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.

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.

After the Ark, Part 1

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

Genesis 9:1-17

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After the Ark, Part 1 -- Lonnie Bell
Sermon Series: Genesis
Genesis 9:1-17
19 August 2018

Deep Sheet: Sermon Study Questions
1.  In what ways do vv. 1-7 echo Genesis 1?  How do the differences remind us of the Fall?
2.  How does this passage speak to issues like the treatment of animals and the death penalty?
3.  What is God’s attitude towards creation in general and life in particular?  What are some of the implications for us?
4.  What is a covenant, and what are some characteristics of the covenant that God established in Genesis 9?
5.  Why do you think God chose to mark this covenant with a rainbow?  How might this passage influence the way you view rainbows in the future?
6.  How does the fact that God is a covenant-maker and covenant-keeper affect the way we relate to him in our Christian lives?

References: Genesis 1:26-29; Romans 13:1-5; Romans 8:19-22; Revelation 21:1; Ezekiel 1:28; Revelation 4:3; Titus 1:2; Romans 3:25; Luke 22:20. 

The Hopeful Line

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

Genesis 5

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The Hopeful Line -- Lonnie Bell
Sermon Series: Genesis
Genesis 5
08 July 2018

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.  What has been your attitude towards biblical genealogies? What are some ways in which they can be profitable for us?
2.  How do the verses leading up to chapter 5 prepare us for the hopeful nature of the genealogy itself?
3.  What does the creation language in the opening verses communicate about this line, and what effect should this have on the reader?
4.  What is the significance of Enoch in this genealogy? What does it mean to say that chapter 5 gives us the “line of life”?
5.  What does it look like to walk with God? How would you describe your own experience of walking with him?
6.  In what ways does the glory of Christ shine through this genealogy? 

References: Luke 3:23-38; 2 Kings 2:11; 2 Timothy 1:10; Hebrews 11:5; Jude 14-15; Genesis 3:17-19; 6:9.

The Man With His Wife

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

Genesis 2:18-25

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The Man With His Wife -- Lonnie Bell
Sermon Series: Genesis
Genesis 2:18-25
22 April 2018

Sermon Study Questions
1.  How is God presented as a loving Father in Genesis 2?
2.  Why is isolation not God’s will for human beings? In what ways do you see a tendency towards isolation in yourself?
3.  How does God prepare the man to recognize the immense value of his wife?
4.  How does this account of creation run contrary to Evolution?
5.  In what ways does this passage instruct us about the nature and dignity of marriage? What are some practical ways that we can respond in our own marriages?
6.  How does this passage ultimately point us to the gospel?

References: Genesis 1:26-28; Ecclesiastes 4:9-12; Proverbs 31:11-12, 27-28; Proverbs 18:22; 1 Timothy 2:13; 1 Corinthians 11:8-9; Ephesians 5:22-33; 1 Peter 3:7; Matthew 19:5.

The Man In His Home

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

Genesis 2:8-17

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The Man In His Home -- Lonnie Bell
Sermon Series: Genesis
Genesis 2:8-17
15 April 2018

Sermon Study Questions
1.  In what ways does God provide abundantly for man in the garden?
2.  What is the significance of the fact that God is the author/originator of human pleasure and delight?
3.  How does the description of the garden give us hope?
4.  How does v. 15 show us that rest is not to be equated with aimless idleness?
5.  What do the verbs “work” and “keep” in v. 15 tell us about the nature of Adam’s work?
6.  What does this passage teach us about authority? What does it mean to say that all sin is an issue of authority?
7.  How does the manner in which God’s command is given demonstrate his love, goodness, and care towards human beings?

References: Acts 17:26; Genesis 12:3; Matthew 28:19; Revelation 7:9-10; 1 Timothy 6:16; Genesis 13:10; Revelation 21-22; John 14:3; Genesis 19:16; Deuteronomy 26:10; Numbers 18:5-6; Colossians 3:23.

