Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for January 15, 2017
“Blind Man’s Cry” Mark 10:46-52 Bible Study 01/15/17
This morning we turn our attention to the final healing miracle recorded in Mark’s gospel. It is also the only healing miracle in Mark which includes the proper name of the one healed. As Jesus makes his way to Jerusalem and His divinely-appointed cross, we see His care for the individual and, specifically, the marginalized individual.
I. Look at the Setting
-final healing miracle recorded in Mark
-more than one blind man in this story (review Mark 8-10)
-from Jericho to Jerusalem (Mark 10:45)
II. Observe the Blind Beggar
-Bartimaeus: “Son of Honor”
-sitting by the roadside
-heard that it was Jesus
III. Hear the Blind Beggar’s Cry and the Crowd’s Response
-Son of David
-mercy
-the crowd’s rebuke
-the cry continues
IV. Notice that Jesus Stops and Speaks
-call him
-throwing off his cloak
-the question and response
-your faith has saved you
-immediately…recovered…followed him on the way
V. So What?
-The blind see when they come to Jesus and cry for mercy.
-In what ways do I presently promote or hinder gospel advancement?
-“Jesus will never be a reality to you until He becomes a necessity for you.” (A. Begg)
-“…Mercy there was great, and grace was free; Pardon there was multiplied to me….” (D. Towner)
-“Pass me not, O Gentle Savior, Hear my humble cry; While on others Thou art calling, Do not pass me by.” (F. Crosby)
Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for January 8, 2017
“A Shake-Up at Shechem” Joshua 24:1-28 Bible Study 01/08/17
Joshua 24 records the third and final assembly of God’s people in Joshua 22-24. This assembly occurred at Shechem, the place where God made the promise of a land to Abraham some 600 years earlier (Gen. 12:6-7). Joshua used this meaningful location as the backdrop for a covenant renewal of God’s people, who now possessed the land promised to their “father” Abraham. This ancient story has significant implications for believers today. God’s past and present faithfulness provides powerful fuel for an obedient future.
I. The Setting (1)
-Shechem
-repetition of “summoned”
-“…before God
II. The History Review (2-13)
-review of covenant history with emphasis on God’s activity (“I” 18 times)
-amazing grace: they “served other gods”
-unhurried pace: “made his offspring many”
-power, protection and provision
III. The Call for Commitment (14-24)
-logical: “Now therefore…” (Rom. 12:1-2)
-exclusive: “serve” (18 times in Josh. 24)
-Yahweh or two sets of pagan gods
-cautious: “You are not able…”
IV. The Covenant Renewed (25-28)
-implied sacrifice: covenant=”to cut”
-written record
-a stone witness
V. So What?
-Because the Lord relates to you graciously and faithfully, serve Him gladly and exclusively.
-“Here I raise my Ebenezer, Hither by Thy help I come…Let Thy goodness, Like a fetter, Bind my wandering heart to Thee…” (R. Robinson)
Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for January 1, 2017
“High Fidelity” Joshua 22:1-8 Bible Study 01/01/17
On this first Sunday of a new year, we turn our attention to the closing portion of the book of Joshua. Here, we see reminders of the Lord’s faithfulness to His people as well as a challenge for His people to respond in faithful obedience to Him.
I. Overview of Joshua
-entering the land (1-4)
-taking the land (5-12)
-possessing the land (13-21)
-retaining the land (22-24)
II. An emphatic reminder of the Lord’s fidelity (21:43-45)
III. An emphatic call for the faithfulness of the Lord’s people (22:1-8)
-focus of chapters 22-24: “summoned”
-context for 22:1-8: 1:12-18
-commendation for obedience (22:1-4)
-exhortation for ongoing fidelity (22:5-6)
-instruction regarding generosity (22:6-8)
IV. So what?
-Because the Lord’s faithfulness to His own is unwavering, respond to Him with complete submission.
-Regularly rehearse the faithfulness of the Lord with yourself and with others.
