Today Craig and LaDonna Smith begin their study on the fourth church in the Apostle Paul's church planting work in the region of Asia Minor (modern day Turkey). It's the church in Thyatira. Similar to Pergamos, Thyatira was a city with workers unions that were tied to pagan religions and practices. In the eyes of those throughout the region surrounding Thyatira, it was deemed to be less significant that Ephesus, Smyrna, and Pergamos, but like every community around the world, it was, is, and always will be, of eternal importance to the Lord. So important, that He told John to write that they were accountable to the living Word of God and the living God who was the author of that living Word. The Smiths share that this church received commendation from the Lord because their current works were greater than when they first started. But with that commendation was a challenge to them because they were tolerating demonic activity through a woman who epitomized the characteristics of the Old Testament Jezebel. She was leading the people in the church into sexual immorality as part of pagan worship. This speaks to a duality of alliances that God was not pleased with. Seems like nothing has changed in the life of the church even today as syncretism abounds around the world. Once again the only thing the church could do about this is REPENT! Quite a start to another church listed in Revelation 2&3. May we all learn from these churches is the prayer of Craig and LaDonna and their Indigenous Faith heart!

Today the Smiths take a quick break from their study in the Book of Revelation to bring you an extra special edition of Indigenous Faith, where the interviewers become the interviewee's. The Smiths were invited to be guests on the Christian radio program, Jesus is Asking Are You Listening, hosted by Steve and Christy Keist. For many years this program has aired across America and their audience stretches from coast to coast. The Keist's interview the Smiths about a number of topics including both personal and ministry related issues. The Smiths reveal more about their personal lives than ever before, so if you want to know more about their love lives and how the met, and the impact the Miracle at Mile Marker 313 affected both their personal and ministry lives, then this is the episode for you. It's an interesting turn of events where the Smiths sit on the other side of the interview table in this unique version of Indigenous Faith. Don't forget, they'll be right back next week in their continued study on the seven churches in Asia Minor, as they begin their study on the church in Pergamos. All interesting information that Jesus presents to John the Revelator in this critical book of Bible prophecy. Enjoy this week's edition, then we look forward to seeing you again next week, dear friends, as the Indigenous Faith Podcast keeps rolling on!

Today Craig and LaDonna Smith complete their study on the words of Jesus Christ to the church in Pergamos. This church had both affirmation of things they were doing well and words of correction over things that they weren't doing well. Something that can easily be said of most churches around the world today! And it's all based upon the authority and clarity of the Word of God. This podcast is first and foremost, a promoter of biblical truth, and secondarily, those truths are supported by comment that Craig and LaDonna Smith offer from their nearly fifty-years of service to Christ and His church. The key word to Pergamos from the mouth of the Lord? Repent! But in saying that, the Lord reminds Pergamos that He understands the great challenges they face because they were in a community that was the hotbed of many pagan religions and demonic practices. It's hard sometimes to live a faithful life in that kind of community. The Lord understands, is compassionate to His people, but yet holds their spiritual feet to the fire when He calls them to repent. On the positive side, He reminds them that He offers His own what He calls, Hidden Manna, which is all about the infusion into the lives of His people of His divine power, His timeless doctrinal truths, and all that is the believer's inheritance which can be enjoyed today. That manna is also tied to His body shed on the cross for our sins, which we are called to remember on a regular basis until He comes again. That is done through the regular observance at the table of the Lord as we who are part of His church celebrates communion with other believers. Craig also explains the mystery of the white stone with a new name on it as the context of the culture of that day is clarified and presented in a way that helps us all understand what the meaning of this white stone is. All important context for believers today to understand what the Lord is saying to these seven churches along the well traveled roads of Asia Minor, as the Smiths continue their study in eschatology on Indigenous Faith. Their next stop on this tour is the city of Thyatira. We'll visit there soon on an upcoming episode of Indigenous Faith! See you then!