The Origin of Man

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

Genesis 2:4-7

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The Origin of Man -- Lonnie Bell
Sermon Series: Genesis
Genesis 2:4-7
8 April 2018

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.  Why is it so essential that we as human beings understand who we are and where we come from?
     What happens when we don’t?
2.  Why should we treat Genesis 2 as a historical account?
3.  How should the fact that we come from dust affect how we view ourselves?
4.  What makes the creation of human beings unique? How does this show God’s love and sovereignty?
5.  Why is the biblical account of human origins incompatible with evolution?

References: 1 Chronicles 1:1; Luke 3:38; Acts 17:26; 1 Corinthians 15; Romans 5; 1 Timothy 2:13-14; Matthew 19:4-5; Genesis 7:22; Isaiah 64:8.

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.

Days 4-6: Fullness Towards Dominion, Part 3

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

Genesis 1:26-31

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Days 4-6: Fullness Towards Dominion, Part 3 -- Lonnie Bell
Sermon Series: Genesis
Genesis 1:26-31
25 February 2018

Deep Sheet:  Sermon Study Questions
1.  Whom do you tend to exclude from the category of image-bearer?
2.  Where have you witnessed negativity and ingratitude regarding reproduction and children? How have you seen these attitudes in your own heart?
3.  What does Genesis 1:26-31 tell us about human sexuality? In what ways does it confront our culture?
4.  What does it mean to say that human reproduction is not animalistic in nature?
5.  In what ways does this passage explode with implications for parenting?
6.  What does this passage communicate about God’s goodness? How does it encourage us to hope in Christ?

References: Genesis 9:6; James 3:9; Psalm 127:3-5; Romans 1:26-27; Matthew 6:25-34; Matthew 6:11; 1 Timothy 6:17; 1 Corinthians 10:31.

Days 4-6: Fullness Towards Dominion, Part 2

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

Genesis 1:26-31

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Days 4-6: Fullness Towards Dominion, Part 2 -- Lonnie Bell
Sermon Series:  Genesis
Genesis 1:26-31
18 February 2018

Deep Sheet:  Sermon Study Questions
1.  What are some textual clues that vv. 26-31 are a climax to the creation account?
2.  What role has the doctrine that man is made in God’s image played in your everyday life?  In what obvious ways do we see our culture ignoring or rejecting this truth?
3.  How are we like God in our nature, and how do we represent him in our role?  How do these truths call us to education, science and technology, and care for the environment?
4.  What do these verses tell us about the relationship between God and man?  How do they affect the way we perceive and relate to other human beings?
5.  What does it mean that human beings are both the greatest pointer and the greatest temptation?
6.  How does this passage direct us to Christ?

References: Genesis 5:3; John 4:24; Genesis 2:15, 17, 19; Psalm 24:1; 8:5-6; Genesis 5:1-2; Luke 10:27; Acts 17:26; James 3:9; Genesis 9:6; Colossians 1:15; 1 Corinthians 15:27; John 14:31; Ephesians 5:25.

Days 4-6: Fullness Towards Dominion, Part 1

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

Genesis 1:14-25

Days 4-6: Fullness Towards Dominion, Part 1 -- Lonnie Bell
Sermon Series:  Genesis
Genesis 1:14-25
11 February 2018

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Deep Sheet Questions - 2/11/2018 - Days 4-6: Fullness Towards Dominion, Pt 1 - Genesis 1:14-25

1. What are the various ways in which Genesis 1 points us to Christ? How does the New Testament describe his role in creation?

2. Why do you think God waited until Day 4 to make the sun, moon, and stars?

3. What amazes you most about creation? Why is it tempting to replace the Creator with the created, and what are some ways we do this today?

4. How does Psalm 8 direct us towards a proper response to what we observe in the heavens?

5. Why is God’s account of the creation of animals incompatible with Darwinian evolution?

References: 2 Corinthians 3:18; Colossians 1:16; Deuteronomy 4:19; Psalm 19:1; Psalm 8; Job 41:1; Psalm 104:24-25.

