From The Pastor's Pen... - 2/20/12 - Pursue, Overtake, and Without Fail Recover All

"And David inquired of the Lord saying, Shall I pursue after this troup? Shall I overtake them? And He answered him, pursue for thou shalt overtake them and without fail recover all (1 Samuel 30:8 AKJ).

In the above verse from 1 Samuel 30, we find a type of the true believer's conditional victory over Satan during the Church Age. However, our New Covenant example, Messiah Jesus, exemplified an even greater victory during the course of His earthly ministry than David could have dreamed of. And that greater victory is available to every born-again believer today, as joint heirs with Christ Jesus (Romans 8: 16-17) though the conditions for obtaining that greater victory, now include, an ever present, inclusive relationship, with all three members of the Godhead...Father, Son and Holy Ghost.

That said, why, you might ask, or wonder, do many Christians today fail to reach that level of victory that the scriptures clearly promise? Jesus' answer to a similar question from His disciples was that, it was due to unbelief (read Matthew 17:14-20). But, of course, that's only part of the equation. Once we've settled the question of faith in God's promises, and His unlimited ability to act on our behalf, we must learn to follow the example of David, Jesus, and other men of faith throughout Biblical history, and inquire of, and consult the Lord first, in our dilemmas. Because, you see, our total victory will never rest upon our ability or ingenuity. but rather on God, who, being aware of our plight beforehand, has the solution already prepared that, as a direct result, His glory might be magnified to all.

In our day and time, all serious followers of Jesus the Anointed Son will, like all of God's people who've gone before, encounter a multitude of seemingly worst case scenarios while waging warfare on both the natural and supernatural battlefields. Yet, whenever we find ourselves faced with the prospect of overwhelming odds against us, our first act of defense should be to seek the Lord for the type of specific answers, and perfect direction, which only He can offer. So whether our difficulties and circumstances are of a physical, financial, or spiritual nature, we can be fully confident that when we seek Him first, all victory is possible to we who believe, for we know that His Word is His will.

"And this is the confidence that we have in Him,that if we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us. And if we know that He heareth us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him" (1 John 5:14-15 AKJ).

From The Pastor's Pen... 2/6/12 - Operational Faith-Filled Petition

“And all things whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer believing, ye shall receive” (Matthew 21:22 AKJ).

In this pivotal verse from the 21st chapter of Matthew is a vital Kingdom principle regarding the simplicity of the operation of faith-filled petition. And although that simple teaching by Messiah Jesus is far from complicated, it is often misconstrued, twisted, or even ignored, by preachers in the institutional church of our time…the reason being the invasion of a pervasive culture of worldly modernism, resulting in shallow teaching, the rejection of scriptural truth, and ultimately, unbelief. For these reasons every serious believer who truly seeks the type of victory promised and exemplified in Apostolic doctrine must search out the truth for themselves.

You see, as believers we have an inheritance obtained by the blood sacrifice of Jesus the Anointed, and a written covenant, which guarantees it (see Romans 8:14-17). As a consequence of that truth, we need to be aware of the fact that we are the targets of the satanic powers of darkness. And in order to overcome and defeat their attacks, we each need to learn not merely who we are in Christ Jesus, but also the power and authority actively available to us through His name.

Firstly, the true believer is part of a redeemed and privileged remnant with spiritual weapons, including, but by no means limited to, total confidence in petition before God. In light of that fact alone, we need to stop living like disenfranchised losers!

Secondly, we need to recognize that Romans 8:14-17 clarifies that our inheritance makes us joint-heirs with Messiah Jesus. And that position puts us in possession of all His power and ability to defeat every threat from the supernatural realm. Further, our inheritance is not, as some teach, a collection of “ pie-in-the-sky” promises reserved for some arbitrary future in heaven. To the contrary, every spiritual power and weapon available to Jesus during and after His earthly ministry is available to us right now, as well. But, the only thing that prevents us from exercising that authority from on high is unbelief.

Simply put, if you’re a believer who wants the type of total victory that the scriptures promise, stop listening to the doubting Thomas’s and nay-sayers, and with the help of the Holy Spirit, consult the Scriptures alone for answers. Additionally, in our quest for absolute truth, our sharpest critics will often be the so called experts, even well meaning pastors who often refuse to simply defer to the Scriptures, in favor of the doctrines of men. However, in the face of opposition, remember that Jesus, the final authority emphatically taught that “All things what so ever ye shall ask…believing, ye shall receive.”

