Ask for the Ancient Paths
Religion & Spirituality
About
Ask for the Ancient Paths is for those who follow Christ and want to know Him and His ways better. Hosted by Michael Cantrell.
Episodes
- Abiding: Eternally Good Fruit | Ep 174
This episode of Ask for the Ancient Paths discusses what success means according to God and how to live a fruitful life by abiding in Him. Mike addresses listener questions and examines scripture from John chapter 15 regarding abiding.
- Guiding Principles | Ep 173
Episode 173 of Ask for the Ancient Paths features Mike discussing the value of guiding principles and personal mission statements for discerning God's will. These principles act as a strategic framework to guide decisions and behavior in a…
- The Departure of Jesus | Ep 172
Episode 172 of Ask for the Ancient Paths discusses the departure of Jesus, referencing his conversation with Moses and Elijah on a mountain and its implications for believers.
- We Believe in the Gifts, but. . . | Ep 171
This episode discusses beliefs surrounding the gifts of the Spirit, referencing Joel 2 and Acts 2. The host shares examples of how God works and expresses His gifts, drawing parallels to soldiers serving their enlistment.
- As He Leads, #13 | Ep 170
Episode 170 of "Ask for the Ancient Paths," titled "As He Leads, #13," discusses spiritual gifts as outlined in Romans 12, including prophesying, serving, teaching, encouraging, contributing, leadership, and mercy. The host shares reflecti…
- The Good Fight | Ep 169
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…
- What Must We Do? | Ep 168
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…
- But You Said, We Will Not | Ep 167
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 mu…
- A Spiritual Crock Pot, # 1 | Ep 166
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…
- Stringing Pearls, #2 | Ep 165
In this episode, Mike again teaches in the manner of charaz , the stringing together of pearls. Mike talks about the cost of discipleship, addresses some listener feedback, and he reads commandments for roommates!
- As He Leads, #12 | Ep 164
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 no…
- What About: Elder, Overseer, Pastor? | Ep 163
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 a…
- Better than Clarity | Ep 162
Often, we don't have clarity about next steps. What is the Lord's will for us? In the Kingdom, something is more important than clarity about such questions. Today, Mike addresses that issue. And, Mike talks about the difference between br…
- What Must Die? | Ep 161
Today, Mike talks about hedonism, the world's wisdom, and how to walk along the path of life. What must die? Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God,…
- Bits, Rudders, and Sparks | Ep 160
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…
- A Biblical Perspective on Suffering, Part 3 | Ep 159
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 th…
- A Biblical Perspective on Suffering, Part 2 | Ep 158
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 wil…
- A Biblical Perspective on Suffering, Part 1 | Ep 157
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 c…
- A Life Worthy | Ep 156
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…
- What About: Tithing, Part 2 | Ep 155
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…
- What About: Tithing, Part 1 | Ep 154
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 o…
- As He Leads, #11 | Ep 153
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.
- What About: Barnabas | Ep 152
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
- Not For Your Sake | Ep 151
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…
- Stand at the Border and Look | Ep 150
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.
- When God is Silent | Ep 149
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 som…
- From the Heart | Ep 148
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 c…
- A Look Back: Ted the Plumber | Ep 147
In today's episode, we hear again one of Mike's favorite stories and the lessons he learned from Ted.
- Does God Hurt or Harm? | Ep 146
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.
- What Does Peter Say? | Ep 145
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, lo…
- The Exclusive Claims of Jesus, Part 2 | Ep 144
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 m…
- A Musical Interlude | Ep 143
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 Welc…
- Are All . . . Merovingian Kings? | Ep 142
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 gift…
- Orderly Worship, TSH Part 6 | Ep 141
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 anybod…
- Tongues & Prophecy, TSH Part 5 | Ep 140
Today we look at Paul's teaching on two gifts: Tongues and Prophecy. Though these gifts are often misunderstood, misapplied or confusing, just as they were in the first century, the Bible gives us clarity about what these gifts are and how…
- The Meat of the Hamburger, TSH Part 4 | Ep 139
In today's episode, Mike talks about body life and the meat of this Spiritual Hamburger: the primacy of love. In his letter, Paul continues to emphasize unity and service because the gifts of the spirit caused disunity and unloving actions…
- The Gifts, TSH Part 3 | Ep 138
Today we look a very important part of "The Spiritual Hamburger": the lists of spiritual gifts that Paul gives in his letters -- what are they, how do we get them, and why they are given. They are: 1. Prophecy (4x) 2. Teaching (3x) 3. Spea…
- Manifestations of the Spirit, TSH Part 2 | Ep 137
Today we continue our look at "The Spiritual Hamburger" of 1 Corinthians chapters 12 through 14. Mike addresses the questions - Why does the Lord give His gifts to His people? Are we limited to just one spiritual gift? What does it mean to…
- In Short: Joseph Wasn’t Bitter Toward His Brothers | Ep 136
Joseph wasn’t bitter toward his brothers who threw him into the pit and sold him as a slave to Egypt, or toward Potiphar’s wife who lied about him and got him thrown into jail. It was part of God’s plan. Jesus wasn’t bitter toward Judas wh…
- The Spiritual Hamburger, TSH Part 1 | Ep 135
The purpose of this series of talks is to de-mystify a Biblical sandwich, a text that has often been divisive and/or misunderstood, very often taken out of context or broken into constituent parts. If you don’t have beef, do you have a ham…
- Need a Lawyer? | Ep 134
In this episode Mike looks at a real-world application of a Greek noun. Do you need a lawyer? God provides one who will be with you forever.
- The Intended Result | Ep 133
What is the intended result for human beings? What is the goal and outcome of our walk with God? If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tendernes…
- As He Leads, #10 | Ep 132
Today we continue the extended series of episodes titled As He Leads. Mike turns on the microphone and shares what he senses the Lord saying. May these words edify, encourage and comfort you or someone near you today.
- Lukewarm | Ep 131
Today, we look at the words of Jesus to the church in Laodicea: I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm – neither hot nor cold – I am about to spit you out…
- Warnings & Encouragement | Ep 130
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I ha…
- Light for Our Path | Ep 129
In this episode, i share quotes that have been meaningful and helpful as I have walked as a follower of Jesus. ——— Let me say I am here by God’s appointment, in His keeping, under His training, for His time. -- Andrew Murray ——— Irish Pray…
- What Do You Think? | Ep 128
“What do you think, Simon?” “What do you think? If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? " “What do you think about the Christ…
- Receive Life | Ep 127
We want to receive the life that God gives us, not choose our life for ourselves.
- The Exclusive Claims of Jesus - Part 1 | Ep 126
"Everyone on the side of truth listens to me.” “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever…
- What About: Myrrh? | Ep 125
On the cross, they offered Jesus wine mixed with myrrh to drink, but he didn't take it. -- Mark 15 I have come into my garden, my sister, my bride. I have gathered my myrrh with my spice; I have eaten my honeycomb with my honey; I have dru…