Pastor Al Carlisle

2008-10-01T05:39:00.000-07:00

The Dual Nature of Christ
Part Two

Now we come to the doctrine of Jesus’ deity. John 1: 1-5 “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. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.” KJV

In these verses lies the foundation of our doctrine of Jesus’ deity, outside of the proclamation Jesus makes himself concerning his deity. John 10:30 “ I and [my] Father are one.” Then, in John 1:14 John nails down the doctrine by writing’ “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” KJV
The key here is in the definition of the word, “Word”. In the Greek it is “Logos”.

Note: A Greek philosopher named Heraclitus first used the term Logos around 600 B.C. to designate the divine reason or plan which coordinates a changing universe. BLB.

“In John, [Logos] denotes the essential Word of God, Jesus Christ, the personal wisdom and power in union with God, his minister in creation and government of the universe, the cause of all the world's life both physical and ethical, which for the procurement of man's salvation put on human nature in the person of Jesus the Messiah, the second person in the Godhead, and shone forth conspicuously from His words and deeds.” BLB

The word used in the Hebrew New Testament is, “Torah”. so for the Jew this would certainly take on a very special meaning. “The term "Torah" (Hebrew: תורה, "teaching" or "instruction," sometimes translated as "Law,") most commonly refers to the text of the Five Books of Moses or Pentateuch. It may also refer to the entirety of Judaism's founding legal and ethical religious texts. {wikipedia}

This certainly falls in line with the mission of Jesus in that he was the human manifestation of Gods teaching, instruction, and Law, “ and could only be accomplished by deity.
Jesus declared he had come to “fulfill the Law”. And he did!

The introduction of Jesus by John the Baptist gives a very Jewish picture as to the personage of the man who now approached the river Jordan, where John is baptizing. John’s words are clear as to whom he believes now stands before him.“ Behold, the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sins of the world.” John 1:29. This is an obvious reference to the “Passover Lamb” or “Paschal Lamb”. The difference here is that THIS Lamb was chosen by God, because Jesus is the WORD of God the second person of the trinity, and was not chosen by fallible, biased man, as the only truly perfect standard for which HIS sacrifice could and would be the last required for eternal; not temporal, forgiveness of the sins of mankind.

To deny the humanity of Jesus is just as heretical as denying Jesus’ deity. The fact that the use of the word “made” flesh; not became flesh very clearly declares Jesus’ humanity, and the fact that the ‘WORD” express' the very essence of who God is, and clearly speaks to Jesus’ deity.

2008-09-19T07:15:00.000-07:00

The Dual Nature of Christ
Part One

The historical fact of a man who’s name was Jesus; who with his small band of followers traveled the length and breadth of Israel ministering to people and preaching peace and faith and brotherly love. Even Josephus’ writings as well as other notable writers of the day declare his human existence.

We will examine the human nature of Jesus in this first part of our essay. Even those outside the faith agree to the historicity of the man from Galilee. The New Testament speaks specifically to the fact of Jesus’ human nature, yet there are those who claim to be Christians who deny Jesus’ humanity; that somehow his deity is minimized. The argument being that if he were 100% human he would carry the sin of Adam, and therefore he would not be the perfect sacrifice of God.

“Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:” Romans 5:12

For example, in the Philadelphia Confession of Faith that is use by many Presbyterian churches, there is a statement that because of inherited sin, "we are utterly indisposed, disabled, and made opposite of all good, and wholly inclined to do evil . . . This corruption of nature, during this life, doth remain in those that are regenerated; and, although Christ pardoned and mortified, yet both itself and the first motions thereof are truly and properly sin."
You may not think of it immediately, but there is a problem with the idea of sin being inherited. If sin is inherited, then how can the Bible claim that Jesus, being born in this world, was without sin (Hebrews 4:15). http://www.lavistachurchofchrist.org/LVstudies/Genesis/14_inherited.htm

To answer the question posed in the above quote is found in Gods word. Simply put Jesus had no earthly father as taught in the gospels, but Mary was fully human. Therefore Jesus had both the nature of man, which was flawed, through Mary and deity, which is perfect, through God.
“But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.” Matthew 1:20

Through out the New Testament we see on over view of the life and times of Jesus. That he started life on this earth as a baby. “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.: John 1:14 . The mortality rate among babies in that day was very high, so we see early in his life God’s hedge of protection around him, but I’ll bet he still suffered an occasional colic attach, sniffles and most common maladies as we see even today. The Bible tells us very little about Jesus’ early ‘ toddler’ years. But again, I see him as being a normal child of that day. I’ve read where in one of the apocrypha writings where Jesus as a child molded birds from mud and brought them to life for entertainment. How ludicrous is that notion. Even as a child God would not allow his son to be so frivolous in the childish use of his special gifts.

