Ripples

I am currently in a sermon series titled RIPPLES, the idea for this series of sermons is to help people realize the tremendous influence we have as believers. In Matthew's gospel, Jesus called us to be salt and light in this world - in other words, he is calling us to be people of influence. However before we can become a person of influence we have to ask ourselves the question ~ Who is influencing us? Everyday we receive thousands of messages with only one purpose; to influence us to buy a certain item or succumb to a certain lifestyle or make a certain choice. Every message is trying to influence us in one way or the other. This week I am going to focus on what it means to have influence and how to use your influence to shape your world for Christ. Tonight I want to ask you a few questions regarding who is influencing you...

1. Who do you allow to speak in to your life?
2. Why is that person allowed to speak in to your life?
3. What filters have you put in place to keep the bad influencer out of your life?
4. When was the last time you took inventory of your personal habits i.e. your checkbook and your calendar to see if you are being influenced or are you influencing others?
5. How is your personal devotional time with God?
6. How often do you pray?
7. When you pray are you more into asking for things or are you simply enjoying spending time with God?
8. Other than the Bible, what resources are you using to keep you growing in your faith?
9. Who do you admire?
10. Why do you admire them?

Take some time thinking about these questions as you consider the ripples you are making today.