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.

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 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.