Four Corners Church

The Fundamentals of Citizenship — Pastor Trey Russell
Philippians 2:1-4
Sermon Series: Philippians **March 13, 2022

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. What is the argument Paul is making in verse 1? How do these realities function for you as motivation to live as a proper citizen of heaven?
2. What does it mean to be “of the same mind”? What does it not mean?
3. What is our unity in the church based on? How do we know this from the text?
4. How does this unity allow us to reflect all kinds of diversity and weather all kinds of disagreement?
5. What is the true enemy of unity? How do you see this working under the surface of your own heart?
6.** How does humility enable unity?

References: Phil. 3:20; Rom. 15:5; 1 Cor. 1:10; 1 Cor. 12:24-45; 1 Thess. 1:10; Rom. 5:9; Luke 14:21; Rom; 5:5; 2 Thess. 2:16; 1 Cor. 12:13; Eph 4:1-3; Rom. 12:5; 1 Cor 12:18; 1 Cor. 13:11; Phil. 2:5-11

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Citizens Together for the Gospel — Pastor Trey Russell
Philippians 1:27-30
Sermon Series: Philippians **March 6, 2022

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. What does Paul want the Philippian church to be known for?
2. Consider the reality that, as Christians, we don’t belong here. How does this reality affect the way you live your everyday life?
3. What is the relationship between being a citizen and living worthily as a citizen? In other words, what is the relationship between being and doing? If these two are mixed up, how does it distort the message of the gospel?
4. How do we answer the call to steadfastness and being unafraid?
5. What does it mean to strive after the gospel? What does it look like for us to raise the flag of the gospel on the battlefield?
6. How does this text demonstrate that proper citizenship is done in community with others?
7.** How is suffering a gift from God? Have you ever considered grace from this angle? Have you ever seen how suffering well witnesses to the preciousness of the gospel?

References: Eph. 4:1; Col. 1:10; 1 Thess. 2:12; Acts 16:21; Phil. 3:20; Eph. 2:1-10; Titus 3:3-8; Col. 1:13; Matt. 10:22; 1 Pt. 4:12; Eph. 6:12; 2 Cor. 5:20-21; 2 Cor. 2:15-16.

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**Resurrection and Regret — Pastor Tony Carter
John 11:1-27
Sermon Series: Stand alone
February 27, 2022

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions**1. How do you define regret? What are some big regrets in the Bible? What are some regrets in your own life?
2. Have you ever experienced a delay in God's help to you? (see Ps. 13:12) How did you handle the delay? What did you learn about God and yourself?
3. How is the resurrection a source of hope in this life? In what ways does the Bible describe the resurrection that might encourage us to hope?
4. Do you look forward to the resurrection? Why?

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The Christ of Life and Death — Pastor Trey Russell
Philippians 1:18b-26
Sermon Series: Philippians **February 20, 2022

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   How does vv.12-18 and vv.18b-26 function together as a unit? What do they have in common and what are their different focus points?
2.   While in prison, what is Paul’s singular aspiration and how do we know this? How might his mention of “deliverance” be misleading?
3.   What two things give Paul confidence in his “deliverance” and why? How does this reinterpret shame and failure for the Christian?
4.   Why is “to live is Christ, and to die is gain” a universal maxim for every Christian? What do Jesus’ comments in Luke 14 15-33 have to do with this?
5.   How can death be gain? How does this help you think of your earthly pursuits, even good ones?
6.**   What will be the fruit of Paul living and returning to the Philippians, as he expects to do? What does this tell us about our relationships in the church? Are we pursuing relationships like this?

References: Phil. 2:9-11, 3:8; Rev. 5:11-13; Luke 14:25-33; 2 Cor. 5:8

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The Apostle’s Praise — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 16:25-27
Sermon Series: Romans (90th Sermon) **February 13, 2022

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   Which portions of Romans have most impacted you over the last two years? How can you make this epistle a key part of your life moving forward?
2.   What does Paul’s doxology say about his ultimate priority? How does this give greater meaning and direction to our lives?
3.   How does God strengthen/establish us? Why should this motivate us to make better use of our time?
4.   Where do we see God’s sovereignty in this passage? Why should his wisdom free us from worry?
5.**   In what ways does Paul end the letter where he began? How does the end of v. 26 bring us all the way back to Genesis 12:3?

References: Romans 11:33-36; 1:11, 3; 1 Thessalonians 3:12-13; 2 Thessalonians 3:3; Galatians 4:4; Romans 1:16; Ephesians 2:12; Genesis 12:3.

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Click on a specific sermon title or SELECT “Previous Sermon Series” under the SERMONS tab under MENU above or Click here for Apple Podcasts
Video recordings of sermons after March 29th, 2020 are available on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/); search for Four Corners Church Newnan — or — click on the video link to the right of the title.
3-1-20 - The Man Behind The Letter
3-8-20 - The Man Behind The Letter, Part 2
3-29-20 - The Message In The Letter, Part 1 - video
4-5-20 - The Message in the Letter, Part 2 - video
4-12-20 - A Resurrection-Oriented Life - video
4-19-20 - The Mission of the Letter, Part 1 - video
4-26-20 - The Mission of the Letter, Part 2 - video
5-3-20 - The Heart Behind The Ministry, Part 1 - video
5-10-20 - The Heart Behind The Ministry, Part 2 - video
5-17-20 - The Glorious Gospel, Part 1 - video
5-24-20 - The Glorious Gospel, Part 2 - video
5-31-20 - The Judgment Revealed - video
6-7-20 - The Truth Rejected - video
6-14-20 - God Replaced - video
6-21-20 - Idolatry Repaid, Part 1 - video
6-28-20 - Idolatry Repaid, Part 2 - video
7-05-20 - The Self-Righteous Judge - video
7-19-20 - The Righteous Judgment, Part 1 - video
7-26-20 - The Righteous Judgment, Part 2- video
8-02-20 - Doers Not Hearers- video
8-09-20 - Safety Shattered- video
8-16-20 - Identity Invalidated- video
8-23-20 - The Righteous God of Israel, Part 1- video
8-30-20 - The Righteous God of Israel, Part 2- video
9-06-20 - All Under Sin- video
9-27-20 - All Under Condemnation- video
10-04-20 - Right with God, Part 1- video
10-11-20 - Right with God, Part 2- video
11-01-20 - Justified by Faith - So What?- video
11-08-20 - Faith Not Works: Back to the Beginning, Part 1- video
11-15-20 - Faith Not Works: Back to the Beginning, Part 2- video
11-22-20 - The Promise to Abraham - video
11-29-20 - The Faith of Abraham- video
12-06-20 - Abraham Applied- video
12-13-20 - The Results of Right Standing- video
12-20-20 - The Love That Sustains Our Hope- video
12-27-20 - The First Adam- video
01-10-21 - Adam and Christ Compared- video
01-17-21 - Abounding Grace - What Now for Sin?- video
01-24-21 - The Living Dead- video
01-31-21 - Life After Death- video
02-07-21 - Life As A Slave- video
02-14-21 - Inspect The Produce- video
02-21-21 - Our Death to the Law- video
02-28-21 - Why We Must Die to the Law- video
03-14-21 - When the Sinner Meets the Law
03-21-21 - The Believer's Battle, Part 1- video
03-28-21 - The Believer's Battle, Part 2- video
04-04-21 - An Easter Explanation- video
04-11-21 - In the Flesh vs In the Spirit- video
04-18-21 - Led by the Spirit- video
04-25-21 - Awaiting Glory- video
05-02-21 - Our Unfailing Hope , Part 1- video
05-09-21 - Our Unfailing Hope , Part 2- video
05-16-21 - Safe In God's Hands, Part 1- video
05-23-21 - Safe In God's Hands, Part 2- video
05-30-21 - The Apostle’s Anguish- video
06-06-21 - God's Word Stands- [video][115]
06-13-21 - God’s Righteousness Stands- video
06-20-21 - The Sovereign Potter- video
07-04-21 - The Potter’s Vessels of Mercy- video
07-11-21 - The Human Responsibility Under the Divine Sovereignty- video
07-18-21 - A Religious Rejection- video
07-25-21 - The Saving Message
08-01-21 - Hearing Without Believing- video
08-08-21 - Summing Up Israel’s Situation- video
08-22-21 - Israel Not Ruined
09-05-21 - Gentiles Not Boasting- video
09-12-21 - God's Plan for Israel- video
09-19-21 - An Eruption of Praise- video
09-26-21 - Basic Christian Living- video
10-03-21 - A Renewed Mind in the Church- video
10-10-21 - A Transformed Life in Practice, Part 1- video
10-17-21 - A Transformed Life in Practice, Part 2- video
10-24-21 - A Transformed Life in Practice, Part 3- video
10-31-21 - Submitting to the Authorities- video
11-07-21 - Loving Our Neighbor- video
11-14-21 - Living in the Daylight- video
11-21-21 - Welcoming While Differing- video
11-28-21 - Worshipping While Differing- video
12-05-21 - Guarding Against Stumbling- video
12-12-21 - Placing Others over Self- video
12-19-21 - Accepted by Christ, Accepting One Another- video
01-02-22 - The Apostle's Ministry- video
01-09-22 - The Apostle's Plans- video
01-16-22 - The Apostle's Prayer Requests- video
01-23-22 - The Apostle's Greetings, Pt. 1
01-30-22 - The Apostle's Greetings, Pt. 2- video
06-27-21 - Partners in the Gospel - video
08-15-21 - The Apostle's Affection - video
12-26-21 - The Unbound Gospel - video

Stand Alone sermons:Trey Russell * 10-20-19 - The Gospel Witness of Christian Suffering * 12-15-19 - The Son Comes Down, Part 2 * 02-16-20 - God's Mission for the Church, Part 1 * 02-23-20 - God's Mission for the Church, Part 2 * 07-12-20 - The Peace-Making Lord of Hosts, God of Jacob * 09-13-20 - The Endurance of Faith * 09-20-20 - Hardship Interpreted * 09-27-20 - Church Membership * 10-18-20 - Christ in You * 03-07-21 - Praise the Lord! - video * 06-27-21 - Partners in the Gospel! - video * 08-15-21 - The Apostle's Affection! - video

Will Daane * 01-03-21 - In Pursuit of Peace- video

Alex Early * 08-29-21 - Parable of the Prodigal Son

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The Apostle’s Care — Pastor Lonnie D Bell, Jr.
Romans 16:17-23
Sermon Series: Romans (89th Sermon) **February 6, 2022

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   How has the end of Romans given us insight into the heart of Paul and of Christianity itself?
2.   What does Paul warn his readers against, and what does he instruct them to do? How does this encourage humility and devotion to sound doctrine?
3.   How are the false teachers described? What is the relationship between division and false teaching?
4.   What does it look like to be naive? How have you seen people deceived and led astray “by smooth talk and flattery” (v. 18)?
5.   How does Paul view the Roman Christians? What reassurances are provided for believers in v. 20?
6.   How are the final greetings from Paul’s friends related to the previous warning?
7.**   What do Gaius and Erastus tell us about the makeup of the early church?

References: Galatians 5:20; Philippians 2:2-3; Romans 8:13; 1:25, 8; 15:14; 1 Corinthians 10:12; Romans 12:9; Matthew 10:16; Romans 5:2; 2 Corinthians 12:9; Hebrews 4:16; Acts 16:1-3; Philippians 2:22.

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The Apostle’s Greetings, Pt. 2 — Pastor Lonnie D Bell, Jr.
Romans 16:1-16
Sermon Series: Romans (88th Sermon) **January 30, 2022

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. What do you find most surprising, interesting, or edifying in this list of names? Are there any that stand out to you?
2. How does this passage reflect the diversity of the Roman church? Considering the rest of the letter, how might this diversity have given rise to tension and division?
3. What does it say about God’s purposes that many of these people were likely slaves or former slaves? How does this relate to 1 Corinthians 1:26-29?
4. Where do we see reference to multiple house churches? Where do we find evidence that Christianity had made its way into “Caesar’s household” (Philippians 4:22)?
5. What language does Paul use to emphasize unity amid diversity? How can we lose sight of the one great unifier?
6. How does Paul’s directive in v. 16 build on his example? What is the “holy kiss,” and what are the implications for us today?
7.** How does the final sentence keep both the universal and the local church in view?

References: 1 Corinthians 1:26-29; 2 Corinthians 8:23; Mark 15:21; Philippians 4:22; Romans 12:10; 1 Peter 5:14.

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The Apostle’s Greetings, Pt. 1 — Pastor Lonnie D Bell, Jr.
Romans 16:1-16
Sermon Series: Romans (87th Sermon) **January 23, 2022

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   Why are we tempted to fly over passages like this? In the words of Chrysostom, how have you discovered “treasure” in these sorts of texts?
2.   In what ways was Christianity countercultural in its appreciation and elevation of women? How is this reflected in these greetings?
3.   How is Phoebe described? Should we view her as a deacon/deaconess?
4.   What was the history between Paul and Prisca and Aquila? Why is this couple in Rome, and how does Paul’s mention of them help to draw support for his ministry/mission?
5.**   What does this list of names tell us about the Christian life? Why should it raise our affections for God’s people?

References: Acts 18:27; Philippians 1:1; 1 Timothy 3:8-13; Acts 6:3; 1 Timothy 2:12; 3:11; Acts 18:24-26; Romans 15:14; Acts 18:1

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The Apostle’s Prayer Requests — Pastor Lonnie D Bell, Jr.
Romans 15:30-33
Sermon Series: Romans (86th Sermon) **January 16, 2022

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   Why was Romans written? How is theology woven together with practical ministry and missions?
2.   How does Paul’s plea for prayer push us towards community? What does it mean to say that praying for one another is “basic Christianity”?
3.   In what ways is prayer labor and warfare? How can we grow discouraged if we mistakenly view it as easy?
4.   What are Paul’s two requests? What was the outcome, and what are the implications for us?
5.   Where do we see Paul’s overarching concern to further the gospel? How does he view his own life?
6.**   How can our GCs grow as places of joy and refreshment?

References: Romans 1:9-10; Colossians 4:12; Ephesians 6:12, 18-19; Acts 20:22-24; Acts 21:13, 21; Ephesians 2:14; Romans 1:12; 15:29; 1:10; Matthew 6:10; Acts 21:17; 28:14-15.

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The Apostle’s Plans — Pastor Lonnie D Bell, Jr.
Romans 15:22-29
Sermon Series: Romans (85th Sermon) **January 9, 2022

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. How should Paul’s example guide our goals and resolutions for the new year?
2. What has hindered Paul from visiting the Romans? How does this illustrate the importance of our personal desires taking a back seat to God’s will?
3. What two reasons were given for wanting to visit Rome? How does this encourage us to prioritize missions and edification?
4. How does this passage challenge us not to have merely social relationships within the church?
5.** Why is the collection for the Jerusalem Christians so important to Paul? How does it play into his larger work as the Apostle to the Gentiles?

