Spotlight

Vote Jim Marter for 14th Congressional District (IFS Bonus Episode) Nov 01, 2024

Jim Marter is a Republican candidate for Congress in Illinois’ 14th Congressional District,and he believes our future is bright if we rein in big government, return to American freedoms and principles and send wise and knowledgeable, servant-leaders to Washington. In this special edition of Spotlight, Monte Larrick talks with James Marter about what his goals are when he gets in office

M arter For Congress

Illinois, Go Vote! (IFS #399) Oct 29, 2024

Monte Larrick and David Smith, executive director of the Illinois Family Institute, discuss why there are no rusty swords on the battle field of the public square, and how it is our duties as Christians to vote.… Continue Reading

Toxic Empathy, Christian Empathy & Voting: Allie Beth Stuckey (IFS #398) Oct 22, 2024

Today we’re featuring Allie Beth Sutckey’s keynote address at IFI’s 2024 faith, family and freedom banquet. Stuckey is a Christian, wife, mother, and hit podcast host of the show “Relatable.” In this keynote, she breaks down her catchphrase for us: politics matter because policies matter because people matter.

Watch IFI’s interview with Allie Beth Stuckey here.… Continue Reading

The Eclipse of God in America: Guest | Dr. Erwin Lutzer (IFS #397) Oct 15, 2024

Dr. Lutzer is the pastor emeritus of the Moody Church in Chicago, you can hear his lectures and teachings on Moody Radio. He is the author of nigh on countless highly acclaimed books, including The Church in Babylon, When a Nation Forgets God, and most recently, The Eclipse of God. In this episode, Monte Larrick asks Lutzer about his new book and what’s happening to Illinois.… Continue Reading

323,000 Children Missing? | Guest: Thomas Hampson (IFS #396) Oct 08, 2024

In this episode, Monte Larrick discusses with Thomas Hampson where the children who come to America’s borders are now, the illegal alien predicament in our country, and more. Hamosn is the founder of the Freedom Alliance Foundation, and is a journalist for the Illinois Family Institute. To read his documentation about the missing children, click here.… Continue Reading

40 Days to Pray (IFS #395) Oct 01, 2024

In this episode, Monte Larrick interviews Catherine Walker, who works with 40 Days For Life. To sign up for a prayer shift, click here.… Continue Reading

Live Up to America’s God Given Freedoms | Guest: Anni Cyrus (IFS #394) Sep 24, 2024

“As Christians our freedoms are given to us by God, not man. So why are we so afraid of man taking them away? Where is our faith? It is our duty as Christians to speak the truth and deliver the truth. . .we need to look into the level of faith we have lost in order to gain the popularity of our society.” ~Anni Cyrus

Anni Cyrus fled from Iran as a teenager, and now as a legal American citizen, she advocates for God given freedoms, is a human rights activist, and speaks against the horrors of the Islamic religion she experienced as a child bride.… Continue Reading

Praying Outside of an Abortion Clinic is Terrorism? | Guest: David Shestokas (IFS #393) Sep 17, 2024

In this episode, Monte Larrick converses with David Shestokas about how pro-life activists in Illinois have been targeted by a candidate of the Cook County State’s Attorney position, about the general election coming up, and much more.

To purchase David Shestokas’ books, click here and here.… Continue Reading

Building The Right Worldview: Ken Ham (IFS #392) Sep 10, 2024

Ken Ham is the founder and CEO of Answers in Genesis and it’s two popular attractions: The Ark Encounter and The Creation Museum. He’s an author and the #1 expert on the topic of Biblical creation. Today we feature a lecture he presented at the 2024 ICHE convention where he discussed how to build the right worldview to understand the world correctly, and a phenomenon he calls the “Genesis 3 effect.”

Go Public Pro Life (IFS #392) Sep 03, 2024

We’re featuring remarks from the Go Public for Pro Life rally, organized by Vision 2020. It was held across the street from the Planned Parenthood mill in Aurora, Illinois. Julie Garofalo is the executive director of the women’s crisis pregnancy center called Waterleaf across the street from that very same Planned Parenthood, Matt Yonke of the Pro Life Action League. Veronica Janiszewski with Students for Life, and the event organizers all spoke on the importance of showing up and praying.… Continue Reading

Impacting Voters: Election Intergrity in Illinois (IFS #391) Aug 27, 2024

Carol Davis is with Illinois Conservative Union and is the head of the Illinois Election Intergrity Program.

She joins Monte to discuss the impact of mail-in ballots, the mess of our Illinois election system, how illegal immigrants are flooding our voter rolls, and voting strategies.… Continue Reading

Could New Illinois Be Just What Illinois Needs? (IFS #390) Aug 20, 2024

In this episode, Monte Larrick discusses a brilliant plan concocted by G.H. Merritt, founder of the project New Illinois… Continue Reading

A Call to Pray (IFS #389) Aug 13, 2024

We want to encourage churches to host a special prayer gathering on September 25th or 26th – an event dedicated to humbly seeking God in prayer for our state and nation. In the spirit of corporate repentance, acknowledging our offenses before God as a nation, it is wise to prayerfully appeal to God, asking Him to forgive our national sins and to heal our land. There’s nothing too big that He can’t correct. (Ephesians 3:20-21)

In this episode, Monte, Kathy Valente (IFI Director of Operations) and Dave call churches to join in prayer with them for our nation.… Continue Reading

Babylon & Christianity: Martyn Iles (IFS #388) Aug 06, 2024

This episode features remarks given by Martyn Iles at the 2024 ICHE convention. Iles is an attorney and the chief ministry officer at Answers in Genesis. He touches on Babylon – the place – Babylon – the metaphor – and how we as believers can live a Christ-empowered life in a culture that opposes God.… Continue Reading

A Better America: Larry Elder, Allen West & Others On Building Back Our Country (IFS #387) Aug 01, 2024

We’re highlighting a news conference held during the 2023 Black Conservative SUmmit in Tinley Park, IL. You’ll hear from Dr. Eric Wallace, Robert Woodsen, Ken Blackwell, Larry Eldar and Lt. Col. Allen West in this episode on how to build a better America.

To see these leaders in person, get tickets for the 2024 Black Conservative summit by clicking here.… Continue Reading

Doctor-Assisted Suicide From the Perspective of a Doctor (IFS #386) Jul 23, 2024

Today we’re placing the spotlight on Dr. Benjamin German and his professional take on Illinois’ efforts to legalize doctor-assisted suicide. Dr. German is a primary caregiver in the Lawndale Christian Health Center on Chicago’s West side, and also an Illinois Representative in the Academy of Medical Ethics, the biomedical arm of the Christian Medical & Dental Associations.

During a special forum hosted by the Illinois Family Institute at Belmont Bible Church in Downers Grove, Dr.… Continue Reading

Creation and Culture: A Conversation With Ken Ham (IFS #385) Jul 16, 2024

Ken Ham is the founder and CEO of Answers in Genesis and it’s two popular attractions: The Ark Encounter and The Creation Museum. He’s an author and the #1 expert on the topic of Biblical creation. He joins Monte Larrick for an interview at the 2024 Illinois Christian Home Educators conference.… Continue Reading

Love Thy Body: A Nancy Pearcy Presentation (IFS #384) Jul 09, 2024

We live in an age where public figures cannot say what a woman is, and by implication of course, that means they cannot say what a man is. ~Nancy Pearcy

We’re featuring Nancy Pearcy’s presentation regarding her bestselling, critically acclaimed book about gender dysphoria, titled “Love Thy Body.” Pearcy is professor and scholar in resident at Houston Christian University and gave this lecture at IFI’s 2024 annual Worldview Conference, held at the Village Church of Barrington.… Continue Reading

Freedom: How our Founders Viewed it (IFS #383) Jul 02, 2024

For this Independence Day week, we highlight a lecture expounding on how the founding fathers envisioned our country and how our freedoms should be used. Former state representative Peter Breen addresses what is occurring in our culture from the perspective of the executive Vice President and Head of Litigation for the Thomas More Society.… Continue Reading

“How Can You Mess with Success?” A Conversation about Homeschooling (IFS#382) Jun 25, 2024

In this episode, Monte Larrick conducts his annual interview with ICHE’s executive director: Kirk Smith. The two go over why it’s so important to prioritize home discipleship over academics, threats to homeschooling in Springfield, how to avoid problematic curriculim, and much more.

For more information, go to iche.org.… Continue Reading

Recovering Biblical Manhood (IFS #381) Jun 18, 2024

If you google the name Dr. Scott Lively, you will be harrunged by a multitude of centers and institutes calling him a fear mongerer and a homophobe. Well in this episode, we hear his true story. We’re featuring highlights from Dr. Scott Lively’s presentation during IFI’s 2024 “Recovering Manhood” worldview conference.… Continue Reading

Be Nehemiah: Discussing Fatherhood with Kent Evans (IFS #380) Jun 11, 2024

“Nobody has a time management problem; they have a prioritization problem.” ~Kent Evans

In this episode, David Smith and Rich Hartian continue their discussion with Kent Evans, co-founder of Manhood Journey.

Bring Your Hammer

Manhood Journey: A Conversation with Kent Evans (IFS #379) Jun 05, 2024

Kent Evans is the co-founder of Manhood Journey, a ministry that helps dads become disciple makers. After a 20 year career as a business leader, he embarked on biblical fatherhood ministry projects. He joins David Smith and Richard Hartian for a conversation on biblical fatherhood.… Continue Reading

Election 2024: What to Expect (IFS #378) May 21, 2024

In this episode, Monte Larrick interviews pastor Myles Holmes of Revive Church regarding what should Christians expect in the upcoming elections.… Continue Reading

What’s Happening In Springfield (IFS #377) May 15, 2024

In this episode, Monte Larrick travels to Springfield. IFI’s lobbyist, David Curtain, has some important legislative updates for us to hear.… Continue Reading

Why Manhood Matters (IFS #376) May 07, 2024

We are featuring remarks from pastor Myles Holmes of Revive church, located in Collinsville, IL. He addressed IFI’s worldview conference back in March on why manhood matters.… Continue Reading

The Toxic War on Masculinity (IFS #375) Apr 30, 2024

In this episode, we feature remarks given by Nancy Pearcy at IFI’s annual Worldview Conference. An author, professor and speaker, Nancy Pearcy has done extensive research on the war against manhood, and presented her findings in her book The Toxic War On Masculinity.… Continue Reading

A Double Whammy (IFS #374) Apr 23, 2024

In this edition of Spotlight, we feature remarks given by Tom Brejcha, a renowned legal expert from the Thomas More Society–and after the break, we highlight Self Evident’s Kenna Rose and her presentation given at our recent annual worldview conference.… Continue Reading

A Legislative Update (IFS #373) Apr 16, 2024

In this episode, IFI’s Monte Larrick gets lobbyist David Curtain’s perspective on the upcoming legislative sessions.… Continue Reading

When The FBI Comes Banging: A Conversation With Mark Houck (IFS #371) Apr 02, 2024

In this episode, Monte Larrick interviews Mark Houck, a pro-life activist who had his house raided by the FBI due to his values.… Continue Reading

A Pro-Life Update from Attorney Peter Breen (IFS #370) Mar 26, 2024

In this episode, Attorney Peter Breen from the Thomas More Society gives pro-life updates at the 2024 Speakout Illinois Conference.… Continue Reading

A Conversation with Scott Lively (IFS #369) Mar 19, 2024

In this edition of Spotlight, Monte Larrick converses with Scott Lively, author and founder of Biblical Worldview Resource Center.… Continue Reading

Putting A Smile On God’s Face: Encouragement From Englewood (IFS #369) Mar 12, 2024

In this episode, Monte Larrick learns about the ministry of City Life Center. Located in the heart of Chicago, this church runs a crisis pregnancy center and so much more inside their doors, blessing their community in ways that surely puts a smile on God’s face. Pastor of City Life, Charles Moodie, is the spokesperson.… Continue Reading

Assisted Suicide And Illinois (IFS #368) Mar 05, 2024

In this edition of Spotlight, we feature a presentation given by Alex Schadenberg of the Euthanasia Prevention Coalition, given last year at Speakout Illinois’ annual conference. There is still time to register for this year’s conference on March 16th! For more information, click here.… Continue Reading

Marriage & Generation Z (IFS #367) Feb 27, 2024

In this episode, David Smith & Richard Hartian have a fascinating conversation about how to talk to Generation Z about setting up a healthy and successful life with Scott Phelps, the founder of Abstinence & Marriage.

In April 2004, A&M Partnership was founded with a vision of providing training and support for educators around the country with the purpose of reaching every teenager in the country with the abstinence and marriage message. A&M Partnership is a leading provider of abstinence education certification trainings for educators having trained more than 4,000 educators nationwide.… Continue Reading

Christ & The Human Mind (IFS #366) Feb 20, 2024

Healthy worship . . . is perceiving God accurately, really knowing who God is, and then responding accordingly. ~ Dr. Benzio

In this episode, David & Monte talk with Dr. Karl Benzio, a Christian psychiatrist & co-founder of Honey Lake Clinic down in Greeneville, Florida. Dr. Benzio expounds on the power of worship and how it relates to your decision-making, the addiction crisis in our culture, and the approach Honey Lake Clinic takes to heal minds.… Continue Reading

A Conversation With Darren Bailey (IFS #364) Feb 07, 2024

Darren Bailey is running for Congress! The beloved former State Senator is fighting to let the voice of the people be heard in the halls of the U.S. House, and in this episode of Spotlight, IFA’s David Smith asks him what he would do to ensure a safe border and much more.

To find out how you can support Bailey’s campaign, go to baileyforillinois.com… Continue Reading

Encouragement from Joe Schiedler (IFS #363) Jan 30, 2024

“The time is out of joint. O cursed plight that ever I was born to set it right!” ~Hamlet

Joseph Schiedler has a legacy of 50 years of peaceful, pro-life activism. Schiedler and his wife, Anne, co-founded the Chicago based Pro-Life Action League. During an IFI forum on the pro-life movement back in 2021, Schiedler spoke on moments from his life and work that we would find encouraging and uplifting. Schiedler passed away in 2021 at the age of 91.… Continue Reading

Christians, Politics & A Springfield Update (IFS #362) Jan 23, 2024

Today’s episode highlights an IFI Forum for pastors & leaders, hosted by the Spirit of Liberty Church of God in Markham, IL. In the first half, you will hear from IFI’s David Smith on why Christians should be involved in politics and the 40 Days For Life Campaign. He also notes the unique opportunities the immigration crisis provides for Christ followers. In the second half of the podcast, IFI’s Springfield Lobbyist David Curtain provides a legislative update and what to expect during the upcoming General Assembly session.… Continue Reading

Hope In Chicago (IFS #361) Jan 16, 2024

Pastor Charles Moodie is building a Crisis Pregnancy Care Center right in the heart of Chicago. And today, we feature his story.

Moodie is the pastor of Chicago City Life Center church. His congregation is involved in several outreach ministries in Englewood community.… Continue Reading

Springfield Update (IFS #360) Jan 09, 2024

David Curtain is IFI’s Lobbyist in the Illinois General Assembly, and in this episode of Spotlight, Curtain breaks down what this session in Springfield could look like.… Continue Reading

Sanity As Insurrection (IFS #385) Jan 02, 2024

Happy New Year! This episode is a fantastic way to ring in 2024 as pastor Douglas Wilson stresses the importance of asking sane questions–ones that strike at the heart of the matter–when we engage in debate with our adversaries because “… deliberate and premeditated sanity is a challenge to the powers that be.”

