The Righteous God of Israel, Part 2

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

Romans 3:5-8

5 But if our unrighteousness serves to show the righteousness of God, what shall we say? That God is unrighteous to inflict wrath on us? ( I speak in a human way.) 6 By no means! For then how could God judge the world? 7 But if through my lie God’s truth abounds to his glory, why am I still being condemned as a sinner? 8 And why not do evil that good may come?—as some people slanderously charge us with saying. Their condemnation is just.

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The Righteous God of Israel, Part 2 — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 3:5-8
Sermon Series: Romans (24th sermon)
August 30, 2020

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   Why should the topic of God’s relationship to ethnic Israel matter to us? Discuss the implications given at the beginning of the sermon.
2.   What are some thoughts and questions that you have about this subject? How can you study it further?
3.   Summarize the objection that Paul addresses in vv. 5-7. How does he respond to it?
4.   Where do we see Paul’s reverence towards God in this passage? How does reverence practically play out in our lives?
5.   How does God bring glory to himself even through human sin? What does this say about God’s sovereignty and power? How can this truth be wrongly applied?

References: Romans 11:26, 28; 2:9; 11:11; Genesis 18:25; Deuteronomy 32:4; Romans 8:1; 1 Samuel 15:29; Isaiah 43:7; Ephesians 1:12; Romans 11:36; 3:7; Genesis 50:20; Romans 6:1-2.

The Righteous God of Israel, Part 1

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

Romans 3:1-4

1 Then what advantage has the Jew? Or what is the value of circumcision? 2 Much in every way. To begin with, the Jews were entrusted with the oracles of God. 3 What if some were unfaithful? Does their faithlessness nullify the faithfulness of God? 4 By no means! Let God be true though every one were a liar, as it is written, “That you may be justified in your words, and prevail when you are judged.”

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The Righteous God of Israel — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 3:1-4
Sermon Series: Romans (23rd sermon)
August 23, 2020

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   What is the first objection Paul deals with, and how does it naturally follow from chapter 2?
2.   What does it mean to say that the Jews are God’s chosen people? How does Paul describe their “advantage”?
3.   How does Paul view (largely unbelieving) Israel in relation to God?  Read and discuss Romans 11:28-29 in context.
4.   What is the second objection that Paul deals with in vv. 3-4?
5.   What does it mean for God to be faithful to his Word? Where do we this in the Bible, and how have you experienced it in your life?
6.   How does Paul bring faithfulness and judgment together in this passage?

References: Philippians 3:5-6; Acts 17:1-3; 19:8; Deuteronomy 10:15; Psalm 135:4; Isaiah 43:21; Deuteronomy 4:8; Psalm 147:19-20; John 4:22; Romans 9:4; 11:28-29, 17; Psalm 33:4; Lamentations 3:23; Romans 11:25-27; Psalm 51:3-4; Amos 3:2; Titus 1:2; Psalm 100:5.

Identity Invalidated

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

Romans 2:25-29

25 For circumcision indeed is of value if you obey the law, but if you break the law, your circumcision becomes uncircumcision. 26 So, if a man who is uncircumcised keeps the precepts of the law, will not his uncircumcision be regarded as circumcision? 27 Then he who is physically uncircumcised but keeps the law will condemn you who have the written code and circumcision but break the law. 28 For no one is a Jew who is merely one outwardly, nor is circumcision outward and physical. 29 But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. His praise is not from man but from God.

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Identity Invalidated — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 2:25-29
Sermon Series: Romans (22nd sermon)
August 16, 2020

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   Where does Paul include little glimpses of gospel grace in 2:1-16? What do we learn from these passages about the Christian life?
2.   What did the Jews in Paul’s day think about circumcision? How does Paul refute their thinking in vv. 25-27, and why would this have been so appalling to the Jewish ear?
3.   How has Romans 2 affected the way you think about the Christian’s relationship to the law? How has it encouraged you towards a more fruitful life?
4.   What does it mean to have a circumcised heart, and where else do we see this concept in the Bible?
5.   Why do sinners love outward religion? How does the Christian’s mindset differ?

