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.

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

(NOTE:  Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for recording to begin. SPECIAL NOTE — sermon recording was edited to excise the time spent out of the room during a fire alarm.)

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.