You can watch this presentation by clicking here.… Continue Reading

The Story of Riley Gaines (IFS #384) Dec 26, 2023

In this episode, Miss Gaines presents her story to a Will County Republican banquet.… Continue Reading

SB 1909, Planned Parenthood’s Favorite Bill (IFS #383) Dec 12, 2023

Today’s episode features a two-for-one! In the first half, we have remarks given by former state representative Peter Breen at the Will County Republican Banquet. Breen is the executive vice president & head of litigation for the Chicago based Thomas More Society. Breen addressed the new law backed by Planned Parenthood: SB 1909 could potentially fine and litigate pro-life pregnancy care centers out of business.

In the second half of Spotlight, we have Q&A with Scott Klusendorf, President of the Life Training Institute.… Continue Reading

Awake Illinois! (IFS #382) Dec 05, 2023

Today, we highlight remarks given by Shannon Adcock, founder of the grassroots organization Awake Illinois. The lecture she presented was for the Foundations of Faith and Family Conference, hosted by the Spirit of Liberty Church in Markham, Illinois. Awake Illinois was founded in 2021 and works to expose the sexualization of children in our public schools.… Continue Reading

Banquet Bonus (IFS #381) Nov 28, 2023

In this episode, we feature IFI executive director David Smith giving his remarks at the annual Fall banquet earlier this November. After the break, our keynote, Eric Metaxas, answers questions posed by prominent pastors in Illinois.… Continue Reading

Eric Metaxas: Letter to The American Church (Illinois Family Spotlight #380) Nov 21, 2023

Eric Metaxas sits down with IFI’s Monte Larrick to discuss America, Christ’s return and how we, as Christians, should live.

You can find more about Eric through here.… Continue Reading

The American Spiritual Conflict (Illinois Family Spotlight #379) Nov 14, 2023

This episode features a message from the Reverend Stephen Broden from the “Rebuilding the Foundations of Faith and Family conference, hosted by The Spirit of Liberty church located in Markham, IL.

Rev. Broden is the senior pastor of Fairpark Bible Fellowship, located in Texas. He is also the chairman of the Gone Too Far movement.

Policies that Impact Your Family (Illinois Family Spotlight #378) Nov 07, 2023

Today we’re featuring remarks made by former State Rep. Jeanne Ives. In addition to her service to the legislature, Ives is a WestPoint Graduate, a U.S. veteran, mother of five, and co-founder of Breakthrough Ideas. Her lecture regards the top 5 public policies that impact the American family.… Continue Reading

The Success Sequence (Illinois Family Spotlight #377) Oct 31, 2023

This episode features a lecture from IFI’s 2023 Pro Life Worldview Conference. Keynoter Scott Phelps is the executive director of Abstinence and Marriage Partnership and his presentation is on the 3 steps to a successful life which are as follows: complete a high-school education, get a stable job and marry before having children. If followed in the correct order, it’s almost impossible to end up in poverty.… Continue Reading

Fighting For Life In Your Community (Illinois Family Spotlight #376) Oct 24, 2023

16 years ago, Planned Parenthood opened a giant abortion facility in Aurora, IL. Life activists marked that anniversary this year with a prayer vigil outside of the building. One of the vigil speakers is pastor Randy Schoof, who leads the Warehouse Church in Aurora, challenged the attendees to continue praying and counseling on the sidewalks outside of the Aurora abortion mill. The next speaker is Eric Schiedler, executive director of the Pro-Life Action League.… Continue Reading

40 Days For Life 2023 (Illinois Family Spotlight #375) Oct 17, 2023

In this episode, Monte Larrick converses with Phil Price and Catharine Walker outside of the Aurora Planned Parenthood, where upwards of 400 surgical abortions are done every month. They discuss the huge impact 40 Days For Life campaigns have on women considering abortions.… Continue Reading

The Foundation of Science (Illinois Family Spotlight #374) Oct 10, 2023

In this episode, David and Monte wrap up their conversation with Dr. Mark Zumhagen.… Continue Reading

COVID Coming Back? (Illinois Family Spotlight #373) Oct 03, 2023

In this episode, Monte Larrick and David Smith convers with Dr. Mark Zumhagen of Fearfully and Wonderfully Made Practice.… Continue Reading

Equipped With The Pro Life Message (Illinois Family Spotlight #372) Sep 26, 2023

In this episode, David Smith and Monte Larrick converse with Evelyn Stenzel, who travels Illinois to equip Christians with the pro-life message.… Continue Reading

Pro-Life Christianity: Engaging Your Church & Community (Illinois Family Spotlight #371) Sep 19, 2023

Today’s episode is Scott Klusendorf’s second part of his lectures given at IFI’s 2023 worldview conference. Klusendorf is the founder of The Life Training Institute.… Continue Reading

The Case for Life on Hostile Turf (Illinois Family Spotlight #370) Sep 12, 2023

We’re highlighting remarks made by Scott Klusendorf at IFI’s 2023 annual Worldview Conference. Klusendorf is the founder and president of Life Training Institute, which equips pro life advocates to effectively defend their views in the public square. His topic for today’s episode is also timely, given the pro abortion public policies now in place in Illinois.… Continue Reading

Pastor Stephen Lee (Illinois Family Spotlight #369) Sep 05, 2023

If we fear God, we fear nothing else. If we don’t fear God, we fear everything, and everyone else. ~Pastor Stephen Lee

Pastor Lee is being charged with disrupting the 2020 Presidential election. People donate directly to the fund by going to IllinoisFamily.org/Contribute and designating their donation to the Pastor Lee Legal Defense Fund or by sending a check payable to Illinois Family Institute at P.O. Box 876, Tinley Park, IL 60477, with “Chaplain Lee” in the memo.… Continue Reading

Taking a Stand: Riley Gaines (Illinois Family Spotlight #368) Aug 29, 2023

In this edition of Spotlight, Monte Larrick converses with Riley Gaines. Gaines’ life was turned upside down when the NCAA allowed a biological male to compete on her team and utilize the women’s locker room. She was a member of the University of Kentucky’s NCAA swim team and the 2022 Southeastern Conference Women’s Swimming and Diving scholar of the year; now she’s speaking out for the protection of women’s sports for safety, privacy and American Values.… Continue Reading

Religious Liberty In America (Illinois Family Spotlight #367) Aug 22, 2023

In the first half of this episode, we are highlighting remarks made by Arielle Del Turco during a special forum IFI hosted on religious liberty. Del Turco is the director of religious liberty at the Family Research Council and the coauthor of said organization’s “Hostility Against Churches” report. The second half of this edition of Spotlight, we feature the q & a segment of Ambassador Sam Brownback’s lecture–if you missed Brownback’s remarks, click here.… Continue Reading

The Status of Religious Liberty (Illinois Family Spotlight #366) Aug 15, 2023

This episode highlights remarks made by the honorable Sam Brownback during an IFI Forum on religious liberty, which was held at Jubilee Bible church in Medinah IL.

Brownback served as governor of Kansas and represented the people of Kansas in the U.S. House & Senate during President Trump’s administration and served as U.S. Ambassador at large for International religious freedom. Brownback is currently the chairman for the National Committee for religious freedom, and in that capacity he has his finger on the pulse on the status of religious liberty around the world and here in America.… Continue Reading

Cancel Culture and Keeping Christ First (Illinois Family Spotlight #365) Aug 08, 2023

Thanks for making Illinois Family Spotlight part of your day! During this edition, we’re highlighting remarks made by Kevin Sorbo at Illinois Family Institute’s 2022 Faith, Family & Freedom banquet. Sorbo is best known as an actor, but he is also a staunch Christian conservative, author, filmmaker, producer and more. In his talk, Sorbo shares how cancel culture is a poison to our culture, and how he overcame a serious health crisis that redirected his focus to Christ.… Continue Reading

Education Freedom (Illinois Family Spotlight #364) Aug 01, 2023

This episode highlights remarks made by Sam Sorbo during the 2022 IFI banquet. In addition to acting, Sorbo is an author, filmmaker, radio host and a strong advocate for education freedom. Her book “They’re Your Kids: An Inspirational Journey from Self-Doubter to Home School Advocate” chronicles her family’s journey with homeschooling.

Sorbo speaks on education freedom through the lens of faith. Take a listen!… Continue Reading

Project 21 (Illinois Family Spotlight #363) Jul 25, 2023

Horace Cooper is a senior fellow with the National Center for Public Policy Research, chairman of the Project 21 National Advisory Board and a legal commentator. Cooper averages over 400 talk radio appearances per year, representing the National Center and Project 21, in addition to regular television appearances and interviews by the print media. Cooper also taught constitutional law at George Mason University in Virginia and was a senior counsel to U.S. House Majority Leader Dick Armey.… Continue Reading

A Conversation with Peter Breen (Illinois Family Spotlight #362) Jul 18, 2023

Former State Rep. Peter Breen joins Monte Larrick in this segment of Illinois Family Spotlight. He is the Executive Vice President of the Thomas More Society. The Thomas More Society is dedicated to restoring law for life, liberty, religious freedom, family and election integrity, and in this episode, Breen discusses the multiple cases the nonprofit law firm is taking on.… Continue Reading

Post Roe America (Illinois Family Spotlight #361) Jul 13, 2023

In this edition of Spotlight, Monte Larrick discusses Illinois and the abortion debate with Eric Schiedler.… Continue Reading

Celebrating American Independence (Illinois Family Spotlight #360) Jul 06, 2023

This Spotlight features attorney David Shestokas, former candidate for Attorney General and author of several books, including Creating the Declaration of Independence and Constitutional Soundbites.

Monte Larrick and David Shestokas address why it is so important to acknowledge our country’s freedom and how to peacefully defend our rights.… Continue Reading

The Consequences of Sexual Immorality (Illinois Family Spotlight #359) Jun 27, 2023

During this edition, we’re highlighting remarks from IFI’s 2023 annual Worldview Conference, which was hosted at Village Church of Barrington. This lecture was presented by Dr. Jonathan Diggs, who has practiced medicine for over 35 years, and in the following episode, he outlines the consequences of sexual immorality.… Continue Reading

Transgender Activists In White Coats (Illinois Family Spotlight #358) Jun 14, 2023

In this episode of Spotlight, we are featuring remarks from Dr. Michelle Cretella given at IFI’s 2019 Worldview Conference.

Dr. Cretella discusses the differences between true, biological science, which supports pro-life and pro-family propositions, and the anti-science cult of gender ideology, which is preached by mainstream medicine, psychiatry, public and private education systems, and social and mass media.

Dr. Cretella also addresses the serious implications of the transgender movement: erasure of parents’ rights, women’s rights, and religious freedom; establishment of gender identity as a protected class; as well as potential legal action that awaits anyone who persists in using “discriminatory” language, i.e.… Continue Reading

The Worldview of Our Age: A Conversation with Voddie Bacham (Illinois Family Spotlight #357) Jun 06, 2023

In this episode, Voddie Baucham discusses the importance of acknowledging that the devil is indeed prowling about like a roaring lion, seeking whom it may devour. Monte Larrick caught 20 minutes with evangelist Dr. Voddie Baucham back in March at the Black Conservative Summit. Throughout the episode, the two cover the blessing of good Christian education, the silence of the American church, how to reach the African American community and how to prepare for the 2024 elections.… Continue Reading

Overflowing With Hope: A Conversation With Kirk Smith (Illinois Family Spotlight #356) May 30, 2023

In this edition of Illinois Family Spotlight, Monte Larrick interviews Kirk Smith, executive director of the Illinois Christian Home Educators (ICHE). Over the weekend of May 20th, ICHE hosted their annual homeschool conference at Olivet Nazarene University where families were not only encouraged to educate their children academically, but educate them spiritually. When asked about the difference between public school and home school, Smith replied that children in government education are being taught anti-Christian morals.

“They are learning all these.

The Crisis of Crisis Pregnancy Centers (Illinois Family Spotlight #355) May 19, 2023

In this episode, Monte Larrick converses with Peter Breen, head of the Thomas More Society’s Legal Team in service of its Life, Family, and Religious Liberty missions. Breen is actively following the threat Illinois pregnancy care centers are facing, and discusses what exactly they’re facing with SB 1909

To find out more, listen to today’s episode!… Continue Reading

A Conversation with Allen West (Illinois Family Spotlight #354) May 02, 2023

In this episode, we’re talking with Lt. Col. Allen West at the 2023 Black Conservative Summit.… Continue Reading

A Conversation with Larry Elder (Illinois Family Spotlight #353) Apr 26, 2023

In this episode, Monte Larrick converses with Presidential Candidate Larry Elder at the 2023 Black Conservative Summit.… Continue Reading

Building the Kingdom in Chicago (Illinois Family Spotlight #352) Apr 20, 2023

Pastor Leflore and David Smith sit down with one of Chicago’s finest pastors in this episode. Pastor Charles Moodie is head of Chicago City Life Center, right in the middle of the Englewood neighborhood. His church is building a crisis pregnancy center, and you can find out more by going to their website.… Continue Reading

Protecting Pregnancy Centers (Illinois Family Spotlight #351) Apr 11, 2023

In this episode, we feature remarks from attorney Ann O’Connor with the National Institute for Family and Life Advocates (NIFLA). O’Connor recently presented this lecture at Speakout Illinois’ 2023 pro-life conference, and called attention to legislation that is targeting crisis pregnancy centers with the goal being to shut them down. O’Connor is the Vice President of legal affairs at NIFLA, and is a champion of 1st Amendment rights.

You can find more information about NIFLA by clicking here.… Continue Reading

Creation Science & The Christian II (Illinois Family Spotlight #350) Apr 04, 2023

This is the second segment in David Smith’s conversation with Eric Hovind and Helmut Welke. This conversation spans faux fossils, training your children to ask the right questions, and why a young earth perspective is crucial to a Biblical worldview.

When asked why the question of young earth/old earth is still being debated in American churches, Eric Hovind captured the problem in one sentence: “Pastors are taking a book that has never been proven wrong and compromising it with a theory that has never been proven right.”… Continue Reading

Creation Science and The Christian (Illinois Family Spotlight #349) Mar 30, 2023

In this episode of Spotlight, David Smith co-hosts with Self Evident’s Jenna Smith to converse with two spectacular guests about the importance of Scripture and the necessity of knowing Someone Who knows everything.

President and Founder of Pensacola-based organization, Creation Today, Eric’s passion to reach people with the life-changing message of the Gospel has driven him to speak in five foreign countries and all fifty states. He lives in Pensacola, Florida with his wife Tanya and three children and remains excited about the tremendous opportunity to lead an apologetics ministry in the war against evolution and humanism.… Continue Reading

A Conversation with Stephanie Trussell (Illinois Family Institute #348) Mar 21, 2023

This special episode of Spotlight has one of IFI’s favorite people: Stephanie Trussell!

Stephanie is a mom, grandmother, entrepreneur, board member for the Illinois Family Institute & Good Soil, Good Seed, and former candidate for Illinois Lieutenant Governor. Monte, David and Stephanie recap the November 8th election, the campaign trail that led up to it, and Stephanie regales mostly humorous anecdotes that occurred to her while traveling the state of Illinois.

One of the questions that comes up in this episode is how can Illinois Republican voter turnout improve.… Continue Reading

40 Days for Life (Illinois Family Spotlight #347) Mar 13, 2023

40 Days for Life is a vital part of the pro-life movement. The intercession they make to God on behalf of those stumbling to the slaughter, the silent witness to passersby, and the love they show by merely standing outside of an abortion clinic can make the difference of a mother in crisis pregnancy choosing life. What with our lawmakers turning Illinois into a sanctuary state for abortion and now taking steps to ban crisis pregnancy centers, prayer warriors are needed now more than ever before.… Continue Reading

The Conservative Summit in Illinois (Illinois Family Spotlight #346) Mar 07, 2023

“Every Republican who lives in Illinois who really want to see the strength of the party grow need to be at the Black Conservative Summit. . .” ~Bishop Ceasar Leflore

Dr. Eric Wallace is the leader of the Freedom Journal Institute and is hosting an event on the weekend of March 25th that you do not want to miss.

