January 10, 2012
The greatest privilege of ministry for me has been time spent studying God’s Word. After devoting three seminary classes to John’s Gospel, translating, outlining and preaching through it once before, shouldn’t I be able to check it off and move on by now?
The truth is that it still seems I have only scratched the surface of John’s Gospel. It’s a joy to delve deeper into the inexhaustible truths of Scripture, gain understanding, see new insights and then leave with a greater love for Christ. There is always an element of discovery in every passage, and it’s exciting to share this with our political leaders.
One of our goals in 2012 is to finish our studies in John and also James. In the past, it’s been exciting to see some of our leaders take notes during Bible study, ask questions, or even pull out a highlighter. Our prayer is that this response would continue and grow throughout the year.
The Illinois Supreme Court and General Assembly are beginning their sessions. The Supreme Court has never had a regular Bible study, and we praise God that most of our justices have welcomed it. Many in the General Assembly read our study notes, and a dozen make a point of attending Bible study.
Please pray for the men and women in both of these branches of government. Power comes with many temptations. May it not blind them from humbly coming to and following Jesus Christ.
Soli Deo Gloria,
Shaun Lewis
State Director, Illinois
PS—All of our 2011 studies are now posted online.
December 5, 2011
December Newsletter
November 7, 2011
Death and life are in the power of the tongue — Proverbs 18:21.
Speeches, declarations, verdicts, conversations, arguments, insults, curses or blessings—all of these come from the tongue. It is the instrument that most effectively gives vent to our thoughts and desires. Whether by intention or accident, what comes out of the mouth has awesome potential… and we hardly realize it.
Two men who did realize it were Adolf Hitler and Winston Churchill. One man went from prisoner to Chancellor in ten years, and his words drove the machines of war. The other had been sidelined until suddenly appointed Prime Minister, and his words instilled hope. Hundreds of millions were moved to war. Ten of millions died. How did the world come to this a mere seventy years ago? By the tongue.
After studying James 3:1-12 and sharing it with legislative staff, it will be the text for our next Bible study during Veto Session. Our lawmakers will be in Springfield this week, and Governor Quinn is allowing us to meet for Bible study in his office. Please pray for us, and if you can’t read the entire study, here’s the main point:
The tongue is the most accurate window into a person’s heart. Though we are saved by grace alone, words reveal with great clarity the kind of faith we have (cf. Matt 12:36-37). James teaches that an unredeemed tongue evidences an unredeemed heart.
How well does your speech align with your profession of faith?
The tongue is a small member with inordinate potential. It is an elusive instrument that betrays and shows to all what’s truly in the heart. Praise God for saving us and then changing us from within.
Soli Deo Gloria,
Shaun Lewis
State Director, Illinois
October 5, 2011
Lord! Open the King of England’s eyes. These were the final words of William Tyndale before his execution in 1536. His crime? Translating the Bible into English.
Tyndale never married nor was buried, lived as a fugitive, experienced starvation, and hurt from loneliness. Shipwreck destroyed his translations. Enemies burned them, and a friend betrayed him to the authorities.
I believe Tyndale sacrificed so greatly because He loved the Word so deeply. James exhorts us to have this same kind of love and esteem of Scripture. A God-breathed Book—-we should be quick to listen, slow to teach our own ideas and slow to become resentful of anything it contains (cf. James 1:19). We, too, should love this Book more than life itself.
If you’re not able to read the entire study, here are a few points we discussed yesterday:
- Be quick to listen. It has been said that sin will keep a man from the Bible, or the Bible will keep a man from sin. Sin makes us slow to listen to Scripture, does it not? By stages, spiritual sluggishness sets in, and the eagerness to learn fades. We stop listening.
James urges us to "put away all filthiness." The picture is one of dirt on the body or clothes. Remove it. Wash it off. If you want to be quick to listen, clean out your ears. Forsaking sin is the only way a person will ever “receive with meekness the implanted Word” (cf. James 1:21).
