Hi, I'm Daryl Bailey. Thank you for tuning us in on this momentous occasion, January the 20th, 2025, the 20th of Tibet, 5785 of the Hebrew calendar. Today is a special occasion in the world and in America as we talk about taking the office. Here we look at Donald Trump taking the oath of office as We look at the presidency and what each and every one of us as individuals pertaining to the pledge and the oath of taking the office. You know, as the world watches today, President Trump, as he makes his oath and pledge to take the oath of office, pledging to serve the American people with leadership, wisdom, and integrity, this transition We all have one question that arises. Will the light of the gospel shine brightly through him, guiding his actions and decisions? Well, none other than Matthew chapter 5, verses 14, 15, and 16 comes to mind on this momentous occasion as he takes the oath of office. Jesus reminds us that you're the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick, and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven. This is scripture that speaks to the responsibility of every leader, whether you're in politics, are in church, are in our daily lives, to be a reflection of God's truth and love. And I believe that as I watched the oath of President Trump today in the Rotunda. It challenges every one of us to live out our faith boldly. Today is not just about him, but it is about every American across the country. Because a lot of people want him to resolve all of their issues. Well, the thing is, he can resolve some of the issues, but he can't resolve all of your issues because you are in the same category as he is. You're taking the office of a Christian. And many of you, in order to do that, were challenged to live out our faith boldly so that others can see God's light in us and glorify him. And so as the next president, Donald Trump assumes office. The question isn't just about policies or power. It's about whether his life and leadership will reflect the radiant light of the gospel. Taking the office isn't merely about assuming a title. are a position. It's about recognizing that the light of Christ is meant to shine through us. God in our every action, decision, and relationship. For any leader, especially one who holds the highest office in the land, it's an invitation to reflect the light of Christ in the way that we govern and the way President Trump will govern. and the way that they serve and the way they lead the nation forward. And so in a world full of uncertainty and division, God's light is the beacon of truth and hope that can illuminate even the darkest places across the country. And for those who are called to positions of leadership, this light is not a choice, but it's a mandate. Will the light of the gospel be it on for him to truly take the office in a way that honors God and serves the people? The answer begins with a heart surrendered to Christ, ready to shine his light in every decision, every action, and every word. And so there's a lot at stake. And so as we look at this, taking the office, I want to open up with a time of prayer, and before I do, I want to invite every one of you to come and be with us at our home church at Bethel Crossroads Baptist Church. We're located at 450 Iron Hill Road, Taylorsville, Georgia 30178. On behalf of our pastor, Keith Dipsy, Come and join us. We'd love to have you for our Sunday school at 10 a.m. and morning worship at 11 a.m. And so will you join me in prayer as we open up for this time as we get into the message taking the office out of Matthew chapter 5 verses 14 through 16. Will you pray with me? Lord, we come before you seeking your wisdom and guidance and forgiveness and cleanse us from our sins and help us to put on the whole armor of God daily, that we may stand firm in the spiritual battles that lie ahead as our nation prepares for a new leader to take office. And Lord, as we watched his inauguration this morning, may we be reminded of your ultimate authority and our responsibility as well as Christians to pray for our leaders, to guide us now as we get into the wonderful word of God, that we may grow in faith and become better stewards of your truth, not just as our president, but also as the men and women of America and of men and women of faith. We are challenged today as we take our office and as we let our light shine to all of the world to make a difference in this nation. May we support our leaders. May we continue to lift up our president and those that are taking office and all of the changes that are fixing to come in to take place that many we may not like, many we may like. But whatever the case, may we support and lift up the leaders and may we lift up President Trump and all of his cabinet as they take office as from this day forward. to be the leaders and the light of our nation in Jesus's marvelous mighty name that it'll bring the lost into the kingdom of God and the many that are out there that are cold and indifferent and that are so wish-washy they don't know what they believe that they will see our light and want what we have in Jesus's marvelous mighty name we pray amen all right as we go forward as servants for Christ. We're a 501c3 and we're not in it about the money and we're not in it about ourselves. We're here to preach the gospel and so we operate to create self-sustaining evangelistic discipleship outreach ministry where we can know our faith, share our faith, and grow our faith to be able to glorify God by making disciples through nurturing believers for the role in evangelism. And so, we're a religious nonprofit formed to serve the public, charitable purposes in the community, to operate alongside our home church at Bethel Crossroads, and Christian groups to help them to better know their faith and to be able to effectively share it with others. And so, as we go forward, I'm glad that we see today the rotunda of the United States Capitol has a very, very rich history, including its use as a solemn and a symbolic space for moments of national unity. I remember being here when I went to eat at the White House in 1985 as a member of the United States Army, that I had won a place in my base to go and eat at the