Pastor Ralph Posted December 20, 2007 Report Share Posted December 20, 2007 Q1. (Matthew 5:13) In what sense are Christians the "salt of the earth" using the preservation analogy? In what sense are Christians the "salt of the earth" using the seasoning analogy? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tabatha Posted January 12, 2008 Report Share Posted January 12, 2008 Q1. (Matthew 5:13) In what sense are Christians the "salt of the earth" using the preservation analogy? In what sense are Christians the "salt of the earth" using the seasoning analogy? Salt was used as a preservative up till the time when cold storage in the form of refrigerators was available to the masses, Sat is the basic condiment that adds flavor to food. WE ARE PRESERVATIVES: In much of the ancient world where the preservation of bodies after death was a religious significance salt was very much necessary ingredient. The same applies to the preservation of food where salt was used to preserve food for the winter months, or help keep food past their natural expiration dates. Just as salt is a preservative, so are we Christians! We don't help preserve dead bodies or food, but we each are to observe and preserve or keep the teachings of God. Dictionary.com defines the word "preserve" as #1 to keep alive or in existence #2 to keep safe from harm or injury #3 To keep up; maintain Therefore. in very much the same way, we who love God are to preserve, to keep up and maintain His will and commandments. For is it not said: "But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?" ( James 2: 20 ) KJV. BEING CHRISTIANS WHO ARE WORTH OUR SALT! How does this aspect of salt apply to us Christians? Basically, the question is " are we worth our salt"? In other words , are we able stewards of God's work that our Lord Jesus Christ entrusted to us? Remember the parable of the servants who were given talents when their master was going away? In much the same way, God gives each of us talents that we are to use for His Glory! And in much the same way that servants who made good their talents were praised by the master on His return, so shall we receive our just rewards when our Lord returns if we are "worth our salt" with the gifts He bestowed upon us. Being Salty The works mentioned above refer to the keeping of and obedience to God's commandments as being necessary in addition to faith. There's another kind of works--- good deeds--- that will never be sufficient for us to be saved, are what will make us "salty" When was the last time we did something nice for a stranger just because we want to, never expecting anything in return? Much as how salt add flavor to food, so I believe we as the"salt of the earth" should be making a difference in other people's lives, be it through good works, witnessing to them, or simply being a friend in their time of need. Today, we are quick to judge and all to busy to do these little things that might require perhaps just an hour of our time. However, have we ever thought that these seemingly little gestures can actually mean a big world of difference to those whom we help? Just as only a pinch of salt is enough to make any dish taste much much better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UncleBlake Posted January 19, 2008 Report Share Posted January 19, 2008 Q1. (Matthew 5:13) In what sense are Christians the "salt of the earth" using the preservation analogy? In what sense are Christians the "salt of the earth" using the seasoning analogy? Christians are the salt of the earth in that (in using the preservation analogy) we aren't to go about our lives as lukewarm namby pamby milktoast people. This isn't God's desire for us. We must have the "tang" as was stated in the text. This "tang" may not always set will with people, but it is what motivates, keeps each other on the right path, keeps us in line with God, and makes life what God intended it to be...not the least of which is full of zest and flavour, which He wishes for us to experience. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JanMary Posted January 19, 2008 Report Share Posted January 19, 2008 Q1. (Matthew 5:13) In what sense are Christians the "salt of the earth" using the preservation analogy? In what sense are Christians the "salt of the earth" using the seasoning analogy? Individuals come to Christ one at a time, and each generation must hear the Gospel of Jesus in order to be saved. Using the preservation analogy, Christians "hold the ground" or "stand in the gap"preserving what the Lord has gained so that the next sinner can be saved, and the next generation can as well. I think the seasoning analogy, is that salt is truth, the spark which brings light and life into the darkness of fallen human nature. The woman who was salt to me when I was seeking to find Truth, was just an ordinary Mom of a kindergartener who walked her daughter to school with my daughter and I. But her conversation always had that spark of life, and hope, and truth, not preaching, but a calm confidence in the Lord. When I totalled my car in an rollover accident on an icy road, she literally brought delicious food to sustain us when I was in bed, and yes, it was seasoned with salt, but again, her encouragement and words of comfort, were the salt which led me to receive Jesus as my Lord and Savior, when I accompanied her to a Bible study later on. I have thanked her for being salt to me....and for not "staying safely in the salt shaker", but for sharing truth with me....so that my life was preserved from destruction and hell. