Ask for the Ancient Paths

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 good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one...

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 will live by faith.     And if he sh...

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. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the au...

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 people, but now you are the people...

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 herb, and neglect justice and the l...

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, every tenth animal of all that pass...

Why does the Lord do His good work in us? The answer may be surprising, especially for a sentimental and hedonistic generation. 

“Therefore say to the house of Israel, ‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: It is not for your sake, O house of Israel, that I am going to do these things, but for the sake of my holy name, which you have profaned among the nations where you have gone. I will show the holi...

How do we engage in hard conversations according to God's will? What are guidelines for talking with people who disagree with us? Peter has something to say about that.

. . . all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may in...

In this second episode in the series, we look at more claims that Jesus makes, exclusive claims that do not allow us to think if Him as merely a good teacher or a moral person.

"I tell you the truth, whoever accepts anyone I send accepts me; and whoever accepts me accepts the one who sent me.”

“I tell you the truth, before Abraham was born, I...

In this final episode on this Spiritual Hamburger, we look at the Biblical teaching on orderly worship, what pleases God. Just as in the first century, churches today may fall into disorder and a lack of unity. May it not be so.

"If anybody thinks he is a prophet or spiritually gifted, let him acknowledge that what I am writing to you is the Lord’s command. If he ignores this, he himself will be ignor...