Sermon Central
-
Transforming Community
Contributed by Rick Stacy on Sep 30, 2004 (message contributor)
Summary: Sermon 3 of 6 on the Acts 2:47 church - 24/7! We are called to be salt and light. I used several different Sermon Central sources for illustrations, ideas and comments.
2:47 – 24/7
Transforming Community
Transformers change things. That’s what they do.
When my girls were growing up I wanted to buy them "Transformers" instead of dolls. Donna wouldn’t let me for reasons that I don’t remember now. I’m sure her reasons were good - I just don’t remember what they were - probably something along the lines of "that’s a dumb idea" along with the "look". You guys know the "look".
In case you were born too late, a "Transformer" was this really neat giant robot that could be changed into a really cool car, or truck, or something else with wheels. Then you could change it back again! The real transformation took place because of the manipulations of the boy (or girl!) who repositioned the various pieces through a series of complicated moves. Did I mention how cool this was?
Transformation is fun. It’s also mind-bending.
That God planned for you to experience transformation from a person of limited life (70 years plus or minus a few) into an infinite being on the spiritual scale above the angels is no small idea! That this individual metamorphosis is multiplied over and over until there is a vast community of new creatures is exciting beyond any earthly transformation - including tadpoles into toads, caterpillars into butterflies, and coal into diamonds.
That the church can be a transforming community that transforms the community is a truly astounding vision - and yet this is exactly what Jesus challenged his followers to be when he called them salt and light.
We are challenged to be Salt and Light
13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men.
14 “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
It is the nature of Salt and Light to be Transforming
“Salt speaks of inward character that influences a decaying world; light speaks of the outward testimony of good works that points to God.”
Warren Wiersbe
40 transformational qualities of Salt
1. Preserves
2. Purifies
3. Flavors
4. Penetrates
5. Melts Ice
6. Provides Traction
7. Works Quietly
8. Cleanses
9. Lingering Influence
10. Seasons in Many Ways
11. Creates Thirst
12. Provokes Interest
13. Distinguishes Identity
14. Adds Values
15. Holds Water
16. Irritates When Necessary
17. Heals
18. Covenant of Relationship (Numb 18:19)
19. Persists
20. Stings
21. Influences in many ways
22. Useful in numerous products
23. Inexpensive but valuable
24. Necessary for life
25. Synergistic with seasoning
26. Easily shows impurities
27. Use it or lose its effects
28. Available and Understandable
29. Inexpensive
30. Easy to procure
31. Universally Available
32. Trans-cultural
33. Works in all temperatures
34. Shows no bias
35. Stimulates hunger
36. Basic identity of believers
37. Impact not always understood
38. Historically enriched
39. Created by God
40. Inherent and done without effort
40 transformational qualities of Light
1. Clarifies
2. Illuminates
3. Inspires
4. Disinfects
5. Reveals
6. Defeats the darkness
7. Reflects and Brightens
8. Shines fully and Freely
9. Chases the Shadows and Gloom
10. Provides Pathways and Guides
11. Stimulates and Motivates
12. Convicts
13. Provokes Action
14. Irritates Those in Darkness
15. Confirms Truth
16. Exposes Sin and Sickness
17. Warms and Assures of Safety
18. Displays truth and error
19. Warns of Danger
20. Provides Safety
21. Prevents Injury
22. Provides Vision
23. Gives Essential Vitamins
24. Affirms
25. Adds Renown
26. Facilitates Progress
27. Gives Life As Photosynthesis
28. Cheers the Downtrodden
29. Prevents Catastrophe
30. Compels
31. Protects
32. Chases Away Evil
33. Glorifies
34. Advertises and Gives Visibility
35. Adds Credibility
36. Energizes
37. Enlightens
38. Empowers
39. Reflects What is Missing
40. Makes Things Knowable
41. Beams to the Most Remote Areas
Salt and Light Transforms All That It Touches.
Salt changes a hunk of meat. Light alters the ambiance of a restaurant dining room. Salt makes water into a healing elixir and light makes a glass vase into a brilliant crystal.
This is all accomplished by the nature of the salt. It is the way of light. The transformation is not so much a matter of what the salt or light does. Transformation of this kind happens because of the nature of salt and light.
It is a matter of being – not doing.
We are called to be Salt and Light in a Decaying and Dark World. We are called by Jesus to be Salt and Light in a world that is coming apart at the seams.
