Curry's Chapel Church
20261018 - Salt Light & Ballot Box
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    Matthew 5:13–16 ESV
    13 “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. 14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, 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 who is in heaven.
    This is the Word of God, for the people of God...
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    Introduction — When Politics Turns Up the Volume

    Every election season, the volume gets turned up. The ads get meaner. The conversations get shorter. And the tempers get hotter.
    One pastor joked, “Election season is the only time Christians pray, ‘Lord, come quickly… preferably before Tuesday.’”
    But God has placed us here, now, in this moment — not to panic, not to retreat, and not to mirror the world’s anger — but to shine.
    Jesus said: “You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world.” Matthew 5:13–14
    Salt preserves what is good. Light reveals what is true. Both are desperately needed in a culture that is confused, divided, and spiritually disoriented.
    So how do Christians shine in a political season? How do we approach the ballot box in a way that is biblical, wise, and faithful?
    Not by baptizing political parties. Not by treating elections as saviors. Not by fighting like the world fights.
    But by applying a Christian worldview to the moment God has placed us in.
    This sermon is not about who to vote for — it is about how Christians think, act, and shine when they vote.

    Main Teaching

    So let’s begin with...
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    1. Salt and Light Begin With God, Not Government

    Jesus didn’t say, “You are the salt and light of your political party.” He didn’t say, “You are the salt and light of your ideology.” He said: “You are the light of the world.”
    A Christian worldview begins with God’s authority, not human authority.
    Genesis 1:1 begins: “In the beginning, God…”
    Not kings. Not presidents. Not governments.
    Daniel 2:21 reminds us: “He removes kings and sets up kings.”
    That means:
    God is not surprised by elections.
    God is not threatened by governments.
    God is not wringing His hands over political outcomes.
    He is sovereign.
    Our Founding Fathers — were diverse in theology — and understood that a nation cannot survive without moral grounding.
    George Washington wrote in his Farewell Address: “Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports.”
    John Adams echoed: “Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people.”
    They were not preaching sermons — they were stating a national reality:
    Remove morality, remove religion, and liberty collapses.
    Scripture agrees: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.” Proverbs 9:10
    So when Christians approach political decisions, we do not begin with:
    “What benefits me?”
    “What does my group want?”
    “What does the culture say?”
    We begin with: “What honors God?”
    That is worldview thinking. That is salt and light thinking.
    First, let’s look at how...
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    2. Salt Preserves — Christians Evaluate Leaders by Biblical Qualities

    Salt preserves what is good. Salt slows decay. Salt protects.
    Christians are called to preserve what is good in society — not by force, but by faithfulness.
    The Bible gives us categories for evaluating leadership — not names, not parties, but character qualities.
    The first of those qualities is...
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    A. Truthfulness Proverbs 12:19

    “Truthful lips endure forever.” Proverbs 12:19 A leader who despises truth will eventually despise justice.
    The second quality is...
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    B. Justice Psalm 82:3

    “Give justice to the weak and the fatherless.” Psalm 82:3 Christians care about justice because God cares about justice.
    And the last quality I’ll mention is...
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    C. Moral Responsibility Proverbs 14:34

    “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.” Proverbs 14:34
    Washington warned: “Let us with caution indulge the supposition, that morality can be maintained without religion.”
    In other words: If a leader rejects moral truth, the nation eventually pays the price.
    Christians do not vote based on personality, popularity, or party loyalty. We vote based on biblical convictions.
    Salt preserves truth. Salt preserves righteousness. Salt preserves justice.
    On the other hand...
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    3. Light Reveals — Christians Consider Human Dignity in Every Decision

    Light reveals what is true. Light exposes what is hidden. Light shows what matters.
    Genesis 1:27 declares: “God created man in His own image.”
    Every human being — regardless of age, race, ability, or status — bears the image of God.
    Therefore, Christians evaluate political decisions by asking: “Does this promote human dignity?”
    This includes:
    protection of the vulnerable (born or not)
    justice for the oppressed
    integrity in leadership
    peace in society
    freedom to worship
    freedom to speak truth
    freedom to raise families according to conscience
    The Founders understood this connection between liberty and conscience.
    Washington wrote to the Hebrew Congregation of Newport:| “The Government of the United States… gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance.”
    This wasn’t mere tolerance — it was a declaration that religious liberty is a natural right, not a government gift.
    Christians should care deeply about preserving that liberty — not only for ourselves, but for all people.
    Light reveals truth. Light reveals dignity. Light reveals justice.
    Object lesson: Let me show you something about light.
    (Perform the candle demonstration: Light the candle → cover with glass → let it go out → relight through the smoke trail.)
    When the flame went out, something was still rising — the vaporized wax. And when the lighter touched what was rising, the flame came back.
    Sometimes believers feel like their light has gone out — discouraged, overwhelmed, or confused by the world around them. But God can touch what’s still rising from your life — your faith, your prayers, your worship — and relight you.
    (Point to the lite candle.) And when God relights you, you shine again. You shine in your home. You shine in your community. And yes — you shine when you approach the ballot box.
    Thus...
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    4. Salt and Light Apply Scripture to Real Issues

