Four Corners Church

By Four Corners ChurchReligion & Spirituality Christianity

Four Corners Church episodes

December 19, 2021 Accepted by Christ, Accepting One Another
Romans 15:7-13
7 Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. 8 For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the Jews on behalf of God’s truth, so that the promises made to the patriarchs might be confirmed 9 and, moreover, that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written:
“Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles;
I will sing the praises of your name.”
10 Again, it says,
“Rejoice, you Gentiles, with his people.”
11 And again,
“Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles;
let all the peoples extol him.”
12 And again, Isaiah says,
“The Root of Jesse will spring up,
one who will arise to rule over the nations;
in him the Gentiles will hope.”
13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Accepted by Christ, Accepting One Another — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 15:7-13
Sermon Series: Romans (83rd Sermon)
December 19, 2021

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   What major Christmas themes do we find in this passage?
2.   How do these verses serve as a conclusion to Paul’s topic? In what ways do they look back over the entire epistle?
3.   How does Paul unify and motivate his readers?
4.   What do we learn about Christ from this text? Why did he come?
5.   What happens to unnecessary divisions when we are preoccupied with praising God for his mercy?
6.   How does Paul bring together the two themes of unity and hope? Why does neglect of one necessarily affect the other?
7.   How does Romans 15:13 give fresh direction to your prayer life?

References: Romans 1:16; Matthew 15:24; Luke 1:68-79; Genesis 12:3; Psalm 18:49; Deuteronomy 32:43; Psalm 117:1; Isaiah 11:10.
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December 12, 2021 Placing Others over Self
Romans 15:1-6
1We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. 2Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up. 3 For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.” 4 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.
5 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, 6 so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Placing Others over Self — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 15:1-6
Sermon Series: Romans (82nd Sermon)
December 12, 2021
1.   Where do we see worship of self in our culture? How can we help each other not be self-absorbed?
2.   What is Paul calling the strong to do as they relate to the weak? Why is this much easier said than done as we relate to one another within the local church?
3.   How is Christ the opposite of self-pleasing? How does a right understanding of Christmas breed self-denial?
4.   What does Paul say here about the role of Scripture? How does that encourage you to be more intentional about getting into the Word as the new year approaches?
5.   How does this passage highlight the importance of church unity? How does it also show us that such unity must be based on the authority of Scripture?
6.   In what ways do we take for granted or cheapen the language of “glorifying God”? How does this passage put meat on the bones of that concept?

References: Philippians 2:3-4; Galatians 6:2; Psalm 69:9; Mark 10:45; Philippians 2:5-8; 1 Corinthians 10:11, 31-33.
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December 06, 2021 Guarding Against Stumbling
Romans 14:13-23
13 Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister. 14 I am convinced, being fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for that person it is unclean. 15 If your brother or sister is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy someone for whom Christ died. 16 Therefore do not let what you know is good be spoken of as evil. 17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, 18 because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and receives human approval.
19 Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. 20 Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a person to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble. 21 It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to fall.
22 So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who does not condemn himself by what he approves. 23 But whoever has doubts is condemned if they eat, because their eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin.
Guarding Against Stumbling — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 14:13-23
Sermon Series: Romans (81st Sermon)
December 5, 2021

EEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. What were the major implications of Romans 14 covered in the introduction of the sermon? Which of these has most impacted you?
2. How can we be more sensitive/attentive? In what ways are we prone to ignore or disregard the consciences of our fellow Christians?
3. What is Paul encouraging his readers to guard against? What’s at stake for the weak?
4. How does this passage redirect our focus to what really matters in the Christian life? How does it attack selfishness/individualism?
5. How does Paul call his readers to self-denial? How might this play out in practice in a local church today?
6. What does v. 23 warn us against? How can we educate our consciences so that they are not overly scrupulous?
7. How does the final verse help us to make sense of the “moral” unbeliever?

