Four Corners Church

By Four Corners ChurchReligion & Spirituality Christianity

Four Corners Church episodes

May 23, 2021 Safe In God's Hands, Part 2
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.
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May 16, 2021 Safe In God's Hands, Part 1
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.
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May 09, 2021 Our Unfailing Hope, Part 2
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.
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May 02, 2021 Our Unfailing Hope , Part 1
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.
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April 25, 2021 Awaiting Glory
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.
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April 18, 2021 Led by the Spirit
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.
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April 11, 2021 In the Flesh vs In the Spirit
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
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April 04, 2021 An Easter Explanation
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.
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March 28, 2021 The Believer's Battle, Part 2
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.
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March 21, 2021 The Believer's Battle, Part 1
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 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.
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