From The Pastor's Pen... 5/19/14

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1 AKJ).

What is true believing faith? And what makes it operate? That Kingdom principle, in regard to true Scriptural faith, which Paul recorded in Hebrews 11:1, is a vital truth, which every serious believer, who wants to walk in victory, needs to apprehend for himself. The majority of the believing Church, however, has been lulled into a calm and quiet complacency in regard to the urgency of this Apostolic doctrine. But, it needn't be that way for anyone who desires to diligently seek the whole truth contained within the pages of the Bible. (We recommend the Authorized King James for accuracy.)

Now, the point I'd like to make for the serious student of the Word, is this: we can't simply read the scriptures, and merely commit them to memory, although that's very good, and necessary, but we need to learn how to make that Word function the way the Father intended. But, in order to do that, we've got to come to a knowledgeable understanding of what it is, and how it operates.

The surest method of reaching the proper interpretation of Scripture is not by way of man-made doctrines, but, rather, by carefully comparing related teaching of Scripture on the matter. In Philippians 3:12, Paul shed light on a truth which further clarifies the spiritual condition of every believer who wishes to operate effectively in our faith-based covenant. “...but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also, I am apprehended of Christ Jesus...”

That word translated “apprehend” is from the Greek “katalambano” meaning “to lay hold of, and/or lay claim to that which personally belongs to you.”

Obviously, Paul fully understood what we must also...that, his relationship to Jesus was a two-way reality, on which every spiritual success was dependent. Paul knew that Jesus was, and is, the true living vine from which we, as the connected branches, draw our spiritual nutrition and power (John 15:1-27).

That said, how does faith itself, as a spiritual reality, differ from mere carnal hope? Simply put, true believing faith, is never limited by the natural senses (2 Cor. 5:7). Rather, faith is the substance, which translates our desires, physically, through our spirit, into the material evidence, before they can be seen physically, or touched, by the very same method that we obtained our redemption (Romans 10:8-10).

Consider these words of Jesus...

“If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you” (John 15:7 AKJ).

For questions, and or comments, in regard to the subject matter of this column, you may contact John Knox at johnkknox@windstream.net.

From The Pastor's Pen - 5/12/14

“And all of thy children shall be taught of the Lord and great shall be the peace of thy children” (Isaiah 54:13 AKJ).

The family is under attack in our day and time. That is an indisputable fact. And Christian homes are certainly not exempt from the contributing elements in modern society, which many experts believe are reaching epidemic proportions. In the midst of it all, a primary concern for many believing parents, as well it should be, is the effect that there societal factors are having on our children, and it often seems that every pseudo-secular and religious expert is offering their own brand, or version, answer, or answers.

As remnant believers, however, if we are truly interested in seriously confronting both the natural, and supernatural issues and enemies battling against us and our families, the only real answers are right at our fingertips, within the pages of the preserved Living Word of God (we recommend the Authorized King James for accuracy). So, the first step we need to take to turn it all around, is to, not only familiarize ourselves with what the scriptures teach on the subject, but, likewise, learn to properly apply the multitude of the Father's specific promises, in our new blood covenant, by faith. Scriptural action and communication, in line with kingdom principles, are the key to our victory.

1) When contending for our families and children, in faith, Galatians 5:6 tells us that “...faith worketh by love.”

2) Diligently keep the lines of communication open between family members and, at all costs, minimize and/or eliminate strife remembering that “...we wrestle not against flesh and blood...” (Ephesians 6:12).

3) When difficulties of any kind arise, we need to learn to pray fervently and apply the solution (scriptural promises), not the problem, “For we walk by faith, and not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7), so we needn't be moved by what we see with our natural eyes.

4) Don't forget that, as children of God, our spoken words carry power and authority. As believers, it is vital that we guard our verbal confession. Remember that Jesus clearly taught that we can have what we say (Mark 11:23). The choice is ours and according to Proverbs 18, it is, literally, on the tip of our tongues. “Death and life are in the power of the tongue...” (vs. 21).

While these four foundational principles, and accompanying promises, are only a few of the many aspects of our spiritual warfare, they are the scriptural keys to total victory in the battle for our homes and families, for the ultimate glory of God.

We invite questions and comments in regard to this column which you may address to John Knox at johnkknox@windstream.net.

From The Pastor's Pen - 5/5/14

“Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous, not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise, blessing; know that you are thereunto called that you shall inherit a blessing. For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile” (1 Peter 3:8-10 AKJ).

Although the main subject that Peter is addressing here is husbands and wives, that Kingdom Principle applies in every other area, relationship, and interaction among believers. Clearly, to be of one mind, implies agreement, accord, and unity, a condition which could never exist between believer and unbeliever; and in reality, is far too often missing among believers, to our detriment and defeat. Therefore, we need to understand how it operates.

The Apostle James takes this scriptural truth a step further, in James 3:2-8, illustrating for his readers, and us, how mankind has learned to control horses with a bit (v. 3), as well as, great ships, which may be properly steered, and guided by the governor or helmsman (v. 4 AMP). But James knows that these were merely analogies in the natural order, or realm, pointing to the greater spiritual truth which he was attempting to convey. That our spoken words are able to create, or ravage and destroy. Simply put, our tongue, when left unchecked, may in fact, incite unintended, spiritual divisions and brush-fires. And, aside from the obvious, personal problems, it may create divisions within the church, and has often been the historical cause of simple, or serious misunderstandings, and even wars, between nations. Yet, James doesn't stop there, but rather goes on to call the tongue, not only a fire, but a world of iniquity, defiling our whole body; and set on fire, or ignited of hell.

And, then, in verse 7, making the point that mankind has tamed all beasts, birds, serpents, and even things of the sea; he then goes on to present, what appears, in the next verse, to be the definitive statement on the matter, writing; “But the tongue can no man tame...”

