Who are the 24 elders that surround the throne of God in heaven? Well, with the help of leading commentators like Dr. David Jeremiah and Dr. John MacArthur, the Smiths answer that question. They are representatives of the Body of Christ on earth, the Bride of Christ. They are the ones who circle the throne and are in constant worship. One day we'll join them is the exciting thought the Smiths focus on in this third and final part of the first six verses of Revelation 4. There's other images John presents to us such as an image of a sea of glass before the throne, indicating the reality that God's gaze earthward is never obstructed, but with that clarity, He is able to judge the actions of all earth dwellers with a gaze that even penetrates into the inner soul of all mankind. What an amazing start to our look into the Raptured Church in Heaven as found in Revelation 4. We'll see you at next week's Indigenous Faith broadcast when we pick it all up again, starting with Revelation 4:6. Until then, be blessed, dear friend!

As the Smiths return to cover Revelation 4, they pick up where they left off last week with a reminder about the immediacy of the transition from earth to heaven when a Christian passes through death's door. We then receive a glorified body fit for use in both heaven and on earth, because we will be residing in both heaven and earth for at least one-thousand years and then in a new heaven and new earth throughout the remainder of eternity! What a glorious thought that is! And what did John see when he responded to Christ's invitation to come on up? He saw not only the Lord seated on His throne, but surrounding that throne were twenty-four more thrones that were occupied by twenty-for elders. Who were they and what did they represent? The Smiths, with the helpful commentary of leaders like Dr. David Jeremiah, reminded us that they are representatives of the Body of Christ throughout church history and their role is to worship God continually. What an exciting look into things to come, and the Smiths are delighted to present these truths to you to help build a biblically healthy faith and life in Indigenous believers worldwide. That's an important statement because as of today, this Indigenous Faith broadcast is heard not only across North America, but in another 120 nations worldwide! The Smiths look forward to meeting many of you in heaven, dear friend, when we all get together with the Lord in that great Rapture of the Church, which could happen any day now. Let's be ready, ok? And if He chooses to wait a little longer, then we'll see you next week for the continuation of this great study in biblical prophecy, right out of the Book of Revelation!

Today, Craig and LaDonna Smith begin a new series in their extended study of eschatology, or, biblical prophecy. They are using the Book of Revelation, which isn't taught from very often by preachers and teachers but is so necessary to cover because it presents in great detail the things that are to come for both believers in Christ and for those who reject His free gift of salvation. They move from their review of the seven churches in Asia Minor, found in Revelation 2 & 3 to the church after it has been raptured into heaven by Christ which launches the seven year Great Tribulation period here on earth. They unpackage the introductory verses of chapter 4 by reviewing what John the Revelator saw in his vision of things to come. They discuss in detail what the words of this chapter are telling those who read it and desire to understand it fully. They talk about John being invited by Christ to, "Come up here..." and how he could do this by, "Being in the spirit..." and how long it took him to get there, which was immediately. But the most important part of this episode is when Craig stops the music and turns his attention to sharing a clear presentation of the gospel and inviting listeners to come to Christ right then and there, so they don't miss this eternity altering event! If you're in that number, please consider your eternal destiny, as the Smiths plead with you to consider. You may not have much time left to decide. Is it heaven, or is it going to be hell? They only assurance we have for heaven is through Christ, the truth behind the whole book of Revelation and the other sixty-five books that make up God's Holy and universally true Word!