References: Matthew 6:33; 1 Corinthians 11:1; Romans 1:5, 9-11, 12; James 2:15-16; 1 John 3:17; Acts 11:28-29; 1 Corinthians 16:1-4; 2 Corinthians 8:2-4; Romans 11:17; John 4:22; Romans 15:6.

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The Apostle’s Ministry — Pastor Lonnie D Bell, Jr.
Romans 15:14-21
Sermon Series: Romans (84th Sermon) **January 2, 2022

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions**

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The Unbound Gospel — Pastor Trey Russell.
Philippians 1:8-13
Sermon Series: Philippians **December 26, 2021

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   What has happened to Paul and why is it so unlikely, humanly speaking, that it would result in gospel advancement? Can you think of other times in Scripture when the gospel advanced against all odds?
2.   How can you better see all of life as ripe for gospel advancement?
3.   Why is it so crucial to connect the gospel to the message of the life, death, and resurrection of Christ? What other “gospels” do we commonly hear that actually are not?
4.   Consider Paul’s interaction with his guards and his response to those with impure motives. What does this tell us about his focus? Would this focus change anything in your life? How?
5.**   In 2022, how can you use the advance of the gospel as a filter for all of life?

References: Romans 15:24-25; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, 2:2; Romans 1:16; Matthew 7:21-23; Philippians 4:22; Ephesians 6:19-20; Acts 4:29-31; Galatians 5:20-21; Ephesians 3:7-13

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Romans 15:7-13 *7 Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. 8 For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the Jews on behalf of God’s truth, so that the promises made to the patriarchs might be confirmed 9 and, moreover, that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written: “Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles; I will sing the praises of your name.”

10 Again, it says,

“Rejoice, you Gentiles, with his people.”

11 And again,

“Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles;

let all the peoples extol him.”

12 And again, Isaiah says,

“The Root of Jesse will spring up,

one who will arise to rule over the nations;

in him the Gentiles will hope.”

13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Accepted by Christ, Accepting One Another — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 15:7-13
Sermon Series: Romans (83rd Sermon) *December 19, 2021

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. What major Christmas themes do we find in this passage?
2. How do these verses serve as a conclusion to Paul’s topic? In what ways do they look back over the entire epistle?
3. How does Paul unify and motivate his readers?
4. What do we learn about Christ from this text? Why did he come?
5. What happens to unnecessary divisions when we are preoccupied with praising God for his mercy?
6. How does Paul bring together the two themes of unity and hope? Why does neglect of one necessarily affect the other?
7.** How does Romans 15:13 give fresh direction to your prayer life?

References: Romans 1:16; Matthew 15:24; Luke 1:68-79; Genesis 12:3; Psalm 18:49; Deuteronomy 32:43; Psalm 117:1; Isaiah 11:10.

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Romans 15:1-6 *1We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. 2Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up. 3 For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.” 4 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.

5 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, 6 so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Placing Others over Self — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 15:1-6
Sermon Series: Romans (82nd Sermon) December 12, 2021*

1. Where do we see worship of self in our culture? How can we help each other not be self-absorbed?
2. What is Paul calling the strong to do as they relate to the weak? Why is this much easier said than done as we relate to one another within the local church?
3. How is Christ the opposite of self-pleasing? How does a right understanding of Christmas breed self-denial?
4. What does Paul say here about the role of Scripture? How does that encourage you to be more intentional about getting into the Word as the new year approaches?
5. How does this passage highlight the importance of church unity? How does it also show us that such unity must be based on the authority of Scripture?
6. In what ways do we take for granted or cheapen the language of “glorifying God”? How does this passage put meat on the bones of that concept?

References: Philippians 2:3-4; Galatians 6:2; Psalm 69:9; Mark 10:45; Philippians 2:5-8; 1 Corinthians 10:11, 31-33.

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Romans 14:13-23 *13 Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister. 14 I am convinced, being fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for that person it is unclean. 15 If your brother or sister is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy someone for whom Christ died. 16 Therefore do not let what you know is good be spoken of as evil. 17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, 18 because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and receives human approval.

19 Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. 20 Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a person to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble. 21 It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to fall.

22 So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who does not condemn himself by what he approves. 23 But whoever has doubts is condemned if they eat, because their eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin. Guarding Against Stumbling — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 14:13-23
Sermon Series: Romans (81st Sermon) *December 5, 2021

EEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. What were the major implications of Romans 14 covered in the introduction of the sermon? Which of these has most impacted you?
2. How can we be more sensitive/attentive? In what ways are we prone to ignore or disregard the consciences of our fellow Christians?
3. What is Paul encouraging his readers to guard against? What’s at stake for the weak?
4. How does this passage redirect our focus to what really matters in the Christian life? How does it attack selfishness/individualism?
5. How does Paul call his readers to self-denial? How might this play out in practice in a local church today?
6. What does v. 23 warn us against? How can we educate our consciences so that they are not overly scrupulous?
7.** How does the final verse help us to make sense of the “moral” unbeliever?

References: 1 Corinthians 8:10; Romans 5:1-2; 1 Corinthians 8:13; 3:9; Ephesians 2:10; Romans 1:21; 1 Corinthians 10:31-33.

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Romans 14:5-12 *5 One person considers one day more sacred than another; another considers every day alike. Each of them should be fully convinced in their own mind. 6 Whoever regards one day as special does so to the Lord. Whoever eats meat does so to the Lord, for they give thanks to God; and whoever abstains does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God. 7 For none of us lives for ourselves alone, and none of us dies for ourselves alone. 8 If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. 9 For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life so that he might be the Lord of both the dead and the living.

10 You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or why do you treat them with contempt? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat. 11It is written: “ ‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord,

‘every knee will bow before me;

every tongue will acknowledge God.’ ”

12 So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God. Worshipping While Differing — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 14:5-12
Sermon Series: Romans (80th Sermon) *November 28, 2021

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. What makes Christ’s ownership/lordship so central to Christianity?
2. What does this passage teach about the conscience? Why should we not act against conscience?
3. What does it look like in practice to consciously live to please the Lord? What changes can you make to pursue this way of life more actively?
4. How does gratitude function as a test for right conduct? How does it grant freedom to the Christian?
5. How does Paul relate our discipleship to Christ’s death and resurrection in this passage? How do his words encourage Christians in the face of death?
6.** Have you given much thought to standing before God’s judgment seat? How is Paul using future judgment to motivate his readers?

References: Colossians 3:17; 2:16-17; Galatians 4:10; 2 Corinthians 5:15; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Colossians 3:23; 1 Timothy 4:4-5; Isaiah 45:23; 1 Corinthians 4:5; 3:13-15; 2 Corinthians 5:8-10; Matthew 7:1-2.

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Romans 14:1-4 11 And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. 12 The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13 Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. 14 Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh. Welcoming While Differing — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 14:1-4
Sermon Series: Romans (79th Sermon) **November 21, 2021

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Notes
1. How are we tempted to overinflate the fact that there are big differences within the church in our day? How does studying church history provide a little perspective?
2. How does this passage encourage us to prioritize unity and love in the church? To what extent has this been a priority for you?
3. Who are the “weak,” and why are they described this way? How do the opinions of the weak in Romans differ from the positions taken by those in Galatia?
4. What are the sins to be avoided for both groups, the “strong” and the “weak”? How does this highlight the inevitability of pitfalls in the Christian life?
5.** How does Paul provide a threefold reminder of the gospel of grace in his response to the weak?

References: Romans 15:7; Ephesians 4:3; 1 Corinthians 1:10-11; Romans 15:1, 8-9; 14:5, 21, 14; Daniel 1:1-16; 1 Corinthians 8:1-13; Colossians 2:16-17; Romans 1:7; 3:24; 8:33-34; 5:1-2; 8:38-39.

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Romans 13:11-14 11 And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. 12 The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13 Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. 14 Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh. Living in the Daylight — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 13:11-14
Sermon Series: Romans (78th Sermon) **November 14, 2021

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. How has God transformed your life by means of particular biblical texts, as he used this one in the life of Augustine?
2. How is this passage eschatological? What is the threefold situation of the believer described in the sermon?
3. Why do Christians constantly need to be called to “wake up”? How does Paul’s characterization of the world as darkness, night, and sleep call us away from worldliness?
4. Why is our new, daytime clothing described as “armor”? What does this tell us about the Christian life?
5. What do we learn about walking in darkness from vv. 13-14? What does it look like for us to “make no provision for the flesh”?
6.** What does it mean to “put on the Lord Jesus Christ”? How does this summarize life as a Christian?

References: 1 Thessalonians 5:5; Galatians 1:4; Titus 2:11; Romans 8:23; Ephesians 6:11-12; Galatians 5:21; 1 Peter 4:3; 2 Peter 2:7; 1 Corinthians 3:3; James 1:14-15; Romans 12:2; 8:29; 2 Corinthians 3:18.

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Romans 13:8-10 8Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.
9 The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,” and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” 10 Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. Loving Our Neighbor — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 13:8-10
Sermon Series: Romans (77th Sermon) **November 7, 2021

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. How does this passage get to the heart of our Christian witness?
2. Why should v. 8 not be used to forbid Christians from borrowing?
3. What does it mean to say that our love debt to our neighbor is ongoing and unpaid? Is there anyone in your life whom you’ve decided to stop paying?
4. How should we define love? How does the context help us?
5. How does loving our neighbor fulfill / sum up God’s horizontal commands?
6. Why should this passage not be used to minimize the importance of God’s written Word?
7.** How does the love command simplify the Christian life in practice?

References: Romans 12:9-10; Psalm 37:21, 26; Matthew 25:27; John 15:13; Exodus 20:1-17; Deuteronomy 5:1-21; Matthew 22:34-40; 7:12; Ephesians 5:29; Romans 8:3-4; Galatians 6:2; 1 Corinthians 9:21; James 2:8.

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Romans 13:1-7 *1 Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.
2 Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. 4 For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.

6 This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. 7 Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. Submitting to the Authorities — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 13:1-7
Sermon Series: Romans (76th Sermon) October 31, 2021*

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. How much attention have you given to the command to submit to the authorities? Why is this an important aspect of our Christian witness?
2. What is the relationship between God and the governing authorities? How does this increase our motivation to be subject to them?
3. As we think about not resisting, how does Acts 5:29 offer an important qualification? How are we tempted to add our own qualifications?
4. What is the role/purpose of government as Paul describes it in these verses? How should this affect the way we view and relate to it?
5. How does this text guide us to worship God while paying our taxes? In what ways do we need to confess not paying the money or respect that is due?

References: Mark 12:17; 1 Peter 2:13-17; 1 Timothy 2:1-2; Titus 3:1-2; Daniel 2:21; 4:17; Acts 5:29; Exodus 1:17; Daniel 3:12; Genesis 9:6.

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Romans 12:9-21 *9 Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.

14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. 17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. A TRANSFORMED LIFE IN PRACTICE, Part 3 — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 12:9-21
Sermon Series: Romans (75th Sermon) October 24, 2021*

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. How much attention have you given to the themes of non-retaliation and loving your enemies? How can these truths get neglected in the Christian life?
2. Why do vv. 17-21 (and 14) function as a primer for evangelism?
3. How are we tempted in our cultural context to be combative and quarrelsome rather than peaceable? How do Paul’s instructions challenge your thinking?
4. Why does our response to enemies serve as a test for how much we trust God?
5. Discuss situations where you witnessed vv. 20-21 in action. Why is this way of life “heavenly”?
6. How does Paul give us a new definition of “victory” as we relate to our increasingly anti-Christian society?

References: Matthew 5:38-48; Luke 6:27-36; Matthew 5:11; Mark 13:13; 1 Peter 3:9; 2 Corinthians 8:21; Acts 5:29; 1 Thessalonians 5:15; Matthew 5:9; Romans 1:17; 4:18; 1 Peter 2:23; Deuteronomy 32:35; Proverbs 25:21-22.

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14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. 17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. A TRANSFORMED LIFE IN PRACTICE, Part 2 — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 12:9-21
Sermon Series: Romans (74th Sermon) October 17, 2021*

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. How does a list like Romans 12:9-21 help us to define worldliness?
2. What does it mean to “bless” our persecutors? What are some implications for American Christians?
3. How does blessing our persecutors put a big spotlight on our need for the Spirit?How have you seen God use this evangelistically?
4. Discuss scenarios where v. 15 would apply. Why do we need to read this command in light of v. 9?
5. How does rejoicing with those who rejoice highlight and root out envy?
6. What is the connection between not associating with the lowly and being wise in our own sight?
7. How does v. 16 confront the opinionated person?

References: Matthew 5:44; Luke 6:27-28; 23:34; Acts 7:60; 1 Peter 3:8; 1 Corinthians 12:26; James 5:3; Philippians 2:2-4; James 3:17; Proverbs 18:2.

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14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. 17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. A TRANSFORMED LIFE IN PRACTICE, Part 1 — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 12:9-21
Sermon Series: Romans (73rd Sermon) October 10, 2021*

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. How does Paul’s description of love differ from the way the world tends to define it? How does this passage challenge or correct how you love God’s people?
2. What does it look like to compete in showing honor? How does this protect against criticism, gossip, and disunity within the church?
3. What does it mean to say that we have a responsibility to fight for our spiritual temperature?
4. How can we avoid serving self or people rather than the Lord?
5. Why is Romans 12:12 a fitting “life verse”? How are these three commands related to one another?
6. Why does joy depend on hope? How do we maintain our hope? Consider praying Romans 15:13 over your GC this week.
7. How does v. 13 push us beyond merely addressing needs and taking advantage of opportunities? References: Ephesians 4:1; Mark 12:30-31; 1 Corinthians 13:13; Matthew 6:33; 25:26; Colossians 3:23-24; Ephesians 1:18; Titus 2:13; Romans 8:24; Colossians 3:1-4; Romans 5:3-4; 1 John 4:20.

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Romans 12:3-8 3 For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. 4 For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, 5 so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. 6 Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; 7 if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; 8 the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. Basic Christian Living — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 12:3-8
Sermon Series: Romans (72nd Sermon) October 3, 2021

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. How do vv. 3-8 relate back to vv. 1-2? What kind of thinking is Paul cautioning his readers against?
2. What does it look like to think too highly of ourselves? How have you seen this negatively impact churches?
3. How does Paul use the human body as a metaphor for the church? How does 1 Corinthians 12 add to his explanation?
4. What three implications of this unity in diversity were discussed in the sermon?
5. Why should the gracious nature of spiritual gifts eliminate boasting and envy?
6. How can we hold one another accountable in making use of our gifts and in doing it for the common good?
7. How would you summarize the gifts listed in this passage? How do they relate to other New Testament lists?

