Following God

Sons & Daughters, Part III

/ Don McGarvey / Leave a comment

Troy Mills Christian Church

Sunday, January 30, 2022

Bible Reading: Psalm 119:113-120 “I hate those with divided loyalties, but I love your instructions. You are my refuge and my shield; your word is my source of hope. Get out of my life, you evil-minded people, for I intend to obey the commands of my God. Lord, sustain me as you promised, that I may live! Do not let my hope be crushed. Sustain me, and I will be rescued; then I will meditate continually on our decrees. But you have rejected all who stray from your decrees. They are only fooling themselves. You skim off the wicked of the earth like scum; no wonder I love to obey your laws! I tremble in fear of you; I stand in awe of your regulations.” (NLT)

Text: 2 Corinthians 6:14-17

#1—Verse 14—Unequally yoked

          An ox and a donkey—clean & unclean

Romans 12:1—

#2—Verse 17—Come out from among them and be separate

          If God has called you to be an “ox” don’t allow yourself to be yoked with donkeys!

#3–What does “be separate” look like?

          Separate—It’s a change of heart; Not a list of rules

Jeremiah 31:33—

Separate—making sure the inside is clean

Matthew 23:25-28

          Separate— Letting go of your past

2 Corinthians 5:17—

Isaiah 43:18-19

Separate—“allowing the Holy Spirit to renew our mind daily

                    Romans 12:2

          Separate—“putting off the old & putting on the new”

Ephesians 4:22-24—

Sons & Daughters, Part II

/ Don McGarvey / Leave a comment

Troy Mills Christian Church

Sunday, January 23, 2022

Bible Reading: Psalm 119:105-112 “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path. I’ve promised it once, and I’ll promise it again: I will obey your righteous regulations. I have suffered much, O Lord; restore my life again as your promised. Lord, accept my offering of praise, and teach me your regulations. My life constantly hangs in the balance, but I will not stop obeying your instructions. The wicked have set their traps for me, but I will not turn from your commandments. Your laws are my treasure; they are my hearts delight. I am determined to keep your decrees to the very end.” (NLT)

Text: 2 Corinthians 6:14-17

The goal: For God to become our Father and for us to become His “sons & daughters”

The question: How does this happen?

Verse 17— “Come out from among them…….”

          1 John 1:9; Isaiah 64:6

Verse 14—Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers

          Deuteronomy 22:10–

Five Rhetorical Questions:

#1—What fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness?

#2—What communion has light with darkness?

#3—What accord has Christ with Belial?

          John 10:10

#4—What part has a believer with an unbeliever?

#5—What agreement has the temple of God with idols?

          1 Corinthians 3:16-17; 1 Corinthians 6:19

The Book of Judges–

Sons & Daughters, Part I

/ Don McGarvey / Leave a comment

Troy Mills Christian Church

Sunday, January 16, 2022

Bible Reading: Psalm 119:97-104 “Oh, how I love your law! I think about it all day long. Your commands make me wiser than my enemies, for your commands are my constant guide. Yes, I have more insight than my teachers, for I am always thinking of your decrees. I am even wiser than my elders, for I have kept your commandments. I have refused to walk on any path of evil, that I may remain obedient to your word. I haven’t turned away from your laws, for you have taught me well. How sweet are your words to my taste; they are sweeter than honey. Your commandments give me understanding; no wonder I hate every false way of life.” (NLT)

Text: 2 Corinthians 6:14-18

#1—As Sons & Daughters we are “heirs”

          Romans 8:14-17

#2—What do we inherit?

  1. God’s glory—Romans 5:1
  • Eternal life—Titus 3:4-7
  • God Himself—Lamentations 3:24
  • Everything in the universe—Hebrews 1:1-2

#3—How do we become “sons & daughters?”

Do not touch what is unclean–2 Corinthians 6:17

#4—God is not a “kill-joy!

