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Matthew 5:13: 'What is the Salt of the Earth?'
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIn addressing the concept of being the salt of the earth, Jesus Christ speaks to His disciples in a profound manner during the Sermon on the Mount. He declares them as the salt of the earth, a phrase that has resonated through time as a descriptor of individuals who are unpretentious, valuable, and trustworthy within society. These are people who quietly perform good deeds, maintaining humility and seeking no recognition for their efforts. Jesus Christ's metaphor suggests multiple layers of meaning beyond a simple preservative role, which is often emphasized due to salt's familiar use in preserving food. While this interpretation sees His disciples as a preserving influence against the evil and anti-God nature of the world, it may oversimplify the broader metaphorical possibilities. Salt's ubiquitous presence and varied uses in biblical contexts indicate that Jesus Christ might have intended additional significances. One consideration is salt as a preservative, implying that the presence of His disciples on earth holds back God's wrath, preventing total wickedness as seen before the Flood. In this sense, they preserve the earth from destruction until God's work is complete. Another perspective views salt as flavor, suggesting that His disciples enhance life on earth by living God's way, making the world more palatable through their godly conduct and speech. Salt also carries connotations of sacrifice and covenant, linked to Old Testament offerings where every sacrifice required salt, symbolizing purity and permanence. As living sacrifices, His disciples are called to act sacrificially for God, embodying a holy and enduring commitment in a world familiar with such temple practices. Conversely, salt can represent destruction or a curse, as seen in biblical references to sowing land with salt as an act of judgment, positioning His disciples as a witness against evildoers, testifying to their impending doom through righteous behavior. Lastly, salt might be seen as a fertilizer in small quantities, enhancing life among people by bringing blessings like love, peace, and kindness through the fruits of the Spirit. Jesus Christ ties these ideas together by urging His disciples to maintain this salt within themselves, ensuring godliness and peace among one another. Ultimately, the metaphor of salt of the earth encompasses the full spectrum of duties in Christian discipleship, calling His followers to represent Him in every word and deed amidst an evil world.
Salt
Article by Mike FordJesus calls His disciples "the salt of the earth." Do we know what He meant? Here is the spiritual side of this common mineral compound.
What Is Happening Is Ordained of God
Sermon by Mark SchindlerAs we look at the insanity around us, we need to remember that our citizenship is in heaven. We cannot allow pride to draw us into the controversy before us.
Matthew (Part Six)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThose who are meek are capable of anger but keep it under control. They are humble, open-minded, willing to listen, don't jump to conclusions, and aren't defensive.
Blessed Are: Summary
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIn the Beatitudes in Matthew 5, Jesus exposes the depths of His own heart, while demonstrating the deficit of our own carnal hearts.
God's Epistle
Sermon by John O. ReidWe as Christians have the obligation or responsibility to provide a light or shining example in a darkened world that generally hates God's way.
Reach for the Goal
Sermon by John O. ReidSimilar to the way people pull together in times of crisis, we must also have a goal, a vision of the finish line, in order to overcome and grow.
The Glory of God (Part 4): Glorifying God
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughA raw display of emotion and exuberance does not necessarily glorify God. What we do to glorify God will reflect just how highly we esteem Him.
Glorify You Me
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John O. ReidThe purpose of our calling is not the place of safety, but that we glorify God, following the example of Jesus Christ.
Principled Living (Part Five): Witnessing of God
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughOur best witness is often through our unspoken behavior; what we do speaks volumes. God gives us a charge to bear His name with dignity in all our actions.
You Have Not So Learned Christ
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWhile the truth of Christ has the power to elevate, our worldly orientation blinds us, dulls our minds, and pulls us downward to abject slavery to sin.
God's Perseverance With His Saints (Part Two)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe seriously err if we rely on the secular media to give us spiritual understanding. God sends strong delusion to those who do not love the truth.
Too Good to Ignore
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWhen we become skillful, doing things that perhaps no one else has done, we acquire passion, creativity, control over output, and fulfillment.