Salty Light

February 8, 2026 Matthew 5:13-20 Salty Light Fifth Sunday of Epiphany Year A Prelude Greeting Call to Worship (Isaiah 58) One: Welcome to worship! Here we seek to let our light break forth like the dawn. Many: Here we come to call, trusting the Lord will answer. One: Here we’re welcome to cry for help, believing the Lord will respond “Here I am!” Many: We’re gathered, eager to gain courage to do as God directs: to share our bread with the hungry, One: to bring the homeless poor into our homes, Many: to provide clothing for those who are uncovered. ALL: As God’s own beloved children, let us worship God in this time, and in our actions toward “the least” of our sisters and brothers, siblings all. (Disciples of Christ Center for Faith and Giving) Opening Prayer God of Community, we rejoice in this time to worship you in this holy place, and through the wonder of technology, which gathers us from many places. Help us reach beyond the walls of this building, eager to see LIGHT emerging as we share bread and clothes, and welcome others to safe spaces. Inspire us always to open our hands, our hearts, our minds, that we might truly be followers of Jesus, the Christ, who shows us “The Way.” AMEN (Disciples of Christ Center for Faith and Giving) Song A Sermon for all Ages Have you ever been in a grocery store when, as you did your shopping, they offered samples of different food items to try? They do this to entice you to buy those items. If the samples didn't taste good, you probably wouldn't buy any, would you? This morning we are going to do a taste test. You will taste two different samples of a food item, and you will tell which one you liked the best. The first taste test is crackers. We have two saucers with one cracker on each saucer. Johnny, taste a cracker from each saucer and tell me which one you liked best. (Hopefully, Johnny will pick the salted cracker!) The cracker that Johnny liked best is actually called a saltine. Why do you think it is called a saltine? You are right, it is because it has salt sprinkled on top. The other cracker doesn't have salt. Do you know what else it doesn't have? Taste! The cracker really needs the salt to give it a good flavor. The second taste test we are going to do is popcorn. We have two small bowls of popcorn. The popcorn in one bowl has been salted and the other has not. Mary, come and taste the popcorn from each bowl and tell me which one you like best. (After she tastes it, ask Mary which one she liked best.) As you might guess, Mary liked the salted popcorn better than the unsalted. I agree with Mary. In my opinion, popcorn without salt is about as tasty as those Styrofoam peanuts they use to pack items when they ship them in a box. I'm sure you all knew that many foods taste much better with a little salt. It doesn't take much. In fact, when you are cooking, a recipe often calls for "a pinch of salt." Not much, just a pinch, but that little pinch of salt makes a big difference in the flavor. In our Bible lesson today, Jesus said to his disciples, "You are the salt of the earth." What do you think that means? I think Jesus means that he wants us to improve the quality of life of those we meet each day. How can we do that? We can do that by introducing them to Jesus and by showing them that having Jesus in our life is like having salt on our food. Everything is better when we have Jesus in our life. There is a lot of hatred and bitterness in our world today. If you and I will show the love of Jesus in all that we do, we can be the salt of the earth like Jesus called us to be. Just a pinch of salt can do much to reduce bitterness and bring peace to our world. Heavenly Father, our prayer is that we may be the salt of the earth by showing the love of Jesus in all that we do. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen. (sermons4kids.com) Affirmation of faith (from The Confession of 1967) We believe: The life, death, resurrection, and promised coming of Jesus Christ has set the pattern for the church’s mission. His human life involves the church in the common life of all people. His service to men and women commits the church to work for every form of human well-being. His suffering makes the church sensitive to all human suffering so that it sees the face of Christ in the faces of persons in every kind of need. His crucifixion discloses to the church God’s judgment on the inhumanity that marks human relations, and the awful consequences of the church’s own complicity in injustice. In the power of the risen Christ and the hope of his coming, the church sees the promise of God’s renewal of human life in society and of God’s victory over all wrong. The church follows this pattern in the form of its life and in the method of its action. So to live and serve is to confess Christ as Lord. Amen. (Presbyterian Outlook, Owen Gray) Prayer for Illumination Gracious God, the words we read are ancient and true. On this day, may we hear them anew. Grant us hearts to discern your Spirit within them, and grant us courage to follow them in our lives this day. Amen. (Presbyterian Outlook, Owen Gray) Scripture Matthew 5:13-20 Sermon Salty Light Once upon a time, (which means this is a fairy tale, a made up story from long ago, containing great truth) – Once upon a time, there lived a rich man who had three daughters. He was a little insecure and needed some reassurance one day so he called each of his daughters into his counting house (where he counted all of his money, of course,) and asked each one of them, “Dearest daughter, how much do you love me.” The first to visit his counting chamber was his oldest daughter and she replied, “O Father, I love you more than all the gold in the world.” The father knew that there was a great deal of gold in the world so he was happy with this answer and he gave her some gold coins to spend as she wished. The second daughter came in and was asked the same question. She replied, “O dearest most loving and special Father, the best father ever, I love you more than all of the silver in the world.” And the father was pleased with this answer. He gave her some silver coins so she could order some new dresses which she had been wanting. The third daughter came in and when she was asked the question she paused and then replied, “Father, I love you more than fresh meat loves salt.” The father exploded in a rage and ordered that the daughter be thrown out of the great house and not allowed to return. The servants threw her out of the house with nothing but the clothes on her back and she was left to wander in the woods. She decided to disguise herself so she made clothing out of the rushes she found in the nearby swamp. She knocked on the back door or a large mansion, owned by one of her father’s friends, and asked the servant who answered the door for a job so that she could eat. She would not tell them her name so they called her “Cap O’Rushes” because of her clothing. She was given a job washing the pots and pans and keeping the house clean. She worked very hard and everyone liked her work, but she seldom spoke. One day the servants were all abuzz because a great party was to be given. There was food to prepare, room to clean, silver to polish and lots of other things to do. Cap O’Rushes discovered that her own father was invited. She convinced the cook to let her prepare the meal for her own father, though of course they did not know he was her father. She prepared all of his favourite dishes, but did not use any salt at all. (Remember, this was back when people used a lot of salt and well before blood pressure had been invented.) When the food was brought to him and he began to eat he was most unhappy with the meal and the host ordered the cook be brought to apologize to his guest. The cook brought Cap O’Rushes and explained that she had cooked the meal for this particular guest. “What is the meaning of this”, he demanded. “You have embarrassed me. He says his food is bland and tasteless. Why have you done this to me and to him?” She turned to her father and said simply, “I love you as much as fresh meat loves salt”. He father recognized her and wept in sorrow as he asked for her forgiveness. His other daughters had been nothing but a trial to him and were always wanting more and more fine clothes and jewellery and he realized that this daughter had really loved him a great deal. I think that story is a good demonstration summary of the entire gospel of Jesus Christ. The heart of the gospel is God’s love for us. God loves us more than fresh meat loves salt. The challenge for us in our loves is always how we demonstrate our love for God. Our scripture is the second half of Matthew 5- In the first half Jesus is preaching to the people helping them to understand what it means to be blessed by God. Our lesson for today is intertwined – to be blessed by God is to be loved by God, but it is also to give God’s love to others. Jesus is stressing to us how important it is for us to make a difference in the world, without our strength and determination the world would be a very different place. • Not Enough Salt Contributed by David Ward on Sep 12, 2019 (message contributor) Dennis Kinlaw, former Asbury Seminary professor and Asbury College president, tells a story about growing up in rural Lumberton, North Carolina, during the depression. It was Dennis’ job, as a young boy, to rub salt into the meat his father brought home from hunting. He would rub salt into the meat until his young muscles were sore. Finally, when it was thoroughly salted, he would hang it up in the storehouse. One day company arrived, so Dennis’ mother asked him to get some pork out of the storehouse. Dennis ran out, got a big piece of pork off of a hook, and brought it into the kitchen. He laid it on his mother‘s cutting board and left. He was just about out the front door when heard his mother yell, “Dennis!” Young Dennis knew from experience that whenever his mother screamed his name like that he was in trouble, so he slunk his way to the kitchen and stood in the doorway, afraid to go in. Looking up at his mother from the doorway, he noticed she was not glaring at him but rather staring down at the meat. Dennis looked and noticed something unusual. He would say that it was the first time in his life he ever saw meat move. Stepping closer, he noticed maggots pouring out of the slice his mother had made into the pork. Dennis thought for sure he was going to get it. But all Mom said was, “Not enough salt, Dennis. Not enough salt.” Now it's easy to want to blame Hollywood, or TV, or liberal schooling, or the government for the decay of our culture. But maybe, just maybe, the real problem is “not enough salt.” If we feel the world is decaying around us, the problem may very well be “not enough salt.” Salt had as many uses in Jesus’ day as it does now and we who are on this side of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount have ventured all kinds of guesses as to what Jesus had in mind concerning comparing salt to those who were listening to him that day. Probably, more mysterious, did Jesus intend for us, in our day, to make some kind of personal connection with salt? For example, salt is used as a preservative. Could it be that the presence of Jesus’ followers in this world slows down the decay and disease of a sin-infested world? Salt is used as a disinfectant. Maybe Jesus’ followers are to be bring health and healing to the wounds of this world and its people. Salt is used as a seasoning, making food taste better. Maybe Jesus is saying that Christianity is to be to life as salt is to food, lending flavor to life. Salt is valuable or at least it was. The Greeks called salt divine. The Romans had a jingle of sorts that said, “There is nothing more useful than sun and salt.” Salt was used to pay the wages of the Roman soldiers. The word “salary” comes from the word “salt.” We use the phrase “salt of the earth” as one of the greatest compliments we can make of an individual, stressing their worth and usefulness. Jesus could be stressing the value of his followers contributing to the goodness and integrity of the world. Salt is used as a de-icing agent. Here’s a stretch. Maybe one of the tasks of Jesus’ followers is to melt the hard hearts of men and women who have turned away from God and their fellow human beings. Salt was connected with purity. The Romans said that salt was the purest of all things because of its connection to