Illinois Family Spotlight

By David Smith

Government & Organizations Religion & Spirituality Kids & Family Christianity Regional Local

What's Illinois Family Spotlight about?

The Illinois Family Spotlight highlights specific cultural or political issues which our listeners need to be aware of. Our discussions are informed by a biblical worldview that helps expose the lies and distortions promulgated within secular culture. We interview policy experts and scholars whose knowledge and insights help listeners form a wiser worldview.

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LAST EPISODE

Banquet Bonus (IFS #381)

11.28.2023

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.

Illinois Family Spotlight episodes:

11.28.2023 Banquet Bonus (IFS #381) 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.
11.21.2023 Eric Metaxas: Letter to The American Church (Illinois Family Spotlight #380) 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.
11.14.2023 The American Spiritual Conflict (Illinois Family Spotlight #379) 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 ...
11.07.2023 Policies that Impact Your Family (Illinois Family Spotlight #378) 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 ...
10.31.2023 The Success Sequence (Illinois Family Spotlight #377) 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: ...
10.24.2023 Fighting For Life In Your Community (Illinois Family Spotlight #376) 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 ...
10.17.2023 40 Days For Life 2023 (Illinois Family Spotlight #375) 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 ...
10.10.2023 The Foundation of Science (Illinois Family Spotlight #374) In this episode, David and Monte wrap up their conversation with Dr. Mark Zumhagen.
10.03.2023 COVID Coming Back? (Illinois Family Spotlight #373) In this episode, Monte Larrick and David Smith convers with Dr. Mark Zumhagen of Fearfully and Wonderfully Made Practice.
09.26.2023 Equipped With The Pro Life Message (Illinois Family Spotlight #372) In this episode, David Smith and Monte Larrick converse with Evelyn Stenzel, who travels Illinois to equip Christians with the pro-life message.
09.19.2023 Pro-Life Christianity: Engaging Your Church & Community (Illinois Family Spotlight #371) 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.
09.12.2023 The Case for Life on Hostile Turf (Illinois Family Spotlight #370) 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 ...
09.05.2023 Pastor Stephen Lee (Illinois Family Spotlight #369) 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 ...
08.29.2023 Taking a Stand: Riley Gaines (Illinois Family Spotlight #368) 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 ...
08.22.2023 Religious Liberty In America (Illinois Family Spotlight #367) 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 ...
08.15.2023 The Status of Religious Liberty (Illinois Family Spotlight #366) 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 ...
08.08.2023 Cancel Culture and Keeping Christ First (Illinois Family Spotlight #365) 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 ...
08.01.2023 Education Freedom (Illinois Family Spotlight #364) 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 ...
07.25.2023 Project 21 (Illinois Family Spotlight #363) 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 ...
07.18.2023 A Conversation with Peter Breen (Illinois Family Spotlight #362) 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, ...
07.13.2023 Post Roe America (Illinois Family Spotlight #361) In this edition of Spotlight, Monte Larrick discusses Illinois and the abortion debate with Eric Schiedler.
07.06.2023 Celebrating American Independence (Illinois Family Spotlight #360) 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 ...
06.27.2023 The Consequences of Sexual Immorality (Illinois Family Spotlight #359) 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 ...
06.14.2023 Transgender Activists In White Coats (Illinois Family Spotlight #358) 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 ...
06.06.2023 The Worldview of Our Age: A Conversation with Voddie Bacham (Illinois Family Spotlight #357) 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 ...
05.30.2023 Overflowing With Hope: A Conversation With Kirk Smith (Illinois Family Spotlight #356) 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 ...
05.19.2023 The Crisis of Crisis Pregnancy Centers (Illinois Family Spotlight #355) 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 ...
05.02.2023 A Conversation with Allen West (Illinois Family Spotlight #354) In this episode, we're talking with Lt. Col. Allen West at the 2023 Black Conservative Summit.
04.26.2023 A Conversation with Larry Elder (Illinois Family Spotlight #353) In this episode, Monte Larrick converses with Presidential Candidate Larry Elder at the 2023 Black Conservative Summit.
04.20.2023 Building the Kingdom in Chicago (Illinois Family Spotlight #352) 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 ...
04.11.2023 Protecting Pregnancy Centers (Illinois Family Spotlight #351) 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 ...
04.04.2023 Creation Science & The Christian II (Illinois Family Spotlight #350) 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. ...
03.30.2023 Creation Science and The Christian (Illinois Family Spotlight #349) 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 ...
03.21.2023 A Conversation with Stephanie Trussell (Illinois Family Institute #348) 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 ...
03.13.2023 40 Days for Life (Illinois Family Spotlight #347) 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 ...
03.07.2023 The Conservative Summit in Illinois (Illinois Family Spotlight #346) "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 ...
02.28.2023 They Don’t Want Women to Hear This (Illinois Family Spotlight #345) 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 ...
02.22.2023 Good Soil, Good Seed (Illinois Family Spotlight #344) 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 ...
02.14.2023 Illinois General Assembly Legislative Updates (Illinois Family Spotlight #343) 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.
02.07.2023 Library Boards & Conservative Candidates (Illinois Family Spotlight #342) 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.
01.31.2023 Assisted Death Coming to Illinois (Illinois Family Spotlight #341) 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 ...
01.24.2023 Born to Proclaim The Gospel (Illinois Family Spotlight #340) 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 ...
01.17.2023 Addictions & the Illinois Legislature (Illinois Family Spotlight #339) 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. ...
01.10.2023 Into the Lions’ Den (Illinois Family Spotlight #338) 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.
01.05.2023 BONUS: Pressing Forward in 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 ...
01.03.2023 Sanity as Insurrection (Illinois Family Spotlight #337) 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 ...
12.27.2022 Science Instead of God (Illinois Family Spotlight #336) 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 ...
12.20.2022 Capital Nativity & Hope (Illinois Family Spotlight #335) 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.
12.13.2022 Waterleaf Women’s Center (Illinois Family Spotlight #334) 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 ...
12.06.2022 Free Haven: A Forest School (Illinois Family Spotlight #333) ". . .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 ...

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