Articles by David E. Smith
The Public Square: A Biblical View
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.
Now Is the Time To Act
By David E. Smith   |   10.15.20
In the book of Esther, we see God raising up a woman by the name of Esther to be queen.  At this time, one of the King’s officials, Haman, was planning to bring a genocide to the Jewish people, unknowingly...
Time to Fervently Seek God
By David E. Smith   |   09.17.20
King Jehoshaphat was the ruler of Judah for 25 years from 873 to 848 BC. He had his good and bad moments as a leader, but ultimately, his desire was to honor the Lord, despite his spiritual fumbles during his reign. According to 2 Chronicles 20, the Moabites, Ammonites, and Meunites gathered to attack Jehoshaphat and his kingdom.

How would he respond to these enemy forces coming against him?
Praying for God’s Intervention: 40 Days for Life
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.
Dr. Michael Brown: The Role of Christians in the Public Square
By David E. Smith   |   08.20.20
If you’ve ever wondered how you can (or why you must) be the salt of the earth and a light to the world, you will want to listen to Dr. Michael L. Brown’s presentation, The Role of Christians in the Public Square, from the 2020 IFI Worldview conference. Using biblical principles and real-life examples, Dr. Brown explains the purpose and imperative of living out our faith in the secular world and asks straightforward questions that cut right to the heart of what it means to be a believer and follower of Jesus.
The Holder of Our Tomorrow
By David E. Smith   |   08.12.20
This year has been a very, very interesting year. Some will say it has been a difficult year. Others will say that it’s been a frustrating year. But all would agree that it’s been an unforgettable year.  My last message to my Church before the “shutdown” was a prophetic one, without even knowing it.  It was one that God knew that I and our Church family needed to hear.
Important Webinars Regarding Homeschooling
By David E. Smith   |   08.08.20
Over the years, we have reported on the ever-increasing corruptive influences within public education. We’ve changed our message from a suggestion that Christians exercise educational choice to an urgent appeal to parents and grandparents to get them out of government...
Urge Gov. Pritzker to Let Kids Play
By David E. Smith   |   08.03.20
On July 29th, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced new COVID-19 restrictions on youth sports statewide for the upcoming school year. Starting August 15, only “low-risk” sports like tennis, baseball, cross country, swimming and golf will be allowed, but “medium” and...
Homeschooling: What in the World is Going On?
By David E. Smith   |   07.31.20
Christian parents, grandparents and church leaders must seriously consider other options for their students and make the move away from government schools. The prevalence of perversion, subversion, and indoctrination are becoming more prevalent, and in order to protect the hearts and minds of our children, it is wise to consider other education options.
Chicago Christian Activist Says “Get ’em Out!”
By David E. Smith   |   07.13.20
A recent broadcast on Chicago’s Morning Answer (AM 560 The Answer) featured Latasha Fields, well-known to IFI and IFA supporters as an ardent proponent of home education and parental rights. At the outset, Ms. Fields responds to Bryant Gumbel’s statement...
Voddie Baucham: Racial Reconciliation – Ephesians 2:10-11
By David E. Smith   |   06.23.20
In light of recent events that have led to racial unrest, protests (both peaceful and riotous), looting, and calls for sweeping societal changes, Dr. Voddie Baucham asks the question that every Christian today must consider and answer: “Is the Bible...
Organized Rioters Attack U.S. Cities Across the State and Nation
By David E. Smith   |   06.01.20
Overt, organized violent riots over the weekend escalated in such a way that the governors in twenty-three states thought it was necessary to activate the National Guard to augment local police efforts. In Illinois, these riots were not limited to downtown Chicago but spilled over into various city neighborhoods and suburbs like Arlington Heights, Richton Park, Calumet City, Tinley Park, Riverside...
Gov. Pritzker Backs Down Before The U.S. Supreme Court
By David E. Smith   |   05.28.20
Just hours after sending out an email to the IFI Prayer Team, we received word that Gov. J.B. Pritzker had lifted all restrictions on churches in the state. Peoria area attorney Brian Heller put the development more succinctly: We won, or more accurately, the Gov. retreated from the field of battle facing likely humiliation.
Prayers Needed: Upholding Faith, Hope and Liberty
By David E. Smith   |   05.28.20
Late last month we sent email alerts to churches and pastors to let them know that we were organizing lawsuits to challenge Gov. J.B. Pritzker‘s illegal “shelter-at home” Executive Orders, and invite them to join us in making a case...
President Trump Deems Churches “Essential”; Calls on Governors to Reopen Houses of Worship
By David E. Smith   |   05.23.20
During yesterday's White House press conference, President Donald J. Trump officially designated churches as “essential places that provide essential services.” President Trump’s remarks came the same day that Fox News reported that U.S. Department of Justice was intervening "in an Illinois case that has the potential to invalidate the state's stay-at-home order implemented by Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker..."
David E. Smith
Executive Director
David  E. Smith

Dave Smith is the executive director of Illinois Family Institute (501c3) and Illinois Family Action (501c4).

Follow Dave on X: @ProFamilyIL

David has almost 35 years of experience in public policy and grass-roots activism that includes countless interviews for numerous radio, television, cable programs and newspaper articles on topics such as the sanctity of life, natural marriage, broadcast decency, sex education, marijuana, gambling, abortion, homosexuality, tax policy, drug decriminalization and pornography.

He and his wife of 31 years are blessed with eight children, many of whom they homeschool. They believe their first God-given responsibility is to disciple their children—cultivating a love for God through faithful teaching and obedient living. Research consistently affirms that parents, ideally a mother and father, are the primary influencers in a child’s life. True discipleship involves sound doctrine, love for God and others, and a life lived in faithful obedience, all with the aim of raising healthy, productive individuals who honor God and love their neighbors.

Dave has also served as a precinct committeeman and served as an elder in his local church.

Follow David E. Smith
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