As we reflect on 2021 and the various ways we were challenged, it is impossible not to be grateful for God’s daily mercy and loving kindnesses that helped us get through the difficulties of life in this fallen world. At the same time, we have to wonder: Does praying for the state of Illinois accomplish anything? Why, even though there are many concerned Christians in prayer, is our state only progressing further down the path of rebellion and judgment? Does it matter?

These questions often reveal more about us than lead to any real answers. We ask questions like these based on our own selective or statistical ideas. If crime were to drop significantly, if corruption declined, then we might say our prayers are being answered.

We must keep in mind that prayer is not a cake recipe, chemistry lab, or a computer program where we ask, did it work?

Prayer is also not a torture test. It is not moving rocks from one pile and back to another, or an attempt to impress God. Prayer is often difficult. We need encouragement, but it flows from faith.

So, what can be said with respect to praying for the issues that we see plaguing our state?

First, we recognize that we are already facing serious judgment. So, our prayers are like bullets in the midst of a war. Did any single bullet win World War II? Imagine being a solider in the midst of a difficult campaign and saying, well I fired 200 rounds and we haven’t won yet, so firing my gun doesn’t do anything.

Prayer is not like turning on a crock pot and coming back later to a cooked meal. If our Lord tarries, we are in a long-term spiritual battle. This is why Scripture so often calls for perseverance. We are too trained by TV to think after 30 minutes, the problem is going to be solved. No, that is not the war we are facing.

Perseverance is the watchword. Watch and pray! And trust ultimately in God’s purposes rather than your own prayers.

But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers. ~I Peter 4:7

Second, it probably is the case that the number of seriously praying Christians in our state is a rather small number.  Now, God doesn’t need a majority to accomplish His purposes. God used Gideon and 300 men to win a great victory. But when you are in a minority, there is no room for slacking off or quitting. All the more we must resolve to be in prayer for God’s Will to be done in our state and in our nation.

Third, although it may seem that our prayers are futile or not answered, we do have to consider that even in our corrupt state we still have opportunity to worship the Lord, teach our children according to God’s truth, and live a relatively comfortable life. And although we still see so much violence, corruption, and perversion, we still must consider that God is at work. He is always with us. He has not forsaken us. He is with His people.

So, if you know that you have been negligent in praying for this state as we have been called in Scripture, confess your sin and determine to repent. Set aside time on a regular basis to pray for the many situations we are facing. It might be helpful to make a list of needs. Pray and keep praying, while trusting fully in the Lord.

IFI Prayer Team

If you are not already, please consider joining the IFI Prayer Team. On a regular basis, but not to frequently, we will send out an email prayer alert to ask for specific and general prayer for our troubled state, our legislators and local officials, and more.  Prayer requests will include public policy issues, praying for elected officials and various statewide needs as the Holy Spirit may lead.

If you pray and believe that God hears and answers prayer, will you join the IFI Prayer Team?

Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask
or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory
in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
~Ephesians 3:20-21

Christmas is a time of reflection on the gift of Christ and the salvation that He provides through the cross. For generations, Americans have displayed nativity scenes in front of churches and in public settings. Yet, these displays have not gone without opposition. In Illinois, the Satanic Temple of Illinois constructed a display in the Capitol rotunda, near the nativity display. Despite their dark representation, the light of Christ remains on full display and the gospel is proclaimed.

A Christmas nativity scene is a staple in the rotunda and has been erected every year since 2008. The Springfield Nativity Scene Committee (SNSC), which was started as a non-denominational association by Dan T. Zanoza, began the tradition. Illinois was the first state to have a Christmas nativity. Other states have followed our lead, and there are now 32 displays in various states’ capitol buildings.

This year’s nativity scene debuted on November 30^th. Bishop Thomas Paprocki of the Springfield Catholic Diocese, Tom Brejcha, president of the Thomas More Society of Chicago, and Minister Gary Pierce spoke at the dedication ceremony. Springfield’s Majestic Praise and Worship Choir performed Christmas carols.

The U.S. Constitution’s first amendment allows religious displays in public settings as long as the exhibits are temporary and presented by private associations. However, the law also dictates that the state cannot discriminate between groups and must allow access to all private organizations and individuals. As a result, groups such as the Illinois branch of Freedom from Religion have posted displays for several years. These exhibits included a sign in 2019 denouncing all religions as “myth.”

For the last three years, the Satanic Temple of Illinois has placed displays in the rotunda in opposition to the Nativity. In previous years, the group’s display was called “Snaketivity” and represented Eve’s arm with her hand holding an apple and the snake wrapped around her arm. Upon the base of the sculpture appeared the phrase “Knowledge is the Greatest Gift.” Their statement was a deliberate affront to Christians, as Christians know that the greatest gift is Jesus Christ and His redemption on the cross. (See photo to the right.)

This year the Satanists put their display up on December 21st when many Pagans celebrate the winter solstice. The group used a statue on loan from the Satanic Temple in Salem, Massachusetts. Entitled “Baby Baphomet,” this statue of a male infant, human-goat hybrid is a grotesque representation and mocks the infant Christ in the manger. The group’s intent is to create a mockery of Christianity while presenting blasphemous images in the name of “equal access.”

Members from the temple were present for the ceremony. Some were dressed in black, while others wore regular clothing. They circled the display and chanted what can only be described as incantations. One member, who identified himself as “Minister Adam,” spoke to the media, stating, “The Capitol welcomes a diverse range of religions every year to display holiday statues during the holiday season, so we wanted to join in on that.” The group claims that the statue represents “plurality, unity, compassion, and empathy.” Despite the affirming descriptions the group gives to their sculpture and activities, the true nature of their group cannot be ignored.

Beth Rogers, a member of the Springfield Nativity Scene Committee (SNSC), was present when members of the Satanic Temple of Illinois revealed their display. She interviewed the man who identified himself as “Adam and asked if “this religion is about secularism and pluralism?” He answered, “No, it is about Satanism.” She then asked what values represented Satanism. He stated, “compassion, empathy, benevolence, struggle for justice against arbitrary authorities, pluralism and making sure that all religions are represented especially at this time with the state.” Seemingly, the group utilized several of the buzzwords of the Left and the leftist agenda. (See video below.)

The question must be asked, how is mocking Christianity compassionate or empathetic? In what way is the grotesque figure of Baphomet benevolent? The truth is that groups enmeshed in darkness deceive the public and themselves in their attempt to paint an image of equality and peace. In reality, their public display is intended to oppose God, to blaspheme the name of Jesus, and to mock His believers.

This time the Satanists did not have an easy time displaying their hatred. A Catholic organization, the American Society for the Defense of Tradition, Family, and Property, was present when the Satanists celebrated their display. The group held up protest signs stating, “Satan has no rights.” Some of the Catholics present recited the rosary during the ceremony. Beth Rogers of the SNSC quoted Scripture declaring the divine nature of Jesus Christ and the triumph He has over Satan.

