Genesis: Recent Episodes
FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission
Genesis 50:15-26 (NOTE: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for recording of the testimony or sermon to begin.)
Parting Professions — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Genesis 50:15-26
Sermon Series: Genesis
February 9, 2020
DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. What have been your biggest takeaways from Genesis? How has God strengthened your faith through this series?
2. Why are Joseph’s brothers afraid? Is their fear rational or irrational?
3. How does Joseph respond to his brothers? How does he view the events that have transpired over the years?
4. How has the doctrine of God’s sovereignty, which Joseph articulates in this passage, been of practical help in your life?
5. According to Joseph what will God do for his people in the future? How does this help us to understand the nature of God’s ultimate salvation in Christ?
References: 1 Thessalonians 5:15; Romans 12:17; Genesis 45:1-15; Job 1:21; Deuteronomy 32:39; Hebrews 11:22; Luke 1:68-70; Revelation 22:20.
FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission
Genesis 49:29-50:14 (NOTE: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for recording of the testimony or sermon to begin.)
The Passing of the Patriarch — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Genesis 49:29-50:14
Sermon Series: Genesis
February 2, 2020
DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. How does the trust in God’s word among the Patriarchs heighten our view of Scripture? How does it encourage you to spend more time reading the Bible?
2. How would you describe Jacob’s mindset at his death? How can we prepare to die well?
3. What should grief look like for a Christian?
4. How does this narrative reinforce the theme that God is in control of individual hearts and entire nations?
5. What are the two reminders given at Jacob’s burial? How would these have prepared Jacob’s descendants for what was to follow?
6. Why didn’t Jacob’s descendants make an effort to stay and resettle in Canaan? What does this teach us about the Christian life?
References: Genesis 15:6; Luke 16:22; Genesis 23; Hebrews 2:14-15; 1 Thessalonians 4:13.
FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission
Genesis 49:1-28 (NOTE: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for recording of the testimony or sermon to begin.)
The Future Tribes — Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Genesis 49:1-28
Sermon Series: Genesis
January 26, 2020
DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. How does this theme of blessing in chapter 49 bring us back to creation? What does this tell us about God’s larger plan through Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob?
2. Why do Reuben, Simeon, and Levi receive such hard words of rebuke? How can this be part of a “blessing” (v. 28)?
3. Why should Jacob’s words to the first three sons encourage us to take sin more seriously?
4. How are vv. 8-12 a prophecy of Christ? How does this passage characterize him and his coming?|
5. What does the prospering of Jacob’s sons, especially Joseph, teach us about God’s dealings with his people? How does this grow our faith in him?
References: Hebrews 11:21; Genesis 1:28; 35:22; 1 Chronicles 5:1-2; Genesis 34; 38:26; 44:33; Daniel 7:14; Psalm 2:8; Revelation 5:5, 9; John 2:1-11; Matthew 28:18; Romans 1:5; Ephesians 1:3.
FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission
Genesis 48:1-22 (NOTE: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for recording of the testimony or sermon to begin.)
The Blessing of the Adopted Sons — Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Genesis 48:1-22
Sermon Series: Genesis
January 19, 2020
DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. How have the narratives of Genesis changed or informed your understanding of faith? How does Hebrews 11 in particular aid our reading of these stories?
2. What is the significance of the interchange of “Jacob” and “Israel” in v. 2?
3. Why does Jacob begin his dialogue with Joseph by quoting God’s words from chapter 35?
4. What makes Joseph’s desire to bring his sons to Jacob so remarkable given his position in Egypt? What does this teach us about worldly attainments?
5. Discuss how faithfulness and faith are woven together in vv. 8-16. How does Jacob’s pronouncement of blessing over the two sons (vv. 15-16) provide insight into the Christian life?
6. Why does God choose to carry his blessing forward by means of the younger son throughout Genesis? References: Genesis 12:1-9; Romans 4:18-22; Hebrews 11:1, 13; Genesis 35:11-12; 1 Chronicles 5:1-2; Genesis 5:24; 6:9; Hebrews 11:21.
FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission
Genesis 47:1-31 (NOTE: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for recording of the testimony or sermon to begin.)
A New Home — Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Genesis 47:1-31
Sermon Series: Genesis
January 12, 2020
DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. Why does God settle his people in Egypt? How does this set the stage for the storyline of Scripture?
2. Why is it important that this new settlement be official, based on Pharaoh’s command?
3. Why is it significant that Jacob blesses Pharaoh? What is the immediate effect of this blessing in the narrative?
4. Discuss the contrast between Jacob’s household and the people of Canaan and Egypt. How does this illustrate the contrast between believers and unbelievers?
5. Why is Jacob so insistent that he be buried in Canaan rather than Egypt?
References: Genesis 17:8; 15:13-14, 16; 12:2-3; Hebrews 7:7; Genesis 46:4; 24:1-9; John 14:1-3; Philippians 3:20-21.
FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission
Genesis 46:1-34 (NOTE: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for recording of the testimony or sermon to begin.)
The Family on the Move — Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Genesis 46:1-34
Sermon Series: Genesis
January 5, 2020
DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. What is your approach towards new year’s resolutions? What areas of growth from the Lord are you seeking as you move into a new year and decade?
2. Why does Jacob go to Beersheba and offer sacrifices to God? How does this guide us into a new year? 3. How does God’s message to Jacob relieve his fears? What is Jacob’s response?
4. In what ways have you experienced delayed comfort? How does this story help us to endure in those seasons of life?
5. How does the genealogy point us to Christ?
6. Why would Jacob’s reunion with Joseph have been a time of deep joy as well as worship?
7. Why is Goshen an ideal place for Israel and his descendants to settle?
References: Genesis 12:2; 22:1; 28:13-15; 15:13-14; 10; Romans 9:5; Matthew 1:1-3.
FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission
Genesis 45:1-28 (NOTE: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for recording to begin.)
The Brothers Reunited — Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Genesis 45:1-28
Sermon Series: Genesis
November 24, 2019
DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. Why did God send Joseph to Egypt, and how does this relate to our salvation four thousand years later?
2. How would you describe Joseph’s view of God’s sovereignty? How does it differ from the way you have thought about this topic?
3. How does Joseph’s view of God’s sovereignty provide fuel for forgiveness? What does this say about the relevance and practicality of such doctrines?
4. Why is Joseph so emphatic that his brothers bring their father to Egypt? What does he want Jacob to know?
5. What does it mean to say that our doctrine should devour our anger?
6. What is Jacob’s response to the news that Joseph is still alive and is ruling over Egypt? How does this final scene encourage us in times of waiting and wondering?
References: Psalm 105:17; Proverbs 16:9; Romans 12:10; Hebrews 2:12; Genesis 41:37; Proverbs 30:33; 2 Corinthians 4:17-18.
FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission
Genesis 44:1-34
(NOTE: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for recording to begin.)
Due to technical difficulties, the sermon audio recorder was unable to capture Pastor Lonnie’s opening statments, starting instead with his reading of the sermon text.
The Final Test — Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Genesis 44:1-34
Sermon Series: Genesis
November 17, 2019
DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. Where do we see the principle of reaping what you sow in this chapter?
2. What does the collective response of tearing the clothes and returning to the city say about the growth of the family?
3. How have you seen testing both reveal and grow your heart?
4. Why doesn’t Judah offer a defense to Joseph concerning the silver cup? What do his words in v. 16 reveal about his attitude towards God?
5. In what ways does Judah’s plea constitute a reversal of his past actions?
6. Discuss how Christ is the substitute for sinners. How does this doctrine encourage us to trust, love, and serve him more?
References: Genesis 37:34; 42:21-22, 28; 1 Peter 3:18; Isaiah 53:5-6.
FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission
Genesis 43:1-34 (NOTE: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for recording to begin.)
Back to Buy, Guided by Grace — Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Genesis 43:1-34
Sermon Series: Genesis
November 10, 2019
DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. What are some of God’s attributes or characteristics that continue to be repeated in the Joseph story? Which have most impacted you?
2. How would you describe Jacob’s prayerful words to his sons? What does it mean to say that we must remember in order to rely?
3. In light of Calvin’s quote concerning Jacob’s actions, what does it look like to rely on God without being lazy?
4. How does Judah anticipate Christ in this chapter?
5. How have you seen God use negative circumstances in people’s lives to bring about repentance?
6. What does Joseph intend to accomplish with his blatant favoritism towards Benjamin?
References: Genesis 17:1; 28:3; 35:11; Hebrews 2:9; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Ephesians 4:3.
FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission
Genesis 42:1-38 (NOTE: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for recording to begin.)
Famine for the Family — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Genesis 42:1-38
Sermon Series: Genesis
November 3, 2019
DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. Why would Calvin say that this chapter is the most “illustrious example of divine providence”?
2. How does this narrative show us that God can do remarkable things with our past failures and tragedies?
3. Why does Joseph treat his brothers this way? What clues are there that his actions are not revenge?
4. What is God doing in the hearts of Joseph’s brothers? What does it look like to have godly sorrow?
5. How would you characterize Jacob’s mindset at the end of this story? In what ways do we often struggle to trust that God is at work “behind the veil”?
References: Genesis 41:56-57; 45:7; Psalm 105:16-17; Genesis 37:1-11; Genesis 9:6; 2 Corinthians 7:10-11.
FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission
Genesis 41:38-57 (NOTE: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for recording to begin.)
Exalted Over Egypt — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Genesis 41:38-57
Sermon Series: Genesis
October 27, 2019
DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. How does the story of Joseph reassure us that there are answers to all of life’s “what” and “why” questions? How are we tempted to think otherwise?
2. What makes Joseph’s exaltation so remarkable? How does it increase our confidence that nothing is impossible with the Lord?
3. How does the time of fruitfulness bring us back to Genesis 1-3? What does it say about God?
4. Discuss how Joseph’s character is presented in this narrative. Where do we see his faith?
5. How does the end of this passage point us back to God’s promise to Abraham and forward to the fulfillment in Christ?
References: Genesis 41:16, 25, 28, 32; Ephesians 1:17; Exodus 31:3; Proverbs 2:6; Genesis 50:20; 12:3.
FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission
Genesis 41:1-37 (NOTE: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for recording to begin.)
From the Prison to the Pharaoh — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Genesis 41:1-37
Sermon Series: Genesis
October 13, 2019
DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. What makes the story of Joseph so compelling? What does it teach us about the nature of God’s providence?
2. What do we observe here about God’s timing? How does this help us in times of waiting?
3. How are Joseph and the magicians contrasted? What would this have communicated to Pharaoh and the Egyptians?
4. What positive effects of God’s testing do we see in Joseph? How does this encourage us to rejoice during trials?
5. How does this story anticipate the in-gathering of the Gentiles through Christ?
References: Psalm 105:20; 1 Peter 1:6-7; James 1:2-4; Genesis 12:3; Romans 15:12; Revelation 5:9; Ephesians 1:9-10; Colossians 1:16.
FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission
Genesis 40:1-23 (NOTE: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for recording to begin.)
Preparations in Prison — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Genesis 40:1-23
Sermon Series: Genesis
October 6, 2019
DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. How have you seen God providentially connect you to other people in order to accomplish his purposes? Discuss any adverse circumstances that you had to endure in order to get to that point.
2. Discuss the theme of humiliation before exaltation or the cross before the crown. How do we often lose sight of this in the Christian life?
3. Where do we see Joseph’s faith in this narrative? How does it convict us and drive us to Christ?
4. Where have we seen God’s “kindness” and “remembering” in Genesis so far? How do these characteristics of God give us courage to face any circumstance?
5. How does this narrative help us to wait on the Lord?
References: Genesis 39:2, 22; Psalm 105:18-21; Philippians 2:8-9; Genesis 22:1; Hebrews 11:1; Genesis 39:21; 8:1; 19:29; 30:22; 41:1
FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission
Genesis 39:1-23 (NOTE: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for recording to begin.)
A Different Descent — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Genesis 39:1-23
Sermon Series: Genesis
September 29, 2019
DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. What is the connection in this passage between God’s presence and Joseph’s success? How does this humble us and exalt the Lord as we think about our own successes?
