‘You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste…’ – Mt. 5:13 You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden… - Mt. 5:14 ‘The world will undoubtedly persecute the church (5:10 – 12); yet it is the church’s calling to serve this persecuting world (5:13 – 16). This, then, is the great desirability of the good and Christlike life, and of the Christian counter-culture. It brings blessing to us, salvation to others, and ultimately glory to God.’ - John Stott, Christian Counter-Culture Qualities Unique to Salt Invisible when properly used Disinfectant preventing decay Savoury substance adding taste Qualities Unique to Light Visible only to make visible Illuminates the darkness Essential for life to flourish Qualities Common to both Salt and Light Expend themselves where they are placed Don’t draw attention to themselves Discussion Questions: The main function of salt in the ancient world was to keep things from going bad. The purpose of light is to help people in darkness. Jesus perfectly fulfilled God’s law. He is the salt of the earth and the light of the world, and He calls us to follow Him. o Where does the world need salt & light, and how can we, through following Jesus, provide it? Share some examples. o How have Christians today lost their saltiness or stopped shining as we ought? What can we do about this as a church? Challenge: Do one thing this week that you had not planned on doing, to be the salt or the light that Christ calls you to be. Remember to pray and depend on the presence of Jesus in you to be that salt and light.