From The Pastor's Pen... 12/19//11 - Jesus' First And Second Advent

“But thou Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from old, from everlasting” (Micah 5:2 AKJ).

In this, the final week of the Advent season, we of the church need to proclaim, as did the prophets of old, the soon coming appearance of the King of Kings. Throughout the Old Covenant writings, as exemplified in the above verse from Micah the 5^th Chapter, God the Father chose to periodically reveal to national Israel the promise of a Messiah Redeemer, who would bring light, hope and ultimate victory to the dark struggles they faced in the world around them. And that promise was fulfilled, in part, in the birth and earthly ministry of Jesus, the Anointed Son of God.

Likewise, in our day and time, as our world seemingly degenerates into chaos and pervading gloom, we can take heart in the prophesied future advent, and return of Messiah Jesus, and the magnificent light, which He will bring with Him. For His second coming is equally as sure a truth, amidst the prophetic promises of both the Old and New Covenants, as was His first. Yet, for the true Church, there is an added dimension to that greatly anticipated event. The scripturally promised, victorious deliverance of His Bride, the believing remnant, from the judgment to be visited upon the nations of the earth, who oppose His divinity and crown rights to rule over all His creation in heaven and earth

So, as we of the Church joyfully celebrate the message of His birth and life, let’s not forget the ultimate purpose of that divine Light which He brought into the earth, as well as its future significance to all who believe on His name. He is coming soon to seize all that is rightfully His, which includes all the Kingdoms and peoples of the earth! Are you ready?

 In the 7^th verse of the 9^th chapter of his book, the Old Testament prophet Isaiah, in a rhema word from God, proclaimed the future scope of Messiahs inheritance, as follows;

“Of the increase of His government there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon His Kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth for ever…”

From The Pastor's Pen... 12/12//11 - For Unto Us A Child Is Born

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government, there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon His Kingdom to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice, from hence forth even forever. The zeal of the Lord of Hosts shall perform it” (Isaiah 9:6-7 AKJ).

At the very moment of the birth of the prophesied Son, the Child whom Isaiah alluded to in the above discourse from the 9^th Chapter; the dark powers of heaven and earth were both shaken, and revealed, in the blinding light of His divine presence. God Himself, incarnate in the person of the Son, had entered the arena of the age-old spiritual battlefield, and the worlds of the natural, and supernatural, would never again be the same. 

The Apostle John tells us in the 1^st Chapter of his gospel that the life embodied in the person of Jesus the Living Word, was indeed the Light of the souls of all mankind (vs. 4). He, John, then testified further of the Light, and His ability to pierce the prevailing darkness in the world, at large. For John was sent to bear witness to the Light.

The birth, and subsequent ministry of Christ Jesus, the Anointed Son, was an event of cataclysmic significance. In this Christmas season, the body of Christ must declare, and magnify this Good News to the world, amidst the hustle, bustle and glitter of commercialism, which seeks to overshadow the powerful truths of the scriptures.

We at Old Paths wish all a safe and happy holiday season!

From The Pastor's Pen... 12/05/11 - Jesus! The Light Of The World!

“ In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without Him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men” (John 1:1-4 AKJ).

The first four verses of John’s gospel account perfectly illustrate the foundation truth of the light of God’s glorious earthly incarnation in the person of the Son, Christ Jesus, the Living Word. In fact, that creative light, or shekinah glory, was manifested by His person among men upon the earth at the very instant of His birth at Bethlehem. It was, in effect, a divine light both equal to, and an extension of, the light, which His Father spoke into being at the dawn of creation. The Hebrew word for light, “or”, found in Genesis 1:3, appears approximately 120 times in the Old Testament and primarily denotes a diametric opposition to darkness. As such, it carries with it a corresponding significance to the Greek “phos” found in John 1: 7-9.  While the understanding of that concept is vital to the eternal future of all mankind; the scriptures, in their entirety contribute an even more complete picture of His identity when taken as a whole.

You see, the manifestation of that light in Jesus’ earthly life and ministry brought a new dimension of clarity onto the world stage, which pierced the prevailing darkness of both the natural and spiritual realms. Its availability to all during the New Testament Church Age serves to remove any excuses which mankind may devise to justify personal sin and evil.  In the first chapter of his gospel, John clearly connects the illuminating power of that light which Jesus possesses to the ability of man to believe by faith (John 1:7). 

