasure (Christ and salvation by faith) isn’t for sale nor can it be purchased. Even if it were possible, an unbeliever has no resources from which to make such a purchase. A new believer has no reason to hide his newfound faith in Christ, but rather, is expected to make it public through the proclamation of “Believer’s Baptism”. (2013) May God bless you through this message!  You can support this ministry: Donate The Epic Lifehttps://www.theepiclife.org https://www.facebook.com/livetheepiclife https://www.instagram.com/Living_The_Epic_Life

I  The Hidden Treasure The kingdom of heaven is like …: [Verse 44a] Treasure hidden in a field, which a man found Treasure =  Thesauros = “A deposit, i.e. wealth” Hidden = Krupto = “To conceal by covering” The man’s joyful response: [Verse 44b] He hid it He sold all that he had He bought that field Interpretation and application A common interpretation is that the man who finds the treasure/pearl is an unbeliever who finds Christ and sells all he has in order to obtain salvation.  Here are the problems with this interpretation: It violates the principle of “Expositional Constancy”. In the previous parables, Jesus has already informed us that the “field” is symbolic of the world (Matt 13:38) – a rather unlikely place to find spiritual treasure. It violates a biblical understanding of salvation by faith: The treasure (Christ and salvation by faith) isn’t for sale nor can it be purchased. Even if it were possible, an unbeliever has no resources from which to make such a purchase. A new believer has no reason to hide his newfound faith in Christ, but rather, is expected to make it public through the proclamation of “Believer’s Baptism”. (2013) May God bless you through this message!  You can support this ministry: Donate The Epic Lifehttps://www.theepiclife.org https://www.facebook.com/livetheepiclife https://www.instagram.com/Living_The_Epic_Life

Introduction Israel’s leaders’ response to the gospel in Matthew 11-12: Refused to accept the testimony about Christ John the Baptist The Father (at Jesus’ baptism) The OT prophesies Christ Himself The Holy Spirit’s authenticating miracles 2. Rejected Jesus Christ as the Messiah!3. Committed the unpardonable sin – Matt 12:31-32 Defined: “The national rejection by Israel of the Messiah, while he was present on earth, on the basis of His being demon possessed.” These events set the stage for a marked transition in Jesus’ ministry: He taught using parables – explaining their meaning only to the disciples Why did Jesus teach in parables? To reveal the mysteries of the kingdom To conceal the mysteries of the kingdom To appeal through fulfilled prophecy and divine judgment (2013) May God bless you through this message!  You can support this ministry: Donate The Epic Lifehttps://www.theepiclife.org https://www.facebook.com/livetheepiclife https://www.instagram.com/Living_The_Epic_Life

Conclusion: May I encourage you to respond to the exhortation of the scriptures: 1. Be willing to examine yourself 2. Be on guard: Acts 20:28-31 3. Be fruitful

Introduction Summary of Israel’s leaders’ response to the gospel in Matthew 11-12: Refused to accept the testimony about Christ:  John the Baptist, The Father (at Jesus’ baptism), The OT prophesies, Christ Himself, The Holy Spirit’s authenticating miracles Rejected Jesus Christ as the Messiah! Committed the unpardonable sin – Matt 12:31-32 Defined: “The unpardonable sin is the national rejection by Israel of the Messiahship of Yeshua, while he was present on earth, on the basis of His being demon possessed.” These events set the stage for a marked transition in Jesus’ ministry: He taught using parables – explaining them only to the disciples He spent more time teaching outside the synagogue He appealed for a greater degree of secrecy: “Don’t tell anyone what I have done for you” “Don’t spread the news about the miracles” May God bless you through this message!  You can support this ministry: Donate The Epic Lifehttps://www.theepiclife.org https://www.facebook.com/livetheepiclife https://www.instagram.com/Living_The_Epic_Life

