Indigenous Faith: Recent Episodes
Craig & LaDonna Smith
Helping Indigenous followers of Jesus Christ live biblically healthy lives in the context of their cultures.
In the first two parts of this series, Craig opened wide his heart in a message he titled Establishing a Biblically Healthy Indigenous Faith, at the Billy Graham sponsored First Peoples Christian Leaders Conference in Rapid City, SD. If you haven’t heard the first two parts of this message, we’d strongly encourage you to do so before listening to this third and final part. That way, the whole of the message will come through loud and clear. In the first two episodes, Craig discussed the redemptive role every Indigenous people group has been given by God to be His mouthpieces at strategic times in human history. History itself affirms the reality that God had done just that through many Indigenous people groups already. Could it be that soon, the same thing will happen here in North America as well? That’s been the prayer of Craig and LaDonna Smith in their over forty years they've been serving the Lord among their people. It’s crucially important to not just win Indigenous people to Christ, but to disciple them to spiritual maturity wherever and whenever our people respond by faith to Christ. And there are some unique challenges to doing so because not a lot of time and attention has been given to address the strong animism and spiritism of our old ways that still permeate our cultures today. In today’s wrap up, Craig shares the amazing story of a former Navajo medicine man, Pete Greyeyes and the salvation, healing, and deliverance he and his wife, Rena, found when they gave their lives to Christ. Pete's story illustrates the unique challenges the Smiths Indigenous Faith materials addresses to help Indigenous believers in Christ know how to address these powerful issues in their lives and cultures. In fact, much of the Indigenous Faith materials the Smiths have developed has come from both the Scriptures, and sitting at the feet of mentors like Pete Greyeyes and other first generation believers in Christ who came out of dark animism and who spoke with great authority and experience embedded in their past spiritistic lives and vocations. These are important days, and we must not delay in teaching and equipping Indigenous believers in knowing how to follow Christ without compromise in all these issues. It's a mantle that Craig and LaDonna Smith have committed to carry as long as the Lord gives them breath!
In today's episode, Craig presents part two of the foundational message he presented at the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association sponsored First Peoples Christian Leader’s Conference in Rapid City, SD. While Scripture affirms Indigenous people are to play a redemptive role in proclaiming the gospel to the specific locations God has placed them in, sometimes history wants to argue just the opposite. How can North American Indigenous people play any kind of redemptive role in these last days when it’s been our people who have been historically the resistant ones to the gospel message itself? It’s tough questions like these that Craig desires to respond to from the pages of God’s Word. In this second installment of his recorded message titled, Establishing a Biblically Healthy Indigenous Faith, Craig starts delving into how the Body of Christ needs to respond today to increase, and not decrease, its efforts in reaching and discipling Indigenous people here in North America with greater intentionality and efforts that are birthed and bathed in prayer and total dependance on the power of the Holy Spirit. Come to today's message with an open heart and mind to the principles found in God's Word, and in the application of those truths to today's North American Indigenous experience!
The Smiths take a break from their series on eschatology to present a three part series from a message he preached at a Billy Graham sponsored event in Rapid City, SD. Today, Craig and LaDonna take us into that conference in a three part series that presents Craig's message on discipling Native Americans he titled, Establishing a Biblically Healthy Indigenous Faith. In session one, Craig shares the Smiths personal story that has brought them through great trials and suffering in order to share this message at this unique event. Craig reminds the audience of Will Graham's grandfather, Dr. Billy Graham's visionary statement made back in 1975 about Native America being a sleeping giant for Christ, and if and when that giant awakens, could be the leaders of sharing the gospel in North America and beyond should God grant a last days revival. Dr. Graham's statement, Craig shared, is rooted deeply in the Scriptures. Specifically in Acts 17:26-27. Along with that biblical foundation, Craig shares a personal story on his visit to the Otavala Indians of Ecuador some years back. This tribe, which had been historically resistant to the gospel, all of a sudden experienced what only can be described as a move of God's Spirit that led thousands of Otavala Indians to come to Christ and hundreds of churches established among them. When one sees firsthand such a miraculous move of God among another tribal people, it gives great hope to see the Lord do the same among North America's Indigenous people. But its not just about reaching tribal people for Christ, they must become committed followers of Christ and the only way to make that happen is good thorough discipleship equipping of each believer. This is where Craig begins to address the missing link in the discipleship materials available to the church today. None of which address the key issues of dealing with past animism among tribal people. And that's why Craig and LaDonna have developed their Indigenous Faith materials to help fill that gap. The next two sessions are crucial to understanding how a biblically healthy life is possible for former animists and spiritists who are sold out to Christ. Session One whets your whistle while episodes 2 & 3 brings the firehose! Stay tuned, dear friend, and don't miss a single episode of this important foundational teaching. You'll be glad you experienced all three episodes of Establishing a Biblically Healthy Indigenous Faith!
In today's episode, Pastor Craig Smith continues a message he preached to his home congregation called Syncretism, The Larger Church's Largest Issue. In this two part series, Craig presents some research studies of Dr. George Barna, one of Evangelicalism's leading research expert. He shares a conviction that syncretism is the church's biggest issue today and presented supportive documentation to prove it. As you know, the Indigenous Faith resources the Smiths have developed are all about syncretism in the Naive church. This message proves that it's not just in Native ministry, but in the church at large. Please take the time to listen to both parts in this timely series designed to challenge believers of all races to walk in biblical obedience to Christ.
In today's episode, we hear from Pastor Craig Smith in a message he preached to his home congregation called Syncretism, The Larger Church's Largest Issue. In this two part series, Craig presents some research studies of Dr. George Barna, one of Evangelicalism's leading research expert. He shares a conviction that syncretism is the church's biggest issue today and presented supportive documentation to prove it. As you know, the Indigenous Faith resources the Smiths have developed are all about syncretism in the Naive church. This message proves that it's not just in Native ministry, but in the church at large. Please take the time to listen to both parts in this timely series designed to challenge believers of all races to walk in biblical obedience to Christ.
Today, Pastor Craig concludes his sermon he's titled Christ our Coming King by reviewing some of the items presented in the first part of this message he preached at his home church in Cass Lake, Minnesota in late May 2026. From there, he answers the question on many believers minds who do not fully understand biblical prophecy on the issue of the Abomination of Desolation spoken of by both the prophet Daniel and by Matthew in his prophetic presentation on end time issues in Matthew 24. How does the Antichrist commit this abomination, which involves himself claiming to be God in a new temple in Jerusalem, especially when that territory is in the hands today of the Arab Muslims and the site of their third most holy site worldwide called the Dome of the Rock? Pastor Smith offers one possibility, based upon current events, which may or may not be how this is accomplished. One thing is certain, though. It will happen because God's Word says it will! That's why it's important to filter today's current events with the Bible in hand and in our hearts if we are to know absolute, universal truth. Something the Smiths contend for each and every week right here on Indigenous Faith! They are so glad to have you along in this prophetic journey into God's Word!
After the Smiths finished their series on the church in Sardis, they break from their study in Revelation on Christ's words to the seven churches in Asia Minor to present a message Craig preached in late May, 2026 at their home church on the Leech Lake Reservation in northern Minnesota. This message, Christ our Coming King is in two parts and continues their teaching on end time prophecy. Drawing from Daniel and other Old Testament prophetic passages, Craig reminds his church family that we can believe the prophetic Scriptures, even if it comes out of the Old Testament because all it foretold of Christ's first coming has been verified and confirmed by history. And if it's confirmed truth for the first coming, we can be assured that it's confirmed truth for the second coming! The message also speaks about one of the many prophecies pieces of the end times, which is often misunderstood or not understood by many of God's people today. And that has to do with the Antichrist and issue of the Abomination of Desolation spoken of by Daniel in the Old Testament and Matthew in the New Testament. Clarifying truth is what Craig and LaDonna seek to provide you, as faithful listeners to the Indigenous Faith broadcast. With that in mind, they trust today and next week's preaching message will be a blessing, encouragement, and an enlightening event!
In today's third and final session on the church in Sardis, Craig and LaDonna complete their illustrations of Christ's words in Revelation as being for all time and for all churches around the world. Those illustrations had to do with Pastor Tony Evans and the Christianity Today magazine, and Christ's words about Sardis portraying itself as being alive by yet in the eyes of Christ, they were dead. In order to understand how Pastor Evans and the magazine relate to that, you have to go to last week's installment of Indigenous Faith to get the whole story. From there, the Smiths review all the remaining verses containing Christ's words to Sardis, including Revelation 3:2-6. With the help of Dr. J Vernon McGee's commentary, he not only clarifies how churches that are alive (at least in their minds), can actually be dead. He does a great service to us all by clarifying why Christ's words about blotting names out of the Book of Life does not mean true believers can lose their salvation. Craig reminds us about the Indigenous Faith video series that is another tool to help listeners go deeper into the truths presented by Craig and his close friend and fellow Ojibwe ministry colleague, Dr. Vern Charette. This series is available on the tribalrescue.com website as well. And this series on Sardis ends with an accapella song by the Smiths appropriately titled, Beautiful Land. A great reminder of what this whole series on The King is Coming is all about! Thanks for joining the Smiths today as they celebrate the soon return of Jesus Christ to earth! Right here on Indigenous Faith!
In this, our second episode on Christ's words to the church in Sardis, Craig and LaDonna finish up their review of the thirty-three things the Holy Spirit does according to Scripture. It's quite a comprehensive review, isn't it! From there, the Smith's finish their comments on the Holy Spirit as He lives within the believer. They then turn their attention to the indicting words of Christ to Sardis, where He says that though they have a reputation for being alive, in reality, they are a dead church. With the help of well known radio preacher of a generation ago, Dr. J. Vernon McGee's strong commentary on this passage, the veil is lifted off of Sardis and the reason they were considered dead by Christ becomes obvious. And today's episode finishes off with a more contemporary review of how presenting one's self, or one's church, or one's organization may make it look alive, Christ's words to Sardis become much more relevant to our modern times. How does a quote from Dr. Tony Evans Bible Commentary and a subsequent article on him in Christianity Today magazine bring to life these sad realities? Well, you'll just have to listen to today's installment of Indigenous Faith to find out. As always, Craig and LaDonna welcome you to today's study on Christ's words to the church in Sardis.
In today's broadcast, Craig and LaDonna Smith pay a visit to the fifth church in the center of Christ's gaze, and to whom He wanted to communicate with, when He chose the Apostle John to write His chosen words on His behalf. Like the other churches the Smiths have already taught on, the church in Sardis was on the route the Apostle Paul, John, and other leaders traveled to plant and oversee these local congregations. Sardis was given the scathing indictment from Christ of being dead when all along they thought they were a living, doing well kind of church. But it's not what's on the surface that counts. It's what is hidden deep down in the heart and soul that really matters, and the Lord made sure they knew that. So, why does He say they are dead? Because they didn't recognize the absence of the power and leading of the Holy Spirit, as they relied on their own wisdom, plans, and leading. Jesus, Himself, in His earthly life, subjected Himself to the work of the Holy Spirit as we see that Spirit descending on Him as He came out of the waters of baptism. And in. John 17, in His high priestly prayer, Jesus prayed that as He was sanctified, we too would be sanctified as well. He did it for us, leaving us an example of what the Spirit-filled life looks and acts like. Like all of us, Sardis would do well to learn from the life of Christ and how the Holy Spirit can do amazing things in all our lives and churches. To make sure we understand it right, the Smiths present a comprehensive review, thirty-three things in all, of all that the Holy Spirit does for us, in us, and through us, as outlined in Scriptures. All we have to do is let Him do His work in us! Not a bad way to start a journey into the church at Sardis, right here on Indigenous Faith!
Today Craig and LaDonna Smith complete their study on the church in Thyatira by LaDonna finishing the extensive quote of Professor Pilgrim Benhem. Dr. Benhem brings such depth of insight to what Revelation 2 has to say about this church and left Craig to comment that as he continue to read Pilgrim's article, he just couldn't find a place to hit the stop button. As Dr. Benhem continued on in this powerful article, Craig found that just about all he presented was in perfect alignment with what the Smiths had been teaching all along. For the Craig and LaDonna, it was an affirmation that their convictions, which without hesitation they continue to preach and teach on this podcast platform are shared by other godly leaders, theologians, and spiritual giants of the faith. The key is salvation can be found in no other that Jesus Christ. A visit to Thyatira is a return to the basics of the gospel. Friends, the Smiths hope and pray that their teaching sessions are clear, compelling, and a complete treatment of the biblical passages they present on Indigenous Faith. The goal is, and always has been, to help build biblically healthy Indigenous followers of Christ in the context of their cultures, communities, and traditions. There are three more churches the Smiths will be presenting in upcoming episodes, all of which will help accomplish their stated goals for you. Let's continue to grow together in our Indigenous Faith! We'll see you next week as we look at the next church in the line up of Revelation 2 & 3. Until next time, stay strong in the Lord and in the power of His might!
Today the Smiths continue with their deep dive into the church in Thyatira. Today, they continue unpacking Christ's words to this church, who received both commendation and condemnation for the good and bad practices that were evident in this church. In many ways, it represents many churches around the world today who are doing great works, but yet are not living up to the expectations of the Lord Himself whose eyes, it says, are like blazing fire. Oh, yes, He does see and evaluate not only every church, but every follower of Himself. While some were doing great things for the Lord, others were tolerating that wicked women whom the Lord named after Old Testament Jezebel, who led many in the church into sexual adultery and immorality. LaDonna introduces a very comprehensive and powerful review of this church from theologian Pilgrim Benhem who is with the Calvary Chapel movement and serves as a professor and Dean of Students at their seminary in Bradenton, Florida. His insights, our listeners will find out, mirrors that of Craig and LaDonna, affirming that the Smiths are not somewhere out in the proverbial left field theologically, but actually stand in sync with a great number of fellow evangelical leaders, preachers, teachers, and theologians. As you hear LaDonna reading from Pilgrim's in-depth survey (yes, he is actually named Pilgrim by his momma and daddy), it will be things you've already heard about from the heart and soul of the Smiths. It's truths you can take to the bank, dear friend. Encouraging to know as you seek to honor the Lord in your own life as you live out a biblically healthy Indigenous Faith. There's one more episode to go in this timely series, and we trust you'll come back next week for the Smith's teaching on this important and relevant church in the community of Thyatira. Be blessed, dear friends!
In today's episode, Craig and LaDonna Smith continue their study of the words of Christ to the church at Thyatira. This church was commended by Christ for the fact that their works of today were greater than the works they did when they first started. So there was increasing efforts to serve their community for the sake of Christ that did not miss the gaze of the One whose eyes were like a blazing fire. But along with commendation came condemnation for a level of sin and syncretism that was so bad, it negated all the positive affirmation and blessing of God. Jesus said of them that, they tolerated that woman Zezebel who called herself a prophet. Through their engagement with this pagan woman, sexual immorality filled the church and the Lord did not like it at all. Even with that reality, a deeper dive in to the passage led to the discovery of some very godly men who had historic and expansive impact through the then known world. Men like Bernard of Clarivaux, Peter Waldo, John Wycliffe, John Huss, and Anselm were all men in the Roman church who were the precursors of the Reformation movement Martin Luther brought to the church in the 1500's. These men were all from the church in Thyatira. But going back to Zezebel and her influence in the church, the Smiths remind us all that both the grace and righteous judgement of the Lord were on full display for not just her, but those who fell into her demonic arms. It says that the Lord gave her time to repent, and called those who followed her to repentance as well. It's great to know, the Smiths remind us, that God is patiently awaiting us to return to Him when we seek genuine repentance from our sins. But also, it's important to remember that while His forgiveness of our sins is total, all encompassing, and liberating to the soul, we are not necessarily delivered from the consequences of our sin. We may be plagued by those consequences for a long time after we've experienced the forgiveness of the Lord. What a sobering reminder for us to seek to walk in obedience to both the Word of God and the God who is the author of that Word. Are you catching these realities, dear friend? The Smiths pray we all do as we move forward in our Indigenous Faith!
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!
Today the Smiths take a quick break from their study in the Book of Revelation to bring you an extra special edition of Indigenous Faith, where the interviewers become the interviewee's. The Smiths were invited to be guests on the Christian radio program, Jesus is Asking Are You Listening, hosted by Steve and Christy Keist. For many years this program has aired across America and their audience stretches from coast to coast. The Keist's interview the Smiths about a number of topics including both personal and ministry related issues. The Smiths reveal more about their personal lives than ever before, so if you want to know more about their love lives and how the met, and the impact the Miracle at Mile Marker 313 affected both their personal and ministry lives, then this is the episode for you. It's an interesting turn of events where the Smiths sit on the other side of the interview table in this unique version of Indigenous Faith. Don't forget, they'll be right back next week in their continued study on the seven churches in Asia Minor, as they begin their study on the church in Pergamos. All interesting information that Jesus presents to John the Revelator in this critical book of Bible prophecy. Enjoy this week's edition, then we look forward to seeing you again next week, dear friends, as the Indigenous Faith Podcast keeps rolling on!
Today Craig and LaDonna Smith complete their study on the words of Jesus Christ to the church in Pergamos. This church had both affirmation of things they were doing well and words of correction over things that they weren't doing well. Something that can easily be said of most churches around the world today! And it's all based upon the authority and clarity of the Word of God. This podcast is first and foremost, a promoter of biblical truth, and secondarily, those truths are supported by comment that Craig and LaDonna Smith offer from their nearly fifty-years of service to Christ and His church. The key word to Pergamos from the mouth of the Lord? Repent! But in saying that, the Lord reminds Pergamos that He understands the great challenges they face because they were in a community that was the hotbed of many pagan religions and demonic practices. It's hard sometimes to live a faithful life in that kind of community. The Lord understands, is compassionate to His people, but yet holds their spiritual feet to the fire when He calls them to repent. On the positive side, He reminds them that He offers His own what He calls, Hidden Manna, which is all about the infusion into the lives of His people of His divine power, His timeless doctrinal truths, and all that is the believer's inheritance which can be enjoyed today. That manna is also tied to His body shed on the cross for our sins, which we are called to remember on a regular basis until He comes again. That is done through the regular observance at the table of the Lord as we who are part of His church celebrates communion with other believers. Craig also explains the mystery of the white stone with a new name on it as the context of the culture of that day is clarified and presented in a way that helps us all understand what the meaning of this white stone is. All important context for believers today to understand what the Lord is saying to these seven churches along the well traveled roads of Asia Minor, as the Smiths continue their study in eschatology on Indigenous Faith. Their next stop on this tour is the city of Thyatira. We'll visit there soon on an upcoming episode of Indigenous Faith! See you then!
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!
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!
In today's episode, Craig and LaDonna continue unpacking Christ's words to the church in Smyrna. The passage under consideration is Revelation 2:8-11. Today's focus is from Christ's admonition to them about the persecutions they are and were to suffer for His name's sake. The Smiths shared in last week's episode about the severe suffering that had taken place in the region under ten powerful leaders of the Roman Empire and the great faith that believers had while facing persecutions that often led to violent and painful deaths. Today, the Smith's contrast the heroic efforts the churches had in the face of great tyranny and suffering with the cowardly way many of these ten Roman emperor's lives ended. What a sharp contrast it was. Using some great information from Dr. David Jeremiah's teaching and preaching on the events of Revelation 2, the Smith's take the rest of today's episode to share some of the ways, in their own personal journeys through pain and suffering, they were able to see faith trump fear, time and time again. Suffering has always been, is now, and will be until Jesus comes again, part of the life of His Church and His children. The question the Smiths leave us all is, are we willing, ready and enabled to face suffering when it comes our way? Be encouraged, dear friends, because Christ's indwelling power can and will see us through every trial that may come until we see Him face to face! What a great hope Revelation gives the believer! Live in it and rejoice that we are more than conquerers through Him that loved us, and loves us still!
Today, Craig and LaDonna Smith return to their teaching series on Christ's words to the seven churches in Asia Minor. Their focus today, and in in a few more episodes to come, is the church in Smyrna, found in Revelation 2:8-11. Smyrna is only one of two churches of the seven that received commendation from Christ, and no condemnation from Him. The Smiths walk us all through the highlights of this church, including the fact that they were a persecuted church, which brought praise from the Lord as to how they persevered under pressure. He also noted of them that they were not, in the eyes of the world, wealthy people or a wealthy church. He said "I know your poverty - yet you are rich! What did Jesus mean by that? Well, the Smiths help unpackage what Jesus said, and support it with other biblical passages that share the same sentiment. It's a great launch into the words of Christ to this second of the seven churches included in the Book of Revelation. We at TRM hope you will stay with the Smiths all the way through their important study on eschatology (end times), while focusing on the Book of Revelation as the launching point into all of the Scriptures and it's prophetic teaching to the world. If you are joining us recently, you might want to go back to the very first episode they launched on prophecy. To do so you'd have to go all the way back to the September 17, 2025 episode to begin this journey. Don't worry, you'll have plenty of time to catch up, as this series is a long way from completion. But isn't it interesting stuff? See you next week, dear friend! And, stay tuned!
In this final episode in the Smith's journey back to why they believe, teach, and preach from the literal interpretation of Scripture. This has incredible importance to how they present this extended prophecy series on the Coming of the Lord. It is only when one is committed to the literal interpretation of the Scriptures that you come to an understanding that the Second Coming of Christ begins with a literal rapture (catching away) of the church into the clouds to meet the Lord and all those who have died in Christ and be taken back into heaven. Then a seven year Great Tribulation period follows, where the wrath and judgement of God is poured out on disobedient Israel and all other nations, culminating with Christ's return to earth in His Second Coming, with all the saints assembled in heaven with Him as He fights the final Battle o Armageddon with Satan and all of mankind. The a thousand year time of peace and safety on earth, known as the Millennial Reign of Christ, followed by one small skirmish with Satan, who has been released by God for a brief time, which results in his final banishment to the Lake of Fire, followed by the Great White Throne Judgement of all the unbelievers throughout history and their final judgement and banishment to the same destination Satan was sent to, and then a new eternal state which will last for all eternity, free from the power and presence of evil. Paradise for sure! It's crucial, in Craig and LaDonna Smith's hearts, to make sure newer listeners understand the teaching of the Smiths, which is in alignment with a literal interpretation of the Scriptures. Once completed with this session, the Smiths return to Revelation 2 and pick up with Christ's words to the seven churches in Asia Minor, starting with the second church, found in Smyrna. Much more to come, dear friends, in this extended study in the Book of Revelation and all other supporting passages in both the Old and New Testaments. What a journey we all are on. Craig and LaDonna appreciate your joining them in this incredible road map on things to come! All here on the Indigenous Faith broadcast!
Craig and LaDonna Smith's multi-episode review of the reasons they are committed to the Premillennial, Pretribulation rapture position continues as they present a timely article written by Dr. David Jeremiah title, "The Battle of Armageddon." It is one of the most concise yet thorough overviews of this much misunderstood battle described in the Scriptures and that Hollywood has often times attempted to create movies that can't hold a candle to the clear and compelling description God's Holy Word offers. It's an important part of end time prophetic teaching and serves as the bridge between the Great Tribulation period and the Millennial reign of Christ. In Christ's Second Coming to earth, He assumes the posture of a warring King and defeats, in what seems to be a moment of time, Satan, his Anti-Christ, False Prophet, and the world's all at once, and we as His church are along for the ride! Only the premillennial literal interpretation position has room for the actual defeat and binding of Satan for a thousand year period which reminds Craig and LaDonna that for us as believers in Christ, greater days await us when what is prophesied actually becomes a reality! The literal view also affirms what John the Revelator said in the eight visions he had experienced when he uttered these words, And I saw, and I saw, and I saw, and I saw, and I saw, and I saw, and I saw, and I saw...! No allegory here. John literally saw the things he was to write about and us to read and believe! With a few minutes left on the 30 minute podcast clock, the Smiths close out this episode with their beginning to answer the question, Where is the nation of Israel in end times prophecy, starting with four key words about Israel. The first, and only one they had time to cover today is the word, Land. More great inspiration right here on today's episode of Indigenous Faith!
In today's episode, Craig and LaDonna continue their review of why they believe in the PreMillennial, Pre-tribulation rapture of the church position, which is based upon the literal translation of Scripture instead of the allegorical understanding of prophetic teaching of the Bible. They believe it important at this point in their extended series on the prophetic teaching of end times found in God's Word. As that literal hermeneutic (the art and science of interpreting God's Word) guides them, they help give clarity to the important differences between the Second Coming of Christ and the Rapture of the Church. As an example, in Revelation 1, the word "church" is mentioned 19 times alone, and then is never mentioned again until Revelation 22. Why such a huge gap? The reason is because Revelation 4-21 speaks of the Great Tribulation period. If there's no mention of the church in these chapters, then its obvious the church will not be present during the Great Tribulation. Where will it be? The only answer that makes sense is the church will be in heaven because it will have been raptured (caught away) by the Lord and taken to heaven to await returning to the earth with the Lord when He comes back at the second coming at the end of the Tribulation period. That is when His Millennial reign will take place on earth, with us as the church with Him until the end of time as we know it will happen after the Millennial reign. We will be with the Lord throughout all eternity in what the Bible describes as a new eternal state that will go on throughout the ages to come and never end! What great promises await the church when the rapture begins this amazing new fulfilled life with the Lord who saved us through His shed blood on the cross! Be blessed, dear friends, by the truths of God's Word as Craig and LaDonna Smith continue their review of end time events, right her on Indigenous Faith!
Today Craig and LaDonna takes a brief break from the seven churches in Revelation 2&3 to provide an all-important review of where they stand on the issue of the Rapture, Second Coming of Christ, the Great Tribulation Period, the Millennial reign of Christ on earth, the Great White Throne Judgement and the eternal state promised in God's Holy Word. They do so because of the recent growth of the Indigenous Faith podcast both in the United States and around the world. The Smiths want to make sure their listeners understand the Smiths are presenting this teaching on Bible prophecy from the conviction of a Pre-Millennial Pre-Tribulation rapture position which is based on a literal translation of prophetic passages in God's Word. They hope this review will be helpful to all listeners, both new and those who have followed the Smiths teaching in the almost five years since they launched the Indigenous Faith broadcasts. People in over 102 nations are now accessing this programming, and it will continue to grow as God allows. That is, until He comes for us in the rapture, which could be this very day! Are you ready, friend, should Jesus come for us soon! Be ready. Eternity depends on the choices we make today.
In today's episode, Craig and LaDonna finish up their study of the first Church Jesus told John to write to in His words to the seven churches in Asia Minor. It was the church in Ephesus. The Smiths continue to help us understand how we, today, can be like the Ephesian church, by continuing to preach and teach sound doctrine all while guarding our local church against the false teachers of today. When false doctrines, like weeds, try and sprout up in our churches today, they are to be confronted by the leaders of the church and by exercising what is called church discipline on those who bring such teaching in. Craig goes the extra mile by including some important thoughts about the legalities church discipline needs to operate under, especially in such a litigious environment like we find ourselves in today. He addresses what the church should do if and when someone goes as far as suing the church in civil court. Drawing upon his years of leading the Native Ministries of The C&MA, and the training he received while in that role, Craig helps bring out the importance of the church today in covering itself legally should something like that happen today. It all centers around Christ's affirmation of the leaders in Ephesus for doing the hard work of protecting the church from false teaching. He commends them strongly for doing so. But Christ also shares with the folks in Ephesus that there were some things He was not happy with in what He observed in this congregation. Specifically, was the fact that they had left their first love for Christ. Thankfully, Christ gave them three things to do to recapture that first love, and Craig takes the time to unpackage those items to you, his listeners, today. Those three things are, Remember, Repent, and Return. You'll be encouraged by both Craig and LaDonna's teaching on how we can even do that today. Great words of encouragement to all listeners, once again, right here on today's edition of Indigenous Faith!
Today, Craig and LaDonna continue their study of Jesus' words to the seven churches in Asia Minor in Revelation 2-3. Realizing the importance of what Christ said, they had no option but to address the issue of abortion in our modern culture. The sacrifice of children to demonic pagan idols goes as far back as the Old Testament, and is strongly condemned by Jesus Christ. Without mincing words, they strongly present the biblical case that it's not simply a "social issue" called "Choice", but a demonic and pagan practice of the worst sort. They remind us that it's not just a women's issue, but a man's issue as well. Men bear just as much responsibility by their unwillingness to care for children they bring into the world and providing a loving home for a child to be raised in. It's a worldwide issue of modern paganism that affects all cultures, tribes, nations, and people groups. The Smiths also present some of the most encouraging words ever spoken about Christ and His involvement in His church. It says He holds the seven stars (pastors) in His hand and He walks among the seven lamp stands (churches). The implications of that reality is staggering to consider and should help all believers to rejoice. It also supports the importance of being a part of a local church in order to experience this deeper work of Christ in the world today. Christ's strong words to the leaders of Ephesus included an affirmation about them promoting sound doctrine in the church all while being on the lookout for false teachers that want to come in and sow destruction. It led Craig to begin speaking strongly on the importance of these roles and he begins to introduce the issue of church discipline. Unfortunately, time ran out so you'll have to come back next week and join the Smiths as they continue to unpackage what the Book of Revelation teaches. All right here on the Indigenous Faith broadcast!
Today Craig and LaDonna Smith move on to Chapters 2-3 of the Book of Revelation, which covers Jesus' words to seven churches in the region of Asia Minor. For the next little while, the Smiths will be unpacking the details of Christ's words to these seven churches, of which He is the Senior Pastor over them all. After LaDonna presents these two chapters, the Smiths begin their focus on what He said to the first church mentioned, which was the church in the city of Ephesus. John, who was the scribe for the Book of Revelation, was actually in this city when he was taken prisoner for preaching the gospel and sent to isolation on the island of Patmos, where he received all that the Lord gave him about things to come in a biblical book who's whole purpose was to give great detail to what will happen in the last days of planet Earth as we know it. He was to write the about past, present, and future events as revealed to Him by Christ, Himself. In today's episode, the Smiths give a full explanation and background of the church in Ephesus, and begin unpacking both the affirming and challenging words of Christ to them. And that's the pattern Jesus uses in what He has to say to all these seven congregations spread throughout Asia Minor. He commends them for the good things they do, but also shares with them the things that He is against as they live their Christian lives in the early days of the Church. In one of the more powerful parts of their presentation, the Smiths remind us about the relationship Jesus has with both the church leaders and the congregation in these local congregations when He says that He holds the seven stars (the seven pastors) in His hand and he walks among the seven lamp stands (the actual seven churches). And He still does that today! There's so much encouragement as Craig and LaDonna begin unpacking God's Word, right here on this and the upcoming episodes of Indigenous Faith. We're glad you are with the Smiths in this biblical journey!
Today Craig and LaDonna Smith wrap up there expository look into Revelation 1. They remind us that while they hold strongly to the literal interpretation of Scripture, they leave room for imagery, illustrations, etc., that are metaphorically presented to help Bible students realize just what the scripture is saying. They speak on this as this chapter provides some of that kind of text. The end of the chapter is filled with imagery of the Savior of heaven and earth as John saw a vision of a man, "like the son of man." John struggles to describe this image as its realities far out delivered John's ability to describe what he saw in common human terms of the first century. The Smiths believe you will be blessed by this three part series and we hope and pray you'll be able to see all its splendor and might, right her on Indigenous Faith!
Today Craig and LaDonna continue their introductory study into the Book of Revelation. They continue to unpack all that chapter 1 has to say about why this book was to be scribed by the Apostle John while in prison on the island of Patmos. Write the things you see (currently), the things you saw (past tense) and the things to come (future tense) is what the angel of the Lord told him to write. The intended audience is all of us living throughout the past 2,000 years since Christ was on earth, and ascended back to heaven in preparation for His second coming which will soon be upon us! In great imagery, Christ the conquering King is presented right at the beginning of this incredible book which speaks about things to come. Excitement is building in the hearts and souls of Craig and LaDonna as they present these exciting pages of timeless truth to you. We trust that excitement will be contagious and spread to every listener around the globe who tunes into this prophetic teaching series, all designed to help build a biblical and lasting Indigenous faith in the lives of our listeners. Buckle up for another amazing study in God's prophetic Word, right here on Indigenous Faith!
Not only does today mark another year of the Indigenous Faith broadcast, it marks the beginning of a new series in our continued study of eschatology. Today we launch an in-depth study into the last book of the Bible, the Book of Revelation. In a multiple part series, Craig and LaDonna begin to unpackage the first chapter of this amazing book and attempt to put the cookies on the bottom shelf by simplifying what this book has to say about end times. We will be going through the whole book of Revelation to uncover the things the Apostle John saw while he was imprisoned on the Island of Patmos. He was to write the things that are, the things that were, and the things to come. Please be sure to join Craig and LaDonna in every episode they present on this much misunderstood book of the Bible. As you'll see in just chapter 1, it's a remarkable study into the mind and heart of God and all that He has planned for not only His children, but for those who rejected Him and His eternal plan of salvation through His One and only son, Jesus Christ. Have your Bibles ready, dear friends, as you join Craig and LaDonna Smith on their amazing journey through the Book of Revelation, right her on Indigenous Faith!
In today's fifth and final episode that focuses on the Signs of His Coming, Craig and LaDonna Smith provide a window into some o the last few chapters of the Bible, including Revelation 19-21. Chapter 19's focus is on the Rider of the White Horse which clearly speaks of the actual second coming of Christ at the end of the Tribulation period and the ushering in of the Millennial reign of Christ on earth. Chapter 20 continues to shed light on the Millennium and what happens right after it ends, which is the Great White Throne Judgement. Chapter 21 gloriously explains the establishment of a new heaven and new earth and what eternity will look like for those of us who will experience it without pain, suffering, death, or separation. What a powerful way the end of the world as we know it is described in these amazing chapters. No wonder many a preacher has said, I've read the back of the book, and guess what? WE WIN! even so, come Lord Jesus!
In today's special edition of Indigenous Faith, the Smiths pause their study of biblical prophecies about Christ's second coming to focus their attention on biblical prophecies about Christ's first coming in this special Christmas edition of Indigenous Faith. It's a special sermon Craig shares from his heart that shows a number of Old Testament prophecies about Christ's first coming then takes us to where those prophecies were fulfilled in the New Testament. And that's why he calls this a special and unique kind of Christmas message because it's all about prophecies made and prophecies fulfilled. The point is made that if all the over 300 messianic prophecies in the Old Testament about His first coming were fulfilled exactly as they were given over 700 years before these events ever happened, then we can trust the truthfulness of the over 1800 prophecies that foretell His second coming! What a strong case we have in defending the things to come! So as we approach this year's Christmas celebration, the Smiths hope that our hearts will be even more steadfast in believing the truths of the Bible! It's believable, and important to base the remaining time we have left on planet earth upon! May you deepen your love, trust, and hope found in Christ alone during this wonderful Christmas season! Merry Christmas from Craig and LaDonna Smith, and Tribal Rescue Ministries!
The Smith's teaching on the Second Coming of Christ becomes very personal as Craig and LaDonna share about the glad reunion to come when they will be reunited with loved ones who have gone on before but will be resurrected to a new eternal state and be joined with all those who will be part of that "first resurrection!" The reality that when this happens, we all will be delivered from not only the power of sin and the penalty of sin, but once and for all we all will be free from the very presence of sin as well! What a glorious day that will be! With those blessed thoughts come some important admonitions as well, including the reminder that no man knows the hour or the day when this will happen. There's been foolish people in church history that predicted the date and sometimes even the hour when the rapture would occur, but as we all know now, they all were wrong. And we don't want to be in that crowd who've grown a bit too big for their spiritual boots. An important part of the end times prophetic teaching of Scripture includes what is called the Bema Seat of Christ, or, the judgement seat of Christ. But this is not a judgement time that results in punishment. It will be a time when Christians will be rewarded for the things they have done for Christ in their lives. The analogy of two kinds of things will be judged by Christ, and that is illustrated by 1.), gold, silver, and precious stones, and 2.), wood, hay and stubble. The fire will test us all. If we've built up an array of gold, silver, and precious stones, the fire will only refine and purify these precious metals resulting in an increased value. If we've built actions that amount to wood, hay, and stubble, the same fire will consume it all and we'll be left standing in a heap of burning ashes. The admonition is clear, while we are still here, let's serve the Lord faithfully and build up the precious things that will last an eternity! All interesting realities of end time living. Will we be found faithful? We pray that be the case!
In today's episode, the Smiths continue their presentation from Matthew 24, which is often referred to as the Olivet Discourse. Here Jesus answers an important question asked by His disciples about the signs of His coming and the end of the age. Craig reminds us that while they follow the literal interpretation of Scripture to arrive at their premillennial, pre-tribulation rapture beliefs, this does not mean you'll never find any analogy references within the literal translation. As an example, Jesus compared His second coming to a pregnant mother and the birthing process. The initial contractions mark the beginning of the process, while the full painful labor can represent the full painful time of The Great Tribulation, and the final push that delivers the baby can be seen as Christ's second coming which ends all the pain and the world enters into the new Millennial age. From there, the Smiths transition from a thematic review of eschatology to a Scriptural overview of many verses that support each of the bullet points of the thematic review. This is where the Scriptures come alive as God's Word lays out just what will happen throughout the stages of the end time prophetic events to come. It's an exciting journey into both Old and New Testament passages all directed at things to come. Are you ready, dear friend, for Christ's imminent return? The Bride of Christ needs to have her lamps all trimmed and burning as we await the consummation of marriage when we are finally united with Christ throughout eternity. What exciting days await us! And there's still more to come!
In today's episode, Craig and LaDonna Smith continue to unpackage the response of Jesus to four of His disciples in Matthew 24 as they asked Him what would be the signs of His coming and the end of the age? In what's commonly referred to as the Olivet Discourse, Jesus lists a wide variety of signs that would need to be fulfilled in preparation for the rapture of the church, the Great Tribulation period, His second coming, the Millennial reign, the Great White Throne Judgement, and the new heaven and new earth. This singular teaching constitutes the most comprehensive insights we are given to help us prepare to meet the Lord when He comes again to planet earth. Don't forget to go to the Smiths website, tribalrescue.com, and download and print their timeline document that is found on the site's home page right next to the podcast player. it will help you keep track of the different aspects of end time events. Craig and LaDonna hope and pray that this series will be helpful to you in your walk with Christ. Knowing He is coming soon should be an important motivation for godly living and active service for Christ. He's coming soon, friend. Let's all be ready in great anticipation as we live out a victorious Indigenous Faith!