Rogers questioned Adam about the nature of Satanism and shared her testimony and the gospel. She asked Adam, “if you were to die today where would you want to go? Heaven or Hell?” Adam responded, “I don’t believe in any of that.” He acknowledged Christians’ rights to display the Nativity and have equal access in the capitol, but he quickly discontinued the conversation with Beth. Perhaps he felt convicted by the gospel. Regardless, we should pray for Adam and all the members of the Satanic Temple to be convicted of their sins and to receive Jesus Christ as their savior.

The Nativity and the Satanic display in the Capitol rotunda represent the battle between the light of God and the darkness of Satan. Satan attempts to appear compassionate and benevolent. The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 11:14 that “Satan transforms himself into an angel of light.” So, we should not be surprised that his followers would appear to be benevolent and interested in equality and justice. In reality, Satan is using them as agents of deception and destruction. As we read in I Peter 5:8, “Be Sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”

Take ACTION: Pray for those trapped in sin and deception, like Adam and other Satanists. Please, lend your support to groups such as the Springfield Nativity Scene Committee (SNSC) and the Thomas More Society, which underwrites the cost of the SNSC’s display, to ensure that the nativity scene and other religious displays in the capitol’s rotunda will continue. The Nativity crèche will remain on display until January 6th. If possible, visit the capitol to view it and show your support for the work of the SNSC. Today the most important thing we can do is share the Gospel with someone who needs to hear it.

We must make known the words of Jesus recorded in John 8:12;

“I am the light of the world;
He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”

Like nearly every other aspect of Scripture, the birth of Jesus, the Messiah, has been questioned by theologians and supposed scholars. One famous scholar, Raymond Brown, states that Luke’s information is dubious on almost every score.^[1] This means that God was not able to communicate the basic historical facts regarding the birth of the Son of God. Is this how we want to start the story of Jesus – as if we are just trying to make things up, like a Joe Biden press conference? We certainly can have confidence in God’s Word even when we cannot line everything up with “secular” histories or the opinions of men.

In the first part of the 20^th century, when there was a great assault against the Christian faith, the Lord, by His grace, raised up J. Gresham Machen as a very thoughtful defender of God’s truth.

In 1930, Machen’s book, The Virgin Birth of Christ, was published. It is considered one of the most thorough and scholarly treatments of the subject. You can read the book free HERE.

Both Luke and Matthew record the birth of Jesus in a different but harmonious way. Looking at the details, we can see that Luke and Matthew alternate in presenting the full story of our Messiah’s coming.

Based on Machen’s excellent thought, here is a compilation of the full birth story as given by Matthew and Luke.[2]

Read through this account with your family as we celebrate the coming of our Lord and Savior!

1. 1. Annunciation to Zacharias – Luke 1:5-24
   2. Annunciation to Mary – Luke 1:26-38
   3. Visit of Mary to Elizabeth – Luke 1:39-55
   4. Return of Mary to Nazareth – Luke 1:56
   5. Discovery of her condition – Matthew 1:18-19
   6. Annunciation to Joseph – Matthew 1:20-23
   7. Marriage of Joseph and Mary – Matthew 1:24-25
   8. Journey to Bethlehem because of the census – Luke 2:1-5
   9. Birth of Jesus – Luke 2:6-7
   10. Visit of the Shepherds – Luke 2:8-20
   11. Circumcision at Bethlehem at 8 days – Luke 2:21
   12. Presentation in the temple at 40 days – Luke 2:22-38
   13. 13 Return to Bethlehem – Not explicitly stated
   14. Visit of the magi – Matthew 2:1-12
   15. Flight to Egypt – Matthew 2:13-18
   16. Return to Nazareth – Matthew 2:19-23 and Luke 2:39-40

^[1] Raymond Brown, The Birth of the Messiah, 413.

[2] Compiled by P. Calvin Lindstrom following the analysis of J. Gresham Machen, The Virgin Birth of Christ, 197. Scripture quotations from the NKJV.

Written by Joseph Parker

More treasures can be found in the Christmas narratives than just the gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

The Christmas narratives are simply the Christmas stories found in Matthew chapters 1 and 2 and in Luke chapters 1 and 2. They make up THE Christmas story.  It is in these four chapters that we find from God’s Word a treasury of grace, wisdom, salvation, and hope that make up the wonderful and blessed story of Christmas.

The narratives that make up the Christmas story are simple yet profound, humble yet glorious, and always full of wonder. They are about normal people, yet filled with wonderful and supernatural events.  Here in this story, God invades the earth with His peace, His hope, and His gift of salvation — His Son Jesus Christ.

This Christmas season, consider a few suggestions for you and your family that can greatly bless your observance of Christmas.

During the Christmas season, take time to read Matthew chapters 1 and 2, and Luke chapters 1 and 2.  And when you have finished, read them again. And then, when you have finished, read them again.  Spend time reading and meditating on them throughout the month of December.

Read them as an individual believer, but also, read them with your family, several times. Parents, have your children take turns and ask each one to read one of the four chapters out loud to you. It’s good if you read it to them, but also, let them read it to you. (Very often, they will get more out of it if they read it to you.)

Also, as they read, allow them to stop and ask questions. And typically, they will have questions, possibly many questions. Children’s questions are just typically GOOD questions. They help to draw everyone in the family more and more into the Christmas story.

In addition to reading the stories, you can listen to them as well. Listen on a Bible app, an audio Bible, a Bible CD, or Bible DVD.  Many times during the Christmas and Advent season, just listen to Matthew 1 and 2, and then Luke 1 and 2. Doing this will bless your socks off!

Also, if your grown children live away (or maybe you’re away from your younger children), perhaps you may want to record your voice reading the story on your smartphone and sending it to them. They may keep it for many years as a reminder of your love for them and God’s love for us.

So, please, during this Christmas season, make it a high priority to read and meditate on and listen to the Christmas stories — many times. Take time to do this, even in the midst of a time that is busier than many other times of the year.

This is just a very wise family goal even though life is busy. It’s always busy. Life does not have a pause button. Yet a family project like this is a great way to “redeem” the time with your family (Eph. 5:16).

We would be very wise to learn an important lesson from the wise men of Matthew 2.

In the busyness of their lives, they were wise enough to put their busyness aside. They took much of their time, spent their money, and spent much energy and effort to follow God. They followed the guiding star God provided to come and find the King of the Jews (and the universe) and worship Him and bring Him precious gifts.

Let’s you and I, this Christmas, be wise men and women. Let’s be wise enough to put aside our “weapons of mass distraction” — our TVs, computers, mp3 players, game systems, cd players, and cell phones.  Let’s put aside some of our shopping, and our gift finding, etc. …and seek the Christ. And you will always find Him in the Word of God.

