Pastor Ralph Posted April 22, 2023 Report Share Posted April 22, 2023 Q59. (Matthew 5:13-14) Why is a sharp and tasty witness so important? What is a bland witness to Jesus? How do we stay “salty”? Why are people tempted to hide their “light” or witness? What does Jesus say about that? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Krissi Posted November 13, 2023 Report Share Posted November 13, 2023 Most of these parables have to do with how we relate to the secular society that surrounds us. We can withdraw into our homes and families, shutting out "them" as much as possible. If we do this, we concentrate on our children and extended families, drawing a metaphorical circle around ourselves, caring little except in our rhetoric for those outside. The is the "focus on the family" mentality, one that does little evangelizing and is, in essence, self-loving. We can, on the other extreme, plunge into the culture absorbing it's values, watching the television and Internet personalities, sending kids to government-run schools, trying to fit in except in faith. If we do this, our faith becomes a tiny and walled aspect of our personalities. We do not evangelize for our distinction from the secular culture is nil. And then, there are those who strike a middle ground between the two extremes of separation and inclusion. We cannot be light if we are just another "point of light" in a culture in which everyone wants to shine, secular or Christian. We cannot be as salt if we're swimming in saline waters. I think there's a way of separating ourselves from society without becoming myopically and selfishly focused on our families, which are mere proxies for oneself, a form of egoism and narcissism. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
haar Posted November 15, 2023 Report Share Posted November 15, 2023 Q59. (Matthew 5:13-14) Why is a sharp and tasty witness so important? What is a bland witness to Jesus? How do we stay "salty"? Why are people tempted to hide their "light" or witness? What does Jesus say about that? A59. I think a sharp and tasty witness is the one whose ways are visible and pleasing and delivers a clear message of hope and truth about Jesus in words that attract the attention of the lost and needy soul. A bland witness on the other hand is that person whose ugly way of life and his uncoordinated words about Christ do not attract listeners. No one will take him serious. Such a person with horrible lifestyle would rather hide himself knowing that his word about Christ would not be taken seriously. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hanks Posted November 16, 2023 Report Share Posted November 16, 2023 Q59. (Matthew 5:13-14) Why is a sharp and tasty witness so important? What is a bland witness to Jesus? How do we stay "salty"? Why are people tempted to hide their "light" or witness? What does Jesus say about that? As we witness for our Lord it is important to have a positive influence in the world, replacing good for evil; love for hatred; happiness for sorrow; peace for war. We do this by aggressively living out the love and message of God. When we lose this desire, we become ineffective as a witness for Jesus. We stay salty by reading/studying His Word; by getting rid of our sinful desires; and anything that interferes with our divinely-appointed mission. The light of a true disciple who practises and lives the Word, cannot be hidden. They will reflect the light of Jesus. I feel that if someone has to ask us if we are a Christian, then we need to do a reality check! – are we a true disciple? The world is so hostile to us disciples that some would rather hide their light than face this aggression. But Jesus tells us to share His teachings with others. By doing this we shine our light and we do our good deeds to the glory of our Heavenly Father. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lisa Wolf Posted November 16, 2023 Report Share Posted November 16, 2023 59. (Matthew 5:13-14) Why is a sharp and tasty witness so important? What is a bland witness to Jesus? How do we stay “salty”? Why are people tempted to hide their “light” or witness? What does Jesus say about that? A sharp and tasty witness makes people interested...bland witness turns people away from Jesus. We stay salty by being used each moment--salting each moment while the salt is fresh. We have to have our salt restored and replenished by the Holy Spirit. Hiding our light is never a good plan. Jesus says our town is built on a hill and cannot be hidden. (Matthew 5:14) and reminds us WE are the light of the world. If He entrusted us, we should believe Him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GeraldG Posted November 16, 2023 Report Share Posted November 16, 2023 A sharp and tasty witness is important because we have to be strong in our faith, our words, and our actions; preaching the truth, standing stedfast, even knowing that persecutions will come. A bland witness to Jesus is anyone who has allowed the trials of the world to cause them to stop ministering to the lost. To stay salty is to stay strong in the word, in our prayer life, and not be blended in with the world. Stay active in our walk with Christ. People are tempted to hide their light because of trying to please the people or blend in, and because others come against their testimony they just begin to hide their light. Just said that you are a light upon a hill,so don't put your light under a bushel basket, but let your light shine for all to see. Arise, Shine, for the glory of the LORD is upon you. Shine for Jesus Christ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Niyonka16 Posted November 17, 2023 Report Share Posted November 17, 2023 Q59. Analogy of the City on a Hill - A Parable of Visibility (Matthew 5:13-14) Why is a sharp and tasty witness so important? ANSWER: We all give witness by our lives. A teacher is an embodiment of his teaching, a living witness to the truth he teaches. To be effective in our teaching ministry, we must love two things: (1) our students and (2) the truth. Good teachers must passionately love the truth. Not only do we need to “talk the talk,” but also we absolutely must “walk the walk.” Our teaching is only genuine if we embody it. We are to imitate Jesus which requires courage and humility, because we are called to do just that, for He is “Jesus Christ, the