The Bible teaches us that we are to: “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.”  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18  "Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise -- the fruit of lips that confess his name.”  Hebrews 13:15   As Christians, we certainly have much to be thankful for: We have been forgiven of our sins We have been given the gift of the Holy Spirit We have direct access and fellowship with God through His Word and prayer We have the knowledge that God is always working for our ultimate good We have been placed in the family God with wonderful sisters and brothers We have assurance of eternal life We have the promise of an eternal inheritance with Christ In light of the many blessing that God has given us, our lives should be full of praise, thanksgiving, and joy.  May God bless you through this message!  The Epic Life3-2600 Kaumualii HWY STE 1300 #513 Lihue, HI 96766 https://www.theepiclife.org https://www.facebook.com/livetheepiclife https://www.instagram.com/Living_The_Epic_Life https://www.theepiclife.podbean.com

Review: Peter, James and John have just witnessed the Transfiguration of Jesus Christ and have heard the testimony of Moses and Elijah who confirm that Jesus is, indeed, the Messianic fulfillment of the OT Law and Prophecies! And now we find them descending into the valley of life’s reality as they come face to face with “Suffering, Death and Taxes”!! Summary: Our brief mountain top experiences are always followed by a return to the unsettling valley of reality! (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

Review: Peter, James and John have just witnessed the Transfiguration of Jesus Christ and have heard the testimony of Moses and Elijah who confirm that Jesus is, indeed, the Messianic fulfillment of the OT Law and Prophecies! And now we find them descending into the valley of life’s reality as they come face to face with “Suffering, Death and Taxes”!! Summary: Our brief mountain top experiences are always followed by a return to the unsettling valley of reality! (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

I The Revelation of Jesus’ Identity Now, after six days: [Verse 1] Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother It may surprise you to know this; but Jesus didn't treat all the twelve disciples equally. Among the twelve, He had a special relationship with these three and included them … When He raised Jairus’ daughter from the dead - Lk 8:51 When He clarified the signs of the His 2nd Coming - Mk 13:3 When He was praying in the Garden of Gethsemane - Mt 26:36-38 Jesus led them up on a high mountain by themselves "Why does Jesus do this?  To rest and pray - Luke 9:28  They were weary from sleep” - Luke 9:32-33 Why does He take Peter, James and John?" To serve as witnesses.  The Scriptures say, ‘by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established' (Dt 19:15; Mt 18:16; 2 Cor 13:1).  They were intimates of the Saviour They were acknowledged trustworthy leaders. In Galatians 2:9, Paul refers to them as “pillars of the church”! He was transfigured before them: [Verse 2] Transfigured = Metamorphoo = “To transform” Meta = “To change”     Morph = “Form”   English = “Metamorphosis”  Note: This was not a new miracle, but the temporary cessation of an ongoing one.  The real miracle was that Jesus, most of the time, could keep from displaying this glory.  Now, what had been concealed burst forth!! (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

I The Revelation of Jesus’ Identity Now, after six days: [Verse 1] Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother It may surprise you to know this; but Jesus didn't treat all the twelve disciples equally. Among the twelve, He had a special relationship with these three and included them … When He raised Jairus’ daughter from the dead - Lk 8:51 When He clarified the signs of the His 2nd Coming - Mk 13:3 When He was praying in the Garden of Gethsemane - Mt 26:36-38 Jesus led them up on a high mountain by themselves "Why does Jesus do this?  To rest and pray - Luke 9:28  They were weary from sleep” - Luke 9:32-33 Why does He take Peter, James and John?" To serve as witnesses.  The Scriptures say, ‘by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established' (Dt 19:15; Mt 18:16; 2 Cor 13:1).  They were intimates of the Saviour They were acknowledged trustworthy leaders. In Galatians 2:9, Paul refers to them as “pillars of the church”! He was transfigured before them: [Verse 2] Transfigured = Metamorphoo = “To transform” Meta = “To change”     Morph = “Form”   English = “Metamorphosis”  Note: This was not a new miracle, but the temporary cessation of an ongoing one.  The real miracle was that Jesus, most of the time, could keep from displaying this glory.  Now, what had been concealed burst forth!! (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 The Confession of Simon Peter (16:13-20) Jesus questions the disciples (vv. 13-15) regarding the popular perceptions of his identity and then, specifically asks the disciples for their opinion by asking, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter, acting as a spokesman for the group, made two historic assertions: “You are the Christ”: The anointed Messiah of God (His mission) “The Son of the Living God”: More than a prophet, He was the One and Only Son of God (His identity) and fulfillment of OT prophecies (Jn 6:68) (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

Summary: There are two reasons to become followers of Jesus Christ: 1. For true spiritual safety 2. For true riches. The promise made in this section is fulfilled in the next section with the revelation of the kingdom, the transfiguration.

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