Ask for the Ancient Paths

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 good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs–he wants to please his commanding officer. -- 2 Timothy 2 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler. However, if you suffer as a Christian, do not be ashamed, but praise God that you bear that name. For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? -- 1 Peter 4 Mentioned in this episode: Suffering is Not for Nothing.  

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 shrinks back,     I will not be pleased with him.” But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved. -- Hebrews 10:35-39

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 author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." -- Hebrews 12:1-3 -- Credit to David Pawson and Elisabeth Elliot

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 of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy." -- 1 Peter chapter 2 "I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." -- Ephesians chapter 4  

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 love of God. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others." -- Luke 11  Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. -- 2 Corinthians 9

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 under the herdsman's staff, shall be holy to the Lord."  - Leviticus 27:30-32 

With no preparation, Mike turns on the microphone and shares what the Lord puts on his heart. Please remember to weigh carefully what is said, and in all things bring glory to the Father. 

Today we take a look at the life of Barnabas, a man often overlooked today but very often in the heart of the Lord's work in the book of Acts.  "He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith."  - Acts chapter 11

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 holiness of my great name, which has been profaned among the nations, the name you have profaned among them. Then the nations will know that I am the LORD, declares the Sovereign LORD, when I show myself holy through you before their eyes.vereign LORD, when I show myself holy through you before their eyes. -- Ezekiel chapter 36

In today's episode, Mike talks with his wife Olga about their recent border crossing between Estonia and Russia -- the experience itself and the Kingdom lessons learned.

What about times when we feel that God is silent? How can followers of Jesus go through such times well? What is the path of faith when the Lord seems far off? “Look at the nations and watch– and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told." -- Habakkuk chapter 1

After a failed attempt to record an episode on the life of Barnabas, Mike speaks from the heart, as the Spirit leads. "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." -- John chapter 8

In today's episode, we hear again one of Mike's favorite stories and the lessons he learned from Ted.

What are God's promises regarding suffering? What does He say about pain? Does He ever harm us? Does He ever hurt us? What is His character?  These are very important questions, and the answers will define our walk with the Lord.

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 inherit a blessing. For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

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 am!”  Is He Liar, Lunatic, or Lord?

Today we take a break. Please accept this musical gift (which ends with a Thai/Finnish story.) Tunes in this episode: Be Still My Soul Skye Boat Song In the Bleak Midwinter Fanny Po'er My Jesus I Love Thee Jock O'Hazeldean O'Carolan's Welcome Amazing Grace/Be Thou My Vision https://music.apple.com/us/album/sanctuary/1517475316

Today's episode ranges from Paul's letter to the Corinthians to a discussion about marketing and the ancient Merovingian kings of Frankia. Enjoy! "Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues ? Do all interpret?" "Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life."

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 ignored." "Therefore, my brothers, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way."   Why Must Women Keep Silent in Church? Explaining 1 Corinthians 14:34-35