In today's very important episode, Craig and LaDonna Smith launch their in-depth study on the Second Coming of Christ in a series they are calling, The King is Coming! After presenting eight preliminary episodes that help give proper context to the end times which are all based on God's Holy Word, they leave the starting gate into future world events that will usher in the end of the ages as we know it and Bring Back the King! The Smiths remind their listeners that eschatology teaching is found in both the Old and New Testaments in a variety of books that when understood properly, give a true and accurate picture of future events. Much of today's episode centers on what is referred to as Christ's Olivet Discourse, which is an extended teaching Jesus gave his disciples on what would be the signs of His second coming, which is found in Matthew 24. Craig and LaDonna believe this is a great place to launch their series, as this passage covers a whole lot of things Jesus, Himself said would happen leading up to His return to earth. And remember, He shared these things before ascending back to Heaven so He could be there to come again sometime in the future! An interesting concept to ponder in and of itself! Craig reminds us all about an important pdf document on the homepage of their tribalrescue.com website, situated right next to the podcast play button. It's an end times timeline that they will be following in all the teaching sessions to come. As Craig says in the audio, they encourage us all to either print it right from the website, or, download it to your computer and then print it so you have a permanent copy of this timeline moving forward. Together, Craig and LaDonna look forward to taking us all down the road that leads to the imminent catching away of the believers in the rapture of the church, and then as they cover all other end time events that Scripture unfolds. We hope you'll be with them all along the journey!
In this week's episode of Indigenous Faith, Craig and LaDonna Smith wrap up their preliminary teaching on getting the context right in their presentation on the 1,000 year time period spoken of in end times prophecy, or better known as the Millennium. The Smiths clarify the position amillinneaists have which is based on an allegorical vs literal understanding of Scripture. The present it in the context of church history, dating back to the 4th century when Catholic theologian, Augustine, made a case for it and it replaced the literal premillennialism position held by the Apostles and early church fathers. The Smiths also present a second level of doctrine associated with premillennialism, and that being the doctrine of the rapture of the church (or the catching away), removing the church and the Holy Spirit's influence on the world, which paved the way for all hell to break loose during the tribulation period. As in the three views of millennialism, those in the church who historically have held to the premillennialism view also have been faced with three views of when the rapture will take place, and it's all related to the time of Great Tribulation. Does the rapture occur in a pre-Tribulation period, during the mid-portion of the Tribulation, or at the end of the Tribulation? LaDonna turns to the parable of the Ten Virgins, as found in Matthew 25, to help clarify what a literalist would view as a pre-tribulation rapture. After sharing all three Millennial and rapture positions, Craig presents the conviction the Smiths have and where their teaching will go in the weeks and months to come. Clearly, the Smiths have a strong conviction in the pre-tribulation rapture of the church, which is connected to the pre-millennial return of Christ to planet earth. After LaDonna's prayer over the teaching and listeners, Craig presents a brief review of what they have shared in the two months of preliminary teaching that helps us all get the context right. Next week the Smiths begin the journey into eschatology that they pray will be clear, compelling, and motivational to a deeper level of commitment to Christ, and the fulfillment of His Great Commission as we work together to help Bring Back the King!
In this, the third episode on preliminary context, the Smiths continue to present teaching on a key timeframe that shapes prophetic teaching. That timeframe extends for 1,000 years, or a millennium. Today, the Smiths define the three major views the church has had historically about the Millennium of end time prophecy. You'll learn about these three differing views, which are called Premillennialism, Postmillennialism, and a-millennialism. Two rely on an allegorical interpretation of Scripture, while only one is built on a literal interpretation of God's Word. The Smiths trust these preliminary sessions, first on Israel, and now on Millennialism will be helpful to you as they begin soon to get into the actual prophetic teaching that defines the last days on earth as we know it. Changes are coming, dear friend, and it's important for us as believers in Christ to be prepared for these amazing world events that are already beginning to dominate the headlines of most major news outlets. Scripture is literally being unfolded before our very eyes today and in such a way that shows the coming of the Lord is not far off! Are you ready, dear friend? The Smiths hope you are, and this important series will help you prepare even further as we await the Second Coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ...all right here on Indigenous Faith!
In today's second episode on Getting the Context Right - The Millennials, Craig and LaDonna Smith continue to lay preliminary context for listeners to understand what the Scriptures have to say about the end times. In particular, the Smiths help define the seven year time period known as The Great Tribulation. Half way through the Antichrist will commit what is called the Abomination of Desolation, when he sets himself up in the third temple as God. But this third temple in Jerusalem is not built for God Himself, but it is built for the Antichrist, who will deceive the world and bring such devastation in especially the last half of that seven year period. The center of the wrath of the Antichrist's fury is and will be the Children of Israel, but his anger will spread worldwide and affect all nations. What a horrible time is coming for the world who chooses to reject the great salvation of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! It reminds us, friends, that we need to be ready for these events to unfold by getting saved before it's too late. Behold, now is the accepted time, now is the day of salvation, the Scriptures say. Are you ready, dear friend? If not, don't delay! Be saved today! Cry out to Jesus, the Only One who can deliver us from the wrath to come!
In today's episode of Indigenous Faith, Craig and LaDonna Smith begin the second part of their preliminary teaching on getting the context right in understanding biblical prophecy. In the first part, they provided the context for understanding the role Israel plays in end time teaching. In this new part, they present contextual teaching on what is often referred to as the Millennium, or, 1,000 year time period in biblical prophecy. In this series the Smiths underscore the importance of biblical prophecy in light of all other prophetic teaching found in the Bible. The reason being is, since all the prophecies laid out in the Old Testament have been proven to be factual and true by historians about Christ's first coming, then it should go without saying that all the prophecies pertaining to Christ's second coming will be factual and true as well! In this series, the Smiths present the differing ways the Millennium is interpreted by theologians and scholars. It's important to understand that there are differences because if you are exposed to what your church believes, then find out other churches believe differently, it could be confusing and discouraging. But make no mistake, there is one true way of understanding biblical prophecy, and by the end of this series, you will know where Craig and LaDonna Smith stand, which will constitute the teaching they will be presenting in this extended series they've titled, The King is Coming! So please hear the Smith's heart on the all-important issue of biblical prophecy, especially in these introductory episodes that help provide the context for understanding what God's Word has to say about the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. After all, it is the most exciting teaching the Word of God provides to mankind. Do all you can to listen to each and every episode, which will help you learn and understand about these eternity altering truths right from the pages of God's Holy Word! It's all right here on upcoming episodes of Indigenous Faith1
Today marks the fourth and final installment of the preliminary teaching the Smiths bring on the Indigenous Faith podcast about getting the context right. And it all has to do with having the proper understanding of the nation of Israel and its role in end times teaching. Throughout this four part series, the Smiths have presented the nation of Israel in ways you may not have understood to this point. What makes this series so important is that it all comes from the pages of God's Holy Word. If our understanding of Israel is wrong, or non-existent, we will struggle to understand eschatology and the return of Jesus Christ. Burn these truths into your conscience and memory, dear friends, and you'll go a long way in understanding things to come. Israel was the recipient of the first covenant, but when the second or new covenant was established by the shed blood of Christ, they, along with all the other nations of the world, must come to faith in Christ in order to be saved. The fact that they returned to the Promised Land some 2,000 years after being scattered and dispersed throughout the world is an incredible miracle in and of itself, and crucial to the fulfillment of end time prophecy. The Smiths encourage us all to keep our eyes and ears tuned to the happenings in the Middle East and all that pertains to Israel because we are literally seeing biblical prophecy being lived out and confirmed through these world events. It all means one important thing. Jesus is coming again! Let's be ready for His return as a watchman on the wall and help our families be prepared as well. The Smiths look forward to bringing more context to end time prophecy in the next installment of pre-prophecy teaching on upcoming editions of Indigenous Faith! We'll see you then, dear friend! Tell others about the series, as they will benefit form it as well.
In today's episode, Craig and LaDonna continue to unpackage the importance of understanding the two historical covenants God made, the first with Israel and the second with the Church. The Church has not replaced Israel, and now, since the day Jesus died on the Cross, Israel must join the other Gentile nations in obedience to the second covenant, which was established when Jesus shed His blood for the sins of the world. We all must now come to faith in Christ alone if we are to be eternally saved. This episode also uncovers the important reality that even though the nation of Israel was scattered and dispersed around the world 2,000 years ago, the most amazing miracle took place on May 4, 1948 when Israel once again was officially declared a nation as they regained their ancestral, God given homeland in the heart of the Middle East. That single day will go down in human history as the beginning of the world's clock beginning to officially wind down to the Second Coming of Jesus Christ to earth! That clock still ticks, and is nearing what some refer to as the Midnight Hour when the church is raptured, and seven years later, Jesus, and all His redeemed ones will return to earth to fight the final battle that ushers in an actual millennial reign of Christ on earth! Wow, there's so much to cover as the Smiths walk us through the biblical teaching on the end days. Even the preliminary sessions on getting the context right is an exciting journey into the Scriptures. Imagine what the rest of the story will reveal about God's plan for mankind, the earth as we know it, and eternity's promise! Stay tuned, dear friends, as the Smiths continue to teach on this exciting subject on this and upcoming editions of Indigenous Faith!
In this second episode of The King is Coming - Getting the Context Right, Craig and LaDonna Smith continue to present biblical passages that help us understand the role of Israel, not only in the whole panorama of the Bible, but specifically as it relates to end times teaching. Craig and LaDonna give clear biblical context to the two covenants God has established historically. The first covenant is specifically with the Jews, while the second covenant encompasses believers in Christ from every tribe, language, people, and nation. The Smiths clarify two important false teachings, including Replacement Theology and Dual Covenant Theology. Both are critical to understanding true biblical prophecy concerning the Second Coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Join Craig and LaDonna as the continue to lay the building blocks to an important foundation on which end times prophecy is built on as they continue to present God's Word in today's edition of Indigenous Faith.
In today's episode, Craig and LaDonna launch a brand new series titled "The King is Coming!" It's going to be an extended teaching series on the second coming of Jesus Christ as outlined in the Scriptures. The first part of the series is all about getting the context right, which is important to understanding what the Bible really says about the end times. The first part of context has to do with the people of Israel and their role in end time events. There's different interpretations of what the Bible teaches but Craig and LaDonna focus on what they believe with all their heart is what the Scriptures clearly say about God's Chosen People. As we go into further episodes in this first part of the teaching, the Smiths will grapple with questions like, "Is God done with Israel? Has He replaced Israel as His people of the Covenant with the Church and sees the church as taking over Israel's role in the world? There's so much to cover in this series on what the theologians refer to as "eschatology." But before they do, the Smiths share their heart in a moving tribute to Charlie Kirk, who was gunned down on the campus of Utah Valley University on September 10th. Thank you for joining the Smiths as they present this week's edition of Indigenous Faith!
In this, the third and final episode of this amazing visit with T.J. Valtierra, the Smiths as this great young leader of the future what his hopes, dreams, and vision is for his life and ministry, and the inner-city that is so heavy on his heart. T.J. truly does have vision, and he articulates it in a clear and compelling way. In what is a real ongoing redemption story, God has taken this former prodigal, saved him, delivered him, and now uses him to spread the gospel in not only word, but in deed as well. Aren't you blessed to hear this story? There's not many that can match the total amazingness of this life and hope story. And as heavy the discussion has been over these three episodes, the episode ends on a wonderful high not as T.J. talks about being honored by the Minnesota Vikings professional football team for his community service as one of their Hometown Heroes recognition. Included in that honor were two tickets to that year's Super Bowl! It's true that every once and a while God shows great favor on His servants. And for T.J., this was a great honor. It makes us wonder about the honors that are in store for faithful servants like T.J. Valtierra in heaven. As good as this earthly honor was, I'll be looking to see his eternal reward in a. place called Paradise! That's a long way from the inner-city mayhem he's been faithful to serve in here on earth! What a great story! What a great God!
As the Smiths continue their fascinating interview with T.J. Valtierra, T.J. shares how even with such a tough upbringing for all his siblings, including crime, drugs, abuses, gangs, prison, shootings, stabbings, etc., all his siblings now share the gospel of Jesus Christ after He did a salvation work in all their lives! In what continues to be an incredible story of this Native family, we see the redemptive work of the Lord Jesus in some very powerful ways. From there, the discussion moves to how the story that made international news a few years ago about George Floyd hit very close to home for T.J. and his family. T.J. shares his heart on what he and the whole city of Minneapolis experienced in the aftermath of Floyd's death at the hands of Minneapolis police officers. T.J.'s perspective is filled with wisdom that transcends politics and the divisive nature of that difficult time in America's recent history that's worth the time to listen to what he has to say. The more and more the Smiths get to know this dear brother in Christ, the greater respect they have for him and the God T.J. serves. This is a story worth listening to, and we're glad you are along for the ride! To God be the glory, great things He has done is all the Smiths are left with saying as they heard his story first hand, and now bring to you, faithful listeners to the Indigenous Faith podcast/broadcast. Be blessed, dear friends, as you listen to this second part of the remarkable VIP interview with T.J. Valtierra on Indigenous Faith!
The Navajo have a very expressive term for the English expression, "Oh my goodness!" It's Yah-di-lah! All LaDonna and Craig Smith can say regarding the life story of this truly Victorious Indigenous Person, T.J. Valtierra is, YAH-DI LAH! The backstory of this amazing servant of Christ is so incredibly challenging it seems even Hollywood would find it hard pressed to capture it in a blockbuster movie! But true it is, as told right from this amazing warrior for Christ, T.J. Valtierra. Like many Native people in North America, T.J. and his family was raised in the urban inner-city. His parents continue to maintain a faithful ministry of over fifty-years, and yet, for all his siblings, crime, drugs, violence, gangs, and other inner-city woes are their stories. But yet, as you'll hear in this amazing multi-episode series, there is redemption for all at the foot of the cross. Now, T.J. is one of the most powerful young Native preachers in all of Native North America as he continues to serve the Lord in the same inner-city environment that stole so much of his youth and life. The Smiths are privileged to work with T.J. and other young Native ministry workers through their ongoing partnership with On Eagle's Wings and their Warrior Leadership Summit, which is where the Smiths caught up with T.J. and his beautiful young family in the summer of 2025. This is one story you will not want to miss one episode of dear friends. What's better than reading about the life and times of T.J. Valtierra? Well, listening to the life and times of T.J. Valtierra! So without any further delay, the Smiths are excited to share with you this remarkable VIP visit with their dear brother in Christ, T.J.!
In this third and final episode in this VIP series with Colleen Estes and Mario Keeper from the remote First Nations community of Pikangikum, Ontario, Canada, these two warriors for Christ continue to share about the new work of God in their lives, as well as their community. Known historically as one of the darkest communities in Native North America with way too many suicides, substance abuses, etc., hope is on the horizon through the power of the Spirit of God now at move in new and unprecedented ways. Mario's renewal in his heart with his God is resulting in him completing a degree he was so close to completing nearly a decade ago, and now knows God's calling him into pastoral ministry! Whether that be in Pikangikum or somewhere else, the Smiths are confident that God will use all he's gone through and how God has worked in his life recently, to become a powerful proclaimer of the liberating truth of the gospel. And the Smiths continue to thank the Lord for the faithfulness of their dear sister and colleague in ministry, Colleen Estes, as she continues to serve the the Lord until He takes her home and they lay her body in the ground in her beloved community of Pikangikum. She is truly a hero of the faith just like the mighty men of valor and great sufferers Hebrews refers to, and of whom is said, The world was not worthy of! The Smiths pray the Lord will have encouraged your own heart and soul by the faith of these two servants of Christ, so different, so diverse, yet so close to the Lord and to each other. It illustrates the power of the Lord to bring those who come from such diverse backgrounds and upbringings together into a team that serves Christ and His Great Commission so well. Mario and Colleen, great is your reward in heaven!
In today's episode, Mario Keeper tells of the healing power of Christ in his life in dealing with the loss over the years of three siblings to suicide, and how he now has not only a renewed passion for Christ, but for his community as well. Colleen Estes shares the impact Mario and other Native young believers are having in the community as their lives are given over to Christ. The discussion then changes to the serious challenges they and other northern communities have experienced not only in past years, but even this year, and even while they've been at the Warrior Leadership Summit as raging wildfires threaten northern communities including Pikangikum. So many challenges, yet God continues to work in and through these two servants of Christ. This, the most isolated community in all of Native North America, yet Pikangikum was the largest community represented at WLS this year! Truly, the Scriptures Colleen claimed about sowing in tears yet reaping in joy were being fulfilled right before her eyes, and the Smith's were eyewitnesses to that reality. Stay tuned next week, dear friend, for the final episode in this amazing VIP visit with Colleen Estes and Mario Keeper! You won't want to miss it!
Today the Smiths begin a new VIP interview series with Colleen Estes and Mario Keeper. Two people who's backgrounds are so diverse and different, only the Divine leading of the Spirit of God could ever bring these two stories together, merging into an amazing story of faithfulness of a missionary, and the new work of God in a man who has faced such tragedy and adversity in his life, only God could redeem and remake such a life into a productive leader for the future. And it's a community that brings these two stories together. It's the community of Pikangikum, Ontario, Canada. Known as one of the most painful communities in all of Native North America, it has an international reputation as a place of darkness, death, substance abuse and suicides that are off the charts compared to the rest of Canada. But in this place, the Spirit of God is at work, moving through the faithfulness of servants of God like Colleen, and moving in the hearts and lives of a generation of young men like Mario. Today, and in the weeks to come, you'll learn about the amazing work of God happening in Pikangikum, a place that has been visited by Craig and LaDonna Smith and the On Eagle's Wings ministry. This series comes to you from an interview Craig and LaDonna did with Mario and Colleen at the recent Warrior Leadership Summit, sponsored by the On Eagle's Wings ministry. Get ready to be blessed beyond imagination as you are reminded about the redemptive power of Jesus Christ and His powerful gospel message!
Craig and LaDonna wrap up their three part visit with On Eagle's Wings team members, Adrian Staples and Miles Davenport. These two young warriors for Christ continue sharing how God has been working in their lives through their involvement in the On Eagle's Wings Summer of Hope tours and by attending the one year intense discipleship program offered OEW team members at the brand new OEW Leadership Center in Harrison, AR. The two complete their visit with the Smiths by sharing how they sense God is calling them into future full-time ministry. The Smith's know you'll be greatly encouraged to see how these two young men, who are young in their faith but yet show great wisdom, faith, and maturity from the strong discipleship they have received through the On Eagle's Wings ministry. They truly will become leaders in their generation for Christ! Now that's a real Victorious Indigenous Person! The Smiths love sharing the stories of mighty men and women of God in the Indigenous Faith broadcasts. Why? Because if God can use young men like Adrian and Miles, there's hope that He can use you as well if you only surrender to the Lordship of Christ in your life! Tune in next week as the Smiths turn are attention northward, across the US Canadian border, as we visit with a real hero of the faith and another younger Native follower of Christ who also shows great potential for a lifetime of service in Native ministry! All on the Indigenous Faith podcast/broadcast! We'll see you then!
Craig and LaDonna continue their VIP visit with On Eagle's Wings team members Adrian Staples (Ojibwe) and Miles Davenport (Meskwaki). These young warriors for Christ share about their early days of being discipled and how they got introduced to the ministry of On Eagle's Wings and their annual Warrior Leadership Summit (WLS). They share about their experiences at the Summit, including the impact of seeing hundreds of Native young adults from many tribes across North America worshipping the God that was now in their lives. From their experience at WLS, they quickly applied to join the On Eagle's Wings on their Summer of Hope evangelistic tour to Native communities way beyond what their exposure was previously. Their story is a shared experience, not only between these two young men, but the many Native youth who have served on past On Eagle's Wings teams. You'll be encouraged as their stories continue to unfold on this and the next episodes of Indigenous Faith. The Smiths ask you to pray for all the young warriors who join this incredible Native youth ministry. They are fast becoming the leaders for the next generation should the Lord hold back His imminent return. Until He does, we will continue to bring you the stories of VIP's like Adrian and Miles through the Indigenous Faith podcast/broadcast. See you next week!
Today, the Smiths launch a VIP visit with two young, next generational Native leaders serving with the On Eagle's Wings team. Adrian Staples is a home boy from Cass Lake, MN and actually a relative of Craig's. Craig's grandmother was a Staples, so the family ties are there. Miles Davenport is from Tama, IA, and represents the Meskwaki Tribe, which is part of the Sac & Fox Tribe of the Mississippi in Iowa. Together these two resemble Paul and Barnabas of the New Testament who have become very close and serve throughout the years in ministry work, along side of their leadership roles with On Eagle's Wings. In today's episode, both Miles and Adrian share their backstories of how and when they came to Christ. Both experienced genuine salvation but in very different ways and circumstances. But now their service for the Lord is build upon a passionate devotion to Christ. You'll be encouraged by the ministries these young men share in together, and the number of lives they've impacted for Christ already. Both men articulate a strong calling to minister the gospel as a life calling, and that bodes well for the future of Native evangelical ministry. What a joy it is for Craig and LaDonna to bring to you the life and times of these two amazing warriors for Christ! They know you'll be blessed as you join them for each episode to follow! Stay strong, dear friend, in your own walk in the Lord as these two men are doing. See you next week!
In today's final episode with our wonderful guest, Pastor Joel Van Hoogen, the Smiths draw out of brother Joel as much information as they could because of the importance of the message he brings. Saving Evangelicals is not just a ordinary book, but the subject matter is life and death! In all these four sessions, Joel does a fantastic job in articulating his deep concern about helping all who reach out to Jesus for salvation actually find that true and lasting work of God in their lives. It all starts before we ever come to Christ with an awakening that goes much deeper thank a specific sin or habit I'd like out of my life, but an agonizing realization just how lost I am. From there, Joel lays a total of six building block experiences we should have and are experiencing with the Lord if our salvation is truly genuine. The Smiths encourage you once again to tell as many of your friends at church, in your family, and those others you love too deeply to lose to take an honest listen to all four episodes which will help ensure the faith we embrace is a saving faith and one that is built on the powerful work of God in our lives. Thank you, Joel, for the courage to write what you wrote, then join outlets like Indigenous Faith to bring these truths to as many people as possible. The Smiths continue to pray that the programs they offer on the Indigenous Faith podcast/broadcast will continue to strengthen you in your spiritual life until Jesus comes again! See you next week!
If you've been encouraged and challenged by the past two episodes the Smiths have had with Joel Van Hoogen as he unpackages his book, Saving Evangelicals, then you're in for a real treat today! Joel continues to speak about the six encounters with God anyone who is truly saved can look back on in their lives when the Spirit of God led them to a genuine saving faith brought about by true repentance in their lives. Some, as he describes, are internal, while others are external, or visible to those around us...such as a changed life that is lived much differently than before a person "prayed a prayer" to ask Jesus into their lives and forgive them of their sin. Craig and LaDonna believe this series is so important for listeners to hear they encourage everyone tuning in to go back and start from the beginning and listen with note paper and pen in hand to jot down important points that will help you do a self-examination to see if you truly are in the faith. Better yet, get ahold of Joel's book at outlets like Amazon.com because the book is also a study guide, helping each reader do that biblically prescribed self-examination as outlined in 2 Corinthians 13:5. It's Craig and LaDonna's great desire to bring to listeners of the Indigenous Faith broadcast some of the most important teaching that will help build biblically healthy Indigenous followers of Christ in the context of the cultures, communities, and traditions. This is one series that nobody should miss! So, tell your friends about it and share about it to as many people, including your spiritual leaders in your home church. They will benefit from it, too! We've got one more episode in this series, friends, so be sure to join us next week for the final visit with Joel Van Hoogen and his Saving Evangelicals!
In this second episode on Saving Evangelicals, Craig and LaDonna Smith and Joel Van Hoogen continue to discuss the fascinating book Joel wrote that helps anybody who is questioning the reality of their faith in Christ do a self-examination to, as the scriptures say, determine whether or not you are in the faith (2 Corinthians 13:5). As the discussion ensues, brother Van Hoogen explains what salvation is, and what it is not, as we begin unpacking six experiences in the salvation process Joel says should be a part of the life of every genuine believer in Christ. It's good to know that the scriptures further confirm that we can know that we truly are saved according to God's Word. That's good news for all of us! Craig and LaDonna are so pleased to be able to present this series with you, our faithful listening audience, and we hope you'll spread the word to others about this timely topic. Please hear what the Spirit of God is saying to us all as we seek to live in and abundant and assured life in our salvation experience!
Today, Craig and LaDonna Smith start a new and fascinating series with Pastor Joel Van Hoogen of Boise, ID. Joel also leads and international equipping ministry called Church Partnership Evangelism, Inc. He is author of a book titled, Saving Evangelicals, which is an interesting look into the issue of our personal salvation. Van Hoogen suggests that not all people who think they are believers in Christ are actually saved, an important concept that has good strong biblical support (Matthew 7:21-23). In this multiple episode series, the Smiths delve into the topic deeper with Pastor Joel as he explains how we all can do a self-examination to see if we are truly in the faith. Don't miss one single episode of this powerful and important visit with Rev. Van Hoogen. It's all about the assurance of our salvation, and Joel states that there are six prominent parts or experiences we. have with God in the salvation process. Joel quotes 2 Corinthians 13:5, where it says, Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves.Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test, as the biblical basis for this self-examination or test. You can access the book at Amazon.com in both print and e-book formats. Dig into this important issue with the Smiths on this and upcoming episodes of Indigenous Faith.
In this, the final episode of our series with Ken and Becky Berge, their family opens the program by sharing the title song of one of their CD's called Trusting You. It so beautifully sets the stage as the theme of this whole series, and especially this final episode. Craig asks Ken and Becky to share the lessons God has taught them through their many years in gospel music, and in particular how they transitioned in the changing seasons of life when their performance ministry ended with the marriages of their daughters and sons-in-law and the godly beginnings of a new generation, who, by the way, continue in their own music as family units and occasionally share their songs at the annual Lake Itasca Family Music Festival. The broadcast is brought to a close by two songs, one from Craig and LaDonna and the other a fitting Acapella rendition of The Berge Family singing the old classic chorus, Thank You, Lord. Yes, both the Smiths and Berge's give thanks to the Lord for how He has and continues to use them to spread the gospel through song, teaching, preaching, and godly living in these last days. We hope you've enjoyed all the episodes in this moving series, and especially, the addition of the family's recordings of the songs that are near and dear to their hearts. Remind others that they can listen to every episode in the series by simply going to tribalrescue.com and clicking on the archived programs just below the play button on the Smith's homepage. Craig and LaDonna look forward to upcoming episodes with new interviews, insights, and teaching in the days, weeks, months, and years to come! God bless you, dear listener and may your faith, be it Indigenous or not, continue to grow in the knowledge of grace and truth! See you next week for another edition of Indigenous Faith!
After another foot-tapping bluegrass song from The Berge Family, Ken and Becky continue to unpackage the wonderful journey the Lord took them through in their family's popular bluegrass music ministry. But the list gets serious fast as Craig and LaDonna asks them about a very serious crossroads that many families face when the children who are part of the music team grow and blossom into young adults and as one popular song says, Love is in the air....! How does a family deal with what inevitably happens when marriages take place and the old way of doing things meets this major decision making time. Do we continue singing, which we enjoy so much and God seems to be blessing it so well, or do we have to change, or even close down this wonderful chapter in our lives because the lead singer and instrumentalist now has a family of their own? Ken and Becky shared how they transitioned into a new chapter of powerful ministry and influence by launching a family music festival that in the 18th year of it, in 2024, drew close to 3,500 attendees and has launched a number of family music ministry teams who carry on the legacy of The Berge Family! We're taking about the annual Lake Itasca Family Music Festival which is in walking distance to the headwaters of the mighty Mississippi River. The dates for 2025 are Friday, August 1 through Sunday, August 3. You can learn more about it and see this year's lineup of head line groups at familybluegrass.com. What an inspiration this family is in their ongoing ministry through the festival. Maybe a northern Minnesota vacation might be in your plans once you hear today's exciting episode, bookmarked by a song from both the Berge and Smith Family ministry teams. Be blessed and see you next week for our final visit with The Berge Family.
After a foot-tapping bluegrass song by The Berge Family, the Smiths and Berges continue to share about the early development of their family's music ministries, and how those ministries became a very important part of what they did for the Lord. The session then turns towards one of the most difficult challenges any family ministry group faces, that of what happens when the children grow up and enter into that transitional season when love is in the air, relationships begin that end up in marriages that can and often do bring immense change on any family group. The question is, what then? How should a family face times like that when change could change a ministry that God is powerfully using? Ken Berge addresses this challenge by encouraging listeners to allow for the natural transition to a new generation of families, even if it means significant change or even the ending of a great run of family music ministry. The session ends with a meaningful song from the Smiths that feature Craig's father, Ray Smith, in the classic old gospel song, I Should Have Been Crucified, in a re-recording of the Smith Family Trio's version of the song they originally recorded in 1974. Be blessed, dear friend, as our two family's share in the music that shaped decades of our family's life.
Today the Smiths continue their interview with Ken and Becky Berge on the topic of family based ministry. For the Smiths and Berges, it's all about music. The episode begins with a song Craig and LaDonna recorded in both English and Navajo called, I Must Tell Jesus, and it ends with a beautiful A capella rendition of Beulah Land by the Berge Family. In-between, the Smiths and Berges continue their discussion about Ken and Becky and the Berge family's interesting backstory, which includes some fascinating stories that involve WWII, love, and marriage. Two couples from two different families and backgrounds, and a loving God who called them into serving the Lord as a family ministry team are what these episodes are all about. There truly is power in family based ministry, and as this story continues to unfold in the next few weeks, you'll see that clearly. Craig and LaDonna also pray you will be blessed by the addition of the songs of both the Smiths and Berges in each of the sessions in this series. The Smiths and Berges embody the biblical admonition to, Make a joyful noise unto the Lord all the earth. Come before is presence with singing...
Today Craig and LaDonna begin a unique series on the family. Specifically, the power of God as He uses families to serve Him together. And that can be done in many different ways. Craig and LaDonna welcome to the broadcast their dear friends, Ken and Becky Berge. The Smith and Berge families come from the same home church, Cass Lake Alliance Church in Cass Lake, Minnesota. Both families were called by the Lord into music ministries that have taken them across North America and internationally as well. These episodes are unique in that not only will you hear from the couples in this fascinating interview, but you'll hear their music as well. Each episode will include one song from the recording archives of each of the family groups. You'll be amazed by the backstory of the Berge family, and the impact they continue to have in encouraging other families to seek the Lord and find out how He can use them in family based ministry. Ken and Becky are founders of the hugely popular Lake Itasca Family Music Festival, an annual weekend event in early August that drew in 2024 close to 3,500 attendees to listen to the powerful and beautiful harmonies of families that use their gifts to proclaim the gospel in song. You won't want to miss a single episode in this series, friends! Let others know about it and encourage them to listen to these couples as they share principles for families seeking to serve the Lord together!
In today's episode, Pastor Craig takes us to Kiowa country in western Oklahoma where he preached a funeral message for someone he affectionately referred to as his second mother. Alfreda Claus was the matriarch of the well known Claus family, a family that has had a lasting legacy in ministry spanning five generations. This godly mother, wife, grandmother and mentor to many slipped into the presence of the Lord at the age of 92! We encourage you to join Pastor Smith as he honors her life and legacy in a unique sermon he's titled A Beautiful Woman, A Beautiful Land - Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Alfreda Claus. Tell your family and friends to tune in as well, as they will be uplifted by the story of this amazing woman and how her faith sustained her for most of her life. Also, Pastor Smith weaves in the gospel throughout the message, which could encourage your family and friends on to their own saving faith in Christ. We trust you'll be blessed by the story of Alfreda Claus from the Kiowa Tribe of Oklahoma!
In today's final episode in our series with Pastor Jason French, Craig, LaDonna, and Jason lay out what biblical worship must look like in the context of our Indigenous cultures. God only accepts worship based on His truths, and not the imaginations of the world, regardless of cultures or conditions. It has been a marvelous journey with Pastor French into the Word of God as it speaks to us on worship God accepts. If we, as Indigenous believers and churches desire to be in a blessable position before the Lord, we must meet Him on His terms and not ours. We encourage each of you to hear from the heart of this godly Cherokee leader how he understands worship that is a sweet smelling fragrance in the nostrils of the Lord. No compromise will ever win God's approval, because He has made it clear from His Word how He expects us to come to Himself in humble adoration and worship. Be an Abel, and not a Cain. Bring to Him the items of worship that is acceptable in His sight. Remember, as A.W. Tozer once said, God will save a man, but He will not save him and his idol! We hope you've been blessed, challenged, and have enjoyed this extended visit with Pastor Jason. We know the Smiths were blessed to host him on these powerful editions of Indigenous Faith. We'll see you next week on another edition of this growing broadcast. 'Till then, God bless you abundantly is our prayer!
In this powerful series on biblical worship, Pastor Jason French continues to give his perspective and convictions on how to process any human culture and its influence on worship in the Evangelical Christian church today. Of particular importance, and the focus of this series, is the modern Western culture and the traditional Indigenous culture's influences on biblically based worship. Craig and LaDonna remind listeners about mankind's adulteration of any created thing by turning those items into culturally based objects of worship or utilizing such things as mediatory devices that aid the worshipper in worship and devotion to God. All this leads to idolatry, which God hates and forbids His redeemed people to embrace. The issues are deep, controversial, and can divide believers in Christ into opposing camps of convictions. Thus marring the image and reputation of Jesus Christ among people groups around the world. It's time for God's people to realign themselves under the banner of the cross and in adherence to the truth so clearly laid out in the pages of God's Holy Word! Where do you land, dear friend, in this battle for the mind, will, and emotions of saved believers in Christ? If we are to honor the Lord, the only option is to camp on the side of the truth of God's Word in all aspects of our lives, worship included! Stay strong, and stay tuned as the discussions with Pastor Jason French continue next week. See you then!
Craig and LaDonna Smith continue their fascinating visit with Cherokee Worship Pastor, Jason French, as they continue to dig deep into God's Universal Call to Worship in Psalms 148. Today, the focus is on culture and its effects on worship. Jason shares his perspective on the challenge in the larger culture of turning worship into just another form of entertainment, and then they begin scratching the surface on how traditional Indigenous culture can impact God honoring worship by turning it into a man or culture focused goal instead of true biblical worship of the one true God. He also opens up his heart about something he calls, Cain Worship, which, as we know from Scripture, was him bringing an offering to God in his own kind of worship that he assumed God would be pleased with...but He wasn't! Not all offerings to God are pleasing to Him so we need to take notice about those ways when we are seeking to worship God in ways that not only honor Him, but He accepts as well. Fascinating stuff, dear friends! We trust you are encouraged by the ongoing series on Biblical Worship 101 with Jason French, right her on Indigenous Faith. See you next week for more!
Today, Worship Pastor Jason French (Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma) and the Smiths unpackage the truths found in Psalms 148, which is God's Universal Call to Worship for all of creation. How do inanimate objects worship God is one of the questions Pastor Craig asked Jason. His insight to this and other questions on how things in the heavenly realm and all things on earth praise their Creator is incredibly helpful to help build lasting faith for all people. All of mankind is summoned by God to worship Him, but it must be done in His way is the clear teaching of God's Word. The two original sons that were a part of the Adam and Eve family learned about the fact that God does not welcome all kinds of worship. Cain offered to God some of the fruits of the soil he was tending while his brother Abel offered the fat portions from the firstborn of his flock. God accepted Abel's offering but rejected Cain's offering, resulting in Cain murdering his brother out of jealousy and rage. Why? Because the shedding of blood of a sacrificial animal was a type of the sacrifice Jesus would make on Calvary's cross centuries later to pay the sin debt of each one of us. To learn from God's Word what is acceptable worship and what is not is important to building a biblically healthy Indigenous Faith. As we go from here in this series, the Smiths and Jason French talk about the challenges facing Indigenous people in North America through syncretism and for the larger Western Culture churches, the challenges found by making worship more man focused through entertainment vs. God focused through reverent and meaningful worship. All cultures are affected by sin's curse and can lead us astray very easily, even in the issue of worship. Please, dear friend, take the time to go through the whole series with us. As Pastor Craig says, This is one of the most consequential series we will ever do on the Indigenous Faith broadcast. So please stay with us in the weeks to come for the complete visit with our Cherokee brother, Jason French! You won't be sorry!
In today's episode, Cherokee pastor Jason French continues to share his backstory which contributes so much to his becoming established as one of Native North America's leading worship pastors in both Native and modern America settings. Having served for several years with internationally known pastor John Piper as his worship leader, that experience and his academic pursuits in seminary settings has given Jason extensive experience in the whole topic of worship. But as it says in 2 Samuel 24:24, I will not offer sacrifices to the Lord that cost me nothing. And Pastor Jason continues to offer sacrifices of praise that have come at a huge price. His young wife, Anjel has suffered numerous bouts of cancer, including stage four battles that have brought such challenges to this young family. But worshipping God because of His ultimate worth and for His ultimate glory has seen them through every dark and deep challenge. This should cause each and every one of us to sit up and take notice of all he has to share about the value and worth of God and how worship is required for each of us. We're mining gold from the depths of this man's heart and experiences, and we're the better for it! We know you will be as well. So call a friend, family member, or someone who needs to hear how you can beat the suffering and pain in your life by becoming a true worshipper of the Lord! Jason has, and you and I can too! Let's dig a bit deeper into this well of powerful truths from our Cherokee brother and friend, Jason French!