The Black Conservative Summit is occurring March 24-25 at the Tinley Park Convention Center. The reason it is the Black Conservative Summit is because the conservative movement must reach beyond its base to the African American community if it is ever to regain its former influence.… Continue Reading

They Don’t Want Women to Hear This (Illinois Family Spotlight #345) Feb 28, 2023

Earlier this month, Monte Larrick attended the Pro-Life Action League’s protest against Walgreens and CVS pharmacies contemplating the sale of abortifacients, and talked with Eric Scheidler about this potential product. Eric Scheidler is the executive director of the Pro-Life Action League, and believes this is a move on the part of the corporations to prove they’re woke.

“We know that American corporations are becoming more and more woke. . .acting at the behest of the Democratic party and the progressive movement.

Good Soil, Good Seed (Illinois Family Spotlight #344) Feb 22, 2023

In this episode of Spotlight, David & guest host Jenna converse with IFI partner Tom Burrows. Burrows is the field director of the Good Soil Good Seed Foundation (gsgsfoundation.com), and the three of them list reasons why you should ensure that your children and grandchildren are receiving a Biblical education.… Continue Reading

Illinois General Assembly Legislative Updates (Illinois Family Spotlight #343) Feb 14, 2023

In this edition of Spotlight, David E. Smith discusses the upcoming bills with IFI’s lobbyist David Curtain. In the second half, Jennifer Korte opines on school board scandals and Biden’s summary of the state of our nation.… Continue Reading

Library Boards & Conservative Candidates (Illinois Family Spotlight #342) Feb 07, 2023

In this episode of IFS, Monte Larrick converses with Anthony Catella, a candidate for the St. Charles library board. The two discuss theology, the military, and why t’s important to run for your local office.… Continue Reading

Assisted Death Coming to Illinois (Illinois Family Spotlight #341) Jan 31, 2023

Nancy Valko is a registered nurse, legal consultant and a spokesperson for the National Association of Pro-Life Nurses. Monte Larrick had the opportunity to speak with her at a Lake County Right To Life forum, where she keynoted and spoke on the dangers of saying nothing when it comes to medically assisted suicide.

“The problem is, if doctors themselves don’t take a position on the most important issue they have–the most important covenant they have with their patients, which is they will not kill them–what else is open?”

Born to Proclaim The Gospel (Illinois Family Spotlight #340) Jan 24, 2023

In this edition of Spotlight, IFI’s David Smith and Public School Exit’s Ceasar Leflore converse with the one and only Juan Elias-Riesco, former owner of the famous Nini’s Deli (which you can learn about through the documentary Paint the Wall Bla ck) and a blazing torch for the kingdom of Christ.

Elias-Riesco’s testimony of how he became a Christian is anything but boring. Growing up on the streets of Chicago, he quickly became hardened to shoplifting and spiraled into a sinful lifestyle that had him in prison and rejecting God’s design for sexuality.… Continue Reading

Addictions & the Illinois Legislature (Illinois Family Spotlight #339) Jan 17, 2023

Monte Larrick is joined by Shane Hartman, the executive director of the Illinois Church Action on Alcohol and Addiction Problems (ILCAAAP). Springfield has made slaves of so many Illinois citizens, through the legalization of recreational marijuana and betting on anything. ILCAAAP is working to combat the evil coming out of our legislature through educating Illinois youth about the dangers of drugs, gambling and liquor.

“The main thing is to let the kids know you care.” Hartman stated when asked what is the most persuasive argument to reach kids in our age of social media.… Continue Reading

Into the Lions’ Den (Illinois Family Spotlight #338) Jan 10, 2023

In this episode, David Curtain explains his job as IFI’s lobbyist in Springfield, the bills that are threatening to family values, and how we can be active in our state capitol from every part of the state.… Continue Reading

BONUS: Pressing Forward in 2023 Jan 05, 2023

I recently gave a short New Year exhortation at my church and since we captured the audio, I thought we could post it as a special addition for those who may be interested. In this short message (15 minutes), I emphasis Paul’s statement in vs 12-14 in which he confesses:

“Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.

Sanity as Insurrection (Illinois Family Spotlight #337) Jan 03, 2023

This is a throwback episode, where we present a lecture that is still relevant today as it was when it was given–if not more so. Pastor Douglas Wilson of Christ Church in Moscow, Idaho, spoke at IFI’s 2019 worldview conference regarding trans ideology and the Christian. You can watch this talk here.

Sanity as Insurrection is the title of the final session of the 2019 Illinois Family Institute Worldview Conference on the “trans” ideology. In this presentation, Pastor Doug Wilson stressed the importance of asking sane questions, ones that strike at the heart of the matter, when we engage in debate with our adversaries because “deliberate and premeditated sanity is a challenge to the powers that be.”… Continue Reading

Science Instead of God (Illinois Family Spotlight #336) Dec 27, 2022

In this segment of Spotlight, we’re highlighting remarks made at IFI’s Medical Freedom Forum held earlier this year at Jubilee Bible Church. Doctors Mark Zumhagen and Simon Gold pointed out the wrong occurring in their respective fields and answered questions from the audience.… Continue Reading

Capital Nativity & Hope (Illinois Family Spotlight #335) Dec 20, 2022

In this episode, Monte Larrick is at Illinois’ state capital, at the annual Christmas nativity reveal. Delbra Pratt speaks on the importance of the display in this dark corner of Illinois, and what it means.… Continue Reading

Waterleaf Women’s Center (Illinois Family Spotlight #334) Dec 13, 2022

Monte Larrick interviews Julie Garafalo, executive director of Waterleaf.

Waterleaf is slightly different than your average women’s center in that they provide professional and medical help. An especially important service Waterleaf offers is early pregnancy screenings. That screening includes a medical grade pregnancy test and ultrasound, which helps the patient determine whether she is truly pregnant, and if so, how far along and how healthy the baby is. This gives the mother the facts she needs to make a fully informed decision.… Continue Reading

Free Haven: A Forest School (Illinois Family Spotlight #333) Dec 06, 2022

“. . .fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.” ~Genesis 1:28

Rachel Mikottis is a homeschooled wonder of a woman who believes that nature is the best classroom in the world. She joins IFI’s David Smith and Self Evident’s Jenna Smith for a conversation about her forest school: Free Haven.

Rachel, in her words, was a free range homeschooler.… Continue Reading

The Religion of Wokism (Illinois Family Spotlight #332) Nov 29, 2022

In this edition of Spotlight, we feature a timely message from IFI’s 2022 Worldview Conference. “The Religion of Wokism” is a lecture given by Dr. Everett Piper.

The Radiance Foundation (Illinois Family Spotlight #331) Nov 22, 2022

In this Episode, we highlight remarks made by Ryan Bomberger, the founder of the Radiance Foundation.… Continue Reading

Advocating For Life (Illinois Family Spotlight #330) Nov 15, 2022

Monte Larrick interviews Eric Schiedler, executive director of the Pro-Life Action League regarding expanding abortion laws and what pro life activists can do.… Continue Reading

A Special Episode (Illinois Family Spotlight #329) Nov 08, 2022

In this edition of Spotlight, we have remarks from IFI’s David Smith at the 2021 Faith, Family and Freedom banquet. We Also have Dr. Lutzer’s Q&A segment from the same event.… Continue Reading

Murray for IL Senate (Illinois Family Spotlight #328) Nov 01, 2022

Kathleen Murray was born and raised in Lombard, and that has given her the perspective of the people Kathleen wishes to represent. She has lived and worked all over the US as well as internationally during her time in college. In 2001 she purchased her childhood family home, with the intent to raise her children in the same home and the same city she grew up in.

In this episode, Monte Larrick and Murray discuss what is facing Illinois, why she is running and why people should vote red come November 8th.… Continue Reading

David Sheppard for the 36th (Illinois Family Spotlight #327) Oct 25, 2022

David Smith and Self Evident’s Jenna Smith converse with police chief David Sheppard, who is running to represent the 36th district of Illinois.… Continue Reading

BONUS: Devore on the SAFE-T Act (Illinois Family Spotlight Bonus) Oct 20, 2022

Thomas Devore, candidate for Illinois Attorney General, spoke recently at the Crete Township Republican meeting on the dangers of the SAFE-T Act. During his presentation, he delivered a damning legal analysis of the Democrat’s SAFE-T Act (HB 3653) , which will fully go into effect on January 1, 2023. Most Democrats voted YES and every single Republican voted NO.

Devore warns that the ‘no-cash bail’ provision in the SAFE-T Act opens up Illinois courts to civil rights violations.… Continue Reading

Infrastructure, Indoctrination and Turning Illinois ‘Round (Illinois Family Spotlight #326) Oct 18, 2022

Today meet Scott Greene, Representative candidate for District 86. He’s mustered the strength to challenge Democratic incumbent Larry Walsh and bring some trucker sense to the Capital. Knowing that faith, family, and freedom are on the line, he will try his best to represent his district.

Greene wants to empower everyone by removing liberal policies that threaten life and livelihood. Cheap energy, strong infrastructure, security, and the importance of the family are of highest concern. Walsh, on the other hand, has openly supported government overreach, mandatory sex-ed in kindergarten, and wretched economic policies that do not benefit or represent the people.… Continue Reading

Frederick Walls for All, and All For Frederick! (Illinois Family Spotlight #325 Oct 11, 2022

In this episode, Pastor Ceasar Leflore (field director of Public School Exit) and David Smith interview Frederick Walls, candidate for the 34th district of Illinois.… Continue Reading

40 Days Now More Than Ever (Illinois Family Spotlight #324) Oct 04, 2022

This episode we have guests Ricki Giersch and Catherine Walker of 40 Days for life, along with a special guest from the WaterLeaf Women’s Center.… Continue Reading

Claim Your Vote (Illinois Family Spotlight #323) Sep 27, 2022

Monte Larrick asks Illinois Conservative Union champion Jan Shaw how to ensure that your vote counts on November 8th.… Continue Reading

Diane Harris for the 43rd (Illinois Family Spotlight #322) Sep 20, 2022

David Smith and Monte Larrick sit down with state Senate candidate Diane Harris. Harris is running for the 43rd district and you can find her at dianeharrisforstatesenate.com.… Continue Reading

Dr. Erwin Lutzer: We Will Not Bow (Illinois Family Spotlight #321) Sep 13, 2022

“Disturb us, Lord, when
With the abundance of things we possess
We have lost our thirst
For the waters of life;
Having fallen in love with life,
We have ceased to dream of eternity
And in our efforts to build a new earth,
We have allowed our vision
Of the new Heaven to dim.”
~excerpt of a prayer from Sir Francis Drake

Dr. Erwin Lutzer is Pastor Emeritus of the Moody Church in Chicago and was Illinois Family Institute’s keynote speaker at our 2021 annual banquet.… Continue Reading

Pat Bonk for Illinois House (Illinois Family Spotlight #320) Sep 06, 2022

In this episode we interview Patricia Bonk, Republican Candidate for 30th House District. Patricia Bonk uses her unique experience as an ER nurse and firefighter to address important issues like public safety, abortion, property taxes, school reform, child protection, voting integrity, and SB 1169.

Giving voters an option for reform, Patricia Bonk is challenging returning Democrat Will Davis. Hear how Davis supported several harmful bills and ignored voters; and is now being held accountable by Patricia Bonk!… Continue Reading

Rescuing Our Children This School Year (Illinois Family Spotlight #319) Aug 24, 2022

Thanks for making Illinois Family Spotlight part of your day. Government school students are exposed to x-rated sex ed, hate America history, and godless, leftist ideology. And to top it off, a lot of these taxpayer funded schools are graduating kids who lack math, science and reading skills–even in high income districts.

IFI believes there is a better way to educate our kids, and that’s why we’ve launched Rescuing our Children: a government school exit action plan.… Continue Reading

How You Can Stand Against Government Tyrants (Illinois Family Spotlight #318) Aug 16, 2022

Written by Lynn Bowman Tabb

“Information is power” and the Medical Freedom vs. Medical Tyranny Forum hosted by Illinois Family Institute was clearly an evening of empowerment! Attended by an estimated 500 people–young and old alike–the audience, rapt with attention, benefitted from the insights of Dr. Simone Gold*, MD,FD, founder of America’s Frontline Doctors (AFLDS).

In her presentation on May 17, 2022, Dr. Gold provided energy-packed insight around this idea penned by Thomas Jefferson to Charles Yancey, ironically on January 6, 1816:

“If a nation expects to be ignorant and free, in a state of civilization, it expects what never was and never will be.”

HSLDA and Illinois (Illinois Family Spotlight #317) Aug 09, 2022

Way back in June, the Illinois Christian Home Educators Conference occurred, and when Monte Larrick attends, you know the folks worth interviewing will be interviewed. This episode features one of said interviews.

As an HSLDA staff attorney, Dan Beasely assists individual homeschooling families and advocates for homeschool freedom in 13 states. He regularly corresponds with school officials, college admissions staff, legislators, and government agencies regarding the legality and effectiveness of homeschooling and represents families who face legal challenges to their right to homeschool.… Continue Reading

The “Family Planning” of Illinois (Illinois Family Spotlight #316) Aug 02, 2022

The state of Illinois has received 5.4 million from the Department of Health and Human Services that will assist and expand access to “family planning” services. Our Illinois legislature and Planned Parenthood join gov. Pritzker in hailing this advance in “beneficial” programs for our state. To respond, Monte Larrick asks Scott Phelps to weigh in on the matter, as well as other topics. Scott Phelps is the executive director of A&M Partnership, and works closely with IFA to bring common sense morality back to our schools.… Continue Reading

Stand Grounded In Christ (Illinois Family Spotlight #315) Jul 26, 2022

Welcome to our annual episode with Illinois Christian Home Educator’s executive director, Kirk Smith! Recorded during their yearly convention at Olivet Nazarene College, Monte Larrick asks Kirk about the core of home education, the vision for folks beginning this journey, and the role of the church throughout cultural and country turmoil.

learn more about homeschooling and about Kirk Smith at iche.org

(Illinois Family Spotlight #314) Jul 19, 2022

Leah McGhee Brooks has begun a micro school. And Monte and David interview her. To learn more about how to become involved, visit testame ntoflove.org… Continue Reading

National Day of Prayer Every Day (Illinois Family Spotlight #313) Jul 12, 2022

“Through prayer, we take responsible action. We repent and do things different.”

Monte Larrick asks Pastor Dan Haas what is prayer, the significance of it, and what Christians need to do in order to draw closer to God. Pastor Haas is the founder of A Future and A Hope Foundation.

A Future and A Hope Foundation was formed to bring change into hopeless situations. The mission of the Foundation is to empower the Church in urban communities to develop local solutions to the issues of violence reduction, assisting people with employment barriers to find and retain employment and poverty.… Continue Reading

Culture Proofing Your Kids (Illinois Family Spotlight #312) Jul 05, 2022

In this episode of Spotlight, Self Evident’s Jenna Smith interviews Will and Meeke Addison. This power couple hosts a a daily radio/podcast program focused on Marriage, Family and the Church titled “Airing the Addisons” on American Family Radio.

