“Let me tell you why you are here. You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You’ve lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage. “Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven. “Don’t suppose for a minute that I have come to demolish the Scriptures—either God’s Law or the Prophets. I’m not here to demolish but to complete. I am going to put it all together, pull it all together in a vast panorama. God’s Law is more real and lasting than the stars in the sky and the ground at your feet. Long after stars burn out and earth wears out, God’s Law will be alive and working. “Trivialize even the smallest item in God’s Law and you will only have trivialized yourself. But take it seriously, show the way for others, and you will find honor in the kingdom. Unless you do far better than the Pharisees in the matters of right living, you won’t know the first thing about entering the kingdom. “You’re familiar with the command to the ancients, ‘Do not murder.’ I’m telling you that anyone who is so much as angry with a brother or sister is guilty of murder. Carelessly call a brother ‘idiot!’ and you just might find yourself hauled into court. Thoughtlessly yell ‘stupid!’ at a sister and you are on the brink of hellfire. The simple moral fact is that words kill. “This is how I want you to conduct yourself in these matters. If you enter your place of worship and, about to make an offering, you suddenly remember a grudge a friend has against you, abandon your offering, leave immediately, go to this friend and make things right. Then and only then, come back and work things out with God.
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Compare All Versions: Matthew 5:13-24
3 Days
When we grow closer to God, we help those around us learn more about him. These verses help us deepen our understanding of God and his will for us. This plan is an abbreviated collection from the One Question Bible Study Series and focuses on life-giving passages with a single reflection question to ponder.
3 days
Vance K. Jackson leads readers in this heart transforming devotional to choose the path of peace with all men. Choose to live a life that’s filled with peace. Let not gossip fill your mouth. Choose not to let bitterness fill your heart. Release the stain and sting of the past. Forgive and release others from the prison of offense. Let God lead your heart as you read this powerful message.
Share this devotional with others as Vance K. Jackson leads readers in this powerful message. Christ willingly laid down His life for you. He loved us so much, that He willingly surrendered His life as a sacrifice for all. Christ was willing to pour out His life as a obedient sacrifice so that you and I can live. Choose to surrender your life to Christ as you read this message.
In this 3-day reading plan, pastor and best-selling author Bill Johnson reveals the powerful divine protection offered to you as a believer and kingdom solutions that bring hope in times of crisis.
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