Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for December 21, 2014
“From Bethlehem to the Ends of the Earth” Micah 5:2-5a Bible Study 12/21/14
In Luke 2:8-20 one can find at least two specific references to Bethlehem as the place of Christ’s birth. More than 700 years before the events recorded in Luke 2, the prophet Micah delivered a prophetic word which helps us grasp the “why” and “how” of celebrating Christmas. His prophecy of Christ’s birth in Bethlehem invites us to ponder the Lord’s incomparable providence and to trust His supernatural provision for us.
I. Introduction
-Micah: contemporary of Isaiah
-from heartache to hope
-two images: sheep/shepherd and woman in labor
-perception of professionals and people
II. The Lord always acts to magnify His Person
-the contrast: insignificance of Bethlehem and significance of Christ
-the conclusion: Why?
-to shut the mouth of human boasting
-to shine forth the magnitude of His mercy
III. The Lord always keeps His promises
-linking David and Jesus
-confirmation of 2 Samuel 7:16
-condition: not rising but sinking
IV. The Lord always protects His people
-standing, shepherding, serving
-security and peace
-the deepest need at Christmas
Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for December 14, 2014
“God Provides Deliverance” Esther 4:6-17 Bible Study 12/14/14
The story of Esther affirms that God acts providentially to deliver His people in keeping with His redemptive purposes. While Esther appears only briefly on the stage of biblical history, she is used as an instrument to deliver God’s people from the genocidal plot of Haman. As we will observe, Haman, like others before and after him, fails to account for the providential presence of the living God.
I. Introduction
-Mordecai, Hathach and Esther
-Gen. 50:20 and Rom. 8:28
-providential contrasts
II. Mordecai mourns (6-9)
-signed decree
-sackcloth and ashes
-specific details
-appeal for intercession
III. Esther’s dilemma (10-12)
-death sentence
-gold scepter extension
IV. Mordecai’s appeal (13-14)
-relief from another place…
-panorama of God’s purposes
-risk-taking on behalf of a non-risk taking God
V. Esther’s commitment (15-17)
-fasting/prayer
-not stoicism but surrender
VI. So what?
-Because God is faithful to deliver His people, step out in faith to be His instrument in uncertain times.
-Consider the connection to Mary: Luke 1:34,38,46-55
-“ He who counts the stars and calls them by name is in no danger of forgetting His own children.” (C. Spurgeon)
– “Providence in its wisdom plays pranks on all our man-made rules.” (Sidney Berry)
– “The providence of God is like Hebrew words-it can be read only backwards.” (John Flavel)
Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for December 7, 2014
“Deliverance Is Needed” Esther 3:1-9 Bible Study 12/07/14
This morning we begin a new series of studies in Esther, Ezra and Nehemiah. While one might think that the book of Esther has no definite connection to the celebration of Christ’s first coming, there is a distinct connection to be made. This connection might be best conveyed through an understanding of the concept of providence. We will observe that the name of God does not appear in the text of Esther. However, the “fingerprint” of His providential supervision and care is evident throughout this ancient biblical account. People in every generation need deliverance and God is the great and ultimate Deliverer.
I. Four Key Personalities
-Ahasuerus/Xerxes: The Persian King who stages a beauty pageant
-Esther/Hadassah: The beauty who becomes a queen “for such a time as this” (4:14)
– Mordecai: Esther’s cousin/guardian and faithful God-fearer
-Haman: The Agagite and manipulative villain bent on exterminating the Jews
II. One Ultimate Ruler
-The Living God who delivers
– Exploring the concept of “providence”
-While God’s people can expect mistreatment and misunderstanding from an unbelieving world, they can rest confidently in His providential care and deliverance.
III. Applications
-In the NT: cradle and cross
-“God is never the victim of circumstances.” (N. Parrish)
-Often God does His greatest work when His presence is seemingly the least perceptible.
-“…conduct yourselves with fear….” (1 Peter 1:17)
– Hebrews 2:14-18
Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for November 30, 2014
“Keep Yourselves in the Love of God” (Jude 1-2, 20-21, 24-25)
Introduction:
• What is your obsession?
