Four Corners Church

By Four Corners ChurchReligion & Spirituality Christianity

Four Corners Church episodes

August 01, 2021 Hearing Without Believing (Romans 10:14-21)
Romans 10:14-21
14 How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed?
And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard?
And how are they to hear without someone preaching?
15 And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written,
“How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”
16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says,
“Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?”
17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

18 But I ask, have they not heard? Indeed they have, for
“Their voice has gone out to all the earth,
and their words to the ends of the world.”

19 But I ask, did Israel not understand? First Moses says,
“I will make you jealous of those who are not a nation;
with a foolish nation I will make you angry.”

20 Then Isaiah is so bold as to say,
“I have been found by those who did not seek me;
I have shown myself to those who did not ask for me.”

21 But of Israel he says, “All day long I have held out my hands to a disobedient and contrary people.”
Hearing Without Believing — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 10:14-21
Sermon Series: Romans (65th sermon)
August 1, 2021

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   What does it look like in practice for the gospel to be the great theme of a person’s life?
2.   How is this passage foundational for missionary zeal? How does it challenge us to be more active in sharing Christ?
3.   How are we encouraged to be grateful for people in our past and in church history?
4.   Based on Paul’s logic, what is the place of gospel preaching in the life of a church?
5.   Why is Christ’s lordship so central to saving faith? What does this imply about evangelism and the Christian life?
6.   How does Paul clearly hold Israel responsible for its rejection of the gospel? How does this also fall under God’s sovereign purposes?

References: Romans 1:1-3, 16-17; Isaiah 52:7; 53:1; Psalm 19:4; Colossians 1:23; Romans 1:5; 6:17; 10:9; Deuteronomy 32:21; Isaiah 65:1-2; John 12:37-40.
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July 25, 2021 The Saving Message (Romans 10:5-13)
Romans 10:5-23
5 For Moses writes about the righteousness that is based on the law, that the person who
does the commandments shall live by them. 6But the righteousness based on faith says,
“Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’” (that is, to bring Christ down)
7 “or ‘Who will descend into the abyss?’” (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead).
8 But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is,
the word of faith that we proclaim); 9 because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is
Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
10 For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and
is saved. 11 For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.”
12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all,
bestowing his riches on all who call on him. 13 For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
The Saving Message — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 10:5-13
Sermon Series: Romans (64th sermon)
July 25, 2021

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. What is the problem with legal righteousness? Why is it unattainable for us?
2. How does Satan use morality to deceive sinners? How have you seen this practically play out?
3. How does Paul present the accessibility of “the righteousness based on faith”?
4. What does it mean to say that Christianity is exclusive? Why is this so offensive to the world?
5. How would you explain v. 9? How are Christ’s lordship and resurrection connected?
6. How does this passage encourage Christians towards assurance and evangelism?

References: Leviticus 18:5; Genesis 15:6; Romans 3:20; 7:8-10; Galatians 3:10; Deuteronomy 30:12-13; Romans 1:16; Matthew 10:32.
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July 18, 2021 A Religious Rejection
A Religious Rejection — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 10:1-4
Sermon Series: Romans (63rd sermon)
July 18, 2021

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. Based on the three topics discussed at the beginning of the sermon, how would you summarize Paul’s teaching so far in chapters 9-11?
2. How does this passage illustrate the compatibility of God’s election and our evangelistic prayers? How can our GC actively encourage one another to continue praying for our lost friends and family members?
3. What was wrong with Israel’s zeal? How does this serve as a warning for us to rightly direct our own passion and discipline?
4. How does Paul’s language remove any excuse for Israel’s ignorance? In what ways are we tempted to plead ignorance while sinning?
5. How does v. 4 highlight Christ’s sufficiency? Is there someone in your life who is obviously relying on human works to be right with God? How could you use Romans 9:30-10:4 to share Christ with them this week?

