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)
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)
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)
Latasha Fields, founder and director of CHESS – Christian Home Educators Support System, joins IFI executive director David Smith on this edition of Spotlight. In the first half of the podcast, David and Latasha discuss egregious legislation pending in the Illinois General Assembly that aims to eviscerate parental rights and eliminate religious liberty.
State Representative Robyn Gabel (D-Evanston) recently introduced HB 4870 would mandate the HPV vaccination for ALL Illinois students at the 6th grade level.… Continue Reading
| Benjamin D. Smith | February 25, 2020 4:00 AM | Comments Off on “Parental Rights, Religious Liberty and American History” (Illinois Family Spotlight #187)
This spotlight features an interview with ILCAAAP’s Anita Bedell to discuss seemingly increased vice in Illinois, or maybe just more exposed government corruption. Anita Bedell talks with Monte Larrick about more casinos therefore more gambling, how to fight commercial marijuana, and their combination link to corruption in politics.
Spotlight
"Merry Christmas! Illinois Lawmakers Gift You More Drugs and Gambling" (Illinois Family Spotlight 176)
| Benjamin D. Smith | December 10, 2019 4:00 AM | Comments Off on “Merry Christmas! Illinois Lawmakers Gift You More Drugs and Gambling” (Illinois Family Spotlight 176)
This edition of Spotlight features a Townhall event where former state rep Jeanne Ives and current State Rep John Cabello recapped the 2019 spring legislative session with an eye for the “bi-partisan” budget, gas tax, a pay raise for legislators, and other mind numbingly stupid laws only Illinois could conceive.
Spotlight
"They Got Everything They Wanted and More" (Illinois Family Spotlight #153)
David Avignone, the Executive Director of Illinois Citizens for Ethics PAC joins Monte Larrick and David Smith to discuss Illinois’ ethical woes.
They discuss the link between ethical politics and the ethics of supporting abortion, the Chicago mayoral race, bubble zones, what ICE-PAC is up to, combating the tremendous amount of money spent by pro-abortion candidates, and Illinois republicans collective lack of spine and leadership in taking on abortion.
This episode features a discussion on a divided humanity, and a divided Church. Dr. Eric Wallace from the Freedom’s Journal Institute joins Monte Larrick and David Smith to converse on the apparent stifling of black residents in Illinois, and two new FJI projects: Racism in America and the Role of the Church, and Repent Chicago.
They also touch on what the Bible says about racism, the origin of man, how faith affects politics, and the history of addressing the problem of slavery.… Continue Reading
This podcast features a presentation by one of Illinois’ finest: Jeanne Ives. Current State Representative Ives gave a presentation in Rockford describing where Illinois stands after the 2018 midterms and what conservatives can do in the next few years to regain control. In the second half, Jeanne fields questions from the audience.
Spotlight
"State of the State" (Illinois Family Spotlight #122)
| 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) 
