I believe that the churches came down in time...
1. Ephesus - Apostolic
2. Smyrna - Martyr
3. Pergamos - Orthodox
4. Thyatira - Catholic
5. Sardis - Protestant
6. Philadelphia - Wesleyan
7. Laodicean - Word of Faith / Charismatic
So there is a glory in each church. Most people cleave to the church they feel the closest as 'right' or to the 'truth.' But I think they all have their glory and their faults as well. The spirit of Jezebel is to dominate and to control. I thankfully feel that this spirit has left the medieval church for different ground, Islam for example. I also do not believe that we can win folk to our particular denomination until they can sense the reason other than the words we try to speak. My favorite church on this trip hands down has been the Catholic Church. It is the only church that leaves its doors open all day. The islanders will come by and bow at the door and do their little Catholic hand gesture. It is annoying to me that the non-Catholic churches have their churches locked during the day time.
Strong meat belongeth to them that are full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. - Hebrews 5:14
Which things we speak, not in the words in which man's wisdom teaches, but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. - 1 Cor 2:13
As in the churches, I try to sense the spiritual things spiritual things in my surroundings while going on such a trip. It is a neat thing to have the ladies speak to me with a deep spiritual sense as well as the gestures. When they say thank you, or Mauruuru, it is long and drawn out, with a smile, and there is a joy as they speak. There is little to mark the change of the year here. It is as though the people dwell in the same (good) spiritual state year round. I would imagine that some of them do not know how old they are. There is a youthfulness in all, both young and old, That delights my soul.
It also seems that people have little concept of things like money. The people I purchased from give me confused looks while changing currency. I could easily get $50 in change for $20 if I were that dis-honest. Sometimes I will buy something like a post card and receive a blank look on why I delight in such a thing. They love their pearls and advertise them with great delight.
The people take great delight in their customs. They love to dance, make merry, and show a great deal of love and joy throughout their day. It seems that they take great delight in all, both young and old. So I count them very rich.
It has been a great trip and I give it two thumbs up!