Will and Meeke were keynote speakers at this year’s Illinois Christian Home Educators conference, where they spoke on the vital importance of discipling your children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, and the opportunities homeschooling provides: “We see [homeschooling] as an opportunity to pour in our children and make them culture proof.”… Continue Reading

Roe No More (Illinois Family Spotlight #311) Jun 28, 2022

Monte Larrick interviews Eric Scheidler, President of the Pro-Life Action League about the overturning of Roe v Wade.… Continue Reading

Nagel for the 40th (Illinois Family Spotlight #310) Jun 21, 2022

“We need to stop being fearful of what the government can do to us, because at that point when we’re fearful of the government, that’s tyranny. The government needs to be fearful of the people…in the respect that we’re in control.”

Phil Nagel is running for the 40th district of Illinois Senate. An Air Force veteran, Nagel is running for his children, and to educate parents on how to take back the reins of we the people in Illinois.… Continue Reading

Wood for the Win (Illinois Family Spotlight #309) Jun 14, 2022

In this episode of Illinois Family Spotlight, David Smith and Monte Larrick meet with Pastor Phil Wood, who is running for the 8th Congressional District. Phil Wood believes he has heard the hearts of the people and recognizes the great and widespread pain among them, especially from the upcoming generation. “Much of what is happening,” according to Phil, “is due to poor choices summarily handed down from leadership in Washington.” Phil wants to be part of the needed wave of change.… Continue Reading

Kaspar for Congress (Illinois Family Spotlight #308) Jun 07, 2022

In this episode of Illinois Family Spotlight, Monte Larrick and David Smith interview Scott Kaspar, who is running for Congress in the 6th district. Kapsar addresses why he’s running, the foolishness of gun control, redisticting, spending and much more. Find out more about Scott Kaspar here, and find… Continue Reading

Rescue Your Children (Illinois Family Spotlight #306) May 24, 2022

Imagine this scene: an adult family member is watching your child while you run a quick errand. Upon returning home, you discover your house is on fire. Smoke is billowing, flames are dancing on the roof, and the face of your helpless child is pressed to the window of his second-floor bedroom. What do you do? I imagine most of us would unhesitatingly rush in to rescue our child. Rev. Ceasar LeFlore says this is the fate of public school students throughout our state and nation.… Continue Reading

Felicity Joy Solomon for Springfield! (Illinois Family Spotlight #305) May 17, 2022

Felicity Joy Solomon is not your run of the mill conservative. She sits down with IFI’s David Smith and Monte Larrick to discuss why she is running for Illinois Senate, and why you should support her. Find out more about her here.… Continue Reading

The Ripple Effect of Life (Illinois Family Spotlight #304) May 10, 2022

Ryan Bomberger has a rather unique perspective of the innate nature of Purpose. His biological mother was raped yet courageously gave him a chance to live and the beautiful gift of adoption. He was adopted at 6 weeks of age and grew up in a loving, multi-“racial” Christian family of 15. Bomberger and his wife are the founders of the Radiance Foundation.

He recently spoke at the Pro-Life Pro-Family Coalition Conference in Orland Park, and this episode of Spotlight features his remarks regarding his story, pregnancy care centers, and much more.… Continue Reading

BONUS: A Prayer for Illinois May 06, 2022

Today is national day of prayer. In 1 Timothy, the apostle Paul says that “supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings (should) be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior,who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.”… Continue Reading

The Lecture of the Four by Dr. Piper (Illinois Family Spotlight #303) May 03, 2022

“Falsehood is false, even if everyone believes it, and truth is true even if no one believes it. Truth is true and that’s just the end of it.” ~Os Guinness

During this edition of Spotlight, a timely message from Dr. Everett Piper about truth. Dr. Piper is a columnist for the Washington Times and is a Christian broadcaster. Dr. Piper talks about: the primacy of Jesus Christ, the priority of Scripture, the pursuit of truth and the practice of wisdom.… Continue Reading

Jed Davis for the 75th (Illinois Family Spotlight #302) Apr 26, 2022

David Smith and Monte Larrick discuss abortion, education and why there is a desperate need for actual leadership in Springfield with state candidate Jed Davis.

Your Family and God’s Plan for the World (Illinois Family Spotlight #301) Apr 19, 2022

Every parent, grandparent, aunt or uncle – anyone who loves and cares for the children in their family or sphere of influence – will want to listen to the second half of Dr. Rob Rienow’s presentation from IFI’s 2022 Worldview Conference! In his address entitled The Church, The Family, and The Kingdom of God, Dr. Rienow states that, while the church is doing a good job of investing in the next generation of Christ followers, the family is neglecting to hold up their end in their partnership with the church to reach the world.… Continue Reading

The Content of Character Series (Illinois Family Spotlight #300) Apr 12, 2022

Recorded at the National Religious Broadcasters convention, Pastor Stephan Broden of Fair Park Bible Fellowship Church spoke with IFI’s resident chaplain, Ceasar Leflore, upon a range of subjects affecting the body of Christ in this day and age. The two also discussed the importance of the gospel message, the devastation of abortion, and what is going on inside the church.

Pastor Broden is the executive director of Content of Character Series and ministers to the people in Dallas, Texas.… Continue Reading

Reclaiming the Sufficiency of Scripture (Illinois Family Spotlight #299) Apr 05, 2022

This edition of Spotlight we feature a empowering lecture from IFI’s recent worldview conference, from our good friend over at Visionary Family Ministries, Dr. Rob Reinow. Reinow begins his oration with an amusing anecdote of how awful the reality of the blind leading the blind really is, and how it seems that many churches today are doing just that with their congregations. The reason is because we’re slipping up on a essential part of our faith, which is not believing the Scriptures are enough.… Continue Reading

What a Faithful Church Body Looks Like: A Conversation with Rev. Mark Moore (Illinois Family Spotlight #298)) Mar 28, 2022

As a pastor, what can you do to keep the children of your congregation from being tainted by the humanism of government schools? Start your own K-12 school. Taking it one step further, what can you do to ward off the indoctrination of very young children before it ever has a chance to take root? Start an open enrollment preschool. Our guest this week on Spotlight, Rev. Mark Moore of Belmont Bible Church in Downers Grove, is in the process of realizing both of these goals.… Continue Reading

40 Days for Life–With Catherine Walker (Illinois Family Spotlight #297) Mar 22, 2022

“Never underestimate the power of prayer”

Monte Larrick interviews Catherine Walker in front of Aurora’s abortion mill. The two discuss the impact of being outside of a Planned Parenthood, silently witnessing to the clients and staff, the potency of sidewalk counseling, and the power of prayer.… Continue Reading

Anecdotes and Education with Dr. Everett Piper (Illinois Family Spotlight #296) Mar 15, 2022

In this portion of Spotlight, we are highlighting remarks from Dr. Everett Piper, a contributor to the Washington Times, author of Not A Daycare, former college president of Oklahoma Wesleyan University, and a frequent guest on Fox News. Dr. Piper brave… Continue Reading

Ruiz for Representative! (Illinois Family Spotlight #295) Mar 08, 2022

Monte Larrick and David Smith sit down with Dinora Ruiz, who is running for the 86th Representative District. In her own words, Ms. Ruiz states: “I am running for State Rep because I’ve seen the burden corrupt power-hungry politicians put on everyday Americans, because I am an everyday American. I’ve experienced the joys of growing up in Illinois and I want to preserve that for future generations.”… Continue Reading

Chris Butler for Congress! (Illinois Family Spotlight #293) Mar 01, 2022

Chris Butler is a pro-life Democrat running for Congress. He joins IFI’s David Smith, Monte Larrick, and resident chaplain Ceasar Leflore to lay out his plan for the 1st district of Illinois… Continue Reading

Young for the 1st District (Illinois Family Spotlight #292) Feb 22, 2022

Monte Larrick and David Smith have a wonderful conversation with political candidate Geno Young.… Continue Reading

Roe Vs. Wade, Repeal of Parental Notice, and 40 Days for Life (Illinois Family Spotlight #291) Feb 15, 2022

In this installment of Spotlight, IFI’s David Smith and Monte Larrick are joined by Amy Gherke, the executive director of Illinois Right to Life. The three converse about the timing of SCOTUS hearing the Missisipi Heartbeat law, the prospective spike in sex trafficking as a result of Parental Notice being repealed, and the impact you could have when participating in 40 Days for Life.… Continue Reading

Counterfeit Justice: The Truth about Critical Race Theory (Illinois Family Spotlight #290) Feb 09, 2022

In this edition of Spotlight, we’re highlighting Critical Race Theory. Angela Sailor (Vice President at the Heritage Foundation) outlined her opposition to the Marxist ideology movement during IFI’s 2021 Worldview Conference at Revive Church in Collinsville.… Continue Reading

Fetal Rights and the End of Roe (Illinois Family Spotlight #289) Feb 01, 2022

Could the 14th Amendment summon the end of Roe? Joining the IFI Spotlight this week is Dr. Steve Jacobs with the Illinois Right To Life. Dr. Jacobs is the program director for IRL and has graduated with a law degree from Northwestern University School of Law and PhD from the University of Chicago. IFI’s Monte Larrick and Jenna Smith ask Jacobs about his firm belief that Roe will be overturned in June, and the evidence backing him up.… Continue Reading

Romania and the Rights Removed (Illinois Family Spotlight #288) Jan 25, 2022

On this edition of Spotlight, we feature the inspiring story of Virginia Prodan. Growing up in the communist regime of Romanian dictator, Nicolae Ceaușescu, Virginia’s passionate pursuit of truth led her to law school and a career as an attorney. In her interview with Monte Larrick, she describes how God used an appointment with a client to open her eyes to the Truth of the Gospel and relates the amazing story of the encounter that prompted the title of her book, Saving My Assassin.… Continue Reading

Walking Out On Faith Illinois Family Spotlight #287) Jan 18, 2022

When you get both David Smith and Monte Larrick in for a podcast with a special guest, you know it’ll be one for the books. Brian Westbrook is the founder of Coalition for Life St. Louis, and in this edition of Spotlight, Westbrook shares about the wonderful pro-life wins in Missouri and what his organization is doing to help women in crisis pregnancy in Illinois.… Continue Reading

The Ultimate Guardrail For Your Daughters (Illinois Family Spotlight #286) Jan 11, 2022

To the great sorrow of pro-life, pro-family citizens of Illinois, on December 17, 2021, Governor Pritzker signed into law House Bill 370, thereby repealing the Parental Notice of Abortion Act and eliminating the right for parents to be made aware of a minor daughter’s pregnancy and impending abortion.

Joining me for an important Spotlight conversation are IFI contributors Kenna Rose and Alyssa. Please listen as we discuss the impact of the repeal of the Parental Notice of Abortion Act and the repercussions of HB 370, the disingenuously named Illinois Youth Health and Safety Act.… Continue Reading

A Conversation with Anita Bedell (Illinois Family Spotlight #285) Jan 04, 2022

In this edition of Spotlight, IFI’s Monte Larrick discusses the upcoming drug and gambling issues facing Illinois this year with Anita Bedell, executive director of Illinois Churches in Action. You can find more about the organization here.… Continue Reading

Two for One! (Illinois Family Spotlight #284) Dec 28, 2021

As the new year approaches, we close out 2021 with a nativity-focused edition of Spotlight. In our first segment, we feature the homily given by the Most Reverend Thomas John Paprocki, Bishop of the Springfield Diocese, at the blessing of the nativity scene displayed in the Capitol rotunda of the Illinois Statehouse. The nativity crèche is a public expression of Christian faith and is presented, through private funding, by the Springfield Nativity Scene Committee.

After the break, Monte Larrick is joined by Thomas Brejcha, founder, President and Chief Counsel of the Thomas More Society.… Continue Reading

100 Schools Coming Near You (Illinois Family Spotlight #283) Dec 21, 2021

IFI’s David Smith and Monte Larrick host Randy Blan, pastor of Families of Faith church and a man with a vision for Illinois. Pastor Blan sits down with David and Monte to discuss his plan to open as many Christian schools as possible in the state of Illinois. You can find their school at https://fofca.com/.… Continue Reading

Star Parker (Illinois Family Spotlight #282) Dec 14, 2021

On our podcast this week, Monte Larrick talks with Star Parker, one of the premier conservative Black leaders of our day. Ms. Parker is the founder and president of CURE (Center for Urban Renewal and Education), a policy institute based in Washington, D.C. For the past twenty-five years, she has prioritized the truth of God’s Word in an effort to heal urban areas, end government dependencies in our nation’s most distressed communities, and educate and empower pastors to help rebuild lives.… Continue Reading

Christ Help For Men (Illinois Family Spotlight #281) Dec 07, 2021

On this edition of Illinois Family Spotlight, David Smith welcomes Phillip Ward, the founder of Christ Help For Men, a disability ministry and support group for fathers (and other male family members) whose lives and families have been impacted by a disability. Both men share about their special needs children – Smith’s youngest son (almost two-years-old) has Down syndrome and Ward’s fourteen-year-old daughter has Angelman syndrome – and relate how their faith in God sustains them as they lead their families and handle the challenges that disability presents.… Continue Reading

Live Up To Freedom (Illinois Family Spotlight #280) Nov 30, 2021

Illinois Family Spotlight is pleased to welcome human rights activist, Anni Cyrus, to this week’s podcast. A former child bride who escaped a desperate and violent situation in Iran, Cyrus is now a U.S. citizen and an ardent advocate for freedom. She embraces the Constitution and believes that “We the People” must speak out and unite with like-minded individuals in order to preserve the practice of our God-given rights and freedoms.

In their conversation, Monte Larrick and Ms.… Continue Reading

A Thanksgiving Special (Illinois Family Spotlight #279) Nov 23, 2021

This Thanksgiving edition of Spotlight features an interview with Dr. Eddie Kornegay. Dr. Kornegay is with the Living Word Center and is the director of the R.I.S.E. prison and ex-offender ministry. Larrick and Kornegay discuss his life as a non-Christian, highly educated theologian to becoming a follower of Christ. They also discuss his ministry and the work he does in prisons.… Continue Reading

The Trojan Horse of CRT (Illinois Family Spotlight #278) Nov 22, 2021

This episode features a talk from IFI’s 2021 Worldview Conference. Stacy Washington is co-chair of the Project 21 National Advisory Board, and hosts the “Stacy on the Right” show on SiriusXM. She is a wife and mom of three, an Emmy-nominated TV personality and an Air Force veteran. She is also a former elected school board member. In this episode, Washington addresses the importance of educating one’s children in the nurture and admonition of the the Lord.… Continue Reading

Shestokas for AG! Pt. 2 (Illinois Family Spotlight#277) Nov 16, 2021

Welcome to part two of Monte Larrick’s conversation with David Shestokas, attorney and Republican candidate for Illinois Attorney General. In this Spotlight, the discussion turns to Governor Pritzker’s abuse of his emergency powers and executive orders – a deliberate overreach that has been enabled by the legislature’s abdication of their authority, as well as the failure of Kwame Raoul (the current Attorney General) to protect the public interests of the citizens of Illinois and to enforce the law set forth in the Illinois Emergency Management Agency Act.… Continue Reading

A Voice of Truth: Pastor Courtney Lewis (Illinois Family Spotlight #276) Nov 09, 2021

This week on Spotlight, Pastor Ceasar LeFlore, field director for IFI’s Public School Exit Initiative and resident chaplain, interviews Courtney Lewis, pastor of Cornerstone Baptist Church, located in the Woodlawn neighborhood of Chicago.

