Four Corners Church

By Four Corners ChurchReligion & Spirituality Christianity

Four Corners Church episodes

October 10, 2021 A Transformed Life in Practice, Part 1
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 1 — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 12:9-21
Sermon Series: Romans (73rd Sermon)
October 10, 2021
DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   How does Paul’s description of love differ from the way the world tends to define it? How does this passage challenge or correct how you love God’s people?
2.   What does it look like to compete in showing honor? How does this protect against criticism, gossip, and disunity within the church?
3.   What does it mean to say that we have a responsibility to fight for our spiritual temperature?
4.   How can we avoid serving self or people rather than the Lord?
5.   Why is Romans 12:12 a fitting “life verse”? How are these three commands related to one another?
6.   Why does joy depend on hope? How do we maintain our hope? Consider praying Romans 15:13 over your GC this week.
7.   How does v. 13 push us beyond merely addressing needs and taking advantage of opportunities?

References: Ephesians 4:1; Mark 12:30-31; 1 Corinthians 13:13; Matthew 6:33; 25:26; Colossians 3:23-24; Ephesians 1:18; Titus 2:13; Romans 8:24; Colossians 3:1-4; Romans 5:3-4; 1 John 4:20.
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October 03, 2021 A Renewed Mind in the Church
Romans 12:3-8
3 For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. 4 For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, 5 so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. 6 Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; 7 if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; 8 the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.
Basic Christian Living — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 12:3-8
Sermon Series: Romans (72nd Sermon)
October 3, 2021
DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   How do vv. 3-8 relate back to vv. 1-2? What kind of thinking is Paul cautioning his readers against?
2.   What does it look like to think too highly of ourselves? How have you seen this negatively impact churches?
3.   How does Paul use the human body as a metaphor for the church? How does 1 Corinthians 12 add to his explanation?
4.   What three implications of this unity in diversity were discussed in the sermon?
5.   Why should the gracious nature of spiritual gifts eliminate boasting and envy?
6.   How can we hold one another accountable in making use of our gifts and in doing it for the common good?
7.   How would you summarize the gifts listed in this passage? How do they relate to other New Testament lists?

References: 1 John 2:16; Romans 7:23; 1 Corinthians 12:14-20; 4-11; 27-30; Ephesians 4:11; 1 Peter 4:10-11; Ephesians 2:20; Hebrews 13:17.
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September 26, 2021 Basic Christian Living
Romans 12:1-2
1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Basic Christian LIving — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 12:1-2
Sermon Series: Romans (71st Sermon)
September 26, 2021
DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   How are these verses helpful for reorienting or reviving the Christian life? In what ways do you find them instructive and challenging?
2.   What does it look like in practice to “present our bodies as a living, holy, and acceptable sacrifice”? How does this make all of life sacred?
3.   How does Paul motivate his readers to continually offer their bodies? Why is this the strongest motivation?
4.   What does v. 1 teach us about the nature of Christian worship?
5.   What does Paul’s command to “be transformed by the renewal of your mind” say to passivity?
6.   What is “this world,” and in what ways are you being conformed to it?
7.   What does this passage teach us about seeking the will of God?

References: Galatians 3:28; Romans 6:12-13, 16, 19; 7:22-23; 1 Corinthians 6:19; 2 Corinthians 3:18; 4:4; Galatians 1:4; Ephesians 2:2; 1 John 2:16-17; Psalm 1; Colossians 3:16.
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September 19, 2021 An Eruption of Praise
Romans 11:33-36
33 Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!
34 “For who has known the mind of the Lord,
or who has been his counselor?”
35 “Or who has given a gift to him
that he might be repaid?”
36 For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.
An Eruption of Praise — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 11:33-36
Sermon Series: Romans (70th Sermon)
September 19, 2021
1.   Why is the placement of this passage an illustration of the relationship between theology and worship? How do we avoid having an “undevotional theology” or an “untheological devotion”?
2.   Why do you think the preceding context prompted Paul to erupt in praise?
3.   What does v. 33 teach us about God? How do these exclamations help us to make peace with perplexity?
4.   Why should we read v. 34 in light of 1 Corinthians 2:6-16? How does this motivate Bible reading?
5.   How does v. 35 help us fight grumbling?
6.   Discuss how Paul’s concluding words leave us in a state of awe. What does it look like to live for the purpose of making God’s glory known?
References: Romans 10:12; Ephesians 2:7; Psalm 92:5; 139:6; Job 5:9; Isaiah 40:28; 55:8-9; 40:13; 1 Corinthians 2:6-16; Colossians 2:3; Job 41:11; Hebrews 1:3; Romans 16:27; Ephesians 3:21.
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September 12, 2021 God's Plan for Israel
Romans 11:25-32
25 Lest you be wise in your own sight, I do not want you to be unaware of this mystery, brothers: a partial hardening has come upon Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. 26 And in this way all Israel will be saved, as it is written,
“The Deliverer will come from Zion,
he will banish ungodliness from Jacob”;
27 “and this will be my covenant with them
when I take away their sins.”
28 As regards the gospel, they are enemies for your sake. But as regards election, they are beloved for the sake of their forefathers. 29 For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. 30 For just as you were at one time disobedient to God but now have received mercy because of their disobedience, 31 so they too have now been disobedient in order that by the mercy shown to you they also may now receive mercy. 32 For God has consigned all to disobedience, that he may have mercy on all.
God’s Plan for Israel — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 11:25-32
Sermon Series: Romans (69th Sermon)
September 12, 2021