    Here are biblical principles that guide Christian decision-making:
    The first principle is...
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    A. The Sanctity of Life Jeremiah 1:5

    “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you.” Jeremiah 1:5
    Next we have...
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    B. The Value of Family Psalm 127:1

    “Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.” Psalm 127:1
    And we have...
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    C. The Importance of Justice Isaiah 1:17

    “Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression.” Isaiah 1:17
    We are...
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    D. Called to Protect the Weak Proverbs 31:8

    “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves.” Proverbs 31:8
    And of course their is...
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    E. The Need for Honesty and Integrity Proverbs 28:16

    “A ruler who lacks understanding is a cruel oppressor.” Proverbs 28:16
    Christians do not vote based on cultural pressure. We vote based on biblical truth.
    Salt preserves what Scripture teaches. Light reveals how Scripture applies.
    Thus...
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    5. Salt and Light Guard Their Witness During Political Conflict

    Let’s be honest: Christians sometimes act like political linebackers instead of ambassadors of Christ.
    But Scripture calls us to a different posture: “Let your speech always be gracious.” Colossians 4:6 “As far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” Romans 12:18
    Salt preserves peace. Light reveals Christ.
    We can disagree strongly without dishonoring Christ. We can speak truth boldly without losing our witness. We can vote with conviction without losing compassion.
    Then, as...
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    6. Salt and Light We Vote With Prayerful Dependence on God

    Before you vote, pray.
    Not a quick prayer like: “Lord, help me not throw my remote at the TV.”
    But a serious prayer: “Lord, give me wisdom.”
    James 1:5 promises: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God… and it will be given.”
    Pray for:
    clarity
    discernment
    humility
    courage
    peace
    unity in the church
    revival in the nation
    Our Founders themselves believed national success depended on divine help.
    John Quincy Adams wrote: “The highest glory of the American Revolution was this: it connected… - the principles of civil government with - the principles of Christianity.”
    Andrew Jackson said: “The Bible is the rock on which our republic rests.”
    These statements do not mean America is a church. They mean America cannot flourish without biblical virtue.
    Salt preserves prayerfulness. Light reveals dependence on God.
    Thus...
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    7. Salt and Light Vote With Eternal Perspective

    Political outcomes matter — but they are not ultimate.
    Psalm 2 reminds us: “The LORD sits enthroned in heaven.”
    Isaiah 40 says: “The nations are like a drop in a bucket.”
    Daniel 2 declares: “He changes times and seasons; He removes kings and sets up kings.”
    In other words: God is not pacing the floors of heaven on election night.
    He is sovereign. He is steady. He is ruling. He is working.
    And His kingdom is not shaken by human elections.
    Salt preserves hope. Light reveals the kingdom.
    I have an example for you in...
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    8. The Lighthouse and the Storm

    Now, imagine a lighthouse on a rocky shore. The waves crash. The wind howls. The sky darkens. The storm rages.
    But the lighthouse stands firm — not because the storm is small, but because its foundation is strong.
    Christians are called to be that lighthouse.
    Not panicking. Not hiding. Not blending in. Not shouting in fear.
    But standing firm.
    George Washington said religion and morality are the “indispensable supports” of political prosperity.
    Scripture says righteousness exalts a nation. Jesus says we are salt and light.
    So stand firm.
    Vote with conviction. Vote with clarity. Vote with Scripture. Vote with humility. Vote with prayer. Vote with eternal perspective.
    And above all: Trust God more than you trust government.
    So, in...
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    Conclusion — Your Vote Is an Act of Worship

    When Christians vote biblically, we are not merely participating in democracy — we are honoring God.
    We are saying:
    “Lord, Your Word guides me.”
    “Lord, Your truth shapes me.”
    “Lord, Your kingdom defines me.”
    “Lord, Your glory is my aim.”
    So as the election approaches, remember: Your hope is not in a candidate. Your hope is not in a party. Your hope is not in a platform. Your hope is in Christ.
    Be salt. Be light. And carry both with you to the ballot box.
    Amen.
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    Closing Prayer

    Father, we thank You for Your Word today and for reminding us who we are in this world — Your salt and Your light. As we enter this election season, steady our hearts and quiet the noise around us. Help us to see clearly, to think biblically, and to walk faithfully. Give us wisdom that reflects Your truth, courage that reflects Your strength, and humility that reflects Your Son.
    Lord, protect the unity of Your church. Guard our witness. Keep us from anger, pride, or fear, and fill us instead with grace, patience, and love. As we approach the ballot box, help us remember that our hope is not in earthly leaders but in You alone. Let every decision we make honor You, reflect Your character, and advance Your kingdom in our lives.
    We trust Your sovereignty over our nation, over our future, and over our hearts. Make us faithful in this moment, bold in our witness, and persuasive in our conversations. And may the light of Christ shine through us in all we do. We ask this in Jesus’ name.
    Amen.

      • Matthew 5:13–16NLT

      • Proverbs 12:19NLT

      • Psalm 82:3NLT

      • Proverbs 14:34NLT

      • Jeremiah 1:5NLT

      • Psalm 127:1NLT

      • Isaiah 1:17NLT

      • Proverbs 31:8NLT

      • Proverbs 28:16NLT

Curry's Chapel Church
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