Pastor Lewis recounts the stand his church took against the pandemic shutdowns initiated by Mayor Lightfoot and he shares how the Lord called him to open Cornerstone Christian Academy to rescue his children and the children in his church from government-run schools.… Continue Reading

Shestokas for AG! (Illinois Family Institute #275) Nov 02, 2021

If you are interested in ensuring election integrity and eliminating voter fraud, you will certainly want to listen to this edition of Spotlight. Joining Monte Larrick on the podcast is David J. Shestokas, a former Cook County State’s Attorney and current Republican candidate for Illinois Attorney General. In his position as counsel for Illinois Conservative Union (ICU), Shestokas is uniquely qualified to address the federal lawsuit ICU has filed against the Illinois State Board of Elections, as well as discuss various violations of the National Voter Registration Act and problems with mail-in balloting.… Continue Reading

Parental Notice, Right of Conscience, and Maps (Illinois Family Spotlight #274) Oct 26, 2021

In this exclusive episode, Monte Larrick has a discussion with Illinois candidate for governor, Darren Bailey. Bailey gives an insider’s look at what the Illinois legislature is up to with three very important issues currently circulating in the state capitol: the Parental notice of abortion, the right of conscience act, and the redistricting of the maps.… Continue Reading

Saving Babies, A Conversation With Ann Scheidler (Illinois Family Spotlight #273) Oct 19, 2021

Freedom Initiative: We The People (Illinois Family Spotlight #272) Oct 12, 2021

In this exclusive edition of Spotlight, IFI’s David Smith converses with Nick Richmond, the founder and leader of Freedom Initiative. Freedom Initiative’s mission is to “amplify concerns, educate and instill fundamental values in our growing community of parents, business owners, medical professionals and more.” Learn more about how you can become involved in your own neighborhood by visiting freedominitiative.net.… Continue Reading

A Conversation With Stephen Black (Illinois Family Spotlight #271) Oct 05, 2021

Stephen Black is the Executive Director of First Stone Ministries, This interview was conducted at the National religious Broadcasters Convention in Dallas, Texas. First Stone’s mission is

“Leading people In the Body of Christ to freedom from homosexuality and sexual brokenness* through a relationship with Jesus Christ as Lord; to reach out to churches, schools, organizations, and the general public by providing education, biblical discipleship, support and AIDS ministry.”

Monte Larrick and Black discuss the dangers of the Equality Act and what it’ll do to education, higher learning, healthcare and anything connected to the government.… Continue Reading

A Conversation Outside of Planned Parenthood (Illinois Family Spotlight #270) Sep 28, 2021

Ever since the Texas heartbeat law has gone into effect, abortion cheerleaders have been mad. Scratch that, they have been furious. Actually that is a much too sedated term, let me try again: Leftists are as animated as a cat that has had its whiskers pulled, been dunked in a lake, then set before the jowls of a pack of eager Rottweilers. In the U.S. Capitol, these seething statesmen have introduced legislation that will, in their cruelly ironic words, “protect the reproductive rights of women.”… Continue Reading

40 Days For Life (Illinois Family Spotlight #269) Sep 21, 2021

The staff and boards of directors of IFI and IFA want to encourage Christians everywhere to prayerfully consider taking part in the peaceful campaign known as 40 Days for Life. It is an important pro-life effort to save lives and share truth. By partnering with 40 Days for Life we can live out Ephesians 6:13-18: “your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace…. Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit.”… Continue Reading

Visionary Family: A Conversation With Rob Reinow (Illinois Family Spotlight #268) Sep 14, 2021

This episode of Spotlight is a conference interview with Dr. Rob Reinow, founder of Visionary Family Ministries. IFI’s Monte Larrick and Dr. Reinow discuss the definition of a family dedicated to building the kingdom of Christ, prodigal children, the dangers of communism and the importance of Christians voting in every local, state, and national election.

To see more from Dr. Reinow, visit visionaryfam.com.… Continue Reading

The Brave New World of Sex Education (Illinois Family Spotlight #267) Sep 07, 2021

In regard to presenting students with the best alternative to the radical comprehensive sex education taught in government schools, Scott Phelps, Executive Director of Abstinence & Marriage Education Partnership states, “When we maintain a very clear and distinct message from all the noise that they’re hearing in the culture, the message really pops; it stands out and they’re able to hear it and see it very clearly.”

On this edition of Spotlight, Monte Larrick and Phelps compare government schools’ comprehensive sex ed that normalizes and encourages sexual activity and unhealthy behavior to Abstinence & Marriage Education Partnership’s reasoned and positive approach to sex ed that emphasizes the many benefits of abstinence until marriage.… Continue Reading

The Centrality of Family (Illinois Family Spotlight #266) Aug 31, 2021

This week, Spotlight features Monte Larrick’s exclusive interview with Dr. Eric Wallace, president and cofounder of Freedom’s Journal Institute and cofounder of Black Families Matter. Dr. Wallace speaks to the need for public policy that supports and strengthens families rather than current policy that aims to redefine “family” and severely restrict parental rights and responsibilities. Monte and Dr. Wallace consider a long-term solution to violence in Chicago, the importance of school choice, and the role of the Church and pastors in encouraging and discipling traditional families.… Continue Reading

Government Schools Were Designed To Fail (Pt. 2) (Illinois Family Spotlight #265) Aug 25, 2021

Welcome back to Spotlight for part two of excerpted remarks from Alex Newman’s presentation at the 2021 IFI Worldview Conference! This week Newman details the the history of America’s progression from home-based, faith-based education to government school indoctrination. He also discusses the failures of the Whole Word Method and Common Core, and explains why the current push for a global education system has very little to do with academic excellence or achievement. Supported by Scripture, Newman underscores why parents (and grandparents) are God’s “gold standard” when it comes to their children’s education.… Continue Reading

Government Schools Were Designed To Fail (Pt. 1) (Illinois Family Spotlight #264) Aug 18, 2021

As the school year begins for almost two million public school students in Illinois, this edition of Spotlight is both timely and eye-opening. This week we are featuring remarks from Alex Newman’s, keynote presentation at our 2021 Worldview Conference. Newman addresses government school curricula that prioritize social justice and LGBTQ+ issues, climate change “facts,” gender pseudoscience, and the promotion of pedophilia as more important than educating students in core academic subjects and fostering critical thinking skills.… Continue Reading

School House Rocked: The Movie (Illinois Family Spotlight #263) Aug 10, 2021

We have a very special edition of Spotlight this week, full of information and enthusiasm! While attending the 2021 National Religious Broadcasters Christian Media Convention, Pastor Ceasar LeFlore conducted an interview with Yvette Hampton, writer, producer, and host of the upcoming documentary, Schoolhouse Rocked: The Homeschool Revolution. LeFlore and Hampton discuss the importance of removing our children from government school indoctrination and how local churches can facilitate this vital change. Hampton stresses the biblical mandate for parents to embrace their role and responsibility to educate and discipline their children in accordance with the all-sufficient Word of God.… Continue Reading

A Day With the Baileys Pt. 2 (Illinois Family Spotlight #262) Aug 03, 2021

On this episode of Spotlight, Illinois Family Action presents the second half of Executive Director David Smith’s conversation with Illinois State Senator and gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey and his wife Cindy. Sen. Bailey gives us a glimpse into life on a large family farm and shares interesting information about the wealth of vital natural resources that can be found in the southern half of the state. Additionally, Bailey presents his vision and priorities for Illinois, should he be elected governor.After… Continue Reading

A Day With The Baileys (Illinois Family Spotlight #260) Jul 20, 2021

Written and Produced by Jenna Smith

This episode of Spotlight features two guests that Illinois Family staff is proud to call our friends and allies: State Senator and candidate for Illinois Governor Darren Bailey and his amazing wife Cindy. If you’ve been following Illinois politics, you have doubtless heard of Senator Bailey as he has been on the front lines challenging the legalities of COVID lockdowns and fighting against government schools’ sexualization of our children.… Continue Reading

The Equality Act, Valiant Valedictorians, and Religious Freedom (Illinois Family Spotlight #259) Jul 13, 2021

While attending the National Religious Broadcasters Convention near Dallas, Monte Larrick had the opportunity to speak with Kelly Shackelford, President and CEO of First Liberty Institute, the largest legal firm in the U.S. solely focused on protecting religious freedom for all Americans. Their conversation begins with a discussion of the dangers of the Equality Act, or as Newt Gingrich calls it “the LGBT Supremacy Act.” Mr. Shackelford explains how passage of this act would gut the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) by launching a far-reaching assault on religious freedom in all areas of society.

Bonus: A Fathers Desperate Appeal Jul 09, 2021

In this Father’s Day sermon, Dave reviews Matthew 9:18-26, specifically the story of Jairus and his sick daughter.

The faith of this father is recorded not only in Matthew chapter nine, but it is also found in Mark chapter five, and Luke chapter eight.

In verse 18, Matthew tells us that Jairus came to Jesus for help: “While He was saying these things to them, behold, a synagogue official came and bowed down before Him, and said, “My daughter has just died; but come and lay Your hand on her, and she will become alive again.””… Continue Reading

Classical Options And Hybrid Education (Illinois Family Spotlight #258) Jul 06, 2021

In this installment of Spotlight, David Smith is joined by Jennifer Burns, founder of the Classical Consortium Academy. The two converse about the benefits of a classical upbringing, involvement of parents, and the art of teaching children HIS-story, math, science, and all the other essentials, with a Godly foundation. They also discuss winsomeness and confronting ideas contrary to Scripture with love.

“We Should Not Be Ashamed of Our History” (Illinois Family Spotlight #257) Jun 29, 2021

On this edition of Spotlight, the Reverend C.L. Bryant urges Americans to “push back and stand up against the tyranny that is encroaching upon our civil liberties.” Speaking with Monte Larrick, he stresses that individual freedom and our right to self-governance are in jeopardy. Rev. Bryant recounts his experience growing up in Shreveport, LA in the midst of the civil rights movement and contrasts it with the message that proponents of Critical Race Theory are touting today.… Continue Reading

“It’s Not Education, It’s Perversion” (Illinois Family Spotlight #256) Jun 22, 2021

Kirk Smith, executive director of Illinois Christian Home Educators (ICHE), wonders what will be the straw that finally breaks the camel’s back – the backs of Christian parents, even the backs of moral, non-Christian parents – when it comes to deciding to leave the cesspool of government schools? Will it be the recently passed legislation that requires availability of feminine hygiene products in both female and male school restrooms or will it be the mandate to teach hardcore sex education to public school students as early as kindergarten?… Continue Reading

“Homeschooling, Anchors, and Salty Arrows” (Illinois Family Spotlight #255) Jun 15, 2021

Back for a last hurrah, this week’s podcast features the last installment of the “catastrophe cubed” interview. Featuring Kenna and Eliana Hartian and Jenna Smith, the offspring of IFA’s executive director David Smith and board member Richard Hartian, this treble of rollicking females conclude their guest appearance with a discussion about effective Christianity, the many benefits of homeschooling besides academics, the supremacy of the Word, and some public-home school comparisons.… Continue Reading

“Busting Myths, Homeschool Style” (Illinois Family Spotlight #254) Jun 08, 2021

Producer’s note: I apologize for not apprising listeners that last week’s podcast (#253) would be one segment and not two. This podcast will have the same format, likewise the third part next week. David Smith, Rich Hartian and their daughters recorded this series of podcasts all at one time, thus the questionable ending last week.

Any homeschooler who’s had any homeschooling experience at all has heard myths about homeschooling. These include the “unsocialized homeschooler,” the homeschooler that has no extra-curricular opportunities, or that poor homeschooler who won’t be able to go to college.… Continue Reading

“Proper Indoctrination” (Illinois Family Spotlight #253) Jun 01, 2021

Written by Benjamin Smith

If you are reading this, the chances are pretty good that you know a homeschool family or two–or may be homeschooled yourself. Christian homeschooling in Illinois is a thing mostly because Illinois is surprisingly a rather free state for parents to train their children at home.

In the IFA Spotlight this week to reflect on their homeschool experience are two home-high school graduates and one home-high school senior: Jenna Smith, a daughter of IFA Executive Director David Smith, and Kenna and Eliana Hartian, daughters of IFA board chairman Richard Hartian.… Continue Reading

“Demanding Transparency and Accountability” (Illinois Family Spotlight #252) May 25, 2021

Those who love the darkness don’t want to come into the light. They flee like so many cockroaches to the shadows. As the Scriptures say, men loved the darkness rather than light, for fear their deeds would be exposed. Newly minted Illinois state senator (and former state representative) Darren Bailey is not one of those swamp roaches. His career in Springfield has been in exposing the utter incompetence, or the rank sinful competence exhibited by Illinois government.… Continue Reading

“The Transing of Public Schools” (Illinois Family Spotlight #251) May 18, 2021

On this edition of Spotlight, Laurie Higgins joins Jim Schneider, host of VCY America’s CrossTalk program, for a lively discussion of the ubiquitous indoctrination agenda in our nation’s government schools. Laurie’s experience as an educator and, for the past thirteen years, IFI’s cultural affairs writer has given her valuable insight on the small, subtle, incremental steps that have led public schools away from focusing on academic instruction to prioritizing social and sexual indoctrination.

Laurie and Jim discuss trans-cultism and the “transing” of public schools; the distinction between sex, gender, and gender identity; and the heartbreak of “detransitioners.”… Continue Reading

“Critical Grace Reality” (Illinois Family Spotlight #250) May 11, 2021

Ever wonder why most secularists seem perpetually angry? Consider the possibility that they are trying to be justified by works–dry bones trying to walk around all by themselves. This phenomena is especially evident in Critical Race Theory (CRT), where people are either prompted to feel like they are the chosen “race,” or are told that they are inherently evil and can only be saved by keeping the “antiracist” law. There is no grace in CRT, only judgement and condemnation.… Continue Reading

“Defying Scriptural Hierarchies in Every Way Possible” (Illinois Family Spotlight #249) May 04, 2021

For better or worse, the Illinois General Assembly is back in session and a plethora of controversial, radical, and just plain ridiculous bills are scheduled for consideration. Monte Larrick and David Smith are joined by Jenna Smith, David’s oldest daughter, as they discuss the compelling reasons to retain the Parental Notice of Abortion Act. Jenna shares her perspective as an older teen and articulates the devastating mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual consequences that could impact young girls (17-years and younger) if parental notification is repealed.… Continue Reading

“We’ve Gone Gambling Crazy” (Illinois Family Spotlight #248) Apr 27, 2021

Gambling isn’t a niche issue. It may be low in a hierarchy of important issues, but this sin easily destroys lives, families and communities. Like all sin, gambling promises unprecedented reward in exchange nothing but ends up taking everything. Ken Darnell joins this episode of spotlight to discuss gambling–specifically, how it denies the sovereignty of God and is contrary to the Word of God. Monte, David and Ken start with hamartiology, including a loving rebuke of two podcast hosts who once thought a hair of gambling was okay.… Continue Reading

“Looking to Rebuild A Pro-Family Civilization” (Illinois Family Spotlight #247) Apr 20, 2021

America was founded on the principles of the Scriptures, which contain the prescription for the family unit. Joining Monte Larrick to discuss the absolute necessity of a strong biblical family (one man, one woman–in covenant till death–with many children) for healthy civilization is Dr. Allan C. Carlson, the founder of the World Congress of Families. Monte and Allan discuss the role the biblical family played in the foundation of America, and the problem of familial deterioration all over the world.… Continue Reading

BONUS: Get ’em Out of Government Schools! Apr 15, 2021

This past Saturday, Dave Smith was invited to join the Black & Right radio program on AM 560 The Answer. John Anthony and Rev. Ceasar LeFlore discuss the importance of getting children out of government indoctrination centers and the responsibilities of Christian parents and grandparents.