White House. And as I got to tour a lot of the things around, even the Capitol, the moments of national unity, the administration of oaths and other ceremonial events that have a long history in the Rotunda, I'm reminded back in February the 28th, 2018, Reverend Billy Graham lies in honor of the U.S. Capitol for the Day of Remembrance, one of the all time that's been with so many presidents. And today I'm reminded when I saw his son, Franklin Graham, right there pray the powerful prayer for the taking of office today. and how proud that Billy Graham would have been to see his rebel son for so many years change and turn around. The Rotunda's design and symbolism was completed in 1824 in a grand circular room beneath the Capitol Dome, symbolizing the ideas of the United States' unity, democracy, and the nation's founding principles. the artwork that you're looking at the ceiling including of the apotheosis of Washington and the historical paintings like the Declaration of Independence representing the moments in American history and the ideas of as liberty and justice the presidential oaths and the inaugurations of past days that have taken place on the Capitol steps. The rotunda served as a backup location for taking the oath of office during the inclined weather, as it was freezing weather around the Capitol today, as it is here in little Taylorsville, Georgia. We look at all of the many ceremonies of inaugurations, including processions and receptions, through the many, many years of the oaths of allegiance and congressional activities, where new Congress, congressional members and government officials gather for their oath-taking events. And so, as we look at this today, even the place where Lincoln lied in state, and the oath to preserve the Union after President Abraham Lincoln's assassination in 1865, that his body lay in state in the Rotunda, symbolizing the nation's commitment to unity and democracy. Here, so many occasions to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States, the connection to military and public service oaths throughout the years, the ceremonial events in the Rotunda that honor individuals who have upheld their oath of office and service, and members of military and public officials through the many years of unscored sacredness of oaths that have been taken right here in this significant location and place through the many years that we look at. as we see this today, taking the office and how that everything that was held here are some of the key aspects of what it means to take the office as a servant of God. I believe that when we look at those times in our life, each and every one of us can look at ourselves because we see the humanity in leadership. the accountability to God, serving others first, seeking justice and righteousness, guiding with wisdom and discernment, living out the gospel, being a witness of God's kingdom and a sacrificial love. All of this that talks to us about we all have to take an office as a men and women of God as we pledge our loyalties as well. And so I'm glad that we all today as we go forward and as the world begin to watch in Matthew chapter five, verses 14, 15, and 16, we see a scripture that speaks to the responsibility of every leader, whether in politics, whether in the church or in our daily lives to be a reflection of God's truth and love. And it challenges all of us as men and women of America to live out our faith boldly so that others can see God's light in us and glorify him. And so when we look at this and we're reminded of what powerful things that it does for each and every one of us today. I'm glad the powerful demonstration that scripture that it speaks of us all today. In a world full of uncertainty and division, God's light is the beacon of truth and hope that can illuminate even the darkest places. And for those who are called to positions of leadership, this light is not a choice, but it's a mandate. And so, as we look and realize to know whether or not your Christian light is on, it requires us to answer three simple questions. And I'm glad that as that question comes out of the greatest sermon ever preached in history, known as the Sermon on the Mount, that here he tells us that you are the light of the world. A town that is built on a hill cannot be hidden. I want to explain what Jesus meant by shining a light in a moment, but I want you to see the end result because we're to walk and talk in such a way as we live and living for the Lord that other people glorify God in heaven. In other words, we're not here to make bad people good or good people better. We're here to point people to Jesus and to lead them to live a cross-shaped life that will glorify God. Why do you think Jesus chose that metaphor? The truth is physical life would be impossible without light, which is the sole source of our food generation for all living organisms on the earth. Practically every living being depends on light for food and energy. Plants require light to synthesize their own food materials to live and to grow. And from these plants, animals get their required food materials and minerals and energy that they need to live. And so plants depend on sunlight for their food and animals depend on plants and we depend on plants and animals for food. And so this is not to mention that we need light to see, light to recognize colors, light to maintain a livable temperature, for without light there would be no heat, and without heat the earth would freeze. We need light to dry out the soil, but also to evaporate the water so that we can have the rain that we need to have water to drink. And not only does the earth need light to survive spiritually, people need the light of Jesus to live spiritually. And so when we look at taking the office, the biggest compliment Jesus ever pays one of the followers is to call us the light of the world and to know whether or not Your Christian light is own requires us to answer these three simple questions. And that is, when we look at it, do I see the light within me? Do I recognize the sovereignty of God? The wisdom of Proverbs 21, verse one, the King's heart and the land of the Lord as the rivers of water, he turneth it whether so ever he