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.

A New Name, A New Man

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

Genesis 32:22-32

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A New Name, A New Man— Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Genesis 32:22-32
Sermon Series: Genesis
August 4, 2019

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.  What are some of the questions that immediately come to your mind as you read through this narrative?
2.  Why is it significant that Jacob is alone?
3.  Discuss the fact that God responds to Jacob’s earlier prayer in a surprising and uncomfortable way. What does this teach us about the Christian life?
4.  What other passages of Scripture help us understand the identity of the one who wrestles with Jacob?How would such passages have prepared God’s people for the Incarnation?
5.  How does this story show that the Lord is personal and responsive in how he relates to us?
6.  What does this event accomplish in Jacob’s life? How should this story affect the way we view our wounds and weaknesses?

References: Genesis 33:3; Hosea 12:3-4; Genesis 16:13; 22:16; 18:2; John 14:8-9; Genesis 18:32; Zechariah 4:6; 2 Corinthians 12:9, 10.

Facing Danger

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

Genesis 32:1-21

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Facing Danger — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Genesis 32:1-21
Sermon Series: Genesis
July 21, 2019

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   How do the opening verses of this passage give a hopeful impression? What does the presence of the angels communicate?
2.   How have you seen God prepare you for danger?
3.   How do we avoid letting fearful situations overshadow or push out God’s revelation in our minds?
4.   What do the content, structure, and attitude of Jacob’s prayer teach us about how we should pray?
5.   How does v. 12 show that Jacob has God’s greater redemptive purposes in mind?
6.   Why does Jacob make such an extravagant offer to Esau at the end of this narrative? How do we see this propensity in our own lives?

References: Genesis 25:23; 27:36; 28:15; 31:43; 27:41; 28:12; Psalm 34:7; Hebrews 1:14; 1 Peter 5:7; Genesis 14:14

The Great Escape

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

Genesis 31:1-55

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The Great Escape — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Genesis 31:1-55
Sermon Series: Genesis
July 14, 2019

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.  How should we responsibly appropriate a verse like Genesis 28:15 for our own lives?
2.  Why does God take twenty years to call Jacob out of his difficult situation?
      How does this encourage us to wait on the Lord?
3.  How does Jacob’s obedient response to God’s call mirror what we’ve seen elsewhere in Genesis?
      What does this teach us about the nature of the Christian life?
4.  Where do we see both grace and protection in Jacob’s exit and his confrontation with Laban?
5.  What do Jacob’s words say about the role of gratitude in the life of the believer?
      In what ways do we fail to give God thanks in our daily lives?
6.  What does this passage communicate about idols?
7.  Discuss the theme of deliverance. How does this story of Jacob’s deliverance from Laban point forward to the Exodus and the Atonement?

References: Genesis 28:15; 30:43; 15:1; 26:24; Proverbs 19:11; Romans 1:21; Joshua 24:2; Colossians 1:13.

Another Prosperous Patriarch

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

Genesis 30:25-43

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Another Prosperous Patriarch — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Genesis 30:25-43
Sermon Series: Genesis
July 7, 2019

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.  Where else in Genesis have we seen the theme of material prosperity? Why is this an important aspect of God’s dealings with the Patriarchs in particular?
2.  Discuss how Jacob and Laban respond differently to God’s blessings. How does Laban’s response give us insight into the unbelieving heart?
3.  How does the first part of this passage help us to see that our good is for God’s glory? In what ways do you overlook this in your life?
4.  How do Jacob and Laban serve as a picture of Christ and his people? What does it mean to say that all the blessings we receive are “spillover” from Christ?
5.  How does Laban mistreat Jacob? What does the final outcome teach us about God’s work in our lives?
6.  How does this passage free us up to love our enemies?

References: Genesis 28:15; 12:16; 24:35; 26:12-14; 28:13, 14; Romans 1:18; Genesis 31:10-12.

Jacob's Offspring

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

Genesis 29:31 - 30:24

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Jacob’s Offspring — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Genesis 29:31-30:24
Sermon Series: Genesis
June 30, 2019

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.  What is your initial reaction to this story?  How would it have encouraged the Israelites to be humble?
2.  How would you describe the motives of Leah and Rachel?  How does this story help us to see the effects of idolatry on our lives?
3.  Where do we see the evidence of faith in this family?  How does this encourage us as believers?
4.  Which attributes of God are highlighted in this text?  How does understanding these attributes help us better relate to God?
5.  What purposes of God are being worked out through this narrative?  In what ways does it point to Christ?

