Author: Don McGarvey

The Branch

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Troy Mills Christian Church

Sunday, December 5, 2021

Second Sunday of Advent

Bible Reading: Psalm 119:49-56 “Remember your promise to me; it is my only hope. Your promise revives me; it comforts me in all my troubles. The proud hold me in utter contempt, but I do not turn away from your instructions. I meditate on your age-old regulations; O Lord, they comfort me. I become furious with the wicked, because they reject your instructions. Your decrees have been the theme of my songs wherever I have lived. I reflect at night on who you are O Lord; therefore, I obey your instructions. This is how I spend my life: obeying your commandments.” (NLT)

The Branch that Brings Peace

Text: Isaiah 11:1-10

#1—A shoot (branch) will rise from the stump of Jesse

#2—The Spirit of God would rest upon this Branch

          Matthew 3:16-17

          Acts 10:38

#3—The Branch will rule in righteousness and bring peace

#4—The Branch will become a banner for all

          Romans 5:1-2

Three final verses regarding the peace of God:

Philippians 4:7 “and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

John 16:33 “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

When God Speaks

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When God speaks, it is not a matter of “if” what He said will come to pass. Instead, it’s a question of how or when it will come to pass.

Case in point. Seven hundred years before the birth of Christ, God spoke through a prophet by the name of Micah. He had Micah decree that Messiah would be born in a “little town” called Bethlehem, in the region of Ephrathah.

It was settled. The Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. God had spoken this through His prophet, Micah. Now it was just a matter of God bringing about all the details.

At the appropriate time, God found a young lady, Mary, living in Nazareth. God sent an angel to announce to her that she was part of His plan to bring His One and Only Son, Jesus, the Messiah, to the earth. This appears to be a problem because she was betrothed to a carpenter named Joseph who also lived in Nazareth.

At the appropriate time, God sent an angel to Joseph to explain things and to give Joseph a plan for how to deal with this unique situation. And Joseph cooperated. God had spoken. But what about Bethlehem?

Nazareth is 97 miles north of Bethlehem. It would have been a five-day journey. There was no such thing as a pleasant five-day journey, especially for someone about to give birth. Was Bethlehem out of the picture? No, God had spoken.

Once again, at the appropriate time, God raised up a Roman Emperor by the name of Augustus. He decreed that a census be taken all throughout the Roman Empire for the purpose of taxation. The Roman Emperor was one of the details God was using to bring about His plan. God had spoken.

A census meant that everyone living in the Roman Empire had to travel to their “ancestral home” to register. Now Joseph was of the house of David which meant he had to return to Bethlehem. God had spoken.

While Joseph and Mary were in Bethlehem, the appropriate time came for Messiah to be born, “born of a woman, born under the Law, so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption  as sons and daughters.”

Don’t give up on the things God has spoken. His decrees (promises) are “Yes and Amen.”

It’s just a matter of how and when.

Always in Pursuit!

Don

A Light Has Shined

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Troy Mills Christian Church

Sunday, November 28, 2021

The First Sunday of Advent

Scripture Reading: Psalm 119:41-48 “Lord, give me your unfailing love, the salvation that you promised me. Then I can answer those who taunt me, for I trust in your word. Do not snatch your word of truth from me, for your regulations are my only hope. I will keep on obeying your instructions
forever and ever. I will walk in freedom, for I have devoted myself to your commandments. I will speak to kings about your laws, and I will not be ashamed. How I delight in your commands! How I love them! I honor and love your commands. I meditate on your decrees.” (NLT)

Text: Isaiah 9:2, 6-7

Isaiah 1-8—A Dark Time

Jeremiah 29:11-God always has a plan to bring hope into our lives

Proverbs 14:12—Man’s ways will always end in death, sorrow, and despair

Isaiah 9:2—

          Darkness—

          Light—

Isaiah 9:6-7—

          A Child—Isaiah 7:14—Immanuel—God with us

A Son is given—four words of hope

He is a Wonderful Counselor—

          Judges 13:

          Ephesians 3:20—

He is a Mighty God—

          Hebrews 13:5-6—

He is an Everlasting Father–

          2 Corinthians 6:18—

He is the Prince of Peace—

          John 10:10–

“Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end”

Why is the Death of a Saint Precious to God?

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Troy Mills Christian Church

Sunday, November 21, 2021

Bible Reading: Psalm 119:33-40 “Teach me your decrees, O Lord; I will keep them to the end. Give me understanding and I will obey your instructions; I will put them into practice with all my heart.  Make me walk along the path of your commands, for that is where my happiness is found. Give me an eagerness for your laws rather than a love for money! Turn my eyes from worthless things, and give me life through your word. Reassure me of your promise, made to those who fear you; Help me abandon my shameful ways; for your regulations are good. I long to obey your commandments! Renew my life with your goodness.”