will. You see, God establishes leadership. Daniel's rise to power under Nebuchadnezzar demonstrated that all authority is granted by God in Daniel chapter 2 verse 21. And I'm glad that when we look and realize that every one of us as we go through life today, leadership is a trust, it's not a trophy. And so I'm glad that President Lincoln said, my concern is not whether God is on our side, My greatest concern is to be on God's side. And so prayer for leaders is mandated. I'm glad. that that is one of the greatest things that we ought to be able to do. First Timothy chapter 2 verses 1 and 2, I exhort therefore that first of all supplications and prayers intercessions and giving of thanks be made for all men for kings and for all that are in authority and so Listen, do you actively pray for those in authority? Trusting that God's hand is at work, praying for those in authority is a very powerful and a biblical practice. As Christian men and women, we are called to pray for our leaders, whether we agree with them or not, because the Bible teaches us that God is sovereign over all authorities and has a purpose even in the midst of political and social systems. And so I'm glad Jesus declares that we are the light of the world. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. And so when we look and realize that we take office, the first question we must ask ourselves, hey, do I acknowledge the light of Christ within me? Because before we can shine externally, we must first embrace that Christ has placed in our hearts. And so when we do that, recognizing this divine light transforms our purpose and reminds us that we're not just individuals. but vessels of God's grace in truth. Jesus says something that would have been very strange to those who had been following him and listening to him. He says to the crowd, you are the light of the world. And that would have been strange because earlier Jesus had made this comment In John chapter 8 verse 12, when Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, I am the light of the world and whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. You heard Jesus say that he was the light of the world. And now he's saying that as he's saying that we are the light of the world. So which is right? They both are. The light that Jesus is talking about is him. He's the true light of the world, but a follower of Jesus has Jesus within him. And the light that he is, is the light is in you. And so what he wants you to do is to let him shine his light through you. And so do I acknowledge the light of Christ that is within me? You don't. only have the life of Jesus in you you have the light of Jesus in you and so I'm glad when you give your life to Jesus you have in effect swallowed that light the light that will shine that we are and the light that we are is the light that we have and the light that we have is Jesus Christ praise God and so the amazing thing to me is who Jesus was speaking to this is the Sermon on the Mount Where was this mount? It was in northern Galilee. He was talking to villagers. He was talking to fishermen. He was talking to farmers and wage workers who were his disciples that said to them, you are the light of the world. He wasn't speaking to the philosophers in Athens. He wasn't speaking to generals in Rome. He wasn't speaking to PhDs in Alexandria. He wasn't talking to the Beverly Hillbillies. He wasn't talking to Mayberry. He wasn't speaking to the tech mongols in Silicon Valley. He wasn't speaking to the CEOs in New York. He wasn't speaking to the Ivy League graduates in Cambridge. He was talking to the people on the office. No, no. He wasn't talking to the cast of parks and recreation. He said, you, yes, I am talking to you are the light of the world. He wasn't speaking to the founding fathers in Philadelphia. He wasn't speaking to the generals in Washington's army. He wasn't speaking to the intellectuals in Lincoln's cabinet. Listen, I want to tell you that somehow we've got the idea that there are just a few people who are the light of the world. That's my example of this. Yes, evangelists like Billy Graham, they were the light of the world. Preachers like me or you or anyone else. Listen, because God's plan is to take the ordinary you and me and send every one of us, ordinary people, to share the extraordinary message of the light and make an extraordinary difference in people's lives. Jesus is the light of the world and his light enters into us so that it will shine through us. And I'm glad that just like the President Trump took office, you and I have taken an office. And Jesus is that light, the light that we need to see in us and other people need to be seen through us so that they can leave the spiritual darkness and come into the light of God's truth and God's love. And he says, we are the light of the world. You don't think you're important? The only hope for this world to come out of the darkness of being far from God and the darkness of having no meaning and purpose in life, the darkness of being a certain death with no certain confidence of what comes after death, is that we see the light that is within us and let that light be seen through us. And so, do I acknowledge the light of Christ within me? You don't only have the life of Jesus in you, you have the light of Jesus in you. And so I'm glad. Do I see the light that is within me? We say, man, and that is. Number one, do I see the light within me and recognize that sovereignty of God, but also the responsibility of leadership, because in Luke chapter 12, verse 48, For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required. And leadership demands integrity. And so leaders, as we have a life that shapes public influence, David's repentance in Psalms 51. And so servant leadership reflects Christ. Jesus washed the disciples' feet, teaching humility in John chapter 13, verses 14 and 15. And so decisions impact generations. And so leadership is not about making speeches or being light. It's defined by results, not attributes. And so I'm glad that when we look, do I see the light within me? The second question of taking the office is, do I show the light? Do I see the light within me? But do I show the light that's before me? And so again, we look at the word of God. You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. He goes on. Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel. but on a candlestick, and it giveth light unto all that are in the house." Well, Jesus continues explaining that a city on a hill cannot be hidden and that no one, no one's lights a lamp only to cover it up. And so, as leaders, whether we're in politics, whether in ministry, or in everyday life, the question is, listen, every one of us, as we have out there today, the question is this, do I allow my light to shine before others? And so this light must be visible in our actions, in our words, in our choices. Our faith is not something to be kept in the shadows, but something to be boldly displayed for others to see how we live, how we serve, how we lead should point others to the glory of God. And so do I allow my light to shine before others. Listen, you don't like light. You just show light. And so You just uncover light. You just make sure there's nothing between someone and the light. Jesus goes on to say, you are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bushel. Every follower of Jesus has the light of Jesus in them. We're to be the lighthouses, not dark houses. And so, as leaders, whether we're in politics, whether we're in ministry, or in everyday life, the question is, do I allow my light to shine before others? You don't like light, you just show light. And so, we see, we are to be like a city built on a hill, amen. And so, I'm glad that each and every one of us, when we do that, I'm glad that, well, first of all, we are to show others. And so I'm glad that we are to be like a city built on a hill, praise God. If a city was invaded and burned down and destroyed, they would simply take down all of the rubble, use it as a foundation and build the next city on what was previously destroyed. Eventually cities will be on hills, whether you went to the city in the daytime, With the sunlight shining off the white limestone of the houses or at nighttime when those houses were lit by candles or torches, the city could be easily seen. Just like a city would be placed or built on a hill, that is exactly what God does with us. It's not a coincidence that you work in your particular office, or that you live in your particular neighborhood, or that you go to your particular school, or you play on a particular team. You're there for a reason. You're taking the office. Everywhere you are, you've been put there by God. just like a city on a hill that shines the light of the gospel. And we're not to put our light under a bowl. And when God saves us, he saves us to shine. Hallelujah. All of us have lighting in our houses for one simple reason. We don't want to sit in the dark or stay in the dark. We're to show others. Likewise God has not sent us into our dark neighborhoods and offices and schools to just sit in darkness with everyone else And so you don't like light you show like we're to be like a city built on a hill praise God we're to show others a man where that light as well and so where that light is and Who that light is and how to come to that light there are many ways that you can show your light listen to me Hey, you can do it by bowing your head at the restaurant and praying for your meal, by asking your waiter or waitress how that you can pray for them, or by putting a Bible on the death statement somewhere. Every one of us have a way that we can take the office of the light out into the world, just like President Trump was in the Rotunda today, and he was in front of everyone taking the office. Well, you take an office every single day that you step out of your house. And we're to show others where that light is, who that light is, how to come to that light, hallelujah. Because all of us, do I allow my light to shine before others? I don't know who you are, but some of you need to stop hiding the light in the office where you work, and stop hiding the light in the school where you teach, and stop hiding the light on the sales rap that you have every week, and stop hiding the light at your neighborhood parties, and stop hiding the light at the ball game or a cookout. I'm telling you, I'm not asking you to shine your light in somebody's face all the time. I'm talking about not being overbearing, pushy, or obnoxious. I'm talking about in your everyday walk, in your everyday talk, taking advantage of every God-given opportunity to let people know that the light of the world lives in you, hallelujah. And listen, and simply want you to show them that light. Well, I thank God every one of us could do that if we just choose it. And so we see that as we take that office, every one of us were able to recognize. Do I see the light within me in verse 14? Do I show the light before me? Not only in verse 14, but in verse 15, that you know what? If you're on a hill, boy, you can't hide that light. I'm glad that each and every one of us, as we go forward, Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick, and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. And so, but we look, do I shine the light beyond me? I'm glad each and every one of us, when we do that, that we can recognize the sovereignty of God, the responsibility of leadership and the role of the church during leadership transitions, because here, Every one of us, the church must be a moral compass. And I'm glad, you know what? A lighthouse shines brightest during the storms. The church must guide a nation's conscience. And so we need to be faithful witnesses in public life. I'm glad Daniel's unwavering faith under King Darius in Daniel chapter six, verse 10. the unity in the body of Christ that is out there as well that each and every one of us have that responsibility. Do I shine the light beyond me? Because in Matthew chapter 5 verse 16 Jesus calls us to let our light shine before others so that they may see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven. And so the final challenge is do I let my light shine beyond myself? because our influence extends beyond, beyond as we read the powerful word of God. In verse 16, let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your