Jim Brunner Ministries, Tucson AZ: Kenya, Ematsayi Mission, Kumasi Bible School, Caribbean Outreach. Christian Support Needed.

If you want to talk to Jim about a devotional or his book place your comments in this blog. In fact I will respond to any reasonable communication. I will consider some of your respond on this blog. Just remember your comments are filtered through me. God's blessings to each of you and thanks. - Jim

9.5.10 - Dear Pastor James, Greetings in Jesus name. A sister from hinduism accept Jesus Christ and comes to our church regularly. Her husband is not yet accepted Jesus Christ. He is a drunk and He never cares his family. His wife goes to a factory and earns little money and take care of the family.

Last week, he was affected by high fever. he was suffering much for the past one week. She does not have money to take him to hospital. She was afraid, if he is taken to a hospital, she has to pay more than a month's salary. At this situation, she shared the love of God to him. And asked him to go to church and meet me. so, he came to our church and requested us to pray It was the first time. Few months back he came to our church to beat his wife. He scolded her ans asked her to come out of the church. But now he came for prayer. We prayed for him. He was completely healed by the grace of God.

Today his wife came to our church and shared this testimony for the glory of God.

We wish you a MERRY CHRISTMAS. Pastor T. George in India

5/28/10 - This was sent to me by a Pastor T. George in India whose people are harassed by hindu people and whose land is being violently violated by them. --- Reactions of a Godly Man

In Genesis 13:7 we read that there was strife between Abraham’s servants and Lot’s servants. Abraham and Lot obtained vast wealth through their trip to Egypt and now that wealth causes problems. Wealth always causes problems. Lot and his wife were affected by what they saw in Egypt. They wanted to make more money. But Abraham was a man who would not fight with anybody. But his servants fought.

“There was strife between the herdsmen of Abraham’s livestock and the herdsmen of Lot’s livestock. Now the Canaanite and the Perizzite were dwelling there.” Why is that last sentence included there? Because
those heathen people were watching this fight. This is very relevant to the situation in today’s Christendom too. The heathen are dwelling in the land and what do they see? Christian groups fighting with each other. And in the midst of all this can we find a godly man like Abraham today who will call Lot (the worldly person who loves money) and say to him, “Let there be no strife between you and me, we
are brothers” (Gen. 13:8)? They were not brothers. Abraham was the uncle, Lot was his nephew. See the graciousness of this 75 year old man to his 35 year old nephew. “We are brothers!” A godly man is a
humble man. He was 75 years old, but he could look at his young nephew and say, “We are brothers. You are equal to me. I will give you first preference. Choose what you want.” Jerusalem is built by such men.
Christendom needs such leaders - and they are not easily found.

Today, we have many leaders who assert their authority, who would have said, “I am 75 years old, I am your uncle. I am the one whom God called, not you. You just came along with me.” But Abraham did not
speak like that to Lot. He said to Lot, “If you go to the right, I’ll go to the left. And if you go to the left, I’ll go to the right. You take what you want first.” And Lot, greedy man that he was, with the spirit of Babylon, grabbed first. He looked at the lovely fields of Sodom, saw the opportunity to make money there, and the rich people who lived there, and said, “I’ll move there and serve God there as well.”

Many Christians and Christian leaders like to move to wealthy countries. But invariably, they lose out spiritually. When Abraham was taking this decision, the Lord had come down (as in Babel), to see what he and Lot were doing. And the Lord saw the godly way in which Abraham conducted himself. Immediately after Lot had left him, the Lord said something very important to Abraham (Gen. 13:14). God separated him first from his father (by death), and then He separated Abraham from yet another relative (who would have been a hindrance to him through his covetousness). The Lord said, “Now you are alone and now I can get you to go where I want you to go and to be what I want you to be. I saw exactly what happened.” Do you know that God watches every transaction that takes place between people? He watches our attitudes. Have you given up your right to something because you are a Christian? God says to you, “I have taken note of that.”

Then God said to Abraham, “Just stand here and look north, south, east, west. All the land that you can see will one day belong to your children. I promise that. It will not belong to the descendants of Lot. God said that to Abraham 4000 years ago. Look at that land today 4000 years later and ask yourself who is living there. The descendants of Abraham, not the descendants of Lot. God keeps His word. Thousands of years may go by, but if God has said to Abraham, “I will give this land to your descendants forever,” (Gen. 13:15), then it will be exactly like that.