Government schools are not simply failing to educate students, they are corrupting them morally, spiritually, and, in some cases, harming them physically and mentally. Illinois lawmakers are making the situation worse by passing legislation to mandate LGBT history lessons, force “comprehensive” sex education on students as early as Pre-K, train teachers in Critical Race Theory and identity politics to filter down to the classrooms.… Continue Reading

“In the Name of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion” (Illinois Family Spotlight #246) Apr 13, 2021

It’s a fact – all laws discriminate. While discrimination based on ethnicity or skin color is never acceptable, discrimination based on behavior is appropriate. Speaking at IFI’s 2017 Worldview Conference, Dr. Frank Turek highlights the lies and hypocrisy surrounding the establishment of protected classes of individuals, public bathroom policies, and transgenderism.

The second half of this podcast features a lively Q&A session that covers immigration, open borders, refugees, diversity, the disinclination of the Church to address difficult issues, and more.… Continue Reading

“We’re Going To Lose A Lot of Lives, That’s for Sure” (Illinois Family Spotlight #245) Apr 06, 2021

Legislation has consequences. Good legislation can bring about beneficial improvements and protections, but unwise legislation can have harmful, devastating effects on the people who must abide by it. With that dichotomy in mind, this edition of Spotlight takes an in-depth look at the ramifications of repealing Illinois’ Parental Notice of Abortion Act by considering its impact on the unborn child, the underage mother-to-be and her parents, compassionate and helpful pregnancy center workers, and Planned Parenthood’s bottom line.… Continue Reading

“Talk About Counter-Productive: Gambling As A Revenue Source” (Illinois Family Spotlight #244) Mar 30, 2021

March Madness is in full swing. By this time next week, the NCAA will have crowned the national champion for the 2020-2021 college basketball season. Also, by this time next week, tens of thousands of people will have lost a staggering amount of money due to legalized, online sports betting in our and other states across the nation – and, if Illinois residents had legally been able to bet on college teams located within our state, the losses surely would have been substantially higher.… Continue Reading

“In Defense of Parental Notice of Abortion” (Illinois Family Spotlight #243) Mar 23, 2021

Parents for the Protection of Girls–a grassroots movement to uphold and defend parental notice–recently hosted an online forum in defense of Illinois’s parental notice of abortion act. This spotlight features that especially timely news session with:

Mary Hallan FioRito, a fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center. She served as a moderator for this forum.

John Jones, a worship pastor at the Christian Life Center in Blue Island, IL. He led off the forum in defense of the parental notification of abortion act.

“The Nature of Gambling: Sin” (Illinois Family Spotlight #242) Mar 16, 2021

Here’s a topic that appears to have been lost in the shuffle: gambling. But we are surrounded by a culture of gambling. Illinois recently approved a piece of gambling expansion legislation, which IFI and IFA fought against, but has now been encoded. On this episode of spotlight, IFA’s Dave Smith and Monte Larrick take a deep dive into the issues with gambling, and most importantly, what the Triune God has to say about gambling. Their guest is Mr.… Continue Reading

“It’s Time to Exit” (Illinois Family Spotlight #241) Mar 09, 2021

Written by Benjamin Smith

Just when Illinoisans thought things couldn’t get any worse, the Illinois State Legislature’s spring session sets out to prove us all wrong. On this week’s podcast, Monte Larrick and David Smith discuss several of the reprehensible, sin-enabling bills that are on the Democratic Party’s agenda for the 102nd General Assembly. Monte and David emphasize the urgent need for parents to remove their children from public schools ASAP, an action necessitated in part by the recently approved “Culturally Responsive Teaching and Leading Standards” amendment.… Continue Reading

“Too Far Gone” (Illinois Family Spotlight #240) Mar 02, 2021

According to Laurie Higgins, public schools in Illinois are too far gone – no Christian parent should subject their children to the indoctrination curricula that is being forced on our state’s K-12 students. Laurie was speaking as a featured guest of Janet Parshall on her radio program, In the Market with Janet Parshall, where they discussed the tsunami of radically liberal, pro-LGBTQ and anti-Christian laws and teaching “standards” that are inundating our tax payer-supported public school classrooms.… Continue Reading

BONUS: Let No One Deceive You by Any Means Feb 27, 2021

Recently, I gave the Sunday morning message at my church and since we captured the audio, I thought we could post it as a special addition for those who may be interested.

In this sermon, we examine 2 Thessalonians 2 and really dive into verse three in which Paul warns God’s people, “let no one deceive you by any means.” The ESV translates it as “let no one deceive you in any way.… Continue Reading

“The Religion of Us” (Illinois Family Spotlight #239) Feb 23, 2021

Successful plans are best built on a foundation of strategic thinking. When it comes to political involvement, Christian apologist Dr. Frank Turek states that Christians ought to focus their efforts on motivating and mobilizing the citizens who share their worldview on the most critical issues of the day. Speaking at the 2017 IFI Worldview Conference, Dr. Turek also poses and answers these key questions: what is the purpose of government; can morality be legislated; how can we counter self-defeating statements; and what’s at stake and what should we do?… Continue Reading

“National Religious Freedom Day” (Illinois Family Spotlight #238) Feb 16, 2021

“All we can do is pray.” How many times have you heard someone utter these words, often with a somewhat defeatist attitude? Our Spotlight guests this week want you to know that the first thing, the most important thing, Christians can do is pray!

Speaking at an online event hosted by the Illinois Prayer Caucus Network in celebration of National Religious Freedom Day, Randy Forbes and Peter Breen stress the preeminent priority of prayer, especially as the practice and proclamation of our faith increasingly comes under fire.… Continue Reading

“A New Generation of Marxists” (Illinois Family Spotlight #237) Feb 08, 2021

The Illinois State Board of Education has approved the proposed “Culturally Responsive Teaching and Leading Standards” amendment, and on February 16, JCAR (Illinois’ Joint Committee on Administrative Rules) will vote on its ratification. Dr. Eric Wallace joins Monte Larrick to explain why adopting these “standards” will shift the focus from teaching foundational academics and fostering critical thinking skills to promoting Critical Race Theory and “woke” perspectives that dismiss objective truth. Additionally, they discuss how Illinois parents and taxpayers can most effectively stand against the leftist agenda of student indoctrination.… Continue Reading

PODCAST: RINOs Will Blow Up the GOP Tent Feb 03, 2021

Two news stories broke this week about Washington D.C. RINOs, demonstrating again, why RINOs should not lead the GOP.

First up, there was the exposé of RINO co-founder of the anti-Trump Lincoln Project, John Weaver, who joined forces with Kellyanne Conway’s husband George Conway to help Joe Biden and Kamala Harris get elected.

read more… Continue Reading

“Comply, Conform, or Consequences” (Illinois Family Spotlight #236) Feb 02, 2021

The Democratic Party is firmly in control of both federal and Illinois government – now what do we do? Former Illinois state representative, Jeanne Ives, addresses that question in part two of our Spotlight conversation (listen to part one here). We discuss an alarming proposal by liberal, secular Democrats to “restore constitutional secularism and patriotic pluralism” and Jeanne details how we can and must fight against this assault on religious freedom. In light of voting irregularities in Illinois, we also talk about election fraud and changes to the voting process, and stress the need to educate the electorate on public policy and leftists’ efforts to weaken laws that protect life.… Continue Reading

“Passing The Buck: The Demand for Principled Lesser Magistrates” (Illinois Family Spotlight #235) Jan 26, 2021

Where do we go from here? Our state is currently suffocating under the weight of massive debt and failed Democratic policies. Yet, former state representative Jeanne Ives says there is hope for Illinois conservatives. She suggests the Republican Party focus on promoting truth, electing conservatives to local governing bodies and boards, and insisting on competency from candidates and government – some TLC, if you will. Jeanne also details the three big issues on which Republicans must stand in unity and gives insight on the compensation Illinois taxpayers pay our public “servants” (warning, you might need to monitor your blood pressure).… Continue Reading

“Pray and Work: A Tribute to A Christian Warrior” (Illinois Family Spotlight #234) Jan 19, 2021

A hero on the front lines of the abortion war has passed on. Joseph Scheidler, the founder and national director of the Pro-Life Action League, has died at the age of 93. Mr. Scheidler’s impact on the battle for the life of unborn generations is incalculable. Besides his personal influence on pastors and other leaders, Mr. Scheidler was a street warrior, a relentlessly active presence at hundreds of protests and demonstrations at Chicago area abortion mills.… Continue Reading

PODCAST: Democrats Leap Into the Abyss of Hypocrisy Jan 15, 2021

Just when you thought Leftists couldn’t be more cynical, hypocritical, dishonest, tyrannical, cruel, and nasty, they step up to prove you wrong. If Democrats, by whatever janky standards they’ve made up, think Republicans have gone “low,” Democrats dive headlong into the abyss.

read more… Continue Reading

“When Reason Isn’t the Reason” (Illinois Family Spotlight #233) Jan 12, 2021

What a time to be alive. Are you ready for it? More specifically, are you prepared to give an answer for the hope that is in you (1 Peter 3:15)? This podcast might be a good to reinforce your existing apologetic or to begin it. This edition of spotlight features one of the sessions from IFI’s 2017 Worldview Conference with Dr. Frank Turek, the president of Cross Examined. He gives a presentation on presuppositional apologetics and uncovers the real reason people will not accept the truth of Christianity.… Continue Reading

PODCAST: Who and What Caused the Capitol Assault Jan 07, 2021

Yesterday the growing schism in America opened wider when a mob—allegedly Trump supporters—from the mostly peaceful assembly of Americans critical of an election rife with “irregularities,” broke into the U.S. Capitol. As of this writing, some are asking whether the mobsters who broke windows and scaled walls at the Capitol may have been members of Antifa wearing MAGA hats in order to cause the explosion of rage at Trump that ensued and to stop Senators Ted Cruz and Josh Hawley from making their case regarding the unconstitutionality of the election processes in Pennsylvania and Georgia.… Continue Reading

“We’ve Been Here Before” (Illinois Family Spotlight #232) Jan 05, 2021

Dr. Allan Carlson, with the World Congress of Families, joins this first edition of spotlight in the new year. He talked with Monte Larrick about the state of the family in America, and across the globe. He posits, for example, that Russia is a more pro-family nation than America currently is; and that we can turn the perception of the family around and redirect it to God’s design. They also discuss the long term battle for the biblical family in America, conservatives and the republican party, and much more.… Continue Reading

BONUS: “But, Who Are You?” Jan 03, 2021

Written by David E. Smith

Recently, I gave a Sunday morning exhortation at my church and since we captured the audio, I thought we could post it as a special addition for those who may be interested.

In this 26 minute exhortation, we examine Acts 19 and Matthew 7.

In Acts 19, we find a demon posses man asking some Jewish exorcists, saying “I recognize Jesus, and I know of Paul, but who are you?”

Whoa!… Continue Reading

“Like Arrows In the Hand of a Warrior” (Illinois Family Spotlight #231) Dec 29, 2020

Written by Monte Larrick

Finally, 2020, the year many have proclaimed the Worst. Year. Ever, nears the finish line. Joining us for the last podcast of this extraordinary year is Ben Smith, the producer of Spotlight. Ben is a 20-year-old college sophomore, part-time employee of IFI and IFA, and the son of Executive Director, David Smith. Follow Ben on Twitter @realbs19.

Our “eclectic conversation” includes a discussion of Michael Madigan’s future in the Illinois House of Representatives, the perpetuation of racial division in America, the relevance of biblical authority, Ben’s online interactions with Marxist professors and peers at the University of Southern California, the fate of religious freedom in a Biden-Harris administration, indoctrination in government schools and government intrusion in homeschooling, election integrity, the pandemic, President Trump’s potential post-White House role in the Republican Party, and much more.… Continue Reading

“Fear Not: God is With Us” (Illinois Family Spotlight #230) Dec 22, 2020

It is the most wonderful time of the year. Though this year has been unique, remembering the events of the Incarnation of God as a Man is a foundational, mind-blowing truth for all Christians. This edition of spotlight features a 2018 interview with Tom Brejcha (from the Thomas More Society) about the importance of Christmas, the nativity scene that was displayed in the rotunda of the Illinois capitol building, and the important upcoming legislative issues in Congress and the Illinois legislature.… Continue Reading

“The Only Person the Pro-Life Movement Needs is Jesus Christ” (Illinois Family Spotlight #229) Dec 15, 2020

Ann Scheidler has a better grasp on the religious nature of the pro-life movement than most activists and supporters. Currently serving as vice president of Chicago-based Pro-Life Action League, Ann knows that embracing the gospel of Jesus Christ, Him crucified and resurrected, is the only way we will see an end to abortion. On this edition of Spotlight, she and Monte Larrick discuss the future of the Hyde Amendment and the significant challenges facing the pro-life movement, especially as the radically pro-abortion Biden-Harris administration prepares to take office.… Continue Reading

“Making the Christian Case Against Homosexuality” (Illinois Family Spotlight #228) Dec 08, 2020

Making the Christian case against homosexuality has always been a great challenge in our engagement with the world, going all the way back to Genesis and the account of Sodom and Gomorrah. The biblical opposition to homosexual practice is especially relevant in light of the new ruling by Circuit Judge Britt Grant of the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals regarding “reparative therapy,” whereby individuals with homosexual attractions willingly seek out pastoral or professional counseling to help them fight that specific sin.… Continue Reading

PODCAST: The Disastrous Co-Belligerence of Never-Trumpers and Leftists Dec 02, 2020

Never-Trumpers in a de facto alliance with leftist Trump-loathers of various stripes have apparently succeeded in their effort to elect a cognitively impaired man who claims to be Catholic while heartily endorsing a legal right to slaughter the unborn while making the public pay for their deaths. Never-Trumpers can now give themselves a hearty pat-on-the-back for an evil job well done.

Read more…… Continue Reading

“People, Please Do Not Vote Yourselves A Tax Increase” (Illinois Family Spotlight #221) Oct 20, 2020

If you want to get up to date on Illinois politics and the upcoming election, listen to this spotlight. This podcast came from a Zoom webinar featuring IFA endorsed candidates for U.S. House, Jim Oberweis, and Illinois Senate, Jeanette Ward, in addition to our usual cohosts, David Smith and Monte Larrick. They talked about a host of issues: from the handling of COVID-19 by Illinois and federal governments, to education choice, to abortion, to taxes and so on.… Continue Reading

PODCAST: Facebook Censors IFA Post and Illinois Politician Exploits It for Fundraising Oct 16, 2020

Written by Laurie Higgins

The Facebook Overlords are in overdrive—with a little help from their leftist friends.

Thursday morning, I awoke to a notification from the Facebook Overlords that they had removed a post from Illinois Family Action’s Facebook page that was posted way back on February 20, 2020. Shortly thereafter, I was alerted to a video made by a candidate running for the Illinois House in the 90^th District who was the subject of my post and who is using it to raise campaign money.… Continue Reading

PODCAST: Social and Bureaucratic Violence Against Children and Conservatives Oct 15, 2020

Written by Laurie Higgins

The meme featured above has been circulating on social media, passing as wisdom in the dystopian Upside Down in which “progressives” live and move and have their being. How is violence defined by those who are sharing this meme? Are they using it in the sense of bodily acts of violence or in the sense of “the abusive or unjust exercise of power”?

