Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for May 31, 2015
“Mercy and the Messenger of the Covenant” Malachi 2:17-3:6, 4:1-2 05/31/15
I. Introduction
-between the issues of marital and material unfaithfulness
-three identities in this text: Lord of Hosts, John the Baptist and Jesus Christ
II. Recognize the rationale for a refiner’s fire
-we need to be refined
-there are no alloys in heaven
-our God is a covenant-keeper
-delay does not mean denial
III. Acknowledge the refining and consuming qualities of His fire
-some will be consumed
-trust the purifying mercy of God
-fear to dishonor Him with unbelief
IV. Cling to the promise fulfilled in Jesus
-righteousness
-light for a dark world
-health for a diseased world
V. So what?
-Because the Lord does not change, anchor your hope in the refining fire of His mercy
-Avoid the sinful tendency to put God “in the dock”
-The only route of righteousness is the road that leads to the cross
Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for May 24, 2015
“Malpractice or Magnification?” Malachi 2:10-16 Bible Study 05/24/15
I. Introduction
-context: priestly failure of 2:1-9
-connection: defective worship and decline in morality
II. Discern the dishonor of “mixed” marriage (2:10-12)
-the prohibition
-violation of an intimate bond/covenant
-“Father…created…”
-profaning/polluting
-faithless
-abomination
-weighty sentence
III. Discern the dishonor of divorce (2:13-16)
-loss of “favor”
-reason: faithlessness
-the marriage “mystery”
-goal of godly offspring
-take care!!!
-why God “hates” divorce
IV. So what?
-Because God designs marriage to be a reflection of His covenant faithfulness, magnify His character in your marriage.
-Relish God’s reputation.
-View marriage as a “window…” (Eph. 5:22-33)
Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for May 17, 2015
“When Leftovers Will Not Do” Malachi 1:1-14 Bible Study 05/17/15
Malachi’s prophecy is dated sometime between B. C. 475-450. It apparently occurs before Nehemiah’s second return to Jerusalem in which he led in the completion of the wall around the city. Clearly, at the time of writing, the Temple has been rebuilt and regular Temple practices have been reestablished. A key focus in the prophecy of Malachi, whose name means “My Messenger” or “My Servant,” is the substandard or defective worship in Jerusalem and the defective leadership of priests and religious leaders of the day. Structurally, the prophecy contains six “oracle” disputations between the Lord and the priests/people of Israel. In each of these oracles, one finds a similar pattern: The Lord makes a charge, the people question the charge and then the Lord defends His charge. Our text this morning includes an opening affirmation of the covenant faithfulness of the Lord which is followed by the first of six oracles.
I. Affirm the Lord’s covenant love (1:1-5)
-He rescues the unworthy
-He conquers sinful strongholds
-He declares His greatness to the world
-In light of God’s unchanging love, fix your attention on His greatness and focus your affection on His glory
II. Purify your worship (1:6-14)
-the charge of worthless worship
-the cause of worthless worship
-the cure for worthless worship
-Because the covenant-keeping God deserves honor, purge your life of worthless worship and proclaim His greatness with your lips and your life.
III. So what?
-Recognize the danger of “open hearts, open minds, open rebellion”
-Reject spiritual mediocrity
-Join God’s global “choir”
-Magnify the matter of ultimate fulfillment in Christ
Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for May 10, 2015
Guest speaker: Dr. Jim Sibley
“How to live in a World of Spiritually Blind” – Isaiah 8
Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for May 3, 2015
“No Matter What: Habakkuk’s Prayer and Perspective” Hab. 3:1-19 Bible Study 05/3/15
This morning we continue our study of Habakkuk’s prophecy. Habakkuk’s prayer is a model for God-centered prayer. Such a prayer involves remembering who we are, remembering who God is and remembering what really matters. We will also address Habakkuk’s perspective. His prophecy reaches a joyful conclusion as he worships in faith and banks all his hope on the Lord.
