Impression or Impact?

1, Nov 8-9/22
https://www.intouch.org/listen/radio/impression-or-impact-part-1

Do you have a positive impact on your community? Dr. Stanley reminds us that
our impact on others is to be as significant as the effect salt has on food or
light has on darkness. As we walk with Jesus, His light will shine through us
and touch everyone around us.
Impression: an effect, feeling or image as a consequence of experience.
Impact: An act of colliding; a crash.
Matthew 5, Salt and Light
13 
“You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can
its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is
thrown out and trampled under foot.
14 
“You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid .

 15 No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but
on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house .
 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they
may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven .
 We are supposed to make a lasting impact in somebody´s life, with the
truth we shine over in our daily. Making an impresión is not something
that we would like to do, because it does not last.
 Whose life am I impacting in my own environment?
 I am supposed to change other´s lives with my life.
 Living a Godly life in my office, in my house is my neighbourhood.
 When I have the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit in my life,
everything and anything I say and do makes an impact in other people´s
lives.
 https://www.intouch.org/listen/radio/impression-or-impact-part-2

We will never waste time, talking and witnessing about Jesus.

Same Jesus is available to all of us, we are the ones who make the difference.
5 basic points of my Christian life to share:
 MAKING A LASTING IMPACT Nov 12/22

https://www.intouch.org/watch/sermons/making-a-lasting-impact
KEY PASSAGE: Matthew 5, Salt and Light
13 
“You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its
saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and
trampled under foot.
14 
“You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid.
 15 No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the
lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house.
 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see
your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.
SUPPORTING SCRIPTURES:
 John 3:19 
And this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and people
loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil.
 John 9:5 
As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”
 Romans 12:2 
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your
minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and
acceptable and perfect.
 2 Corinthians 6, The Temple of the Living God
14 
Do not be mismatched with unbelievers. For what partnership is there
between righteousness and lawlessness? Or what fellowship is there between
light and darkness?
 15 What agreement does Christ have with Beliar? Or what does a believer share
with an unbeliever?
 16 What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are the temple of
the living God; as God said,
“I will live in them and walk among them,
    and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
17 
Therefore come out from them,and be separate from them, says
the Lord,and touch nothing unclean; then I will welcome you ,
18 
and I will be your father, and you shall be my sons and daughters,
says the Lord Almighty.”
  1 Timothy 2, Instructions concerning Prayer
1
 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and
thanksgivings be made for everyone,
 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, so that we may lead a quiet and
peaceable life in all godliness and dignity.
 3 This is right and is acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,
 4 who desires everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
 1 John 1:5, God Is Light
5 
This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is
light and in him there is no darkness at all.
 6 If we say that we have fellowship with him while we are walking in darkness,
we lie and do not do what is true;
 7 but if we walk in the light as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship
with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.
 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in
us.
 9 If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and
cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in
us.
SUMMARY
We all impact others whether we’re aware of it or not.
The degree varies according to each individual’s sphere of influence and
opportunities, but all of us touch other people’s lives for good or bad. Only
Christians, though, can have a spiritual impact for Christ because we alone are
indwelt by His Spirit.
SERMON POINTS
Each believer is a unique person created by God for His purposes, and it’s His
will that we live to impact other people for their spiritual good. It begins with
those close to us and extends outward as far as the Lord allows.
The power of our impact is determined by the integrity of our lives. To help us
understand this, Jesus used two common terms—salt and light—to emphasize
the importance of character and lifestyle for the effectiveness of our witness
for Him.
“You are the salt of the earth” (Matthew 5:13).
Salt is different from the substance it touches, and the same is true for
believers. We’re different and separate from the world we impact (2
Corinthians 6:17). In a society characterized by sin, our holy and purified lives
stand in stark contrast. We’re warned in Romans 12:2 not to be conformed to
this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds.
We relate to the world as salt does with the substance it touches.
 Salt flavors. It has the power to turn what is tasteless into something
enjoyable. In the same way, we bring flavor to a world filled with people
whose lives are empty and void because they don’t know Jesus.
 Salt preserves. In Roman times, salt was a very valuable commodity because
it was the only means of preserving food. Christians have a similar
preserving influence on a corrupt world. Our witness can help turn an
unbeliever to Christ and preserve them from the decay of sinful choices.
 Salt penetrates. The Holy Spirit uses our godly example and witness to drive
the truth into the heart in such a way that it permeates the entire person.
 Salt creates thirst. Believers are living examples of spiritual transformation.
The joy, peace, and contentment that Christ gives us are attractive to thirsty
souls whom the Spirit is drawing to the Savior.
 Salt is quiet. Sometimes God draws people to Christ through the quiet means
of observation. As they see our godly behavior, gracious responses, and
patient endurance, their hearts may be opened to the gospel.
 Salt heals. As salt gives relief to a sore throat, so we are called to offer
healing to a broken world. Compassion, kindness, and a listening ear let
hurting people experience Christ’s love through us.
Jesus’ Warning
“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it
be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out
and trampled underfoot by people” (Matthew 5:13).
In those days, salt was collected from evaporated sea water. It was scraped up
from the ground along with impurities. If there were too many impurities, the
salt became tasteless and useless. Sin has the same corrupting influence on
our ability to impact those around us for Christ. When a believer tolerates sin,
he becomes useless to the Lord. Those who become like the world have nothing
different to offer them.
“You are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14).
According to 1 John 1:5, “God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all.”
Jesus also says, “I am the Light of the world” (John 9:5).
Yet now He declares to those who have trusted Him as Savior, “You are the
light of the world” (Matthew 5:14).
Then He adds, “Your light must shine before people in such a way that they
may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew
5:16). Our light isn’t our own, but rather a reflection of Christ within us. God
uses that light to draw people to Himself, not to us, so that He alone receives
the glory.