If the latter, was Amy Coney Barrett a victim of violence on the second day of the Senate confirmation hearings for her Supreme Court nomination?… Continue Reading

“Pushing for Generational Change” (Illinois Family Spotlight #220) Oct 13, 2020

Our election themed podcasts continue with Tom McCullagh, a GOP candidate for the Illinois 49th senate district and a candidate endorsed by Illinois Family Action. McCullagh is one of those highly qualified men running to represent his district against the radical regression Leftists are pushing on Illinois. He joins Monte Larrick and David Smith to discuss the 2020 election and how important it is to the future of neighborhoods, the nation, and all the spheres in between.… Continue Reading

PODCAST: The Illegitimate Biased Press Campaigns for Biden Oct 07, 2020

Written by Laurie Higgins

We face an election of monumental consequence with a president with communication challenges, a public that gets caught up in the minutiae of spun “narratives,” and a poisonous press that long ago abandoned the legitimizing tasks of the Fourth Estate to join the Fifth column. As the Fifth Column continues its relentless efforts at a soft coup of a duly elected president via character assassination and other assorted machinations, it seems some historical perspective is in order.… Continue Reading

“Only God Can Fix It” (Illinois Family Spotlight #219) Oct 06, 2020

In case you haven’t noticed, life is hectic right now, especially in politics. Nearly every person is spinning theories about repairing our political system or gloating over the president’s illness, or how one party is the unique savior of the republic. Reverend Franklin Graham disagrees and instead posits that only Christ and Him crucified can repair human lives, thus the culture, and thus human politics.

This episode is a re-air of the interview IFI’s media director, Monte Larrick, did with Reverend Graham directly before IFI’s fall fundraising banquet in 2019.… Continue Reading

PODCAST: “Trans” Cultism IS an Election Issue Oct 05, 2020

Written by Laurie Higgins

In 2018, in a video series titled “Conception,” and posted on YouTube, the New York Times profiled “Gabrielle” Darone, a man who pretends to be a woman and who, with his wife, has fathered two children. Two years after the New York Times’ sympathetic portrayal of Darone’s envy of his wife’s pregnancy and his claims that he is a much better parent now that he pretends to be a mother, Darone is about to be divorced.… Continue Reading

“Let’s Do 40 Days for Life: FAQs”(Illinois Family Spotlight #218) Sep 29, 2020

Ever wondered how you can get involved in the pro-life movement, how you can help save babies and their mothers? 40 Days for Life is your answer. Listen to this podcast for a primer on participating in one of the easiest forms of life activism out there. Monte Larrick interviewed Catherine Walker, the leader of the 40 Days for Life vigil in Aurora and post-abortive woman, to get insider information on joining a vigil and getting answers to frequently asked questions.… Continue Reading

PODCAST: Trump Nominates Amy Coney Barrett Over Howls of Rage from RBG Worshippers Sep 26, 2020

But, not even RBG’s waning strength or death can magically transform her fervent wish into political reality. Her dictated wish/statement is no more constitutionally or politically relevant than would be the dying wishes of any other Supreme Court Justice. America does not owe RBG the fulfillment of her fervent wish, and saying that is not disrespectful.

read more… Continue Reading

PODCAST: Trump Squeezing the Lifeblood Out of the Money-Suckers Using Taxpayer Money to Promote Critical Race Theory Sep 25, 2020

Written by Laurie Higgins

On June 29, 2020, Karen Attiah, the black, 34-year-old Global Opinions editor for Jeff Bezos’ liberal rag the Washington Post and Fulbright scholar who received her bachelor’s degree from Northwestern University and master’s degree from Columbia University, tweeted this:

The lies and tears of White women hath wrought:

-The 1921 Tulsa Massacre

-Murder of Emmet Till

-Exclusion of Black women from feminist movements

-53% of white women voting for Trump.… Continue Reading

“For Your Kids” (Illinois Family Spotlight #217) Sep 22, 2020

2020 is different in many ways, but a closely contested election is not of them. This podcast spotlights the Illinois races for U.S. Senate and U.S. Sixth Congressional District by hosting the respective GOP candidates, Mark Curran and Jeanne Ives. Monte and Dave host them by Zoom webinar to discuss a score of issues, especially those closely related to the upcoming election. All the issues and debates seem to boil down to the sort of moral world we leave to the next generation.… Continue Reading

PODCAST: Tim Keller Just Gave Christians Permission to Support the Party of Human Slaughter Sep 21, 2020

Written by Laurie Higgins

Just last week, Manhattan megachurch pastor Tim Keller, formerly known as a mega-leader in the evangelical Christian community, published a foolish, destructive Facebook post on “Christians and the freedom of conscience in politics,” in which he said,

The Bible binds my conscience to care for the poor, but it does not tell me the best practical way to do it. Any particular strategy (high taxes and government services vs low taxes and private charity) may be good and wise—and may even be somewhat inferred from other things the Bible teaches– but they are not directly commanded and therefore we cannot insist that all Christians, as a matter of conscience, follow one or the other.

PODCAST: SCOTUS Game Time Sep 19, 2020

Written by Laurie Higgins The left always plays hardball. The right rarely does. With the passing of Ruth Bader Ginsberg (RBG), it’s now game time for the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS). People are speculating–rightly in my view–that if President Trump nominates a replacement for RBG, then leftists (mostly violent rioters) will do what they do best. People are speculating too–rightly in my view–that if President Trump is re-elected, then leftists (mostly violent rioters) will do what they do best.… Continue Reading

PODCAST: The Democrat-Fomented Color Revolution Sep 19, 2020

Written by Laurie Higgins

Since the burning, looting, assaults, and statue-toppling began, every conservative, every right-of-center, and every left-of-center American has been asking themselves, “What the heck is happening?”

Sane people know America is not a racist country. They know that oppressed people all around the world long to come to America for the opportunity to be free of oppression. Sane people look around and see interracial families; racially and ethnically diverse neighborhoods, churches and social groups; and persons of color succeeding at the highest levels in government, academia, sports, the media, and the arts.… Continue Reading

“The Church is the Conscience of the State” (Illinois Family Spotlight #216) Sep 15, 2020

IFI squeezed our 2020 Worldview Conference in Febuary, right before the shutdown began. The conference was held in Barrington, IL and featured Dr. Robert A.J. Gagnon and Dr. Michael L. Brown. This episode of spotlight features Dr. Brown’s lecture from the conference, “The Christians Role in the Public Square”. Dr. Brown walks us through the reasons Christians should be involved in politics and why it is important.

Watch the video from the conference on our YT channel here.… Continue Reading

PODCAST: “Progressives”: Agents of Racism, Tyranny and Violence Sep 15, 2020

Written by Laurie Higgins

On Saturday night just before 7:00 p.m., a savage barbarian ran up to a patrol car parked in front of bus station in Compton, California and at point-blank range shot a 31-year-old and a 24-year-old deputy sheriff, one in the face and one in the head. The 31-year-old is the mother of a 6-year-old boy.

Another barbarian whooped it up, delighting in and celebrating the unprovoked, subhuman attack on the deputies in a must-see-to-believe video.… Continue Reading

PODCAST: RINO Pat Brady Endorses Sean Casten in the 6th Congressional District Sep 11, 2020

Written by Laurie Higgins

U.S. Representative Sean Casten who is running against the outstanding Jeanne Ives in the 6^th Congressional District just revealed how deceitful he is by releasing two new campaign ads featuring the ethically vacuous viper Pat Brady. Those who know Brady’s history will gripe that “viper” is too kind a term. I completely agree, but I try to avoid expletives.

Brady is the disgraced former Illinois Republican Party chairman who, before Illinois legalized same-sex “marriages,” skulked around Springfield, secretly trying to convince Republicans to vote in favor of the law that recognizes non-marital unions as marriages.… Continue Reading

PODCAST: A Woman to Stand Up to AOC: Jeanne Ives Sep 10, 2020

Written by Laurie Higgins

Illinoisans and all other Americans who have watched in dismay at the growing power of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC), her leftwing collaborators, and her fawning devotees who are rioting in the streets—also known as Harris/Biden voters—should be deeply invested in congressional races around the country. If we help the campaigns of good candidates and get to the polls, we have a chance to increase GOP representation in the U.S. House and retain GOP control of the U.S.… Continue Reading

PODCAST: What a Millennial Biden Voter Thinks About Race Sep 09, 2020

If you haven’t spoken to a Millennial Harris/Biden supporter, continue reading for a better understanding of the ignorance that “Critical Race Theory” results in, which in turn should make it clear how critically important it is for President Trump to be re-elected. Following Monday’s article about President Trump’s outstanding decision to prohibit federal agencies from funding CRT, I had a Facebook discussion with a Millennial who has swallowed the destructive ideology hook, line, and lethal sinker.… Continue Reading

“God’s Own Country” (Illinois Family Spotlight #215) Sep 08, 2020

This week on Spotlight, Monte Larrick and I are pleased to welcome Max Solomon, Republican candidate for State Representative for the 38^th District. Max was born in Nigeria and is now a proud U.S. citizen. He shares his motivation and desire to represent the people in his district, explains how his Christian faith and pro-life, pro-family conservative views and values will inform his public service, and identifies some of the issues he hopes to address if he is elected to the Illinois House of Representatives.… Continue Reading

PODCAST: Trump Ceases Federal Funding of Racist Critical Theory Propaganda Sep 07, 2020

Written by Laurie Higgins

Totalitarians and other assorted radicals in America and around the world are fervently hoping Joe Biden will be elected. Communists, Marxists, anarcho-communists, radical Islamists, “trans”-cultists, homosexual activists, feticidal feminists, climate doom-mongers, and Critical Theory racists are cheering attacks on private property, public peace, historical monuments, and American founding principles while spending their days until the election filling balloons with feces and urine to throw at police.

They’re hoping for a Kamala Harris/Biden victory so they can strengthen their iron grip on American institutions and brass-knuckled destruction of our foundational principles.… Continue Reading

Rally for Jesus Part II (Illinois Family Spotlight #214) Sep 01, 2020

If you’re in need of encouragement (and truly, who among us isn’t), this edition of Spotlight will speak to your soul as we feature more prayer and exhortation from the recent Rally for Jesus. Rev. Ron Citlau references 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 as a model for Christians to engage with the world and strengthen the Church.

After the break, Rev. Ceasar LeFlore encourages us to claim the peace that Jesus promises to His followers and he passionately asks us to consider how the righteous people of God should respond when the foundations of our nation – truth, righteousness, sanctity of life, and family – are being destroyed.… Continue Reading

PODCAST: Cancel Culture Snuffs Out Ideas Norms Structures and Lives Sep 01, 2020

“Cancel culture” emerged from the arrogant, ignorant 1960s when the parasites of Communism, the black power movement, the feminist movement, and the sexual revolution took root in their host, the Boomer generation, who went on to assume positions of power within government and the propaganda wing of government, academia, which passed on the ever-mutating parasites.

The father of lies deceived unbelievers into embracing Communism, which advanced covetousness and classism—i.e., bitter class warfare. He used the radical black power movement to advance racism, i.e.,… Continue Reading

PODCAST: Traitorous Mission of “Romney4Biden” Aug 31, 2020

Written by Laurie Higgins

Not surprisingly, quisling Mitt Romney has spawned a quisling movement. About 140 quislings and quislingettes have started an organization called Quislings4Biden Romney4Biden. They use deceitful language in an attempt to ennoble their defection to the dark side of the Biden campaign, which is operating fearfully from Biden’s darkened basement where the flickering light from his dimming mind slowly burns out.

In their mission statement, the quislings begin by blaming the deaths of Americans from the lethal virus whose escape from a Chinese Communist lab was concealed by the Chinese Communist government in cahoots with the World Health Organization so the Chinese Communists could scarf up PPE and ventilators before the rest of the world could get any.… Continue Reading

Rally for Jesus Part I (Illinois Family Spotlight #213) Aug 25, 2020

A few dozen Christians met to Rally for Jesus outside Calvary Church in Orland Park in mid-August. Many Christian leaders spoke and prayed during this rally, and this edition of spotlight is the first of a series of highlights from the event. Spotlight 213 features IFI and IFA Executive Director David E. Smith, and current 109th state representative and 55th state senate candidate Darren Bailey.

A big thank you to Calvary Church and Pastor Ron Citlau for hosting this rally.… Continue Reading

PODCAST: RINOs and Never-Trumpers Help Leftists Destroy America Aug 25, 2020

In the past year, we saw anarchists savagely beat innocent people in the street; take control of city blocks; incinerate police precincts; burn Bibles; attack churches; loot businesses; tear down federal monuments; deface public property; and parade naked in front of, hurl obscenities at, and even assault police officers. We saw….

read more… Continue Reading

PODCAST: The Obamas’ Shameless Humbuggery and Hubris Aug 21, 2020

Written by Laurie Higgins

At the Democratic National Convention on Monday night, perhaps the most popular living demagogue, Michelle Obama, a woman gifted at the art of deception, delivered a deceitful polemic with the theatrical skill of her best Hollywood pals. Then on Wednesday night, her oily husband, equally full of hubris and skilled at humbuggery repeated the same old, same old, becoming the first president in modern history with an ego so huge it impelled him to swagger onto the national stage with teeth bared and claws unsheathed, and armed with the audacity of revenge.… Continue Reading

“Black Families Matter, Part 2” (Illinois Family Spotlight #212) Aug 17, 2020

Spotlight revisits the recent Black Families Matter rally that was held in south suburban Flossmoor, right next door to the Planned Parenthood abortion center. Latasha Fields delivers a passionate, well-reasoned, and biblically based call for Christian parents to stop advocating for public education and instead take personal responsibility for their children’s instruction. She also addresses the destructive agenda and influence of groups such as Black Lives Matter at School and the New York Times 1619 Project’s K-12 Black History Curriculum in government schools – and their intent to undermine and dismantle the Black nuclear family.… Continue Reading

Black Families Matter, Part 1 (Illinois Family Spotlight #211) Aug 11, 2020

The Black Lives Matter movement is a shallow movement, one which has taken up a sledgehammer to address a complex problem in need of a more skillful approach. Speaking at a Black Families Matter rally held in Flossmoor (in front of Southland Smiles Dental and across from the new Planned Parenthood facility), Rev. Dr. Eric Wallace stressed that while black lives, white lives, all lives matter, what is foundational and truly vital to our nation right now are strong families parented by a mom and a dad.… Continue Reading

PODCAST: Democrats Use Pandemic and Riots to Unseat Trump Aug 11, 2020

Pre-pandemic, the economic policies of the Trump administration had the economy soaring, providing the black community with the lowest unemployment rate in history. Then the Chinese Communist government unleashed a horror on the world, which became the crisis for which Democrats longed and are exploiting. In their devilish quest to shepherd befuddled Biden gently into the Oval Office in January, Democrats are desperately trying to keep schools and businesses shut down no matter the cost in unnecessary human suffering.… Continue Reading

“Muscular Christianity” (Illinois Family Spotlight #210) Aug 04, 2020

As we dive into the last month of summer, David Smith and Monte Larrick welcome Jim Davids, attorney and chief counsel for the newly-formed Justice & Freedom Law Center, to this week’s Spotlight. Jim, David, and Monte explore the concept of “muscular Christianity” and a possible Christian “protest” response – Jesus’ Life Mattered. They also consider J.B. Pritzker’s executive orders that have limited religious liberty, recent legal cases involving religious discrimination and restriction of religious freedom, and concerns regarding how legal rulings that were made during the pandemic might affect a post-pandemic world.… Continue Reading

PODCAST: Sen. Hawley Launches Deserved Attack Against Roe v. Wade Jul 28, 2020

On Sunday, in an interview with the Washington Post, Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) took a dagger to the heart of Roe v. Wade like abortionists take a needle to the hearts of babies floating in their mothers’ wombs. Hawley made this statement about the infamous Supreme Court decision—a statement that has sent shock waves into the fetid, swampy “progressive” pond in which pro-feticide cheerleaders ferociously swim:

read more… Continue Reading

“An Answer to the Prayers of Illinoisans” (Illinois Family Spotlight #209) Jul 28, 2020

Even if you live outside of Illinois Senate District 25, this edition of Spotlight presents information every voter needs to know. Republican candidate for senator, Jeanette Ward, joins me and Monte Larrick to talk about her candidacy as well as some of the critical issues facing our state. Jeanette shares the biblical values and common-sense principles regarding freedom, faith, and family that will inform her service if she is elected.