References: Genesis 28:12-15; Philippians 2:3; Genesis 2:24; Psalm 127:3; 103:11-14; Romans 2:4; Revelation 5:5-6.

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 God of Jacob

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

Genesis 28:1-22

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The God of Jacob — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Genesis 28:1-22
Sermon Series: Genesis
June 9, 2019

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.  What are some names of God in the Bible that have most impacted you?  Why do you think God chooses to be known as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob?
2.  How would you describe Isaac’s mindset at the beginning of chapter 28? How should this affect our attitude towards the past?
3.  What does the image of the ladder communicate to Jacob? How does Christ appropriate this imagery in John 1:51?
4.  How does this passage increase our understanding of the role of angels in our lives?
5.  What are the major elements of God’s promise to Jacob? How have we seen these promises play out in the lives of Abraham and Isaac?
6.  Discuss Jacob’s response. Would you characterize it as one of faith?

References: Genesis 16:13; 17:1; 22:14; 26:24; Exodus 3:15; Acts 3:13; Psalm 46:7; 75:9; 81:1; Isaiah 2:3; 2 Samuel 23:1; Genesis 27:33; 17:1; 12:2; 1:28; 24:7; Hebrews 1:14; Jude 24; John 1:51.

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.

Like Father, Like Son, Part 1

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

Genesis 26:1-11

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Like Father, Like Son, Part 1 — Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Genesis 26:1-11
Sermon Series: Genesis
May 19, 2019

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.  What are the priceless treasures of friendship with God that were discussed in the sermon? How do we experience these in the Christian life?
2.  Where do we see Isaac’s faith, and how does it reflect that of his father? What does this brief description teach us about the nature of faith?
3.  Where do we see “generational folly” in this passage? How should this affect our parenting?
4.  How would you describe the various facets of Isaac’s sin in this passage?
5.  How does Isaac’s frailty point us to God’s grace in and through Christ?

References: Isaiah 41:8; 2 Chronicles 20:7; James 2:23; Galatians 3:29; John 15:14-15; Hebrews 1:2; 1 John 1:1; Matthew 28:20; 1 Corinthians 6:19; 2 Peter 1:4; James 2:21-22; Deuteronomy 11:1; Genesis 12; 20.

The Next Generation, Part 2

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

Genesis 25:19-34

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The Next Generation, Part 2 — Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Genesis 25:19-34
Sermon Series: Genesis
May 12, 2019

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.  How does the description of Jacob in v. 27 align him with Abraham and Isaac? What does the description of Esau tell us? 
2.  How would you characterize Isaac’s favoritism? Why is this so destructive in a family?
3.  How can you fight against favoritism in your relationship with your kids?
4.  What does the conversation between Jacob and Esau reveal about the character of each man? In light of v. 34, how does the author want us to contrast Jacob and Esau?
5.  Discuss Esau’s sin. Why does the writer of Hebrews point to Esau to reinforce his charge not to be “sexually immoral or unholy”?
6.  How are we tempted to trade the eternal for the momentary? Why is Christ the only answer?

References: Genesis 4:20; Matthew 4:4; Hebrews 11; 12:16-17.

The Next Generation, Part 1

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

Genesis 25:19-34

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The Next Generation, Part 1 — Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Genesis 25:19-34
Sermon Series: Genesis
May 5, 2019

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   How do Old Testament narratives help us build our view of God? What would it look like for you to devote more time to meditating on God’s attributes?
2.   How does Rebekah’s barrenness point us backwards and forwards in the story of Genesis? What does it highlight about God’s character?
3.   What does it mean to say that the life of faith is one of relinquishing control and overturning pride?
4.   Where do you tend to turn when problems arise in your life? How does this narrative direct us to a life of prayer?
5.   How does this passage illustrate the doctrine of election? What has been your understanding of election, and how does this passage help?
6.   How do the battle in the womb and the circumstances of the birth anticipate later developments in the story of Jacob and Esau?

References: Genesis 35:29; Romans 9:4-5; Genesis 8:1; Exodus 2:24; Genesis 20:17-18; Romans 9:10-13, 16; Malachi 1:2-3; Ephesians 1:4-5; Acts 13:48; Genesis 27:36.

