The One Thing Ghandi and Hitler had in Common

By: Al Carlisle

Jhn 3:17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

Jhn 3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

A co-worker and I were having our usual discussion concerning the basic Christian doctrine of Jesus being the only way to heaven. He said what so many in the world also believe: “ Any doctrine that condemns souls like that of Ghandi to an eternity of suffering is not a doctrine he could embrace.” Though he readily agreed that Hitler and those despots like him were worthy of such condemnation.

Here in lies the great theological rub. Only the truly evil of the earth are, or should be sent to hell. They have certainly earned their eternal reward, but not the world’s social philanthropist or humanitarians. Those who gave so freely of their time and talents for the betterment of mankind can not or should not be thrown into the same mix with likes of Hitler. Let us look at the lives of these two souls who are part of the “WHO SO EVERS” of John 3:16.

Hitler was raised a Roman Catholic, though he was a non-practicing catholic after leaving his parents home. He did profess a belief in Jesus and often spoke of Christian doctrines and beliefs in his early speeches, and that Christianity is what motivated, in part, his anti-semiteism. As his power increased his true beliefs became more apparent with in his inner circle, where he openly criticized Christianity. Hitler used catholic and protestant customs and traditions to mold them into his own brand of religion where he is the worlds

messiah; a true antichrist. The rest, as we would say now ,” is history.”

Ghandi was a devout Hindu his entire life. He embraced the Hindu philosophy that all religions are of equal value. He was a self taught theologian, studying in depth the worlds great religions. Ghandi was well aware of the message and ministry of Jesus Christ. He had studied the New Testament, but resisted any and all attempts to convert him to any other faith than that of Hindu.

Later in life he was asked about his faith and he replied he was a Hindu, also a Christian, and Muslim, a Jew and a Buddhist.

So, the one thing these two souls had in common was their unbelief in the only begotten son of God, Jesus. All of the Christian exposure Hitler had and his ability to talk of Christianity, and even calling himself a Christian when the moment called for it couldn’t keep him out of Hell.

Nor could all of the good deeds of a meek and humble man who only wanted peace and freedom. With all of the wisdom of an educated man who sought truth, but denied it when the truth was presented, could get him into Heaven.

Thief and a Robber

Jhn 10:1¶Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.

Jesus claims to be not only the Good Shepherd, but also the DOOR ( see verse 7) by which one is to enter thru to be a part of the “sheepfold”. In verse one he uses a description of one who “climbeth” up an other way as being a thief and a robber. Isn’t a thief and a robber one in the same. Why would Jesus use those descriptions?

First of all lets define a thief. Webster defines a thief as: one that steals especially stealthily or secretly; also : one who commits theft or larceny. So here we have a thief who by stealth attempts to do thievery. Now Jesus also uses the description of “a robber”; how does Webster define robber: to take something away from by force : steal from (2): to take personal property from by violence or threat. This is how most of us think of a robber, violent and threatening. The interesting thing here is Jesus does not say a thief or robber, but implies one in the same, “thief and a robber”. So what we have here is a stealthy, secretive, violent and threatening foe who is attempting to steal something of value. This is a rather accurate description of satan.

At first glance one might think the object of this thief is to steal the sheep. However, I believe this thief wants to steal what the sheep have, by infiltrating the sheep fold. He thinks by any means possible he can mingle with the sheep, influence the sheep, and thereby assume the identity of the sheep; therefore having opportunity to accomplish his real mission as described in verse 10,” The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have [it] more abundantly”. There it is, the thief wants to steal our eternal life. And the Good shepherd, thru his sacrifice makes that in possible, verse 11: "I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep".

Anointed Preachers

Anointed Preachers

By: Al Carlisle

Luk 4:16¶And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read.
Luk 4:17And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written,
Luk 4:18The Spirit of the Lord [is] upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,
Luk 4:19To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.

Jesus is the picture of faithfulness; the standard by which we are all measured. He knew what his mission on earth was, and always prepared to share his message. Here we find him in the synagogue eager, he was not timid, to read the scripture. He knew what book and verse he was going to read from. No fumbling through scrolls looking for that elusive text. When he found his text he began to read with authority and knowledge and familiarity, as one who has an intimate relationship with the author.

He began with Isaiah (Isa 61:1) a messianic prophecy. Within these verses lies the mission of the one who now stands before them. For indeed Jesus was anointed and Gods Spirit consumed him to proclaim the good news of Gods promise fulfilled in the man from Nazareth, whom they had watched grow from childhood. Many of whom had watched him around Josephs carpenter shop. “Could this Jesus be the one”? “Nah! He’s just the carpenter’s son”. “Yet he speaks with such authority and knowledge.” Many present that day vowed to keep an eye on this Jesus.

For those who did they were rewarded with watching God’s eternal plan unfold before their eyes. I’m reminded of my own calling. How family and friends reacted upon my announcing that I was entering the ministry. They too had seen me grow and mature. They had seen me as I was in the flesh. All those who have had God speak to their hearts and separated them for service can relate to that too.

