Salt & Light
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The Church at Mesquite
Salt & Light
Matt 5.13-16
The Church at Mesquite
Matthew 5
Matthew 5.13
Ye are the salt of the earth, but if the salt have lost his savor 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 Church at Mesquite
Matthew 5Matthew 5.14-16
Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your FATHER which is in Heaven (KJV).
The Church at Mesquite
Matthew 5Matthew 5.14-16
Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your FATHER which is in Heaven (KJV).
The Church at Mesquite
Light
You are the Light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
The Church at Mesquite
Light
You are the Light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
As we consider the implications of JESUS’ WORDS we note that JESUS compare HIS followers (disciples) to a city that is built on a hill, and a candle that is on a candlestick.
The Church at Mesquite
Light
You are the Light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
In this we note the macro (larger scale) and micro (smaller scale) illumination aspects of Light.
The Church at Mesquite
Light
You are the Light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
The imperative in both situations (the illuminated city and the candle) is that they stand out for a specific reason and serve a specific purpose.
The Church at Mesquite
Light
JESUS wants and requires HIS disciples to stand out because this is the only way that HIS Light is able to be seen of men.
The Church at Mesquite
Light
JESUS wants and requires HIS disciples to stand out because this is the only way that HIS Light is able to be seen of men.
We do not stand out for our own glory but we note in verse 16 that we stand out “that they (men) may see your good works, and glorify your FATHER which is in Heaven.”
The Church at Mesquite
Light
In this we conclude that since JESUS wants HIS Light to shine through us to give glory to The FATHER HE is the very one that places the church on a hill that HIS Light may be able to illuminate the world.
The Church at Mesquite
Light
As we look at the macro aspect of JESUS’ Light shining through the church and illuminating the world in the same manner that a city’s light illuminates the world we must note that one of the many reasons that cities were built upon hills was so the city had an advantage in the time of war.
The Church at Mesquite
Light
JESUS’ 1st century disciples knew this because such knowledge was widely known in the context of that culture.
The Church at Mesquite
Light
JESUS’ 1st century disciples knew this because such knowledge was widely known in the context of that culture.
Thus when JESUS proclaimed that HIS disciples were the Light of the world in the same manner that a city built upon a hill could not be hidden they understood that JESUS was proclaiming that HE expected them to be seen by the world.
The Church at Mesquite
Light
In this we find that since JESUS wants the church (the body of believers who have committed themselves to follow CHRIST) to illuminate the world, HE has set it on a hill in a way that it is able to share the Light of JESUS with the world.
The Church at Mesquite
Light
As we look at the micro aspect of JESUS’ Light shining through the individual disciple and illuminating their circle of influence in the same manner that a candle is put on a candlestick we note that the reason this was done was so that a single light could be shared with all the inhabitants in a house.
The Church at Mesquite
Light
Olive oil was used as the fuel in this time and because of the value of olive oil it was common for one lamp to be used rather than several.
The Church at Mesquite
Light
Olive oil was used as the fuel in this time and because of the value of olive oil it was common for one lamp to be used rather than several.
Keep in mind that 1st century Mediterranean houses were not built like the houses we see in our culture so one lamp could suffice.
The Church at Mesquite
Light
In this we find that JESUS wants HIS disciples to illuminate everyone that is in their circle of influence HE has placed them on a candlestick so HIS Light can be seen by all that are in the house.
The Church at Mesquite
Light
We have already considered the properties of Light and how the Light of JESUS shines through us.
The Church at Mesquite
Light
We have already considered the properties of Light and how the Light of JESUS shines through us.
The point that we are looking to see in this portion of the Salt & Light series is WHO it is that leads us into the life situations that we many times find ourselves in when we are efforting to do the will of GOD.
The Church at Mesquite
Light
Whether we are talking about the church as a whole or an individual Christian we do well to always remember that JESUS in our LORD and as our LORD HIS desire is the glorify The FATHER in Heaven.
The Church at Mesquite
Light
HE states this is Matthew 5.16 (Let your Light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your FATHER which is in HEAVEN).
The Church at Mesquite
Light
HE states this is Matthew 5.16 (Let your Light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your FATHER which is in HEAVEN).
HE also states something similar in John 15.8 (Herein is MY FATHER glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples).
The Church at Mesquite
Light
We conclude from these and other verses of Scripture that JESUS’ main objective is to bring Glory to The Father.
The Church at Mesquite
Light
We conclude from these and other verses of Scripture that JESUS’ main objective is to bring Glory to The Father.
When we decide to be followers of JESUS (disciples) we are agreeing to also bring Glory to The FATHER.
The Church at Mesquite
Light
This is why many times people who follow JESUS will find themselves in situations that seem unnecessarily difficult.
The Church at Mesquite
Light
This is why many times people who follow JESUS will find themselves in situations that seem unnecessarily difficult.
JESUS leads HIS disciples into these types of situations; HE is looking to give The FATHER some Glory through us.
The Church at Mesquite
Light
Remember now that the context of Matthew 5.14-15 reveals that JESUS is the ONE that placed HIS church on a hill and HE is the ONE that placed the individual disciple on a candlestick.
In this we discover that if we truly trust JESUS, HE is the ONE that is directing the very life situations that we find ourselves in.
The Church at Mesquite
Light
This does not mean that everything that happens to us is GOD-ordained. Sometimes GOD allows us to experience evil because we have done evil in HIS sight (consider Israel in the Old Testament).
The Church at Mesquite
Light
This does not mean that everything that happens to us is GOD-ordained. Sometimes GOD allows us to experience evil because we have done evil in HIS sight (consider Israel in the Old Testament).
