Salt, Share a Little Truth

Turn with me in your bibles to

Matthew 5:13–16 ESV

“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

The New King James Version Chapter 5

13 “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.

14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

13 “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.

14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

13 “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavour, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.

The New King James Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982), .

Today I would like to ta

14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lamp-stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

The New King James Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982), .

Many of us have read this passage of scripture and some of us have probably only read it once or twice. When we read this passage to understand this we need to understand the back story first.

Right before we read what Jesus says this he has given the sermon on the mount he is in Galilee.He had been healing and teaching. Again Jesus see a crowd and an opportunity to teach. The nine Beatitudes form how one should live. They are simple and not complicated.

Jesus use salt as everyone new what it was used for. At the time of Christ's first advent, salt was used both to make food palatable and to preserve it. Christ's hearers must have been conscious of the role they should have been playing in making attractive and preserving the values of the kingdom of God in society. Jesus had just enunciated the operating principles of God's government in heaven, as well as on earth. All those who claimed to be friends of God had the responsibility of living these principles, as well as sharing them with their non-believing friends.

Meaning when we see a need we should help without issue.

"Salt is valued for its preservative properties, and when God calls His children salt, He would teach them that His purpose in making them the subjects of His grace is that they may become agents in saving others."--Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, p. 35.

As salt mingles with the food in order to give it flavour, so Jesus came to this fallen world to associate with people, "salting" their lives with His life. He took the initiative to reach them where they were, and to bring them the flavour of His love and the zest of His life. "It goes without saying that salt is sprinkled on the food, and not vice versa! Salt takes the initiative. We would consider it laughable if someone sprinkled food over the salt."--Philip G. Samaan, Christ's Way of Reaching People, p. 48.

Present Truth in the Real World: The Adventist Struggle to Keep and Share Faith in a Secular Society Two Models of Ministry

“You are the salt of the earth.” What kind of ministry model is this? How does salt do its ministry? It mingles with the food and disappears. It becomes part of the crowd, so to speak. But as a result of that ministry, what happens? The food tastes better. The salt has an effect upon the whole. It is a quiet ministry, an infiltration ministry. But the “salt model” of ministry takes one outside the walls of protection. Matthew 5:13, therefore, underlines the same message as 1 Corinthians 9. If the salt becomes tasteless, it will no longer function as salt. It can no longer accomplish anything by infiltration.

That is what radical conservatism is all about. The radical means being scattered out there, mingling with the people where they are. Adventists are not like that by nature. We prefer the other model of ministry that Jesus talks about in verse 14. There is nothing wrong with the fortress model. It is a valid option, according to Jesus. Both fortress-city and salt models are valid. Both of them are needed. I’d like to suggest that “finishing the work” as outlined by Jesus’ great commission (see Matt. 28:18–20) involves two tasks.

There is a struggle for an Adventist to remain be faithful and to remain salty and not be influenced by the world.

"Salt must be mingled with the substance to which it is added; it must penetrate and infuse in order to preserve. So it is through personal contact and association that men are reached by the saving power of the gospel. "--Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, p. 36.

We live in a world where the salt is losing it’s flavour, people are questioning if the church still has relevance. They are asking if God is relevant and should I have him in my life.

Some even think that it is ok to do just the worship thing on the weekends and whatever the rest of the time.

Generational Faith: Change and Consistency across Generations God and Culture: Some Possible Implications

Finally, even though the prophetic voice is silent in regard to the transformation of culture after the events narrated in the New Testament, this does not mean that changes in society cannot be made, by individuals or as the Church. Christian leaders must have a high view of those who are “in Christ” and their potential to cause good in secular society, even while holding a negative view of secular culture. The relation of God and culture presents tensions that must be respected as they are. One example would be faithfulness to a Divine worldview while “giving to Caesar that which belongs to Caesar.” Another would be to perceive culture as inherently evil while expecting those “in Christ” to be a blessing as salt and light. These are but a few examples of biblical tensions that must be respected as they are.

As Ellen. G. White penned, “The habits and customs of fashionable society should not shape their [the youth of the church] course of action. The inspired apostle adds, ‘And be not conformed to this world; but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God’ [Romans 12:2]” (White, p. 20).

This is a real challenge for all. This is where we need to be risk taker and share Jesus.