References: Romans 9:6, 18, 27, 1-3; 11:26; Acts 22:3-4; 26:4-5; Philippians 3:5-6; Galatians 1:14; Mark 7:8; Romans 10:21; Genesis 15:6; Habakkuk 2:4; John 5:44; Romans 3:10; John 19:30; Isaiah 64:6
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July 11, 2021 The Human Responsibility Under the Divine Sovereignty
The Human Responsibility Under the Divine Sovereignty — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 9:30-33
Sermon Series: Romans (62nd sermon)
July 11, 2021

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. What does it mean to say that human responsibility and divine sovereignty are compatible? What are some other biblical doctrines that present tension or apparent contradiction?
2. How are the Gentiles and Israel contrasted in this passage? Why is Paul the ideal person to explain what’s happening as the gospel goes out to both Jews and Gentiles?
3. What does it look like to trust in our works? Why must the Christian constantly return to the doctrine of justification by faith alone?
4. How does works-righteousness naturally lead one to reject Christ? How does v. 33 show God’s sovereignty at work in Israel’s stumbling?
5. How do the final words of the passage, “whoever believes in him will not be put to shame,” strengthen your Christian life?

References: Romans 9:15-16, 18, 21; 1:18-32; Philippians 3:5-6; Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 3:20, 27-28; Isaiah 28:16; 8:14; 1 Peter 2:4-10; 1 Corinthians 3:11; 1:22-23.
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July 04, 2021 The Potter's Vessels of Mercy
The Potter’s Vessels of Mercy — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 9:24-29
Sermon Series: Romans (61st sermon)
July 4, 2021

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.    How do the considerations presented at the beginning of the sermon help you to process Paul’s teaching on election?
2.     How is Paul using Hosea to make a point about the Gentiles? In light of this and other passages like Ephesians 2:12 and 1 Peter 2:10, what should be our response?
3.     What does the language used by Hosea and Paul tell us about Christian identity? Why do we constantly need these reminders?
4.     How would you summarize Paul’s teaching on the remnant of Israel? How is it both a negative and a positive term?
5.     How does Isaiah’s reference to Sodom and Gomorrah highlight the extent of God’s mercy towards Israel?

References: Romans 9:4, 5; 1:2; 3:21-26; Hosea 2:23; 1:10; Ephesians 2:12; 1 Peter 2:9-10; Isaiah 10:22-23; 1:9; Genesis 19:1-29; Jude 7; Romans 11:1-10, 25-27.
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June 27, 2021 Partners in the Gospel
Philippians 1:1-6
Partners in the Gospel — Pastor Trey Russell
Philippians 1:1-6
Stand Alone Sermon
June 27, 2021

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   How does Paul express his gratitude for the Philippians in v.3-4? What does it look like for us to maintain a similar posture?
2.   What is the significance of Paul and the Philippians' "partnership in the gospel"? What does this tell us about the nature of our relationships within the church?
3.   What is the biblical concept of fellowship and how is that different from how the word is normally used in our day?
4.   In verse 6, how does Paul show that salvation is past, present, and future? How are each of these "tenses" of salvation encouraging to us?
5.   As God is "bringing your salvation to completion" are there some aspects of your faith that feel more "complete" than others? In other words, in what ways has the Lord grown you since your "first day in the gospel" and in what ways are you still clearly "incomplete"?

Scripture References: Acts 20:28; 1 Tim. 3:1-13; Phil. 4:17; 2 Cor. 8:1-2; Phil. 4:14; Rom. 8:24; 1 Cor. 1:18; Matt. 10:22
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June 20, 2021 The Sovereign Potter
The Sovereign Potter — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 9:19-23
Sermon Series: Romans (60th sermon)
June 20, 2021

Deep Sheet: Sermon Study Questions
1.   How has your understanding of election grown from Romans 8 and 9?
2.   What objection is Paul responding to in this section? What similar objections have you heard from people today?
3.   Do you find Paul’s response surprising? How does it humble us?
4.   What are some clues in the passage and its context that the lump of clay should be understood as fallen humanity?
5.   How do the “vessels of wrath” described in v. 22 serve to make known God’s glory for the “vessels of mercy”?
6.   What does this passage tell us about God’s ultimate purpose? What impact does that have on the Christian life?

References: Genesis 2:7; Isaiah 29:16; 45:9; 64:8; Proverbs 16:4; Ephesians 2:3; 1:5-6.
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June 13, 2021 God's Righteousness Stands
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.
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June 06, 2021 God's Word Stands
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.
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May 30, 2021 The Apostle's Anguish
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.
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