You Are Salt and Light: Living with Purpose in an Upside-Down Kingdom

We've been lied to about salt. For decades, we've been told it's bad for us, something to avoid. Yet recent research reveals that salt isn't just beneficial—it's absolutely essential for life. Our bodies are composed of approximately 0.5% salt, and without it, we would face a life-threatening condition where our cells swell with water, leading to loss of brain function and ultimately death. The treatment? Salt.

This revelation about salt's necessity mirrors a profound spiritual truth: followers of Jesus are called to be "the salt of the earth" (Matthew 5:13). This isn't a diminutive comparison—it's an honorable one. Just as salt is essential for physical life, believers are essential for spiritual preservation in a dying world.

The Purpose of Salt and Light

When Jesus declared, "You are the salt of the earth" and "You are the light of the world" (Matthew 5:13-14), He wasn't making suggestions. These are imperative statements—commands about our identity as His followers. But what does this really mean?

Salt's primary historical purpose wasn't to add flavor—it was to preserve. In ancient times, salt was so valuable it was used as currency, literally paying Roman soldiers their wages. The word "salary" comes from this practice. Salt preserved meat from decay, prevented fermentation, and maintained freshness by dehydrating bacteria and removing moisture.

As spiritual salt, believers are charged with preserving the earth from spiritual and moral decay. We're called to prevent the spoilage of God's image and the gift of life itself. This is no small task. We must reflect the holiness of God in a broken world, preserving the truth of His Word and the message of salvation entrusted to us.

Light serves a complementary purpose. It illuminates, bringing clarity to darkness and hope to despair. Light pushes back the unknown and reveals truth. As light-bearers, we're called not only to preserve what is holy but also to push back against what is wrong and immoral.

The Pitfalls: Losing Our Saltiness

Jesus warned that salt can lose its saltiness, becoming worthless and fit only to be "thrown out and trampled under people's feet" (Matthew 5:13). How does this happen?

Pure salt never expires or spoils on its own. It loses its effectiveness when it absorbs too much moisture or becomes mixed with contaminants. In Jesus' time, seaweed wrapped around meat would provide salt for preservation. But eventually, the seaweed would dry out, the salt would be absorbed and depleted, and the worthless remnant would be tossed onto roofs, eventually trickling down to be trampled on the ground.
The application is sobering. We lose our saltiness not typically through one catastrophic failure—those "five-gallon buckets" of obvious sin—but through the constant drip, drip, drip of worldly compromise. The shows we watch, the music we listen to, the conversations we engage in, the people we choose to spend time with, the influencers we follow—these are all potential places where the world slowly saturates us until we've lost our preserving power.

We live in a culture where fake light has become the norm. LED screens surround us constantly, causing eye strain, headaches, and a disconnection from the natural light our bodies were designed to experience. Similarly, the world offers fake spiritual light—bright, flashy, but ultimately painful and exhausting. People are desperate for genuine light, the kind that brings comfort to weary souls.

Standing Distinct in a Hostile World

Jesus prayed for His followers, saying, "I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one" (John 17:14-15).
Two crucial truths emerge: First, followers of Jesus are unquestionably called to live distinctly different from the world. Second, we should pursue lives that are sanctifying and glorifying to God.

This distinction will cost us something. The world will hate us for refusing to conform. Standing for righteousness might mean being ostracized, laughed at, or told we don't deserve a place in certain circles. It might mean missing opportunities, losing positions, or being left alone. But these are small costs for being faithful to the kingdom of God.
The question we must answer honestly: Is following Jesus worth sacrificing the temporary joys of this world?

Making an Impact

How do we know if we're being effective salt and light? Matthew 5:16 provides the answer: "Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."

Practically, this means:

Holding your ground for what is holy and true. Don't engage in gossip or conversations that tear others down. Don't participate in unethical practices, and speak up when you witness them. Stand alongside those being bullied or pushed aside.

Fleeing from worldly compromise. This includes seemingly small things like changing the radio station or streaming service, stopping that questionable podcast, or turning off that show filled with content that contradicts your values. It's not worth losing what is pure in your life.

Setting an example for the next generation. Children are watching—your own kids, your grandkids, the children in your church community. They need to see what it means to prioritize God above everything else. Teach them to stand up for what is right and push back against what is wrong, even when it costs them popularity, starting positions, or worldly success.

A Better Life

An entire generation is seeking something more than the "good life" the world offers. They're looking for a better life—one found only in Christ. We have the opportunity to steward well this gift of being salt and light, starting in our homes, our churches, and our immediate circles.

Remember: We cannot make ourselves saltier or our light brighter through our own efforts. Our saltiness and illumination come through the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. This isn't about doing more—it's about trusting more in the One who has already made us into salt and light.