References: 1 John 2:16; Romans 7:23; 1 Corinthians 12:14-20; 4-11; 27-30; Ephesians 4:11; 1 Peter 4:10-11; Ephesians 2:20; Hebrews 13:17.

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Romans 12:1-2 1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Basic Christian LIving — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 12:1-2
Sermon Series: Romans (71st Sermon) September 26, 2021

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. How are these verses helpful for reorienting or reviving the Christian life? In what ways do you find them instructive and challenging?
2. What does it look like in practice to “present our bodies as a living, holy, and acceptable sacrifice”? How does this make all of life sacred?
3. How does Paul motivate his readers to continually offer their bodies? Why is this the strongest motivation?
4. What does v. 1 teach us about the nature of Christian worship?
5. What does Paul’s command to “be transformed by the renewal of your mind” say to passivity?
6. What is “this world,” and in what ways are you being conformed to it?
7. What does this passage teach us about seeking the will of God?

References: Galatians 3:28; Romans 6:12-13, 16, 19; 7:22-23; 1 Corinthians 6:19; 2 Corinthians 3:18; 4:4; Galatians 1:4; Ephesians 2:2; 1 John 2:16-17; Psalm 1; Colossians 3:16.

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Romans 11:33-36 *33 Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!

34 “For who has known the mind of the Lord,

or who has been his counselor?”

35 “Or who has given a gift to him

that he might be repaid?”

36 For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen. An Eruption of Praise — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 11:33-36
Sermon Series: Romans (70th Sermon) September 19, 2021*

1. Why is the placement of this passage an illustration of the relationship between theology and worship? How do we avoid having an “undevotional theology” or an “untheological devotion”?
2. Why do you think the preceding context prompted Paul to erupt in praise?
3. What does v. 33 teach us about God? How do these exclamations help us to make peace with perplexity?
4. Why should we read v. 34 in light of 1 Corinthians 2:6-16? How does this motivate Bible reading?
5. How does v. 35 help us fight grumbling?
6. Discuss how Paul’s concluding words leave us in a state of awe. What does it look like to live for the purpose of making God’s glory known?

References: Romans 10:12; Ephesians 2:7; Psalm 92:5; 139:6; Job 5:9; Isaiah 40:28; 55:8-9; 40:13; 1 Corinthians 2:6-16; Colossians 2:3; Job 41:11; Hebrews 1:3; Romans 16:27; Ephesians 3:21.

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Romans 11:25-32 *25 Lest you be wise in your own sight, I do not want you to be unaware of this mystery, brothers: a partial hardening has come upon Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. 26 And in this way all Israel will be saved, as it is written,

“The Deliverer will come from Zion,

he will banish ungodliness from Jacob”;

27 “and this will be my covenant with them

when I take away their sins.”

28 As regards the gospel, they are enemies for your sake. But as regards election, they are beloved for the sake of their forefathers. 29 For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. 30 For just as you were at one time disobedient to God but now have received mercy because of their disobedience, 31 so they too have now been disobedient in order that by the mercy shown to you they also may now receive mercy. 32 For God has consigned all to disobedience, that he may have mercy on all. God’s Plan for Israel — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 11:25-32
Sermon Series: Romans (69th Sermon) *September 12, 2021

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Notes
1. How does Romans 9-11 increase our awe of God? What have you learned from these chapters?
2. What does it look like to be wise in your own eyes? Why does Paul take this so seriously?
3. What are the three parts of the “mystery” mentioned in vv. 25-26? How does the context help us to interpret what Paul means when he says “all Israel” will be saved?
4. How does the language used to describe Israel’s future salvation serve as a reminder of what God has already done for us?
5. How does God view Israel today? What does v. 29 tell us about God’s nature and character?
6.** How does v. 32 clarify God’s objective in saving human beings? What’s the implication for the Christian life?

References: Proverbs 3:7; Romans 16:25-26; 2:9; 11:12, 15, 24; Isaiah 59:20-21; 27:9; Psalm 14:7; Jeremiah 31:1, 31-34; Romans 2:8; Numbers 23:19; Romans 9:25; 5:5; Ephesians 2:7.

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Romans 11:17-24 17 But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, although a wild olive shoot, were grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing root of the olive tree, 18 do not be arrogant toward the branches. If you are, remember it is not you who support the root, but the root that supports you. 19 Then you will say, “Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.” 20 That is true. They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast through faith. So do not become proud, but fear. 21 For if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will he spare you. 22 Note then the kindness and the severity of God: severity toward those who have fallen, but God’s kindness to you, provided you continue in his kindness. Otherwise you too will be cut off. 23 And even they, if they do not continue in their unbelief, will be grafted in, for God has the power to graft them in again. 24 For if you were cut from what is by nature a wild olive tree, and grafted, contrary to nature, into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these, the natural branches, be grafted back into their own olive tree. Gentiles Not Boasting — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 11:17-24
Sermon Series: Romans (68th sermon) **September 5, 2021

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Sheet
1. In what ways does pride show up in the church, even subtly? How does a verse like 1 Corinthians 10:12 caution us against it?
2. How does Paul want his Gentile readers to view their place in redemptive history? Why should this foster a sense of humble gratitude and wonder?
3. What is the logic of Paul’s warning? Does it imply that a Christian can lose his or her salvation?
4. How does this stage of redemptive history reveal God’s kindness as well as his severity? How does Paul’s warning spur us on towards reverence, vigilance, and diligence?
5. How do the hopeful words of vv. 23-24 undermine Gentile boasting? How do they serve as a preview? 6.** As we near the end of Romans 11, how has this section impacted the way you view the Jewish people?

References: Jeremiah 11:16; Romans 11:16, 28; Exodus 34:6-7; Romans 2; 1 Corinthians 10:12; Romans 8:31-39; Acts 13:43; Colossians 1:21-23; Hebrews 4:11; 1 John 2:19; Romans 1:16; 11:25-27.

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Luke 15 *11 And he said, “There was a man who had two sons. 12 And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.’ And he divided his property between them. 13 Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in reckless living. 14 And when he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in that country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. 16 And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything.

17 “But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! 18 I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. 19I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.”’ 20And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. 21And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 22But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. 23 And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. 24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate.

25 “Now his older son was in the field, and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. 26And he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. 27 And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has received him back safe and sound.’ 28 But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, 29 but he answered his father, ‘Look, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command, yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him!’ 31 And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. 32 It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.’” *Parable of the Prodigal Son — Pastor Alex Early
Luke 15
Stand Alone Sermon
August 29, 2021

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Notes
1. The snide slur/accusation by the Pharisees toward Jesus was that “this man receives tax collectors and sinners.” To “receive” literally means "to warmly welcome.” What does it practically look like to “warmly welcome” those who don’t think or believe in the same way that you do as a follower of Christ?
2. Table fellowship in the first century (and in many honor/shame cultures around the world today) was a statement of friendship. For Jesus to dine with the unclean was a statement that could not be misunderstood. He loved people as they were without condition. How do you maintain friendships with people who do not follow Christ?
3. The emphasis is the same in all three parables in Luke 15 – someone has lost something of incredible value and will do anything to find that which was “lost.” In what ways can FCC adopt this posture towards those who don’t know Jesus?
4. The Father of the prodigal felt “compassion” for his son on his worst day. If you’re comfortable with sharing some of your story, perhaps sharing about how the compassion of God has changed your heart.
5.** The older brother in the story represents the morally upright and religiously faithful. Yet, his heart was just as far from the Father as the younger son. How ought the gospel of grace humble the proud and self-sufficient?

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Israel Not Ruined — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 11:11-16
Sermon Series: Romans (67th sermon)
August 22, 2021

DEEP SHEET Study Questions
1.   How is Romans 9-11 meant to strengthen our trust in God?
2.   What is “redemptive history,” and where does Paul situate the Gentiles in this larger story?
3.   Why does Gentile salvation provoke Israel to jealousy? How does God’s purpose to use our salvation to provoke the Jews humble us?
4.   What’s the contrast between Israel’s present and future situation? How does this inform our basic eschatology?
5.   How do vv. 12 and 15 present Israel as a catalyst for worldwide blessing? What does he mean by “life from the dead” in v. 15?

References: Romans 9:4-5; Genesis 12:3; Ephesians 2:11-13; Matthew 21:43; Acts 28:28; Romans 11:25-26; Acts 13:44-45; Numbers 15:17-21; Romans 11:28.

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Philippians 1:7-11 7 It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. 8 For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. 9 And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, 10 so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. NOTE 1: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for playback to begin.

The Apostle’s Affection— Pastor Trey RussellPhilippians 1:7-11
Sermon Series: Stand Alone
August 15, 2021

Deep Sheet: Sermon Study Questions
1. Why is it significant that Paul’s affection toward the Philippians is the result of a resolved mindset? And why is this necessary to produce real, biblical fellowship?
2. What language does Paul use to express the depth of his affection and how does this illustrate his “gushing Christology?”
3. In what ways do you have this level of affection for other Christians? As you reflect, is Paul’s affection for the Philippians convicting? How?
4. How does Paul and the Philippians’ relationship put them engaged in the gospel together? For us, what is the effect of gospel engagement on our relationships?
5. In his prayer, why does Paul link knowledge and discernment with love? What happens when love is not rightly tethered in this way?
6. How does the close of Paul’s prayer illustrate that both our horizontal (to one another) and vertical (to God) relationships are ultimately for God’s glory?

References: Phil. 2:12-13; 2:5; 3:19; 4:2; 4:10; Acts 1:18; Phil. 1:29-30; Rom. 10:2.

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Summing Up Israel’s Situation — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 11:1-10
Sermon Series: Romans (66th sermon)
August 8, 2021

DEEP SHEET Stuidy Questions
1.   How has Romans 9-11 helped you to see that God’s sovereignty doesn’t undermine prayer, evangelism, and human responsibility for sin?
2.   What is the “remnant” and how does it demonstrate that God has not rejected Israel?
3.   How does Paul use the passage about Elijah in 1 Kings 19 as an illustration?
4.   What does it mean to say that the remnant was “chosen by grace” and “chosen with hope”?
5.   How does this passage help us to understand what it means to be “hardened”? How does v. 25 shed light on the nature of this hardening?
6.   How does the truth that God has not rejected Israel encourage us towards humility, trust, and assurance?

References: 1 Timothy 1:11; Deuteronomy 32:9; 7:6-8; Amos 3:2; Romans 9:27; Acts 21:20; 1 Kings 19:10, 14, 18; 2 Timothy 1:9; Romans 4:4; Psalm 94:14; Deuteronomy 29:4; Isaiah 29:10; Psalm 69:22-23; Romans 11:25.

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**Hearing Without Believing — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 10:14-21
Sermon Series: Romans (65th sermon)
August 1, 2021

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   What does it look like in practice for the gospel to be the great theme of a person’s life?
2.   How is this passage foundational for missionary zeal? How does it challenge us to be more active in sharing Christ?
3.   How are we encouraged to be grateful for people in our past and in church history?
4.   Based on Paul’s logic, what is the place of gospel preaching in the life of a church?
5.   Why is Christ’s lordship so central to saving faith? What does this imply about evangelism and the Christian life?
6.**   How does Paul clearly hold Israel responsible for its rejection of the gospel? How does this also fall under God’s sovereign purposes?

References: Romans 1:1-3, 16-17; Isaiah 52:7; 53:1; Psalm 19:4; Colossians 1:23; Romans 1:5; 6:17; 10:9; Deuteronomy 32:21; Isaiah 65:1-2; John 12:37-40.

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**The Saving Message — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 10:5-13
Sermon Series: Romans (64th sermon)
July 25, 2021

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. What is the problem with legal righteousness? Why is it unattainable for us?
2. How does Satan use morality to deceive sinners? How have you seen this practically play out?
3. How does Paul present the accessibility of “the righteousness based on faith”?
4. What does it mean to say that Christianity is exclusive? Why is this so offensive to the world?
5. How would you explain v. 9? How are Christ’s lordship and resurrection connected?
6.** How does this passage encourage Christians towards assurance and evangelism?

References: Leviticus 18:5; Genesis 15:6; Romans 3:20; 7:8-10; Galatians 3:10; Deuteronomy 30:12-13; Romans 1:16; Matthew 10:32.

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**A Religious Rejection — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 10:1-4
Sermon Series: Romans (63rd sermon)
July 18, 2021

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. Based on the three topics discussed at the beginning of the sermon, how would you summarize Paul’s teaching so far in chapters 9-11?
2. How does this passage illustrate the compatibility of God’s election and our evangelistic prayers? How can our GC actively encourage one another to continue praying for our lost friends and family members?
3. What was wrong with Israel’s zeal? How does this serve as a warning for us to rightly direct our own passion and discipline?
4. How does Paul’s language remove any excuse for Israel’s ignorance? In what ways are we tempted to plead ignorance while sinning?
5.** How does v. 4 highlight Christ’s sufficiency? Is there someone in your life who is obviously relying on human works to be right with God? How could you use Romans 9:30-10:4 to share Christ with them this week?

References: Romans 9:6, 18, 27, 1-3; 11:26; Acts 22:3-4; 26:4-5; Philippians 3:5-6; Galatians 1:14; Mark 7:8; Romans 10:21; Genesis 15:6; Habakkuk 2:4; John 5:44; Romans 3:10; John 19:30; Isaiah 64:6

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**The Human Responsibility Under the Divine Sovereignty — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 9:30-33
Sermon Series: Romans (62nd sermon)
July 11, 2021

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. What does it mean to say that human responsibility and divine sovereignty are compatible? What are some other biblical doctrines that present tension or apparent contradiction?
2. How are the Gentiles and Israel contrasted in this passage? Why is Paul the ideal person to explain what’s happening as the gospel goes out to both Jews and Gentiles?
3. What does it look like to trust in our works? Why must the Christian constantly return to the doctrine of justification by faith alone?
4. How does works-righteousness naturally lead one to reject Christ? How does v. 33 show God’s sovereignty at work in Israel’s stumbling?
5.** How do the final words of the passage, “whoever believes in him will not be put to shame,” strengthen your Christian life?

References: Romans 9:15-16, 18, 21; 1:18-32; Philippians 3:5-6; Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 3:20, 27-28; Isaiah 28:16; 8:14; 1 Peter 2:4-10; 1 Corinthians 3:11; 1:22-23.