the sun and the sea. So then, if the Christian is to be the salt of the earth he or she must be an example of purity. The Christian sets the standard for the world instead of the world setting the standard for the Christian individual. Salt was an important part of the sacrificial system of the Old Testament. Reference is made in the book of Numbers to the “salt of the covenant.” Many of the offerings given to the Lord were to be sprinkled with salt as a sign of the covenant between God and the people. Is it possible that Jesus was saying his followers must be a living sign to this world of the loving relationship of God to its people? Just before preaching this sermon the first time I was taking a respite at my seminary in Kentucky. I was doing research in the library when I discovered another use for salt I had not heard of before. In Jesus’ time, and since, salt has been used as a fertilizer. In fact, British farmers did just that during the Second World War when other fertilizers were in short supply. That makes a lot of sense, especially as Jesus used it in the phrase “salt of the earth.” Jesus may have been saying that his followers are to be the fertilizer that nurtures and furthers the growth of God’s kingdom in this world. Did you know that back in the Bible times and I’m sure at other times as well when one group of people conquered another group of people they would sow salt into the soil of the conquered people so that nothing would grow - thereby punishing them through starvation? Jesus never intended for his followers to use their salt as a weapon. And yet, too often throughout church history … even today … maybe even us … we stand back judging, criticizing, maybe even punishing, those whom with whom we disagree or we deem as sinners, instead enhancing and encouraging and nurturing. In the gospel lesson for today – Matthew 5 – Jesus has just went up on the mountain to talk with all of the people below who are following him and listening them. This is a mixed crowd, some are his committed disciples, some are his fair weather disciples, and some are just interested parties. But the point that Jesus us trying to make to all is what it means to be a righteous person. He is telling what it means and the gifts that God will give to those who are faithful. In verses 13-20 which we read for today he is continuing that conversation, and speaking more about the character of a Christian. It was said that in WWII that in some cities, people were asked to make black curtains to put on their windows, so that when the enemy planes flew overhead, they would not be able to distinguish towns and cities to drop bombs on them. Washington DC was of course very vulnerable to attack, so workers got to work making black curtains for the white house. One of the workers commented however, that it did not make sense to try and camouflage the white house. The white house was such an icon for America, it was so clear to everyone in the world where the white house was, it was such a distinctive house, and was so well advertised, that if someone was looking for it, they would have no problem finding it. There was just no way to hide its identity. In the Isaiah, Jerusalem is called to be the city on a hill. Jerusalem is built on Mount Zion, there is one road up and one road down. it is the city which all people would flock to in order to learn the ways of peace. God calls the church to be the city on the hill, the place where people look for light in a very dark world. Light transforms the situation. Light changes the situation. Light illumines. Light doesn’t hide, but is present. Jesus has the same message for us as Christians. Christianity should be so much a part of who we are, following God should be so much a part of our character, that there was no mistaking who we are. You are the salt of the earth, you are the light of the world. Salt, light, water, fire, are all key ingrediants for our lives. Today, we are told that we are to cut down on our salt intake, but salt is still an important part of our lives. What are some uses of salt ?........ (Doug Diehl, DugDeal’s Wordshop) Sodium is an extremely active element found naturally only in combined form; it always links itself to another element. Chlorine, on the other hand, is the poisonous gas that gives bleach its offensive odor. When sodium and chlorine are combined, the result is sodium chloride--common table salt--the substance we use to preserve meat and bring out its flavor. Love and truth can be like sodium and chlorine. Love without truth is flighty, sometimes blind, willing to combine with various doctrines. On the other hand, truth by itself can be offensive, sometimes even poisonous. Spoken without love, it can turn people away from the gospel. When truth and love are combined in an individual or a church, however, then we have what Jesus called "the salt of the earth," and we're able to preserve and bring out the beauty of our faith. David H. Johnson. In our scripture, Jesus combines salt with the power of light. We are to be salty and bright. We can shine our lights in so many ways. When you go to Menards, there is always a section of the store that is sectioned off at the front of the store that contains all kinds of lights. Each light has a different purpose, each light shines from a different source, each is a different color. Who knew that there could be so many different shades of a white light bulb. But when they shine- they make the lighting section the brightest place in the store. Each of us is called to shine with what we have, where we are – to reflect the light of Christ in our lives. Today we live in a world where the church seems irrelevant to people and people do not see the need of being close to God. It is more important that ever that we be the salt of the earth. Excerpt Emily Potter got a call from her sister, and it made her heart sink. “It’s cancer,” said her sister, talking about the report that their mother had just received. “Not my mom,” thought Emily. “Please not my mom.” Cancer had already devastated their family once before, and they had lost friends to it as well. The only way that Emily knew how to express herself was to create something. So, she made a sweatshirt that contained the word “salty.” She showed up to her mother’s first round of chemotherapy wearing the sweatshirt. And why did she choose that particular word? Emily says that being salty “means that I am extremely bitter, angry and resentful towards her cancer.” But it also sends the message that her mom is “tough and aggressive.” According to Emily, people with cancer are some of the toughest and most courageous people on earth. She wears her “salty” sweatshirt as a kind of armor, one that strengthens and preserves her bond with her mother. When she puts it on, she is saying, “I love you. I’m here for you. Let’s be salty. Together.” Sometime salt has to combine with anger, frustration, concern, even compassion, Summary Christians are salty when they work for the justice and inclusion for all. They are bright when they behave in ways that are good and right and true. (Proclaimsermons.com) Whatever we combine our salt with – sassiness, determination. We are called to season our lives with our devotion to God. Finally – there is a saying that children will become whatever we name them. If we name them trouble makers, they will make trouble, if we name them smart – they will become smart. Conclusion: This Is Our Calling Jesus doesn’t say, “Try to be salt.” He says, “You are.” He doesn’t say, “Create your own light.” He says, “Let it shine.” This is the calling of disciples: To live so faithfully, love so clearly, and serve so consistently that our community experiences the presence of God through us. May we be salt that makes a difference right where we are planted. May we be light that cannot be hidden. And may everything we do—here, at home—give glory to God. Amen. (Chat GPT 5.2) Song Pastoral Prayer Lord of bright and abiding Light, you have shown us, in the person of Jesus your Son, a new way to live. You have poured your light into the world and have asked us to live in the light rather than run and hide in the darkness of doubt and despair. You promise to be our light all of our days and ask us to place our trust in you. The journey in this light is risky. It means that we will have to be very serious about our service to you, giving you our best and offering hope and light to others. In this new year, we bring to you the names and situations of others for whom light seems to be a stranger. They struggle with ill health, economic hardship, broken and damaged relationships, loss of loved ones, and anxiety. We place them in your care. Let your light shine on them, bringing healing and hope. Help us to be bearers of that light in all that we do; for we ask this in Jesus’ Name. Amen. (written by Nancy C. Townley from Worship Connection): Lord’s Prayer Stewardship Moment In a world in which we can so easily turn on a light, it may be challenging to remember Jesus was speaking to his disciples out on the mountain side, with no electric lights, no lighted pathways, no flashlights. When the sun went down, everyone knew it would be DARK! So describing the disciples “light of the world” would have had a deep significance. What about for you? If you can, imagine how YOU are “the light of the world.” How do you let your light shine? What good works can be seen when you’re around? What happens because of you that allows others to give glory to God? Each week, we provide an opportunity for each one of us to shine some light as we share our financial offerings. With our gifts, this congregation is better equipped to _________________________ (Provide food for the food bank? Bring children and youth into community through youth groups? Help people claim their identity as followers of Jesus?) Imagine how bright the light shines when we all provide resources! Let your light so shine so we are not hidden or under a bushel basket, but so others from all around can see and rejoice in the Light! Prayer of Thanksgiving Illuminating God, thank you for the ways you encourage us to let our light shine. Please accept these gifts, multiply them, and make possible the vision for us to use them wisely, that we might let our good works be seen and celebrated, day by day. AMEN (Disciples of Christ Center for Faith and Giving) Song Announcements Closing Prayer for YouTube Go, dear friends, to love and serve the Lord. Go shine light into darkness. Go be salt of the earth. Go enjoy the wonders of our world, which God has made. Go stand beside those on the margins. Go form faith. Go have your faith formed. And go to share God’s love, knowing that you are uniquely beloved. Amen (Presbyterian Outlook, Owen Gray) Community Time – Joys and Concerns Benediction To those huddled in the shadows of fear and worry, God sends us to be light. To those whose lives and hopes have lost all flavor, Jesus sends us to be salt. To a society where love is tossed aside as easily as a food wrapper, Spirit sends us to be faithful carers of everyone we meet. (c) Thom M. Shuman Additional Illustrations Consider our lesson for today. Jesus says to his followers, "You are the light of the world. . . ." Can you imagine that? Here was a motley crew of farmers and fishermen and tax collectors and housewives in a tiny and remote village in an obscure part of the world and Jesus was saying to them, "You are the light of the world." Talk about a statement of faith! Let's go farther than that. Talk about a crazy idea! Light of the world? That bunch? It must have sounded absurd at the time even to them. Only Jesus could have seen that through this motley crew God would indeed change the world forever. At the time, however, it probably sounded like so much idle chatter. "You are the light of the world," he said and so they were. Now do you want to hear something really absurd? So are we. Jesus says to us this morning that WE are the light of the world. Think about that for a moment. Sink your teeth into it savor it. You and I are the light of the world. What does it mean? Well, let me suggest some possibilities. The Temptation We Face Everyday "One night at the end of a special Saturday night worship service," writes Warren Hudson of Ontario, Canada, "a thunderstorm unleashed a bolt of lightning that plunged the church into darkness." With the congregation seated in total darkness, the pastor felt his