Sunday Morning SoundBytes – 3/22/2015
Sunday’s message from The Sermon on the Mount series was called Being an Obvious Christian, taken from Matthew 5:13-16. Here is a brief outline of the message:
Basic theme: Christians are meant to be different from the world
Note: The Beatitudes focus on the Christian’s character. The salt and light section focuses on the Christian’s influence.
I. The salt of the earth (13)
A. Jesus’ declaration: “You are the salt of the earth.”
B. The meaning of the analogy:
1) This world is in moral decay.
2) Christians act as salt in the world
– salt cleanses: we live pure lives in the world
– salt preserves: we stand up for what is right
– salt flavors: we attract people to Christ
C. Warning – when the salt loses its saltiness (compromise):
1) The church loses its reputation (can’t be made salty again)
2) The church loses its mission (no longer good for anything)
II. The light of the world (14-16)
A. Jesus’ declaration: “You are the light of the world.”
Note: Jesus is the true light – we reflect his light (John 8:12)
B. The meaning of the analogy
1) This world is in darkness:
– It doesn’t know the way to God (Acts 26:17-18)
– It doesn’t know God’s ways (Psalm 119:105)
2) Christians act as light in the world:
– light shines: we stand out as followers of Jesus
– light illuminates: we point people to God and his ways
– light reveals: we show others how God wants us to live
C. Encouragement – when your light shines brightly (witness):
1) People will see your good deeds
2) People will praise your Father in heaven
Note: Click on the Sermons tab at the top of the blog for this and other messages.