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!