way to the kitchen to find some candles. The pastor handed out the candles to everyone present. Persons lit their candles in much the same way as many churches do on Christmas Eve, each person lighting the candle of the person next to them. The worshipers then made their way through the church's winding hallways to the front door. "Peering out, we could see the rain coming down in sheets," Warren remembers. With traffic snarled, people were running for the nearest shelter. Looking around they realized that the entire city was in darkness. "There in the darkness we stood," Warren writes, "a little band of Christians, each clutching a light, not sure whether to venture out into the storm or stay inside the church in hopes that the storm would soon blow over." There in the darkness the light of truth struck him. In this most dramatic way he realized what it means to be the "light of the world." He writes, "It occurred to me then that this is the temptation I face every day. It is easy to play it safe and be a good Christian in church. It is a lot harder to venture out in faith into the storms of the world." Warren Hudson, adapted by King Duncan, Collected Sermons,www.Sermons.com Changing the World It was during the early days of television. A workman was placing television transmitters at the very top of the Empire State building in New York City. Seeing him at work up there, so far off the ground, a reporter thought this would make a fascinating human interest story. So, when the workman had completed his task and had returned to the ground, the reporter approached him and asked, “Aren’t you frightened to work under conditions like that that? Isn’t it dangerous to work so high off the ground?” The workman replied, “Yes sir, it is dangerous.” Then he added, “But then, how many people can say that they have changed the skyline of a city like New York!” God offers us the privilege of changing the skyline not of a city, but of the world. We can help make this world healthier, more humane, more harmonious, and more blessed. God made a good world. Now He wants us to help Him make it good again. We can do that. By God’s grace, we really can do that. If we can, surely we must. James McCormick, Selected Sermons, www.Sermons.com What’s your favorite color? Is it more 450? Or do you tend towards 600? Maybe even 700? In case those numbers don’t immediately mean anything to you, on the visible spectrum scale for light 450 nanometers means “blue,” 600 is yellow, and at 700 nanometers you are seeing red. But we don’t “see” numbers, do we? We see the beautiful, variable, illuminating colors that light takes on as it is refracted and reflected before our eyes. We don’t experience nanometers. We bask under a blue sky? Or we bath in wonder at the beauty of a sunset that melts from orange to red to crimson and purple. Whether we catalogue light as 550 nanometers or perceive it as “green” is all a matter of perspective. Are we dissecting the idea of “light” into its most basic components (measured nanometers)? Or are we responding to the expression of that light as we experience it in the world (colors)? In Matthew’s account of the “Sermon on the Mount,” immediately after Jesus lays out his “blessed be” Beatitudes, he lifts up two metaphors of how disciples of the kingdom will be known to this world. They will be the “salt of the earth,” they will be the “light of the world,” a light that will “shine before others.” Salt sharpens flavors. Light sharpens both sight and insight. Jesus is calling would-be followers of the kingdom to sharpen lives by living on the sharp, the cutting edges, the places where new perspectives, new tastes, and new visions are embraced. Light does not just banish darkness and illuminate corners and crevices. Light also works to provide a new perspective… A Light in the Darkness Let me tell you a story about one of the most remarkable young men who ever lived. This young man had been left blind in both eyes by a childhood accident. In nineteenth-century France, when this young man lived, blind children had little help and few hopes. But then a kindly priest, Father Jacques Palluy, took an interest in the lad. He was amazed at the boy's intelligence and eagerness to learn. With his parents' permission, Father Palluy enrolled the boy in the Royal Institute of Blind Youth in Paris. Thrust into a new and frightening environment, the boy was lonely and depressed. In time, however, he found friendship and encouragement. Unfortunately he was frustrated by the institute's lack of books in raised print. He also found the symbols in raised print confusing. So he set out, at twelve years of age, to invent his own system. After three years he perfected the method, but he encountered indifference and hostility when he tried to convince the world that his system was better. Even with the support of the institute's director, he was told again and again that he was too young to have created a workable alphabet for the blind. Years passed. This young man grew older, was made a teacher at the institute, and became a fine organist, always hoping that his method would find acceptance. But his health was frail. It was not until he lay in bed, dying of tuberculosis, that he heard that the first steps were being taken to popularize his system. Though he did not live to witness it, Louis Braille's alphabet became the universal method of reading for the blind. His courage and hunger for knowledge enabled him to triumph over disability and disease and open new worlds to future generations. He found a way to become light for those who lived in darkness. King Duncan, Collected Sermons, www.Sermons.com Salt has the properties of flavor, of preserving, of healing, of preventing germs, of cleansing, and many other things. In Jesus’ day salt was also used in cooking. Every house or neighborhood would have had a stove in front of it. The fuel for these stoves would have been animal manure. In order for the manure to burn, they would add salt to it and make it into patties. Once all of the salt burned from the patties, they were no good. The Hebrew word for earth is the same word for an earthen stove. We are the salt used to burn the manure of life. In other words, we have a mission and a purpose as the people of god. As the church we are the body of Christ for the world. Our challenge is to not just be Christ, but to be Christ crucified and resurrected. this is the last sentence of Matthew and it will be my last point. The scribes were professionals, usually priest who had been given the task of putting God’s word into writing. The Pharisee were committed lay people, who committed every part of their lives to God and doing what God said was right. Jesus was saying that they were pretty good people, they were faithful and righteous. Jesus set the bar pretty high for us. They were the best of the best, and we are being called to be even better. They were extraordinary, but we are called to be even more. As Christians we are to give the world an unheard of amount of generosity, love, and understanding. Such as the world has never seen. Your are the salt of the earth, the light of the world. The good news is that we don’t have to do anything or know anything. All we have to do is to love God. From Basement to Craft Fairs Doris was most comfortable when she was busy at work in her secluded spot in the basement of her parents' home. She had been born with a deformed left arm which wasn't of much use to her; hence, she had chosen not to participate in sports nor in the school band. But she had studied art and in that she excelled. Her quiet personality stemmed partly from her physical impairment and partly because she hadn't received much encouragement to excel in anything. But she did have her little workshop in the basement, where she spent a good deal of her time. She cherished the hours spent there because she was doing the one thing she felt confident she could do well -- painting. Yet even her parents weren't much aware of -- nor appreciative of -- her growing artistic ability. During her last two years in high school and the two years following graduation, she devoted increasing time to oil and acrylic still life paintings. As she looked out of the basement half windows at the familiar Wisconsin countryside, she captured ever more vividly the seasonal changes and the varieties that nature offered. The completed unframed canvasses were standing in ever thickening rows beyond her little nook in the basement. Doris' secret talent was clouded by only one fact -- she was the only person who knew about it. That is, until her favorite cousin Denise came to visit. Denise was quite the opposite of Doris -- a bubbly personality, outgoing and adventurous. She hadn't seen Doris since her high school graduation and now Denise had come to spend a week with her. Doris would not have shown her cousin all those canvasses stacked in the basement, but Denise's inquisitive nature soon led her to the dozens of paintings that stood facing the walls. "Doris, where did these paintings come from?" Denise asked, remembering that Doris had taken a few art classes in high school. "Did you do this wonderful work?" Denise asked with her hands on her hips. "They're nothing special," Doris tried to apologize. "Wrong! They're marvelous!" Denise argued. She spent the next half hour quickly going through one stack after another, while Doris stood by a bit embarrassed. "Doris, you need to get these paintings out where people can see them and buy them," Denise pleaded. "People will buy good paintings like these." Doris demurred, offering timid apologies for the paintings and her talent. But Denise would have none of it. "There's arts and crafts shows everywhere during these summer months, and I'm going to help you get these paintings out where people can see them," Denise challenged. And for the next few weeks there was no stopping Denise. She extended her visit beyond her original plans. "I don't have a job yet anyway for the summer," she rationalized. "I want you to sign your name to every one of these paintings," she instructed Doris. After four weekend arts and crafts shows, more than two dozen of Doris' paintings had been sold. As she and Denise headed back to Doris' home on a Sunday evening, Doris reflected the warmth of her feelings as she admitted, "I guess people do like my stuff." "Well, like I said, you have to get it out where people can see it," Denise commented as she gave her cousin a hug. Merle G. Franke, Lectionary Tales for the Pulpit, Cycle A Ann Landers printed a story a few years ago from a lady who had attempted suicide. She lay unconscious for three days before the police found her and took her to the hospital. But they went above and beyond the call of duty by calling her every day and once she returned home they would visit her and bring her cards and flowers on a regular basis. They went out of their way to show kindness and love. We are not all called to be police, or nurses, or firemen. We are not all called to have to faith of the scribes or Pharisees. But Jesus point is that whomever we are, and whatever we are doing, we are called to show compassion and to go out of our way to express it. That is what being a Christian is all about. God loves you, how to you show the love of God in your life? Let us pray….. Weekly Sermon Illustration: The Salt of the Earth Monday February 03, 2014 "You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot. You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid." The following is an excerpt from Buechner's sermon "The Church" (originally published in The Clown in the Belfry and later in Secrets in the Dark). Jesus calls us to show this truth forth, live this truth forth. Be the light of the world, he says. Where there are dark places, be the light especially there. Be the salt of the earth. Bring out the true flavor of what it is to be alive truly. Be truly alive. Be life-givers to others. That is what Jesus tells the disciples to be. That is what Jesus tells his church, tells us, to be and do. Love each other. Heal the sick, he says. Raise the dead. Cleanse lepers. Cast out demons. That is what loving each other means. If the church is doing things like that, then it is being what Jesus told it to be. If it is not doing things like that-no matter how many other good and useful things it may be doing instead-then it is not being what Jesus told it to be. It is as simple as that.