Then we see in Chapter 14 how Lot got into trouble. You always get into trouble when you go outside the will of God. He was captured by his enemies. Abraham could have said, “Serves him right. The fellow
grabbed something from me.” But Abraham didn’t react like that. There you see another time that Abraham was tested: What would Abraham’s attitude be when he hears that this man who cheated him has got into
trouble? When somebody who has cheated you gets into trouble himself, then you will discover very quickly whether you are a man of God – or not. Abraham’s reaction was, “Let me go and help Lot. It’s true that Lot cheated me. But what did he cheat me of? Some garbage of earthly wealth. That’s nothing. I’ve got heavenly riches. I feel sorry for Lot because he went after earthly things, and now he has got into trouble. Let me go and help him.” And Abraham went and delivered Lot himself. That’s the attitude of a godly man. Only such people can build Jerusalem.

5/20/10 -

Does forgiving require a continue relationship? Can't you just forgive and forget? I've forgiven them, ... - but his abuse haunts me to this day.

Honey, Not forgiving does not require a continued relationship because the one forgiven only wants to hurt or take advantage of you. For me, each time I remember knowing that it still hurts I simply ask the Lord to forgive them becasue it still hurts me! He does and knows your desire to remain open and honest with Him. Let your rememberer help you to go through the process again and in time you will forget or remember to be glad it's all over and forgotten! - Love you girl - Jim

5.6.10 - Respected Brother James Brunner,

Greetings!
I hope this will get you blessed by His grace. God is doing great things in Pakistan and we are honored to be a part of it. Here are some important ministry updates and prayer requests; I would like to share with you. Our ministry team in Northern Pakistan has planted a new church in a small hillside village near Mardan city. This area is very near to Afghan border and Islamic fundamentalism is on its peak. Please pray
for the security of the Northern Pakistan mission team as well as the believers in this newly planted church.
Our youth chapter has organized a student seminar in Faisalabad to give awareness about the dangerous teaching of Mormonism and Jehovah’s Witness. It was a wonderful opportunity for us to teach young people. Most of the people in Pakistan do not even know there is a difference between real Christians and Mormonism or Jehovah’s Witness. About 150 High School and College students participated in that seminar. Recently, the Lord did something marvelous. Through some contacts within the Government officials and politicians, we have got the permission from the Government to distribute Urdu Bibles among the Christian prisoners in Pakistani prisons. Before that Christian prisoner were not allowed to have a bible with them in prisons. We firmly believe that as it’s been written in the word of God, “It will NEVER return void”. Many lives will be changed forever. Our target is to get 1st installment of 1000 Urdu Bibles in coming days for this project. Thank you for praying for us so faithfully. There is nothing we can repay your love with. Please pray for peace and security in Pakistan, pray for all barefoot pastors and church planters who serve in different situations at different places in uncertain circumstances. Please pray for wisdom and Lord’s provision for our ministry team. Your love, prayers and support encourage us and we pray the Lord will bless you and your family with abundant blessings.
May God bless you with His abundant blessings!
For the cause of Christ, Dr. Muqaddam Zia

My dear Brother Zia, we continue to confirm your ministry in prayers and are so thankful that our devotionals are a blessing to you. Only God Himself can reward your efforts in the Kingdom of God, With great regards I remain your brother - Jim Brunner

5/3/10 - Dear Jim,
I have studied the Bible and been a believer for 20 + years. In the last couple of years I have had a friend that started celebrating Passover, stopped celebrating Christmas and believed that the Sabbath is supposed to be celebrated on Saturday and not Sunday. I have asked my Pastor and know his opinion but I have some questions about these issues that i feel God continues to raise in my heart.
My Pastor teaches that when Christ celebrated the Passover with the disciples it was the last one. 16For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God.

17And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves:

18For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come.

19And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.
That same evening Christ introduced The Last Supper and a new covenant that he will now be the passover lamb and the final payment for our sins.
Did the first Jewish/Christians celebrate Passover again in the new Testament?
Did they continue to honor the Sabbath from Friday sun down to Saturday sun down?
When did it change to Sunday?
I know most Pastors say well the day is not important as long as you worship but I tend to believe it is important to God that we honor the day of rest that He deemed.
I would appreciate your views..
Patti Armstrong

Dear Patti, I appreciate your question and understand your pastors position. It is a good one. It was the Passover they were celbrating and Jesus told them not to celebrate the meal in remembrance of deliverance from Egypt but to celebrate it in rememberance of Him for delivering them from the bondage of sin throgh His broken body and blood. To remember the sacrifice of Christ Jesus on the Jewish holiday of Passove is most approate because we said, "As often as you do this." Do what? Observe the Passover, do it in remember of ME!

