26.30 Establishing a Biblically Healthy Indigenous Faith (Part 1)

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!