Those not against Jesus are for us

September 26, 2021 Mark 9:38-50 18th Sunday After Pentecost Proper 21 Year B Whoever isn’t against us is for us Opening Song Welcome - Theme of Worship – God is always on our side Call to Worship Jesus is on our side! Come and rejoice. Are you suffering? Come and find peace. Are you joyful? Come and sing. Do you need healing? Come and pray. Jesus is on our side! Come and rejoice. Stewardship Moment Invitation to Give In keeping with our theme – God is always on our side. Anthony DeStefano wrote an interesting book entitled – 10 prayers that God will always says yes to. – no matter who you are or what your situation is. Some of those prayers – God show me that you are present, God use me an your instrument, forgive me, help me through suffering, give me courage, give me peace, lead me to my destiny – I took a special interest to #3 on the list – God outdo me in generosity. No matter how much we give, God always gives more. That is one of the amazing lessons about stewardship. DeStefano says that when we deal with money – we are always led into holiness., we are always led to God in our lives and more importantly the promises of God in the bible. God always provides, God provides for us so that we can provide for others, When we do our small part – we can see the amazing things that God can do. God is the provider of all that we have. That is why stewardship is so important to our faith. It is us making a habit of giving our small part – and praying that prayer that God will outdo us in generosity. When we come into the presence of God, we always have an opportunity to give to God. One way of us being able to see that God is always on your side – is to see how God blesses the church and our lives. DeStefano says that God refuses to be upstaged when it comes to blessings. Whether you are joining us online or in person there are many ways for us to give – put it in the offering plate behind the baptismal font, give online, mail it in. Any way is a blessing and God will bless our efforts. Thank you to those who give in support of the ministries of the church. Let us pray this prayer together Today, we have the opportunity to make a gift “in the name of the Lord”. What we bring to share is not just payment to keep the lights on, or pay the minister. What we bring is an offering because we’ve gathered in the presence (name) of the Lord, who made heaven and earth. In gratitude, we now offer our gifts, our financial support, demonstrating our desire to live and stay in God’s presence. Prayer of Thanksgiving God, we offer these gifts that they may be used to declare your presence in all the earth. Receive them, and receive us as your beloved sons and daughters, eager to work alongside you in building your Realm on earth. We pray “in the name of the Lord”, AMEN Passing the Peace of Christ (Esther 7 & 9, Psalm 124, Mark 9) When we are rescued from danger and trouble, we know the peace of Jesus Christ. When we are welcomed into the reign of God, we know the peace of Jesus Christ. As those who are rescued and welcomed, let us greet one another with signs of the peace of Christ. Scripture Mark 9:38-50 Common English Bible Recognize your allies 38 John said to Jesus, “Teacher, we saw someone throwing demons out in your name, and we tried to stop him because he wasn’t following us.” 39 Jesus replied, “Don’t stop him. No one who does powerful acts in my name can quickly turn around and curse me. 40 Whoever isn’t against us is for us. 41 I assure you that whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ will certainly be rewarded. 42 “As for whoever causes these little ones who believe in me to trip and fall into sin, it would be better for them to have a huge stone hung around their necks and to be thrown into the lake. 43 If your hand causes you to fall into sin, chop it off. It’s better for you to enter into life crippled than to go away with two hands into the fire of hell, which can’t be put out.[a] 45 If your foot causes you to fall into sin, chop it off. It’s better for you to enter life lame than to be thrown into hell with two feet.[b] 47 If your eye causes you to fall into sin, tear it out. It’s better for you to enter God’s kingdom with one eye than to be thrown into hell with two. 48 That’s a place where worms don’t die and the fire never goes out.[c] 49 Everyone will be salted with fire. 50 Salt is good; but if salt loses its saltiness, how will it become salty again? Maintain salt among yourselves and keep peace with each other.” Sermon Whoever is not against us is for us and our friend I have to admit that I have been dreading this Sunday all week – How am I going to get through this sermon? Why did I even choose this scripture in the first place? Some Sunday’s are fun and easy – communion Sunday, baptism Sunday, Sunday’s when the scripture is something that everyone has heard of. And then there are Sunday’s like this, when Jesus says something that makes no sense, and I have to stand up in front of you all and defend Jesus, even though I don’t agree or understand him myself. This is almost as bad as the scripture was about John the Baptist and my colleague gave a children’s sermon on cutting people’s heads off. Today is gouge your eye out Sunday. In the gospel lesson Jesus tells us to cut off our hands and feet and to gouge out our eyes. He also talks about casting our demons. Jesus is serious, he means it. Jesus is serious about the moral consequences of sin. Jesus is serious about our discipleship. This is Jesus’ call to self discipline and an encouragement for us to take arms against the temptations in our life. I did intentionally choose this scripture because if we put his words into context, his message is a saving grace for us. Mark is just chock full of important lessons. This is the end of Chapter as Jesus is telling us that the way in which we treat children will be the way God judges us in heaven. The three points that I want to make today – as the church we must always leave the door open for new people, we have to live as examples for all who seek Jesus in our doors, and that in order to be live free in God, we have to be willing to let go of all of the things that is holding us down. The disciples have been following Jesus and hanging on his every word. Jesus sends them out to heal people and to tell the good news. They have special training, and are disciples of the best rabbi of all. And they run into some people who do that same thing, but did not have the same training. They are not disciples – when they tell Jesus he says one of the most important lines in the whole new testament – whoever is not against u sis for us – it is okay for them to do the Lord’s work. Coming together as the church is important. We need our community in order to be better Christians. We all need that group of people to pray together, to sing together, to celebrate together, to cry together. The church is a wonderful place. But lets all admit it, the church can also be a horrible place – we can get a little clickish, we can develop a club mentality, and we are prone to become exclusive. Exclusive: The Ugliest Word A journalist once asked Carl Sandburg, "What is the ugliest word in the English language?" After a few minutes Sandburg replied, "Exclusive." The ugliness of exclusive depends upon whether we are among the included or the excluded. We pride ourselves on being members of exclusive clubs, living in exclusive neighborhoods, dining at exclusive restaurants, vacationing at exclusive resorts, belonging to exclusive churches. Being an insider carries with it a sense of pride and security. Most of us, however, have been excluded often enough to agree that exclusive is an ugly word. When we are among the marginalized, the rejected, the pushed-aside or the left-out, it hurts! The conflict in the early church centered on the question of who is in and who is out. Are gentiles to be included? Peter and Paul debated that one until Peter had a dream and concluded that "God shows no partiality" (Acts 10:34). The Book of Acts is the story of God's grace through the Holy Spirit, pushing the early church out to the margins and breaking down the barriers among the people. Judging people by whether or not they are "one of us" thwarts God's reign of justice, generosity and joy. The disciples missed the power and victory of God's liberating presence in the man casting out demons. Their assumption that only those "following us" could cast out demons blinded them to God's presence in another. Rather than being grateful that demons were cast out, they were upset that the healing was done through someone outside their group. Bishop Kenneth Carder, “Unexclusive Gospel,” article in The Christian Century, 1997. It is good to point out that Jesus said anyone not against us is for us, he didn’t says that anyone not for us is against us. the lesson for us is to treasure our sense of community as a church focused on our mission, but to be tolerant of what is new, different and outside. The Fellowship of the Bearers of Cold Water An old man named Calvin had lived a good life as a farmer for years. One day an evangelist came to the community, and, in the course of his stay, visited Calvin and asked him what denomination he was. Calvin answered the question like this: "When my grain gets ready for selling, after I've harvested it and packaged it, I can take it to town by any one of three roads ” the river road, the dirt road, or the highway. But when I get my grain to town and go to the buyer to sell him what I have, he never looks at me and asks, ˜Calvin, which road did you take to get your grain to town?' What he does do is ask me if my grain is any good." Friend, is your grain good - the grain of your discipleship? That's all that really matters. When we get to Heaven we will probably find some (Roman Catholics) and some (Baptists) and some (Presbyterians). And they'll be just as surprised to see us as we will to see them. But we will all belong to just one fellowship. Let's call it the Fellowship of the Bearers of Cold Water. We will all be people who have lived out our discipleship through acts of kindness to others. King Duncan, Collected Sermons, www.Sermons.com The second lesson, be an example for the world outside of our community. There are people who won’t set foot in a church, but they are watching us as an example of what it means to be the people of God. they look at our behavior and not only judge us, but they also judge God. Jesus lesson to the disciples is how important it is to be an example at all times. Speaking of highways. Changing the Signs William Barclay, a British theologian, tells the following story in his commentary on this Biblical text. He told a story about someone changing signs. That is, at an intersection of the road, one sign would point to the city of Seattle and another sign would point to the city of Tacoma. And the boy wondered to himself: How many people could I send down the wrong road if I changed the signs? Your very life is a sign post with a sign on it. Are you sending people down the wrong road or the right road? Edward F. Markquart, Millstones Are there ways that you lead people to sin? Jesus tells us not to do that. He is so serious because he wants us to see that our moral behavior matters. Our discipleship matters. We all have to be examples, not just the pastor, but all of us. What are the ways that we are able to transform darkness into light? The third lesson – this is the crazy one – cut off your hands and feet and gouge out your eye if you call it so sin. It seems a little harsh until you are reminded of the story of Captain Ahab. – we all remember the story of Moby Dick. Captain Ahab is the person who makes it his life mission to hunt and kill the great white whale. On a whaling trip the white wail destroyed the ship and caused the captain to lose his leg. After the loss of his limb, he was so filled with revenge and hatred, he couldn’t think of anything else. He was difficult to be around because he was do evil. He carried that negativity around with him wherever he went. It was that revenge that eventually killed him. The whale once again destroyed his ship, killed him and all of the crew except one person. Had he not been so filled with hatred and grief, he may have survived. Jesus lesson, let all of that revenge and hatred go. If it causes you to sin and do stupid things – it is better to just let it go. We don’t have to gouge our eye out, just let it go. Learning to let go of our negative feelings allows us to see heaven more clearly. Let go of our exclusivity, lack of discipline and grief. They Are Not Suggestions! I used to wish that Ted Koppel would run for president. Sometimes he seemed to make more sense than all of the politicians put together. You knew him as the popular moderator of ABC’s “Nightline” program. In a speech at Duke University when his daughter was graduating, he said this: “We have actually convinced ourselves that slogans will save us. Shoot up if you must, but use a clean needle. Enjoy sex whenever and with whomever you wish, but wear a condom. No! The answer is no. Not because it isn’t cool or smart or because you might end up in jail or dying in an AIDS ward, but because it’s wrong, because we have spent 5,000 years as a race of rational human beings, trying to drag ourselves out of the primeval slime by searching for truth and moral absolutes. In its purest form, truth is not a polite tap on the shoulder. It is a howling reproach. What Moses brought down from Mount Sinai were not the Ten Suggestions.” Right on! Jesus, in our Scripture of the morning, is not giving us a tiny tap on the shoulder. He is giving us a howling reproach. Donald B. Strobe, Collected Words, www.Sermons.com little Deeds John Killinger, in a sermon entitled, The Great Importance of Little Deeds, concluded by saying, "It's an exciting thought that when we die and come into the presence of God and all its fullness, it will not be our major achievements that speak for us, 'He was president of a bank. She was the first woman senator from her state. He was the author of 22 books,' but the small apparently inconsequential things that we long ago forgot. 