Jesus is Being Served, Are You Making Him Palatable 2 | Toyin Okutinyang

Happy Mother’s Day to all the women, and a warm welcome to everyone gathered. Today, we celebrate not only mothers, but the unique calling and identity that each of us carries as followers of Christ. Jesus declared, “You are the salt of the earth,” and this is not a suggestion or a future hope—it is a present reality. This identity is not based on our own merit, but on the transforming work of Christ in us. Just as salt was a precious, valuable commodity in ancient times, so are you—bought with a price, set apart to bring out the God-flavors in the world around you.

Being salt means more than just existing; it means influencing, preserving, healing, and enhancing the environments God has placed us in. Whether in our families, workplaces, schools, or communities, our presence is meant to drive away darkness, bring healing to the wounded, and foster productivity and peace. We are not called to blend in, but to stand out as “earth atmosphere influencers,” shaping culture and relationships with the love and power of Christ.

Yet, it’s possible to lose our saltiness. When we absorb too much from the world—its bitterness, busyness, unforgiveness, or compromise—we become hardened and stuck, unable to flow freely in our calling. Like salt that clumps in the shaker, we need a spiritual “banging” to be loosened and restored. Self-examination is crucial: Are we allowing the trials, offenses, and distractions of life to rob us of our effectiveness? Are we holding onto bitterness or unforgiveness, forgetting the immeasurable debt Christ has forgiven us?

But there is hope. Even if saltiness is lost, it can be restored. Jesus is the great restorer, redeemer, and reviver. His declaration over us—“You are the salt of the earth”—contains all the power and grace we need to be released into our purpose. No matter how stuck or compromised we may feel, Christ’s word over us is stronger. As we yield to Him, He heals our wounds, breaks our addictions, and empowers us to influence our world for His glory. Let us rise up, take our place, and flavor the earth with the goodness of God.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Salty Identity: Embracing Who You Are in Christ The declaration “You are the salt of the earth” is not a future promise but a present reality. Our identity as salt is rooted in Christ’s finished work, not our own efforts. Recognizing this truth empowers us to live with purpose and confidence, knowing we are valuable and set apart to reveal God’s character wherever we go. [10:15]
• 2. Salty Living: Influence Beyond Words Salt preserves, flavors, heals, and protects. In the same way, our lives are meant to bring preservation to decaying culture, flavor to blandness, healing to the wounded, and protection against evil. Our influence is not limited to church walls; it extends to every sphere—family, workplace, school—where our presence should make a tangible difference for Christ. [19:53]
• 3. Beware of Absorbing the Wrong Atmosphere Just as salt absorbs moisture and can become clumped and ineffective, we too can absorb the world’s attitudes, distractions, and sins. When we allow bitterness, busyness, or compromise to harden our hearts, we lose our ability to flow in God’s purpose. Regular self-examination and repentance keep us free and effective as God’s influencers. [27:18]
• 4. The Danger of Lost Saltiness: Compromise and Unforgiveness Losing our saltiness often comes through compromise with the world or harboring unforgiveness and bitterness. The parable of the unforgiving servant reminds us that no one has wronged us as much as we have wronged God, yet He forgave us completely. Letting go of offense and embracing forgiveness restores our effectiveness and keeps our hearts tender before God. [32:28]
• 5. Restoration is Always Possible in Christ Even if we have lost our saltiness, Jesus offers restoration. His word over us carries the power to break every chain, heal every wound, and revive our calling. No matter how far we’ve strayed or how stuck we feel, Christ’s grace is sufficient to restore us to fruitful, influential living. [40:02]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:36] - Honoring the “Salty Sisters”
• [01:56] - The Beauty of Yieldedness to Christ
• [02:37] - Jesus Is Being Served: Making Him Palatable
• [03:55] - Key Scriptures: Salt of the Earth
• [05:05] - The Whole Counsel: Seeing the Full Picture
• [07:41] - The Beatitudes and Our Calling
• [08:57] - Secret Sins and the Heart
• [10:15] - Salty Identity: Why You Are Here
• [12:54] - Earth Atmosphere Influencers
• [16:02] - The Value and Uses of Salt
• [19:53] - Salt as Healing and Protection
• [24:49] - Salt as Fertilizer: Productivity and Fruitfulness
• [26:43] - Salty and Stuck: Absorbing the Wrong Atmosphere
• [30:36] - Saltiness Lost: Causes and Consequences
• [32:28] - The Power of Forgiveness
• [36:51] - The Case Study of Samson
• [40:02] - Saltiness Restored: Release and Prayer

1. In Matthew 5:13, what does Jesus say about the identity and purpose of His followers? What happens if salt loses its saltiness?
2. According to Luke 14:34-35, what are the consequences when salt is no longer useful?
3. In the parable of the unforgiving servant (Matthew 18:21-35), what was the difference between the debt the servant owed and the debt he refused to forgive?
4. The sermon described several uses of salt in ancient times. What were some of these uses, and how do they relate to the way Christians are called to live? [[16:42]]

1. The sermon says, “You are the salt of the earth” is not a future hope, but a present reality for every believer. What does it mean for your identity to be rooted in Christ’s finished work, not your own efforts? [[13:28]]
2. The preacher talked about “absorbing the wrong atmosphere” and becoming “stuck” like clumped salt. What are some ways Christians can absorb the world’s attitudes or distractions, and how does this affect their influence? [[27:18]]
3. Why is unforgiveness and bitterness compared to losing your saltiness? How does holding onto offense make us less effective as followers of Jesus? [[32:28]]
4. The sermon says that even if we have lost our saltiness, Jesus can restore us. What does restoration look like in the life of a believer who feels “stuck” or ineffective? [[40:02]]

1. The sermon said, “God has sent you as a missionary to Canada…as salt of the earth to sprinkle you in the decay of this earth and of this country.” In your daily life—at home, work, or school—where do you sense God has placed you to be “salt”? What does that look like practically? [[10:55]]
2. Salt preserves, flavors, heals, and protects. Which of these aspects do you feel you are living out well, and which one do you want to grow in? Can you think of a recent situation where your presence brought healing or peace? [[19:53]]
3. The sermon warned about “absorbing the wrong atmosphere”—busyness, bitterness, compromise, or distractions. Is there a specific area where you feel you’ve been absorbing too much from the world? What is one step you can take this week to “loosen” yourself and be more available for God’s purpose? [[27:18]]
4. The parable of the unforgiving servant reminds us that we have been forgiven a huge debt. Is there someone you are struggling to forgive? What would it look like to release that person and regain your “saltiness”? [[32:28]]
5. The preacher said, “Your very presence should drive away evil spirits and bring protection.” Do you believe your presence changes the atmosphere in your home, workplace, or community? Why or why not? [[21:06]]
6. The sermon described how salt can get “stuck” and needs to be “banged” to flow again. Are there areas in your spiritual life where you feel stuck or hardened? What would it look like to let God “loosen” you? [[26:43]]
7. Jesus restores saltiness. If you feel you’ve lost your effectiveness or passion, what is one prayer or action you can take this week to invite Jesus to restore you? [[40:02]]