What it means to be a Christian The Christian is…Salt

Influence Proper example always important We are always examples 1 Cor. 11:1 1 Tim. 4:12 Phil. 2: Peter 2:12 Matthew 5:13-16

Salt Preserves It can keep foods from spoiling Our example, can keep souls from being lost. Cf. Gen. 18:20-32, 2 Chron. 34: Who knows if our example will preserve some soul from eternal destruction? We also preserve the word – its truth and purity, Psa. 119:11

Salt Irritates On wounds it can be painful Sometimes our example is an “irritant” to the world Heb. 4:12 John 15:18-19, 1 John 3:13 Matt. 5:10-12

Salt creates thirst Some foods make us thirsty Does our example cause others to thirst for God Cf. Acts 16:25 While many will mock, some may inquire further

Salt flavors We enjoy seasoning on food Matt. 5:13, What good is salt that loses its flavor? Let us live to try and make our world a little better place Cause the world to glorify God Matt. 5:16 God’s word WILL make the world better Can we have too much salt?

The Christian is…Light

We are the light of the world Matthew 5:14-16 Light is associated with God ( 1 John 1:5 ), Jesus ( John 1:4-5, 8:12 ) good example and His word! ( 2 Pet. 1:19 )

We are the light of the world We need to let our light shine! Phil. 2:14-16

Light illuminates It helps us see. The word of God Psa. 119:105

Light exposes Eph. 5:11-13, “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them…But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light.” John 3:20-21

Light drives away darkness Darkness is the absence of light. We introduce light into dark spaces. When we shine the light of God’s word, it can drive away darkness

Light guides us Light gives us direction Walk as children of light – Eph. 5:8, 1 John 1:7

Light can attract others Many people seek to escape darkness and head toward light. We let our light shine Matt. 5:14-16 Can we have too much light?

How is your influence with others?