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

Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for March 22, 2015

Guest Speaker: Dr. Jim Sibley

Jesus’ Healing of a Blind Man Points to His Identity

John 9:1-19

The Book of John can be divided into two parts:

I. Chapters 1 – 11 (A Book of Signs)

Isaiah 6:9-10 speaks of the blindness of Israel displayed in these chapters.
(This verse is quoted more often than any other in the New Testament.)

II. Chapters 12 – 21 (A Book of Passion)

Isaiah 53:1, quoted in John 12:37, speaks of Jesus’ rejection by Israel.

Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for March 15, 2015

“From Sobering Start to Spectacular Finish” Zephaniah 2:4-3:20 Bible Study 03/15/15

In the first section of Zephaniah, we find the prophet warning Judah of God’s judgment and calling the nation to repentance (1:1-2:3). In the second section the prophet announces God’s rule over the entire world and warns that all nations are accountable to Him. This includes all the nations-and Judah (2:4-3:8)! The third section of Zephaniah reflects a dramatic shift. It offers powerful hope for the future even in the midst of judgment. The prophet’s message is tailor-made for nations and people in need of reformation and revival.

I. The LORD issues a warning (2:4-15)

-surrounding nations/Judah’s enemies
-Philistines 4-7
-Moab/Ammon 8-11
-Ethiopia 12
-Assyria 13-15
-note the “remnant” reference 9
-note the assessment 10

II. The LORD indicts His own people (3:1-8)

-four-fold specification 1-2
-contrasting human corruption and divine constancy 3-5
-the LORD’S actions and the arrogance of His people 6-8
-note the command to “wait” in 8

III. The LORD announces His plan for the future (3:9-20)

-dramatic shift
-historical regathering and greater gathering
-promise of global reawakening 9-10
-promise of revival/purification 11-12
-the spectacular promise of 17

IV. Application

-Sin will not have the final word.
-God has and will have a people. (Eph. 3:4-6, Rev. 5:9)
-Because God is determined to have a people for Himself, take refuge in Him and celebrate the wonder of His love.
-“Other refuge have I none, Hangs my helpless soul on Thee; Leave, ah! Leave me not alone, Still support and comfort me. All my help from Thee I bring; Cover my defenseless head, With the shadow of Thy wing.” (Charles Wesley in “Jesus, Lover of My Soul.”

Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for March 8, 2015

“The Accountability Factor” Zephaniah 1:1-2:3 Bible Study 03/08/15

I. Introduction

-Zephaniah: Yahweh has “hidden” or “treasured”
-Date: 630 B. C. in Judah
-Setting: After Hezekiah and Manasseh and before/during Josiah
-Key Phrase: “Day of the Lord”

II. The LORD declares His intention (2-4a)

-announcement of holy anger
-immediate and ultimate judgment
-no “exemption” clause

III. The LORD details the cause of His holy anger

1. Religion: denunciation of idolatry (4b-7)

-Baal and Milcom
-Idolaters, adulterers and apostates
-“Be silent…”: no more declarations of innocence
-sacrifice imagery

2. Social Customs (8-9)

-imitation of nations by princes/officials
-vain practices

3. Commerce (10-11)

-corrupt merchants

4. The Masses (12-13)

-complacency
-defective view of God

IV. The LORD describes the coming day (14-18)

-wrath
-helplessness
-jealousy

V. The LORD discloses the possibility of escape (2:1-3)

-before the decree “gives birth…”
-seek…LORD, righteousness, humility
-“hidden”
-remnant concept

VI. So What?

-Because God alone is God, He holds all people accountable and uses extreme measures to restore them to Himself.
-Acknowledge your accountability.
-Marvel at the jealous love of God.
-Determine to banish the “Baals” from your life.
-Where there is humility and obedience, there is hope.
-“What have we to do with idols who have fellowshipped with Him?” (Rowan)

Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for March 1, 2015

“The Lord Against The City” Nahum 1:1-2:13 Bible Study 03/01/15

This morning we will focus on the prophecy of Nahum. His prophecy is directed to Nineveh, the magnificent and wicked city at the center of the Assyrian empire. The key truth we will see expounded in our text is this: Because the Lord ultimately judges evil and oppression, His people can have comfort and confidence.

I. Introduction

-Nahum: “comfort/consolation”
-date: 625 B.C.
-historical background
Nimrod (Gen. 10:11), Code of Hammurabi 2200 B.C., Ministry of Jonah 750 B.C.,
Fall of Northern Kingdom of Israel 722 B.C., Fall of Nineveh 612 B.C.

II. The Lord Avenges His Adversaries (1:1-6)

-vengeance of God
-guilt of Nineveh
-certainty of God’s judgment

III. The Lord Articulates His Goodness (1:7-15)

-jealous, avenging, good…
-“comforting” description of judgment
-a promise for the future

IV. The Lord Illustrates His Opposition (2:1-13)

-military assault
-a dreadful conclusion

V. So What?

-Let the Bible, not feeling or experience, shape your view of God.
-Remember that God will not be mocked. (Gal. 6:7)
-Consider the connection of Rom. 3:10-18.
-Flee to Christ for refuge while there is opportunity.

-“Did we in our own strength confide,
Our striving would be losing,
Were not the right man on our side,
The man of God’s own choosing.
Dost ask who that may be?
Christ Jesus, it is He,
Lord Sabaoth, His name,
From age to age the same,
And He must win the battle.” (Martin Luther)

Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for February 22, 2015

“Commit Your Way to the Lord” Nehemiah 10:28-39 Bible Study 02/22/15

As we approach Nehemiah 10, we are greeted with an extended list of returning exiles who “sealed the covenant” in light of the confession and renewal recorded in Nehemiah 9. This list, far from being an insignificant addendum to the “action” of Nehemiah, is strikingly important. The names on the list represent people from across the strata and categories of post-exilic Jewish life. The list itself indicates the solidarity of leaders in the quest to model commitment for all the inhabitants of Jerusalem. Additionally, the list conveys a timeless principle: Tangible commitment flows out of true confession. When you take the Lord’s Word seriously, you gladly commit yourself to the promotion of His purposes.

I. Grasp the context

-following assembly of confession/renewal in Neh. 9
-a signed document
-specific commitments
* cessation of intermarriage
* sensitivity to the Sabbath
* support of the Temple

II. Observe the description of the committed (10:28-29)

-…separated themselves…to the Law of God
-…knowledge and understanding
-…enter into a curse and an oath to walk…

III. Observe the specifications of the commitment (10:30-39)

-…not give our daughters: purity
-Sabbath, crops, debts: perspective
-provision for the house of God: praise

IV. Consider a NT connection (Rom. 12:1-2)
-flowing out of 11:33-36
-paradox of “living” sacrifice
-avoiding conformity
-embracing transformation

V. So what?

-Meaningful renewal flows out of submission to God’s Word
-Prize the value of community
-View yourself as steward rather than owner
-Grasp the value of biblical “separation”
-Connect your stewardship with the command to be “salt and light” (Matt. 5:13-16)