This does mean that even when we try to do the will of GOD from time to time we will be led to an uncomfortable place because in the midst of our trial JESUS is trying to give The FATHER some Glory through you and I.
The Church at Mesquite
Light
I know that we many times do not see our Christian lives in this manner, but JESUS is not in the business of making us happy…HE is in the business of making us holy.
The Church at Mesquite
Light
I know that we many times do not see our Christian lives in this manner, but JESUS is not in the business of making us happy…HE is in the business of making us holy.
We find that there is a necessary requirement for GOD’s people to be holy just as HE is holy (cf. Leviticus 11.44, 1 Peter 1.16)
The Church at Mesquite
Light
And since we are living in sinful flesh that has a tendency to not be glorifying to GOD, JESUS has to work holiness out of us so we will be able to give The FATHER the type of holy Glory that HE wants The FATHER to have.
The Church at Mesquite
Light
When you wonder…
Why people that are not Christian seem to have no issues in life and you as a Christian can’t seem to get things to go your way…
The Church at Mesquite
Light
When you wonder…
Why people that are not Christian seem to have no issues in life and you as a Christian can’t seem to get things to go your way…
JESUS is looking for some Glory!
The Church at Mesquite
Light
When you wonder…
Why you do your best to put one foot in front of the other and life seems to keep knocking you down…
The Church at Mesquite
Light
When you wonder…
Why you do your best to put one foot in front of the other and life seems to keep knocking you down…
JESUS is looking for some Glory!
The Church at Mesquite
Light
When you wonder…
Why you as a Christian are trying to do the right thing and life keeps tempting you with the wrong thing…
The Church at Mesquite
Light
When you wonder…
Why you as a Christian are trying to do the right thing and life keeps tempting you with the wrong thing…
JESUS is trying to get some Glory!
The Church at Mesquite
Light
JESUS has set us on a hill so we can be seen in the world, and put us on a candlestick so our Light can illuminate those around us…
The Church at Mesquite
Light
JESUS has set us on a hill so we can be seen in the world, and put us on a candlestick so our Light can illuminate those around us…
Because HE is trying to get some Glory!
The Church at Mesquite
Light
This may be a good time to remind us of the words of the Hebrew writer as they were recorded for our admonition in Hebrews 11.6
But without faith it is impossible to please HIM, for he that comes to GOD must believe that HE is, and that HE is a rewarder of them that diligently seek HIM.
The Church at Mesquite
Light
This may be a good time to remind us of the words of Paul as they were written to Timothy in 2 Timothy 3.12
Yea, and all that will live godly in CHRIST JESUS shall suffer persecution.
The Church at Mesquite
Light
This may be a good time to remind us of the words of JESUS as they were written in Matthew 16.24-25
If may man will come after ME (be my disciple) let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow ME. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it, and whosoever will lose his life for MY sake shall find it.
The Church at Mesquite
Light
We indeed have been picked out to be picked on…
The Church at Mesquite
Light
We indeed have been picked out to be picked on…
And as it relates to JESUS getting Glory out of us, HE cannot get Glory out of us if HE has not worked Glory out of us
The Church at Mesquite
Light
We indeed have been picked out to be picked on…
Because JESUS is trying to get some Glory out of us!
The Church at Mesquite
Light
Sometimes…
The Church at Mesquite
Light
Sometimes…
GOD has to mow us to show us
The Church at Mesquite
Light
Sometimes…
GOD has to mow us to show usGOD has to move us to prove us
The Church at Mesquite
Light
Sometimes…
GOD has to mow us to show usGOD has to move us to prove usGOD has to shake us up to wake us up
The Church at Mesquite
Light
Sometimes…
GOD has to mow us to show usGOD has to move us to prove usGOD has to shake us up to wake us upGOD has to make it tight to make us right
The Church at Mesquite
Light
Sometimes…
GOD has to mow us to show usGOD has to move us to prove usGOD has to shake us up to wake us upGOD has to make it tight to make us rightGOD has to purge us to urge us
The Church at Mesquite
Light
Sometimes…
GOD has to mow us to show usGOD has to move us to prove usGOD has to shake us up to wake us upGOD has to make it tight to make us rightGOD has to purge us to urge usGOD has to sift us to lift us
The Church at Mesquite
Light
Sometimes…
GOD has to mow us to show usGOD has to move us to prove usGOD has to shake us up to wake us upGOD has to make it tight to make us rightGOD has to purge us to urge usGOD has to sift us to lift usGOD has to make us wait to increase our faith
The Church at Mesquite
Light
JESUS has placed the church on a hill to illuminate the world…
The Church at Mesquite
Light
JESUS has placed the church on a hill to illuminate the world…
JESUS has placed Christians on a candlestick to illuminate their circles of influence…
The Church at Mesquite
Light
JESUS has placed the church on a hill to illuminate the world…
JESUS has placed Christians on a candlestick to illuminate their circles of influence…
So The FATHER can receive some Glory!
The Church at Mesquite
LightMatthew 5.14-16
Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your FATHER which is in Heaven (KJV).
The Church at Mesquite
LightWhy are you following JESUS?
The Church at Mesquite
LightWhy are you following JESUS?
Are you allowing JESUS’ Light to shine through you in a manner that brings GOD Glory?
The Church at Mesquite
LightWhy are you following JESUS?
Are you allowing JESUS’ Light to shine through you in a manner that brings GOD Glory?
Are you JESUS’ Salt & Light?
The Church at Mesquite
Salt & Light
Matt 5.13-16
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