Bold Faith [Faith And Friends] Discussion Guide

Summary
The sermon begins a new series exploring the concept of faith through five unique stories in the Book of Mark. This first message focuses on how our faith influences others, using the story of the paralyzed man whose friends lowered him through a roof to reach Jesus. Jonathan emphasizes that Jesus healed the man because of his friends' faith, demonstrating how our faith can positively impact others' relationships with God.

Intro Prayer
Lord, as we gather to discuss Your Word, open our hearts and minds to understand how our faith influences others. Help us see the ways we can be better carriers of Your love and truth to those around us. Guide our discussion and reveal to each of us what You want us to learn today. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Ice Breaker
Can you think of someone who has positively influenced your faith journey? What did they do that made such an impact?

Key Verses

• Mark 2:5
• Matthew 18:6
• Matthew 5:13-16
• 1 John 4:7-21

Questions

• What barriers do you see preventing people from reaching Jesus today?
• How can we be like the four friends who carried the paralyzed man to Jesus?
• What does it mean to be the 'salt of the earth' and 'light of the world' in practical terms?
• How has past church hurt affected people you know, and how can we help heal those wounds?
• What does it mean that Jesus saw 'their faith' rather than the paralyzed man's faith?
• In what ways might you be hiding your light 'under a basket'?
• How can we balance being an influence for Christ while remaining humble?
• What practical steps can you take this week to be a positive faith influence on others?

Life Application
This week, identify one person in your life who needs to be 'carried to Jesus' and take specific actions to help them overcome whatever barriers are keeping them from experiencing God's love and healing.

Key Takeaways

• Your faith has a strong influence on other people
• We need to be willing to overcome barriers to bring others to Jesus
• People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care
• Being a light for Christ means living your faith openly and purposefully
• We are called to be spiritual influencers who point others to Jesus

Ending Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for showing us the power of faithful influence. Help us to be like those four friends who would do whatever it takes to bring others to You. Give us courage to shine Your light brightly and wisdom to know how to carry others to Jesus. Make us sensitive to those around us who need Your touch, and use us as instruments of Your love and grace. In Jesus' name, Amen.