• Those who are kept by God keep themselves in the love of God.
• “Admonition is love’s authentic expression in time of danger.”
–Jack MacGorman
1. Keep Yourselves in the Love of God
• “Grace is opposed to earning, not to effort.” –Dallas Willard
• Fire insurance or fire endowment?
• How?
2. ___________ on Your Faith
• Doctrinal conformity
• Personal commitment
• The anesthesia of idolatry
3. _________ in the Holy Spirit
• Intoxicated prayer
• Use words He inspired
• Relationship demands communication
4. _________ for God’s Mercy
• 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.” –Amy Carmichael
Those who are kept by God keep themselves in the love of God.
Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for November 23, 2014
“A Psalm for Thanksgiving 2014” Psalm 69:30-32 Bible Study 11/23/14
The case may be made on the basis of this Psalm alone that the purpose of human existence is to praise God. While this comes as a shock to our man-centered sensibilities, Scripture shows that the longing of all true believers is to magnify the God of their salvation. Thanksgiving that pleases the Lord proceeds from people who relish their role as receivers.
I. Introduction
-two parts of 18 verses each
-messianic psalm
-the human author-David: afflicted and in pain
-the lily among thorns
II. Genuine gratitude honors the Lord
-our confession: weakness of longing
-the part for the whole: the Lord’s name
-called to be telescopes
-how gratitude magnifies the Lord
III. Genuine gratitude honors the Lord more than horns and hoofs
-maturity and purity of sacrifice
-the subtle sin of self-exaltation
-the antidote to arrogance in worship: thanksgiving
IV. Genuine gratitude encourages others to honor the Lord
-the humble: exhausted from pulling at their own bootstraps
-the testimony of a song in the furnace
-the Lord’s demand: cease to be great in your own eyes
-relish your role as a receiver this Thursday
Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for November 16, 2014
“Fearful and Fearless” 1 Peter 1: 17-21 Bible Study 11/16/14
In 1 Peter, a letter to believers who faced opposition for their faith and experienced persecution, Peter began with the twin challenges of hope and holiness. In our text this morning, he added another challenge that has confused and befuddled readers in subsequent generations. This challenge centered on the concept of godly fear. Godly fear, rightly understood, is the beginning of wisdom and the safeguard of holiness. 1:17-21 offers some profound incentives for believers to live both fearfully and fearlessly. Only as you fear the Lord properly can you face your future fearlessly.
I. Relish the responsibility of fearful living
-positive treatment in Scripture (Pr. 9:10, Isa. 66:2)
-a declaration to disciples (Lk. 12:4-7)
-conduct yourselves with fear
II. Reflect on the transitory nature of your life
-throughout the time of your exile
-a brief pilgrimage
-a temporary residency
III. Recognize the total impartiality of the Lord
-a Father who is judging
-without respect of persons
-according to each one’s works
-privileged status doesn’t convey a license to sin (Dt. 10:17-19)
IV. Remember the tremendous value of your deliverance
-immeasurable worth
-precious blood
-unblemished lamb
-eternal origin: foreknown before the foundation…
-divine certification: raised and glorified
Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for November 9, 2014
“Mission 1:8 and Gospel Urgency” 2 Timothy 4:1-8 Bible Study 11/09/14
On This day of commitment, it is particularly appropriate that we examine Paul’s parting instructions to Timothy, his “son” in the faith. With external opposition from an unbelieving world, the knowledge that Christ will return and the reality that death is coming, how should the Lord’s servant respond? The counsel given here certainly addresses those called by God to preach. However, its application has implications for all believers. In light of the inestimable value of the Gospel and the reality of eternity, convey the Gospel message with urgency.
I. Consider the context
-godlessness in the last days
-authority and sufficiency of Scripture
-from abiding in doctrine to proclaiming doctrine
II. Ponder the preface (1)
-charge…
-presence of God and of Christ Jesus…
-who is to judge…
-by His appearing/kingdom
III. Grasp the key command (2)
-“preach the word” with timeless urgency
-nature: herald-isao, reprove, rebuke and exhort
-content: all of Scripture/message of redemption in Christ
IV. Anticipate the coming apostasy (3-5)
-rejection of “healthy” teaching
-the “itch” of a passion-based appetite
-contrast: “As for you…fulfill…”
V. Focus on the finish line (6-8)
-drink and departure
-the “beautiful” fight and the “race” of faith
-“crown”…to all who have loved his appearing.
