Day 4 - Influence Them

[Wannabe a Worshiper]

Today's lesson wove together Impress, Inspire, Instruct, and Influence them in a way that made good sense.
Share how God spoke to you today as you saw how it all fits together. How will this impact the way it is being done in your church now?

[fmckinnon]

Hey, thanks for getting this started today - this week has been very applicable and powerful. I am reminded of my own wife in today's lesson - she is a passionate worshiper, and it drives her crazy to see so many people in our midst who don't do it ... she's "tasted and seen" and wants others to do the same.

I'm encouraged to be more intentional, not only in song selection, but in ways to inspire, instruct, and influence them to worship!

[Wannabe a Worshiper]

I liked the example of Hypothetical Joe, because it clearly showed how the elements of this week's study are played out in people's lives. For me, it put the "improbable" into the realm of "God can do that at my church."

I also liked the part about the Jericho walls. There are certainly a lot of people in my church who have built a wall of some kind around them. I can relate to that, for I lived behind a wall that shielded me from obeying God for many years. Now to take my understanding of hiding behind a wall, and mix it with the elements of impress, inspire, instruct and influence....

God, show me the way to use my experience as a teaching tool. Show me how I can put what I'm learning here to work for you in my church. We SO need a fresh wind of your spirit in our midst.

[Mike S]

In reviewing the story of the imaginary guy Joe, Dwayne picks up on some interesting attributes of the environment of worship. Did any one else grasp those? There is one environmental attribute I struggle within all of the time. How close in distance should one be in leading worship? What are the dimensions for this? How far away? To the left or right only so far? How much elevation is too much and how much is not enough? In the example of Joe there is some importance to environment. What do you all think?

[Rogenia]

Influencing God’s people take a great energy and love of every person who has a desire to serve God and bring His people to Christ. The things that we do in life have a big impact on those around us, as a Christian that becomes even more apparent. Therefore, it is of great importance that we let our influence be positively and morally equip. So many have put walls up because of the things that they have encountered in their lives; then when they do come to the house of God; they find out that it is still not a place whereas they can let their guards or walls down. That is due to people being religious; but not living holy lives.

My pastor is always telling us and the congregation that we are the first thing people see, when they entered into the church. And that it is important that we are living the lives of Christ - so that our light will shine. Jesus is the light of the world, so if we are to imitate Him, we must live our lives as He did.

All who accept Jesus and make the choice to follow Him will begin to cleanse all the bad habits from their lives, in fact, even things that we use to eat and drink are no longer apart of our lives because we learn that it is not good for us. It's all the Power of God working through us and creating us to be the children He intended for us to be. And if you think people are not watching, guess again, they are watching and very closely. You are a big influence on those around you and the closer you get with God the more He shines through you. As that happens you are doing several things.


1. Becoming Christ like.
2. Becoming healthier and enjoying life more.
3. Showing others how important it is to know Christ.
4. Becoming a witness to bring others to Him.

You are setting an example for the world to follow and even the most recognized non-believers are watching, one of the most positive ways we can influence them to know Christ is to live a clean and holy life that gives God the glory for every bit of it.

[Maggievt]

Hi - i was away, but I have decided to post as I finish up the study, anyway!

I got a chance to influence in a far different way this past Sunday - I went to the church I have been visiting, but got to 'hang out' with the Praise Band - they travel from one location to another - back and forth - for five services. For the first four, I was in the congregation and I decided that, if I really am called to this lead worshipper thing, than that had to be WHEREEVER I was located during the worship.

And that is what I did.
I know some people most likely thought I need medication of some kind - yet, I could TELL if freed others up around me to be more involved and the praise band said it inspired them, which was a nice thing I had not thought of.

So, for me, the influence was a great day to read - and, while this type of influence may not be exactly what he was writing about, it was very true this past Sunday.

Maggie in Vt.