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**The Potter’s Vessels of Mercy — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 9:24-29
Sermon Series: Romans (61st sermon)
July 4, 2021

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   How do the considerations presented at the beginning of the sermon help you to process Paul’s teaching on election?
2.     How is Paul using Hosea to make a point about the Gentiles? In light of this and other passages like Ephesians 2:12 and 1 Peter 2:10, what should be our response?
3.     What does the language used by Hosea and Paul tell us about Christian identity? Why do we constantly need these reminders?
4.     How would you summarize Paul’s teaching on the remnant of Israel? How is it both a negative and a positive term?
5.**     How does Isaiah’s reference to Sodom and Gomorrah highlight the extent of God’s mercy towards Israel?

References: Romans 9:4, 5; 1:2; 3:21-26; Hosea 2:23; 1:10; Ephesians 2:12; 1 Peter 2:9-10; Isaiah 10:22-23; 1:9; Genesis 19:1-29; Jude 7; Romans 11:1-10, 25-27.

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Philippians 1:1-6

**Partners in the Gospel — Pastor Trey Russell
Philippians 1:1-6
Stand Alone Sermon
June 27, 2021

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. How does Paul express his gratitude for the Philippians in v.3-4? What does it look like for us to maintain a similar posture?
2. What is the significance of Paul and the Philippians' "partnership in the gospel"? What does this tell us about the nature of our relationships within the church?
3. What is the biblical concept of fellowship and how is that different from how the word is normally used in our day?
4. In verse 6, how does Paul show that salvation is past, present, and future? How are each of these "tenses" of salvation encouraging to us?
5.** As God is "bringing your salvation to completion" are there some aspects of your faith that feel more "complete" than others? In other words, in what ways has the Lord grown you since your "first day in the gospel" and in what ways are you still clearly "incomplete"?

Scripture References: Acts 20:28; 1 Tim. 3:1-13; Phil. 4:17; 2 Cor. 8:1-2; Phil. 4:14; Rom. 8:24; 1 Cor. 1:18; Matt. 10:22

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**The Sovereign Potter — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 9:19-23
Sermon Series: Romans (60th sermon)
June 20, 2021

Deep Sheet: Sermon Study Questions
1.   How has your understanding of election grown from Romans 8 and 9?
2.   What objection is Paul responding to in this section? What similar objections have you heard from people today?
3.   Do you find Paul’s response surprising? How does it humble us?
4.   What are some clues in the passage and its context that the lump of clay should be understood as fallen humanity?
5.   How do the “vessels of wrath” described in v. 22 serve to make known God’s glory for the “vessels of mercy”?
6.**   What does this passage tell us about God’s ultimate purpose? What impact does that have on the Christian life?

References: Genesis 2:7; Isaiah 29:16; 45:9; 64:8; Proverbs 16:4; Ephesians 2:3; 1:5-6.

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**God’s Righteousness Stands — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 9:14-18
Sermon Series: Romans (59th sermon)
June 13, 2021

Deep Sheet: Sermon Study Questions
1.   Why would Paul’s teaching in vv. 6-13 have raised questions about God’s righteousness in some people’s minds?
2.   What are some arguments against election that you have heard based on God’s “fairness”? How does this passage help you to respond?
3.   Why does Paul move the discussion from justice to mercy? How does this provide us with a better foundation for thinking about election?
4.   How does v. 16 make clear that election is unconditional?
5.   How does Pharaoh serve as an illustration? What is the role of God’s glory in Paul’s argument?
6.**   What does it mean that God hardened Pharaoh’s heart?

References: Romans 9:3; 11:5, 7; 9:22, 23; Genesis 18:25; Psalm 71:19; Romans 3:5; Exodus 33:19; 9:16; 15:14-16; Joshua 2:9-10.

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Romans 9:6-13 6 Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel: 7 neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called. 8 That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed.
9 For this is the word of promise, At this time will I come, and Sarah shall have a son. 10 And not only this; but when Rebecca also had conceived by one, even by our father Isaac; 11 (for the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;) 12 it was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger. 13 As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated. **The Apostle’s Anguish — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 9:6-13
Sermon Series: Romans (58th sermon)
June 6, 2021

Deep Sheet: Sermon Study Questions
1. What does it mean that God is faithful? What practical effect does this have on our lives?
2. What is the problem/difficulty that Paul addresses as he enters chapter 9? Why does it seem to call God’s faithfulness into question?
3. Where else in the New Testament do we find the idea that “not all are children of Abraham because they are his offspring”? How does this passage give us the concept of “true Israel”?
4. What was the false fortress of comfort that many Jews in Paul’s day had constructed? Where do we see a similar mindset today?
5.** How does Paul describe God’s choice of Jacob over Esau as unconditional? How does election serve Paul’s larger point that God’s Word has not failed?

References: 2 Corinthians 1:18-20; Deuteronomy 4:7-8; 7:6; Matthew 3:9-10; John 8:39-40, 44; Romans 2:17, 28-29; 4:12; 1:17; Genesis 17:21; 18:10, 14; 25:23; Malachi 1:2, 3; Ephesians 1:11.

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FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission

Romans 9:1-5

**The Apostle’s Anguish — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 9:1-5
Sermon Series: Romans (57th sermon)
May 30, 2021

Deep Sheet: Sermon Study Questions
1.   What questions do you have as we begin this section? What reasons were given for the significance and relevance of chapters 9-11?
2.   What is the logical connection between the end of chapter 8 and the beginning of chapter 9?
3.   Why does Israel’s unbelief bring Paul so much sorrow? In general, how does the depth of his concern for the lost convict us in the area of evangelism?
4.   How does Paul describe Israel? What pictures / stories from the Old Testament come to your mind as you read vv. 4-5?
5.**   How does the end of v. 5 function as a climax to Paul’s description of Israel? How does it inform our view of Christ?

References: Romans 11:32-36; 1:9-10; Exodus 32:32; Philippians 3:5; Genesis 32:28; Deuteronomy 7:6; Exodus 4:22; Leviticus 16:2; Jeremiah 31:31-34; Genesis 12:1-3; Romans 11:28-29; Titus 2:13; Luke 1:54-55, 68-69.

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FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission

Romans 8:31-39 **Safe In God’s Hands, Part 2 — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 8:31-39
Sermon Series: Romans (56th sermon)
May 23, 2021

Deep Sheet: Sermon Study Questions
1. How does Romans 8 produce confident Christians? How has your confidence grown as we’ve studied this chapter?
2. How would you characterize the “love of Christ”? How does our culture replace this definition of love with superficial substitutes?
3. Compare the different forms of suffering listed in v. 35 with Paul’s description of his own sufferings in 2 Corinthians 11:23-28. Have you considered suffering to be the norm for the Christian?
4. What does it mean to be “more than conquerors”? How does this refer back to v. 28?
5. What does it look like to confess / repent of / put to death doubting God’s love? How have you fought this sin in your life?
6.** How are vv. 38-39 comprehensive in scope? Why should this climax produce a fearless life?

References: John 15:13; Ephesians 5:2; Romans 2:9; 2 Timothy 3:12; Psalm 44:22; Romans 13:4; 8:28; 2 Corinthians 11:23-28; Ephesians 3:18-19; John 17:22-23; Romans 14:8; Colossians 2:15; Ephesians 1:21; Galatians 5:16.

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Safe In God’s Hands, Part 1 — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 8:31-39
Sermon Series: Romans (55th sermon)
May 16, 2021

1.   How has Romans 8 strengthened your confidence in the Lord?
2.   What is Paul’s logic in v. 32, and how does it assure the believer?
3.   How would you describe the magnitude of God’s gift? How do Genesis 22 and Isaiah 53 provide a backdrop?
4.   Who or what accuses the Christian? Why do all charges and condemnation fail to stick?
5.   Why does Paul not stop at his mention of Christ’s death in v. 34? What does it mean that Christ intercedes for us?

References: John 10:27-29; Romans 5:1-11; Genesis 22:1-19; Isaiah 53:10; Galatians 3:13; Romans 3:25; 8:17; Matthew 5:5; 1 Corinthians 3:21-23; 16:9; Revelation 12:10; Romans 8:3, 13; 1 John 1:9; 2:1; Hebrews 7:25.

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Our Unfailing Hope, Part 2 — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 8:26-30
Sermon Series: Romans (54th sermon)
May 9, 2021

DEEP SHEET Study Questions
1.   Where do you see worldliness in your life? How does the future hope that Paul describes in Romans 8 pluck you out of that mindset?
2.   What does it mean to be “conformed to the image” of God’s Son so that he will be the “firstborn among many brothers”? What does this say about the ultimate purpose of our salvation?
3.   What is foreknowledge, and why has it been debated among Christians? How is it related to predestination?
4.   How have you struggled with the doctrine of predestination/election? How does unconditional election foster humility rather than pride?
5.   How does Paul’s language show that this “golden chain” of salvation is unbroken from beginning to end? What practical impact does this knowledge have on the Christian life?

References: 1 Corinthians 15:49; John 17:24; 1 John 3:2; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Romans 11:2; Jeremiah 1:5; Genesis 18:19; Amos 3:2; Ephesians 1:4-5; Romans 8:7; Genesis 12:3; John 6:44; 2 Thessalonians 2:14.

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Our Unfailing Hope, Part 1 — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 8:26-30
Sermon Series: Romans (53rd sermon)
May 2, 2021

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   How does biblical “hope” differ from the way that word is used today? What were the two aspects of hope discussed in the sermon?
2.   Looking at the big picture, how does this whole portion of Romans 8 provide fuel for suffering, fighting, and holiness?
3.   What is Paul describing in vv. 26-27? How does this deepen our understanding of the Trinity?
4.   How does the intercessory work of the Spirit encourage us not to lose heart in the face of our weakness and failure?
5.   Why is v. 28 so precious to Christians? How has God used this verse in your life?
6.   How does the context of v. 28 bring clarity and precision to its meaning and application?

References: Hebrews 7:25; 1 John 2:1; Romans 8:34; 2 Corinthians 12:7-10; 1 Corinthians 12:30; 2 Timothy 1:9; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Philippians 3:21.

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FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission

Romans 8:18-25[18] For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. [19] For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. [20] For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope [21] that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. [22] For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. [23] And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. [24] For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? [25] But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. (ESV)

Awaiting Glory — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 8:18-25
Sermon Series: Romans (52nd sermon)
April 25, 2021

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. How does this passage build on what Paul has written so far in chapter 8?
2. Why should v. 18 bring us immense comfort in times of suffering? How does God use his peoples’ suffering as a witness?
3. What is wrong with the natural world, and what does Paul say is going to happen to it at Christ’s return?
4. Why is the future state of the created world tied to our glorification?
5. What does it mean that we have the “firstfruits of the Spirit”? How is this meant to increase our hope and endurance?
6. What exactly are we groaning and eagerly waiting for? What will it be like?

References: James 1:2; 1 Peter 1:6; Romans 8:35; Colossians 3:4; 1 Peter 4:13; 2 Corinthians 4:16-18; Genesis 3:17-19, 15; Isaiah 65:17; Revelation 21:1; Ephesians 1:13-14; 1 John 3:2; 1 Corinthians 15:52-55; Philippians 3:20-21; Hebrews 6:19; 1 Thessalonians 5:8.

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FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission

Romans 8:12-17 12 So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” 16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. NOTE: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for playback to begin.

Led by the Spirit — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 8:12-17
Sermon Series: Romans (51st sermon)
April 18, 2021

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. How does Romans 8 help us to talk with non-Christians who claim to be “spiritual”?
2. Why should this concept of killing sin dramatically increase our seriousness and intentionality in living the Christian life? How do Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:29-30 relate?
3. How does v. 13 guard us from the two pitfalls of passivity and self-reliance?
4. How should we respond to someone who says that all people are God’s children? What does it mean to say that Christ is our “Brother”?
5. In what ways do the five aspects of sonship discussed in the sermon (obedience, adoption, intimacy, assurance, and inheritance) clarify your relationship to God as a Christian?

References: Romans 5:5; Colossians 3:5, 2, 16; Matthew 5:29-30; John 1:12; Ephesians 2:2-3; Hebrews 2:11; Galatians 4:6; Psalm 73:25-26; John 17:24; 1 John 3:2.

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FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission

Romans 8:5-11 *5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. 6 For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. 7 For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. 8 Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

9 You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. 10 But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11 If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.* NOTE: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for playback to begin.

In the Flesh vs In the Spirit — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 8:5-11
Sermon Series: Romans (50th sermon)
April 11, 2021

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. How does Paul’s logic up to this point in Romans help us to make sense of the relationship between the Christian and God’s law?
2. Who is the Holy Spirit? What does it mean that he dwells within the Christian?
3. What does it look like for someone to have his or her mind set on the things of the Spirit rather than on the things of the flesh? How would you describe your pre- vs. post- converted life in these terms?
4. Where do we see total depravity and total inability in this passage? How does this inform your doctrine of salvation?
5. How does Paul relate Christ’s resurrection to our future resurrection in vv. 9-11? How does his logic reassure us and strengthen our hope?

References: Romans 9:31; John 14:23, 26; 15:26; Romans 5:1; 6:12; 7:24-25; 2 Corinthians 4:16

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FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission

Romans 8:1-4 1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. 3 For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, 4 in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. NOTE: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for playback to begin.

An Easter Explanation — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 8:1-4
Sermon Series: Romans (49th sermon)
April 4, 2021

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. Why do you think Romans 8 has been called the “inner sanctuary,” “tree of life,” and “highest peak”?
2. How do the first two verses define the Christian? How do they prioritize and center our gratitude?
3. How would you summarize Paul’s argument leading up to this chapter that the law is unable to save us?
4. As this passage describes God’s saving work, how does it raise your affections for each person of the Trinity?
5. Where do we see Christ’s Resurrection in this text?
6. How does the logic of v. 4 fuel our pursuit of holiness?

References: Romans 7:6, 25; 5:16, 18; Galatians 3:10; Romans 3:20; 7:5; Hebrews 4:15; Romans 6:4, 6, 13; 7:4, 25; 8:9; Acts 2:33; Galatians 5:16.

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FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission

Romans 7:14-25 *14 For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am of the flesh, sold under sin. 15 For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. 16 Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. 17 So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. 18 For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. 19 For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. 20Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me.

21 So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand. 22 For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, 23 but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. 24 Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? 25 Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin.* NOTE: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for playback to begin.