-past, present and future
VI. Closing thoughts
-Can you bow before the Crucified in humble adoration and not wish to see your Monarch Master of the world? (Spurgeon)
-In a matter so solemn as that of representing God to men as His ambassador, diversions are perversions. (A. T. Pierson)
-You can’t preach it like it is if you don’t believe it like it was. (V. Havner)
-We leave you in that blessed dependency, to hang upon Him that hung upon the cross. (J. Donne)
Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for November 2, 2014
“Mercy and Mission 1:8” 2 Samuel 24 Bible Study 11/02/14
In his well-known work, “The Cost of Discipleship”, Dietrich Bonhoeffer declared: “When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die.” We see the truth of this statement demonstrated in the worship experience of King David after his sin brought calamity upon the people of Israel. Although clearly a flawed man, David was a “man after God’s own heart” through whom the Lord directed and preserved His people. The ultimate effectiveness of the Mission 1:8 emphasis is connected profoundly to your growing comprehension of the magnitude of God’s mercy. In light of the magnitude of God’s mercy, worship Him sacrificially.
I. A King’s Command (1-9)
-a senseless and sinful census
-the response of Joab
-285 days of information-gathering
II. A King’s Confession (10)
-a “smitten” heart
-an honest assessment
III. A King’s Consequences (11-14)
-three options
-dramatic distress
-memory of mercy
IV. A King’s Intercession (15-24)
-demonstration of mercy
-plea for the sheep
-immediate obedience
-costly offering
-wrath scourged and satisfied
V. So What?
-David’s King
-wood, blood and hill…
-We have an altar… (Heb. 13:10)
-“Ministry that costs nothing accomplishes nothing.” -J. H. Jowett
-No place for leftovers or afterthoughts
-“…Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul, my life, my all.” -I. Watts
Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for October 26, 2014
“Do Not Be Anxious” Matthew 6:25-34 Bible Study 10/26/14
As we enter the second week of our Mission 1:8 focus, we will turn our attention to a well-known text from our Lord’s Sermon on the Mount. Often, the believer’s stewardship of his “time, talent and treasure” is hindered by a paralyzing anxiety. In this morning’s text the command to “not be anxious” occurs three times in a span of ten verses. You conquer anxiety only as you pursue God’s Kingdom.
I. Do Not Be Anxious (25-30)
-motivation and evaluation
-understanding anxiety
-the “world’s trinity of cares”:
-look at the birds…(food)
-consider the lilies…(clothing)
-the ineffectiveness of anxiety
II. Do Not Be Anxious (31-33)
-a Gentile obsession
-The Father’s knowledge
-antidote: a prioritized pursuit
-kingdom and righteousness
III. Do Not Be Anxious (34)
-facing your future
-tomorrow “personified”
-what we’re not promised
IV. So what?
-Reject the secular reductionist mindset.
-Seize the privileges of the present.
-Whose Kingdom captures your heart?
-Remember that He who creates is He who sustains.
Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for October 19, 2014
“Assembly Required” Hebrews 10:19-25 Bible Study 10/19/14
I. Introduction
1. The Mission 1:8 Challenge
2. Ephesians 3:17b-18
3. What difference do you want your life to make?
4. Aimless or Focused?
II. Main Idea
In light of the lavishly generous sacrifice of Jesus which gives us bold access to God, invest your life in fellowship with Him and His people.
III. The Text
-Savor the benefits of Christ’s sacrifice (19-21)…
…since we have confidence
…since we have a great Priest
1. Draw near (22)
-with a true heart
-with sprinkled hearts and washed bodies
2. Hold fast (23)
-unwavering confession of hope
-He is faithful
3. Consider how (24-25)
-stir up
-not neglecting
-encouraging
-all the more
