Here I Stand

Pastor Calvin Lindstrom and Pastor James Pittman explore the core message of the gospel, its biblical foundation, and common distortions. They discuss the importance of contextualizing the gospel, addressing sin, and the dangers of prosperity and cultural distortions in modern churches.

In this episode of *Here I Stand*, Pastor James Pittman and Calvin Lindstrom welcome Stephanie Trussell, a passionate candidate for Illinois State District 42. With a background as a former Republican lieutenant governor candidate and a deep commitment to her community, Stephanie shares her journey and her vision for the future of Illinois.

A Journey Rooted in Faith and Community
Stephanie's story is one of resilience. Raised in Chicago as a single mother, she found unexpected success after winning a radio contest that led her to a prominent role in broadcasting. Reflecting on her journey, she emphasizes the importance of community and the support she received in her own life:

> "I was living in like a lifetime movie... so sad that it went away. But then Jeannie Ives tapped me and said, 'Would you like to work for me?'"  

Her experiences led her to a new calling — running for office to make a difference in her community.

## Addressing Education and Family Values
A central theme in Stephanie's campaign is the need for better education in Illinois. She expresses her frustration with the state of public schools:

> "We're spending thirty-three thousand dollars per kid and those kids can't read."

She advocates for alternatives to government schools, highlighting the sacrifices parents make for their children's education. In her view, the focus should be on ensuring that every child receives a quality education aligned with family values.

## The Challenge of Changing Illinois
As she discusses her candidacy, Stephanie points out the challenges facing Illinois, particularly under current leadership:

> "If you vote for me, I'm gonna go down to Springfield and lobby against everything that J.B. Pritzker is doing."  

She believes the state needs to reverse the trends that have driven families and businesses away, advocating for policies that support hardworking families and small business owners.

## A Call to Action
Stephanie’s journey and her commitment to restoring Illinois resonate deeply with her constituents. She emphasizes the importance of community participation in governance and encourages listeners to engage with her campaign:

> "I just encourage people to put your kids first in education."  

As the election approaches, her call for community involvement is more vital than ever.

In a powerful gathering at Grace Redeemer Church in Winfield, Illinois, Pastor Jeff Durbin and Wes Fuller joined us to tackle a pressing issue: the fight against abortion and the need for a stronger church voice in the legislative arena.

Pastor Jeff shared details about a historic bill introduced by Senator Neil Anderson — the first bill of abolition in Illinois. This initiative aims to provide equal protection for the unborn. In light of this, Durbin emphasized the urgency for churches to rally together, stating,

"We need a larger team of pastors from across this state to add to the coalition we already have."

 The Church's Role

The conversation turned to the apparent indifference within the church regarding abortion. Durbin pointed out that a lack of courage in the pulpit contributes to this indifference, stating that many pastors are afraid to confront societal issues boldly. He noted,

"The pulpit in the West is generally weak. It lacks courage; it's afraid to be bold with a culture."

This reluctance often translates into congregations that follow weak leadership, leading to a broader societal apathy towards the issue of life.

The Pro-Life Narrative

Durbin critically examined the pro-life movement, asserting that the establishment often perpetuates a narrative that conflicts with the call to abolish abortion altogether. He argued that many in the pro-life movement operate under the belief that women who have abortions are victims themselves, which hinders the push for true abolition. He stated, "The greatest enemy to the abolition of abortion... is the pro-life movement." This perspective challenges the conventional narrative many Christians hold, urging them to reconsider where their support and advocacy lie.

Moving Forward

As the session wrapped up, it was clear that the fight for life requires more than just passive support; it demands active participation and vocal opposition to the status quo. The message was compelling — the church must rise to advocate for justice for the unborn with a unified and courageous voice.

Reflecting on these discussions, it’s evident that the call to action is urgent. As believers, we are encouraged to engage with our communities and lawmakers to demand justice for pre-born children. The journey is just beginning, and every voice matters in the fight for life.

Pastor James Pittman and Pastor Calvin Lindstrom host Lieutenant Colonel Alan West to discuss the threats to American values, the importance of courage in leadership, and the spiritual battle against ideologies like communism and Islam. They emphasize the need for Christians to stand firm, speak truth, and actively engage in politics to preserve liberty and faith.

Pastor James Pittman and Pastor Calvin Lindstrom of the Christian Emergency League discuss the importance of standing firm on biblical truths amidst cultural challenges. They address recent protests, biblical interpretations on social issues, and the historical foundations of American independence.

Key topics

• Biblical interpretation of social issues
• Protests against Christian messages
• Historical foundations of American independence
• The relationship between Old and New Testament teachings
• The church's role in cultural engagement

Pastor James Pittman and Pastor Calvin Lindstrom of the Christian Emergency League host Julie Cho, a dedicated Republican Township Committeeman in Cook County. They discuss the importance of local politics, the challenges within the GOP in Cook County, and strategies to restore faith and integrity in local government to influence broader state and national change.