Go into a world full of fake light and be the true light. Be the salt that preserves what is good and holy. Stand firm in an upside-down kingdom where all things are made new, and watch as people hungry for genuine hope find their way to the Light of the World.

Dear ABC Family,

As I’ve taken time this month to reflect on this past year, all I could come up with is gratitude to our Savior and King. When we look at the world around us, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and discouraged by all the things we feel like don’t go well. Yet, within the walls of our church and the hearts of our people, I’ve noticed this familiar and unchanging truth: God is moving in a mighty way!

2025 was certainly a year of great growth for our church family in many ways. I am thankful for a God that goes before us in every season; the expected and unexpected. If this past year proved anything, it proved that our God prevails in all circumstances.

Celebrating 2025: God’s Faithfulness

Before we look ahead, let’s pause and celebrate how God has worked all things together for His glory and our good this year. Here are a few highlights of what God did through your faithfulness last year:

• Spiritual Growth (Upward): We witnessed 19 baptisms and welcomed 13 new members into our church family.

• Community Impact (Outward): Through our various outreach ministries, we provided the Gospel message to over 500 of our neighbors in the City of Ashland.

• Discipleship (Inward): Our LifeGroup participation grew by 28% (from 75 to 96 LifeGroup attendees each week) meaning more of you are walking through life’s highs and lows in true community.

"I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now."
Philippians 1:3-5

Anticipating 2026: Pressing On

As we enter this new year, I believe the Holy Spirit is calling us to a season of pressing on with the journey God has started us on in 2025.
 
Our primary prayer and focus for 2026 will be centered on Philippians 3:13-14: “Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. We aren't looking for a "new" direction; we are looking for greater depth in the direction God has already set. To do that, we are committing to three pillars of "Pressing On":

1. Strengthening Our Steps (Consistency & Growth)

We are not starting over; we are building on the momentum of 2025. This year, we will focus on moving beyond the motions.

The Goal: To see 80% of our active members engaged in a LifeGroup. The intention for this goal is to care well for the souls of our church family by investing in each other through deep community and care for each other.

2. Straining Toward Maturity (Deep Discipleship)

Paul uses the word straining to imply effort and intentionality. We want to move beyond the surface of our faith.

The Goal: Provide constant training for those that pour into you each week so that our leaders are committing to growing in their faith while providing ample and accessible opportunities throughout the week for you to dive deeper into your faith.

3. Reaching for the Prize (Kingdom Impact)

The "heavenward call" is not just for us; it’s for Ashland. We are "pressing on" past our own comfort zones to reach those who haven't yet heard the Gospel.

The Goal: Provide three local events that have the central goal of sharing the Gospel with our friends and neighbors in Ashland. While these opportunities may look different, they will all have the same goal; to make the name of Jesus known by all.

Your Part in the Story

A journey is only possible when we run together. As we "press on" in 2026, I am asking you to:

Release the Past: Just as Paul said, "forgetting what is behind," let go of past disappointments or even past successes that might keep you from the "new thing" God is doing today.

Lean Into the Strain: Growth is often uncomfortable. Commit to one area of ministry this year that challenges you and forces you to rely more on God’s strength than your own.

Invest in the Finish Line: Your prayer, presence, and financial giving are what allow us to "press toward the goal" as a unified body.

A vision is just a dream until it is inhabited by people. I am asking you to do three things as we begin this year:

Pray: Ask God how He wants to use you specifically to bless our church family this year.

Connect: If you aren't in a LifeGroup or serving on a team, make 2026 the year you move from the "sidelines" to the "front lines."

Give: Your consistent tithes and offerings are the fuel that allows our vision to become a reality in our community.

The "state of our church" is strong, not because of our building or our programs, but because the Spirit of God is moving through each and every one of us. I am more honored more than ever to serve as your pastor.

Let’s step into 2026 with expectation, knowing that He who began a good work in us will be faithful to complete it.

Praying God would bless you this year in a great way!

Pastor Zach

Hey Church Family!

First, thank you for the opportunity to attend the annual state convention for the Missouri Baptist Convention in Branson this week. It's always encouraging to be around other pastors and church members of churches in our state that have the same beliefs and convictions we have. There were 1,579 messengers and guests from 461 out of the 1,700 Missouri Baptist churches that make up our convention. *(A Quick Note: Southern Baptists and Missouri Baptists believe in the autonomy of the local church. That means, while we all convene once a year, the Missouri Baptist Convention does not have any jurisdiction over how we function as a church. We exist in "friendly cooperation" with the convention through giving to our Cooperative Program and affirming a standard of faith which is the Baptist Faith and Message, 2000. We send "messengers" from our church to vote on behalf of the church and report about the events that occurred. Our messengers in attendance were myself, Sarah, and Steve and Traci Riggs.) The theme this year was "Let Them See Jesus" from Acts 4:20 which reads: "...for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard." The official sessions began Monday afternoon with a great time of worship through song. It was reported that eleven new churches were planted or reaffiliated that were voted into the fellowship of Missouri Baptists this past year. The Cooperative Program (CP) is how we expand our reach as a church. Ashland Baptist may not be able to plant churches, revitalize hurting churches, send missionaries to the ends of the earth, open foster centers, or respond to disasters across the nation, but with 47,000 Southern Baptist Churches across the nation, we can. When you give your tithes or offerings to ABC, we send a portion of that giving to do just this. Southern Baptists have worked together for over 100 years in this fashion.

