THE BIBLE ANSWER STAND MINISTRY
"And be ready always to give an answer to every man that asks you."
1 Peter 3:15
Dedicated to the Memory of Craig Bluemel
November 3, 1953 to June 16, 2007
Well done, good and faithful servant, you have entered into the joy of your Lord!
Excerpts from an email Craig wrote to friends March 2, 2007 about some of the lessons learned through years of chronic pain, sleeplessness, and suffering:
…I am no longer able to have visitors to my home because simply interacting with God’s people triggers the Father’s spiritual anointing, releasing a flood of love expressed thru the revelation of truth in the scriptures, and inevitably, I am painfully injured by even the slightest amount of talking. For over 2 decades I spent all my free time doing street outreach evangelism one-on-one or teaching Bible studies, planting house churches, or helping needy families, etc, because God made me as a ‘people loving personality.’ Yet, He also gave me an extraordinary gift to study and understand and teach the scriptures to others in simplicity of the mind and heart, and revelation of His anointing, which brings the word of God alive inside of people.
God is using my suffering and pain as He did with old brother Paul’s thorn in the flesh. Most Christians cannot relate to this statement because it is not a cross that most will have to carry. Jesus said ‘My burden is easy and my yoke fits.' I never understood this saying until I was afflicted; now I keep this saying. It took many years for me to come to understand the many blessings that are found in pain and suffering. After much complaining and grumbling to God, insisting that He either heal me or take me, I finally embraced the reality of what He has given to me and am now contented in any circumstance He allows. For, when I am weak, He is strong. I can finally boast about my weakness, that His strength is being perfected in me.
You, God’s people, and my sisters and brothers in Jesus Christ, have made this path much easier to walk—thru your words of encouragement and especially your prayers. Ten years ago, when I was in the middle of the eye of the storm of afflictions that beset me, God spoke to my heart in His still small voice and said to me ‘You are only kept alive by Me because of the faithful prayers of certain ones in the church.’ I have never forgotten this personal insight, and He has never revealed to me who these champions of faith and intercession are, but great is their reward!
The restricted mobility and the loneliness that I once felt were destroying me and my personality has finally put to death the ‘old man’ and now the life of the ‘new man’ created in the image of God thru Jesus Christ is come alive! These past 3 weeks have been the most physically arduous and painful, but with the physical weakness comes spiritual strength. The love of God that I now feel for my Father in heaven, for His Son--and my Brother, Advocate, Mediator, Counselor, Teacher, Comforter, and Friend—Jesus of Nazareth, and all of God’s people who are called by God thru his name, is increasing daily.
God has me sequestered in His word, as it were, and I must admit, it is a most peculiar and wonderful place to be. The ‘love-hate’ relationship I have with suffering in this frail and broken body cannot endure the agony of pain that occurs just simply interacting with friends and relatives that would otherwise eagerly join me for fellowship. The most peculiar thing about all of this is that whenever, (literally whenever) I study the scriptures and prepare online studies about the man, Jesus of Nazareth, or about Yahweh Elohiym the only true God and Father of our Lord Jesus, my physical limitations and what I am able to do with His anointing breaking the yoke is nearly effortless.
Outside of God's anointing, to understand the depth of the riches of His word, my ongoing physical condition is a thorn in my flesh that I have grown to be thankful for, because it reminds me of my mortality, keeps me vigilant and diligent, helps me appreciate the things in life that really matter, has made me a much better husband and father, keeping me dependent upon the Father in prayer, and hungering and thirsting after the just, upright and equitable purity of the example I find in Jesus of Nazareth…
… For those who have been praying for my wife and I, and for my health and other needs for the better part of this 14-year ordeal with pain, God is answering your intercessions mightily of late. God’s ways are not our ways, and His thoughts so much Higher than our own. He doesn’t always answer the way 'we' want. However, God always answers prayers in a way that glorifies Him, and furthers the building up of the kingdom of heaven…
…My greatest treasure in heaven is each of you, my brothers and sisters in Jesus… In Isaiah it is prophesied, and in Hebrews fulfilled that Jesus the man, speaking to God the Father says, “Behold, the children which You have given me.’ You are the ones who do the will of God from the heart…
…All glory be to God the Father thru Jesus Christ, and thank you all for caring for and loving us.