Way, The Truth, and the Life.” We must approach every subject with the understanding that ultimately all truth dwells in Christ, He who is the incarnation of Truth itself. When it comes to teaching the faith, there is great value in being a witness. What is a bland witness to Jesus? How do we stay “salty”? ANSWER: A bland witness is the complacent Christian, the person who does not protect the Truth of the gospel in his life from the rainfall of other ideas and ideologies. Or perhaps this Christian is a skeptic. You know, the hair splitting Christian. They say that they believe in Jesus, but they don’t really want their lives to be changed. We are to stay “salty” in the following ways and for the various reasons … : (1). Salt Purifies: To clean from imperfection. We cannot clean the world, but the world should see Christ in us which leads to cleaning. It will and does sting, but it is necessary. Sometimes we Christians need a little cleaning to remove the impurities that we have allowed to come into our lives. In some cases, salt is added to water to make it able to drink. (2). Salt Preserves: To reserve for special use, to save from harm. Christ puts that salt or wax around us to preserve us for special use, to reach the world. Unfortunately, some Christians 'wax' is a little thin and the preserves do not last. (3). Salt Irritates: To provoke displeasure and impatience. Salty Christians always sing, worship and praise the Lord wherever they are or regardless of circumstances. Salty Christians study the Word, and they witness. Sinners do not like that; it irritates their lifestyle. That means the Holy Spirit is convicting their hearts. God always places that barrier of saltiness around us to preserve us now and for future service. However, that barrier can wear thin if we do not continually apply the salt (keep in the word). Why are people tempted to hide their “light” or witness? ANSWER: Some Christians resort to hiding their faith; they go along to get along. Christians who hide or downplay their faith do so to avoid letting it become an issue with unbelievers. They don’t want to rock the boat. The desire to please people may be motivated by wanting to fit in, but more often than not it is motivated by fear, comfort, convenience, or ambition. Hiding your faith, going along to get along, is that this approach can lead to some heart-breaking situations. We're not here in human form to ignore the Light, or to hide it so that no one else can see it. We're here to be the Light, to let it shine everywhere, affirming the spiritual Presence and Power that is the energy of everything. What does Jesus say about that (hiding their “light” or witness)? ANSWER: Jesus calls for us to let our light shine before all people. He urges us not to hide our good works and instead let them be an example for others, so that God will be glorified. Christians who put pleasing people ahead of pleasing God, regardless of the reasons, are ignoring the lesson in Matthew 5: 14-16. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
t-c Posted November 18, 2023 Report Share Posted November 18, 2023 Q59. (Matthew 5:13-14) Why is a sharp and tasty witness so important? What is a bland witness to Jesus? How do we stay "salty"? Why are people tempted to hide their "light" or witness? What does Jesus say about that? Because it’s clear, strong and appealing and shows your audience that you truly believe what your saying. Salt creates thirst, the witness should create a thirst to hear more. Halfhearted, uninspired and weak. We stay salty by staying in God’s Word and by being lifted up and inspired by what we are reading. Allowing the Holy Spirit to work in and through us the words we are reading. By attending and being involved in a Bible teaching church. To be willing to allow God to work through us as He sees fit. I think that it is generally rooted in fear. It has with me. Jesus says to let your light shine for all to see so that they may give glory to God in heaven. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Debra Grant Posted November 18, 2023 Report Share Posted November 18, 2023 Q59. (Matthew 5:13-14) Why is a sharp and tasty witness so important? What is a bland witness to Jesus? How do we stay “salty”? Why are people tempted to hide their “light” or witness? What does Jesus say about that? 1. We must live true lives to be a witness to the world that God is real. We are the light to the world and will draw others when we shine. 2. When there is no season in salt, it is bland. When Christians don't have enough season in their life, their light is not shining well. 3. Live righteous lives that will give glory to God. Pray, read, and fast seriously. 4. Some people are not trueful to God (hypocrites). Some are shame of God. They don't want to be ridiculed by others. 5. You cannot serve two Gods. We cannot live a double life. We must live the truth. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George L Posted November 19, 2023 Report Share Posted November 19, 2023 Q59. (Matthew 5:13-14) Why is a sharp and tasty witness so important? We are fishers of men. Present the bait. Like sales there will be a yes or a no but then is always next. What is a bland witness to Jesus? Lifeless How do we stay "salty"? Salt makes the bland and unpalatable tasty. Why are people tempted to hide their "light" or witness? Fear of being rejected. They fail to appreciate planting seed and seed grows in seasons with proper conditions. We generally have nompatience and do not continue to guard our words, praise God for his working, and thank him that his word does not return to him void. What does Jesus say about that? I would fear even with a poor gift failing to use it or to misuse it will end with ‘depart from me.. I never knew you’. He knows what he created us to be. So we should work to become. