In today's episode, Craig and LaDonna Smith continue their study of the words of Christ to the church at Thyatira. This church was commended by Christ for the fact that their works of today were greater than the works they did when they first started. So there was increasing efforts to serve their community for the sake of Christ that did not miss the gaze of the One whose eyes were like a blazing fire. But along with commendation came condemnation for a level of sin and syncretism that was so bad, it negated all the positive affirmation and blessing of God. Jesus said of them that, they tolerated that woman Zezebel who called herself a prophet. Through their engagement with this pagan woman, sexual immorality filled the church and the Lord did not like it at all. Even with that reality, a deeper dive in to the passage led to the discovery of some very godly men who had historic and expansive impact through the then known world. Men like Bernard of Clarivaux, Peter Waldo, John Wycliffe, John Huss, and Anselm were all men in the Roman church who were the precursors of the Reformation movement Martin Luther brought to the church in the 1500's. These men were all from the church in Thyatira. But going back to Zezebel and her influence in the church, the Smiths remind us all that both the grace and righteous judgement of the Lord were on full display for not just her, but those who fell into her demonic arms. It says that the Lord gave her time to repent, and called those who followed her to repentance as well. It's great to know, the Smiths remind us, that God is patiently awaiting us to return to Him when we seek genuine repentance from our sins. But also, it's important to remember that while His forgiveness of our sins is total, all encompassing, and liberating to the soul, we are not necessarily delivered from the consequences of our sin. We may be plagued by those consequences for a long time after we've experienced the forgiveness of the Lord. What a sobering reminder for us to seek to walk in obedience to both the Word of God and the God who is the author of that Word. Are you catching these realities, dear friend? The Smiths pray we all do as we move forward in our Indigenous Faith!

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!