References: Romans 3:21-22; 2:7, 10, 14-16; 1 Corinthians 7:19; Genesis 2:16-17; 3:17; 6:22; 22:3; Romans 1:5; 8:4, 7; John 6:28-29; Matthew 5:17; Deuteronomy 10:16; Jeremiah 4:4; Colossians 2:11; Philippians 3:3; John 5:44; Matthew 23:5.

Safety Shattered

Romans 2:17-24

17 But if you call yourself a Jew and rely on the law and boast in God 18 and know his will and approve what is excellent, because you are instructed from the law; 19 and if you are sure that you yourself are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness, 20 an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of children, having in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth— 21 you then who teach others, do you not teach yourself? While you preach against stealing, do you steal? 22 You who say that one must not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? 23 You who boast in the law dishonor God by breaking the law. 24 For, as it is written, “The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.”

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Safety Shattered — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 2:17-24
Sermon Series: Romans (21st sermon)
August 9, 2020

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   Why does Paul wait until v. 17 to explicitly address the Jews? How does this passage build on and reiterate Paul’s previous arguments?
2.   How do the Jews in Paul’s day see themselves? Were they right or wrong to think that way?
3.   What does it mean to rightly “boast in God”? Where had the Jews gone wrong?
4.   What does this passage communicate to the professing Christian? How has Romans 2 informed or impacted you personally?
5.   How does Paul connect Jewish hypocrisy back to Gentile idolatry, particularly in v. 23? How does this encourage us to consciously live for God’s glory?

References: Psalm 1; 119:105; Jeremiah 9:24; John 5:23, 39; 8:42; Isaiah 42:6; 49:6; Genesis 22:18; John 12:36; Matthew 5:14; 15:14; Titus 2:11-14; Deuteronomy 7:25; Matthew 5:28; Romans 1:5, 21; Ephesians 1:12; 2:7; 1 Corinthians 10:31.

Doers Not Hearers

Romans 2:12-16

12 For all who have sinned without the law will also perish without the law, and all who have sinned under the law will be judged by the law. 13 For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified. 14 For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law. 15 They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them 16 on that day when, according to my gospel, God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus.

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Doers Not Hearers — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 2:12-16
Sermon Series: Romans (20th sermon)
August 2, 2020

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   What Jewish mindset with respect to the law is Paul refuting in this passage?
2.   Where else in Scripture do we see this emphasis on not being a mere hearer?
3.   How can exposure to God’s truth actually lead to false assurance? What does it mean to say that hearing without doing is storing?
4.   How does Paul’s language in vv. 14-15 suggest that he is talking about Gentile believers? What other passages support this interpretation? Read and discuss how these verses relate to vv. 7-10 and 26-29.
5.   What does it mean to say that a Christian does “what the law requires” (v. 14)? Read and discuss Romans 7:22 and 8:4.
6.   Why will our conflicting thoughts accuse and excuse us on the day of Judgment?
7.   How does this passage encourage you in the Christian life? How does it clarify the relationship between faith, works, law, and gospel?

References: Romans 9:4-5; Joshua 1:8; Ezra 7:10; Romans 3:9; 7:12; James 1:22; Matthew 7:24; Jeremiah 31:33; 2 Corinthians 3:3; Romans 2:26-29; Romans 7:22; 8:4; Ephesians 2:12-13; James 2:20-24; 1 Corinthians 4:5; 1 John 3:20.

The Righteous Judgment, Part 2

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

Romans 2:6-11

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The Righteous Judgment, Part 2 — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 2:6-11
Sermon Series: Romans (19th sermon)
July 26, 2020

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   In general, how do vv. 7-10 provide clarity on the relationship between justification by faith and judgment according to works?
2.   How does Paul describe the heart and conduct of a Christian? What do you find surprising or challenging?
3.   How does v. 7 both test us and spur us on?
4.   What does it mean to say that God’s gift of eternal life should be understood in terms of the past, present, and future?
5.   How do Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:31-33 help us to understand the basic difference between the saved and the condemned?
6.   How does Paul describe the heart, conduct, and outcome of the condemned? How does this encourage your zeal in prayer and evangelism?

