Parting Professions

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

Genesis 50:15-26

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Parting Professions — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Genesis 50:15-26
Sermon Series: Genesis
February 9, 2020

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   What have been your biggest takeaways from Genesis? How has God strengthened your faith through this series?
2.   Why are Joseph’s brothers afraid? Is their fear rational or irrational?
3.   How does Joseph respond to his brothers? How does he view the events that have transpired over the years?
4.   How has the doctrine of God’s sovereignty, which Joseph articulates in this passage, been of practical help in your life?
5.   According to Joseph what will God do for his people in the future? How does this help us to understand the nature of God’s ultimate salvation in Christ?

References: 1 Thessalonians 5:15; Romans 12:17; Genesis 45:1-15; Job 1:21; Deuteronomy 32:39; Hebrews 11:22; Luke 1:68-70; Revelation 22:20.

The Passing of the Patriarch

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

Genesis 49:29-50:14

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The Passing of the Patriarch — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Genesis 49:29-50:14
Sermon Series: Genesis
February 2, 2020

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   How does the trust in God’s word among the Patriarchs heighten our view of Scripture?  How does it encourage you to spend more time reading the Bible?
2.   How would you describe Jacob’s mindset at his death?  How can we prepare to die well?
3.   What should grief look like for a Christian?
4.   How does this narrative reinforce the theme that God is in control of individual hearts and entire nations?
5.   What are the two reminders given at Jacob’s burial?  How would these have prepared Jacob’s descendants for what was to follow?
6.   Why didn’t Jacob’s descendants make an effort to stay and resettle in Canaan?  What does this teach us about the Christian life?

References: Genesis 15:6; Luke 16:22; Genesis 23; Hebrews 2:14-15; 1 Thessalonians 4:13.

The Future Tribes

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

Genesis 49:1-28

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The Future Tribes — Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Genesis 49:1-28
Sermon Series: Genesis
January 26, 2020

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   How does this theme of blessing in chapter 49 bring us back to creation? What does this tell us about God’s larger plan through Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob?
2.   Why do Reuben, Simeon, and Levi receive such hard words of rebuke? How can this be part of a “blessing” (v. 28)?
3.   Why should Jacob’s words to the first three sons encourage us to take sin more seriously?
4.   How are vv. 8-12 a prophecy of Christ? How does this passage characterize him and his coming?|
5.   What does the prospering of Jacob’s sons, especially Joseph, teach us about God’s dealings with his people? How does this grow our faith in him?

References: Hebrews 11:21; Genesis 1:28; 35:22; 1 Chronicles 5:1-2; Genesis 34; 38:26; 44:33; Daniel 7:14; Psalm 2:8; Revelation 5:5, 9; John 2:1-11; Matthew 28:18; Romans 1:5; Ephesians 1:3.

The Blessing of the Adopted Sons

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

Genesis 48:1-22

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The Blessing of the Adopted Sons — Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Genesis 48:1-22
Sermon Series: Genesis
January 19, 2020

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   How have the narratives of Genesis changed or informed your understanding of faith? How does Hebrews 11 in particular aid our reading of these stories?
2.   What is the significance of the interchange of “Jacob” and “Israel” in v. 2?
3.   Why does Jacob begin his dialogue with Joseph by quoting God’s words from chapter 35?
4.   What makes Joseph’s desire to bring his sons to Jacob so remarkable given his position in Egypt? What does this teach us about worldly attainments?
5.   Discuss how faithfulness and faith are woven together in vv. 8-16. How does Jacob’s pronouncement of blessing over the two sons (vv. 15-16) provide insight into the Christian life?
6.   Why does God choose to carry his blessing forward by means of the younger son throughout Genesis?

References: Genesis 12:1-9; Romans 4:18-22; Hebrews 11:1, 13; Genesis 35:11-12; 1 Chronicles 5:1-2; Genesis 5:24; 6:9; Hebrews 11:21.

A New Home

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

Genesis 47:1-31

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A New Home — Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Genesis 47:1-31
Sermon Series: Genesis
January 12, 2020

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   Why does God settle his people in Egypt? How does this set the stage for the storyline of Scripture?
2.   Why is it important that this new settlement be official, based on Pharaoh’s command?
3.   Why is it significant that Jacob blesses Pharaoh? What is the immediate effect of this blessing in the narrative?
4.   Discuss the contrast between Jacob’s household and the people of Canaan and Egypt. How does this illustrate the contrast between believers and unbelievers?
5.   Why is Jacob so insistent that he be buried in Canaan rather than Egypt?

