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Salt of the Earth. Light of the World. What Does that Mean?

In Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, the phrases “salt of the earth” and “light of the world” are used to describe the role, the impact, and influence of Christians in this world, among men.  

Jesus says:

Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. 14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:13-16

“the salt have lost it savour” – This means to become insipid or to lose flavor, vigor, interest.

“Never leave anyone the way you found them.” Let them see JESUS.

Their hearts cry out for Jesus, even if they don’t know yet that it’s Him that they need and are looking for.

“We would see Jesus.”  John 12:21

“Ye are …

“The salt of the earth”

salt preserves, salt cleanses, salt flavors

Benefits of Salt: Salt, or sodium chloride, is essential for maintaining overall health, bodily functions, including fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle contraction.

“Salt is a seasoning and preserving chemical, but if left on the bare earth or exposed to the sun, rain, and air it loses its savor and is worthless (cp. Mrk_9:50; Luk_14:34-35).” Dake

Never let your salt lose its flavor or your light to be covered, to grow dim.

“Quench not the Spirit.” 1 Thessalonians 5:19

“Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be seasoned? 35 It is neither fit for the land, nor yet for the dunghill; but men cast it out. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.” Luke 14:34-35

“a    [Salt is good …] The 33rd parable in Luke (Luk_14:34-35), illustrating the fact that if Christians backslide and lose their savor they are not fit for God or man (Mat_24:51; Mat_25:30; Luk_9:62; Rom_6:16-23; Rom_8:12-13; 1Co_9:27; Gal_5:19-21; Gal_6:7-8; Heb_6:4-9; Heb_10:26-29; 2Pe_2:20-22). Next, Luk_15:4.
b    [but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be seasoned?] Question 101. Next, Luk_15:4. Salt loses its savor when exposed to the rain, sun, and air. What about believers who are the salt of the earth? Is there a possibility of their losing the life that makes them the salt of the earth? If there is no possibility, then there is no meaning to such statements as here and in Mat_5:13; Mrk_9:49-50.” Dake

In this “salt of the earth” parable, Jesus tells His followers that they are meant to be a potent and preserving influence, like salt that preserves and enhances, and to be a source of light, illuminating the world through their actions and lives. The truth is that the lives of salt-of Christ-saints are what results in the salvation, the preservation of eternal souls.

Here’s a more detailed explanation:

The Illustration:

Jesus uses the image of “salt of the earth” to describe the role of His followers in the world as they spread His glorious Gospel, obeying His Great Commission mandate.

Purpose of Salt:

In ancient times, salt was used to preserve and add flavor to food.

Meaning for Followers:

Jesus is saying that His followers should make a powerful impact, just like salt, preserving the eternal souls of men by preaching and teaching the saving Gospel of Jesus Christ in their world.

Jesus also says that His followers are “the light of the world,” meaning they should shine brightly in the way they live and as they speak the light of His truth into the hearts of those around them.

“14:34, 35 Salt is a picture of a disciple. There is something wholesome and commendable about a person who is living devotedly and sacrificially for the Lord. But then we read of salt that has lost its flavor. Modern table salt cannot lose its savor because it is pure salt. But in Bible lands, the salt was often mixed with various forms of impurity. Therefore it was possible for salt to be wasted away and for a residue to remain in the container. But this residue was worthless. It could not even be used for fertilizing the land. It had to be discarded.

The picture is of a disciple who starts off brilliantly, and then goes back on his vows. The disciple has one basic reason for existence; if he fails to fulfill that reason, then he is a pitiable object. We read concerning the salt that ‘men throw it out.’ … men throw it out, that is, they trample underfoot the testimony of one who began to build and was not able to finish. Kelly notes:

“There is shown the danger of what begins well turning out ill. What is there in the world so useless as salt when it has lost the one property for which it is valued? It is worse than useless for any other purpose. So with the disciple who ceases to be Christ’s disciple. He is not suited for the world’s purposes, and he has forsaken God’s. He has too much light or knowledge for entering into the vanities and sins of the world, and he has no enjoyment of grace and truth to keep him in the path of Christ. … Savourless salt becomes an object of contempt and judgment.’

The Lord Jesus closed the message on discipleship with the words ‘He who has ears to hear, let him hear!’ These words imply that not everyone will have the willingness to listen to the stringent terms of discipleship. But if a person is willing to follow the Lord Jesus, no matter what the cost may be, then he should hear and follow.” Believer’s Bible Commentary

“5:13 Jesus likened His disciples to salt. They were to the world what salt is in everyday life: salt seasons food; it hinders the spread of corruption; it creates thirst; it brings out the flavor. So His followers add piquancy to human society, serve as a preservative, and make others long for the righteousness described in the preceding verses.