References: Romans 3:12; Jeremiah 31:33; 2 Timothy 3:17; Ephesians 2:10; Matthew 25:21; Colossians 3:1; Matthew 6:33; 7:19; Luke 8:15; Galatians 5:6; Revelation 2:10; Acts 13:48; John 5:24; Matthew 6:31-32; Jeremiah 17:10; Revelation 20:15; Matthew 10:28; 1 Samuel 6:20; Romans 5:11.

The Righteous Judgment, Part 1

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

Romans 2:6-11

6 He will render to each one according to his works: 7 to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life; 8 but for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury. 9 There will be tribulation and distress for every human being who does evil, the Jew first and also the Greek, 10 but glory and honor and peace for everyone who does good, the Jew first and also the Greek. 11 For God shows no partiality.

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The Righteous Judgment, Part 1 — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 2:6-11
Sermon Series: Romans (18th sermon)
July 19, 2020

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   What does it look like to show partiality in judgment?
2.   Why does Paul think it necessary at this point in his argument to say that “God shows no partiality”?
3.   Where else in the New Testament do we find what Paul says in v. 6: “He will render to each one according to his works”? Why does this sound strange and problematic to us in light of the gospel?
4.   Discuss how these two truths come together in Scripture: 1) We are justified by faith alone; 2) God’s final judgment is based on works. How do we reconcile them?
5.   What practical effect should this doctrine of final judgment have on the Christian? How do the New Testament writers apply it to their readers?

References: Genesis 18:25; Psalm 50:6; Hebrews 12:23; James 4:12; Psalm 9:7-8; 2 Timothy 4:8; Leviticus 19:15; Psalm 62:12; Proverbs 24:12; Matthew 16:27; John 5:28-29; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Romans 3:28; Ephesians 2:8-9; Galatians 5:6; 1 Peter 1:17-19; Romans 11:19-22; Galatians 6:7-9; Romans 14:10-13; James 2:18; Ephesians 2:10.

The Self-Righteous Judge

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

Romans 2:1-5

1 Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things. 2 We know that the judgment of God rightly falls on those who practice such things. 3 Do you suppose, O man—you who judge those who practice such things and yet do them yourself—that you will escape the judgment of God? 4 Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? 5 But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed.

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The Self-Righteous Judge — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 2:1-5
Sermon Series: Romans (17th sermon)
July 5, 2020

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   What is the Jewish mindset that Paul addresses in this passage? Where do we see it today?
2.   How does 2 Samuel 12:1-7 illustrate this text?
3.   How has judgmental hypocrisy played out in your relationships? What does the gospel say to this sin?
4. As Paul describes it here, what is going on in the heart of this self-righteous judge?
5.   What does it mean to presume on God’s kindness? Why should his kindness lead us to repentance?
6.   What is the end result for the hypothetical person addressed in these verses?

References: Romans 3:9-10; Matthew 23:27; 2 Samuel 12:1-7; Matthew 7:3; 3:9-10; Zephaniah 1:15; Daniel 12:2; Romans 3:22.

Idolatry Repaid, Part 2

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

Romans 1:28-32

28 And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done. 29 They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, maliciousness. They are gossips, 30 slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, 31 foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless. 32 Though they know God’s righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them.

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Idolatry Repaid, Part 2— Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 1:28-32
Sermon Series: Romans (16th sermon)
June 28, 2020

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   What is Paul’s intention in Romans 1:18-32 as a whole? How do vv. 28-32 connect back to the previous verses?
2.   What does it mean to have a “worthless” or “debased” mind? How does this remind us of the contrast between believers and unbelievers?
3.   What strikes you most about Paul’s list of sins in vv. 29-31? How is it both refreshing and convicting for the Christian?
4.   Why does Paul include these particular vices? How does this list speak to current events?
5.   How have you been tempted towards strife during this time of pandemic and social unrest? How do we protect against this sin individually and as a church family?
6.   How does v. 32 function as a culmination of Paul’s argument?
7.   How does a passage like this raise our appreciation of what Christ did at the cross?