Text: Psalm 116

Hallel Psalms—Psalm 113-118

Psalm 116:8—

          Death is the final enemy that was destroyed—1 Corinthians 15:26

          Death, Sorrow & Disease were not part of the original plan

Genesis 2:15-17 & Genesis 5

Psalm 116:15–

Hebrews 9:27—Death is not an accident but an appointment

Psalm 37:23—God orders our steps, even those that lead to our death

Psalm 48:14—God is our guide even to death

For those who live for God, death is a transition from this life to our eternal life. We don’t stop living. If we have accepted Christ as our Savior, our new life will be free from death, sorrow and disease.

Four things to remember:

#1—God is near to those who have a broken heart—Psalm 34:18

#2—The sting of death for the believer has been overcome—1 Corinthians 15:55

#3—We grieve with hope—1 Thessalonians 4:13

#4—God has a plan for those who “remain”—1 Thessalonians 4:15

A Kingdom Called Family

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Troy Mills Christian Church

Sunday, November 14, 2021

Bible Reading: Psalm 119:25-32 “I lie in the dust; revive me by your word. I told you my plans, and you answered. Now teach me your decrees. Help me understand the meaning of your commandments, and I will meditate on your wonderful deeds. I weep with sorrow; encourage me by your word. Keep me from lying to myself; give me the privilege of knowing your instructions. I have chosen to be faithful; I have determined to live by your regulations. I cling to your laws. LORD don’t let me be put to shame! I will pursue your commands, for you expand my understanding.” (NLT)

Text: Galatians 4:5-7

The Kingdom of God is like……

Matthew 13:44—a treasure

Matthew 13:45—a valuable pearl

Matthew 13:47—a dragnet

Genesis is all about “family”—

Galatians 3:26-28—we are all “one” in Christ Jesus

2 Corinthians 6:17-18—sons and daughters

Romans 8:14-17—adopted, children, heirs of God

Servants would come and go. Some would run away, some were stolen, some were even sold. Their relationship with their master was temporary at best. But when it comes to family, you don’t ever stop being a son or a daughter.

Additional Scriptures: Jeremiah 29:11; John 10:10; Romans 8:28, 31, 35 and 38.

How to Thrive in Tough Times

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Troy Mills Christian Church

Sunday, November 7, 2021

Scripture Reading: Psalm 119:17-24 “Be good to your servant, that I may live and obey your word. Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in your instructions. I am only a foreigner in the land.
Don’t hide your commands from me! I am always overwhelmed with a desire for your regulations.
 You rebuke the arrogant; those who wander from your commands are cursed. Don’t let them scorn and insult me, for I have obeyed your laws. Even princes sit and speak against me, but I will meditate on your decrees. Your laws please me; they give me wise advice.” (NLT)

Text: 2 Timothy 1:7

Timothy—Paul’s spiritual son

Spirit of Fear—

          Being timid—

          Blurred Vision—

          Slaves to Circumstances—

          Paralysis–

          Romans 8:37—More than Conquerors

Power—

          Acts 1:8—

          Romans 8:11—

          Ephesians 3:20-21–

Not only have we been given power to say no to sin, but we have also been granted the power to say “yes” to the things of God. The more we say “yes” to the things of God, the less sin will have a place in our lives. Saying “yes” to the things of God is the key to victory over sin!

Love—

          Romans 5:5—

          Galatians 5:22–

Sound Mind—

          1 John 5:4–

Fake News About Christianity

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Troy Mills Christian Church

Sunday, October 31, 2021

Bible Reading: Psalm 119:9-16 “How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your word.
 I have tried hard to find you—don’t let me wander from your commands.  I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. I praise you, O Lord; teach me your decrees.  I have recited aloud all the regulations you have given us.  I have rejoiced in your laws as much as in riches. I will study your commandments and reflect on your ways. I will delight in your decrees and not forget your word.” (NLT)

Text: Job 23:10-12

  • The story of Job–

Fake News Item #1—Christianity has changed

  • John 10:10
  • Ephesians 3:20-21
  • Numbers 23:19
  • Proverbs 14:12

Fake News Item #2—All good people go to heaven

  • John 3:3

Fake News Item #3—A good God, wouldn’t send anyone to hell

  • John 3:16-17
  • 2 Peter 3:9

Fake New Items #4—Christianity is a brainless religion

  • Mark 12:30

Fake News Item #5—There are many roads to God/heaven

  • John 14:6
  • The rest of Job’s story

20 Old Testament Prophecies about the Messiah Fulfilled in the New Testament

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In last Sunday’s teaching, October 24, 2021, I referenced a list of 20 Old Testament Messianic prophecies that Jesus fulfilled. The list came from one of my favorite books, “Don’t Check Your Brains at the Door” by Josh McDowell and Bob Hostetler, written in 1992, published by Thomas Nelson.