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stan Posted January 19, 2008 Report Share Posted January 19, 2008 Q1. (Matthew 5:13) In what sense are Christians the "salt of the earth" using the preservation analogy? In what sense are Christians the "salt of the earth" using the seasoning analogy? We are the salt of the earth when we share the Good News and keep spreading it throught out the world. We preserve it by passing it to our sons and daughters who pass it to theirs. The chance to share Gods word with other is our responsibility and we should never take it litely. We us it as seasoning when we allow it into our hearts and begin to show changes in our lives. As we live for Christ we grow in faith and become stronger in the Lord and are able to resist the every day temptations better. We come to knoow our limitaions and seek out the Father through study and prayer as we continue to fight the good fight of faith. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Elwood C O'Dell Posted January 19, 2008 Report Share Posted January 19, 2008 We are here to be a shield to help hold back the wrath of God towards the world and to bring about change and healing in today Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
masika Posted January 20, 2008 Report Share Posted January 20, 2008 Q1. (Matthew 5:13) In what sense are Christians the "salt of the earth" using the preservation analogy? In what sense are Christians the "salt of the earth" using the seasoning analogy? Jesus used salt to illustrate three qualities that should be found in His people: 1. We should remember God Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patricia A Posted January 20, 2008 Report Share Posted January 20, 2008 Q1. (Matthew 5:13) In what sense are Christians the "salt of the earth" using the preservation analogy? If we use the preservative analogy, we would say that Christians by their very presence help preserve the world and hold back the wrath of God against it. In what sense are Christians the "salt of the earth" using the seasoning analogy? "You are the salt of the earth" has to do with a willingness to live our lives with the "tang" of our faith intact. We're under so much pressure to give up our differences and blend in with society. Believers are to be "tangy" rather than bland and insipid in the way we live and speak. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rosemary NoVA Posted January 20, 2008 Report Share Posted January 20, 2008 Q1. (Matthew 5:13) In what sense are Christians the "salt of the earth" using the preservation analogy? In what sense are Christians the "salt of the earth" using the seasoning analogy? Salt-as-preservative: We are called to intercede with prayer and fasting. Salt-as-seasoning: We are called to: Preach the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ Teach one another (Speak the truth into a situation) Heal the sick Set the captives free Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rosemary NoVA Posted January 20, 2008 Report Share Posted January 20, 2008 Individuals come to Christ one at a time, and each generation must hear the Gospel of Jesus in order to be saved. Using the preservation analogy, Christians "hold the ground" or "stand in the gap"preserving what the Lord has gained so that the next sinner can be saved, and the next generation can as well. I think the seasoning analogy, is that salt is truth, the spark which brings light and life into the darkness of fallen human nature. The woman who was salt to me when I was seeking to find Truth, was just an ordinary Mom of a kindergartener who walked her daughter to school with my daughter and I. But her conversation always had that spark of life, and hope, and truth, not preaching, but a calm confidence in the Lord. When I totalled my car in an rollover accident on an icy road, she literally brought delicious food to sustain us when I was in bed, and yes, it was seasoned with salt, but again, her encouragement and words of comfort, were the salt which led me to receive Jesus as my Lord and Savior, when I accompanied her to a Bible study later on. I have thanked her for being salt to me....and for not "staying safely in the salt shaker", but for sharing truth with me....so that my life was preserved from destruction and hell. Thanks for sharing. Your specific example of "Christian-as-salt" is inspiring and has helped me to sit back and ponder God's gracious application of salt in my life in the form of those he sent to me. Praising God from whom all blessings flow.... Rosemary NoVA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JustJeff Posted January 20, 2008 Report Share Posted January 20, 2008 As a presevative salt will allow the user to store meat for long periods of time without fear of decay. We Christians, by our faith, can hold on to our salvation by living a righteous lifestyle. By accomplishing this we will not allow the planet to fall into total moral decay and secularism, giving our Lord a reason to continue His longsuffering toward the sin of the world. In this way perhaps one more person might be saved. We are preserving redemption. Jesus, being a Jew would know about "koshering" meat. Take a nice plump turkey thawed, and soak it in water for an hour. Remove it and season it it completely, within and without with Kosher salt. Let it stand for a couple of hours. Then wash it thoroughly. Season and bake as normal. You will taste a turkey that you could die for! I give you this example because we, as the salt of the earth add flavor to life by our faith. We are a standard of righteousness that the whole world can follow and find joy like they might never know. A full flavored, robust life that is a sweet smelling savour to the Lord. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jwwalker Posted January 20, 2008 Report Share Posted January 20, 2008 Q1. (Matthew 5:13) In what sense are Christians the "salt of the earth" using the preservation analogy? In what sense are Christians the "salt of the earth" using the seasoning analogy? Christians are the salt of the earth, by our convictions of Christ, and what He stands for in our lives. Jesus adds flavor to our lives----giving us eternal life. As Christians, we are to be prepared to answer everyone, and give him a reason for our hope. Salt as a preservative helps us to preserve the world and hold back God's wrath. We are to add flavor to life by being a "salty" Christain, one who is preserved by God through Jesus and His blood. One who will speak up for our convictions, for what is right, and against what is wrong. One who will dare to be bold in the face of adversity, in our words and actions, showing our lives to be a living epistle. We bring help, hope, healing. Salt preserves. Without salt, our actions can be viewed as tasteless, lifeless. Salt brings out our flavor--a salty life shows our life in Christ---one of taste for His grace, mercy, one of belief that God has given us all good things to share. in the Ancient days, salt was used to preserve food---to give it flavor. Jesus is our bread of life, we are the salt of this earth. Mixing salt into the pot of humanity will help not only to give it flavor, but preserve it as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sherylle Ladner Posted January 20, 2008 Report Share Posted January 20, 2008 Q1. (Matthew 5:13) In what sense are Christians the "salt of the earth" using the preservation analogy? In what sense are Christians the "salt of the earth" using the seasoning analogy? As many of us know that salt is used for preserving. It is also essential to sustain life. That is why the ancient people traded whatever was required to obtain it. In Palestine, most salt would come from salt caves in the area around the Dead Sea. Both ancient and modern peoples have used salt as both (1) a food preservative and (2) to bring out the flavor of goods. It was also used to make covenants and mixed with sacrifices. But what does it mean as Christian the "salt of the earth?" We say that Christians by their very presence help preserve the world and hold back the wrath of God against it. As a Christian, I believe that God's mercy on our sinful world is due to the prayers and presence of the saints on earth. But our presence is not only a shield against the wrath of God upon the earth, we also serve as those who by their wholesome presence bring about change and healing in a corrupt society. Our greatest "saints" like John and Charles Wesley, William Wilberforce, and John Newton (author of AMAZING GRACE), was the wakened conscience that force a change in society in Eighteenth century England. But the phrase "salt of the earth" as double meaning: "salt of the earth" also means that as Christian, we must witness and conversation. We must remain intact that we must witness what God has done in our lives, not my telling but by doing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charisbarak Posted January 21, 2008 Report Share Posted January 21, 2008 Christians are the salt of the earth--the preserver of "life"/conscience of the peoples. We refuse to be mixed the the world & lose our saltiness. May our tang continue to make a difference! Christians are the salt of the earth by seasoning--we bring out a "flavor of life" by being living witnesses of Jesus Christ. We know Jesus makes life worth living & are not afraid to say so! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sisterlily Posted January 21, 2008 Report Share Posted January 21, 2008 Christians are the salt of the earth as perservation because they hold back alot of evil by their prayers to God and thus helps to protect people by calling on God as others who are not salt would not trust to do so. As salt as a seasoning we Christians keep Jesus in this un Jesus friendly world. Everythime they think He is out of the picture seasoned Christians open their mouth and out comes the flavor of Christ back into the world that is why it is very important for us to always be ready to defend Christ with kindness not to offend anyone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jjj Posted January 21, 2008 Report Share Posted January 21, 2008 Salt as a preservative reveals to us that we can ,through our prayers and cares minister Christ's love to the world. We can claim back much that the evil one has stolen and introduce our family and friends to the lifegiver Christ. We can intercede and Salt as a Seasoning gives us the chance to work out situations through love and forgiveness , often surprising those of the world. This always adds something to the situation - a spice. A seasoning makes us more open to our brothers and sisters of the world. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