Hebrews 4 makes it very plain that when we came into the body of Christ as believers we entered into the rest of God and have seased our own efforts to gain our salvation for it is a gift of grace, not of works lest anyone should boast. When Paul speaks of working out our salvation it is that life of obedience to the Holy Spirit living our realationship with God out in our daily lives. We do not work our salvation we let it develop into more and more Christlikeness. We have entered into the Sabboth Rest of God!

I understand the first Day of the week became our worship day from the first century.

12/29/09 Okay - what if you are a DAUGHTER????? Only sons are mentioned

In the Bible, especially the Old Testament, the term sons can be read to mean children many times. Johnell, if you are part of the bride of Christ so am I, if I am part of the body of Christ so are you, if I am a son of God so are you. There are no genders in heaven, no need for reproduction so enjoy being One with Christ - Blessings, Jim

0810/09 -Dear Pastor Jim,
Greetings in Jesus' name.We arranged a youth retreat on August 15th.We started it at 10 a.m. and it went upto 5 p.m.Through the singing time, all the attendants were blessed and annointed by the Holy spirit. Pastor Stephen from Tuticorin shared God's word and made them to rededicate their life to God. Through the nice singing of Dr.Malini and Dr.Rajini their hearts were melted. Through the counselling of Dr.Jeyasingh [ Professor of Madurai Medical College and the chief doctor of aids department] the youth were warned to be very serious of committing sins.Through the testimony of Dr.Cepa [just completed his M.D.in the country of Russia] the youth were encouraged.
All the glory, honor and praise be to God alone.
We are going to have a special testimony services on September 1,2,3. We have invited Brother Thayappan.He was a very staunch hindu.He has built a hindu temple of his own for the use of the public.He has visited all the popular temples of India and have organized Pujas.He has learnt all the mantras of hinduism.
When his son was working as an engineer in U.S.A,he was affected by a very serious disease.He was serious and admitted in the hospital in U.S.A.Mr Thayappan went to U.S.A. to bring his son to India.He prayed to all his gods.No answer.One day a pastor from India met him and prayed for his son.God touched him and healed him.From that day onwards, he threw all the idols and accepted Jesus Christ as his Saviour.He is going to share his testimony Please pray so that many hindus can accept Jesus Christ.

T.George

6.11.09 - I am not on your mailing list but I read your Mind of Christ in Archives and was to confess - I was raised in a Christian home. I go to church. I have been volunteering and teaching a 7th grade girls bible study group as well... I try to live my life for God and I love Him so much.... but if I love God so much, then why do I struggle with porn? I can't even remember when I first learned about sex or porn but it just happened. I got deeper into it in high school. I was lonely. My ex-boyfriend was terrible to me. I didn't have a good Christian girlfriend. So when I was alone, I resulted to porn. But not just any porn.

It first started with cartoon porn. I thought I wasn't committing a huge sin since it wasn't real people. Then, I got deeper again and resulted to lesbian porn. I am straight and am completely in love with my amazing Christian man God has blessed me with.... but I don't understand why I do the things I do.

I have trying to stop... My boyfriend and I are trying to keep each other accountable because he has the same problem... and I really do not want to carry this into our marriage when we get married... It's like I get up to the point where I feel satisfied and then I stop and immediately feel regret and guilt. I want to rid this of my life. It's not fair to my purity, it's not fair to my boyfriend and ultimately it is not fair to God.

I need to change this... I need lots of prayer... It's funny because most people only think men struggle with this but as our culture gets more and more sexual and it's becoming more "acceptable" in this world for women to do such things... it just becomes easier... I need help. I am addicted. I would like to think otherwise because I don't do it everyday or even once a week. I do it probably once a month or twice. But still... it is a reoccurring sin that I just need the Lord to wash away and replace it with His love....

My boyfriend and I have both installed the X3Watch on our computers... but it is not helping me... I feel terrible... Please pray for me... I need lots of support...

