• Every time we meet someone for the first time we make certain assessments about that person.

• We take a little bit of information that we know and maybe couple it with other things that we’ve heard and observed and make an assessment of that person.

First Impressions

What Are These Assessments Based On?

1. Appearance2. Stereotypes3. Actions

• Just like we make assessment about others when we meet them, they are also making assessments about us.

• You never get a second chance to make a first impression.

• As Christians, making a good, spiritual impression is key to our success and ability to bring others to Christ.

First Impressions

Colossians 4:2-62 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. 3 And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. 4 Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. 5 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

Matthew 5:13-1613 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Matthew 5:13-16• As Christians we have a responsibility

to make an impact on others around us. • Jesus is saying it should be as

significant as the effect salt has on food or light has on darkness.

• Others should see something compelling in us. As we abide in Christ, He shines through to impact those around us.

The Salt of the Earth• Salt Preserves – It wasn’t all that long

ago, before refrigerators existed that salt was used to keep meat from spoiling.

• By allowing Christ to live through us, we are preserving God’s Word and keeping His will.

• Salt Flavors – As believers our lives should make a difference just as salt changes the taste of food.

The Salt of the Earth• Salt Penetrates – It doesn’t take much

seasoning and the whole dish taste like salt.

• That’s how pervasive the influence of a godly life can be.

• Salt Creates Thirst – When you walk in peace, confidence, and security-especially in the midst of pain or suffering-you demonstrate that you’ve found the source of peace. Your godly lifestyle creates a thirst for the truth.

The Salt of the Earth

• Salt Spreads – A little salt can flavor the whole batch of food.

• That’s the way the gospel works. The message of Christ began with a small group of disciples and spread all over the earth.

The Salt of the Earth

• Salt Can Lose its Strength – Jesus said, “If the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything.”

• Just like believers who tolerate sin in their lives lose their ability to influence or impact others for the gospel.

The Light of the World

• Light comes from Christ – Jesus told his followers they were the light of the world (Matt. 5:14).

• The faithfulness of Jesus’ disciples – who were, for the most part, uneducated fishermen – changed the world forever.

The Light of the World

• Light Points the Way – Just as a lighthouse guides ships to safety or a lantern pulls the lost out of darkness, we too can lead others to salvation just by letting Christ shine through us.

• Light Reveals – One tiny candle can be seen across a huge room. You don’t need remarkable credentials to share the truth about Jesus.

The Light of the World

• Light can grow dim – In a lantern the wick must be kept trim to get a bright flame. If the wick gets to long it creates soot and light goes dim.

• That is similar to what happens when we tolerate sin in our lives. However, if we walk in obedience to Christ, we won’t hinder His light shining through us.

What kind of impact are you having?