References: 1 Corinthians 8:10; Romans 5:1-2; 1 Corinthians 8:13; 3:9; Ephesians 2:10; Romans 1:21; 1 Corinthians 10:31-33.
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November 29, 2021 Worshipping While Differing
Romans 14:5-12
5 One person considers one day more sacred than another; another considers every day alike. Each of them should be fully convinced in their own mind. 6 Whoever regards one day as special does so to the Lord. Whoever eats meat does so to the Lord, for they give thanks to God; and whoever abstains does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God. 7 For none of us lives for ourselves alone, and none of us dies for ourselves alone. 8 If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. 9 For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life so that he might be the Lord of both the dead and the living.
10 You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or why do you treat them with contempt? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat. 11It is written:
“ ‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord,
‘every knee will bow before me;
every tongue will acknowledge God.’ ”
12 So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.
Worshipping While Differing — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 14:5-12
Sermon Series: Romans (80th Sermon)
November 28, 2021

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   What makes Christ’s ownership/lordship so central to Christianity?
2.   What does this passage teach about the conscience? Why should we not act against conscience?
3.   What does it look like in practice to consciously live to please the Lord? What changes can you make to pursue this way of life more actively?
4.   How does gratitude function as a test for right conduct? How does it grant freedom to the Christian?
5.   How does Paul relate our discipleship to Christ’s death and resurrection in this passage? How do his words encourage Christians in the face of death?
6.   Have you given much thought to standing before God’s judgment seat? How is Paul using future judgment to motivate his readers?
References: Colossians 3:17; 2:16-17; Galatians 4:10; 2 Corinthians 5:15; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Colossians 3:23; 1 Timothy 4:4-5; Isaiah 45:23; 1 Corinthians 4:5; 3:13-15; 2 Corinthians 5:8-10; Matthew 7:1-2.
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November 21, 2021 Welcoming While Differing
Romans 14:1-4
11 And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. 12 The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13 Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. 14 Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.
Welcoming While Differing — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 14:1-4
Sermon Series: Romans (79th Sermon)
November 21, 2021

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Notes
1.     How are we tempted to overinflate the fact that there are big differences within the church in our day? How does studying church history provide a little perspective?
2.     How does this passage encourage us to prioritize unity and love in the church? To what extent has this been a priority for you?
3.     Who are the “weak,” and why are they described this way? How do the opinions of the weak in Romans differ from the positions taken by those in Galatia?
4.     What are the sins to be avoided for both groups, the “strong” and the “weak”? How does this highlight the inevitability of pitfalls in the Christian life?
5.     How does Paul provide a threefold reminder of the gospel of grace in his response to the weak?

References: Romans 15:7; Ephesians 4:3; 1 Corinthians 1:10-11; Romans 15:1, 8-9; 14:5, 21, 14; Daniel 1:1-16; 1 Corinthians 8:1-13; Colossians 2:16-17; Romans 1:7; 3:24; 8:33-34; 5:1-2; 8:38-39.
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November 14, 2021 Living in the Daylight
Romans 13:11-14
11 And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. 12 The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13 Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. 14 Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.
Living in the Daylight — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 13:11-14
Sermon Series: Romans (78th Sermon)
November 14, 2021

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1. How has God transformed your life by means of particular biblical texts, as he used this one in the life of Augustine?
2. How is this passage eschatological? What is the threefold situation of the believer described in the sermon?
3. Why do Christians constantly need to be called to “wake up”? How does Paul’s characterization of the world as darkness, night, and sleep call us away from worldliness?
4. Why is our new, daytime clothing described as “armor”? What does this tell us about the Christian life?
5. What do we learn about walking in darkness from vv. 13-14? What does it look like for us to “make no provision for the flesh”?
6. What does it mean to “put on the Lord Jesus Christ”? How does this summarize life as a Christian?

References: 1 Thessalonians 5:5; Galatians 1:4; Titus 2:11; Romans 8:23; Ephesians 6:11-12; Galatians 5:21; 1 Peter 4:3; 2 Peter 2:7; 1 Corinthians 3:3; James 1:14-15; Romans 12:2; 8:29; 2 Corinthians 3:18.
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November 07, 2021 Loving Our Neighbor
Romans 13:8-10
8Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.
9 The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,” and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” 10 Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.
Loving Our Neighbor — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 13:8-10
Sermon Series: Romans (77th Sermon)
November 7, 2021

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   How does this passage get to the heart of our Christian witness?
2.   Why should v. 8 not be used to forbid Christians from borrowing?
3.   What does it mean to say that our love debt to our neighbor is ongoing and unpaid? Is there anyone in your life whom you’ve decided to stop paying?
4.   How should we define love? How does the context help us?
5.   How does loving our neighbor fulfill / sum up God’s horizontal commands?
6.   Why should this passage not be used to minimize the importance of God’s written Word?
7.   How does the love command simplify the Christian life in practice?

