Podcasts about salt light

The holidays naturally inspire generosity. As Christians, we feel a heightened awareness of need—empty tables, struggling families, and financial hardship made more visible by the contrast of celebration all around us. And that impulse to give is good.But God calls us to something deeper.True, Christ-centered generosity goes beyond a one-time act of charity. It invites us to walk alongside people in ways that restore dignity, build hope, and reflect God's heart for renewal—not just during Christmas, but throughout the year.To explore what that kind of generosity looks like in practice, we sat down with Lisa Sheltra, Director of Community Engagement at Salt & Light, a ministry committed to helping without hurting by empowering individuals rather than creating dependency.A Biblical Vision for Deeper GenerosityScripture sets the tone for how we approach generosity. “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others” (Philippians 2:4). That verse reminds us that generosity is inherently relational. It's not just about meeting needs—it's about entering into someone's life with humility and care.Lisa explained that while giving material help is often necessary, biblical generosity must flow from our relationship with Christ. God's model for giving isn't transactional. It's restorative.She pointed to John 3:16 as the ultimate framework for generosity. When God gave, He didn't offer something temporary or superficial—He gave His Son to address our deepest brokenness and bring true flourishing. If our generosity reflects God's heart, it should aim not only to relieve immediate pain but to support long-term restoration, reconciliation, and community.Many churches and families feel pressure in December to focus heavily on relief efforts—food drives, toy collections, clothing donations. These are good and often necessary responses, especially in moments of crisis.But Lisa cautioned that relief, by its nature, creates a giver-receiver imbalance. When relief becomes the default instead of the exception, it can unintentionally harm both sides of the relationship. It can reduce people to passive recipients and rob them of agency, dignity, and participation.Relief is best understood as a tourniquet—it stops the bleeding in an emergency. But most ongoing struggles, including those we notice during the holidays, are not emergencies. They are development needs, requiring long-term walking together, not repeated short-term fixes.Relief vs. Development: Understanding the DifferenceSalt & Light works closely with principles championed by the Chalmers Center, which emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between relief and development.Relief addresses urgent, immediate crises.Development focuses on long-term growth, dignity, and restored relationships.During the holidays, what looks like an emergency is often a symptom of a deeper, ongoing struggle. Repeated relief may feel satisfying to the giver, but it rarely moves families toward lasting stability or community.Development, on the other hand, invites people to use their own gifts, make their own choices, and participate fully in solutions. It treats individuals not as problems to fix, but as image-bearers with capacity and value.At Salt & Light, empowerment isn't seasonal—it's woven into everyday ministry. Participants invest in the program year-round and are treated not as charity cases, but as customers and guests with agency.Rather than handing out preselected gifts, families can choose items for their loved ones. That choice matters deeply. Lisa shared that many participants have said, “This is the first Christmas in years I've been able to buy gifts for my family myself.”That shift—from receiving charity to exercising choice—restores dignity in powerful ways.A Better Path for ChurchesFor churches wanting to steward holiday generosity wisely, Lisa offered several practical insights:Partner with ministries already practicing development. You don't need to reinvent the wheel.Encourage relational volunteering, not just donation drives.Support year-round ministries, not just seasonal projects.Use the holidays as an on-ramp, connecting people's enthusiasm for giving to sustainable, ongoing involvement.The goal isn't to do more—it's to do good in ways that last.What This Looks Like for IndividualsMany believers want to help but fear causing harm. The answer isn't to stop giving—it's to give differently.Lisa encouraged individuals to approach generosity with humility and a willingness to learn. We don't need perfect solutions. We need presence, patience, listening