Present Truth in the Real World: The Adventist Struggle to Keep and Share Faith in a Secular Society Two Models of Ministry

“You are the salt of the earth.” What kind of ministry model is this? How does salt do its ministry? It mingles with the food and disappears. It becomes part of the crowd, so to speak. But as a result of that ministry, what happens? The food tastes better. The salt has an effect upon the whole. It is a quiet ministry, an infiltration ministry. But the “salt model” of ministry takes one outside the walls of protection. Matthew 5:13, therefore, underlines the same message as 1 Corinthians 9. If the salt becomes tasteless, it will no longer function as salt. It can no longer accomplish anything by infiltration.

That is what radical conservatism is all about. The radical means being scattered out there, mingling with the people where they are. Adventists are not like that by nature. We prefer the other model of ministry that Jesus talks about in verse 14. There is nothing wrong with the fortress model. It is a valid option, according to Jesus. Both fortress-city and salt models are valid. Both of them are needed. I’d like to suggest that “finishing the work” as outlined by Jesus’ great commission (see Matt. 28:18–20) involves two tasks.

This is where I like to us the word salt in a different context

Generational Faith: Change and Consistency across Generations God and Culture: Some Possible Implications

Finally, even though the prophetic voice is silent in regard to the transformation of culture after the events narrated in the New Testament, this does not mean that changes in society cannot be made, by individuals or as the Church. Christian leaders must have a high view of those who are “in Christ” and their potential to cause good in secular society, even while holding a negative view of secular culture. The relation of God and culture presents tensions that must be respected as they are. One example would be faithfulness to a Divine worldview while “giving to Caesar that which belongs to Caesar.” Another would be to perceive culture as inherently evil while expecting those “in Christ” to be a blessing as salt and light. These are but a few examples of biblical tensions that must be respected as they are.

As Ellen. G. White penned, “The habits and customs of fashionable society should not shape their [the youth of the church] course of action. The inspired apostle adds, ‘And be not conformed to this world; but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God’ [Romans 12:2]” (White, p. 20).

Oh, when we come to the pearly gates, and have an entrance into the city of God, will anyone who enters there regret that he devoted his life unreservedly to Jesus? Let us now love Him with undivided affections, and cooperate with the heavenly intelligences, that we may be laborers together with God, and by partaking of the divine nature, be able to reveal Christ to others. Oh, for the baptism of the Holy Spirit! Oh, that the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness might shine into the chambers of mind and heart, that every idol might be dethroned and expelled from the soul temple! Oh, that our tongues might be loosened to speak of His goodness, to tell of His power!

If you respond to the drawing of Jesus, you will not fail to have an influence on somebody through the beauty and power of the grace of Christ. Let us behold Him and become changed into the image of Him in whom dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily, and realize that we are accepted in the Beloved, “complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power” ().

for us to be out there we need to be the salt and share each and everyday a little truth with those around us.

When you add to much salt to a salad or your cooking does it taste good? So what do you do with it?

When there is not enough salt what do you do? you add more. when it comes to sharing Jesus this is the same.

If we share to much they won’t like it or they will get interjestion.

When we are connected with God we will know how much too share and when to stop.

What is important is that through church and personal study we will know as well.

Adding taste to a tasteless world. As I said before we can be in the world but not of the world.

But when we do it we do it with Grace

always with grace

The New King James Version Chapter 4

5 Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. 6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.

“The conversion of souls to God is the greatest, the noblest work in which human beings can have a part.” 7T p.52

When there is not enough salt what do you do? you add more. when it comes to sharing Jesus this is the same. we share

“The conversion of souls to God is the greatest, the noblest work in which human beings can have a part.” 7T p.52

Go and make disciples

Matthew 28:18–20 ESV

And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

“The highest of all sciences is the science of soul saving. The greatest work to which human beings can aspire is the work of winning men from sin to holiness.” Ministry of Healing, 398

Being a Christian versus doing Christianity – you can’t share what you don’t have

nothing without Christ

John 15:4 ESV

Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.

j

All things through Him

Philippians 4:13 ESV

I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

“He who would reform others must first reform himself. He must obtain the spirit of his Master and be willing, like Him, to suffer reproach and to practice self-denial. In comparison with the worth of one soul, the whole world sinks into insignificance.” 5T 614

“Those who would be over comers must be drawn out of themselves; and the only thing which will accomplish this great work, is to become intensely interested in the salvation of others.” Fundamentals of Christian Education, p.207

You must love people – not simply want them to join the church Make TIME for soul winning – BE INTENTIONAL

