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

(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

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

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

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 other built on sand and being destroyed by the same storm.

In the midst of these destiny-shaping choices, Jesus reminds us in Matthew 7:1-6 to not be condemning in our judgment of others, but to biblically assess (adjudicate) our own life as well as those who profess to be followers of Jesus Christ!

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

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 other built on sand and being destroyed by the same storm.

In the midst of these destiny-shaping choices, Jesus reminds us in Matthew 7:1-6 to not be condemning in our judgment of others, but to biblically assess (adjudicate) our own life as well as those who profess to be followers of Jesus Christ!

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