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.

Abraham's Three Visitors, Part 1

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

Genesis 18:1-15

1And the Lord appeared to him by the oaks of Mamre, as he sat at the door of his tent in the heat of the day. 2 He lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, three men were standing in front of him. When he saw them, he ran from the tent door to meet them and bowed himself to the earth 3 and said, “O Lord, if I have found favor in your sight, do not pass by your servant. 4 Let a little water be brought, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree, 5 while I bring a morsel of bread, that you may refresh yourselves, and after that you may pass on—since you have come to your servant.” So they said, “Do as you have said.” 6 And Abraham went quickly into the tent to Sarah and said, “Quick! Three seahs of fine flour! Knead it, and make cakes.” 7 And Abraham ran to the herd and took a calf, tender and good, and gave it to a young man, who prepared it quickly. 8 Then he took curds and milk and the calf that he had prepared, and set it before them. And he stood by them under the tree while they ate.
9 They said to him, “Where is Sarah your wife?” And he said, “She is in the tent.” 10 The Lord said, “I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife shall have a son.” And Sarah was listening at the tent door behind him. 11 Now Abraham and Sarah were old, advanced in years. The way of women had ceased to be with Sarah. 12 So Sarah laughed to herself, saying, “After I am worn out, and my lord is old, shall I have pleasure?” 13 The Lord said to Abraham, “Why did Sarah laugh and say, ‘Shall I indeed bear a child, now that I am old?’ 14 Is anything too hard for the Lord? At the appointed time I will return to you, about this time next year, and Sarah shall have a son.” 15 But Sarah denied it, saying, “I did not laugh,” for she was afraid. He said, “No, but you did laugh.”

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Abraham’s Three Visitors, Part 1
Sermon Series: Genesis
Genesis 18:1-15
13 January 2019

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   How do we see the outworking of the Christian life in the life of Abraham?
2.  How do the appearances of God in the Old Testament prepare his people for the Incarnation?
3.  Why is it significant that the Lord had a meal with Abraham? How does this enhance the way we think about Communion?
4.  What do the Lord’s words concerning Sarah teach us about his nature and character?
5.  In what ways have you been tempted to doubt that nothing is “too hard for the LORD”?
6.  Discuss God’s grace in meeting Sarah where she is. How have you seen him do this in your life?

References: Genesis 12:7; 17:1; 19:1; John 14:9; Hebrews 13:2; Revelation 3:20; James 2:23; Genesis 11:30; 17:15-16; Psalm 9:1; Luke 1:37; Romans 8:30; John 6:39-40; Hebrews 11:11.

Offspring for Abram? Part 2

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

Genesis 16:1-16

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Offspring for Abram? Part 2 — Lonnie Bell
Sermon Series: Genesis
Genesis 16:1-16
25 November 2018
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FCC Vision Statement: Building on Exposition, Centering on Christ, Dying in Community, Serving on Mission
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DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.  Discuss the failures of major biblical characters.  What role do these play in pointing us to the Savior?
2.  Discuss the identity of the angel of the LORD.  What are some of the various ways we see Christ at work and referred to in the Old Testament?
3.  Why does God tell Hagar to return?
4.  What does this story teach us about God’s attitude towards people?
5.  How do you think Hagar’s report of this encounter would have affected Abram and Sarai?

References: Romans 11:32; Ephesians 2:7; Exodus 3:2, 4; Genesis 31:11, 13; Deuteronomy 32:10; Isaiah 32:14; Jeremiah 14:6; Ezekiel 33:11.