I. A God-Centered Prayer (1-2)
Introduction
-Shigionoth: to “reel”
-understand this prayer in the context of the total prophecy
-the “hush” of 2:20
-a composed approach to God
A. Approach with humility
-from complaint to consideration
– a sense of awe
-from the horizontal to the vertical
-the absence of comparison
B. Approach with adoration
-acknowledging worth
-rehearsal of attributes
C. Approach with coordination
-in accord with God’s desires
-not my work but God’s work
-renew and remember
-plead for that which is central to His character
II. A God-Centered Perspective (3-19)
A. Reflect on the Lord’s faithful works (3-15)
-delivering His people
-displaying His splendor
-demonstrating His sovereignty
B. Confess your personal weakness (16)
-bone-shattering fear
-not resignation, detachment or pride
C. Rejoice in the Lord for His own sake (17-19)
-when “worse” becomes a reality
-pictured agriculturally
-citadel and stabilizer
-invitation to worship
III. Addressing the “so what” question
-“We should never forget that in any case theology is for doxology: the truest expression of trust in a great God will always be worship, and it will always be proper worship to praise God for being far greater than we can know.” (J.I. Packer)
-“Though vine nor fig tree neither
Their wonted fruits should bear,
Though all the fields should wither,
Nor flocks nor herds be there;
Yet, God the same abiding,
His praise shall tune my voice;
For, while in Him confiding,
I cannot but rejoice.” (William Cowper)
Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for April 26, 2015
Guest speaker: Daniel Dickard
PhD student, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
Vantage point: suffering from God’s perspective – Habakkuk 1:1-17
Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for April 19, 2015
“There Shall Be a Fountain Opened” Zechariah 13:1-9 Bible Study 04/19/15
The prophecy of Zechariah is set in the late fifth century B. C. and follows the return of Jewish exiles from captivity in Babylon. The Lord graciously made it possible for His rebellious people to return to their homeland and to begin the task of rebuilding Jerusalem and the Temple. While a grasp of this background information is important, one must also observe that Zechariah 13 describes events that would transpire long after the era of Zechariah’s prophetic activity. Another significant issue is the close connection between Zechariah 12 and Zechariah 13. These two chapters are linked closely both chronologically and theologically. For example, the cleansing depicted in chapter 13 follows the repentance of the people in chapter 12. One should also note the use of “on that day” in 12:11 and 13:1. This phrase appears nine times in the two chapters. The phrase itself refers to a time of final repentance at the end of the world history in which all Israel will be saved (Rom. 11:26). The prophecy related to “on that day” has major implications for all people of every generation, location and derivation. It foreshadows and points to the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross.
I. Consider the future fountain (1)
-connection to the dramatic prophecy in 12:10-14…John 19:37
-OT “fountain” references: Psa. 36:4, Jer. 2:13, Jer. 17:13, Ezek. 36:25-26
-the nature of this fountain… Heb. 9:22
-the extension of benefits
-cleanse from sin and uncleanness…John 19:34
II. Ponder the purification process (2-6)
-idols removed
-false prophets not tolerated…Deut. 13:6-10, 18:20
-false prophets ashamed…1Kings 18:28
III. Affirm the identity of the “Stricken Shepherd” (7-9)
-My shepherd…the man who stands next to me…Isa. 53: 4-10
-the Stricken Shepherd…Matt. 26:31, Mark 14:27, John 10:11
-smiting and scattering
-the refining process
IV. So what?
-Because Jesus alone fulfills the prophecy of the Stricken Shepherd, flee to Him for refuge and cleansing.
-Take the doctrine of sanctification seriously.
-“With great forgiveness comes great responsibility.” (R. Stokes)
-“…Foul, I to the fountain fly, wash me Savior or I die…” (A. Toplady)
-“E’er since by faith I saw the stream Thy flowing wounds supply, Redeeming love has been my theme and shall be till I die.” (W. Cowper)
Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for April 12, 2015
“A Fresh Start for a Slow Heart” Luke 24:25-27 Bible Study 04/12/15
The closing verses of Luke 23 describe the burial of the body of Jesus in a tomb. However, with the little adversative, “but”, Luke 24 commences with the unfolding drama of the empty tomb and the resurrection of our Lord. In Luke 24:13-35 readers are presented with the riveting narrative of two travelers on the road to Emmaus who have a life-changing, hope-infusing encounter with the risen Lord. On the first Easter we find Jesus transforming human hearts by infusing them with living hope. He continues to do so today. Let the compelling testimony of Jesus concerning Himself be the catalyst for your own focused hope and flaming zeal.