Now some believers may read the Christmas stories once or twice during the Christmas holidays. And that’s better than not reading them at all.  But why only nibble on God’s Word when Jesus daily invites us to dine on it! (See John 21:12).  Taking time to read and meditate on the Christmas stories throughout the Christmas season will be its own reward.  It’s a gift you can give to yourself, and to your family — and to Jesus. Let’s take the time!

America has been kind to evangelical Christians and Christianity over its two hundred and forty-five-year history.  I believe that more missionaries have been sent around the globe from the United States than from any other country, as well as billions of dollars’ worth of printed materials and financial aid.

Having been hounded and persecuted by Roman and Jewish leaders in the early years of the church and enduring the oppression of the Catholic Church through the Middle Ages, born again Christians have found the United States to be refreshing. Until recently, we have faced virtually no persecution here. Whatever name-calling or resistance we have dealt with has been minute compared to the real persecution faced by believers in places like Russia, Romania, China, and Cuba.

But it appears that we have forgotten the reason God blessed this Nation. We have been warned repeatedly by preachers that God has not enriched us for the purpose of making us comfortable, but we have not heeded their counsel. We have largely made America, and thus, this world, our home, as if we will be here for a long time.  This has been a major error.

It is an understandable mistake. We are physical beings with physical needs, desires, and aspirations. It is also clear that wealth and comfort are not inherently sinful; therefore, the relevant question is how are we as Christians to behave when we have been blessed with liberty, wealth, and accessible comforts never before known to mankind?

This may now be a moot point as we find the power of government and the influence of cultural leaders opposing us and seeking to silence us. For the first time since the Nation’s founding Christians in America are finding we are no longer welcome. No, we are not yet being openly and actively thrown into prison, or having our houses and possessions confiscated, but the winds which for over two centuries blew gently at our backs are now turning into our faces with increased volume.

The fact is this: God never intended us to feel welcome here! The message of the Gospel, the Christ of the Cross, are not and never have been crowd pleasers; and we are now facing the reality that this world is no friend of God, or of us. And that is okay!  In fact, it is more than okay!

We may finally be seeing spiritual realities as we should have always seen them. We are here for a relatively brief time and have been given a mission to accomplish. Our real home awaits us in the Kingdom which follows, and we have been sent here to invest our time, talents, energy, and finances primarily in THAT mission, NOT to accumulate stuff or retire to watch the sun set on the beach. I am not the one to declare just how much stuff a person should have and can only say that it is the prioritizing of stuff and comfort that is problematic. The Christian experience as Christ designed it is not self-help therapy or a means of accumulating wealth.

Thus, we who genuinely know Christ now find ourselves adrift, like the man without a country. It is unsettling and quite uncomfortable, as it should be.  Brothers and Sisters, we are not home! We dwell in “occupied territory.”  James strongly warned us that “he who would be a friend of the world makes himself the enemy of God!”

We are finally being driven to the place we should have always been.

It is long overdue that we reexamine why God placed us here and how we can best fulfill His Great Commission. We are not to make this world our home. We are not to make the accumulation of things our purpose. We are to represent God, and that accurately!  We are to oppose the wicked. We are to call everyone to repentance and to proclaim the saving Gospel of the Cross. We are to rescue the weak and powerless from the hand of the oppressor. We are to lift up Christ, and we are to wait for eternity for our comfort and rest.

Let us all bend our energies to those eternal tasks!

We have been extraordinarily blessed to live in America.  Those who complain and seek to radically transform the country are sadly ignorant of how much better their lives are than most of those who live now or who have lived on earth.

If you know history you understand how wonderful our lives have been in this great Land, and we Christians, recalling how our forbearers have been treated through the centuries, should have a great appreciation for the liberties we have enjoyed here.

However, we also know that God’s plan for the ages to come does not include the United States as we know it.  At some point in time the world will take a very bad turn into totalitarianism worse than the socialism and Communism of the last century, and it is quite clear that the United States will no longer be major figure in world affairs, at least not in its historic role as the “good guy.”

It is easy to become discouraged or even fearful about what lies ahead for the Nation and the world, but we who know Jesus Christ ought to have a different perspective.  We are told by the Apostle Paul to “rejoice evermore!” He lived under one of the most brutal regimes to ever exist but could sit locked in a jail’s stocks with his back torn and bleeding from a Roman scourging and sing hymns of praise and thanks to God. How was that so?

Paul saw the world for what it was: a temporary staging point. Our experiences here are not the totality of our existence! Rather, this world is merely a moment in time, a kind of triage center for eternity and the front porch of home for those who know Christ. Multitudes have been misled by secularists and pseudo-science to believe that this world is all there is and that there is no heaven. Therefore, having no hope for heaven in the world to come they are determined to create one now, without regard to the morality of their actions or the injury done to others in the process.

We Christians, on the other hand, know better, or should know better. There awaits for those of us who have been born again a glorious eternity in the very presence of Jesus Christ, the Creator God, and with Him all the joy and pleasures that a good and loving God has prepared for those who love Him.

Therefore, the current crises should not disturb us but rather should challenge us to the opportunities such a crisis affords. The instability and fear created by recent events and America haters has produced what may be the greatest opportunity for the Gospel in decades, maybe in the history of the Nation! Just ask the next person you meet what they think of current events, and they will almost certainly admit to being fearful and confused. I regularly read posts of individuals who say that they are terrified at what they are witnessing!

Now is not the time for handwringing among the Christian community, but rather Gospel proclamation, an enthusiastic directing of people to repent and receive Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord!

On behalf of the Illinois Family Institute — and my own family — I want to wish a very happy Thanksgiving to you all.

As we all prepare to gather together with relatives, friends and neighbors to thank God for His many blessings, we want to thank you so much for your prayers and support over the years.

Our national Thanksgiving holiday dates to 1789, when Congress unanimously passed a resolution proclaiming a National Day of Thanksgiving, “a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging, with grateful hearts, the many signal favors of Almighty God…”

It is good and right to pause from business as usual to give God honor, worship and our sincere gratitude for His many blessings in our lives and for His blessings of family, friends, and freedom.

We wish you and your family a very happy and blessed Thanksgiving weekend. As we reflect on the abundance of blessings we have in America at this time, it is good to remember the true, Christian origin of Thanksgiving Day.

In the first year of their arrival in New England, the Pilgrims braved a harsh winter filled with starvation and sickness. But with the following spring season the Lord provided an abundant harvest. The Pilgrims declared a three-day feast in early December to celebrate all that the Lord had given them. This is a quote from Pilgrim Edward Winslow on that first Thanksgiving festival:

“Although it be not always so plentiful as it was at this time with us,
yet by the goodness of God, we are far from want.”