ears, and respect for dignity.She reminded us that kingdom impact isn't measured by numbers alone. While it may feel impressive to count meals served or gifts distributed, God's metrics are relational. Sometimes faithfulness looks like doing for one what we wish we could do for everyone.When asked to leave listeners with one guiding principle beyond the Christmas season, Lisa said it simply and beautifully:“See others as image-bearers of God—people with gifts, agency, and dignity. Come alongside them, not as fixers, but as fellow participants in God's work of renewal.”When we give in ways that honor dignity and foster genuine connection, we don't just meet needs—we participate in God's redemptive work.To learn more about Salt & Light and their dignity-centered approach to helping others, visit SaltandLightMinistry.org.On Today's Program, Rob Answers Listener Questions:I owned my land before I got married, and my husband isn't on the deed. But after we got married, the tax office automatically added his name to the property tax statement. Do I have to list my spouse on the tax records if the land was paid for before marriage, and what steps do I need to take to have that changed?I'm retired and recently sold a property because I'm no longer able to maintain it. I netted about $100,000 from the sale. My home and vehicles are paid off, and I have a small 401(k) of about $30,000 that I'm living on. I'm not sure what to do with the $100,000—what would you recommend?Resources Mentioned:Faithful Steward: FaithFi's Quarterly Magazine (Become a FaithFi Partner)Salt & Light MinistriesWisdom Over Wealth: 12 Lessons from Ecclesiastes on MoneyLook At The Sparrows: A 21-Day Devotional on Financial Fear and AnxietyRich Toward God: A Study on the Parable of the Rich FoolFind a Certified Kingdom Advisor (CKA)FaithFi App Remember, you can call in to ask your questions every workday at (800) 525-7000. Faith & Finance is also available on Moody Radio Network and American Family Radio. You can also visit FaithFi.com to connect with our online community and partner with us as we help more people live as faithful stewards of God's resources. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this stirring and deeply encouraging Advent message, Pastor Karl continues the series The King Has Come with a raw and life-giving exploration of the second great gift Jesus brings: peace.Turning to the familiar yet profound scene in Luke 2:8–20, Pastor Karl invites us into the midnight terror of ordinary shepherds—suddenly confronted by the blinding glory of God—and shows how the very first words from heaven that night were not “Merry Christmas,” but “Fear not.” That first Christmas did not begin with sentimental calm; it began with paralyzing, mega-fear. And right there, in the middle of stacked-on-stacked fear, the angel announced good news of great joy: a Savior has been born who is Christ the Lord, the Prince of Peace.With pastoral tenderness and unflinching honesty, Pastor Karl unmasks fear as the mortal enemy of peace—how it magnifies threats, shrinks our view of God, and paints our future in colors darker than God ever intended. Yet the gospel is stronger: peace is not the absence of trouble but the presence of a Person. Peace is not something Jesus gives; peace is who Jesus is—and He gives Himself.Through the shepherds' journey from terror to testimony, we're given clear, scriptural paths out of fear and into the unshakable peace of Christ: speaking God's truth over fear's lies, refusing to agree with the spirit of fear, drawing near to Jesus through spiritual disciplines, and taking bold steps of obedience that move us against comfort and toward surrender.This is a word for everyone whose heart has been ruled by anxiety, worst-case scenarios, or the quiet fears that steal joy—especially in this season. A tender yet urgent call to stop trusting the unknown future to our own control and start trusting it to the known God who entered our fear as a baby in a manger.Because the King has come, fear does not get the final word. Peace does. And when the Prince of Peace takes over a life, what spills out is no longer fear—but praise, testimony, and unshakable confidence in the goodness of God.Essential listening for anyone who longs to trade fear for the peace that passes all understanding this Christmas.Watch all our sermons on our youtube channel "Flipside Christian Church"Join us in person 9:00am & 10:30am every Sunday morning.37193 Ave 12 #3h, Madera, CA 93636For more visit us at flipside.churchFor more podcasts visit flipsidepodcasts.transistor.fm

