Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for December 10, 2023

The First Couple and the First Christmas

Genesis 2:5-25; 1 John 1:1-4

1. Formation 2:5-7

• repetition of LORD God
• formed
• breathed
• living creature

2. Environment 2:8-17

• garden provision
• work assignment
• commands and parameters

3. Family 2:18-25

• conspicuous absence and naming implications
• sculpted helper
• Adam’s response
• institution of marriage: leave, cleave, one flesh

4. Foreshadowing 1 John 1:1-4, Luke 2:7-12, Luke 3:33-38

• obedient and humble creatures
• condescending and caring Creator/Redeemer

5. So What?

• Because of the Father’s creative and redemptive work through Jesus, bow before Him in adoring worship.
• “Seek not in courts, nor palaces, nor royal curtains draw; but search the stable, see our God, extended on the straw.” (W. Billings, “Methinks I See a Heavenly Host”)
• Ponder the Son of God who, as the Agent of creation, sculpted Adam and Eve from the dust of the ground and breathed into them the breath of life.
• “I don’t care if you’ve been on the paid staff of hell…” (T. Keller)

Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for December 3, 2023

The Image and the Incarnation

Genesis 1:26-31; John 1:14

Grasping the truth that humans are made in the image of God enables you to gain a biblical understanding of human nature and to marvel at the miracle of the incarnation.

1. Reflect the Person of God

• image/likeness emphasis
• “let us make…”
• the issue of image
• personality, morality, spirituality

2. Understand Your Assignment

• fill
• receive
• rule

3. Reject Sub-Biblical Standards

• devaluation of image
• deification of image
• disregard of image

4. Recognize the Connection between Image and Incarnation

• important distinction: “in His image” and “He is the image…” (Col. 1:15, Heb. 1:3, Rom. 8:29)
• two key applications: dignity and destiny
• “Nothing in fiction is so fantastic as this truth of the incarnation.” (Packer)
• “Man’s Maker was made man, that He, Ruler of the stars, might nurse at His mother’s breast; that the Bread might hunger, the Fountain thirst, the Light sleep, the Way be tired on its journey; that the Truth might be accused of false witness, the Teacher be beaten with whips, the Foundation be suspended on wood; that Strength might grow weak; that the Healer might be wounded; that Life might die.” (Augustine)

Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for November 26, 2023

Guest Speaker: Dr. Jim Sibley

Messiah

The Undercover Messiah

Deuteronomy 18:15-19

I. The Prophet Prophesied: Deuteronomy 18:15–19

a. The Prophet as the Suffering Servant of Isaiah (Isaiah 40–55)
b. The Prophet as the Authoritative Word

II. His Encounter with the Woman of Samaria: John 4

a. An Understanding of the Samaritans’ Identity
b. An Understanding of Jesus’ Identity: John 4:19

1. The Discussion Regarding Water: John 4:10
2. Supernatural Knowledge: John 4:16–18

c. The Unanticipated Result

1. In the Village: John 4:39, 41–42
2. In the Nation: Ezekiel 37:15–22; Acts 8

III. The Feeding of the Five Thousand: John 6

a. The Miraculous Provision of Bread: John 6:8–13
b. The Identity of Jesus Revealed: John 6:14

IV. The Transfiguration: Matthew 17

a. The Correspondence of Time: Exod 24:16; Matt 17:1
b. The Correspondence of Companions: Exod 24:1; Matt 17:1
c. The Correspondence of the Clouds: Exod 19:9; Matt 17:5
d. The Correspondence of the Countenance: Exod 34:29; Matt 17:2

A. M. Ramsey writes, “Moses went up into the Mount . . . and when he came down to the people the skin of his face shone. Here, in contrast is the new and greater Moses, whose face shines not with a reflected glory but with the unborrowed glory as of the sun’s own rays.”

e. The Conversation on the Mount

1. The Exodus of Jesus
2. “Listen to Him”!

Dale Allison says, “It is natural to see in [Matthew] 17:1–9 the greater than Moses theme; for, at the last, Moses and Elijah disappear, and the reader is left with the command to ‘hear him,’ that is, the one Son of God, Jesus.”

The Prophet Still Speaks, “Listen to Him”!

Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for November 19, 2023

Thanksgiving Message

A Psalm for Thanksgiving 2023

Psalms 115:1-18

1. Introduction

• context of burden/difficulty and the “summary statement” of verse 1
• Because the LORD alone is your protector and provider, praise Him now and forever.

