God's Righteousness Stands

June 13, 2021 Administration

Romans 9:14-18
14 Are we saying, then, that God was unfair? Of course not! 

15 For God said to Moses, 

“I will show mercy to anyone I choose,
and I will show compassion to anyone I choose.” 

16 So it is God who decides to show mercy. We can neither choose it nor work for it. 

17 For the Scriptures say that God told Pharaoh, “I have appointed you for the very purpose of displaying my power in you and to spread my fame throughout the earth.” 18 So you see, God chooses to show mercy to some, and he chooses to harden the hearts of others so they refuse to listen.

God’s Righteousness Stands — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 9:14-18
Sermon Series: Romans (59th sermon)
June 13, 2021

Deep Sheet: Sermon Study Questions
1.   Why would Paul’s teaching in vv. 6-13 have raised questions about God’s righteousness in some people’s minds?
2.   What are some arguments against election that you have heard based on God’s “fairness”? How does this passage help you to respond?
3.   Why does Paul move the discussion from justice to mercy? How does this provide us with a better foundation for thinking about election?
4.   How does v. 16 make clear that election is unconditional?
5.   How does Pharaoh serve as an illustration? What is the role of God’s glory in Paul’s argument?
6.   What does it mean that God hardened Pharaoh’s heart?

References: Romans 9:3; 11:5, 7; 9:22, 23; Genesis 18:25; Psalm 71:19; Romans 3:5; Exodus 33:19; 9:16; 15:14-16; Joshua 2:9-10.

God's Word Stands

June 6, 2021 Administration

Romans 9:6-13
6 Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel: 7 neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called. 8 That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed.
 9 For this is the word of promise, At this time will I come, and Sarah shall have a son. 10 And not only this; but when Rebecca also had conceived by one, even by our father Isaac; 11 (for the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;) 12 it was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger. 13 As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated.

The Apostle’s Anguish — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 9:6-13
Sermon Series: Romans (58th sermon)
June 6, 2021

Deep Sheet: Sermon Study Questions
1.   What does it mean that God is faithful? What practical effect does this have on our lives?
2.   What is the problem/difficulty that Paul addresses as he enters chapter 9? Why does it seem to call God’s faithfulness into question?
3.   Where else in the New Testament do we find the idea that “not all are children of Abraham because they are his offspring”? How does this passage give us the concept of “true Israel”?
4.   What was the false fortress of comfort that many Jews in Paul’s day had constructed? Where do we see a similar mindset today?
5.   How does Paul describe God’s choice of Jacob over Esau as unconditional? How does election serve Paul’s larger point that God’s Word has not failed?

References: 2 Corinthians 1:18-20; Deuteronomy 4:7-8; 7:6; Matthew 3:9-10; John 8:39-40, 44; Romans 2:17, 28-29; 4:12; 1:17; Genesis 17:21; 18:10, 14; 25:23; Malachi 1:2, 3; Ephesians 1:11.

The Apostle's Anguish

May 30, 2021 Administration

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

Romans 9:1-5

The Apostle’s Anguish — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 9:1-5
Sermon Series: Romans (57th sermon)
May 30, 2021

Deep Sheet: Sermon Study Questions
1.   What questions do you have as we begin this section? What reasons were given for the significance and relevance of chapters 9-11?
2.   What is the logical connection between the end of chapter 8 and the beginning of chapter 9?
3.   Why does Israel’s unbelief bring Paul so much sorrow? In general, how does the depth of his concern for the lost convict us in the area of evangelism?
4.   How does Paul describe Israel? What pictures / stories from the Old Testament come to your mind as you read vv. 4-5?
5.   How does the end of v. 5 function as a climax to Paul’s description of Israel? How does it inform our view of Christ?

References: Romans 11:32-36; 1:9-10; Exodus 32:32; Philippians 3:5; Genesis 32:28; Deuteronomy 7:6; Exodus 4:22; Leviticus 16:2; Jeremiah 31:31-34; Genesis 12:1-3; Romans 11:28-29; Titus 2:13; Luke 1:54-55, 68-69.

