Articles by David E. Smith
Marijuana Decriminalization Happening in Congress
By David E. Smith   |   12.10.20
image_pdfimage_printThe U.S. House passed a bill last week that would remove marijuana from the federal schedule of controlled substances and eliminate federal criminal penalties for anyone who manufactures, distributes, or possesses marijuana. This is the first time in our nation’s...
Dr. Wayne Grudem: The Moral Advantages of a Free-Market System
By David E. Smith   |   11.28.20
With the changes our nation* and world have experienced in the past four years, one might think that a video from the 2016 IFI Worldview Conference would be dated, but Dr. Wayne Grudem’s remarks are as pertinent now as ever.
Giving Thanks in Everything!
By David E. Smith   |   11.26.20
Most Christians understand that we are to be a grateful people. This is attitude is especially easy to have on beautiful sunny days, when liberty abounds and the elections go our way, when we hit our stride at work, or when we are in good physical health. But even in times of challenge, sorrow and in the midst of trials, the Apostle Paul tells "be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be make known to God."
The Public Square: A Biblical View
By David E. Smith   |   10.28.20
It’s undeniable. History shows a definite pattern of positive Christian influence on secular governments. The influence of Christians, both individuals and groups, has led to the abolition of slavery, polygamy, human sacrifice, and infanticide, as exemplified by the prohibition of abortion in the Roman Empire. Christian influence has led to a greater valuation of human rights, freedom of religion, and the concept of equality before the law. Even the acceptance of the right of an individual to own property is indebted to Christian influence.
Our Duty to Influence Politics and Public Policy
By David E. Smith   |   10.24.20
If Christians do not speak publicly about moral and ethical issues facing a nation, where will our political leaders find moral guidance? Without Biblically informed Christian influence, government officials will have no clear moral compass. Think about all the issues that come up in our legislatures and/or government bureaucracies that are issues of moral right wrong.
Now Is the Time To Act
By David E. Smith   |   10.15.20
image_pdfimage_printIn the book of Esther, we see God raising up a woman by the name of Esther to be queen.  At this time, one of the King’s officials, Haman, was planning to bring a genocide to the Jewish people, unknowingly...
Voting Resources for 2020 Illinois General Election
By David E. Smith   |   10.12.20
For vital information about state and federal candidates, the IFI Voter Guide is the best source in the state of Illinois! Compare candidates’ positions on issues such as religious liberty, the sanctity of life, the Green New Deal, gasoline tax, Medicaid abortion coverage and more. The non-partisan IFI Voter Guide will help you learn more about the candidates on the November 3rd ballot and their positions on important issues that directly affect your family and the culture around us.
IFI Voter Guide for 2020
By David E. Smith   |   10.06.20
Scrolling through our social media feeds, it can feel like we are being constantly bombarded with contradictory and confusing information on various candidates and voting. That’s why it is important that you and your like-minded friends check out the 2020 Illinois Voter Guide. We’ve surveyed all the candidates and made their responses available to you!
Time to Fervently Seek God
By David E. Smith   |   09.17.20
King Jehoshaphat was the ruler of Judah for 25 years from 873 to 848 BC. He had his good and bad moments as a leader, but ultimately, his desire was to honor the Lord, despite his spiritual fumbles during his reign. According to 2 Chronicles 20, the Moabites, Ammonites, and Meunites gathered to attack Jehoshaphat and his kingdom.

How would he respond to these enemy forces coming against him?
Praying for God’s Intervention: 40 Days for Life
By David E. Smith   |   09.07.20
Sometimes the smallest gesture can make a huge difference in a person’s life. A welcoming smile, a phone call or an encouraging note received at an opportune moment has the power to turn despair into hope. This fall, just one hour of prayer could make a life-changing, life-saving difference in not one, but two lives.
Dr. Michael Brown: The Role of Christians in the Public Square
By David E. Smith   |   08.20.20
If you’ve ever wondered how you can (or why you must) be the salt of the earth and a light to the world, you will want to listen to Dr. Michael L. Brown’s presentation, The Role of Christians in the Public Square, from the 2020 IFI Worldview conference. Using biblical principles and real-life examples, Dr. Brown explains the purpose and imperative of living out our faith in the secular world and asks straightforward questions that cut right to the heart of what it means to be a believer and follower of Jesus.
The Holder of Our Tomorrow
By David E. Smith   |   08.12.20
This year has been a very, very interesting year. Some will say it has been a difficult year. Others will say that it’s been a frustrating year. But all would agree that it’s been an unforgettable year.  My last message to my Church before the “shutdown” was a prophetic one, without even knowing it.  It was one that God knew that I and our Church family needed to hear.
Important Webinars Regarding Homeschooling
By David E. Smith   |   08.08.20
image_pdfimage_printOver the years, we have reported on the ever-increasing corruptive influences within public education. We’ve changed our message from a suggestion that Christians exercise educational choice to an urgent appeal to parents and grandparents to get them out of government...
Urge Gov. Pritzker to Let Kids Play
By David E. Smith   |   08.03.20
image_pdfimage_printOn July 29th, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced new COVID-19 restrictions on youth sports statewide for the upcoming school year. Starting August 15, only “low-risk” sports like tennis, baseball, cross country, swimming and golf will be allowed, but “medium” and...
Chicago Christian Activist Says “Get ’em Out!”
By David E. Smith   |   07.13.20
image_pdfimage_printA recent broadcast on Chicago’s Morning Answer (AM 560 The Answer) featured Latasha Fields, well-known to IFI and IFA supporters as an ardent proponent of home education and parental rights. At the outset, Ms. Fields responds to Bryant Gumbel’s statement...
David E. Smith
Executive Director
David  E. Smith

Dave Smith is the executive director of Illinois Family Institute (501c3) and Illinois Family Action (501c4).

David has 30 years of experience in public policy and grass-roots activism that includes countless interviews for numerous radio, television, cable programs and newspaper articles on topics such as the sanctity of life, natural marriage, broadcast decency, sex education, marijuana, gambling, abortion, homosexuality, tax policy, drug decriminalization and pornography.

He and his wife of 28 years are blessed to be the parents of eight children. They strongly believe that their first duty before God is to disciple their children in the Christian faith, and impress a love of God on their hearts. There is a plethora of research that suggest that parents are the primary influencers in a child’s life. In an ideal world, that’s a mom and dad. Discipleship includes not only studying God’s Word but living a life of faith and walking in obedience to God. Discipleship is also necessary for sound doctrine, love of God and others. We do this in hopes of raising healthy and productive members of society, and re-create disciple-making movements in their homes and in their spheres of influence.

Dave also serves as a Chairman of a Republican Township in Will County and serves as an ordained minister/elder in his local church.

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