Ask for the Ancient Paths

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 old men will dream dreams. Even on ...

"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 cheer...

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? 

Timoth...

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. Therefore, i...

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 purpose." ...

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 Nebuchadnezza...

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 ra...

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 a Bishop?
• What marks an Apostl...

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...