Dr. Wes Fowler, the Executive Director for the Missouri Baptist Convention, provided an address and highlighted one key goal of the convention this year: "Churches do not exist to serve the convention -- but the convention exists to serve the churches." Dr. Fowler reported that Missouri Baptists saw 7,486 baptism in 2024, a 9.6% increase from the previous year. Missouri Baptists haven't seen 8,000 baptisms since 2018. Our goal then for 2025-2026 is 8,000 baptisms across Missouri. He addressed the "Why" behind all of this and it hit me hard. In 2024 our state's population was 6,245,000. It's estimated that 68% of our state does not know Jesus. If that's true, then we have 4,246,600 people that don't know Jesus. 660,570 people have died in Missouri in 2024 which means 45,267 people died and entered eternity without Christ in our state. That's 3,772 of our neighbors die monthly without Christ, 124 of our friends and family die a day and do not enter heaven. 5 Missourians an hour will die and spend eternity in hell. We do what we do to share the Gospel with those that so desperately need the hope of the Gospel. We heard from Send Missouri about how new churches are being planted in our state where they are most needed. Our Missouri State Executive Board includes Church Planting/Send Missouri, Church Renewal (Resound Network & Church Renewal Strategies), Disaster Relief, Missions Mobilization, and Prayer & Evangelism. We heard from our Church Renewal team that provided an encouraging update regarding the good work that is happening in churches that were set to close their doors, but through our cooperation are now alive and well! We were encouraged by our Prayer and Evangelism team to commit to pray for further opportunities to let others in Missouri see Jesus in us and for ready hands and feet to share the Gospel. Disaster Relief continues to be an unparalleled ministry in the nation responding to disasters in a way that restores physical needs and spiritual needs. Our missions mobilization team encouraged us as Missouri Baptist churches to work together to be on mission in our state, nation, and world as the harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. We were able to hear from our one seminary, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and our three colleges being; Hannibal-LaGrange University, Missouri Baptist University, and Southwest Baptist University. All of which had encouraging reports including increased enrollment for the following years. The WMU, Christian Life Commission, Missouri Baptist Children's Home, Baptist Homes and Healthcare Ministries, and Missouri Baptist Foundation all reported as Strategic Partners of the Missouri Baptist Convention.

We heard sermons from our president Wesley Vance, executive pastor of Crossway Baptist Church in Springfield, guest speaker Alistair Begg, recently retired pastor of Parkside Church, Cleveland, Ohio and founder of Truth for Life Ministries, and Ken Whitten, Director of Pastoral Leadership at the North American Mission Board. Each man provided a message of encouragement and a challenge to let others see Jesus in all that we do; as individuals and as churches.

From a business perspective, the Missouri Baptist messengers affirmed six resolutions (simply affirmations of convictions that the gathering body makes together). The are title as follows: Resolution 1: Courtesy Resolution to Express Appreciation, Resolution 2: On Our Continued Fight for Life, Resolution 3: On God's Work, Immigration, and Ministry, Resolution 4: On Education, Resolution 5: On Protecting Minors from Pornography and Social Media, and Resolution 6: On the Importance of Public School Chaplains. *If you would like the detailed resolution of any of these, please let me know and I will be happy to give you a copy.* Missouri Baptists voted in affirmation of a Credentials Committee that has, "the right and responsibility to revie and make recommendations regarding applications for new church affiliations, concerns about existing church affiliations, and messenger eligibility for the MBC Annual Meeting." The main qualifications to be reviewed by this committee are an affirmation of the Baptist Faith and Message, 2000 with a concerted focus on the position, "the office of pastor/elder/overseer is reserved for biblically qualified men. The title 'pastor,' regardless of qualifier, denotes this biblical office and should be reserved for those fulfilling its teaching, spiritual, and leadership responsibilities. We encourage Missouri Baptist churches to align their practice and terminology with this theological clarity and integrity."  In response to a resolution that Missouri Baptists voice their support for Israel, a verbal affirmation of this resolution was provided by our president and a prayer was said by pastor Monte Shinkle over Israel. No other new business was considered by the messengers.

A personal note: This was the most spirit-filled, God-glorifying annual meeting I have attended over the last 8 years! God is moving among our convention and the churches around us. Please be in prayer about how we can continue to reach those that are lost in our community, state, nation, and world.