We impact the people around us just as light does darkness.

 Light is clear and pure. Our lives should be characterized by purity and
clarity. The person we are in public ought to be the same person we are in
private.
 Light reveals what’s hidden in the darkness. When we’re characterized by
godliness, those who are unrighteous see the difference between their lives
and ours. Sometimes they feel guilty because they know they’re not living as
they should. Others may ask us why our lives are so different, and that
opens the door for us to share the gospel with them.
 Light drives darkness away. When people are uncomfortable around us, it
might be because they’re feeling the conviction of the Holy Spirit. This could
lead to antagonism and even persecution. John 3:19 says, “The Light has
come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the Light;
for their deeds were evil.” But sometimes the Lord uses the light in us to
drive them from darkness to salvation.
 Light guides. God uses us like a lamp to guide the unbelieving onto the path
of truth.
 Light warns. Without light we can’t see the obstacles before us, and this is
spiritually true for the lost. We can warn them that they’re in danger and
need the Savior.
 Light warms. We should never be cold and unfeeling toward those trapped in
darkness. They need to know we care, so they can see Christ’s love flowing
through us.
While Jesus was in the world, He was the Light of the world (John 9:5), but
now He’s at the Father’s right hand in heaven, and He’s left His church here to
be the light to the world. As the church proclaims the Word of God, it’s a bright
beacon showing people the way to salvation.
Another Warning
Just as salt is made useless by impurities, so light becomes ineffective if it
doesn’t shine brightly. Sin in our lives is like soot covering the globe of our
lantern or like a short wick that barely flickers. We need to be clear, strong
lights so we can impact the lost world with the knowledge of Christ.
RESPONSE
 If you were the only Christian someone knew, would they see Christ’s light
in you and want to know Jesus?
 What kinds of impurities are keeping you from being the salt and light of the
world?
 How have you been distracted by the world’s values and pursuits?
 What sins are you tolerating in your life?
 Do the people at work or in the neighborhood know you’re a believer?
 How is your life different from those around you?

THE CIRCLE OF OUR IMPACT Nov 27/22

https://www.intouch.org/watch/sermons/the-circle-of-our-impact

KEY PASSAGE: Matthew 5, Salt and Light

13 
“You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its
saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and
trampled under foot.
14 
“You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid.
 15 No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the
lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house.
 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see
your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.
SUPPORTING SCRIPTURES:
 Acts 7, The Stoning of Stephen
54 
When they heard these things, they became enraged and ground their teeth
at Stephen.
 55 But filled with the Holy Spirit, he gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God
and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.
 56 “Look,” he said, “I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at
the right hand of God!”
 57 But they covered their ears, and with a loud shout all rushed together
against him.
 58 Then they dragged him out of the city and began to stone him; and the
witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul.
 59 While they were stoning Stephen, he prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”
 60 Then he knelt down and cried out in a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin
against them.” When he had said this, he died.
 Acts 9, The Conversion of Saul
1
 Meanwhile Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the
Lord, went to the high priest
 2 and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found
any who belonged to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to
Jerusalem.
 3 Now as he was going along and approaching Damascus, suddenly a light from
heaven flashed around him.
 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you
persecute me?”