- Be slow to speak. James’ epistle warns of the tongue in every chapter. We naturally want to share our opinions, thoughts and ideas with all who will listen. Here we are warned to be cautious. Slow down. Test your words against the Word of God. Say what aligns. Discard what contradicts.
Though having advice to give and things to share, sometimes it would be better to say nothing at all.
- Be slow to become angry. When the Lord spoke of judgment for the nation of Judah, the prophet warned the king. Rather than humbly listen to the Word of God, Jehoiakim had the words of the prophet Jeremiah shredded and burned (cf. Jer. 36:23).
God’s Word can be hard to receive. Some become visibly angry at its teachings while others become inwardly resentful. No one likes to be corrected, but how do you respond when the Bible runs contrary to your thoughts or even parts of your life?
Within a year of Tyndale’s death, King Henry VIII ordered every church to display a copy of the English Bible. Almost every word on every page was written by Tyndale.
Shaun Lewis
State Director, Illinois
P.S. If you would like to read more about Tyndale, David Daniell has written an excellent biography.
September 14, 2011
Take up and read!
When Augustine overheard these words sung by children, he took up a Bible, began to read and was drawn to Christ. A time of conviction culminated in true repentance when Augustine looked intently into God's Word.
I have been studying the history of evangelicalism recently and scattered throughout are revivals. Notable is the pattern found during the First Great Awakening (1730’s and 40’s). The Bible was preached and an unusual number of people responded by casting off old sins and turning in faith to Christ. They heard God’s Word proclaimed and repented.
What caused such a harvest of souls throughout America's Eastern seaboard? According to Iain Murray, there was no formula. Pastors and church leaders simply prayed and preached. They were faithful, and God sovereignly chose to bless. The Lord rarely blesses with a flood of new believers, but when He does it is always the fruit of faithfulness to His Word.
At different points I have been asked why Capitol Commission spends so much time preparing Bible studies. A book study would free up more time for ministry. Planning events would be more exciting and draw a crowd.
Why spend so much time preparing sermons to teach in the Capitol?
Because events, meetings and programs in themselves are not what change lives. These have a right place in our ministry, but faith ultimately comes from hearing the Word (cf. Rom 10:14-17). The accounts in Murray’s Revival and Revivalism have reminded me there’s no substitution for this.
Our ministry in Illinois is evangelistic, and we would love to see a harvest of new believers in our Capitol. If the Lord should bless in this way, it will only be as His Word goes forth and His people are faithful in prayer.
Would you like to see a harvest in our Capitol? Are you praying for it?
Soli Deo Gloria,
Shaun Lewis
State Director, Illinois
September 13, 2011
September Newsletter
August 24, 2011
Do you wish to grow in grace and be a devoted Christian? Be very sure, if you wish it, you
could not have a more important question than this — Do you pray?
— J.C. Ryle, A Call to Prayer
Other people know much about us. Our employer knows our work ethic, integrity and witness. Our brothers and sisters in Christ know our faithfulness in ministry and church attendance. Friends know what we love and enjoy in life. Family members may know most of all. Yet, no one knows but God alone whether we actually pray.
Lately, I have been evaluating the state of the Illinois ministry—is it driven by prayer? Do I pray? Do our friends and supporters pray? We’ll revisit this subject, but for now, here are a few ways you can join with us in prayer…
Illinois Prayer Blog. Is the prayer calendar a list of unfamiliar names to you? This tool will update you biweekly with insight on happenings in the Capitol and how to pray for our leaders. Programming is currently being tested and tweaks are being made. Please pray that the end result will be a valuable resource, not just another blog.
Staff & Supreme Court Bible Studies. Staff studies will start again in September, and the Supreme Court will be in session twice next month. Please pray for fruit as we study the book of James, particularly our study on 2:14-26.