References: Genesis 17:8; 15:13-14, 16; 12:2-3; Hebrews 7:7; Genesis 46:4; 24:1-9; John 14:1-3; Philippians 3:20-21.

The Family on the Move

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

Genesis 46:1-34

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The Family on the Move — Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Genesis 46:1-34
Sermon Series: Genesis
January 5, 2020

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   What is your approach towards new year’s resolutions?  What areas of growth from the Lord are you seeking as you move into a new year and decade?
2.   Why does Jacob go to Beersheba and offer sacrifices to God? How does this guide us into a new year?
3.   How does God’s message to Jacob relieve his fears?  What is Jacob’s response?
4.   In what ways have you experienced delayed comfort?  How does this story help us to endure in those seasons of life?
5.   How does the genealogy point us to Christ?
6.   Why would Jacob’s reunion with Joseph have been a time of deep joy as well as worship?
7.   Why is Goshen an ideal place for Israel and his descendants to settle?

References: Genesis 12:2; 22:1; 28:13-15; 15:13-14; 10; Romans 9:5; Matthew 1:1-3.

The Brothers Reunited

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

Genesis 45:1-28

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The Brothers Reunited — Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Genesis 45:1-28
Sermon Series: Genesis
November 24, 2019

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   Why did God send Joseph to Egypt, and how does this relate to our salvation four thousand years later?
2.   How would you describe Joseph’s view of God’s sovereignty? How does it differ from the way you have thought about this topic?
3.   How does Joseph’s view of God’s sovereignty provide fuel for forgiveness? What does this say about the relevance and practicality of such doctrines?
4.   Why is Joseph so emphatic that his brothers bring their father to Egypt? What does he want Jacob to know?
5.   What does it mean to say that our doctrine should devour our anger?
6.   What is Jacob’s response to the news that Joseph is still alive and is ruling over Egypt? How does this final scene encourage us in times of waiting and wondering?

References: Psalm 105:17; Proverbs 16:9; Romans 12:10; Hebrews 2:12; Genesis 41:37; Proverbs 30:33; 2 Corinthians 4:17-18.

The Final Test

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

Genesis 44:1-34

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Due to technical difficulties, the sermon audio recorder was unable to capture Pastor Lonnie’s opening statments, starting instead with his reading of the sermon text.

The Final Test — Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Genesis 44:1-34
Sermon Series: Genesis
November 17, 2019

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   Where do we see the principle of reaping what you sow in this chapter?
2.   What does the collective response of tearing the clothes and returning to the city say about the growth of the family?
3.   How have you seen testing both reveal and grow your heart?
4.   Why doesn’t Judah offer a defense to Joseph concerning the silver cup? What do his words in v. 16 reveal about his attitude towards God?
5.   In what ways does Judah’s plea constitute a reversal of his past actions?
6.   Discuss how Christ is the substitute for sinners. How does this doctrine encourage us to trust, love, and serve him more?

References: Genesis 37:34; 42:21-22, 28; 1 Peter 3:18; Isaiah 53:5-6.

Back to Buy, Guided by Grace

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

Genesis 43:1-34

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Back to Buy, Guided by Grace — Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Genesis 43:1-34
Sermon Series: Genesis
November 10, 2019

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   What are some of God’s attributes or characteristics that continue to be repeated in the Joseph story?   Which have most impacted you?
2.   How would you describe Jacob’s prayerful words to his sons?  What does it mean to say that we must remember in order to rely?
3.   In light of Calvin’s quote concerning Jacob’s actions, what does it look like to rely on God without being lazy?
4.   How does Judah anticipate Christ in this chapter?
5.   How have you seen God use negative circumstances in people’s lives to bring about repentance?
6.   What does Joseph intend to accomplish with his blatant favoritism towards Benjamin?

References: Genesis 17:1; 28:3; 35:11; Hebrews 2:9; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Ephesians 4:3.

Famine for the Family

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

Genesis 42:1-38

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Famine for the Family — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Genesis 42:1-38
Sermon Series: Genesis
November 3, 2019

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   Why would Calvin say that this chapter is the most “illustrious example of divine providence”?
2.   How does this narrative show us that God can do remarkable things with our past failures and tragedies?
3.   Why does Joseph treat his brothers this way? What clues are there that his actions are not revenge?
4.   What is God doing in the hearts of Joseph’s brothers? What does it look like to have godly sorrow?
5.   How would you characterize Jacob’s mindset at the end of this story? In what ways do we often struggle to trust that God is at work “behind the veil”?

References: Genesis 41:56-57; 45:7; Psalm 105:16-17; Genesis 37:1-11; Genesis 9:6; 2 Corinthians 7:10-11.

