Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for March 25, 2018

“The Great Exchange”   2 Corinthians 5:18-21   Bible Study   03/25/18

This morning, as we reflect on the cross of Jesus and look forward to His resurrection celebration on Easter, we will turn our attention to a key NT text regarding the substitutionary nature of Christ’s death. Set in the context of his apostolic defense and articulation of ministry, Paul emphasizes both the compelling love of Christ and the reconciling initiative of God the Father behind it. At the heart of our experience of Christ’s love and reconciliation with God is the “great exchange” vividly described in 5:21. In the reconciling plan of God, Jesus took our place so that we might have His peace.

I. Recognize the source of reconciliation (18-19)

• “All this” in 5:18 points back to 5:14-17
• compelling love and new creation
• the agent of reconciliation: through Christ
• having reconciled…having given…
• expansion: not counting trespasses and depositing the word

II. Respond to the summons for reconciliation (20)

• ambassadors through whom appeal is made
• imploring believers to be reconciled
• reminder: God reconciles. Man is reconciled.

III. Savor the substance of reconciliation (21)

• the One not having known sin
• for us/for our sake He (God) made Him (Christ) to be sin
• that we might become the righteousness of God in Him
• Isa. 53:10, Rom. 5:6-11, Gal. 3:13

IV. So What?

• “If our Lord’s bearing our sin for us is not the gospel, I have no gospel to preach.” (Spurgeon)
• “Bearing shame and scoffing rude, in my place condemned He stood, sealed my pardon with his blood: Hallelujah, what a Savior!” (P. Bliss)
• In Psalm 103, David’s enumeration of the Lord’s benefits begins with forgiveness of sins. He understood what is of greatest importance. If we have everything but God’s forgiveness, we have nothing of worth. (Carson)
• Keep on preaching the gospel to yourself.

Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for March 18, 2018

Guest Speaker: Dr. Barry McCarty

“Three Things Every Believer Should Know”
Ephesians 1:15-23

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Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for March 11, 2018

Guest Speaker: Dr. Barry McCarty

“The Endgame Prayer”
Ephesians 3:14-21

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The book of Ephesians can be divided into two parts.
Part I:  Chapters 1-3 – Deals with the mystery of the gospel.
Part II: Chapters 4-6 – Practical instruction on Christian living.

The prayer found in 3:14-21 could be called The Endgame for the Christian Life.
The Greek word, hina, occurring in the text three times, introduces three parts to Paul’s prayer.

The heart is the starting place for all actions, both good and bad. The word in Greek, translated dwell, carries the sense of making oneself completely at home.

Dr. McCarty experienced an example of the love of Christ when he visited a region of India to organize a translation of the Bible into the Bundeli language and give support for Christians experiencing persecution on a tragic scale. Those men, though, under a crushing burden of persecution, put Dr. McCarty’s needs first, providing his meal first, before they ate, and seeing that he could get to bed earlier than they.

The Alpe d’Huez is a French ski resort used by the Tour de France bicycle race. This leg of the race is 8.5 miles in length but climbs 6000 feet, a big challenge for the average person. One needs to be vested with all the strength and skill of a champion bike racer to participate. We are also challenged in living for Christ; but if we are filled up with all the fullness of God, we are doing things in God’s strength and not our own.

Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for March 4, 2018

“Come Back to the Cross” 1 Corinthians 1:10-25 Bible Study 03/04/18

This morning we are beginning the study of 1 Corinthians. It is a letter directed to a gifted yet problem-riddled church. Almost immediately, Paul addresses the issue of divisiveness in the church. After identifying and assessing the problem, he proceeds to expound on its solution. His readers need to “come back” to the cross. Because the word of the cross demonstrates the complete supremacy of God’s wisdom and power to a dying world, depend on it and declare it confidently.