Safe In God's Hands, Part 2

May 23, 2021 Administration

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

Romans 8:31-39

Safe In God’s Hands, Part 2 — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 8:31-39
Sermon Series: Romans (56th sermon)
May 23, 2021

Deep Sheet: Sermon Study Questions
1.   How does Romans 8 produce confident Christians? How has your confidence grown as we’ve studied this chapter?
2.   How would you characterize the “love of Christ”? How does our culture replace this definition of love with superficial substitutes?
3.    Compare the different forms of suffering listed in v. 35 with Paul’s description of his own sufferings in 2 Corinthians 11:23-28. Have you considered suffering to be the norm for the Christian?
4.   What does it mean to be “more than conquerors”? How does this refer back to v. 28?
5.   What does it look like to confess / repent of / put to death doubting God’s love? How have you fought this sin in your life?
6.   How are vv. 38-39 comprehensive in scope? Why should this climax produce a fearless life?

References: John 15:13; Ephesians 5:2; Romans 2:9; 2 Timothy 3:12; Psalm 44:22; Romans 13:4; 8:28; 2 Corinthians 11:23-28; Ephesians 3:18-19; John 17:22-23; Romans 14:8; Colossians 2:15; Ephesians 1:21; Galatians 5:16.

Safe In God's Hands, Part 1

May 16, 2021 Administration

Safe In God’s Hands, Part 1 — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 8:31-39
Sermon Series: Romans (55th sermon)
May 16, 2021

1.   How has Romans 8 strengthened your confidence in the Lord?
2.   What is Paul’s logic in v. 32, and how does it assure the believer?
3.   How would you describe the magnitude of God’s gift? How do Genesis 22 and Isaiah 53 provide a backdrop?
4.   Who or what accuses the Christian? Why do all charges and condemnation fail to stick?
5.   Why does Paul not stop at his mention of Christ’s death in v. 34? What does it mean that Christ intercedes for us?

References: John 10:27-29; Romans 5:1-11; Genesis 22:1-19; Isaiah 53:10; Galatians 3:13; Romans 3:25; 8:17; Matthew 5:5; 1 Corinthians 3:21-23; 16:9; Revelation 12:10; Romans 8:3, 13; 1 John 1:9; 2:1; Hebrews 7:25.

Our Unfailing Hope, Part 2

May 9, 2021 Administration

Our Unfailing Hope, Part 2 — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 8:26-30
Sermon Series: Romans (54th sermon)
May 9, 2021

DEEP SHEET Study Questions
1.   Where do you see worldliness in your life? How does the future hope that Paul describes in Romans 8 pluck you out of that mindset?
2.   What does it mean to be “conformed to the image” of God’s Son so that he will be the “firstborn among many brothers”? What does this say about the ultimate purpose of our salvation?
3.   What is foreknowledge, and why has it been debated among Christians? How is it related to predestination?
4.   How have you struggled with the doctrine of predestination/election? How does unconditional election foster humility rather than pride?
5.   How does Paul’s language show that this “golden chain” of salvation is unbroken from beginning to end? What practical impact does this knowledge have on the Christian life?

References: 1 Corinthians 15:49; John 17:24; 1 John 3:2; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Romans 11:2; Jeremiah 1:5; Genesis 18:19; Amos 3:2; Ephesians 1:4-5; Romans 8:7; Genesis 12:3; John 6:44; 2 Thessalonians 2:14.

Our Unfailing Hope , Part 1

May 2, 2021 Administration

Our Unfailing Hope, Part 1 — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 8:26-30
Sermon Series: Romans (53rd sermon)
May 2, 2021

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   How does biblical “hope” differ from the way that word is used today? What were the two aspects of hope discussed in the sermon?
2.   Looking at the big picture, how does this whole portion of Romans 8 provide fuel for suffering, fighting, and holiness?
3.   What is Paul describing in vv. 26-27? How does this deepen our understanding of the Trinity?
4.   How does the intercessory work of the Spirit encourage us not to lose heart in the face of our weakness and failure?
5.   Why is v. 28 so precious to Christians? How has God used this verse in your life?
6.   How does the context of v. 28 bring clarity and precision to its meaning and application?

References: Hebrews 7:25; 1 John 2:1; Romans 8:34; 2 Corinthians 12:7-10; 1 Corinthians 12:30; 2 Timothy 1:9; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Philippians 3:21.