Further, John writes in verse 4 that, the divine life that resides in Messiah Jesus, is the Light of men. Truly, all grace and truth is found in Him, whom the Father gave as a free gift to all, who would, by the drawing power of the Holy Ghost, receive Him, and believe on His name (John 1:12). That is the message of the season…the most valuable gift that anyone could give, has already been given by God the Father to mankind in the person of Jesus Christ the Anointed. Yet, in the hustle and bustle of the modern, commercialized shopping season, even the most committed believers are often in danger of losing sight of its true meaning. May each of us who are called by His name strive to reverse that earthly trend and influence this holiday season and pass the Light along to all!

From The Pastor's Pen... 1121/11 - Verily, Verily, I Say Unto You

“Verily, verily, I say unto you…”

The promises of Jesus, outlined in John 14:12, carry a deeper significance which we often overlook. In fact, John 14:12 is a three-part declaration, setting forth the who, what, and why of the kingdom principle of receiving the power and blessings of God’s covenant. Here, Messiah Jesus taught all who would listen, the particulars for total victory that is available to every believer in the spiritual realm, which we now occupy. And, as believers, we need to take heed.

#1 – “The Who” – “He that believeth on me…” – All born-again remnant believers are included in that definitive statement, not simply the hierarchy of a particular denomination or organized church. Neither does Jesus indicate that the “who” category is limited to a time period…such as the days of the original apostles or the First Century Church.

#2 – “The What” – “…the works that I do shall he do also, and greater works than these shall he do…” We need to take note that the clear implication that Jesus conveyed left no doubt that His believing followers would exercise, and even surpass, all the acts of His earthly ministry, including the miraculous!

#3 – “The Why” – “…because I go unto the Father.” – That bold final statement, when accompanied by the entirety of Jesus’ recorded instructions found elsewhere throughout the gospels, point directly to the availability, and assistance, of the Holy Ghost to every believer throughout the Church Age. So, if Jesus said it, it’s that plain and simple. Or is it?

You see, the problem that many sincere believers face today, when confronted with the simplicity of Jesus’ teachings, is the often overwhelming opposition from preachers and teachers within the official and institutionalized church community. A multitude among this “we-know-better-than-you-do”…”let-us-interpret-it-for-you” church leadership are, for all intents and purposes, the spiritual descendants of the Pharisees of Jesus’ day.  Their continued guidance and direction for us, as well as them, will result in denial of the Holy Scriptures, unbelief, and powerlessness in our spiritual walk. Beware! For they are peddling the doctrines of devils that are clearly contrary to the Living Word, and, again, like their counterpart, the Pharisees, they proudly exhibit a form of godliness, yet deny the power thereof. From such, the Scriptures command, turn away (see 2 Timothy 3:5).

From The Pastor's Pen... 11/14/11 - According To Your Faith

“And when He was come into the house, the blind men came to him and Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye that I am able to do this? They said unto Him, yea, Lord” (Matthew 9:28 AKJ).

Like the blind men in Matthew 9:27-30, our ultimate victory as true remnant believers will stand or fall in relationship to the degree of simple faith which we wield. You see, those two men were faith-filled, thus meeting one of the conditions for receiving from the vast storehouse of the Lord’s wealth and provision. Plain, and simply, they received their sight on the strength of their declaration of faith. They believed and received, and neither the conditions, nor results, have changed, or will change, at any point in time during the Church Age. But, let’s take a closer look at the Kingdom principle, which was operational in that example.

Firstly, their belief was based on what they had heard, for Matthew’s account in the 27^th verse tells us that “two blind men followed him.” Yet, that’s not all they did. Secondly, they cried out to Him saying, “…thou Son of David, have mercy on us.” That act of recognizing and acknowledging Jesus for who He is, got His attention as they followed Him into the house (v. 28). At that point, He sought their verbal confession by posing the question, “…believe ye that I am able to do this?” Their faith-filled reply was simply, “…Yea, Lord…”

Matthew then continued this account for us by recording Jesus’ next deliberate act, as well as, verification of the Kingdom principle, by touching their eyes, saying, “According to your faith be it unto you…and their eyes were opened…” (v.30). They believed and received!

The good news is, nothing has changed. Messiah Jesus, the anointed Son of The Most High, is the same yesterday, today, and forever. His command to every true remnant believer today, is to carry that good news and power to the lost world, as well as to unbelieving skeptics within the Church, who themselves have been spiritually blinded by clueless pastors, who persist in the folly of teaching and preaching the commandments and doctrines of men, contrary to the preserved Scriptures. I urge you to sincerely read and search the Scriptures, and decide for yourself. It’s all up to you. Will you believe and receive?

