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!