'He mowed my lawn when I was sick. She cared for my child when I went to the market. He sent me flowers when I needed them most. She washed and mended my socks.' These are the little things that hold the world together. They are the small stones that comprise the great cathedrals where God is worshipped. They shall be remembered," says Killinger, "like stars in the crown of the saints." The world desperately needs to see our love in action. Of what value is our faith if our love isn't stronger: our love for one another and our love for the world? Our love needs to be big enough to take in the whole world. King Duncan, Collected Sermons, www.Sermons.com Let us pray…… Prayer Lord, you want us to be “salt”, to add savor to your world. We cannot be bland witnesses to your love, only working when it’s convenient for us or doing work that is incomplete. If we lose our “saltiness”, it cannot be regained. Give us courage and joy in our service to you. Help us to be people who clear the pathways to service rather than those who place roadblocks and “potholes” in which people can stumble. Many are called to serve You, O Lord. Help us to be people who work willingly with others, not demanding that our way is the only way, but rejoicing in a new approach to ministry. Give us confidence and joy in all that we do, for we offer our lives Song They Will Know we are Christians by our Love TFWS 2223 Announcements Closing Prayer for Facebook God has created all things. God has rescued us from sin and suffering. Let us go forth, seeking to be on God’s side. Jesus Christ finds us when we wander far from God. Let us go forth, seeking to be on God’s side. The Holy Spirit empowers us to welcome all into the reign of God’s love. Let us go forth, seeking to be on God’s side, bringing the love of Christ everywhere we go. Community Time Benediction Go in peace to serve the Lord. Remember the healing love that has taken place in your life.. Be open to all the wonders and opportunities that God puts before you. Go in peace. AMEN. Children’s Sermon Object: a saltshaker with salt in it. Boys and girls, what's your favorite flavor? (Be prepared for a variety of responses.) One of God's good gifts to us is the gift of taste. We can tell the difference between sweet and sour, bland and sharp, chocolate and vanilla, and all the other good flavors that come to us in our food. Have you ever eaten food that didn't seem to have any flavor? I have. The food may be perfectly good, but we don't like to eat it because it doesn't taste like anything. Even though it may be good for our bodies, if we can't get any taste out of it, we may just stop eating it altogether. Then we lose the good part. One of the flavors we can add to food that seems to need some is salt. I have some here with me today. We know that you can use too much salt on something if you are not careful. If you use too much salt, it makes your food taste terrible. It could even make you sick. But just the right amount of salt can make things taste better. God wants our lives to be something like salt. Salt can make a difference and improve the flavor of your food. When we do God's work and help other people to know about God's love, we are like salt. We are helping to make somebody else's life different, and to give it some flavor. We don't want to become so noisy about God that people get tired of hearing about him. That would be like putting on too much salt. Then a good thing could begin to taste like a bad thing. But we can do just the right thing when we get a chance. We can share God's love just when people need it. That's like putting salt on your food. Here is a shaker of salt. If you will hold out your hand, the palm side up, I will shake a little salt on everybody's hand. Then you can taste it. It will remind you of how good salt can be as a flavor in our lives. And it can remind us what we can be like for other people. CSS Publishing, Lima, Ohio, , by CSS Additional Illustrations Gouge-Your-Eye-Out Sunday – Mark 9:38-50 There are a couple of Sundays I'd just as soon not preach. One is Trinity Sunday, the Sunday immediately following Pentecost. I've heard more than one priest say that the reason most of us want an assistant or a deacon is so that we can assign them the task of trying to explain how it is we believe in one God, in three persons, and so on. Clergy dislike of preaching on Trinity Sunday is pretty widespread. So-called, Stewardship Sunday is another. It feels to me like I'm singing for my supper. After all, besides the mortgage what costs a church the most? Clergy salaries. Plus, I can guarantee you that regardless of how many guests a church has had in the weeks leading up to Stewardship Sunday, there will be several that day and it will be the greeter's job to assure them that we don't talk about money every Sunday. So I tread carefully on those Sundays. By the way, that Sunday is coming up in a couple of weeks. Beware! There are others but let me get right to the point. The most dreaded Sunday, for me is today, the day that one of our parishioners so pointedly calls: Gouge-Your-Eye-Out Sunday. The other day we were discussing which Sunday would be best for a kind of invite-a-friend-to-church Sunday, and she said, any Sunday except Gouge-Your-Eye-Out Sunday. She understood why I'd prefer not to preach today. But, as I've said many times before when difficult readings come up, I don't pick them. Some bunches of people many years ago arranged the series of Sunday readings we call the lectionary and this just happens to be the day they picked for cut-your-hand-off, cut-your-foot-off, gouge-your-eye-out Sunday. So, these are the cards we've been dealt, let's see where they take us this morning. I think it's safe to say that Jesus is serious about sin. To put it mildly, he stressed that sin was a bad idea. To put it bluntly, he thought that it would be better for us to go through life without one or more appendages than to sin, and especially, to cause someone who believes in him to sin. That, I believe, is a given. Jesus hated sin. I also think it's safe to say that most and maybe all those who have read and studied this passage understand that Jesus was not expecting anyone to take it literally.... Escaping the Rat Traps A fellow by the name of Ed Peterman tells a story from his childhood, when he grew up on a farm in Preble County Ohio. His family discovered they had some rats in the barn, so his parents got some traps. One night they baited them with cheese, and set them out around the barn. The next morning young Ed went out to see if they had caught anything. The first traps he examined were empty. When he came to the last trap, he saw something strange. The trap had been sprung, and while there was no rat in it, he noticed that it did hold the severed leg of a rat. He ran to tell his parents about this unexpected finding. They followed him back to the barn. When they got to the trap with the rat's leg in it, his parents just nodded and smiled knowingly. "What happened?" Ed asked them. "Tell me what happened!" So they told him. The trap had caught the rat by the leg. The rat knew that its life was at risk, so it chewed off its own leg to escape. "That's the way rats are," his father said. "Better to go on living with only three legs, than to die with all four." Ed just stood there for a while, marveling at the courage it took for the rat to choose to survive by chewing its leg off and leaving it behind. It makes one wonder whether we would have the courage to do what the rat did. If you were caught in a life-threatening situation one day, would you be able to cut part of yourself off and leave it behind in order to go on living? That's one of those things we never truly know, unless and until we actually faced that situation. Would I be able to surrender a hand or a leg, a memory or a grudge, an obsession or a long-held opinion, if my life were at stake? Or would I cling desperately to the futile memory of how things have always been before, and so bring about my own death? Jan Campbell All Good Things Are Sacred “The genius of the gospel is its seed of self-criticism or self-reformation. Each generation of Christians, like the Pharisees, is tempted to make sacred its programs and freeze its routines. Jesus showed us that humanly created structures aren't sacred. There are no sacred places, organizations, times, objects, doctrines or social positions, except in the sense that all good things are finally sacred.” Donald B. Kraybill, The Upside-Down Kingdom olerance on the Bridge Here is good one about tolerance: A man who was walking across a bridge and came upon another man standing right on the edge, about to plunge to his death. The first man shouted "Stop! Are you a Christian?" "Yes, as a matter of fact I am." "Well so am I. Are you Catholic or Protestant?" "I'm Protestant," "Well so am I. Are you Episcopal or Baptist?" "I'm Baptist." "Wow... I am too. Are you Southern Baptist or American Baptist? "I'm Southern Baptist," "Me too, that's amazing! Are you original Southern Baptist or Southern Baptist reformed?" "I'm Southern Baptist reformed." "I can't believe it, so am I." But tell me are you Reformed Southern Baptist of the reformation of 1879, or reformed Southern Baptist of the Reformation of 1915?" He answered, "Reformed Baptist, reformation of 1915.” To which the first man said, "Die you heretic," and he pushed him off the bridge. Traditional Humor: Concrete Demonstrations There is a time honored story about a pastor who was supposedly a great lover of children. One day he looked at the sidewalk leading up to his house that had been freshly poured. Some youngsters were playing in it and leaving footprints in the fresh cement. He rushed out and yelled at the children. Someone said to him; "Well pastor, we thought you liked children." He said, "Yes, I love them in the abstract but not in the concrete." The world is looking for concrete demonstrations of Christian love in action. King Duncan, Collected Sermons, www.Sermons.com

Gospel Flavoring