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nicolaas A.P. Mostert Posted November 22, 2023 Report Share Posted November 22, 2023 Q59. (Matthew 5:13-14) Why is a sharp and tasty witness so important? To give timeously the same answer, base on GOD's Word. What you say must be weight by GOD's Word. What is a bland witness to Jesus? Nothing. How do we stay "salty"? To do the right things right al the time. To give taste to the lost world. Why are people tempted to hide their "light" or witness? The first one is always "what will the people say about me". JESUS said if you are ashamed to testify about ME I will be ashamed to testify about you in front of MY FATHER. What does Jesus say about that? We are the light of this world, we have to testified about the goodness of our GOD. We have to exalt HIM at any time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robomom3 Posted November 22, 2023 Report Share Posted November 22, 2023 Q59. (Matthew 5:13-14) Why is a sharp and tasty witness so important? Our witness is our story and when we tell our personal story, it resonates with others in a way that is interesting, intimate and real to them. When we tell our own story, what Jesus has done for us, the Spirit uses that testimony to penetrate the hearts of those who are hearing. An important note, our story should include our flaws... our weaknesses and all short comings. What better way to show the Power of God than to clearly testify of who we were and who we are now! God's Glory is seen through our weaknesses! What is a bland witness to Jesus? How do we stay “salty”? A bland witness is one who says they are a child of God but fit perfectly into the world. If you have to tell someone you are a child of God for them to know you are a child of God, then you have probably lost your saltiness and are leading a life that would be labeled as bland in God's Kingdom. Why are people tempted to hide their “light” or witness? For fear of rejection. When we build our identity on self instead of Christ, we are more worried about what people think of us than what God thinks of us. One of the surest tests of the heart is fear. Fear of what others think of us shows who sits on the throne of our heart. Fear of man = Self-worship. Fear of God = Christ-worship What does Jesus say about that? We are clearly told to let our light shine for all to see... this does not mean we are looking for others to lift us up because of our good deeds... no... this means everything we do is done to bring Glory to God and God alone. If we are living our lives in submission to Him, people will never be confused as to where our light comes from. A child of God does not steal His Glory. Our light is there to point people to the saving Grace of Jesus. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zanele Tlhakanelo Posted November 23, 2023 Report Share Posted November 23, 2023 A sharp and tasty witness does not shy away from telling the truth about the Word of God. This is the witness who does not compromise the Word of God because he/she lives it daily and people cannot doubt that. He/She is a witness who has been sent out to the wolves but does not fear them as he/she knows that God who has sent him/her out to the world will protect the witness. There is boldness in witnessing for Christ and is firm in his/her belief. A bland witness is like lukewarm. He/She moves with the flow. He/she is like a lamp that is hidden under the table or the salt that has lost its saltiness. The witness' actions and words are always contradictory. When he/she is with Christians, the behavior is different so is he/she when with unbelievers. They fear that they will be ridiculed if he were to be labeled as a child of God. He/She wants to please people and often does not want to be known as a servant of God as not only are preachers/pastors servants but every child of God is a witness wherever you are, in your family, your community and workplace you represent Christ and must witness for Him. Jesus Christ expects us to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world. It is therefore important that we boldly stand for our belief and we know that we have been forgiven our sins and we need to tell the world that God loved us so much that He loved us so much that He gave us His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him should not die but have an everlasting. The message is simple and we just need to pass it on to those who still live in sin. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irmela Posted November 26, 2023 Report Share Posted November 26, 2023 Q59. (Matthew 5:13-14) Why is a sharp and tasty witness so important? What is a bland witness to Jesus? How do we stay "salty"? Why are people tempted to hide their "light" or witness? What does Jesus say about that? By a bland witness, I understand a lukewarm person as spoken about in Revelation 3, about the church of Laodicea. In other words ones actions do not meet up to my words. It is important to be a sharp and tasty witness as that will draw others to want the same. We need to stay close to the Lord at all time to be able to stay "salty". Reading and studying the Word, praying and worshiping God. "Walking" with Him. To hide ones light is almost a sure way to extinguish it. We need to let our light shine. Our actions must display our words. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mampho Ntulo Posted January 3 Report Share Posted January 3 (edited) On 4/22/2023 at 6:02 AM, Pastor Ralph said: Q59. (Matthew 5:13-14) Why is a sharp and tasty witness so important? What is a bland witness to Jesus? How do we stay “salty”? Why are people tempted to hide their “light” or witness? What does Jesus say about that? The sharp and tasty witness is important to light the world, and cannot be hidden. Bland witness is like the salt which has lost its flavor, we stay salty by becoming obedient to God's word, and do what is needed. People are tempted to hide their light when they live life's not pleasing to God, Jesus says witnesses not pleasing are good for nothing, but are to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. Edited January 3 by Mampho Ntulo Didn't write anything Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old Jerry Posted January 17 Report Share Posted January 17 People won’t listen to us if we don’t have a sharp and tasty witness. They will hear and see what we are doing and hopefully they will want to do the same. A bland witness to Jesus is one that looks like what the rest of the world is doing. We stay salty by reading and practicing what we have learned from the bible. I think that people and tempted to hide their “light” because they are trying to fit into the world. Jesus says we are to shine our light on the world. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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