Consider these words of Jesus - “He who believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also …” (John 14:12 AKJ)

From The Pastor's Pen... 11/07/11

“According to the word that I covenanted with you when ye came out of Egypt, so my Spirit remaineth among you: fear ye not. For thus saith the Lord of hosts; Yet once, it is a little while, and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land…”  (Haggai 2: 5-6 AKJ)

Earthquakes, famine, pestilence, wars and rumors of war, distress of nations, with perplexity, the seas, and the waves roaring (tsunamis)…all of the afore mentioned events, and more, have become the staple of the evening news on TV, as well as the print media. Even the world at large can’t help but notice that there’s a whole lot of shaking going on.

But knowledgeable Christians shouldn’t be surprised, because the covenant promise above from Haggai 2 was given, not only to the remnant of national Israel, but to the New Covenant church, as well. Like all the promises of the Father, it was given to assure His chosen people of His continued protection, yesterday, today and forever. Again, that includes the true remnant believers throughout the Church Age, as He deals with the unbelieving world around us.

You see, just as it was throughout the Old Covenant history of national Israel, there is likewise a day of reckoning approaching. In many respects it is already here, and it will be a day in which the Lord shall, once again, shake the powers of both heaven and earth, to demonstrate His sovereign power and authority over all His creation.

As true born-again, remnant believers, we have a part to play in God’s plan of the ages. Of course that includes spiritual vigilance, as well as, scriptural knowledge and awareness of the important current events taking place in the natural realm around us. Messiah Jesus made that vital kingdom principle clear in an instruction to His followers in the 37^th verse of Mark 13. There, in conclusion to a lengthy discussion regarding prophetic signs of the approaching “end of the age” and His soon return, He issued a concise command. “And what I say unto you, I say unto all, Watch” (Mark 13:37). Are you ready and watching today?

“Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven, and this word yet once more signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain” (Hebrews 12:26-27 AKJ).

From The Pastor's Pen... 10/31/11

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue; and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof”  (Proverbs 18:21 AKJ)

As believers, we often miss the urgency and importance, of guarding our spoken words, which make up the sum total of our faith and confession. For that reason we need to take heed to the multiple warnings and instructions, such as the verse above, which can be found throughout the Old and New Covenants.

In Matthew 12:36 Messiah Jesus acknowledged the serious nature of that Kingdom Principle with this cautionary note, “But I say unto you, that every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.”  Actually, that warning becomes even clearer when we understand that the word rendered ‘idle’ by the King James translators, is from the Greek word “argos”, denoting an unfruitful action, or spoken negative word. We need to keep that truth in mind, because it is vital to our victory in daily life, as well as, our interaction with others among the true remnant of the body of Christ. And, because that positive confession regularly spoken over ourselves, and other believers, is the key to our spiritual victory, it must be free of any condemnation or negativity contrary to the revealed promises of God the Father. Further, and equally important, we must learn to clearly discern where, and by whom negative spoken confessions often originate, by studying the living word, as our guide.

We find an excellent example in Matthew the 16^th chapter, where Peters rebuke of Jesus in verse 22, was met with a counter attack from the Lord Himself in verse 23, although not a rebuke of Peter, but rather, of Satan. For Jesus Matthew tells us, had correctly recognized the devil, as the real perpetrator. In truth, Peter, as is often the case with us, had been duped into becoming the devils mouthpiece, and learned quickly to never repeat that particular error. In short, we must also learn to be on guard, against being used in any way by the enemy; by recognizing that our negative confessions over ourselves and other true believers are designed by the powers of darkness to thwart the agenda of God and our ultimate victory.

Consider these words of Jesus:

“For by thy words shalt thou be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned” (Matt.12:37 AKJ).

From The Pastor's Pen... 10/24/11

“And he did not many mighty works there because of their unbelief” (Matthew 13:58 KJB).

The primary type of attack against our faith as a true remnant believer will always come in the form of lingering unbelief, originating with our chief enemy, Satan, as a quiet suggestion, or element of doubt, in an attempt to hinder our victory. In fact, the above verse from Matthew 13 indicates that, even Messiah Jesus, was not immune from the effects of such tactics.

In Matthew’s 13^th Chapter account of the story of Jesus’ visit and ultimate rejection in Nazareth, we find that the result of the attitude of those in the local synagogue rendered Him unable to perform “many mighty works there because of their unbelief” (v. 58). In our own lives and daily spiritual walk, we, also, will encounter negativity from those within the institutional church setting who’s belief system is based on, or may be anchored to, the opinions of, or commandments and doctrines of, men, rather than “sola scriptura”…the preserved scriptures…alone.

However, our chief method of combating such encounters can be found in the example of the father of the demoniac in Mark 9:24 who declared, “Lord, I believe; help thou my unbelief.” A simple act of positive confession, yet repentant petition, for his weakened condition, which, together, brought complete victory!

“Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth” (Mark 9:23 KJB). 

(Notes from message given on 10/23/11.)

Calling All Families and Homeschoolers

Hi, Everybody!

Please take time to view and pass on the information below in regard to the soon to be released motion  picture Dolphin Tale by Alcon Entertainment. I believe that film making is one of the most important ways in which the Christian community can impact Hollywood and the larger entertainment industry. Our continued involvement and support of films such as this, and others, will prod and awaken the powers that be to the potential audience for such family pictures and encourage them to invest in future undertakings by Christian affiliated film makers. Thanks so much!

-Rev. John Knox

I am reposting this from my wife's site:

Sally Clarkson of I Take Joy has asked for help in supporting her son, Nathan, and his dream of influencing Hollywood. Nathan's goal is to send a message that quality, wholesome films with a good, moral message are important to us, and I'm passing Sally's call to arms along to you!

Here’s how you can help:

1. Nathan has had an opportunity to work as a consultant on the movie Dolphin Tale, which releases in theaters (US and Canada) on September 23rd. The goal is to get 150,000 people minimum in attendance to the movie on release day. You can be one of those 150,000 plus!



2. Blog about it and/or e-mail your fellow homeschoolers and Christian friends about this fantastic opportunity. Encourage them to get involved, spread the word, and attend the movie.

In case you’re wondering, Dolphin Tale is a fantastic family movie which will “inspire, instruct, and bring you to tears because of the great story line.” And...can you believe it? Two home educated children play the main roles!

Bonus: Sally and her husband, Clay, are giving away Dolphin Tale prize packs as a thank you for helping to spread the word. To find out more and enter visit Sally's site, I Take Joy today!

Tribute To Rev. David Wilkerson

 As it’s been awhile since I’ve posted, I’d like to resume regular entries of particular relevance to the time as follows below…

On Wednesday, April 27^th, 2011, Rev. David Wilkerson suffered fatal injuries in what was described as a head-on collision.  His wife, Gwen, the only other passenger in the car, is reported to be recovering from critical injuries sustained in the accident.

Rev. Wilkerson is perhaps best known as the author of The Cross and The Switchblade, a factual account of the life of Nicky Cruz, a young Puerto Rican gang leader in the late 1950’s in New York City. The book was later made into a small budget motion picture by the same name. Cruz, who came to the Lord Jesus through Wilkerson’s ministry, went on to found Nicky Cruz Ministries headquartered in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Bro. Wilkerson’s continued work with the street gangs culminated in the establishment of Teen Challenge in New York, City; a halfway house and rehabilitation center for young gang members, many of whom were addicted to alcohol and drugs. Today, Teen Challenge has multiple chapters in many of the 50 states, and Canada, as well as numerous other countries worldwide. The organization’s statistical success rate continues to exceed all similar secular, or religious, treatment institutions for which Wilkerson has steadfastly credited God’s direction and the power of the Holy Spirit. In addition, Brother Dave was pastor/founder of Time Square Church in New York, a thriving outreach to the disadvantaged inner city.

Over the years, my wife and I, our family, and ministry have been blessed and spiritually enriched by Brother Wilkerson’s monthly newsletters, and other materials, as well as his refusal to compromise scriptural truth for the shallow teachings of the modern liberal church movement.  He will be sorely missed.

What On Earth Is Happening?

What on earth is happening? It seems that this is the question on almost everyone's mind today. And not surprisingly, in light of events in the world around us, particularly in the Middle East. In fact, that question, or ones very similar to it, are not only being anxiously voiced by persons within secular society, but increasingly, among many within the Church, as well. Obviously, the entire world around us is being shaken as never before, as was foretold (see 1 Peter Chapter 3:26-29.) That being the case, how are we, as serious believers to understand, these things by faith, and respond to those inquiries, and very real fears?

The Apostle Peter, writing by inspiration of the Holy Ghost, in 1 Peter 3:15, instructs us to "...be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you, a reason of the hope that is in you..." 

But, obviously, in order to do that, we should first familiarize ourselves with the prophetic word.. And then, once having done so, simply allow the scriptures to interpret themselves. So for the purposes of this post, lets examine one of the most important revelations which Messiah Jesus delivered, in regard to the coming "...end of the age."

In response to an inquiry by His disciples in Luke 21:7, concerning the signs of His promised future return, He revealed to them, and us, a number of key events to watch for. The most significant of these being found in the 25th verse,  "And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars, and upon the earth, distress of nations, with perplexity..."