I. Context/Background

-pastoral letter addressed to a “troubled and triumphant church”
-Paul had spent 18 months in Corinth previously.
-objective: unity rooted in the cross
-confirmation of calling (1:1-9)
-contention in the church (1:10-17)

II. The Cross Exposes the Futility of Human Wisdom (1:18-21)

-synonym for the gospel
-its disregard results in distraction and division
-failure to address ultimate issues
-contrast: perishing/folly and being saved/power
-supporting OT reference: Isa. 29:13-14
-exposure of foolishness (Isa. 35:18)
-God’s pleasure in what appears “foolish”

III. The Cross Exceeds the Power of Human Effort (1:22-25)

-demand for signs: the spectacular
-demand for wisdom: the intellectual
-a rescue rooted in divine determination
-stumbling block and folly (Deut. 21:22-23)
-foolish wisdom and weak strength
-pulverizes pride (1:31 and Jer. 9:23-24)

IV. So What?

-Because the word of the cross demonstrates the complete supremacy of God’s wisdom and power to a dying world, depend on it and declare it confidently.
-“How soon faith would freeze without a cross.” (S. Ford)
-“…If we blunt the sharp edges of the cross, we dull the glittering diamond of God’s love.” (Jeffery, Ovey and Sach in Pierced for Our Transgressions)
-Dynamic power calls for delighted dependence.
-“Forbid it, Lord that I should boast, save in the death of Christ my God! All the vain things that charm me most, I sacrifice them to His blood.” (Watts)
-“Alas! And did my Savior bleed and did my Sov’reign die? Would He devote that sacred head for such a worm as I?” (Watts)
-“Jesus, keep me near the cross, there a precious fountain, free to all a healing stream, flows from Calv’ry”s mountain. (Crosby)

Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for February 25, 2018

“To Be Continued…” Acts 28:17-28 Bible Study 02/25/18

For the last three months, we have been following Paul’s ministry as recorded in the book of Acts. We have traced the trajectory of his three missionary journeys, including their mountain-top highs and valley-like lows. This morning, as we conclude our study in Acts, we find Paul on his way to Rome. With unflinching consistency, he saw every circumstance as an opportunity to showcase the gospel of Jesus Christ. Fittingly, Luke closes the book of Acts with Paul, yet again, sharing the unhindered word of God.

I. Background

-on an Alexandrian ship headed for Italy and Paul’s unheeded warning (27:1-12)
-a great storm and Paul’s assuring words (27:13-44)
-three months on the island of Malta, a criminal or a god (28:1-10)
-on the way to Rome: after arrest, imprisonment and shipwreck (28:11-16)

II. Paul Explains the Circumstances of His Arrival (17-20)

-chained prisoner
-first consultation with Jews in Rome
-appeal to brothers and declaration of innocence
-notable absence of condemnation
-objection of Jews
-appeal to Caesar
-hope of Israel
-response and request to hear about “this sect”

III. Paul Expounds the Truth of the Gospel (21-28)

-second consultation with Jews in Rome
-in greater numbers
-expound, testify, persuade
-mixed response
-implementation of Isa. 6:9-10
-listening Gentiles

IV. Paul Employs His Imprisonment as a Gospel Opportunity (30-31)

-proclaiming and teaching
-with all boldness and without hindrance

V. So What?

-Because the word is unhindered and we are its messengers, continue to share the gospel in every circumstance.
-“Let us have confidence in the greatness of the word, though the world may be deaf to its music and blind to its power.” (Maclaren)
-Dare to “mobilize” your “limitation” and send it into battle.
-“Am I a soldier of the cross, a follow’r of the Lamb? And shall I fear to own His cause, or blush to speak His name? Must I be carried to the skies on flow’ry beds of ease, while others fought to win the prize, and sailed through bloody seas? Thy saints in all this glorious war shall conquer, though they die; They see the triumph from afar, by faith’s discerning eye.” (Watts)

Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for February 18, 2018

“The Change that Changes Everything” Acts 26:19-32 Bible Study 02/18/18

This morning we turn our attention to a text which records Paul’s powerful defense and testimony before Agrippa. Following this bold presentation of the gospel, Paul is sent to Rome. We will observe that Paul stewarded the gospel which was transmitted to him faithfully and that he yearned for all people everywhere to know its transforming power.