My dear Christian sister, Even Paul had his "thorne in the flesh" and I understand it was sex. He had been married and his flesh cried out for more but the Spirit of God in Him siad, Not now! He confessed to the law of sin that worked in his flesh in the last verses of Rom. 7 but honey Romans 8 follows, "there is therefore no condemnation for those who walk in the Spirit and not in the flesh." Every time the desire to masterbate comes up turn to the Lord in worship and that desire will fade away. It takes time, believe me I know but it will go for as we turn to the Lord in worship the desires of the flesh and the temptation of the devil cannot go with you. I hope to hear from you again and hear of your victory over the flesh in putting the old man down and rejoicing in the Lord will do it every time. Personal worhsip is manditory for this victory! Put on the helmet of salvation by openly, out loud worship between you and the great holy Almighty God who loves you in Christ! - Jim Brunner

----------------------------------------------

06/16/08 One brother after reading some of the devotionals and comparing scriptures emailed in part: "I tell you, brother, there are some promises that the Lord God has helped me to lay hold of Jesus Christ through and by, that I would not have out of the Bible for as much gold and silver as can lie between York and Longdon piled up to the stars!"

------------------------------------------------------

02/26/08 Hi, Pappy, I am just full of questions for you lately:) I was wondering what you think the purpose for the transfiguration was for. I know that everything recorded in the gospels has some significance for us as believers, but I just don't understand why Jesus had to experience the transfiguration as part of our redemption. I would love to have your thoughts on this subject. Love you! - Shawn

So glad my granddaughter feels free to ask such questions! It make Pappy feel important in the lives of those he loves!

In Mark 9:1-13, Matthew 1628-17:8 and Luke 9:27-36 we see Jesus taking the three disciples who seem closes to him up a mountain. Questions had been flying around Jesus as to just who he was. They believed the scriptures, was he Elijah returned, or Jeremiah, or the prophet Moses had promised? God had appeared to both Moses (Ex. 24:12-18) and Elijah (1Ki. 19:8-18) on mountains. God was answering this question, “Who is He?” There on the mountain of Transfiguration God showed Peter, James and John that Jesus was his divine son above the Law of Moses and above the prophet words of the prophets seen through Elijah, He was the fulfillment of both the Old Testament law and the prophetic promises. He was not a reincarnation of Elijah or Moses. He was not merely one of the prophets. He was God’s one and only Son far surpassing them in authority and power. The voice from the covering cloud said, “This is My beloved Son, Hear Him!” It made an impression on the disciples that was forever with them as Peter says in 2Peter 1:16 “We were eyewitnesses of his majesty.” Here I will quote Oswald Chambers devotional fro May 17th in My Utmost, “On the Mount of Ascension of Transfiguration is completed. If Jesus had gone to heaven from the Mount of Transfiguration, He would have gone alone; He would have been nothing more to us than a glorious Figure. But He turned His back on the glory, and came down from the Mount to identify Himself with fallen Humanity.” From the Transfiguration Mount to the Ascension Mount Jesus went through the fallen state of man to its death, resurrection and eternal life with the Father! All praise and honor belongs to the Lord Jesus and Him alone! - Pappy

----------------------------------------

02/07/08 A couple questions from my grand daughter. ... I just had a couple things that I wanted your thoughts about. Nothing too urgent, but just thought you would have some insight. THe first thing is that Steve and I were researching bread and wine in the Bible and the first time they are mentioned togehter is when Melkisidek (i know that is spelled wrong) gave them to Abraham. What is your thought about this. The second thing I was wondering about is when Jesus casts out the demon from the boy that the disciples couldn't cast out and He said that "this kind only comes out by prayer and fasting". What is the reason for this? Do you have any insight about it? Thanks for your thoughts! - Shawn

Thanks for your questions Shawn ........ Concerning your first question about the bread and wine of Melchizedek offered to Abraham: in comparing Genesis 14:18-20, Psalm 110:4, Hebrews 5:6-11 and Heb. 6:20-7:28 we can discover that there is a spiritual order of intercessory priest in the Kingdom of God that can be called the order of Melchizedek. These scripture indicate that the priestly order of Levites with Aaron as it first priest is patterned after this spiritual order of intercessors. Melchizedek was the “king of righteousness” and of Salem meaning “king of Peace.” He was a “priest of God Most High” (Heb. 7:1-2) and was thus the appearance on earth of the preincarnate Christ in a temporary bodily form. When he offered “bread and wine” to God’s chosen, Abraham, who had just defeated the kings who had captured his relative “Lot” and his company he was picturing the Passover celebration where Jesus offered his own flesh and blood for all believers establishing a new everlasting covenant with all believers. Abraham’s offering of the tithes to Melchizedek indicated his position as God who alone had claim to the tithes. Jesus himself recognized the statement of David’s in Psalm 110:4 as referring to himself (Mk. 12:35-37). Further the book of Hebrews indicated that the human priesthood of Aaron has been superseded by the superior priesthood of Christ that exists forever! I thus understand that there are those alive today called and gifted to be prophetic intercessors in the Kingdom of God. All who pray can and most be praying for and standing between a righteous God and the sins of men, a thing that our Lord did completely for eternity. But some have this ministry as the prime gift in their life.

