How to Respond to Perilous Times

Remain Rooted in Scripture: Continue in the truths already learned, as 2 Timothy 3:14-17 highlights the Bible as the primary defense against deception.

2 Timothy 3:14-17 “But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, 15 and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for [c]instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Cultivate Prayer and Vigilance: “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17) and remain watchful, as per Matthew 26:41, to avoid temptation.

1 Thessalonians 5:17 “pray without ceasing,”

Matthew 26:41 “Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

Put on the Armor of God: Actively use the spiritual armor described in Ephesians 6:11 to stand against the enemy’s schemes.

Ephesians 6:11 “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”

Shine Light in Darkness: Instead of hiding, take this opportunity to bring God’s light into the world, demonstrating faith rather than fear.

Isaiah 60:1-2 “Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you. For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, And deep darkness the people; But the Lord will arise over you, And His glory will be seen upon you.”

Live Responsibly and Uncompromised: Remain consistent in godly living, resisting the trend to compromise with culture, and maintaining strong convictions.

Colossians 3:23-25 “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. 25 But he who does wrong will be repaid for what he has done, and there is no partiality.”

Trust God’s Sovereignty: Remember that God is not surprised by these times and that He will sustain and be with His people.

Matthew 28:20 “and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Amen.”

Joshua 10:25 “Then Joshua said to them, “Do not be afraid, nor be dismayed; be strong and of good courage, for thus the Lord will do to all your enemies against whom you fight.”

Scriptures to Read During Tough Times

There will always be times when we don’t quite feel as if we can continue to move forward in the things of God. God knew we would have these times. He is prepared for these times in our lives. If we continue to turn to Him in these times, He will provide the antidote. For example:

When you don’t feel strong enough to go on, read Psalms 46:1: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”

When you don’t feel brave enough to go on, read Joshua 1:9: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

When you feel as if you’ve messed up too much to have any hope of going on, read 2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come; The old has gone, the new is here!”

When you can’t figure things out, read Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; {6} In all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

When you feel as if you are too tired to go on, read Matthew 11:28-30: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. {29} Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls. {30} For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

When you think it’s impossible, read Luke 18:27: “Jesus replied, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.”

When you think nobody loves you, read John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

When you can’t forgive yourself, read Romans 8:1: “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,”

When you feel as if it’s not worth it, read Romans 8:28: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

When you don’t feel as if you are smart enough, read 1 Corinthians 1:30: “It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.”

When you don’t feel able, read 2 Corinthians 9:8: “And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”

When you just can’t go on, read 2 Corinthians 12:9 “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”

When you feel as if you can’t go on, read Philippians 4:13: “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”

When you just can’t manage any longer, read Philippians 4:19: “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”

When you are afraid, read 2 Timothy 1:7: “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”

When feel all alone, read Hebrews 13:5: “Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”

Prophet, Priest, and King, Part II

Troy Mills Christian Church

Sunday, February 2, 2025

Hebrews 1:1-3

Scripture Reading: Psalm 146:5-6 “The person who knows that the God of Jacob will help him is a happy person! If he trusts in the Lord as his God, he is happy. The Lord made the skies, the earth, and the sea. He also made everything that is in them. He always does what he has promised to do.” (EEB)

Hebrews 1—Verse 2—Jesus as Prophet

                    Verse 3—Jesus as Priest

                    Verse 3—Jesus as King

Jesus Christ (Messiah)—Anointed One

          Jesus’ anointing—Matthew 3:16-17

Old Testament Priests were “mediators” between men and God.

Priests—Hebrews 5:1-3

Before they could offer a sacrifice on behalf of others, they had to offer a sacrifice for their own sin.

Jesus came to be the “perfect sacrifice” and the “once and for all sacrifice.”

John 1:29; Hebrews 7:26-27

As our High Priest, not only does Jesus mediate for us with God, but He has reconciled us to God (2 Corinthians 5:18), He continually makes intercession on our behalf (Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25) and is our Advocate when we sin (1 John 2:1-2).

Hebrews 4:14-16–Great News about our High Priest.

Prophet, Priest, and King

Troy Mills Christian Church

Sunday, January 26, 2025

Text: Hebrews 1:1-3

Scripture Reading: Psalm 32:8 “The Lord says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.” (NLT)

Hebrews 1:2—Jesus as Prophet

Hebrews 1:3—Jesus as Priest

Hebrews 1:3—Jesus as King

          Matthew 1:16 “Jesus, who is called Christ.”

          Christ—Messiah; Anointed One

Anointed Ones in the Old Testament:

Prophets—Elijah & Elisha—1 Kings 19:16

Priests—Aaron & Sons—Leviticus 8

Kings—Saul—1 Samuel 10; David—1 Samuel 16

Jesus as Prophet—

A call to repent—

Taught with authority—

          Luke 5:32; Mark 1:14-15; John 7:45-46

Where did Jesus’ authority come from?

          John 1:1-2, 14

How does Jesus function as a Prophet today?

          He speaks to us out of the Word.      

Hebrews 4:12

          Living & Powerful—

          Soul and spirit, joints, and marrow–

When You Pray

Troy Mills Christian Church

Sunday, November 3, 2024

Daniel 9:20-23a; Daniel 10:11-14

Scripture Reading: Hebrews 4:16 “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” (NIV)

Daniel 9:20-23a

          V23— “As soon as you began to pray….”

          V23b— “You are highly esteemed.”

Daniel 10:11-14

          V11- An angel shows up.

          V12— “Since the first day.”

          V13—Daniel’s prayer started a war in the heavenlies.

Four possible answers to our prayers.

#1—Yes!

#2—No.

#3—Wait.

#4—How about this?

Conclusion:

Hebrews 11:32-33

“obtained promises.”

Hebrews 11:39-40

God had something better in store.

That’s Good, Part II

Sermon Notes

Sunday, April 19, 2020

Bible Reading: Psalms 118:10-20

Text: Romans 8:28-31

God is at work for the good of those who love him—

Five Important Things About God that You need to Know—

#1—God foreknew us—

God is all knowing. He is omniscient—Psalm 139:1-4, 15-16; Psalm 147:4-5

#2—God predestined us—

It is God’s will for all to be saved. John 3:16; Matthew 18:14; 2 Peter 3:9

#3—God called us—

John 12:32; Matthew 23:37

#4—God justified us—

Romans 6:23; Romans 5:1; Romans 4:7-8

#5—God glorified us—

1 Thessalonians 4:14-17; Romans 8:15; 2 Corinthians 3:18; John 10:10

In Pursuit!

Many years ago a colleague would step into my office and ask the question, “So, how is God pursuing you today?”

I never really knew how to answer his question. He continued to do this for several days and finally I stopped him and asked him to explain.

He very quickly stated that most Christ-followers felt that pursuit was only a one-way thing. Most felt that it was them pursuing God and they never really gave a thought to the idea that God is pursuing us.

I mulled that over for a few days and finally, with the help of the Holy Spirit, began to see how God was pursuing me.

He was pursuing me through His Word (the Bible); through books I was reading; through relationships; through times of prayer both verbalizing things to God but also listening to Him; and even through the mundane events of my day.

It took me awhile to come to the point where I accepted the fact that God was crazy about me; that God wanted relationship with me because He loved me and not because it was His job.

Out of that came the title for my blog. I will be posting some of the original blog posts on this new (to me) site as well as posting new thoughts for you to consider.

I hope and pray you will come to discover God’s pursuit of you through these writings as I did.

By the way, thanks Dave for making me aware of God’s pursuit.