By Nancy Thorner –
Donald Trump is president because of God.
That's what the Rev. Franklin Graham told those gathered at the 11th Annual Faith, Family, Freedom Fall Banquet held by the Illinois Family Institute and its sister organization Illinois Family Action at the Tinley Park Convention Center Friday, November 1, 2019.
Citing how the US is just one Supreme Court Justice away from overturning Roe v. Wade if God gives Trump another four years, Graham offered this direct message: "If you are pro-life you have no choice but to support our president and vice president. Trump understands that it is God and not himself that is in charge. Trump is president because of God," Graham told the crowd. "After all, Trump did offend everyone!"
The Illinois Family Institute boldly brings a Biblical perspective to Public Policy on such topics as sex education, religious liberty, abortion, marriage, homosexuality, marijuana, gambling, pornography, and Illinois politics in general.
Myles Holmes served as Master of Ceremonies. His television ministries have given him audience around the world for more than 20 years. He has authored four books and is unashamedly politically incorrect and Biblically truthful.
Eight hundred conservative Christians were on hand to hear a stirring, powerful, and memorable message delivered by Keynote Speaker, Rev. Franklin Graham. The theme of the evening was Bold as Lions. The entire event centered around the importance of being bold in facing our present political situation, designated as a crisis, with examples given of how boldness was exhibited in past times
The program opened with the National Anthem & Pledge of Allegiance led by Eric Rose, followed by a prayer by Pastor Ceasar LeFlore, IFI Board member.
David Smith introduces Rev. Franklin Graham
Rev. Franklin Graham was introduced by Executive Director David Smith, (#2) who delivered his own powerful and passionate message about boldness before inviting Graham on stage to speak.
David Smith didn't flinch in referencing the wicked policies that are being promoted in this nation that will strip us from our freedoms and expand government dependency. In speaking about the powerful special interests here in Illinois, Smith spoke of trying a kinder and gentler approach in the past only to have it fail. As such, said Smith. "We have replaced boldness with cowardliness. Politics has become weaponized against us in what is known as the Chicago Way. Democrats feel free to behave as they do, knowing from experience that we will not reciprocate in kind. We must be more assertive and bold in our actions.”
In addressing those who have concerns about Trump's style, Smith told them to be mindful of what Trump has accomplished, for they override any concerns over his style. The 3rd debate was meaningful to David Smith when Trump pushed back against abortion. Said Smith, "Abortion is America's Holocaust" As David related, "Trump is fighting for policies we care about; he has appointed pro-life judges; he is fighting for religious freedom; he has moved our embassy to Jerusalem, and yet he still finds time for Twitter. Striking about Trump is how fearless he is about exposing the divisiveness that the political Left is creating." Smith sees Jeannie Ives, who is running for Congress in the 6th U.S. Congressional District, as having the same boldness as a fighter running against her Democrat challenger, Sean Casten.
As to what this nation is facing, Smith spoke of it as a fight between good and evil. “The Left has academia, the media, and the entertainment field (Hollywood). Our side needs to talk about the deceitful antics of the Left and quit playing it safe. We must be Ambassadors for Christ in our Kingdom. We are not to put our lives under a bushel, but instead be the light of the world. We must display boldness with a willingness to engage and also to suffer for Christ. We need to fight because it matters, and indeed it does!
Franklin Graham speaks
Growing up in the mountains of North Carolina, Rev. Graham spoke of himself as a problem child. Getting into trouble attending public school, he was sent to Stony Brook in Stony Brook, New York, but in the middle of his junior year he was sent back home because of behavior problems. In that Graham's public school wouldn't permit Graham to return, he was sent to a college in Texas, with the thought that Franklin might be able to begin college early. But again Franklin was kicked out to return home.
When 22, Graham spoke about getting on his knees one night and asking God to forgive him of his sins. In so doing Graham gave his life to Christ and also for the control of his life. When waking up the next morning, Graham vowed that every day he would live a life dedicated to God. Graham did admit to failure many times but never allowed defeat to stop him from getting back up and trying again.
Graham praised his parents for setting a good example at home. There weren't two Billy Grahams. Only one. Graham's father was the same person at home as he was in public. A part of life every day for Graham as a child was getting on his knees to pray. Devotions were held before he went off to school in the morning and again at night.
In speaking about this nation, Graham spoke about a nation in trouble. Said Graham, "The moral nature of this nation has changed. Children are being taught not to believe in God. As to the abortion issue, since 1973 sixty plus million abortions have taken place in the US, with 800,000 taking place this year alone. The African American abortion rate since 1973 numbers 18 million.” As Franklin said, "Abortion has affected every state in this nation."