I. Background/Context

-arrest and defense in Jerusalem (22:1-29, last Sunday)
-Jewish religious leaders convene to address Paul’s case (22:30-23:5)
-Paul addresses leaders, things get violent and Paul is sent back to the barracks (23:6-11)
-plot to kill Paul, Paul’s nephew discovers, Roman tribune informed, Paul to Caesarea (23:12-35)
-Jewish religious leaders arrive in Caesarea with charges and Paul’s defense (24:1-21)
-Felix delays Paul’s case and meets with Paul, leaves Paul in prison for two years (24:22-27)
-Paul appears before Festus and appeals to Caesar (25:1-12)
-Agrippa arrives in Caesarea and meets with Paul (25:13-26:18)

II. Paul’s Submission to Gospel Transmission (19-23)

-orders from the risen Christ
-inclusive declaration
-message specifications
-supernatural protection
-biblical validation

III. Paul’s Passion for Gospel Transformation (24-32)

-interruption by Festus
-objection of Paul
-extension of invitation to Agrippa
-earnest desire of Paul
-a case of confused condescension

IV. So What?

-Submission to gospel transmission leads to gospel transformation.
-“The tumult and the shouting dies; The captains and the kings depart: Still stands the ancient sacrifice, An humble and a contrite heart. Lord of Hosts, be with us yet, Lest we forget-lest we forget!” (R. Kipling)
-“Let others in the gaudy dress of fancied merit shine; The Lord shall be my righteousness, The Lord forever mine.” (W. Cowper)
-“I am resolved to enter the Kingdom, leaving the paths of sin; Friends may oppose me, foes may beset me, still I will enter in.” (P. Hartsough)

Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for February 11, 2018

“For the Sake of the Gospel” Acts 22:1-29 Bible Study 02/11/18

Our text this morning recounts Paul’s determination to go to Jerusalem and the opposition that he encountered there upon his arrival. It also includes his powerful articulation of the gospel’s transforming power and reflects his steadfast commitment to exalt the name of the Lord Jesus at all costs.

I. Background/Context

-determination to go to Jerusalem (21:1-17)
-meeting with church leaders and their proposal (21:18-26)
-arrest in the Temple (21:27-36)
-request to address the people (21:37-40)

II. Paul Asserts His Jewish Identity (1-5)

-defense in Aramaic
-emphasis on Jewish credentials
-persecution of the Way
-connection to Philippians 3:7-11

III. Paul Affirms His Life-Changing Encounter (6-16)

-light on the way to Damascus
-the Lord’s call: note the repetition
-question from Paul
-strategic role of Ananias
-commission clarified: to all people

IV. Paul Explains His Assignment (17-21)

-three years after his conversion
-vision in the Temple
-far away to the Gentiles (Acts 2:39, Ephesians 2:17)

V. Paul Experiences Rejection and Protection (22-29)

-desire to “wipe him out”
-protection through appeal to Roman citizenship

VI. So What?

-Because the gospel matters most, communicate it clearly at all costs and leave the results to the Lord.
-Before a holy God, heritage without Jesus is a pile of rubbish.
-Refuse to let your obedience be contingent on an anticipated positive outcome.
-Extend the transforming power of Jesus to all people.

Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for February 4, 2018

“Paul’s Parting Shot” Acts 20:17-38 Bible Study 02/04/18

As we come to our text this morning, we find Paul hurrying to reach Jerusalem by the Day of Pentecost. Seven weeks separated Pentecost from Passover, which he had spent in Philippi. Later, having sailed past Ephesus, Paul came to Miletus. From there, he summoned the elders of the church of Ephesus. What follows is what one might term the “super bowl’ of apostolic farewells. In this farewell address, Paul highlights the Lord’s prevailing providence and the sustaining power of His word.