February 9, 2020 Matthew 5:13-21 Gospel Flavoring 5th Sunday of Epiphany Year A Repreach of 2/6/11 Children’s Sermon Object: A salt shaker. Lesson: As salt makes a difference in food, we, as Christian people, are called to make a difference in the world. What kinds of foods do you like to put salt on? (Children respond. Acknowledge each response.) We really like to put salt on scrambled eggs and french fries and popcorn. Anything else? French fries without salt taste kind of different, don't they? They taste kind of plain, like something is missing. The same with popcorn. It needs something to spice it up a little. And scrambled eggs, they're just no good without a little salt. Salt spices things up. It adds flavor and taste to foods. It makes a difference to our taste buds. Certain foods just aren't the same without salt. Popcorn without salt; yuck, how boring. The Bible tells us that we are the salt of the earth. That means that those of us who love God are here to make a difference in our world. We are here to add spice to life so that things don't seem so plain or boring. God wants us to spice things up, just by being around other people. Salt is strong. It only takes a little to make a big difference. God wants us to make a difference by sharing our strength. How can we be like salt? We can tell others about Jesus and how much he loves us. We can do nice things for people and we can help those who need us. We can be like salt by standing up for what is right even when everyone else chooses to do wrong. We can share how happy we are that we have Jesus in our lives. We can be like salt in the world by living lives that please God. French fries, eggs, and popcorn just aren't the same without salt, and the world just wouldn't be the same without Christian people to spice it up! Go out and spice up your world this week. God bless you. CSS Publishing Company, A TIME TO PLANT, by Teresa L. Major Stewardship Moment We have been talking about what it means to be generous. The spirit of generosity goes beyond money, but encompasses everything in life. We can be generous with our time or with who we are. Our lesson for this week is how to live a life of purpose on behalf of God. That we should live a life that reflects the light of God. Giving is not just what we give it is the attitude in which we give. Khalil Gibran, a spiritual leader says that bread baked with bitterness feeds but half a persons hunger. It may feed someone physically, but it leaves them spiritually hungry. The bible is filled with stories of people who gave, but who gave with the wrong attitude, and their offering was not accepted. And then there are people like the widow who gave a little, but who gave it earnestly, and was rewarded by Jesus. When we give to the church, do we give freely or out of obligation. Our lesson for today is to follow the example of Jesus, who not only gave freely, but gave everything in love. Scripture Matthew 5:13-20 Common English Bible (CEB) Salt and light 13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its saltiness, how will it become salty again? It’s good for nothing except to be thrown away and trampled under people’s feet. 14 You are the light of the world. A city on top of a hill can’t be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they put it on top of a lampstand, and it shines on all who are in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before people, so they can see the good things you do and praise your Father who is in heaven. Jesus and the Law 17 “Don’t even begin to think that I have come to do away with the Law and the Prophets. I haven’t come to do away with them but to fulfill them. 18 I say to you very seriously that as long as heaven and earth exist, neither the smallest letter nor even the smallest stroke of a pen will be erased from the Law until everything there becomes a reality. 19 Therefore, whoever ignores one of the least of these commands and teaches others to do the same will be called the lowest in the kingdom of heaven. But whoever keeps these commands and teaches people to keep them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 I say to you that unless your righteousness is greater than the righteousness of the legal experts and the Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Common English Bible (CEB) Copyright © 2011 by Common English Bible Sermon Once upon a time, (which means this is a fairy tale, a made up story from long ago, containing great truth) – Once upon a time, there lived a rich man who had three daughters. He was a little insecure and needed some reassurance one day so he called each of his daughters into his counting house (where he counted all of his money, of course,) and asked each one of them, “Dearest daughter, how much do you love me.” The first to visit his counting chamber was his oldest daughter and she replied, “O Father, I love you more than all the gold in the world.” The father knew that there was a great deal of gold in the world so he was happy with this answer and he gave her some gold coins to spend as she wished. The second daughter came in and was asked the same question. She replied, “O dearest most loving and special Father, the best father ever, I love you more than all of the silver in the world.” And the father was pleased with this answer. He gave her some silver coins so she could order some new dresses which she had been wanting. The third daughter came in and when she was asked the question she paused and then replied, “Father, I love you more than fresh meat loves salt.” The father exploded in a rage and ordered that the daughter be thrown out of the great house and not allowed to return. The servants threw her out of the house with nothing but the clothes on her back and she was left to wander in the woods. She decided to disguise herself so she made clothing out of the rushes she found in the nearby swamp. She knocked on the back door or a large mansion, owned by one of her father’s friends, and asked the servant who answered the door for a job so that she could eat. She would not tell them her name so they called her “Cap O’Rushes” because of her clothing. She was given a job washing the pots and pans and keeping the house clean. She worked very hard and everyone liked her work, but she seldom spoke. One day the servants were all abuzz because a great party was to be given. There was food to prepare, room to clean, silver to polish and lots of other things to do. Cap O’Rushes discovered that her own father was invited. She convinced the cook to let her prepare the meal for her own father, though of course they did not know he was her father. She prepared all of his favourite dishes, but did not use any salt at all. (Remember, this was back when people used a lot of salt and well before blood pressure had been invented.) When the food was brought to him and he began to eat he was most unhappy with the meal and the host ordered the cook be brought to apologize to his guest. The cook brought Cap O’Rushes and explained that she had cooked the meal for this particular guest. “What is the meaning of this”, he demanded. “You have embarrassed me. He says his food is bland and tasteless. Why have you done this to me and to him?” She turned to her father and said simply, “I love you as much as fresh meat loves salt”. He father recognized her and wept in sorrow as he asked for her forgiveness. His other daughters had been nothing but a trial to him and were always wanting more and more fine clothes and jewellery and he realized that this daughter had really loved him a great deal. I think that story is a good demonstration summary of the entire gospel of Jesus Christ. The heart of the gospel is God’s love for us. God loves us more than fresh meat loves salt. The challenge for us in our loves is always how we demonstrate our love for God. In the gospel lesson for today – Matthew 5 – Jesus has just went up on the mountain to talk with all of the people below who are following him and listening them. This is a mixed crowd, some are his committed disciples, some are his fair weather disciples, and some are just interested parties. But the point that Jesus us trying to make to all is what it means to be a righteous person. He is telling what it means and the gifts that God will give to those who are faithful. In verses 13-20 which we read for today he is continuing that conversation, and speaking more about the character of a Christian. It was said that in WWII that in some cities, people were asked to make black curtains to put on their windows, so that when the enemy planes flew overhead, they would not be able to distinguish towns and cities to drop bombs on them. Washington DC was of course very vulnerable to attack, so workers got to work making black curtains for the white house. One of the workers commented however, that it did not make sense to try and camouflage the white house. The white house was such an icon for America, it was so clear to everyone in the world where the white house was, it was such a distinctive house, and was so well advertised, that if someone was looking for it, they would have no problem finding it. There was just no way to hide its identity. In the Isaiah, Jerusalem is called to be the city on a hill. Jerusalem is built on Mount Zion, there is one road up and one road down. it is the city which all people would flock to in order to learn the ways of peace. God calls the church to be the city on the hill, the place where people look for light in a very dark world. Light transforms the situation. Light changes the situation. Light illumines. Light doesn’t hide, but is present. Jesus has the same message for us as Christians. Christianity should be so much a part of who we are, following God should be so much a part of our character, that there was no mistaking who we are. You are the salt of the earth, you are the light of the world. Salt, light, water, fire, are all key ingrediants for our lives. Today, we are told that we are to cut down on our salt intake, but salt is still an important part of our lives. What are some uses of salt ?........ Salt has the properties of flavor, of preserving, of healing, of preventing germs, of cleansing, and many other things. In Jesus’ day salt was also used in cooking. Every house or neighborhood would have had a stove in front of it. The fuel for these stoves would have been animal manure. In order for the manure to burn, they would add salt to it and make it into patties. Once all of the salt burned from the patties, they were no good. The Hebrew word for earth is the same word for an earthen stove. We are the salt used to burn the manure of life. In other words, we have a mission and a purpose as the people of god. As the church we are the body of Christ for the world. Our challenge is to not just be Christ, but to be Christ crucified and resurrected. this is the last sentence of Matthew and it will be my last point. The scribes were professionals, usually priest who had been given the task of putting God’s word into writing. The Pharisee were committed lay people, who committed every part of their lives to God and doing what God said was right. Jesus was saying that they were pretty good people, they were faithful and righteous. Jesus set the bar pretty high for us. They were the best of the best, and we are being called to be even better. They were extraordinary, but we are called to be even more. As Christians we are to give the world an unheard of amount of generosity, love, and understanding. Such as the world has never seen. Your are the salt of the earth, the light of the world. The good news is that we don’t have to do anything or know anything. All we have to do is to love God. From Basement to Craft Fairs Doris was most comfortable when she was busy at work in her secluded spot in the basement of her parents' home. She had been born with a deformed left arm which wasn't of much use to her; hence, she had chosen not to participate in sports nor in the school band. But she had studied art and in that she excelled. Her quiet personality stemmed partly from her physical impairment and partly because she hadn't received much encouragement to excel in anything. But she did have her little workshop in the basement, where she spent a good deal of her time. She cherished the hours spent there because she was doing the one thing she felt confident she could do well -- painting. Yet even her parents weren't much aware of -- nor appreciative of -- her growing artistic ability. During her last two years in high school and the two years following graduation, she devoted increasing time to oil and acrylic still life paintings. As she looked out of the basement half windows at the familiar Wisconsin countryside, she captured ever more vividly the seasonal changes and the varieties that nature offered. The completed unframed canvasses were standing in ever thickening rows beyond her little nook in the basement. Doris' secret talent was clouded by only one fact -- she was the only person who knew about it. That is, until her favorite cousin Denise came to visit. Denise was quite the opposite of Doris -- a bubbly personality, outgoing and adventurous. She hadn't seen Doris since her high school graduation and now Denise had come to spend a week with her. Doris would not have shown her cousin all those canvasses stacked in the basement, but Denise's inquisitive nature soon led her to the dozens of paintings that stood facing the walls. "Doris, where did these paintings come from?" Denise asked, remembering that Doris had taken a few art classes in high school. "Did you