Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for January 11, 2015

“God Inspires the Work” Nehemiah 1:1-11; 2:1-8; 2:17-18 Bible Study 01/11/15

Our texts today focus on the servant leadership of Nehemiah. About 13-14 years after Ezra’s arrival in Jerusalem, Nehemiah returned to Jerusalem as the Lord’s key instrument in spearheading the effort to rebuild the walls of the city. While it is certainly appropriate to stress the exemplary leadership skills and practices of Nehemiah, the bigger picture in the book that bears his name focuses on the honor and reputation of the “great and awesome God.” This God restores His repentant people in order that they might do work that honors Him. Those who recognize God as great and awesome pursue His honor and depend on His power.

I. Understand Nehemiah’s perspective (1:1-11)

-Nehemiah: “The Lord comforts”
-invocation, confession and request
-accurate understanding and thorough knowledge…

II. Reflect on the exposure of Nehemiah’s distress (2:1-3)

-four months later his grief is apparent
-his role as cupbearer to the King
-the King’s question and Nehemiah’s response

III. Examine the presentation of Nehemiah’s request (2:4-5)

-an ordained invitation
-a pause for prayer
-humility, tact and discretion

IV. Observe evidence of Nehemiah’s careful planning (2:6-8)

-request for letters
-request for supplies
-“the good hand of my God…”

V. Note the commitment to build (2:17-18)

-identification with the people
-honest assessment
-testimony of grace
-motivation for commitment: the wall/reputation of God connection

VI. So what?

-Remember that “faith” is not a synonym for disorder and chaos
-Make an assessment of those things that grieve/distress you
-Care more about God’s honor and reputation than your own
-Trust God to address the “King Puzzles” in your life
-Cultivate a lofty view of God that is informed by His Word
-“O Could I speak the matchless worth…”

Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for January 4, 2015

“God Commands Obedience” Ezra 7:1-10 Bible Study 01/04/15

The focus of this particular passage is particularly appropriate for the first Sunday in a new year. As we make new resolutions and commitments, the objective of saturating ourselves in Scripture should be at the top of our lists. Almost sixty years after the completion of the Temple, Ezra led a group of returning exiles back to Jerusalem with the goal of restoring the proper worship of the living God. Ezra was a priestly descendant, a skilled scribe, a capable leader and a Scripture-saturated person. The Lord used him at a critical time in the history of His people. His impact is still a topic of discussion today! God honors faithful obedience to His Word with fruitfulness and freedom.

I. Think about this theme

-thematic element that binds chapters 7-8 together
-7:6,9,28; 8:18,22,31
-“the hand of God…”

II. Note the emphasis on credentials (1-6)

-“Now after this…”
-connection to Aaron
-the favor of Artaxerxes

III. Observe Ezra’s dedicated focus (7-10)

-four-month journey
-“set his heart…to study…to do…to teach…”
-completed revelation and ongoing providence

IV. So what?

-“But we never can prove the delights of His love until all on the altar we lay…” (J. Sammis)
-Remember that “God is the ruler yet.”
-Investigate/Incarnate/Instruct (M. Minnick)
-2 Tim. 3:16-17: God-breathed Scripture
-Psa. 119:17-40: The issue of inclination

Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for December 28, 2014

“God Ordains Restoration” Ezra 3:1-7, 10-11; 6:19-22 Bible Study 12/28/14

As we turn to the book of Ezra this morning, we encounter a record of God-ordained restoration. Because of their rebellion and idolatry, the Lord brought judgment on the Southern Kingdom of Judah in the form of the Babylonian Captivity which commenced around 586 B.C. However, even in the midst of judgment, God promised a future restoration of His people to their homeland. After the Persians overthrew the Babylonians, King Cyrus of Persia issued an edict in 538 B.C. which opened the way for displaced Jews to return to their home. Our texts this morning address the rebuilding of the altar, the reestablishment of the Temple foundation and the restoration of God-prescribed worship in Jerusalem. The restoration depicted in these texts points us forward to that ultimate restoration which centers in the person and work of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because God is gracious, His people may be restored to worship Him according to His designed specifications.