Travel and Meetings. This week our family will be at the home of one our lawmakers. He and his wife are believers who have been a rich blessing to us. Please pray for our time with them as well as fruitful meetings in the Chicago suburbs.
Speaking in Churches. The Lord continues to open doors for ministering His Word. Our goal is that believers would be encouraged to see the political arena as a mission field. Please pray for those who hear and for accuracy in conveying truth.
Soli Deo Gloria,
Shaun Lewis
State Director, Illinois
August 8, 2011
We know it’s wrong to play favorites, and yet we do it so often. As opposed to a big sin like adultery, favoritism ranks fairly low for most of us. It’s bad… but is it really that bad?
Lately, I have been preparing future Bible studies. Next month, our staff studies will resume alongside a handful of judicial and legislative studies. The Book of James will be our focus, and the verses I’ve recently studied are from 2:8-13. If you can’t read the entire study, here are a few points we’ll cover:
When we play favorites, we shatter the royal law. Whether it is murder or favoritism, arson, tax evasion, reckless driving, greed or lust—all of it breaks the royal law to love your neighbor as yourself. Shatter this overarching law in any one of ten-thousand ways, and the penalty is beyond reckoning.
Sin of any kind is an infinite offensive to God, and if the punishment fits the crime then an infinite offense demands an infinite sentence.
- No mercy under the royal law
First-century Judaism viewed God’s Law as individual commands and not a perfect unity. Commands kept merited a measure of righteousness. Commands broken incurred a degree of debt. It was thought that a man was made righteous by keeping more of God’s commands than he broke.
James teaches that one violation of the royal law, one failure to love set against even a trillion loving deeds, will condemn us.
- Mercy triumphs over judgment
News that liberates from the terror of condemnation is good indeed. In the gospel, the Law of God has been perfectly kept, and the believer stands perfectly justified both now and forevermore.
People who have received such mercy should be known for being merciful to all. To the degree we understand the mercy extended to us in Christ, if we understand it at all, mercy will come to characterize our lives.
Soli Deo Gloria,
Shaun Lewis
State Director, Illinois
July 25, 2011
I was brushing up on our state’s Constitution and came across the Preamble. Chances are few of us have read it since high school, but it’s an interesting piece. Back in 1818, here’s why our founders established Illinois. They wanted this new state to:
- Provide for the health, safety and welfare of the people
- Maintain a representative and orderly government
- Eliminate poverty and inequalities
- Assure justice
- Provide opportunities for individual development
- Ensure tranquility
- Provide for the common defense
- Secure freedom and liberty
It’s not a perfect list, but let’s recognize that when compared to many governments, these intentions weren’t too bad. We should be thankful for that much, and it raises an important question: What did God intend government to do? Why was government established at all?
Romans 13:1-7 and 1 Peter 2:13-14 are foundational texts that indicate the basic purposes for government are to:
- Punish the unrighteous
- Reward the righteous
Punishing the unrighteous includes assuring justice but could also include provisions for the common defense. Securing freedom, ensuring tranquility and promoting the general welfare could be viewed as rewards for the righteous.
Our Preamble caused me again consider the role of government, and I want to challenge you in this way. What do you believe government should do? How does that align with God’s Word on the subject?
Soli Deo Gloria,
Shaun Lewis
State Director, Illinois
July 4, 2011
Stephen Ambrose never meant for me to consider the sovereignty of God. He was a renowned historian who wrote some of my favorite books, but he was not was a Christian. Ironically, Ambrose’s final work, To America, has made me thankful that God was sovereign in establishing our nation.
Some of our leaders, such as George Washington, rose above the men of their time. In a day of divine rule, Washington actually stepped down from the Presidency after eight years. King George III and Napoleon took notice… and they were stunned.
Though he may have been our greatest President, even Washington had his shortcomings. What can be said of the next 43 Presidents, few of whom were his equal? The best of men were men at best. Amidst the highs and lows and a host of “chance” events or victories, it is astonishing that America even exists as it does.