Introduction Summary of Israel’s leaders’ response to the gospel in Matthew 11-12: Refused to accept the testimony about Christ:  John the Baptist, The Father (at Jesus’ baptism), The OT prophesies, Christ Himself, The Holy Spirit’s authenticating miracles Rejected Jesus Christ as the Messiah! Committed the unpardonable sin – Matt 12:31-32 Defined: “The unpardonable sin is the national rejection by Israel of the Messiahship of Yeshua, while he was present on earth, on the basis of His being demon possessed.” These events set the stage for a marked transition in Jesus’ ministry: He taught using parables – explaining them only to the disciples He spent more time teaching outside the synagogue He appealed for a greater degree of secrecy: “Don’t tell anyone what I have done for you” “Don’t spread the news about the miracles” (2013) May God bless you through this message!  You can support this ministry: Donate The Epic Lifehttps://www.theepiclife.org https://www.facebook.com/livetheepiclife https://www.instagram.com/Living_The_Epic_Life

Introduction Last week we left off in Matthew 12:23-37 with Jesus announcing that the Jewish leaders had committed the unpardonable sin, which we defined as: “The national rejection by Israel of the Messiahship of Yeshua, while he was present on earth, on the basis of His being demon possessed.” Instead of being broken and contrite over this damning statement, the Pharisees, after quickly deliberating together, asked Jesus for another authenticating sign! The request for another sign – after Jesus had already given dozens of miraculous, divine, prophecy-fulfilling signs of His Messiahship, was little more than a pretence by ungodly, hard-hearted, rebellious men who were fully committed to rejecting Jesus – no matter what!  (2013) May God bless you through this message!  You can support this ministry: Donate The Epic Lifehttps://www.theepiclife.org https://www.facebook.com/livetheepiclife https://www.instagram.com/Living_The_Epic_Life

Review: A King, a Kingdom and a citizenry.  Matthew presents the testimony of: John the Baptist The Father (at Jesus’ baptism) The OT prophecies Christ Himself The Holy Spirit’s authenticating miracles All these were rejected by the spiritual leaders of Israel! I  The Remarkable Healing A man was brought to Jesus on the Sabbath: [Verse 22a] He was demon-possessed He was blind He was mute = Kophos = “Deaf and dumb” Now the act of casting out demons was itself not all that unusual in that day and age. Even the Pharisees, and the Rabbis, and their disciples were practicing the casting out of demons. But the Pharisees carried out a ritual that had three basic steps: First of all he would have to establish communication with the demon. When the demon speaks he uses the vocal chords of the person he controls. Secondly, after establishing communication with the demon he would have to find out the demon’s name. Thirdly, once he knew what the demon’s name was he could use the name to command the demon to go out. These were the three steps of the ancient Jewish procedure.  On another occasion, in Mark 5, Jesus used the standard Jewish approach. He asked the demon, “What is your name?” and the answer was, “My name is Legion”. Because of this three step procedure there was one kind of demon they could do nothing about: the kind of demon that caused the person controlled to be a mute so he could not speak.  And because the person could not speak, there was no way of establishing communication with this kind of a demon, no way of finding out the demon’s name, and so in the framework of Judaism it was reckoned impossible to cast this kind of a demon out. But the common teaching was that whenever the Messiah comes he will cast out dumb demons. When demons possess people, they manifest physically in a variety of ways: Demons make people mute (Matt. 9:32), deaf (Mark 9:25), or blind (Matt. 12:22). Demons can make some people lunatics (Matt. 17:5) who scream constantly (Mark 5:5), cutting themselves (Mark 5:5) and tearing off their clothes (Mark 5:15). They attack the bodies they are in, seizing them (Luke 8:29) with convulsions (Mark 1:26), slamming their bodies down onto the ground (Luke 9:42), or sometimes into painful or dangerous places like fire and water (Matt. 17:15) The demon-possessed turn on other people, becoming violent (Matt. 8:28) and attacking innocent bystanders (Acts 19:16). This is exceptionally dangerous, since the demons are able to give them superhuman strength to do things like break chains (Mark 5:4). And if all this isn’t bad enough, some people have multiple demons living inside of them (Matt. 12:45, Luke 8:30). May God bless you through this message!  You can support this ministry: Donate The Epic Lifehttps://www.theepiclife.org https://www.facebook.com/livetheepiclife https://www.instagram.com/Living_The_Epic_Life