To read the full story of this Christian holiday, click HERE.  Below I’ve also included Abraham Lincoln’s Thanksgiving Day Proclamation from October 3rd, 1863.  It may be something you would like to share with your family as you gather together.

With grateful acknowledgement to God for His provision and for your generosity, we continue to do the hard work of advancing the truth in Illinois, no matter how “politically incorrect.” May God continue to bless you and your family as you celebrate God’s goodness with family, food, and football!

With Thanksgiving,

David E. Smith
Executive Director

By the President of the United States of America.

A Proclamation

The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God.

In the midst of a civil war of unequaled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign States to invite and to provoke their aggression, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere except in the theatre of military conflict; while that theatre has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union. Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the fields of peaceful industry to the national defence, have not arrested the plough, the shuttle or the ship; the axe has enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal as of the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than heretofore.

Population has steadily increased, notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege and the battle-field; and the country, rejoicing in the consiousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years with large increase of freedom. No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy. It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American People.

I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens. And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquility and Union.

Thanksgiving, America’s wonderful feast and family day, considered by some to be our defining national holiday, is upon us, and most Americans will celebrate in one way or another.  Ironically, I fear too few will do so with a truly grateful heart.  Scriptures are clear that gratitude is not only required of us by God, it is very beneficial as well!  I would suggest that America needs a sincere change of heart regarding gratitude.  Many of us believe that one can or needs to be thankful only when things appear to be going right and well.  This is a serious error!  God expects gratitude from us in good times and in bad!

Gratitude is a funny thing.  It appears to have a life of its own.  By that I mean that a grateful heart bears fruit of itself, often beyond what one’s circumstances might suggest.  God has much to say about gratitude, “In everything,” He says, “give thanks!”

We, on the other hand, tend to let our circumstances determine whether we are thankful or not.  If we believe that things are not going our way, we often see ourselves as victims and develop bitterness.

There is an important correlation between gratitude and happiness, or contentment.  And, more specifically, there is a greater correspondence between gratitude and happiness than there is between good circumstances and happiness.

We must avoid what I like to call a “Haman Complex,” which is a focusing on what we do not have rather than what we do have.  In the biblical book named for Esther the queen, there was a man named Haman.  He was second in authority to King Ahasuerus, who is known in secular history as Xerxes; and in spite of the fact that he had everything a man could desire, and more, Haman was preoccupied with one very insignificant thing he could not have, the worship of a Jewish man named Mordecai.   Haman became so obsessed with the fact that Mordecai would not bow in his presence that he schemed to kill not just Mordecai, but also Mordecai’s people, the Jews.  Instead of being thankful for all the good that he enjoyed, he became occupied with that little thing he did not have, and that ingratitude cost him his life and more.

The point is that one need not actually be in difficult circumstances to be ungrateful.  It is a matter of perspective.  We can live in very trying times and yet be thankful, and we find that that is precisely what God expects of us!

The ingratitude of many Americans must be a horrific screech in the ears of God.  Even the poorest of the poor here live better than most of the world’s population, and more comfortably than even kings did a couple centuries ago.  Things we take for granted, like ice cream and cinnamon, were enjoyed only by royalty or the “super rich” not that long ago.  When those on the bottom of America’s economic ladder have cell phones, microwaves, and flat screen TVs, very few have reason to consider themselves poor.

Are there injustices in America?  Are some taken advantage of by others?  Of course, but God expects us to be grateful, none-the-less!  Should we seek to improve the circumstances of those who are in difficulty, or in comparative poverty, or victims of injustice?  By all means!  But with a grateful heart to Him who has blessed us all beyond what any of us deserve.

One significant source of the ingratitude in many Americans’ hearts is the tragic notion that this world is all there is.  Carl Sagan’s “the cosmos is all that is, or was, or ever will be,” is empty of hope and purpose.   Anyone who succumbs to this lie will naturally be frustrated and angry when things don’t go as well as he wishes, or when he sees others enjoying greater prosperity.  I suppose that it might be considered normal for people to be angry if they believe their only chance for pleasure and happiness is slipping through their fingers. This is only one of the deadly fruits of atheism and secular humanism.   And sadly, too many who profess to be Christians are chasing the same empty goals as the world.

On the other hand, gratitude has numerous benefits.  First, it pleases God, which is its own reward.  Second, a grateful person often discovers that he has more to be thankful for than he first thought.  Third, the grateful person usually finds that the list of things for which he can be thankful expands with time, and some of the troubles in his life either fade, or he discovers they have a silver lining hidden from the ungrateful eye.

Regardless of one’s circumstances God expects us all to be thankful.  Such gratitude reveals trust in God and His promises and pleases Him.  The reality of injustice and unfairness does not change this requirement.  Ingratitude is an acid that eats away at a person from the inside and produces no good whatever.  At the same time, a grateful person need not be passive about the wrongs against him and others, and it is appropriate that we all seek ways to correct those things that are not as they ought to be; but there is never an excuse acceptable to God for ingratitude, regardless of the difficulty of one’s circumstances.

A grateful heart is a blessed heart that finds reason for joy even in the midst of trials.  This is one mark of true faith!

The thought struck me again recently that our nation really does not understand the religious implications of Thanksgiving, which may explain why saying “Merry Christmas” can be controversial but saying “Happy Thanksgiving” is not. Whom are we thanking?

Eric Metaxas shared a few quotes regarding the peculiar view many Americans seem to have of Thanksgiving:

“It must be an odd feeling to be thankful to nobody in particular. … It’s a little like being married in general.”
~Cornelius Plantinga, Jr.

“The worst moment for the atheist is when he is really thankful and has nobody to thank.”
~Dante Rossetti

We are aware that Thanksgiving is an important theme in Scripture. “Giving thanks” or “thanksgiving” is mentioned about 140 times in Scripture, but only a few that directly speak about our Lord and giving thanks. Therefore, the passages we do have are significant. It is especially in the person and work of Jesus that we are directed in our duty of giving thanks.

Consider two examples found in the New Testament, the first from Matthew:

At that time Jesus declared, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. ~Matthew 11:25-28

What was Jesus’ prayer of thanksgiving here? It was thanksgiving for the Father’s sovereignty related to his revelation of his salvation to some and hiding this revelation from others.

This is a humbling passage because those of us who have been given the greatest of gifts know it is not because of who we are. As John Calvin has expressed, God has chosen the dregs and offscourings of the common people, not the high and mighty or deserving.

Giving thanks should always be an act of humility before God. If your eyes have been opened and your heart has been changed by the truth, then you have the greatest reason to be thankful and humble before our Triune God.

The second passage comes from the institution of the Lord’s Supper:

And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” ~Luke 22:19

We notice there is a pattern of verbs: took, given thanks, broke, and gave that matches Matthew 15 and the miracle of the multiplication of the bread and fish. Jesus was also following the common liturgy of the Passover celebration, looking back to the great deliverance provided by the Lord some 1400 years earlier.

