A colony from heaven. [ 1 Thessalonians 1v4-9 ]

In a commentary I have of the book of Revelation the author Martin Kiddle writes of the churches as /colonies of heaven/. Jonathan Edwards was a minister of a church in the 18th century, he and his people made a covenant ,which included , being honest and just,making restitution to those they wronged,to not be involved in back-biting,not taking revenge,a concern for others rights,no holding secret grudges,no licentious behavioiur,to examine themselves regulary,to work out their salvation with fear and trembling. I think it would do most churches good, if they would follow that churches example, we may then trully be called a colony from heaven. [ Dear God help Your church to reflect the reality of true Christlikeness. in Jesus name Amen ]