Today, the Smiths begin their study in the third church on Paul's Asia Minor church planting efforts. This time it's the city of Pergamos. The Smiths follow the similar pattern of walking through the Scripture passages that speak of this periarticular church. Pergamos was one of the key cities in the region, and was considered the center of a number of pagan religions. Its 1,000 foot high hill the city was built on and around was home to many pagan houses of worship. Having so many religious options available, the inevitable outcome for some was to syncretize their Christian faith and practice with that of these other religions. The Lord was gracious to them in understanding when He said, "I know where you live..." meaning while challenging them to stay true to their Christian faith and not compromise, He also was willing to forgive and empower His people through the timeless truths of God's Word and the power of the Holy Spirit. The Smiths have an interesting segment in this episode on the demonic power of one pagan god, Bacchus, who was known as the god of drunkenness. You won't want to miss the Smiths coverage of the impact this false god has today, even in both modern American culture and our tribal cultures as well. It's an interesting study into an interesting church in an interesting community. Be sure to stay with the Smiths through the whole series on Christ's words to the church in Pergamos. Right here on Indigenous Faith.

As the Smiths finish their study on Christ's words to the church in Smyrna, they continue their review of the poverty Jesus said was evident in this church. In human terms, they were poor, yet, Jesus said, in Him, they were rich beyond imagination! And that truth is for us as well in today's culture. We are blessed beyond measure. Craig continues his reminder from Christ's birth how He became poor for us so we could become rich in Him. From there, the Smiths review how a faithful God has blessed them all throughout their married life and ministry, even though their major life-threatening auto accident changed their ability to "bring in the income" to support their new work. The reason for God's faithfulness was, even when they had very little income, they were faithful to tithe to their local church and support even beyond that basic giving, other ministries that needed support. You'll be encouraged by the stories of God's faithfulness that both LaDonna and Craig share. From there, the Smith's close out this series by sharing from their understanding of God in the suffering of His people. It's a powerful conclusion to their series on this one church, Smyrna, that was included in the whole counsel of God through His Holy Word! Be sure to join us next week as they start another series on the next church in the lineup in their in-depth study on end times and the Book of Revelation. Thanks again for joining the Smiths in this extended journey in the Word of God!

As we launch into today's episode of Indigenous Faith, Craig continues to share the remarkable experience he had in 2009 when he died in an emergency room in Santa Fe, New Mexico. But he didn't stay dead, instead, the doctors pushed blood and fluids back into him and got his heart started again. As amazing as that medical intervention was, there was a much greater intervention, and that was Craig's experience as he passed through death's door only to return by the miraculous hand of Almighty God! And that experience alone has dramatically affected his life since then. Where was Jesus at the point of death? Craig unpackages that important reality that, for him, helped faith overcome fear in the most horrific part of his traumatic experience in the Miracle at Mile Marker 313. From there, the Smiths continue through the text they are teaching from and address what Revelation 2:9 spoke about pertaining to the false Jews who were Jews by name only, yet were more aligned with Satan's side than God's. And the church in Smyrna had to deal with that reality. From there, Craig begins to unpackage what the Scriptures said about Smyrna, that while they were in poverty, yet at the same time they were incredibly prosperous. The actual word Jesus used was they were rich! In fact, richer than many kings and powerful leaders who had wealth untold. And this is where this episode makes an unexpected turn as Craig presents a very interesting way he defines the false teaching of the health and wealth prosperity gospel found in modern Christianity, and as seen on many Christian television programs. He actually goes as far as to call those who preach this false gospel, Christianity's Medicine Men and Medicine Women! What does he mean by that!? You'll just have to stay tuned for this very unique and stunning episode of Indigenous Faith! Get ready for some amazing moments ahead with Craig and LaDonna Smith and their Indigenous Faith teaching!