The great change in language is what we see in the second half of verse 19 and also of verse 20.

This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.

This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.

These words reveal the true foundation for our thanksgiving. All of God’s gifts are connected to his works of creation and redemption. If God took away all of our earthly blessings, we would still have the greatest reason to be thankful. This feeling of thankfulness does not come naturally of course. But truth, thankfully, does not depend on feeling.

And so for every Christian it can be said that you have the greatest reason of all people to be truly thankful: God’s sovereignty, his provision for all your needs, answered prayer, and the body and blood of Jesus Christ.

God’s Word is filled with promises, commands, exhortations, and encouragement. Scripture is also replete with warnings. In 1 John 2:15-16, we read:

“Do not love the world nor the things of the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world.”

The world and it’s comforts, pomp, pleasures and cravings lure our children away from the Father and His Word with false promises of power, fame, wealth and luxury possessions and, to that end, it tempts them with intoxicating substances, feelings, and experiences.

We know that God, our Father and Creator, is the God of the Universe, but John 12:31 tells us that Satan is “the ruler of this world.” However, this title in no way implies that Satan has ultimate authority on earth. Rather, it references the specific way in which he rules over the unbelievers of this world.

Second Corinthians 4:4 states that Satan has “blinded the minds of the unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ.” The enemy promotes false philosophies that blind unbelievers to the truth of the Gospel, imprisoning them in a fortress of his design. Only Christ can set these prisoners free.

Lest one think that born again Christians are immune from these machinations of Satan, the Apostle Paul warns:

“See to it that there is no one who takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception in accordance with human tradition, in accordance with the elementary principles of the world, rather than in accordance with Christ.” ~Colossians 2:8

Satan’s attempts to discourage, distract, deceive, even destroy human beings – image bearers of the Most High – flourish in our culture, a culture which is in open rebellion against God. Today, wicked ideologies flood the public square, infiltrating corporate America, Christian schools and universities, the medical establishment, every aspect of media, the military, and government at all levels.

In light of this culture shift, Dr. Al Mohler and others suggest there is a new religion in America: the religion of Wokeism. While this religion is not truly new, its adherents’ zealotry has ramped up dramatically in recent years. Wokies exude an air of confidence as they boldly assert that they are right and anyone who disagrees is wrong. They believe the salvation of humanity rests in following the tenets of Wokeism and use overtly religious language, much as Joe Biden did in calling the site of the Pulse Nightclub “hallowed ground” on the occasion of the five-year anniversary (6/12/21) of the Islamic terrorist attack on the LGBT bar.

Max Funk, in his article, “Wokeism – The New Religion of the West,” has this to say about the religious connection:

Wokeism is a religion. Although it has not been organized into any formal religious structure, it has all the functions of religious doctrine. It has a unique epistemology (theory of knowledge), an evaluation of the human condition, and a redemption narrative.

So, how did we – our nation – arrive at this point? To borrow a principle from physics, we created (or allowed the creation of) a vacuum – a vacuum in human culture, the human mind, the human soul. If you paid attention in physics class, you will remember that a vacuum does not remain empty.

The Gospel of Luke expresses the spiritual manifestation of this principle:

“When the unclean spirit comes out of a person, it passes through the waterless places seeking rest, and not finding any, it then says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’

And when it comes, it finds it swept and put in order. Then it goes and brings along seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they come in and live there; and the last condition of that person becomes worse than the first.” ~Luke 11:24-26

Luke’s illustration describes what we are experiencing right now. “Agents of change” are working overtime in our nation to sweep it clean of the Judeo-Christian values and biblical worldview that were foundational in its formation.

They want to get rid of capitalism because it is bad; they want to limit or eliminate our civil liberties because they can be “harmful.” They even want to do away with the First Amendment. Clearly, they do not understand how precious these God-given liberties are! People who live under the limitations and oppression of socialist or communist regimes can only dream of the opportunities and liberties that the Wokies disparage and spurn.

With the house – our nation – swept clean of all they despise, the adherents of Wokeism will fill it with their pet agendas: Black Lives Matter; Critical Theory; Critical Race Theory; unrestricted, taxpayer-funded abortion on demand; radical sex education in K-12 government schools; unconditional acceptance of transgenderism and all manner of sexual perversions; and more. To paraphrase Luke 11:26, surely the state of the second house will be worse than the first!

Yet one of the most despicable aspects of the religion of Wokeism is the determination and zeal with which it pursues its primary target: our children. Brothers and Sisters, let us not deceive ourselves. Satan will go to great lengths to pull our children/grandchildren off the straight and narrow path that God calls them to walk. The religion of Wokeism is an ideal tool for his evil purpose.

So, what are parents, grandparents, and concerned citizens to do? How do we respond?

I firmly believe that the rise of the religion of Wokeism in our culture is yet another reason we ought to humble ourselves and cry out to God on behalf of our children and grandchildren. We must appeal to God each and every day to protect their hearts, minds, and souls from the wicked ways of this world.

Additionally, we must make sure that our own house is in order – swept clean of sinful tendencies by God’s gracious response to our daily confession and repentance – so we can model for our children/grandchildren lives lived in obedience, submission, and love for the Lord.

Finally, we must be guided by Truth. Dr. Everett Piper is fond of saying, “In these times of universal deceit, Truth is the only rebellion left.” The only thing that will save us from the lies of the religion of Wokeism and the lies of the world is Truth with a capital T, the Truth that is found in the One who proclaimed, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father but by Me.”

We must warn our children/grandchildren of the deceits of this world. Proverbs 23:23 teaches us:

Buy truth, and do not sell it,
Get wisdom, instruction, and understanding.

Therefore, we must warn them diligently and then ask ourselves at regular intervals if we are equipping our children/grandchildren to know, live, and love the Truth. Are we encouraging them to get wisdom, instruction and understanding? Are we impressing upon them a love for His Word? Do we cry out desperately on behalf of our children/grandchildren, asking God to protect them from the deceptions, snares, slings and arrows of the father of lies?

Empowered by our gracious and merciful God, may our answer be a resounding “YES!”

Written by Denny Burk

One of the most vicious characters in Charles Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities is a woman name Madame Defarge. In the beginning, she appears as a diminutive woman who passively spends her time knitting as French nobility commit great injustices against commoners. The reader comes to find out that this woman is storing up bitter resentments and bloody plans for vengeance against her aristocratic persecutors. Through years of oppression, she is quietly knitting a “hit list” of aristocrats whose blood must be spilled in the coming revolution.