The Believer’s Battle, Part 2 — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 7:14-25
Sermon Series: Romans (48th sermon)
March 28, 2021

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. Why can we never take a vacation from our battle with sin?
2. What does Ephesians 2:1-3 teach us about our enemy within?
3. How does v. 22 show that this passage is referring to a Christian’s experience? What does Paul mean by the “inner being”?
4. How does v. 24 illustrate what it means for us to be “poor in spirit” (Matthew 5:3)?
5. How does this passage prepare us for celebrating Christ’s Resurrection on Easter Sunday?
6. What does it look like to “serve the law of God with my mind” (v. 25)? Discuss the work of the Spirit.

References: 2 Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 2:1-3; James 1:14-15; Psalm 1; 2 Corinthians 4:16; Ephesians 3:16; Romans 6:12-13; Ephesians 6:10; John 15:5; Matthew 5:3; Galatians 5:17; Romans 8:10-11, 23; 1 Corinthians 15:53, 56-57; Galatians 5:16.

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FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission

The Believer’s Battle, Part 1 — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 7:14-25
Sermon Series: Romans (47th sermon)
March 21, 2021

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. Why has Paul’s language given rise to debate over whether he is talking about a believer or an unbeliever?
2. In what ways does this passage assure and encourage Christians?
3. What is the disconnected experience described in vv. 14-15? In what ways have you seen this play out in your life?
4. How does Paul describe the “I” in these verses? How does he contrast it with indwelling sin?
5. Why does Paul’s explanation of the divided person not allow us to shift blame away from ourselves when we sin?

References: Romans 6:12; 10:2; 2:29; 8:13; Jeremiah 31:33; Galatians 5:16-18.

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FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission

Romans 7:7-13 *7 What then shall we say? That the law is sin? By no means! Yet if it had not been for the law, I would not have known sin. For I would not have known what it is to covet if the law had not said, “You shall not covet.” 8 But sin, seizing an opportunity through the commandment, produced in me all kinds of covetousness. For apart from the law, sin lies dead. 9 I was once alive apart from the law, but when the commandment came, sin came alive and I died. 10 The very commandment that promised life proved to be death to me. 11 For sin, seizing an opportunity through the commandment, deceived me and through it killed me. 12 So the law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good.

13 Did that which is good, then, bring death to me? By no means! It was sin, producing death in me through what is good, in order that sin might be shown to be sin, and through the commandment might become sinful beyond measure.* NOTE: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for playback to begin.

When the Law Meets the Sinner — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 7:7-13
Sermon Series: Romans (46th sermon)
March 14, 2021

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. What questions have you had up to this point about sin and the law? How does this passage help in answering those questions?
2. Why does Paul focus on the tenth commandment when explaining how the law brings the knowledge of sin? What does it mean to covet?
3. How does the law result in the activation of sin in the sinner? Where have you seen examples of this in action?
4. Why does Paul use these three words in v12 to describe the law? What is the relationship between God and his law?
5. As Paul upholds the character of the law, how does he also draw attention to its positive purpose at the end of v. 13?

References: Ephesians 5:20; Romans 6:14; Romans 3:20; Colossians 3:5; Ephesians 5:5; Leviticus 20:26; 2 Chronicles 12:6; 30:18-19; Romans 3:23; Hebrews 4:15.

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FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission

Psalm 148 - 150 PSALM 148 Praise the Name of the Lord*

1 Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise him in the heights! 2 Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his hosts! 3 Praise him, sun and moon, praise him, all you shining stars! 4 Praise him, you highest heavens, and you waters above the heavens! 5 Let them praise the name of the Lord! For he commanded and they were created. 6 And he established them forever and ever; he gave a decree, and it shall not pass away. 7 Praise the Lord from the earth, you great sea creatures and all deeps, 8 fire and hail, snow and mist, stormy wind fulfilling his word! 9 Mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars! 10 Beasts and all livestock, creeping things and flying birds! 11 Kings of the earth and all peoples, princes and all rulers of the earth! 12 Young men and maidens together, old men and children! 13 Let them praise the name of the Lord, for his name alone is exalted; his majesty is above earth and heaven. 14 He has raised up a horn for his people, praise for all his saints, for the people of Israel who are near to him. Praise the Lord!*

PSALM 149 Sing to the Lord a new song

1 Praise the Lord! Sing to the Lord a new song, his praise in the assembly of the godly! 2 Let Israel be glad in his Maker; let the children of Zion rejoice in their King! 3 Let them praise his name with dancing, making melody to him with tambourine and lyre! 4 For the Lord takes pleasure in his people; he adorns the humble with salvation. 5 Let the godly exult in glory; let them sing for joy on their beds. 6 Let the high praises of God be in their throats and two-edged swords in their hands, 7 to execute vengeance on the nations and punishments on the peoples, 8 to bind their kings with chains and their nobles with fetters of iron, 9 to execute on them the judgment written! This is honor for all his godly ones. Praise the Lord!

PSALM 150 Let Everything Praise the Lord

1 Praise the Lord! Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens! 2 Praise him for his mighty deeds; praise him according to his excellent greatness! 3 Praise him with trumpet sound; praise him with lute and harp! 4 Praise him with tambourine and dance; praise him with strings and pipe! 5 Praise him with sounding cymbals; praise him with loud clashing cymbals! 6 Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Praise the Lord! NOTE 1: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for playback to begin.

Praise the Lord! — Pastor Trey RussellPsalms 148 - 150
Sermon Series: Stand Alone
March 7, 2021

Deep Sheet: Sermon Study Questions
1. Do you find your life to be more disoriented than it was this time last year? In what way? To what ought we be oriented?
2. Does understanding the glory of God as the ultimate end of all things change the way you think about everyday life? How?
3. How does knowing that God delights in his people help us to die to the law and live by the Spirit?
4. What hope does this text give to those who feel afflicted or lowly?
5. Are there parts of your life not clearly oriented toward the praise of God? What does it look like to properly orient those areas?

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FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission

Romans 7:5-6 5 For while we were living in the flesh, our sinful passions, aroused by the law, were at work in our members to bear fruit for death. 6 But now we are released from the law, having died to that which held us captive, so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit and not in the old way of the written code. NOTE: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for playback to begin.

Why We Must Die to the Law— Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 7:5-6
Sermon Series: Romans (45th sermon)
February 28, 2021

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. Why does it seem so strange to say that we must die to the law of God in order to bear fruit for God? How would this have sounded to Paul’s Jewish hearers?
2. How does the law excite/arouse/stimulate our sinful passions while we are living in the flesh? How does the concept of rebellion help us to make sense of this?
3. As we relate the law to parenting, what does Paul Tripp mean when he says, “Your children need God's law, but you cannot ask the law to do what only grace can accomplish”?
4. How does the law fail us? What are some other passages that highlight the inability of the law to impart righteousness or life?
5. What does it mean to “serve in the new way of the Spirit”? How do those who have the Spirit now relate to the law?

References: John 15:1-2; 5:39; Romans 9:31; Galatians 5:19-21, 24; Ephesians 2:2-3; Galatians 3:3; 2 Corinthians 3:6; Romans 2:28-29; Galatians 3:22.

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FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission

Romans 7:1-4 1 Or do you not know, brothers—for I am speaking to those who know the law—that the law is binding on a person only as long as he lives? 2 For a married woman is bound by law to her husband while he lives, but if her husband dies she is released from the law of marriage. 3 Accordingly, she will be called an adulteress if she lives with another man while her husband is alive. But if her husband dies, she is free from that law, and if she marries another man she is not an adulteress. 4 Likewise, my brothers, you also have died to the law through the body of Christ, so that you may belong to another, to him who has been raised from the dead, in order that we may bear fruit for God. NOTE: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for playback to begin.

Our Death to the Law— Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 7:1-4
Sermon Series: Romans (44th sermon)
February 21, 2021

Deep Sheet: Sermon Study Questions
1. How does the context surrounding Romans 7 help us not to misinterpret Paul’s statement that we’ve died to the law?
2. What is the basic principle that Paul begins with in this passage? How is it illustrated in vv. 2-3?
3. To what extent should this passage be factored into our understanding of divorce and remarriage? What other texts should be consulted when dealing with these issues?
4. How would you summarize Paul’s main point in v. 4? How does he draw on the theme of dying with Christ from chapter 6?
5. What are the purposes for our death to the law? How do these inform our view of the Christian life?

References: Romans 6:14, 17-18; 5:17; 3:21; Galatians 4:4-5; Psalm 1; Romans 3:31; 8:4; Matthew 5:32; 19:9; 1 Corinthians 7:13-15; Ephesians 5:25; 2 Corinthians 11:2; Romans 14:8-9; 8:29; Ephesians 2:10.

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FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission

Romans 6:20-23 20 For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. 21 But what fruit were you getting at that time from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. 22 But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life. 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. NOTE: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for playback to begin.

Inspect the Produce— Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 6:20-23
Sermon Series: Romans (43rd sermon)
February 14, 2021

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. How does this passage serve as a means of perseverance for the Christian?
2. What is meant by the phrase, “free in regard to righteousness”?
3. How does Paul describe the fruit of our old enslavement to sin? Why do we need to be reminded of it? 4. How have you seen individual acts of sin bring shame and death?
5. What is the fruit of our enslavement to God? Why is it so important for us to remember that our new slavery is to a person?
6. How does v. 23 emphasize the grace of God and the centrality of Christ?
7. How does Paul affirm the justice of hell in this passage?

References: Ephesians 5:11-12; 1 John 2:17; Ephesians 2:4; 2 Corinthians 5:4.

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FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission

Romans 6:15-19 15 What then? Are we to sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means! 16 Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness? 17 But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, 18 and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness. 19 I am speaking in human terms, because of your natural limitations. For just as you once presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness leading to sanctification. NOTE: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for playback to begin.

Life as a Slave— Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 6:15-19
Sermon Series: Romans (42nd sermon)
February 7, 2021

Deep Sheet: Sermon Study
1. How much thought have you given to the fact that Christians are slaves? Why does this concept seem odd to us, and how does Paul address that tension at the beginning of v. 19?
2. What is the question/objection that Paul addresses in this passage? How would you summarize his response?
3. Why is continuing to practice sin both ludicrous and impossible for the Christian?
4. How does Paul describe the transformation that takes place at conversion? Where do we see divine sovereignty as well as human agency?
5. How does this passage highlight the importance of sound doctrine/theology?
6. What does God call us to in v. 19, and how does this highlight the importance of daily moments and choices? Why should we be excited by the last phrase, “leading to sanctification”?

References: Romans 1:1; 1 Corinthians 6:20; Titus 2:14; Galatians 1:4; John 8:34; Matthew 6:24; 1 Samuel 15:22; Titus 3:5; Romans 1:5; 2:29.

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FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission

Romans 6:12-14 12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. 13 Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness. 14 For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace. NOTE: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for playback to begin.

Life After Death — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 6:12-14
Sermon Series: Romans (41st sermon)
January 31, 2021

Deep Sheet: Sermon Study Questions
1. How does the first part of Romans 6 shape how you view yourself as a Christian? Why must we view ourselves truly in order to live rightly?
2. How does Paul characterize our relationship to sin in v. 12? Why does it seem a little confusing in light of what he’s just written?
3. What is the scene depicted in v. 13? How does Paul use warfare language?
4. How does v. 13 simplify the Christian life for us? Where are you personally convicted to stop offering up your members to serve sin?
5. What does it look like to offer our members to God as weapons for righteousness?
6. How does v. 14 bring reassurance and confidence to the reader? How does its placement after v. 13 show that grace should not lessen our fight against sin but rather motivate its intensity?

References: Ephesians 2:1; Colossians 1:13-14; Romans 8:13; Galatians 5:16, 24; Colossians 3:5, 8, 9; 2 Corinthians 5:17; 1 Peter 2:11; Romans 7:22-23; 1 Kings 10:8; Romans 13:14; 1 John 2:16-17; Psalm 145:5, 21; Romans 5:2.

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FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission

Romans 6:6-11 6 We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. 7 For one who has died has been set free from sin. 8Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. 9 We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. 10 For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. 11 So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. NOTE: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for playback to begin.

The Living Dead — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 6:6-11
Sermon Series: Romans (40th sermon)
January 24, 2021

Deep Sheet: Sermon Study Questions
1. Why does the church constantly need to be called to holiness? How does this passage motivate you to pursue sanctification?

2. How do we reconcile the fact that our old self has already died to sin / been crucified with Christ with the need to continually “put off [our] old self” (Eph. 4:22)?

3. What does it mean that we are no longer enslaved to sin? How do we see this play out in the Christian life?

4. What are the present and future implications of Christ’s resurrection? How is this imaged in baptism?

5. What does Paul mean when he says that the resurrected Christ “lives to God”? What does this mean for us?

References: John 17:17; 1 Thessalonians 4:3; Ephesians 4:22-24; Galatians 5:24; Romans 8:3; Hebrews 7:27; 9:28; Matthew 1:21; 2 Corinthians 5:21.

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FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission

Romans 6:1-5 *1 What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? 3 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4 We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.

5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his.* NOTE: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for playback to begin.

Abounding Grace - What Now for Sin? — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 6:1-5
Sermon Series: Romans (39th sermon)
January 17, 2021

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study
1. How does the question about sin at the beginning of chapter 6 grow out of the celebration of grace at the end of chapter 5?
2. How does Paul address both legalism and antinomianism in this passage?
3. How have you seen antinomianism play out among Christians?
4. How does v. 2 inform our understanding of what it means to be a Christian?
5. How does Paul relate the believer to Christ? Why does he emphasize baptism?

References: Romans 3:7-8; Jude 4; Ephesians 1:19-20; Acts 2:38; Colossians 2:12; Galatians 2:20.

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FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission

Romans 5:15-21 *15 But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if many died through one man’s trespass, much more have the grace of God and the free gift by the grace of that one man Jesus Christ abounded for many. 16 And the free gift is not like the result of that one man’s sin. For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation, but the free gift following many trespasses brought justification. 17 For if, because of one man’s trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ.

18 Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. 19 For as by the one man’s disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man’s obedience the many will be made righteous. 20 Now the law came in to increase the trespass, but where sin increased, grace abounded all the more, 21 so that, as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness leading to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.* NOTE: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for playback to begin.

Adam and Christ Compared — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 5:15-21
Sermon Series: Romans (38th sermon)
January 10, 2021

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study
1. What is the one big similarity that Paul identifies between Adam and Christ? How does 1 Corinthians 15:21-22 help us to interpret this larger passage?
2. Why does Paul devote so much space to this comparison? How does he want it to affect his Christian readers?
3. How does this passage depict the power or efficacy of God’s grace through Christ (see especially vv. 15, 20, and 21)? How does this elevate your worship, gratitude, and assurance?
4. How does Paul describe the different results that derive from Adam and Christ?
5. How does this passage inform your Christology (view of Christ)? Why are his righteousness and obedience so precious to us?