-“God must be chiefly eyed in our praises, yet instruments must not be altogether overlooked.” (M. Henry)
-Ponder your passion for faithfulness to the Lord.
-“A charge to keep I have, A God to glorify, A never-dying soul to save, And fit it for the sky. To serve the present age, My calling to fulfill: Oh, may it all my powers engage, To do my Master’s will. (C. Wesley)
Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for December 18, 2016
“The Lowly and the Holy” Luke 1:46-55 Bible Study 12/18/16
Mary’s song of praise underscores the importance of acknowledging our lowly status and making much of God’s magnificent mercy.
I. Introduction (1:26-45)
-between promise and fulfillment
-testimony of Elizabeth
-a sermon from the womb
-the Mary/Hannah connection
-living word and written word
II. The lowly express joy in the Holy (46-47)
-soulful magnification
-spiritual rejoicing
-personal Savior
III. The lowly specify joy in the Holy (48-49a)
-regard for a female servant
-blessed by generations to come
-not excessive veneration but biblical admiration
IV. The lowly anchor joy in the Holy (49b-53)
-concentration on the character of God
-merciful response to reverential fear
-the irresistible force of a mighty reversal
V. So what?
-Because the Lord is all-caring and all-powerful, rejoice in Him above all things.
-Magnify the Lord because He is both mindful and mighty.
-“The songs of Zion are not cultural artifacts but the story of God’s saving plan.” (Keller)
-“What can I give Him, poor as I am? If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb; If I were a wise man, I would do my part; yet what I can I give Him: give my heart.” (Rosetti)
-Your only hope: Mary’s Savior
Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for December 11, 2016
“Credit Where It’s Due” Joshua 5:13-6:27 Bible Study 12/11/16
Our study in Joshua this morning brings us to the account of the conquest of the city of Jericho. In it, we discover the presence, plan and power of God. We also discover that Joshua did not “fight” the Battle of Jericho!
I. The Commander of the Lord’s army (5:13-6:5)
-the OT perspective of conquest (Gen. 15:16, Deut. 9:4-5)
-appearance as a warrior
-submission and then instruction
-seemingly hopeless situation
II. The Lord’s unusual methodology (6:6-15)
-blowing of horns
-circling of city
-centrality of the ark
-the shout
III. The significance of submission (6:16-21)
-the ban (herem)
-the shout
-compliance before conquest
IV. The deliverance in the midst of judgment (6:21-27)
-rescue of Rahab
-inclusion of Rahab (Matt. 1:5)
V. So what?
-In God’s economy, the prelude of obedience precedes the processional of victory. Therefore, prioritize obedience to Him.
-Reverent submission sets the stage for specific instruction.
-The posture of dependence paves the path to deliverance.
-Marvel at the magnificent mercy of God: A Canaanite prostitute becomes the great, great grandmother of David- a snapshot of the ultimate gift of mercy in God’s Son!
Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for December 4, 2016
Guest Speaker: Dr. Barry McCarty
“How the 12 Tribes came to be” – Genesis 29:31-35:26
Lesson notes not available.
Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for November 27, 2016
“What Sort of People…? 2 Peter 3:11-18 Bible Study 11/27/16
After a scathing denunciation of false teachers in chapter 2, the last chapter of 2 Peter opens with Peter’s affectionate declaration to believers (“beloved” 3:1). He now returns to the theme of chapter 1: the believer’s hope that is grounded in the precious promises of God. Addressing the apparent “delay” of Christ’s return, the threat of false teachers and the general tendency of people to be “tossed” in turmoil, Peter exhorts his readers to live presently in light of God’s promised eternal future. What sort of people should we be? We should be the sort of people that let the biblical next-world outlook shape the contours of our this-world existence.