2. What promises of God’s presence are held out for us in the gospel?
3. How have you seen God magnify himself among unbelievers through blessing you?
4. How does Joseph respond to the seductress? What are the underlying reasons for his resistance?
5. What does it mean to say that a grace-filled mind is the only way to avoid a sin-filled life?
6. Discuss how the chapter ends in the same way it began. How does this give us courage when we face adversity?
References: Romans 8:31-32; Hebrews 13:5; Matthew 28:20; Genesis 12:3; Psalm 51:4; Jeremiah 32:40; Proverbs 6:24; Romans 8:35, 37.
FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission
Genesis 38:1-30 (NOTE: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for recording to begin.)
The Line of Judah — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Genesis 38:1-30
Sermon Series: Genesis
September 22, 2019
DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. Why does Moses put this story about Judah and Tamar at this point in Genesis? What are the respective roles of Judah and Joseph in God’s overall plan?
2. How does Revelation 5:5 help us to appreciate the relevance of this story for our lives?
3. Describe Judah’s moral and spiritual descent. How does his story show us that sin desensitizes us to further sin?
4. What role does this Hirah figure play in the narrative? What impact should this have on our relationships?
5. Compare and contrast the sins of Judah and Tamar. Why does Judah say, “She is more righteous than I” (v. 26)? How do these words give us hope about Judah’s future?
6. How does this narrative show God’s preservation and electing grace towards his covenant people? How does it show his hatred and judgment towards sin?
References: Revelation 5:5; Proverbs 13:20; Deuteronomy 25:5-6; Genesis 39:2.
FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission
Genesis 37:12-36 (NOTE: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for recording to begin.)
Enslaved In Egypt — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Genesis 37:12-36
Sermon Series: Genesis
September 15, 2019
DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. How does the context of this story show us the relationship between sin, the heart, and our actions?
2. How do the mysterious “man” and the mention of Dothan encourage us to trust in God when facing danger?
3. What details in the text tell us that the brothers are fighting against God?
4. Discuss the wickedness and cruelty of the brothers’ actions against Joseph. How did this backfire on them at home?
5. How does the method of deception used by the brothers remind us that we reap what we sow?
6. How does this passage end in a hopeful way? How does this encourage us as we face trials? References: Matthew 5:21-22; 1 John 3:15; 2 Kings 6:16; Genesis 42:21; 2 Samuel 12:23; Psalm 105:16-17.
FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission
Genesis 37:1-11 (NOTE: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for recording to begin.)
Hatred in the Household — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Genesis 37:1-11
Sermon Series: Genesis
September 8, 2019
DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. Where have we seen God’s providence in Genesis so far? What do you anticipate most about getting into the story of Joseph?
2. What from the background of Genesis 37 helps us understand Jacob’s favoritism towards Joseph? How has Genesis encouraged you to avoid this in your own family?
3. Discuss the envy and hatred of Jacob’s brothers throughout the narrative. How have you seen envy play out in your life?
4. What does it mean that Jacob “kept the saying in mind” when Joseph told him about the second dream? How do Joseph’s dreams relate to Jacob’s past experiences?
5. What does this passage teach us about God’s sovereignty?
6. As you think about the brothers’ response to Joseph’s dreams, discuss how you respond to the grace of God in other people’s lives.
References: Matthew 10:29-30; Romans 8:28; Genesis 24; Genesis 29:30, 31; 30:22-24; 33:2; Romans 3:13-14; Romans 1:29; Galatians 5:19-21; James 3:16; Ecclesiastes 4:4; Genesis 41:26, 32.
FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission
Genesis 36:1-43 (NOTE: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for recording to begin.)
The Other Son — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Genesis 36:1-43
Sermon Series: Genesis
September 1, 2019
DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. Why does Moses include this genealogy in Genesis, and why does he put it in this place? What stands out most to you as you read it?
2. What picture has emerged regarding Esau’s character and mindset in the lead up to our passage? How do the first eight verses of this genealogy correspond to that picture?
3. How does the writer of Hebrews want Christians to apply the character of Esau to their lives?
4. In what ways does Esau’s genealogy demonstrate God’s faithfulness to Abraham? How does this encourage us to trust in God today?
5. Discuss the significance of the words in v. 31, “before any king reigned over the Israelites.” What does this teach us about the Christian life?
6. How does Genesis 36 anticipate Christ as both Savior and King?
References: Genesis 3:15; 22:18; 25:32-34; 26:34-35; 27:38; Hebrews 12:16; 2 Corinthians 4:18; 2 Chronicles 25:20; Genesis 12:1, 7; 25:1-18; 17:4, 6; Deuteronomy 2:12; Joshua 24:4; Acts 17:26; Numbers 24:17-19..
FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission
Genesis 35:1-29 (NOTE: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for recording to begin.)
Back to Bethel — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Genesis 35:1-29
Sermon Series: Genesis
August 25, 2019
DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. How does Jacob’s story show us the benefit of trials in our lives?
2. What does this passage teach us about God’s holiness and power?
3. How does this narrative instruct us in worship?
4. How are God’s words to Jacob in vv. 10-12 packed with gospel anticipation?
5. Why does this section serve as a transition within Genesis?
6. In what ways are we left marveling at God’s faithfulness and grace?
References:Genesis 28:10-22; James 1:2; Genesis 17:1-8; 1:28.
FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission
Genesis 34:1-31 (NOTE: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for recording to begin.)
Trouble in the Land — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Genesis 34:1-31
Sermon Series: Genesis
August 18, 2019
DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. How does this passage illustrate the destructive power of lust and anger in the human heart?
2. How would intermarrying with the Hivites have affected Jacob’s family?
3. How is Jacob depicted throughout this narrative, and what are some implications for us?
4. Discuss the fact that Jacob’s sons repeat the sin of their father. How have you witnessed generational sin at work in your life and the lives of your children?
5. How does Genesis 49 help us interpret the sins of Simeon and Levi?
6. How does this story taken in context point to the power and grace of God? How does it point to Christ as our only hope?
References: Genesis 28:15; 33:18; Ephesians 4:26-27; Proverbs 14:29; Judges 3:5-7; Genesis 27:35; Genesis 49:5-7.
FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission
Genesis 33:1-20 (NOTE: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for recording to begin.)
Safe and Sound — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Genesis 33:1-20
Sermon Series: Genesis
August 11, 2019
DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. In what ways is this passage a climax?
2. What does it mean to say that God may weaken us in order to prepare us?
3. What does Esau’s attitude towards Jacob tell us about God’s workings?
4. Where do we see Jacob’s folly in this story? What does it mean to say that God folds our folly into his faithfulness?
5. Why is it necessary for Jacob to remain separate from Esau?
6. How do the final verses connect us back to Abraham, and why is this important?
References: Genesis 27:41; 32:6; 28:15; Ephesians 3:20; Genesis 32:11; 12:6.
FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission
Genesis 32:22-32 (NOTE: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for recording to begin. SPECIAL NOTE — sermon recording was edited to excise the time spent out of the room during a fire alarm.)
A New Name, A New Man— Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Genesis 32:22-32
Sermon Series: Genesis
August 4, 2019
DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. What are some of the questions that immediately come to your mind as you read through this narrative? 2. Why is it significant that Jacob is alone?
3. Discuss the fact that God responds to Jacob’s earlier prayer in a surprising and uncomfortable way. What does this teach us about the Christian life?
4. What other passages of Scripture help us understand the identity of the one who wrestles with Jacob?How would such passages have prepared God’s people for the Incarnation?
5. How does this story show that the Lord is personal and responsive in how he relates to us?
6. What does this event accomplish in Jacob’s life? How should this story affect the way we view our wounds and weaknesses?
References: Genesis 33:3; Hosea 12:3-4; Genesis 16:13; 22:16; 18:2; John 14:8-9; Genesis 18:32; Zechariah 4:6; 2 Corinthians 12:9, 10.
FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission
Genesis 32:1-21 (NOTE: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for recording to begin.)
Facing Danger — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Genesis 32:1-21
Sermon Series: Genesis
July 21, 2019
DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. How do the opening verses of this passage give a hopeful impression? What does the presence of the angels communicate?
2. How have you seen God prepare you for danger?
3. How do we avoid letting fearful situations overshadow or push out God’s revelation in our minds?
4. What do the content, structure, and attitude of Jacob’s prayer teach us about how we should pray?
5. How does v. 12 show that Jacob has God’s greater redemptive purposes in mind?
6. Why does Jacob make such an extravagant offer to Esau at the end of this narrative? How do we see this propensity in our own lives?
References: Genesis 25:23; 27:36; 28:15; 31:43; 27:41; 28:12; Psalm 34:7; Hebrews 1:14; 1 Peter 5:7; Genesis 14:14
FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission
Genesis 31:1-55 (NOTE: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for recording to begin.)
The Great Escape — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Genesis 31:1-55
Sermon Series: Genesis
July 14, 2019
DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. How should we responsibly appropriate a verse like Genesis 28:15 for our own lives?
2. Why does God take twenty years to call Jacob out of his difficult situation?
How does this encourage us to wait on the Lord?
3. How does Jacob’s obedient response to God’s call mirror what we’ve seen elsewhere in Genesis?
What does this teach us about the nature of the Christian life?
4. Where do we see both grace and protection in Jacob’s exit and his confrontation with Laban?
5. What do Jacob’s words say about the role of gratitude in the life of the believer?
In what ways do we fail to give God thanks in our daily lives?
6. What does this passage communicate about idols?
7. Discuss the theme of deliverance. How does this story of Jacob’s deliverance from Laban point forward to the Exodus and the Atonement?
References: Genesis 28:15; 30:43; 15:1; 26:24; Proverbs 19:11; Romans 1:21; Joshua 24:2; Colossians 1:13.
FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission
Genesis 30:25-43 (NOTE: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for recording to begin.)
Another Prosperous Patriarch — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Genesis 30:25-43
Sermon Series: Genesis
July 7, 2019
DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. Where else in Genesis have we seen the theme of material prosperity? Why is this an important aspect of God’s dealings with the Patriarchs in particular?
2. Discuss how Jacob and Laban respond differently to God’s blessings. How does Laban’s response give us insight into the unbelieving heart?
3. How does the first part of this passage help us to see that our good is for God’s glory? In what ways do you overlook this in your life?
4. How do Jacob and Laban serve as a picture of Christ and his people? What does it mean to say that all the blessings we receive are “spillover” from Christ?
5. How does Laban mistreat Jacob? What does the final outcome teach us about God’s work in our lives? 6. How does this passage free us up to love our enemies?
References: Genesis 28:15; 12:16; 24:35; 26:12-14; 28:13, 14; Romans 1:18; Genesis 31:10-12.
FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission
Genesis 29:31 - 30:24 (NOTE: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for recording to begin.)
Jacob’s Offspring — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Genesis 29:31-30:24
Sermon Series: Genesis
June 30, 2019
DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. What is your initial reaction to this story? How would it have encouraged the Israelites to be humble?
2. How would you describe the motives of Leah and Rachel? How does this story help us to see the effects of idolatry on our lives?
3. Where do we see the evidence of faith in this family? How does this encourage us as believers?
4. Which attributes of God are highlighted in this text? How does understanding these attributes help us better relate to God?
5. What purposes of God are being worked out through this narrative? In what ways does it point to Christ?
References: Genesis 28:12-15; Philippians 2:3; Genesis 2:24; Psalm 127:3; 103:11-14; Romans 2:4; Revelation 5:5-6.
FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission
Genesis 29:1-30 (NOTE: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for recording to begin.)
Jacob’s Wives — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Genesis 29:1-30
Sermon Series: Genesis
June 23, 2019
DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. In what ways do we see God’s providence in the first part of the narrative? Discuss some of the specific ways you have seen his providence play out in your life.
2. How can we grow in our understanding of God’s care and governance over the details of our lives?
3. How does Jacob reap what he has sown at the hands of Laban?
4. What does it mean to say that we can’t have the directing without the disciplining?
5. Why does God discipline us? How has this narrative influenced your thoughts on this topic?
6. How would you describe the state of Jacob’s home at the end of this narrative?
7. Why is this passage important for helping us see the mystery involved in relating human responsibility and divine sovereignty?
References: Genesis 28:15; 48:15; 24:11-67; Hebrews 12:6; Genesis 31:40; Proverbs 22:8; Galatians 6:7.
FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission
Genesis 28:1-22 (NOTE: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for recording to begin.)
