The Glorious Gospel, Part 2

May 24, 2020 Administration

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

May 17, 2020 Administration

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

Romans 1:16-17

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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

May 10, 2020 Administration

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

May 3, 2020 Administration

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

April 26, 2020 Administration

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

April 19, 2020 Administration

Romans 1:5-7

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

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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)

April 12, 2020 Administration

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.

The Message in the Letter, Part 2

April 5, 2020 Administration

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

Romans 1:2-4

2 which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, 3 concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh 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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The Message in the Letter, Part 2— Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 1:2-4
Sermon Series: Romans (4th sermon)
April 5, 2020

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   How does knowing more about Christ enhance our communication with him?
2.   How does Jesus’ identity as the “Son of David” demonstrate God’s sovereignty and faithfulness?
3.   Discuss what it means that Jesus has two natures. How could this truth be neglected or misunderstood?
4.   How does Christ’s humanity bring us comfort during this time?
5.   Read and discuss the three texts cited to explain the meaning of v. 4. How does Philippians 2:6-11 help?
6.   What does Christ’s resurrected glory mean for us now and in the future?

References: Genesis 49:8-12; 2 Samuel 7:12-13; Isaiah 9:7; Jeremiah 23:5; Matthew 1:1-17; Luke 3:23-38; Hebrews 4:15; Romans 9:5; Hebrews 1:2; Colossians 1:13, 16; John 3:16; Romans 8:3; Acts 2:36; Matthew 28:18; Acts 13:32-33; Psalm 2:7; Philippians 2:6-11; 1 Corinthians 15:20.

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The Message in the Letter, Part 1

March 29, 2020 Administration

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

Romans 1:2-4

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The Message in the Letter, Part 1— Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 1:2-4
Sermon Series: Romans (3rd sermon)
March 29, 2020

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   What are your greatest fears during this pandemic, and what does the gospel say to them?
2.   How can we ensure that our minds are saturated more with the good news of the Bible than with the bad news of the media?
3.   In what ways do we see God’s promise of the gospel in the Old Testament? What are some prophetic words or pictures that have stood out most to you?
4.   What does it mean to say that God’s Word is holy and unbreakable? How should this affect the way we read it?
5.   Discuss the fact that the gospel concerns a person rather than mere ideas or teachings. How does this practically bring us comfort during times like these?

References:
Psalm 19:7, 8; 1:3; Jeremiah 17:8; Luke 24:27; Matthew 5:17; John 5:39; John 10:35; 2 Timothy 3:16;
2 Peter 1:20; Galatians 3:8; Genesis 12:3; Romans 16:20; Titus 2:11; Philippians 2:6-11; Romans 14:8.

The Man behind the Letter, Part 2

March 8, 2020 Administration

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

Romans 1:1

1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God,

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The Man behind the Letter, Part 2— Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 1:1
Sermon Series: Romans (2nd sermon)
March 8, 2020

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   What are you asking the Lord to do in your life through this series in Romans?
2.   What does Paul mean when he says that he is an apostle? How does this concept help us understand and explain the nature of New Testament Scripture?
3.   Lest we think Paul was pushing his weight around, discuss how his authority as an apostle was derivative, by grace, and under the cross.
4.   What does it mean to say that Paul was “a gospel man”? How does this encourage our own single-minded devotion to Christ?
5.   How good is the “good news” to you? How can we as individuals and GCGs grow in our joy in the gospel?

References: Romans 15:24-25, 28; 1:16; Mark 3:13-14; Galatians 1:1; Acts 26:16-17; John 20:21; Acts 9:15; 2 Corinthians 12:12; 1 Corinthians 9:1; Acts 2:42; Ephesians 2:20; John 14:26; John 16:13; 2 Peter 3:16; Galatians 1:15; 1 Corinthians 4:13; Jeremiah 1:5; Leviticus 20:26; Romans 11:13; Acts 20:24.

The Man behind the Letter, Part 1

March 1, 2020 Administration

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

Romans 1:1

1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God,

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The Man behind the Letter, Part 1 — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 1:1
Sermon Series: Romans (1st sermon)
March 1, 2020

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   How have you viewed Romans in the past? Discuss its significance in Christian history.
2.   Summarize the background of Romans. What are some questions you have about this letter as we begin this series?
3.   How does Paul’s conversion serve as evidence for the veracity of Christianity? What does it say about God’s character/attributes?
4.   What does it look like in practice to live as a “servant/slave of Christ Jesus”? Is this the first thing you would say about yourself?
5.   What does it mean to say that this slavery is not tyranny but redemption?
6.   How does this self-designation as “servant/slave of Christ Jesus” point us back to the Old Testament? What does it say about Paul’s role?

References: Acts 20:1-7; 2:10; 7:58; 13:9; Galatians 1:13-14; Philippians 3:4-6; Acts 9:4, 15; Romans 11:13; 15:16; 1 Corinthians 7:23; Acts 20:28; Matthew 8:9; Romans 6:16; Galatians 1:10; John 15:15; Philippians 2:7; Matthew 20:28