Now about fasting and praying! Jehoshaphat called a national fast in 2Chron. 20:3 and God heard their prayers and gave them a tremendous victory of their enemies. Their fasting was an expression of their national repentance. In Ezra 8:21 the Levite asked God for traveling protection through hostile territory and God protected them. The true attitude in fasting is to secretly before God alone humbly seek his presence as in Mat. 6:17-18. Fasting therefore helps us become more focused on the Lord so we can better receive his guidance. (Joel 1:14). Esther asked for the Jews to fast for her that she might have courage to lay her life between the king of Persia and her people. In 1Chron. 10:12 the warriors fasted for seven days after burning the remains of king Saul’s body for the fasting reinforced their grief. Finally the words of Jesus indicated that fasting could open the way for deliverance from demonic activity in one we love. Isaiah 33:2 pictures prayer and fasting as an act of seeking deliverance expecting God to act.. There obvious are many others but this I came up with here. - Jim

----------------------------------------------

01/22/08 -- I just received a telephone call from a friend in Austin who is teaching a Wednesday night class of about 300 women. Last week the statement was made that satan could NOT read our mind while God can. This was challenged by some of the women with the stamement that that is NOT in the Bible.

I have also taught that -- but can't find anything to back me up and had to tell him so -- but promised to hunt for someone who could.

If it is a Bible truth that we can show scripture to back up -- please HELP!! I need to report to him again before Wednesday. Thanks for your help.

In His Love, Ray Holder in Midland, TX

Ray - here are some Scripture reverences to Satan -- Satan – Adversary or accuser.

When used as a proper name, the Hebrew word so rendered has the article "the adversary" #Job 1:6-12 2:1-7 2. In the New Testament it is used as interchangeable with Diabolos, or the devil, and is so used more than thirty times. He is also called

a. "the dragon," "the old serpent" #Re 12:9 20:2

b. "the prince of this world" #John 12:31 14:30

c. "the prince of the power of the air" #Eph 2:2

d. "the god of this world" #2Co 4:4

e. "the spirit that now works in the children of disobedience" #Eph 2:2 3.

The distinct personality of Satan and his activity among men are thus obviously recognized.

a. He tempted our Lord in the wilderness #Mt 4:1-11

b. He is "Beelzebub, the prince of the devils" #Mt 12:24

c. He is "the constant enemy of God, of Christ, of the divine kingdom, of the followers of Christ, and of all truth; full of falsehood and all malice, and exciting and seducing to evil in every possible way."

His power is very great in the world.

a. He is as a ”roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour" #1Pe 5:8

b. Men are said to be "taken captive by him" #2Ti 2:26

c. Christians are warned against his "devices" #2Co 2:11 and called on to "resist" him #Jas 4:7

d. Christ redeems his people from "him that had the power of death, that is, the devil" #Heb 2:14

e. Satan has the "power of death," not as lord, but simply as executioner.

Ray, from these reverences we can see that Satan can definitely tempt us with thoughts but the question is can he read our minds. I do not think he can read our minds but he watches our actions and listens to our words to discover our weaknesses, fears and strengths in order to tempt us and destroy that which God has made. The believer can overcome him by turning to the Lord Jesus in worship and prayer where Satan cannot come! God is omniscient – Satan is not! God is all knowing, loving and caring for all his creatures on earth. Satan not only is only hateful and wants only to destroy what God is doing and the important truth here is that he cannot destroy what God is doing. God will finish that which He started and finish to completion all people born into the kingdom of God. Satan is not the opposite of God! His activity is limited to that which God allows him to do as Rev. 20:1-6 clearly says. His release at the very end is to deceive the nations not individual. Government powers will and have been turning against God but His people will remain true. God is in control. Satan is not an equal opposing force to God as thought from the East believes as in the Yen and Yang! Ephesians 3:10 the evil powers can learn God’s wisdom by the way God deals with His Bride, the Church! If these evil powers can learn they certainly do not know it all! No, evil powers nor Satan himself can read our minds but they can read our actions and listen to our negative words and work against us accordingly. If I think of other ways to scripturally answer this question I will send it to you – Bless you brother for your faithful witness of the faith of and in our Lord Jesus Christ – Jim

----------------------------------------------------

1/15/08 Comment: What happens to our souls when a human being commits suicide?

