Text: Mathew 5:13-16

Psalms 11:3, “If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?”

Here are a few Scripture verses to help us catch the vision:

Psalms 82:5, Psalms 104:1-5, Proverbs 8:29, Isaiah 51:16, Isaiah 58:12, Jeremiah 50:15, Ezekiel 30:4, Hebrews 11:10, “For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.” Proverbs 10:25, Luke 6:47-48, 1 Corinthians 3:10-13, Ephesians 1:4.

The foundation of our country is full of cracks. We have a foundation problem, not a symptom problem. Too often, we treat the symptom but not the cause. In this chapter, we will address the cause, having analyzed the symptoms. As Aids attacks the body’s immune system, Satan attacks our country’s immune system, our very foundation. In this text, Jesus gives two analogies to show that the world needs salt and light because:

I. WE ARE THE SALT OF THE EARTH

Verse 13, “Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.”

  • SALT IRRITATES

The job of a preacher/teacher is to lead others both by word and deed to salvation, service, and joyfulness (verses 3-12). Yes, our doctrine must be sound and biblical, or it will be regarded as unsavory— then what will we have to salt with? Men that have no salt or savour in the Latin language are called “saltless.” We are the salt of the earth. We should be concerned about the foundation and about our future in America becoming a socialistic country.

I do not say that we are the answer, but we have the answer, not politicians, scientists, psychologists, psychiatrists, or social workers. We not only have a crack in the wall but in the very foundation of our country. The problem is not so much that sinners are sinning; the problem is that saints are sitting.

  • SALT CREATES THIRST       

We are to create thirst. Bartenders put peanuts out to get people to drink more, not out of generosity.

II. WE ARE THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD

Verses 14-15, “Ye are the light of the world.”  We shine and give light by being made partakers of the true light. The” light of the world” often applies to:

  • The sun, John 11:9, “Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world.”
  • Teachers, John 1:1-5.
  • Jesus, because He is the source of light in the spiritual world, as the sun is the source of light in the natural world.
  • The apostles, disciples, and all Christians are lights of the world, because they show forth God by their example.

Many of the towns and villages of Judea were built on slopes or mountain tops and could be seen from distant valleys. It is possible that Jesus pointed to such a city and told His disciples that they were like that city. They were seen from a distance, but their actions could be seen up close in the eyes of the world. We, too, are seen; and for that reason, we ought to be holy, harmless, and honorable.

The world cannot do good works; we have to do them through the Holy Spirit’s power because we have the answer. The Word of God is the answer for us and the world.

“Neither do men light a candle.” Jesus showed them that they were enlightened so that others might see the light and benefit from it as well. When we light a candle, we do not hide it under a bushel but place it where it can be seen. So it is with our faith. It is not to be hidden so that only we may benefit from it but spread and thereby benefit the entire world. In other words, let your holy life, your pure conversation, and your faithful service be seen and known by all. Let it always be seen that we are real Christians in church, in our businesses, at home, and wherever God’s will may take us. Let it be seen in times of prosperity, adversity, sickness, or in health.

III. WE MUST GLORIFY THE FATHER

Verse 16. “That they may see your good works.” This is not for our own influence or benefit but that God may be glorified. It is not right to do a good thing only to impress others, but we are to do it so that God may be glorified.  You will remember that the Pharisees acted to be seen by others. True Christians act to glorify God and care little what others may think of them, except that by their light, others may be brought to honor and glorify God as well.

To keep the foundation from crumbling further, we must make Him look good, not ourselves. We must tell the world how good Jesus is and that only He is the foundation upon which we must build our homes, churches, and nation.

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Hans Nikoley, GSBC Staff

Bro. Nikoley emigrated from Germany to the United States with his family at age 13. He served full time in the Nevada Air National Guard for six years. At age 32, He was saved, and in 1977, he graduated from Bible College. He pastored for over 31 years, 27 of them at Pomerado Road Baptist Church in Poway, California. Bro. Nikoley has served at Golden State Baptist College in the Bible Department and also as the Student Employment Director since 2007. He and his wife Mary have two children and have been married for 58 years.