During our discussion, Jeanette discusses the implications of the ongoing bribery scheme investigation involving ComEd and “Public Official A” (alleged to be Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan).… Continue Reading

“If Democrats Get In, Say Goodbye to America the Beautiful and Hello to America the Ugly” (Illinois Family Spotlight #208) Jul 21, 2020

The continued lockdowns–allegedly due to COVID-19–are not inhibiting pro-life activists like Joseph Scheidler from taking to the streets. The Face the Truth Tour consists of pro-lifers demonstrating in front of abortion clinics with graphic abortion photos to demonstrate the reality of abortion. Mr. Scheidler and Monte talked about how this tour got started, and why it is so effective and convicting. They also discussed the pro-life situation in Illinois and America, the hypocritical nature of the BLM activists, and election 2020.… Continue Reading

“Is LGBTQ Pressure Beginning to Crack the Evangelical House?” (Illinois Family Spotlight #207) Jul 14, 2020

LGBTQ pressure continues to mount in government, schools, workplaces and even in our churches. Dr. Robert Gagnon argues against policies of appeasement with sexual extremists at this year’s IFI worldview conference in Barrington.… Continue Reading

PODCAST: Bitter, Shortsighted Never-Trumpers Harming America Jul 14, 2020

Those who refuse to vote for President Trump because they find his tweets and temperament off-putting are small-minded, myopic, self-indulgent traitors to America. They are indulging their antipathy for Trump and their personal vindictiveness at the expense of America’s future.

There is a loathsome campaign afoot by Never-Trumpers/RINOs/Establishment Republicans (aka the D.C. swamp) to bequeath to the next generation a country of far more oppression, far less liberty, far greater educational indoctrination, a darker economic future, and more threats domestic and foreign.… Continue Reading

PODCAST: President Trump’s Mt. Rushmore Speech & the Left’s Unhinged Response Jul 08, 2020

The juvenile, unhinged, and dishonest responses to President Trump’s magnificent Mt. Rushmore speech on July 3, 2020 reveal exactly what patriots are up against. President Trump began his speech by reminding all who call America home of the reason for the existence of the monument at Mt. Rushmore, the reason why America is unique among nations, and the reason so many still want to call America home:…

read more… Continue Reading

“Killing More Babies During the Pandemic” (Illinois Family Spotlight #206) Jul 07, 2020

A new Planned Parenthood has opened in Waukegan; even in the midst of a pandemic the evil want to shed innocent blood. Monte Larrick joined a civil protest outside the new murder center recently and conducted a short interview with the Pro-Life Action League’s Executive Director Eric Scheidler. They discussed the need for a constant pro-life presence outside the clinic, possible legal challenges to the facility, and legislative action issues.… Continue Reading

PODCAST: Bad News for Dems The Nail in the Coffin of the Newest Environmental Scare Hoax Jul 03, 2020

This week is ending with some very good news for the Trump campaign and for every true-red Republican running for office. On the morning of July 2, National Review’s Jim Geraghty wrote,

Holy smokes, this news is so off-the-charts good, at first glance people might think it is a misprint: The U.S. economy added 4.8 million jobs in the month of June, and the unemployment rate dropped from 13.3 percent to 11.1 percent. We knew that as lockdowns lifted and businesses reopened their doors, employers would bring back laid-off workers.… Continue Reading

PODCAST: America the Beautiful, Going, Going, Gone, If Republicans Abandon Trump Jul 02, 2020

Those who have eyes to see not just trees but forests too, likely see the toppling of America right before their eyes. The blinkered eyes of the tree-lookers ignore the good President Trump has done and notice only the tangy appearance of the “bad Orange Man.” They can’t hear the prophetic calls of wise men like Victor Davis Hanson who warns that electing marionette Joe Biden will prove cataclysmic for the American Republic. They can’t hear the relatively few wise people remaining in America because leftists are shrieking at them through bullhorns. … Continue Reading

“Freedom Also Bears Responsibility” (Illinois Family Spotlight #205) Jun 30, 2020

On this edition of spotlight, multiple interviews are featured to discuss a range of related issues. The first guest is Kelly Shackelford, the president of First Liberty Institute, he discusses the court situation in America with Monte. The next is John Stonestreet to discuss the precarious state of abortion in America, especially Roe v. Wade.

The second half of this spotlight features Dr. Del Tackett and David Shestokas. Dr. Tackett talks about responding to our cultural storm and David Shestokas brings wisdom from America’s founding documents, especially as we exit a shutdown and celebrate the nation this weekend.… Continue Reading

PODCAST: Quisling Carly Fiorina Supports Biden for President Jun 26, 2020

Once and former presidential candidate Carly Fiorina just announced her intention to vote for Joe Biden. She accompanied her announcement with this amusing rationalization for her traitorous betrayal of Republican principles:…

read more… Continue Reading

“Demanding Acquiescence in ALL Areas of Life” (Illinois Family Spotlight #204) Jun 23, 2020

Peter Labarbera, the President of Americans for Truth and the Center for Morality, joins this episode to discuss the recent U. S. Supreme Court decision to rewrite the Civil Rights Act of 1964. After talking about the possible results of the drastic decision, Monte Larrick and Labarbera discussed the “Equality Act” and the 2020 election.… Continue Reading

PODCAST: The Democratic Agenda: Is this Really What Americans Want? Jun 17, 2020

Democrats label those who object to the Black Lives Matter organization and Critical Race Theory “racist.”

Democrats label as “racist” or Uncle Toms those who have different ideas from Democrats on how to address the problems that plague urban black communities.

Democrats label as ” racist” anyone who objects to police brutality and acts of racism by police but supports police departments.

Democrats fire people for…

Read more…… Continue Reading

“I Will Not Stand Idly By And Let Darkness Take Over Our Nation” (Illinois Family Spotlight #198) May 12, 2020

Give me your young, your old, your faithful masses yearning to worship freely. This revision of The New Colossus by Emma Lazarus could well be the rallying cry of Pastor Steve Cassell of Beloved Church in Lena, IL. On this edition of Spotlight, Pastor Steve joins me for a timely discussion regarding the perilous intersection of COVID-19, governmental “authority,” and Constitutionally-guaranteed personal liberties.

Pastor Steve and I consider how churches and people of faith should respond to Illinois’ lockdown and examine the dangerous precedent that could be established by our governor’s abuse of his executive power.… Continue Reading

PODCAST: Obama Democrats Take a Page from Watergate Playbook May 11, 2020

The toxic sludge oozing throughout the Obama Administration, his Department of Justice (DOJ), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and Democrat allies in Congress is seeping out, enabling Americans to see more clearly that the unhinged efforts to unseat President Trump were taken straight out of Richard Nixon’s Watergate playbook.

In an effort to be re-elected, Nixon’s campaign attempted to illegally wiretap and burgle the Democratic National Committee’s headquarters and then engaged in a complex cover-up in which Nixon tried to involve the CIA, FBI, and DOJ.… Continue Reading

PODCAST: Progressive Scolds Suck Up to Communist China May 06, 2020

Conservatives are accustomed to the sanctimonious scoldings of hypocritical “progressives” who self-identify as the moral tutors of America—tutors who will forcibly “guide” Americans through the wide gate and onto the broad road that leads to self-righteousness. But those who have eyes to see will notice that the chinks in the armor of “progressives” that conceal atrophied consciences and darkened hearts are growing. Ironically, it’s the evil empire of Communist China that is taking a pickaxe to those chinks.… Continue Reading

“We Need Our Churches Open and Operating, Not As Mere Monuments” (Illinois Family Spotlight #197) May 05, 2020

While numerous businesses have been designated as “essential” and allowed to operate during the COVID-19 pandemic, Illinois’ governor has deemed houses of worship for all faith traditions as non-essential entities, denying people of faith access to these facilities for corporate worship and prayer. Monte Larrick spoke with Pro-Life Action League’s Ann Scheidler at a May 1st prayer vigil, held outside Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago, to protest Governor Pritzker’s overreach. Mrs. Scheidler emphasized that now is the opportune time to stand up for our civil and religious liberties, as well as step up our pro-life activism.… Continue Reading

BONUS: The Goodness of God May 02, 2020

You are good and do good;
Teach me Your statutes.
~Psalm 119:68

I shall make mention of the lovingkindnesses of the Lord,
the praises of the Lord, According to all that the Lord has granted us,
And the great goodness toward the house of Israel,
Which He has granted them according to His compassion
And according to the abundance of His lovingkindnesses.
~ Isaiah 63:7

O taste and see that the Lord is good; How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!… Continue Reading

PODCAST: Pelosi’s Nonsensical Response to Biden Abuse Allegations May 02, 2020

Written by Laurie Higgins

In addition to the many sound policy decisions President Trump has made, one of the most important things to emerge from his election is the exposure of the breadth and depth of the hypocrisy of Democrats. Recently that hypocrisy has been revealed in the way Democrats have responded to sexual abuse allegations against presumptive Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden.

While foaming at the mouth about allegations that Brett Kavanaugh had forcibly laid atop Christine Blasey Ford somewhere, sometime when they were teenagers, Democratic women like Mazie Hirono, Kirsten Gillibrand, and Elizabeth Warren have been struck mealy-mouthed when responding to claims that Joe Biden forcibly digitally penetrated a 29-year-old staffer when he was 51 years old.… Continue Reading

PODCAST: Former GOP Senator Jeff Flake Endorses Biden for President Apr 30, 2020

Former Arizona Senator and Republican Jeff Flake has publicly committed to voting for befuddled Biden, despite both Biden’s demonstrable dementia and credible claims by long-time Democrat Tara Reade that when Joe Biden was a 51-year-old U.S. Senator and she was a 29-year-old staffer, he forcibly put his hand up her skirt, into her underpants, and digitally penetrated her. According to the Washington Post, Flake made the odd claim that “Never has a party so quickly abandoned its principles as [the Republican Party] did in the campaign of 2016.”… Continue Reading

“Jezebel’s War With You” (Illinois Family Spotlight #196) Apr 28, 2020

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 2020 Question: Is the U.S. Government the Final Authority?” (Illinois Family Spotlight #195) Apr 21, 2020

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, deletes teaching honor and respect for monogamous, heterosexual marriage.… Continue Reading

PODCAST: At Last Obama’s Love for Joe Has Come Along Apr 16, 2020

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…

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“It’s Not That We Don’t Trust Girls, We Don’t Trust Predators” (Illinois Family Spotlight #194) Apr 14, 2020

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

A Genuine Life Leader: Ceasar LeFlore Accepts SpeakOut Illinois Award (Illinois Family Spotlight #193) Apr 07, 2020

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

“How Can We Help Our First Responders in This Pandemic?” (Illinois Family Spotlight #192) Mar 31, 2020

Rick Laib, a Sergeant with the Will County Sheriff’s Office and the Republican candidate for Illinois’ 11^th 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

“Social Media in Politics: 101” (Illinois Family Spotlight #191) Mar 24, 2020

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.… Continue Reading

BONUS: How is Illinois Reacting to the COVID-19 Pandemic? (Illinois Family Spotlight Special) Mar 19, 2020

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.… Continue Reading

“Parents Are Either Important, or They’re Not” (Illinois Family Spotlight #190) Mar 17, 2020

At the recent SpeakOut Illinois conference, Monte Larrick had the opportunity to connect with Illinois State Senator Dan McConchie of the 26^th 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

“Let’s Take the Mapping Power from Mike Madigan” (Illinois Family Spotlight #189) Mar 10, 2020

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

“Relationship Anarchy” (Illinois Family Spotlight #188) Mar 03, 2020

The first half of this week’s Spotlight podcast features Christian broadcaster Janet Mefferd’s interview with IFI’s cultural affairs writer, Laurie Higgins. Their conversation centers on the American Psychological Association’s Division 44: Society for the Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity and the numerous task forces within this division that strive to destigmatize and normalize deviant sexual practices such as polyamory, “ethical” non-monogamous relationships, minor attraction, and more.

Spotlight continues after the break with highlights from a Concerned Citizens for America forum in Rockford.… Continue Reading

PODCAST: Senator Durbin Wants Some Preemies to Live and Others to Die Feb 29, 2020

Dead-baby supporters U.S. Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth, along with 42 collaborators helped defeat Senator Ben Sasse’s attempt to prohibit infanticide. Durbin took to the Senate floor to lie about Sasse’s bill by referring to it as an abortion bill despite the fact that he knows it has nothing to do with restricting access to abortion.

read more… Continue Reading

“Parental Rights, Religious Liberty and American History” (Illinois Family Spotlight #187) Feb 25, 2020

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 6^th grade level.… Continue Reading

PODCAST: Canada Big Brother and a U.S. Congressional Race Feb 25, 2020

Bear with me while I tie together some disparate threads into a whole cloth.

First up is a frightening story from Canada—the “progressive” dreamscape in which Big Brother rules with an iron fist, censoring, indoctrinating, usurping parental rights, and threatening imprisonment of anyone who claims 2 + 2 = 4. This story should serve as a warning to Republicans in the United States.

Robert Hoogland, father of a now 15-year-old daughter, is living in the “progressive” dreamscape otherwise known as a living nightmare.… Continue Reading

PODCAST: Buttigieg’s Shameful Political Exploitation of a Child Feb 24, 2020

As if we didn’t already know Pete Buttigieg is a noxious presence in American culture, he made it clear at a rally in Aurora, Colorado on Saturday during a Q & A time. Ignorant Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold announced melodramatically, “This is a really touching question,” and then read the following pre-submitted question to Buttigieg from 9-year-old boy Zachary Ro of Lone Tree, CO:

Would you help me tell the world I’m gay too?… Continue Reading

PODCAST: Durbin All-In for Ensuring Dead Babies Feb 20, 2020

Here’s an excerpt from the disingenuous form letter U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) sends to constituents who plead with him to support the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act which would require doctors to provide health care to babies who survive efforts to kill them:

Read more…… Continue Reading

“If you Compromise on Life, It’s Easy to Compromise on Anything Else” (Illinois Family Spotlight #186) Feb 18, 2020

The Reverend Franklin Graham joined Monte Larrick for an interview right before the IFI fall fundraising banquet last year and is featured on this episode. They talked about freedom of speech, why Christians need to be involved in politics, why only God can ultimately change today’s culture, how Rev. Graham believes we can change the education system, where civil disobedience is permitted, the conundrum in Illinois education with the new LGBTQ history mandate, and finally a message from Reverend Graham to the Christians in Illinois.… Continue Reading

PODCAST: Limbaugh Gives Judgmental, Intolerant Progressives the Fake-Vapors–Again Feb 18, 2020

I have a lot to say about presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg and hope to say it soon, but first I have to address the kerfuffle generated by Rush Limbaugh who speculated last Wednesday that Democratic operatives must be asking themselves if the country is ready for a man-kissing man-president:

read more… Continue Reading

DIY: Lobby Your Lawmakers (Illinois Family Spotlight #185) Feb 11, 2020

If you’ve ever wondered how best to effectively communicate with your state representatives and senators, this edition of Spotlight will be of special interest to you!

In a presentation at the 2019 SpeakOut Illinois conference, former state representative Peter Breen gives us an insider’s view of the life of a legislator and offers valuable tips for interacting with those individuals who are hard against an issue, hard in favor of an issue, or “neutral.” While many of Breen’s remarks are directed toward pro-life legislation, his advice is applicable to other topics of concern to conservatives and pro-family voters.… Continue Reading

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