Lightly Salted
October 30, 2016 Morning Service
Immanuel Baptist Church, Wagoner, OK
Rick Boyne
Message Point: We must engage our culture as a witness for Jesus Christ.
Focus Passage: Matthew 5:13-16
Introduction: To borrow upon the theme of these verses, too many American Christians prefer their witness to be “lightly salted”, that is, they don’t really want to identify themselves with Jesus. They prefer their opinions, habits, lifestyle, and conversation to be of the world. To be friends with the world is to be an enemy of God. Plain and simple. We MUST identify with Christ in every aspect of our lives; from home to school to work to play.
I. Salt
a. Salt enhances flavor; makes you thirsty
b. Salt preserves
c. Salt heals but burns
d. Salt kills (sin)
II. Light
a. Light invades darkness and makes darkness flee
b. Light exposes flaws AND perfection
c. Light gives hope and calms fears
d. Light allows you to find things without groping
III. Witness
a. Our life is a witness whether or not we are aware of it; people are always watching.
b. "For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels." (Mark 8:38)
c. "Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 6:1 NASB)
Application/Invitation: If you were accused of being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you? Going to church doesn’t make you a Christian. Giving money doesn’t make you a Christian. Calling yourself a Christian doesn’t make you a Christian.