The God of Jacob — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Genesis 28:1-22
Sermon Series: Genesis
June 9, 2019
DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. What are some names of God in the Bible that have most impacted you? Why do you think God chooses to be known as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob?
2. How would you describe Isaac’s mindset at the beginning of chapter 28? How should this affect our attitude towards the past?
3. What does the image of the ladder communicate to Jacob? How does Christ appropriate this imagery in John 1:51?
4. How does this passage increase our understanding of the role of angels in our lives?
5. What are the major elements of God’s promise to Jacob? How have we seen these promises play out in the lives of Abraham and Isaac?
6. Discuss Jacob’s response. Would you characterize it as one of faith?
References: Genesis 16:13; 17:1; 22:14; 26:24; Exodus 3:15; Acts 3:13; Psalm 46:7; 75:9; 81:1; Isaiah 2:3; 2 Samuel 23:1; Genesis 27:33; 17:1; 12:2; 1:28; 24:7; Hebrews 1:14; Jude 24; John 1:51.
FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission
Genesis 26:34-27:46 (NOTE: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for recording to begin.)
The Next Recipient of the Blessing — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Genesis 26:34 - 27:46
Sermon Series: Genesis
June 2, 2019
DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. Discuss how Rebekah and Jacob carried out their deception. How would you characterize the sins of each, and how have you seen these same sins play out in your life?
2. In what sense did the actions of Rebekah and Jacob derive from faith?
3. What does this passage suggest about Isaac’s mindset? How have you experienced the blinding effect of your own passions and preferences?
4. How does this passage fill out our view of Esau as an earthly-minded man? What clues are there that he cares little for God’s promises to Abraham?
5. What consequences do Rebekah and Jacob have to face as a result of their deceitful act? What does this teach us about our choices?
6. How does this story remind us that there is only one Hero and there will be no “greats” in heaven?
References: Genesis 25:23, 34; Numbers 24:9; Hebrews 12:16-17; Genesis 4:19; Psalm 51.
FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission
Genesis 26:12-33 (NOTE: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for recording to begin.)
Like Father, Like Son, Part 2 — Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Genesis 26:12-33
Sermon Series: Genesis
May 26, 2019
DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. What does it look like to live as though God is actively involved in our everyday lives?
2. Discuss the extent of Isaac’s prosperity in this passage. How should Christians think about prosperity with respect to this life and the life to come?
3. What negative effect can earthly blessings have on our lives? How does God protect us from this?
4. How have you seen God remove your fears by means of his Word?
5. What does Isaac’s response both to the conflict and to the provisions teach us about the life of faith?
6. What does it mean to say that making peace is the way of the Lord? How should this effect the way we relate to others?
References: Genesis 12:2-3, 10-20; Exodus 1:7, 9; 2 Peter 1:3; Ephesians 1:3; Romans 8:18, 32; Genesis 21:25; Isaiah 26:3; James 1:17; Genesis 21:22-34.
FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission
Genesis 26:1-11 (NOTE: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for recording to begin.)
Like Father, Like Son, Part 1 — Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Genesis 26:1-11
Sermon Series: Genesis
May 19, 2019
DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. What are the priceless treasures of friendship with God that were discussed in the sermon? How do we experience these in the Christian life?
2. Where do we see Isaac’s faith, and how does it reflect that of his father? What does this brief description teach us about the nature of faith?
3. Where do we see “generational folly” in this passage? How should this affect our parenting?
4. How would you describe the various facets of Isaac’s sin in this passage?
5. How does Isaac’s frailty point us to God’s grace in and through Christ?
References: Isaiah 41:8; 2 Chronicles 20:7; James 2:23; Galatians 3:29; John 15:14-15; Hebrews 1:2; 1 John 1:1; Matthew 28:20; 1 Corinthians 6:19; 2 Peter 1:4; James 2:21-22; Deuteronomy 11:1; Genesis 12; 20.
FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission
Genesis 25:19-34 (NOTE: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for recording to begin.)
The Next Generation, Part 2— Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Genesis 25:19-34
Sermon Series: Genesis
May 12, 2019
DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. How does the description of Jacob in v. 27 align him with Abraham and Isaac? What does the description of Esau tell us?
2. How would you characterize Isaac’s favoritism? Why is this so destructive in a family?
3. How can you fight against favoritism in your relationship with your kids?
4. What does the conversation between Jacob and Esau reveal about the character of each man? In light of v. 34, how does the author want us to contrast Jacob and Esau?
5. Discuss Esau’s sin. Why does the writer of Hebrews point to Esau to reinforce his charge not to be “sexually immoral or unholy”?
6. How are we tempted to trade the eternal for the momentary? Why is Christ the only answer?
References: Genesis 4:20; Matthew 4:4; Hebrews 11; 12:16-17.
FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission
Genesis 25:19-34 (NOTE: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for recording to begin.)
The Next Generation, Part 1— Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Genesis 25:19-34
Sermon Series: Genesis
May 5, 2019
DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. How do Old Testament narratives help us build our view of God? What would it look like for you to devote more time to meditating on God’s attributes?
2. How does Rebekah’s barrenness point us backwards and forwards in the story of Genesis? What does it highlight about God’s character?
3. What does it mean to say that the life of faith is one of relinquishing control and overturning pride?
4. Where do you tend to turn when problems arise in your life? How does this narrative direct us to a life of prayer?
5. How does this passage illustrate the doctrine of election? What has been your understanding of election, and how does this passage help?
6. How do the battle in the womb and the circumstances of the birth anticipate later developments in the story of Jacob and Esau?
References: Genesis 35:29; Romans 9:4-5; Genesis 8:1; Exodus 2:24; Genesis 20:17-18; Romans 9:10-13, 16; Malachi 1:2-3; Ephesians 1:4-5; Acts 13:48; Genesis 27:36.
FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission
Genesis 25:1-18 (NOTE: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for recording to begin.)
A Finale Of Faith— Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Genesis 25:1-18
Sermon Series: Genesis
April 28, 2019
DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. Discuss the many ways we’ve seen God’s faithfulness demonstrated in the story of Abraham. What has stood out the most to you?
2. How do the many earthly nations that came from Abraham point to us?
3. How is Isaac contrasted with the other sons of Abraham in this passage? What does that tell us about God’s plan?
4. How has the theme of the Seed, as it has played out so far, deepened your faith in Christ?
5. How does Abraham’s burial show God’s faithfulness to the land promises? What does it say about Abraham’s faith?
6. What does it mean to say that Abraham’s inheritance is our inheritance, that his story is our story?
References: Genesis 12:4; 24:27; 17:4-6, 20; Romans 4:20-21; Revelation 7:9-10; Genesis 3:15; 21:12; 22:17-18; 35:28-29; 15:15; 23:17; 12:1, 7; 13:14-15; Luke 16:22; Matthew 22:32; 5:5; 8:11; Hebrews 11:13; Revelation 21:1-4.
FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission
Genesis 24:1-67 (NOTE: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for recording to begin.)
Isaac’s Bride — Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Genesis 24:1-67
Sermon Series: Genesis
April 7, 2019
DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. What are some of the benefits of studying the lives of the patriarchs?
2. How would you summarize Abraham’s wishes for his son? What are his reasons?
3. What does the success of Abraham’s servant teach us about God’s character? How does the servant draw attention to these attributes in his prayer and speech?
4. Why is this servant such a helpful illustration of how we are to serve Christ?
5. How would you describe the relationship between prayer, providence, and praise in this narrative?
6. How does this story demonstrate God’s sovereignty over human history and human hearts?
7. How is Rebekah’s character and role portrayed? How do these things move the reader forward in Genesis?
References: Genesis 12:2; Acts 7:8; Romans 4:11; 9:5; Genesis 15:15; 9:25.
FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission
Genesis 23:1-20 (NOTE: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for recording to begin.)
Sarah’s Burial — Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Genesis 23:1-20
Sermon Series: Genesis
March 31, 2019
DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. Why would we say that the land promise reaches a climax in chapter 23?
2. How does this passage show that there is no going back for Abraham? What does that tell us about his mindset and relationship to God?
3. What does Abraham’s response to Sarah’s death teach us about the relationship between grief and hope in the face of death?
4. What does it mean to say that the people of the land are bowing to Abraham? How does this ultimately direct our attention to Christ?
5. How does Matthew 5:5 help us understand the significance of these land promises for all believers? References: Genesis 12:1-7; Hebrews 11:11; 1 Peter 3:5; Genesis 17:7; Mark 12:26-27; Hebrews 11:13; Genesis 21:22-23; Matthew 5:5.
FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission
Genesis 22:1-24 (NOTE: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for recording to begin.)
The Climactic Test, Part 2 — Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Genesis 22:1-24
Sermon Series: Genesis
March 24, 2019
DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. What have we learned about God’s character from this story before we even get his response to Abraham’s obedience?
2. Why is this the only fitting test for Abraham? What is the relationship here between faith and obedience, and why is it so important that we get this right in the Christian life?
3. How does God affirm Abraham? In what ways have you seen God give affirmation and assurance in your life?
4. How does this story picture Christ’s sacrifice as the Lamb of God?
5. Why does God make an oath? How does this text show his trustworthiness?
6. How does the genealogy at the end of the chapter point us both forward and backwards in the book of Genesis?
References: Genesis 21:12; Hebrews 11:19; Proverbs 8:13; 9:10; Job 1:1; 1 Peter 1:7; Matthew 3:17; John 3:16; Romans 8:32; Isaiah 53:7, 10; John 1:29; 18:12; 19:17-18; 1 Peter 1:19; Revelation 5:6, 9; Galatians 3:16; Hebrews 6:13-20; Genesis 11:26-32; 21:33.
FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission
Genesis 22:1-24 (NOTE: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for recording to begin.)
The Climactic Test, Part 1 — Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Genesis 22:1-24
Sermon Series: Genesis
March 17, 2019
DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. Why does this weighty test come at this particular time in Abraham’s life? What does this imply about how God tests us?
2. What do the opening verses suggest about the relationship between God and Abraham? Why is this so important for understanding Abraham’s response?
3. What does it mean to say that Isaac represents Abraham’s heart and hope?
4. In what ways do we see Abraham’s obedience? How do his words show what is going on in his heart?
5. How does this narrative help us to trust God during times of much confusion?
6. What does it mean to say that Abraham valued the Giver over the gift and that the Word was supreme over his will? What does this look like in our lives?
7. How do we explain the incredible strength of Abraham’s character depicted in this passage, and what does that suggest about our own lives? How does it show the glory of God’s grace through the work of Christ?
References: Genesis 12:1; 2 Chronicles 3:1; Deuteronomy 8:2, 16; Genesis 21:12; Hebrews 11:19; James 2:18-24.
FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission
Genesis 21:22-34 *22 At that time Abimelech and Phicol the commander of his army said to Abraham, “God is with you in all that you do. 23 Now therefore swear to me here by God that you will not deal falsely with me or with my descendants or with my posterity, but as I have dealt kindly with you, so you will deal with me and with the land where you have sojourned.” 24 And Abraham said, “I will swear.”
25 When Abraham reproved Abimelech about a well of water that Abimelech’s servants had seized, 26 Abimelech said, “I do not know who has done this thing; you did not tell me, and I have not heard of it until today.” 27 So Abraham took sheep and oxen and gave them to Abimelech, and the two men made a covenant. 28 Abraham set seven ewe lambs of the flock apart. 29 And Abimelech said to Abraham, “What is the meaning of these seven ewe lambs that you have set apart?” 30 He said, “These seven ewe lambs you will take from my hand, that this may be a witness for me that I dug this well.” 31 Therefore that place was called Beersheba, because there both of them swore an oath. 32 So they made a covenant at Beersheba. Then Abimelech and Phicol the commander of his army rose up and returned to the land of the Philistines. 33 Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba and called there on the name of the Lord, the Everlasting God. 34 And Abraham sojourned many days in the land of the Philistines.* (NOTE: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for recording to begin.)
The Prosperous Patriarch — Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Genesis 21:22-34
Sermon Series: Genesis
March 3, 2019
DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. What basic truths does Abimelech recognize about the God of Abraham?