The disciple has one great function—to be the salt of the earth by living out the terms of discipleship listed in the Beatitudes and throughout the rest of the Sermon. If he fails to exhibit this spiritual reality, men will tread his testimony under their feet. The world has only contempt for an undedicated believer.” Believer’s Bible Commentary

Depending on the heart soil of the person the salt (God’s Word) falls on, there will be a reaction. Some will delight. Some will rebel and persecute (vv. 10-12).

Every definition to be found about salt, along with our own personal experience, reveals that salt cleanses and salt preserves. It’s also full of minerals to nourish.

Another source notes the following about Jesus’ people in the earth being “the salt of the earth.”

“In Matthew 5:13, Jesus calls his followers ‘the salt of the earth,’ implying they should positively impact the world, preserving good and enhancing life, much like salt does to food.

Here’s a more detailed explanation:

Symbolism of Salt:

In Jesus’ time, salt was a valuable commodity used for seasoning, preserving food, and symbolizing purity and covenant.

Preservation and Influence:

By calling his followers ‘salt,’ Jesus suggests they should act as a preserving force in the world, preventing decay and promoting goodness.

Enhancing Life:

Just as salt enhances the flavor of food, Jesus’ followers should positively influence and enrich the lives of others.

Losing Saltiness:

Jesus warns that if followers fail to live out their faith and influence the world positively, they become like ‘tasteless salt,’ useless and discarded.

Living Out Faith:

To remain ‘salty,’ Jesus’ followers are called to live a life of faith, love, and service, making a positive impact on the world around them.”

“The light of the world”

Think about when the electricity goes out. Do you scramble around in the pitch dark to light a candle only to hide it, only to cover, to put something over it? No.

“Bushel” (v. 15) is referring to a basket or barrel, was in covering the light of a candle under it and we know that can lead to that fire being extinguished.

“May our lights shine before men, that they may see our good works, and glorify our Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:16.” Karen Cochran

YOUR PRAYER: Father in Jesus’ name, I ask You to forgive my self-idolatry, rebellion, and wickedness and how I’ve done nothing to declare Your truth, to stand up and speak out for the innocent. Please wash me clean in Your precious blood dear LORD. In Jesus’ name.

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Abiding

Overcoming Temptation [podcast]


The only way to come out on top of temptation, of successfully putting it under foot, is via the crucified life.

“For he that is dead is freed from sin.”  Romans 6:7

Reading Romans 6 each morning, prayerfully, will guarantee the resurrection life and power of Christ reigning in your life.

“For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.” Proverbs 24:16

What leads up to actually committing a sin?

Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: 14 but every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.” James 1:13-15

FFK = Fight. Finish. Keep.

“The time of my departure is at hand. 7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:6-8

As an ambassador for Christ, Paul was nearing the end of his mission on earth and said he had “fought,” “finished” and “kept.”

IF YOU DON’T FIGHT YOU WILL FALL, YOU WILL FAIL! With God, failure is never final unless you don’t get back up.

“Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Matthew 26:41

Memory truth.

Seek the Lord and his strength, seek his face continually.” 1 Chronicles 16:11

Repenting afresh.

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7

You must choose daily to “FIGHT the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses” (1 Timothy 6:12).

“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, 14 I press toward the mark for theprize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14

“But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost.” Jude 1:20 

Prayer: LORD, imbue in my innermost being the resolve to know You, to walk with You, to love You supremely as the first loveof my life. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Abiding

Weeping Men Win Men [podcast]


“They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. 6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves (harvest, eternal reward) with him.” Psalms 126:5-6

“The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.” Psalms 34:18

The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.” Psalms 51:17

“Blessed are the poor in spirit (desperate for God): for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:3

“Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.” Matthew 5:4

The words “mourn” and “mourning” appear 96 times in God’s Word. Ever heard a message on it?

“Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. 10  Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.” James 4:9-10

“Excellent message/podcast! Thank you. Makes me think of Matthew 5:4 “Blessed are those who mourn: for they shall be comforted.” We mourn as God shows us our evil wicked flesh. And see how much we are not like Him. As He begins to transform us into the image of Christ, all of the sudden, we begin to be filled with the compassion of Christ. And we see through the eyes of Jesus that the lost are without a shepherd! And need Jesus. Anyone who calls themselves a Christian and has not died to self will never have the eyes of Christ because they are still looking through the lens of self.” Karen Cochran

“Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Matthew 5:6

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

“For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.”   Luke 19:10

“Sowing in tears suggests a time of hardship or distress, possibly due to famine, exile, or personal trials. The imagery of sowing is often used in Scripture to represent the act of investing or laboring in faith, even when circumstances are difficult. This can be connected to the Israelites’ return from Babylonian exile, a period marked by sorrow and uncertainty. The tears symbolize the pain and suffering endured during such times, yet they also imply hope and trust in God’s promises. The act of sowing, despite tears, indicates faith in a future harvest, a theme echoed in Galatians 6:9, which encourages perseverance in doing good.

will reap with shouts of joy
Reaping with joy signifies the fulfillment of God’s promises and the reward for faithful endurance. The transformation from tears to joy highlights the redemptive power of God, who turns mourning into dancing (Psalm 30:11). This phrase assures believers that their labor and suffering are not in vain, as God will ultimately bring about a joyful harvest. The joy of reaping is not just personal but communal, reflecting the collective celebration of God’s people when His promises are realized. This concept is seen in the return of the exiles to Jerusalem, where their restoration was marked by joy and thanksgiving. The imagery also points to the eschatological hope found in Revelation 21:4, where God wipes away every tear, and eternal joy is established. The phrase can be seen as a type of Christ, who endured the cross for the joy set before Him (Hebrews 12:2), illustrating the ultimate sowing in tears and reaping in joy.”

“Psalms 126:5
They that sow in tears shall reap in joy – This is either a maxim which they gather from their own history, or it is a fact which they are now witnessing. We see the benefit of humbling ourselves under the mighty hand of God; we have now a sweet return for our bitter tears. Or, We have sown in tears; now we reap in joy. We are restored after a long and afflicting captivity to our own country, to peace, and to happiness.” Adam Clarke

“126:5, 6 The first year after their return would be especially difficult. There would be no crops to harvest right away. They would have to make a fresh start by planting their crops and waiting for harvest time. It would be a period of austerity, of doling out the meager food supplies as frugally as possible.

There would be a certain sorrow or frustration about sowing the seed for that first crop. Here is a farmer whose barrel of grain is low. He can use the grain to feed his family now or he can sow most of it in hope of an abundant supply in days to come. He decides to sow it, but as he dips his hand into his apron and scatters the seed over the plowed land, his tears fall into the apron. He is thinking of his wife and children, of the skimpy bowls of porridge, of how sacrificially they will have to live in the days till harvest. He feels as if he is taking food out of their mouths.

But a cheering word goes out to the returned exiles:

He who continually goes forth weeping, bearing seed for sowing, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him. So they go forth and sow the seed. Their present anguish will be more than compensated by the joy of bringing their sheaves of ripened grain to the barn.

The principle applies also, of course, in the spiritual realm. Those who live sacrificially for the spread of the gospel may endure present privation, but what is that compared to the joy of seeing souls saved and in heaven worshiping the Lamb of God forever and forever?

It is true also in the matter of soul winning. Someone has wisely said, ‘Winners of souls are first weepers for souls.’ So our prayer should be:

Let me look on the crowd as my Savior did,
Till my eyes with tears grow dim.
Let me view with pity the wandering sheep
And love them for love of Him.”

—Author unknown” Believer’s Bible Commentary

The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.” Proverbs 11:30

Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.” Psalms 2:8

You are the LORD’s—”Ye are bought with a price”

“What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Many who were bought by the precious blood of Jesus are now serving mere men – they are serving men who are building their own kingdom instead of Christ’s kingdom.

Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.” 1 Corinthians 7:23

JESUS did not come and die on the cross and rise again from the dead to make you a “good church member” or so you could squander your one life on politics. “Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:60). If you are not actively seeking His face for and participating in executing His Great Commission mandate, you are out of the will of God (Matthew 28; 18-20; Mark 16:15-20; Luke 24:47; Book of Acts). Read that again. Share.

All who committed to Christ are absolutely committed to His stated will—the Great Commission.

“Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.” Luke 9:60

Jesus repeatedly declares to us the commission He’s sent us on and for which we shall all give personal account.

“Go thou and preach the kingdom of God.” Luke 9:60

All who committed to Christ are absolutely committed to His stated will—the Great Commission.