God ordained that a nation so free as ours would exist, and I praise Him for letting me serve Him here. Can Christians in Beijing openly evangelize their leaders? Could believers in sixteenth-century England own a Bible? Were the Dark Ages kind to true believers, or Rome welcoming of them? Yet, here in the United States, I lead a Bible study in our Capitol Building, and no one even challenges it.
On Monday, the 235th birthday of our nation, we should be humbled by God’s Providence and filled with thanksgiving. We have freedoms so many of our brothers and sisters in Christ have never known. How are you using yours? I trust it is to the praise of His glory.
Soli Deo Gloria,
Shaun Lewis
State Director, Illinois
June 20, 2011
A few weeks ago our pastor taught an overview of Judges. The book is a sad account of spiritual decline from beginning to end, moving from bad to worse. One foolish decision follows another. Captivity, oppression, ruin and misery lace the pages, culminating in civil war.
What on earth were they thinking?! It may be extreme, but Judges illustrates man doing what's right in his own eyes (cf. Judges 21:25). Without rhyme or reason, blown and tossed by every desire of the heart, nothing makes sense or adds up. It’s a downward spiral into an increasingly destructive way of life.
As I think of Judges, certain legislators weigh upon my heart. Their thinking, professionally and privately, is not anchored to biblical principles or any kind of absolute standard. One of our more influential lawmakers, for instance, is a far-left leaning unbeliever who regularly greets me in the Capitol. He’s intrigued by this ministry, and a few months ago, he asked me to join him for a morning cup of coffee.
We talked about religion and politics (which had its humorous moments). Yet, as I sat there, it was hard to think about anything but his lostness and confusion or where his choices in life have left him. He’s a well-known lawmaker. Yet, he’s just a man without Christ who’s done whatever has felt right in his own eyes.
Is there anyone in your life who weighs upon you like this? There really should be. The world is filled with people spiraling destructively apart from Christ. The political arena is one mission field, perhaps some of your family members and coworkers are another?
As Christians, we know the world is lost. That knowledge needs to transform our view of the world, our compassion and response. Looking back on the past few months of session, these thoughts keep coming to mind. Praise God for the gospel, for in it we have hope. Why not share it?
Soli Deo Gloria,
Shaun Lewis
State Director, Illinois
May 18, 2011
May Newsletter
May 1, 2011
It's no secret that our political leaders pray. Almost every state legislature opens in prayer, and every U.S. President from Washington to Obama has openly affirmed faith in God. Lincoln called our nation to find strength through prayer and fasting. Truman designated a day of national prayer, and Reagan later set its date as the first Thursday of May. All of this sounds encouraging, doesn't it? Yet, something isn't quite right.
A year ago, I met with a legislator who spoke of his faith in Jesus Christ and said he prayed reguarly. Good start to our meeting, but it soon became apparent we didn't believe in the same Jesus. Like Jefferson, this legislator would pray "through Jesus Christ our Lord" while rejecting all of the Lord's miracles.
Everyone prays. Not everyone believes.
Public prayers for our nation may be sincere and well-crafted, but not all are heard. Why? Because not everyone who prays submits to the Jesus of the Bible, God as revealed in Scripture.
The National Day of Prayer is this Thursday. Amidst so many prayers that will never reach the ear of God, if you are a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, will you pray for our nation? I plan to do so and will give the opening prayer at our local National Day of Prayer event. Pray for wisdom and strength for our leaders, protection and safety for them and their families. Above all, as Paul says in 1 Timothy 2:1-4, pray for their salvation.
It may seem daunting at times to pray for spiritual change, but “though the wrong seems oft so strong, Christ is ruler yet.” Please join with me and pray for your leaders this Thursday.
Soli Deo Gloria,
Shaun Lewis
State Director, Illinois
April 12, 2011
“If… a principle of true religion should… gain ground, there is
no estimating the effects on public morals, and
the consequent influence on our political welfare.”
