Today Craig and LaDonna Smith begin their journey into the seventh and final church that was on the receiving end of admonitions from Christ as given to the Apostle John while in exile on the island of Patmos, and which formulates the book of Revelation. It's the church in Laodicea which is front and center today. This was one of two churches that did not receive positive commendations from Christ, but only condemnatory words because of the serious situation they found themselves in. Though thought to be representing Christ, they were actually a church which Bible commentators noted was made up of people who thought they were Christian, but were actually just going through the motions. It led one voice to note that of the seven churches in Revelation 2&3, this was the only one that would miss the rapture and have to go through the Great Tribulation because of their unsaved status. They had alot going for them, in earthly terms. They were wealthy but that wealth led to no need to trust God for their provisions, they were well dressed in the styles of the day as Laodicea was known for their textile industry, and a reputation that lacked nothing in the medical world as being the city where an excellent eye salve was developed and used widely. Reputation was everything, except it was a reputation of the world, and not of the Word. It led the Lord to comment that they were neither hot nor cold, but full of lukewarm indifference, just like the lukewarm water that serviced the city through a complex aqueduct system. What do you have to say to a group like this? Sadly, this church represents many churches all throughout the Church Age, and even to this day. You can say you are a Christian church, but lack any evidence of true regeneration and divine empowerment. So this begins the Smith's study into this confused church, and once they are done with this series, we'll all know what to watch for in our own local church body so we do not become like the Laodicean folks who lacked what it took to be a church that was accepted by the Lord Jesus Christ. Important issues for sure, and it's all right here on this and the upcoming editions of Indigenous Faith!

In today's third and final episode of Christ's words to the church in Philadelphia, as found in Revelation 3:7-13, Craig and LaDonna complete their verse by verse commentary of this incredibly important passage of Scripture that had relevance for this church in the Dark Ages, but important for us as well. Remember, the Smiths have reminded us in episodes past that these actual seven churches were not only living bodies of Christ some 2,000 years ago, but they also represent all churches in all cultures in all parts of the world throughout all the Church Age. Important to today's teaching is the reality that throughout its history, the church has been anticipating with great expectancy the rapture of the church and the subsequent return of Christ to earth to establish His millennial reign, and we will be part of all those miraculous events! As the great gospel song says, "So keep your eyes upon the eastern skies, lift up your head, redemption draweth nigh!" Even so, come Lord Jesus!

This is the second of a three part series on the church in Philadelphia as presented in Revelation 3:7-13. Today the Smiths continue their verse by verse commentary on this passage and also continue to present seven important commendations Christ gives to this church. It's all important information that will help us live victorious lives in the context of our Indigenous cultures and communities. All right here on Indigenous Faith!