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.

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.

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. 

Safe and Sound

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

Genesis 33:1-20

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Safe and Sound — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Genesis 33:1-20
Sermon Series: Genesis
August 11, 2019

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   In what ways is this passage a climax?
2.   What does it mean to say that God may weaken us in order to prepare us?
3.   What does Esau’s attitude towards Jacob tell us about God’s workings?
4.   Where do we see Jacob’s folly in this story? What does it mean to say that God folds our folly into his faithfulness?
5.   Why is it necessary for Jacob to remain separate from Esau?
6.   How do the final verses connect us back to Abraham, and why is this important?

References: Genesis 27:41; 32:6; 28:15; Ephesians 3:20; Genesis 32:11; 12:6.

Jacob's Wives

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

Genesis 29:1-30

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Jacob’s Wives — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Genesis 29:1-30
Sermon Series: Genesis
June 23, 2019

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   In what ways do we see God’s providence in the first part of the narrative? Discuss some of the specific ways you have seen his providence play out in your life.
2.   How can we grow in our understanding of God’s care and governance over the details of our lives?
3.   How does Jacob reap what he has sown at the hands of Laban?
4.   What does it mean to say that we can’t have the directing without the disciplining?
5.   Why does God discipline us? How has this narrative influenced your thoughts on this topic?
6.   How would you describe the state of Jacob’s home at the end of this narrative?
7.   Why is this passage important for helping us see the mystery involved in relating human responsibility and divine sovereignty?

References: Genesis 28:15; 48:15; 24:11-67; Hebrews 12:6; Genesis 31:40; Proverbs 22:8; Galatians 6:7.

The Next Recipient Of The Blessing

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

Genesis 26:34-27:46

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The Next Recipient of the Blessing — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Genesis 26:34 - 27:46
Sermon Series: Genesis
June 2, 2019

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.  Discuss how Rebekah and Jacob carried out their deception. How would you characterize the sins of each, and how have you seen these same sins play out in your life?
2.  In what sense did the actions of Rebekah and Jacob derive from faith?
3.  What does this passage suggest about Isaac’s mindset? How have you experienced the blinding effect of your own passions and preferences?
4.  How does this passage fill out our view of Esau as an earthly-minded man? What clues are there that he cares little for God’s promises to Abraham?
5.  What consequences do Rebekah and Jacob have to face as a result of their deceitful act? What does this teach us about our choices?
6.  How does this story remind us that there is only one Hero and there will be no “greats” in heaven?

References: Genesis 25:23, 34; Numbers 24:9; Hebrews 12:16-17; Genesis 4:19; Psalm 51.

Like Father, Like Son, Part 2

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

Genesis 26:12-33

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Like Father, Like Son, Part 2 — Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Genesis 26:12-33
Sermon Series: Genesis
May 26, 2019

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.      What does it look like to live as though God is actively involved in our everyday lives?
2.      Discuss the extent of Isaac’s prosperity in this passage. How should Christians think about prosperity with respect to this life and the life to come?
3.      What negative effect can earthly blessings have on our lives? How does God protect us from this?
4.      How have you seen God remove your fears by means of his Word?
5.      What does Isaac’s response both to the conflict and to the provisions teach us about the life of faith?
6.      What does it mean to say that making peace is the way of the Lord? How should this effect the way we relate to others?

References: Genesis 12:2-3, 10-20; Exodus 1:7, 9; 2 Peter 1:3; Ephesians 1:3; Romans 8:18, 32; Genesis 21:25; Isaiah 26:3; James 1:17; Genesis 21:22-34.

Isaac's Bride

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

Genesis 24:1-67

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Isaac’s Bride — Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Genesis 24:1-67
Sermon Series: Genesis
April 7, 2019

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.  What are some of the benefits of studying the lives of the patriarchs?
2.  How would you summarize Abraham’s wishes for his son? What are his reasons?
3.  What does the success of Abraham’s servant teach us about God’s character? How does the servant draw attention to these attributes in his prayer and speech?
4.  Why is this servant such a helpful illustration of how we are to serve Christ?
5.  How would you describe the relationship between prayer, providence, and praise in this narrative?
6.  How does this story demonstrate God’s sovereignty over human history and human hearts?
7.  How is Rebekah’s character and role portrayed? How do these things move the reader forward in Genesis?

References: Genesis 12:2; Acts 7:8; Romans 4:11; 9:5; Genesis 15:15; 9:25.

The Seventh Day

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

Genesis 2:1-3

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The Seventh Day -- Lonnie Bell
Sermon Series: Genesis
Genesis 2:1-3
18 March 2018

Deep Sheet: Sermon Study Questions
1.   How does your own attitude towards creation compare with that of the psalmist in Psalm 104:24?
2.    How does Genesis 2:1-3 show us that God always accomplishes what he sets out to do? Why should this bring immense comfort and joy to the Christian?
3.    How does God’s completed work in creation point us forward to the age to come?
4.    Did God need to rest? How should we understand God’s rest in these verses?
5.    What does it mean that God is holy? How does this passage anticipate the sanctifying work of God throughout the Bible?
6.    As we’ve looked at the creation week, what characteristics of God have most struck you?

References: Exodus 20:8-11; Hebrews 4:8-11; Romans 14:5; Colossians 2:16-17; Psalm 104:24; Philippians 1:6; Ephesians 1:11; Romans 8:21; Psalm 104:29; Matthew 10:29-30; Hebrews 1:3; Isaiah 40:28; Psalm 121:4; Exodus 31:17; 1 Peter 1:15-16; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5.