 5 He asked, “Who are you, Lord?” The reply came, “I am Jesus,
whom you are persecuting.
 6 But get up and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.”
 7 The men who were traveling with him stood speechless because they heard
the voice but saw no one.
 8 Saul got up from the ground, and though his eyes were open, he could see
nothing; so they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus.
 9 For three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank.
SUMMARY
What is the purpose of your life?
In Matthew 5:13-16, God has told us: “You are the salt of the earth. … You are
the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. … Your light must
shine before people in such a way that they may see your good works, and
glorify your Father who is in heaven.”
As believers in Christ, God has instructed us to live our lives in such a way that
we have a lasting and purposeful impact for good on the people around us.
But you may have noticed that many today are living secluded lives, interested
only in satisfying their own needs, hungers, and desires. They walk among
people day by day with no thought or interest in influencing or impacting them
for good. This is not the way the Father intended for us to live. In the passage
above, Jesus didn’t suggest that we be salt and light—He told us that we are
salt and light. And just as salt is used to season and alter whatever it touches—
and light is used to dispel the darkness—we are commanded by Christ to
“flavor” and “light” the lives of others around us by using our actions and our
words to point them to the Father.
SERMON POINTS
As you live your life for Christ, there are two kinds of impact you can have on
the people around you: purposeful or passive.
 Purposeful impact is intentional. When you determine to teach others from
the example of your life that certain principles will influence them for good,
that’s purposeful impact. Whether it’s to help them understand the truth of
Scripture, help them grow in their relationship with Christ, or help them live
their lives in obedience to God, purposeful impact is planned intentionally
and lived out relationally as an example of good before others.
 Passive impact is inactive or indifferent. When you live your life with no
thought or plan for where you’re going or how your actions affect the lives
 of others, that’s passive impact. You’re interested in satisfying your own
selfish dreams and wishes, with no concern for what others around you
think or how their lives may be impacted by the choices you make. And
others may use your unintentional and passive example as an excuse to live
their lives in the same way.
Where does your purposeful impact begin?
 At home—One of the most important things you’ll ever do is live a godly life
at home. As you deepen and grow in your relationship with Christ, you
become a living example to your family of the faithfulness, love, and
provision of God. And the spiritual treasures you leave with each of your
family members will have an immeasurable and eternal impact that is both
beneficial to them and pleasing to the Lord.
 At work—In your conversations, with your conduct, and by your character,
you reflect the Christ who lives in you. When you live with purposeful
intention, you can light your workplace with the love of Christ in such a way
that others are drawn to the Jesus they see being lived out in you.
 With your friends—Friendships enrich your life and help you navigate the ups
and downs found in each day. When you decide to live your life grounded in
Christ, focused on fulfilling His calling, and resolved to living according to
His instructions and commands, God will use your influence to have a
profound impact on the lives of your friends.
How has God made it possible for you to impact and influence others for Christ?
 Through prayer: Praying for others is one of the simplest and most
important ways you can impact them for Christ. Prayer can touch anyone, at
any time, anywhere in the world. When you offer up prayer on behalf of
others, God uses your influence to ripple to the ends of the earth.
 Through speaking with and encouraging others: When you share what the
Lord is doing in your life, you encourage others in ways you cannot even
imagine. God can use your testimony and your message of encouragement
to make a difference in the life of someone you never knew was in need of
an uplifting word.
 Through the fellowship of the church: When you fellowship and minister
within your church & give to the ministry efforts outside of your church, your
testimony and witness for God travel beyond the walls of the church. How
far does your testimony and witness go? You will never be able to measure
all that the Lord will do with your faithful offerings to and for His church.
 Through the skills, abilities, gifts, and talents the Lord has given you: God
has entrusted each of us with certain skills, abilities, gifts, talents, and
opportunities to impact the world for His kingdom. The more of these He’s
given to you, the more responsibility you have to use them for His glory—and
He intends for your circle of influence to be wide and far-reaching for Him.
Final Thoughts
You are the salt of the earth; you are the light of the world. God has given you
an opportunity and has commanded you to impact this world for His glory. Just
as a pebble tossed in a lake ripples outward in circles beyond what the eye can
see, God wants the impact and influence of your life to ripple outward in waves
that will circle the globe for the sake of the gospel. From your family and
friends to your co-workers, neighbors, fellow church members, and others you
encounter, it’s the Father’s desire that your circle of impact be far-reaching and
bear much fruit for the kingdom of God.
Are you ready for Him to make you as salty and as bright as you can possibly
be? Will you allow Him to make your circle of impact ripple outward beyond
your wildest dreams? If so, never underestimate the influence you can have
when you live your life for the glory of God. View each day as an opportunity to
allow Jesus Christ to live His life in and through you. As you shine your light
brightly for Him, do so in such a way that the people you encounter will want to
know the source of your strength, the light of your life, and the joy of your
heart, today and every day.
RESPONSE
 How would you describe the strength of your salt and the brightness of your
light?
 Are there things in your life that are causing your salt to be impure?
 Is there anything causing your light to be dim?
 If so, what steps can you take to correct this?
 Are you living intentionally for Christ?
 If not, what are some things you can implement today to help you have a
purposeful and intentional impact on others?