What difference do we really make? Sometimes circumstances don't change—but people do. We will explore how Jesus transformed lives through His presence, not circumstances, and how we carry that same hope today. We are the light and salt God uses to bring eternal change, even in the darkest places.If you enjoyed this sermon please consider subscribing.CONNECT WITH US Instagram: www.instagram.com/humeridgechurch Facebook: www.facebook.com/humeridgechurch YouTube: www.youtube.com/humeridgechurchHave you made a decision to follow Jesus? Do you have a praise point, or want to request prayer? We would love for you to get in contact with us so we can follow up with you! Please complete the contact form on our website at https://humeridge.church/contact

Have you ever felt like it is your specific job to set everyone else straight? We often mistake being the "salt of the earth" with a duty to act as the morality police or to fiercely guard religious traditions. But when we look closely at the life of Jesus, we see Him constantly turning those very traditions on their heads—not to be rebellious, but to reach the people on the margins. We explore the tension of what it really means to preserve the world around us. What if our calling isn't to enforce rules, but to preserve the inherent worth of every person we meet? We dig into the difficult reality that salt cannot do its work without contact. You cannot influence a world that you refuse to touch, even if that contact threatens your reputation. This conversation invites you to reconsider your impact. It challenges you to stop forcing your own "flavour" on others and instead listen well enough to bring out the beauty God has already placed within them. It is a call to move beyond judgment and into a life of restorative love. Episode link: https://grace-community.church/lesson/salt-light-and-the-upside-down-kingdom

What does it look like for us to be a transformed presence in our world today? Paul & Dave talk about the well known passage which reminds us of our identity as salt and light.

Jesus has called us to be both salt and light to those around us.Salt preserves and enhances flavor, and light brings clarityTune in this week as Pastor Andrea Gray continues our series through Matthew, focusing on chapter 5, verses 13-16.If you would like to partner with BLVD Church and what we are doing in the community, you can make an investment of support at https://blvd.church/give

Your faith was never meant to be hidden—it was meant to be lived, breathed, and embodied in how you lead, love, and show up every day.Today's conversation is for anyone navigating the tension of being a believer in spaces that don't always honor belief. My guest, Enitan Bereola, shows us what it looks like to live authentically with God—not perfectly, but fully present, fully aligned, and fully courageous.Culture is loud. It tells us who to be, what to value, and how to think. And too often, its voice conflicts with God's truth. Many of us feel pulled in two directions—our faith on one side, our cultural life on the other. But here's the truth: faith wasn't meant to be compartmentalized. It was meant to transform every part of your life.Enitan has spent his life bridging that gap—reshaping conversations about identity, relationships, and culture through his work as an author, creative, and thought leader. Husband, father, entrepreneur, and man of faith, he's learned how to navigate influence without compromising conviction.Today, he shares how to stand firm in your beliefs while engaging culture with relevance, grace, and boldness—reminding us that our light is meant to shine everywhere, not just in church.

Matthew 5:13-16 - Jesus's introduction to the Sermon on the Mount continues with His proclamation of His receptive audience's role in the world as both salt and light. In this short saying, Jesus is calling His disciples to be who they were made to be: those who together make things better (and for a long time) in a broken world and those who boldly shine Christ's light in a dark world. Underneath it all is the great call to "love God with all of your heart, soul, mind, and strength... and to love your neighbor as yourself." A sermon by Tsion Reid. [Part 3 of our series "Jesus's Sermon on the Mount: The Good Life in the Kingdom of Grace"] Questions for reflection: 1) What would you say you are known for? 2) What does it mean to be "the salt of the earth?" 3) How does someone let their light shine boldly as on "a stand?" 4) What is the relationship here between faith and works? Or between Christ's work in your life and your work out in the world? 5) How does this passage point us to the grace of Christ? How does it point us to the Holy Spirit's empowerment?

We all have a lot going on in our own lives, but it's important that we aren't so focused on ourselves that we lose focus on the world around us that desperately needs God because God has chosen us to be a part of what He wants to do in it.

Text: Matthew 5:13-16 View this week's Bulletin.

Matthew 5:13-20 (NIV) Learn more about us at intown.org

Adrianne's home of Tulare County has the highest rate of chronically unsheltered homelessness in America, with over 2,500 people experiencing homelessness in a county of 484,000. Despite not wanting to take action, Adrianne felt convicted that she must and her nonprofit Salt + Light built The Neighborhood Village, a brand-new community of 50 housing units with onsite whole-person care. Community changes everything and teaches all of us to love each other better. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premiumSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Adrianne's home of Tulare County has the highest rate of chronically unsheltered homelessness in America, with over 2,500 people experiencing homelessness in a county of 484,000. Despite not wanting to take action, Adrianne felt convicted that she must and her nonprofit Salt + Light built The Neighborhood Village, a brand-new community of 50 housing units with onsite whole-person care. Community changes everything and teaches all of us to love each other better. Support the show: https://www.normalfolks.us/premiumSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Matthew 5:13-16 You are the SALT of the EARTH; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.You are the LIGHT of the WORLD. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your GOOD WORKS and GLORIFY your Father in heaven.

