Today we celebrated Vision Sunday and unveiled our 2026 theme, A City on a Hill, rooted in Jesus’ call for His Church to shine as light in a dark world. Just as the early church was an undeniable force in its community, City First is called to be a visible, Christ-centered movement marked by love, humility, and transformed lives. As we step into 2026, our prayer is to shine Jesus’ light in a way that awakens curiosity about God!
Notes 📓✏️:
“Now all glory to God, who is able, through His mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.”
Ephesians 3:20 (NLT)
The Church was a force in its community.
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. 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. 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.”
Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV)
It’s as if Jesus was saying, “If pagan cities shine visibly, how much more should My people shine?”
Darkness has no independent existence. It is simply where photons are absent.
It cannot be measured.
Darkness has no direction.
Darkness cannot slowly appear.
Darkness only exists in the absence of light.
Light can only move outward.
Jesus doesn’t call disciples to fight darkness, but to be light. Light doesn’t conquer darkness—it replaces it.
Jesus says of us, “You are the light of the world…Like a city set on a hill.”
The Greek word for church in the New Testament is Ekklesia, which means “A Movement.”
A City on a Hill
Shining bright the love of Jesus.
Shining bright a different way of living.
“Your light must shine before people in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”
Matthew 5:16 (NASB)
WE GET TO CHOOSE whether our “light” is going to have impact!
1. Our light is really Jesus shining through us.
“While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”
John 9:5 (NIV)
You and I are not the source of light, we only reflect the light of the Son.
How else do they see Jesus except through His followers?
We can hinder His light. By shining in such a way that doesn’t truly reflect who Jesus is.
At work, school, home, and in your world, how are you accurately shining Jesus?
Jesus is saying… “People will come to know My Father by how you…
- Treat them.
- How you respond to them.
- How you embrace them.
- How you prioritize them.
- How you live around them.”
Willing to be used by God in everyday ways.
2. Our light is more than good behavior—it’s a transformed life made visible.
We must guard against both isolation (withdraw from culture) and assimilation (mirror culture).
A follower of Jesus is a humble nonconformist.
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
Romans 12:2 (NIV)
“God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted. God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth. God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied. God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy. God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God.
God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called the children of God. God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
“God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are My followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven.”
Matthew 5:3-12 (NLT)
Shine Jesus’ love in a way that awakens curiosity about God.
Live Jesus’ commands in a way that affirms the reality of God.
Download a copy of the City on a Hill print by clicking here
Discussion Questions 📝❓:
- Pastor Jeremy explained that darkness has no independent existence and cannot be measured. How does this scientific analogy help us understand our role as Christians in being light to the world?
- How does the explanation of the moon reflecting the sun’s light help us understand our role in reflecting Jesus’ light to others? what do you think that looks like, practically?
- Based on Matthew 5:16, what does it mean to shine our lights “in such a way” that others may see our good works and glorify God?
- Pastor Jeremy talks about being “humble non-conformists.” What does this mean in practical terms for Christians living in today’s culture?