Articles by David E. Smith
By David E. Smith
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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...
By David E. Smith
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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...
By David E. Smith
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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.
By David E. Smith
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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...
By David E. Smith
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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..."
By David E. Smith
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05.18.20
Gov. J.B. Pritzker has filed an emergency rule to punish businesses that open to customers in defiance of his illegal lock-down orders. Violators could be charged with a Class A misdemeanor, which is a fine between $75 and $2,500. Additionally, this emergency rule extends the governor’s emergency authority from 30 days to 150 days.
By David E. Smith
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05.09.20
Obama judicial appointee Judge John Z. Lee of the Northern District of Illinois ruled against The Beloved Church last week as they filed a federal complaint challenging Governor J.B. Pritzker‘s emergency Executive Orders. The pastor and church, located in Lena,...
By David E. Smith
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04.29.20
Illinois law only grants the governor emergency authority for a period of 30 days, the extensions of Gov. Pritzker's "stay-at-home" order, which closes businesses and forbids church services and assemblies in excess of ten citizens, constitutes an overreach of executive authority. Thankfully, State Representative Darren Bailey (R-Louisville) took Gov. Pritzker to court over this very issue and won an important decision that may lead to a definitive strike-down of the governor's dangerous precedent.
By David E. Smith
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04.24.20
One of the featured speakers at IFI’s recent Worldview Conference was Dr. Michael L. Brown, professor, author, radio host, and apologist. Dr. Brown’s presentation, The Culture of Death: Abortion, Contraception, Euthanasia, Pornography, and Childlessness, cites the actions and characteristics of the Jezebels of the Old and New Testaments to draw a parallel with America’s depraved culture – a culture that proclaims as freedom that which is truly enslavement to sin and the devil.
By David E. Smith
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04.24.20
Most Christians believe in the power of prayer, but, unfortunately, many fail to utilize it as often as they should. And how can that be when God tells us that our prayers are powerful and effective? (The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. ~James 5:16)
By David E. Smith
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04.09.20
Today, as our world is gripped by uncertainty and fear, we could all benefit from some encouragement, hope, and laughter. The Rev. Dr. Erwin W. Lutzer masterfully delivers on all three counts. In his presentation “When the State Becomes God,”...
By David E. Smith
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04.02.20
In 2016, IFI was fortunate to have as our annual banquet keynote speaker former Congresswoman Michele Bachmann, a strong and consistent voice for pro-family values. A former candidate for POTUS, she not only distinguished herself by forming and chairing the Tea Party Caucus in 2010 in the U.S. House. In her speech, Mrs. Bachmann speaks on Christians' responsibility to defend truth in our country. Using the example of the Pilgrims, who came to found a new community on Christian principles, she argues for the good that Christians can do in a society to preserve its culture and uphold truth.
By David E. Smith
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04.01.20
In the midst of the COVID-19 craziness, it is alarming to recognize there are many who are willing to use our current health crisis for their own gain and/or agenda. As these snollygosters and media types grandstand, I cannot help...
By David E. Smith
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03.31.20
Islam is on the rise around the world, whether it be terrorist activity in the Middle East or the increasing number of followers here in United States. Though these trends open up many opportunities to share the Gospel, Christians also have reason for concern. We cannot ignore the fact that Christians are being targeted by radical jihadists. Additionally, some of the public policy changes that have been proposed endanger our civil liberties of speech and religious practice.
By David E. Smith
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03.19.20
When it comes to addressing complex issues of our day – homosexuality, trans-ideology, and abortion, just to name a few – most pastors choose to remain silent and “safe,” rather than boldly confront our culture with the Truth of Scripture....