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Notes
1.   How does Romans 9-11 increase our awe of God? What have you learned from these chapters?
2.   What does it look like to be wise in your own eyes? Why does Paul take this so seriously?
3.   What are the three parts of the “mystery” mentioned in vv. 25-26? How does the context help us to interpret what Paul means when he says “all Israel” will be saved?
4.   How does the language used to describe Israel’s future salvation serve as a reminder of what God has already done for us?
5.   How does God view Israel today? What does v. 29 tell us about God’s nature and character?
6.   How does v. 32 clarify God’s objective in saving human beings? What’s the implication for the Christian life?

References: Proverbs 3:7; Romans 16:25-26; 2:9; 11:12, 15, 24; Isaiah 59:20-21; 27:9; Psalm 14:7; Jeremiah 31:1, 31-34; Romans 2:8; Numbers 23:19; Romans 9:25; 5:5; Ephesians 2:7.
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September 05, 2021 Gentiles Not Boasting
Romans 11:17-24
17 But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, although a wild olive shoot, were grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing root of the olive tree, 18 do not be arrogant toward the branches. If you are, remember it is not you who support the root, but the root that supports you. 19 Then you will say, “Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.” 20 That is true. They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast through faith. So do not become proud, but fear. 21 For if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will he spare you. 22 Note then the kindness and the severity of God: severity toward those who have fallen, but God’s kindness to you, provided you continue in his kindness. Otherwise you too will be cut off. 23 And even they, if they do not continue in their unbelief, will be grafted in, for God has the power to graft them in again. 24 For if you were cut from what is by nature a wild olive tree, and grafted, contrary to nature, into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these, the natural branches, be grafted back into their own olive tree.
Gentiles Not Boasting — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 11:17-24
Sermon Series: Romans (68th sermon)
September 5, 2021

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Sheet
1.   In what ways does pride show up in the church, even subtly? How does a verse like 1 Corinthians 10:12 caution us against it?
2.   How does Paul want his Gentile readers to view their place in redemptive history? Why should this foster a sense of humble gratitude and wonder?
3.   What is the logic of Paul’s warning? Does it imply that a Christian can lose his or her salvation?
4.   How does this stage of redemptive history reveal God’s kindness as well as his severity? How does Paul’s warning spur us on towards reverence, vigilance, and diligence?
5.   How do the hopeful words of vv. 23-24 undermine Gentile boasting? How do they serve as a preview?
6.   As we near the end of Romans 11, how has this section impacted the way you view the Jewish people?

References: Jeremiah 11:16; Romans 11:16, 28; Exodus 34:6-7; Romans 2; 1 Corinthians 10:12; Romans 8:31-39; Acts 13:43; Colossians 1:21-23; Hebrews 4:11; 1 John 2:19; Romans 1:16; 11:25-27.
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August 29, 2021 Parable of the Prodigal Son
Luke 15
11 And he said, “There was a man who had two sons. 12 And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.’ And he divided his property between them. 13 Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in reckless living. 14 And when he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in that country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. 16 And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything.
17 “But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! 18 I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. 19I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.”’ 20And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. 21And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 22But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. 23 And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. 24 For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate.
25 “Now his older son was in the field, and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. 26And he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. 27 And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has received him back safe and sound.’ 28 But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, 29 but he answered his father, ‘Look, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command, yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him!’ 31 And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. 32 It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.’”
Parable of the Prodigal Son — Pastor Alex Early
Luke 15
Stand Alone Sermon
August 29, 2021

