WHAT DID JESUS SAY ABOUT KINGDOM INFLUENCE (2 OF 15)
by Rick White
Scripture: MATTHEW 5:13-16
This content is part of a series.
What Did Jesus Say About Kingdom Influence? (2 of 15)
WWJD: The Series
Rick White
Matthew 5:13-16
06/11/99
Introduction: HP + CP = MI (High Potency + Close Proximity = Maximum Influence/Impact). What possible influence could the people described in the beatitudes exert in this hard, tough world? Is there any chance whatsoever that the people who live the life described in vs. 1-12 will one day make a major influence in the world in which they live? It is evident that Jesus did not share this skepticism. Rather the reverse. In credible as it may sound, Jesus referred to that handful of Palestinian peasants as the salt of the earth and light of the world, so far-reaching was their influence to be. What on earth has gone wrong? Why have we moved so far away from the primary thing we were called to do?
In order to define the nature of their influence, Jesus resorted to two domestic metaphors. Every home, however poor, used and still uses both salt and light. Salt and light are indispensable household commodities. The need for light is obvious. Salt had a variety of uses but primarily was a condiment and a preservative.
The basic truth that lies behind these metaphors and is common to them both is that the church and the world are distinct communities. There is the world and then there is 'you', the salt and light. The two communities are related to each other, but their relatedness depends on their distinctness.
THE EQUATION:
• MI means Maximum Influence or Impact.
The scripture is very clear that Christ wants us to make the maximum impact on our world. Consider the following scriptures;
• (2 Cor 5:18-20 NIV) All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: {19} that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. {20} We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making ...
WWJD: The Series
Rick White
Matthew 5:13-16
06/11/99
Introduction: HP + CP = MI (High Potency + Close Proximity = Maximum Influence/Impact). What possible influence could the people described in the beatitudes exert in this hard, tough world? Is there any chance whatsoever that the people who live the life described in vs. 1-12 will one day make a major influence in the world in which they live? It is evident that Jesus did not share this skepticism. Rather the reverse. In credible as it may sound, Jesus referred to that handful of Palestinian peasants as the salt of the earth and light of the world, so far-reaching was their influence to be. What on earth has gone wrong? Why have we moved so far away from the primary thing we were called to do?
In order to define the nature of their influence, Jesus resorted to two domestic metaphors. Every home, however poor, used and still uses both salt and light. Salt and light are indispensable household commodities. The need for light is obvious. Salt had a variety of uses but primarily was a condiment and a preservative.
The basic truth that lies behind these metaphors and is common to them both is that the church and the world are distinct communities. There is the world and then there is 'you', the salt and light. The two communities are related to each other, but their relatedness depends on their distinctness.
THE EQUATION:
• MI means Maximum Influence or Impact.
The scripture is very clear that Christ wants us to make the maximum impact on our world. Consider the following scriptures;
• (2 Cor 5:18-20 NIV) All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: {19} that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. {20} We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making ...
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