Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for January 7, 2018

“Lessons from a Philippian Jail”   Acts 16:22-40   Bible Study   01/07/18

In Acts 16, Luke records a series of events which occurred in Philippi in the midst of Paul’s second missionary journey. These events, while reminding us of the many ways we may be instruments for gospel influence, underscore a constant and prevailing theme in the book of Acts. That theme centers in the ongoing supernatural work of God, through the Holy Spirit, in protecting and propelling His church forward in the face of obstacles and opposition. Whether the human subject is a woman like Lydia, a demon-possessed slave girl, or a Gentile jailer, we may observe the purpose and plan of God coming into an ever-increasing focus. As we launch out into the opportunities of a new year, our text offers both strong encouragement and sobering challenge.

I. Incarceration (22-24)

• an incited mob
• response of the magistrates
• maximum security jail sentence for Paul and Silas

II. Intervention (25-28)

• midnight prayer and hymns
• listening prisoners
• earthquake: shaken foundations, opened doors, loosened chains
• a suicidal jailer
• a reassuring word from Paul

III. Interrogation (29-32)

• trembling before Paul and Silas
• a question about eternal life
• straight talk from Paul
• the word of the Lord for the household

IV. Indication (33-34)

• compassion from a jailer
• from belief to baptism
• table fellowship

V. Vindication (35-40)

• proposed release from prison
• Paul invokes Roman citizenship
• apology and release
• encouraging the brothers

VI. So What?

• Because the Lord’s intent is to build His church, anticipate His activity and maximize your witness where you are.
• “The church shall never perish! Her dear Lord to defend, to guide, sustain, and cherish, is with her to the end; tho’ there be those who hate her and false sons in her pale, against the foe or traitor she ever will prevail.” (S. J. Stone)

Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for December 31, 2017

“Providential Progress” Acts 15:36-41; 16:1-5 Bible Study 12/31/17

Our text this morning addresses events after Paul’s first missionary journey and the separation of Paul and Barnabas preceding Paul’s second missionary journey. Luke’s historical account reminds us of at least two important principles. First, God uses human instruments in the objective of gospel expansion and these human instruments are not always “on the same page.” Second, God is quite able to superintend scenes that seem counter-productive to His plans and transform them into concrete cases of gospel progress.

I. The Parting of Ways (36-39)

-after the Jerusalem Council
-Paul’s intention to check on spiritual progress
-sharp disagreement regarding John Mark
-Paul and Barnabas separate

II. The Provision of God (40-41, 1-3)

-Barnabas and Mark to Cyprus
-Paul and Silas to Syria/Cilicia
-addition of Timothy at Lystra
-Timothy’s circumcision: normalization and not imposition

III. The Progress of the Church (4-5)

-communication of Jerusalem Council decision
-strengthened in the faith
-increased in numbers

IV. So What?

-Because God’s Kingdom purposes cannot ultimately fail, “do the next thing” and align your agenda with His.
-“Do it immediately; Do it with prayer; Do it reliantly, Casting all care; Do it with reverence, Tracing His Hand, Who placed it before thee with earnest command. Stayed on Omnipotence, Safe ‘neath His wing, Leave all resultings, Do the next thing.” (quoted by E. Elliot)
-What true progress looks like in 2018: that you and others know Christ and grow in Christ.

Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for December 24, 2017

“Simeon’s Satisfaction” Luke 2:25-32 Bible Study 12/24/17

In our culture, satisfaction is a desperately sought after and fleeting commodity. The mantra of many today is captured in the words the Rolling Stones made famous: “…can’t get no satisfaction.” The concept even expresses itself in candy-bar marketing: “Snickers satisfies.” Yes, satisfaction has to do with hunger and longing. This morning we turn our attention to a man who found true satisfaction-deep, permanent soul-satisfaction. His name was Simeon and he discovered that only a sovereign God who keeps His promises can provide true satisfaction. Nearing the end of his life, he experienced the fulfillment of a promise that he would not see death before he had “seen the Lord’s Christ.” His “song”, or word of praise, traditionally is referred to as the “Nunc Dimittis,” a Latin designation meaning “now You are dismissing…” From Simeon we learn that real satisfaction is all about an appetite for the right things.

I. Introduction

-note the intentional old age/infancy contrast
-note the repeated emphasis on the role of the Holy Spirit

II. Rest completely assured

-foundation: Spirit and Word
-revelation: see the Lord’s Christ
-reception: a new era

III. Understand the mission

-global scope
-light to the nations
-glory of Israel
-set for falling and rising

IV. Yearn for fulfillment

-looking for consolation
-the other side
-shall we long for Him less?

V. So What?

– When you rely on the Lord’s own revelation of Himself and relish it for all that it is, you can know true satisfaction.
– “He comes to make His blessings flow, far as the curse is found…” (I. Watts)

– “Bethlehem morning is more than just a memory,

For the child that was born there
Is the King of Kings, and the Lord of Lords,
And He will come again.” (M. Chapman)

-Recognize that the mission of Jesus is not sentimental but sacrificial.
-Let the ground of your satisfaction center in the certainty that God has a perfect track record of keeping His promises.

Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for December 17, 2017

“Christmas and the Lord’s Zeal” Isaiah 9:1-7 Bible Study 12/17/17

Our text this morning ends with the powerful assurance that “The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.” The “this” in the sentence refers to the promise of a coming, ultimate and everlasting Ruler-Jesus Christ. God the Father is no passive spectator in the drama of redemption. With ardent desire and fervency, He orchestrated and executed His plan to exalt His Son and to gather a people to Himself. As we study this morning, we will see that the Lord’s ultimate display of divine wisdom and almighty omnipotence occurs in the giving of His only Son to be our only Savior and everlasting Lord.

I. Delight in the declaration of a deliverer

-a royal birth announcement
-for those harassed by darkness-light!
-a child born-humanity
-a son given-deity (Psa. 2:7, Heb. 1:1-2)
-the shoulders of Jesus-administrative authority and superiority

II. Discern the depth of the double-names

-confirmation of His excellencies
-Wonderful Counselor
-Mighty God
-Eternal Father
-Prince of Peace

III. Depend on the Lord’s determination

-perpetual peace (Luke 1:33)
-a promise kept (2 Sam. 7:12-17)
-justice and righteousness
-LORD of hosts
-infinite fervency

IV. So What?

-Your zeal for God’s Son should reflect the Father’s zeal for Him-at Christmas and always!
-“Zeal has attained its highest aim, its end is satisfied, if sinners love the Saviour’s name; nor seek aught beside.” (Watts)
– Every name He wears is a blessing He shares. His names are wonderful!
-Come and see the zeal of the LORD: Immanuel!

Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for December 10, 2017

“The Horn of Salvation” Luke 1:67-79 Bible Study 12/10/17

As the horn of salvation, Jesus is the ultimate demonstration of God’s mercy. Therefore, He must be the ultimate treasure of our lives.

I. Consider it Done

-note the use of the past tense
-a visitation and a redemption

II. Highlight the Horn

-a reference to Jesus and not to John
-not a musical instrument but an animal weapon
-sign of strength and means of victory

III. Magnify God’s Mercy in Jesus

-not a song about saving ourselves
-remedy for a deadly disease and a roaring enemy
-blessing the Lord for His tender mercy
-Psalm 18:2 in its ultimate application

Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for December 3, 2017

“Thoughts of Hell at Christmas-Time” Hebrews 2:14-15 Bible Study 12/03/17

Our text this morning may seem to be a rather unusual one in light of an approaching Christmas season. However, it answers a fundamental question: Why did God take on human flesh and blood in the Person of Jesus Christ? The answer is that Jesus Christ was born to die-in order that we might be delivered from soul-enslaving fear. Because Jesus Christ was born to die for your sins, you can be delivered from soul-enslaving fear and set free to live with loving abandon.

Five Important Observations from 2:14-15

1. Humans share in a common flesh and blood existence.

-context of 2:10-18
-a basic truth essential to the flow of the text

2. Identify the children in verse 14 as the spiritual offspring of Jesus Christ.

-connection to Psa. 22:22 and Isa. 8:18 in verse 13

3. Verse 14 indicates that Jesus took hold of a form previously foreign to Him.

-clothing deity with humanity
-affirmation of incarnation (John 1:14)

4. View Christ’s death as the disarming of the devil and his chief weapon.

-purpose clause: …that through death…
-destroy: render powerless
-“Even the devil is God’s devil.” (Luther)

5. The disarming of the devil delivers the believer from enslavement to the fear of death.

-fear that frequently takes the form of denial (1 Cor. 15:32)
-“time” after death: the “ages of the ages” (Rev. 14:11)

Three Important Applications from Hebrews 2:14-15

1. Face the fear through faith in Christ.

2. Tremble with joy over your rescue.

3. Your ultimate safety should have an immediate impact.

* “God in flesh is the end of fear.” (Meyer)

Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for November 26, 2017

For Who He Is

John 1:14-18

Ultimately, Christmas is not about our gifts to each other or even our gifts to the Lord. It is a celebration of God’s immeasurable gift of His Son to us. This morning we will turn to the prologue of John’s gospel to identify some particular truths about Jesus. These truths are important because they indicate the clear distinction between the Christ revealed in Scripture and the Christ other religions claim to honor. As you anticipate Christmas, let the truths of this text encourage you to see Jesus for who He really is. When you understand who Jesus really is, you value Him above everyone and everything.