2. The Substance of the Taunt of the Nations 2

• based on perceived abandonment and absence

3. The Scorching Deconstruction of Idolatry 3-8

• where our God is and what He does
• contrasted with idols and the principle: becoming what we worship

4. The Summons to Trust the LORD for Protection 9-11

• He is their help and shield in antiphonal praise

5. The Summons to Trust the LORD for Provision 12-15

• reflection on the LORD’S memory
• repetition and recognition of blessing

6. The Summons to Praise the LORD Perpetually 16-18

• do it now while you’re alive and anticipate doing it forever

7. So What?

• Make the connection to Christ: recalling a greater victory.
• Mind the mindfulness of the LORD.
• LORD, put this psalm on my lips and in my life this week.
• “Lord, I believe Thou hast prepared, unworthy though I be, for me a blood-bought free reward, a golden harp for me. ‘Tis strung and tuned for endless years and formed by power divine, to sound in God the Father’s ears no other name but Thine.”

Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for November 12, 2023

When Christ, the Mighty Maker, Died…

Mark 15:33-39

1. Context

• emphasis on sovereignty and scriptural fulfillment (10:45) and the connection between 1:1 and 15:39

2. Cover of Darkness 33

• darkness during the day (Dt. 28:29, Amos 8:9)
• darkness/Passover connection (Ex. 10:21-23, 1 Cor. 5:7)

3. Cry of Desolation 34

• connection to Psalm 22:1 and significance of the address of Jesus

4. Continued Derision 35-36

• misunderstood words and connection to Psalm 69:21

5. Cry of Completion 37

• significance of a loud cry and John 19:30: “It is finished!” (1 Pet. 2:24, 2 Cor. 5:21, Gal. 3:13)

6. Curtain Torn 38

• a supernatural separation (Ex. 26:31-35) and indicator of access (Heb. 6:19-20)

7. Convinced Centurion 39

• commentary consistent with Mark
• conviction and not skepticism (14:61)

8. So What?

• Assured of the Father’s plan and the fulfillment of Scripture in the death of Jesus, marvel at the sovereignty and sensitivity of the “great exchange.”
• Recognize the Father’s reconciling and retaining work at the cross.
• “Well might the sun in darkness hide and shut His glories in, when Christ, the mighty Maker, died for man, the creature’s sin…” (Watts, “Alas, and Did My Savior Bleed”)
• Acknowledge accurate theology: “…Till on that cross where Jesus died, the wrath of God was satisfied…” (Townend/Getty, “In Christ Alone”)

Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for November 5, 2023

His First Throne

Mark 15:22-32

1. Context

• delivered by Pilate to be crucified (6-15), mocked by soldiers and the compulsion of Simon (16-21)

2. Details at the Cross 22-28

• Golgotha/Calvary: “place of a skull”
• drink refused (Prov. 31:6)
• description of fact
• division of garments and casting of lots (Psa. 22:18)
• designation of time: the third hour or 9:00 a.m.
• disclosure of inscription: The King of the Jews
• crucified between two thieves (Isa. 53:12, Mark 10:39)

3. Derision at the Cross 29-32

• participants: those who passed by, chief priests, thieves (Psa. 22:7-8)
• despised as prophet (Mark 14:58, John 2:18-22)
• mocked as priest
• humiliated as king
• the taunts and the truth (Isa. 53:10)

4. So What?

• Because King Jesus made the cross His first throne, seize the benefit of His sacrifice and celebrate its lasting impact.
• “Crucified as a king, He was king still. He made the cross His first throne.” (S. Ferguson)
• “A sacrificial death is the true work of the Messiah of the law, prophets and psalms and because He did not come down from the cross, therefore He is ‘crowned with glory and honor’ in heaven, and rules our gratefully redeemed hearts on earth.” (Maclaren)
• “God forbid that Christ’s agony would ever become a matter of dispassionate interest.” (K. Hughes)
• “The other gods were strong; but Thou wast weak. They rode, but Thou didst stumble to Thy throne. But to our wounds only God’s wounds can speak; and not a god has wounds, but Thou alone.” (E. Shillito, “Jesus of the Scars”)
• “What Thou, my Lord, hast suffered was all for sinners’ gain. Mine, mine was the transgression but Thine the deadly pain. Lo, here I fall, my Savior, ‘tis I deserve Thy place. Look on me with Thy favor, vouchsafe to me Thy grace…” (Bernard of Clairvaux, “O Sacred Head Now Wounded”)

Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for October 29, 2023

Sour Grapes

Mark 12:1-12

1. Background

• penetrating parable in the context of escalating conflict with the religious establishment
• preceded by the questioning of the credentials of Jesus (11:27-33)

2. Jesus Highlights the Resources of God 1

• judgment parable about wicked vineyard keepers
• every provision for maximum fruitfulness
• imagery of Isaiah 5