The Future of the Bible Answer Stand Ministry Website
Craig’ wife Pam plans to keep the site online. Craig wrote many, many studies that have never been posted. As time allows, they will be edited and posted to the site. Your comments can be sent to her through Craig’s email address.
Craig's Writings:
New Bible Studies:
E-Mail Questions and Answers:
NUGGETS: Brief Studies on a Variety of Topics:
Recently Added Links to BAS Friends
Nita's Nook
"Pure & undefiled religion in the sight of our GOD ... is this: Visit the orphans & widows in their distress and to keep onself unstained ... "
- Go to Nita’s Nook
- Contact Nita
Carol Pack
- Carol Pack’s music site; enjoy music that is true worship and draws your spirit into fellowship with the Father and His son Jesus. Acoustical guitar and vocals, set in a variety of styles.
- Go to Full Measure Music
Debra Rae
- Books and video that equip 21st - century believers with concise, in-depth information on multiple ways deception has infiltrated the global community, Western culture, and even the Church. Debra Rae's work offers sound instruction and biblical perspective--always seasoned with hope. Her books are essential reading for the well-informed Christian.
- The Octopus Chronicles
- The Hijacking of State Schools
- Go to Debra Rae Books
Matt Geib
Dave Maas – Truth or Tradition
Sylvester Okidi Kimasia
- Sylvester Okidi Kimasia is a pastor of a small church and orphanage in Eldoret, Kenya. Poverty, rampant disease, including AIDS, which kills entire families that have become Christians, reminds us that faith is more than one’s “entitlement” to selfishly “claim” Bible promises, but the hope in God is trusting Him to sustain ijn the midst of affliction. See photos, hear live audio, and if you feel led of God, contact him by email.
- Go to The Philadelphia Tabernacle Web Site
Cristian Secrieru
- Cristian Secrieru is a native born Romanian Christian who has witnessed the transformation from brutal persecution of Communist controlled Romania, to a country now reaping the consequences of years without God. His message is directed at pastors and his heart is to see them give their leadership into God’s control.
- Go to The Pastor’s Site
“Keepers” Cards by Lorri
- Providing encouragement and blessing through cards made by hand, there is no other site that has personally touched me like this one. Lorri has a gift that is heaven sent and her cards are like no other you will EVER see. They are, as the name implies, “Keepers,” because they’re not just cards… they’re love letters from Jesus in card form. A must see site for anyone seeking to console a loved one with the message of God’s tenderness and love.
- Go to The “Keepers” Cards Web Site
Stephen Kramer
- Born-again Christian Stephen Kramer gives us all a merry heart, and it is the medicine we need at times! Visit his site & enjoy original cartoons, clean and hilarious humor, and enjoy time with the Lord in his stained glass scripture room. Steve, alias ‘Kramer’ is one cool dude!
- Go to Stephen's Web Site
Ken Mac
- Artist Ken Mac uses his paintbrush to express his love for God and his awe of the creation. Ken’s sensitivity is something only a true artist can express… feeling. His uncompromising standard is seen by the stand he made not to profit from paintings of the crucifixion of our Lord… please support him! His paintings take you everywhere from the pounding surf of scenic beaches, to the serene spot at a fishing hole in the Rockies… you will love this!
- Go to The Painted Paradise Web Site
Shane Johnson
- Shane’s books are known worldwide and as a born-again Christian, he uses fiction to reach an otherwise hard to reach segment of society with the gospel. He comes in the “back door” and tills the ground of hearts that will one day make Jesus the Lord of their life.
- Go to Shane Johnson's Books
Barry McDonald
Bob Cope
- Bob Cope presents convincing arguments and scriptural truths to dispel theological and Christological errors in doctrine, including controversial topics such as the trinity and the Pre-Incarnate Christ.
- Who is the Creator?
- Contact Bob
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This Site Was Last Modified on July 4, 2007