- Johnell Barkley

Johnell, The Bible does not give us a direct answer to this question. Genesis 1:27 states that God created people in his own image and loves us deeply even after we have turned from him as 1Corinthians 6:20 says that God bought us with the high price of his own son. Therefore we must honor God with our bodies. Jesus paid the ultimate sacrifice for us that we could have life. It would go against everything Jesus taught us to take our own life. The loss of this truth within can cause great depression, morose and feelings of suicide but we must remember that God does not change. If he loved us before we came to him he still loves us when we forget it. The Lord Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever (Heb. 13:8). All eternal judgment must be left to our Lord. We can make no judgment concerning another person apart from the truth that states that as many as call of the name of the Lord Jesus shall be saved (Acts 2:21)! It is the Holy Spirit that draws us to salvation with Christ. Salvation is God's idea concerning men not ours.

So what happens to the soul of one who has come to the Lord and commits suicide? That can only be answered ultimately by God on an individual basis. My own grandfather who had confessed the Lord Jesus before men many times took his own life in his barn in Indiana because of excruciating pain brought on by a ruptured appendix. My grandmother asked the Lord to forgive her husband promising to give God his seed, my father and uncle, both of which become Methodist Ministers in their early twenties. I do not believe we can make God any more kind or less loving through some kind of bargain! He does not change. He is holy and righteous therefore nothing evil can ever be in his presence. Continue to “look up” knowing that He will finish what we started. This one thing God promises us is our life! We must never seek to take that which we have given him! – Jim

-----------------------------------------------------------

1/14/08 Could you please be so kind and educate me on the following - Mohammed Nkansa

*PROPHET;

Do we have in existence prophets in comtempoary christianity?

If yes, then what are their roles in todays christianity?

How do we know that one is a prophet?

*BAPTISM;

I want you to explain in details baptism for me.

*Infant baptism

*Baptism by sprinkle

*Baptism by immersion

Are all these biblical?

Dear Mohammed,

I appreciate your request for a Bible, without it a child of God is truly deprived of needed guidance from his Creator. Mailing Bibles overseas has become very expensive to the point of being prohibitive since there are sources for the very Bibles you mentioned there in Ghana. You might contact brother Martin Ampomah at matin2gh@yahoo.com for more information on getting one there. On my web site where you got my address you have free access to many different translations of the Bible through the devotionals I have written.

As for your question concerning modern day prophets, there certainly are prophets and prophetesses in the body of Christ today (Eph. 4:11). They are used of God to give hope and encouragement. Any public address to a group of saints must always be judged by that body of believers and checked against the word of God. Their words must always check true against the Bible for God never contradicts himself. Jesus said there would be false prophets (Mk. 13:5-7) in our day but do not fear them for God gives us a spirit of "wisdom and understanding" of his ways when we seek it. Be not overly concerned about them for it is the Father's good pleasure to give you the Kingdom! You can trust God for the future! All prophecy rather public or individual must always bring glory to our Lord Jesus for "the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy" (Rev. 19:10)!

Concerning your question about baptisms, (Eph. 4:5) tells us that there is one baptism necessary for salvation and that is to be baptized into the body of Christ by the Spirit of God as Paul says in (1Co. 12:13). That first baptism is to be "born again" into the Kingdom of God! As the Holy Spirit places the believer into the body of Christ so the Lord Jesus then wants to baptize you into the Holy Spirit. All four gospels tell us that Jesus will baptize you with the Holy Spirit, which first happened at Pentecost in Acts 2:1-4 and continues until the Lord Jesus returns in glory (Eph. 4:13). The Spirit of God present in the believer will then manifest his ministry of glorifying Jesus in many different ways, one of which is "speaking in tongues" and another is in "prophecy" as you had asked. Infant baptism is not scriptural for it is not found in the Bible. The mode of baptism in the Bible is immersion both in practice and meaning for that is the meaning of the original word which means "to immerse".