– William Wilberforce –
A Practical View, 1798
One of the greatest joys in ministry is to see “true religion” gain ground in the hearts of men and women. When this happens among those who lead our state, it is exciting to see the gospel affect their lives, along with pieces of legislation. Let me give you a brief update:
• Legislative Bible Studies. Our studies have doubled in size since last year as legislators are inviting their colleagues to attend. It has been meaningful to see on a few occasions how growth in knowledge of the Word has affected a lawmaker’s vote.
• Conversations about Scripture. The printed study notes continue to be distributed throughout the Capitol. After three years of visiting each office, questions about God and His Word abound:
What does it mean to believe?
Does baptism ensure my child’s salvation?
How do I witness to a colleague?
Is the Bible clearly against cohabitation?
Shoud my speech be overtly Christian on the Floor?
Can you recommend a church?
• Invocation in House and Senate. The House Clerk and Senate Secretary regularly ask if I would like to open session in prayer. This has been a wonderful opportunity to bless our lawmakers, pray for their salvation and be with them on the Floor during session.
What an exciting start to the year this has been for us—thank you for your support! It is hard to estimate the effect of your gifts and prayers, but God’s Word has not returned void. We believe it continues to gain ground in the political arena, and I am deeply grateful for your partnership in this work.
Soli Deo Gloria,
Shaun Lewis
State Director, Illinois
February 1, 2011
We have started ministering to the Illinois Supreme Court. The Marshall and one of the seven Justices are solid believers who regularly evangelize their coworkers. Both welcomed the idea of starting a weekly Bible study and have already invited many in the building to attend.
As I was meeting staff members, one of the court librarians expressed an interest in the Bible. Her perspective was rather liberal, but her desire to understand seemed sincere. Like Nicodemus, an expert in the law, little made sense to her. She had questions and wanted to listen. It is encouraging to find individuals like this, and I hope these initial conversations lead to her salvation. Please pray with us.
The legislature is in session, and we are continuing to progress through John’s Gospel. New lawmakers are attending our morning meetings while two of our longtime friends have retired and will be greatly missed.
Of the two dozen new lawmakers, one has decided his family will travel to Springfield with him throughout session. He and his wife are believers who have been praying that she and their children would find fellowship while he is working long hours at the Capitol. I believe this new friendship may develop into a unique opportunity for our family to serve theirs.
Many have asked about the prayer calendar, and the dust from the last election has yet to settle. We should have an accurate calendar within the next two weeks posted online and sent to you later this month. If you would like to meet one of your legislators to pray for him or her, let me know—it would be a privilege to help you set up a meeting.
Thank you for praying and partnering with us in reaching our leaders. Your support is a wonderful blessing that frees us to focus on the political arena.
Shaun Lewis
State Director, Illinois
December 1, 2010
The pendulum has swung yet again, and as one party suffered loss the other enjoyed historic gains. The 2010 election season was remarkable not only at the national but at the state level as well. Nationwide, more than 1,600 state legislators will be new—that’s an average of 32 new lawmakers for every state in the country.
In Illinois, we plan to contact our new lawmakers and introduce ourselves prior to the next session. Each will receive a prayer calendar, ministry brochure and an invitation to join their colleagues for Bible study. Including our Supreme Court studies, we will begin ministering to several new officials and staff members. It has been an exciting end to the year, and so much lies ahead in 2011—praise God!
Our first annual banquet was held two weeks ago at the Governor’s Mansion. Jim Young, our president, and Senator Brad Burzynski spoke to an audience of about 140. More than a third had never heard of Capitol Commission until invited by a friend. The evening was such an encouragement and significantly increased our base of support. If you would like to help with the next banquet or host a dessert social, let us know.