We are introduced to Jesus as a young lad in Jerusalem seeming lost by Mary and Joseph, when he was found to be teaching in the synagogue with authority and knowledge beyond his years. Upon finding him Jesus exhibits a hint of the mission and message of human life on this earth when he responds to their query as to his whereabouts obviously worried as any human parent would be, “And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business? Luke 2:49

Jesus began his ministry as a young adult, about 30 years of age, “And Jesus himself began to be about thirty years of age, being (as was supposed) the son of Joseph, which was the son of Heli,” Luke 3:23 So he had lived a life as a faithful and devoted disciple of Jewish traditions and laws. It could be said of him that he was a Biblical Scholar like no other, and why not, as he being the author should have first hand knowledge could speak and teach with true authority. His followers acknowledged this by calling him “ Rabbi” Teacher. We would use the modern vernacular of describing him of having obtained “LIFE EXPERIENCES” , which fall in line with what Paul had written to the Hebrews, “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as [we are, yet] without sin.” Hebrews 4:15.

Jesus, because of his humanity, not in spite of his humanity, knew all too well the frailties of our flesh. He passed the test and resisted Satan and maintained that perfect sinless human nature, and now sits at the right hand of God where he is our mediator, “For [there is] one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;” 1 Timothy 2:5 Notice the word “MAN” not spirit, not savior, not the second person of the God head , though he is all of those, but the human man Christ Jesus.

2008-09-09T05:41:00.000-07:00

Gentiles and Messianism

The messianic movement has been active in the Jewish community ever since Jesus commanded his Jewish followers to go into the world and spread the gospel. So it is not

new, however it has seemingly gained in popularity in recent years on many levels. With

the advent of active Jewish Evangelism groups like , Jews for Jesus, who actively seek support thru mainstream Christian churches and through their efforts have raised awareness to the messianic movement.

The Jew who is contemplating accepting Jesus, they prefer the Hebrew name of Yeshua when talking about Jesus, as their promised messiah are faced with making a choice of giving up their heritage, traditions and ultimately their identity to become a “CHRISTIAN”. Family and friends are alienated and often times the family of the convert hold mock funerals as they, the convert, is now dead to them. What a traumatic experience for anyone to go through for their faith.

We can sympathize with the Jewish convert who chooses what appears to be a valid alternative to joining a mainstream Christian church , and that is to fellowship and worship with Jews of like mind at a Messianic Jewish Temple or Synagogue. There they can find the trappings; traditions of worship they are familiar with. The exception is that they now are, “COMPLETED or FULLFILLED” Jews in accepting Yeshua as their messiah and not Christians. I am reminded of Paul’ exhortation to the Romans, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.” Rom. 1:16

I also find that there is an air of elitism within their ranks. Here in lies the great attraction, I believe, for the Gentiles who are seeking a higher plain in their worship. Dr. Stokes in his essay on Gentiles in the Messianic Movement, defines five types of Gentiles who are attracted to Messianism. The first group he describes as “Jew wanna-be’s”. They are convinced that God has called them to be Jewish, and often deny their Gentile roots. Another group has come to the revelation that the Torah is equally binding on Gentiles as well as Jews, say Dr. Stokes.

Yet I see another form of spiritual elitism. They mix Law and Grace, Works and Faith. All one need do is read Paul’s letter to the Galatians and the Romans, to see the error of many of their theological and doctrinal practices. I’ll close with what Paul wrote to the Romans: “For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither [is that] circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: Rom 2:28
But he [is] a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision [is that] of the heart, in the spirit, [and] not in the letter; whose praise [is] not of men, but of God. Rom 2:29”.

2008-08-12T04:33:00.001-07:00

Testimonies

Briefly explain how and when you became a Christian:
As long as I can remember, my mother and father taught us the Christian way. We always prayed before we ate, before we went to sleep, and we always thanked God for all his blessings. We felt that we were blessed and had God to thank.

Did the question get answered?

Briefly explain how and when you became a Christian:
I grew up in a Christian home with amazing parents. My family was very involved in our church and they made sure I had a strong upbringing that was centered on God. I became a Christian at a very young age, around 6 years old. My knowledge about God grew as I did and my walk with God eventually became much stronger as I got older.

Did the question get answered?

Briefly explain how and when you became a Christian:
I believe it was in 2001 at 18 years old, when I finally decided I needed to be baptized as a Christian.

I was surrounded by the Christian lifestyle since I was a teenager, not so much from my family, but both by my dance teacher (yes, I took dance too) and by my BMX team manager. This meant that while I was at home and traveling to races, I could see how true Christians lived their lives, and they influenced me so much. It was good though, because I made up my mind about accepting Jesus on my own (although it took 6 years). It was something I came to realize I didn't want to wait on anymore.