Her bloodlust becomes so intense that she begins to sew names on her list that don’t deserve her condemnation. At one crucial turning-point in the story, she adds the name Charles Darnay to the list. She knows of no crimes that Darnay has committed (he’s committed none). She knows nothing of the exculpatory fact that Darnay had renounced his title, his privilege, and the oppressive ways of his uncle. All she knows is that Darnay is the nephew of an evil nobleman. Darnay belongs to the wrong group by birth and therefore must die.

A large part of the drama of A Tale of Two Cities is the depiction of mob justice. What happens when the social order disintegrates, and due process and the rule of law are lost? What happens is that the rights of the accused get trampled under foot. Salacious accusations in service of “the cause” become the pretext for mob actions. The truth of an accusation doesn’t really matter anymore. All that matters is “the cause” and destroying the out-group. The facts be damned.

It is this kind of situation that Proverbs 18:17 speaks to:

“The first to state his case seems right until another comes and cross-examines him.”

The meaning here is pretty clear. It is easy to make accusations, but accusations must be substantiated. That is why the accusations themselves must be probed for consistency and evidence. If there are witnesses, they must be heard and their testimony weighed. All the facts must be brought forth from both accuser and accused. And during the adjudication, the accused must not be presumed guilty based merely on the accusations. It is from this principle that our own norm of due process requires the presumption of innocence on the part of the accused. Without this presumption of innocence, you get mob justice and innocent people’s heads foisted on a pike.

In his new commentary on Proverbs, Bruce Waltke offers a helpful interpretation of this text as well as a contemporary application. He writes,

For justice to prevail, both accuser and accused must be given equal consideration… To cross-examine them means “to probe” the accusers with cognitive and analytical examination and testing (cf. Deut. 19:16-18) and connotes that the search is diligent, penetrating, and difficult because something is hidden and elusive… Those who advocate believing the accuser unconditionally and refuse to cross-examine the complainant vigorously to establish the facts condemn themselves as corrupt…

The recent “Me too” movement that arose in North America resulted in drawing attention to a previously hidden phenomenon of powerful men taking advantage of vulnerable women. However, one of its negative aspects was that some people began touting the view: “Believe all women,” which amounted to accepting their accusations without question. This proverb denies that assertion with its call to vigorously investigate all accusations (p. 281).

Waltke is spot-on both in his exposition and application. We cannot judge guilt or innocence based merely on accusations. Nor can we establish guilt simply because the accused happens to belong to a disfavored group. Justice is not identity politics, nor is it blind credulity in every accusation. Justice requires presumption of innocence and due process. Without that, some form of mob rule will prevail. And that is just as likely to condemn the innocent as it is the guilty.

Taking all accusations seriously is not the same thing as believing all accusations. We must take all accusations seriously, vet them, and investigate them vigorously while maintaining a presumption of innocence. But to believe all accusations is to commit oneself to a presumption of guilt, which is by definition an evacuation of due process and a recipe for mob rule.

And this is where we all have to be very careful. Truth be known, we all have a little Madame Defarge in us. Our hearts are prone to partiality in judgment (James 2:9). We are open to believe the best about certain kinds of people and the worst about other kinds of people. Our prejudices can cloud our judgment and lead us to believing accusations without evidence simply because the accused belongs to a group we don’t like. If you fall into that mindset, you may find yourself self-righteously assisting a mob in condemning an innocent person (Prov. 17:15).

Today, the falsely accused usually don’t end up with their head on a pike, but they do often find their character being assassinated by social media mobs. And these mobs can wreak real havoc in a person’s life, family, and employment. Cancellation has real-world consequences, and the cancellers know that—facts be damned. Anyone who cares about justice will embrace the wisdom of the Proverb: “The first to state his case seems right until another comes and cross-examines him.” Therefore, we would all do well to be “quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God” (James 1:19-20).

Denny Burk has been a Professor of Biblical Studies at Boyce College since 2008. He also serve as an Associate Pastor at Kenwood Baptist Church and as President of CBMW. This article was originally published at his blog.

Fall has arrived in Illinois. As the leaves change colors and the temperatures drop, communities look forward to fall celebrations. Many churches and communities will have fall festivals that are innocuous celebrations that include pumpkin patches and trunk-or-treats for the children. However, there is a much more insidious type of celebration that is infiltrating our communities. The acceptance of occultism is spreading at an alarming pace.

Halloween has often divided Christian communities, with many believing it to be nothing more than a time for children to dress up and receive candy. Be that as it may, other groups have a very different view of Halloween. Wicca, a religion of witchcraft, believes in ritual interaction with spirits during this holiday’s observance. They believe the division between the spirit world and earth is more easily traversed during October, with the optimal time of passage occurring at Halloween. As a result, Wiccans, Witches, New Age practitioners, and Satanists promote numerous public displays of occult practices during this time of year.

In many communities, these practices have become mainstream celebrations. On October 23^rd, in the river town of Grafton, Illinois, the community observed a festival known as “Witches on the Water.” Although the festival entices people to dress up and drink at the local bars, it also attracts actual witches and occult practitioners. This year the festival included a tarot card reader who also claims to be a psychic channeler. In previous years, witches put up cairns. These man-made mounds of stacked stones are intended to represent prayer, harmony, and spiritual energy. New Age practitioners, Native American religions, as well as Celtic pagans, utilize cairns in their rituals and observances.

Communities are not only participating in occultism, but encouraging citizens to develop an occult-based economy. In Alton, Illinois, not far from Grafton, the city has a booming tourist-based economy and is known as “one of the most haunted small towns in America.” As a result of this title, businesses in the community cater to those interested in the supernatural. There are bus and walking ghost tours offered, along with seances and other occult practices.

Troy Taylor, an Alton author, has penned several books on the subject of ghosts and operates American Hauntings Ghost Hunts in Alton. He is not the only businessman benefiting from the occult. Paranormal researchers visit the town to investigate these so-called hauntings and are frequent patrons of local restaurants and hotels throughout the year. Occult business is a growing industry. It is estimated that psychics and other occultists generate $2 billion of revenue in the United States. This amount is likely to grow as communities are influenced by dollar signs instead of counting the cost of the moral implications.

The fascination with the spiritual realm has attracted not only tourists but also Hollywood. In 2019 a crew from the cable television show Ghost Adventures filmed episodes at an Alton home known as the McPike Mansion and the historic Mineral Springs Hotel. There have been various other TV and radio shows produced in the town, some airing on the Travel Channel and Syfy. Television shows like these only attract more people who are curious about the spirit realm.

Christians should be alarmed by the allure of these festivals and tourist attractions. People are being deceived in our own backyard. So, how should Christians react to occultism in our communities?

First, it begins with your own family. While you may feel completely comfortable with your church’s trunk-or-treat and harvest celebrations, be sure these events do not include anything related to witchcraft or paganism.

Next, if your community does observe anything related to the occult, refuse to participate. Not participating may mean losing money for your business or it may make your neighbors think you are snubbing the community, but we must teach our children the difference between obedience to the living God and tolerating or even engaging with a spirit world that leads to destruction.