I. Jesus makes an accurate assessment
-foolish: not wicked but weak
-sluggish: slow of heart to believe
-careless: emphasis on “all”
II. Jesus offers a corrective assertion
-moral necessity
-connect the occupied cross and the empty tomb
-how Jesus is deprived of honor
-“We are the disciples of Him who died for His enemies.” -C. Bridges
III. Jesus delivers an incomparable exposition
-what Jesus did not say
-a sermon about Himself
-Scriptures: objective and God-centered
IV. Jesus provides an energizing assurance
-when slow hearts burn
-His glory…resurrection…our hope
-not what makes you feel good but what makes you live and die well
Let the compelling testimony of Jesus concerning Himself be the catalyst for your own focused hope and flaming zeal.
1. Meditate on the objective foundation of the Scriptures-all of them!
2. Fuel the fire of zeal with fellowship with Jesus in His Word.
3. Set your hope on Him who cannot fail to keep His promises.
Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for April 5, 2015
“Fixed Amazement” 1 Peter 1:10-12 Bible Study 04/05/15
-See the connection of this text to 1 Peter 1:3-9
-The reality of a salvation that truly salvages sinners should produce a focused obedience and a fixed amazement in you.
I. View your salvation as the subject of prophetic investigation
-the grace that was to be yours
-three “searching” words
-What person and what time?
-the Holy Spirit’s testimony beforehand
* sufferings of Christ
* subsequent glories of Christ
II. View your salvation as the subject of apostolic proclamation
-the prophets were serving you
-announced through the preaching of good news
-central role of the Holy Spirit
III. View your salvation as the subject of angelic contemplation
-exalted spiritual beings
-intense desire
-holy curiosity
IV. View your salvation as the subject of your deepest appreciation
-the wonder that sinners may be salvaged
-linger wonderingly…
-that those under the curse may meet Him at the throne of grace
-“Angels in fix’d amazement
Around our altars hover,
With eager gaze
Adore the grace
Of our Eternal Lover.” -C. Wesley
Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for March 29, 2015
There was an equipment malfunction today. Only about 11 1/2 minutes of today’s lesson was successfully recorded.
“Compassion for Lost People” Obadiah 1-4, 10-17 Bible Study 03/29/15
The prophecy of Obadiah concerns the judgment which was to come for the nation of Edom. The prophecy is closely connected to the time period (587 B. C.) when judgment came upon Judah through the fall of Jerusalem to the Babylonians. Edom was populated by the descendants of Esau, Jacob’s twin-brother. Located south of Judah, Edom was spared from the judgment that came with the overthrow of Jerusalem. The key prophetic contention with Edom is its actions/attitudes of disdain toward the people of Judah during the Babylonian invasion. Obadiah warns the Edomites that their judgment is coming. They had been the recipients of compassion and mercy from a God they did not worship. They would be held accountable for their lack of compassion and their caustic pride. In every generation, recipients of mercy should be compelled to show mercy to those in the midst of divine judgment. Judgment against the guilty should evoke compassion and mercy from those who are recipients of grace.
I. Avoid arrogance (1-4)
-Obadiah’s vision
-the Jacob/Esau relationship
-judgment “as good as done”
-the prideful brought down
II. Guard against gloating (10-14)
-coming humiliation for Edom in verses 5-9
-covering of shame
-eight clear prohibitions
III. Acknowledge accountability (15-16)
-day of the LORD
-drinking from the cup of wrath
IV. Claim the promise (17)
-Mount Zion
-holy restoration
-connection to Christ
-1 Peter 5:5-7