References: Romans 12:9-10; Psalm 37:21, 26; Matthew 25:27; John 15:13; Exodus 20:1-17; Deuteronomy 5:1-21; Matthew 22:34-40; 7:12; Ephesians 5:29; Romans 8:3-4; Galatians 6:2; 1 Corinthians 9:21; James 2:8.
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October 31, 2021 Submitting to the Authorities
Romans 13:1-7
1 Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.
2 Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. 4 For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.

6 This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. 7 Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.
Submitting to the Authorities — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 13:1-7
Sermon Series: Romans (76th Sermon)
October 31, 2021
DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   How much attention have you given to the command to submit to the authorities? Why is this an important aspect of our Christian witness?
2.   What is the relationship between God and the governing authorities? How does this increase our motivation to be subject to them?
3.   As we think about not resisting, how does Acts 5:29 offer an important qualification? How are we tempted to add our own qualifications?
4.   What is the role/purpose of government as Paul describes it in these verses? How should this affect the way we view and relate to it?
5.   How does this text guide us to worship God while paying our taxes? In what ways do we need to confess not paying the money or respect that is due?

References: Mark 12:17; 1 Peter 2:13-17; 1 Timothy 2:1-2; Titus 3:1-2; Daniel 2:21; 4:17; Acts 5:29; Exodus 1:17; Daniel 3:12; Genesis 9:6.
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October 24, 2021 A Transformed Life in Practice, Part 3
Romans 12:9-21
9 Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. 17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
A TRANSFORMED LIFE IN PRACTICE, Part 3 — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 12:9-21
Sermon Series: Romans (75th Sermon)
October 24, 2021
DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   How much attention have you given to the themes of non-retaliation and loving your enemies? How can these truths get neglected in the Christian life?
2.   Why do vv. 17-21 (and 14) function as a primer for evangelism?
3.   How are we tempted in our cultural context to be combative and quarrelsome rather than peaceable? How do Paul’s instructions challenge your thinking?
4.   Why does our response to enemies serve as a test for how much we trust God?
5.   Discuss situations where you witnessed vv. 20-21 in action. Why is this way of life “heavenly”?
6.   How does Paul give us a new definition of “victory” as we relate to our increasingly anti-Christian society?

References: Matthew 5:38-48; Luke 6:27-36; Matthew 5:11; Mark 13:13; 1 Peter 3:9; 2 Corinthians 8:21; Acts 5:29; 1 Thessalonians 5:15; Matthew 5:9; Romans 1:17; 4:18; 1 Peter 2:23; Deuteronomy 32:35; Proverbs 25:21-22.
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October 17, 2021 A Transformed Life in Practice, Part 2
Romans 12:9-21
9 Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. 17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
A TRANSFORMED LIFE IN PRACTICE, Part 2 — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 12:9-21
Sermon Series: Romans (74th Sermon)
October 17, 2021
DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   How does a list like Romans 12:9-21 help us to define worldliness?
2.   What does it mean to “bless” our persecutors? What are some implications for American Christians?
3.   How does blessing our persecutors put a big spotlight on our need for the Spirit?How have you seen God use this evangelistically?
4.   Discuss scenarios where v. 15 would apply. Why do we need to read this command in light of v. 9?
5.   How does rejoicing with those who rejoice highlight and root out envy?
6.   What is the connection between not associating with the lowly and being wise in our own sight?
7.   How does v. 16 confront the opinionated person?

References: Matthew 5:44; Luke 6:27-28; 23:34; Acts 7:60; 1 Peter 3:8; 1 Corinthians 12:26; James 5:3; Philippians 2:2-4; James 3:17; Proverbs 18:2.
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