Today Craig and LaDonna Smith begin a follow up series that stays on the theme of the one he just finished about God's Universal Call to Worship. The Smiths are joined by their friend and ministry colleague, Pastor Jason French from the Eastern Band of Cherokee in Oklahoma. Jason is one of America's leading Native worship leaders and helps the Smiths go deeper into what constitutes God honoring and biblically based worship. It's been one of the most powerful sessions the Smiths have recorded with a guest and it's a series that will really help Indigenous believers honor the Lord with their worship that isn't reserved just for a Sunday morning in Church, but every day, all day long. And it's all due, as Jason says, to the worth and glory of God whose praise shall continually be in my mouth (Psalms 34:1).
Make sure you've listened to Craig's three part message on God's Universal call to Worship out of Psalms 148 before you go deeper with the Smiths and Pastor French into what the Bible teaches about worship. You'll be stronger in the Lord for doing so! See you next week as well...
In today's third and final episode on Craig Smith's teaching from Psalms 148, he concludes his review of the fourteen verses that constitute God's Universal Call to Worship. He then expands on several other passages that also are God breathed to remind us of how we are to worship Him in ways pleasing to His Holy name. He wraps up in the final book of the Bible, Revelation, which circles back to what the Psalmist wrote in Psalms 148...a call of all things to praise God throughout eternity. What a great way to finish this inspiring look into mankind's ultimate role, that of being worshippers of the One who created us. In doing so, we build a strong and lasting Indigenous Faith that will keep us in the center of God's will and purposes. Craig and LaDonna Smith pray that God will use this series to draw you as faithful listeners closer to the God we serve!
In today's episode of Indigenous Faith, Pastor Smith continues to unpackage Psalms 148 in this timely message on God's Universal Call to Worship. This comprehensive yet short Psalm leaves no ground, or space in the sky, unturned as the Lord calls all of His creation to worship and praise the One who made them. There isn't a part of Creation that is exempt from this command to worship God. While some may call that an arrogant edict from on High, only the Creator of all things has the holy ability to call us all to His throne, His way, for His purposes. Do you want to protest that order? You could enhance your case if you first created air that you could breath in order to lodge that protest. Want to stomp your feet on the ground instead? Then create your own ground to stomp on and your objection would merit a closer look. But none of us can do that, can we? As the title of a play performed by an African American troupe says, My arms are too short to box with God! And there you have it! Worship of God by all God has made is a beautiful thing and fulfills the ultimate purpose for which God has placed us on planet earth! Surrender to His sovereignty and do it, my friend. You'll be the better for it and your Creator will be praised and blessed by it!
Today, The Indigenous Faith broadcast looks to Craig Smith as he opens God's Word to Psalms 148 in a message he's titled, God's Universal Call to Worship. This series looks at all levels of creation as they all, in their unique ways, worship the One who created them. All the way from the starry host in the vast universe, to the great sea creatures under the waters that surround the globe, God's handiwork is on display as a symphony of praise, adoration, and worship of the God of the Bible. Craig shares some timely quotes from Dr. A.W. Tozer about worship losing its way when it begins to look more like the culture around us than the Christ within us. Craig also addresses the two cultures relevant to Indigenous people of this great land, that of the dominate society and that of our tribal, Indigenous people. Worship's biggest challenge in modern culture is it becoming entertainment and in the Indigenous culture when it syncretizes with the old traditional religions, practices, traditions, and sacred objects. Ultimately, the goal is to help biblically healthy Indigenous followers of Christ worship the Lord in His way, and not ours. Principles that will help build a lasting faith are presented clearly on the table of today's biblical buffet. Join Pastor Smith as he opens God's word for a timely message for us today.
In today's third and final episode in Craig and LaDonna's visit with Kahse Merseth, she continues to share her experiences, as a young Native American serving the Lord in the country of South Korea. During this time, her father's health deteriorated to the point where his life would soon be ending, which led Kahse to return home so she could spend time with her dad before his passing and then after, to be there to help her mother transition to life without her husband. She shares her journey back to the academic world, as she earned her Masters degree in Counseling and Psychology. It was about fifteen years after her fiancé's passing that the Lord brought a man into her life whom she fell in love with and they married and began life together. Looking back over the three episodes, we see that Kahse loved the Lord enough to trust Him during her darkest days, and with faith and patience in the Lord's leading, see the fulfillment of her dreams by meeting and marrying Dustin Merseth. All along the way, she stayed true to the Lord, and demonstrated the life of a Victorious Indigenous Person! The reason the Smiths include these interesting interviews is to show that you, too, friend, can live a victorious life in Christ despite the circumstances of your life. We trust you've been encouraged by the story of this amazing woman of God and challenged to walk in biblical obedience to Christ in your life. That's what this Indigenous Faith broadcast is all about. Until next week, we pray the Lord will be honored in your life, dear friend. See you then!
In part two of this three part VIP interview with Kahse Atkinson Merseth, Kahse opens the door to the deepest part of her soul as she shares the story of her fiancé, James, who was brutally murdered in a home invasion in one of America's inner-city communities just months before they were to be married. As painful that part of her story is, it isn't the end of the story, but a new beginning of deepened faith and trust in the Lord. You'll hear how God used this painful part of her life's story to help others who grieve and are lost and without hope in this world. Kahse shares about her joining and traveling with a team the Smith's help lead on extended Summer of Hope tours into Indigenous communities throughout North America. Night after night, she would take center court, with a microphone in her hand, and share with hundreds of Indigenous youth, parents, and grandparents about the hope she found in her faith in Christ to help her get through the pain and sorrow. From her testimony, God drew many Indigenous people to faith in Christ and the Hope that Kahse had found in the Lord. Beyond that, you'll see how God used this faith filled widow to extend her impact for the gospel internationally, as an Indigenous missionary to South Korea! Imagine, moving from being considered part of a mission field, to now a part of a mission force, this young woman of God has seen her life impact so many people for Christ. Truly inspiring, and helpful to us all to know how to find a strong and lasting Indigenous Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ! How about you, dear friend? Do you know and trust the Lord enough with your life to surrender to His salvation and live an empowered and productive life for Christ, be it in your home community, or even to the uttermost parts of the earth? Well, here's one of your Native sisters who has seen just that in her life. And if God can do it in and through Kahse Atkinson Merseth, Craig and LaDonna knows He can do it in and through you as well! Be blessed by this second installment of the VIP Interview with Kahse Atkinson Merseth on the Indigenous Faith broadcast.
In today's episode, Craig and LaDonna Smith introduce you to another Victorious Indigenous Person (VIP), who can testify of the goodness of God in the life of a prodigal daughter who has become a powerhouse for God in her generation. Kahse Atkinson Merseth shares her incredibly challenging life before surrendering to Christ. Though raised in a Native home with parents who were involved in full-time ministry, Kahse went her own way into deep rebellion and sin before coming home to the Lord and her mom and dad, who received her back with open arms. Today you'll learn of her early years, which mirrors that of may Indigenous youth who, though being raised in a Christian home, choose not to follow the God of their parents and instead, turn to drugs, alcohol, and sexual promiscuity. You'll also hear about the power of a single young friend whose strong walk in the Lord convicted her of her sin, and brought Kahse back to the foot of the Cross in repentance and forgiveness! The story gets even more intriguing in the episodes to follow, including some of the darkest days of her life as she had to process the loss of her fiance', who was brutally murdered only months before their planned wedding. But first, let's get to know this young warrior for Christ, and how her journey back to the Lord led her to a faith that has been sustained through great trouble and trials. Kahse Atkinson Merseth epitomizes what a Victorious Indigenous Person looks like, and how she now lives her life totally sold out to the purposes of Christ. What an impact her story has had on many Native youth in the communities God has given her the opportunity to share her story in. Craig and LaDonna know you'll be encouraged and blessed by her story. Be prepared to be blessed and encouraged with today's edition of Indigenous Faith!
In today's final episode in their visit with the David Bonsell family, Craig and LaDonna dig into the details as to how this multi-generational family actually did the translation process. It's important to know that with David, Sr., and David, Jr., there are some difficult medical complications that provide major barriers to overcome in taking on such a huge project as the translation of a two hundred page plus book from English into Spanish. Thanks to both old fashioned hard work and the assistance of the modern generation's breakthrough technology, the project was finally completed in late 2024 and is now ready to go from TRM's online store out to a brand new audience living all over the world. Whether it be an actual printed copy of Fe Indigena, or an e-book version found on Amazon.com, etc., the over 1/2 billion Spanish speaking world can now understand how to live biblically healthy lives in the context of their cultures and tribal traditions. We trust the programs were as interesting to you listening as it was for LaDonna and Craig when they interviewed this amazing family in their home in the greater Phoenix, Arizona area. Be sure to get your copy of either version, English or Spanish, if you don't have your own copy yet. Just go to the Smiths tribalrescue.com online store to order your copy. And don't forget to join us next week as we launch into a new episode of Indigenous Faith! We'll see you then!
In part two of this special edition of Indigenous Faith, Craig and Ladonna Smith continue in sharing not only the story, but the backstory of the translation of Craig's Indigenous Faith bookinto Spanish. The Smiths continue their visit with three generations of the David Bonsell family, the colleagues who devoted so much time and energy into this translation project. In today's episode, you'll hear from all three generations involved in the work, and hear each of their unique perspectives on both the process, and the work of God in each generation. It's a fascinating continuation of the Bonsell family story, and how their multi- generational knowledge was applied to the project, including modern technology of today, and the old fashioned process of a word by word scrutiny resulting in as accurate a translation as possible. Craig and LaDonna know that by the time this series is completed, you will come to love and appreciate the Bonsell family as much as they do. It's a great partnership between Native America and Hispanic America to reach every tribe, language, people and nation for the gospel and the glory of God! Now that's worth a listen, so, come on in!
Today the Smith's begin a three part series as they celebrate the translation of Craig's Indigenous Faith book into the Spanish language! That's right, this new version can now go into the over one half billion Spanish speaking world to help Indigenous believers in those cultures learn to live a biblically healthy life in the context of their tribal traditions and cultures. Today, the Smith's introduce you to the three generations of the David Bonsell family who took the time to meticulously go over the book's content, and translate it as close to what Craig wanted to convey when he wrote it in English. It also maintains a strong commitment to the Scriptures as the foundation for all Craig shares. You'll grow to love the Bonsell family, including the 84 year old patriarch, David, Sr., his wife, Anna, son David, Jr. and wife Michelle, and daughter Laura, who represents her two other sisters who were not able to join us on the day we recorded this inspirational and informational visit. Today, the Smiths introduce David and Anna, and you get to hear their story of faith and calling as Hispanic believers into the mission field of Mexico. You'll also hear of the great challenges David, Jr., has gone through, who, like Craig, lives his life confined to a wheelchair. You'll hear from Anna, who, as she read the book, realized just how important it is, and how she wished they had a book like Indigenous Faith when they served among animistic tribes in Mexico. This further affirms the validity of the book, in either language, as an important tool that uniquely addresses Christian faith and practice among former animistic people. In episodes to come you'll learn more about this wonderful family, and just how they undertook the huge process of translating this book into Spanish. There's some relevant and important things to listen to and learn from in today's and upcoming episodes of Indigenous Faith. Craig and LaDonna are thrilled to have you along once again for the journey! So let's go to the program for the first installment of Celebrating the Indigenous Faith's Book's Translation into Spanish series!
In this second and final installment of the Smiths VIP interview with dear friends and ministry partners, Huron and Lois Claus, the visit continues as both couples share how deep their relationship is with each other. There's a lot of history covered as the Smiths and Clauses reminisce about days gone by where each family contributed to the spiritual health and vitality of the other. Also, Huron Claus shared about 2025 being an important year for CHIEF Ministries, in that it's their fiftieth year anniversary. Three major events are planned throughout the year as CHIEF remembers all the ways the Lord led them (Deuteronomy 8:2), and where they are going into the future. Craig and LaDonna encourage you to consider joining them in one or more of these celebrations, starting with their event planned for Phoenix. Arizona in mid-March. To learn more, you can visit their website at CHIEF.org. Craig and LaDonna appreciate Huron and Lois and count them as some of their closest friends and ministry partners. If you don't know them, listening to last week and this week's broadcast, you'll learn just how special this Native family is and how they have impacted Native Evangelical ministries for many decades. Their story can help you discover ways God can use you and your family, as you build a healthy Indigenous Faith within the generations that surround you. Be blessed, dear friend, as you join Craig and LaDonna for this special VIP visit with Huron and Lois Claus!
Today Craig and LaDonna Smith begin a two part visit with some of their closest friends and ministry colleagues, Huron and Lois Claus of CHIEF Ministries. In one of the most fascinating stories of the work of God in the lives of a Native American family, Huron unpackages the multi-generational story of this Mohawk family whose exposure to the gospel goes back to the 1700's. He shares the powerful impact the Claus Indian Family had during their years with Youth For Christ, in partnership with leaders such as Dr. Billy Graham in his early years, and leading all the way up to today, where a deep friendship and partnership remains with Huron, and Billy Graham's children and grandchildren, who lead that organization today. Craig and Huron dig deep into their own shared history and friendship as LaDonna asks Huron's wife, Lois, to relive her early days dating, marrying, and for almost five decades, serving together with Huron in missionary work among Indigenous people all over the Western Hemisphere. It's a fascinating story, both personally and ministry wise which will not only enlighten you, but encourage you in your own family's journey in Christ. We all can make a lasting impact for Christ through many generations if we only allow the Lord to do His work in our lives. Be encouraged, friend, as you meet some of the wonderful Victorious Indigenous People the Smiths are privileged to know, and serve together in this generation. Don't miss next week's edition as well, as the story continues to unfold! Be blessed, dear friend as we pay a visit to Huron and Lois Claus!
In today's final episode in the three part series on looking back and looking ahead, we revisit the timely devotional Craig presents from the prophet Isaiah in chapter 9 about a child being born and a son being give, and from the last part of the next verse (v. 7), he offers some interesting reflection on the truth about the zeal of God almighty will accomplish this. So what's the "this"? It's the gospel. Craig opens our minds to consider the question does God even need zeal to accomplish anything? And while it's clear He does not for most other things, the one thing He is full of zeal for is the gospel! From there, the Smiths turn our attention to 2025 and what topics will be covered in future Indigenous Faith programming. It will prove to be another very interesting year as the Smith's seek to present biblical principles on building a lasting Indigenous Faith in the context of tribal communities, cultures, and tradition. Thanks for going along for the ride with Craig and LaDonna Smith, and the Indigenous Faith broadcast! See you next week, dear friend!
Welcome to 2025 and another year of Indigenous Faith! Craig and LaDonna trust you will continue to be ministered to by all of the episodes they plan to present in this new year. In today's episode, they continue their humorous journey back into past Christmas happenings within their family and home churches that have provided them lifelong memories to cherish and to keep. Craig also takes us back to the Scriptures for a Christmas based message based on Isaiah's prophecy about a child being born and a Son being given, and wraps it up with some interesting insights about the last part of verse 7, where it says, The Zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this...Have you ever pondered this verse before friends? Craig relates how interesting it is for the Lord to have zeal as a motivating factor for anything He chooses to do when all He has to do is speak the word, it it happens! This statement is reserved only for the gospel, and rightfully so because it is so important to all God has done in creation and in redemption. Follow along today, dear friend, and we know you'll receive a great blessing as you continue to build a biblically healthy Indigenous Faith!
In this final episode of Indigenous Faith in 2024, Craig and LaDonna take a nostalgic look back over their lives and reminisce about Christmases past, offering some of the more touching and funny experiences they each had growing up, and also from their experiences with their local church bodies when it came time for the kids Christmas plays, pageants and celebrations. It's always a good thing to develop family traditions and routines built around such special events like Christmas, and the Smiths are no strangers to their own personalized traditions and celebrations with their family. It's a great way to acknowledge this year's Christmas season as well as we leave 2024 behind and move forward into 2025. In the subsequent episode to follow, Craig will be sharing a special Christmas message as well as starting to look ahead at what will be coming in the Indigenous Faith broadcasts to come. From Craig and LaDonna and all those associated with Tribal Rescue Ministries, we wish you all a blessed Christmas season and a wonderful and God honoring new year!
In this fourth and final episode of the Smith's summary of their recent Christ My Healer, Christ My Health series, Craig and LaDonna finish their extensive review of the significant points of what the Scriptures teach about Christ's work in the sufferers. Craig reminds us of the admonition of the Lord to Moses as they were stuck between the Red Sea and the advancing Egyptian army, coming to repossess them as slaves and bring them back to Egypt's bondage. in Ex. 14:14 the Lord told them, "The Lord with fight for you, you need only to be still." Another enlightening passage was from the 139th Psalm that tells us the number of our days are laid out by the Lord before one of them is experienced! We won't die a day before God's already appointed time. "That's a liberating reality Pastor Craig noted! Craig and LaDonna reiterated for us the importance of settling the "why question." Lord, why did this happen to me, is the question we often struggle with. In a remarkable dig into God's Word, the Smiths reminded us that for even those called into ministry, suffering is often a part of the call of God! And what a great reminder it was when they reviewed the Word and human history to note that the impact of sudden Divine Healing can often times be short lived, while the effect of the prolonged work of God in the life of the chronic sufferer extends the work of God throughout a much longer time, leading to great rewards in heaven, even the potential of being inducted into heaven's hall of fame! The summary ends with a reminder of the lyrics of A.B. Simpsons great, great song, Himself! Have you been encouraged by the Smith's in-depth study into Divine Healing and Divine Health? The Smiths have really opened their hearts and lives to us all. They pray God will have used it all for His honor and His glory! Until next time...
In this third episode of the Smith's summary of their Divine Healing, Divine Health series, Craig and LaDonna pick up where they left off at the end of last week's session. They were answering the question, Is it God's will that we all be healed at all times? Clearly the Scriptures point out that God's ways are not the ways of the health, wealth, and prosperity preachers filling the airways with their false teaching. It's an important reminder about the authority of the Scriptures in our lives and in what shapes how we do ministry. Which led to the reminder of how we can transfer from a focus on Divine Healing to embracing and learning to live in Divine Health when God chooses not to heal our bodies. Psalms 57:1-2 was reviewed once again as crucial to Craig's understanding of disasters being used by God to fulfill His purposes for our lives, and, yes, that includes the lives of those He has called to full-time vocational ministry as well. The importance of both Divine Healing and Divine Health is connected, as Pastor Smith points out, to the Atoning work of Christ on the cross and in the empty tomb. As Pastor Smith put it, "Healing is Friday, Health is Sunday!" And a thorough review could not overlook the crucial revealing of the mystery that had been hidden from many generations, which is what Craig calls, "The Believer's Advantage." That is, "Christ in you, the hope of glory!" The indwelling Christ makes all the difference whether it be for Divine Healing or for Divine Health. The episode ends with LaDonna's reminder from Psalms 139 that our days have been numbered by God, Himself, before we ever lived one of them. That liberating reality has helped the Smiths powerfully embrace the sovereignty of God in their journey, resulting in the indwelling Christ making all the difference! What a way to live for the believer in Christ!
In part two of the Smith's summary of their series on Divine Healing and Divine Health, Craig and LaDonna remind us how this revisit to the last 8 episodes was an important thing to do. It came from Craig's third trip back to death's door in 2024 as he battled four serious outbreaks of infections in his body. That, along with his battle with Covid and the aftermath of the accident in 2009 has taken them much deeper into the truths of Divine Healing and Divine Health. And they don't want their listeners to miss these important truths for tragedy and trauma can hit anyone of us at any time. It was their commitment to the authority of the Scriptures that enabled them to handle all the challenges that have come their way. But before they could affirm the Divine Health God has sustained them in, they wanted us all to know they continue to believe firmly in the doctrine of Divine Healing. Why, because all throughout Scripture, in both the Old and New Testament, God is described as healer. All the way back to Exodus and His word to the Children of Israel, in David's heart in the Psalms, in the Prophet Isaiah's strong words that affirm healing in the Atonement, and even spoken of as integral to Christ's earthly ministry, which often involved healing of so many, and in the promise of the Great Commission's fulfillment, healing was included as part of the gospel message. It didn't stop there, though, as it was also given to the church as part of the spiritual gifts Paul wrote to the Corinthians about, and continues to this day through the faithful involvement of local church elders in the anointing and praying for the sick. But with such strong doctrinal truth affirmed throughout the Scriptures, the Smiths remind us that a twisting of doctrinal truth is always something to be careful about. Such is the case with the faith healers promoting a health, wealth, and prosperity gospel that is not the same as biblical Divine Healing. That's further supported by Scripture addressing the question, Is it God's will that everyone should be healed? Once again, the timeless truths of God's Word brings such clarity to this and all other important doctrinal teaching given to the Church of our Lord until He comes again! Let's continue to live in Divine Health, all while we continue to seek Divine Healing! It's the full message of the gospel that continues to transform lives across the world until Christ returns!
After two months of episodes in their Christ My Healer, Christ My Health series, Craig and LaDonna take the next few weeks to summarize all the teaching and explaining about the doctrine of Divine Healing and the doctrine of Divine Health. The Smiths felt it important enough because it is easy to forget details when it has taken 8 episodes to share on the subject matter at hand. But before the Smiths jump into this important review, they wanted to take the time to share with you some of the encouraging Scriptural passages they have recently been in during their early morning daily devotional times with the Lord. LaDonna takes listeners to the first two chapters of Paul's first letter to the Thessalonians, which greatly encouraged Craig and LaDonna Smith and confirmed the importance of even this summary of past teaching episodes, because it comes from them sharing not only biblical truth, but as Paul noted, even their own lives as well. Biblical truth has to live itself out in the lives of God's people if it's to impact others to stand strong as well. The Smiths wanted to reiterate the incredible importance of God's people taking time daily to read God's Word, pray, and worship the Lord in order to be spiritually fit for the day. They trust you will take time with the Lord, and He will meet the hungry soul each and every time. That sharing of their lives summarizes the why of this important review of God's healing and God's health. It all stems from Craig's recent third visit close to death's door after battling four major infection outbreaks in the summer and fall of 2024. The first two visits were introduced at the end of this episode, including their accident in 2009, and Craig's battle with Covid in 2022. After all they've gone through, no wonder they sense the importance and urgency of bringing this important teaching to their Indigenous Faith audience. Craig and LaDonna pray it becomes a helpful reminder to you, dear friends!
In this eighth episode of Christ My Healer, Christ My Health, Craig and LaDonna wrap up final thoughts about the Bema Seat of Christ, or where He gives out rewards for the good works His people have done while walking with Christ on earth, and making the case that while all those who are saved will have the ultimate reward of an eternity with Christ, there's also rewards the Lord will give out, in varying levels, to his faithful servants. That thought is taken to another level as Craig unpackages for us some important biblical passages and information on what he calls Heaven's Hall of Fame. We see that it is made up of faith-filled people, many of whom were great conquerers here on earth, but there's also faith-filled people who were great sufferers inducted into this Hall of Fame as well! It's good to know that many more can receive such honor because not all of us can be amazing men and women of valor, doing great exploits for the Lord in battles, and fighting for Kingdom purposes. But we all can be powerful men and women who suffer and suffer well for Christ's sake! It should give the sufferer great encouragement to endure great suffering, as special recognition awaits from the throne room of God, Himself! And the very important point the Smiths make at the end can't be missed by us as you look at the reality of many who saw divine healings through Christ's life weren't there as His supporters when He was led up Calvary's Cross to suffer and die. Only a handful of faithful were there at the foot of the Cross while the vast majority, and yes, even those who not only saw healings, but were the recipients of divine healings from the very hands of Christ had abandoned Him and were no doubt even in the crowd crying, "Crucify Him, crucify Him, give us Barrabas!" The blessing of Divine Health is the prolonged effect it can have on the observers, leaving little room to doubt or walk away when impacted by the work of God in the life of the prolonged sufferer! Now that's something to ponder for a while dear friend! Divine Healing and Divine Health...both from the sovereign hand of God for the blessing of His people, and for the rest of the world looking for hope! Serve Him well, dear friend, and should He and His sovereignty allow, suffer well as well! Until next time...
Have you been encouraged by this series on Divine Health and Divine Healing? We sure hope so, dear friend. In today's episode, the Smiths complete their answer to why God allows those He's called into full-time ministry to often suffer deeply while serving Him. There's not only a call to serve, but a call to suffer placed on the lives of many servants of Christ. And why should we not expect to suffer, Craig states, because the One who calls us to serve has suffered so deeply and painfully for us when He suffered on the way to and while He was on the Cross dying for our sins! That realization was one of the more powerful ways God spoke to Craig during some of his deepest days of pain and suffering. If Christ could suffer for me, why can't I suffer for Him, Craig opines. But also, there's a great cloud of witnesses who also have suffered, such as the Apostles and early church leaders, many of whom were tortured, beaten, and even martyred for their faith! If they could suffer for Christ, again, why can't I? And in one of the most encouraging revelations of how to live in Divine Health that the Smith's have learned, they've been encouraged by the realization that there are rewards to come for all those who follow Christ and even some are marked for special honor in what Craig refers to as Heaven's Hall of Fame! You won't want to miss this insightful journey with the Smiths into God's Word in today's episode of Indigenous Faith. May these truths support you in your own seasons of pain and suffering, dear friend!
In today's continuation of this important series on Christ My Healer, Christ My Health, LaDonna shares some of the unique ways God used her to bring hope to other hurting families in the UNM Hospital's Trauma ICU Unit while Craig lay in an almost two month coma. Up and down the corridor of this major trauma unit were family after family who's lives were turned upside down as their loved ones were gravely injured and near death in their own seasons of suffering. LaDonna took her unique opportunity seriously to be a light with the gospel to these hurting families, as well as the medical staff tasked with Craig's ongoing intensive care. Even after release from that ICU unit, and even to this day, the Smiths have been given many wonderful opportunities to share the hope of the gospel to many they never would have had opportunity to meet if it wasn't for their own trauma experience. Truly the gospel has rung out over the years to those who were living in the shadow of death with their own family members and the medical experts serving them in their hour of need. The Smiths also address how their embracing of the authority of the Scriptures helped settle difficult questions and battles in the mind as they simply believed and acted on the truths of God's Word. Challenges such as the fear that the injuries would one day cut Craig's life short were answered by the timeless truths of the Bible and the Smiths also began to address the issue of why does God allow suffering in those He's called to serve? To the secular mind, it can easily reject God when faced with unanswerable questions like, "If the Smiths were out doing God's work, why did God allow the accident to happen to them? They were just trying to be faithful to their calling and they almost lost their lives doing so!" But you'll have to wait until next week's episode to get the full answer to that crucial question. That means we'll see you next week for the next episode of Christ My Healer, Christ My Health!
In today's episode, Craig and LaDonna Smith continue to share about the Divine Health that was being manifested in Craig's very broken body in the accident that neither he nor LaDonna should have survived. Craig shares from Exodus 14:14 the truth that God will fight our battles for us when we are physically, emotionally, and mentally unable to do so. He also shares how the issue of his identity and significance was deeply impacted by the inward working of the Spirit of God as Craig soon realized he would be unable to do the things he did for the Lord in his over forty years of ministry, which amounted in a significant way to his identity and significance before the accident. What now? For some, when you lose your ability to do the things that amounted to your identity and significance before, it can be debilitating and devastating. But Craig found that the Divine Health he embrace brought a much deeper work of God that allowed him to find his identity and significance to be placed in Christ alone, instead of what he did for Christ. And that provided him the ability to let go of his past efforts, and revel in the joy and sufficiency of knowing Christ Jesus his Lord, as Paul found out and reported it to the Philippians in chapter 3 of this powerful epistle. And in one of the most consequential things God did for the Smiths was to help them understand that while He allowed their circumstances to change, their orders to serve did not. Instead of reaching out to the Cree tribe in Canada, they began serving among the Medical Tribe in the various hospitals, rehab centers, and medical facilities they have visited over the past fifteen plus years since the accident. The call of God to be spiritual rescuers continues to guide the Smiths even to this day!
As today's edition of Indigenous Faith begins, Craig Smith answers the all-important question of how does a person transfer their focus from Christ My Healer, to Christ My Health when the Lord chooses not to give us the divine healing we are asking Him for? His answer may be surprising to you, dear friend! And as Craig notes, it was God's Holy Word that once again, in it's unique authoritative way, that provided the answers he was seeking to all the questions and issues he had to settle regarding why this tragedy met him and why his life was changed dramatically in only four short seconds at the Miracle at Mile Marker 313. Profound truths were given to Craig by an elder mentor in his life, Rev. Tom Claus, as he read two verses in the book of Psalms that contains the answer to the ultimate unanswerable questions one faces when tragedy and trauma hit hard. Hearing, embracing, and accepting the supernatural truths contained in these two verses made all the difference in Craig's life that helped him begin living in Divine Health even in his very broken body. Craig also makes much about an important doctrinal truth about Divine Healing as being an integral part of the Atonement, accomplished for us on Calvary's cross when Christ died for our sins. He also bore our sicknesses and diseases on that same cross and as Isaiah noted, and by His wounds, we are healed. Healing is in that complete work of the cross. But Craig contends that the Atonement is not just found in the cross, it's also embedded in the empty tomb as well. The resurrection of Christ and in particular, the Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead, Paul said to the Romans, provides for this other item, Christ's Divine Health, as that same Spirit gives life to our mortal bodies. Divine Healing is in the work of the cross, Divine Health is found in the work of the Resurrection...life to our mortal bodies. It is an amazing thing to ponder, dear friend, all that Christ accomplished for us when He went to the cross, died, was buried, then three days later rose from the dead and is alive forever more! And included in all that He did in those three amazing days, includes His divine healing and His divine health! Wow, what a powerful work He accomplished. And yes, as Jesus Himself said, It is finished! Hallelujah!
In today's episode, Craig and LaDonna go deeper into the issue of Christ our healer as they unpackage the difference between genuine Divine Healing and the less than biblical issue of Faith Healing and faith healers that you often see on Christian television and is tied to the health, wealth, and prosperity gospel so prevalent today. Craig also takes the Word of God to answer the question, Is it God's will that we always be healed? And if so, why do God's people often experience long seasons of sickness, pain, and disease? How are we as Indigenous believers in Christ to understand these complex issues today? Well, once again, the Smiths take us to the one and only source of universal, absolute truth, none other than the Word of God for answers. My His Word, once again, bring clarity to our lives as we seek to live biblically healthy lives in the context of our Indigenous cultures and communities!
In today's episode, Craig and LaDonna Smith continue their study on the issue of Christ My Healer, Christ My Health. The Smith's point out that throughout all of the Scriptures in both the Old and New Testament, healing has always been an important part of God's interaction with mankind. The Smith's take us to passages in Exodus, Psalms, Isaiah, as well as review the work of healing in the earthly ministry of Jesus, and how that ministry was passed on to His Church to include in what it does until Christ returns for His Bride. Also, in order to understand Christ My Health, Craig emphatically states its important to understand and embrace the doctrine of Christ My Healer. They also provide helpful information that delineates the difference between faith healing and divine healing as they answer the question, Is everything you see on Christian Television legitimate? Is that the kind of healing the Bible presents, or is much of what you see in the "Faith Healing" realm actually false teaching? All important information that helps build a strong and lasting Indigenous Faith!
In today's episode, Craig and LaDonna begin an in-depth study on the issue of Christ and suffering in a series they are titling, Christ My Healer, Christ My Health. For over fifteen years, the Smiths have experienced a deeper place in the Lord in their ongoing pain and suffering that came about from an auto accident neither of them should have survived. Most recently, Craig has battled for different outbreaks of severe infection in his body, one right after the other, and any of these battles could have proven fatal. Why is it that God allows deep pain and suffering in some people's lives while others go through life relatively pain free? It's all about the sovereignty of God in our lives as the Smiths have found out. This recent health crisis has once again reiterated the powerful work of God in the lives on ongoing sufferers. Does Christ offer Divine Healing today? Yes He does, but what happens if that healing doesn't come? What then? Where is God in the suffering lives of even His servants? The Smiths know, and seek to share those deeper life lessons in this impactful series they've titled, Christ My Healer, Christ My Health. You won't want to miss a single episode of this series, and we encourage you to let others know about it as well. It will make an eternal difference here on earth as we all are making our way to eternity! May God use these truths to help us build a strong and lasting Indigenous Faith!
In this, the third and final episode in the VIP interview the Smiths had with Caitlyn Denet, she shares the incredible story of how the Lord used her in the life of her traditional medicine man grandfather as he was at the end of his earthly life. Having been used by God to be a spiritual rescuer among Indigenous youth across North America, God once again used Caitlyn to be the bridge to the gospel for her grandfather! It is a tremendous reminder to us all that our responsibility for our families must include making sure they know and understand the gospel and have an opportunity to respond to it before life ends. The only challenge to that is, we never know when that end will come. That's why it is imperative that we represent Christ before our families now, before it's too late. Caitlyn Denet has a bright future ahead for her as she begins serving as an RA at the new On Eagles' Wings Leadership Center in Harrison, Arkansas, and then from there, she seeks to find the Lord's leading and is open to going wherever the Lord calls her to go. Now that's a true VIP! It brings Craig and LaDonna great joy to present to you some of the amazing Victorious Indigenous People who are living a biblically healthy life in the context of their Indigenous communities, cultures, and traditions. They pray that God will raise up a whole army of VIPs to share the gospel around the Indigenous world before Jesus comes! Amen, and Amen!
In today's second of a three part VIP interview with Navajo young believer, Caitlyn Denet, Craig and LaDonna ask her about the challenges, struggles, and victories she experienced as a Native student at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, Illinois. After seeing God work in the lives of her parents, who were originally not supportive of her desire to go to Bible School instead of pursuing a degree in Engineering, she left the comfort of Rez life to enter Chicago as one of the only few Native students at Moody. And while it's often the educational institution that shapes the life of the student, Caitlyn begins to unpackage how this "little Rez girl" began to help this longstanding and well respected Christian educational institute realize it was blinded to the issues and needs in Native America. This is often the challenge for us in Indigenous North American ministries, as many evangelical Christian organizations, denominations, and even mission agencies do not have Native America prominently on their radar screens. You'll be amazed to hear how God used Caitlyn Denet to bring a level of awareness and heart to not only students, but the academics and even top level leadership that was not experienced until this Indigenous VIP impacted this prestigious institution for God's glory! And that's why, when she was introduced at her graduation to receive her diploma, she was met with the most amazing round of applause and appreciation by all in attendance! It just goes to show that often times, God's greatest work is done through the underdogs! Way to go, Caitlyn, you represented the Lord and your people well during your time at Moody Bible Institute! Don't miss the concluding episode in this three part series next week as Caitlyn shares what's next in her amazing and productive life as a Victorious Indigenous Person! If God can use Caitlyn, dear friends, He can use any one of us! Don't miss your mark but follow Caitlyn's example of simple faithfulness and saying "yes" to the leading of the Lord in your life! What a great example we have in this young Navajo believer, our dear sister, Caitlyn Denet!
Today, Craig and LaDonna start a three part VIP (Victorious Indigenous People) interview series with Caitlyn Denet from the Navajo Nation. Caitlyn is a young Native evangelist who is being powerfully used by the Lord to bring the gospel to her peers through the wonderful On Eagles' Wings ministry. Like so many of her generation, Caitlyn grew up in the challenges of living in a family that was, in part, followers of the traditional animistic ways of her people, and, in part, followers of Christ and the message of the gospel. Being exposed to both worlds within in her extended family, she was left with a major decision to make. Which road would she follow in her own life? Choosing to follow Christ as a thirteen year old has led her down an amazing road of great opportunities as a member of the On Eagles' Wings team, and a recent graduate of Moody Bible Institute. In today's episode, we get to meet this amazing young woman of God and hear how her spiritual journey began and was strengthened through her exposure to a deeper life in Christ through powerful Native youth ministries, of which LaDonna and I are blessed to continue to be involved in through preaching, teaching, and mentoring. This is a series you won't want to miss as we learn how another typical Rez kid encounters the Living Christ who has made such a difference in her life. We are pleased to present to you someone who can bring encouragement to your own life, dear friend, this week's VIP guest...Caitlyn Denet!
In this final episode in this three part series, Craig begins to share the tools they have been developing in helping Indigenous believers in Christ learn to live biblically healthy lives in the context of their cultures and communities. This message was presented at the Billy Graham sponsored Native Leadership Conference in Rapid City, SD, in May 2022. The Smiths are grateful to Will Graham, grandson of Dr. Billy Graham, for his invitation to join him and several other Native presenters at this event, which preceded Will's visits to two South Dakota reservations for his outreach events. In just a few days, another leadership event will be held in Calgary, Alberta in preparation for Will visiting some First Nations communities in the region for more outreach events. While so many ministry organizations don't have Native people on their radar, Will and the whole BGEA team have caught the vision, seen the need, and are doing something about it! For that, Craig and LaDonna Smith, and this Indigenous Faith podcast, rejoices!
In today's episode, Craig continues his message preached at the Billy Graham sponsored Native Leader's Conference in May 2022 in Rapid City, SD. Craig continues to take listeners into both Old and New Testament passages that help define what biblical health looks like in the context of believers who come to faith in Christ out of animistic cultures. The Smiths are happy to rebroadcast this critical series at this time with so many new listeners to the Indigenous Faith podcast. Please listen with an open heart, mind, and soul, as God's Word shines forth from the heart and soul of Craig.
In the next three episodes, the Smiths take you back to when Craig preached at the Billy Graham sponsored Native Leadership Conference in May 2022 in Rapid City, SD on the invitation of Will Graham. This rebroadcast helps lay the biblical foundation for the discipling of Native American and First Nations followers of Christ. It introduces to the audience an important overview of the whole Indigenous Faith focus of the Smiths and Tribal Rescue Ministries. We trust these episodes, presented in anticipation of Will Graham's upcoming outreaches into First Nations communities in Alberta, will remind us all the importance of not just making converts to Christ, but fully committed followers of Him throughout a lifetime!