References:  Genesis 1:26-28; Ephesians 4:17; 1 Corinthians 2:16; Colossians 3:10; Galatians 5:16; Romans 8:13; 1 Peter 2:11; 2 Timothy 3:1-2; Genesis 2:17; Romans 6:23; Numbers 15:30; Proverbs 2:14.

Idolatry Repaid, Part 1

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

Romans 1:24, 26-27

24 Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, 25 because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen.
26 For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; 27 and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error.

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Idolatry Repaid, Part 1— Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 1:24, 26-27
Sermon Series: Romans (15th sermon)
June 21, 2020
Video copy of sermon is found at

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   What are some temptations that Christians face when addressing the issue of homosexuality?
2.   Discuss interactions that you have had with people in your life who practice homosexuality. How does this passage help us to communicate with them more clearly?
3.   What does Paul mean when he says that God “gave them up” to this sin? How does this passage balance divine sovereignty and human responsibility?
4.   What is the connection between idolatry and homosexuality? In particular, how do the themes of “nature” and “honor” play into it?
5.   How does 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 give hope to the person engaged in this sin?

References: 2 Timothy 4:3; James 1:13-14; Ephesians 4:19; Genesis 2:24; Leviticus 20:13; 1 Timothy 1:10; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; Titus 3:5-7.

God Replaced

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

Romans 1:22-25

22 Claiming to be wise, they became fools, 23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things.
24 Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, 25 because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen.

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God Replaced — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 1:22-25
Sermon Series: Romans (14th sermon)
June 14, 2020

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   According to Paul’s logic in this section, what is the relationship between ingratitude and idolatry?  How does this help us wage war against the idols in our lives?
2.   What does it mean to say that we are worshipping and religious creatures by nature?  How does this guide us in relating to unbelievers?
3.   How can we help our children identify idols in their hearts?  What impact does our own idolatry have on them?
4.   What are the layers of contrast that Paul lays out in v. 23?  How does his language serve to show the folly and wickedness of idolatry?
5.   Why is idolatry inherently satanic?  How does this help us to understand Satan’s tactics when he tempts us?
6.   Why does Paul break out in praise at the end of v. 25? 

References: 1 Thessalonians 5:18;  1 Corinthians 1:20;  Jeremiah 13:25;  10:14;  16:19;  2:11;
1 Thessalonians 1:9;  John 8:44;  1 Corinthians 10:20;  Genesis 1:28;  Psalm 106:20.

The Truth Rejected

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

Romans 1:19-21

19 For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. 20 For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. 21 For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened.

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The Truth Rejected — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 1:19-21
Sermon Series: Romans (13th sermon)
June 7, 2020

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   How does Romans 1:18-3:20 fit within the larger section of 1:18-4:25?  Who does Paul have in mind in 1:18-32?
2.   How is God’s revelation of himself in nature both clear and considerable?  How would you explain to someone that the creation points to God?
3.   Why does Paul say that human beings are without excuse?  How should this passage guide our thinking on apologetics?
4.   How does failing to honor and give thanks to God lead to all other sins?  What does this imply for growth as a Christian?
5.   How does Paul describe the inner workings of the unbeliever at the end of v. 21?  How does this description enhance our understanding of the nature of sin?

References: Romans 1:18; 3:10, 20; Psalm 19:1-4; Acts 14:16-17; Psalm 29:1-2; Genesis 3:1-7; Matthew 15:19.

The Judgment Revealed

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

Romans 1:18

18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth.

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The Judgment Revealed — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 1:18
Sermon Series: Romans (12th sermon)
May 31, 2020

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   What are some practical ways that we can fight the temptation to be judgmental and divisive as we prepare to regather?
2.   Why is the notion of God’s wrath problematic and offensive to many?
3.   Why is it so important that Christians not avoid topics such as sin, wrath, and hell?
4.   How should we understand God’s wrath? What does it mean to say that it is being revealed in the present?
5.   How is Paul’s language for human sinfulness both comprehensive and God-centered?
6.   What does Paul mean when he says that human beings suppress the truth by/in unrighteousness? How have you seen this play out in people’s lives, and how does it affect the way we evangelize?

