Very often when we hear about Christians being the “salt of the earth” (Matthew 5:13) we are told it is preservation, flavor, and possibly healing since salt can function in these ways. While indeed Christians affect society through these means, this explanation falls short of what the text really says and it causes us to lose the fundamental truth of what it means to be salt.
The scripture is clear about the threats faced by the church as well as the role of the shepherd (pastor) as the chief defender of the sheep assigned to his care and oversight.
In 1 Samuel 8, the elders of Israel, went to Samuel and gave him reason why they wanted to be governed by a human King after the manner of other nations. (vs 4 and 5) The scripture tells us that Samuel was displeased by this request. Samuel knew that this was not the will of God for the governance of Israel. Samuel went to the Lord in prayer concerning this matter.
Dr. Seenath, your exhortation that defines "the salt of the earth" is timely and relevant. It addresses one of the major issues that has been a source of misleading, over the years.
I refer to the teaching in which believers make confessions as to who the scriptures say they are, without recognising that responsibilities and functions are attached to all of those titles. In that regard, you rightly pointed out that being called the salt of the earth, only makes sense, if we diligently live out the beatitude.
Maybe the church needs to be reminded concerning the use of the Name of the Lord and on the dangers of using His Name in vain.
According to the scripture, presiding over a church is NOT what makes one a pastor. The callings of God are NEVER chosen by men.
“Great minds discuss ideas. Average minds discuss events. Small minds discuss people” - Henry Thomas Buckle.
RESTORING THE BELIEVER THAT SINNED
Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore..
But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God. (Acts 5:39)
There are those who have adopted the doctrine that they can do any evil they wish and then just repent. They may allow our children to perish and then just repent.
Judas Iscariot after he betrayed the Lord, was remorseful about what he had done. He sought to return the 30 pieces of silver, saying that he had betrayed an innocent man. (Matthew 27: 3, 4) Judas had all the elements that are associated with repentance: remorse, sorrow for what he had done, confession that he had sinned, he identified the sin, in returning the money, he wished that he could have undone the evil. Judas was much more contrite for his sin than many believers are today and yet, Judas perished.
Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life? (! Corinthians 6:3)
WARRING AGAINST FALSE TEACHINGS
..."earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.” (Jude 3).
The New Testament Church of God, Balandra, is a member Church of the New Testament Church of God, Trinidad and Tobago. We are located at Farfan Trace, Balandra. Balandra is located in North east, Trinidad, along the Toco Main Road and is well known for its rainforests and beaches.
About 20 kilometers, further north of the Balandra Church, is the New Testament Church of God, Toco, which is located at Beggs Trace, Toco.
Both churches are pastored by Rev. Louis Lee Fook.