Ask for the Ancient Paths

The writer of Hebrews seems to have had much experience with ships and sailing, employing several nautical terms to convey spiritual truths. Today, Mike looks at those terms, their meaning and application our participation in the Kingdom of God. "We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away." "Christ was faithful as a Son over His house–whose h...

Being or Doing? Today, Mike again looks at the principle of Abiding as he brings sailboats into the conversation. Followers of Jesus do things, but only as a result of abiding. If we abide in Him, then we will bear fruit. If we don't abide, then in God's eyes we cannot do anything. -------- Fair is the sunshine, fairer still the moonlight, and all the twinkling starry host: Jesus shines brighter,...

Do you have doubts? Many do. In this episode Mike looks at what the brother of Jesus says about doubting.  Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. -- James chapter 1

How does the Lord use His people to comfort those who are going through very difficult times? Today, Mike talks about one example of God's comfort being given and received.  God wants to use you as an agent of His comfort and grace. Listen, then speak. 

What is success in God's eyes? Do you want a fruitful life? What does it mean to abide in the Lord and for Him to abide in us? In today's episode, Mike responds to listener mail and talks through the scripture on abiding -- what the Lord says and the results of abiding in Him.  “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branc...

In today's episode, Mike talks about guiding principles and personal mission statements -- their value and how they help us discern the will of God.  One definition: Guiding Principles are broad, strategic guidelines that help people make decisions and operate in alignment with their core values and mission. They serve as a framework for behavior and decision-making."    "Be completely humble and...

Moses, Elijah and Jesus met on a mountain and spoke about the departure of Jesus. In this episode, Mike takes a look at this departure and what it means for us -- for those who follow the Lord.  See also: Two Kingdoms, Episodes 12-15; https://www.ancientpaths.faith/?s=two

Do you believe in the gifts of the Spirit? Have you heard conflicting teaching on this topic? Do you want to know more about how God uses these gifts?  Today, Mike shares examples of how the Lord has been at work, expressing His gifts among His people.  ‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your...

"We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it c...

Recently, a friend wrote: Quite a few things went wrong today - I had to die over and over - I'm glad we discussed all the things that we did yesterday. The Lord knew what was coming. All is well. I heard someone say that it is always good to be humbled. What is to be our response when things go wrong, when we must die to self over and over? What is the pathway of the Lord when we're humbled?  Tim...

A question occurs several times in the New Testament. It's stated in various ways but aims for the same answer. What must we do to be saved? What must we do to enter the Kingdom? What must we do to do the work that God requires? What shall we do?  "Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life. Therefor...

People say No to God. Even followers of Jesus say No to God. We’ll talk about that today. What is the Lord's view of people saying Yes or No to Him? "Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed–not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence–continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpos...

What is in your spiritual crock pot? In this episode, Mike talks about Love, Sonship, and voting for dictators.  This is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says: “Tell this to your masters: With my great power and outstretched arm I made the earth and its people and the animals that are on it, and I give it to anyone I please. Now I will hand all your countries over to my servant Nebuchadn...

In this episode, Mike again teaches in the manner of charaz, the stringing together of pearls. Mike talks about the cost of discipleship, addresses some listener feedback, and he reads commandments for roommates!

In today's episode, Mike turns on the microphone and shares what the Lord puts on his heart, including this from Isaiah 41: I said, ‘You are my servant’;  I have chosen you and have not rejected you.  So do not fear, for I am with you;  do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you;  I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.  All who rage against you  will surely...

Elder, Overseer, Shepherd, Pastor, Bishop, Apostle Various Christian traditions have different meanings for these terms. It can be confusing, and the meanings of these words have been obscured over the years.  What does the Bible say? How are we to understand the Lord’s will regarding church leadership? What are the various roles of church leaders? Why in the world do we use these terms?! What is...

Often, we don't have clarity about next steps. What is the Lord's will for us? In the Kingdom, something is more important than clarity about such questions. Today, Mike addresses that issue.  And, Mike talks about the difference between bribery and extortion!  

Today, Mike talks about hedonism, the world's wisdom, and how to walk along the path of life. What must die? Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.”

What do bits, rudders and sparks have in common? Want to be perfect? Do you want true religion? Do you want to avoid self-deception? James, the brother of Jesus, has the answers. We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check. 

In today's episode, Mike looks at what Peter, Paul, James, the writer of Hebrews and the Lord Himself say about suffering. He also uses the phrase, "you go girl!" You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others. Endure hardship with us like a g...

Continuing the last episode, Mike looks at the place of perseverance and rest as we walk through times of suffering.  So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. For in just a very little while,     “He who is coming will come and will not delay.     But my righteous one w...

Why does God allow suffering? How are we to live through the hardships we experience? In this episode, Mike looks at what the Bible says about the place of suffering and God's purposes.  "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. L...

How can a Christian live a life worthy of God's calling? What is God's call? Mike addresses those questions, and he tells a story of how the Lord manifests His Spirit through Words of Knowledge.  "You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a...

Let's look at what the New Testament says about Tithing. Does Jesus command His disciples to tithe? Do the apostles tell us to obey the law of tithing?  The topic of tithing can be divisive in the church; it is important to look at what the Lord says, and to make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. “But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and every...

The subject of Tithing can be confusing and divisive.  What does the Lord expect of us, His people, regarding tithes?  The answer may be more nuanced than you think. In today's episode, we look at tithing in the Old Testament.    “Every tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the trees, is the Lord's; it is holy to the Lord. . . . And every tithe of herds and flocks,...