Awaiting Glory

April 25, 2021 Administration

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

Romans 8:18-25

[18] For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. [19] For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. [20] For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope [21] that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. [22] For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. [23] And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. [24] For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? [25] But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. (ESV)

Awaiting Glory — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 8:18-25
Sermon Series: Romans (52nd sermon)
April 25, 2021

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   How does this passage build on what Paul has written so far in chapter 8?
2.   Why should v. 18 bring us immense comfort in times of suffering? How does God use his peoples’ suffering as a witness?
3.   What is wrong with the natural world, and what does Paul say is going to happen to it at Christ’s return?
4.   Why is the future state of the created world tied to our glorification?
5.   What does it mean that we have the “firstfruits of the Spirit”? How is this meant to increase our hope and endurance?
6.   What exactly are we groaning and eagerly waiting for? What will it be like?

References: James 1:2; 1 Peter 1:6; Romans 8:35; Colossians 3:4; 1 Peter 4:13; 2 Corinthians 4:16-18; Genesis 3:17-19, 15; Isaiah 65:17; Revelation 21:1; Ephesians 1:13-14; 1 John 3:2; 1 Corinthians 15:52-55; Philippians 3:20-21; Hebrews 6:19; 1 Thessalonians 5:8.

Led by the Spirit

April 18, 2021 Administration

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

Romans 8:12-17
12 So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14 For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” 16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

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

Led by the Spirit — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 8:12-17
Sermon Series: Romans (51st sermon)
April 18, 2021

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   How does Romans 8 help us to talk with non-Christians who claim to be “spiritual”?
2.   Why should this concept of killing sin dramatically increase our seriousness and intentionality in living the Christian life? How do Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:29-30 relate?
3.   How does v. 13 guard us from the two pitfalls of passivity and self-reliance?
4.   How should we respond to someone who says that all people are God’s children? What does it mean to say that Christ is our “Brother”?
5.   In what ways do the five aspects of sonship discussed in the sermon (obedience, adoption, intimacy, assurance, and inheritance) clarify your relationship to God as a Christian?

References: Romans 5:5; Colossians 3:5, 2, 16; Matthew 5:29-30; John 1:12; Ephesians 2:2-3; Hebrews 2:11; Galatians 4:6; Psalm 73:25-26; John 17:24; 1 John 3:2.

In the Flesh vs In the Spirit

April 11, 2021 Administration

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

Romans 8:5-11
5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. 6 For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. 7 For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. 8 Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.
9 You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. 10 But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11 If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.

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

In the Flesh vs In the Spirit — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 8:5-11
Sermon Series: Romans (50th sermon)
April 11, 2021

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   How does Paul’s logic up to this point in Romans help us to make sense of the relationship between the Christian and God’s law?
2.   Who is the Holy Spirit? What does it mean that he dwells within the Christian?
3.   What does it look like for someone to have his or her mind set on the things of the Spirit rather than on the things of the flesh? How would you describe your pre- vs. post- converted life in these terms?
4.   Where do we see total depravity and total inability in this passage? How does this inform your doctrine of salvation?
5.   How does Paul relate Christ’s resurrection to our future resurrection in vv. 9-11? How does his logic reassure us and strengthen our hope?

References: Romans 9:31; John 14:23, 26; 15:26; Romans 5:1; 6:12; 7:24-25; 2 Corinthians 4:16

An Easter Explanation

April 4, 2021 Administration

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

Romans 8:1-4
1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. 3 For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, 4 in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.

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

An Easter Explanation — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 8:1-4
Sermon Series: Romans (49th sermon)
April 4, 2021

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   Why do you think Romans 8 has been called the “inner sanctuary,” “tree of life,” and “highest peak”?
2.   How do the first two verses define the Christian? How do they prioritize and center our gratitude?
3.   How would you summarize Paul’s argument leading up to this chapter that the law is unable to save us?
4.   As this passage describes God’s saving work, how does it raise your affections for each person of the Trinity?
5.   Where do we see Christ’s Resurrection in this text?
6.   How does the logic of v. 4 fuel our pursuit of holiness?

References: Romans 7:6, 25; 5:16, 18; Galatians 3:10; Romans 3:20; 7:5; Hebrews 4:15; Romans 6:4, 6, 13; 7:4, 25; 8:9; Acts 2:33; Galatians 5:16.

