The Hamilton Minute

“And He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place.”

Acts 17:26 conveys to us the reality that we were born and placed in the 21^st century by God’s specific design. He determined before time where we would live and when we would live there.

If you’re in Minnesota, Mississippi, or Maine, God put you there on purpose.

He’s not surprised by the darkness we see around us, nor is He caught off guard by it. In fact, He specifically prepared for it by making sure you’re alive right now. God can do whatever He wants, but He’s chosen to use you and me as ambassadors of His kingdom.

We are His torches to light up the darkness.

"Always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for the reason for the hope that is in you.” 1 Peter 3:15 (ESV)

Many who oppose Christianity target their hostility on our foundation, the Bible. They say it is unreliable because Genesis 1 and Genesis 2 are contradictory accounts of the creation story.

In actuality, the 2 chapters are complimentary and not contradictory.

When Jesus was asked about marriage, He quoted from both chapters 1 and 2, saying that He made them both to be male and female in the beginning. "And for this cause shall a man leave his mother and father and cleave unto his wife."

Genesis 1 is an overview of the creation story and Genesis 2 is an up close examination of day 6. If Jesus relies on them both, so can we.

"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing."

What is the proper role of government? Romans chapter 13 outlines government’s function and it is basically this: to restrain or to punish wickedness and to reward righteousness.

Government was never intended to be our savior. Government is our servant.

As we focus on our civil occupations and our civic engagement responsibilities, let us never forget that government is not our God. We don’t put our trust in it; we put our trust in our Christ.

As a result, what we want is a government that stays out of our way and leaves room for our church to do our business of fulfilling the Great Commission.

What is the source of America's greatness? Alexis de Tocqueville, a 19^th century French political thinker and philosopher, had this exact same question.

On the heels of the French Revolution, he came to America in 1831 to investigate America's ascendency. In doing so, he found that America's greatness did not lie in her economic system. It did not lie in her banking system. Nor did it lie in her educational system.

He found that America's pulpits, aflamed with righteousness, was the source of America's greatness. He opined that America is great because she is good, but when America ceases to be good, she will cease to be great.

Let us pray for restoration of the flame of righteousness in our pulpits.

What would it take for you to compromise your principles?

Recently I heard a statement that went like this. “I don’t think principles matter if you can’t get elected.” Principles form the core of who you are; principles form the foundation of a civil society.

George Washington in his farewell address identified religion and morality as indispensable supports. “In vain would that man claim attribute to patriotism who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness”, George Washington said.

It makes me think of a scripture; “What would it profit a man to gain the whole world yet lose his soul?”  What would it profit a candidate to gain an election but lose his principles?

“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils.” 1 Timothy 6:10 (ESV)

A lawsuit has been filed against the Federal Election Commission because the entity ignore complaints that the Hillary Clinton Campaign and the Democratic National Committee (DNC) funneled money through state parties to avoid campaign finance laws.

The lawsuit argues the Hillary Victory illegally funneled $84 million in donations from the DNC through state party chapters who then sent that money back into the  Clinton Campaign war chest.

The money laundering effort included between 34 and 40 state parties.

The Clinton syndicate strikes again.

“…they have rejected me from being king over them.” 1 Samuel 8:7 (ESV)

California’s legislature is debating Assembly Bill 2943 which would criminalize the sale or purchase of any good or service intended to or that results in sexual orientation changes of same-sex attracted people including changes of behaviors or “gender” expressions of same-sex attracted people.

The Bible teaches that the inclinations of the sin nature, including sexual inclinations, are transformed by the powerful blood of Jesus Christ.

This law could literally make it illegal to buy or sell a Bible in California.

Folks, this is full fledged tyranny.

“A fool's lips walk into a fight, and his mouth invites a beating.”  Proverbs 18:6 (ESV)

In an interesting turn of events, regressive Comedian whose no friend of President Trump—Trevor Noah, even recognized the walking hypocrisy that is James Comey.

You can’t present yourself as the lofty and noble patriot and still profit from a salacious book called ‘Higher Loyalty.’

Noah said, Comey’s pettiness “hurts his credibility.  You can’t take the high road and the low road at the same time.”

Comey has lobbed barbs at President Trump to sell books not to protect the Republic.

His loyalty is to his pockets.

“Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth.”  Psalm 127:4 (ESV)

The Toys ‘R’ Us official statement concerning its imminent store closures said,

“Most of our end-customers are newborns and children, and as a result, our revenues are dependent on the birthrates in countries where we operate.  In recent years, many countries’ birthrates have dropped or stagnated as their population ages.”

The only developed country in the world producing enough children to replace and grow its national population is Israel.

Overt hostility toward children that stems from a low regard for life destroys commerce, cultures and countries.

“Your eyes have seen my unformed substance; and in Your book were all written the days that were ordained for me, when as yet there was not one of them.” Psalm 139:16 (NASB)

Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam has signed a bill which allows them to bar TennCare, Tennessee’s Medicaid program, from giving money to any abortion facility.