Also, churches must begin to address the spirit realm and provide communities with sound teaching. Too many leaders in the church prefer to avoid the subject, and, as a result, we have many people who do not understand the inherent evil of these practices. Our Father God does not tolerate what we have so willfully ignored in our midst. The Lord tells us in Deuteronomy 18:10-12a:

Let no one be bound among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft, or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord.

Finally, instead of developing an economy based on the occult, we should encourage historical tourism. Many of the sites in these towns do have legitimate historical significance. It is possible to share the history of the community and generate income without involving the occult.

When our communities tolerate and promote the occult, we should gently offer instruction regarding the dark nature of witchcraft and spiritualism. We must follow the charge given in 2 Timothy 4:2-4:

Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke, and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all duties of your ministry.

As the fall festivals continue, let us not forget that our communities need Christians to be examples of righteousness.

Even though the season of Halloween is past, this resource offers solid biblical insight for Christian parents and others who have questions or concerns about participating in Halloween activities.

State Representatives Robyn Gabel (D-Evanston), Bob Morgan (D-Highwood) and State Senator Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake) are sponsoring legislation (SB 1169) to diminish the Illinois Health Care Right of Conscience Act, specifically for COVID-19 remediation. In other words, these state lawmakers are heading up the effort to strike down existing legislation that protects citizens’ rights to excuse themselves from the COVID-19 vaccine mandate.

The proposal is narrowly designed for this current pandemic in order to get enough votes to pass in the veto session, but it sets a dangerous precedent for future public health “emergencies” by cherry picking out the current pathogen of the moment. The new proposal simply states:

Sec. 13.5. Violations related to COVID-19 requirements. It is not a violation of this Act for any person or public

official, or for any public or private association, agency, corporation, entity, institution, or employer, to take any

measures or impose any requirements, including, but not limited to, any measures or requirements that involve

provision of services by a physician or health care personnel, intended to prevent contraction or transmission of

COVID-19 or any pathogens that result in COVID-19 or any of its subsequent iterations. It is not a violation of

this Act to enforce such measures or requirements, including by terminating employment or excluding individuals

from a school, a place of employment, or public or private premises in response to noncompliance.

This Section is a declaration of existing law and shall not be construed as a new enactment. Accordingly,

this Section shall apply to all actions commenced or pending on or after the effective date of this amendatory

Act of the 102nd General Assembly. Nothing in this Section is intended to affect any right or remedy under federal law.

This is a top priority for Governor JB Pritzker and other Illinois Democrats. They are frustrated with the fact that their tyrannical vaccine mandate has a strong legal defense in the Health Care Right of Conscience Act. In order to fire people from their jobs (private or public) for failing to comply with this “medical” dictate, this conscience protection must be eliminated.

Take ACTION: Click HERE to fill out a witness slip in OPPOSITION to SB 1169, House Floor Amendment 2.

Witness Slip Instructions:

Section I. Enter your name, address, city and zip code. You can leave Firm/Business and Title blank. If it won’t allow you to leave them black, enter self.

Section II. Leave it blank if you are not representing a group, or enter self.

Section III. Check that you are an Opponent to this feckless proposal.

Section IV. Unless you are filing a written statement, select Record of Appearance Only.

Lastly, check that you agree to the terms of agreement.

Click Create (Slip).

If passed, SB 1169 would take effect immediately. It needs 71 votes to pass in the Illinois House and 36 votes in the Illinois Senate, however. Even with super majorities of Democrats in both chambers, securing those votes will not be an easy accomplishment. Please pray that our state lawmakers understand what is at stake here!

Thank you for taking action!

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We recently read a great little sermon illustration in which a young boy asked his father, “Dad, I was watching a TV show about marine biologists. Why do scuba-divers jump backwards into the water?” His father wittily responded, “Because if they jumped forward, they’d still be in the boat!”

Scuba divers jump out of boats to investigate marine life in the coastal waters and oceans of the world. It is a way of visiting another ecosystem on our vast planet. Whether it is sunken wreckage, lost treasure or coral reefs, I can see how these diving excursions are great ways to escape the stresses of daily life.

Yet today, there are many people in our culture, in our families and even in our churches who might be tempted to jump out of the boat when things get stressful, depressing or uncomfortable. Those of us who still live in Illinois understand the added frustration of wicked and foolish political leadership. The temptation to move out of this state and into “calmer, peaceful waters” is very real.

Yet we should consider what Scripture has to say about escaping trials and tribulation. Right before He was arrested, Jesus prayed in the garden of Gethsemane. He prayed John 17:14:

“I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one.”  

Jesus could have easily prayed that God would deliver us out of the troubled waters of our world, but He didn’t. He prayed that we would remain in the world and that we would be protected from the evil one. Why didn’t He pray for our complete rescue? His prayer continues in John 17:18:

“As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world.”

Our Lord and Savior, the Son of God, prayed that we would remain so we could be on mission in this world for the advancement of the Kingdom of God.

Yes, our state and our culture is in trouble. But these troubles are a reminder that we are called to be salt and light to a dying world.  David Jeremiah once said, “Today is the day to be a light shining in a dark world, fueled by the joy of the Lord.” May we be that salt and light to a dark and decaying world, all to the glory of God.

PRAYER ALERT

We cannot stress the urgency of your fervent prayers this week as our state lawmakers return to the Capitol for the second half of the Veto Session. There are a number of bad proposals pending in Springfield. Prayer and action are vitally important.

Appeal to God for His Help

• Praise God that many pro-life activists and pastors are headed to Springfield to speak out against the efforts to repeal the Parental Notice of Abortion Act and the repeal of the Health Care Right of Conscience Act. Please pray that these activists would be seen and heard by lawmakers. Pray that their presence and dialogue would help them understand the importance of parental rights and conscience rights. (Read more HERE.)

• Pray that our state lawmakers would understand the wisdom in keeping qualified (or limited), immunity for police officers in Illinois. Pray that the anti-police agenda to dismantle, dishearten and make defenseless would fall short.

Abortion

• Pray for the members of the U.S. Supreme Court as they will be hearing arguments regarding significant abortion regulations in Mississippi and Texas. Pray that God would touch the hearts of the nine Justices on the Court. Pray too, as the debate rages, that eyes and ears would be opened to the abortion industry’s murderous barbaric practices.

• Please pray for the last week of this year’s 40 Days for Life campaign, which ends on Saturday, Oct. 30. Pray that many prayer warriors would take advantage of this opportunity to be a silent witness against the murderous practice of “choice.” Pray that workers at these abortuaries would have a change of heart about their work and leave.

• Pray that every leader in our nation would come to realize that these are real human babies in the womb who deserve protection.