Days 1-3: Formation Towards Production

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

Genesis 1:3-13

Days 1-3: Formation Towards Production -- Lonnie Bell
Sermon Series:  Genesis
Genesis 1:3-13
04 February 2018

Deep Sheet:  Sermon Study Guide
1.   How would you summarize God’s creative work in the first three days? Where do we see his activity of separating, dividing, and/or distinguishing, and how might this lead you to worship him?
2.   What are some implications of the fact that God gives definitions and sets boundaries? What are some areas in which our culture’s definitions and boundaries differ dramatically from God’s?
3.   How does the earth bring forth plant life? What does it mean to say that the inanimate cannot animate?
4.   How does God’s control over the waters remind us of his judgment and grace? How does Day 3 prepare the reader for the Fall?
5.   How does Genesis debunk alternative deities and origin stories, whether ancient or modern?

God's Six Days of Work: The Big Picture

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

Genesis 1:3-11

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God's Six Days of Work: The Big Picture -- Lonnie Bell
Sermon Series:  Genesis
Genesis 1:3-31
28 January 2018

Deep Sheet: Sermon Study Questions.
1.  What have we learned so far about God from Genesis 1? Has anything about his nature and character been new for you?
2.  How would you describe your view of the dignity and value of work? How is it impacted by the fact that God works?
3.  How does Genesis 1 show us that God’s Word is both effectual and authoritative? How should its efficacy influence our relation to Scripture?
4.  Where do we see God’s order in Genesis 1? Why should this encourage us to trust him in every area of our lives?
5.  How can we emulate God’s order in the way we work?
6.  What does it look like to have a healthy delight in our work? How do we avoid idolizing it?
References: Genesis 2:1-3; Hebrews 11:3; John 1:1-3, 14; 2 Timothy 3:16; Psalm 104:31. 

Not Yet Ready

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

Genesis 1:2

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Not Yet Ready -- Lonnie Bell
Sermon Series:  Genesis
Genesis 1:2
21 January 2018

Deep Sheet: Sermon Study Questions.
1.  How is the world described in Genesis 1:2? How does this verse contribute to our understanding of God as a potter?
2.  How aware are you of God’s forming, filling, and illuminating that is evident all around us? Why should we never be bored?
3.  What do God’s preparations in Genesis 1 tell us about the purpose, dignity, and value of human beings?
4.  How does the latter part of v. 2, read in light of Deuteronomy 32:11, show us God’s intimate involvement with his creation?
5.  What does it mean that God is both Creator and Sustainer?
6.  How does the mention of the Spirit in v. 2 both challenge the self-sufficient and comfort those who feel desolate?
References: Genesis 1:31; 2:1; Jeremiah 4:23ff; Isaiah 45:18; Psalm 19:1; Romans 1:21; Deuteronomy 32:10-11; Hebrews 1:3; Genesis 2:7.

Starting With God

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

Genesis 1:1

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Starting With God -- Lonnie Bell
Sermon Series:  Genesis
Genesis 1:1
14 January 2018

Deep Sheet: Sermon Study Qustons
1.  What has been your experience with and interest in the book of Genesis? In what ways is it foundational?
2.  How does Genesis encourage us to “start with God,” and how does that play out in our everyday lives?
3.  What does it mean that God is eternal, and where do we see this in Genesis 1:1? How does God’s eternality point us to the fact that the Bible is a matter of life and death?
4.  How should the truth that God is the creator of everything practically impact our lives?
5.  What does it mean that God is distinct, and in what ways do you lose sight of this?
6.  Where do we see the Trinity in Genesis 1:1-3? How does this point us to Jesus and to God’s love?
References: Psalm 90:2; Exodus 3:14; Revelation 22:13; Colossians 1:16; Romans 1:20-25; Psalm 96:5; John 1:1-3; Hebrews 1:2; Luke 24:44; John 5:46.