Matthew 5:13 says, "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men." How salty are we? The real question in considering the discipling mandate of the "Great Commission" is "how salty is the church" and how do we compare with Jerusalem or Antioch? Are our disciples willing to face what the early church did?

The answer lies in a comparative word study of the Greek word translated good. Is-koos is the Greek word and is generally used to convey a supernatural impartation resulting in prevailing over adversity. It is used in Acts 6:10 to describe the inability of synagogue leaders to overcome the spirit and wisdom of Stephen’s words. Stephen prevailed over all those who attempted to argue. His anointing to prevail was so great, the only way to silence him was death.

In Acts 19:16 an evil spirit prevailed (is-koo-sen) against the seven sons of Sceva, who attempted exorcism based on Paul’s relationship with God. As word spread through the region, fear fell and God’s word prevailed (is-koo-o). In the last days the church stands in a nearly identical place. Either we qualify for the anointing to prevail over the enemy or the enemy will prevail over us.

The early church committed to saying what God wanted said, even if it cost them their lives. God honored their commitment with power, which when challenged brought severe consequences to the offending parties such as: Ananias and Sapphira, Herod and Elymas. The early church received the government of God

Matthew 5:13 really says salt has lost its flavor if "for nothing does it prevail." The same Greek word appears in James 5:16 "…the effective fervent prayer of a righteous man prevails greatly." Has the church prevailed over the ACLU or has the ACLU prevailed against the church? Has the church prevailed in the Supreme Court over prayer, abortion and the Ten Commandments, or has the Supreme Court prevailed against the church?

Qualifying for is-koos is birthing the government of God which prevails.

This is a major issue for the end-time church, because this same Greek word appears in the Septuagint (Greek translation of the Old Testament) in Isaiah 53:12 where Jesus promises to divide the spoil with the strong (is-koos those who prevail). If we are not salty enough to prevail over the ACLU, how can we expect Jesus to give us cities and nations?