In today's broadcast we are revisiting an interview we had with Will Graham, grandson of Dr. Billy Graham and one of the lead evangelists in the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. Will is committed to including Native communities in his very busy schedule of outreach events that take him all over the world. This session was recorded as the Smiths were part of a BGEA sponsored Native Leader's Conference in Rapid City, SD in May of 2022. Craig was one of the speakers Will invited to minister at this conference. In September 2024, Will will be in Calgary, Alberta to hold a similar leadership conference in advance of upcoming outreach events in First Nations communities in the region. In honor of his faithful commitment to our people, we wanted to rebroadcast this wonderful interview with him. Then, in the next three episodes, we will rebroadcast Craig's message he preached at this conference titled Establishing A Biblically Healthy Indigenous Faith. Pray with us for Will, and those who will be presenting at the Calgary conference, and then for his outreach events in Alberta which will soon follow.
In today's third and final episode in the VIP interview with ministry colleagues, Randy and Evangeline Jackson, the Jacksons continue to discuss end time prophecy with hosts Craig and LaDonna Smith. The day after this episode is released globally, Randy and Evangeline will be preaching and singing at a prophecy conference at the Smith's home church in Cass Lake, Minnesota. August 11-14 are the dates for this important series at the Cass Lake Alliance Church. As you listen to today's episode, Craig and LaDonna would ask you to pray for this important conference that will help attendees get a better biblical understanding on current worldwide events that help confirm centuries old prophecies in both the Old and New Testaments on Christ's second coming. Craig and LaDonna appreciate so much the lives and ministries of Randy and Evangeline, who have faithfully served the Lord all throughout their married lives and even before. They are the real deal as they honor the Lord in all they do. They truly epitomize the term, VIP, which the Smiths refer to as, Victorious Indigenous People! Be sure to reach out to others around you and invite them to listen in as well as the Smiths and Jacksons present principles to help Indigenous believers in Christ live biblically healthy lives in the context of our cultures and communities! Until next week, may the Lord bless you as you live victoriously for Him!
In today's second of a three part series with ministry partners, Randy and Evangeline Jackson, we continue to hear their perspectives on the current move of God among North America's Indigenous youth, and how encouraging it is for those like the Jacksons and Smiths in their later years to see this happening. Youth coming to Christ in unprecedented numbers, some being called out to serve the Lord in vocational ministries and populating both Indian and multi-cultural higher educational institutions in preparation for fulfilling that call, are all present realities in ways we've never seen before. And for that, both the Jacksons and Smiths give praise to God for His Spirit's move across Indigenous lands. Then the discussion turns to the importance of Bible prophecy and how needed this kind of teaching is in many Indigenous churches. Craig informs us as listeners to the reality that as one of Native North America's leading prophecy teachers, Randy Jackson has been bringing prophetic teaching to a number of Native churches in recent years. The Smiths are excited to announce that their home church, Cass Lake Alliance Church on the Leech Lake Reservation in northern Minnesota will be sponsoring a four day, five session prophecy conference featuring Randy's in depth teaching! Dates are August 11-14, which is only a week away from when this episode launches! It's exciting to hear from Randy what he will be teaching on in this important conference which is open to all who would desire to attend. Stay tuned to this and the final third episode which will launch one day before the conference starts for more information. Important stuff, dear friends, and we are thrilled to present it all on the Indigenous Faith podcast! Until He comes...
Today we begin a three part series with ministry partners Randy and Evangeline Jackson as we get caught up with them and their ever growing and expanding ministry of music, preaching, and teaching. The Lord is using the Jacksons all across North America with invitations to minister that has them criss-crossing the continent in Indigenous communities far and wide. Of special focus is a recent National First Nations youth conference in Alberta where around 300 youth were in attendance. Randy was the keynote speaker and oh, how the Lord used His Word, proclaimed by His servant, Randy, to effectively share the simple gospel message in accordance with biblical truth. The end result? Over 100 youth powerfully encountered Christ at the altar and were marvelously saved in what the Jacksons called an unprecedented move of God that they've never seen in their decades of ministry! Praise the Lord! We also discussed the similar move of God we were seeing right there at the Warrior Leadership Summit where again scores of Native youth were finding Christ as their Savior! It has led both the Jacksons and Smiths to conclude this is harvest time in Native North America! And it's happening among the ones we would have never guessed it would, our Indigenous youth! You'll be encouraged by the insights both Randy and Evangeline bring to the episodes you are about to hear and hopefully moved to pray for this unique window of opportunity building all across Native North America. And it's happening not with a syncretistic methodology, but a simple return to the simple process of preaching and teaching the timeless truths of God's Word alone! Craig and LaDonna believe that the Lord is blessing the Word of God when it's not encumbered by cultural baggage that ends up being another gospel than what the Word exclusively teaches and presents! So let's join together and celebrate this great work of God and pray earnestly that He will preserve the harvest and we see even more of God's power moving across Indigenous North America in the days to come! Don't miss the other two episodes that will follow!
In last week's first episode of this VIP interview with LaTalia Peterson (Navajo), she began to unpackage the tragic story of the auto accident that caused her husband and father of her two young children to suffer irreversible brain damage that left him for years in a near vegetative state until his passing in 2022. Now a single mom, and left to pick up the pieces of a life so tragically altered by this horrific decade of pain and suffering, LaTalia continues to share how the Lord sustained her, healed her broken heart, and has given her incredible ministry opportunities in a church on the Navajo Nation, in a job as a teacher in the same school she and her husband were students at, and how she has lead a growing number of Navajo youth to encounter Christ at the annual Warrior Leadership Summit. The glow of God on her face speaks volumes to the attempts of Satan to kill, steal, and destroy her life, future, and godly role as a Victorious Indigenous Person among Navajo youth and children. She truly is a remarkable Christian woman, and a godly example to all who know her and are blessed to be impacted by her life and testimony. And if she can find victory through some of the most difficult and discouraging experiences of life, friend, you and I can be victorious too, if we only trust the Lord like LaTalia Peterson. Be encouraged, friend, by the second and final episode in this inspiring story of our dear friend, LaTalia! And remember, if God can do that great of a work in her life, He can do it in yours and mine as well! Rejoice with us as we continue our Amazing Visit with VIP LaTalia Peterson!
Imagine being a young mother of two small children, having just married the man who is the father of the children two short months ago and being called late in the night that your husband was in a horrific auto accident and was flown three hours away to a hospital where he clung to life. This is the story of our dear friend, LaTalia Peterson from the Navajo Nation. You heart will ache like ours did as LaTalia shares the details of that journey through deep pain and sorrow, and how her faith in the Lord sustained her. The peace filled smile on her face shatters the pain and agony of those days as she now lives in victory over these trials of life. You will be amazed at how this young mom continues to live for the Lord, raise her two children, who are now teenagers, and serves the Lord who sustained her through the darkest days any of us could face. LaTalia epitomizes the definition of Victorious Indigenous People, and her faith and trust in the sovereignty of God is something we can all learn from. Be sure to listen to both episodes of this intriguing story as we present the life story of LaTalia Peterson, one incredible VIP!
In today's final episode on Craig's message titled The Chief Aim of Man, Craig continues to help his listeners understand that ultimately, God desires to redirect the affection and worship of every human being from the things created to the One who created all things. There's an answer for every human condition and worship that is not worship at all as lost people are drawn to the things on the earth, the cosmos, the spirit world, etc., as objects of worship. Salvation redirects those affections and worship to its rightful place, and directed at the right entity, the One who created all things! Our primary reason for being here on earth is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever! Salvation opens the door for every human on planet earth to experience that great realignment of heart and actions, all because of the mercy and grace of our Lord as He died in our place! Glorify God, dear friend, and in doing so, you'll enjoy His presence forever!
In the next two episodes, we join the congregation of the Smith's home church, Cass Lake Alliance, as Pastor Smith shares a message titled The Chief Aim of Man. Taken from Westminster's Lesser Catechism of 1647, Craig reminds his listeners of what the real purpose of living is for all of mankind, that of glorifying God and enjoying Him forever! Craig draws from an outline of an old Puritan preacher who stated years ago we glorify God in four important ways, Appreciation, Adoration, Affection, and Submission. A biblically healthy Indigenous Faith is lived out in these four very important ways as Craig notes in his message. Anything less that that is missing the mark God has established for His followers, and will never lead us to a fulfilling life in Christ if we miss this process. So please join Craig and LaDonna as they bring to us today this important message on the Chief Aim of Man. And don't forget to tune in next week for the conclusion of the message!
In today's episode, we join Craig and LaDonna Smith in their recent visit to the On Eagles' Wings Leadership Center on the campus of Hutchcraft Ministries in Harrison, Arkansas where Craig was spending a week teaching the On Eagles' Wings team members who were part of this year's class. While there, Craig was asked to share a staff devotional message to both the OEW staff and students and the staff of Hutchcraft Ministries. In this devotional Craig has titled The Supernatural River of God, he takes the audience into the book of Ezekiel to an incredibly important and relevant imagery Ezekiel presents on this supernatural river of God. While Craig brings the implications of this mighty river to the Hutchcraft and OEW staff, the implications can easily be made to every ministry and worker who takes the gospel of Christ, like yours, into dry and dead places across the globe. See how the relevance of this message has on you, dear friend, and the work God has called you to. I'm sure you'll take away some encouraging words from God's Word on staying in the middle of this mighty river of God, as you bring the hope of the gospel to those within your reach.
In today's second and final episode from Craig Smith's message on suffering, preached at the First Baptist Church in Coweta, OK, he continues to explain the miraculous way God intervened in both Craig and LaDonna's lives by sparing them from their graves. Most certainly, they should have died in this horrific accident as both suffered catastrophic injuries that most certainly take people's lives immediately. But here they are, sixteen years past this life altering event, continuing to serve the Lord and His purposes. Most importantly, Craig unpackages how the indwelling Christ made all the difference for him in his deepest time of trouble and trials, sustaining him, embracing him, healing him, and comforting him in a way only the risen Savior could. Craig ends the message with a clear and compelling explanation of what happens for the believer at death's door. You won't want to miss this extremely important study into life, death, and finding shalom in the presence of ongoing and life altering pain and suffering. As Craig tells the worshippers there at First Baptist Church, you may not need this message right now, but someday you will, as we are all heading to the date on the right side of the hyphen on our tombstones. Be blessed as you listen to Craig share his personal journey on finding shalom in the midst of suffering!
Today, Craig and LaDonna share a message Craig preached in mid-April 2024 at the First Baptist Church of Coweta, OK. Pastored by the Smith's dear friend, Dr. Vern Charette, Craig shared about the Shalom he found in the midst of great suffering in the aftermath of their Miracle at Mile Marker 313. The Smith's have many listeners to the podcast that have recently joined them and are unaware of what happened on June 9, 2009 when both the Smiths should have died from the injuries they suffered in a catastrophic auto accident in northern New Mexico. Please be sure to listen to both episodes to learn the great lessons the Lord has taught the Smiths in their school of suffering. It will be a great encouragement to you and helpful in your walk in Christ! Shalom!
In today's third and final episode of this enlightening series, Craig and LaDonna Smith continue their visit with Nick Liew (Apache) and Wes Francis (Navajo), young and emerging leaders in the highly successful On Eagles' Wings ministry. Their maturity and effectiveness in ministry is highlighted in today's episode. As the two continue to discuss what On Eagles' Wings is all about, the visit concludes with the Smith's taking you to the Cattaraugus Indian Reservation in upstate New York to hear Wes wrapping up the OEW visit there with a powerful presentation of the gospel. It shows how God is using these Native youth to bring Christ and His power to Native communities across North America. The Smith's think you'll be amazed at how clearly the gospel is conveyed to lost people through these amazing and emerging Native leaders, who will serve Christ well in their generation. The take away is this...the gospel will continue to ring out loud and clear into the generations that follow the years Craig and LaDonna Smith have invested in their generation of serving Christ! And for that, they rejoice with a loud shout of praise!
In today's episode, Craig and LaDonna Smith continue their visit with Nick Liew (Apache) and Wes Francis (Navajo), leaders of the On Eagles' Wings ministry. Along with them continuing to share the story of God's work in their lives, they begin to explain how God is using this team of Native youth evangelists to reach Native communities with the gospel. They begin to explain the three-pronged focuses of the ministry, including their annual leadership conference, called Warrior Leadership Summit, their Summer of Hope tours where this team goes into a number of Native communities to share the gospel, and the brand new On Eagles' Wings Leadership Center in Harrison, Arkansas, where team members are further discipled and equipped to begin fulfill the calling of God on their lives. It's a fascinating continuation of the visit that started in last week's episode. If you are just joining us, we'd encourage you to listen to last week's Part One episode first before listening to Part Two. It's one of the bright spots in Native North American ministry that Craig and LaDonna Smith love to talk about.
Today, Craig and LaDonna focus their attention on Going Young as they introduce listeners to an amazing and effective Native youth ministry called On Eagles Wing' (OEW). This was a ministry Craig and LaDonna were privileged to help lead from 2003 to 2008 along with co-founders, Ron and Karen Hutchcraft. This ministry has recruited, trained, and equipped many Native Christian youth to share the gospel among their peers over a thirty year period and they have traveled to well over 100 Native communities in both he U.S. and Canada, seen countless Native youth respond to the gospel, and saw team members become Christian leaders for their generation in an unprecedented way. In this three part series, you will meet two of the OEW team members who now help lead OEW's continued ministry, Nick Lieu (Apache) and Weston (Wes) Francis (Navajo). In today's episode, you'll begin to hear the hope story of these two leaders. You'll be amazed at how God has intervened in their lives, bringing them through great trials and tribulations and turning them into powerhouses of the gospel. Throughout the series, you'll see how God is using this youth focused ministry to bring hope to many communities in desperate need of hope. We trust you'll be blessed as Craig and LaDonna bring to you the amazing story of On Eagles' Wings, and the lives they continue to impact for God's glory!
In today's episode, Craig, Ryan, and Paul continue to provide information on the development of the newly formed National Association of Native Evangelicals. Its stated purpose, mission statement, and how interested folks can learn more about it through their new website is all included in today's finale. The trio ends the conversation with how listeners can become involved, through prayer, financial support, and other practical ways as NANE hits its stride. New initiatives not considered before are brewing in the minds of the original Board of Directors, and Craig, Ryan, and Paul bring you into the conversation so you know how to pray and become a supporter and promoter of NANE. Craig and LaDonna believe what you'll come away with from this three part series is these men are committed to seeing this organization up, running, and flourishing. You'll also see the heart these men share for the Word of God, prayer, and biblical leadership from their deep devotion to Christ and His Word. To learn more about NANE, you can go to TheNANE.org. Help us spread the word about this new fellowship of likeminded leaders serving across the Native American landscape!
In part two of this three part series, Craig Smith continues his interesting discussion with colleagues, Paul Straubel (director for the Center for Indian Ministries in Bemidji, MN), and Dr. Ryan O'Leary (Ojibwe), the newly appointed president of the National Association of Native Evangelicals, as they discuss this newly formed organization, its goals, purpose, and vision. In today's episode, both Ryan and Paul share their perspectives on why they have sensed the time is now for such an organization to be established to help serve the growing Native evangelical ministries reaching American Indians with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Ryan opens a window into his new relationship with the larger and nationally influential National Association of Evangelicals as its most recently elected leader to its Board of Directors. Craig, Ryan, and Paul have been applying the model of the larger NAE organization to the structure in which they are setting up the new NANE organization. The partnership with the larger NAE organization is already opening new doors of communication and much needed dialogue with ministry leaders who could help move cross-cultural ministry right here in the United States forward as they become more aware of the needs and opportunities across Native America. Craig and LaDonna trust this series will be informational and inspirational to you, our dear listeners, as you, too, become aware of this new effort to advance the gospel forward to the many tribes within the borders of the United States of America.
In today's episode of Indigenous Faith, Craig begins a three part visit with dear friends Paul Straubel and Dr. Ryan O'Leary (Ojibwe), as they introduce a new emerging organization called the National Association of Native Evangelicals (NANE). Along with several other leaders, Craig, Paul, and Ryan have been developing this new organization, designed to serve all Native evangelical ministries and their leaders with training, equipping, and mentoring of next generation Native Christian leadership and new and innovative ways of working together in a Kingdom of God unified way. Also, this organization will serve as a voice to the larger evangelical leadership through Dr. O'Leary's election to the larger and influential body of leadership called the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE). Native American ministries has never had an official voice on this board, which is comprised of denominational, academic, and missional leadership throughout the evangelical Body of Christ, until now. Ryan has been selected by the initial Board of Directors for NANE as the first President, and he has in turn been elected to serve on the nationally recognized NAE Board as a representative of NANE and all Native evangelical ministries who choose to partner with NANE. It's exciting to see these developments happen in the early days of this new organization, and its founding leaders hope it will be a model for other Indigenous leaders worldwide to do the same. Tribal Rescue Ministries, which is the organization Craig and LaDonna Smith lead, is the sponsor of this Indigenous Faith broadcasting ministry, and are pleased to use its growing presence worldwide to promote and encourage involvement in the National Association of Native Evangelicals! We pray you'll be encouraged by the vision these leaders share in for NANE's future and impact. Remember to pray for the continuing growth and establishment of this new representative body for God's glory!
Today's episode of Indigenous Faith is the finale in the series on not just King Josiah, but on the Smith's review of some of the kings of Israel and Judah. Have you enjoyed this series as much as the Smiths enjoyed sharing it with you? They trust and pray that it has not only been an enjoyable journey but enlightening as well. There's so much to learn from God's Word in both the older and newer Testaments. To wrap it all up, the Smiths would remind you that there's nothing new under the sun, and all the things the current culture is embracing and promoting is nothing short than a revisit to the Old Testament pagan gods who are messengers of Satan and not the God of the Bible! We must never compromise by syncretizing our Christian faith and practice with that of what we discovered is the Unholy Trinity of demonic empowered gods of Baal, Asherah, and Molech. They are alive and well in modern American culture and find their ways into our Indigenous communities as well as the gods of our ancestors. Christian life and practice are completely opposite of the false gods who've been around since the creation of the world. May we all have our faces intently facing towards the finished work of Christ on Calvary's cross, His atoning death, his sacrificial burial, and his remarkable resurrection from the dead, proving to all mankind that He was God, Himself, come to earth to pay the penalty for the sin of all mankind. Jesus said, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father but by me! So, let's live our lives in alignment with Him and His Holy Word! There's no other way to live in order to please the One who is the Giver of Life and the Grantor of Eternal Life! Join the Smiths again next week as they launch a new area of study, all intended to help build biblically healthy lives in the context of our Indigenous cultures and communities! We'll see you then!
In today's episode, Craig and LaDonna continue to let God's Word tell the powerful story of King Josiah, who became known as one of the most godly and righteous leaders over God's Chosen People, the Children of Israel. As the king tore down the idols and sacrificial places to the demonic Baal, Asherah, and Molech, he also turned the hearts of his people back to the Lord after the discovery of the Books of Moses, which were hidden away in the back corners of the Temple of God. Once the content of those books were read to Josiah, he wept bitterly for the condition his people were in through compromise and syncretism, all from Josiah's wicked father and grandfather's leadership. But this brave young leader stood tall and called his nation to repentance, and to turn back to the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. One of the huge changes Josiah instituted was to return to the celebration of the Passover, which hadn't been celebrated for such a long, long time! Scripture so wonderfully explains the joy and celebratory attitude that swept throughout the land as God's people returned to God honoring worship! All thanks to a king who's most impactful decisions were made before his thirtieth birthday! Yes, we can learn so much from this king on how we, too, must live as we're surrounded by many voices that want to take us away from God honoring worship and living. May we learn well from the lessons of this young, energetic, and God honoring leader. Oh that our tribes and nations were led by similar leaders who's primary purpose is to obey the God of heaven and earth and lead their people in the ways of the Lord!
In today's third installment on the life of King Josiah, we begin to see that how he ruled gained him the blessing and favor of God. The Lord had favor on not only this king, but the people he ruled over, the Children of Israel. He did several important things as he turned the hearts of the people away from embracing the pagan gods of the nations around them and towards the One True Living God! He began by removing the places of worship that were dedicated over to the pagan gods they were compromising with. He also put time and effort, resources and people, into the repairing of the Temple of God, which had gone through much dismantling and destruction. While doing all this, one of the most significant things happened as the leaders were cleaning the Temple of God out. They discovered stashed away the book of the Law given originally through Moses. As it eventually made it's way into the King's throne room, and they began to read its contents to the king, Josiah wept bitterly when he realized how compromised Israel had become through his father and grandfather's influence and leadership. Josiah makes a covenant with God to restore true worship among God's people, including the commemoration of the Passover and all its celebratory parts. The death angel who passed over those Israeli slaves in Egypt while destroying all the firstborn of the Egyptian people because of the blood on the doorposts was one of the most powerful deliverances God gave to His people before they were released from their slavery by Pharaoh. Bringing that celebration back to Israel was a powerful expression, filled with joy, celebration, and feasting that spread throughout the land. What a contrast this one celebration had on a people who for over four hundred years knew only slavery in a foreign land. No wonder why God's blessing and favor was on Josiah. But all that goodness seems to be tempered a bit by what the last part of 2 Chronicles 35 tells us about Josiah's death. We all will die, of course, but some deaths are more painful than others. Josiah's demise ended on the battlefield, as his body was filled with arrows shot from the enemy forces. In next week's study, Pastor Craig tries to answer the difficult question of why does God allow so much suffering, especially among those who are considered righteous and godly? You won't want to miss that session, dear friend. But first, join hosts Craig and LaDonna Smith as they unpackage what God's Word has to say about this righteous and just king...King Josiah!
In part two of the Smith's study on King Josiah, Craig and LaDonna continue to unpackage the reasons why this study into the lives of the kings of Israel and Judah. Along with the obvious of their leading God's people into syncretism if they were described by God as evil, or away from syncretistic behaviors when they were described by God as righteous, the Smiths also present the need for Indigenous believers today to be engaged in the political affairs of not just their tribes, but for the larger nations to whom we are citizens of as well. It's an important part of discipleship to engage in our civic duties. But in order to do so, we need to be knowledgable about the candidates and platforms on which they stand before casting a vote their way. Do the exhibit godliness or embrace evil by the platforms their party stands on? We can't respond in the old way we did before coming to Christ. We now must let God's Word guide us in whom we are to cast our votes towards. But also, the prophetic Scriptures (almost 1/3 of the whole Bible is prophetic), give us clues into when Jesus will come again, this time to rule and reign on earth. But most people, tribal or not, do not possess a biblical understanding of the times and seasons we are now in. So all these reasons help us as Indigenous people to have the right view on the role of human leaders God establishes to lead us and guide us. That's why this study into the kings of the Old Testament is so relevant to us today. May God use these dives into the Scriptures to equip us appropriately until Jesus comes again!
Craig and LaDonna Smith begin today their final study in the lives of the kings of the Old Testament. By now, you know the drill...they identify whether these kings were labeled by God as wicked kings, or godly and righteous kings. In the episodes to come, the Smiths attention turns to King Josiah, who was known historically as one of the most godly and effective rulers in Israel and Judah's history. He served for 31 years, but began his rule at the ripe old age of eight! That's right! All of his kingly reign happened before this young man had turned forty years of age. In today's episode, the Smiths lay some important foundational truths that will help us as we start the review of Josiah in earnest in next week's episode. We're glad you are along with the Smiths for another journey into God's Holy Word. Craig and LaDonna pray it will be used to encourage you as you establish the kind of faith that is lasting, obedient, and Spirit-led. So come along for the journey as over the next weeks we'll get to know this great man of God close up and personal. Enjoy this week's edition of Indigenous Faith!
As the Smiths wrap up this 3 part series on King Hoshea, LaDonna continues to read the very consequential passage in Deuteronomy 28 that defines God's responses to both obedience and disobedience of His Chosen People, Israel. It's not like they didn't know what would happen if they chose to disobey God's instructions in holy living. They brought upon themselves their own tormentors, and paid the consequences for their sin for many centuries to follow. But God's not done with Israel, my friend! He brought them back to become a nation again in 1948 and they will play a key role in the end times before Christ returns! We would do well if we would only learn from their disobedience so that we would not compromise, syncretize, and romanticize the enemy of our souls, who only seeks to kill, steal, and destroy. Pay close attention to the Smiths wrap up of this series, as they offer some very practical yet crucial steps to maintain the blessing of God in our generation. Join us again next week for another new study into God's holy Word! Bye for now!
In today's episode, Craig and LaDonna continue their study into the life of another wicked king, this time King Hoshea, who led Israel during Ahaz's rule over Judah. They continue to walk us through the judgements of God because of their unholy alliances with the Unholy Trinity of Baal, Asherah, and gods of child sacrifice. Banishment from their land which included Samaria, they were scattered far away from it and far away from each other. In one of the most important passages in all of the Indigenous Faith series, the Smiths then take us to Deuteronomy 28, where the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob clearly laid out how He would bless them if they only obeyed His word, and how he would judge them ever so severely if they chose unrighteousness instead. Hoshea's leadership had consequences not just for him, but for the nation he led astray. Just another example of what happens to God's people when we choose to let our affections be taken away from the One true God to serve and embrace lesser gods. He who has ears, let him hear what the Lord is saying to us today.
Welcome to another episode of Indigenous Faith. In today's podcast, Craig and LaDonna Smith continue down the road of their studies in the life and times of some of the Old Testament Kings of Israel and Judah. Today, they switch kingdoms and present one of the kings of the northern kingdom of Israel. Hoshea comes on the scene in the 12th year of King Ahaz, who ruled wickedly over the southern Kingdom of Judah. Hoshea followed the path of wickedness of Ahaz, leading Israel into more compromise, debauchery, and pagan worship. Craig and LaDonna can only introduce Hoshea today, and will continue unpacking his life and rule in episodes to come. Needless to say, it's another sad story in the life of God's Chosen People, who could have been enjoying the blessing and favor of God if they only chose to obey His commandments and instructions. But as the Smith's are prone to say in this series, Leadership Matters! The saddest part of Hoshea's wicked reign? It ended with the demise of the Kingdom of Israel. Only the southern Kingdom of Judah survived as this remnant pressed on to provide the path for the Messiah, Jesus the Christ, to come on the scene centuries later.
Craig and LaDonna want to remind you, as a faithful listener to this podcast, to be ever vigilant to hear and obey the truths that come from the mouth and heart of God. Whenever Israel syncretized, severe judgement came upon them as promised by God when He laid out the ground rules in Deuteronomy 28 (which the Smiths will delve into more in-depth in next week's episode. So friend, join the Smiths in this painfully difficult journey into the life of this wicked king who turned the lives of the wicked kingdom he led into such disobedience, it cost them their very existence. May we learn from them, but never emulate them. It's an easy thing to do living in such a wicked environment in modern world cultures and nations. Maybe that's why the Scriptures remind us that only a few will be found faithful at the coming of the Lord. May we be included in that number, dear friend!
In today's concluding episode of the Smith's look into the life and leadership of the wicked King Ahaz, the Smiths seek to tie in the lessons learned from these Old Testament stories into our own life experiences to help us know how to sort out the supernatural and delineate the holy from the unholy. Using the tough lessons learned from not only Ahaz, but others like King Solomon, who manifested more stupidity at times instead of great wisdom whenever they entered into unholy alliances through marriage, we today have to make sure we don't repeat their mistakes. God calls us to marry only other Christians, but then gives instruction to those who don't follow that advice and end up marrying unbelievers instead. Ahaz's story then turns more political, as he establishes more unholy alliances with leaders of the pagan nations around, including the Assyrians. What happens when Ahaz goes to visit the king of Assyria? He is mezermized by what he sees as an amazing altar this pagan nation offered their sacrifices to their pagan gods on. What does he do? He instructs his staff to draw up the plans to replicate this altar and have it built back in Jerusalem. When that was done, Ahaz begins his syncretistic worship by offering the God ordained sacrifices give to His Chosen People, but did so on this shiny new pagan altar that came from the Assyrians. Just one more way to demonstrate why he was known as a wicked king who did not obey God or His instructions on leading God's people. Child sacrifice was also engaged in by this wicked king, which led LaDonna to insightfully comment that she was glad that it wasn't Ahaz's son, Hezekiah, who was offered in this brutal burning ritual on the molten arms of the pagan god, Molech! Thank God Hezekiah survived being raised in such godless environments as in the household of Ahaz! And thank God, not all leaders are wicked and vile. Let's thank God for the ones who had and have today a heart after God and His righteousness! What amazing insights can be mined out of only 20 short verses! That's the power of the Living Word of God, dear friends!
In this third episode in the Smith's series on the Wicked King Ahaz, Craig and LaDonna continue going over the 20 verses in 2 Kings 16 that speak of the life and times of King Ahaz. They begin to summarize what the Scriptures are saying about Ahaz' life and reign, and end up taking their listeners down several trails of truth that show how these verses apply to our current times and current events. Even the wise old King Solomon, while showing off that wisdom in many cases, proves the point that even the wisest among us can demonstrate rather stupid and less than wise decisions and choices because of the unholy alliances he entered into when he included bringing brides from the pagan nations around into his harem. They led him and God's people to embrace the pagan practices from their nations, causing further decline among God's chosen and covenant people. And while God had to always punish the compromises of a King and his people, Craig and LaDonna remind us all about the amazing grace of God to all mankind through the finished work of Christ on Calvary's cross. Great news for back then, and great news for all nations today!
As Craig and LaDonna Smith move into the second part of this series on the life and times of King Ahaz, LaDonna continues her reading of 2 Kings 16, and the 20 short verses God's Word dedicates to this wicked king. Even though his rule lasted for over 16 years, it takes only 20 verses of one Old Testament chapter to give the Smiths plenty of things to talk about. In these short verses are found some amazing truths that help us understand that what we are experiencing today in our modern American culture is no different than what Judah of old experienced under Ahaz's ungodly reign. In fact, the Smiths introduce some enlightening information from a godly Messianic Jewish Christian leader, Jonathan Cahn, in a message he presented in a special National Day of Prayer and Repentance gathering in Washington, DC on the very day they were recording this session. He introduced to his audience the demonic powers behind Israel and Judah's fall in the Old Testament and helps us understand those same demonic powers are at work in the moral decline and slippery slope into wickedness being experienced today in not just modern American culture, but throughout the world as well. It becomes very clear that these Satanic forces are bringing into our nation a return to Old Testament paganism and the American culture is totally blind to that reality. But if you give a listen to today's podcast, along with Rabbi Cahn's enlightening statements, Craig and LaDonna come alongside him with their own perspectives that come from their understanding of the supernatural world of the tribes that they were born and raised in. Yes, we are in more than a cultural battle, we are in a supernatural battle with three members of what Rabbi Cahn describes as an Unholy Trinity, that of the pagan gods Baal, Asherah, and Molech. Such a short passage of Scripture that unpackages some of the most important information that makes sense to the larger American culture's slide into demonic spirit worship as well. And its up to us as Native believers in Christ to sound the alarm bell and to pray for the glory of God to return to this land that we all love before it's too late. Serious business, dear friends, serious business indeed!
Welcome friends to today's edition of Indigenous Faith. In today's program, Craig and LaDonna Smith bridge between the past seven episodes, which featured powerful interviews with Dr. Vern Charette and Emmitt and Belen McKenzie, as they return to their series on the Kings of Israel and Judah of Old Testament times. After providing some helpful review of the special interviews just completed, Craig and LaDonna begin the process of introducing the next king in their studies, a leader by the name of Ahaz. Ahaz was the father of the righteous king Hezekiah, and grandfather of the wicked and vile king, Manasseh. While Scripture's review of him is very brief, (only 20 verses in 2 Kings 16), it is packed with some incredible lessons to be learned by us today. Ahaz was much more like his grandson, Manasseh than he ever was like his son, Hezekiah. Ahaz was one of the wicked and vile kings who led Judah down a long and painful road to syncretism and the vile practices of the pagan nations. From worship of false gods on pagan altars to unholy alliances with pagan nations, and even the vile practice of child sacrifice, King Ahaz did it all and led his people to do the same. As the Smiths continue in upcoming episodes to unpackages the life and times of King Ahaz, we'll be introduced to some astounding parallels between Ahaz's reign and the demonic led pagan worship and debauchery that is happening today in our larger modern American culture. The same demonic gods of the pagan nations of old have come to the land we love and are changing the values, culture, and morality of America to a point where we hardly can't even recognize it anymore. So we encourage you to stay with the Smiths as some very important information will be shared in the weeks to come. And we do so with a deep ache in our hearts and souls as we observe today America's great sellout to Satan and his demonic forces, who's calling card is only to steal, kill, and destroy. May God help us all to stand strong in the midst of this massive dive into the pit of lawlessness, wickedness, and hatred to the God of the Bible and His amazing salvation plan. Persevere, dear friends, until Jesus comes again!
There's an old country music song whose lyrics include the saying, We both live in a two story house...her story and my story! And while somewhat comical a line, there's a whole lot of truth to that sentiment in that between a couple, there definitely are two different perspectives, two different ways of conveying the same story. Such is the case today in episode three of this series featuring Emmitt and Belen McKenzie. Belen takes front and center as she begins to convey the courtship of this couple from her side of the story. Throughout, you begin to see just how improbable this merger could be, other than the grace and leading of Almighty God! And what a powerhouse for the gospel these two folk have for Christ. Though early on in their ministry, they have already established an international presence through numerous trips overseas, all for one purpose, the sharing of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the discipleship of many tribes, languages, peoples and nations. While childbearing, from both their journeys, was impossible, with God, all things are possible, as in September 2022, it was confirmed Belen was pregnant with their first child. You'll be amazed, as was Craig and LaDonna, as this story unfolded on the podcast. Friend, this is a couple we must continue to pray for as God blesses the work He has done in Emmitt and Belen's life, and as we follow their journey in the Lord. What a VIP couple we've been able to bring to you in this series we've titled Getting to Know God's Great Warriors - Emmitt and Belen McKenzie. Oh, and by the way, when we say VIP, we don't mean Very Important People, though they are, but Victorious Indigenous People! Stay true to the Lord, and you will be as well! Until next time, stay strong in the Lord, dear friend, until we see you join the Smiths on another edition of Indigenous Faith. Bye for now!
In part two of our visit with Emmitt and Belen McKenzie, we transition from the horrific environment Emmitt grew up in, including drugs, alcohol, distribution of narcotics, gang activity, gun trafficking, and urban gang activity, to when he truly encountered Jesus Christ in a rehab center. Emmitt shares the very important truth that coming to Christ is not just "praying the prayer", or, "walking the aisle", or even getting baptized, which he had done four times already, to understanding what repentance is all about. Included in his genuine salvation experience was the ability to forgive all those who had sinned against him and done such horrific things to him that were destroying his life. From that point on, this dear brother in Christ began to see Christ not only save him, but provide for him, lead him, and use him in some miraculous ways. You'll hear about how he was blessed with the ability to gain higher education including a Masters level journey, and began an evangelism ministry that has taken him literally around the world! As we reach the end of today's episode, Emmitt begins to introduce us to the love of his life, Belen, and how their initial relationship and courtship began with some rather hilarious experiences that once again proved the Sovereign Lord was leading them into a committed marriage relationship and the chance to experience more miracles from the hand of the Lord. What a tremendous life story we are hearing about, and there's more to come after this episode. So stay tuned to Indigenous Faith to hear it all! You'll be glad you did! So without further delay, here's Emmitt McKenzie and more of his life story that apart from God's intervention, would have ended tragically, instead if triumphantly!
As the Smiths launch into another year of the Indigenous Faith podcast,they couldn't start on any stronger a note than this multi-episode series featuring Emmitt and Belen McKenzie. Like his and our dear friend, Dr. Vern Charette, Emmitt comes from the tough inner-city environment with all it's struggles and challenges. Emmitt's childhood and adolescent years were nothing short of tragic and yet so true for many Native people raised in the big cities of our land with all the big temptations, challenges and life threatening experiences that come with it. From the very beginning after brother Vern introduces Emmitt to the audience, Emmitt relates one tragic experience after another. And yes, there's even the gospel and early "praying the prayer" experiences that confirm easy believes is not belief at all resulting in genuine salvation, we all learn some inconvenient truths about what true salvation is. And that must include genuine repentance and experiencing the transformation power of Christ for salvation to truly be genuine and effective. You'll have to wait until part 2, though, to get to that part of Emmitt's story. But for now, please do yourself a favor and listen intently to what this amazing brother in Christ shares about just how tragic a life can be, and how magnificent a Savior we truly have. This series is a must listen to help set us all on the right path as we begin 2024. You'll be glad you did!
In this final episode with Dr. Vern Charette, he and Emmitt McKenzie, along with Craig and LaDonna Smith, continue their important discussions on syncretism, current political and end time issues, and what true revival looks like. Craig and LaDonna appreciate the depth of godly wisdom and knowledge brother Vern brings to our discussions and how he takes us all, as listeners, deeper into the Word of God by presenting the biblical truths in the context of what God originally was intending us all to understand when He moved upon the human scribes of Scripture to write down what He wanted us all to know and apply in our lives. That's the only way to build biblically healthy Indigenous followers of Christ, dear friend. May we all come away from these discussions with a greater understanding of God's Word, and also a greater love for God's Son and what He did for us on Calvary's cross! It will help us be stronger in the Lord as we move into this new and exciting year of 2024! Craig and LaDonna do wish all of you as listeners to the Indigenous Faith broadcast a very blessed New Year!
What a year it has been as Craig and LaDonna Smith continue to present principles for biblical living in their Indigenous Faith podcast, which has taken them now into forty-four different nations and on a growing list of radio stations across Native North America! They wrap up 2023 with another part of their visit with Dr. Vern Charette and Emmitt and Belen McKenzie as they discuss current events as it relates to the end time teaching of God's Word, and issues relating to syncretism not just in Native North America, but in the church at large worldwide. The Smiths are so grateful for the deep and clear teaching of Dr. Charette in their Indigenous Faith 2.0 Video series, but also as he joins the Smiths occasionally on this audio podcast as well. In that this is the final edition of the podcast for 2023, Craig and LaDonna wish to offer you their heartfelt appreciation for joining them in this journey into the deeper Christian life in the context of Indigenous cultures and traditions. May you have a blessed 2024 as well is their prayer! Until Jesus comes again...