References: John 3:36; Romans 1:32; 13:4; Ephesians 4:31; James 1:20; Habakkuk 1:13; Psalm 51:4; Romans 3:10, 23; Psalm 5:5-6; Ephesians 2:3; Psalm 14:1.

The Glorious Gospel, Part 2

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

Romans 1:16-17

16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”

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The Glorious Gospel, Part 2— Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 1:16-17
Sermon Series: Romans (11th sermon)
May 24, 2020

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   How has our time spent in Romans 1 increased your eagerness to share the gospel?  What has been exposed in your heart?
2.   What is the logic connecting vv. 16 and 17?  What does the gospel reveal?
3.   What does Paul mean by “the righteousness of God”?  What are some other passages or verses that aid in our interpretation?
4.   What does it mean to say that Christ’s righteousness is imputed to us?  How would you describe justification by faith alone to an unbeliever?
5.   What does it mean to say that the gospel will be “good news” to us only in so far as we recognize God’s holiness and our unholiness?
6.   How do humans try to establish their own righteousness?  What does the gospel say to this endeavor?
7.   What is Paul trying to show by citing Habakkuk 2:4?

References: Romans 8:18; 10:13-15; 3:5; 10:3; 5:17; Philippians 3:9; Romans 4:3, 6; 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Corinthians 1:30; Romans 3:23; 6:23; Matthew 12:18; Romans 3:24-25; Habakkuk 2:4.

The Glorious Gospel, Part 1

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

Romans 1:16-17

16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”

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The Glorious Gospel, Part 1— Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 1:16-17
Sermon Series: Romans (10th sermon)
May 17, 2020

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   What does it mean to say that this passage gives us the “logic of evangelistic zeal”?
2.   In what ways have you been tempted to be ashamed of the gospel?
3.   What makes the gospel so powerful? What does it mean to be saved?
4.   What are some of the powerless substitutes that people look to for salvation?
5.   How does viewing the gospel as invested with this kind of power affect how we share it with others?
6.   How is the gospel both inclusive and exclusive? Why does Paul say that it is “to the Jew first”?

References: Mark 8:38; 2 Timothy 1:8; 1 Corinthians 1:18-31; Psalm 77:14-15; 1 Thessalonians 5:9; 2 Timothy 2:10; John 4:22; Romans 9:4-5; Ephesians 2:12; Galatians 3:28.

The Heart Behind the Ministry, Part 2

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

Romans 1:13-15

13 I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that I have often intended to come to you (but thus far have been prevented), in order that I may reap some harvest among you as well as among the rest of the Gentiles. 14 I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish. 15 So I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome.

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The Heart Behind the Ministry, Part 2— Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 1:13-15
Sermon Series: Romans (9th sermon)
May 10, 2020

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.  What does it mean to say that Paul situates his laser beam ministry within his larger ministry?
2.  Why is Paul so intent on reassuring his readers? What does this imply for us as we relate to one another?3.  What hindered Paul from going to Rome? How should we respond to good desires that go unmet over a long period of time?
4.  How would Paul’s delay have humbled the Roman Christians? How do we avoid becoming self-important or self-absorbed as a church?
5.  Why does Paul describe his ministry in agricultural terms? What does it look like for us to pursue fruit while leaving the results to God?
6.  Why does Paul describe himself as a debtor? How does this encourage us towards evangelism?
7.  To use John MacArthur’s language, how does this text show us that “the gospel is the great equalizer”?

References: Romans 15:19-24; 1 Corinthians 2:2; John 15:16; 1 Corinthians 3:6-7; Philippians 1:12-14; 1 Corinthians 9:16-17.

The Heart Behind the Ministry, Part 1

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

Romans 1:8-12

8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is proclaimed in all the world. 9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I mention you 10 always in my prayers, asking that somehow by God’s will I may now at last succeed in coming to you. 11 For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you— 12 that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine.

