The Church: A City on a Hill

Matthew 5:14–16 NKJV

“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Jesus is Building His Church

Matthew 16:18–19 NKJV

And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”

What the Church IS NOT and what the Church IS

What the Church IS NOT

It is NOT one individual. (I am the church.)

It is NOT a building. (We are building a new church.)

It is NOT a denomination. (My denomination is the true church.)

It is NOT an organization. (My church has the best programs.)

It is NOT a social club. (My church is the most popular in town.)

It is NOT a social services organization. (My church is committed to meeting physical rather than spiritual needs.)

What the Church IS

In Matthew 16:18, it IS Christ’s church (“ecclesia”), i.e., “called out ones”, or “disciples” (from this world)

It IS the work and possession of Christ.

It IS trans-racial and trans-national. (from every tribe, language, and nation)

It IS trans-generational. (saints old, young, past, present, future)

In Hebrews 10:25, it IS the collective “assembling” of Christ’s New Covenant disciples.

In Acts 20:28-30, it IS the flock of God.

In Ephesians 3:14-15, it IS the family of God.

In 1 Corinthians 3:9, it IS God’s field.

In 1 Corinthians 3:9, it IS God’s building.

In John 15, it IS the LORD’s Vineyard.

In 1 Corinthians 9:7, it IS God’s army.

In Revelation 1:20, it IS Christ’s lampstand.

In Revelation 19:6-9; 21:2, it IS the bride of Christ.

In Hebrews 3:6 and 1 Peter 2:5, it IS the spiritual house of the LORD.

In Ephesians 2:19, it IS the household of God.

In 1 Peter 2:9, it IS a chosen generation.

In 1 Peter 2:9, it IS a holy nation.

In 1 Peter 2:9, it IS a peculiar people.

In 1 Corinthians 3:9, it IS the temple of God.

In 1 Peter 2:5, 9, it IS God’s royal and holy priesthood.

In Philippians 3:20, it IS the citizenship of heaven.

In 2 Corinthians 5:20, it IS Christ’s embassy on earth.

In 1 Timothy 3:15, it IS the pillar and ground of the truth.

In Revelation 21-22, it IS the New Jerusalem Bride City.

Jesus is the Light of the World

John 1:1–4 NKJV

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.

John 8:12 NKJV

Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”

John 9:5 NKJV

As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”

Christ’s Disciples are the Light of the World

We are the light in the sense that we “reflect” His light.

Like the moon reflects the sun.

We are the light in the sense that we “carry” His light.

Like a lampstand holds up the light.

Like a lighthouse shines the light to be seen by ships looking for safe harbor.

Collectively, the disciples of Jesus are called “The Church”.

Christ’s Church: A City Set on a Hill

The Church represents Christ and His kingdom on earth.

Local churches are Christ’s kingdom embassies on earth.

The Church is to reflect the rule of Christ among its members.

The Church is to reflect the government of Christ through its leadership (pastors, elders).

The Church is to reflect, uphold, and defend God’s truth, moral standards, and social standards to the world around it.

The Church is to be a safe place of refuge, salvation, and restoration to all who enter its gates through faith in Christ.

The Church is to share the message of Christ’s kingdom, the gospel, to a fallen world.

The Church is to reflect the love and compassion of Christ to a lost and broken world.

Let Your Light Shine before Men

The Church is NOT to hide God’s light but is to make it visible to all so that all might see, come, and be saved.

The “LIGHT” is our good works

The goal is that they might glorify our Father in heaven.

We are to encourage one another in this effort

Hebrews 10:24–25 NKJV

And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.

Response to the Word

Have you committed yourself to Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord?

Are you a committed follower of Jesus Christ?

Are you involved and committed to the Church that Jesus is building?

Are you committed to helping the Church shine its corporate light in this dark world?