Making a Difference – Part 1

How much could the followers of Jesus described in Matthew 5:1-12 have on a and world?

Jesus wasn’t , but He didn’t the battle.

“Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me.  Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in this same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Matthew 5:10-12

A took Him at His word, and what a remarkable influence.

A Look At Our Times: 2 Timothy 3:1-13

You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times.  For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred.  They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good.  They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!
2 Timothy 3:1-5 NLT

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These teachers oppose the truth just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses. They have depraved minds and a counterfeit faith.  But they won’t get away with this for long. Someday everyone will recognize what fools they are, just as with Jannes and Jambres.
2 Timothy 3:8-9 NLT

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Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.  But evil people and impostors will flourish. They will deceive others and will themselves be deceived.
2 Timothy 3:12-13 NLT

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Remove the “” of Life – and contamination comes. There is really only one “Keeper of the Spring” – but He uses His – to carry on His work.

Influences For Good: Matthew 5:1-12; Galatians 5:22-23

“You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.  No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.
Matthew 5:13-16 NLT

Notice the word “”.

Notice the word “”.

We are here to – or to the process of .

Salt is good for if it has lost its saltiness.

Light is good for nothing if it is .