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The Heart Behind the Ministry, Part 1— Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 1:8-12
Sermon Series: Romans (8th sermon)
May 3, 2020

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   Why does Paul begin his letter by revealing his heart towards his readers? What does this tell us about the relationship between love and doctrine?
2.   How would Paul’s gratitude towards God have encouraged his readers? How does this apply to us as we minister to fellow Christians?
3.   How does gratitude protect against envy?
4.   Why does Paul bring God forward as a witness? What effect would this have had on the Roman Christians?
5.   How does Paul describe his prayers in this passage? What would this kind of praying look like in our lives?
6.   Discuss how Paul’s words encourage “longing with patience” as we work through this COVID-19 situation as a church.
7.   What does the clarification in v. 12 imply about all Christians?

References: Ephesians 4:12; 5:20; Colossians 3:17; Romans 11:33-36; Colossians 3:23; Ephesians 6:18; Romans 15:23; 2 Corinthians 5:2; 1 Peter 2:2.

The Mission of the Letter, Part 2

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

Romans 1:5-7

5 through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations, 6 including you who are called to belong to Jesus Christ,
7 To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints:
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

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The Mission of the Letter, Part 2— Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 1:5-7
Sermon Series: Romans (7th sermon)
April 26, 2020

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   How do these verses remind us that ministry is about people? How can this be overlooked in practice?
2.   What’s the first thing that comes to your mind when you think “Christian”? How does Paul summarize it?
3.   What does it mean to say that God’s love for us is before time, in the fullness of time, and in our time?
4.   Why is it unbiblical to refer to only some Christians as “saints”?
5.   What does the greeting “grace and peace” entail?
6.   How does this passage encourage us to focus on God’s initiative and acts when we think or talk about who we are as Christians?

References: Romans 1:13; 8:30; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Ephesians 1:4-5; Galatians 4:4; John 3:16; Ephesians 2:4-5; 1:6; 1 Peter 2:9-10; Romans 5:1, 2; Psalm 145.

The Mission of the Letter, Part 1

Romans 1:5-7

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

Click HERE for video of sermon

NOTE:  Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for playback to begin.

The Mission of the Letter, Part 1— Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 1:5-7
Sermon Series: Romans (6th sermon)
April 19, 2020

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   How does it change your mindset when you view your own service or ministry as a gracious gift to you from God?
2.    What does it mean to say that if we’re not doing something through Christ, we’re not doing it for God?
3.   What does Paul mean when he refers to “the obedience of faith”? How does this deepen our understanding of salvation?
4.   How can we trace the mission of God all the way back to Genesis? Why should it eradicate all racism?
5.   What do the immediate and ultimate aims of God’s mission teach us about evangelism?

References: 1 Corinthians 15:10; 1 Timothy 1:13-15; Romans 12:3; 15:15; 2 Corinthians 12:9; John 15:5; Romans 16:26; 10:16; 11:23, 30; 6:15-18; 11:13; 15:18; Genesis 12:3; 49:10; Isaiah 49:6; Daniel 7:14; Philippians 2:9-11.

Easter Sunday: A Resurrection-Oriented Life (Copy)

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

Romans 1:4

4 and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord,

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A Resurrection-Oriented Life— Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 1:4
Sermon Series: Romans (5th sermon)
April 12, 2020, Easter Sunday message

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   How did you and your family celebrate Christ’s death and resurrection at home this weekend? What did you miss about not being able to gather with the local church?
2.   How does the language that Paul uses for Christ’s resurrection give us hope? What are some other New Testament passages that have strengthened your hope in future resurrection?
3.   Discuss the following statement: “In the midst of this pandemic, our hope should be far more contagious than this virus.” What opportunities have you had to share this hope with others?
4.   Why should the Christian have no fear of death?
5.   How does Christ’s resurrection connect to our holiness? What does living a life of holiness look like in practice?
6.   How does living for the sake of Christ’s name give us purpose for every moment and in every sphere of life?

References: 1 Corinthians 15:20-23; Acts 26:23; 1 Peter 1:3; John 11:26; Mark 12:27; Philippians 1:21, 23; Ephesians 1:17-20; John 2:19; 1 Peter 3:18; Acts 17:31; Romans 6:4; 8:13; 6:12-13; 2 Corinthians 7:1; Philippians 2:9-11; Romans 1:5.