do this wonderful work?" Denise asked with her hands on her hips. "They're nothing special," Doris tried to apologize. "Wrong! They're marvelous!" Denise argued. She spent the next half hour quickly going through one stack after another, while Doris stood by a bit embarrassed. "Doris, you need to get these paintings out where people can see them and buy them," Denise pleaded. "People will buy good paintings like these." Doris demurred, offering timid apologies for the paintings and her talent. But Denise would have none of it. "There's arts and crafts shows everywhere during these summer months, and I'm going to help you get these paintings out where people can see them," Denise challenged. And for the next few weeks there was no stopping Denise. She extended her visit beyond her original plans. "I don't have a job yet anyway for the summer," she rationalized. "I want you to sign your name to every one of these paintings," she instructed Doris. After four weekend arts and crafts shows, more than two dozen of Doris' paintings had been sold. As she and Denise headed back to Doris' home on a Sunday evening, Doris reflected the warmth of her feelings as she admitted, "I guess people do like my stuff." "Well, like I said, you have to get it out where people can see it," Denise commented as she gave her cousin a hug. Merle G. Franke, Lectionary Tales for the Pulpit, Cycle A Ann Landers printed a story a few years ago from a lady who had attempted suicide. She lay unconscious for three days before the police found her and took her to the hospital. But they went above and beyond the call of duty by calling her every day and once she returned home they would visit her and bring her cards and flowers on a regular basis. They went out of their way to show kindness and love. We are not all called to be police, or nurses, or firemen. We are not all called to have to faith of the scribes or Pharisees. But Jesus point is that whomever we are, and whatever we are doing, we are called to show compassion and to go out of our way to express it. That is what being a Christian is all about. God loves you, how to you show the love of God in your life? Let us pray….. Additional Illustrations Sermon Opener - Let My Little Light Shine - Matthew 5:13-20 There are all kinds of theories about how to motivate people. Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Don Sutton hadn't won a game in eight weeks. A critical member of the press was suggesting that he be dropped from the starting rotation. The future looked bleak, and Sutton felt terrible. Then, before a game, Dodgers manager Walter Alston tapped him on the shoulder. "I'd like to speak with you, Don," he said. Sutton prepared himself for the worst. "Don," said Alston, "I know how the past couple of months have been for you. Everyone's wondering whether we can make it to the play-offs . . . You know there's a lot of pressure . . . I've had to make a decision." Sutton had visions of being taken off the mound. Then Alston continued. "If the Dodgers are going to win this year," he said, looking Sutton in the eye, "they're going to win with Don Sutton pitching. Come what may, you're staying in the starting job. That's all I wanted to say." Sutton's losing streak lasted two more weeks, but because of his manager's encouragement he felt different about it. Something in him was turning around. He found himself pitching the best ball of his career. In the National League pennant drive, he won 13 games out of 14. (1) There are all kinds of theories about how to motivate people. We can do it through guilt, through fear, through shame. But these were not Jesus' methods. Jesus motivated through positive messages of hope and encouragement. Consider our lesson for today. Jesus says to his followers, "You are the light of the world. . . ." Can you imagine that? Here was a motley crew of farmers and fishermen and tax collectors and housewives in a tiny and remote village in an obscure part of the world and Jesus was saying to them, "You are the light of the world." Talk about a statement of faith! Let's go farther than that. Talk about a crazy idea! Light of the world? That bunch? It must have sounded absurd at the time even to them. Only Jesus could have seen that through this motley crew God would indeed change the world forever. At the time, however, it probably sounded like so much idle chatter. "You are the light of the world," he said and so they were. Now do you want to hear something really absurd? So are we. Jesus says to us this morning that WE are the light of the world. Think about that for a moment. Sink your teeth into it savor it. You and I are the light of the world. What does it mean? Well, let me suggest some possibilities. 1. We Have a Responsibility for the World. 2. We Have Something the World Desperately Needs. 3. We Are Not the Source of Our Light, but We Reflect a Much Greater Light. Turn On the Lights! - Matthew 5:13-20 Wauconda is a small village in the state of Illinois. For over 40 years the town had placed two large illuminated crosses on the city water towers during the Christmas season. Until one year when the town council received a threat of legal suit if the crosses were continued, based on the separation of church and state. The town council grudgingly took them down. But that's when the citizens of Wauconda took matters into their own hands. They decided to place lighted reminders of Christ on their own property. So, allover the community, up went crosses and nativity stars and lighted manger scenes and trees. You could see Wauconda from the interstate freeway! You could see Wauconda a hundred miles away. All night it was as bright as day because the people decided to turn on the lights. In our scriptural text for this morning, Jesus is urging us to turn on the lights. Each of us is supposed to shine for Christ's sake. Our light is not like that of the sun. Our light resembles that of the moon; it is a reflected light, from the Christ-spirit who lives within us. We care supposed to shine that other persons might see that light and give glory, not to us, but to the Lord who illuminates us. Think for a moment how Jesus' first-century audience would have understood his words. The typical home in Palestine was very dark with only one circular window perhaps not more than eighteen inches across. Lamps were essential. The typical lamp was nothing more than a bowl of oil with a wick floating in it. It was not easy to light lamps; remember, this was before the age of matches. Therefore, lamps were kept burning continuously. And, when the family was sleeping or was out, an earthen bushel container was placed over the lamp so that nothing would catch on fire. But when the family was at home and awake, the lamp was placed high on a stand so that all corners of the room would have some light. The essential message this scripture has for us today is this: A Christian must reflect Christ as surely as the moon reflects the sun. Our task is to illuminate a dark world with the reflected light of Christ, always giving him the glory. I believe that our Lord is calling us to turn on some lights in three particular ways: 1. By pledging, ambitiously, our time, talent, and money 2. By setting a good example 3. By your witness Changing the World It was during the early days of television. A workman was placing television transmitters at the very top of the Empire State building in New York City. Seeing him at work up there, so far off the ground, a reporter thought this would make a fascinating human interest story. So, when the workman had completed his task and had returned to the ground, the reporter approached him and asked, “Aren’t you frightened to work under conditions like that that? Isn’t it dangerous to work so high off the ground?” The workman replied, “Yes sir, it is dangerous.” Then he added, “But then, how many people can say that they have changed the skyline of a city like New York!” God offers us the privilege of changing the skyline not of a city, but of the world. We can help make this world healthier, more humane, more harmonious, and more blessed. God made a good world. Now He wants us to help Him make it good again. We can do that. By God’s grace, we really can do that. If we can, surely we must. James McCormick, Selected Sermons, www.Sermons.com Parable of the Three Candles Three children carried their candles home from church. Each thought of it preciously in relationship to the commitment made in the beautiful Candle Light Service. One had not even lit the candle in order to keep it good as new. The other had let the candle burn during the service and carried it forth still lit from the church, but it blew out at the doorway. The third blew out his candle and took it home and lit it a number of times during the year until it was burned down into the dish. "Look," said Mary. "after ten months have passed, I still have my candle as good as new. I was smarter than the others. John's is all burned up and Eddie's just lays in the drawer half used up. Who's the smartest, mother?" "I don't know," replied the mother. "Candles are made to be used. They give forth their light for whatever the user decides. Who can say what John was thinking, as he did his work with the lighted candle, and who knows how Eddie feels, when he opens his drawer and sees the candle. We are meant to use our lives being helpful to others and; whether you light a candle or don't use candles, there is a spiritual light that should be in you and which should shine out to make others happy. It is not how big your candle is, but how you use the light that it gives." Read St 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." Illustration, www.Sermons.com

Salt and Light

February 4, 2017 Matthew 5:13-20 Salt and Light I have been participating in Whole Food health challenges for the last few weeks. Dr. Ian Smith promised that we would lose at least 10 pounds if we did his detox diet. I learned a lot about myself, but let’s just say I have not lost any weight. I am still going to the classes, with the hope that once I have built up my nutritional strength, and learned to control my reactions and triggers to stress that I will have better success. Rev. ---------- has been in the program and he loves it. One of the nutritionist recommended that we read the book, Salt Sugar and Fat. The book talks about how the entertainment and food industries have intentionally added those ingredients to everything. For instance, I bet you did not know that vanilla extract even has added sugar in it. Yogurt has lots of added sugar in it. Today we see lots of things that say sugar free, or fat free and even sugar free. And most of the time when they have taken out the salt, that means that they have put in extra fat. Or when they say that it is fat free that means that it has extra sugar. Why does everything that we eat have the three ingredients in them? Because those are the three things that we have been trained to crave these things. So we expect to taste these things in everything. And the more sugar, salt or fat something has, the more likely we are to buy it. The problem with that is that those three ingredients that we love so much, are killing us at an alarming rate. Diabetes and heart disease is killing us at an alarming rate. Food addictions are destroying our bodies just as much as drug addictions now. And we have to recognize what they are doing to us and learn to eat healthier. Why do they sell popcorn at the movie theater and put all that amazing fake smelling fake butter on it? Because they also put salt on popcorn. And what does salt do? It makes you thirsty. Thirsty enough to be willing to pay $3 for a medium soda. And they make their profit off of the soda. Neither of those product are healthy for you. Our gospel lesson today in Matthew. Also talks about ingrediants that are important for the Christian soul to prosper – salt and light. One of those ingrediants is the same as the three things that the devil is using to kill us. Salt. But when Jesus is talking about salt in a different context and in a different context. We are so addicted to salt, sugar and fat because those are the ingredients that our parents put on our food. I was a very picky eater as a child, so on order to get me to eat anything, my grandmother used to put sugar on everything. The thing is, back them our ancestors used these type of things in moderation. As a matter of fact, one of the first things that my diabetic counselor told me to do is to stop eating out. Because I would put much less sugar, salt and fat on my food then the restaurants would. I am