I still remember the moment when I knew I wanted to live my life for Jesus as much as I could; it was during a plane flight. I am really scared of flying, even though I have to fly many times a month. I have certain CDs that I listen to, to help calm me down when there is turbulence. I was listening to a Keith Green song called "YOU!" There is a line in the song that says, "Don't wait too long to decide." Now, I had been listening to that song for years, and knew exactly what that line was referring to, and that particular flight did it for me. I told myself that I was getting baptized when I arrived home, which I did.

Did the question get answered?

Testimonies from about.com/Christianity.

Testimonies are always interesting, because they are unique to the individual, but there should be a common thread to every ones conversion experience. The other interesting fact here is some admit to not being active or faithful to church.

The question was simple, but some answers miss the mark.

None of them mention personal SIN, or forgiveness or repentance from their SIN. I’m not trying to judge the validity of their testimony; I’m simply asking a question. If I were the interviewer I would have dug a little deeper. How does your testimony read?

2008-07-25T05:54:00.000-07:00

Are Christians still being eaten by lions?

1Pe 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

When hunting favored prey such as wildebeest or zebra, lions usually stalk to within 30 meters before rushing at them. In most cases the lions will wait until the quarry has turned away or has its head down. Once it detects danger, the victim bolts but it may be too late. On rare occasions, (and invariably in daylight) lion may ambush prey, with one member of the pride lying in wait as its partner forces the quarry to run in its direction. The sheer abundance of prey can also determine hunting strategies. When great herds of migratory wildebeest are milling about, lions can simply rush into them and pull down one or more of the confused animals. When the same herds gather to cross the Grumeti or Mara rivers, lions simply wait at favored crossing points and pick off the startled wildebeest.

http://www.wildwatch.com/living_library/mammals-2/big-cat-hunting-strategies

It is also widely known that lions will prey on the young, the invalid, the older and weaker prey. It is little wonder why Peter uses this very visual analogy as to how a Christian should walk in this world of lions.

First of all, Peter tells us to be “SOBER”. Literally to be serious and calm, not taking our responsibilities lightly or frivolously in our Christian walk.

Second; we are to be “VIGILANT”. Aware of our surroundings, environment, and influences, Once we turn our heads and become comfortable with our situation we put ourselves in the position to become a victim.

Peter tells us WHY we need to be : SOBER and VIGILANT. Because our adversary,(enemy) known as the devil, is on the prowl. He is looking for the weak, the invalid the immature Christian to devour, literally to consume their testimony and service life. There fore as part of our defense we are to stay strong in our faith. Aware of the fact that we are in the world but not OF the world. We also have a protector in Jesus Christ our Shepard, and the Holy Spirit our Comforter to walk hand in hand with us through this world. Also, notice there is strength in numbers. “Forsake not the assembly of yourselves together,:

The devil knows our favorite hang outs and is waiting in ambush. Put the Holy Spirit out on point to ensure safe travel. Don’t become the next to have your Christian testimony devoured.

2008-07-09T05:38:00.000-07:00

America’s Judeo-Christian Heritage Gone, but not Forgotten?

If one would listen to the media pundits it would seem America’s claim to being a country founded on Judeo-Christian values is all but passé. In part it seems that would be a correct assessment.

We have become a country who has gone from : “IN GOD WE TRUST”, to

“IN GOVERNMENT WE TRUST”; from freedom “TO WORSHIP GOD”,

to freedom “FROM WORSHIP OF GOD”, and it happened with in a short span of only 232 years.

The new mantra, which is generally quoted completely out of context, is: SEPERATION OF CHURCH AND STATE. What a complete and utter fallacy. There will never truly be a complete separation of THE Church from THE State until THE CHURCH is raptured out of this world. Then, and only then will there be a true separation of the two.

Nearly half of the signers of the Declaration of Independence where trained in theology. “There was certainly no separation of church from our Founding statesmen. Half the Declaration’s signers had some sort of divinity school training, and while John Adams was the most overtly pious, even the supposed non-believers among the Founders, such as Benjamin Franklin, found the need to turn to God in times of trouble. During the Constitutional Convention's most contentious moments, it was Franklin who not only offered a prayer but who added:

Our prayers, Sir, were heard, and they were graciously answered. All of us who were engaged in the struggle must have observed frequent instances of a Superintending providence in our favor. To that kind providence we owe this happy opportunity of consulting in peace on the means of establishing our future national felicity. And have we now forgotten that powerful friend? or do we imagine that we no longer need His assistance” . Larry Schwei kart: http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1413314/posts

However, it is difficult to claim today we are still a God fearing country when we have laws that do not protect the lives of fetus’, and infanticide called abortion claims the innocent lives of nearly 1.3 million per year. The

government is now replacing God determining who lives and dies. God gave us the TRUE family planning in His word, but His word is considered non –politically correct, and antiquated. The government will give us the new and improved version of the FAMILY, VALUES, and MORALS.

