Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for December 22, 2024

Christmas Series

Exceeds Expectations

Daniel 7:9-14; Revelation 5:9-14

1. Previously

• Abraham: descendants, Moses: redemption, David: kingdom

2. Daniel’s Vision (Dan. 7:9-14)

• the nature of apocalyptic literature
• the sovereign tranquility of the Ancient of Days
• the throne of God and one like a son of man
• coronation of the king (Psa. 2:6-7)

3. John’s Verification (Rev. 5:9-14)

• many ethnicities and one king
• praising God as priests
• unifying factor: supremacy of their one king
• slain…every creature…throne
• glorious, universal and everlasting

4. So What?

• Because Christmas reminds you that God is in charge, proceed accordingly.
• Count on the King to reign and commit yourself to rely on Him (Col. 3:1-4)
• “Jesus shall reign where’er the sun doth his successive journeys run; His kingdom stretch from shore to shore, Till moons shall wax and wane no more.” (Watts)
• “All is well. All is well. Lift up your voice and sing. Born is now Emmanuel. Born is now our Lord and Savior. Sing Alleluia. Sing Alleluia. All is well” (Smith)

Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for October 13, 2024

Why We All Need Jesus

Hebrews 1:1-4

Series: Highlights in Hebrews

1. Background

• theme: Jesus is better…
• original audience: Jewish Christians in need of endurance

2. Scripture Presents Jesus as God’s Final Word 1-2a

• assertion that God has spoken
• a four-fold contrast: when, how, to whom and through whom

3. Scripture Discloses the Incomparable Credentials of Jesus 2b-4

• a catalog crammed into just over two verses:
• heir of all things
• agent of creation
• radiance of glory
• exact representation
• upholds by His word
• completed work of purification for sins
• sat down at God’s right hand
• superior to angels

4. So What?

• In light of Scripture’s testimony to His supremacy, recognize that Jesus is all you need now and forever.
• “He is not the kind of deity who keeps Himself to Himself.” (H. Jones)
• “All there is of salvation for us is to be found in Jesus.” (L. Duncan)
• “We’re all broken people. Don’t we all need Jesus? Every moment of our lives, 24, 365…” (D. Gokey)

Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for September 8, 2024

Series on Psalms For Sonburst

Comprehensive Care

Psalms 23:1-6

This beloved Psalm has comforted countless pilgrims in this life. Since the LORD, who lacks nothing, cares for those who lack everything, satisfy yourself in Him as the Shepherd of your soul.

1. Comprehensive Care Means No Lack 1-3

• first five words: intimacy and exclusivity
• sufficiency, refreshment and renewal: for the sake of His name

2. Comprehensive Care Means No Fear 4

• protective tools
• scouting the landscape of your life

3. Comprehensive Care Means No End 5-6

• overflowing certainty
• pursuing His sheep with goodness and mercy

4. Comprehensive Care Means No Other

• connection to Christ: the supreme Shepherd (John 10) and sacrificial Lamb
• the rest of the story: Psalm 22:27; Rev. 7

5. So What?

• the only hope for wayward sheep: a watchful and sacrificing Shepherd
• “The King of Love my Shepherd is, whose goodness fails me never. I nothing lack if I am His and He is mine forever…Perverse and foolish I have strayed, but in His love He sought me, and on His shoulder gently laid and home, rejoicing, brought me.” (Baker, “The King of Love My Shepherd Is”)

Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for September 1, 2024

Never Abandoned

Psalms 16:1-11

Series: Psalms For Sonburst

1. Appeal for Sovereign Protection 1-4

• request
• recognition

2. Assessment of Supreme Value 5-6

• portion/inheritance (Num. 18:20)
• cup

3. Assurance of Sustaining Power 7-11

• instruction
• contemplation
• confidence
• connection to Christ: (Acts 2:25-36, 13:35-37, 1 Cor. 15:20)
• unutterable bliss

4. So What?

• Because the LORD’s love and care for you lasts forever, face your future with full assurance.
• “God is not one to give up His friends.” (Kidner) (See Phil. 1:6)
• Build assurance through absorbing God’s Word.
• “When God is mine and I am His, of paradise possessed, I taste unutterable bliss and everlasting rest.” (“I Know That My Redeemer Lives,” C. Wesley)

Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for June 2, 2024

Taken up from You into Heaven

Acts 1:1-11

1. Background 1-5

• authorship and recipients of Acts
• doctrine of the Ascension
• promise of the Holy Spirit

2. A Question about Restoration 6-7

• kingdom to Israel
• fixed by the Father

3. A Focus on Reception 8

• empowerment
• extension

4. A Fulfillment of Revelation 9-11

• lifted up (Psa. 2:7-9, 68:18, 110:1-4; Heb. 9:24, 1 John 2:1-2)
• cloud
• angelic confirmation

5. So What?

• Because Christ’s Ascension confirms His claims, acknowledge its encouragements and apply its truths.
• “The dust of the earth sits on the throne of heaven.” (J. Duncan)
• “You have raised our human nature on the clouds to God’s right hand; there we’ll sit in heavenly places, there with You in glory stand. Jesus reigns, adored by angels, man with God is on the throne; mighty Lord, in Your ascension, we by faith behold our own.” (“See, the Conqueror Mounts in Triumph!” by Christopher Wordsworth)

Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for February 18, 2024

This Time Next Year

Genesis 17

In Genesis 17 the LORD reiterates and expands on the instructions/promises He conveyed previously. In the events leading up to Genesis 17, Abram did what most of us have done when presented with situations that seem incompatible with God’s promises: He attempted to run ahead of God.

1. The Purpose of God’s Design

• to stagger us
• to show us

2. The Parameters of God’s Dominion

• Elohim
• El Shaddai
• significance of a name change

3. The Priority of God’s Desire

• orientation
• renewal of covenant promises
• “…walk before me…blameless…”
• Ishmael and Isaac (Gen. 21:1-7)
• same day submission

4. So What?

• Since the Lord keeps His promises, anticipate His future faithfulness in every facet of your life.
• “God loves to magnify His sovereign grace and keep us in our humble place.” (Piper)
• Orient your life to God’s presence and God’s promises.
• It really is all about Jesus (John 8:58)!