2. Abimelech tells Abraham, “God is with you in all that you do.” How does this encourage us as Christians?
3. What is the significance of the treaty and the well in the larger narrative of Abraham’s life?
4. What does this story teach us about how we should relate to our neighbors?
5. Why does Abraham call on the LORD as “the Everlasting God”?
6. Why do you think Abraham plants a tree? What does it mean to say that we are planted in Christ?
References: Genesis 20:1-18; 1 Peter 1:5-9; Genesis 15:1, 15; Hebrews 11:9, 13; Romans 12:18; Titus 3:2; Genesis 17:8; John 15:4-5; Jeremiah 17:7-8.
FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission
Genesis 21:8-21 *8 And the child grew and was weaned. And Abraham made a great feast on the day that Isaac was weaned. 9 But Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, whom she had borne to Abraham, laughing. 10 So she said to Abraham, “Cast out this slave woman with her son, for the son of this slave woman shall not be heir with my son Isaac.” 11 And the thing was very displeasing to Abraham on account of his son. 12 But God said to Abraham, “Be not displeased because of the boy and because of your slave woman. Whatever Sarah says to you, do as she tells you, for through Isaac shall your offspring be named. 13 And I will make a nation of the son of the slave woman also, because he is your offspring.” 14 So Abraham rose early in the morning and took bread and a skin of water and gave it to Hagar, putting it on her shoulder, along with the child, and sent her away. And she departed and wandered in the wilderness of Beersheba.
15 When the water in the skin was gone, she put the child under one of the bushes. 16 Then she went and sat down opposite him a good way off, about the distance of a bowshot, for she said, “Let me not look on the death of the child.” And as she sat opposite him, she lifted up her voice and wept. 17 And God heard the voice of the boy, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven and said to her, “What troubles you, Hagar? Fear not, for God has heard the voice of the boy where he is. 18 Up! Lift up the boy, and hold him fast with your hand, for I will make him into a great nation.” 19 Then God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water. And she went and filled the skin with water and gave the boy a drink. 20 And God was with the boy, and he grew up. He lived in the wilderness and became an expert with the bow. 21 He lived in the wilderness of Paran, and his mother took a wife for him from the land of Egypt.* (NOTE: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for recording to begin.)
The Two Sons, Part 2 — Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Genesis 21:8-21
Sermon Series: Genesis
24 February 2019
DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. Discuss how God meets his people, keeps his promises, accomplishes his purposes, and establishes his praise in and through Jesus Christ.
2. How do we see Sarah’s sin and God’s sovereignty in this passage?
3. Where do we see God’s grace in how he relates to Abraham in particular?
4. How are faith and obedience linked together in Abraham’s response to God?
5. Why did God separate Ishmael from Isaac? What does this have to do with our salvation?
6. Discuss Paul’s use of this passage in Galatians 4. What is he trying to teach his readers?
7. What does God’s care for Ishmael teach us about his character?
References:Matthew 1:23; 2 Corinthians 1:20; Galatians 4:4; Acts 2:23; Ephesians 1:12; Genesis 16; Galatians 4:21-31.
FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission
Genesis 21:1-21 *1 The Lord visited Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did to Sarah as he had promised. 2 And Sarah conceived and bore Abraham a son in his old age at the time of which God had spoken to him. 3 Abraham called the name of his son who was born to him, whom Sarah bore him, Isaac. 4 And Abraham circumcised his son Isaac when he was eight days old, as God had commanded him. 5 Abraham was a hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him. 6 And Sarah said, “God has made laughter for me; everyone who hears will laugh over me.” 7 And she said, “Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse children? Yet I have borne him a son in his old age.”
8 And the child grew and was weaned. And Abraham made a great feast on the day that Isaac was weaned. 9 But Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, whom she had borne to Abraham, laughing. 10 So she said to Abraham, “Cast out this slave woman with her son, for the son of this slave woman shall not be heir with my son Isaac.” 11 And the thing was very displeasing to Abraham on account of his son. 12 But God said to Abraham, “Be not displeased because of the boy and because of your slave woman. Whatever Sarah says to you, do as she tells you, for through Isaac shall your offspring be named. 13 And I will make a nation of the son of the slave woman also, because he is your offspring.” 14 So Abraham rose early in the morning and took bread and a skin of water and gave it to Hagar, putting it on her shoulder, along with the child, and sent her away. And she departed and wandered in the wilderness of Beersheba.
15 When the water in the skin was gone, she put the child under one of the bushes. 16 Then she went and sat down opposite him a good way off, about the distance of a bowshot, for she said, “Let me not look on the death of the child.” And as she sat opposite him, she lifted up her voice and wept. 17 And God heard the voice of the boy, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven and said to her, “What troubles you, Hagar? Fear not, for God has heard the voice of the boy where he is. 18 Up! Lift up the boy, and hold him fast with your hand, for I will make him into a great nation.” 19 Then God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water. And she went and filled the skin with water and gave the boy a drink. 20 And God was with the boy, and he grew up. He lived in the wilderness and became an expert with the bow. 21 He lived in the wilderness of Paran, and his mother took a wife for him from the land of Egypt.* (NOTE: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for recording to begin.)
The Two Sons, Part 1 — Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Genesis 21:1-21
17 February 2019
DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. How does the birth of Isaac mark both the beginning and the continuation of the line to Christ?
2. In what ways has God clarified and confirmed his promises to Abraham between chapters 12 and 21?
3. How do these verses encourage us to put theology at the center of the church? Why might some be uncomfortable with saying that the church is about theology?
4. How do vv. 1-2 teach us that God meets his people, keeps his promises, and accomplishes his purposes? In what ways are these truths foundational throughout the Bible and in the Christian life?
5. How does this passage show us that God does everything for his glory? How does he establish his praise in our lives?
References: Genesis 12:1-3, 7; 15:2, 4; 16:1-2; 17:16-21; Titus 1:1-2; Exodus 4:31; Numbers 23:19; Isaiah 14:27; 46:9-10.
FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission
Genesis 20:1-18 *1 From there Abraham journeyed toward the territory of the Negeb and lived between Kadesh and Shur; and he sojourned in Gerar. 2 And Abraham said of Sarah his wife, “She is my sister.” And Abimelech king of Gerar sent and took Sarah. 3 But God came to Abimelech in a dream by night and said to him, “Behold, you are a dead man because of the woman whom you have taken, for she is a man’s wife.” 4 Now Abimelech had not approached her. So he said, “Lord, will you kill an innocent people? 5 Did he not himself say to me, ‘She is my sister’? And she herself said, ‘He is my brother.’ In the integrity of my heart and the innocence of my hands I have done this.” 6 Then God said to him in the dream, “Yes, I know that you have done this in the integrity of your heart, and it was I who kept you from sinning against me. Therefore I did not let you touch her. 7 Now then, return the man’s wife, for he is a prophet, so that he will pray for you, and you shall live. But if you do not return her, know that you shall surely die, you and all who are yours.”
8 So Abimelech rose early in the morning and called all his servants and told them all these things. And the men were very much afraid. 9 Then Abimelech called Abraham and said to him, “What have you done to us? And how have I sinned against you, that you have brought on me and my kingdom a great sin? You have done to me things that ought not to be done.” 10 And Abimelech said to Abraham, “What did you see, that you did this thing?” 11 Abraham said, “I did it because I thought, ‘There is no fear of God at all in this place, and they will kill me because of my wife.’ 12 Besides, she is indeed my sister, the daughter of my father though not the daughter of my mother, and she became my wife. 13 And when God caused me to wander from my father’s house, I said to her, ‘This is the kindness you must do me: at every place to which we come, say of me, “He is my brother.”’”
14 Then Abimelech took sheep and oxen, and male servants and female servants, and gave them to Abraham, and returned Sarah his wife to him. 15 And Abimelech said, “Behold, my land is before you; dwell where it pleases you.” 16 To Sarah he said, “Behold, I have given your brother a thousand pieces of silver. It is a sign of your innocence in the eyes of all who are with you, and before everyone you are vindicated.” 17 Then Abraham prayed to God, and God healed Abimelech, and also healed his wife and female slaves so that they bore children. 18 For the Lord had closed all the wombs of the house of Abimelech because of Sarah, Abraham’s wife.* (NOTE: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for recording to begin.)
Feebleness & Faithfulness Revisited — Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Genesis 20:1-18
10 February 2019
DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. What does this narrative teach us about God’s attitude toward marriage?
2. How does this passage show us God’s authority, control, and power?
3. Why should God’s protection of his promises to Abraham bring us reassurance?
4. How would you describe the various facets of Abraham’s sin?
5. Why is it significant that Abraham repeats this deception after all that he has experienced between chapters 12 and 20? What does this tell us about the “old sins” in our lives?
6. How does God use Abraham’s sin to confirm some important things for him? What does this tell us about God’s ability to turn our failures for good?
References: 2 Peter 2:7-8; Genesis 12:10-20; 3:15; 1 Peter 1:4; Ephesians 1:13-14.
FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission
Genesis 19:30-38 *30 Now Lot went up out of Zoar and lived in the hills with his two daughters, for he was afraid to live in Zoar. So he lived in a cave with his two daughters. 31 And the firstborn said to the younger, “Our father is old, and there is not a man on earth to come in to us after the manner of all the earth. 32 Come, let us make our father drink wine, and we will lie with him, that we may preserve offspring from our father.” 33 So they made their father drink wine that night. And the firstborn went in and lay with her father. He did not know when she lay down or when she arose.
34 The next day, the firstborn said to the younger, “Behold, I lay last night with my father. Let us make him drink wine tonight also. Then you go in and lie with him, that we may preserve offspring from our father.” 35 So they made their father drink wine that night also. And the younger arose and lay with him, and he did not know when she lay down or when she arose. 36 Thus both the daughters of Lot became pregnant by their father. 37 The firstborn bore a son and called his name Moab. He is the father of the Moabites to this day. 38 The younger also bore a son and called his name Ben-ammi. He is the father of the Ammonites to this day.* (NOTE: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for recording to begin.)
Sodom’s Survivors — Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Genesis 19:30-38
3 February 2019
DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. How does Genesis 13 represent a defining moment in Lot’s life? How might your present choices be setting you on a trajectory to the cave?
2. What does it mean to have a Lot-like Christian life?
3. Discuss the sin of Lot’s daughters. How does it involve both cultural and familial dynamics?
4. How should this story affect the way we view and use alcohol?
5. What does this passage teach us about the impact of our sin on future generations?
6. How does this story connect to Ruth? What does her place in redemptive history communicate about God’s grace?
References: Matthew 11:23-24; Genesis 13:10-13; Leviticus 18:6-7; Ephesians 5:18; Numbers 25:1-3; Zephaniah 2:8; Ruth 4:13-22.
FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission
Genesis 19:1-29 *1 The two angels came to Sodom in the evening, and Lot was sitting in the gate of Sodom. When Lot saw them, he rose to meet them and bowed himself with his face to the earth 2 and said, “My lords, please turn aside to your servant’s house and spend the night and wash your feet. Then you may rise up early and go on your way.” They said, “No; we will spend the night in the town square.” 3 But he pressed them strongly; so they turned aside to him and entered his house. And he made them a feast and baked unleavened bread, and they ate.
4 But before they lay down, the men of the city, the men of Sodom, both young and old, all the people to the last man, surrounded the house. 5 And they called to Lot, “Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us, that we may know them.” 6Lot went out to the men at the entrance, shut the door after him, 7and said, “I beg you, my brothers, do not act so wickedly. 8Behold, I have two daughters who have not known any man. Let me bring them out to you, and do to them as you please. Only do nothing to these men, for they have come under the shelter of my roof.” 9 But they said, “Stand back!” And they said, “This fellow came to sojourn, and he has become the judge! Now we will deal worse with you than with them.” Then they pressed hard against the man Lot, and drew near to break the door down. 10 But the men reached out their hands and brought Lot into the house with them and shut the door. 11 And they struck with blindness the men who were at the entrance of the house, both small and great, so that they wore themselves out groping for the door.
12 Then the men said to Lot, “Have you anyone else here? Sons-in-law, sons, daughters, or anyone you have in the city, bring them out of the place. 13 For we are about to destroy this place, because the outcry against its people has become great before the Lord, and the Lord has sent us to destroy it.” 14 So Lot went out and said to his sons-in-law, who were to marry his daughters, “Up! Get out of this place, for the Lord is about to destroy the city.” But he seemed to his sons-in-law to be jesting.