References: 1 Corinthians 15:21-22; Hebrews 4:16; Romans 6:4; John 10:10; Revelation 22:5; 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Corinthians 1:30; Matthew 3:15; Galatians 4:4; John 4:34; 6:38; Matthew 26:39.

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FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission

Philippians 4:1-7 1 Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved. 2 I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. 3 Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life. 4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. NOTE: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for playback to begin.

In Pursuit of Peace - Will Daane.
Philippians 4:1-7
Sermon Series: Stand Alone
January 3, 2021

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. [Reflection] Take some time to consider ways you’ve benefited from the pastoral care of the pastors and elders at Four Corners Church. [v.1]
2. [Comprehension] Paul gives two aids in dealing with interpersonal strife in the church; what are they, and how can they help assist us through such difficult divisions? [v.3]
3. [Comprehension] How can pursuit of contentment and gentleness in our lives help us to experience more joy? [vv.4-5a]
4. [Comprehension] Why are supplication (a disposition of earnest and humble begging) and thanksgiving in prayer such important ingredients in our pursuit of peace? [v.6]
5. [Application] What are some ways that you’ve personally seen or experienced the promised peace of God? [v.7]
Bonus: [Reflection] What are some ways you’ve experienced or participated in strife or division this year? How can texts like this help you move forward rightly?

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FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission

Romans 5:12-14 12 Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned— 13 for sin indeed was in the world before the law was given, but sin is not counted where there is no law. 14 Yet death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those whose sinning was not like the transgression of Adam, who was a type of the one who was to come. NOTE: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for playback to begin.

The First Adam — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 5:12-14
Sermon Series: Romans (37th sermon)
December 27, 2020

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study
1. What does it mean that Adam is a “type” of Christ? What are some other types in the Old Testament?
2. How does biblical typology heighten our worship and reverence? How does it strengthen our confidence in the Scriptures?
3. How does Adam’s typological role reinforce God’s sovereignty over the Fall?
4. How did sin and death enter the world in Genesis 3? How are they described in that narrative?
5. How does this passage support viewing Adam as a real historical figure rather than a metaphor or a myth?
6. What does it mean to say that all sinned in Adam or that he is our federal head? Read v. 12 in light of vv. 18-19.

References: 1 Corinthians 15:21-22; Genesis 2:17; 3; Romans 6:23; Acts 17:26; Romans 3:23; Joshua 7.

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FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission

Romans 5:6-11 6 For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— 8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. 10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. 11 More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation. NOTE: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for playback to begin.

The Love That Sustains Our Hope — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 5:6-11
Sermon Series: Romans (36th sermon)
December 20, 2020

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study
1. Comparing v. 5 with vv. 6-8, what two aspects of God’s love does Paul describe?
2. What is the human condition, and what makes God’s love so distinctive and marvelous in light of it?
3. How does the statement that “Christmas is about a baby born to die for his enemies” provide greater depth to your celebration this year?
4. What does this passage teach about God the Father?
5. How does the content of vv. 6-8 relate to Paul’s argument in vv. 9-10? How does this text speak to assurance of salvation?
6. Where does Paul leave the reader in v. 11? How does this help us to better understand the Christian life?

References: Romans 3:23-24; Ephesians 2:1, 4; Titus 3:3-5; Romans 1:18, 30; 8:1, 34; John 14:19.

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FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission

Romans 5:1-5 1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, 5 and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. NOTE: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for playback to begin.

The Results of Right Standing — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 5:1-5
Sermon Series: Romans (35th sermon)
December 13, 2020

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study
1. How should the Christocentric language of chapter 5 inform our understanding of salvation and the Christian life?
2. What does it mean to have peace with God? How does this transcend our feelings at any given moment?
3. How does Paul describe the access that we have to God? How does it encourage you to know that this is where you “stand”?
4. What does Paul mean when he uses the word translated “rejoice”?
5. How does suffering produce hope in the Christian life? How should this affect the way you process trials?
6. How does Paul present the relationship between hope and love in v. 5? What does this tell us about assurance of salvation?
7. How does this passage help us to rightly celebrate Christmas this year?

References: Romans 1:4; 5:10; Psalm 7:11-13; Ephesians 2:18; 3:12; Hebrews 4:16; Habakkuk 2:14; Mark 13:26; 2 Corinthians 3:18; 1 John 3:2; Romans 8:30; James 1:2-4; 1 Peter 1:6-7; Psalm 25:3.

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FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission

Romans 4:23-25 23 But the words “it was counted to him” were not written for his sake alone, 24 but for ours also. It will be counted to us who believe in him who raised from the dead Jesus our Lord, 25 who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification. NOTE: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for playback to begin.

Abraham Applied — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 4:23-25
Sermon Series: Romans (34th sermon)
December 6, 2020

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study
1. How does this passage fit into Paul’s overall message in chapters 1-4?
2. To use Hodge’s language, how is Abraham a “representative person”? Discuss how vv. 23-24 relate to passages like Romans 15:4 and 1 Corinthians 10:11.
3. How is the content of our faith the same as Abraham’s? How does it differ?
4. How does this passage contribute to your understanding of the gospel? What does it teach us about the role of the Father and of the Son in saving us?
5. What does it mean that Christ “was raised for our justification”? How does this increase your gratitude for him?

References: Genesis 15:6; Romans 15:4; 1 Corinthians 10:11; 2 Timothy 3:16; John 8:56; Romans 10:9; Genesis 22:1-19; Isaiah 53:6; 1 Corinthians 15:3; Romans 3:24-25.

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FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission

Romans 4:17-22 17 as it is written, “I have made you the father of many nations”—in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist. 19 In hope he believed against hope, that he should become the father of many nations, as he had been told, “So shall your offspring be.” He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was as good as dead ( since he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah’s womb. 20 No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, 21 fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. 22 That is why his faith was “counted to him as righteousness.” NOTE: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for playback to begin.

The Faith of Abraham — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 4:17-22
Sermon Series: Romans (33rd sermon)
November 29, 2020

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study
1. How does Paul describe the object of Abraham’s faith? Discuss the importance of Scripture in filling out the object of our faith.
2. What does it mean to say that Abraham’s situation was a “perfect blend of impossibility”? How do “can” and “cannot” come together in this passage?
3. Calvin describes it, how is Abraham’s condition similar to ours?
4. What are some of the words used to characterize Abraham’s faith in this passage? How does this challenge you?
5. How does Paul’s description line up with the depiction of Abraham in Genesis? How does Abraham’s weakness encourage us?

References: James 5:11; Deuteronomy 32:39; Jeremiah 32:17; Genesis 17:5; 15:5, 6; Hebrews 11:17-19.

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FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission

Romans 4:13-17 13 For the promise to Abraham and his offspring that he would be heir of the world did not come through the law but through the righteousness of faith. 14 For if it is the adherents of the law who are to be the heirs, faith is null and the promise is void. 15 For the law brings wrath, but where there is no law there is no transgression. 16 That is why it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his offspring—not only to the adherent of the law but also to the one who shares the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all, 17 as it is written, “I have made you the father of many nations”—in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist. NOTE: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for playback to begin.

The Promise to Abraham — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 4:13-17
Sermon Series: Romans (32nd sermon)
November 22, 2020

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study

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FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission

Romans 4:1-12 1 'What then shall we say was gained by Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh? 2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. 3 For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.” 4 Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. 5 And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness, 6 just as David also speaks of the blessing of the one to whom God counts righteousness apart from works: 7 “Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; 8 blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin.” 9 Is this blessing then only for the circumcised, or also for the uncircumcised? For we say that faith was counted to Abraham as righteousness. 10 How then was it counted to him? Was it before or after he had been circumcised? It was not after, but before he was circumcised. 11 He received the sign of circumcision as a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised. The purpose was to make him the father of all who believe without being circumcised, so that righteousness would be counted to them as well, 12 and to make him the father of the circumcised who are not merely circumcised but who also walk in the footsteps of the faith that our father Abraham had before he was circumcised. NOTE: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for playback to begin.

Faith Not Works: Back to the Beginning, Part 2 — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 4:1-12
Sermon Series: Romans (31st sermon)
November 15, 2020

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study
1. How does Christianity compare with other religions on the question of human works? How does this contrast help in sharing the gospel?
2. Why does Paul refer to Abraham and David in chapter 4? What role does each one serve in his overall argument?
3. How would you paraphrase David’s quote from Psalm 32? How does each part of it point to Christ’s work?
4. What is true happiness based on this text? How does the biblical concept of “blessedness” provide clarity in a culture focused on personal fulfillment?
5. Why does Paul address circumcision at such length in vv. 9-12? What is his main point in these verses? 6. As you reflect on God’s purpose in the events of Abraham’s life, how does this text encourage you to trust God’s sovereignty in your life?

References: Genesis 15:6; Psalm 32:1-2; Joshua 24:2; Genesis 17; Deuteronomy 10:16; Jeremiah 4:4; Romans 2:29; Galatians 3:7-9; Genesis 12:3.

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FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission

Faith Not Works: Back to the Beginning, Part 1 — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 4:1-12
Sermon Series: Romans (30th sermon)
November 8, 2020

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Faith Not Works: Back to the Beginning, Part 1 (Rom 4:1-12)
1. Why should the doctrine of justification by faith humble us?
2. Why do you think Paul chooses to use Abraham as an illustration? In general, how did the Jews view him?
3. What does Genesis 15:6 say about Abraham’s righteousness?
4. How does the text make clear that Abraham’s faith was not meritorious? Discuss why faith cannot be characterized as a work.
5. What is so problematic about works-righteousness? What does this passage (particularly v. 5) teach us about the nature of saving/justifying faith?

References: Romans 3:28; Matthew 1:2; Isaiah 51:1-2; Genesis 15:6; Galatians 3:6; Hebrews 11:8; Romans 4:16; Ephesians 2:3; Joshua 24:2-3; Romans 3:25.

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FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission

Romans 3:27-31 27 Then what becomes of our boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? By a law of works? No, but by the law of faith. 28 For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law. 29 Or is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also, 30 since God is one—who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith. 31 Do we then overthrow the law by this faith? By no means! On the contrary, we uphold the law. NOTE: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for playback to begin.

Justified by Faith - So What? — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 3:27-31
Sermon Series: Romans (29th sermon)
November 1, 2020

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. What does the doctrine of justification by faith do to human boasting?
2. How can we identify boasting in our lives? What’s the remedy?
3. How does the doctrine of justification by faith show the oneness of God? How does Paul appeal to Jewish doctrine to make his point?
4. What are some implications of monotheism for how we view and relate to others?
5. How does the doctrine of justification by faith “uphold the law” (v. 31), and how does this refute antinomianism? What other passages in Romans help us to interpret Paul’s meaning?

References: Romans 1:30; 2:23; Ephesians 2:8-9; Galatians 6:14; Philippians 3:3; 2:3; Deuteronomy 6:4; Genesis 12:3; 3:15; Romans 2:26-29; 8:3-4; 13:8-10.

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FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission

Romans 3:21-26 21 But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— 22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. 26 It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. NOTE: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for playback to begin.

Right with God, Part 2 — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 3:21-26
Sermon Series: Romans (28th sermon)
October 11, 2020

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. What is grace, and how does it relate to faith?
2. What is redemption, and how does Christ serve as a ransom? What does this aspect of salvation say about a person’s condition apart from Christ?
3. What does it mean that Christ is a “propitiation”? How does v. 25 provide help in assurance of salvation? 4. What do these verses teach about God the Father? How do they correct common misconceptions?
5. What issue is Paul addressing in vv. 25b – 26? How does the Bible come at this topic from the exact opposite direction of the world?
6. How do we practically live out the truth that salvation is ultimately not about us but about the glory of God?

References: Romans 5:15; Ephesians 3:7; John 3:16; Romans 6:17; John 8:34; Matthew 20:28; 1 Corinthians 6:20; 1 Peter 1:18-19; Hebrews 9:5; Acts 14:16; 17:30; Ephesians 1:12.

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FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission

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Right with God, Part 1 — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 3:21-26
Sermon Series: Romans (27th sermon)
October 04, 2020

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. Why has this passage been regarded as so significant by interpreters? What sort of heart-posture should we have as we approach it?
2. How does the context heighten our excitement over the opening words, “But now”? How do these words inform our understanding of the relationship between the Old and New Testaments?
3. How does the Old Testament “bear witness to” the righteousness of God that is revealed in the gospel?
4. How is justification distinct from pardon or forgiveness?
5. What does it mean to have “faith in Jesus Christ”? How can we practically avoid a generic faith?
6. In light of the final quote in the sermon from Thomas Chalmers, in what ways are you tempted to put your “confidence upon your own doings”?

References: Romans 15:11; 8:13; 2 Corinthians 13:5; Ephesians 2:4; Romans 1:17; 5:17; 2 Corinthians 5:20; Galatians 3:19-25; Romans 1:2; Matthew 5:17; Romans 5:12; 1:21; 2:23; John 20:31; 1 Corinthians 2:2; 1 Peter 1:3; James 2:19.

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FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission

Romans 3:19-20 19 Now we know that whatever the law says it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may be held accountable to God. 20 For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin. Click HERE for video of sermon

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All Under Condemnation — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 3:19-20
Sermon Series: Romans (26th sermon)
September 27, 2020

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
References:

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FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission

Romans 3:9-18 9 What then? Are we Jews any better off? No, not at all. For we have already charged that all, both Jews and Greeks, are under sin, 10 as it is written: “None is righteous, no, not one; 11 no one understands; no one seeks for God. 12 All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.” 13 “Their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive.” “The venom of asps is under their lips.” 14 “Their mouth is full of curses and bitterness.” 15 “Their feet are swift to shed blood; 16 in their paths are ruin and misery, 17 and the way of peace they have not known.” 18 “There is no fear of God before their eyes.” Click HERE for video of sermon

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All Under Sin — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 3:9-18
Sermon Series: Romans (25th sermon)
September 6, 2020

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. What are some other passages in the Bible that speak of sin in language that is similar to this text?
2. How does this passage serve as a conclusion to what Paul has already said?
3. What does this string of quotations say about Paul’s view of the Old Testament writings?
4. What does Paul mean when he says that human beings are “under sin”? What facets of sinfulness does he describe in vv. 10-12?
5. How is Paul’s description of a person’s sin pervasive and comprehensive? What strikes you most about vv. 13-18?
6. How does v. 18 serve as the root cause of all that is mentioned before? How does this help the Christian to battle the flesh?
7. How does this passage raise our affections for Christ and our gratitude for the grace that he supplies?