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Notes
1. The snide slur/accusation by the Pharisees toward Jesus was that “this man receives tax collectors and sinners.” To “receive” literally means "to warmly welcome.” What does it practically look like to “warmly welcome” those who don’t think or believe in the same way that you do as a follower of Christ?
2. Table fellowship in the first century (and in many honor/shame cultures around the world today) was a statement of friendship. For Jesus to dine with the unclean was a statement that could not be misunderstood. He loved people as they were without condition. How do you maintain friendships with people who do not follow Christ?
3. The emphasis is the same in all three parables in Luke 15 – someone has lost something of incredible value and will do anything to find that which was “lost.” In what ways can FCC adopt this posture towards those who don’t know Jesus?
4. The Father of the prodigal felt “compassion” for his son on his worst day. If you’re comfortable with sharing some of your story, perhaps sharing about how the compassion of God has changed your heart.
5. The older brother in the story represents the morally upright and religiously faithful. Yet, his heart was just as far from the Father as the younger son. How ought the gospel of grace humble the proud and self-sufficient?
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August 22, 2021 Israel Not Ruined
Israel Not Ruined — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 11:11-16
Sermon Series: Romans (67th sermon)
August 22, 2021
DEEP SHEET Study Questions
1.   How is Romans 9-11 meant to strengthen our trust in God?
2.   What is “redemptive history,” and where does Paul situate the Gentiles in this larger story?
3.   Why does Gentile salvation provoke Israel to jealousy? How does God’s purpose to use our salvation to provoke the Jews humble us?
4.   What’s the contrast between Israel’s present and future situation? How does this inform our basic eschatology?
5.   How do vv. 12 and 15 present Israel as a catalyst for worldwide blessing? What does he mean by “life from the dead” in v. 15?

References: Romans 9:4-5; Genesis 12:3; Ephesians 2:11-13; Matthew 21:43; Acts 28:28; Romans 11:25-26; Acts 13:44-45; Numbers 15:17-21; Romans 11:28.
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August 15, 2021 The Apostle's Affection
Philippians 1:7-11
7 It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. 8 For God is my witness, how I yearn for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. 9 And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, 10 so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
NOTE 1: Allow 30-90 seconds after clicking the START-arrow or Download-button for playback to begin.
The Apostle’s Affection— Pastor Trey Russell
Philippians 1:7-11
Sermon Series: Stand Alone
August 15, 2021

Deep Sheet: Sermon Study Questions
1.   Why is it significant that Paul’s affection toward the Philippians is the result of a resolved mindset? And why is this necessary to produce real, biblical fellowship?
2.   What language does Paul use to express the depth of his affection and how does this illustrate his “gushing Christology?”
3.   In what ways do you have this level of affection for other Christians? As you reflect, is Paul’s affection for the Philippians convicting? How?
4.   How does Paul and the Philippians’ relationship put them engaged in the gospel together? For us, what is the effect of gospel engagement on our relationships?
5.   In his prayer, why does Paul link knowledge and discernment with love? What happens when love is not rightly tethered in this way?
6.   How does the close of Paul’s prayer illustrate that both our horizontal (to one another) and vertical (to God) relationships are ultimately for God’s glory?

References: Phil. 2:12-13; 2:5; 3:19; 4:2; 4:10; Acts 1:18; Phil. 1:29-30; Rom. 10:2.
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August 08, 2021 Summing Up Israel's Situation
Summing Up Israel’s Situation — Pastor Lonnie D. Bell, Jr.
Romans 11:1-10
Sermon Series: Romans (66th sermon)
August 8, 2021
DEEP SHEET Stuidy Questions
1.   How has Romans 9-11 helped you to see that God’s sovereignty doesn’t undermine prayer, evangelism, and human responsibility for sin?
2.   What is the “remnant” and how does it demonstrate that God has not rejected Israel?
3.   How does Paul use the passage about Elijah in 1 Kings 19 as an illustration?
4.   What does it mean to say that the remnant was “chosen by grace” and “chosen with hope”?
5.   How does this passage help us to understand what it means to be “hardened”? How does v. 25 shed light on the nature of this hardening?
6.   How does the truth that God has not rejected Israel encourage us towards humility, trust, and assurance?

References: 1 Timothy 1:11; Deuteronomy 32:9; 7:6-8; Amos 3:2; Romans 9:27; Acts 21:20; 1 Kings 19:10, 14, 18; 2 Timothy 1:9; Romans 4:4; Psalm 94:14; Deuteronomy 29:4; Isaiah 29:10; Psalm 69:22-23; Romans 11:25.
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