A Finale of Faithfulness

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

Genesis 25:1-18

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A Finale Of Faith — Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Genesis 25:1-18
Sermon Series: Genesis
April 28, 2019

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.  Discuss the many ways we’ve seen God’s faithfulness demonstrated in the story of Abraham. What has stood out the most to you?
2.  How do the many earthly nations that came from Abraham point to us?
3.  How is Isaac contrasted with the other sons of Abraham in this passage? What does that tell us about God’s plan?
4.  How has the theme of the Seed, as it has played out so far, deepened your faith in Christ?
5.  How does Abraham’s burial show God’s faithfulness to the land promises? What does it say about Abraham’s faith?
6.  What does it mean to say that Abraham’s inheritance is our inheritance, that his story is our story?

References: Genesis 12:4; 24:27; 17:4-6, 20; Romans 4:20-21; Revelation 7:9-10; Genesis 3:15; 21:12; 22:17-18; 35:28-29; 15:15; 23:17; 12:1, 7; 13:14-15; Luke 16:22; Matthew 22:32; 5:5; 8:11; Hebrews 11:13; Revelation 21:1-4.

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.

Sarah's Burial

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

Genesis 23:1-20

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Sarah’s Burial — Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Genesis 23:1-20
Sermon Series: Genesis
March 31, 2019

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.     Why would we say that the land promise reaches a climax in chapter 23?
2.     How does this passage show that there is no going back for Abraham? What does that tell us about his mindset and relationship to God?
3.     What does Abraham’s response to Sarah’s death teach us about the relationship between grief and hope in the face of death?
4.     What does it mean to say that the people of the land are bowing to Abraham? How does this ultimately direct our attention to Christ?
5.     How does Matthew 5:5 help us understand the significance of these land promises for all believers?

References: Genesis 12:1-7; Hebrews 11:11; 1 Peter 3:5; Genesis 17:7; Mark 12:26-27; Hebrews 11:13; Genesis 21:22-23; Matthew 5:5.

The Climactic Test, Part 2

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

Genesis 22:1-24

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The Climactic Test, Part 2 — Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Genesis 22:1-24
Sermon Series: Genesis
March 24, 2019

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.  What have we learned about God’s character from this story before we even get his response to Abraham’s obedience?
2.  Why is this the only fitting test for Abraham? What is the relationship here between faith and obedience, and why is it so important that we get this right in the Christian life?
3.  How does God affirm Abraham? In what ways have you seen God give affirmation and assurance in your life?
4.  How does this story picture Christ’s sacrifice as the Lamb of God?
5.  Why does God make an oath? How does this text show his trustworthiness?
6.  How does the genealogy at the end of the chapter point us both forward and backwards in the book of Genesis?

References: Genesis 21:12; Hebrews 11:19; Proverbs 8:13; 9:10; Job 1:1; 1 Peter 1:7; Matthew 3:17; John 3:16; Romans 8:32; Isaiah 53:7, 10; John 1:29; 18:12; 19:17-18; 1 Peter 1:19; Revelation 5:6, 9; Galatians 3:16; Hebrews 6:13-20; Genesis 11:26-32; 21:33.

The Climactic Test, Part 1

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

Genesis 22:1-24

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The Climactic Test, Part 1 — Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Genesis 22:1-24
Sermon Series: Genesis
March 17, 2019

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.  Why does this weighty test come at this particular time in Abraham’s life? What does this imply about how God tests us?
2.  What do the opening verses suggest about the relationship between God and Abraham? Why is this so important for understanding Abraham’s response?
3.  What does it mean to say that Isaac represents Abraham’s heart and hope?
4.  In what ways do we see Abraham’s obedience? How do his words show what is going on in his heart?
5.  How does this narrative help us to trust God during times of much confusion?
6.  What does it mean to say that Abraham valued the Giver over the gift and that the Word was supreme over his will? What does this look like in our lives?
7.  How do we explain the incredible strength of Abraham’s character depicted in this passage, and what does that suggest about our own lives? How does it show the glory of God’s grace through the work of Christ?

References: Genesis 12:1; 2 Chronicles 3:1; Deuteronomy 8:2, 16; Genesis 21:12; Hebrews 11:19; James 2:18-24.

