Small Group Guide Matthew 5:13-16Influence according to Jesus1. Influence is the expected pursuit of every Jesus follower.2. Influence is active, not passive.Happens at the point of contactAbout more than exampleShould include good deeds3. Influence is both collective and individual.4.  Influence is about your finding your lampstand. What is your next step?

Small Group Guide Proverbs 4:10-19Three Paths 1. The straight path2. The path of the wicked3. The Path of the righteous Six Points A. Every trail takes you where it’s going.B. Finding the right trail requires wisdom. C. Following the right trail can be a matter of life and death.D. We are free to choose the trails we take in life.E. We are also free to choose our hiking companions. F. The best hikers are also the best influencers. 

Revelation 2:1-7Three Instructions: 1. Remember2. Repent3. Return. Five Observations:A. God cares more about your heart and affections than he does about your deeds.B. Your personal condition can have a corporate effect.C. There can be many reasons for losing your first love.D. Maintaining your first love is about prioritizing your relationship.E.  You can fall along way without realizing it.

Deuteronomy 26:1-10What is the idea of first fruits all about?1. It is a reminder that God is our source.2. It is a challenge to be grateful.3. It is an encouragement to live generously.4. It is a command to worship.5. It is an invitation to trust. The Big idea: We give to God first, because God first gives to us. What faith step will you take?

Matthew 6:25-34Pastor William Parker, Jr.New Springfield Missionary Baptist Church1. Understand That Worry Won’t Change AnythingNot only does worry not change anything; it also adds unnecessary stress to our day.Materialism (worldliness and possessions) can enslave a person to such a degree that it dominates his life.The basic problem of man is setting priorities and determining what is to be first in his life.  The first priority of every man should be to take care of his life – eternally.Do not worry:   think about your stature and learn to trust God.  Do not concentrate your mind and heart and effort on the world.2. Learn to Live “One Day At A Time”Jesus mentions that there is enough trouble for each day and we should therefore focus on living each day as it comes, without worrying about tomorrow.Planning for tomorrow is time well spent.  Worrying about tomorrow is time wasted.3. Believe That God Will Take Care of Our NeedsGod not only knows our needs, He is more than able to take care of them!  We are much more valuable to Him that birds or flowers!The believer has a Heavenly Father who knows his needs.He knows the promises of God and the glorious hope of eternal life.He has God and His presence in this world.He is not a stranger and foreigner to God, but a fellow citizen with the saints of God’s household.4. Seek God FirstThis attitude helps us place our hearts on loving God more than having our material needs met.By following the advice of Jesus, we can win the battle over worry.  Faith in Him will sustain us in every challenge we face.God will work all things out for good, for the believer loves God and has been called by God (Romans 8:28).God will see to it that the necessities of life are provided for him.The believer is not to be preoccupied with tomorrow and its affairs.  He is to seek God’s kingdom and His righteousness today and leave tomorrow and its needs in God’s hands.   Don’t Let The Worries of Tomorrow Hinder Your Expectancy in God Today!

Mark 12:12 (NIV)Mark 12:24-27 (NIV)Mark 12:28-34 (NIV)It’s a Love that is a… Sacrificial Love - Jesus said Love the Lord your GodSurrendered Love – Jesus said Love the Lord your GodPersonal Love - Jesus said Love the Lord your GodCommitted Love - Jesus said with all your heartEmotional Love – Jesus said with all your soulIntellectual Love - Jesus said with all your mindPhysical Love - Jesus said with all your strengthWhat’s most important in your life?No matter what I’m going to LOVE the Lord my GOD with all my heart, with all my soul, with all my mind, and with all strength.

John 11:1-44What this story teaches us about Jesus:1. Jesus loves people.2. Jesus has a plan for your situation.3. Jesus knows.4. Jesus enters into our pain.5. Jesus usually involves us in the solution.6. Jesus is the God of resurrection power. R.I. P._________________ ____ _________________

John 9:1-38Elements of Spiritual Stories: Sin                           We all have a spiritual past.+Spit                          We all have encounters with Jesus.+ Siloam  We all face a moment of decision. +Sight  We all can experience a new life.=STORY Sharing - We simply need to share what we have  experienced.Skeptics - We can have spiritual conversations with those     who don’t know Jesus.Sign - Jesus is the God who authors great stories.

Jesus Had Not Yet Come To ThemJohn 6:16-211. Jesus’s closest friends missed the point of His presence.2. Our world is filled with chaos obscuring God.3. Jesus overcomes uncertainty to bring peace.4. God reveals Himself clearly in Jesus. 

John 6:1-15 Lessons to learn about Jesus:1. Jesus prioritizes the needs of people.2. Jesus sees challenges as opportunities.3. Jesus uses people to accomplish his work.4. Jesus does extraordinary things in ordinary ways.5. Jesus has power that exceeds our potential.The big idea: Jesus is the God who multiplies.