Articles by David E. Smith
A Prayer Request and An Appeal for #GivingTuesday
By David E. Smith   |   12.03.24
On this #GivingTuesday, we not only want to invite you to make a donation to our efforts in the fight for faith, family, and freedom in the Land of Lincoln - but we also have an important prayer request regarding a SCOTUS case that will be heard tomorrow in Washington D.C.
Note of Gratitude
By David E. Smith   |   11.27.24
This is a sincere and heartfelt thank you to everyone continues to pray for, support and encourages the IFI team. We try to respond personally to each individual who supports us, but we will never know this side of heaven who support us in prayer.
Biblical Manhood, Social Justice & Woke Ideology
By David E. Smith   |   11.22.24
Dr. Voddie Baucham is a husband, father to nine children, former pastor, church planter, and professor. He currently serves as Dean of the School of Divinity at African Christian University in Lusaka, Zambia. The video interview below is a fantastic and highly recommended episode of "The Sunday Special" from Ben Shapiro and The Daily Wire featuring Dr. Baucham.
A Growing Concern: Plummeting Birthrates
By David E. Smith   |   11.20.24
Low fertility is a growing topic of concern both in our nation and around the world. Newsweek published an article in early November reporting that “One in three Gen Zers and millennials do not have and do not want to have children…”
Dr. Wayne Grudem: The Moral Advantages of a Free-Market System
By David E. Smith   |   11.18.24
Many changes have occurred in the past four years, but Dr. Wayne Grudem’s remarks at the 2016 IFI Worldview Conference are as informative and valuable now as they were then.
Pray, Vote, Pray Some More!
By David E. Smith   |   11.02.24
As we draw closer to the General Election, most Christians recognize the many serious cultural and spiritual troubles facing our nation. But new elected officials will not solve the deep-seeded problems we are facing as a people. We are the salt of the earth, and we are called to pray without ceasing, recognizing that "we do not wrestle against flesh and blood."
Syphilis Cases Spike: Health or Worldview Crisis?
By David E. Smith   |   10.25.24
Officials at the Cook County Department of Public Health are sounding the alarm about the spike in syphilis cases, particularly congenital syphilis, in which this malady is passed to a preborn baby. Is the problem of sexually transmitted infections primarily a public health issue or a worldview issue?
Does Your Vote Matter?
By David E. Smith   |   10.22.24
Please don’t let political pundits and talking heads discourage you. Don’t be swayed by fake news narrative and campaign fearmongering. We do not want to be lulled into inactivity in this election. Your vote, our votes, absolutely matter!
Christian Nationalism: The Cross and The Flag
By David E. Smith   |   10.19.24
What is our relationship with government, and when do we cross the line and begin to promote politics rather than the Gospel? In this thought-provoking and timely forty-minute lecture delivered onsite in Nuremberg, Dr. Erwin Lutzer explores the stadium where Hitler’s rallies were held as well as the courtroom where Nazi war criminals were tried. He discusses topics such as citizenship, national borders, morality, and political polarization.
Christians, Voting and Rusty Swords
By David E. Smith   |   10.16.24
Thomas Jefferson was absolutely correct when he said: “We do not have government by the majority. We have government by the majority who participate.”
Database Exposes Hospitals That Provide ‘Gender-Affirming Care’
By David E. Smith   |   10.15.24
A newly-created database called the Stop the Harm Database shows that 225 hospitals around the United States offer so-called “gender-affirming care” to minor children. Sadly, many of the hospitals listed in the database are right here in Illinois.
Our Christian Duty
By David E. Smith   |   10.07.24
In four weeks from now, Americans will know which candidates will direct the course of our state and nation for the next two to four years.  Unfortunately, too many Christians do not understand exactly what is at stake. It is hard to believe, considering everything that has been happening in our state and nation over the past four years.
A Call to Prayer for National Healing
By David E. Smith   |   09.16.24
As we look ahead to the 2024 General Election, there are many serious major cultural, political and spiritual issues facing our country. But a new President, a new Congress, and new local judges and legislators will not solve the deep-seeded problems we are facing as a people. We are in desperate need for God's healing hand. Scripture calls us to humbly seek Him in prayer as we repent for our state/national sins, and beseech His mercy.
Will You Ask Your Church to Pray?
By David E. Smith   |   09.16.24
Over the past several months, IFI Team members have been contacting churches across Illinois to encourage them to host a prayer gathering based on God’s conditional promise in 2 Chronicles 7:14... We are calling our brothers and sisters to a penitential period of prayer this fall. We hope and pray that our pleas will resonate with church leaders and with the greater Body of Christ.
Where Do My Candidates Stand?
By David E. Smith   |   08.31.24
Election season can be stressful, since there are no perfect candidates. However, there are candidates that share your priorities of protecting the sanctity of human life, parental rights, and religious freedom. Do you want to know which candidates will fight for these values?
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.

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