Craig and LaDonna Smith continue their visit with Dr. Vern Charette and Emmitt McKenzie on issues relating to brother Vern's recent Facebook post on Syncretism in the Sanctuary. Emmitt McKenzie takes us into his world as an urban raised Native who came to Christ and now serves as one of the most powerful evangelists who speaks truth without compromise, and offers his comment on these important issues. From there, Craig, LaDonna, and brother Vern delve into a review of the Smith's recent episodes on the Kings of the Old Testament, and current world events as it relates to end time prophecy, Israel, Hamas, Hezbollah, and the soon return of Christ. All things important for us as Indigenous believers and how we view not just life on the Rez, but in the larger context of world affairs. We trust these discussions, as the Smiths wrap up another year of teaching of Indigenous Faith principles will help build biblically healthy Indigenous believers in the context of their cultures and traditions. Also, Craig and LaDonna want to take this opportunity to wish you, our listeners, a very Merry Christmas. Keep Christ as the center point of your holiday activities!
Craig and LaDonna are excited to welcome back to the Indigenous Faith podcast Dr. Vern Charette (Ojibwe). Brother Vern joined the Smiths in their international Indigenous Leader's Conference in August 2022, helping them to unpackage biblical truth on contextualization and syncretism which is now available as the updated Indigenous Faith Video Teaching Series on the tribalrescue.com website store! Brother Vern is a trusted theologian and text driven preacher who pastors the First Baptist Church in Coweta, OK. It's always a joy for the Smiths to visit with Brother Vern, and in these upcoming sessions, as they wrap up 2023, are proof that there's always some interesting conversations to be had that always center around biblical truth and its application to Indigenous followers of Christ. In the upcoming series of episodes, you will also be introduced to another "power couple for the gospel," Native evangelist, Emmitt and Belen McKenzie, who are dear friends of Dr. Charette and have a powerful evangelism ministry that has a global reach as well. They, too, will have opportunity to share their testimonies which give all glory to God for His amazing work in both their lives. In today's episode, the Smiths and brother Vern launch into some relevant topics including a recent Facebook post by Pastor Vern titled Syncretism in the Sanctuary , which came out of a recent sermon he preached to his congregation which is so in line with the whole focus of the Indigenous Faith focus of this podcast, Craig's book, and the new 2.0 video series. In future episodes, Dr. Charette will comment on the Smith's current study in the lives of the Kings of Israel and Judah, on current events in the Middle East, including the Israeli war with Hamas and Hezbollah and its impact on the soon return of Christ, and what true revival looks like in the Indigenous church context. There's a lot of good stuff coming in these closing weeks of 2023 in the upcoming episodes of Indigenous Faith and you won't want to miss a single one. In fact, let your friends know about these episodes featuring the Smiths and Dr. Vern Charette also! They'll be glad you did!
Once in a while Craig and LaDonna want to take listeners back into the archives of past Indigenous Faith episodes to rebroadcast important and timely topics. Often it's special visits with special guests, other times its revisiting key theologically based episodes tied to current affairs, etc. In today's broadcast, the Smiths take us back to May 2022 when they were joined by Dr. Will Graham, grandson of the late Dr. Billy Graham. Will continues in his grandfather and father, Franklin Graham's footsteps as an effective preacher of the gospel. Just like his predecessors, Will travels the globe, filling auditoriums and arenas with people hungry for hope, and he sure does deliver! Will has a special passion to help fulfill his grandfather's vision for Native America, who once described our Indigenous people as a "Sleeping Giant." He noted that if this giant was awakened for Christ, then we could become the evangelists of today's generation to reach not only our own people with the gospel, but speak truth to our nation as well. Part of Will's preparation for doing Native work included reading Craig's books, "Whiteman's Gospel" and "Indigenous Faith." He expresses how those books helped him prepare for the uniquenesses of this part of his evangelism efforts. Craig and LaDonna are honored to stand together with Will Graham on behalf of the millions of Native and First Nations people who hold such great potential for the gospel's sake before Christ returns. We think you'll be blessed and encouraged by the Smiths visit with this dear brother in Christ today!
In this, the third and final episode on the study of King Manasseh, Craig and LaDonna wrap up the biblical story of this most wicked king in Israel and Judah's collective histories and present an all important analysis of what this means for us today as we seek to live biblically healthy lives in the context of our cultures and traditions. Thankfully, Manasseh came to his senses and realized that how he led Judah throughout most of his fifty-five year reign was wicked and deplorable and he sought God's forgiveness and repented of all the wickedness he perpetrated on God's chosen people. It reminds us of the great gift of forgiveness offered by God for anyone, anywhere, and at any time. The sad reality that accompanies full repentance and forgiveness, though, is God often does not deliver us from the consequences of the sin and evil we do and cause others to do as well. We may have to live with sad consequences for the remainders of our lives, even after experiencing the forgiveness of God. Child sacrifice, as wicked and vile as it is, can be forgiven, but it doesn't bring back the life of that precious little one, whose life was cut short, and at at times, before it was even given a chance to experience life outside the womb. The only comfort and solace we can experience is that child's inclusion as an eternal resident of heaven, where there is no pain and suffering, as they avoid the wicked and detestable experiences of life lived in a fallen world. For that, we take comfort, even in the midst of great pain and loss. It makes us long for heaven more so than ever before. So friend, let's learn from the mistakes of people like King Manasseh, but not duplicate those mistakes in our own lives. If we can learn that lesson alone, then it's well worth reviewing the wicked kings as well as the godly ones. Don't forget, our Indigenous Faith 2.0 Video Series is now available at our tribalrescue.com store. It provides hours of in-depth teaching from Craig and LaDonna, plus powerful messages from one of Native America's great theologians, Dr. Vern Charette.
In this second episode in their three part series on the life of King Manasseh, Craig and LaDonna Smith take us to 2 Chronicles 33 and 2 Kings 21 to look at the life and times of this king who was described in Scripture as the wickedest king who ever reigned over Israel or Judah. It's clear from the Word, this king's actions were dictated by a mind that was given over to total depravity. It brought severe judgement on not only the king, but the king's followers, the divided kingdom of Judah, as God allowed the Assyrians to take them captive into Babylon as part of their punishment. The Smiths utilize the process of comparative passages in God's Word to give listeners the full story. 2 Chronicles shares part of Manasseh's story, while 2 Kings offers further clarification and new insights that help give the full picture, modeling for the listener how this kind of comparative process can help aide the student of God's Word in a deeper and more fuller understanding of what the Scriptures are trying to say. While a hard and painful story to dig into, it's important to see what God's Word has to say about this human ruler, and what consequences there are for not only the leader, but for those who follow. Very important truths as we enter a hostile political season in America in the months to come. Let's learn the importance of considering leaders from a biblical perspective and not from a political one, and let that perspective guide us as we go into the voting booths and cast votes for those who desire to lead us, be it local, tribal, regional, or even national elections. It's true, we do have a say in choosing leaders and we must do so well, and in keeping with God's timeless truths!
Today is an exciting day for the Indigenous Faith Podcast. You'll want to listen to Craig and LaDonna and their breaking news about the new Indigenous Faith 2.0 Video Teaching Series that is now available for download and viewing at their tribalrescue.com website! That's right, all the content from their August 2022 Indigenous Faith International Leader's Conference is now accessible online so you can use it in your local community, church, small group, etc.! After hearing about this brand new piece of the Indigenous Faith puzzle, the Smiths launch headway into their new sessions on King Manasseh, the son of King Hezekiah. While Hezekiah was known as one of the most godly leaders ever, his son Manasseh became known as one of the most evil of all human leaders that ever existed. Unfortunately, he led with this wickedness over the southern Kingdom of Judah in a fifty-five year reign. As Craig and LaDonna launch into 2 Chronicles 33 and later on into 2 Kings in a parallel passage, it soon will become clear as to what defined Manasseh's wicked reign, which couldn't get any worse than what it was. The Smiths seek to contrast godly leaders from wicked leaders because their behaviors were all about syncretistic and demonic behaviors, or, the cleaning up of those kinds of behaviors once a new and more godly leader took to the throne. Yes, syncretism has always been around, and is manifesting itself today in modern evangelicalism, masquerading as contextualization of the gospel. These next few episodes will be brutal to endure reading and listening to, but necessary to understand the heart of God in these important matters. So please come with an open mind, and maybe keep a barf bucket handy just in case you need it as the Smiths launch into this series they've titled, Manassah, the Wicked Son of King Hezekiah...
In today's final episode on the life of King Hezekiah, Craig and LaDonna Smith once again let the Word of God tell the story right from the pages of the Scriptures. What an incredible life and reign of this great King of Judah during his almost thirty years of being on the throne. For the most part, Hezekiah was honored by the Lord for his faithfulness to lead by the principles and orders of what God had given to His people in terms of their worship, devotion, and commitment to Him as the ultimate Sovereign in their lives. This earthly king was at his best when he postured himself as a servant of the most High God in his leadership over God's Covenant people. Oh, to have this kind of leader over us today! Our nation, our tribes, and our people would be experiencing the favor of God instead of His judgements when we follow godly leadership. And let's remember, when we evaluate the successfulness of those who lead us in our national governmental systems, we are called by God to use the Scriptures as the template of success. Whether that be in national government roles, or as leaders in the Body of Christ. Because it's possible for those called to lead followers of Christ to go off the tracks of obedience and take God's people down a road to dark things like syncretism, which never brought the favor of God, only His judgement. May the Lord encourage your heart, dear friend, to live a biblically healthy life in the context of your culture and traditions, enabling us to be both salt and light in and to our communities!
In today's episode, Craig and LaDonna continue to expand on the life and times of King Hezekiah, noted as one of the most godly kings over God's Chosen People, the Children of Israel. In ways that mirror today's challenges for Israel, they had to go to war against the Assyrian's, and their brash and prideful leaders, Sennacherib. Before Hezekiah's reign, Sennacherib entered into an agreement with his father, King Ahaz, and now Sennacherib demands Hezekiah fulfill that agreement, which was not going to happen under Hezekiah's reign. This enemy of God taunted Hezekiah and the people of Judah by proclaiming his might and power over even the God of Judah. Well, we know how that kind of statement turns out, right? Yes, Hezekiah and God's people prevailed and Sennacherib's demise was swift and certain. It's then when some of the shine comes off of Hezekiah's strong heart for the Lord when he became deathly ill. Yet God intervened, promised him fifteen more years, brought healing to his body, and confirmed it all with an amazing turning back the clock and shadow for the King. There's more to the story, but this window into Hezekiah's life is one of the Bible's most interesting and amazing stories. Oh, to have godly leaders today over our nation and tribes. We can and must pray for righteousness and justice to rule and reign, and see God at work as He orchestrates world affairs leading up to the soon return of Christ Jesus in His Second Coming! Even so, come, Lord Jesus!
As we continue looking at the godly life of King Hezekiah, we're taken into the restored Temple of God as the celebration continues by the people of God when God honoring worship was restored by the King. It was one of the high points of Hezekiah's life and reign and is powerfully recorded for us in 2 Chronicles, chapters 29-32. Craig and LaDonna Smith continue to unpackage the biblical truths about what God's perspective is of the human leaders raised up to serve mankind in the kingdoms, countries, and within our nationwide tribal borders. Hezekiah was truly honored by the Lord because he turned his people away from the syncretistic practices instituted by his wicked father, King Ahaz and turned the people towards the kind of worship and living God had already laid out for his Covenant people to follow. The Smiths include discussion on the topic of biblical stewardship as well, as the passages depicting Hezekiah's life include the tithing of the people of God in faithful obedience and worship. And that's something important for Indigenous followers of Christ to remember. Even if we have little, God expects us to give Him the first fruits of those limited resources, not to make us live with even less, but to enable us to be placed in a blessable position, as one of the Smith's ministry colleagues noted, and receive miraculous provisions from the Lord. All important lessons for us all as we seek to build biblically healthy Indigenous people in the context of our cultures and communities. Thank God for His timeless truths!
In part two of Craig and LaDonna's journey into the life and times of King Hezekiah, we continue to see how this amazing and godly king earned such great favor with God and the people he led. He turned the heart of God's people back to the Lord and after destroying all the places and artifacts of his syncretistic father, King Ahaz, brought God's Chosen People back into not only the sacrificial system ordained by God for them, but while doing so, the musicians, singers, and worshippers sang at the top of their voices in celebration to the Lord. All this is found in 2 Chronicles 29, and spills into chapters 30 - 32. You can just feel the joy that came back to God's people when they worshipped the Lord in the right manner that God had instructed them to worship Him in. So too, the Smiths surmise, would be the case today if the syncretizing church in Native North America would only rise up and reject the teachings of those who choose to go beyond contextualization of the gospel into syncretistic practices. It clear to the Smiths that when we do it God's way, it not only brings His blessing and favor on us, but is great cause for celebration as well. Let's let the Word of God continue to show us how to get it right!
Today begins a multi-episode journey into the life and times of King Hezekiah, who was know as one of the most godly kings of the Children of Israel in all of their recorded history. This series begins a larger journey into the lives and times of a number of Israel's human leaders and covers both those who were regarded as good and godly leaders and those who failed miserably in the eyes of God. The good ones were committed to the authority of the Scriptures in their lives and led their people away from syncretistic practices while the failed leaders would bring God's people into syncretistic practices. Hezekiah, we'll soon learn, restored true worship in the house of the Lord, destroyed all the sacred objects that his wicked father, King Ahaz brought into Israel's life, and did many other things that brought God's favor. Join Craig and LaDonna as they take us into the life of this man of God in this brand new series they are launching today. Leadership mattered back then and it matters today. May we learn from the Word how we are to judge those who serve among us today, whether that be in government or in the church. Come with an open heart and an open Bible!
In today's final episode in this introduction to God and His ways in human leadership and leaders, Craig and LaDonna finish their journey into Romans 13:1-7. Picking up where they left off last week, the Smiths continue to explain the reality that God has ordained all human leaders on all human levels to serve as rewarders of them who do good and punishers of those who do evil. The Smiths remind us about the four levels of human leadership that He has instituted throughout the world. First are political leaders who serve over national, regional, tribal, and local levels of society. Second, is the Church of the Risen Christ over all believers in Christ. Third is the role of parents over children in family life, and the fourth is the role of "masters" or, employers over employees in the world of business affairs. But how is the Indigenous follower of Christ (or all followers of Christ for that matter) to respond when it's the leaders who are the corrupt ones, or the ones who lead their followers down paths of disobedience to God's Word? Well, as the Smiths reminded us in the previous episode, it is then and only then when God allows civic disobedience to the leaders when we are taken down roads of disobedience to God's Holy Word and ordinances by those in authority over us. This introductory look into governmental affairs is especially important for us in America today as we are only a year or so away from an election that will have huge impact on the future direction of our nation. We need to get this right not only today, but also as the Smiths turn our attention in podcasts to come to their important case studies of political leaders of God's Old Testament Chosen people, Israel, in their historic journey of faith. As we'll soon see, God's evaluation of these leaders is articulated in Scripture as either evil or good, based upon how they led their people. As we'll soon be seeing, all too often when they were listed as evil, it was because they led God's people into syncretistic behaviors much like what we are seeing today in evangelical Native ministry. This makes this series crucially important to us as we seek to live out a biblically healthy Indigenous Faith in the context of our cultures and communities.
In today's episode, Craig and LaDonna continue to present character studies on biblical characters who did good, and who did evil in the sight of God. Their focus turns to the political realm as they begin presenting biblical truth about Old Testament kings and rulers over the Children of Israel. But before they do, the present this important series as an introduction to this new focus. They've titled this multi-episode series, Human Leaders and Leadership - an Introduction to God and His involvement in Human Affairs. Taking their listeners to Paul's letter to the Romans, they focus on the first seven verses in chapter 13, which is all about how God's people are to act and react to the political and civic leaders who serve as God's agents in this world. Are believers to at all times obey what the governmental authorities dictate, or are there times when God expects His people to rebel against such leaders and the edits and laws they enact? An interesting concept that the Smiths unpackage from the ultimate authority of God's Holy Word. Having these truths as foundational to understand what the Scriptures say about the many kings and leaders who led Israel through their history, we will know how to evaluate our own governmental leaders in our modern day. All with the intent of helping Indigenous believers in Christ know how to honor God in this important aspect of our lives. We are citizens of both heaven and earth, and as such, have clear biblical guidance on how to live in both worlds. Come to today's episode with an open mind, heart, and soul, and most importantly, an open Bible! You won't want to miss it!
In today's final episode, Craig and LaDonna Smith bring this interesting study in the lives of Judas and Peter to a close as they walk through the biblical account of Peter's restoration by the Lord around a breakfast of grilled fish on the shores of the Sea of Galilee. Perhaps somewhere near where Peter was originally called by Christ to follow him and become a fisher of men, He now lovingly prepares a wonderful meal for His dear friend. When Peter saw Christ on the shore from a distance and recognized it was Him, Peter jumped out of the boat and ran as fast as he could to the shoreline to embrace the risen Christ. From there, with three of the same questions, perhaps countering the three times Peter denied Christ only days ago, He brings himself back to a right relationship which enables him to be used mightily on the day of Pentecost, the birthday of the Church, when through his Spirit empowered preaching, 3,000 people come to faith in Christ and the Church of the Living Christ is born! He goes on to pen two of the New Testament Epistles, and die a martyr for his faith. Quite a difference from his weak denials of Christ as He was making His way up the lonely road to Golgatha! Now that's falling forward, my friend, into a God honoring finish of his life and ministry. May the same be said of us as we live a biblically healthy life in the context of our cultures and communities! Fall forward, my friend, but never fall out!
In today's episode on the failures of Judas and Peter, the Smiths continue to unpackage the despair Judas was in which led him to take his life after selling out Christ for 30 pieces of silver. Sadly, this sentiment runs rampant across Indigenous North America, resulting in suicide rates many times that of national averages. We all are tempted to sin, and as LaDonna reminded us from Matthew's gospel, even Christ suffered great temptation, yet, was victorious over it through the same power available to us, the power of the indwelling, empowering Holy Spirit. The Smiths then turn our attention to the shameful disobedience of Peter, who denied Christ three times within a few short hours. There are so many lessons to learn from these two of Christ's closest followers, as the options become clear to us from the pages of God's Holy Word. Let's continue to have our guard up to stand against the wiles of the devil, and enable us to live God honoring Indigenous Faith!
In today's episode of Indigenous Faith, Craig and LaDonna Smith continue their character studies in the lives of biblical characters who were victorious in many parts of their lives, but disobedient in ways that caused great harm personally, and to the advancement of the Kingdom of God. In today's episode, the Smiths take us to the New Testament as they study the lives of two unique men who served as Christ's inner core of disciples during his three and a half years of public ministry. The focus is on Judas and Peter, both of which failed miserably in ways that brought great shame. For one, it led to suicide, but to the other, it led to redemption and being mightily used by God. Judas' suicide hits home hard in th Native world, as the Smith's explain in some painful dialogue. Please join the Smiths as they take us into the lives of Judas and Peter, who had a great falling out, and a great falling forward!
After two and a half years of the Indigenous Faith Podcast,Craig and LaDonna Smith have been greatly encouraged by the growth, especially recent, in the number of listeners who have joined with us in this teaching ministry. They are especially grateful to the Lord that the podcast has now been accessed by people in over forty countries around the world! Knowing there are new listeners, the Smiths felt it important to revisit the very first episode they recorded and posted back in April 2021. It was titled Indigenous Faith Explained.In it the Smiths gave an overview of not only content they planned to present, but how occasionally they would break away from the routine to focus on special events and interviews, such as the one they had with Dr. Will Graham, grandson of Dr. Billy Graham, and current leader in the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association in the spring of 2022. They also go into detail about the huge battle they faced with Covid just months prior to the start of this podcast ministry. It's an enlightening window into what this podcast is all about, and they revisit it to help you, as new listeners, to understand the importance of this unique discipling tool. Tribal Rescue Ministries trusts the teaching ministry of the Smiths will help you go deeper and deeper into victorious Indigenous Faith!
In this concluding episode on the series titled, To Obey is Better than Sacrifice, Craig and LaDonna Smith wrap up the story of Queen Esther as found in the Old Testament book of Esther, showing how God blessed the Queen with deliverance for not only herself and her uncle, Mordecai, but for the whole Jewish race as well. In an incredible turn of events, wicked Haman, the Agagite, was impaled on the same tall pole he had erected to impale Mordecai on, and Mordecai was put as overseer of the whole property and legacy of this wicked man, Haman! This truly is an incredible ending to the story that spans five centuries, all the way back to King Saul's disobedience with another Agagite, King Agag. Oh the consequences of our disobedience! Why can't we learn from the mistakes of the past and the mistakes of others! The Smiths hope that this extended journey into two Old Testament books will encourage us to choose the paths of biblical obedience in order to establish a lasting and fruitful Indigenous Faith!
Oh how the tables are turned on wicked Haman, the Agagite, in the continuation of this series on King Saul, the prophet Samuel, and the impact Saul's disobedience had on the nation of Israel that stretched out five hundred years into the future! Haman, the Agagite, who lived during the reign of King Xerxes, was desiring the total destruction of God's chosen people, but as God so often does, provides an escape that could never be devised by human imagination or plans. As Craig and LaDonna continue their study on the lives of Mordecai and his niece, Esther, we see an amazing turn of events. Haman's plot to kill Mordecai by impaling him on a seventy five foot tall pole got turned around and it was Haman who ended up being impaled instead! Yes, God is sovereign over all people groups, especially his chosen and redeemed ones! What great encouragement this story is to all who seek to follow Christ and place our safety and security in His mighty hands! Be encouraged, dear friends, as you journey with the Smiths deeper and deeper into this amazing story. You'll be blessed for sure!
In part two of our study into the story of the prophet, Samuel, King Saul, and King Agag, Craig summarizes the steps that led to Saul's egregious disobedience that cost him his kingship. It all starts with Saul receiving a specific job to do from the Lord. It wasn't unambiguous, but clear...destroy all the Agagites completely, because they were sold out to Israel's total annihilation, and they offered child sacrifice in their religious system. Saul did almost all God commanded, but kept the wicked King Agag as prisoner. In celebration of his own pride and arrogance, Saul builds a monument in his own honor. Samuel the prophet confronts Saul and reminds him as he reminds us all, to obey is better than sacrifice...Sauls act of disobedience left the window open for the Agagites to remain and repopulate over time. Some 500 years later, one of the Agagites living in that day was a man named Haman. His fervor for the destruction of the Jewish race was just as strong as King Agag 500 years earlier! Craig and LaDonna bridge that 500 year gap and take us to the story of Mordecai, Esther, Haman, and King Xerxes in what is one of the most fascinating stories in all of Scripture. You'll be amazed at how this story unfolds, which brings this episode to a close. You'll have to stay with the Smiths as they continue on in next week's further dig into this story of man's evil plans, and how God has the last word every time! What a faith building story for us, friends as we seek to build a biblically healthy Indigenous Faith!
Hello friends! Welcome to a continuation of our case studies in the lives of some prominent biblical characters who demonstrated moments of great disobedience that impacted not only their own lives, but the lives of a whole nation as well. And often the implications of their disobedience spanned not just centuries, but in the case of today's person, implications were being felt over five hundred years later in the life of Israel. Who are we talking about? We're talking about King Saul and his interaction with the prophet Samuel as recorded in 1 Samuel 15. It's where the classic verse that says, to obey is better than sacrifice...(v.22). There's no arguing that what God called King Saul to do was incredibly difficult, but God had His reasons, and His reasons always are righteous and just. He was called to wipe out a whole people group, young and old alike, and all their livestock as well. Why? Because this nation was demonstrating two things God hates, the sacrificing of infants and children to idols and a demonic desire to wipe Israel off the face of the earth. King Saul did go to battle, and did, I'd say, about 99.9% of what God ordered. It's that little .01%, though, that was so egregious to the Lord, and brought the whole future of the Children of Israel into question half a millennia later. King Saul learned the hard way that, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams... Another important case study that we can learn from to help us build a healthy Indigenous Faith that is encamped close to the heart and Word of God. We hope you'll stay with us for the whole series!
As we see in today's episode, there is great truth in the biblical thought that whatever Satan seeks to use to harm or even destroy us, God intends to turn it around and use it for His own good and glory! Craig and LaDonna Smith continue to unpackage the incredible turn of events in the story of Queen Esther. As Haman, the Agagite, was preparing to impale Esther's uncle, Mordecai on a seventy-five foot pole he had erected for just that purpose, God was at work in circumstances that can almost leave you chuckling as the tables are turned dramatically on Haman. He ends up being forced by King Xerxes to honor Mordecai instead of impaling him by parading him through the streets, dressed in the King's finest, and riding the King's own horse as he has to proclaim how the king is honoring this Jew that Haman so despised! Then, in the ultimate turn of events, through the passionate plea of Queen Esther, the King instructs his guards to impale Haman on the pole he set up for Mordecai! Then the King issues a decree that voids the previous one that had gone out through the provinces to kill all the Jews in the kingdom. This time, the Jews were to be celebrated, and given permission to defend themselves from anyone who desired them to be destroyed! Yes, it's clear that God did raise up Esther for such a time as this! The effects of Saul's indiscretions five hundred years earlier were eliminated by His faithfulness to the generation of Jews living under Queen Esther's reign. God's will is always going to be accomplished for a nation regardless of the actions of its leaders. Great comfort to us today in our modern culture and communities, friends. Let's take comfort in that reality as we remember an important part of our Indigenous Faith...to obey is better than sacrifice!
In the concluding episode of the Smith's extended visit with Dr. Vern Charette and Randy Jackson, brother Vern continues to share about his family roots on the Leech Lake Reservation in northern Minnesota and how much it means to him to come back home to preach near where his father was raised with his Ojibwe people. And while his identity and significance is now fully placed in the person and work of Christ in his life, it still is an important, yet secondary part of his life. This is what the Indigenous Faith teaching series is all about. Both Randy and brother Vern will be bringing their giftedness to the main stage of the Lake Itasca Family Music Festival near the headwaters of the Mississippi River starting this Friday and run through Sunday, August 4-6, 2023! If you'd like to know more about this festival and how you can plan to attend, visit familybluegrass.com for all the information you'll need to be there! This amazing four part series ends with both Randy and brother Vern tying in the current syncretism issue with the falling away of the evangelical church at large as the larger American culture comes crashing down around us, signifying the soon return of Jesus Christ and the catching away of His Bride in the much anticipated rapture! What a great way to end a great series with these two giants of the faith!
Welcome to the third episode in this special series that features Dr. Vern Charette and Randy Jackson. Craig and LaDonna continue their discussions with these two great Indigenous theological minds as they review how important the Indigenous Faith teaching series is to the churches and individuals who need to know the difference between good contextualization of the gospel and blatant syncretism, which continues to be spread across the Native North American landscape. The Smiths are grateful for their affirmation of these materials and how by all means this teaching continue to get into the Native evangelical churches, ministries, seminaries, etc. There's never been a more important time to be communicating biblical truth to confront the false doctrine syncretism promotes. Craig and LaDonna are excited to have you joining this podcast for a deeper and more thorough understanding of biblical truth vs. unbiblical error. The goal is to develop biblically healthy Indigenous followers of Christ in the context of their cultures and communities. So glad to have you along once again!
In today's episode, Craig and LaDonna continue their interesting visit with Dr. Vern Charette and Randy Jackson about their participation in the upcoming Lake Itasca Family Music Festival, scheduled for August 4-6 at the Pioneer Farmers Regional Grounds, which isjust a short walking distance from the headwaters of the Mississippi River. The website to learn more about the festival is family bluegrass.com. This festival is an important part of Craig and LaDonna's annual summer ministry calendar. They are thrilled that a special emphasis on Native American involvement will be an important part of this year's festival, including the Living Stone Band serving as one of the featured groups and Dr. Vern Charette (Ojibwe) will be the Sunday morning preacher and one of the Saturday morning workshop presenters. Pastor Craig's killer wild rice casserole will be featured on Friday night at the Banjo Cafe, and some award winning fry bread, Indian Tacos, and Native burgers will be tempting the 2,000 or so attendees with tribal food that will round out the Native offerings at this year's event. As the episode ends, Craig begins taking brother Vern and Randy down memory lane with their review of last summer's Indigenous Faith leader's conference and their involvement in it. Very soon the video series will be available on the tribalrescue.com website for download and utilization for small group teaching events for Indigenous believers and workers around the world. You can also listen to the whole conference teaching materials on audio on the tribalrescue.com website. Just go to the home page and just above the podcast player click on the white lettering at the bottom of the blue background field. Scroll down to the beginning episode from last. year's event (22.38 featuring Dr. Vern's first message), and begin your journey into our advanced teaching materials to help build a biblically healthy Indigenous Faith. See you next week, dear friend on another episode of our podcast.
What do you do when you are in the presence of two significant and blessed brothers in Christ at a conference you all are invited to minister at? You break out the podcast recorder and spend some time visiting about ministry, the conference you are at, the upcoming busy travel schedules of all, and just enjoy being in each other's presence! That's right, Craig and LaDonna were blessed to join Dr. Vern Charette and Randy Jackson at the On Eagles' Wings summer training conference, Warrior Leadership Summit, where well over five hundred Indigenous young adults from all over North America were once again gathered for five days of spiritual support and encouragement. In this important break from our Old Testament character studies, Craig, LaDonna, Brother Vern and Randy have an awesome time sharing their experiences from this important conference that helps launch the On Eagles' Wings Summer of Hope evangelism tour. With Randy and Brother Vern just joining the ministry team last year and this year, it's been a new experience for them both. You'll be encouraged by their assessment of the future of the North American Indigenous evangelical church because of the On Eagles' Wings ministry and this training conference specifically. These leaders then shared with Craig and LaDonna their summer ministry schedule, leading up to all of them joining together again near the headwaters of the Mississippi River at the upcoming Lake Itasca Family Music Festival, August 4,5, & 6. This year's event will have a special Native emphasis as Randy and Evangeline Jackson and their Living Stone Band will be one of the headlining groups and Dr. Charette will be teaching a workshop on Saturday and preaching at the main stage on Sunday morning. Some great Native food like Pastor Craig's Killer Wild Rice and some amazing Indian Tacos and fry bread will be some of the food offered at this. year's festival. This encouraging visit with the Smiths, Randy and Brother Vern will take us through the next few weeks of the Indigenous Faith podcast. These will be episodes you won't want to miss! Thank you for joining us once again on the Indigenous Faith Podcast! Enjoy the visit!
If you've been listening to the first two episodes in this interesting case study on the life of Moses, you probably are approaching today's episode with a bit of sadness, realizing that such a great man of God who has gone down in history as one of the most important figures in all time ended up not realizing his goal of leading God's people into the promised, Promised Land. Moses ended up dying on the other side of the Jordan River, back in the wilderness that he led Israel through for over forty years. Moses' mistake was serious stuff, and it cost him greatly, but we are reminded from the Smith's that the Rock in Horeb was actually a picture of Christ, His sacrifice on the cross, and the gospel! You'll see soon as we get into this week's session that the gospel is good news, even to a blinded man to it like Moses. Yes, the story ends well as Moses finds out what the full measure of the gospel involves. Does that mean Moses eventually makes it into the Promised Land? Well, isn't that, too, what the gospel is all about? Listen in, dear friend, to today's episode of The Rock at Horeb to see how the story ends! You'll be amazed, encouraged, and uplifted and stronger in spirit as you build a solid Indigenous Faith!
Strike the Rock? Or, speak to the Rock? That is the question. That also is the defining line between Moses entering the Promised Land with his band of grumbling, mumbling, and stumbling Children of Israel, and him being left behind because of the judgement of God! In part one of this three part series, Craig and LaDonna Smith already shared with us about the first time Moses encounters a simple rock in Horeb. It was at this time God's people, during their wandering about int he wilderness, were complaining to Moses and Aaron about being thirsty and in desperate need of water. God's answer? He told Moses to Strike the Rock, which Moses did and water gushed out and quenched all of Israel's thirst. Later on, as today's episode unfolds, they once again were dying of thirst and needed another miracle. Thankfully, there was another rock before Moses that God told him this time to, Speak to the Rock! Realizing the success he had the first time around, instead of listening to God's instructions, he fell back on what he knew worked before and simply Struck the Rock instead! Not once, but twice for good measure! Yes, water came out to refresh the Israelite's thirst, but because of that seemingly incidental deviation from what God said for him to do, it ended up costing him entrance into the Promised Land! In the Old Testament time, God's judgements were often swift, immediate, and right now. In the Newer Testament, God's judgements are deferred to a later time, but make no mistake, those judgements will be meted out on those who chose not to obey God and His revealed Word. As the old hymn says, Oh, what peace we often forfeit, oh, what needless pain we bear... What an amazing case study in the issue of biblical obedience. Let's learn from Moses, and not repeat Moses's actions to take matters into our own hands and make our own decisions instead of listening to God, His Word, a lamp to our feet and a light to our path! Obedience helps build a solid Indigenous Faith, dear friends! May we never forget!
In today's episode, Craig and LaDonna begin looking at some character studies of men and women in the Bible who gave us clear examples of how to live in both God honoring obedience and self-defeating disobedience, and the blessings and consequences that accompanied those kinds of decisions. Some are so consequential that they literally shape the future of many generations of a nation and affected so many people in the process. The Smith's first study is in the life of the great deliverer, Moses. Never was another man so powerfully used by God as he led Israel out of 400 years of bondage, slavery and torturous living. But yet, as we will soon see, he tried to take matters into his own hand in stead of listening to the clearly articulated word of God whom he knew, as the Scriptures said, face to face. Be sure to pay close attention to all the passages the Smiths will be presenting in this study, as they are crucial to understanding how even seemingly small deviances from the stated Word of God can lead to a disastrous end. By the end of this multi-episode teaching on the life of Moses, you'll find that ultimately, there is wonderful redemption in God's salvation plan. Moses... ferocious at times, and fickle at others. Which do we best identify with? Let's listen and learn...
Craig and LaDonna Smith present the third and final installment of their teaching session titled, Called to Obedience.In today's episode, the Smiths continue to delve into the issue of disobedience and the results it leaves believers and non-believers with. They remind us of the danger of complacency because we don't often see God's judgement come in the same ways the Old Testament Children of Israel experienced, which is immediate vs deferred judgement. It seems a whole lot easier to keep going down the disobedience road because we don't seem to be paying any consequences for it. But let us not be deceived, dear friends, because as the great African-American preacher, Dr. E.V. Hill reminds us, PAYDAY SOMEDAY! If we've been obedient, what great joys and blessings await us. If we've been disobedient, it's not going to look pretty when we are called to account by the God who so deeply loves us and wants to bless us, when instead, He has to discipline us, but all out of His great love. The Smiths trust these past three sessions have been helpful to you in your walk in the Lord and as you seek to build a lasting and strong Indigenous Faith!
In part 2 of Craig and LaDonna Smith's Called to Obedience broadcast, they continue unpacking for us the principles laid out in Deuteronomy 28. Today, the theme shifts from the blessings of God when we obey, to the judgements of God when we disobey. And the options are many in this very dark and dingy world infused by the powers of darkness resident in Satan and his legions. It's important to have both sides of the scale in these important issues and the Smiths don't hold back from presenting the clear and compelling words of the Holy Scriptures. Please come to today's episode with an ear to hear what the Spirit is saying to the church and its people. Calamity awaits those who choose to abandon obedience for disobedience. And never forget, we are the ones to pay dearly for our folly. So why not live on the obedience side my friend! By the time your done with today's session, you'll be glad you did!
In today's episode, Craig and LaDonna Smith begin a series they've titled, Called to Obedience.Called, because God calls all His followers to obey what He lays out for us in His Holy Word. As we will soon see and hear, obedience brings incredible blessings on us, both personally and corporately, whether it be in our churches, our in our tribes and nations. Today's episode should be an incredible blessing to each and every one of us as we find out what blessings lay ahead of each of us should we choose to simply obey His Word! So get your Bibles out and turn to Deuteronomy 28 as the Smiths begin to share the blessings of biblical obedience, which leads to a biblically healthy Indigenous Faith!
In this second part of a two part message Craig's titled The Anatomy of Failure, he reviews the steps to failure the Children of Israel experienced when they came into possess the Promised Land. Though promised by God, Israel had the opportunity of believing and trusting God and His word, or yield to the temptation of compromise and fail in their attempts at trusting in the God who keeps all His promises. Israel's slide into ultimately syncretism and sleeping with the enemy started small and grew into a giant free fall into intimacy with the God's of the Canaanites and other tribes living in the land God had promised to Israel. Their slide into syncretism is how people of every generation since do it as well. Not one giant leap, but small, incremental, and seemingly insignificant steps take us deeper than we ever wanted to go, costing us way more than we ever wanted to pay, and keeping us longer than we ever wanted to stay. Sound familiar? Why not learn from the mistakes of others so we don't have to repeat those mistakes in our generation? The Anatomy of Failure is an important study on how obedience is THE most important thing God expects out of us, and how we can stay committed to a lifetime of obedience, resulting in some amazing provisions, protection, and empowering by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!
Craig and LaDonna Smith transfer from the many weeks of presenting their Indigenous Faithteaching materials to an important and related subject matter, the matter of biblical obedience. It was Israel's disobedience that cost them many times and in many ways as they faced the judgement of God for their disobedience. In the next few weeks, Craig presents a message he's titled The Anatomy of Failure, which looks at how Israel fell down the slippery slope to compromise and, yes, to syncretize ultimately with the gods of this world. We don't normally fall away from the Lord in a huge, one time crash, but in small, even tiny increments of disobedience that brings us to intimacy with the enemy of our soul and compromised lives. Please turn your heart to God's Word as Craig Smith once again brings us principles to help us live victorious lives in the context of our tribal cultures, traditions, and religions. Living for Jesus is a totally different way of life, and one lived out best by simple obedience to God's Holy Word. See you next week, dear friend, for part two of this important message.
