In this, the second part of the Smith's review of Christ's words to the seven churches in Asia Minor, they cover the admonitions of the Lord to the church in Pergamos. It was a city given over to a multitude of pagan religions, with shrines built all over the 1,000 foot high hill the city was built around. The inevitable result was many chose to bring their old pagan faith and rituals into their new found faith in Christ, thus resulting in blatant paganism, which, as the Lord stated to them, Nevertheless I have somethings against you...The Lord will never be supportive of that kind of faith and practice for His followers. In fact, the Smiths remind us all of the words Joshua of old told the Israelites when they were trying to do the same...He said, Choose you this day whom you will serve! And then he listed the three options that are still the options for us today. First, choose the gods of our ancestors (old tribal religion and spirituality), second, the gods in the land we are living in (modern paganism of modern America), including Old Testament Molech and Chemosh worship (modern day abortion practices), and even following the god of drunkenness, which was named Bacchus. Remember, God will not share His glory with anyone else, and especially, the gods of the many pagan religions established by nations around the world. This church, amidst that challenge, also had its heroes, who stood up to paganism and boldly worshipped Christ and Christ alone. It's a church that reminds the Smiths of many churches today around the world. On thing is certain, It is only the Lord, Himself, who will righteously and rightly sort out the good from the bad, all because of what He held in His mouth - the Word of God! That's the standard all of us will be evaluated by on Judgement Day. The Smiths hope and trust you are ready to meet the Judge of all the earth, who, as Genesis says, will do right! The time is now to get right with God, repent of sin, and turn your life over to Him!

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!