Articles by David E. Smith
By David E. Smith
|
12.29.20
Prior to the 2019 Illinois Family Institute Faith, Family, and Freedom Fall Banquet, Monte Larrick sat down with keynote speaker, the Rev. Franklin Graham to discuss what Americans can do to promote and protect faith, family, and freedom in our state and nation. Rev. Graham offers his position regarding the Church’s participation in the political process and its responsibility to confront today’s culture.
By David E. Smith
|
12.26.20
Do you remember the popular advertising slogan, “When E. F. Hutton talks, people listen”? While good financial advice can boost your net worth, solid theology, biblical scholarship, and consistent application of the Word of God are infinitely more profitable. With...
By David E. Smith
|
12.26.20
In his interview with Derek Buikema of Orland Park Christian Reformed Church, Dr. Allan Carlson discusses the current political climate as it relates to American Christianity and the family. Certain policies, for example, though promoted by the Republican party, are detrimental to the family.
![A Conversation with Rod Dreher [Full Interview]](https://illinoisfamily.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Convedrsation.png "A Conversation with Rod Dreher [Full Interview]")
By David E. Smith
|
12.26.20
Previously we have featured a series of video excerpts, but, as promised, we are now pleased to present the entirety of Pastor Derek Buikema’s recent interview with Rod Dreher, senior editor at the American Conservative and author of The Benedict...
By David E. Smith
|
12.22.20
Our world has changed dramatically this year, but foundational truths – the supremacy and authority of Almighty God, the sufficiency of the atoning sacrifice of His Son, and the sanctity of all human life – remains unchanged.
The inspiring message...
By David E. Smith
|
12.18.20
I am finally doing it: creating profiles on social media platforms that are friendlier to conservative points of view and that do not censor speech. Why? Like so many others, I have had enough of the interference, outright censorship, suppression of conservative views, and suspension of accounts. I am fed up with the unwelcome disclaimers by social media giants and partisan search engines that suggest my opinions and news posts are untrustworthy and/or dishonest. For these reasons, I have decided to say "goodbye" to liberal social media platforms.
By David E. Smith
|
12.10.20
The U.S. House passed a bill last week that would remove marijuana from the federal schedule of controlled substances and eliminate federal criminal penalties for anyone who manufactures, distributes, or possesses marijuana. This is the first time in our nation’s...
By David E. Smith
|
11.28.20
With the changes our nation* and world have experienced in the past four years, one might think that a video from the 2016 IFI Worldview Conference would be dated, but Dr. Wayne Grudem’s remarks are as pertinent now as ever.
By David E. Smith
|
11.26.20
Most Christians understand that we are to be a grateful people. This is attitude is especially easy to have on beautiful sunny days, when liberty abounds and the elections go our way, when we hit our stride at work, or when we are in good physical health. But even in times of challenge, sorrow and in the midst of trials, the Apostle Paul tells "be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be make known to God."
By David E. Smith
|
11.03.20
We know you have likely been reminded multiple times over the past several weeks of the importance of this election and your participation in our government "of the people, by the people and for the people." Thank you for your patience with these repetitive messages! Soon, the opportunity to vote in this election will be over. The messaging will stop. The decisions will have been made.
By David E. Smith
|
10.28.20
It’s undeniable. History shows a definite pattern of positive Christian influence on secular governments. The influence of Christians, both individuals and groups, has led to the abolition of slavery, polygamy, human sacrifice, and infanticide, as exemplified by the prohibition of abortion in the Roman Empire. Christian influence has led to a greater valuation of human rights, freedom of religion, and the concept of equality before the law. Even the acceptance of the right of an individual to own property is indebted to Christian influence.
By David E. Smith
|
10.24.20
If Christians do not speak publicly about moral and ethical issues facing a nation, where will our political leaders find moral guidance? Without Biblically informed Christian influence, government officials will have no clear moral compass. Think about all the issues that come up in our legislatures and/or government bureaucracies that are issues of moral right wrong.
By David E. Smith
|
10.12.20
For vital information about state and federal candidates, the IFI Voter Guide is the best source in the state of Illinois! Compare candidates’ positions on issues such as religious liberty, the sanctity of life, the Green New Deal, gasoline tax, Medicaid abortion coverage and more. The non-partisan IFI Voter Guide will help you learn more about the candidates on the November 3rd ballot and their positions on important issues that directly affect your family and the culture around us.
By David E. Smith
|
10.06.20
Scrolling through our social media feeds, it can feel like we are being constantly bombarded with contradictory and confusing information on various candidates and voting. That’s why it is important that you and your like-minded friends check out the 2020 Illinois Voter Guide. We’ve surveyed all the candidates and made their responses available to you!
By David E. Smith
|
09.07.20
Sometimes the smallest gesture can make a huge difference in a person’s life. A welcoming smile, a phone call or an encouraging note received at an opportune moment has the power to turn despair into hope. This fall, just one hour of prayer could make a life-changing, life-saving difference in not one, but two lives.