Finally, we want to thank you for partnering with us. The Lord has blessed our lives with so many friends, each of whom is a reminder of His grace in our lives. As we begin our third year of ministry, opportunities to share the gospel, counsel and teach the Word continue to increase. If you would like to make a year-end contribution to offset our costs in 2011, we would greatly appreciate it.
Soli Deo Gloria,
Shaun Lewis
State Director, Illinois
September 22, 2010
So much to say! Far too much time has passed since we last wrote you, but God has opened numerous new doors for ministry. Let me share a brief overview of each:
- Illinois Supreme Court. A mutual friend placed us in contact with an Illinois Justice who is a conservative evangelical. We hope to form a ministry to all seven Justices in 2011.
- Staff Bible Studies. Our weekly studies in the book of James have commenced, and our group is growing. Some in attendance may not know the Lord. Others in the Capitol are not so interested in attending but read the printed studies and often ask for prayer. This is such a mission field.
- Washington, D.C. We recently visited D.C. to meet with our Congressional leaders and the Director of The Center for Christian Statesmanship, George Roller. He and Congresswoman Virginia Foxx went beyond our every expectation to ensure our time was very well spent.
- VOICE Magazine. The general editor heard a lecture I had given on the topic of church and state. He then asked for a brief essay on our ministry for publication in an upcoming issue.
We have been traveling the state to speak in churches, meet with legislators and raise support in addition to planning a banquet. With so much, please pray the Lord would help us maintain a concentrated focus on building relationships as part of evangelizing and making disciples.
Thank you as always for your support and encouragement. We look forward to many years of fruitful ministry with you in the political arena and will continue to keep you up to date. If you would like to know more specifically how to pray, please contact us—it would be a joy to share with you over a cup of coffee.
Soli Deo Gloria,
Shaun Lewis
State Director, Illinois
June 30, 2010
The eight-term congressman, Mark Souder (R-Ind.), announced his resignation in May due to moral failure with a staff member. The list of leaders who have fallen similarly is alarming, and each year more are added.
Congressman Souder agreed to an interview with WORLD magazine. The piece is insightful and provides an honest look at the dangers of being in politics. Souder states:
One of the biggest dangers… is loneliness. Loneliness doesn't mean being alone as much as it means being around hundreds of people but not really knowing them. It's a job that results in hundreds, even thousands of friends, but not much closeness.
I could not help but think of the men and women to whom we minister in Illinois. Pray for your legislators, and be reminded that they truly need more from you than your vote.
For the full article: Lessons from a Broken Man.
Soli Deo Gloria,
Shaun Lewis
State Director, Illinois
June 11, 2010
What is the role of the church in missions? To send out missionaries. Yes, but let us not think this means the mission then belongs to the missionary or that church involvement need be minimal. The local church is critical to the fruit of missions… and that for many reasons.
Within Capitol Commission, I often wonder about the fruit of this mission ten years from now. What might it look like? I imagine more depth relationally with those in the Capitol Building. Perhaps some of our legislators or their staff members will come to Christ; maybe we will hold studies in other parts of the state or begin ministering at the federal level. The Lord only knows what is to come.
While all of this is possible, less will be realized without the involvement of churches. We cannot minister to every leader in every legislative district solely from Springfield. If such a ministry is biblical and necessary, it will require church involvement on a large scale. Relationships must be cultivated as this mission is shared throughout the state, and Lord willing, it grows from one year to the next.
As part of this vision, I will be giving a seminar later this month at the IFCA national convention. Numerous Bible-believing church leaders will be in attendance, and I will be presenting a case for the mission of reaching our political leaders. This is a unique opportunity that may prove significant down the road—may the Lord use it in this way.
Please continue to pray for our ministry in the Statehouse and for your leaders. As we look to the future, pray that this mission would be increasingly embraced. Truly, the fruit of Capitol Commission is bound in no small measure to the involvement of God’s people throughout the state.
Soli Deo Gloria,
Shaun Lewis
State Director, Illinois
May 21, 2010
May News Letter