Sermon Series Blog: Kingdom Culture Pt.2
Heaven’s DNA
Matthew 5:13–16
Heaven’s DNA: What We Carry into the World
Last week, we talked about being “Sent, Not Stuck.” The Kingdom of God doesn’t retreat from culture — it redeems and renews it. We’re not called to escape the world; we’re called to transform it.
As we go — whether across the street or across the city — we must ask, “What are we carrying?”
Every living thing carries DNA. It defines identity and determines purpose. Spiritually speaking, Heaven has DNA — the life of Christ alive in us. When Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world,” He was saying that Heaven’s character should show up in how we live. People should be able to taste Heaven’s goodness and see Heaven’s truth through our lives.
1. Salt Preserves What’s Good
Salt doesn’t shout — it seeps.
Its presence quietly preserves what’s valuable. In the ancient world, salt kept food from spoiling. Jesus used that image to describe our influence as His followers: we are what keeps the world from moral and spiritual decay.
Being “the salt of the earth” doesn’t always mean standing on a platform. Sometimes, it means standing in the gap — showing grace when others react with anger, bringing peace when chaos reigns, and preserving what’s good when everything seems to be falling apart.
Like Abigail in 1 Samuel 25, who humbly stepped into a conflict and preserved both her household and David’s destiny, we’re called to make a quiet but powerful difference. Our faithfulness keeps the mission alive — even when no one notices.
2. Light Reveals What’s True
Salt preserves, but light transforms.
Jesus said, “A city on a hill cannot be hidden.” Light doesn’t argue with darkness; it simply shines, and darkness flees.
Daniel lived this out in Babylon. Though surrounded by compromise, he stood with integrity and faith. He didn’t shout down darkness — he outshined it. And because of his faithfulness, kings and nations recognized the living God.
That’s our call: to bring clarity where the world is confused, to reveal truth through our actions, and to light the way for others who have lost direction. Every act of faith, every decision to stand for what’s right, becomes a lantern of hope in a dark world.
3. Together, We Illuminate the World
Jesus didn’t say, “You are a light.” He said, “A city on a hill cannot be hidden.”
That’s plural — a community of light.
On the Day of Pentecost, the disciples each received fire, but together they became a flame that lit Jerusalem and beyond. The same is true today: when the Church shines together in unity, the world can’t ignore the glow of God’s Kingdom.
At Church in the City, that’s our heart — to be one light shining in two places, at our main campus and our new Canary Campus. We believe God is calling some to go and others to stay and strengthen, but the mission is the same: Love God. Love others. Disciple and deploy.
Shining in Our City
The world is dark, but Heaven’s DNA still shines through you.
Let’s be salt that preserves what’s good and light that reveals what’s true — together becoming a city on a hill that cannot be hidden.
May our faith, unity, and love illuminate Toronto with the hope of Christ.
