You are Salt. You are Light.
Dear Mosaic Family,
Jesus Christ starts His earthly ministry with a call to repentance. In the Sermon on the Mount, after explaining how to enter the Kingdom of God (through repentance) and how to grow in the blessedness of being a citizen of the Kingdom (through the beatitudes), Jesus turns His attention to grounding Christians in their new identity. When we repent of our sins and enter the Kingdom of God, our identity changes. We become children of God, servants of the King, ambassadors of reconciliation, and change agents for good. This last part is what Jesus focuses on in our text for tomorrow, Matthew 5:13-20.
Jesus gives us two major identity statements, about who we are. He says: "You are the salt of the earth" and "You are the light of the world." Not: you will be salt and light if you're good. But: you are, since you're in the Kingdom. Jesus says: this is who you are, now, be who you are. "Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." This is our job description.
Why salt & light? Salt was used for flavoring, like it is today. It was also used as a preservative, to keep food (specifically meat), from rotting. Light is illuminating. Light shines in the darkness. Light provides growth.
Both are indispensable. Both are also change agents. Light changes darkness. Salt changes meat and prevents corruption. This is what we are called to do with our good works, and by good works, Jesus means our lifestyle. We are to change the world around us by being who we are. Join us tomorrow as we meditate on this rich passage.
With Love,
Pastor Jan
This Week's Announcements
Celebrate Baptism
THIS Sunday, January 31st, 12:45 pm
Baptism symbolizes a believer’s union with Jesus Christ, who laid down His life and took it up again for us, so that we too might walk in the newness of life. We would love for you to stay and celebrate baptism with us during the end of the second service!
Parent Commissioning Class
Sunday, February 7th, 11:30 am
At Mosaic, we don't dedicate children. Instead we commission parents who have dedicated themselves to living gospel-centered lives in front of their children. Whether you've just had a child or your kids are older, we invite you to come join us for an informative session on Parent Commissioning. Learn more & sign up here.
Mosaic Members' Meeting
Sunday, February 21st, 3:00 pm
If you are a covenant member of Mosaic or being voted into membership, please join us for our first quarterly meeting of 2021!
Songs for Sunday
If you would like to know what we'll be singing on Sunday, you can find the playlist here.
Reopening Process
For a full overview of our reopening process and the safety standards that we have in place, visit:
https://brookline.mosaicboston.com/covid-19.