There were actually 40 or more Old Testament prophecies written about the Messiah, all of which came to pass. According to McDowell and Hostetler, the odds of that happening are 1 in 10 to the 157 power. That’s 10, followed by 157 “0’s.” Too many (0’s) for me. Only a supernatural God could do that.

Old Testament Prophecy                                                      New Testament Fulfillment

  1. Born of a virgin—Isaiah 7:14                                     1. Matthew 1:18-25
  2. Of the tribe of Judah—Genesis 49:10                         2. Luke 3:23, 33
  3. Descended from Jesse—Isaiah 11:11                         3. Luke 3:32
  4. Of the House of David—Jeremiah 23:5                       4. Luke 3:31
  5. Born in Bethlehem—Micah 5:2                                  5. Matthew 2:1
  6. Preceded by a Messenger—Isaiah 40:3                       6. Matthew 3:1-2
  7. Enter Jerusalem on a donkey—Zechariah 9:9            7. Luke 19:35-37
  8. Betrayed by a friend—Psalm 41:9                              8. Matthew 48-50
  9. Betrayed for 30 pieces of silver—Zechariah 11:12       9. Matthew 26:15
  10. Silent before His accusers—Isaiah 53:7                      10. Matthew 27:12
  11. Hands and feet pierced—Psalm 22:16                        11. Luke 23:33; John 20:25
  12. Crucified with thieves—Isaiah 53:12                          12. Matthew 27:38
  13. Interceded for His persecutors—Isaiah 53:12              13. Luke 23:34
  14. Garments divided—Psalm 22:18                                14. John 19:23
  15. Lots cast for garments—Psalm 22:18                         15. John 19:24
  16. Gall and vinegar offered to Him—Psalm 69:21            16. Matthew 27:34
  17. His bones not broken—Psalm 34:20                           17. John 19:33
  18. His side pierced—Zechariah 12:10                             18. John 19:34
  19. He was buried with the rich—Isaiah 53:9                   19. Matthew 27:57-60
  20. His resurrection—Psalm 16:10                                  20. Acts 2:31

From the book, “Don’t Check Your Brains at the Door” written by Josh McDowell and Bob Hostetler, published by Thomas Nelson in 1992.

Fake News About the Bible

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Troy Mills Christian Church

Sunday, October 24, 2021

Bible Reading: Psalm 119:1-8 “Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the Lord. Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts. They do not compromise with evil, and they walk only in his paths. You have charged us to keep your commandments carefully. Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your decrees! Then I will not be ashamed when I compare my life with your commands. As I learn your righteous regulations, I will thank you by living as I should! I will obey your decrees. Please don’t give up on me!” (NLT)

Texts: 2 Timothy 3:16-17 & 2 Peter 1:19-21

The Bible—

          Written by 40 different writers

          Written over a period of 1600 years

          Written on three different continents

          Written in three different languages

The Reliability of the Bible—

Fake News Item #1—The Bible contains fictional stories—

          Man swallowed by a gigantic fish

          Talking Donkeys

          Men walking on water

          Thousands fed with a few pieces of bread and fish

          Dead people raised back to life

Fake News Item #2—The Bible contains coincidences

          The Bible contains 48 major prophecies about the Messiah

          Micah—

          Zechariah—

          David—

All forty-eight fulfilled. The odds of this are 1 in 10 to the power of 157 or 1 chance in10 followed by 157 zeroes.

2 Peter 1:21 “for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.”

Fake News About the Resurrection

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Troy Mills Christian Church

Sunday, October 17, 2021

Bible Reading: Psalm 121 “I look up to the mountains—does my help come from there? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth! 3 He will not let you stumble; the one who watches over you will not slumber. Indeed, he who watches over Israel never slumbers or sleeps. The Lord himself watches over you! The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade.The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon at night.

The Lord keeps you from all harm and watches over your life. The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever.” (NLT)

Text: 1 Corinthians 15:1-8

The Resurrection of Christ is the basis for all of Christianity. Without the resurrection, nothing really matters. It is the foundation of our faith.

Three Fake News Items:

#1—The Swoon Theory

            A Flagrum—

            Simon, a Cyrenian (Mark 15:21-22)

            Certified by a Roman Centurion to be dead (Mark 15:44-45)

#2—The Wrong Tomb Theory

            The women

            Peter & John

            An angel

            A known tomb

            A secured tomb

#3—The Stolen Body Theory

            Matthew 28:11-15

The TRUTH is that Jesus died and was resurrected on the THIRD DAY, according to the Scriptures. He was resurrected to save you, not to condemn you. He was resurrected to set you free from sin, from guilt, from shame, from disease and from death. He was resurrected so you could have a rich and satisfying like, both here on the earth and with Him through eternity.