So, if it can't be done, what's the point?

Take note here, that James is not saying that it can't be done, but rather, that carnal men (and women), are not capable of succeeding in our own power, or natural ability. After all, Jesus Himself declared of believers in John 14:12, that, the works which He did, we shall do also... and the whole council of the scriptures, clearly teach, that the choice is ours! (Deut. 30:19)

Like Jesus, our total victory under the New Covenant is solely dependent upon our proper, unwavering connection, and relationship to the Holy Spirit. Don't assume that man-made doctrine has all the answers in regard to the Holy Ghost, the third person of the Godhead. Rather, search the scriptures for yourself. There are no short cuts to the truth!

We invite questions and comments in regard to this column which you may address to John Knox at johnkknox@windstream.net.

“If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask” (Luke 11:13 AKJ).

From The Pastor's Pen - 4/28/14

Old Paths Family Ministries – 04/28/14

“But the word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it. See, I have set before thee this day, life and good, and death and evil” (Deuteronomy 30:14-15 AKJ).

In the above verses from Deuteronomy, Chapter 30, Jehovah God delivered a Kingdom principle to His people, which continues to be operational under the New Covenant. Actually, that principle, of the authority of the faith-filled, spoken word, carries even more power for the New Covenant believer who chooses to apply it; according to the example outlined by Jesus and, later, in Apostolic Doctrine.

Now, if that 14^th verse of Deuteronomy sounds familiar, it should. Because Paul, by inspiration of the Holy Ghost, actually echoed it in Romans 10:8 in regard to the simple requirements to obtain salvation, stating: “But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is the word of faith, which we preach.” But, he didn't stop there, rather in the following two verses (9-10), the Apostle further clarified the duel actions required to receive. Number one, verbal confession of the Lord Jesus, and, secondly, to believe with the heart (spirit man), that God raised Him from the dead. Equally great news for all born-again, remnant believers today, is that, those two scriptural principles, when rightly applied by faith, work for our everyday needs, be they physical, financial, or spiritual obstacles, as long as we are obediently following Him.

However, a cautionary note...once we've become fully aware of that vital spiritual principle, and how it operates, God Himself says, that we become responsible for the power and authority to choose victory for ourselves and ours within our daily lives. So, let's stop blaming God for things that He's already put under our spiritual jurisdiction.

“I call heaven and earth to witness this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, the blessings and the curses; therefore choose life, that you and your descendants may live” (Deuteronomy 30:14 AMP).

We invite questions and comments in regard to this column which you may address to John Knox at johnkknox@windstream.net.

From The Pastor's Pen - 4/21/14

“And these signs shall follow them that believe, in my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover” (Mark 16:17-18 AKJ).

Speaking to His inner circle, in Mark the 16^th Chapter, the 17^th and 18^th verses, Messiah Jesus clarified for them, and all serious believers thereafter, specific, identifiable signs for power-filled Christian ministry. Therefore, we need to understand that these particulars, which He outlined, are among the most important keys to our total victory in spiritual warfare. In fact, the failure of the individual, as well as the Church, to acknowledge His teaching in regard to these weapons of warfare is, without a doubt, the primary reason for ineffective evangelism, and daily Christian living.

As born-again believers, we need to understand that all of Jesus' teaching, as well as, Apostolic doctrine, throughout the New Testament, is relevant to our day and time, as well. And nothing in the scriptures, even remotely indicates that these Kingdom principles of power and authority have changed, despite attempts by schisms within denominationalism to reinterpret the preserved Word to conform to distorted and powerless doctrines of men.

Those promised signs, which the Lord declared, “shall follow them that believe” were among the foundational gifts for the Church, and include the other powerful gifts of the Holy Ghost explained, and listed, in I Corinthians Chapter 12, verses 1-11.

Being entrusted to the Church on the day of Pentecost, 50 days following His resurrection, these signs will remain for every believer who will dare to receive them by faith, and operate in them, until Jesus' return in glory at the end of the age.

“And being assembled together with them, commanded them that, they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost, not many days hence” (Acts 1:4-5 AKJ).

From The Pastor's Pen - 4/14/14

“And when He was come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, Who is this? And the multitude said, this is Jesus, the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee. And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the money changers, and the seats of them that sold doves” (Matthew 21:10-12 Authorized King James).

It's important that we note the significance of Jesus' first act upon entering Jerusalem during the final week of His ministry. Matthew records in the 12^th verse of his 21^st chapter that, Jesus purposely cleansed the temple, as an act of divine authority. However, this was not the first time He did so. In fact, in the 2^nd Chapter of his gospel account, John records a similar incident in which Jesus cleansed the temple.

It's important, too, that we understand that, chronologically, Matthew's record is a second confirmation of His authority as the Son of the Living God. Yet, in neither case did the Pharisees, or the other temple officials, seek to have Him arrested, or taken before the Jewish court, the Sanhedrin, because they feared the common people, who recognized, and acknowledged, Him for Who He was.

Note, too, that, in both accounts, He literally drove out all who bought and sold, thus defiling the temple with their methods. In reality, His problem was not so much with these errant merchants, as with the chief priests who were allowing it, and with whom they were working in partnership, referring to them as 'a den of thieves.'

Jesus knew that those religious leaders, like their modern day counterparts, weren't truly interested in truth, and were thus holding the multitudes in bondage to dead rituals and powerless tradition. And, by these cleansing acts, Jesus was setting the stage for the New Blood Covenant.

“And they that went before, and they that followed, cried saying, Hosanna! Blessed is He who cometh in the name of the Lord” (Mark 11:9 Authorized King James).

- John Knox