References: Psalm 14:1-3; Romans 6:17; Isaiah 53:6; 1 Corinthians 2:14; Ephesians 4:18; Psalm 5:9; 140:3; 10:7; Proverbs 1:16; Isaiah 59:7-8; Psalm 36:1; James 3:5-6; Proverbs 9:10.

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FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission

Romans 3:5-8 5 But if our unrighteousness serves to show the righteousness of God, what shall we say? That God is unrighteous to inflict wrath on us? ( I speak in a human way.) 6 By no means! For then how could God judge the world? 7 But if through my lie God’s truth abounds to his glory, why am I still being condemned as a sinner? 8 And why not do evil that good may come?—as some people slanderously charge us with saying. Their condemnation is just. Click HERE for video of sermon

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The Righteous God of Israel, Part 2 — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 3:5-8
Sermon Series: Romans (24th sermon)
August 30, 2020

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. Why should the topic of God’s relationship to ethnic Israel matter to us? Discuss the implications given at the beginning of the sermon.
2. What are some thoughts and questions that you have about this subject? How can you study it further?
3. Summarize the objection that Paul addresses in vv. 5-7. How does he respond to it?
4. Where do we see Paul’s reverence towards God in this passage? How does reverence practically play out in our lives?
5. How does God bring glory to himself even through human sin? What does this say about God’s sovereignty and power? How can this truth be wrongly applied?

References: Romans 11:26, 28; 2:9; 11:11; Genesis 18:25; Deuteronomy 32:4; Romans 8:1; 1 Samuel 15:29; Isaiah 43:7; Ephesians 1:12; Romans 11:36; 3:7; Genesis 50:20; Romans 6:1-2.

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FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission

Romans 3:1-4 1 Then what advantage has the Jew? Or what is the value of circumcision? 2 Much in every way. To begin with, the Jews were entrusted with the oracles of God. 3 What if some were unfaithful? Does their faithlessness nullify the faithfulness of God? 4 By no means! Let God be true though every one were a liar, as it is written, “That you may be justified in your words, and prevail when you are judged.” Click HERE for video of sermon

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The Righteous God of Israel — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 3:1-4
Sermon Series: Romans (23rd sermon)
August 23, 2020

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. What is the first objection Paul deals with, and how does it naturally follow from chapter 2?
2. What does it mean to say that the Jews are God’s chosen people? How does Paul describe their “advantage”?
3. How does Paul view (largely unbelieving) Israel in relation to God? Read and discuss Romans 11:28-29 in context.
4. What is the second objection that Paul deals with in vv. 3-4?
5. What does it mean for God to be faithful to his Word? Where do we this in the Bible, and how have you experienced it in your life?
6. How does Paul bring faithfulness and judgment together in this passage?

References: Philippians 3:5-6; Acts 17:1-3; 19:8; Deuteronomy 10:15; Psalm 135:4; Isaiah 43:21; Deuteronomy 4:8; Psalm 147:19-20; John 4:22; Romans 9:4; 11:28-29, 17; Psalm 33:4; Lamentations 3:23; Romans 11:25-27; Psalm 51:3-4; Amos 3:2; Titus 1:2; Psalm 100:5.

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FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission

Romans 2:25-29 25 For circumcision indeed is of value if you obey the law, but if you break the law, your circumcision becomes uncircumcision. 26 So, if a man who is uncircumcised keeps the precepts of the law, will not his uncircumcision be regarded as circumcision? 27 Then he who is physically uncircumcised but keeps the law will condemn you who have the written code and circumcision but break the law. 28 For no one is a Jew who is merely one outwardly, nor is circumcision outward and physical. 29 But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. His praise is not from man but from God. Click HERE for video of sermon

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Identity Invalidated — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 2:25-29
Sermon Series: Romans (22nd sermon)
August 16, 2020

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. Where does Paul include little glimpses of gospel grace in 2:1-16? What do we learn from these passages about the Christian life?
2. What did the Jews in Paul’s day think about circumcision? How does Paul refute their thinking in vv. 25-27, and why would this have been so appalling to the Jewish ear?
3. How has Romans 2 affected the way you think about the Christian’s relationship to the law? How has it encouraged you towards a more fruitful life?
4. What does it mean to have a circumcised heart, and where else do we see this concept in the Bible?
5. Why do sinners love outward religion? How does the Christian’s mindset differ?

References: Romans 3:21-22; 2:7, 10, 14-16; 1 Corinthians 7:19; Genesis 2:16-17; 3:17; 6:22; 22:3; Romans 1:5; 8:4, 7; John 6:28-29; Matthew 5:17; Deuteronomy 10:16; Jeremiah 4:4; Colossians 2:11; Philippians 3:3; John 5:44; Matthew 23:5.

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FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission

Romans 2:17-24 17 But if you call yourself a Jew and rely on the law and boast in God 18 and know his will and approve what is excellent, because you are instructed from the law; 19 and if you are sure that you yourself are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness, 20 an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of children, having in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth— 21 you then who teach others, do you not teach yourself? While you preach against stealing, do you steal? 22 You who say that one must not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? 23 You who boast in the law dishonor God by breaking the law. 24 For, as it is written, “The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.” Click HERE for video of sermon

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Safety Shattered — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 2:17-24
Sermon Series: Romans (21st sermon)
August 9, 2020

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. Why does Paul wait until v. 17 to explicitly address the Jews? How does this passage build on and reiterate Paul’s previous arguments?
2. How do the Jews in Paul’s day see themselves? Were they right or wrong to think that way?
3. What does it mean to rightly “boast in God”? Where had the Jews gone wrong?
4. What does this passage communicate to the professing Christian? How has Romans 2 informed or impacted you personally?
5. How does Paul connect Jewish hypocrisy back to Gentile idolatry, particularly in v. 23? How does this encourage us to consciously live for God’s glory?

References: Psalm 1; 119:105; Jeremiah 9:24; John 5:23, 39; 8:42; Isaiah 42:6; 49:6; Genesis 22:18; John 12:36; Matthew 5:14; 15:14; Titus 2:11-14; Deuteronomy 7:25; Matthew 5:28; Romans 1:5, 21; Ephesians 1:12; 2:7; 1 Corinthians 10:31.

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FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission

Romans 2:12-16 12 For all who have sinned without the law will also perish without the law, and all who have sinned under the law will be judged by the law. 13 For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified. 14 For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law. 15 They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them 16 on that day when, according to my gospel, God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus. Click HERE for video of sermon

NOTE: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for playback to begin.

Doers Not Hearers — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 2:12-16
Sermon Series: Romans (20th sermon)
August 2, 2020

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. What Jewish mindset with respect to the law is Paul refuting in this passage?
2. Where else in Scripture do we see this emphasis on not being a mere hearer?
3. How can exposure to God’s truth actually lead to false assurance? What does it mean to say that hearing without doing is storing?
4. How does Paul’s language in vv. 14-15 suggest that he is talking about Gentile believers? What other passages support this interpretation? Read and discuss how these verses relate to vv. 7-10 and 26-29.
5. What does it mean to say that a Christian does “what the law requires” (v. 14)? Read and discuss Romans 7:22 and 8:4.
6. Why will our conflicting thoughts accuse and excuse us on the day of Judgment?
7. How does this passage encourage you in the Christian life? How does it clarify the relationship between faith, works, law, and gospel?

References: Romans 9:4-5; Joshua 1:8; Ezra 7:10; Romans 3:9; 7:12; James 1:22; Matthew 7:24; Jeremiah 31:33; 2 Corinthians 3:3; Romans 2:26-29; Romans 7:22; 8:4; Ephesians 2:12-13; James 2:20-24; 1 Corinthians 4:5; 1 John 3:20.

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FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission

Romans 2:6-11 6 He will render to each one according to his works: 7 to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life; 8 but for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury. 9 There will be tribulation and distress for every human being who does evil, the Jew first and also the Greek, 10 but glory and honor and peace for everyone who does good, the Jew first and also the Greek. 11 For God shows no partiality. Click HERE for video of sermon

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The Righteous Judgment, Part 2 — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 2:6-11
Sermon Series: Romans (19th sermon)
July 26, 2020

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. In general, how do vv. 7-10 provide clarity on the relationship between justification by faith and judgment according to works?
2. How does Paul describe the heart and conduct of a Christian? What do you find surprising or challenging?
3. How does v. 7 both test us and spur us on?
4. What does it mean to say that God’s gift of eternal life should be understood in terms of the past, present, and future?
5. How do Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:31-33 help us to understand the basic difference between the saved and the condemned?
6. How does Paul describe the heart, conduct, and outcome of the condemned? How does this encourage your zeal in prayer and evangelism?

References: Romans 3:12; Jeremiah 31:33; 2 Timothy 3:17; Ephesians 2:10; Matthew 25:21; Colossians 3:1; Matthew 6:33; 7:19; Luke 8:15; Galatians 5:6; Revelation 2:10; Acts 13:48; John 5:24; Matthew 6:31-32; Jeremiah 17:10; Revelation 20:15; Matthew 10:28; 1 Samuel 6:20; Romans 5:11.

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FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission

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The Righteous Judgment, Part 1 — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 2:6-11
Sermon Series: Romans (18th sermon)
July 19, 2020

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. What does it look like to show partiality in judgment?
2. Why does Paul think it necessary at this point in his argument to say that “God shows no partiality”?
3. Where else in the New Testament do we find what Paul says in v. 6: “He will render to each one according to his works”? Why does this sound strange and problematic to us in light of the gospel?
4. Discuss how these two truths come together in Scripture: 1) We are justified by faith alone; 2) God’s final judgment is based on works. How do we reconcile them?
5. What practical effect should this doctrine of final judgment have on the Christian? How do the New Testament writers apply it to their readers?

References: Genesis 18:25; Psalm 50:6; Hebrews 12:23; James 4:12; Psalm 9:7-8; 2 Timothy 4:8; Leviticus 19:15; Psalm 62:12; Proverbs 24:12; Matthew 16:27; John 5:28-29; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Romans 3:28; Ephesians 2:8-9; Galatians 5:6; 1 Peter 1:17-19; Romans 11:19-22; Galatians 6:7-9; Romans 14:10-13; James 2:18; Ephesians 2:10.

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FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission

Psalm 46:1-11 *1 God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, 3 though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah

4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High. 5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns. 6 The nations rage, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts. 7 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah

8 Come, behold the works of the Lord, how he has brought desolations on the earth. 9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the chariots with fire. 10 “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” 11 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.* Click HERE for video of sermon

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The Peace-Making Lord of Hosts, God of Jacob — Pastor Trey Russell
Psalm 46:1-11
Sermon Series: Stand Alone
July 12, 2020

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1) In what ways does this psalm show God as a peace-maker?
2) In your experience, how do you feel the groaning of creation? What is the nature of God that gives us hope in the face of this groaning creation?
3) How should we treat the exhortation to not fear when we live in a world that is often fear-inducing?
4) Discuss the title "Lord of hosts". Why and how does God make peace among the nations?
5) How does the title "God of Jacob" push us to think of the covenant and how does this help us see Jesus in the psalm?
6) Bonus Question: discuss the connections between Psalm 46 and Romans 8:18-39.

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FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission

Romans 2:1-5 1 Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things. 2 We know that the judgment of God rightly falls on those who practice such things. 3 Do you suppose, O man—you who judge those who practice such things and yet do them yourself—that you will escape the judgment of God? 4 Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? 5 But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed. Click HERE for video of sermon

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The Self-Righteous Judge — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 2:1-5
Sermon Series: Romans (17th sermon)
July 5, 2020

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. What is the Jewish mindset that Paul addresses in this passage? Where do we see it today?
2. How does 2 Samuel 12:1-7 illustrate this text?
3. How has judgmental hypocrisy played out in your relationships? What does the gospel say to this sin?
4. As Paul describes it here, what is going on in the heart of this self-righteous judge?
5. What does it mean to presume on God’s kindness? Why should his kindness lead us to repentance?
6. What is the end result for the hypothetical person addressed in these verses?

References: Romans 3:9-10; Matthew 23:27; 2 Samuel 12:1-7; Matthew 7:3; 3:9-10; Zephaniah 1:15; Daniel 12:2; Romans 3:22.

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FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission

Romans 1:28-32 28 And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. 29 They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips, 30 slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, 31 foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless. 32 Though they know God’s righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them. Click HERE for video of sermon

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Idolatry Repaid, Part 2— Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 1:28-32
Sermon Series: Romans (16th sermon)
June 28, 2020

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. What is Paul’s intention in Romans 1:18-32 as a whole? How do vv. 28-32 connect back to the previous verses?
2. What does it mean to have a “worthless” or “debased” mind? How does this remind us of the contrast between believers and unbelievers?
3. What strikes you most about Paul’s list of sins in vv. 29-31? How is it both refreshing and convicting for the Christian?
4. Why does Paul include these particular vices? How does this list speak to current events?
5. How have you been tempted towards strife during this time of pandemic and social unrest? How do we protect against this sin individually and as a church family?
6. How does v. 32 function as a culmination of Paul’s argument?
7. How does a passage like this raise our appreciation of what Christ did at the cross?

References: Genesis 1:26-28; Ephesians 4:17; 1 Corinthians 2:16; Colossians 3:10; Galatians 5:16; Romans 8:13; 1 Peter 2:11; 2 Timothy 3:1-2; Genesis 2:17; Romans 6:23; Numbers 15:30; Proverbs 2:14.

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FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission

Romans 1:24, 26-27 *24 Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, 25 because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen.

26 For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; 27 and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error.* Click HERE for video of sermon

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Idolatry Repaid, Part 1— Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 1:24, 26-27
Sermon Series: Romans (15th sermon)
June 21, 2020
Video copy of sermon is found at

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. What are some temptations that Christians face when addressing the issue of homosexuality?
2. Discuss interactions that you have had with people in your life who practice homosexuality. How does this passage help us to communicate with them more clearly?
3. What does Paul mean when he says that God “gave them up” to this sin? How does this passage balance divine sovereignty and human responsibility?
4. What is the connection between idolatry and homosexuality? In particular, how do the themes of “nature” and “honor” play into it?
5. How does 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 give hope to the person engaged in this sin?

References: 2 Timothy 4:3; James 1:13-14; Ephesians 4:19; Genesis 2:24; Leviticus 20:13; 1 Timothy 1:10; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; Titus 3:5-7.

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FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission

Romans 1:22-25 *22 Claiming to be wise, they became fools, 23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things.