15 As morning dawned, the angels urged Lot, saying, “Up! Take your wife and your two daughters who are here, lest you be swept away in the punishment of the city.” 16 But he lingered. So the men seized him and his wife and his two daughters by the hand, the Lord being merciful to him, and they brought him out and set him outside the city. 17 And as they brought them out, one said, “Escape for your life. Do not look back or stop anywhere in the valley. Escape to the hills, lest you be swept away.” 18 And Lot said to them, “Oh, no, my lords. 19 Behold, your servant has found favor in your sight, and you have shown me great kindness in saving my life. But I cannot escape to the hills, lest the disaster overtake me and I die. 20 Behold, this city is near enough to flee to, and it is a little one. Let me escape there—is it not a little one?—and my life will be saved!” 21 He said to him, “Behold, I grant you this favor also, that I will not overthrow the city of which you have spoken. 22 Escape there quickly, for I can do nothing till you arrive there.” Therefore the name of the city was called Zoar.
23 The sun had risen on the earth when Lot came to Zoar. 24 Then the Lord rained on Sodom and Gomorrah sulfur and fire from the Lord out of heaven. 25 And he overthrew those cities, and all the valley, and all the inhabitants of the cities, and what grew on the ground. 26 But Lot’s wife, behind him, looked back, and she became a pillar of salt.
27 And Abraham went early in the morning to the place where he had stood before the Lord. 28 And he looked down toward Sodom and Gomorrah and toward all the land of the valley, and he looked and, behold, the smoke of the land went up like the smoke of a furnace.
29 So it was that, when God destroyed the cities of the valley, God remembered Abraham and sent Lot out of the midst of the overthrow when he overthrew the cities in which Lot had lived.* (NOTE: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for recording to begin.)
Deliverance and Destruction
Sermon Series: Genesis
Genesis 19:1-29
27 January 2019
DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. Discuss the wickedness of the people of Sodom. How is Lot contrasted with them?
2. How is Lot portrayed as a weak believer? What does this tell us about the effect that the world can have on us?
3. Where do we see God’s patience and mercy towards Lot? What does this teach us about God’s attitude towards us?
4. How does the story of Sodom and Gomorrah function as a warning? In what ways have you viewed sin lightly in your own life?
5. How would you characterize the difference between Lot and his wife? How does this help us to distinguish between a weak Christian and a non-Christian?
6. How does this passage (particularly v. 29) point ultimately to Christ as the only basis and means of salvation?
References: Genesis 11:5; 18:20-21; Jude 7; 2 Peter 2:4-10; Romans 1:27.
FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission
Genesis 18:16-33 *16 Then the men set out from there, and they looked down toward Sodom. And Abraham went with them to set them on their way. 17 The Lord said, “Shall I hide from Abraham what I am about to do, 18 seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him? 19 For I have chosen him, that he may command his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing righteousness and justice, so that the Lord may bring to Abraham what he has promised him.” 20 Then the Lord said, “Because the outcry against Sodom and Gomorrah is great and their sin is very grave, 21 I will go down to see whether they have done altogether according to the outcry that has come to me. And if not, I will know.”
22 So the men turned from there and went toward Sodom, but Abraham still stood before the Lord. 23 Then Abraham drew near and said, “Will you indeed sweep away the righteous with the wicked? 24 Suppose there are fifty righteous within the city. Will you then sweep away the place and not spare it for the fifty righteous who are in it? 25 Far be it from you to do such a thing, to put the righteous to death with the wicked, so that the righteous fare as the wicked! Far be that from you! Shall not the Judge of all the earth do what is just?” 26 And the Lord said, “If I find at Sodom fifty righteous in the city, I will spare the whole place for their sake.”
27 Abraham answered and said, “Behold, I have undertaken to speak to the Lord, I who am but dust and ashes. 28Suppose five of the fifty righteous are lacking. Will you destroy the whole city for lack of five?” And he said, “I will not destroy it if I find forty-five there.” 29 Again he spoke to him and said, “Suppose forty are found there.” He answered, “For the sake of forty I will not do it.” 30 Then he said, “Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak. Suppose thirty are found there.” He answered, “I will not do it, if I find thirty there.” 31 He said, “Behold, I have undertaken to speak to the Lord. Suppose twenty are found there.” He answered, “For the sake of twenty I will not destroy it.” 32 Then he said, “Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak again but this once. Suppose ten are found there.” He answered, “For the sake of ten I will not destroy it.” 33 And the Lord went his way, when he had finished speaking to Abraham, and Abraham returned to his place.* (NOTE: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for recording to begin.)
Abraham’s Three Visitors, Part 2
Sermon Series: Genesis
Genesis 18:16-33
20 January 2019
DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. How is Abraham portrayed as a “friend of God”?
2. How does this passage teach us that as Christians we are close to God whether we feel it or not?
3. What does v. 19 teach us about parenting?
4. What is Abraham’s concern, and how does God respond to it? What does this teach us about God’s character?
5. How does this passage encourage intercessory prayer?
References: Genesis 13:12; 14:12; James 2:23; Isaiah 41:8; 2 Chronicles 20:7; John 15:15; 1 Samuel 6:20; John 17:9; Psalm 1:5-6; Micah 6:8.
FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission
Genesis 18:1-15 *1And the Lord appeared to him by the oaks of Mamre, as he sat at the door of his tent in the heat of the day. 2 He lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, three men were standing in front of him. When he saw them, he ran from the tent door to meet them and bowed himself to the earth 3 and said, “O Lord, if I have found favor in your sight, do not pass by your servant. 4 Let a little water be brought, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree, 5 while I bring a morsel of bread, that you may refresh yourselves, and after that you may pass on—since you have come to your servant.” So they said, “Do as you have said.” 6 And Abraham went quickly into the tent to Sarah and said, “Quick! Three seahs of fine flour! Knead it, and make cakes.” 7 And Abraham ran to the herd and took a calf, tender and good, and gave it to a young man, who prepared it quickly. 8 Then he took curds and milk and the calf that he had prepared, and set it before them. And he stood by them under the tree while they ate.
9 They said to him, “Where is Sarah your wife?” And he said, “She is in the tent.” 10 The Lord said, “I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife shall have a son.” And Sarah was listening at the tent door behind him. 11 Now Abraham and Sarah were old, advanced in years. The way of women had ceased to be with Sarah. 12 So Sarah laughed to herself, saying, “After I am worn out, and my lord is old, shall I have pleasure?” 13 The Lord said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Shall I indeed bear a child, now that I am old?’ 14 Is anything too hard for the Lord? At the appointed time I will return to you, about this time next year, and Sarah shall have a son.” 15 But Sarah denied it, saying, “I did not laugh,” for she was afraid. He said, “No, but you did laugh.”* (NOTE: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for recording to begin.)
Abraham’s Three Visitors, Part 1
Sermon Series: Genesis
Genesis 18:1-15
13 January 2019 DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. How do we see the outworking of the Christian life in the life of Abraham?
2. How do the appearances of God in the Old Testament prepare his people for the Incarnation?
3. Why is it significant that the Lord had a meal with Abraham? How does this enhance the way we think about Communion?
4. What do the Lord’s words concerning Sarah teach us about his nature and character?
5. In what ways have you been tempted to doubt that nothing is “too hard for the LORD”?
6. Discuss God’s grace in meeting Sarah where she is. How have you seen him do this in your life?
References: Genesis 12:7; 17:1; 19:1; John 14:9; Hebrews 13:2; Revelation 3:20; James 2:23; Genesis 11:30; 17:15-16; Psalm 9:1; Luke 1:37; Romans 8:30; John 6:39-40; Hebrews 11:11.
FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission
Genesis 17:1-27 *1When Abram was ninety-nine years old the Lord appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be blameless, 2 that I may make my covenant between me and you, and may multiply you greatly.” 3 Then Abram fell on his face. And God said to him, 4 “Behold, my covenant is with you, and you shall be the father of a multitude of nations. 5 No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham, for I have made you the father of a multitude of nations. 6 I will make you exceedingly fruitful, and I will make you into nations, and kings shall come from you. 7 And I will establish my covenant between me and you and your offspring after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you. 8 And I will give to you and to your offspring after you the land of your sojournings, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession, and I will be their God.”
9 And God said to Abraham, “As for you, you shall keep my covenant, you and your offspring after you throughout their generations. 10 This is my covenant, which you shall keep, between me and you and your offspring after you: Every male among you shall be circumcised. 11 You shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskins, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and you. 12 He who is eight days old among you shall be circumcised. Every male throughout your generations, whether born in your house or bought with your money from any foreigner who is not of your offspring, 13 both he who is born in your house and he who is bought with your money, shall surely be circumcised. So shall my covenant be in your flesh an everlasting covenant. 14 Any uncircumcised male who is not circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin shall be cut off from his people; he has broken my covenant.”
15 And God said to Abraham, “As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall be her name. 16 I will bless her, and moreover, I will give you a son by her. I will bless her, and she shall become nations; kings of peoples shall come from her.” 17 Then Abraham fell on his face and laughed and said to himself, “Shall a child be born to a man who is a hundred years old? Shall Sarah, who is ninety years old, bear a child?” 18 And Abraham said to God, “Oh that Ishmael might live before you!” 19 God said, “No, but Sarah your wife shall bear you a son, and you shall call his name Isaac. I will establish my covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his offspring after him. 20 As for Ishmael, I have heard you; behold, I have blessed him and will make him fruitful and multiply him greatly. He shall father twelve princes, and I will make him into a great nation. 21 But I will establish my covenant with Isaac, whom Sarah shall bear to you at this time next year.”
22 When he had finished talking with him, God went up from Abraham. 23 Then Abraham took Ishmael his son and all those born in his house or bought with his money, every male among the men of Abraham’s house, and he circumcised the flesh of their foreskins that very day, as God had said to him. 24 Abraham was ninety-nine years old when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin. 25 And Ishmael his son was thirteen years old when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin. 26 That very day Abraham and his son Ishmael were circumcised. 27 And all the men of his house, those born in the house and those bought with money from a foreigner, were circumcised with him.* (NOTE: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for recording to begin.)
The Covenant Confirmed and Sealed
Sermon Series: Genesis
Genesis 17:1-27
6 January 2019 DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. What is a covenant, and how is this passage a continuation of what we saw in chapter 15?
2. Why does God begin his speech to Abram by naming himself? What is the significance of this particular name?
3. Which elements of God’s promise are repeated in chapter 17 and which are new?
4. How does this passage reassure us that as Christians God will never leave us?
5. What does circumcision symbolize? What does it mean that Christians have a circumcised heart?
6. What does it mean to say that Isaac is the son of human impossibility and divine power? What does this teach us about the Christian life?
7. How do promise and awe fuel obedience?
References: Genesis 12:3; 15:1; Revelation 5:5; 19:16; Jeremiah 4:4; Deuteronomy 10:16; Colossians 2:11-13; Romans 4:11-12; Galatians 5:6; 6:15.
FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission
Genesis 16:1-16 (NOTE: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for recording to begin.)
Offspring for Abram? Part 2 — Lonnie Bell
Sermon Series: Genesis
Genesis 16:1-16
25 November 2018——————————————————————————————————————————————————— FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission
——————————————————————————————————————————————————— DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. Discuss the failures of major biblical characters. What role do these play in pointing us to the Savior?
2. Discuss the identity of the angel of the LORD. What are some of the various ways we see Christ at work and referred to in the Old Testament?
3. Why does God tell Hagar to return?
4. What does this story teach us about God’s attitude towards people?
5. How do you think Hagar’s report of this encounter would have affected Abram and Sarai?
References: Romans 11:32; Ephesians 2:7; Exodus 3:2, 4; Genesis 31:11, 13; Deuteronomy 32:10; Isaiah 32:14; Jeremiah 14:6; Ezekiel 33:11.
FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission
Genesis 16:1-16 (NOTE: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for recording to begin.)
Offspring for Abram? Part 1 — Lonnie Bell
Sermon Series: Genesis
Genesis 16:1-16
11 November 2018——————————————————————————————————————————————————— FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission
——————————————————————————————————————————————————— DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. In what ways do you need to hear the message that nothing is impossible with God?
2. What was wrong with Sarai’s plan? To what extent is Abram worthy of blame in this story?
3. What does it look like in practice for us to live according to the promise rather than according to the flesh?
4. What were the negative effects of Abram and Sarai’s actions?
5. What does this text teach us about the seriousness of our own choices?
References: Jeremiah 32:27; Matthew 19:26; Luke 1:37; Genesis 18:14; 2:24; 3:17; Galatians 4:23; 2:20.
FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission
Genesis 15:1-21 (NOTE: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for recording to begin.)
Seed and Land Confirmed — Lonnie Bell
Sermon Series: Genesis
Genesis 15:1-21
4 November 2018——————————————————————————————————————————————————— FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission
——————————————————————————————————————————————————— DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. What can we do to constantly remind ourselves of God’s character? Why is this the only answer to a fearful heart?
2. How would you summarize v. 6? How does Paul in particular highlight this verse in his description of the gospel?
3. What are the clarifications given to Abram in this passage? Why does God make Abram wait for this information?
4. Describe some of your experiences waiting on God. How have these times deepened your faith?
5. How would you describe what is going on at the end of this chapter with the making of a covenant? What is God communicating to Abram?
References: Psalm 18:2; 28:7; Galatians 3:6-14; Romans 4; James 2:18-26; 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Corinthians 11:25; Matthew 8:11.
FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission
Genesis 14:17-24 (NOTE: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for recording to begin.)
The Blessed Man, Part 2 — Lonnie Bell
Sermon Series: Genesis
Genesis 14:17-24
28 October 2018——————————————————————————————————————————————————— FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission
——————————————————————————————————————————————————— 1. How is Abram’s life a picture of our lives as Christians?
2. What makes Melchizedek Abram’s superior? How does he serve as a type of Christ?
3. How are Abram’s faith and strength of character demonstrated in his response to Melchizedek?
4. What temptation does Abram face in this narrative, and what support does God give him?
5. How does Abram uphold God’s glory, live by faith, and act as a witness? How does this affect our view of theChristian life?
References: Ephesians 1:3; Hebrews 7; Psalm 110; Hebrews 2:18.
FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission
Genesis 14:1-16 (NOTE: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for recording to begin.)
The Blessed Man, Part 1 — Lonnie Bell
Sermon Series: Genesis
Genesis 14:1-16
21 October 2018——————————————————————————————————————————————————— FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission
——————————————————————————————————————————————————— 1. How does the text contrast Abram’s condition with that of Lot, and what does this tell us about Abram?
2. What does it mean to say that as Christians God ensures our “safety”? Describe how this plays out in an individual’s life.
3. How would you describe Abram’s character as depicted in this passage? What does it mean to say that faith is the powerhouse for service?
4. How does Abram prefigure Christ in this narrative?
5. How do these verses portray Abram’s “strength”? In what ways are we “strong,” and what does it look like to take advantage of God’s resources?
References: Ephesians 1:3-14; Jude 1; Psalm 34:19; Romans 8:35-37; Matthew 5:3-12; Galatians 3:9; Judges 7; Zechariah 4:6; Ephesians 6:10.
FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission
Genesis 13:1-8 (NOTE: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for recording to begin.)
Renewed Faith — Lonnie Bell
Sermon Series: Genesis
Genesis 13:1-18
14 October 2018——————————————————————————————————————————————————— FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission
——————————————————————————————————————————————————— Deep Sheet: Sermon Study Questions
1. Describe times in your life when God renewed your faith. What were some of the means he used?
2. What does it mean to acknowledge the Lord, and how do we see Abram doing this in our passage? How does this differ from the previous passage?
3. What would it look like for you to “return and recognize”?
4. How is Abram portrayed as a peacemaker? Where do we find this quality emphasized in the New Testament, and how does it challenge you?
5. How did Abram renounce self in his dealings with Lot? Why was he able to do this?
6. What does it mean to live by faith and not by sight?
References: Proverbs 3:5-6; Revelation 2:4-5; Matthew 7:7-11; James 3:17-18; Matthew 5:9; 1 Corinthians 3:21; Romans 8:32; Matthew 5:5; 2 Peter 1:3; 2 Corinthians 5:7.
FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission
Genesis 12:10-20 (NOTE: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for recording to begin.)
The Faithful God & The Feeble Faith -- Lonnie Bell
Sermon Series: Genesis
Genesis 12:10-20
7 October 2018——————————————————————————————————————————————————— FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission
——————————————————————————————————————————————————— Deep Sheet: Sermon Study Questions
1. How are the “heroes” of the Old Testament useful to us as Christians? How do they always point us to Christ?
2. How would you summarize Abram’s stumbling in verses 10-13? What do you think was going through his mind?
3. In times of difficulty or danger, what does it look like for us to go into survival mode rather than seeking mode? Describe a time when you have done this.
4. How would you summarize God’s faithfulness in this passage? How does it show God’s care on both a macro and a micro level?
5. How does this passage prefigure later events? How would this have encouraged the first readers of Genesis?
References: Hebrews 11:8-12, 17-19; Galatians 3:9; Genesis 20:1-18; Ecclesiastes 7:20; Genesis 3:22; 11:6-8; 2 Timothy 2:13; Ephesians 1:3; 1 Corinthians 1:8-9.
FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission
Genesis 12:1-9 (NOTE: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for recording to begin.)
The Faithful God & The Father of Faith -- Lonnie Bell
Sermon Series: Genesis
Genesis 12:1-9
30 September 2018——————————————————————————————————————————————————— FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission
——————————————————————————————————————————————————— Deep Sheet: Sermon Study Questions
1. Why do we refer to Abram as the father of faith?
2. Why would God’s command in v. 1 not have been easy to embrace?
3. What does it mean to say that God’s word to Abram begins with command but is dominated by promise? What does this tell us about the Lord and how he relates to people?
4. How would you summarize God’s promises to Abram? What is the significance of the last promise in v. 3, and why does Paul say that this was the gospel being preached to Abram?
5. How would you characterize Abram’s response to God’s word? How does this challenge comfortable Christianity, selective obedience, and competing priorities?
6. What is the purpose of God’s appearance to Abram, and what does this tell us about God’s character?
7. What is the symbolism conveyed by Abram’s worship and altar building as he moves through the land?
References: Genesis 17:5; Galatians 3:9, 29; Romans 4:11; Acts 7:2-3; Hebrews 11:8-10; Exodus 20:2; John 14:1-3; Exodus 1:7-9; Genesis 24:34-35; Galatians 3:8; Genesis 6:22; 7:9; Matthew 10:37.
FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission
Genesis 11:10-32 (NOTE: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for recording to begin.)
The God Who Prevails -- Lonnie Bell
Sermon Series: Genesis
Genesis 11:10-32
23 September 2018——————————————————————————————————————————————————— FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission
——————————————————————————————————————————————————— Deep Sheet: Sermon Study Questions
1. How would you describe the significance of Abraham in the biblical storyline?
2. How are the first eleven chapters of Genesis both hopeless and hopeful? How do they turn us to God alone?
3. Where do we see God’s sovereignty in salvation history in Genesis 1-11?
4. What impact should the unstoppable nature of God’s plan have on our theology? How does it comfort us in our battle against sin?
5. How does Abraham’s religious background remind us that God is able to overcome any barrier to belief? Why should this motivate our evangelism?
6. Why do you think God chose to work through the barren woman, Sarai?
FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission
Genesis 11:5-9 (NOTE: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for recording to begin.)
The City of Man, Part 2 -- Lonnie Bell
Sermon Series: Genesis
Genesis 11.5-9
16 September 2018
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FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission
——————————————————————————————————————————————————— Deep Sheet: Sermon Study Questions
1. How does this story show us the danger of being a “reputation manager”? How can a person’s life become a little Babel in this regard?
2. How does finding our identity in Christ act as the only guard against chasing our own name?
3. Why do we need to be constantly reminded that we can’t hide from God?
4. How do we see both a pitiful picture and a powerful potential at Babel?
5. In what ways have you witnessed the deceptive power of sin?
6. How is God’s preventing work at Babel both preservation and punishment?
7. How does this passage remind us that sin leads to futility?
References: 2 Corinthians 5:15; Isaiah 40:22; Psalm 103:19; Genesis 2:7; Isaiah 40:15, 17; Genesis 3:22; 18:21; Zephaniah 3:9; Acts 2:6.
FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission
Genesis 11:1-9 (NOTE: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for recording to begin.)
The City of Man, Part 1 -- Lonnie Bell
Sermon Series: Genesis
Genesis 11:1-9
9 September 2018
Deep Sheet: Sermon Study Questions
1. What support does Jesus give for the historicity of the events described in Genesis 1-11?
2. How does the Tower of Babel story help us to identify worldliness and flee from it?
3. Where do we see independence and misuse in this passage? How are independence and disobedience related?
4. What does it mean to say that Babel is the mother of all pagan worship and false religion?
5. What does it look like to live for our own “name”?
References: Daniel 4:30; 1 Peter 5:13; Revelation 17:5; 18:1-2; Mark 10:6; Matthew 23:35; 24:39; Revelation 18:5; 1 John 2:15; Genesis 13:11; 9:1; 3:24; 4:16; Isaiah 63:14; James 4:6; Matthew 23:12.
FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission
Genesis 10:1-32 (NOTE: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for recording to begin.)
Our Ancient Ancestry -- Lonnie Bell
Sermon Series: Genesis
Genesis 10:1-32
2 September 2018
Deep Sheet: Sermon Study Questions
1. Is there anything that you find particularly intriguing or surprising about this genealogy?
2. How does this text further contribute to our understanding of the character of God?
3. How does this passage help us fight against racism and better love our neighbor?
4. Where do we see human corruption in these verses? How does this genealogy prepare the reader for the Tower of Babel?
5. Discuss how these genealogies in Genesis 1-11 are moving towards Abraham and ultimately Christ. How does this increase your trust in God?
References: Genesis 2:4; 5:1; 6:9; 9:1; Ephesians 1:3; Acts 17:26; Genesis 4:17; 6:4; Romans 1:18-32; Genesis 3:15; Revelation 7:9-10; Genesis 12:3.
FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission
Genesis 9:18-29 (NOTE: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for recording to begin.)
After the Ark, Part 2 -- Lonnie Bell
Sermon Series: Genesis
Genesis 9:18-29
26 August 2018
Deep Sheet: Sermon Study Questions
1. How do the two scenes of Genesis 9 set up a contrast between God and humanity? How does this guide us in where to direct our hope?
2. How does this text portray the potentially destructive power of alcohol? How have you seen alcohol play a destructive role in peoples’ lives?
3. How would you characterize Ham’s sin? Why do you think God takes dishonoring parents so seriously?
4. How does Shem offer hope in the midst of this story?
5. What does it mean to say that all must face a death of dust, but not all will face a death of destruction?
References: Genesis 8:21; 6:8-9; Hebrews 11:7; Psalm 104:14-15; Proverbs 20:1; 23:29-32; Ephesians 5:18; 1 Corinthians 10:12; Exodus 21:15; Leviticus 20:9; Genesis 3:15; 22:18; John 11:25-26.
FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission
Genesis 9:1-17 (NOTE: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for recording to begin.)
After the Ark, Part 1 -- Lonnie Bell
Sermon Series: Genesis
Genesis 9:1-17
19 August 2018
Deep Sheet: Sermon Study Questions
1. In what ways do vv. 1-7 echo Genesis 1? How do the differences remind us of the Fall?
2. How does this passage speak to issues like the treatment of animals and the death penalty?
3. What is God’s attitude towards creation in general and life in particular? What are some of the implications for us?
4. What is a covenant, and what are some characteristics of the covenant that God established in Genesis 9?
5. Why do you think God chose to mark this covenant with a rainbow? How might this passage influence the way you view rainbows in the future?
6. How does the fact that God is a covenant-maker and covenant-keeper affect the way we relate to him in our Christian lives?
References: Genesis 1:26-29; Romans 13:1-5; Romans 8:19-22; Revelation 21:1; Ezekiel 1:28; Revelation 4:3; Titus 1:2; Romans 3:25; Luke 22:20.
FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission
Genesis 7:1-24 (NOTE: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for recording to begin.)
The Flood -- Lonnie Bell
Sermon Series: Genesis
Genesis 7:1-24
05 August 2018
Deep Sheet: Sermon Study Questions
1. How does the New Testament guide us on how to read the flood narrative? Why should the world’s view of Noah’s flood not surprise us?