In today's final episode on the issue of syncretism being the larger church's largest issue, Pastor Craig continues sharing the alarming statistics of how the church, its pastoral leaders, and congregants, all suffer from a lack of maintaining a biblical worldview as followers of Christ. Our sin issues are often times played out in embracing other worldviews blending in with our partial adherence to the biblical worldview. And it isn't something we arrive only when we become adults, says Dr. George Barna, but is shaped soon after we leave the womb and eventually live by entrenched beliefs in those ways early on into our teen years. That's why parental oversight in Christian homes must include teaching and mentoring what it is to live in alignment with God's standards taught in God's Word. The church is to play a supportive role in that process, but when you have youth pastors who also in large part do not live by or apply biblical standards in their own lives, how then can they pass on truths that don't apply to themselves personally? Someone once noted that principles to live by are not only taught, but caught. So the challenge in today's church is to remember God's desire is we all live in alignment with biblical truth, or suffer the consequences of syncretistic sins that are presently running rampant through the Body of Christ. Good old repentance, sorrow for sin, and forsaking the sins that so easily beset us is needed now more than ever. Oh that the Spirit of God would move upon His church, His people, and His leaders as we deal with these supernaturally based challenges. Intellectual consent is not enough. Godly sorrow that leads to repentance and leaves no regret is the only thing that will help prepare the church to be what Paul said to the Ephesians in chapter 5:27, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. That's the church Jesus is coming back for!
What do you do to follow months and months of teaching on the issue of syncretism? If you're Craig and LaDonna Smith, you come right back to the subject matter and present more teaching on syncretism! That's right! But, no, it's not a continuation of syncretism in the Native American context. It's the syncretism of the church at large. In fact, Dr. George Barna, a long time research expert on the church states that, Syncretism is the largest issue facing the church today! It's important for the Smiths to include this issue within the syncretism teaching already presented. We've often been asked why we are singling out just the Native culture and traditions in our teaching? What about other cultures? This two part series on the larger church's dance with syncretistic practices shows it's not just the Native context the Smiths are concerned about. Compromising Christians are in all cultures and when they are drawn into sinful actions, it often has to do with trying to blend their Christian faith and practices with those of other worldviews that have no allegiance to biblical truth. In fact, as Craig Smith shares on the subject, he will be unfolding many of the statistics Dr. Barna has amassed in his academic based research on the subject. It's not only fascinating statistics, but alarming ones as well. Barna contends that basically the church is an unhealthy church with not only congregants, but pastors and leaders not living in adherence to biblical instruction. Craig and LaDonna invite you to look at the larger church today, and in the podcast episode to follow, and how syncretism is rampant within its doors. An alarming message, yes, but hopefully a wake up call to bring God's people into biblical alignment and living. Please come to this teaching with an open mind and heart. You'll be challenged and hopefully committed to lining up our actions with our stated beliefs!
As Brother Vern wraps up the 2022 Indigenous Faith Summer Leader's Conference sessions, he leaves those in the audience, and all the rest of us listening in, with a strong reminder that God has left us here as heaven's movie trailer to help draw the interest of men and women to come to Christ before its too late. As he said to the audience, When you leave here today, we hope you'll go with confidence, not in the materials we've presented, but in the Word of God! Once again, Brother Vern nailed it! What does the Word say to us as we reach the finish line of this series? Without hesitation, Brother Vern reminds us of our responsibility to be salt and light in the world. Salt, because of its preserving attributes, and light, because of its penetrating effect into a world filled with darkness. Salt permeates whatever it touches. Light penetrates whatever it is directed to. That's our main responsibility, as Indigenous believers in Christ, in our communities and cultures until Christ returns! Let's be diligent with a singular focus to honor God in our lives and help rescue those, as the Scriptures tell us, who are tottering towards the slaughter! Hang on to the very end to understand what he means in titling this final challenge, Who let the dogs out!? You'll end with a big smile on your face! Thanks again for letting the Word of God draw you close to its own revealed truth through these many weeks of the Indigenous Faith podcast!
In this final episode of Pastor Craig's final Indigenous Faith summer conference teaching series, he continues to lay out some practical guidelines in processing our Indigenous cultures in light of God's Word. Theological guidelines help shape the cultural guidelines we all must employ in our desire to remain pleasing to God and stay under the authority of His Word. An important consideration is understanding there's a difference between the God of the Bible and the gods of our ancestors. Take, for instance, the issue of Creator. Most Native people are creationists but is the creator in the traditional religions of an animistic people the same as the Creator as articulated in the Bible? The clear answer is, no! While all three parts of the Trinity were active in the works of creation, God the Father and God the Holy Spirit take a step back and move forward God the Son into the spotlight reserved for the Creator of the world! You only have to go to the gospel of John, Paul's letter to the Colossians and what the Hebrews author says about Christ as creator. Why is that? Because Christ is the one who condescended to earth, the earth He created, to redeem mankind, the mankind He created! Craig also leaves the listener with an important reality of how this Creator and His gospel message must be taken to all nations before He comes again! And we are privileged to play an important role in that process! Craig reminds us all how we can turn an everyday conversation into a spiritual rescue opportunity. The taking of the gospel to the world is what every Indigenous believer should have as their priority, not the pursuit of culture and cultural relevance. There's too much at stake to focus on lesser things. Craig ends his thoughts with an encounter he had with Christ that he describes as his game changer moment! Once you hear that part of his journey, we're sure you will understand that the gospel, and our redemption is all about Christ, and not us! That's the way it's always been, and the way it will always be, even into eternity! Wow, what a journey we've been on in these past seven months! I can't wait for Dr. Charette to take us home with his final session next week titled, Who Let the Dogs Out!? God bless you dear friend!
In this third episode of Craig's final teaching session from the summer 2022 Indigenous Faith Leader's Conference, he continues to lay out the practical steps in processing our Indigenous cultures and traditions in light of the revealed Scriptures. Pastor Smith lays out some key theological guidelines in processing culture before Craig addresses one more important step. Following the same biblical teaching guidelines he presented to the audience, Craig responds to the very indicting quote of Richard Twiss that was shared in the initial session of this series as an illustration on how to do good contextualization of the gospel without slipping down the slope to syncretism, all within the North American Indigenous scene. Craig and LaDonna trust everything presented at that conference, and shared with you, our broadest listening audience, will help establish many more biblically healthy followers of Christ within the Native American and First Nations communities of faith across North America. With the international growth of this podcast, Indigenous cultures worldwide now have an important tool to aid them in the same process. With only a couple more episodes left in this series, it's time to start thinking through how you will move forward in processing the culture you have been raised in, all guided by the timeless truths of God's Holy Word! We can't wait to join you again next week as we near the finishing line of Indigenous Faith!
In this second part of the all important teaching of the practical ways in which we are called to apply the biblical truths on Christ and Culture, Craig continues to unpackage the issue of Identity and Significance. Using Paul's letter to the Philippians, he reminds listeners that before coming to Christ, Paul's identity and significance was all wrapped up in who he was as a tribal, linguistic, traditional, militant and religious person in his Jewish tradition. But we learn that Paul counted all these things as "garbage" (his term not mine), when compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ. Hard truths to hear, especially if you are not a follower of Christ and hang your hat on your earthly, tribal identity for sure! But truth none the less. And that is an important truth that all followers of Christ must arrive at if we are to live biblically healthy lives in the context of our cultures and communities. Once that issue is settled, Craig then transitions to how we must now treat not only our sacred objects, but all other aspects of our human cultures. Craig contends that there are many things in many cultures that do not violate biblical principles, and as such, can be kept by the the believer but a new meaning applied. Other items of our culture, cultural forms, and meanings can be retained only if aspects that violate God's Word are changed in those forms, practices, etc. But we can never miss this important third option, and that is some cultural practices can only be abandoned by the believer in Christ because they violate biblical instruction in righteousness and holiness and can never be redeemed. That process academically is defined as contextualization. It must be reiterated that Craig and LaDonna Smith affirm good contextualization of the gospel and our cultural ways, using the searchlight of Scripture to guide us in that process, while they take the strong position that the sacred objects of our people cannot be redeemed based on what God's Word clearly teaches. All this constitutes what a healthy Indigenous Faith is all about. So as you go through this session, and finish out the whole of the teaching in the next episode, find ways in which you can apply these truths and honor the God of the Universe by using His timeless Truths in this lifelong practice. We're nearing the finish line, but the next few sessions, including this one, is critical to understanding this important process. Be blessed and encouraged by today's session, and come prepared next week as the finishing touches are made to help build a biblically healthy Indigenous Faith in the context of your culture and community!
In today's episode, Craig launches into his sixth and final session in this Indigenous Faith teaching series, which was presented live in August 2022. He closes his series by turning to the practical aspects of how to live biblically healthy lives in the context of our Indigenous cultures and communities. But not before he spent five sessions in laying out a biblical foundation to do the practical exercises. Before Craig dives into the practical, he had to go to the Scriptures one more time to present some very important biblical teaching on the believer's Identity and Significance. He uses Paul's letter to the Philippians to present these incredibly important truths that are key to a biblically healthy life no matter the cultural context you were raised in. Fully understanding the Apostle Paul's culture, history, and familial reputation is set in stark contrast to the new identity and significance he now enjoys in his relationship with Jesus Christ. The transformation in Paul's life is the same transformation God is desiring to do in the lives of all the followers of Jesus from the day we are saved to the day God takes us home. Don't miss this very important part of the Indigenous Faith series, dear friend! Without it, we will constantly be struggling in our personal walk with the Lord. These upcoming weeks are crucial to the rest of this important series!
In this, the final episode (part 4) in this all-important question and answer session, the team continues to answer the audience's questions on the issues of Christ and Native cultures. The earlier addressing of how Christian Native lay people should handle working in an animistic work environment spills over into the beginning of this session. The panel reminds us that no matter how our colleagues, employers, or even others treat us regarding whether we participate in work sponsored traditional and, or, spiritual practices, our first and foremost consideration is to do what pleases the Lord. The team then provides a number of insights on how to respond in similar way when these cultural challenges move in even closer to us when our children or other loved ones who claim Christ choose human relationships with those who are not Christian and they choose or attempt to bring their animism into our family unit. Much more intense and personal this issue becomes when it moves from the workplace to our homes. The panel's answers include if and when it manifests itself in our own home, or in the homes our loved ones have established beyond our homes. Important perspective for sure! The issue of the giving of names came up as one of the questions, because this traditional practice often has ties to the spiritism of a tribe associated with it. Also, what about art? That's an important question about culture for sure. Important answers were once again provided. We ended the Q&A session on a high note when Randy Jackson took us back to the Scriptures to remind us, in the end, that how we live out our faith must be based upon a deferential mentality of not being a stumbling block to others. And that kind of godly attitude comes from both a love for the Lord and a love for our brethren. What a great way to end this very helpful session to our attendees at the summer conference, and hopefully for you as well!
Dr. Vern Charette starts off the panel's answering to the question of the believer's identity and significance with by sharing a statement from African American pastor, Dr. Tony Evans, whose statement really helps put some great perspective to this issue. The panel also provides insight and answers to issues affecting both clergy and the laity. How do ministry leaders handle community events such as funerals when the discussion is leading to an obvious conflict of spiritual interests when families want both traditional and Christian elements included in such delicate issues such as funerals, etc. How does an everyday Native believer respond to workplace issues where animism permeates the workplace and they are expected to participate, or at least feels strong pressure to do so? All important issues where good thoughtful answers see the light of day in today's edition of Indigenous Faith! As always, we pray the Lord will guide you, the listener, as you seek to live out your faith in the context of our Native cultures and communities!
As we continue into the second part of the informative Question and Answer Session, the panel hits their stride in tackling the list of questions posed by those in attendance at the summer 2022 Indigenous Faith International Leaders Conference in Bemidji, Minnesota. Randy Jackson (Cree), gives an incredibly insightful answer to the question that stated, Is it not inconsistent, if we are calling Native believers in Christ to abandon their ties to old animism and not calling the church to abandon its ties to historic pagan worship ceremonies that the Christian observations of Easter, Christmas and Lent? In doing so, Randy leaves open the door for the Native church to help lead the larger Body of Christ in looking into these realities and perhaps continue the Reformation started by Martin Luther some 500 years ago. Talk about insightful and an honest look. Another question centered around how to address cultural forms vs. sacred objects, which Craig noted is a major part of his upcoming session six, which will air on this podcast as soon as the Q&A Session is completed. Upcoming will be the panel's answers to issues such as can believers participate in Native sweat lodges and sweat ceremonies? There's so many important questions yet to be answered as you stay tuned to upcoming editions of Indigenous Faith. May today's session not only help you with answers, but whet your appetite for even more! See you on the other side of today's podcast, dear friend!
Question: Are you asking Native people to abandon all their cultures to follow Christ? Can a Christian be visited by a dead relative and how do we process that kind of incident if it's already happened? These are just a few of the questions that the Indigenous Faith leaders address in today's episode and upcoming sessionsthat you won't want to miss. The panel, including Craig and LaDonna Smith, Dr. Vern Charette, and Randy and Evangeline Jackson, who led worship at the 2022 summer Indigenous Faith Leader's Conference, seek to provide answers to the questions the audience submitted to the panel. In what was one of the most interesting sessions in the whole conference, the panel went deep into the Word of God and from their own personal experience to address critical issues facing us all. We encourage you to let your friends, pastor, other members of your congregation know about the podcast and this important series that will help build a strong, biblical Indigenous Faith among all tribes and nations around the world and for the glory of God! Don't miss it, friends!
In this, the final of a three part episode Craig Smith has titled, The Come Down Kingdom, he wraps up his insights about the Kingdom of God and how it differs from all other human and earth based religious systems. Its uniqueness is found in its come down status. It was not developed in the incubators of fallen human cultures, but came down to earth from another world, another place, a place called heaven. All human based religions have their spiritual and sacred objects. So does this come down Kingdom as well. While all sacred things of human religions are an affront to God, all that is embodied in His heavenly Kingdom are blessed by Him and useable in our living in this Kingdom level while here on earth. But what are the sacred objects of the nations? Craig unpackages for us what they are in the North American Indigenous cultural context, and who determined what those sacred things are...the leaders of the traditional cultures and religions found throughout Native North America. Craig reminds us also that in Israel's history, there were numerous kings who followed one another. Some were wicked and vile kings, leading Israel to debauchery and disaster, while a few others, like King Josiah, brought Israel back to obedience by destroying the sacred objects of the nations. And as Craig notes, you don't see Josiah returning from the burn pile to carve and create his own "neutral" objects in the images of those he just had burned. This has implications for the debate this teaching series addresses as you'll hear Pastor Smith explain. The session ends with a powerful look into Old Testament history with participants like Esther, Mordecai, and Haman, whose statement of God's chosen people rings true of God's saved people of today as well. What a privilege to be part of this Come Down Kingdom! Now all we have to do is obey the orders of the King!
In this last part of Craig's session he's titled, The Come Down Kingdom, Craig clarifies what happens to every person on planet earth when they come to saving faith in Jesus Christ. The Scriptures tell us that we are redeemed from every tribe, language, people and nation. We are elevated out of every sin-stained human culture to a new kingdom, the Kingdom of God! We now join the redeemed ones from all over the world who now live a new way - a way that is in alignment with God's Holy Word. That means that yes, there will be similarities we share with people of other tribes or nations in this new Kingdom, but not in the way the leaders of the Redeeming the Culture movement have taught. We don't move from one sin-stained culture to another sin-stained culture, but to this new way of living based on God's Word. It's a worldwide thing, this Come Down Kingdom! We now have our citizenship in heaven, and not just on this earth. We all are to put away our sacred objects, if we come to Christ out of animistic cultures. In the same way, the modern Western culture must now embrace the supernatural, which previously they denied even existed, and spirituality is something new that they must learn about, and live in. These are big jumps for both kinds of cultures, but God gives us the power and grace, through His indwelling Spirit, to do any and all of these things. Our goal in life now is obedience to God in all ways, as outlined in His Word. It's an exciting change of life, for we actually now begin living in our eternal life now, here on earth until Jesus comes for us and takes us home, that, as He said in His own words, That where I am, there you will be also! Craig and LaDonna, and brother Vern Charette, are grateful for being adopted into God's eternal Kingdom, and are excited to share these concepts with you through this Indigenous Faith teaching series. We trust you are being blessed by the teaching, and encouraged to walk biblically healthy lives in the context of our Indigenous cultures and communities. Stay strong in the Lord, dear friend, and stay close to the truths of God's Word at all times!
In this fifth session of the Indigenous Faith teaching series, Craig Smith takes us once again to the Scriptures to show the stark contrast between all human based religious systems and the message of the gospel and Christian faith. While all human based religions were birthed out of fallen human cultures, and established on this earth's soil, the Christian message was a come down message. It came to earth from another world, another place, a place called heaven. It's clear that the message came from above, as John 3:16 reminds us that, God so loved the world, he gave his one and only Son. It's a come down message, brought by a come down messenger, Jesus the Christ! His birth was unlike that of anyone else on planet earth in that while His earthly mother, Mary, was engaged to Joseph, the Holy Spirit of God came down and in one of the world's greatest miracles, Jesus was conceived, born, and tread this earth for over thirty-three years before He went to the cross to pay the penalty for our sins. Then, once again the Holy Spirit of God came down on the day of Pentecost, shortly after Jesus the Christ ascended back up to heaven's portals where He continues to sit at His Father's right hand making intercession for us until once again, He comes back down to rapture His church, which is also a come down church, as He establishes once and for all His come down Kingdom! That, my friend, is a lot of coming downs and going ups! This sets apart the Christian message as unique, and totally separate from all other world religions and world views! This is an important reality to consider as we look at the claims of all other human religions that contend their ways are the way and all roads lead to heaven. If that was the case, why would the God of heaven and earth go through all He did, send His son to be tortured, die a cruel death, be mocked, beaten spat upon, and ridiculed so, just so that all it would mean was this was just one more way to find eternal life? No sir, my friend! Craig makes it abundantly clear in this multi-part session that God had to do this to fulfill His own standards that included the shedding of innocent blood to reconcile us to God. But, as Craig points out, just as much blood of Jesus was shed to reconcile us to each other as was shed to reconcile us to God! And that's an amazing reality, and should affect how we look at those redeemed ones from other races, tribes, nationalities, and languages. We are now brought into the very same kingdom that spans the globe...the Kingdom of the Redeemed, who are assured of eternal life with their King throughout the rest of eternity! That's what the gospel is all about, and is offered to not just the elite, but to every Indigenous, taken advantage of people group around planet earth! We are not only equal under the curse of sin, but through Christ, equally adopted children of God, joint heirs with Christ, and eternally living in this amazing worldwide family of God! Now that's why it's called, Good News!!!
In today's devotional study, Dr. Vern Charette further develops his thoughts on the authority and sufficiency of the Scriptures. In previous episodes, he spoke of the Authority of God's Word over every human culture with its universal, absolute truth. He also presented some powerful insights on the sufficiency of the Scriptures to save, to sanctify, and now, to separate. But separate from what? Well, there's several things one can pull out of his deep teaching, including the ability of the Scriptures to separate itself from the false teaching that has been afflicting the church of God all throughout history. In a very strong word to today's ministers of the gospel, brother Vern admonishes us to, as the text says in 2 Timothy 4, Preach the Word! Why? Because of the authority and sufficiency of the Scriptures! Such a simple yet profound concept, right? The challenge is, today, there are many congregants who are uncomfortable having the preacher preach on sin. Why not bring out the positive, like some popular preachers who are on TV do?! The problem with positivity preaching is it avoids other parts of doctrine such as God's wrath, judgement, and man's culpability to the sin we are comfortable living with in our lives. And in a way that is clear and unambiguous, he reminds us all that false teaching only leads to compromise, syncretism, and animism. We trust you as a listener will be able to see how brother Vern's strong embracing of a high view of Scripture, and being led where the text of the Word takes us, helps set the stage for Craig Smith's more 'granular' and specialized unpacking of God's Word as it relates to Indigenous cultures, traditions, and practices. There's great harmony between brother Vern and brother Craig as far as their convictions to the authority of the Scripture in their lives, which leads them to maintain a 'text driven' teaching, preaching and analysis of the 'other gospels' that are being promoted all across Indigenous North America and beyond. Let the Word of God alone be what we pursue, follow, and apply in our individual lives, so that we can live biblically healthy lives in the context of our Indigenous cultures and communities!
In this third and final installment of Craig and LaDonna's important series titled, Lessons from Ezekiel, Craig continues to unpackage some of the most profound points in the whole Indigenous Faith teaching series. But not before LaDonna returns to finish sharing the steps they take when someone comes for ministry with demonic manifestations and in need of deliverance from the powers of darkness she introduced in last week's session. Craig seeks to provide clarity on the all important question of, Can a believer in Jesus Christ ever become demon possessed? He also addresses one of the key unbiblical positions of the syncretists when they contend that the images or items they are making and using in their worship practices are not the same as the graven images of the traditionalists because THEY were the ones who made it, not them. Craig's careful analysis of Ezekiel's experience leaves no room for doubt that it doesn't matter who makes it, as long as their tribes see these items as sacred to them. As he walks listeners through the remainder of this incredible chapter, it becomes clearer and clearer the fallacy of the false teaching of syncretistic doctrine, arguing from the Word that what syncretism will always do is drive God far from His sanctuary. And, although syncretists shout in God's ear, he will not listen to them! This leaves us all having to ask ourselves, are we going to listen to the philosophies of men, or the timeless truths of God's Word? For the Smiths, there is no room for doubt as they echo the classic statement of the great Reformer, Martin Luther, as he classically stated, My conscience is captive to the Word of God!
In part two of Craig's important lesson from the Old Testament prophet, Ezekiel, LaDonna joins Craig comes to share with the attendees some helpful instructions from what they've learned on confronting the powers of darkness found in animistic practices through the ministry of deliverance. The Smiths see way too few pastors, academics, and everyday believers who know how to minister to those bound by the spirits of the counter kingdom. You rarely hear about biblically based deliverance ministries being utilized by the body of Christ today, which leaves many in cross-cultural missionary work unprepared to deal with these inexplainable manifestations experienced by animists, because they've never been trained in this specialized ministry. That is why the Smiths felt compelled to include in this series how to engage in deliverance ministry when the need arises. They even included the document LaDonna presented in the student workbook attendees received at the conference as a reference for later use. It can be asked for by emailing a request for it at info@tribalrescue.com. Thankfully, there's still power in the gospel to free people from every bondage sin and the devil has brought to people from every tribe, language, people and nation. To God be the glory!
As we turn the corner to 2023, Craig Smith continues to lay out his teaching series that is the heart and center of this Indigenous Faith broadcast. These sessions were recorded live in the summer of 2022, and included not only Craig and LaDonna Smith, but features their special guest, Ojibwe theologian Dr. Vern Charette as well. Today, Craig begins his third of his six teaching sessions as he introduces us to what he calls, Lessons from Ezekiel. Craig unpackages for us some very relevant truths contained in the 8th chapter of this prophetic word from this important Old Testament prophet of God. I'm sure as he gets into this chapter you will be as amazed as he was as to how relevant this passage is in our current battle with the syncretistic teaching we face today. As Craig contends, you could almost see Ezekiel writing this chapter in today's context, as the issues found in compromising Israel mirror so closely that which today's syncretistic teachers are promoting. Be ready to be challenged, dear friend, as Old Testament truths come alive for us today.
As brother Vern continues his message on the sufficiency of the Scriptures to sanctify, he reminds us of the importance of being in the Scriptures on a regular basis in order to learn how to live lives pleasing to the Lord. That is accomplished in several very important and equally needed ways in our lives. One being the regular and personal reading and studying of God's Word. The other being a part of a local Bible believing, Bible teaching congregation where we receive ongoing instructions in righteousness. Brother Vern summarizes so well the importance of the Scriptures as he reminds us that in God's Word, we have everything we need to live a victorious Christian life, and that holds true for those holding advanced doctoral degrees all the way to those who never had a lick of formal training. There is in the Word of God the ability to Sanctify us all to a point we live a victorious Christian life. And that, dear friend, produces in us a real Indigenous Faith!
Dr. Vern Charette comes once again to build on the foundation he already has laid on the sufficiency of Scripture to save. Today, he expands the Scripture's impact in the doctrinal truth of the sufficiency of Scripture to Sanctify. This doctrine means to be set apart by God for holy living. It's the current work of the Word of God as applied in the life of each and every believer in Christ. Salvation has a threefold impact on our lives including its past or previous work as we were saved, in its current work as we are being saved, and in its future work as we will be saved. That complete work is described as our Justification, Sanctification, and Glorification. The ongoing work of sanctification in our lives enables us to live holy lives in alignment with the teachings of God's Holy Word. It includes being separated from the old effects of sin in our lives and living in the power of His Holy Spirit for victorious Christian living. Sanctification's effect on our lives also includes no compromise with sin as we live out a biblically healthy life in the context of our Indigenous cultures and communities. It means we cannot and must not compromise God's Word in any way as we seek to honor Him in our daily lives. It's an important doctrine for the believer and presented so well by brother Vern in this crucial message we all need to hear and apply in our lives.
As Craig concludes this crucial session on the Biblical Anatomy of Culture, he raises a question of utmost importance. If there is no biblical support of God giving the cultural ways to all nations, then where did human cultures come from? The only answer, he contends, is from fallen human nature, which leaves the syncretists to answer the question, are you willing to put all your theological marbles in a belief system that does not have biblical support? To support the concept that all human cultures are filled with pride and disobedience to God, he raises a provocative statement about modern American culture and its own animism, which is covertly embedded in modern western thought yet has its roots in some of the worst Old Testament pagan practices, including child sacrifice. The session ends with LaDonna Smith sharing some of the personal experiences Craig and she have faced in their own upbringings in an animistic culture and in their over forty years of ministry. It's one of the most significant endings to one of the most important sessions in all of their Indigenous Faith teaching series. Be ready to be challenged, friend, with the truth of God's Word as God's people confront the darkness of the spirit world in Native North America.
In today's second installment of his teaching session titled, The Biblical Anatomy of Culture, Craig takes us to both Old and New Testaments to explain what God's Word has to say about human cultures. Beginning in Genesis 11, he takes us back to where he describes all of humanity, runs into each other at a place called the Plains of Shinar. Here we see our common ancestors demonstrating the effects of the curse of sin as human cultures begin to develop. Those two things? Pride and Disobedience! You can find these deadly enemies manifesting themselves right up to today in every single human culture that were shooed of Shinar's plains and scattered by the Sovereign God over all the earth. It was here languages were introduced not so much as God's gift but a part of God's judgement on our common single cultural ancestors but then over time we see God giving not only languages, but sovereignly assigned locations for all the nations, all for a divine, redemptive purpose as articulated in Acts 17. But God not only determines the exact locations of the nations, but also, the times set for them...times when God chooses to show up big time and bring a divine move of His Spirit to do unprecedented work in the midst of various tribes and nations over time. Craig shares one of the most encouraging tribal stories that affirm this truth as he unpackages the story of the Otovala Indians of northern Ecuador. Can God do it here as well? Absolutely. But Craig leaves us with a probing question that asks, What kind of message will we proclaim should God move mightily among us before Jesus comes again? Will it be a message of the timeless gospel of the Bible, or some syncretistic compromised message that would not please the Lord at all? An important question for sure, and one that needs to be considered by the church today. And that's why this Indigenous Faith series is so important!
As we begin the third session in Craig's six-part Indigenous Faith teaching series, Craig chooses to include in this episode the all-important backstory to their near fatal and life-altering auto accident which happened on June 9, 2009, in which both he and LaDonna should never have survived. It gives you some important context on why they are compelled to present this important teaching series, in that they are still alive to share it! And that's so very important to the Smiths.
In this visit back to the summer of 2009, you'll find out just how miraculous their survival was. As Craig mentions at the end of today's episode, perhaps there's someone, or maybe even more than one, who could benefit from the spiritual insights and lessons they learned through their ongoing journey of pain and suffering. "Where was God," Craig shares, "when we rolled those three times going 75 miles per hour down a freeway? Well, He was right there with us going for a roll as well!"
In a unique way, their story is their testimony of how their own Indigenous Faith has grown and matured through their own school of suffering. For many followers of Christ, the class in suffering is a vital part of this school that we only graduate from when God calls us home, either by the grave or when we are caught up in the air to meet the Lord in the air, and so shall we be with the Lord! So let brother Craig get down and personal with you today in an intimate look at personal faith that has been tested by fire, producing in both he and LaDonna, a much finer Indigenous Faith!
Dr. Vern Charette comes back to the podium to present his third devotional teaching on the Authority of Scripture. He began this informative and inspirational series with the doctrine of General Revelation through His creation, then in his second session directed listeners to the all important doctrine of Special Revelation, which God gave to mankind primarily through the revealed Scriptures. In today's session, brother Vern transitions to the all important teaching on the Sufficiency of the Scriptures, a theme that carried him through the remaining of his teaching series at our Indigenous Faith International Leaders Conference in Bemidji, Minnesota in August 2022. Today, brother Vern presents great biblical insights on the Sufficiency of Scripture for Salvation, using the example of young Timothy, who learned the sacred writings through his mother and grandmother which made him wise to salvation. Vern also challenged us with a strong indictment for those who pay lip service to the Sufficiency of Scripture, yet by their actions prove anything but a commitment to its authority and sufficiency. Important insights as we consider the teaching of the Redeeming of Culture teachers that are promoting syncretism that is being advertised as contextualization. Brother Vern helps set up the teaching sessions that Craig and LaDonna bring as they dig into the weeds of the issues of Christ and culture, especially in the North American Indigenous evangelical ministry scene. As you listen to both Dr. Charette and the Smiths, we're sure you will see how each other's teaching compliments and supports what the other is saying. Why? Because between Dr. Charette and the Smiths there is no distance between not only their strong commitment to Scripture's authority, but its sufficiency as well! Be blessed, dear friends, through the powerful and practical teaching in today's important session with Dr. Vern Charette!
In this, the fourth and final part of Craig's session on the Authority of Scripture, he discusses the impact the Redeeming of Culture teachers have had on the North American Indigenous evangelical churches and institutes of Christian higher education. He continues to explain the path the syncretists have taken in bringing this false teaching into the Native evangelical world, describing it as a pendulum swing from one extreme to another as it flies right past the center of biblical truth. Of utmost importance is Craig's sharing about the presuppositions that have led those who promote this teaching to come to their conclusions, arguing those presuppositions do not find biblical support. He leaves us with one of the most provocative statements made in this whole series of teaching, based upon the authoritative Scriptures that in one passage alone in Psalms strikes down the whole Redeeming of Culturephilosophy. Don't miss this all important conclusion on one of the most important sessions in this Indigenous Faith teaching series. Please come totally focused on today's teaching. You'll be glad you did!
In today's episode, Craig Smith presents clear information about the difference of mere intellectualism being misunderstood as the Spirit of God speaking to our souls and what it really means about letting the Spirit of God speak to us through His Word and understand it and obey it. Why does this simple process sound so important? Because often times intellectuals, especially those of higher educational training, can confuse their own determinations, arrived at from their highly trained minds, as the leading of the Spirit of God. Craig asks the probing question, Is this how many decisions in corporate board rooms of ministry organizations are arrived at? Implying they are missing the leading of God's Spirit, which often defies human reasoning and common sense as the mysterious ways of God are lived out in our lives and ministries. Also, Craig brings to our attention the path modern day syncretism has traveled to invade today's Evangelical church. You may be surprised to know how this has happened. Finally, Craig introduces the presuppositions the leaders of the Redeeming of Culture movement have maintained that has led them to develop their philosophy of ministry, which, when shown under the scrutiny of the Scriptures, cannot be supported by those Scriptures. Crucial teaching for us all as we seek to build a biblically strong and lasting Indigenous Faith.
In today's second part of a three part series Craig's titled, The Authority of Scripture,Craig delves into the fallacy of Universalism which denies Christ own words where He said, I am the way, the truth and the life, no one can come to the father except through me.He also introduces us to the process called Hermeneutics which is the process of interpreting the Scriptures which is so important to a right understanding of what God intended us as receivers to know and to take away from what the Scriptures are saying. While many other denominations and church groups have rejected a High view of Scripture, Craig contends that modern evangelicalism is one of the last to hold on to the Authority of Scripture. In this session he unpackages what both a high and low view of Scripture is, contrasting one from the other. He ends this session with a quote from Dr. A.W. Tozer on the dangers for those who hold to a high view of Scripture on what he calls mere Textualism,which he defines as an intellectual affirmation of biblical truth but without the enlightenment of God's Holy Spirit bringing the truth out of the text in a way God truly meant it to mean. This session, as you will see, is jam packed with a lot of things to consider and pray about for our own lives. All important truths for living out a biblically healthy Indigenous Faith.
In today's episode, Craig Smith takes us into the second session in his six-part Indigenous Faith teaching series. Today, Craig begins to present his important session on the Authority of Scripture. In it, he introduces the process of discovering what the original intent of God's Word was when the Lord moved upon the forty some human scribes who were moved by the Spirit of God to write what they were told to write. That process is called hermeneutics. He helps the listener understand there are a variety of ways to interpret the Word of God but there really is one way to uncover what God's original intent was in each passage He inspired the writers to write. This process is critical in properly aligning ourselves to the universal truth of the Word. False teaching has always employed other kind of hermeneutics to come to their conclusions and misaligned understandings, thus allowing the Word of God to say whatever they want it to say. Included in that misled process is using a cultural hermeneutic, which basically lets all cultures determine what God's Word is saying to them and not necessarily anyone else. The ultimate end of that trail leads to relative truth, denying the reality that God's Word is absolute, universal truth that has primacy over every human culture and worldview. All this is important foundational teaching helps us understand how false teaching can flourish alongside biblical truth. Craig and LaDonna pray that the teaching you are receiving in this Indigenous Faith teaching series will help you know how to detect truth from error and how to stand strong on the Authority of Scripture. All necessary to help build a biblically healthy Indigenous Faith.
Dr. Vern Charette comes once again to unpackages for us God's Word on the Authority of the Scriptures. In today's episode, brother Vern contrasts the doctrine of Special Revelation vs. the doctrine of General or Natural Revelation. In a message not soon forgotten, the importance of this crucial doctrine is laid out for all to hear, leaving us with an important understanding that salvation of God comes only through His Special Revelation. Knowing there is a God by being amazed at creation is not sufficient to save. But understanding that Jesus is the only way, truth, and life as laid out in the Scriptures is sufficient to lead us to an everlasting and saving faith. All this leads us to acknowledge the authority of God's Word in our life, which is crucial to building a solid IndigenousFaith. Please come prepared to be fed well spiritually by these wonderful biblical truths.
In this, the final episode in Craig's first session titled, Contending for the Faith, Pastor Smith unpackages for us this timely message from the heart of Jude to the church on the importance of preaching sound doctrine and protecting the congregation from false teaching. To contend for the faith, Jude says, means not indifference, but action. A pushing back on false teaching whenever and wherever it rears its ugly head is how the New Testament writers profile some of the most important roles of the leaders of Christ's Church. Lack of action on the part of church leaders to confront false teaching is one of the church's biggest areas of weakness, however, which gives false teaching time to grow and nurture and spring up into a much larger issue that can take so many believers down the road to compromise. That's why this Indigenous Faith series, according to Craig and LaDonna, has been so heavy on their heart and something they just could not turn a blind eye to. Why? As Craig puts it, quoting the great reformer, Martin Luther, My conscience is captive to the Word of God!
In today's episode, Craig Smith takes the stage and begins presenting the first session in his six-session Indigenous Faith teaching series. Today's session is titled, Contending for the Faith, which is take from the New Testament book of Jude.
Craig sets the table for the rest of this series as he explains why this whole Indigenous Faith focus of Tribal Rescue Ministries came to be. Responding to a growing movement of syncretistic teaching that has been promoted as good, healthy contextualization of the gospel, Craig helps us understand what is contextualization and what is syncretism. He also unpackages the challenges modern evangelicalism has due to the lack of understanding of the supernatural world in the modern American cultural and church scene. But spiritism is front and center in not only Native American traditional religions, but culture as well. And, as Craig contends, unless and until the church begins to understand spiritism and animism, it will be hard pressed to apply biblical truth to the challenges facing Indigenous believers in sorting out how to process its culture in light of God's Word.
These are big issues that are front and center to the developing of biblically healthy Indigenous followers of Jesus Christ, but issues than need good biblical answers to. And that's why Craig and LaDonna Smith have felt compelled to provide biblical answers after over four decades of biblical study and research. Their prayer is, through these episodes of Indigenous Faith, Indigenous believers will finally find answers on how to live biblically healthy lives in the context of our Indigenous cultures and communities. They pray these sessions will be helpful to not only Indigenous believers, but to those who serve among them.
Welcome to this first episode of this first session on Contending for the Faith.
In today's episode, Dr. Vern Charette continues his initial message on the Authority of the Scriptures by unpacking the doctrine of General Revelation, which Scripture teaches is available to every person around the world and at all time because it is represented in all that God has made. His creation shouts loud and clear that there is a God, a Sovereign Creator of all things. The only problem with General Revelation is, according to Romans 1:18-32, it is not sufficient to bring salvation to anyone. It actually leaves all the world without excuse. The rejection of God by any culture leaves God the only option available to Him. That is to turn them over to a depraved mind. Not only depravity, but total depravity! It helps define the lostness of mankind and leaves man to his own imagination in trying to find remedy for the gut instinct of separation from God that the inner conscience only confirms through man's embracing of idolatry and animistic worship of created things rather than the Creator, who is forever to be praised. The only remedy for the lostness of all mankind comes by what the Scriptures define as Special Revelation, which is all about the gospel message of Jesus Christ. What a tremendous introduction to all the rest of the Indigenous Faith series that is to come! We've just left the starting gate and getting our stride into this vital teaching series that will help shape every Indigenous believer who seeks to honor Christ and live a biblically healthy life in the Indigenous communities and cultures we find ourselves living in. Thank you, Brother Vern, for your strong start to all that is to come! We can't wait for next week's session! How about you?!