The Believer's Battle, Part 2

March 28, 2021 Administration

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

Romans 7:14-25
14 For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am of the flesh, sold under sin. 15 For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. 16 Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. 17 So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. 18 For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. 19 For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. 20Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me.
21 So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand. 22 For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, 23 but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. 24 Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? 25 Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin.

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

The Believer’s Battle, Part 2 — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 7:14-25
Sermon Series: Romans (48th sermon)
March 28, 2021

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   Why can we never take a vacation from our battle with sin?
2.   What does Ephesians 2:1-3 teach us about our enemy within?
3.   How does v. 22 show that this passage is referring to a Christian’s experience? What does Paul mean by the “inner being”?
4.   How does v. 24 illustrate what it means for us to be “poor in spirit” (Matthew 5:3)?
5.   How does this passage prepare us for celebrating Christ’s Resurrection on Easter Sunday?
6.   What does it look like to “serve the law of God with my mind” (v. 25)? Discuss the work of the Spirit.

References: 2 Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 2:1-3; James 1:14-15; Psalm 1; 2 Corinthians 4:16; Ephesians 3:16; Romans 6:12-13; Ephesians 6:10; John 15:5; Matthew 5:3; Galatians 5:17; Romans 8:10-11, 23; 1 Corinthians 15:53, 56-57; Galatians 5:16.

The Believer's Battle, Part 1

March 21, 2021 Administration

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

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

The Believer’s Battle, Part 1 — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 7:14-25
Sermon Series: Romans (47th sermon)
March 21, 2021

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   Why has Paul’s language given rise to debate over whether he is talking about a believer or an unbeliever?
2.   In what ways does this passage assure and encourage Christians?
3.   What is the disconnected experience described in vv. 14-15? In what ways have you seen this play out in your life?
4.   How does Paul describe the “I” in these verses? How does he contrast it with indwelling sin?
5.   Why does Paul’s explanation of the divided person not allow us to shift blame away from ourselves when we sin?

References: Romans 6:12; 10:2; 2:29; 8:13; Jeremiah 31:33; Galatians 5:16-18.

When the Sinner Meets the Law

March 14, 2021 Administration

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

Romans 7:7-13
7 What then shall we say? That the law is sin? By no means! Yet if it had not been for the law, I would not have known sin. For I would not have known what it is to covet if the law had not said, “You shall not covet.” 8 But sin, seizing an opportunity through the commandment, produced in me all kinds of covetousness. For apart from the law, sin lies dead. 9 I was once alive apart from the law, but when the commandment came, sin came alive and I died. 10 The very commandment that promised life proved to be death to me. 11 For sin, seizing an opportunity through the commandment, deceived me and through it killed me. 12 So the law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good.
13 Did that which is good, then, bring death to me? By no means! It was sin, producing death in me through what is good, in order that sin might be shown to be sin, and through the commandment might become sinful beyond measure.

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

When the Law Meets the Sinner — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 7:7-13
Sermon Series: Romans (46th sermon)
March 14, 2021

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   What questions have you had up to this point about sin and the law? How does this passage help in answering those questions?
2.   Why does Paul focus on the tenth commandment when explaining how the law brings the knowledge of sin? What does it mean to covet?
3.   How does the law result in the activation of sin in the sinner? Where have you seen examples of this in action?
4. Why does Paul use these three words in v12 to describe the law? What is the relationship between God and his law?
5.   As Paul upholds the character of the law, how does he also draw attention to its positive purpose at the end of v. 13?

References: Ephesians 5:20; Romans 6:14; Romans 3:20; Colossians 3:5; Ephesians 5:5; Leviticus 20:26; 2 Chronicles 12:6; 30:18-19; Romans 3:23; Hebrews 4:15.

Praise the Lord!

