As we reflect on 2021 and the various ways we were challenged, it is impossible not to be grateful for God's daily mercy and loving kindnesses that helped us get through the difficulties of life in this fallen world. At the same time, we have to wonder: Does praying for the state of Illinois accomplish anything? Why, even though there are many concerned Christians in prayer, is our state only progressing further down the path of rebellion and judgment? Does it matter?

Like nearly every other aspect of Scripture, the birth of Jesus, the Messiah, has been questioned by theologians and supposed scholars. One famous scholar, Raymond Brown, states that Luke’s information is dubious on almost every score. This means that God was not able to communicate the basic historical facts regarding the birth of the Son of God. Is this how we want to start the story of Jesus – as if we are just trying to make things up, like a Joe Biden press conference? We certainly can have confidence in God’s Word even when we cannot line everything up with “secular” histories or the opinions of men.

The thought struck me again recently that our nation really does not understand the religious implications of Thanksgiving. Why are many offended at the greeting Merry Christmas, but it is ok to say Happy Thanksgiving? Whom are we thanking?

Jack Phillips, the owner of Masterpiece Cakes in Lakewood, CO since 1993, recently published his incredible story entitled, The Cost of My Faith. Even though I was familiar with the basic details of his life and the nearly ten years of testing he has faced, I was deeply moved and encouraged by his testimony and his book.

Where are Christians suffering the most for their faith? Nigeria and China would be very good answers. In both countries, suffering for the sake of Christ is very real, although the suffering takes on different forms in each nation.

China, the largest country in the world in terms of population, is still dominated by a communist government that, since coming to power, has killed an estimated 60 million people (this estimate is likely on the low end). Numbers of this magnitude are almost impossible for us to grasp.

Was Noah a successful preacher?

According to 2 Peter 2:5, Noah was a preacher of righteousness. God, in His mercy and perfect judgment, saved only eight people from the cataclysm of the flood.

We are asking for your special prayer and action on one bill in particular, HB 2789, because of a hearing that is scheduled for Wednesday morning, May 26th.

This bill adds an amendment to an existing law which will grant Springfield sole authority to determine whether, when, and under what conditions public schools can return to in-person instruction in the event of a public health crisis. It takes away local control, and centralizes power in Springfield.

Does voting matter anymore? Does it really matter whether I contact my elected representatives? You probably have considered these questions many times. Paul Johnson, in his excellent book Modern Times, recounts the 1960 Presidential election where John F. Kennedy squeezed...

In early March 2021, IFI and other groups commissioned a poll of Illinois voters using the Tarrance Group. At the end of April, Personal PAC, a group that has no qualms about killing babies in the womb for any reason, also sponsored a poll using Public Policy Polling. For clarity and brevity, I have named these two polls the IFI poll and the PP poll.

“Ehud ben Levi! You better get going, the school bus-camel is about to come!”

“But, Mom, why do I have to keep going to the Philistine school?”

“Ehud, you know they have the best Spear and Sword team.”

“But Mom, they only teach us about Dagon, and that our God is nothing special.”

If you are a God-fearing, concerned Illinoisan, you likely have considered leaving the state or wondered what you can do about our corrupt state of affairs if you choose to or must stay.

The wicked legislation coming out of Springfield, the promotion of abortion, and the takeover of education can feel overwhelming. It is difficult trying both to keep up on all that is going on and figure out how to effect positive change.

According to a recent poll, only about 1 in 3 registered voters in Illinois attends church weekly or more than once a week. This translates to less than 1 in 3 residents and citizens of Illinois who hear the Word of God faithfully proclaimed and are part of the public worship of the only true God. When we are not hearing God’s Word, what is going to happen to a society?

In 2017, the state of Illinois surprisingly made a very good decision in establishing the Invest in Kids Act which allowed private citizens to make a contribution for private school scholarships and receive a tax credit for their donation. It is a carefully regulated process, but it works.