Review: A King, a Kingdom and a citizenry.  Matthew presents the testimony of: John the Baptist The Father (at Jesus’ baptism) The OT prophecies Christ Himself The Holy Spirit’s authenticating miracles All these were rejected by the spiritual leaders of Israel! I  The Remarkable Healing A man was brought to Jesus on the Sabbath: [Verse 22a] He was demon-possessed He was blind He was mute = Kophos = “Deaf and dumb” Now the act of casting out demons was itself not all that unusual in that day and age. Even the Pharisees, and the Rabbis, and their disciples were practicing the casting out of demons. But the Pharisees carried out a ritual that had three basic steps: First of all he would have to establish communication with the demon. When the demon speaks he uses the vocal chords of the person he controls. Secondly, after establishing communication with the demon he would have to find out the demon’s name. Thirdly, once he knew what the demon’s name was he could use the name to command the demon to go out. These were the three steps of the ancient Jewish procedure.  On another occasion, in Mark 5, Jesus used the standard Jewish approach. He asked the demon, “What is your name?” and the answer was, “My name is Legion”. Because of this three step procedure there was one kind of demon they could do nothing about: the kind of demon that caused the person controlled to be a mute so he could not speak.  And because the person could not speak, there was no way of establishing communication with this kind of a demon, no way of finding out the demon’s name, and so in the framework of Judaism it was reckoned impossible to cast this kind of a demon out. But the common teaching was that whenever the Messiah comes he will cast out dumb demons. When demons possess people, they manifest physically in a variety of ways: Demons make people mute (Matt. 9:32), deaf (Mark 9:25), or blind (Matt. 12:22). Demons can make some people lunatics (Matt. 17:5) who scream constantly (Mark 5:5), cutting themselves (Mark 5:5) and tearing off their clothes (Mark 5:15). They attack the bodies they are in, seizing them (Luke 8:29) with convulsions (Mark 1:26), slamming their bodies down onto the ground (Luke 9:42), or sometimes into painful or dangerous places like fire and water (Matt. 17:15) The demon-possessed turn on other people, becoming violent (Matt. 8:28) and attacking innocent bystanders (Acts 19:16). This is exceptionally dangerous, since the demons are able to give them superhuman strength to do things like break chains (Mark 5:4). And if all this isn’t bad enough, some people have multiple demons living inside of them (Matt. 12:45, Luke 8:30). May God bless you through this message!  You can support this ministry: Donate The Epic Lifehttps://www.theepiclife.org https://www.facebook.com/livetheepiclife https://www.instagram.com/Living_The_Epic_Life

Introduction What we have here is the invitation of two very different gospels: The gospel of Jesus Christ! Matt 11:28-30  “Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” The gospel of Israel’s religious leaders Matt 11:28-30  “Come to us, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and we will increase your anxiety, guilt, shame, discouragement and sense of despair.  Take our yoke upon you and learn from us, for we are demanding and haughty of heart, and you will experience spiritual exhaustion and defeat for your souls.  For our yoke is harsh and our burden is overwhelmingly oppressive." Depending on which Gospel you believe, you will either be: Exhausted: Physical, emotionally or spiritually fatigued Drained of energy and effectiveness Completely used up or depleted Often accompanied by feeling of discouragement and depression Exhilarated: To make cheerful, to refresh, to excite or to energize To invigorate, stimulate, excite Accompanied by feelings of euphoria, joy and strength  As you may recall, Matthew is presenting his Jewish readers with Good News: A new King – Jesus Christ! A new citizenry – believers in Jesus Christ! A new kingdom – a new heaven and earth – Rev 21 But in Matthew 9, it becomes apparent that Israel’s religious leaders aren’t responding well to Jesus’ call to repentance from sin – a non-negotiable requirement to experiencing this new life!  So they go on the attack!  In chapter 10, Jesus warns His disciples that they will be persecuted by these same leaders and, in chapter 11, these shepherds of Israel begin to openly reject the ministry and message of Jesus Christ! And now, in chapter 12, we find these men have gone beyond irritation and are now filled with rage, fury, anger, and hatred!  In many ways, this chapter is a turning point; the mounting, growing unbelief of Israel crystallizes in this chapter and will, ultimately, find its climax in the crucifixion of Christ! May God bless you through this message!  You can support this ministry: Donate The Epic Lifehttps://www.theepiclife.org https://www.facebook.com/livetheepiclife https://www.instagram.com/Living_The_Epic_Life