Trump also desires to have Christian men and women around him like former Governor Sonny Purdue, Vice President Mike Pence, Sec of Health and Human Services Dr. Ben Carson and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. Among his staffers, many are born again evangelical men and women.
Rev. Graham didn't hesitate in calling what the impeachment effort by the Left and Deep State is really all about. "We are in the middle of a coup, and we need to pray for our president." Graham then brought Scripture into his message to explain what it means to be bold.
1) Luke 1:26-38 When God sent Angel Gabriel to visit Mary to tell Mary she was highly favored and that the Lord was with her. Mary was troubled and wondered what manner of greeting this was. But Angel Gabriel said not to be afraid because you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son and will name him Jesus, who will be called the Son of God.
2) Matthew: 1:18-21 When Mary was found with child, Joseph wanted to put Mary away privately. The angel told Joseph not to fear to take Mary as his wife, because the child conceived within her is of the Holy Spirit. The child will be called Jesus and He will save the world and take away sin.
How sin came into the world
Graham had this is say about sin: "Sin began when Adam disobeyed God. We are born into sin. The entire human race is under a death threat sentence. Only through God's grace can we be saved, set forth when Jesus died for our sins and then rose from the grave. Many people think there are many roads to God, but only the Son of God can take away our sins. It is not possible to buy or work for your salvation, nor can religion save you. Salvation is only obtained through the blood of Jesus.”
Franklin then related the story in the Bible about a man named Nicodemus. He was wealthy, a religious leader, and a good man. One night while talking to Jesus, Nicodemus asked Him what he needed to do to go to heaven. Jesus told Nicodemus, “You must be born again” ( John 3:7). In fact, Jesus said, “Unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God” ( John 3:3). Jesus wasn't referring to a physical rebirth but telling Nicodemus that no matter what good he did on the outside, he needed changing on the inside, which can only happen when we put our faith and trust in Christ.
As to millennials, Graham spoke of their misplaced fondness for Socialism and their confessed immoral values. Millennials don't think stealing is all that bad, but murder is deemed undesirable, which is at odds with how millennials view abortion, which God sees as murder because it snuffs out life in the womb. God also views adultery as a sin against God. Sex is for a man and woman in a marriage relationship.
Graham implored us to support Christian candidates. We need the Roar of a Lion as the clarion call to wake up churches to support President Trump in 2020. Graham spoke or going to all 50 states in 2016 to stand on the steps of their capitals. Even when it was bitter cold many people came to pray and not to hear Graham speak.
Rev. Graham believes in prayer, that we can get Illinois back. He chided Christians who express pessimistic. As Jesus called out the Pharisees, we need to stand and fight for our children and grandchildren, so they have the same opportunities afforded them as our generation.
Following Graham's inspiring message, the Bold as a Lion award was presented to him.
Rev. Erwin Lutzker, Rev. Franklin Graham and IFI ED David E. Smith – Photos by Nancy Thorner
As a final tribute to what had been a night to long remember, participants were asked to stand and sing together that wonderful Christian hymn, Stand Up, Stand Up For Jesus, led by Debbie Kraulidis and Julia Revelle, before departing with the desire in their hearts to carry forth the message of the night — BOLD LIKE A LION — to guide their future thoughts and actions.
Annual Voice of Truth Award (#5)
IFI's annual Voice of Truth Award is given to those who model the courage to speak of, teach, and promote God's moral law in today's culture. This year the award was presented to three outstanding individuals. Pastor Holmes called the men to the stage. David Smith handed out the awards to the following three individuals:
Arthur G. Jaros, Jr. who has never wavered from contending for the faith and defending values as a college student, an attorney in private practice, and as a member of several Christian and civic organizations — most recently as a trustee of the Downers Grove Public Library Board.
Pastor Cory Musgrave as the pastor of New Beginnings Church in Fairfield, Illinois. His prayer before Illinois House lawmakers back on May 3st, sent shock waves throughout the state capital. In that prayer, he condemned what would become Illinois' new and extreme pro-abortion law.
The Reverend Dr. Erwin W. Lutzer as Pastor Emeritus of The Moody church in Chicago where he served as the Senior Pastor for 36 years. Having authored many books, his new book is The Church in Babylon: Heeding the Call to be a Light in the Darkness. Dr. Lutzer refers to it as his "legacy" book.
A word of thanks was given to the various benefactors for helping to bring Rev. Franklin Graham to the Illinois Family Institute Faith, Family, & Freedom banquet.