Those who have forgotten, and are not obeying Christ’s Great Commission command, clearly reveal that they have forgotten and departed from Christ. Matthew 7:21

“And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever. 4 But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.” Daniel 12:3-4

It seems the remnant is sensing the urgency of responding to God’s call as they see the hour is late. They are seeing the need to invest in things that are lasting and eternal not temporal. Satan knowing his time is short is coming down with great fury and wrath and will manifest himself with great intensity (Revelation 12:12). As we are beginning to see, Satan wants to take as many souls with him into the eternal flames as possible. Be awakened to the Great Commission that the Lord has called us to (Matthew 28:18-20). Win souls to Jesus so they can be in Glory with Him forever and not burning in the eternal flames of fire from which there is no escape.” Karen Cochran

The Harvest Is Plentiful, the Laborers Few

“And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. 36 But when he saw the multitudes, HE WAS MOVED WITH COMPASSION ON THEM, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. 37 Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; 38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.” Matthew 9:35-38

Jesus’ compassion that HE puts in us immediately causes them to respond to Him… endears them to Him as their hearts are crying out for Him and His mercy. Amen.

ARE THOSE not engrossed in the Great Commission mandate of Jesus, wasting their one life on earth? Read that again and repent. Obey God. Read the end of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Then Acts. Now.

Let’s roll saints! Ministry updates.

“People are more sold out and supporting politics than surrendering to Jesus Christ and supporting sharing the Gospel. Temporal over eternal is wrong every time.” Dana Phyllis Carter

IF you are not participating in the the “Father’s business,” the Great Commission, it’s because you are full of your self, evil hearted, self-centered….. and in need of true repentance before it’s too late—which will always bring forth the fruit of obedience, of good works, of Great Commission action (Matthew 3:7-10). Repent now and when you do, for real, you are going to scamper, hasten, to fervently seek the face of the Almighty and be all about HIS business, not your own. The reason you’ve been doing your own business and not His, is because you do not know Him (Matthew 7:21). The Great Commission mandate is seen here Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-20; Luke 2:49; 24:47, 49; Book of Acts.

When God matters to you, when you love Him, truly, His work, His mission matters to you.

IF you claim to be saved and aren’t doing YOUR part in the Great Commission…. it’s time to repent. Anyone not doing the mission of Christ is lukewarm at best.

The true remnant body of Christ is about the “Father’s business” of edifying the saints and winning the lost—not their own or any other business. While on earth Jesus said “I must be about my Father’s business” and those who are truly following Him are doing the same (Luke 2:49).

May all who are godly pray for increase in order to increase Christ’s kingdom and not their own standard of living in this fleeting sinful world but rather their standard of giving to His work so others can be saved and the saints of Christ equipped, nourished, fed, fruitful and blessed (2 Corinthians 9:6-11; Ephesians 4:28).

“But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day.” Deuteronomy 8:18

The Great Commission is the Father’s Business and all who are known of Christ are participating. Notice how if you are truly a member of Christ’s bride, you are busy about HIS business—“And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely” (Revlation 22:17).

All of God’s people are LOSERS …. We lose, we give up our own lives in this world to gain HIS—resurrection life now and forever.

As God is stripping us through the daily cross life, the persecutions, the fruit-bearing resurrection victory is going to transpire in our lives!

“As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 37  Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.” Romans 8:36-37

“I welcome His stripping. Throw me in the fire of affliction dear Lord. Because the more of His resurrection life is breathed into you the more you want!” Karen Cochran

The Great Commission: Jesus is Holding YOU Accountable to participate with the other members of His remnant body.

Weeping Men also Protect Others, Protect Christ’s Body

Here’s the passage—please read this carefully:

“(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19 Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.) 20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: 21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.” Philippians 3:18-21

The 3 Ways God’s People Participate in Christ’s Great Commission

1. Praying for Christ’s labourers (Matthew 9:35-38).

2. Witnessing, sowing and communicating the Word (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15; Luke 8:11).

3. Supporting, supplying those of God’s people who are doing His Great Commission, preaching the Word (Matthew 6:1-21; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11; Philippians 2:25; 4:16-20).

YOUR PRAYER

Father, in Jesus’ name, please grant Your people that heart of flesh to be “moved with compassion” upon those who do not yet have You as their Great Shepherd. Break me dear LORD, please. Use me for Your glory in this last hour as we are on the precipice of Your return dear LORD, Master Jesus! In Jesus’ name.

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Abiding

Book of Psalms | Alexander Scourby [video]


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