Salt of the Earth

Luke 14:25-35 CSB

It's easy to look at the brokenness around us and point to everything that's wrong with the world. But what if Jesus' answer isn't to retreat, complain, or blend in? What if He has called His followers to be something the world desperately needs? We are called to live with a faith that is both deeply surrendered to Jesus and intentionally engaged with the people around us. Because when Christians lose their distinctiveness, the world feels the effects. But when ordinary people faithfully live out their calling, God can use them to make an extraordinary impact.

1. What is your favorite salty snack?

2. Read 1 Samuel 15:13-22 & Esther 3:1-6 —What happens when we try to serve God in our own way and not in the way he prescribes?

3. Read Matthew 5:13; Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8; 2 Corinthians 5:16-21— What are some specific ways you can share the gospel?

4. Read Hebrews 10:38-39—Relationships, your own life, possessions: Which of these is hardest to put after God?

       a. When you have put God first, what happened in your relationship, life, or with your possessions?

5. Pastor Luke used the phrase “the rotting world,” a very visceral description. Why is the world rotting?

       a. Is the church, are you, contributing to the rot or preserving?

6. Read 1 Corinthians 5:9-10 & John 17:14-23 —Where is your engagement?

7. Read Revelation 2-3. Which churches were salty?