The Prosperous Patriarch

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

Genesis 21:22-34

22 At that time Abimelech and Phicol the commander of his army said to Abraham, “God is with you in all that you do. 23 Now therefore swear to me here by God that you will not deal falsely with me or with my descendants or with my posterity, but as I have dealt kindly with you, so you will deal with me and with the land where you have sojourned.” 24 And Abraham said, “I will swear.”
25 When Abraham reproved Abimelech about a well of water that Abimelech’s servants had seized, 26 Abimelech said, “I do not know who has done this thing; you did not tell me, and I have not heard of it until today.” 27 So Abraham took sheep and oxen and gave them to Abimelech, and the two men made a covenant. 28 Abraham set seven ewe lambs of the flock apart. 29 And Abimelech said to Abraham, “What is the meaning of these seven ewe lambs that you have set apart?” 30 He said, “These seven ewe lambs you will take from my hand, that this may be a witness for me that I dug this well.” 31 Therefore that place was called Beersheba, because there both of them swore an oath. 32 So they made a covenant at Beersheba. Then Abimelech and Phicol the commander of his army rose up and returned to the land of the Philistines. 33 Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba and called there on the name of the Lord, the Everlasting God. 34 And Abraham sojourned many days in the land of the Philistines.

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The Prosperous Patriarch — Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Genesis 21:22-34
Sermon Series: Genesis
March 3, 2019

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.  What basic truths does Abimelech recognize about the God of Abraham?
2.  Abimelech tells Abraham, “God is with you in all that you do.” How does this encourage us as Christians?
3.  What is the significance of the treaty and the well in the larger narrative of Abraham’s life?
4.  What does this story teach us about how we should relate to our neighbors?
5.  Why does Abraham call on the LORD as “the Everlasting God”?
6.  Why do you think Abraham plants a tree? What does it mean to say that we are planted in Christ?

References: Genesis 20:1-18; 1 Peter 1:5-9; Genesis 15:1, 15; Hebrews 11:9, 13; Romans 12:18; Titus 3:2; Genesis 17:8; John 15:4-5; Jeremiah 17:7-8.

The Two Sons, Part 2

Genesis 21:8-21

8 And the child grew and was weaned. And Abraham made a great feast on the day that Isaac was weaned. 9 But Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, whom she had borne to Abraham, laughing. 10 So she said to Abraham, “Cast out this slave woman with her son, for the son of this slave woman shall not be heir with my son Isaac.” 11 And the thing was very displeasing to Abraham on account of his son. 12 But God said to Abraham, “Be not displeased because of the boy and because of your slave woman. Whatever Sarah says to you, do as she tells you, for through Isaac shall your offspring be named. 13 And I will make a nation of the son of the slave woman also, because he is your offspring.” 14 So Abraham rose early in the morning and took bread and a skin of water and gave it to Hagar, putting it on her shoulder, along with the child, and sent her away. And she departed and wandered in the wilderness of Beersheba.
15 When the water in the skin was gone, she put the child under one of the bushes. 16 Then she went and sat down opposite him a good way off, about the distance of a bowshot, for she said, “Let me not look on the death of the child.” And as she sat opposite him, she lifted up her voice and wept. 17 And God heard the voice of the boy, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven and said to her, “What troubles you, Hagar? Fear not, for God has heard the voice of the boy where he is. 18 Up! Lift up the boy, and hold him fast with your hand, for I will make him into a great nation.” 19 Then God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water. And she went and filled the skin with water and gave the boy a drink. 20 And God was with the boy, and he grew up. He lived in the wilderness and became an expert with the bow. 21 He lived in the wilderness of Paran, and his mother took a wife for him from the land of Egypt.

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The Two Sons, Part 2 — Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Genesis 21:8-21
Sermon Series: Genesis
24 February 2019

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.  Discuss how God meets his people, keeps his promises, accomplishes his purposes, and establishes his praise in and through Jesus Christ.
2.  How do we see Sarah’s sin and God’s sovereignty in this passage?
3.  Where do we see God’s grace in how he relates to Abraham in particular?
4.  How are faith and obedience linked together in Abraham’s response to God?
5.  Why did God separate Ishmael from Isaac?  What does this have to do with our salvation?
6.  Discuss Paul’s use of this passage in Galatians 4.  What is he trying to teach his readers?
7.  What does God’s care for Ishmael teach us about his character?

References:Matthew 1:23; 2 Corinthians 1:20; Galatians 4:4; Acts 2:23; Ephesians 1:12; Genesis 16; Galatians 4:21-31.