amazed at my relatives who faithfully take insulin and other diabetic medicine and yet still faithfully eat things high in sugar, salt and fat. As if taking the medicine counteract the effects of eating this stuff – that’s not how it works – but I need to get off of that soap box. My point is salt has always been a very valued mineral in our lives. That is why Jesus encourages us all to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world. For centuries salt was used as a purifier – I have salt lamps in every room because it purifies the air. It literally takes away the effects of all of the junk in the air. It is a preserver, it keeps things fresh, and it enhances the flavor of anything. And as Jesus points out the thing about salt – it never loses it sense of salt. Salt will always be salt, will always be salt. It doesn’t wear out, or lose its flavor, or transform into anything else. Jesus is telling us that in a world where things are always changing – that our faith should remain the same. If we are truly a follower of Jesus – then we follow Jesus in every circumstance. We don’t hide our faith we show it. If salt makes you thirsty, then you should make people thirsty for the word of God. When they see what God has done for you – they want God to do the same for them. The most important lesson of this text is about being useful vs. being useless. His point is that salt never becomes useless – or insipid as one writer put it. From the beginning of time to the end of time salt will remain that same. And yet what about our faith? When does Christianity become useless? When people stop coming to church, when people stop living according to the bible, when people have conversations on facebook about all of the church in the black neighborhood that aren’t doing anything to help make things better. If this church were to close – who would really care? And that is the question that we all have to ask ourselves. Am I being relevant, am I living out my faith? Does the world really care that I am a Christian. Does it even make a difference in my life? For the last two days, Garrett Seminary has held a class in our church, so that the students could learn about the significance of connecting with a community. I have been excited that some of our church leaders are a part of the class. I wont put them on the spot today – but I hope that they are taking the class, not for their personal training, but to make a difference in this church and this community. Humor: Do You Sell Salt? In his book Led by the Carpenter, D. James Kennedy writes: “A man walked into a little mom-and-pop grocery store and asked, ‘Do you sell salt?’ ‘Ha!’ said Pop the proprietor. ‘Do we sell salt? Just look!’ And Pop showed the customer one entire wall stocked with nothing but salt. Morton salt, iodized salt, kosher salt, sea salt, rock salt, garlic salt, seasoning salt, Epsom salts, every kind imaginable. ‘Wow!’ said the customer. You think that's something?’ said Pop with a wave of his hand. ‘That's nothing! Come look.’ Pop led the customer to a back room filled with shelves and bins and cartons and barrels and boxes of salt. ‘Do we sell salt?’ he said. ‘Unbelievable!’ said the customer. ‘You think that's something?’ said Pop. ‘Come! I'll show you salt!’ Pop led the customer down some steps into a huge basement, five times as large as the previous room, filled floor to ceiling, with every imaginable form and size and shape of salt, even huge ten-pound salt licks for the cow pasture. ‘Incredible!’ said the customer. ‘You really do sell salt!’ ‘No!’ said Pop. ‘That's just the problem! We never sell salt! But that salt salesman? Hoo-boy! Does he sell salt!’" Phil Thrailkill, The Privilege and the Price Jesus is telling us that salt that stays in the shaker is useless, in order to be effective it has to be used. If you call yourself a Christian, but cant nobody tell it from your actions, then what it the point? If you leave meat out on the counter – with no preservatives then it naturally decays, if you let children watch tv and you never discuss what they are watching then they form their own opinions about things and they never learn values. If you come up with a mission and vision statement and you never think about it and you don’t put it into action it disappears. The world if left to its own devices – will fall apart into chaos and confusion. When Jesus says that you are the salt of the earth and the light of the world he is saying that the world needs you to be you. That Christians purify, preserve and flavor the world. Iive your faith and show your light – make a difference in every circumstance. You are the salt of the earth and the light of the world. You are not just the salt of the church, or your family, or your neighborhood. Jesus says you are the salt of what?......... the whole earth. Everything that you do has consequences that go far beyond you. You are the light of what?.......not the room , not the block, not the people around you – you are the light of the world. Be salt and light for God. Let us pray….amen. Other illustrations Parable of the Three Candles Three children carried their candles home from church. Each thought of it preciously in relationship to the commitment made in the beautiful Candle Light Service. One had not even lit the candle in order to keep it good as new. The other had let the candle burn during the service and carried it forth still lit from the church, but it blew out at the doorway. The third blew out his candle and took it home and lit it a number of times during the year until it was burned down into the dish. "Look," said Mary. "after ten months have passed, I still have my candle as good as new. I was smarter than the others. John's is all burned up and Eddie's just lays in the drawer half used up. Who's the smartest, mother?" "I don't know," replied the mother. "Candles are made to be used. They give forth their light for whatever the user decides. Who can say what John was thinking, as he did his work with the lighted candle, and who knows how Eddie feels, when he opens his drawer and sees the candle. We are meant to use our lives being helpful to others and; whether you light a candle or don't use candles, there is a spiritual light that should be in you and which should shine out to make others happy. It is not how big your candle is, but how you use the light that it gives." Read St 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." Illustration, www.Sermons.com Sodium is an extremely active element found naturally only in combined form; it always links itself to another element. Chlorine, on the other hand, is the poisonous gas that gives bleach its offensive odor. When sodium and chlorine are combined, the result is sodium chloride--common table salt--the substance we use to preserve meat and bring out its flavor. Love and truth can be like sodium and chlorine. Love without truth is flighty, sometimes blind, willing to combine with various doctrines. On the other hand, truth by itself can be offensive, some times even poisonous. Spoken without love, it can turn people away from the gospel. When truth and love are combined in an individual or a church, however, then we have what Jesus called "the salt of the earth," and we're able to preserve and bring out the beauty of our faith. David H. Johnson, Faribault, Minnesota. Leadership, Vol. 6, no. 2. You ought to live your life in such a way and reflect the Lord Jesus Christ in such a way, that it not only brings glory to God, but it causes other people to want to glorify God. A Sunday School teacher was talking to his class one time, and he said, "Boys, here's a watch. What is it for?" They said, "To tell the time." He said, "Well, suppose the watch doesn't keep time. What is it good for?" They said, "Good for nothing." He then took out a pencil and said, "What is this pencil for?" They said, "It's to write with." He said, "Suppose the pencil won't make a mark. What is it good for?" They said, "Good for nothing." Then he took out a knife, and he said, "Boys, what is this for?" They said, "To cut things with." He said, "But suppose it won't cut anything. What is it good for?" They said, "Good for nothing." The teacher then looked at the class and said, "Boys, whatever else you do, if you do not glorify God by the way you live, and bring others to glorify God, then what are you good for?" They all said, "Good for nothing." I want to close with this last thought. Jesus said, "You are the salt of the earth….you are the light of world." Not just salt for your neighborhood or for the city where you live, but there's enough salt and enough light for all of the earth and the entire world. I heard a story one time about a duck who broke his wing during the flight home for the winter. A sympathetic farmer retrieved the fallen duck and took him home. The farmer's children adopted the duck as their pet and began to feed him from the table and take him along as they performed their daily chores. By next fall the children were heartbroken as they watched the duck look at the other ducks who were flying south for the winter, but his wing still wasn't strong enough for the flight. Every time a flock flew south, the duck would look longingly into the sky and then return to play with the children. Well, the second year the duck's wing had grown much stronger, but the children had fed the duck so well that when he attempted to take off he was too fat to get off the ground. After one or two attempts he gave up and returned to play with the children. The third year the duck was completely healed. But as the other ducks quacked their call to go south, the duck never even looked up as they flew over. He had become so accustomed to the comfort of his new existence he had lost his focus on the true calling and meaning of his life. God has not called us to be fat ducks, satisfied with a world that is going to go up in smoke. God has called us to be eagles soaring through the clouds of holiness; shaking out the salt of a godly life; shining out the light of the truth of Jesus Christ, and bringing as many men as we can to glorify our Father in heaven. Do you know why they sell peanuts and popcorn at the pyramid and at movies? So you'll buy more soda. You've heard the old saying, "You can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink." True, but you can feed him some salt and help the process along. We salty Christians ought to make folks thirsty for that living water which is Jesus Christ. Are you the only Christian in your office? If so, don't moan and feel sorry for yourself. Instead say, "Hot dog, I've got the exclusive salt franchise in my office. Jesus has trusted me to represent him to all these lost folks. What a privilege! I'm going to pass the salt." Children’s sermon…….. Scripture: Matthew 5:13 Concept: As salt makes a difference in food, we, as Christian people, are called to make a difference in the world. Preparation: A salt shaker. Lesson: What kinds of foods do you like to put salt on? (Children respond. Acknowledge each response.) We really like to put salt on scrambled eggs and french fries and popcorn. Anything else? French fries without salt taste kind of different, don't they? They taste kind of plain, like something is missing. The same with popcorn. It needs something to spice it up a little. And scrambled eggs, they're just no good without a little salt. Salt spices things up. It adds flavor and taste to foods. It makes a difference to our taste buds. Certain foods just aren't the same without salt. Popcorn without salt; yuck, how boring. The Bible tells us that we are the salt of the earth. That means that those of us who love God are here to make a difference in our world. We are here to add spice to life so that things don't seem so plain or boring. God wants us to spice things up, just by being around other people. Salt is strong. It only takes a little to make a big difference. God wants us to make a difference by sharing our strength. How can we be like salt? We can tell others about Jesus and how much he loves us. We can do nice things for people and we can help those who need us. We can be like salt by standing up for what is right even when everyone else chooses to do wrong. We can share how happy we are that we have Jesus in our lives. We can be like salt in the world by living lives that please God. French fries, eggs, and popcorn just aren't the same without salt, and the world just wouldn't be the same without Christian people to spice it up! Go out and spice up your world this week. God bless you. CSS Publishing Company, A TIME TO PLANT, by Teresa L. Major