Hi Newport Church Family,
We hope that you are experiencing God’s presence, grace and favor in ever increasing ways.
You are the Salt of the Earth and the Light of the World
Jesus used the analogy of the value of salt and light to describe how our presence makes a difference in our world.
Salt adds flavor, purifies, is an antiseptic healer and a preservative. As one of the most precious commodities in the ancient world, it was a symbol of value.
God told the newly formed nation of Israel to present all of their offerings with salt, and He referred to the covenant that He was making with them as a covenant of salt. Even to this day in some parts of the middle east, salt represents relational covenant and loyalty between people.
Without light we would not be able to see, and a world of darkness would be devoid of life.
So when Jesus said, “you are the salt of the earth and the light of the world”, His words were filled with powerful images of the importance of our presence as followers of Christ.
Jesus said:
“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.” Matthew 5:13-16
Let’s never forget why we are and the difference our presence makes as salt and light, in our homes, work place, community and church.
Your presence makes all the difference!
Our Life and our Legacy
When we live as the salt of the earth and the light of the world our lives not only make a difference today, but leave a legacy for future generations.
A legacy is anything that is handed down to us from the past.
As beneficiaries of the faith and sacrifices of previous generations we now have the opportunity to do the same for future generations.
As Jesus said, “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.”
Our generosity not only makes a difference today but it leaves a legacy tomorrow!
The word “legacy” comes from the Latin verb “legare”, which means “to send with a commission or charge” or “to appoint as one’s representative.”
We can think of it this way, the giving of our time, talent and treasure is sending a commission and message of hope to our world, both now and in the future, while storing up treasure for us in heaven where moths, rust and thieves cannot destroy or steal!
What an amazing chain reaction we are setting into motion when we give!
Thank you for partnering with us, together we are making a difference and leaving a lasting legacy!
If you would like to give a donation, your tithes or offering now, you can do so by clicking here.
Also if you have not yet had an opportunity to read and fill out the Vision 2021 offering commitment cards, which you received in the mail, please take a moment to prayerfully consider the part that you can play in resourcing our vision as a church. You can either put the cards in the offering box in the foyer of the church, or email a photo of the card to michael.ellmann@newportchurch.com.
Tomorrow I will be continuing our series on “Presence” and speaking about the power of a healthy heart.
Come early for a cup of coffee. We’re going to have a great time together and we hope that you can join us either online or in person at 11am.
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:13
We love and appreciate you all greatly!
With love and blessings,
Jonathan and Dianne Wilson
Senior Pastors