judeshere Posted January 21, 2008 Report Share Posted January 21, 2008 As Christians we hold back judgment with prayers. As we stand for our beliefs, be a good witness for Jesus, people do take notice, whether for good or bad. I think without Christians in the world it would be a lot worse than it is. There is nothing worse than a Christian who talks right, and lives exactly like the world, then we have truly lost our saltiness. Most of the positive changes have been because Christians have stood up and said " We will not put up with this, change is needed." As I study bible people and church history, I am amazed what God can do, with willing people. They have truly changed the world. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marietjie Posted January 21, 2008 Report Share Posted January 21, 2008 Salt is not only a preservative but can also be used to disinfect wounds. Christians should disinfect society from selfishness, immorality, drug abuse, depression and so much more. The only way to do that is by sharing the love of Jesus Christ with people all around us, and to stand up for what is right according to God's Word and His plan. If you put a teaspoon salt in a jug of water, every single drop of water in that jug will have the taste of salt. We as Christians should live our lives in a way that every single person will get to know the Lord Jesus. We should affect all aspects of society. We can have a downwards influence to those 'under' us - gardener, employee, student etc. Then we can influence those 'next to' us - spouse, colleague, friend, sibling, neighbour etc. We can aso have an influence 'upwards' - a parent, manager, teacher, officer etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bonnie Nelson Posted January 21, 2008 Report Share Posted January 21, 2008 Q1. In what sense are Christians the Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don W Posted January 21, 2008 Report Share Posted January 21, 2008 Christians are to be the “salt of the earth” as preservatives in praying and seeking the Lord God in our lives in order to preserve mankind upon the earth—both those who live godly lives and those who live sinful, ungodly lives—that is, until the Lord Jesus comes again for His own at His Second Coming. We are to be “seasoning of the earth” by not only trying to preserve life here upon the earth but to witness to those who are unsaved by the way we live our lives and the words we use in giving them the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. In this day-and-age, most of the worldly unbelievers and mockers of our Lord have such sinful life-styles that it shouldn’t be hard at all for us to show them what it means to be Christians as we choose to follow Christ and live His way and not our own or in the ways of the world around us. But the church has gotten so caught up in adopting the ways and methods of the world, even in their deeds and their talk, that it has become pretty hard to tell the differences between the true Christian and those who either pretend to be “Christians” or those who outwardly hate and mock Him and don’t want anything to do with Him (or us, either). This shouldn’t be the way it is and we who are true, born-again believers need to become more “salty” in our lives not only to preserve mankind upon the earth, but also to testify for the world around us that we do truly belong to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! Help us to be the “salt of the earth” upon this planet, Lord, and grow in our “saltiness” until You come again for us in Your Second Coming. Come quickly, Lord Jesus! Amen! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lisa Rupert Posted January 22, 2008 Report Share Posted January 22, 2008 Q1. (Matthew 5:13) In what sense are Christians the "salt of the earth" using the preservation analogy? In what sense are Christians the "salt of the earth" using the seasoning analogy? I believe that the analogies for the preservation and the seasoning of "salt of the earth" means that we should use conviction and passion through our examples when addressing the Word to others, through prayer and teaching. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DZION Posted January 22, 2008 Report Share Posted January 22, 2008 Q1. (Matthew 5:13) In what sense are Christians the "salt of the earth" using the preservation analogy? In what sense are Christians the "salt of the earth" using the seasoning analogy? Christians are the Salt of the earth in that we preserve the Word of God by keeping it, passing it on, preserving it. We live our lives that others might see Christ in us, as in seasoning. When others see what we have by the way we live our lives, having joy in hard times, neither grumbling or complaining. They want what we have. They want the seasoning. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eudora Posted January 24, 2008 Report Share Posted January 24, 2008 Q1. (Matthew 5:13) In what sense are Christians the "salt of the earth" using the preservation analogy? Well so far we have managed to hold on to our Bibles. We as believers have not stood up enough, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lulu 1931 Posted January 24, 2008 Report Share Posted January 24, 2008 My answer to the first question: by our presence and spreading the gospel of Christ and preserve his images. the answer to the next question: Seasonings are used to improve the flavor of food, thus Christians improve the world with their faith and service to God with giving a place of worship to all people. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dar Posted January 25, 2008 Report Share Posted January 25, 2008 Q1. (Matthew 5:13) In what sense are Christians the "salt of the earth" using the preservation analogy? Salt is a necessity of life, in the Christian, it is a preservative, seen in our faithfulness, dependability and durability in the Lord - without salt, our lives are open to decay, putrefication can set in. In what sense are Christians the "salt of the earth" using the seasoning analogy? Salt as a seasoning, it adds flavor to our lives, it is God's salt seen in our our lives, our faith preserved in Him. His salt makes me thirsty for more, the sweet savor of being in God's will. As I sprinkle God's salt on my life, I find my life becoming sweeter as the days go by, it is the seal of our covenant, the seasoning of my Faith is preserved in Him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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