The Gospel of the Kingdom - Matthew - The Similitudes Introduction

 

Text: Matthew 5:13-16  – “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. “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 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. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”

In a training session I attended, I heard someone ask this question about the church, they asked, “If your church was removed tomorrow from your neighborhood, from your community, would anybody notice?”

I know you would notice, but what about the people in our community?

Then I asked myself, and I ask you to do the same, “If you were removed from your
neighborhood, from the community, would anybody notice?” What would people miss the most about you? What would they miss the least?

I remember when our Nation lost one of our best Baseball players of all time in 2002. Ted Williams was said to be the best hitter of all time, and most people agree that he was. Ted Williams left a mark because he could hit a little white ball with a stick better than anyone else, and he also served his country in two wars, and he raised millions of dollars for children with cancer. It was said of Ted Williams that he never stopped talking about hitting the baseball, he had a passion for the game that was unmatched, and the current superstars would love to just sit down and listen to what he had to say about baseball.

 As I thought about the amount of Influence that Ted Williams had throughout baseball, I thought wouldn’t it be great to have that kind of influence for Jesus Christ.

I believe Jesus Christ has called us to a life of being a witness, being an influence for the Kingdom.

Jesus gives us two examples. One is hardly seen. Yet too little of it you can taste the difference and too much of it can ruin your food. The other is visible it is needed during the night or when it is dark. Yet too much of it in the morning will make you say, “Turn it off” yet too little of it can make you feel unsafe.

What are they? Why salt and light you would answer.

One works as it comes into contact with the food and the other one as turned on.

Jesus said we are the Salt and the light.

Over the next two days, I want to share with you an ancient formula that can turn this world upside down.

Are you willing to learn this formula?

Even more important, are you willing to apply this formula in your life?