I. A Rebuilt Altar (3:1-7)

-instructions of Cyrus
-significance of “seventh month”: Rosh Hashanah/Trumpets/Atonement/Tabernacles
-sacrifices/offerings demand an altar
-Joshua and Zerubbabel: religious and civil leadership
-priority of blood sacrifice to cover sins of the people
-New Covenant connections: Heb. 9:12, 15, 24-26; 13:10-16

II. A Reestablished Temple Foundation (3:10-11)

-praise and thanksgiving
-Psalm 118:1, 29

III. A Restoration of Worship (6:19-22)

-opposition along the way
-significance of Passover (Ex. 12:13)
-the uniting power of purified/true worship
-unleavened bread: readiness to obey

Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for December 21, 2014

“From Bethlehem to the Ends of the Earth” Micah 5:2-5a Bible Study 12/21/14

In Luke 2:8-20 one can find at least two specific references to Bethlehem as the place of Christ’s birth. More than 700 years before the events recorded in Luke 2, the prophet Micah delivered a prophetic word which helps us grasp the “why” and “how” of celebrating Christmas. His prophecy of Christ’s birth in Bethlehem invites us to ponder the Lord’s incomparable providence and to trust His supernatural provision for us.

I. Introduction

-Micah: contemporary of Isaiah
-from heartache to hope
-two images: sheep/shepherd and woman in labor
-perception of professionals and people

II. The Lord always acts to magnify His Person

-the contrast: insignificance of Bethlehem and significance of Christ
-the conclusion: Why?
-to shut the mouth of human boasting
-to shine forth the magnitude of His mercy

III. The Lord always keeps His promises

-linking David and Jesus
-confirmation of 2 Samuel 7:16
-condition: not rising but sinking

IV. The Lord always protects His people

-standing, shepherding, serving
-security and peace
-the deepest need at Christmas

Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for December 14, 2014

“God Provides Deliverance” Esther 4:6-17 Bible Study 12/14/14

The story of Esther affirms that God acts providentially to deliver His people in keeping with His redemptive purposes. While Esther appears only briefly on the stage of biblical history, she is used as an instrument to deliver God’s people from the genocidal plot of Haman. As we will observe, Haman, like others before and after him, fails to account for the providential presence of the living God.

I. Introduction

-Mordecai, Hathach and Esther
-Gen. 50:20 and Rom. 8:28
-providential contrasts

II. Mordecai mourns (6-9)

-signed decree
-sackcloth and ashes
-specific details
-appeal for intercession

III. Esther’s dilemma (10-12)
-death sentence
-gold scepter extension

IV. Mordecai’s appeal (13-14)
-relief from another place…
-panorama of God’s purposes
-risk-taking on behalf of a non-risk taking God

V. Esther’s commitment (15-17)
-fasting/prayer
-not stoicism but surrender

VI. So what?
-Because God is faithful to deliver His people, step out in faith to be His instrument in uncertain times.

-Consider the connection to Mary: Luke 1:34,38,46-55

-“ He who counts the stars and calls them by name is in no danger of forgetting His own children.” (C. Spurgeon)
– “Providence in its wisdom plays pranks on all our man-made rules.” (Sidney Berry)
– “The providence of God is like Hebrew words-it can be read only backwards.” (John Flavel)

Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for December 7, 2014

“Deliverance Is Needed” Esther 3:1-9 Bible Study 12/07/14

This morning we begin a new series of studies in Esther, Ezra and Nehemiah. While one might think that the book of Esther has no definite connection to the celebration of Christ’s first coming, there is a distinct connection to be made. This connection might be best conveyed through an understanding of the concept of providence. We will observe that the name of God does not appear in the text of Esther. However, the “fingerprint” of His providential supervision and care is evident throughout this ancient biblical account. People in every generation need deliverance and God is the great and ultimate Deliverer.

I. Four Key Personalities

-Ahasuerus/Xerxes: The Persian King who stages a beauty pageant
-Esther/Hadassah: The beauty who becomes a queen “for such a time as this” (4:14)
– Mordecai: Esther’s cousin/guardian and faithful God-fearer
-Haman: The Agagite and manipulative villain bent on exterminating the Jews

II. One Ultimate Ruler

-The Living God who delivers
– Exploring the concept of “providence”
-While God’s people can expect mistreatment and misunderstanding from an unbelieving world, they can rest confidently in His providential care and deliverance.

III. Applications

-In the NT: cradle and cross
-“God is never the victim of circumstances.” (N. Parrish)
-Often God does His greatest work when His presence is seemingly the least perceptible.
-“…conduct yourselves with fear….” (1 Peter 1:17)
– Hebrews 2:14-18

Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for November 30, 2014

“Keep Yourselves in the Love of God” (Jude 1-2, 20-21, 24-25)

Introduction:

• What is your obsession?
• Those who are kept by God keep themselves in the love of God.
• “Admonition is love’s authentic expression in time of danger.”
–Jack MacGorman

1. Keep Yourselves in the Love of God

• “Grace is opposed to earning, not to effort.” –Dallas Willard
• Fire insurance or fire endowment?
• How?

