Today, Craig and LaDonna continue their study of Jesus' words to the seven churches in Asia Minor in Revelation 2-3. Realizing the importance of what Christ said, they had no option but to address the issue of abortion in our modern culture. The sacrifice of children to demonic pagan idols goes as far back as the Old Testament, and is strongly condemned by Jesus Christ. Without mincing words, they strongly present the biblical case that it's not simply a "social issue" called "Choice", but a demonic and pagan practice of the worst sort. They remind us that it's not just a women's issue, but a man's issue as well. Men bear just as much responsibility by their unwillingness to care for children they bring into the world and providing a loving home for a child to be raised in. It's a worldwide issue of modern paganism that affects all cultures, tribes, nations, and people groups. The Smiths also present some of the most encouraging words ever spoken about Christ and His involvement in His church. It says He holds the seven stars (pastors) in His hand and He walks among the seven lamp stands (churches). The implications of that reality is staggering to consider and should help all believers to rejoice. It also supports the importance of being a part of a local church in order to experience this deeper work of Christ in the world today. Christ's strong words to the leaders of Ephesus included an affirmation about them promoting sound doctrine in the church all while being on the lookout for false teachers that want to come in and sow destruction. It led Craig to begin speaking strongly on the importance of these roles and he begins to introduce the issue of church discipline. Unfortunately, time ran out so you'll have to come back next week and join the Smiths as they continue to unpackage what the Book of Revelation teaches. All right here on the Indigenous Faith broadcast!

Today Craig and LaDonna Smith move on to Chapters 2-3 of the Book of Revelation, which covers Jesus' words to seven churches in the region of Asia Minor. For the next little while, the Smiths will be unpacking the details of Christ's words to these seven churches, of which He is the Senior Pastor over them all. After LaDonna presents these two chapters, the Smiths begin their focus on what He said to the first church mentioned, which was the church in the city of Ephesus. John, who was the scribe for the Book of Revelation, was actually in this city when he was taken prisoner for preaching the gospel and sent to isolation on the island of Patmos, where he received all that the Lord gave him about things to come in a biblical book who's whole purpose was to give great detail to what will happen in the last days of planet Earth as we know it. He was to write the about past, present, and future events as revealed to Him by Christ, Himself. In today's episode, the Smiths give a full explanation and background of the church in Ephesus, and begin unpacking both the affirming and challenging words of Christ to them. And that's the pattern Jesus uses in what He has to say to all these seven congregations spread throughout Asia Minor. He commends them for the good things they do, but also shares with them the things that He is against as they live their Christian lives in the early days of the Church. In one of the more powerful parts of their presentation, the Smiths remind us about the relationship Jesus has with both the church leaders and the congregation in these local congregations when He says that He holds the seven stars (the seven pastors) in His hand and he walks among the seven lamp stands (the actual seven churches). And He still does that today! There's so much encouragement as Craig and LaDonna begin unpacking God's Word, right here on this and the upcoming episodes of Indigenous Faith. We're glad you are with the Smiths in this biblical journey!

Today Craig and LaDonna Smith wrap up there expository look into Revelation 1. They remind us that while they hold strongly to the literal interpretation of Scripture, they leave room for imagery, illustrations, etc., that are metaphorically presented to help Bible students realize just what the scripture is saying. They speak on this as this chapter provides some of that kind of text. The end of the chapter is filled with imagery of the Savior of heaven and earth as John saw a vision of a man, "like the son of man." John struggles to describe this image as its realities far out delivered John's ability to describe what he saw in common human terms of the first century. The Smiths believe you will be blessed by this three part series and we hope and pray you'll be able to see all its splendor and might, right her on Indigenous Faith!