24 Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, 25 because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen.* Click HERE for video of sermon

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God Replaced — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 1:22-25
Sermon Series: Romans (14th sermon)
June 14, 2020

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. According to Paul’s logic in this section, what is the relationship between ingratitude and idolatry? How does this help us wage war against the idols in our lives?
2. What does it mean to say that we are worshipping and religious creatures by nature? How does this guide us in relating to unbelievers?
3. How can we help our children identify idols in their hearts? What impact does our own idolatry have on them?
4. What are the layers of contrast that Paul lays out in v. 23? How does his language serve to show the folly and wickedness of idolatry?
5. Why is idolatry inherently satanic? How does this help us to understand Satan’s tactics when he tempts us?
6. Why does Paul break out in praise at the end of v. 25?

References: 1 Thessalonians 5:18; 1 Corinthians 1:20; Jeremiah 13:25; 10:14; 16:19; 2:11;
1 Thessalonians 1:9; John 8:44; 1 Corinthians 10:20; Genesis 1:28; Psalm 106:20.

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FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission

Romans 1:19-21 19 For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. 20 For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. 21 For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Click HERE for a video of this sermon

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The Truth Rejected — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 1:19-21
Sermon Series: Romans (13th sermon)
June 7, 2020

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. How does Romans 1:18-3:20 fit within the larger section of 1:18-4:25? Who does Paul have in mind in 1:18-32?
2. How is God’s revelation of himself in nature both clear and considerable? How would you explain to someone that the creation points to God?
3. Why does Paul say that human beings are without excuse? How should this passage guide our thinking on apologetics?
4. How does failing to honor and give thanks to God lead to all other sins? What does this imply for growth as a Christian?
5. How does Paul describe the inner workings of the unbeliever at the end of v. 21? How does this description enhance our understanding of the nature of sin?

References: Romans 1:18; 3:10, 20; Psalm 19:1-4; Acts 14:16-17; Psalm 29:1-2; Genesis 3:1-7; Matthew 15:19.

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FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission

Romans 1:18 18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. Click HERE for video of this sermon.

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The Judgment Revealed — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 1:18
Sermon Series: Romans (12th sermon)
May 31, 2020

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. What are some practical ways that we can fight the temptation to be judgmental and divisive as we prepare to regather?
2. Why is the notion of God’s wrath problematic and offensive to many?
3. Why is it so important that Christians not avoid topics such as sin, wrath, and hell?
4. How should we understand God’s wrath? What does it mean to say that it is being revealed in the present?
5. How is Paul’s language for human sinfulness both comprehensive and God-centered?
6. What does Paul mean when he says that human beings suppress the truth by/in unrighteousness? How have you seen this play out in people’s lives, and how does it affect the way we evangelize?

References: John 3:36; Romans 1:32; 13:4; Ephesians 4:31; James 1:20; Habakkuk 1:13; Psalm 51:4; Romans 3:10, 23; Psalm 5:5-6; Ephesians 2:3; Psalm 14:1.

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FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission

Romans 1:16-17 16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.” Click HERE for video of this sermon.

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The Glorious Gospel, Part 2— Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 1:16-17
Sermon Series: Romans (11th sermon)
May 24, 2020

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. How has our time spent in Romans 1 increased your eagerness to share the gospel? What has been exposed in your heart?
2. What is the logic connecting vv. 16 and 17? What does the gospel reveal?
3. What does Paul mean by “the righteousness of God”? What are some other passages or verses that aid in our interpretation?
4. What does it mean to say that Christ’s righteousness is imputed to us? How would you describe justification by faith alone to an unbeliever?
5. What does it mean to say that the gospel will be “good news” to us only in so far as we recognize God’s holiness and our unholiness?
6. How do humans try to establish their own righteousness? What does the gospel say to this endeavor? 7. What is Paul trying to show by citing Habakkuk 2:4?

References: Romans 8:18; 10:13-15; 3:5; 10:3; 5:17; Philippians 3:9; Romans 4:3, 6; 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Corinthians 1:30; Romans 3:23; 6:23; Matthew 12:18; Romans 3:24-25; Habakkuk 2:4.

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FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission

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The Glorious Gospel, Part 1— Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 1:16-17
Sermon Series: Romans (10th sermon)
May 17, 2020

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. What does it mean to say that this passage gives us the “logic of evangelistic zeal”?
2. In what ways have you been tempted to be ashamed of the gospel?
3. What makes the gospel so powerful? What does it mean to be saved?
4. What are some of the powerless substitutes that people look to for salvation?
5. How does viewing the gospel as invested with this kind of power affect how we share it with others?
6. How is the gospel both inclusive and exclusive? Why does Paul say that it is “to the Jew first”?

References: Mark 8:38; 2 Timothy 1:8; 1 Corinthians 1:18-31; Psalm 77:14-15; 1 Thessalonians 5:9; 2 Timothy 2:10; John 4:22; Romans 9:4-5; Ephesians 2:12; Galatians 3:28.

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FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission

Romans 1:13-15 13 I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that I have often intended to come to you (but thus far have been prevented), in order that I may reap some harvest among you as well as among the rest of the Gentiles. 14 I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish. 15 So I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome. Click HERE for video of this sermon.

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The Heart Behind the Ministry, Part 2— Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 1:13-15
Sermon Series: Romans (9th sermon)
May 10, 2020

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. What does it mean to say that Paul situates his laser beam ministry within his larger ministry?
2. Why is Paul so intent on reassuring his readers? What does this imply for us as we relate to one another?3. What hindered Paul from going to Rome? How should we respond to good desires that go unmet over a long period of time?
4. How would Paul’s delay have humbled the Roman Christians? How do we avoid becoming self-important or self-absorbed as a church?
5. Why does Paul describe his ministry in agricultural terms? What does it look like for us to pursue fruit while leaving the results to God?
6. Why does Paul describe himself as a debtor? How does this encourage us towards evangelism?
7. To use John MacArthur’s language, how does this text show us that “the gospel is the great equalizer”?

References: Romans 15:19-24; 1 Corinthians 2:2; John 15:16; 1 Corinthians 3:6-7; Philippians 1:12-14; 1 Corinthians 9:16-17.

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FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission

Romans 1:8-12 8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world. 9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I mention you 10 always in my prayers, asking that somehow by God’s will I may now at last succeed in coming to you. 11 For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you— 12 that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine. Click HERE for video of sermon

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The Heart Behind the Ministry, Part 1— Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 1:8-12
Sermon Series: Romans (8th sermon)
May 3, 2020

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. Why does Paul begin his letter by revealing his heart towards his readers? What does this tell us about the relationship between love and doctrine?
2. How would Paul’s gratitude towards God have encouraged his readers? How does this apply to us as we minister to fellow Christians?
3. How does gratitude protect against envy?
4. Why does Paul bring God forward as a witness? What effect would this have had on the Roman Christians?
5. How does Paul describe his prayers in this passage? What would this kind of praying look like in our lives?
6. Discuss how Paul’s words encourage “longing with patience” as we work through this COVID-19 situation as a church.
7. What does the clarification in v. 12 imply about all Christians?

References: Ephesians 4:12; 5:20; Colossians 3:17; Romans 11:33-36; Colossians 3:23; Ephesians 6:18; Romans 15:23; 2 Corinthians 5:2; 1 Peter 2:2.

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FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission

Romans 1:5-7 *5 through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations, 6 including you who are called to belong to Jesus Christ,

7 To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints:
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.* Click HERE for video of this sermon.

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The Mission of the Letter, Part 2— Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 1:5-7
Sermon Series: Romans (7th sermon)
April 26, 2020

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. How do these verses remind us that ministry is about people? How can this be overlooked in practice? 2. What’s the first thing that comes to your mind when you think “Christian”? How does Paul summarize it? 3. What does it mean to say that God’s love for us is before time, in the fullness of time, and in our time?
4. Why is it unbiblical to refer to only some Christians as “saints”?
5. What does the greeting “grace and peace” entail?
6. How does this passage encourage us to focus on God’s initiative and acts when we think or talk about who we are as Christians?

References: Romans 1:13; 8:30; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Ephesians 1:4-5; Galatians 4:4; John 3:16; Ephesians 2:4-5; 1:6; 1 Peter 2:9-10; Romans 5:1, 2; Psalm 145.

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Romans 1:5-7 FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission

Click HERE for video of sermon

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The Mission of the Letter, Part 1— Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 1:5-7
Sermon Series: Romans (6th sermon)
April 19, 2020

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. How does it change your mindset when you view your own service or ministry as a gracious gift to you from God?
2. Whatdoes it mean to say that if we’re not doing something through Christ, we’re not doing it for God? 3. What does Paul mean when he refers to “the obedience of faith”? How does this deepen our understanding of salvation?
4. How can we trace the mission of God all the way back to Genesis? Why should it eradicate all racism? 5. What do the immediate and ultimate aims of God’s mission teach us about evangelism?

References: 1 Corinthians 15:10; 1 Timothy 1:13-15; Romans 12:3; 15:15; 2 Corinthians 12:9; John 15:5; Romans 16:26; 10:16; 11:23, 30; 6:15-18; 11:13; 15:18; Genesis 12:3; 49:10; Isaiah 49:6; Daniel 7:14; Philippians 2:9-11.

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FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission

Romans 1:4 4 and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, Click HERE for video of sermon

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A Resurrection-Oriented Life— Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 1:4
Sermon Series: Romans (5th sermon)
April 12, 2020, Easter Sunday message

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. How did you and your family celebrate Christ’s death and resurrection at home this weekend? What did you miss about not being able to gather with the local church?
2. How does the language that Paul uses for Christ’s resurrection give us hope? What are some other New Testament passages that have strengthened your hope in future resurrection?
3. Discuss the following statement: “In the midst of this pandemic, our hope should be far more contagious than this virus.” What opportunities have you had to share this hope with others?
4. Why should the Christian have no fear of death?
5. How does Christ’s resurrection connect to our holiness? What does living a life of holiness look like in practice?
6. How does living for the sake of Christ’s name give us purpose for every moment and in every sphere of life?

References: 1 Corinthians 15:20-23; Acts 26:23; 1 Peter 1:3; John 11:26; Mark 12:27; Philippians 1:21, 23; Ephesians 1:17-20; John 2:19; 1 Peter 3:18; Acts 17:31; Romans 6:4; 8:13; 6:12-13; 2 Corinthians 7:1; Philippians 2:9-11; Romans 1:5.

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FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission

Romans 1:2-4 2 which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, 3 concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh 4 and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, NOTE: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for playback to begin.

The Message in the Letter, Part 2— Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 1:2-4
Sermon Series: Romans (4th sermon)
April 5, 2020

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. How does knowing more about Christ enhance our communication with him?
2. How does Jesus’ identity as the “Son of David” demonstrate God’s sovereignty and faithfulness?
3. Discuss what it means that Jesus has two natures. How could this truth be neglected or misunderstood?
4. How does Christ’s humanity bring us comfort during this time?
5. Read and discuss the three texts cited to explain the meaning of v. 4. How does Philippians 2:6-11 help? 6. What does Christ’s resurrected glory mean for us now and in the future?

References: Genesis 49:8-12; 2 Samuel 7:12-13; Isaiah 9:7; Jeremiah 23:5; Matthew 1:1-17; Luke 3:23-38; Hebrews 4:15; Romans 9:5; Hebrews 1:2; Colossians 1:13, 16; John 3:16; Romans 8:3; Acts 2:36; Matthew 28:18; Acts 13:32-33; Psalm 2:7; Philippians 2:6-11; 1 Corinthians 15:20.

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FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission

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The Message in the Letter, Part 1— Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 1:2-4
Sermon Series: Romans (3rd sermon)
March 29, 2020

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. What are your greatest fears during this pandemic, and what does the gospel say to them?
2. How can we ensure that our minds are saturated more with the good news of the Bible than with the bad news of the media?
3. In what ways do we see God’s promise of the gospel in the Old Testament? What are some prophetic words or pictures that have stood out most to you?
4. What does it mean to say that God’s Word is holy and unbreakable? How should this affect the way we read it?
5. Discuss the fact that the gospel concerns a person rather than mere ideas or teachings. How does this practically bring us comfort during times like these?

References:
Psalm 19:7, 8; 1:3; Jeremiah 17:8; Luke 24:27; Matthew 5:17; John 5:39; John 10:35; 2 Timothy 3:16;
2 Peter 1:20; Galatians 3:8; Genesis 12:3; Romans 16:20; Titus 2:11; Philippians 2:6-11; Romans 14:8.

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FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission

Romans 1:1 1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, NOTE: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for playback to begin.

The Man behind the Letter, Part 2— Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 1:1
Sermon Series: Romans (2nd sermon)
March 8, 2020

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. What are you asking the Lord to do in your life through this series in Romans?
2. What does Paul mean when he says that he is an apostle? How does this concept help us understand and explain the nature of New Testament Scripture?
3. Lest we think Paul was pushing his weight around, discuss how his authority as an apostle was derivative, by grace, and under the cross.
4. What does it mean to say that Paul was “a gospel man”? How does this encourage our own single-minded devotion to Christ?
5. How good is the “good news” to you? How can we as individuals and GCGs grow in our joy in the gospel?

References: Romans 15:24-25, 28; 1:16; Mark 3:13-14; Galatians 1:1; Acts 26:16-17; John 20:21; Acts 9:15; 2 Corinthians 12:12; 1 Corinthians 9:1; Acts 2:42; Ephesians 2:20; John 14:26; John 16:13; 2 Peter 3:16; Galatians 1:15; 1 Corinthians 4:13; Jeremiah 1:5; Leviticus 20:26; Romans 11:13; Acts 20:24.

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FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission

The Man behind the Letter, Part 1 — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 1:1
Sermon Series: Romans (1st sermon)
March 1, 2020

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. How have you viewed Romans in the past? Discuss its significance in Christian history.
2. Summarize the background of Romans. What are some questions you have about this letter as we begin this series?
3. How does Paul’s conversion serve as evidence for the veracity of Christianity? What does it say about God’s character/attributes?
4. What does it look like in practice to live as a “servant/slave of Christ Jesus”? Is this the first thing you would say about yourself?
5. What does it mean to say that this slavery is not tyranny but redemption?
6. How does this self-designation as “servant/slave of Christ Jesus” point us back to the Old Testament? What does it say about Paul’s role?

References: Acts 20:1-7; 2:10; 7:58; 13:9; Galatians 1:13-14; Philippians 3:4-6; Acts 9:4, 15; Romans 11:13; 15:16; 1 Corinthians 7:23; Acts 20:28; Matthew 8:9; Romans 6:16; Galatians 1:10; John 15:15; Philippians 2:7; Matthew 20:28

Four Corners Church - Newnan: Recent Episodes