2. In what ways is the flood a “controlled” event? How should this impact our view of God and our circumstances?
3. How is the flood a “careful” event? What all does God preserve?
4. What do the words at the end of v. 16, “And the LORD shut him in,” teach us about God?
5. How does the text describe the flood as both powerful and universal?
6. What does it mean to say that this story should leave us in repentant reverence running to the ark of safety?
References: Matthew 24:37-39; 2 Peter 3:5-7; Matthew 7:21; Genesis 1:9; Hebrews 11:6; Romans 2:6; Proverbs 18:10; Exodus 14:28; Genesis 1:2
FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission
Genesis 6:9-22 (NOTE: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for recording to begin.)
**Noah and the Ark -- Lonnie Bell
Sermon Series: Genesis
Genesis 6:9-22
29 July 2018
DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. How would you describe Noah based on the text? How does Noah’s character challenge us in the midst of our generation?
2. How would you characterize the relationship between God and Noah?
3. What does it mean to say that God destroyed what man had already destroyed?
4. How does God’s judgment in the past point us to the future? According to Peter, what practical effect should this have on the Christian?
5.** In what ways does the ark serve as a picture of Christ?
References: Habakkuk 2:4; Hebrews 11:7; Genesis 15:6; Proverbs 11:5; Ecclesiastes 7:20; 2 Peter 2:5; John 5:24; Genesis 18:17-21; John 15:15; 2 Peter 2:5; 3:11-12; 1 John 2:17; Exodus 2:3, 5.
FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission
Genesis 6:4-8 (NOTE: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for recording to begin.)
**A Sorrowful State, Part 2 -- Lonnie Bell
Sermon Series: Genesis
Genesis 6:4-8
22 July 2018
Deep Sheet: Sermon Study Questions
1. What does it look like for us to feel the weight of sin and of grace in our daily lives? How can we cultivate the attitude of John Chrysostom: “I fear nothing but sin”?
2. What does it mean to say that left to ourselves, we always assess wrongly? How do we keep our assessment of reality aligned with God’s?
3. What do you find most striking about the depravity described in vv. 5-6? Discuss the breadth, depth, totality, and offense of this depravity?
4. What does v. 6 in particular teach us about God?
5. Are people less sinful today than at the time of the flood? What are some key passages of Scripture for answering this question?
6. How does the text point us to God’s grace rather than human merit?
7.** How does the figure of Noah contribute to a “theology of singularity”?
References: Jeremiah 17:9-10; Genesis 8:21; Romans 3:10-12; Romans 8:19-21; Genesis 3:15.
FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission
Genesis 6:1-4 (NOTE: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for recording to begin.)
**A Sorrowful State, Part 1 -- Lonnie Bell
Sermon Series: Genesis
Genesis 6:1-4
15 July 2018
Deep Sheet: Sermon Study Questions
1. How should we interpret the long lifespans before the flood?
2. How does the timeline reflected in the Genesis 5 genealogy support a recent creation of humanity?
3. Why should Genesis 6:1-8 be characterized as a “sorrowful state”?
4. What has been your understanding of the “sons of God” in this passage? What evidence is there for the view that these are fallen angels?
5. What do we know about demons from the New Testament, and how might this information help us interpret this passage?
6. Would you say that you take spiritual warfare seriously? How does this passage encourage us to be vigilant?
7.** What does it look like to fight Satan and his demons in the Lord’s strength?
References: Genesis 11:10-32; Matthew 1:8; Jude 14; 1 Chronicles 1:1-4; Luke 3:36-38; Job 1:6; 2:1; 38:7; Numbers 13:33; Jude 6; 1 Peter 3:19-20; 2 Peter 2:4-6; Revelation 12:3-9; Luke 8:31; 11:24.
FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission
Genesis 5 (NOTE: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for recording to begin.)
**The Hopeful Line -- Lonnie Bell
Sermon Series: Genesis
Genesis 5
08 July 2018
DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. What has been your attitude towards biblical genealogies? What are some ways in which they can be profitable for us?
2. How do the verses leading up to chapter 5 prepare us for the hopeful nature of the genealogy itself?
3. What does the creation language in the opening verses communicate about this line, and what effect should this have on the reader?
4. What is the significance of Enoch in this genealogy? What does it mean to say that chapter 5 gives us the “line of life”?
5. What does it look like to walk with God? How would you describe your own experience of walking with him?
6.** In what ways does the glory of Christ shine through this genealogy?
References: Luke 3:23-38; 2 Kings 2:11; 2 Timothy 1:10; Hebrews 11:5; Jude 14-15; Genesis 3:17-19; 6:9.
FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission
Genesis 4:17-26 (NOTE: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for recording to begin.)
The Birth of Civilization -- Lonnie Bell
Sermon Series: Genesis
Genesis 4:17-26
01 July 2018
Deep Sheet: Sermon Study Questions
1. In what ways does God extend grace to Cain and his descendants? How should this impact our view of God and culture?
2. What is common grace, and how does it point us to saving grace?
3. How would you characterize Lamech? Why do you think Moses included this brief account of him?
4. What does Eve’s response to the birth of Seth tell us about his significance? How does his birth anticipate Christ?
5. What does it mean in v. 26 that at the time of Enosh “people began to call upon the name of the LORD”? What does it look like for us to call upon his name?
References: Matthew 5:45; Genesis 2:24; 3:16; Romans 1:29-32; Genesis 3:15.
FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission
Genesis 4:9-16 (NOTE: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for recording to begin.)
The Godless Man -- Lonnie Bell
Sermon Series: Genesis
Genesis 4:9-16
24 June 2018
Deep Sheet: Sermon Study Questions
1. Why does the Holy Spirit want us to take a close look at Cain? Why is this like looking at a mirror for the unbeliever or an old photo and the enemy within for the believer?
2. How is Cain’s response to God’s call to confess different from that of Adam? Why is it so important that we maintain an attitude of confession towards God?
3. How does God’s curse on Cain serve as both a comfort and a warning?
4. What does Cain’s complaint tell us about his heart/thinking? In what ways have you seen the same attitudes or qualities in yourself?
5. Why does God put a mark on Cain?
6. What does Cain’s departure from God’s presence communicate about his overall attitude towards God?
7. How do Cain’s curse and Abel’s blood point us to Christ?
References: Genesis 3:9, 12; Psalm 51:17; Proverbs 28:13; Psalm 9:7-12; Romans 12:19; Ecclesiastes 12:14; 1 John 3:12; Isaiah 24:20; Revelation 16:8-11; Matthew 5:45; Galatians 3:13; Hebrews 12:24.
FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission
Genesis 4:1-8 (NOTE: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for recording to begin.)
**Evil After Expulsion -- Lonnie Bell
Sermon Series: Genesis
Genesis 4:1-8
10 June 2018
DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. Where do we continue to see God’s grace in this passage? What do these verses invite us to do?
2. What was wrong with Cain’s offering, and what are some implications for our worship?
3. Why was Cain “very angry,” and what does that tell us about his heart?
4. What is God’s message to Cain in vv. 6-7, and how does he respond?
5. What are some of the effects of anger that you have witnessed in your life?
6.** What does the story of Cain and Abel tell us about life after the Fall?
References: Isaiah 55:6-7; Genesis 1:28; 3:20; 2 Samuel 24:24; Hebrews 11:4; Proverbs 21:27; James 1:20; 4:7-10; Ecclesiastes 7:9; Ephesians 4:26; 1 John 3:12; Jude 11.
FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission
Genesis 3:20-24 (NOTE: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for recording to begin.)
**Expelled With Grace -- Lonnie Bell
Sermon Series: Genesis
Genesis 3:20-24
03 June 2018
DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. How would you describe the relationship between Adam and Eve and the entire human race? What does it mean to say that the story of sin runs through every biography?
2. In what specific ways does the expulsion of Adam and Eve from the garden serve as punishment?
3. How does Adam’s naming of Eve demonstrate faith?|
4. How does God’s act of covering them with animal skins point to Christ? What does it mean to say that the covering of guilt and shame is God’s work?
5.** How is God’s expulsion of Adam and Eve a means of protection? How does God protect us from ultimately being lost?
References: Genesis 4:8, 23; 6:5; Romans 3:23; 5:12; Ephesians 2:3; Hebrews 11:1, 4.
FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission
Genesis 3:16-19 (NOTE: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for recording to begin.)
The Divine Judgment -- Lonnie Bell
Sermon Series: Genesis
Genesis 3:16-19
27 May 2018
Deep Sheet: Sermon Study Notes
1. What comes to your mind when you think of a “fallen world”?
2. How do we see the hope of grace, relationship, victory, and reversal leading into God’s words of judgment?
3. What would it look like to be more serious about sin in your daily life?
4. In what ways does “painful toil” affect men and women? How have you seen the outworking of this in your own life?
5. How does this passage help us to understand the cause of strife in marriage? What is God’s remedy in this life?
6. What does it mean to say that Christ died so that death will die forever?
References: Proverbs 8:13; Genesis 4:7; 5:29; Ephesians 5:18, 22, 25; Colossians 3:18-19; 1 Peter 3:1, 7; Genesis 2:7; Job 14:1; Romans 8:22; 1 Corinthians 15:47-49.
FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission
Genesis 3:14-15 (NOTE: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for recording to begin.)
The Defeated Devil -- Lonnie Bell
Sermon Series: Genesis
Genesis 3:14-15
20 May 2018
Deep Sheet: Sermon Study Notes
1. What does it mean to be “sober-minded” and “watchful” concerning Satan (1 Peter 5:8)?
2. In what ways do we see God’s sovereignty in this passage? Why should that increase our confidence in him?
3. What is the relationship between the serpent and Satan? What curse is placed on Satan?
4. Why has v. 15 been called the “first gospel”? How does this verse impact the way we read the Bible from beginning to end?
5. Why should Christians not be afraid of the devil?
References: John 17:5; 1 Peter 5:8; Revelation 12:9; Romans 3:19; Job 1:6-12; 2 Corinthians 12:7-10; Genesis 9:5; Exodus 21:28; Leviticus 20:15, 16; Genesis 5:28-29; 49:10; Deuteronomy 18:15-19; Galatians 4:4-5; Hebrews 2:14; 1 John 3:8; Isaiah 53:5; Romans 16:20.
FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission
Genesis 3:9-13 (NOTE: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for recording to begin.)
**The Divine Interrogation -- Lonnie Bell
Sermon Series: Genesis
Genesis 3:9-13
13 May 2018
Deep Sheet: Sermon Study Questions
1. How does this text present God as a loving Father who seeks the lost?
2. What is God doing by addressing Adam and Eve with questions, and with these questions in particular?
3. What are some evangelistic and parental implications of God’s address to Adam and Eve?
4. What does it mean to say that they are “missing”?
5. How would you characterize the attitude of the first humans towards their sin? How have you seen the same attitude in your own life?
6.** In what ways do we tend to blame our sin on our circumstances? How does this subtly shift the blame to God?
References: Romans 5:12; Luke 19:10; Psalm 139:7; Jonah 1:3; Ephesians 2:1-3; Titus 3:3.
FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission
Genesis 3:6-8 (NOTE: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for recording to begin.)
**The Deadly Deed -- Lonnie Bell
Sermon Series: Genesis
Genesis 3:6-8
6 May 2018
Sermon Study Questions
1. How does the Fall begin with doubting God’s Word and goodness?
2. Does the Devil make us sin? How would you describe what is going on in Eve’s heart according to v. 6?
3. How have you seen the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life at work in your own life?
4. What does it mean in Proverbs 9:10 that “the fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom”?
5. Where do we see unbelief, pride, and idolatry in the Fall?
6. In what ways do we have the breakdown of both horizontal and vertical relationships in this passage?
7.** How does Christ restore the peace lost in Eden?
References: 1 Corinthians 15:22; 2 Corinthians 11:3; James 1:14-15; Deuteronomy 5:21; Genesis 2:9; 1 John 2:16; Proverbs 9:10; Genesis 2:16-17; 1 John 3:4; Genesis 2:25; 3:17; John 14:27.
FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission
Genesis 3:1-5 (NOTE: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for recording to begin.)
**The Deadly Dialogue -- Lonnie Bell
Sermon Series: Genesis
Genesis 3:1-5
29 April 2018
Sermon Study Questions
1. Why must we keep Christ’s righteousness and obedience in view as we consider the Fall?
2. Who is Satan, and why should we take him seriously?
3. How does Satan subtly undermine God’s Word and character with his initial question, and what are the implications for us?