In closing, contemporary Christianity is not of the Lord at all if it is not Biblical in intent and purpose. The purpose of our life together is the up building and growth of the body of Christ which is the reason for all the words of the Bible and prayerfully the words on my web site and devotionals. God's richest blessings to you now and always and thanks for the questions! I pray this short comment is helpful to you. - Jim

---------------------------------------------------------

1/9/08 Dear Friends and Families, Greetings from Himalayan Kingdom of Nepal. Our Program "Jeewan Marg" was On Air this evening on Capital FM and it was the begining of our Media Ministries. I know that this is the time of technology, and technologies has brought great change in the livestyles of the people too. This is the privillage of technology that, hundreds villages where it was not possible for me alone to go and share the gospel, but we are reaching from today through our Radio Outreach. Hundreds thousands of people whom, I won't be able to meet in whole life, may get the oppertunity to hear the gospel through this program. And I am glad to inform you that Lord has brought our ministries in new leval. It may be small things for western world to preach in Radio Stations. But there was time in Nepal, when the ministries like FEBA and TransWorld Radio used to broadcast Nepali program from Mosco in Russia. There was time in Nepal, when it was not permitted to preach in Nepali Radio Stations. But God is not only bringing the change in this nation, Lord is opening more wider way for reaching lost and unreached souls for Christ with modern technologies. Please pray for this program. Please pray for the people who hear this program today. Please pray so that Millions people may hear this program in the days to come. One of my desire is to see more and more souls coming to the Kingdom of God. Because of that, in future, we would like to start the programs on some other stations of Nepal too. Please pray for the resources so that our vision may come into reality and we may send on air this program in different Radio Station in different parts of Nepal. On Behalf of Lost Millions of Asia, Chandra

----------------------------------

1/3/08 Please pray for the Christians in Kenya - the country is facing terrible times because of the last election. You may read about it in this Las Angeles Times articles @ http://www.latimes.com/news/la-fg-church3jan03,0,1132272.story?coll=la-tot-topstories&track=ntothtml. You can copy and paste to read the article. That way you can pray for effectively. - Thanks so much - Jim

-------------------------------------------------------

12/3/07 - I want to know God but am afraid of Jesus --- Will he forgive me! I’ve done some really bad stuff!

Absolutely He will. The Lord Jesus will forgive anyone who comes to him in faith acking for forgiveness. You ask him and he will not only forgive you but give you a new life in him. He will prove it to you by giving you peace and contentment even when you know you have done some really bad stuff! In fact, he will take your desire for those things out of your life now and forever! – Jim

--------------------------------------------------

10/31/07 - A Concerned Grandparent

Comment: Hi, Jim! It is October 31, traditionally known as "All Saints' Day." What is your advice to Christian parents and grandparents of children who want to join in the "fun" of the hobgoblins they see around them at this time of year? Thanks for your incite...........

Thanks for your concern. I, too, do not like our people celebrating death and witches. We need to celebrate life and faith in our loving God. Our Church "Grace to the Nations" here in Tucson is having a "Harvest Fest" this evening for the families in our neighborhood. Last year we had some thousand or more come by. Perhaps you could teach your grandchildren about the original reason for the Holiday. It is the eve of "All saints day" in which the Church wanted to celebrate the lives of our many forefathers who stood for the faith in the face of persecution and pain. Teach your children and grandchildren something of our godly heritage and celebrate the beautiful gospel they handed down to us.

When the little ones come to the door for handouts I will share some candy with them with a smile and a blessing from the Lord Jesus for them. Thanks - Jim

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

10/30/07 - Comment: Hi Jim!

I'd not thought about the ascension in relation to the transfiguration. Jesus' presence in the Kingdom, but He did not come as King but servant. I've been thinking a lot about the Kingdom lately, seeking to understand it and know the reality of the Kingdom. I've been in Daniel most recently, and the dream of Nebuchadnezzar about the rock cut out which will which will crush all other kingdoms, an everlasting Kingdom. Have you any other thoughts about the Kingdom?