3. Jesus Highlights the Revelation of God 2-8

• escalating violence leading to murder in the vineyard
• revelation through His servants and their treatment
• revelation through His Son and His treatment

4. Jesus Highlights the Goodness and Severity of God 9

• warning of Rom. 11:22
• the problem of receiving resources and rejecting revelation

5. Jesus Uses Scripture to Highlight His Certain Triumph 10-12

• rejected stone has become the chief corner stone (Psa. 118:22-23)
• the last question and the only answer
• pathetic picture of misplaced fear

6. So What?

• Because receiving God’s resources and rejecting His revelation results in inevitable judgment, rely completely on Jesus.
• Recognize the distinct contrast between sour grapes and saving grace.
• “You put your finger in the eye of God when you slight His Son.” (Spurgeon)
• “Jesus is the corner stone, came for sinners to atone; though rejected by His own, He became the corner stone. When I am by trial oppressed, on the stone I am at rest; when the seeds of truth are sown, He remains the corner stone…Till the breaking of the dawn, till all footsteps cease to roam; ever let the truth be known, Jesus is the corner stone.” (L. Goss, “Cornerstone”)

Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for October 22, 2023

By What Authority?

Mark 11:27-33

1. Setting

• part of a section (11:27-13:2) focused on confrontation with the Jerusalem establishment
• contrast between the Jerusalem authorities and the Jerusalem crowd

2. A Question about Authorization 27-28

• continuing emphasis on “authority”
• these things: triumphal entry, fig tree cursing, temple cleansing
• by or who…?

3. A Calculated Response to Opponents 29-30

• counter-question of Jesus
• statement of condition
• reference to John’s baptism (1:1-11)

4. A Dilemma for the Religious Establishment 31-33

• dialogue about their response
• two problematic options
• confession of inability to decide
• the last word with Jesus

5. So What?

• In light of His assigned and exercised authority, eagerly and gladly submit to Jesus.
• “Obedience is the organ of spiritual knowledge.” (F. W. Robertson)
• Jesus always refuses to entertain or endorse hypocrisy.
• Actively promote Jesus as the sole focus of saving faith.
• “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.” (Luther, “A Mighty Fortress”)

Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for October 15, 2023

Not in My House!

Mark 11:15-19

1. Background

• preceded by triumphal entry and fig-tree cursing
• issue of authority and second temple cleansing
• prophetic, priestly and kingly roles of Jesus

2. Intervention of Jesus 15-16

• driving out those desecrating the house of God (2 Chron. 7:1-3)
• flipped tables and halted traffic
• repudiation of “business as usual” (Ex. 30:11-16)
• confirmation that appearances can be deceiving

3. Intention of Jesus 17

• designed to be a house of prayer for the nations (Isa. 56:7)
• not a place of refuge for the rebel (Jer. 7:11)
• replacing besmirching with blessing and exploitation with evangelism

4. Alarm of Religious Establishment 18-19

• threatened leaders and astonished crowd
• authority challenged and confirmed (27-33, Zech. 14:21, Mal. 3:1-4)

5. So What?

• In light of God’s holiness, pursue purified worship which reflects His person and results in productivity for His glory.
• Consider the “temple” connection. (1 Cor. 3:16-17)
• the atmosphere of biblical worship: humble, prayerful and missional
• See prayer as a key indicator of your dependence on God.
• “Praise Him! Praise Him! Jesus, our blessed Redeemer! Heav’nly portals loud with hosannas ring! Jesus, Savior, reigneth forever and ever! Crown Him, Crown Him! Prophet, and Priest, and King!” (F. Crosby, “Praise Him! Praise Him!”)

Dr. McKellar’s Lesson for October 8, 2023

He Went Away Sad

Mark 10:17-31

1. Context

• preceded by discussion of greatness and section on salty stewardship
• immediately preceded by receiving the kingdom like a child

2. Exchange with a Rich Young Ruler 17-22

• a question and a question
• character and commandments
• confession of conformity
• compassion and condition
• sad departure

3. Exchange with His Astonished Disciples 23-31

• kingdom of God emphasis
• caught in the eye of a needle
• question of possibility
• comfort for the committed
• a change of order

4. So What?

• Because King Jesus is the key to kingdom entrance, depend on Him like a little child.
• “I heard the voice of Jesus say, ‘Come unto Me and rest; Lay down, thou weary one, lay down your head upon My chest.’ I came to Jesus as I was, weary and worn and sad; and I found in Him a resting place, and He has made me glad.” (H. Bonar, “I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say”)