"You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth? That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you. "A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough." I am confident in the Lord that you will take no other view. The one who is throwing you into confusion will pay the penalty, whoever he may be."
- Galatians 5:7-10

The Barna Group (an organization that researches religious beliefs in America), recently released a study on the diversity of faith among the cities across the nation. The study clearly showed that religious beliefs greatly vary from city to city.

For Example: Survey respondends were asked to Agree or Disagree with the following statement: "The Bible is accurate in all of the principles it teaches."
- 73% of the residents of Charlotte, NC - Agreed
- only 27% of the residents of San Francisco, CA - Agreed

In Birmingham, AL, 67% of the residents attend church services on a weekly basis, but in Portland, Maine, 43% of the residents had not been to a religious worship service in the last six months.

1. Why do you think religious beliefs vary so greatly from city to city?

2. Re-read Galatians 5:7-10 at the top. Think about the ways that people influence each other. How is that influence like yeast in a batch of dough?

3. Think of your religious beliefs. Would you say you are an influencer or an influenced believer?
- What would help you stand firm in your beliefs?

Go to http://www.barna.org for more revealing statistics