“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.”

Matthew 5:14

Today, Donald J. Trump was sworn in as the 45th president on the United States. The peaceful transition of power is one of the hallmarks of American democracy. Watching an outgoing President sit in support of someone new taking the office is a much different experience than much of the world knows. It is one of the things that has provided stability for our country throughout it’s history. But as I watched the proceedings I could not help but remember one of my favorite quotes. It is often attributed to the French politician Alexi De Tocqueville, from his 1830 visit to the US. It is said to come from his multiple volume work, Democracy in America, …but it is apparently not recorded in any of his writings. Despite it’s questionable origination, it was quoted in a speech by President Eisenhower, and many candidates since him. So, even though there is debate about who said it first, I still find myself in agreement with it.

I sought for the key to the greatness and genius of America in her harbors...; in her fertile fields and boundless forests; in her rich mines and vast world commerce; in her public school system and institutions of learning. I sought for it in her democratic Congress and in her matchless Constitution.

Not until I went into the churches of America and heard her pulpits flame with righteousness did I understand the secret of her genius and power.

America is great because America is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, America will cease to be great.

The safeguard of morality is religion, and morality is the best security of law as well as the surest pledge of freedom.

As Americans, we want to see or country great. However, as citizens of the Kingdom of God we must recognize that the only real hope for that lies in the people of God extending His rule and reign. We extend it by personally submitting to our Sovereign in our daily lives. We do it by taking His rule into the workplace and marketplace by means of our own submission to it. We do it by sharing the Good News of a Savior who has made it possible for us to become residents of a higher Kingdom.

Let there be no doubt: We are the salt and light that this country needs! Our message is the power of God unto salvation. We as individuals, as a church, and as a nation are no greater than our goodness…and our goodness comes from Him! Whatever the problems America may face, the ultimate answer is to be found in the Gospel! So with that in mind, I echo the phrase that is heard so often: God bless the United States of America!

Blessings, 

Pastor Brian