From The Pastor's Pen... 1/30/12 - National Renewal

“If my people who are called by my name shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sins, and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14 AKJ).

Firstly, while the promise in the above verse from 2 Chronicles, is true for all born-again believers around the world, the purposes and scope of this column today are primarily concerned with the natural and spiritual alliances between the United States and Israel.

The ongoing eternal significance of the Old Covenant promise of forgiveness and protection in 2 Chronicles 7:14, extends not only to national Israel, but America as well. However, that promise of national renewal in regard to all nations is available only to those whom God specifically identified as “my people”. Obviously in our time that group to whom the original promise along with its conditions, was made, includes all of the true remnant church world wide, as well as Jewish Messianic believers. Both groups are therefore charged with the application of the conditions outlined in order to receive. That said, let me clarify a couple of vital points, which the true church of King Jesus must consider today, keeping in mind that all nations will be judged in regard to their treatment of Israel, His chosen.

In this pivotal presidential election year in America, Christ’s followers need to understand that it is no accident that America was providentially conceived and has grown to world prominence and power during the period of the Church Age coinciding with the establishment of the modern day nation of Israel in the mid 20th century.   Likewise, as allies, both nations are divinely joined by virtue of like spiritual and political principles, prophesied in ages past, by the Old Covenant prophets. In fact, U.S. President Harry S. Truman, being aware of the historical and scriptural implications of the event, officially recognized the Israeli government by presidential proclamation 11 minutes after it declared statehood, on May 14, 1948.

A great deal of Americas difficulties today are due in part to both the negligence of God’s people to heed His conditions in regard to scriptural promises, as well tolerance of officials in our national government who hinder or oppose Israel’s rights to securely protect her borders. Simply put, Israel’s security is our security (see Genesis 12:3)!

It is time for the watchmen of Gods appointed remnant to loudly sound the alarm and blow the shofar in warning on behalf of both ourselves and Israel in the face of the looming threats from satanically inspired Islamic Iran (ancient Persia) and the forces of evil which fuel them. One important way to do this is to carefully judge all presidential candidates in regard to their record on international matters, and not merely on that which they are currently voicing in the heat of the campaign. Be scripturally deliberate!

From The Pastor's Pen... 1/9/12 - Personal Restoration

“Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit”  (Ps. 51:12 AKJ).

Although we, as individual born-again believers are, like the church, blood bought, every serious follower of Messiah Jesus nonetheless requires regular periods of spiritual restoration, to continuously walk in power and victory. David’s declaration from the 12th verse of the 51st Psalm expresses that vital Kingdom principle, and we would be wise to heed its truth. Unfortunately, in our day and time, the term revival and the resultant spiritual restoration, which it carries with it, has taken on a context completely opposite to its original meaning, thus making it difficult to grasp for our selves. Let me explain.

You see, in earlier decades, not far removed from our own, it was readily understood that revival, whether individually experienced, or a church wide spiritual restoration, was not a scheduled event on a church calendar. Rather, it was a spontaneous, divinely originated action to restore, and uphold, previously achieved spiritual goals and understanding. And to, in effect, advance scriptural revelation for the purpose of empowering the believer, and local church, for greater warfare ahead.  Yet, none of these things can come forth except through prayer and fasting, coupled with an earnest search for a closer relationship with the Father, not by the plans, agendas, or traditions of men. The evidence of this principle has been, and will continue to be repeated over and over again throughout the Church Age. The most recent example being, the well documented Azuza Street revival of the early 20th century.

As we enter the opening days of a new year, it’s vitally important that we recognize the need for a true, divinely inspired restoration of our spirit man, which originates directly from the throne of God. May we who are called as followers of Messiah Jesus the anointed, like David, seek to be restored by Him, above all that we could conceive or think, according to the power that works in us, by way of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost! Like the person of Jesus Himself, the covenant promises of God, which are still available to us, are the same, yesterday, today, and forever.

“And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpillar, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you. And ye shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and praise the name of the Lord your God, that hath dealt wonderously with you; and my people shall never be ashamed” (Joel 2:25-26 AKJ).

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!