Following God

Mary’s Song

/ Don McGarvey / Leave a comment

Troy Mills Christian Church

4th Sunday of Advent

Bible Reading: Psalm 119:65-72 “O Lord, the earth is full of your unfailing love; teach me your principles. You have done many good things for me, Lord, just as you promised. I believe in your commands; now teach me good judgment and knowledge. I used to wander off until you disciplined me, but now I closely follow your word. You are good and do only good; teach me your principles. Arrogant people have made up lies about me, but in truth I obey your commandments with all my heart. Their hearts are callous and unfeeling, but I delight in your law. The suffering you sent was good for me, for it taught me to pay attention to your principles. Your law is more valuable to me than millions in gold and silver.” (NLT)

Mary’s Song—The Magnificat

Text: Luke 1:46-55

Magnificat—Latin for the word “magnify”

Stanza #1—Luke 1:46-49—What God has done for Mary

          1 Corinthians 1:26-29

Stanza #2—Luke 1:50-53—What God has done for us

          Luke 4:18-19

Stanza #3—Luke 1:54-55—What God has done for Israel

          Genesis 12:1-3; Psalm 98:1-3

Four Hymns (Songs) in Luke 1 & 2

Mary’s Song—Luke 1:46-55               Zachariah’s Song—Luke 1:67-79

Angel’s Song—Luke 2:14                    Simeon’s Song—Luke 2:29-32

Old Testament References in Mary’s Song

V46—Psalm 34:2                      V51—Psalm 89:11

V47—Psalm 35:9                      V52—Job 12:19; 5:11

V48—1 Samuel 1:11                 V53—1 Samuel 2:5; Psalm 107:9

V49—Psalm 111:9                    V54—Psalm 98:3

V50—Psalm 103:17                  V55—Genesis 17:7; Micah 7:20

The Joys of Christmas

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Troy Mills Christian Church

Sunday, December 12, 2021

The Third Sunday of Advent

Scripture Reading: Psalm 119:57-64 “Lord, you are mine! I promise to obey your words! With all my heart I want your blessings, be merciful as you promised. I pondered the direction of my life, and I turned to follow your laws. I will hurry, without delay, to obey your commands. Evil people try to drag me into sin, but I am firmly anchored to your instructions. I rise at midnight to thank you for your just regulations, I am a friend to anyone who fears you—anyone who obeys your commandments. O Lord, your unfailing love fills the earth; teach me your decrees.” (NLT)

Text: Luke 2:8-10

Joy—approval, excitement, or great happiness

#1—God is with us!

Matthew 1:22-23

John 1:14

Colossians 2:9

#2—God is A Savior!

Luke 2:8-11

John 1:29

#3—God Rescued Us!

Matthew 1:18-21

Romans 6:23

The Branch

/ Don McGarvey / Leave a comment

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

/ Don McGarvey / Leave a comment

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

/ Don McGarvey / Leave a comment

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

/ Don McGarvey / Leave a comment

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.