In the wake of having given Planned Parenthood nearly $1 million over the last 6 years, Tennessee has now moved to defund the baby murder machine.

Funds that were once directed toward abortions will now be given to other health care providers.

Folks, the tide is turning.

"...and let the one who has no sword sell his cloak and buy one.” Luke 22:36 (ESV)

London Mayor Sadiq Kahn, the one who told the world terrorist attacks are part of the new normal for large city living, has now deployed tough new knife control policies saying “there is never a reason to carry a knife.”

This is his response to London’s murder rate surpassing New York’s, due largely to stabbings.

Since banning inanimate objects is the Regressive way to stop criminal attacks, what’s next?  Motor vehicles?  Spoons?  Forks?  Sporks?

Paper cuts are the worst.  You better watch out Office Depot.

“Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward.” Psalm 127:3 (ESV)

Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts signed a state budget that eliminates federal title X family-planning funding to Planned Parenthood of the Heartland.  The $8.8 billion two-year budget would prohibit money to facilities that commit, promote, or refer clients for abortions.

The budget also mandates health clinics in the state to legally, financially, and physically separate from abortion facilities.

So, Planned Parenthood’s bloody hands can be wrenched from the taxpayers money when a legislature and an executive leader are willing.

Congress, are you listening?

“…for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” Luke 6:45 (ESV)

Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey aroused controversy when he tweeted that an article published on the left-wing website Medium was “great.”

The article stated that there is “no bipartisan way forward” and that the U.S. is engaged in an ideological civil war that is a “fundamental conflict between two worldviews that must be resolved in short order.”

The solution?  Destroy conservative opposition wherever it stands using California as the model to follow.

Twitter’s CEO thinks destroying conservatism is “great.”

Out of the abundance of his heart, he tweets.

“Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” Ephesians 6:4 (ESV)

The Barna Group released a study that showed Generation Z, children born between 1999 and 2015, is removed from religious identity more than any other generation before them.

The study showed the percentage of Generation Z teens who identify themselves as atheists is double that of the general adult population.

Sending children to be discipled in a system that excludes and denies the knowledge of God, we shouldn’t be surprised when they return atheists.

Education is discipleship.

“The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion.” Proverbs 28:1 (ESV)

China’s President struck a conciliatory tone when he promised to cut China’s import tariffs and ease restrictions on foreign ownership in its auto industry as President Trump has zeroed in on America’s trade imbalance with China.

It currently imposes a 25% tariff on imported cars plus an additional 10% “super-luxury” tariff on vehicles priced over $200,000.

Don’t look know but seems like President Xi has blinked in the face of President Trump’s tariff stance.

China will dance… if they have the right partner.

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” 2 Timothy 3:16 (ESV)

Christ followers must contend for the authority of Scripture in every generation.

Current societal challenges that are described as culture wars are really societal attacks on the authority and application of Scripture.

American Family Studios has created a documentary film project that will aid you in effectively conveying a reason for your unwavering trust in Jesus and unflinching confidence in His Word.

You need this in your life. Go to The God Who Speaks.org to get this resource.

You won’t be disappointed.

“But we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles.” 1 Corinthians 1:23 (ESV)

In clear demonstration of the increased hostility to the name of Jesus during an episode of ABC’s daytime talk show “The View,” the name of Jesus was muted as if it were an expletive.

The hosts were discussing a British study that showed many of the U.K.’s church attenders wanted to ignore 4 of the 10 commandments. I’m sure you can imagine which ones.

Spirituality is welcomed in modern times, even celebrated, but Jesus is the line of demarcation.

“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7 (ESV)

A Planned Parenthood created sex education program was supposed to start at nine Cumberland County, North Carolina middle schools… until the parents there stood against it.

The program included discussions on sexual preference, gender identity and the myths and facts about your sexuality.  Not to mention, it also included condom usage demonstrations.

But the North Carolina parents said, not on our watch.  One father said “this is not appropriate for 12 year olds.”

Thanks for the reminder, North Carolina. Schools do not own our children.

"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.” Matthew 5:15 (ESV)

The Cato Institute released a new poll that shows 71% of Americans believe that political correctness has silenced important discussions our society needs to have.

Democrats are unique, according the poll, in that 53% of Dems do not feel the need to self-censor.

73% of Republicans and 58% of Independents say they keep some political beliefs to themselves.

Of those who self-censor, do you think they refrain from sharing political views or biblical ones?

“And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” Esther 4:14 (ESV)

Former Vanderbilt University law professor and conservative powerhouse, Dr. Carol Swain has announced her run for mayor of the city of Nashville, TN.

Dr. Swain is seeking to fulfill the remaining term of disgraced former Nashville mayor, Megan Barry, who was forced to resign from that office as a part of a plea deal in a criminal case.

Dr. Swain said she is running for Mayor to offer Nashvillians a true conservative alternative and to change course from the city’s Regressive past.