Exalted Over Egypt

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

Genesis 41:38-57

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Exalted Over Egypt — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Genesis 41:38-57
Sermon Series: Genesis
October 27, 2019

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   How does the story of Joseph reassure us that there are answers to all of life’s “what” and “why” questions? How are we tempted to think otherwise?
2.   What makes Joseph’s exaltation so remarkable? How does it increase our confidence that nothing is impossible with the Lord?
3.   How does the time of fruitfulness bring us back to Genesis 1-3? What does it say about God?
4.   Discuss how Joseph’s character is presented in this narrative. Where do we see his faith?
5.   How does the end of this passage point us back to God’s promise to Abraham and forward to the fulfillment in Christ?

References: Genesis 41:16, 25, 28, 32; Ephesians 1:17; Exodus 31:3; Proverbs 2:6; Genesis 50:20; 12:3.

From the Prison to the Pharaoh

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

Genesis 41:1-37

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From the Prison to the Pharaoh — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Genesis 41:1-37
Sermon Series: Genesis
October 13, 2019

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   What makes the story of Joseph so compelling? What does it teach us about the nature of God’s providence?
2.   What do we observe here about God’s timing? How does this help us in times of waiting?
3.   How are Joseph and the magicians contrasted?  What would this have communicated to Pharaoh and the Egyptians?
4.   What positive effects of God’s testing do we see in Joseph? How does this encourage us to rejoice during trials?
5.   How does this story anticipate the in-gathering of the Gentiles through Christ?

References: Psalm 105:20; 1 Peter 1:6-7; James 1:2-4; Genesis 12:3; Romans 15:12; Revelation 5:9; Ephesians 1:9-10; Colossians 1:16.

Preparations in Prison

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

Genesis 40:1-23

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Preparations in Prison — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Genesis 40:1-23
Sermon Series: Genesis
October 6, 2019

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   How have you seen God providentially connect you to other people in order to accomplish his purposes? Discuss any adverse circumstances that you had to endure in order to get to that point.
2.   Discuss the theme of humiliation before exaltation or the cross before the crown. How do we often lose sight of this in the Christian life?
3.   Where do we see Joseph’s faith in this narrative? How does it convict us and drive us to Christ?
4.   Where have we seen God’s “kindness” and “remembering” in Genesis so far? How do these characteristics of God give us courage to face any circumstance?
5.   How does this narrative help us to wait on the Lord?

References: Genesis 39:2, 22; Psalm 105:18-21; Philippians 2:8-9; Genesis 22:1; Hebrews 11:1; Genesis 39:21; 8:1; 19:29; 30:22; 41:1

A Different Descent

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

Genesis 39:1-23

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A Different Descent — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Genesis 39:1-23
Sermon Series: Genesis
September 29, 2019

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   What is the connection in this passage between God’s presence and Joseph’s success?  How does this humble us and exalt the Lord as we think about our own successes?
2.   What promises of God’s presence are held out for us in the gospel?
3.   How have you seen God magnify himself among unbelievers through blessing you?
4.   How does Joseph respond to the seductress?  What are the underlying reasons for his resistance?
5.   What does it mean to say that a grace-filled mind is the only way to avoid a sin-filled life?
6.   Discuss how the chapter ends in the same way it began.  How does this give us courage when we face adversity?

References: Romans 8:31-32; Hebrews 13:5; Matthew 28:20; Genesis 12:3; Psalm 51:4; Jeremiah 32:40; Proverbs 6:24; Romans 8:35, 37.

The Line of Judah

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

Genesis 38:1-30

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The Line of Judah — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Genesis 38:1-30
Sermon Series: Genesis
September 22, 2019

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   Why does Moses put this story about Judah and Tamar at this point in Genesis? What are the respective roles of Judah and Joseph in God’s overall plan?
2.   How does Revelation 5:5 help us to appreciate the relevance of this story for our lives?
3.   Describe Judah’s moral and spiritual descent. How does his story show us that sin desensitizes us to further sin?
4.   What role does this Hirah figure play in the narrative? What impact should this have on our relationships?
5.   Compare and contrast the sins of Judah and Tamar. Why does Judah say, “She is more righteous than I” (v. 26)? How do these words give us hope about Judah’s future?
6.   How does this narrative show God’s preservation and electing grace towards his covenant people? How does it show his hatred and judgment towards sin?

References: Revelation 5:5; Proverbs 13:20; Deuteronomy 25:5-6; Genesis 39:2.

