The gospel is , and always will be, counter-cultural and pro-life.

• Speaker: Dr. Richard Wells
• Date: January 27, 2008
• Key Scripture: John 10.7-18

Taking it home . . .

UpReach: Read today’s text, John 10.7-10.  Someone has defined theology as “thinking about God.â€?  What sorts of thoughts do people have about God?  According to our text, how should we think about God?

InReach: In our text, the “thiefâ€? specifically represents Jewish leaders of Jesus’ day, especially the Pharisees—but the principle applies to all ungodly influences.  Think of an example of such an influence today.  How does this “thiefâ€? achieve his purpose to “steal, kill, and destroy?â€?

OutReach: All unbelievers live continually under the influence of the “thief.â€?  How does this knowledge help prepare us to share the good news of Christ?

Part II of a lesson on the Latter-day Saints. Preached at during the evening service during a series on cults.

• Speaker: Dr. Richard Wells
• Date: February 10, 2008

Missions begins in the heart - missions is not a program, but a passion and prayer.

• Speaker: Dr. Richard Wells
• Date: February 10, 2008
• Key Scripture: Romans 10:1-4

Taking it home . . .

UpReach: Read Matt 5.43-48.  How is Paul’s desire for the salvation of the Jewish people (Rom 10.1) a form of worship?

InReach: How was Paul treated by the Jews generally?  Read Rom 9.1-3 and Rom 10.1.  What does Paul’s response to the Jewish people tell us about dealing with difficult people in our lives?

OutReach: The word for “prayerâ€? in Rom 10.1 (deÄ“sis) indicates specific asking in specific situations.  Why not make a list of people you love and want to be saved—and begin to pray regularly for their salvation.  (If you already do that, how has God answered your prayers?)

The doctrine of election is cause not for distress but for praise, because it proves the faithfulness of God, and assures the salvation of those who believe.

• Speaker: Dr. Richard Wells
• Date: February 3, 2008
• Key Scripture: Romans 9.9-13

Taking it home . . .

UpReach: Read Rom 1.16, 17.  How does the gospel “revealâ€? the righteousness of God?

InReach: Read Rom 6.1-6.  According to this text, what is our relationship to sin now as believers?  Now read Rom 6.12-14.  According to this text, how should we deal with sin in our lives now as believers?

OutReach: Read Rom 1.16, 17 together with Rom 9.1-5.  Why is Paul especially concerned for the Jews?  Why does he specifically call attention to the privileges of the Jews?  What do his concerns mean today in America?

Part of a series called "Cults" and first of a two-part lesson. Preached during the evening service by Dr. Richard Wells on February 3, 2008.