4. In what ways does Eve alter God’s Word? What does this suggest about what is going on in her heart?
5. How does Satan tempt people into thinking there are no consequences for disobedience?
6.** By the time we reach v. 5, how would you describe Satan’s portrayal of himself and of God?
References: Romans 5:18-19; Genesis 2:16-17; Revelation 12:9; John 8:44; Ezekiel 28:11-19; Isaiah 14:12-15; Matthew 4:4, 10.
FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission
Genesis 2:18-25 (NOTE: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for recording to begin.)
**The Man With His Wife -- Lonnie Bell
Sermon Series: Genesis
Genesis 2:18-25
22 April 2018
Sermon Study Questions
1. How is God presented as a loving Father in Genesis 2?
2. Why is isolation not God’s will for human beings? In what ways do you see a tendency towards isolation in yourself?
3. How does God prepare the man to recognize the immense value of his wife?
4. How does this account of creation run contrary to Evolution?
5. In what ways does this passage instruct us about the nature and dignity of marriage? What are some practical ways that we can respond in our own marriages?
6.** How does this passage ultimately point us to the gospel?
References: Genesis 1:26-28; Ecclesiastes 4:9-12; Proverbs 31:11-12, 27-28; Proverbs 18:22; 1 Timothy 2:13; 1 Corinthians 11:8-9; Ephesians 5:22-33; 1 Peter 3:7; Matthew 19:5.
FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission
Genesis 2:8-17 (NOTE: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for recording to begin.)
**The Man In His Home -- Lonnie Bell
Sermon Series: Genesis
Genesis 2:8-17
15 April 2018
Sermon Study Questions
1. In what ways does God provide abundantly for man in the garden?
2. What is the significance of the fact that God is the author/originator of human pleasure and delight?
3. How does the description of the garden give us hope?
4. How does v. 15 show us that rest is not to be equated with aimless idleness?
5. What do the verbs “work” and “keep” in v. 15 tell us about the nature of Adam’s work?
6. What does this passage teach us about authority? What does it mean to say that all sin is an issue of authority?
7.** How does the manner in which God’s command is given demonstrate his love, goodness, and care towards human beings?
References: Acts 17:26; Genesis 12:3; Matthew 28:19; Revelation 7:9-10; 1 Timothy 6:16; Genesis 13:10; Revelation 21-22; John 14:3; Genesis 19:16; Deuteronomy 26:10; Numbers 18:5-6; Colossians 3:23.
FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission
Genesis 2:4-7 (NOTE: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for recording to begin.)
The Origin of Man -- Lonnie Bell
Sermon Series: Genesis
Genesis 2:4-7
8 April 2018
DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. Why is it so essential that we as human beings understand who we are and where we come from?
What happens when we don’t?
2. Why should we treat Genesis 2 as a historical account?
3. How should the fact that we come from dust affect how we view ourselves?
4. What makes the creation of human beings unique? How does this show God’s love and sovereignty?
5. Why is the biblical account of human origins incompatible with evolution?
References: 1 Chronicles 1:1; Luke 3:38; Acts 17:26; 1 Corinthians 15; Romans 5; 1 Timothy 2:13-14; Matthew 19:4-5; Genesis 7:22; Isaiah 64:8.
FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission
Genesis 2:1-3 (NOTE: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for recording to begin.)
**The Seventh Day Applied -- Lonnie Bell
Sermon Series: Genesis
Genesis 2:1-3
25 March 2018
Deep Sheet: Sermon Study Questions
1. How have you thought about Sabbath, Lord’s Day, and Sunday up to this point?
2. How does Genesis 2:1-3 give us a healthy rhythm for work and rest?
3. Why do we struggle to follow this pattern of work and rest? What negative effects does this have on human flourishing?
4. How is being a Christian a realized Sabbath? What does it look like to rest in Jesus?
5. Does the New Testament teach that Christians are obligated to observe a particular day in a particular way?
6. Why do Christians gather on Sunday? What happens when a person neglects regular attendance at church?
7.** What is the Sabbath rest that remains for us? How does this comfort the Christian and warn the faithless participant?
References: Exodus 20:8-11; Matthew 11:28-30; Hebrews 4:3; Colossians 2:16-17; Romans 14:5; John 20:1, 19; Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:2; Revelation 1:10; Hebrews 10:25; 4:10.
FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission
Genesis 2:1-3 (NOTE: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for recording to begin.)
**The Seventh Day -- Lonnie Bell
Sermon Series: Genesis
Genesis 2:1-3
18 March 2018
Deep Sheet: Sermon Study Questions
1. How does your own attitude towards creation compare with that of the psalmist in Psalm 104:24?
2. How does Genesis 2:1-3 show us that God always accomplishes what he sets out to do? Why should this bring immense comfort and joy to the Christian?
3. How does God’s completed work in creation point us forward to the age to come?
4. Did God need to rest? How should we understand God’s rest in these verses?
5. What does it mean that God is holy? How does this passage anticipate the sanctifying work of God throughout the Bible?
6.** As we’ve looked at the creation week, what characteristics of God have most struck you?
References: Exodus 20:8-11; Hebrews 4:8-11; Romans 14:5; Colossians 2:16-17; Psalm 104:24; Philippians 1:6; Ephesians 1:11; Romans 8:21; Psalm 104:29; Matthew 10:29-30; Hebrews 1:3; Isaiah 40:28; Psalm 121:4; Exodus 31:17; 1 Peter 1:15-16; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5.
FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission
Genesis 1:26-31 (NOTE: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for recording to begin.)
**Days 4-6: Fullness Towards Dominion, Part 3 -- Lonnie Bell
Sermon Series: Genesis
Genesis 1:26-31
25 February 2018
Deep Sheet: Sermon Study Questions
1. Whom do you tend to exclude from the category of image-bearer?
2. Where have you witnessed negativity and ingratitude regarding reproduction and children? How have you seen these attitudes in your own heart?
3. What does Genesis 1:26-31 tell us about human sexuality? In what ways does it confront our culture?
4. What does it mean to say that human reproduction is not animalistic in nature?
5. In what ways does this passage explode with implications for parenting?
6.** What does this passage communicate about God’s goodness? How does it encourage us to hope in Christ?
References: Genesis 9:6; James 3:9; Psalm 127:3-5; Romans 1:26-27; Matthew 6:25-34; Matthew 6:11; 1 Timothy 6:17; 1 Corinthians 10:31.
FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission
Genesis 1:26-31 (NOTE: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for recording to begin.)
**Days 4-6: Fullness Towards Dominion, Part 2 -- Lonnie Bell
Sermon Series: Genesis
Genesis 1:26-31
18 February 2018
Deep Sheet: Sermon Study Questions
1. What are some textual clues that vv. 26-31 are a climax to the creation account?
2. What role has the doctrine that man is made in God’s image played in your everyday life? In what obvious ways do we see our culture ignoring or rejecting this truth?
3. How are we like God in our nature, and how do we represent him in our role? How do these truths call us to education, science and technology, and care for the environment?
4. What do these verses tell us about the relationship between God and man? How do they affect the way we perceive and relate to other human beings?
5. What does it mean that human beings are both the greatest pointer and the greatest temptation?
6.** How does this passage direct us to Christ?
References: Genesis 5:3; John 4:24; Genesis 2:15, 17, 19; Psalm 24:1; 8:5-6; Genesis 5:1-2; Luke 10:27; Acts 17:26; James 3:9; Genesis 9:6; Colossians 1:15; 1 Corinthians 15:27; John 14:31; Ephesians 5:25.
FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission
Genesis 1:14-25
Days 4-6: Fullness Towards Dominion, Part 1 -- Lonnie Bell
Sermon Series: Genesis
Genesis 1:14-25
11 February 2018
Deep Sheet Questions - 2/11/2018 - Days 4-6: Fullness Towards Dominion, Pt 1 - Genesis 1:14-25
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What are the various ways in which Genesis 1 points us to Christ? How does the New Testament describe his role in creation?
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Why do you think God waited until Day 4 to make the sun, moon, and stars?
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What amazes you most about creation? Why is it tempting to replace the Creator with the created, and what are some ways we do this today?
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How does Psalm 8 direct us towards a proper response to what we observe in the heavens?
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Why is God’s account of the creation of animals incompatible with Darwinian evolution?
References: 2 Corinthians 3:18; Colossians 1:16; Deuteronomy 4:19; Psalm 19:1; Psalm 8; Job 41:1; Psalm 104:24-25.
FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission
Genesis 1:3-13
**Days 1-3: Formation Towards Production -- Lonnie Bell
Sermon Series: Genesis
Genesis 1:3-13
04 February 2018
Deep Sheet: Sermon Study Guide
1. How would you summarize God’s creative work in the first three days? Where do we see his activity of separating, dividing, and/or distinguishing, and how might this lead you to worship him?
2. What are some implications of the fact that God gives definitions and sets boundaries? What are some areas in which our culture’s definitions and boundaries differ dramatically from God’s?
3. How does the earth bring forth plant life? What does it mean to say that the inanimate cannot animate?
4. How does God’s control over the waters remind us of his judgment and grace? How does Day 3 prepare the reader for the Fall?
5.** How does Genesis debunk alternative deities and origin stories, whether ancient or modern?
FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission
Genesis 1:3-11 (NOTE: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for recording to begin.)
God's Six Days of Work: The Big Picture -- Lonnie Bell
Sermon Series: Genesis
Genesis 1:3-31
28 January 2018
Deep Sheet: Sermon Study Questions.
1.What have we learned so far about God from Genesis 1? Has anything about his nature and character been new for you?
2. How would you describe your view of the dignity and value of work? How is it impacted by the fact that God works?
3. How does Genesis 1 show us that God’s Word is both effectual and authoritative? How should its efficacy influence our relation to Scripture?
4. Where do we see God’s order in Genesis 1? Why should this encourage us to trust him in every area of our lives?
5. How can we emulate God’s order in the way we work?
6. What does it look like to have a healthy delight in our work? How do we avoid idolizing it?
References: Genesis 2:1-3; Hebrews 11:3; John 1:1-3, 14; 2 Timothy 3:16; Psalm 104:31.
FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission
Genesis 1:2 (NOTE: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for recording to begin.)
Not Yet Ready -- Lonnie Bell
Sermon Series: Genesis
Genesis 1:2
21 January 2018
Deep Sheet: Sermon Study Questions.
1. How is the world described in Genesis 1:2? How does this verse contribute to our understanding of God as a potter?
2. How aware are you of God’s forming, filling, and illuminating that is evident all around us? Why should we never be bored?
3. What do God’s preparations in Genesis 1 tell us about the purpose, dignity, and value of human beings?
4. How does the latter part of v. 2, read in light of Deuteronomy 32:11, show us God’s intimate involvement with his creation?
5. What does it mean that God is both Creator and Sustainer?
6. How does the mention of the Spirit in v. 2 both challenge the self-sufficient and comfort those who feel desolate?
References: Genesis 1:31; 2:1; Jeremiah 4:23ff; Isaiah 45:18; Psalm 19:1; Romans 1:21; Deuteronomy 32:10-11; Hebrews 1:3; Genesis 2:7.
FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission
Genesis 1:1 (NOTE: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for recording to begin.)
**Starting With God -- Lonnie Bell
Sermon Series: Genesis
Genesis 1:1
14 January 2018
Deep Sheet: Sermon Study Qustons**
1. What has been your experience with and interest in the book of Genesis? In what ways is it foundational?
2. How does Genesis encourage us to “start with God,” and how does that play out in our everyday lives?
3. What does it mean that God is eternal, and where do we see this in Genesis 1:1? How does God’s eternality point us to the fact that the Bible is a matter of life and death?
4. How should the truth that God is the creator of everything practically impact our lives?
5. What does it mean that God is distinct, and in what ways do you lose sight of this?
6. Where do we see the Trinity in Genesis 1:1-3? How does this point us to Jesus and to God’s love?
References: Psalm 90:2; Exodus 3:14; Revelation 22:13; Colossians 1:16; Romans 1:20-25; Psalm 96:5; John 1:1-3; Hebrews 1:2; Luke 24:44; John 5:46.