With today's episode, Craig and LaDonna Smith begin sharing their updated Indigenous Faith teaching materials at their recently held Indigenous Faith International Leader's Conference on August 10-13, 2022 at Oak Hills Christian College in Bemidji, Minnesota! Many folks who were not able to attend this event reached out to the Smiths indicating that they only wished that they could have. Resources, work schedules, etc., prohibited their attending and they were saddened that they were not able to gain the insights through this teaching event.
But thanks to the conference being recorded both in 4k video and audio, listeners to this podcast will not have missed a single session! That's right, all of the Indigenous Faith 2.0 sessions will be presented in this and upcoming episodes of this podcast! Craig and LaDonna's strong desire is to make this material available as far and wide as possible because they believe the truths of God's Word must be presented to confront the false and misleading teaching of the Redeeming of Culture philosophy that is spreading across the Native evangelical world.
The Smiths were blessed to have join them on the platform Dr. Vern Charette (Ojibwe), who is one of Native North America's leading theologians, evangelists, and pastor. As "brother Vern" presents a 35,000 foot view of the Scriptures, Craig and LaDonna do a much more "on the ground and into the weeds" presentation of what God's Word has to say about Christ, Indigenous Cultures, and Native American Worship. Along with this teaching duo, the Smiths brought into the conference Randy (Cree) and Evangeline (Dakota) Jackson to lead the conference in meaningful worship and special music. This all-Native platform team was well received by those in attendance as God used them all to bring clarity to the important issues of proper contextualization of the gospel vs syncretism.
We encourage you to invite your friends to join in this important series that will help define the boundary lines of biblically healthy Indigenous faith. Hang on tight, for we're in for a in depth ride into important principles from God's Holy Word. Welcome aboard!
In this final episode of the Smith's series titled, The Coming of the Lord, Pastor Smith concludes his message that helps listeners understand what the Bible has to say about last day living in light of the imminent return of Jesus Christ as he raptures his Church away, saving them all from the wrath to come. Understanding the "pre-millennial, pre-tribulation rapture of the Church," makes sense of Paul's letter to the Thessalonians where he says in chapter 4, verses 16-18, For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage one another with these words (NIV).If, as some believe, we are to experience the Great Tribulation before Christ's second coming, why would Paul say in verse 18, therefore encourage one another with these words? That's not a very encouraging outlook for the believer, to go through tribulation as never seen before on planet earth! We were saved from God's wrath, not saved to experience God's wrath in the most unprecedented way.
No, my friend, we believe we will be saved from that earthly wrath as well as an eternal wrath in hell, apart from God for eternity! That's the salvation plan of the Lord! So be encouraged by this final episode in this series as Craig Smith finishes his message on The Coming of the Lord! Be blessed, dear listener!
In this second of three episodes on The Coming of the Lord,Pastor Smith continues to explain the different ways the church historically has viewed the Scriptures on end time issues, and what and why he personally believes in the literal understanding of biblical prophecy, a literal rapture of the church, a literal seven year tribulation period followed by a literal thousand year reign of Christ on earth and a literal Great White Throne Judgement of all those who reject Christ and His wonderful plan of salvation.
Let's keep our eyes skyward, knowing that at any moment, we will be caught up to meet those who have gone on before us through death in an earth shattering rapture of His people and His church! Even so, Come, Lord Jesus!
As world affairs continue to bring panic to many, it's hard not to believe we are living in the very last days before the rapture of the church, the seven year Great Tribulation period, and then the millennial reign of Christ on earth before the Great White Throne Judgement and the establishment of a new heaven and new earth.
Craig and LaDonna want to keep the end time issues before you, dear listener, so that you and your family and friends are prepared for these eternity altering events unfold. That's why the Smiths focus over the next few weeks is centered on a series they've titled, The Coming of the Lord. We encourage you to reach out to your friends, family, and neighbors to tune into this three part series. Our time is short, the Coming of the Lord is at hand, and we must not delay in getting our hearts right with Godbefore it is too late. While an encouraging series for sure, it must be understood to be sobering as well. So much is at stake for us, based on the decisions we make for Christ in these last days. Are. you ready for The Coming of the Lord?
In this the final of four episodes from Craig and LaDonna's visit with their dear friends, Randy and Evangeline Jackson, Randy continues to unpackage his convictions about the priorities of the believer as it pertains to old culture and traditions. Drawing from Paul's letter to the Philippians, in chapter 3 he shares that all the things that amounted to his own identity and significance before coming to Christ was wrapped up in his culture, traditions, tribal identity, and rabid devotion to the religion and spirituality of his own people. But now, he says, all that has changed. His new identity and significance is wrapped up in the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ...These are important truths that we have also presented in our recent Indigenous Faith training conference on August 10-13 where the Jacksons helped us in the conference by leading us in meaningful worship and special music. It was a wonderful conference and many who attended left with greater clarity on biblical truth pertaining to Christ, culture, and Indigenous worship. We are now beginning the process of editing and producing these video recorded sessions that will later become available and accessible on our tribalrescue.com website. Of course, we will continue to use this podcast platform to build precept upon precept of biblical truth as well. We thank you for joining us in these weekly visits in the Word of God, designed to build a biblically healthy Indigenous Faith!
Craig and LaDonna and Randy and Evangeline Jackson continue their fascinating visit in this, the third episode of their interview done to help promote the Indigenous Faithtraining conference recently held in northern Minnesota. In today's episode, Craig reminds us all that our pain and suffering has a Divine purpose and is used by God to help others who are facing similar challenges and struggles. As he said, God not only gives us credibility through our pain and suffering, He gives us 'crudibility' , because of the crud He gives us victory over when we face those kinds of things!Also, the couples begin to transition to discussions on the issues of culture, contextualization, and syncretism, which were the key themes of last week's conference. Randy does a marvelous job of taking us to the Word of God to show us, as believers in Christ, where our identity and significance must now be placed. Not in our past, pre-Christ culture and upbringing, but in Christ and Christ alone! Truly a heart match message that is shared by Craig and LaDonna, and is key to their teaching on this very podcast! We trust you'll enjoy the continuation of the visit with Randy and Evangeline Jackson on this week's edition of Indigenous Faith!
Craig and LaDonna Smith continue the second part of their visit with Randy and Evangeline Jackson who lead their Living Stone Band music ministry. Evangeline continues to unfold the riveting story of her recent battle with cancer and the powerful drugs that were meant to treat her disease but ended up wreaking havoc in her mind. It reminds us that even good people can become tormented by the very medications that are designed to help them face daunting illness and injury. But this story has a happy ending as the Lord sustained her through her battles and she survived a season that took her to the lowest valley of her life. And now, because of that pain and suffering, the songs they sing and the message they preach has a deeper impact on lives. As Craig mentions, many of the songs we sing and message we preached before our trauma were messages we had to sing and preach by faith, because life was good, we were healthy, we enjoyed a wonderful ministry and so on. But for both the Jacksons and the Smiths, God in His sovereignty allowed some pretty intense disasters to visit them, and yet, He proved Himself faithful through it all. It is from that prism of suffering that Randy and Evangeline will soon be leading the attendees of the Smiths Indigenous Faith training conference in musical worship and special music. These two couple's stories of surviving through and thriving from their schools of suffering can help others who go through their own deep pain and suffer to know there's hope in full surrender to the Lordship of Christ in their lives. Maybe that's you, dear friend? If so, we know God will take the stories of faith and perseverance to encourage you on in your own journey through those difficult days. Be encouraged, God has a plan for the disasters of life that come the way of the believer! So be uplifted by this edition of Indigenous Faith!
In this first episode of a three part series, Craig and LaDonna introduce their listening audience to some of their really good friends, Randy and Evangeline Jackson, from Las Vegas, NV. Randy and Evangeline lead a music group called Living Stone Band and will be leading worship at the upcoming Indigenous Faith training conference on August 10-13 on the campus of Oak Hills Christian College in Bemidji, MN. The relationship between the Smiths and Jacksons goes back almost forty years, and this visit shows the depth of their friendship and shared stories. Both have been involved in family based music ministries and both have gone through deep suffering and pain in their lives that now add such depth to their ministries in song and Word. For Craig and LaDonna, it was their near fatal auto accident in 2009. For Randy and Evangeline, it was her recent battle with not only cancer, but with medications that were intended to treat the disease but instead took her through some of the deepest trials of her life. It's a story that Evangeline begins to share in this episode and is further explained in Part 2 coming up next week. Craig and LaDonna are excited to introduce this wonderful couple to their podcast audience, and especially for those who will be attending the Indigenous Faith conference in just a few short days. As the Jacksons lead us in meaningful worship, we will know the backstory of the depth of their pain and suffering and how they trusted the Lord to see them through it all. It is from that position of pain and brokenness that the glory of the gospel shines through them both. What a wonderful depth of faith and trust they will bring as the minister among us! Thank you Lord for your work in their lives!
In this final episode in this special interview series with Dr. Vern Charette, Craig and Vern continue their vibrant discussion on the authority and sufficiency of Scripture and how those realities affect theology and doctrine. To arrive at what is the real truth Scripture speaks of involves an important process of interpretation called hermeneutics. While affirming that there are many ways to interpret biblical text, and from that, arrive at different conclusions and convictions, both Craig and Vern stand committed to the historically proven hermeneutic that helps the Bible student arrive at the original intent God was intending to convey to the reader and what He wanted them to take away from the passage. All this ties directly into the materials which they will be presenting at the upcoming International Indigenous Faith Training Conference scheduled for August 10-13 at Oak Hills Christian College in Bemidji, MN. Craig and LaDonna and Dr. Charette extend to you a special invitation to attend and learn some fascinating insights on how to live biblically healthy Indigenous Faith lives in the context of any Indigenous culture or community. Time is running short on the registration window, so please, if you are considering attending, sign up as soon as possible to reserve your spot! Until then, please sit back, listen, and enjoy the dialogue between these two men who are committed to the timeless truths of God's Holy Word. It continues to be fascinating dialogue that while going deep into some important theological woods, is presented in a way that everyone will enjoy the journey! May these podcast episodes whet your appetite for more, which will be in abundance at the conference to come! Thanks for spending time with us today! See you soon!
In this second episode in the special Dr. Vern Charette series, Craig and Vern continue their discussion on their spiritual journeys and where their studies of God's Word have taken them in establishing important theological positions that have shaped their lives and ministries. After a strong endorsement and encouragement from Vern on what he has read and heard through Craig and LaDonna's teaching on issues like Indigenous Faith, Vern continues to explain how good theology can only be arrived at from a high view of Scripture. You will be able to see and hear how their dialogue, while spontaneous and not rehearsed, flowed so easily because of being on the same page and of the same heart and convictions. It could almost be said each one was greatly encouraged and refreshed by the other, because so many colleagues and friends in ministry have shifted from positions coming from a desire to know the original intent of what biblical passages were meant to say to more current trends that, as Vern describes, ignores the sufficiency of Scripture to speak to the issues of the day. Want to experience the fastest 30 minutes of your day? Then join Craig and Vern as they continue their inspiring visit on this week's edition of Indigenous Faith! Welcome aboard!
In this special edition of Indigenous Faith, Craig and LaDonna Smith welcome Dr. Vern Charette, Ph.D to the program. In anticipation of their upcoming International Indigenous Faith Training Conference for Indigenous Christian Leaders and Those Who Work Among Them, Craig and Vern begin a wonderful dialogue of two hearts that are in sync, both tribally and theologically. Vern's tribal roots are the same as Craig's roots, on the Leech Lake Indian Reservation in northern Minnesota. While their educational and ministry routes have been different they both have arrived at theological convictions that are based on a high view of Scripture and a heart's desire to see Indigenous people live biblically healthy lives in the context of their cultures and communities. Dr. Charette will be joining Craig and LaDonna in presenting the teaching and preaching content at this strategic training event on the campus of Oak Hills Christian College in Bemidji, MN on August 10-13, 2022. To learn more and to register online for this exciting event, go to tribalrescue.com. Vern and the Smiths will also be joined on the platform musically by a wonderful Native couple, Randy and Evangeline Jackson, as they lead worship and offer up special music that has won the hearts of Native and non-Native people throughout North America. Be sure to listen to all three parts of this wonderful visit between to hearts that beat in sync with the Word of God as Craig and Dr. Vern Charette put the cookies on the bottom shelf for everyone to access and enjoy! Thanks for joining Craig and LaDonna once again on this edition of Indigenous Faith!
In today's episode, Craig and LaDonna Smith bring to a conclusion their four part series on the Doctrine of Holiness. If you've been with them throughout this series, I'm sure you've been amazed at what the Bible has to say about the holiness of God and God's call to His followers to be holy as well. Holiness is the embodiment of all that God is and does. But us? Holiness is not something that comes automatically or easy, in that it always, in this life, will have an enemy who pushes up against us in any attempts we make at living holy lives. But God, in His graciousness understands, and chooses to give us power to do so through His indwelling Spirit. Holiness is crucial to living a biblically healthy Indigenous Faith without compromise. As this series comes to an end, Craig helps us understand how the Redeeming of Culture philosophy of teaching that is being promoted today by some in evangelical Native ministry pushes up against biblical truth in a number of ways that only leads to confusion and compromise. The Smith's prayer is that their listeners will understand how important holiness is to understanding how to live lives pleasing to the Lord in this present evil age. And as was said at the very beginning, the holy living God is calling us to live out is all based upon His holiness, enabled by His empowering Spirit and based on His timeless Word! Remember, without holiness, no one can see the Lord!
As Craig and LaDonna Smith continue their important journey into the Doctrine of Holiness, they continue to unpack for us all that the holiness of God enables Him to do on our behalf. Without God's holiness, which sits at the grand center of the gospel, there would be no such things as the moral law of God, nor any divine anger with sin, a final defeat of Satan, and no hope of a new heaven and earth where holiness will rule and reign. All important truths for sure. Also, the holiness of God provides us great comfort but also brings great rebuke because of our own unholiness and 'undoneness.'As you can see, this isn't some small item, this Doctrine of Holiness. And it's important for us to understand every facet of this truth if we are to live out an Indigenous Faith that is pleasing to God. So let's once again come to the banquet table of the Lord as laid out in His Holy Word as the Smiths continue to present this timely teaching about God's holiness and His call to us to live holy lives as well.
In this second installment of the Smith's teaching series on the Doctrine of Holiness, Craig and LaDonna introduce us to some wonderful insights from contemporary and historical Christian leaders who have themselves experienced the reality of holiness in their own lives. These insights are presented not to replace biblical truth, but to support it in some very powerful ways. Just as we sit under the instruction of our local pastors and teachers, we can and must learn from the truths that have been experienced by godly leaders who are call by God's Word to teach others also. You'll be blessed to hear how holiness has impacted these leaders, and benefit from the unique ways they put into words what the Spirit of God is teaching them from the Word of God. All this to help us become grounded in our faith in Christ and learn how to live godly and holy lives in this troubled world. So Craig and LaDonna invite you to join them in this continued look into one of the most critical theological concepts that will help build a strong Indigenous Faith. The Doctrine of Holiness is once again the focus of their timely series.
Today, Craig and LaDonna Smith return to their series on The Who, What, and Why of Scripture. This series focuses on one of the most important doctrines in all of Scripture, the doctrine of Holiness. Because, as the Scriptures teaches, without holiness, you cannot see the Lord! As they introduce this important concept, the Smiths uncover two different yet interdependent aspects of holiness, and you can't have one without the other. Another key component you will learn about is the doctrine of Separation, which is such an integral part of the larger picture of holiness. You'll be reminded that separation does not mean living in a cave somewhere isolated from the world, because we are called to be salt and light to a lost and unsaved world. Many in our families, our friendships, and so many in our communities are still lost, without hope, and without God in this world, and Jesus is coming back soon! We don't have much time left to win people to Christ. So we must engage the culture, engage the community, and represent Christ well. But how will a lost world be drawn to a Savior we say can make such a difference in our lives if we are not living lives that demonstrate the transformational work that only Christ can provide? No, separation is not isolation from the world, but separation from the way the world acts and lives! We are to let our lights so shine that they may see our good works and glorify our Father who is in heaven! And this doctrine of Separation is critical to getting that right! Craig and LaDonna invite you to come to the table of the Lord today and feast with them in this and in upcoming episodes as they address this crucial and important doctrine that will help build a strong and lasting Indigenous Faith. So, once again, welcome aboard!
In the first two parts of this series, Craig opened wide his heart in a message he preached in early May titled Establishing a Biblically Healthy Indigenous Faith, at the Billy Graham sponsored First Peoples Christian Leaders Conference in Rapid City, SD. If you haven’t heard the first two parts of this message, we’d strongly encourage you to do so before listening to this third and final part. That way, the whole of the message will come through loud and clear. In the first two episodes, Craig discussed the redemptive role every Indigenous people group has been given by God to be His mouthpieces at strategic times in human history. History itself affirms the reality that God had done just that through many Indigenous people groups already. Could it be that soon, the same thing will happen here in North America as well? That’s been the prayer of Craig and LaDonna Smith in their over forty years they've been serving the Lord among their people. It’s crucially important to not just win Indigenous people to Christ, but to disciple them to spiritual maturity wherever and whenever our people respond by faith to Christ. And there are some unique challenges to doing so because not a lot of time and attention has been given to address the strong animism and spiritism of our old ways that still permeate our cultures today. In today’s wrap up, Craig shares the amazing story of a former Navajo medicine man, Pete Greyeyes and the salvation, healing, and deliverance he and his wife, Rena, found when they gave their lives to Christ. Pete's story illustrates the unique challenges the Smiths Indigenous Faith materials addresses to help Indigenous believers in Christ know how to address these powerful issues in their lives and cultures. In fact, much of the Indigenous Faith materials the Smiths have developed has come from both the Scriptures, and sitting at the feet of mentors like Pete Greyeyes and other first generation believers in Christ who came out of dark animism and who spoke with great authority and experience embedded in their past spiritistic lives and vocations. These are important days, and we must not delay in teaching and equipping Indigenous believers in knowing how to follow Christ without compromise in all these issues. It's a mantle that Craig and LaDonna Smith have committed to carry as long as the Lord gives them breath!
In today's episode, Craig presents part two of the foundational message he presented recently at the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association sponsored First Peoples Christian Leader’s Conference in Rapid City, SD. While Scripture affirms Indigenous people are to play a redemptive role in proclaiming the gospel to the specific locations God has placed them in, sometimes history wants to argue just the opposite. How can North American Indigenous people play any kind of redemptive role in these last days when it’s been our people who have been historically the resistant ones to the gospel message itself? It’s tough questions like these that Craig desires to respond to from the pages of God’s Word. In this second installment of his recorded message titled, Establishing a Biblically Healthy Indigenous Faith, Craig starts delving into how the Body of Christ needs to respond today to increase, and not decrease, its efforts in reaching and discipling Indigenous people here in North America with greater intentionality and efforts that are birthed and bathed in prayer and total dependance on the power of the Holy Spirit. Come to today's message with an open heart and mind to the principles found in God's Word, and in the application of those truths to today's North American Indigenous experience!
Coming off our special episode featuring Will Graham and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association sponsored First Peoples Christian Leader's Conference in Rapid City, SD., Craig and LaDonna take us into that conference in a three part series that presents Craig's message on discipling Native Americans he titled, Establishing a Biblically Healthy Indigenous Faith. In session one, Craig shares the Smiths personal story that has brought them through great trials and suffering in order to share this message at this unique event. Craig reminds the audience of Will's grandfather, Dr. Billy Graham's visionary statement made back in 1975 about Native America being a sleeping giant for Christ, and if and when that giant awakens, could be the leaders of sharing the gospel in North America and beyond should God grant a last days revival. Dr. Graham's statement, Craig shared, is rooted deeply in the Scriptures. Specifically in Acts 17:26-27. Along with that biblical foundation, Craig shares a personal story on his visit to the Otavala Indians of Ecuador some years back. This tribe, which had been historically resistant to the gospel, all of a sudden experienced what only can be described as a move of God's Spirit that led thousands of Otavala Indians to come to Christ and hundreds of C&MA churches established among them. When one sees firsthand such a miraculous move of God among another tribal people, it gives great hope to see the Lord do the same among North America's Indigenous people. But its not just about reaching tribal people for Christ, they must become committed followers of Christ and the only way to make that happen is good thorough discipleship equipping of each believer. This is where Craig begins to address the missing link in the discipleship materials available to the church today. None of which address the key issues of dealing with past animism among tribal people. And that's why Craig and LaDonna have developed their Indigenous Faith materials to help fill that gap. The next two sessions are crucial to understanding how a biblically healthy life is possible for former animists and spiritists who are sold out to Christ. Session One whets your whistle while episodes 2 & 3 brings the firehose! Stay tuned, dear friend, and don't miss a single episode of this important foundational teaching. You'll be glad you experienced all three episodes of Establishing a Biblically Healthy Indigenous Faith!
In this very special episode, Craig and LaDonna Smith welcome Dr. Will Graham, grandson of Dr. Billy Graham, to the podcast. Will has followed in his grandfather's footsteps and is an associate evangelist with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. Craig and LaDonna recently joined Will, and three other Native Christian speakers at a first ever BGEA sponsored First Nations Christian Leader's Conference in Rapid City, SD. They were honored to visit with Dr. Graham on both what this conference was all about, as well as the larger issue of Native American and First Nations ministry. Almost fifty years ago Dr. Billy Graham made a powerful statement about Native Americans being a sleeping giant, and if that giant began to awaken for Christ, they could become the ones to lead America to Christ and beyond. In Will's leadership role today, he embraces the mantle to do all he can to help set the stage for that move of God. You'll hear Will's heart for God and for Indigenous people as Craig and LaDonna ask probing questions and offer their insights as well. You won't want to miss this very special episode. In fact, share this podcast information with others in your social media and personal contact world. You'll be glad you did!
In today's episode, Craig and LaDonna wrap up their journey into what the Scriptures have to say about the doctrinally important teaching on Redemption. We've already seen that the Scriptures present this concept as the work of God in the life of the individual, and not in the culture! There is no biblical basis to ever promote the work of God as redeeming culture. As Craig notes in this episode, no culture will ever stand before God and give an account. Only individuals out of every sin stained culture will. Craig offers comment from a theologian who read and critiques materials offered in a book from one of the leaders of the Redeeming of Culture movement. His insights are clear and compelling, and ones that the Smiths stand in agreement with. You'll also learn about an important Indigenous Faith training conference the Smiths are hosting this summer for Indigenous Christian Leaders and those who serve among them. Perhaps it's an event you would want to attend. You can learn more about the conference at the Smith's website, tribalrescue.com. As we speak, the Smiths are digging into the Scriptures once more as they begin to present the next crucial theological concept that the Redeeming of Culture misinterprets in it slippery slide from good proper contextualization into the deep and troubling embracing of syncretism as the basis for their teaching. Friends, let's be committed to the timeless truths of God's Word instead, as the basis for our God honoring Indigenous Faith!
In this second installment of the Smiths series on the doctrine of Redemption, Craig and LaDonna present an abundance of Scripture that speaks directly to us on what that doctrinally powerful word really means. After rehearsing both Old and New Testament passages, the singular focus of that term comes clearly into view as Craig asks LaDonna a critically important question. He asks, do you see anything in any of these verses that point to the work of Redemption being towards any fallen human culture, or is is solely focused on the work of Redemption in the life of the individual? Of course, there's nothing biblically that supports the concept promoted by the Redeeming of Culture movement that its all about culture. They are free to make that case, but after careful review of God's Word, even they should be able to acknowledge that their doctrine and philosophy is based not on the timeless truths of God's word, but mere human philosophy. Yes, biblical passages are quoted as proof texts, but those verses real and original meanings have been changed because the filter used to interpret those passages is a cultural filter, and not the time tested historical-grammatical interpretation. The real problem with a cultural interpretation of Scripture is that it leads to relative, culturally specific interpretations. That leads to universal truth being jettisoned in favor of a truth that only works for each culture, as they define it. Relative truth is no truth at all, and it leads one very quickly down the slippery slope into Universalism, which means all roads lead to heaven. Contrast that with Christ's own words where He unequivocally states, I am the way, the truth and the life. No one can come to the Father but by me! I think you can see where this teaching is going, and where it is leading many Indigenous followers of Christ and those who serve among them to walk away from biblical truth and embracing teaching that is contrary to God's Holy Word! These are not minor issues, dear friend. We need to take them very seriously before choosing to follow roads that do not lead to the Lord, nor His eternal paradise. So let's stay committed to the timeless truths of God's Word as the one and only basis for our Indigenous Faith!
Craig and LaDonna Smith begin a new study on key theological concepts that will help Indigenous believers in Christ grow into solid followers of Christ who rightfully know how to defend the Scriptures. After just completing a series on the doctrine of Christology, Craig and LaDonna now turn their attention to the doctrine of Redemption. They begin to unpackaged the truths of this doctrine, which focuses on the finished work of Jesus Christ on Calvary's cross. His finished work when He died for the sins of the world accomplished God's plan of redemption, but it came at such a high cost to Him. It's our free gift, yes, but let us never forget what it cost the Savior of the world. We will begin to discover that this important concept is all about the work of God in the life of the individual, and not culture. People are redeemed by God, cultures are not, if we believe the Word of God as authoritative in our lives. You will be blessed by the abundance of what God's Word has to say as the Smiths launch this important view into this crucial doctrine of the faith. May the Lord give us all open ears and open hearts to hear what the Spirit of God is saying, through His timeless truths of Scripture, to help us in our journey into building an Indigenous Faith that is strong, and impacting our communities. So join Craig and LaDonna Smith as they present this week's episode, the first installment of Redemption, God's purpose in the cross of Christ.
In this, the final episode that focuses on the doctrine of Christology, the Smiths wrap up their biblical response to the syncretists and their array of misapplied theological concepts that shape their teaching. After reviewing again the important role of Christ as creator, which is a crucial part of the doctrine of Christology, Craig and LaDonna turn their attention to several other misapplied theological concepts that the Redeeming of Culture promoters embrace in their journey into false teaching. The issue of smudging, or the tribal practice of burning sacred medicinal plants, herbs, etc., and utilizing the smoke that arises become the mediatory device to carry their prayers to the spirit world, has been embraced by the promoters of this teaching as something we as Christians can do as well. How does that affect the doctrine of Christology? Scripture clearly teaches in I Timothy 2:5 that there is One mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus! Who needs to go through Christ, the syncretists seem to suggest, when we can carry our prayers to God through the more culturally acceptable practice of smudging? From there, the Smiths venture into the falsehood of the gospel's impact, according to 2 Corinthians 5:17, being not on the life of the individual, but on our old traditional cultural ways. The Scripture says, If any man is in Christ, he is a new creature. The old has gone, the new has come. Craig hits this misapplied Scripture hard as he reminds us all that the real root meaning of that verse is the change the gospel makes on the life of the individual, not on our cultural practices. Plenty of contrasting views to consider in all four episodes of this series on the doctrine of Christology. What will guide you, dear friend, in who you will listen to? The Smiths pray you choose the timeless truths of God's Word, rightfully applied and interpreted. That's the only way to build a solid, lasting, Indigenous Faith!
In this third episode of the Smith's overview of the doctrine of Christology, Craig and LaDonna continue to unpackage from the Scriptures what it says about the person, work, and ways of the most unique person who ever walked on planet Earth - Jesus Christ. The Smiths continue to share about how, in Christ, several of the Old Testament laws were fulfilled, or, completed in Him and are no longer relevant to today's follower of Christ. That includes the Jewish adherence to dietary regulations set out for them by God in the Old Testament, as well as the ceremonial laws prescribed by Jehovah God that are now fulfilled in the finished work of Christ on the cross. They remind us all that while those practices are now not necessary regulations to adhere to today, we still are called to obedience to the moral code of conduct as outlined in the Ten Commandments. Those moral laws provide the foundation for many of the laws enacted by governments worldwide. Eternal judgement, while based on all of us breaking God's laws, is much more about our rejecting the only One who can dismiss those charges against us by His substitutionary death on the cross. And that's our dilemma. Also in today's episode, Craig and LaDonna turn the corner from defining biblical truth to starting to unpackage where the Redeeming of Culture promoters are off-base in their philosophies that are contrary to authentic biblical truth. You now begin to see how false teaching develops, starting with misapplying what God's Word really has to say on important theological issues. This will help you as an Indigenous believer in Christ know how to have your radar up to detect not only what God's Word has to say, but how false teachers so easily are misled as they try to stand on misapplied interpretations of God's Word as the basis for what they promote to all those they seek to influence. Let's be on guard as we protect the precious treasure of the Word of God from those who would seek to define it anyway they wish, and push back against it every time it presents itself.
In this second episode of Craig and LaDonna Smith's current series titled The Who, What, and Why of Scripture, they continue to unpackaged the doctrine of Christology, or the the study of who Christ is, what He has done, His position and power, and His future plans that affect all of mankind. Gaining this important information is crucial to developing a healthy Indigenous Faith, because the main purpose of the Bible is to reveal all of Christ to all of mankind. Today, the Smiths delve into such important truths such as Christ's uniqueness as being fully God while being fully man. They remind us that Jesus, just like all of us, was tempted severely by the enemy of our soul, Satan, himself, yet He remained without sin. Jesus also pre-existed all of creation and along with God the Father and God the Holy Spirit, were the agents of all things created. Jesus also was the very reason for all of creation as outlined in the book of Colossians. LaDonna helps us understand the bridge between the Old Testament law and New Testament grace as she helps un-package three codes that God gave Israel. Those were a dietary code, a ceremonial code, and a moral code. Two of the three codes were completed in Christ, and as we now live for Him, we are not called upon to continue in them. But one of those codes continues to be in effect today, and not just for Israel, but for all nations. This is a fascinating study into the doctrine of Christology and one that will take several more weeks to uncover. So, stay tuned, and join us for today's informative edition of Indigenous Faith.
In today's episode, Craig and LaDonna begin a new series they've titled, The Who, What, and Why of Scripture. In today's episode, and in the ones that follow, the Smiths will be introducing key theological concepts that must be understood if we are to live biblically healthy Indigenous Faith lives in the context of our communities and cultures. The first issue they present is the doctrine of Christ, or, Christology. That means, here's what the Bible teaches about who Christ is, what He has done, and how He continues to impact the world through His sacrificial death some 2,000 years ago. You'll join the Smiths as they unpackage Christ's preeminent role in creation, and how He stands out in His uniqueness as fully God and fully man. They also share the exclusiveness of His message, as Scripture tells us there is only one mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus. As the series develops, you'll see the Smiths present biblical truth about these theological concepts and how the Redeeming of Culture movement has, in their teaching, misapplied the truths of the Word of God in every instance. This is where the searchlight of the Word of God begins to shine brightly on teaching that does not line up with the true meanings of what the Scriptures, and its sole Author, God, Himself, intended mankind to know, respond to, obey, and follow. A most important series that begins today with the first installment of the all-important study of who Christ is, what He does, and how He alone can change the eternal destiny of mankind! Craig and LaDonna encourage us all to come hungry to the feeding table of the Lord...
In this, the fourth and final episode of the current series Craig and LaDonna Smith have titled, Contending for the Faith, they continue to build precept upon precept put forward in the previous broadcasts on the necessity of pushing back against false teaching. This is not a new phenomenon but goes back all through out history. Truth has never escaped being changed into error because there has always been an enemy of our soul who wants to keep us from real truth. That's why this battle is so heavy, so strong, and so important.
Do you guys mix? Do you mix your Christianity with our traditional religions and practices? This was a question recently asked by friends of Craig and LaDonna back in their home community. In this edition of Indigenous Faith go on to explain why the cannot do so. In a world where there's the belief that all roads lead to heaven (Universalism), the gospel message stands out as unique, exclusive, and the only way, according to the Scriptures, that we can be saved. If all roads led to heaven, why would God have His only begotten Son come to earth, go through great pain and suffering, and die on a cruel cross from the most humiliating and painful way to die known to man, if all it meant was Jesus was just another way? That would be the worst case of child abuse ever known to man. Yes, Jesus is the way, is the truth, and is the life, and no one can come to God except through Him!
This message, the message of the gospel, is so worth contending for. As you listen to this final episode on the subject matter, you'll be convinced where Craig and LaDonna Smith stand! Listen with an open heart to what the Spirit of God is saying to you, dear friend! May God use these episodes to cement your faith solidly in Christ alone and nothing else!
In this, the third installment of teaching the Smiths are calling, Contending for the Faith, they continue to take us to the Scriptures to unfold what it has to say about Truth and error. The Scriptures are the embodiment of absolute, universal Truth, while false teaching comes nipping at its heels. How does an Indigenous believer in Christ sort out what is truth and what is error? It's done the way law enforcement is trained in detecting counterfeit currency from real dollars. Focus all our attention on the real thing! When that's done, the flaws of the counterfeits are easily identifiable.
The Smiths continue to remind us of the uniqueness of the Scriptures. There's never been anything like it written throughout all of human history! Though a compilation of sixty-six books, it's really only one book, with one central message - the gospel!
In today's session, the Smiths introduce to us Statements of Faith of different churches and mission organizations. Statements that clarify what it is these groups believe as important doctrines that establish The Christian faith and practice. Craig and LaDonna also identify for us all the difference between a high view and a low view of Scripture, and why a high view is the one to have. By the time you get to the end of today's program, you'll be surprised at the volume of verses God's Word includes that speaks about false teaching, false teachers, and their ultimate end. All these things being vital in the establishing of a good, solid, Indigenous Faith!
Charles Spurgeon famously once said, A Bible that is falling apart usually belongs to someone who isn't! How powerful and precious are the truths of Scripture. They minister grace and peace to troubled souls, and yet bring souls going down roads of false teaching trouble to those souls. One cannot be a true student of the Word of God, rightfully dividing the Word of Truth and not be grieved when false teaching is detected.
In today's episode, Craig and LaDonna transition from the Authority of Scripture to the Sufficiency of Scripture. With the help of some solid theological minds, they help clarify what that term, Sufficiency really means. These sessions go deep into the theological world of deeper thought, but Craig and LaDonna try to keep the concepts thorough, yet more simple, enabling any listener to these podcasts to understand clearly why these concepts are so important in the building of a biblically healthy Indigenous Faith.The Word of God is so worthy of time explaining and describing it. Craig and LaDonna Smith are honored to hold it High for all the Indigenous world to see!
Craig and LaDonna enter into a new series they are calling, Contending for the Faith, which is found in the third verse of Jude in the New Testament. The Smiths now turn their attention to the important role of Church leaders to not only teach and present sound doctrine, but at the same time stand against any kind of false teaching that can and does invade churches and God's people even up to today.
There has always been false teaching nipping at the heels of Truth, and the Smiths do a great job identifying what are the issues at stake today, in the cultures of the world, as it relates to the gospel. Many voices offer many different kinds of teaching and twist God's Word enough to make it sound like real biblical truth. That's why Craig and LaDonna take the time to walk listeners through the important process of how to understand what God's original intent and meaning was when He spoke through his human scribes the truths that eventually became part of the complete Bible we now hold in our hands.
In today's episode, they will remind us that the real issue is not proper contextualization of the gospel, nor its imitator, which is blatant syncretism, but the real issue is the authority of Scripture. A healthy Indigenous Faith is built on the solid foundation of God's Word, rightfully understood through strong and courageous pastors and missionaries who are not swayed by current trends, and the vain imaginations of men's hearts and minds. It's going to be a great journey into God's Word once again in this Contending for the Faith series! Stay tuned!
In what may sound familiar, Craig and LaDonna revisit part of last week's episode that is so formative and important to establishing a solid Indigenous Faith. Understanding the Bible from the Jewish and Gentile perspective is the only way to fully understand biblical truth. It's a new paradigm of thought that needs intentional developing on our part and Craig and LaDonna trust that hearing these concepts once more will help begin the process in your heart and soul. From the foundational truths built upon in the past dozen episodes, Craig finally expresses his heart in responding to the assertion of the syncretists that the Bible had been used to colonize their souls and that apart from believing and applying their philosophy of ministry, Indigenous believers in Christ will only end up being an Anglicized Christian in an American Culture. Those assertions are dismantled in this very important series the Smiths have rightfully titled, Setting the Table of Christ and Culture. So what are we going to use to establish our faith, dear friends? The philosophy of men, or the timeless truths of God's Holy Word? Craig and LaDonna Smith know where their faith is founded upon. And they are here to help open God's Word every week to listeners willing to hear the timeless truths of what the Apostle James says is the faith once and for all delivered unto God's holy people! Thank you for joining the Smiths in this important journey of faith as given through the authoritative Scriptures!
In today's episode, Craig and LaDonna Smith continue to help Indigenous believers in Christ have the right and proper context of the Scriptures by viewing it from the prism of a Jewish and Gentile world, and not the normal Native and White context that the normal Native life has been filtered through for so many generations. This thought process is further expanded on today by several important passages in Paul's letter to the church in Rome. In chapter 1 he identifies himself as an apostle to the Gentiles and in Romans 11, he identifies the church using the analogy of a cultivated olive tree, made up of branches that represent the Church of Christ among all cultures and people groups. The Jewish believers are identified as natural branches that have been broken off in unbelief, and the Gentile believers as those branches that were wild by natureyet grafted in right alongside the natural branches. There's no way a Native believer in Christ could understand these passages apart from understanding Scripture's context of Jew and Gentile. The Smiths encourage the listener to, with great intentionality, seek to embrace this contextualization of the Scriptures as their new normal . Doing so will help build the strongest Indigenous Faiththat rightfully divides (understands) the Word of Truth!
In today's episode, Craig and LaDonna Smith continue sharing the importance of getting biblical context right. All people from all cultures who come to Christ must understand that the Bible presents the world in basically two distinct categories...the Jews and the Gentiles. That's an important reality for people groups like North America's Indigenous people, who have tended to view all of life from a Native vs White perspective. But all non-Jewish cultures fall under the banner of Gentile, or, uncircoumcisioned, which is a strange identifier until you know that God used this physical surgical practice to identify His covenant people with. Having that proper understanding helps the Bible come alive in our minds and souls and helps us avoid the slippery slope into false interpretations of the Scriptures, something that is sorely lacking in today's world. The Smiths remind us all that the great apostle, Paul, was called to the Gentiles as the first missionary of the New Testament sending church. All those who follow in his footsteps sacrifice much to serve the Lord, and do so even when times get rough. That's something Craig and LaDonna Smith know much about even to this day as they serve the Lord through the prism of great pain and suffering. What they have to say is valuable information for any Indigenous person seeking to follow Jesus Christ in today's culture and chaos.