25-thousand women are sex trafficked in the Chicagoland area every year. In today's Difference Maker, WBBM's Lisa Fielding introduces us to a non profit organization that's giving women a second chance at life.

25-thousand women are sex trafficked in the Chicagoland area every year. In today's Difference Maker, WBBM's Lisa Fielding introduces us to a non profit organization that's giving women a second chance at life.

25-thousand women are sex trafficked in the Chicagoland area every year. In today's Difference Maker, WBBM's Lisa Fielding introduces us to a non profit organization that's giving women a second chance at life.

What does it mean for salt to “lose its taste”? We talk about the part of the Sermon on the Mount that encourages us to keep our “flavor,” be light, […]

What does it mean for salt to “lose its taste”? We talk about the part of the Sermon on the Mount that encourages us to keep our “flavor,” be light, […]

September 21, 2025 (PM) - Pastor Phil Henry - Matthew 5:13-20

SALT, LIGHT, and THE LIGHTHOUSE Part 3 (Daniel Baer)Send us a textSupport the showThank you for listening to our podcast!If you have any questions, subjects you would like to hear discussed, or feedback of any kind, you can contact us at:greengac@yahoo.com or through the links below, where you can find additional information about our work as well as other materials: Green Gospel Assembly Church – The Church that is Different (church website)

SALT, LIGHT, and THE LIGHTHOUSE Part 2 (Daniel Baer)- The first part of this subject was taken from a class given by Sis. Destiny Baer on Sunday morning, and this part, and the third part to follow, was taken from a message given by Bro. Daniel Baer on the same Sunday in the evening.Send us a textSupport the showThank you for listening to our podcast!If you have any questions, subjects you would like to hear discussed, or feedback of any kind, you can contact us at:greengac@yahoo.com or through the links below, where you can find additional information about our work as well as other materials: Green Gospel Assembly Church – The Church that is Different (church website)

SALT, LIGHT, and THE LIGHTHOUSE Part 1: Sis. Destiny Baer - part 2 and part 3 (to follow in separate episodes) by Bro. Daniel BaerSend us a textSupport the showThank you for listening to our podcast!If you have any questions, subjects you would like to hear discussed, or feedback of any kind, you can contact us at:greengac@yahoo.com or through the links below, where you can find additional information about our work as well as other materials: Green Gospel Assembly Church – The Church that is Different (church website)

Counter-cultural teachings from the Sermon on the Mount

A sermon by Church Planting Resident S.O. Listen along as ACC Downtown studies Matthew 5:13-16.

This week, Pastor Abraham rounded out our Beatitudes series with a sermon on Matthew 13-16. Want to hear More? Tune in next week, or come visit us on a Sunday morning! We would love to have you worship the Lord with us.

On August 31, 2025, Pastor Michael Brunzo continues with the series, The Sermon on the Mount. Be blessed as you listen.

Speaking the Language of Love: How to Share Your Faith Effectively. Discover how to communicate your faith in ways that resonate with others. This powerful message explores how believers become living testimonies of God's transformative power, not just carrying the message but embodying it. Learn from the Apostle Paul's approach to relational evangelism and how to overcome common barriers that prevent effective communication of faith. Key insights include:• How your personal testimony inspires others regardless of your faith journey• The two major barriers to effective faith communication: vocabulary and behavior• Paul's five-point strategy for connecting with people from different backgrounds• Practical ways to prepare yourself for everyday evangelism opportunitiesWhether you're new to faith or have been walking with God for years, this message provides practical guidance for sharing your faith naturally and authentically. You'll learn how to find common ground with others, avoid Christian jargon that creates distance, and develop the discipline needed for effective witness. People aren't looking for perfect Christians—they're looking for authentic stories of hope, love, and grace. Discover how your ordinary conversations can have extraordinary impact when you learn to speak the language of love.