Meet them where they are – Worldview – Learning to listen What to talk about? F.O.R.T. (Family, Occupation, Recreation, Testimony)

“Christ's method alone will give true success in reaching the people. The Saviour mingled with men as one who desired their good. He showed His sympathy for them, ministered to their needs, and won their confidence. Then He bade them, ‘Follow Me.’” MH 143

Perseverance - learning to swim

“If you fail ninety-nine times in a hundred, but succeed in saving the one soul from ruin, you have done a noble deed for the Master's cause. But to be a co-worker with Jesus, you should have all patience with those for whom you labor, not scorning the simplicity of the work, but looking to the blessed result. When those for whom you labor do not exactly meet your mind, you often say in your heart: "Let them go; they are not worth saving." What if Christ had treated poor outcasts in a similar manner? He died to save miserable sinners, and if you work in the same spirit and in the same manner indicated by the example of Him whom you follow, leaving the results with God, you can never in this life measure the amount of good you have accomplished.” 4T 132

Pray for your contacts. Make a list.

“Through much prayer you must labor for souls, for this is the only method by which you can reach hearts. It is not your work, but the work of Christ who is by your side, that impresses hearts.” Ev 342

“Begin to pray for souls; come near to Christ… and let your earnest, broken, humble petitions ascend to Him for wisdom that you may have success in saving not only your own soul, but the souls of others.” 1T 513

If you share what you know it will grow – If you keep what you’ve got it will rot. We need Exercise. Bible study and prayer are not enough – we must share if we are to grow

Affirm the other person – imagine life in their shoes

Using existing materials – Bible tracts – DVD’s – Pictorial Aide – Websites

Persuasion not coercion – pleading not persecuting

Be seeker sensitive - think evangelistically – flowers for church – Cooking

Hospitality – no fellowship without food – have them over for dinner

Testimony – none better than another – all personal stories of people and God

I want to challenge each of you where ever you are or live or whatever you do. Take the steps and share a little of Jesus.

But God will work with us and the church, but not without their cooperation. May every one of you who have tasted the good Word of God “let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (). Jesus says, “Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.” The saving salt, the savor of the Christian, is the love of Jesus in the heart, the righteousness of Christ pervading the soul. If the professor of religion would keep the saving efficacy of his faith, he must ever keep the righteousness of Christ before him, and have the glory of God for his rearward. Then the power of Christ will be revealed in life and character.

In one of the devotions I was reading this final challenge it says. If you respond to the drawing of Jesus, you will not fail to have an influence on somebody through the beauty and power of the grace of Christ. Let us behold Him and become changed into the image of Him in whom dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily, and realize that we are accepted in the Beloved, “complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power” ().

Oh, when we come to the pearly gates, and have an entrance into the city of God, will anyone who enters there regret that he devoted his life unreservedly to Jesus? Let us now love Him with undivided affections, and cooperate with the heavenly intelligences, that we may be laborers together with God, and by partaking of the divine nature, be able to reveal Christ to others. Oh, for the baptism of the Holy Spirit! Oh, that the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness might shine into the chambers of mind and heart, that every idol might be dethroned and expelled from the soul temple! Oh, that our tongues might be loosened to speak of His goodness, to tell of His power!

If you respond to the drawing of Jesus, you will not fail to have an influence on somebody through the beauty and power of the grace of Christ. Let us behold Him and become changed into the image of Him in whom dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily, and realize that we are accepted in the Beloved, “complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power” ().

Colossians 2:10 ESV

and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority.

It is my prayer that we all make a list and seek out who we can share Jesus with, be hospitable and share our story. Because he is coming and we need to do our part living and sharing Jesus, being the salt.

Salt, Share a Little Truth

Salt & light

1. Jesus stressed the fact that His followers were to use their truth filled insights to help others.

2. Jesus urged His followers to meet people and share their faith.

3. Jesus was issuing a warning. Salt that has lost its savour does not have much value and is usually discarded.

S - Share

A

L - Little

T - Truth

“Every church should be a training school for Christian workers. Its members should be taught how to give Bible readings, how to conduct and teach Sabbath school classes, how best to help the poor and to care for the sick, how to work for the unconverted.” Ministry of Healing, 148-149

“The highest of all sciences is the science of soul saving. The greatest work to which human beings can aspire is the work of winning men from sin to holiness.” Ministry of Healing, 398