God bless. - Aenon

Thanks for the email - glad to know you have been here looking around - What makes the beauty of the Kingdom of God is that it is an eternal kingdom that shall not pass away because it is the God of love's kingdom of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit of God. What the disciples saw in the Transfiguration was made possible by the ascension. The appearance of Moses and Elijah confirms to those three disciples who were present that Jesus fulfilled the demands of the Law (Moses) and that of the prophets (Elijah). Their presence confirms the Lord's Messianic mission. He was to fulfill God's law and the words of God's prophets. Just as God's voice in the cloud over Mt. Sinai game authority to his law (Ex. 19:9), God's voice at the Transfiguration gave authority of Jesus' words. These disciples therefore must listen to Jesus and understand that just as He took up his cross so must His followers take up their cross and follow him where ever it might lead. The end of all godly self-denial in order to bring glory to God was to have the end that they saw in Christ. As Jesus was the anointed one of the Father in heaven, so the believers of today are the anointed one of the Lord Jesus. Therefore, follow Him.

------------------------------------------------------------------

10/19/07 - Hi Jim I enjoy your daily readings as there are always plenty of references from other areas of the bible that amplify your thoughts! - angela

Thanks, that's encouraging - Jim

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

10/19/07 - Chandra Poudel

Often I receive requests for help because of the nature of this website but this one I feel is real and from a man who could genuinely use your help - pray for him - Jim

Dear Sir, Thank you for your mail. Though you are not able to assist us for ministries, we want to thank you for your prayer. Prayer is the greatest support and I hope that we can reach our nation for Christ in our generation itself. I have also send you my testimony. Please keep me and the work I am doing here for Christ in your prayer. On Behalf of Lost Millions of Asia, Chandra

Personal Testimony

I am Chandra Poudel, born and brought up in a High Caste and orthodox Hindu family of East Nepal. By birth itself, I was from the priestly family of Hinduism. I got the knowledge of Hindu Scriptures in my Childhood itself from my Grand Father. I need to say that I was very devoted Hindu from my Childhood itself.

It was during the 1989/90 I started to hear that some tribal of my home town started to be Christian. At that time, we used to hear the American white people follow Christian religion and they eat cow (Because cow is holy animal in Hinduism and worshipped as god). When we hear that some tribal are becoming Christian secretly in our home town, we were against them. As a young man, I was too very jealous because these people were leaving our religion and adopting foreign religion.

Some people were more aggressive to attack the Christians physically, but I thought we need to use our wisdom. If we deal wisely, we can bring these people back to Hinduism. Because of that I decided to read their Scripture Bible, and to see what is there so that people are accepting Christian religion.

At those days, getting Bible was not so easy in Nepal. That was the time of very severe persecution for Christians in Nepal. Very hardly I got one copy of New Testament with a tribal young man, and ask him to give me to read. I started to read, for first some days, I found that Jesus is really good Ethical Guru and he has good moral teaching. It was my 8th day, I still remember I was going through Gospel of John. When I read John 8:38, I got there Jesus was teaching to Jews. The sentence “Who sins, is a slave of sin” caught my heart. I don’t know why it was so, but Holy Spirit started to work in my heart and I started to cry. That very point became the life turning experience of my life and I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior on that day itself.

Though I accepted Jesus as my Lord, it was not so easy for Christian to live during those days in Nepal. I started to get social and family persecution. My own father expelled me from our own home, relatives said that I became mad, not only that, my own grand father used black magic to kill me. But I thank God that He kept me safe thus far.

I accepted Lord on the year 1990. I was Baptized in water on the year 1991. Just after some days of my conversion, I was expelled from my home, so that after being Christian, I started to live alone. I first started to serve the Lord after getting the calling for ministries as a Sunday School teacher on the year 1992 in a Baptist Church. On the year 1996, I went to seminary, and then came back to our Capital City Kathmandu and started to Pastor in a Baptist Church here as well teach in some Bible Schools. On the year 2002, I started a new Church and started to work as a Charismatic Minister.

At present, I am Pastor of a Church in Kathmandu named Thimi Bible Church. This is small congregation with 100 members, and we are involved into Church Planting in some other parts of Nepal too. We run one Orphanage and one small Bible School too. At present, our Church has 11 small rural congregations in mountains of Nepal, one Orphanage and One small Bible School.

Today Lord has blessed me with a Christian family. I am married and Lord has blessed us with a daughter. Most of my relatives are in Christ now. My parents have too accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior and enjoying Christian life. I must say that all the bitter experiences of past, Lord has turned into the better experience of life.

When I recall my life, I remember an old English Christian Hymn:

“Trust and Obey, for there is no other way, To be happy in Jesus But to trust and obey”

kenyan churches - kenyan orphanage - ghanian ministries - caribbean outreach - northern england - home missions
home - about jbmi - about us - ministries - education - devotionals - donate - contact us - links