          1 John 1:9; John 10:10

#5—What does it mean to be “clean?”—Ephesians 1:4-5

Good and Acceptable

/ Don McGarvey / Leave a comment

Troy Mills Christian Church

January 9, 2022

Text: 1 Timothy 2:1-3

Bible Reading: Psalm 119:89-96 “Your eternal word, O Lord, stands firm in heaven. Your faithfulness extends to every generation, as enduring as the earth you created. Your regulations remain true to this day, for everything serves your plans. If your instructions hadn’t sustained me with joy, I would have died in my misery. I will never forget your commandments, for by them you give me life. I am yours; rescue me! For I have worked hard at obeying your commandments. Though the wicked hide along the way to kill me, I will quietly keep my mind on your laws. Even perfection has its limits, but your commands have no limit.” (NLT)

Text: 1 Timothy 2:1-3

#1—We are to pray for our leaders and those in authority.

#2—We are to pray for those who have yet to come to faith in Jesus Christ.

          John 3:16; 2 Peter 3:9

#3—Supplications—requests, needs

          1________________________

          2________________________

          3________________________

#4—Prayers—Wisdom, Guidance, Decisions, etc.

          1_________________________

          2_________________________

          3_________________________

#5—Intercession—Requests on behalf of someone else

          1_________________________

          2_________________________

          3_________________________

#6—Thanksgiving—An attitude of gratitude

          1__________________________

          2__________________________

          3__________________________

Extra Milers

/ Don McGarvey / Leave a comment

Troy Mills Christian Church

Sunday, January 2, 2022

Bible Reading: Psalm 119:81-88 “I faint with longing for your salvation; but I have put my hope in your word. My eyes are straining to see your promises come true. When will you comfort me? I am shriveled like a wineskin in the smoke, exhausted with waiting. But I cling to your principles and obey them. How long must I wait? When will you punish those who persecute me? These arrogant people who hate your law have dug deep pits for me to fall into. All your commands are trustworthy. Protect me from those who hunt me down without cause. They almost finished me off, but I refused to abandon your commandments. In your unfailing love, spare my life; then I can continue to obey your decrees.” (NLT)

Text: Matthew 5:38-42

The Law of Retaliation— “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.” Exodus 21:24; Leviticus 24:20; Deuteronomy 19:21

The Law of Retaliation was meant to protect the “law breaker” and not to become an opportunity for revenge.

#1—Verse 41–Jesus gave us a way to combat evil—by doing good.

The Romans borrowed from an old Persian Law designed to make sure the “mail” was delivered on time.

Impressment—Luke 23:26; Mark 15:21

#2—Extra Milers—

  1. Never happy with “just getting by”
  2. Always looking out for what they can do to help others
  3. Willing to go above and beyond expectations

#3—Going the Extra Mile shows to those trying to “control” that they don’t always have the final say so and they can’t always control us.

Extra Milers can choose to live “under the circumstances” or they can choose to go above and beyond the circumstances.

What are some “extra mile” situations that you think you might have in the coming year?

Recommended Resource for Extra Milers: Mile 2: 31 Extra Mile Secrets for an Extraordinary Life by Steve Warner (Available from Amazon)

Nothing is Impossible with God

/ Don McGarvey / Leave a comment

Troy Mills Christian Church

Sunday, December 26, 2021

Scripture Reading: Psalm 119:73-80 “You made me; you created me. Now give me the sense to follow your commands. May all who fear you find in me a cause for joy, for I have put my hope in your word. I know, O Lord, that your decisions are just; you disciplined me because I needed it. Now let your unfailing love comfort me, just as you promised me, your servant. Surround me with your tender mercies so I may live, for your law is my delight. Bring disgrace upon the arrogant people who lied about me; meanwhile, I will concentrate on your commandments. Let me be reconciled with all who fear you and know your decrees. May I be blameless in keeping your principles; then I will never have to be ashamed.”

Text: Luke 1:5-7, 11-14, 18-20

#1–Luke 1:5-7

Three things about Zacharias & Elizabeth

          They were righteous

          They lived with integrity

          They were faithful in all things

#2–Luke 1:11-14

God was “ready” to answer their prayer

#3–Luke 1:18-20

          Zacharias doubted the angel

          Luke 1:37— “with God, nothing will be impossible”

          Luke 18:27— “The things impossible with men are possible with 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

/ Don McGarvey / Leave a comment

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

/ Don McGarvey / Leave a comment

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