Enslaved In Egypt

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

Genesis 37:12-36

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Enslaved In Egypt — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Genesis 37:12-36
Sermon Series: Genesis
September 15, 2019

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   How does the context of this story show us the relationship between sin, the heart, and our actions?
2.   How do the mysterious “man” and the mention of Dothan encourage us to trust in God when facing danger?
3.   What details in the text tell us that the brothers are fighting against God?
4.   Discuss the wickedness and cruelty of the brothers’ actions against Joseph. How did this backfire on them at home?
5.   How does the method of deception used by the brothers remind us that we reap what we sow?
6.   How does this passage end in a hopeful way? How does this encourage us as we face trials?

References: Matthew 5:21-22; 1 John 3:15; 2 Kings 6:16; Genesis 42:21; 2 Samuel 12:23; Psalm 105:16-17.

Hatred in the Household

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

Genesis 37:1-11

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Hatred in the Household — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Genesis 37:1-11
Sermon Series: Genesis
September 8, 2019

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. Where have we seen God’s providence in Genesis so far? What do you anticipate most about getting into the story of Joseph?
2. What from the background of Genesis 37 helps us understand Jacob’s favoritism towards Joseph? How has Genesis encouraged you to avoid this in your own family?
3. Discuss the envy and hatred of Jacob’s brothers throughout the narrative. How have you seen envy play out in your life?
4. What does it mean that Jacob “kept the saying in mind” when Joseph told him about the second dream? How do Joseph’s dreams relate to Jacob’s past experiences?
5. What does this passage teach us about God’s sovereignty?
6. As you think about the brothers’ response to Joseph’s dreams, discuss how you respond to the grace of God in other people’s lives.

References: Matthew 10:29-30; Romans 8:28; Genesis 24; Genesis 29:30, 31; 30:22-24; 33:2; Romans 3:13-14; Romans 1:29; Galatians 5:19-21; James 3:16; Ecclesiastes 4:4; Genesis 41:26, 32. 

The Other Son

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

Genesis 36:1-43

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The Other Son — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Genesis 36:1-43
Sermon Series: Genesis
September 1, 2019

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   Why does Moses include this genealogy in Genesis, and why does he put it in this place? What stands out most to you as you read it?
2.   What picture has emerged regarding Esau’s character and mindset in the lead up to our passage? How do the first eight verses of this genealogy correspond to that picture?
3.   How does the writer of Hebrews want Christians to apply the character of Esau to their lives?
4.   In what ways does Esau’s genealogy demonstrate God’s faithfulness to Abraham? How does this encourage us to trust in God today?
5.   Discuss the significance of the words in v. 31, “before any king reigned over the Israelites.” What does this teach us about the Christian life?
6.   How does Genesis 36 anticipate Christ as both Savior and King?

References: Genesis 3:15; 22:18; 25:32-34; 26:34-35; 27:38; Hebrews 12:16; 2 Corinthians 4:18; 2 Chronicles 25:20; Genesis 12:1, 7; 25:1-18; 17:4, 6; Deuteronomy 2:12; Joshua 24:4; Acts 17:26; Numbers 24:17-19..

Back to Bethel

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

Genesis 35:1-29

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Back to Bethel — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Genesis 35:1-29
Sermon Series: Genesis
August 25, 2019

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   How does Jacob’s story show us the benefit of trials in our lives?
2.   What does this passage teach us about God’s holiness and power?
3.   How does this narrative instruct us in worship?
4.   How are God’s words to Jacob in vv. 10-12 packed with gospel anticipation?
5.   Why does this section serve as a transition within Genesis?
6.   In what ways are we left marveling at God’s faithfulness and grace?

References:Genesis 28:10-22; James 1:2; Genesis 17:1-8; 1:28.

Trouble in the Land

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

Genesis 34:1-31

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Trouble in the Land — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Genesis 34:1-31
Sermon Series: Genesis
August 18, 2019

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   How does this passage illustrate the destructive power of lust and anger in the human heart?
2.   How would intermarrying with the Hivites have affected Jacob’s family?
3.   How is Jacob depicted throughout this narrative, and what are some implications for us?
4.   Discuss the fact that Jacob’s sons repeat the sin of their father.  How have you witnessed generational sin at work in your life and the lives of your children?
5.   How does Genesis 49 help us interpret the sins of Simeon and Levi?
6.   How does this story taken in context point to the power and grace of God?  How does it point to Christ as our only hope?

References: Genesis 28:15; 33:18; Ephesians 4:26-27; Proverbs 14:29; Judges 3:5-7; Genesis 27:35; Genesis 49:5-7.