2. ___________ on Your Faith
• Doctrinal conformity
• Personal commitment
• The anesthesia of idolatry

3. _________ in the Holy Spirit

• Intoxicated prayer
• Use words He inspired
• Relationship demands communication

4. _________ for God’s Mercy

• Not passive
• Let future assurance shape present activity
• “We have the presence and the promises of God. We are meant to march to that great music.” –Amy Carmichael

Those who are kept by God keep themselves in the love of God.

Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for November 23, 2014

“A Psalm for Thanksgiving 2014” Psalm 69:30-32 Bible Study 11/23/14

The case may be made on the basis of this Psalm alone that the purpose of human existence is to praise God. While this comes as a shock to our man-centered sensibilities, Scripture shows that the longing of all true believers is to magnify the God of their salvation. Thanksgiving that pleases the Lord proceeds from people who relish their role as receivers.

I. Introduction

-two parts of 18 verses each
-messianic psalm
-the human author-David: afflicted and in pain
-the lily among thorns

II. Genuine gratitude honors the Lord

-our confession: weakness of longing
-the part for the whole: the Lord’s name
-called to be telescopes
-how gratitude magnifies the Lord

III. Genuine gratitude honors the Lord more than horns and hoofs

-maturity and purity of sacrifice
-the subtle sin of self-exaltation
-the antidote to arrogance in worship: thanksgiving

IV. Genuine gratitude encourages others to honor the Lord

-the humble: exhausted from pulling at their own bootstraps
-the testimony of a song in the furnace
-the Lord’s demand: cease to be great in your own eyes
-relish your role as a receiver this Thursday

Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for November 16, 2014

“Fearful and Fearless” 1 Peter 1: 17-21 Bible Study 11/16/14

In 1 Peter, a letter to believers who faced opposition for their faith and experienced persecution, Peter began with the twin challenges of hope and holiness. In our text this morning, he added another challenge that has confused and befuddled readers in subsequent generations. This challenge centered on the concept of godly fear. Godly fear, rightly understood, is the beginning of wisdom and the safeguard of holiness. 1:17-21 offers some profound incentives for believers to live both fearfully and fearlessly. Only as you fear the Lord properly can you face your future fearlessly.

I. Relish the responsibility of fearful living

-positive treatment in Scripture (Pr. 9:10, Isa. 66:2)
-a declaration to disciples (Lk. 12:4-7)
-conduct yourselves with fear

II. Reflect on the transitory nature of your life

-throughout the time of your exile
-a brief pilgrimage
-a temporary residency

III. Recognize the total impartiality of the Lord

-a Father who is judging
-without respect of persons
-according to each one’s works
-privileged status doesn’t convey a license to sin (Dt. 10:17-19)

IV. Remember the tremendous value of your deliverance

-immeasurable worth
-precious blood
-unblemished lamb
-eternal origin: foreknown before the foundation…
-divine certification: raised and glorified

Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for November 9, 2014

“Mission 1:8 and Gospel Urgency” 2 Timothy 4:1-8 Bible Study 11/09/14

On This day of commitment, it is particularly appropriate that we examine Paul’s parting instructions to Timothy, his “son” in the faith. With external opposition from an unbelieving world, the knowledge that Christ will return and the reality that death is coming, how should the Lord’s servant respond? The counsel given here certainly addresses those called by God to preach. However, its application has implications for all believers. In light of the inestimable value of the Gospel and the reality of eternity, convey the Gospel message with urgency.

I. Consider the context

-godlessness in the last days
-authority and sufficiency of Scripture
-from abiding in doctrine to proclaiming doctrine

II. Ponder the preface (1)

-charge…
-presence of God and of Christ Jesus…
-who is to judge…
-by His appearing/kingdom

III. Grasp the key command (2)

-“preach the word” with timeless urgency
-nature: herald-isao, reprove, rebuke and exhort
-content: all of Scripture/message of redemption in Christ

IV. Anticipate the coming apostasy (3-5)

-rejection of “healthy” teaching
-the “itch” of a passion-based appetite
-contrast: “As for you…fulfill…”

V. Focus on the finish line (6-8)

-drink and departure
-the “beautiful” fight and the “race” of faith
-“crown”…to all who have loved his appearing.
-past, present and future

VI. Closing thoughts

-Can you bow before the Crucified in humble adoration and not wish to see your Monarch Master of the world? (Spurgeon)
-In a matter so solemn as that of representing God to men as His ambassador, diversions are perversions. (A. T. Pierson)
-You can’t preach it like it is if you don’t believe it like it was. (V. Havner)
-We leave you in that blessed dependency, to hang upon Him that hung upon the cross. (J. Donne)