I. See Him as the Word

• Before He became flesh, John called Him the Word.
• for communication with the Father
• divine communication to us
• God expressing Himself

II. See Him as the Word existing eternally

• with God
• was God
• second person of the Trinity

III. See Him as the agent of creation

• underscores that He is God
• indicts the world’s guilty blindness
• origin and explanation

IV. See Him as the Life and the Light

• the life you need because you are dead
• the light you need because you are blind

V. See Him as the exclusive Savior and King

• incarnation: word…flesh…dwelt
• “The Almighty appeared on earth as a helpless human baby, needing to be fed and changed and taught to talk like any other child. The more you think about it, the more staggering it gets. Nothing in fiction is so fantastic as this truth of the Incarnation” (Packer)
• glory of the only begotten…
• full of grace and truth
• Jesus Christ: leading out

VI. So What?

• “…we will never face life alone, now that God has made Himself known, Father and Friend, with us to the end, Immanuel.” (S.C. Chapman)
• Repudiate the reduction of Jesus to a product of history since John plainly asserts that history is the product of His sovereign action.
• “In Jesus Christ we discover an admirable conjunction of diverse excellencies.” (J. Edwards)
• “Our God, heaven cannot hold Him, nor earth sustain; heaven and earth shall flee away when He comes to reign.” (C. Rosetti)
• “We the sons of men rejoice, the Prince of Peace proclaim, with heaven’s host lift up our voice, and shout Immanuel’s name.” (C. Wesley)

Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for November 19, 2017

“A Psalm for Thanksgiving 2017” Psalm 147:1-11 Bible Study 11/19/17

As we anticipate Thanksgiving next week, we turn our attention this morning to Psalm 147. It is one of a group of Psalms which conclude the Psalter. These Psalms commonly are referred to as “Hallel” Psalms because all of them begin with a form of the word “Hallelujah” (Praise Yahweh). In terms of content, Psalm 147 is a potent rebuke of self-absorbed, narcissistic, man-centered worship. It includes not only calls to praise but causes for praise. This Psalm does not include any reference to the first person pronoun (I). Instead, it refers to God at least 14 times and the Lord 8 times. Psalm 147 is divided into three distinct sections (1-6, 7-11, and 12-20. This morning our focus will be on the first two sections.

I. Praise for Restoration (1-6)

-call to praise-hallelujah: good, pleasant, fitting
-building and gathering: return from exile/completion of wall (Neh. 12:27)
-healing and binding: immanence of God/hearts
-determines and gives: transcendence of God/stars
-abundant power and infinite understanding
-exaltation and debasement

II. Praise for Provision (7-11)

-call to praise: sing with thanksgiving
-precipitation and provision-even for ravens!
-the Provider’s delight and pleasure
-fearing the Provider and hoping in Him

III. So What?

-This Thanksgiving, let your fear of the Lord and your hope in Him prime the pump of praise in your life.
-The God of the galaxies is the Physician of hearts. “Star Counting and Heart Healing.” (Ainsworth)
-“Don’t you ever wonder why in spite of all that’s wrong here, there’s still so much that goes right and beauty abounds? ‘Cause sometimes when you walk outside the air is full of song here. The thunder rolls and the baby sighs, and the rain comes down. And when you see the spring has come and it warms you like a mother’s kiss, don’t you want to thank someone? Don’t you want to thank someone for this?”
(A. Peterson)
-“It’s easy passing milestones when you’re going home.” (Thomas Champness)
-“Be not afraid of saying too much in the praises of God; all the danger is of saying too little.” (M. Henry)
-“The God who made the firmament, who made the deepest sea, The God who put the stars in place, is the God who cares for me.” (Berg)
-Ultimate restoration and provision: Emmanuel!

Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for November 12, 2017

“The Divine Seal of Approval” Leviticus 9:1-24 Bible Study 11/12/17

Our text this morning is a record of how divinely prescribed worship was to be carried out so that it could be blessed by the LORD. Having been redeemed out of Egypt, formed into the people of God, instructed regarding the place and practice of worship and provided with a consecrated priesthood, the people proceeded to obey the LORD’S commands with the result that He manifested His presence among them powerfully.

I. Anticipation (1-6)

-instruction of Moses
-obedience of Aaron and the people
-worship as an act of obedience
-motivation: appearance of the glory of the LORD

II. Approach (7-21)

-Aaron offers sacrifices for himself
-Aaron offers sacrifices for the people
-significance of the sequence of sacrifices
-following the prescribed ritual

III. Access (22-23a)

-intercessory role of the High Priest
-blessing of the people (Num. 6:24-26)
-bless: endowment, gift, enrichment
-grace and peace

IV. Assurance (23b-24)

-dramatic revelation of divine appearance
-glory: manifestation of the splendor of His presence
-offering consumed by fire
-response of the people: shout and fall

V. So What?

-When the glory of the LORD’S presence grips you, you willingly worship according to His prescribed pattern and gratefully experience His blessing.
-“True forgiveness produces holy awe.” (A. Bonar)
-Determine to be overwhelmed by the LORD’S glory and filled with adoration and praise.
-Catch the connection to Christ (2 Cor. 5:21; Heb. 4:14-16, 7:23-28)
-“The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.” (Num. 6:24-26)