But, here in lies the great rub. The CHURCH is a live. The Holy Spirit still convicts of sin; there is a voice for righteousness. There are those who continue to hold the banner of God high for all to see. The Church will continue to be a burr under the saddle of secular humanist. We used to be known as the MORAL MAJORITY, but are we?

2008-06-05T07:33:00.000-07:00

Todd Bentley and the Lakeland Revival

By: Al Carlisle

Mat 16:4 A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas. And he left them, and departed.

Commentary by David Gusik

d. A wicked and adulterous generation seeks after a sign: This reminds that signs alone convert no one. We can place far too much confidence in signs as events bring people to faith in Jesus.

i. The problem isn’t that the signs are themselves weak, but that a wicked and adulterous generation seeks after them.

e. No sign shall be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah: However, Jesus promised a sign that would have power to bring people to faith - His own resurrection.

1Jo 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try (test) the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

1Cr 2:2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. Emphasis is mine

Rom 16:18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.

I live and minister not far from Lakeland and read with great interest in the Tampa Tribune the story of the events happening in Lakeland and this evangelist Todd Bentley.

Wow, I thought as I read , if God is in this then I want to be a part of Gods outpouring. But, as is my habit, and before I spend my money for a tank of gas, I researched Todd Bentley and his ministry. What I found was a ministry That is more about Todd Bentley then about our Lord Jesus. See 1 Cor. 2:2

Let us look first at the response of someone who came to Lakeland from New Mexico for the purpose of, “to get some and bring it back to Albuquerque.” Todd likes to use this catch phrase to encourage folks to come down and receive “ the anointing”, “healing”, etc. Something is, at least to me, inherently wrong by calling the work of the Holy Spirit as some and it. This person was representing an organization called “XTREME ENCOUNTERS” http://xtremeencounters.com.

We are a group of God-chasers who are determined to encounter Him. We are
chasing Jesus with all that we are. We have all been hurt in some way by the church,
but the current state of the church is no reflection on who Jesus Christ is. He is
GOOD! And He LOVES US!! We want to see others who have been hurt by church
and church leadership healed and to help them fall in love with the Lord all over again.

As I read this description of their group there came to my mind a group I saw on tv called Storm Chasers. I’m sure you’ve seen them on tv too. How they travel far wide chasing storms to get an up close and personal encounter with tornadoes. As intelligent people are racing to find shelter and put as much distance between them and the storm, these people are racing to get as close as they can and they pay for the privilege. And they do this because? For the thrill, the rush,
Do you see the analogy?

Evidently some people feel the only way they can have an encounter with God that is meaningful is only found in services where they can get a THRILL and feel the RUSH. The same reason people ride roller coasters. And Todd Bentley has tapped into this emotional resource and people are paying for the privilege. Like the one who went to Lakeland chasing God to share in the experience, the thrill, the rush. Something evidently missing in many churches.

Here is how they described the worship: “Worship was awesome. Roy Fields is an amazing worship leader. He is also FUN! He knows how to help people enter into the presence of God.” http://rahabsplace.wordpress.com/2008/05/09/so-i-went-to-lakeland

I never needed help to enter into the presence of God. As His child I have immediate access to my heavenly father and the Holy Spirit prepares my heart and mind for worship. Love these Spiritual Cheerleaders who work the crowd. What did the folks do at Pentecost without a Roy Fields?

What about preaching the word, as Paul commanded young Timothy to do? Lets hear from this eye witness: “Did Todd preach? No, not really. Not in the sense of a sermon with loads and loads of scripture. The thing is that probably 75% of the crowd were ministers of one form or other. We really don’t need more Word poured into us. What we need is empowerment to DO. We need the release of faith and boldness to DO THE WORKS OF JESUS. We know the Word, but we are not seeing the biblical promise of “As I was sent, so send I you” in our lives.”

The Bible teaches that the power of God is in the WORD of God. “it is the power of God unto salvation.” Not signs and wonders.

I would encourage you to go to the link and read more first hand account of this “revival”. You decide by the leadership of the Holy Spirit if God is in this. For me I’ll save the price of gas and use it for the work of the ministry in my own church.

2008-05-23T08:42:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-14T06:11:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-09T06:05:00.000-07:00

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)

2008-05-07T09:01:00.001-07:00

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!

2008-05-05T15:50:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-02T06:05:00.000-07:00

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