The Illinois Family Spotlight podcast will highlight a specific cultural or political issue of which our listeners should be aware. Our discussions will be informed by a biblical worldview that will help expose the lies and distortions promulgated within secular culture. We will be interviewing policy experts and scholars whose knowledge and insights will help listeners form a wiser worldview.
According to Dr. Michael L. Brown, whether you realize it or not, war is raging in our nation. This war is not with a flesh and blood opponent, but rather with what he terms the “spirit of Jezebel” – demonic forces that are at work in individuals today, just as those same spirits were at work in individuals in biblical times. In his address to attendees of IFI’s 2020 Worldview Conference, Dr. Brown holds fast to the authority of Scripture and encourages believers to suit up in the full armor of God to fight against the advances of our depraved, satanic foe.… Continue Reading
The effects of COVID-19 reach far beyond the realm of human health. In Spotlight this week Pastor Calvin Lindstrom and I consider Americans’ right of religious liberty vs. submission to governmental authorities, especially in light of restrictions on “non-essential,” in-person worship services and church gatherings. Should Christians be governed by Hebrews 10:25 or Romans 13 and what is a proper, biblical response to government overreach?
After the break the conversation turns to pending legislation, specifically SB 2762 which would require comprehensive sex ed starting in kindergarten (with NO parental opt-out) and SB 3788 which, among other things, deletesteaching honor and respect for monogamous, heterosexual marriage.… Continue Reading
| Benjamin D. Smith | April 21, 2020 4:21 AM | Comments Off on “The 2020 Question: Is the U.S. Government the Final Authority?” (Illinois Family Spotlight #195)
Former president Barack Obama just endorsed Joe Biden in a belated, windy, narcissistic, deceitful, and platitudinous 12-minute video that should be titled “Audacious Obama’s Ironic Endorsement of Befuddled Biden.” Amid his accolades for Bernie Sanders and his admission that Biden will govern even further to the left than he did, Audacious Obama said this…
Right to Life issues have been under attack for quite some time in our state, so it should come as no surprise that Illinois’ “progressive” legislators have their sights trained on yet another pro-life, pro-female protective measure. In a conversation at the SpeakOut Illinois conference in February, Mary Louise Hengesbaugh, director of Illinois Citizens for Ethics PAC, and Monte Larrick discuss the crucial benefits and protections afforded minors by the Parental Notice of Abortion Act.… Continue Reading
| Benjamin D. Smith | April 14, 2020 4:00 AM | Comments Off on “It’s Not That We Don’t Trust Girls, We Don’t Trust Predators” (Illinois Family Spotlight #194)
Yes, the outlook is decidedly bleak in Illinois when it comes to pro-life issues, but the Rev. Ceasar LeFlore declares that pro-life Illinoisans don’t have the option of silence. In accepting the Henry Hyde Life Leadership Award at the recent SpeakOut Illinois conference, Pastor LeFlore thanks the many men and women who encouraged and discipled him as he answered God’s call to the abortion ministry. Likewise, he encourages and challenges the conference attendees and us to stand up and speak out for the sanctity of the unborn.… Continue Reading
| Benjamin D. Smith | April 7, 2020 5:11 AM | Comments Off on A Genuine Life Leader: Ceasar LeFlore Accepts SpeakOut Illinois Award (Illinois Family Spotlight #193)
Rick Laib, a Sergeant with the Will County Sheriff’s Office and the Republican candidate for Illinois’ 11th congressional district seat, joins Monte Larrick for this very timely edition of Spotlight. Sgt. Laib relates the challenges of running for office when the most effective methods of campaigning have been eliminated due to the Coronavirus and he offers suggestions as to how citizens can best help first responders during this crisis. Monte and Sgt. Laib also discuss government spending in light of COVID-19, the responsibilities of government and individuals regarding future preparedness, and the tension between the government’s quarantine orders and the public’s constitutional right to religious freedom.… Continue Reading
| Benjamin D. Smith | March 31, 2020 5:00 AM | Comments Off on “How Can We Help Our First Responders in This Pandemic?” (Illinois Family Spotlight #192)
Carol Davis recently gave a presentation at a recent FreedomWorks “Women Win” event about social media. Davis talks about using social media to present an opposing viewpoint to the usual media narrative and ultimately, sway elections. Carol Davis is the leader of the Illinois Conservative Union and is very active in the Illinois political landscape.
Spotlight
"Social Media in Politics: 101" (Illinois Family Spotlight #191)
This special edition of Spotlight features a timely interview with Southern Illinois Republican Senator Paul Schimpf on NewsRadio WJPF in Herrin, Illinois. Senator Schimpf lends his opnion and insight into how Illinois is treating the Coronavirus pandemic, if they are going overboard, doing too little, or possibly adding unnecessary government programs in relief packages.
Our thanks to WJPF for letting us use this interview.
Spotlight
BONUS: How is Illinois Reacting to the COVID-19 Pandemic? (Illinois Family Spotlight Special)
| Benjamin D. Smith | March 19, 2020 5:44 PM | Comments Off on BONUS: How is Illinois Reacting to the COVID-19 Pandemic? (Illinois Family Spotlight Special)
At the recent SpeakOut Illinois conference, Monte Larrick had the opportunity to connect with Illinois State Senator Dan McConchie of the 26th district. To begin this edition of Spotlight, Sen. McConchie described his approach to his senatorial responsibilities and gave detailed advice to constituents who want to have productive interactions with their elected officials in Springfield. Monte and Sen. McConchie considered how efforts to repeal the Parental Notice of Abortion Act, mandate HPV vaccinations for ALL Illinois youth, and eliminate any religious exemption for immunizations are trampling on parental rights.… Continue Reading
Monte Larrick caught up with Peter Breen, the Vice President and Senior Counsel for the Thomas More Society, at the recent SpeakOut Illinois event in Oakbrook Terrace. They talked about Breen’s candidacy for the 48th House district, his work on the fair maps petition, and the threats to families in Illinois–taking the form of the erasure of parental notice of abortion, the trampling of parental rights with the mandatory HPV vaccine, and the elimination of informed and religious objection to vaccines generally.… Continue Reading
| Benjamin D. Smith | 
April 28, 2020 4:39 AM | 
Comments Off on “Jezebel’s War With You” (Illinois Family Spotlight #196) 