I. Paul Reflects on His Recent Past (18-21)

-serving with humility, tears and trials
-relaying the word in public and in private
-repentance and faith to both Jews and Greeks

II. Paul Anticipates His Immediate Future (22-24)

-to Jerusalem
-constrained by the Holy Spirit
-impending imprisonment and afflictions
-completing the received ministry
-testifying to the gospel of the grace of God

III. Paul Delivers a Charge to the Elders (25-31)

-will not see them again
-Paul the “watchman” (Ezek. 3:18-19)
-“not shrink” for the second time
-pay attention
-be alert

IV. Paul Leaves the Elders in the Best Hands (32-35)

-prevailing providence of God
-sustaining word of God
-the blessing of giving

V. Paul Concludes the Meeting with Prayer (36-38)

-kneeling on the promises
-weeping on the premises

VI. So What?

-Regardless of earthly circumstances, the Lord remains with His own and sustains them through His word.
-Remember that our message is not our own. It is God’s and it has urgent life and death consequences.
-Model the self-forgetting urgency of Paul that focuses on the spiritual well-being of others.
-“Send us strength, oh, Pilgrim Guide, Sin would drown us in its tide, Be close at hand and go before, As we sail to heaven’s shore.” (P. McHugh)

Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for January 28, 2018

“Piercing the Darkness”   Acts 19:8-20   Bible Study   01/28/18

Our text this morning records the advancement of the gospel through Paul’s extended ministry at Ephesus. After leaving Corinth, Paul had visited Ephesus briefly before returning to Jerusalem and Antioch. Now, after having visited churches in the Galatian region (start of third missionary journey), Paul returns for an extended stay in Ephesus. This large ancient city, with its great temple to Diana/Artemis and its notoriety for occult and superstitious practices, desperately needed the gospel. Through bold proclamation and diligent labor, Paul delivers the darkness-piercing message of Jesus Christ.

I. Paul Goes on the Offensive (8-12)

• dialogue in the synagogue
• relocation and determination
• penetration and verification

II. The Darkness Gets Overpowered (13-16)

• invoking the name of the Lord Jesus
• seven sons of Sceva
• chaotic consequences of misusing the name

III. The Gospel Flourishes (17-20)

• fear and honor
• sensitized to sin
• “burning the ships”
• continued advancement

IV. So What?

• When the gospel is communicated clearly in word and deed, darkness retreats.
• “To be intimidated by the world is as spiritually fatal as being overly attracted to it.” (Keller)
• Armor up! (Eph. 6:10-20)
• “And though this world with devils filled, Should threaten to undo us, We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us: The Prince of Darkness grim, We tremble not for him; His rage we can endure, For lo! His doom is sure, One little word shall fell him. (Luther)

Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for January 21, 2018

“And Now for a Word of Encouragement”   Acts 18:1-17   Bible Study   01/21/18

This morning we will turn our attention to Paul’s ministry in the city of Corinth which followed his encounter with the Greek intelligentsia in Athens. Paul was clearly a devoted servant of the Lord. As a man of intense focus and zeal, his character is summed up aptly by these words of J. C. Ryle: “He burns for one thing; and that one thing is to please the Lord and to advance His glory.” Nonetheless, Paul was human and faced the inevitable “ups” and “downs” of life and ministry. Our text today offers a realistic picture of Paul’s circumstances as well a powerful presentation of the Lord’s timely encouragement.

I. Background

• Summary of events in Europe: beaten in Philippi, civil rejection in Thessalonica and Berea, indifference in Athens
• Athens: culture shock
• Corinth: moral shock
• 1 Cor. 2:1-5

II. Transition to Athens (1-4)

• 50 mile journey, didn’t wait for Silas and Timothy
• a home
• a trade
• a passion

III. Intensified Activity (5-8)

• arrival of Silas and Timothy (Phil. 4:15, 2 Cor. 11:9, 1 Thess. 3:6)
• “occupied” with the word
• opposition and response
• gospel fruit

IV. Instructions from the Lord (9-11)

• don’t fear
• keep on speaking
• promise of presence and protection
• promised fruit
• putting down roots in Corinth

V. Evidence of Faithfulness (12-17)

• attacked by Jews
• Gallio’s refusal
• seizure of Sosthenes
• Gallio’s indifference

VI. So What?

• When you prize the Lord’s person and promises, you can persevere in serving Him for His glory.
• “The consequence of God’s presence is not exemption from attacks, but preservation in them.” (A. Maclaren)
• “The craving to impart ever accompanies real possession.” (A. Maclaren)
• “But I’m not going to be fearful about what I have no grace available for yet.” (Joni Eareckson Tada)
• “Then we will fight in the shade!”