• Pray that the agenda of Satan and his wicked disciples to kill pre-born babies in the womb and encourage immoral sexual activities to innocent young children in government schools would be exposed and stopped.

Public School Exit

• Please continue to pray for our Rescuing Our Children initiative to encourage an exodus from government indoctrination centers. Rev. Ceasar LeFlore, our field director for this project, is meeting with pastors throughout the City of Chicago and suburbs and has been getting favorable responses.

• Pray for Illinois Family Institute and our annual banquet which is scheduled for Friday evening. Pray that the event would be a success, and that our keynote speaker, Dr. Erwin Lutzer, would encourage and challenge us to live up to the high calling of our faith in Christ Jesus.

For Those in Authority

For the next several weeks, please pray for the political leaders listed below. Pray that they would seek God’s wisdom when they make decisions that affect the people they work for. Pray that God would turn their hearts to Himself. (Proverbs 21:1)

Of course, this includes praying for Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, JB Pritzker and Julia Stratton and those who serve in these administrations. Pray also for our two U.S. Senators, Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth.

Please pray for the nine members of the U.S. Supreme Court: John Roberts, Clarence Thomas, Stephen Breyer, Samuel Alito, Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan, Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett.

In addition, please pray for the following officials:

• • U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal Bennet (D-Connecticut)
  • U.S. Senator Roy Blunt (R-Missouri)
  • U.S. Representative Bobby Rush (D-Illinois)
  • U.S. Representative Peter Aguilar (D-California)
  • U.S. Representative Rick Allen (R-Georgia)
  • State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign)
  • State Senator Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro)
  • State Representative Lakesia Collins (D-Chicago)
  • State Representative Dan Caulkins (R-Decatur)
  • YOUR local City/Village/Township Officials

The great evil in America for over two centuries was slavery and its ugly aftermath. Too many Christians for too long stood passive as Satan attacked the humanity of African Americans. Too few had the courage to do what Wheaton College founder, pastor, and tenacious abolitionist Jonathan Blanchard did. Here is but one example:

During their trip from Cincinnati to Galesburg, in order to observe the Sabbath as a day of rest, the Blanchard family took lodgings in a hotel in slave territory. On that Sabbath morning, just before breakfast, out in the back yard of the hotel, a slave girl was unmercifully flogged, so severely that blood from wounds in her back fell to the ground around her. At the breakfast table some of the guests of the hotel were laughing and joking about the incident. Finally, Jonathan Blanchard could stand it no longer. He arose, and was about to leave the room. Then, realizing the meaning of retreat on his part, he turned and apologized for being too cowardly to testify against their actions. Directly facing those who made light of such barbarity, he said, “For every drop of slave blood that was shed, God will require white blood!”

Then came the Civil War.

Blanchard was not alone among pastors. Charles Spurgeon spoke too in plain, bold language about the evil of slavery:

I do from my inmost soul detest slavery . . . and although I commune at the Lord’s table with men of all creeds, yet with a slave-holder I have no fellowship of any sort or kind. Whenever one has called upon me, I have considered it my duty to express my detestation of his wickedness, and I would as soon think of receiving a murderer into my church … as a man stealer.

Lest anyone in our post-racial society think that such a statement was without cost, here’s some of what Spurgeon endured:

Spurgeon’s character was assassinated throughout the Confederacy. His sermons, which in 1862-1863 sold one million copies annually, were censured. His books, which sold 1,000 copies per minute at trade shows, were publicly destroyed. Sermon bonfires illuminated jail yards, plantations, and bookshops throughout the Southern states.

Here’s another response from the citizens of Montgomery, Alabama prior to the burning of Spurgeon’s books:

We trust that the works of the greasy cockney vociferator may receive the same treatment throughout the South. And if the pharisaical author should ever show himself in these parts, we trust that a stout cord may speedily find its way around his eloquent throat.

Today, Satan remains committed to dividing people by race, but he’s also attacking other biblical truths with a delighted vengeance. For 70 years, he has been attacking with relish biblical truths regarding sexuality and marriage.

So, where are today’s pastors and political leaders who are willing to speak unpopular truths about the evil of the normalization of sexual perversion as Blanchard and Spurgeon spoke about the evil of slavery? Are today’s pastors willing to say that they “detest” “trans”-cultism and that they will “have no fellowship of any sort or kind” with those who chemically and surgically mutilate children’s bodies? Are there pastors—including pastors of the renown of Charles Spurgeon—who consider it “their duty to express their detestation” of the madness and wickedness of gender theory, same-sex faux-marriage, and sexually integrated private spaces?

I know of one political leader who recently dared to speak truth in a culture where evil is taught as good. North Carolina’s black, Republican Lieutenant Governor Mark Robinson is under fire for speaking this truth in April at Asbury Baptist Church in Seagrove, North Carolina:

There’s no reason anybody anywhere in America should be telling any child about transgenderism, homosexuality, any of that filth. And yes, I called it filth. And if you don’t like it that I called it filth, come see me and I’ll explain it to you.

To be clear, “filthy” means “contemptibly offensive; objectionable.” So, yes, socially constructed leftist ontological and moral beliefs about homoerotic acts and cross-sex impersonation are filthy. Teaching them to children is evil.

Most conservatives can’t muster sufficient courage to oppose the wickedness leavening our culture even as children are being chemically and surgically mutilated. Many Christians have the means to homeschool, to educate their children in co-ops, or to send them to Christian private schools but choose instead to send them to government schools to be tutored by people who lack the wisdom or fortitude to oppose evil lies. Those parents are not fulfilling God’s command to “train up a child in the way he should go.”

If conservatives don’t realize that teaching children anything positive about cross-sex impersonation and homosexuality is evil, we are in deep trouble. If Christians don’t so realize, we’re in even deeper trouble. If Christian conservatives have become so worldly and deceived that they believe the chief end of man is to please the ungodly, the church is lost. If Christians believe that being a “welcoming, inclusive, and diverse” church entails silence on or affirmation of sexual sin, the church and culture are lost.

In 2014, I first wrote that the end goal of the “trans” cult is the eradication of all public recognition of sex differences. I have written that every year since 2014. Because of the ignorance, cowardice, silence, and capitulation of conservatives, that end fast approaches.

No more single sex bathrooms, locker rooms, dorm rooms, or prison cells. British Airways, Congress, and government schools are eliminating all things “gendered.” No more addressing “boys,” “girls,” “ladies,” or “gentlemen.” No more references to “sisters” and “brothers.” No more references in medical schools to “pregnant women.” Tampon machines in boys’ restrooms in elementary schools.

Our cowardice now bequeaths a neutered future to our children and grandchildren, maintained by tyrannical oppression that we should all be able to see on the darkening horizon.

Listen to this article read by Laurie:

https://staging.illinoisfamily.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Cowardice-and-The-Orwellian-Neutering-of-America.mp3