Mt. Zion Church
The Good Life: Define
In today’s message, we explore Jesus’ call for His followers to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world. We begin by asking, “Who are you—really?”—because identity shapes how we live, love, and lead. When our sense of goodness is rooted in God’s Kingdom rather than cultural comfort, we become agents of preservation and illumination. Salt preserves what is good and distinct; light reveals what is true and life-giving. But that influence doesn’t start on a platform—it starts in our homes, with those we see every day. As we stay connected to Christ, our lives reflect His goodness and lead others to glorify God. The good life isn’t about personal success; it’s about Kingdom impact, starting right where we are.
Locations & Times
Mt. Zion Church
1643 Churchville Rd, Bel Air, MD 21015, USA
Saturday 5:00 PM
Sunday 9:00 AM
Sunday 11:00 AM
I. Be the Influence of God’s Goodness (Salt)
Matthew 5:13 (CSB)
“You are the salt of the earth…”
A. Purpose Behind the Salt:
- Value: In ancient times, salt was as valuable as currency.
- Taste: Salt enhances flavor—but more importantly,
- Preservation: Salt slows decay. In the same way, believers preserve
B. God’s goodness in a decaying world.
Why salt loses its saltiness:
- Compromise
- Contamination
- Loss of distinctiveness
➡ A believer who fails to live out their faith loses their purpose.
Colossians 1:4 — “...faith in Christ Jesus and love for all the saints.”
Matthew 6:21 — “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
John 15:5 — “...you can do nothing without me.”
Key Idea:
Our speech, values, and presence should reflect the flavor and preservation of Kingdom life. Salt without distinction is useless. Faith that blends in cannot transform.
Summary:
Salt is impactful only when it’s different. We are called to enhance, not mimic, the world. Influence begins with God’s work in us—distinct, holy, and preserved.
Matthew 5:13 (CSB)
“You are the salt of the earth…”
A. Purpose Behind the Salt:
- Value: In ancient times, salt was as valuable as currency.
- Taste: Salt enhances flavor—but more importantly,
- Preservation: Salt slows decay. In the same way, believers preserve
B. God’s goodness in a decaying world.
Why salt loses its saltiness:
- Compromise
- Contamination
- Loss of distinctiveness
➡ A believer who fails to live out their faith loses their purpose.
Colossians 1:4 — “...faith in Christ Jesus and love for all the saints.”
Matthew 6:21 — “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
John 15:5 — “...you can do nothing without me.”
Key Idea:
Our speech, values, and presence should reflect the flavor and preservation of Kingdom life. Salt without distinction is useless. Faith that blends in cannot transform.
Summary:
Salt is impactful only when it’s different. We are called to enhance, not mimic, the world. Influence begins with God’s work in us—distinct, holy, and preserved.
II. God’s Presence Will Give a Shine to Your Life (Light)
Matthew 5:14–16 (CSB)
“You are the light of the world...let your light shine before others…”
A. The Role of Light:
- Provides direction and safety
- Like a lighthouse, our faith should be visible and helpful—cutting through the darkness, not blending in.
B. Our Light Reflects His Glory:
- We reflect His light, not our own.
- Our “switch” is staying connected to Christ (John 15:5).
- Fruitfulness comes from internal transformation, not self-effort.
Key Idea:
Our light points others to God. When it’s concealed, we rob others of the hope we’ve received.
Summary:
Don’t hide your light for the sake of comfort. Let it shine, especially in dark places. Connection to Christ produces clarity for others.
Matthew 5:14–16 (CSB)
“You are the light of the world...let your light shine before others…”
A. The Role of Light:
- Provides direction and safety
- Like a lighthouse, our faith should be visible and helpful—cutting through the darkness, not blending in.
B. Our Light Reflects His Glory:
- We reflect His light, not our own.
- Our “switch” is staying connected to Christ (John 15:5).
- Fruitfulness comes from internal transformation, not self-effort.
Key Idea:
Our light points others to God. When it’s concealed, we rob others of the hope we’ve received.
Summary:
Don’t hide your light for the sake of comfort. Let it shine, especially in dark places. Connection to Christ produces clarity for others.
III. Kingdom Impact Begins with Those Closest to You
Matthew 5:15–16 (CSB)
“...gives light for all who are in the house…”
Why This Matters:
- Covering a lamp is pointless—just like concealing the gospel.
- What if you never heard the Good News?
- Our faith is meant to shine, especially at home—with our spouse, our kids, our coworkers.
The City on a Hill:
- A city is made of individual homes with visible light.
- A healthy church comes from healthy homes.
- Our greatest impact starts with those within arm’s reach.
- The Woman at the Well (John 4):
Key Idea:
Your light at home may seem small, but it is powerful. Kingdom legacy begins in your living room before it reaches your platform.
Matthew 5:15–16 (CSB)
“...gives light for all who are in the house…”
Why This Matters:
- Covering a lamp is pointless—just like concealing the gospel.
- What if you never heard the Good News?
- Our faith is meant to shine, especially at home—with our spouse, our kids, our coworkers.
The City on a Hill:
- A city is made of individual homes with visible light.
- A healthy church comes from healthy homes.
- Our greatest impact starts with those within arm’s reach.
- The Woman at the Well (John 4):
Key Idea:
Your light at home may seem small, but it is powerful. Kingdom legacy begins in your living room before it reaches your platform.
Application:
Personal Confession:
“I prioritized being salt and light to the world, and forgot to be salt and light
to my wife. I was more invested in public impact than in private devotion.”
Hard Truth:
We’re often praised more for public success than private faithfulness. But God cares more about the secret place than the stage.
Practical Takeaways:
Don’t overcomplicate the gospel—live it out daily.
Your identity is in Christ, not your title.
The Father’s attention is more important than the world’s applause.
Gospel Hope:
Because of Jesus’ blood, we are reconciled to God, adopted into His family, and empowered to reflect His goodness—starting with those we see every day.
Personal Confession:
“I prioritized being salt and light to the world, and forgot to be salt and light
to my wife. I was more invested in public impact than in private devotion.”
Hard Truth:
We’re often praised more for public success than private faithfulness. But God cares more about the secret place than the stage.
Practical Takeaways:
Don’t overcomplicate the gospel—live it out daily.
Your identity is in Christ, not your title.
The Father’s attention is more important than the world’s applause.
Gospel Hope:
Because of Jesus’ blood, we are reconciled to God, adopted into His family, and empowered to reflect His goodness—starting with those we see every day.
Invitation
- In your personal devotion, seek first the Kingdom
- Enhance others' lives through spiritual wisdom
- Live a life of Kingdom impact by starting with those closest to you
- In your personal devotion, seek first the Kingdom
- Enhance others' lives through spiritual wisdom
- Live a life of Kingdom impact by starting with those closest to you