father, which is in heaven. Our leadership, whether in a family, whether in community, whether in the nation, is a platform to reflect God's glory and inspire others to seek him. I'm going to tell you today that it was recognized at the Rotunda by President Trump. He gave God shining glory when he took the office. You are taking office every day. When we shine our light for the world to see, we bring hope and healing and transformation to those around us. It's not enough just to be able to show your light. Listen to me. Let me ask you two questions because it's not enough just to show your light. You need to see how far you can shine your light. Jesus says that you are a light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bush bushel. Instead, they put it on a stand and they give light to everyone in the house. You need to shine your light brightly and you need to hold your light highly. And I'm going to tell you, many of you work with a lot of unbelievers. You work with people that have no time or heart for God. They don't got no time for church. They got no time for anybody else. You're thinking to yourself, you don't know what you're asking of me. I'm in a very dark, dark place right now. Well, let me ask you something. Listen to me. Where does light shine the best and the brightest in the darkest places? And so I'm glad that is where your responsibility comes in to take the office of a born again believer. And who needs the light the most? The people in the deepest darkness. And so I want to encourage you as I get ready to close out. Don't let darkness intimidate you. Light is never afraid of darkness. Darkness is afraid of light. And no matter how dark your surroundings are, the brighter your light should shine. Don't be afraid. It's not even your light that's shining anyway. In reality, the light of Jesus. Think about this. What is the most important light in your house? Is it the chandelier in your foyer as you walk in through the front door? Or is it that little nightlight that keeps you from breaking your neck when you go to the bathroom? You don't have to be a beautiful breed to shine your light. All you need to do is surrender to the power of God, of the Holy Spirit, and let Jesus shine through you. Listen to how Jesus, as he concludes this passage, this is what he says, because he says, listen, let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Is your Christian light shining? Because if it's not, it can be. Do I see the light within me? Do I show the light before me? Do I shine the light beyond me? You know what? As we reflect on the words of Matthew chapter 5, verses 14, 15, and 16, we are reminded that to take the office as leaders in whatever role we find ourselves is to embrace the light of Christ that lives within us. And this light is not for us alone. It is meant to shine before others and illuminate the world around us, whether we're leading a nation Serving in our community, our God and our families, we are called to reflect God's glory in all that we do. And so this is how we listen to how Jesus concluded the passage, amen. Let us embrace our responsibility to shine brightly, not for our own recognition, but to point others to Christ, to bring hope to the world in a need. And so, you know what? I want to, if you feel the Holy Spirit speaking to your heart and you want to commit to allowing God's light to shine through you in your leadership, whether at home or in your community or in any role, I want to take the time, I want to invite you to come wherever you're listening to this at right now and let this be a moment where you acknowledge the light of Christ within you and ask God to empower you to reflect his glory wherever he has called you to serve, to surrender your heart and your role to him and ask for his guidance as you take the office that he's entrusted to you during this time. I'm going to put you on the spot because as I asked and challenge you with this, I want you to pray with me. And as I close out, and as I close out from our morning of being able with the transition of leadership that reminds us of the sovereignty of God, the responsibility of leaders and the church role in guiding society toward truth. As a new administration takes office, let us commit to being a praying people, a united body. and a faithful witness of God's love and truth. But before I close out, I want to put you on the spot because the Christian light oath for all of us is would you as you take office, would you make that oath with me? And I'm going to tell you, I'm going to read it. And as we read it together, I solemnly commit before God and my fellow citizens to live as a reflection of Christ's love and truth. I will. And I'm telling you, follow Jesus, shine his light, share the gospel, serve others, stand for righteousness, pursue unity and trust in God's sovereignty. I know there's a lot there that you can read to go on because of time. I'm not going to read everything. But again, I solemnly commit before God and my fellow citizens to live as a reflection of Christ's love and truth. I will do these things. I will follow Jesus. I will shine his light, share the gospel, serve others, stand for righteousness, pursue unity, trust in God's sovereignty. And we see, lastly, by God's grace and strength, I pledge to let my light shine that others may see his good works and glorify our Father which is in heaven. Each and every one of you can do that with me as I close out and as we pray. I hope and pray that all of us are taking office as well and I hope and pray that you would close out with me as we all take our office and let our light shine before our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Father, thank you for the powerful reminder in your word that we are the light of the world, called to reflect your truth and love. And as we leave, help us to walk in the light of Christ, to acknowledge the light within us, to boldly display it before others, and to shine it before our own lives. To the world in need of our hope, equip us to take office, you've called us to, with humility, wisdom, and heart that seeks to serve others. May our lives bring glory to your name. In Jesus Christ we pray. Amen. God bless you.