I. Consider the context (3:1-10)
-“these things” connection (11)
-“day of the Lord” (10): judgment and deliverance
-predictions of prophets and commands through apostles (2)
-scoffers (3-6), fire (7) and the Lord’s patience (8-10)
II. Ponder the prescription (3:11-13)
-holiness and godliness: behavior and actions
-“waiting” (verses 12, 13, 14): longing expectation
-“hastening”: speeding the “arrival” by godly living
III. Apply four command-based principles (3:14-18)
-engagement: “be diligent” (14)
-assessment: “count” (9, 15)
-vigilance: “take care” or “guard” (17)
-progression: “grow” (18)
IV. Reflect on the truth
-“Rejoice in glorious hope! Our Lord and Judge shall come…” (C. Wesley)
-The stability of believers hinges on avoidance of error and advancement in godliness.
-Dare to place your life under the searching spotlight of eternity. Ask yourself frequently, “How important is this in light of eternity?”
Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for November 20, 2016
“Keep Yourselves in the Love of God” Jude 1, 17-20 Bible Study 11/20/16
This morning we will examine a pivotal text in the frequently neglected book of Jude. It is essentially a polemic against false teachers and a warning for believers to persevere in right doctrine and right living. Believers are to persevere by keeping themselves in the love of God. Our text this morning communicates the specifics of how such a “keeping” is done. Those who are kept by God keep themselves in the love of God.
I. Keep yourselves in the love of God (21a)
-apparent conflict: verse 1 and verse 21
-“Grace is opposed to earning-not effort.” (Willard)
-fire insurance or fire endowment?
-How? Persevere: contend v. 3, remember v. 17
-specifically: three participles modify the main verb “keep” v.21
A. Build on your faith (20a)
-doctrinal conformity
-personal commitment
-avoiding the anesthesia of idolatry
B. Pray in the Holy Spirit (20b)
-intoxicated prayer
-use the words He inspired
-relationship requires communication
C. Wait for God’s mercy (21b)
-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.” (Carmichael)
-Erupt in doxology (25)
-The foundation for finishing well is a riveted focus on the faithful love of God.
Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for November 13, 2016
Guest Speaker: Dr. Madison Grace.
“The Nature of Authority” 2 Peter 1:12-21
Lesson outline not available.
Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for November 6, 2016
“For This Very Reason” 2 Peter 1:1-11 Bible Study 11/06/16
This morning we begin a new study in 2 Peter, which was Peter’s final recorded correspondence. Writing to the same original recipients addressed in 1 Peter, Peter continued to offer inspired insights for believers living in the midst of persecution and cultural confusion. He wanted his readers to be assured that God’s power and promises provided everything necessary for their growth in conformity to Christ. Therefore, we can summarize his instruction in 1: 1-11 with the following statement: In light of the Lord’s power and promises, passionately pursue the goal of growth in likeness to Christ.
I. Practice biblical “choreography” (5-7)
-affirmation of effort: bring in diligence
-power of favor precedes our labor
-spiritually “fit out” the chorus
-seven-fold application of faith: banking on Christ
*moral excellence: virtue
*knowledge: discernment
*self-control: strict training
*perseverance: unswerving devotion
*godliness: reflecting God’s character
*brotherly kindness: family affection
*love: origin in the agent not the object
II. Prioritize biblical productivity (8-9)
-possession and progression
-neither ineffective nor unproductive in knowledge
-not blind or myopic
III. Prize biblical certainty (10-11)
-be diligent to confirm: cooperation
-observe the order: calling and election
-two results:
*no falling beyond recovery
*no hindered entrance
-confirmation by continuation
IV. So what?
-Affirm divine sovereignty and human responsibility.
-Remember: “Grace is opposed to earning-not to effort.” (D. Willard)
-Assess life biblically: “Three things are called precious in the Scripture: the blood of Christ is called “precious blood,” 1 Peter 1:19; and faith is called “precious faith,” 2 Peter 1:1; and the promises are called “precious promises,” 2 Peter 1:4.” (T. Brooks)
-Feed your mind with the promises of God.