It is certainly safe to say that, never before in modern times have world leaders been simultaneously confronted with such complex issues and circumstances, and it's becoming evident from their public pronouncements that, there is great perplexity among them, as to viable solutions.

When considering this and other related prophecies, it is important to note that both the Old and New Testaments clearly teach a day of reckoning to come upon the earth and its inhabitants at the end of time. Many of these clear warnings by Messiah Jesus of a future judgment and tribulation are easily recognized as a  mirror image of our day. Though not yet the culmination, no doubt, much of what the world is experiencing today is the foreshadowed " beginning of sorrows" ( see Jesus pronouncement in Matthew 24:7-8).

Unfortunately, while our nation and the world today is faced with seen and unseen enemies which threaten the moral fabric of our natural and spiritual survival, much of the visible church is ill-equipped to effectively combat these evils and stand her ground as in times past. And many believers are, with good reason, as fearful and confused as their secular counterparts. If you're among them, there's a couple of things you need to understand.

For various reasons, the modern church has fallen away from her foundations by patterning herself on the world around her. By doing so, she has become powerless and vulnerable, and therefore often unable to provide direction to those with whom she has been solemnly entrusted. Much of the blame can be laid at the feet of weak, and misguided pastors and teachers who fail, or in some cases, simply refuse to guard and instruct the flock. However, all is not lost! For in these waning days of history, the Lord Himself is raising up a remnant of serious believers, loyal to no sect, or creed, who refuse to march or conform to the doctrines or commandments of men. Rather, their loyalty and allegiance is to the Living Word, King  Jesus the Anointed, and to the principle of Sola Scriptura, the scriptures alone. They walk daily in victory and not despair, and stand "ready always, to give an answer to every man that asketh..." concerning all things pertaining to the scriptures. The righteousness in which they walk, is not of themselves, but rather is from, and of, the Lord Himself, (see Isaiah 54:17).

If, as a born-again Christian, you are not experiencing the type of victory which will make it possible to walk confidently through the difficulties of these times, determine to be a seeker after the truth of the scriptures and the heart of God. He will meet you where you are, and endue you with the ability to personally understand and convey to others what is happening in our world today.

Greetings In The Name of King Jesus!

Has there ever been a day when the word’s of King Jesus rang truer?

“Distress of nations, with perplexity” is certainly a clear and present sign of our times (Luke 21:25).

But in our zeal to discern the times and the seasons, let us not forget that there’s work to do and a kingdom gospel to proclaim as well! Even though we should ready ourselves for what appears to be the soon return of Jesus Christ, we should never lose sight of the marching orders given to the church, to “go forth” with signs following. And we need to be prepared to do just that in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation.

Of course, there’s more to our commission than simply delivering the Good News! We also need to clearly communicate the scriptural conditions which must be met in order to receive all that belongs to man through Jesus’ death and resurrection. It’s a job for the whole body of Christ on earth. Not just the leadership, pastors, teachers, and evangelists! Every born-again believer has a role to play in delivering the Lord’s message and all are called to fulfill a specific ministry...whether it be large or small.

If you or I are a pastor involved in the five-fold ministry today or are called to serve in any other capacity which requires us to preach or teach the Word of God, we must follow Jesus’ example in speaking the truth. Especially that which is hard for our listeners to hear. The world around us has created, and continues to promote, a moral vacuum which is opposed to scriptural principles. As believers, we need to stand up and set the record straight. Wherever and when ever necessary.

As many of you know, a number of years ago, Rebecca and I chose to remove our children from the public school system and teach them at home. Although it’s never been easy, when all is said and done, it’s a decision we do not regret. And I feel even more strongly today that the safety and spiritual health of the generations to come are dependant upon our active involvement, as believers, in what our children are taught and exposed to. We cannot trust public education, with its secular, anti-Christian bent and its encouragement of open-minded coddling of the perverse, to mold the minds of our sons and daughters. Men, as heads of households and appointed protectors of their families, have a scriptural mandate to speak out, as well as act, to ensure that the next generation of homes will properly serve the Lord (Deut 6:1-9; Joshua 24:15).

Jesus never taught a “politically correct” doctrine or suggested tolerance of any beliefs or practices contrary to the scriptures and we should steadfastly follow His example. The body of Christ faces apostasy...a falling away from sound principles of the faith...the beginnings of which are already upon us.

Yes! The perilous times, of which both Jesus and Paul spoke of openly, are threatening the very fabric of our society. You and I, however, can stand in the very face of these trying times by returning to the concepts and principles of the Living Word...in our homes and our personal lives...right now...today!

May God bless you exceeding abundantly through His covenant with you as you seek to do His will!