Discover how to make a lasting impact for Christ in your community without feeling overwhelmed. This message unpacks Jesus' call to be 'fishers of people' and what it truly means to be salt and light in today's world. Learn from the powerful parable of the lost sheep that reveals God's heart for even one person who turns to Him. Find out why ministry is simpler than you might think and why your greatest opportunity for influence is often right in front of you. Through the parable of the fig tree, understand your role as a vinedresser in God's kingdom - digging deeper into relationships and speaking life-giving words to those around you. This practical teaching provides a framework for identifying the specific people God has placed in your path and taking simple steps to show His love. Whether you're new to faith or have been following Christ for years, you'll discover that winning your community for Jesus happens one life at a time.Keywords: evangelism, community outreach, discipleship, salt and light, Christian influence, sharing faith, ministry, spiritual growth, Christian living, Bible teaching, parables of Jesus, lost sheep, fig tree parable, relationship building, speaking life, encouragement, personal evangelism, kingdom impact, transformation, Christian purpose, Matthew 5, Luke 15, Romans 10, Christian mission, gospel sharing, Christian witness, spiritual influence, community impact, Christian relationships, life application.

Discover what Jesus meant when He called His followers the salt of the earth and light of the world in Matthew 5:13-16. This powerful message explores how ordinary believers can have extraordinary influence in today's world. Learn how salt transforms by enhancing flavor, preserving from decay, and creating thirst—just as Christians are called to improve their surroundings, prevent moral decay, and create spiritual hunger in others. Understand how light reveals truth, guides the lost, and brings warmth to cold places through your presence. Your influence isn't measured by social media followers but by your relationships and daily interactions. Even when feeling ordinary, remember that you contain the extraordinary treasure of Christ within you. Discover practical ways to live as salt and light by staying connected to Jesus, remaining present in relationships, and standing unashamed of your faith. Perfect for Christians seeking to understand their purpose, those struggling with identity, or anyone wondering how to make a meaningful difference in their sphere of influence. Keywords: Christian identity, salt and light, Matthew 5, spiritual influence, Christian purpose, making a difference, Christian living, spiritual growth, Bible teaching, Christian community, Kingdom impact, Christian witness, spiritual transformation, Christian testimony, faith in action, Christian calling, spiritual identity, Christian influence, Jesus teachings, Sermon on the Mount.

Main Idea: Salt was a sign of covenant in the Old Testament and people living and embodying Jesus' kingdom are supposed to be that too, signs of the new covenant in Christ. Salt also brings out the flavors of wherever it is. How do we bring out God? Similarly, just as Israel was called to be a light to the nations, Jesus' disciples are supposed to show forth God's light.Scripture: Matthew 5:13-20

What does it mean to be salt and light in a world that often feels dark and distant from God? In this powerful and heartfelt message, Jordan Gerding unpacks Jesus' words from Matthew 5:13–16, inviting us to embrace our identity in the upside-down kingdom of God.Through relatable stories, gospel-centered teaching, and a deep love for people, Jordan challenges us to see evangelism not as pressure to convert but as an invitation to relationally walk with others, reflect the light of Christ, and embody the values of the Kingdom.You'll be encouraged to:- Reframe evangelism through relational presence, not performance- Understand the immense value of being salt (preserving, healing, and purifying)- Let your light reveal the goodness of God in both community and individual witness- Recognize the power of living sacrificially as those who bring others near to JesusWhether you're hesitant about sharing your faith or eager to grow in boldness, this sermon will meet you where you are and inspire you to take one faithful step forward.Subscribe for more weekly messages that help you walk in the way of Jesus.Follow us on Instagram: @gracecityeugeneLearn more: gracecityeugene.com#GraceCityEugene #SummerOnTheMount #SaltAndLight #KingdomLiving #RelationalEvangelism #GospelMessage #JesusUpsideDownKingdom

Salt + Light (06.15.25) // Ps Todd Lucas by Oasis Church Chicago

In a world obsessed with platforms, likes, and followers, Jesus calls us to a different kind of influence, one that doesn't require fame but faithfulness. In this weeks message, we dive into Matthew 5:13–16 and explore what it really means to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world.