March 7, 2021 Administration

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

Psalm 148 - 150

PSALM 148 Praise the Name of the Lord
1 Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise him in the heights! 2 Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his hosts! 3 Praise him, sun and moon, praise him, all you shining stars! 4 Praise him, you highest heavens, and you waters above the heavens! 5 Let them praise the name of the Lord! For he commanded and they were created. 6 And he established them forever and ever; he gave a decree, and it shall not pass away. 7 Praise the Lord from the earth, you great sea creatures and all deeps, 8 fire and hail, snow and mist, stormy wind fulfilling his word! 9 Mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars! 10 Beasts and all livestock, creeping things and flying birds! 11 Kings of the earth and all peoples, princes and all rulers of the earth! 12 Young men and maidens together, old men and children! 13 Let them praise the name of the Lord, for his name alone is exalted; his majesty is above earth and heaven. 14 He has raised up a horn for his people, praise for all his saints, for the people of Israel who are near to him. Praise the Lord!
PSALM 149 Sing to the Lord a new song
1 Praise the Lord! Sing to the Lord a new song, his praise in the assembly of the godly! 2 Let Israel be glad in his Maker; let the children of Zion rejoice in their King! 3 Let them praise his name with dancing, making melody to him with tambourine and lyre! 4 For the Lord takes pleasure in his people; he adorns the humble with salvation. 5 Let the godly exult in glory; let them sing for joy on their beds. 6 Let the high praises of God be in their throats and two-edged swords in their hands, 7 to execute vengeance on the nations and punishments on the peoples, 8 to bind their kings with chains and their nobles with fetters of iron, 9 to execute on them the judgment written! This is honor for all his godly ones. Praise the Lord!
PSALM 150 Let Everything Praise the Lord
1 Praise the Lord! Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens! 2 Praise him for his mighty deeds; praise him according to his excellent greatness! 3 Praise him with trumpet sound; praise him with lute and harp! 4 Praise him with tambourine and dance; praise him with strings and pipe! 5 Praise him with sounding cymbals; praise him with loud clashing cymbals! 6 Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!

NOTE 1: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for playback to begin.

Praise the Lord! — Pastor Trey Russell
Psalms 148 - 150
Sermon Series: Stand Alone
March 7, 2021

Deep Sheet: Sermon Study Questions
1. Do you find your life to be more disoriented than it was this time last year? In what way? To what ought we be oriented?
2. Does understanding the glory of God as the ultimate end of all things change the way you think about everyday life? How?
3. How does knowing that God delights in his people help us to die to the law and live by the Spirit?
4. What hope does this text give to those who feel afflicted or lowly?
5. Are there parts of your life not clearly oriented toward the praise of God? What does it look like to properly orient those areas?

Why We Must Die to the Law

February 28, 2021 Administration

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

Romans 7:5-6
5 For while we were living in the flesh, our sinful passions, aroused by the law, were at work in our members to bear fruit for death. 6 But now we are released from the law, having died to that which held us captive, so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit and not in the old way of the written code.

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

Why We Must Die to the Law— Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 7:5-6
Sermon Series: Romans (45th sermon)
February 28, 2021

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. Why does it seem so strange to say that we must die to the law of God in order to bear fruit for God? How would this have sounded to Paul’s Jewish hearers?
2. How does the law excite/arouse/stimulate our sinful passions while we are living in the flesh? How does the concept of rebellion help us to make sense of this?
3. As we relate the law to parenting, what does Paul Tripp mean when he says, “Your children need God's law, but you cannot ask the law to do what only grace can accomplish”?
4. How does the law fail us? What are some other passages that highlight the inability of the law to impart righteousness or life?
5. What does it mean to “serve in the new way of the Spirit”? How do those who have the Spirit now relate to the law?

References: John 15:1-2; 5:39; Romans 9:31; Galatians 5:19-21, 24; Ephesians 2:2-3; Galatians 3:3; 2 Corinthians 3:6; Romans 2:28-29; Galatians 3:22.

Our Death to the Law

February 21, 2021 Administration

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

Romans 7:1-4
1 Or do you not know, brothers—for I am speaking to those who know the law—that the law is binding on a person only as long as he lives? 2 For a married woman is bound by law to her husband while he lives, but if her husband dies she is released from the law of marriage. 3 Accordingly, she will be called an adulteress if she lives with another man while her husband is alive. But if her husband dies, she is free from that law, and if she marries another man she is not an adulteress. 4 Likewise, my brothers, you also have died to the law through the body of Christ, so that you may belong to another, to him who has been raised from the dead, in order that we may bear fruit for God.