The mission of Jesus is now our mission: To preach the gospel to the spiritual poor. To heal the spiritual broken hearted, to preach deliverance to those in bondage to sin. To give sight to spiritual blind and to give liberty back to those spiritually bruised. To preach the acceptable year of the Lord, an allusion to the jubilee year ( Lev 25:10 ), a year of universal release for person and property.(Jamieson-Fausset& Brown)

The different Gospel of Jeremiah Wright

By: Al Carlisle

I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:
Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.
But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
As we said before, so say I now again, If any [man] preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.
For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.

Galatians 1:6-10

The reporter’s question was one concerning the very basic of Christian doctrines; the answer to which separates the have and the have-nots of the TRUE gospel.

Jesus said:” I am the way the truth and the life, no man cometh unto the father except by me.” John 14: 6 . Jeremiah Wright, without hesitation added, “ Jesus also said : ‘And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold:” here he conveniently stopped. Had he finished the rest of the verse he would have at least remained in context. “them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, [and] one shepherd.

The implication being that JESUS and His atonement is not the only way to salvation.

Jeremiah Wright, who is supposedly learned in the scriptures and should know how to use better hermeneutics, made the most unscholarly and basest of mistakes in the use of that scripture.

The other sheep Jesus claims in this verse are the gentiles, who are not of the Hebrew believers. They (the sheep) hear His voice, and follow Him. Therefore Jesus claims ownership of those “other sheep”. They are not of some other faith or doctrine.

"For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted -- you may well put up with it!" 2 Corinthians 11:4

If this is the gospel of Jeremiah Wright, then he is preaching and teaching another gospel other than that of Jesus being THE way, THE truth, and THE life. One day he will stand before God and give an account for his heresy, and those he led astray.

Will the real Jesus please stand up!

Luk 9:18¶And it came to pass, as he was alone praying, his disciples were with him: and he asked them, saying, Whom say the people that I am?

Luk 9:19They answering said, John the Baptist; but some [say], Elias; and others [say], that one of the old prophets is risen again.

Jesus asked his most intimate of friends the question that was on the lips of the masses, and even they yearned to know the answer , “ who is this man?”

It is a question that is still being asked today. There are many Jesus’; it would seem one for every wind of doctrine and teaching. All one needs to do is look at all the different cults, they all have their own unique Jesus. The Jews and the Muslims have their own supposition of who Jesus is, and is not.

Just look at the response Jesus received from his disciples, as seen in verse 19. So it is even now, and can we truly know the real person, and purpose of Jesus?

There’s the Philosophical Jesus. Teaching thought provoking and challenging discourses, as seen in his sermon on the mount.

There’s the Social Activist Jesus. He encourages people to be non violent against a repressive government. “ Love them that despise you!”

There’s the Religious Jesus. Here is how he is described by one skeptic: “Once you have become a christian, the evil face appears. Now that you belong to him, you are to obey his every instruction. He wants you to read the Bible, pray, go to church, give him money, serve in church and go for missions. He doesn’t like disobedient children and he will not hesitate to punish anyone who dares to disobey him.” Why is Santa Clause Better Than The Religious Jesus

December 27, 2007 — Yeap Chee Seng

Even “Christian” scholars differ on their own definition. Take the JESUS SEMINAR. Seventy seven Bible scholars meeting twice a year only to determine that the words of Jesus really only amount to hearsay and legend, and only about 20% reliable.

Peter answered , “Thou art the Christ of God.” In that one small statement lies all the truth of who Jesus is; the promises of God fulfilled in Him.

Bro. Al

Because of the Angels

No empty seats in our church?

By: Al Carlisle 4/25/08

1Cr 11:10 For this cause ought the woman to have power on [her] head because of the angels.

Looking around the auditorium on Sunday morning one can not help but notice the empty seats; pastors as they look out over the congregation are acutely aware of missing members and empty seats.

However, I believe, Paul is telling us, as he told the church at Corinth, that we have unseen visitors. Angelic beings observing our worship. Why should we not believe this to be so, we invite and expect God to be present in our midst, so why not His messengers and agents , ANGELS.

Dr. W.A. Criswell in his sermon on this text concerning why angels visit our congregations said: “ They (angels) learn the manifest wisdom of God,”

Eph 3:9,10 And to make all [men] see what [is] the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:
To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly [places] might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,

and , “They learn the meaning of the heart of Christ, the plan of salvation.”

1 Peter 1:12 Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.

Where do they learn these things? Dr. Criswell say’s, " in the assembly" (Church).

Fausett in his commentary said: “ The angels delight in the orderly subordination of the ranks of God’s worshippers in their respective places.” Reminding me of Hebrews 13: 2 “Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.”

Dr. David Gusik states in his commentary: “Because of angels: a third reason God has established a male leadership in the church is the presence of angels in corporate worship.”

So, whenever you find yourself sitting next to an empty seat be sure and welcome our unseen angelic visitor