In today's episode, Craig and LaDonna Smith help listeners understand that it is not only important to "contextualize the gospel" to each unique culture, but to contextualize God's Word by each unique culture. Contextualization is putting the message in a context that the people group being reached can understand it by presenting it in a way that culture can understand it as clearly as possible. But each culture that has followers of Christ in it must also have the important understanding of the context of the Scriptures themselves. So what does that mean practically? It means we cannot filter God's Word and all its teaching through the normal filter we use for all other aspects of life. Such as seeing Indigenous cultures and its challenges in the filter of Native vs White. God's Word is presented to the world through a cultural filter of Jew vs Gentile, and if we are going to develop a healthy Indigenous Faith, we need to change how we view the Bible, not from the old Anglo vs Native filter, but a Jew vs Gentile filter. Craig doesn't miss the opportunity to remind listeners about how in His humanity, Christ is more closely aligned with Native North American cultures than He is the modern western culture. That should have significant impact on how we view and embrace the gospel message. This very important episode gives Craig and LaDonna the opportunity to begin addressing the last part of the quote that defines the unbiblical teaching of the Redeeming of Culture movement. Stay tuned, you won't be disappointed!
In this week's doctrine, Craig and LaDonna Smith introduce another biblical doctrine that helps us in the process of doing proper contextualization of the gospel. It's what is referred to as the Doctrine of Separation, or, the Doctrine of Holiness. After a brief historical review of how this doctrine has impacted many of the evangelical churches working among Indigenous people today, the Smiths seek to emphasize the incredible importance of this part of a healthy Indigenous Faith. Without holiness being considered, one can easily slip into syncretism because worldly values and practices can take precedence over biblical obedience. One of the leaders of the Redeeming the Culture movement stated, "I believe we can do anything right up to sinning to help reach Native people for Christ. A believer motivated by biblical holiness says, I need to live a holy life so that men and women can see the power of God working in my life in such a way I live to please the Lord, and not man. What a difference in these two ways of living. As Hebrews 12:14 tells us, Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.
In this episode, Craig and LaDonna Smith introduce an important piece of living a biblically healthy Indigenous Faith - and that is the issue of applying good, God honoring Contextualization of the gospel to the unique cultures we all find ourselves being raised in. Every culture needs to have the gospel contextualized so all the ways our people live can be biblically evaluated by the follower of Christ to see what parts of cultural forms and meanings can be kept (those that don't violate biblical standards or teaching), what forms and meanings need to be changed (because parts of these cultural forms involve unbiblical spiritual practices tied to our old animism), and what parts need to be abandoned (those that clearly violate God's Word). All important considerations if we are to have a biblically healthy Indigenous Faith.
In this week's episode, Craig and LaDonna Smith return to the controversial quote they are responding to as they present how to biblically process the Indigenous cultures we have come from into our faith in Christ. Today they begin to respond to the non-biblical teaching that seeks to redeem our cultures in all its forms, including those that incorporate the worship of, and through, the sacred objects of our people. The Smiths include an overview of all human cultures, which all have the same common ancestors dating back to the creation of man and woman and remind us about the historical depravity of all people groups, including yours and mine.
Can you believe it? Here we are already into 2022! All we can say is, Wow! How quickly it has come! Each new year always seems to bring with it an element of hope, but this new year seems to be quite different!
Many people are facing a whole lot of fear as we enter 2022. We seem to fear a resurgence of that nasty pandemic, and all the confusion it brings. Do I Mask Up? Or do I not? Should I get Vaccinated, or not? Along with these personal fears, the superpowers of the earth are rattling their swords, hinting at the potential of new wars to come. This has led one of our national political leaders to say recently, “2022 could become one of THE MOST DANGEROUS YEARS in decades.” What a way to start a new year, right?
Craig and LaDonna Smith continue to believe that in Christ, there’s always hope! That hope can only be found in the truths contained in the pages of God’s Holy Word! And that’s where we are going to go again today ... back to the Scriptures to find answers to how we are to live in these challenging days! In today’s broadcast, Craig presents a message he has titled Last Days Living. Craig takes us into both the Old and New Testaments to find some amazing and courageous people whom we can learn from. They were all followers of the God of the Bible even though they lived centuries apart from each other. They understood the times they were in and they also understood their faith, and how it applies to all the events and circumstances of their lives.
Learning from their decisions can help us navigate through what seems to be more and more crazy and unbelievable orders and mandates being made every day, especially by those in authority over us that seem to be stripping us of very important freedoms and liberties. Freedom to live for Christ and follow His teaching. Liberty to worship God, proclaim His gospel, and live our lives in such a way that shows we believe He could come back even today!
We pray this episode of Indigenous Faith will help us all start 2022 strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might! Remember, we’re in it together, until He comes! So, join Craig and LaDonna Smith as they present this timely message, Last Days Living!
In this, the final episode of a series titled, Sorting out the Supernatural, Craig and LaDonna Smith wrap up their journey into the supernatural world from a biblical perspective to help listeners understand what God's Word has to say on this incredibly important topic. Whether you come out of an animistic background, or from cultures like the Western culture, that denies the existence of the supernatural world, what is most important is to know God's thoughts on the matter. After all, it was He who created all things, including the angelic host that eventually rebelled and were cast out of heaven and now roam throughout the world, seeking rest and finding none! The Smiths provide helpful practical steps for those missionaries, pastors, and Indigenous Christian leaders faced with the need to minister God's delivering power to those bound by Satan's grip but have not engaged in deliverance ministry before. The Smiths wrap up the series as LaDonna introduces us to a former medicine man the Smiths know very well who came to Christ and was powerfully delivered from the spirit world he served in for many years of his adult life. It is one of the most remarkable deliverance stories found anywhere around the world in modern times! Pete's story is a great account to end this important series, reminding us that Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world! (I John 4:4).
In this episode, Craig and LaDonna Smith continue to dig into the doctrine of Demonology as they further unpackaged biblical truth about all things supernatural. Because of the strong ties many Indigenous cultures have with the unseen world, it's crucial for the follower of Jesus Christ to be fully aware and fully prepared to understand how to battle the supernatural while embracing the supernatural things of God at the same time. The Smiths delve into some of the important lessons they have learned in their over forty years of serving Christ on how to confront the demonic world. Many cross-cultural workers have not been well trained in deliverance ministry and the Smiths offer some practical basics to help equip God's people for works of this kind of service to the communities they serve. Craig ends the episode with a provocative question of his own, "Can the Christian be demon possessed?" The answer? Stay tuned!
In this third episode on the doctrine of Demonology, the Smiths help us understand what the Bible has to say about both unclean spirits (demons), and the holy and righteous angels that worship God continually and attend us as assigned for our protection, help, and benefit. The current dwelling place of Satan and his fallen angels (demons) are here on earth with us. We are not alone! Their future dwelling place has already been determined by God, and that is in eternal torment in a place the Bible calls the Lake of Fire. Though never created by God for mankind, this same destiny is awaiting all those who reject the free gift of salvation through the finished work of Jesus Christ on Calvary's cross. The current dwelling place for the holy angels of God is heaven, but they navigate back and forth from heaven to earth when on assignment by God for the benefit, protection, and care of God's redeemed people. Their final destiny is glorious, in that they will be joining God's redeemed people around the Throne of God in heaven as we together continually worship the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world! Can you imagine what heaven will be like when this amazing window into the future the Bible offers us becomes our reality!? Truly Amazing! This is an important episode not to be missed as the Smiths continue to unpackage the all important doctrine of Demonology. It's relevant to a vibrant Indigenous Faith because Indigenous cultures often include a deeply entrenched embrace of the supernatural. How we as Indigenous believers in Christ navigate through this life that is shared by the unseen world is crucial in developing a God honoring faith that is centered on the authoritative and informative Word of God! We give you part 3 of our Sorting out the Supernatural teaching on this episode of Indigenous Faith!
In this second episode of the series on the theology of Demonology, Craig and LaDonna Smith continue to take listeners to the Scriptures which provides all of mankind an understanding of God's views of Satan, his demonic forces, and how they have taken all cultures away from truth as revealed in the early part of human history when there was one people, one nation, and one language. Scripture tells us that in the last days, there will even be those who depart from true faith and instead follow doctrines of devils! It's easy to become deceived if we do not allow the Word of God to dwell in us richly. In this episode the Smiths talk about how evil spirits can and do become attached to sacred objects through animistic rituals and prayer, and what happens when the follower of Christ takes these items to themselves, bringing them into their homes and personal lives. These people then realize the strong power of these supernatural beings as they begin to manifest themselves in the lives, homes, and possessions of anyone who compromises biblical faith by embracing these items. Craig and LaDonna conclude this episode with one of the most powerful encounters they have had in their over four decades of marriage with these powerful forces, and what steps they took to become free from its attacks. It's a remarkable story that you won't want to miss. So welcome to this second installment of Sorting out the Supernatural as the Smiths seek to help build in you a rock solid and strong Indigenous Faith!
In today's episode, Craig and LaDonna Smith felt the need to move away, for the next few episodes, from their biblical response to the Redeeming of Culture'sstatement that defines what these teachers contend to be their new and improved methodology to reach Native American and First Nations people with the gospel. Because the Smiths included in their responses in the past few episodes a surface level discussion on the issue of spirituality and how it affects Native cultures, they felt now is the time to do an important but much deeper study into the doctrine of Demonology. In this way, listeners will be given a much more detailed look into the spirit world, who Satan is, what are angels and demons, and answer the question, are there both good and bad spirits? All along, providing a biblical perspective on the subject. Human cultures differ on their beliefs in the supernatural. Some embrace the unseen world as real and active, while others do not, passing off the unexplainable as merely superstitions and far fetched fables. But God's Word doesn't! Be sure to tune into all the upcoming broadcasts of Sorting out the Supernaturalas we all seek to build a strong Indigenous Faith!
In this, their last episode addressing the first part of the quote defining the Redeeming of Culture's philosophy, Craig and LaDonna Smith offer their biblically based response, based exclusively in the Scriptures and from human history as the gospel spread around the world, eventually reaching the shores of Native North America some 500 years ago. When North American Indigenous people come to Christ, do they have to abandon all their cultural and traditional ways, only to be replaced with Euro-American cultural practices, as what the Redeeming of Culture movement contends? In a revealing look at European cultures, the Smiths unpackage historic animism among many of these nations before coming to Christ. Indigenous people, like all cultures worldwide, need to evaluate their cultural and religious practices in light of God's Word, and not human philosophies. The Scriptures are authoritative to the believer in Christ, regardless of ethnicity and sin-stained cultures that mark and shape every human being before coming to Christ. Everyone from every culture, biblically speaking, is called by God to abandon any allegiance to the false gods and sacred objects of their ancestors, if they are to live biblically healthy lives. You don't replace your sin-stained culture with the sin-stained culture of another people group, but embrace a whole new way of living that is outlined in the pages of God's Holy Word! This important Setting the Table series is critical to understand all the rest of the Indigenous Faith teaching that the Smiths will be presenting in upcoming editions of this podcast, and can be found in Craig's insightful Indigenous Faith book, and his six-part DVD and Audio CD teaching series. All these helpful tools are available at their website's online store. You can find them at tribalrescue.com. Craig and LaDonna pray that these foundational truths will be understood and embraced by you, dear friend, as you seek to discover the principles of living out a God honoring Indigenous Faith.
In this third installment of Setting the Table of Christ and Culture, the Smiths delve into the third part of their four part response to the introductory sentences shared several years ago in a quote that has brought so much confusion to the Native evangelical church in North America. There's so much to say, from God's Word, in speaking to the claims of this quote, and Craig and LaDonna plan to stay on it by staying in it (God's Word), to clarify what God's Word has to say. In today's episode, Craig begins to address three key misstatements made in only the first few sentences. Is this statement just another opportunity for the Whiteman to tell the minority people how wrong they and their ways are and how they need to become more like them? Or, is there some deeper theological issues that once clarified, will shed light on false statements that are rooted in misconceptions about Christ and culture. In fact, as Craig shares, In God's eyes, it isn't a cultural issue, it a sacred object issuethat Scripture confronts. And that issue is true for every culture, be it Red, Yellow, Black or White. These next episodes are going to be foundational to present true Indigenous Faith, as outlined from the pages of God's Holy Word! Come prepared to have your assumptions challenged, as God's Word speaks to us all from its timeless pages...
In this, the second episode of the Smith's biblical response to a provocative quote that has brought much confusion to the evangelical Indigenous church, Craig and LaDonna go right back to the authority and words of Scripture to address the issue of the totality of mankind's depravity. Red, Yellow, Black and White are, as the old Sunday school song says, not only precious in God's sight, but also estranged from the very One who created them as God gave the whole world over to a depraved mind, caused by the universal curse of sin. Because of that reality, there really aren't any privileged cultures,at least in God's eyes, but equally in need of a Savior. When the Smiths share what Romans 1 describes as how communities and cultures are impacted by that depravity, we soon learn that passage could be speaking about any community in the world, be it urban, rural, tribal, or even high end wealthy. These building blocks of truth continue to help Indigenous believers build their house of faith upon a firm foundation. Keep pounding those nails, putting up those walls, ceilings, and appliances that result in a house built upon the Rock (Christ Jesus)!
In this episode, Craig and LaDonna Smith begin the process of addressing from God's Word the provocative quote that encompasses teaching that sounds right out of the playbook of the current culture's war on the Whiteman. The Smiths make it abundantly clear where they stand on these issues while asserting that all cultures operate from the same playbook of fallen humanity when it comes to racial and social injustices. But the issue is much deeper for North America's Indigenous people, because included in the debate is Christianity itself and its impact on North America's First People. Does the Bible teach the abandonment of all cultural ways of all human cultures? Craig Smith gives biblical clarity to this issue. Has historical Christianity been just another attempt at the dominate culture imposing its own tainted and sin-stained culture to replace historical Indigenous faith and practice? Once again, Craig brings more needed biblical clarity to this presumption. These and many more opinions, represented in the provocative quote the Smiths confront and address, that summarizes a doctrine often referred to as Redeeming of Culture, are going to be the focus of the next few episodes of Indigenous Faith. Have your Bible ready as the Smiths take you to the only source of Universal Truth, God's amazing and timeless instructions given to all mankind in the pages of Scripture. Craig and LaDonna are glad your along for the ride!
Wow! It's hard to believe this episode marks the beginning of the sixth month of the Indigenous Faith broadcasts! All of the twenty five episodes to this point have been designed by Craig and LaDonna Smith to include foundational teaching intended to help Indigenous followers of Christ begin their spiritual journeys in the Lord. Now, this episode marks the transition from foundational materials to the building blocks of a biblically healthy Indigenous Faith. But as Craig and LaDonna note, in order to move forward you have to have a good understanding of where you have come from. As God told Israel as they wandered in the wilderness for forty years, Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way... In this episode, the Smiths review the teaching materials already covered, and encourage their listeners to find time to listen to them before transitioning to the important teaching to come on Christ and culture. They trust this timely review will help set the stage for the all important material to come in upcoming episodes. Thanks for going with them in this journey into Indigenous Faith!
Living a biblically healthy life means we understand the importance of working hard to make a living. In the larger culture today many have little motivation to work because current governmental assistance means you can often times make more by staying home and doing nothing rather than working hard to provide for your family. While this may be the sentiment among our fellow Americans, Craig Smith says that should not be the case with followers of Jesus Christ. A biblical work ethic has been clearly laid out in the Scriptures, and we find the blessings and provisions of God as we follow His instructions. If a man doesn't work, he shouldn't eat, Scripture says, all while giving room for the exceptions when either physical or mental disabilities make that an impossible task. But even with that, those who benefit from our nation's disability laws are encouraged to volunteer their time to organizations that really need help. Pastor Smith also contends that one of the most fulfilling things a person can do is give their time to serve the Lord in their local church, knowing this, as the Scripture says, that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. Bring an open heart to this week's edition of Indigenous Faith and let the Word of God direct you in this important area of life as we learn what the Bible has to say about a proper biblical work ethic.
As Craig Smith concludes his message titled Even So, Come, Lord Jesus, he explains why he believes in the literal interpretation of the Scriptures regarding the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Pastor Smith concludes that Christ's coming is in several parts, starting with the rapture of the Church where the dead in Christ are resurrected and caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, accompanied by those of us who are alive and remain on that great day. This rapture (catching away) of the Church will usher in a seven year period on earth of what the Bible describes as Great Tribulation, culminating with the final and most deadly battles, the Battle of Armageddon. Then Jesus returns to earth with all His followers to set up a millennial reign (1,000 years), where Satan is bound and sin is nowhere to be found on earth. It will be a reign of power and glory as Jesus Christ rules the earth. At the end of the millennium, Satan will be loosed for a small season for one last attempt to deceive and destroy those living at the time. He will be once and for all defeated and cast into the Lake of Fire, followed by what the Bible describes in Revelation 20 as the final Great White Throne Judgement. Finally, there will be a new heaven and a new earth where we will live eternally with the One who died for our sins. Sound to crazy to be true? Please don't turn away from His free gift of salvation which ensures for each of us a place in His eternal home! Paradise awaits! Even so, Come, Lord Jesus!
As Craig and LaDonna Smith continue to complete a biblical foundation for a strong Indigenous Faith,they draw us into one of the most exciting parts of Christian faith - the soon return of Jesus Christ in what the Bible refers to as His Second Coming! 2,000 years ago the world saw the Creator of heaven and earth take on human flesh as He dwelt among the people He created. Some forty days after His death, burial, and resurrection form the dead, He ascended back to heaven, leaving us with the promise that He would come again! Since then the church has been anticipating Christ's second coming. So, when will that be? What are the signs that point to His return? What will He do when He returns? Pastor Smith unpackages for us what God's Word says while providing some historical perspective on how different parts of the Body of Christ have interpreted the abundance of end-time prophecy. As Craig notes, about one third of Scripture is prophetic in nature, so we know it's an important issue from God's perspective. Pastor Smith helps us sort out all the differing views and leaves us with a clear reason why he believes in the pre-millennial, pre-tribulation rapture of the Church position. Is the teaching of God's Word on end time issues to be taken literally, or figuratively as some believe? Pastor Smith helps us know what to believe, and why, in this timely two-part series titled, Even So, Come, Lord Jesus!
The Smiths continue to layout key foundational truths to help build a strong Indigenous Faith for followers of Jesus Christ in this final episode of their two-part series titled, Christ my Healer, Christ my Health. In today's episode, Craig continues to preach on what happens when we pray for Divine healing only to have the symptoms remain and the pain stay the same. Where is God when He chooses not to bring us the healing we so desire? Has He forgotten or abandoned us, or, not even listened at all? Taken from the authority of the Word of God and the deeper place the Lord has taken Pastor Smith in his own School of Suffering, Craig clearly explains that God will always answer our prayers for healing by offering us either Divine healing, or something even more powerful, Divine health! Either answer is a dynamic manifestation of God's heart for the sufferer and for those who suffer alongside. It brings to mind what Dr. A.B. Simpson so simply stated over a century ago regarding our need and God's response. He said, In the heart of man, a cry. In the heart of God, supply!
Craig and LaDonna Smith continue to lay foundational teaching for Indigenous followers of Jesus Christ in this two part series on the doctrine of Divine Healing. In this message preached at their home church in Cass Lake, Minnesota, Craig takes us further into this key doctrinal distinctive by introducing not only the concept of Divine Healing, but Divine Health as well. Going once again to the pages of Scripture, Craig sheds light on some biblical truth that often goes unnoticed. God continues to offer His children the miraculous touch of His divine hand on bodies that are broken and battered. But what about those who long for that Divine touch but do not receive it? Does that mean God isn't listening, or He's uninterested in our personal pain? By the time you finish listening to this two-part series, you'll have a greater understanding about the work of God in the life of the sufferer. Whether through a divine touch in our body or a divine presence that never leaves the sufferer alone, the Lord manifests Himself through divine healing and divine health. And Craig Smith should know all about this reality, after undergoing over forty surgical procedures and great physical malady for over a decade now. He speaks with the authority of experience and has something vitally important to say to the sufferer. Please listen with an open heart and be blessed by the truths of Christ my Healer, Christ my Health!
In this final episode on the infilling of the Holy Spirit, Craig and LaDonna explain the process of how being filled with the Spirit of God happens. They define it as being both a crisis and progressive work of the Holy Spirit on a daily basis as He fills and leads His own. Drawing from their own personal experiences that led them to the Spirit-filled life, Craig and LaDonna share practical steps of obedience that is needed on our part, and a more than willing heart of God on His part to give us this much needed power for daily living.
Clearly, this is one of the most important doctrines of biblical faith that if overlooked or missed, will result in trouble winning the battles that we are designed to overcome. We must remember, Jesus said in John 17 that, I sanctify myself that they too may be truly sanctified. When we look at the life of Christ, He shows us not only how to be filled with the Spirit of God, but what powerful results that infilling will have as we live long and productive lives for Christ. That's the only way to live out a strong and healthy Indigenous Faith in the context of our cultures, communities, and challenges. Let's never forget Paul's admonition to the Ephesians in chapter 5:18, Be filled with the Spirit!
The Baptism of the Holy Spirit is one of the more controversial doctrines in the Christian faith that has divided the church over centuries. More conservative parts of the Body of Christ affirm that to being baptized into the Body of Christ at your spiritual birth. Our Pentecostal friends believe it to be a second work of the Spirit, and evidenced by the gift of speaking in tongues. So, which viewpoint is right?
In this episode, Craig and LaDonna tackle this important doctrinal issue with their continued look into the life of Christ as He welcomed the powerful work of the Holy Spirit while walking along planet earth. 2,000 years ago the Creator of heaven and earth came down to live a sinless, spotless life and die on a cruel cross to pay the once for all sacrifice for the sins of the world. But how He demonstrated what it was to be filled with the Holy Spirit is biblical teaching that Craig and LaDonna believe both sides of the issue can find important common ground. Yes, Jesus was filled with the Holy Spirit in His humanity because He knew you and I needed to be filled with the Holy Spirit! So what was the evidence of Jesus' own infilling? You'll just have to listen to the remaining episodes Craig and LaDonna present on being filled with the Holy Spirit. After all, that's heaven's answer for power for a victorious Indigenous Faith!
In this second episode of the Smith's four part series on the Infilling of the Holy Spirit, Craig and LaDonna continue to lay the biblical foundation for finding power for daily living out our Indigenous Faith. Spiritual issues are known and understood by Indigenous people before ever coming to Christ. But the spirituality that the Smiths are presenting is based on the universal, absolute truth of the Scriptures. It admonishes followers of Christ to not be drunk with wine, which leads to debauchery, but be filled with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18).So, what are the steps to being filled with the Spirit? The Smiths look at Jesus Christ, Himself, for answers. Though He was God, for thirty-three and one-third years He lived on planet earth with the rest of us. He modeled the infilling through what the Bible describes as three key encounters Jesus had with the Holy Spirit. In today's episode, the Smiths explore the first encounter, which is the same encounter needed for the rest of us to live a Spirit-filled life. Stay with Craig and LaDonna in the weeks to come as they uncover for us this extremely important step we all need. Apart from it, it's impossible to live a victorious Christian life. It's something we can't live without!
As the Smiths continue to move Indigenous listeners through the fundamentals of Indigenous Faith, they turn their attention in this new four part series to the importance of being filled with the Holy Spirit. This truth, which has become of the more controversial doctrines of Christian faith, can be easily understood when you focus your attention on Christ, Himself. In this important series, Craig and LaDonna do just that as they unpack how Jesus taught and modeled what it is and what you can do when you are filled with the Holy Spirit. What was the evidence that Christ was Spirit-filled? A more important question is, if He was God, why did He even need to be filled with the Holy Spirit? In a clear opening of God's Word, the Smiths show how Jesus was born, filled, and resurrected from the dead by the Spirit of God. Remember, Jesus never calls us to do anything that He, Himself, hasn't already done, including living our lives in the power of God's Holy Spirit, and overcoming any trouble or trials that the enemy of our soul tries to use to bring us down. Open your heart and soul to the truths of God's Holy Word in this new and crucial series they are calling, The Infilling of the Holy Spirit.
In this second part of of this important teaching on Believer's Baptism, Craig Smith continues to give the biblical rationale for new followers of Christ to be baptized, regardless of whether it had been done previously as an infant, child, or even adult. Baptism is not salvation, faith in Christ alone is what is needed to be saved. But once saved, we are called to walk in biblical obedience to Christ, starting with being baptized. Christ is our example. He never calls us to do anything He, Himself hasn't already done! You can read about Christ's water baptism in Matthew 3:13-17.
If you'd like to take this first step in obedience to Christ, reach out to the local pastor, missionary, or leader of a Bible believing, Bible teaching church in your area. They may ask you to go through their own Bible study teaching on baptism as a requirement, but it will be well worth it. Remember, as Matthew 3:17 reminds us as Jesus was coming out of the waters of his baptism, And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” If it pleased God the Father to see His Son being baptized, don't you think it will also please the Father to see you and I follow Christ's example in first step obedience?!
In this, the first of a two-part series on the importance of baptism as the first step for new believers, Craig takes us to the New Testament book of Hebrews to explain what believer's baptism is about. Not only does he unpackaged this important passage, but explains an important process that helps believers understand what difficult passages are trying to say to us. It's so important to learn this process. As 2 Timothy 2:15 says, Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.Craig shares the importance of knowing what God's original intent was when He moved upon the human scribes to write what eventually became for us the authoritative Word of God that we now hold in our hands today. In today's study, he helps us understand that the Book of Hebrews was specifically directed to the Jewish people and clarifies what the writer meant by, moving away from the basic doctrines of the faith, including repentance and baptism, along with three other items. It doesn't sound right to move away from these things, which Pastor Smith affirms is incredibly true! So, what does this passage teach? In understanding what these Scriptures were actually saying to the Jewish believer when Hebrews was written helps us in our own personal walk in Him today as we sort out our own Indigenous Faith in the context of our Indigenous cultures.
Baptism is an important first step for us all! In this series, Craig clarifies the way New Testament Christians are to be baptized. Have you been baptized, dear friend? If not, then please consider these important first steps in following Jesus Christ. We pray this series will help you as you begin to walk in obedience to the One who has given you eternal life! Enjoy the teaching!
In this the final episode of the First Things First series, Craig and LaDonna Smith finish laying the groundwork for what it means to be truly saved through Jesus Christ and His sacrificial death on Calvary's cross. This is life's most important decision that not only gives us the hope of eternal life, but life worth living here on earth. It's the starting point for every person who responds to this good news message called the gospel. It's also the ending point for everyone's search for answers to life's most important questions about meaning and purpose.
Most importantly, Craig takes the listeners through a prayer of repentance that brings God's complete forgiveness and cleansing of all sin and welcomes us all into His eternal family, thus beginning a new lifelong relationship with Christ that brings peace, healing, and wholeness.
First Things First is a great title for this series that is one of the most important teachings the Smiths will present in their Indigenous Faithbroadcasts. Please, please, please, don't miss it!
The main thing is to make the main thing the main thing!That was a quote from Lee Iacocca, the head of Dodge Chrysler auto manufacturing company. Under his watch the minivan came into existence. His encouragement was to prioritize the main things to be successful.
The same holds true about prioritizing the main things to be saved and delivered from the bondages of sin that hold all mankind back. In this three part series, Craig and LaDonna Smith take listeners down the only road the Bible says leads to salvation, and that is the gospel of Jesus Christ. In order to live a biblically healthy Indigenous Faith, the main thing is to understand the starting point of that faith, and it is grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone. It's not Christ plus another religion. It's not Christ plus our traditions. It is not Christ plus anything else. Salvation is the entrusting of your eternity into the One who died on a brutal cross to pay the penalty for your and my sins and it leads to the most incredible life here on earth!
Don't miss any of these three parts in this vital series. It will pave the way for all the rest of the truths of living an Indigenous Faith that pleases God!
As the Smiths turn the corner from addressing the Canadian Residential School issue, they want to review the five points they offered in their recent Mourning the 215 Children series that will help bring understanding and healing from those so affected by these atrocities. In this new three part series, the Smiths introduce you to the only hope for all mankind, the gospel of Jesus Christ. In order to come to Christ, the One so misrepresented by His followers in these Residential Schools wants you to know who He really is, how He relates to us as Indigenous people, and how you can move past the hurt to experience the most powerful healing in your life through what He wants to do for you.
Don't reject Christ because of the atrocities perpetrated by His followers. Get to know the real Jesus, and how you can have the most incredible personal relationship with the One who made you.
Remember, this program is in three parts. Please don't miss a single one of them, as they all build precept on precept which will result in the clearest presentation of the gospel Craig and LaDonna can offer you. Consider what they have to say, and please, consider making your decision about Christ only after hearing all three parts of this series! Remember, there's hope for the hurt, healing for all the pain, and a loving Savior who will walk with you the rest of your life, and then on into eternity! Oh, what a Savior!
In this, the final, Part 4 episode of their series titled Mourning the 215 Children, hosts Craig and LaDonna Smith seek to provide practical and biblical answers to the many questions that arise from the gruesome discovery of the bodies of 215 Indigenous children found in a mass grave on the campus of a government funded, church run Residential School in Kamloops, British Columbia. The Smiths don't want their listeners to miss that the Christ of Christianity also suffered horrific trauma, torture, and beatings on the way to the cross on which He was brutally crucified, all while those who purported to represent Him in these institutions did such unimaginable abuse and brutality that led to the deaths of these precious children. In answering what seems to be unanswerable questions, the Smiths remind us all of the horrific sin nature in all of humanity, and seek to encourage listeners to give room in their troubled hearts for the grace, mercy, healing, and capacity to forgive that the power of the indwelling Christ offers to those who love Him enough to trust him with their lives. The Smiths conclude the series by drawing from their own stories of personal and historical trauma they endured, and how the power of the gospel has given them hope, healing, and the power to forgive. They pray their listeners will never be the same as they present the only Hope for mankind through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, Himself! May the Spirit of God bring comfort to the hearts and souls of especially those still living who were the survivors of such atrocities, and the families of all those who lost their lives through the violent and deadly acts committed by the hands of those who knew better, yet chose to sin gravely and caused such great pain to generations that followed.
In this, the third of four episodes on the horrific discovery of the bodies of 215 children buried in a mass grave in a Residential School in Kamloops, British Columbia, Craig and LaDonna Smith continue to provide biblical and historical context in response to this unimaginable tragedy. They continue to unpackage how the church that claims it represents Christ could deviate off course to such a degree that some of its own clergy could be guilty of unthinkable abuse that led to over 50,000 Indigenous children dying in these Residential Schools across Canada in these school's 125 plus year history. These institutions were administered by several church groups, including primarily the Roman Catholic and Anglican Church (Church of England). But also in this episode the Smith's turn the corner and begin to offer perspective on how God sees such action, perpetrated in His Holy Name, and how He plans to deal with those, yes even those who claimed to represent Him in a clergy role, who committed such crimes against humanity. They also offer some perspective on how we as Indigenous people need to approach this subject in a way that provides wholistic healing of heart and soul. Don't forget there is one more episode coming in this series, and it's one you don't want to miss! The Smiths are praying for you, as one of their listeners, that the God of all comfort will comfort you with His own broken and understanding heart, in a way only He can do. Craig and LaDonna have experienced that heart, and they know you can, too!
In what has become Craig and LaDonna Smith's most painful yet important podcast to date, they continue their response to the recent and gruesome discovery of 215 Indigenous children on the grounds of a government funded, church run Residential School in Kamloops, British Columbia. Craig and LaDonna are seeking to provide answers to some important and justifiable questions grieving Indigenous people throughout Native North America are raising. They are going to the only source of real, universal truth, the timeless Word of God, to remind listeners that God is not silent on evil, even when committed by those who claim they have represented Him while committing and covering up their evil deeds. No man or woman, regardless of religious affiliation, will go unpunished by the Judge of all the earth in matters of such abuse. While we cannot go back and change what happened, we all must move forward and, for those of us who are Christ followers, help in the healing of those who survived such fatal abuse and neglect, and minister God's healing to the families of those who ended up dying in North America's unacknowledged genocide. The Smiths thoughts are presented in this four part series. They ask their listeners to be patient as, just like all their other podcasts, each weekly episode is launched at 9:00 a.m. CST every Saturday morning,. They encourage you to listen to all four episodes, because you will see how faithful in healing God can be to anyone suffering deep trauma. You'll see how God's own story, including His only Son's time on earth, is also a story of great trauma and abuse which also led to Christ's own death on a cruel cross. You'll also see how the Smiths, who both suffered from their own personal historical trauma, have found hope and healing through the very One these perpetrators claimed to represent. Please have an open heart and soul as you journey with Craig and LaDonna as they mourn the 215 children at the center of this tragedy in this part 2 of their 4 part series.
At the end of May 2021, the bodies of 215 Indigenous children, some as young as 3 years old, were discovered in a mass grave at a government funded, church run Residential School in Kamloops, British Columbia. Buried for decades, this horrific finding has opened many deep wounds of Canada's First Nations and Native American peoples. The tragedy is only deepened by the fact that in the 125 plus year history of these institutions, it's estimated that over 50,000 Indigenous children died from indescribable abuses, both physical and sexual in nature, tortures, and beatings. How can the church have done such injustices? In what has been described as North America's unacknowledged genocide, many questions are left unanswered. In what can only be described as the most painful and difficult episodes of the newly launched Indigenous Faith podcast, Craig and LaDonna Smith seek to provide insight and answers that they pray will bring comfort to wounded hearts and biblical truth that affirms no perpetrator of such injustices will go unpunished. As the Scriptures remind us in Genesis 18:25, Will not the Judge of all the earth do right? Please don't miss any of the upcoming four podcasts in this timely series of the Smith's teaching.
In the conclusion of this two part message, Craig Smith opens up God's Word to help bring truth to troubled souls seeking to find relief from the fears that grip us all. For the Christian, life can be tough and getting tougher each day as faith is being challenged in the world around us. What happens when even government entities try and restrict the exercise of our faith, which is happening more and more these days. A strong Indigenous Faith is grounded in God's Word, and no matter what it costs, we must stay committed to Christ. He suffered for us. Are we willing, if necessary, to suffer for Him? The mystery that has now been revealed to all His saints as the Bible says, is powerful enough to wrestle down any fear that comes against us! Stay strong, believer in Christ! Live for Him like your eternal life depends on it! He is so worth our faithful love and allegiance, regardless of what may come!
In this first part of a two part message, Craig Smith dives into the challenging issue of fear. We've all faced it at one time or another. Whether it be violence in our streets or homes, a global pandemic that wants to take your life, or any other thing that brings fear into our lives, Craig reminds us that there's hope in Christ and His powerful Word to take us safely through the danger zones we face. Indigenous people face other kinds of fears. The fear of the unknown, when the spirit world manifests itself in powerful and unexplainable ways. Regardless of fear's source, all fears have to bow in submission to something and Someone who is greater than our worst fear. Knowing that helps build strong Indigenous Faith that lasts!
In this concluding of a three part message, Craig and LaDonna Smith tell their own personal and family story through the context of what they affectionately call, Their little Home Church. All of our spiritual journeys, as Indigenous believers in Jesus Christ, must be connected to a local home church where we can systematically hear God's Word preached and taught, and where we can assemble with other believers to worship Him together. It's also an important place where our spiritual gifts can be used to help build up this local body of believers, and to reach our communities and yes, the whole world as well. As you listen to today's podcast, you'll be amazed at how imprisonment, martyrdom, and miracles are deeply tied to Craig and LaDonna's Little Home Church. Understanding how God continues to use this little "insignificant" congregation after such an amazing history reminds us all how God can continue to use a couple like Craig and LaDonna Smith, even after all the pain and suffering they have experienced. As Craig says, How can we not be faithful in our generation when those from our little home church who have preceded us in their generations were willing to be faithful, even unto death, in theirs!
In this second of a three part message, Craig and LaDonna Smith tell their own personal and family story through the context of what they affectionately call, Their little Home Church. All of our spiritual journeys, as Indigenous believers in Jesus Christ, must be connected to a local home church where we can systematically hear God's Word preached and taught, and where we can assemble with other believers to worship Him together. It's also an important place where our spiritual gifts can be used to help build up this local body of believers, and to reach our communities and yes, the whole world as well. Over the next weeks you'll be amazed at how God has used this little Native church planted in an obscure community that some would say not much can come from it. This is an amazing story that you'll not want to miss!
In this, the first of a three part message, Craig and LaDonna Smith tell their own personal and family story through the context of what they affectionately call, Our little Home Church. Our spiritual journeys, as Indigenous believers in Jesus Christ, must be connected to a local home church where we can systematically hear God's Word preached and taught, and where we can assemble with other believers to worship Him together. It's also an important place where our spiritual gifts can be used to help build up this local body of believers, and to reach our communities and yes, the whole world as well. Over the next weeks you'll be amazed at how God has used this little Native church planted in an obscure community that some would say not much can come from it. This is an amazing story that you'll not want to miss!
Asaph was one of the human writers God used to give us His Holy Word. Asaph wrote some of the Old Testament Psalms. He left an incredible legacy which lasted hundreds of years and in many generations that followed him of faithful worshippers and worship leaders for God. But as Craig's devotional message points out, Asaph was just like us. He was a man who struggled with disappointments and discouragements in his life. But Asaph learned the secret of overcoming adversity as a follower of God's way and it's a great lesson we as Indigenous people can learn as well. One of the important aspects of living a biblically healthy life in the context of Indigenous cultures is to consider future generations in the actions we take today. May we be found as faithful as Asaph was to ensure that, Those who are not even born yet may praise the Lord (Psalms 102:18),
Hosts, Craig and LaDonna Smith, explain what their new podcast, "Indigenous Faith" is all about. They also share about their recent battle with the Coronavirus and how it affected the launch of this new ministry service.