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

Our Death to the Law— Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 7:1-4
Sermon Series: Romans (44th sermon)
February 21, 2021

Deep Sheet: Sermon Study Questions
1.   How does the context surrounding Romans 7 help us not to misinterpret Paul’s statement that we’ve died to the law?
2.   What is the basic principle that Paul begins with in this passage? How is it illustrated in vv. 2-3?
3.   To what extent should this passage be factored into our understanding of divorce and remarriage? What other texts should be consulted when dealing with these issues?
4.   How would you summarize Paul’s main point in v. 4? How does he draw on the theme of dying with Christ from chapter 6?
5.   What are the purposes for our death to the law? How do these inform our view of the Christian life?

References: Romans 6:14, 17-18; 5:17; 3:21; Galatians 4:4-5; Psalm 1; Romans 3:31; 8:4; Matthew 5:32; 19:9; 1 Corinthians 7:13-15; Ephesians 5:25; 2 Corinthians 11:2; Romans 14:8-9; 8:29; Ephesians 2:10.

Inspect the Produce

February 14, 2021 Administration

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

Romans 6:20-23
20 For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. 21 But what fruit were you getting at that time from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. 22 But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life. 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

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

Inspect the Produce— Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 6:20-23
Sermon Series: Romans (43rd sermon)
February 14, 2021

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   How does this passage serve as a means of perseverance for the Christian?
2.   What is meant by the phrase, “free in regard to righteousness”?
3.   How does Paul describe the fruit of our old enslavement to sin? Why do we need to be reminded of it?
4.   How have you seen individual acts of sin bring shame and death?
5.   What is the fruit of our enslavement to God? Why is it so important for us to remember that our new slavery is to a person?
6.   How does v. 23 emphasize the grace of God and the centrality of Christ?
7.   How does Paul affirm the justice of hell in this passage?

References: Ephesians 5:11-12; 1 John 2:17; Ephesians 2:4; 2 Corinthians 5:4.

Life as a Slave

February 7, 2021 Administration

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

Romans 6:15-19
15 What then? Are we to sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means! 16 Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness? 17 But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, 18 and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness. 19 I am speaking in human terms, because of your natural limitations. For just as you once presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness leading to sanctification.

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

Life as a Slave— Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 6:15-19
Sermon Series: Romans (42nd sermon)
February 7, 2021

Deep Sheet: Sermon Study
1.   How much thought have you given to the fact that Christians are slaves? Why does this concept seem odd to us, and how does Paul address that tension at the beginning of v. 19?
2.   What is the question/objection that Paul addresses in this passage? How would you summarize his response?
3.   Why is continuing to practice sin both ludicrous and impossible for the Christian?
4.   How does Paul describe the transformation that takes place at conversion? Where do we see divine sovereignty as well as human agency?
5.   How does this passage highlight the importance of sound doctrine/theology?
6.   What does God call us to in v. 19, and how does this highlight the importance of daily moments and choices? Why should we be excited by the last phrase, “leading to sanctification”?

References: Romans 1:1; 1 Corinthians 6:20; Titus 2:14; Galatians 1:4; John 8:34; Matthew 6:24; 1 Samuel 15:22; Titus 3:5; Romans 1:5; 2:29.

Life After Death

January 31, 2021 Administration

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

Romans 6:12-14
12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. 13 Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness. 14 For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.

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

Life After Death — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 6:12-14
Sermon Series: Romans (41st sermon)
January 31, 2021

Deep Sheet: Sermon Study Questions
1.   How does the first part of Romans 6 shape how you view yourself as a Christian? Why must we view ourselves truly in order to live rightly?
2.   How does Paul characterize our relationship to sin in v. 12? Why does it seem a little confusing in light of what he’s just written?
3.   What is the scene depicted in v. 13? How does Paul use warfare language?
4.   How does v. 13 simplify the Christian life for us? Where are you personally convicted to stop offering up your members to serve sin?
5.   What does it look like to offer our members to God as weapons for righteousness?
6.   How does v. 14 bring reassurance and confidence to the reader? How does its placement after v. 13 show that grace should not lessen our fight against sin but rather motivate its intensity?

References: Ephesians 2:1; Colossians 1:13-14; Romans 8:13; Galatians 5:16, 24; Colossians 3:5, 8, 9; 2 Corinthians 5:17; 1 Peter 2:11; Romans 7:22-23; 1 Kings 10:8; Romans 13:14; 1 John 2:16-17; Psalm 145:5, 21; Romans 5:2.