As we grow and step into all God has for us, we're called to live with authenticity and faith—rooted in knowing God, understanding our identity, and sharing what we've been given. We weren't created to chase perfection or live in duplicity. Somewhere along the way, the Christian walk became more about appearances than substance. But Jesus calls us simply to be—to shine our light and reflect Him with simplicity, purity, and authenticity.Let's remember who we are and live from the truth of Scripture:Children of God (John 1:12)A new creation (Galatians 4:5–7)Members of His body (1 Corinthians 12:27)Salt and light (Matthew 5:13–16)The Church (Ephesians 1:22)In Matthew 5, Jesus calls us salt and light—both essential for life. Light brings clarity, vision, energy, and well-being. Salt preserves, purifies, and enhances. We carry something powerful within us—let's live with that awareness.Matthew 5:13–16 (NIV) “You are the salt of the earth... You are the light of the world... Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”Let's shine brightly, live with kindness, and boldly share the gospel with those around us.Join us for our Summer of Kindness activations!For more info, you can go to our website, check us out on Instagram, Facebook, or YouTube. If you would like to support STUDIO financially, you can do so here.Have a great week!

The Live recording of the 10 am Service at Steadfast Church in Carlsbad, California with Pastor Chris Fik, June 8, 2025.

Jesus was calling Israel back to obeying the Law. In obeying the Law, Israel would be "Salt & Light."

May 18, 2025 (PM) - Pastor Phil Henry - Matthew 5:13-21

Pastor Kevin Warner Matthew 5:13-16

The Sermon on the Mount was the announcement of the in-breaking of the Kingdom of Heaven. Last week, we saw that the Beatitudes show us the characteristics of those who are in Christ's Kingdom, and the hope that we all have. This week, it continues as Jesus said that all who follow Him are the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Sunday, April 27, 2025 | Watch the full ⁠Sunday Gathering here⁠ ------------------------------------------- Connect with us on Social Media ⁠Website⁠ | ⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠Threads⁠ | ⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠Vimeo⁠------------------------------------------- Download our App⁠Apple App Store⁠ | ⁠Google Play Store⁠

Jesus doesn't begin the Sermon on the Mount with commands—He begins with identity. “You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world.” These aren't tasks to perform, but deep truths to live from. In this episode, we explore three powerful, identity-shaping metaphors Jesus gives His followers: Salt, Light, and a City on a Hill. These aren't random illustrations—they're rooted in the Hebrew Scriptures and steeped in covenant language. Salt reminds us of God's enduring faithfulness. Light reflects our calling to reveal God's presence in a dark world. And a City? It's a picture of a visible, communal people where others encounter the reign of God. Through this lens, we'll see how Jesus redefines what it means to be blessed and challenges us to live lives that are distinct, illuminated, and grounded in the story of God. Whether it's in our neighborhoods, workplaces, or online spaces, Jesus is calling us to be a preserving presence, a revealing light, and a visible people shaped by His Kingdom. Key Themes: Salt as covenant loyalty  Light as God's mission  The Church as a City that reflects God's kingdom Scripture Focus: Matthew 5:13–16 (NIV) "Let your light shine..." not to draw attention to ourselves, but to glorify our Father in heaven.” Episode Links: Buy Me A Coffee simplyrevised.org Contact Us Receive our newsletter Facebook Instagram Music Provided by Eric Gwin Appain Media: Bible Study Without Borders: Sermon on the Mount BibleProject (podcast): Salt of the Land and Light of the World

We're called to live boldly as believers, actively carrying His presence into every arena of our lives. In this revealing message, Rich unveils the powerful role we occupy as salt and light — catalysts of transformation — who draw heaven into the here and now. He explores how we're divinely equipped to shift atmospheres, bring hope, and influence circumstances with the power of heaven on earth.

Week 2 of McDowell Church's series on Jesus' Sermon on the Mount.