Category: Bible Study

In 496 A.D., POPE GELASIUS set aside February 14 to honor a Roman priest by the name of Valentine. Saint Valentine became the Patron Saint of Love. Today we observe February 14 as Valentine’s Day. However, the true Patron Saint of Love is God Himself.

It was the love of God 5000 years ago when God provided an ark for Noah and his family by which they escaped the devastating judgment of sin and preserved the seed of mankind (Gen 7:15).

It was the love of God that 2700 years ago God promised through the Prophet Isaiah that “The virgin will conceive and be with child and will give birth to a Son and will call him Emmanuel” (Isaiah 7:14).

It was the love of God that 2000 years ago “… gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

It was the love of God that Jesus was willing to be “… the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29).

And it is because of love that God waits patiently for men everywhere to “…repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds” (Acts 26:20).

However, love extended must be received. Have you received this gift of love? If not right now ask God for forgiveness and for guidance in the future. If you have further questions and need help to understand, please contact your pastor or me at RERj56@gmail.com

” Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away” (Matthew 24:35).

” Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away” (Mark 13:31).

” Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away” (Luke 21: 33).

A principle in Bible study is if a statement is repeated, pay attention because that is very important. How important is a statement made by Jesus that is recorded by three of the 4 Gospel writers ? extremely important!

The Bible, the inspired Word of God, will never pass away. In a changing world we need to build our lives and fortunes on that which does not change. consider the following.

God’s promise of eternal life will never change: ” For God so loved the world that He gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3: 16).

God’s promise of forgiveness will never change: “ If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1: 9).

God’s promise of his presence will never change: “… God has said, ‘ never will I leave you, never will I forsake you'” (Hebrews 13: 5).

God’s promise of guidance will never change: “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful (1) to teach us what is true (2) to make us realize what is wrong in our lives (3) It straightens us out and (4) it teaches us what is right” (2 Timothy 3: 16).

If you believe what the Bible says, you should read your Bible, study your Bible, and build your life on the Bible.

If you are not a follower of Jesus and would like to be one, contact me at RERJ56@gmail.com and I will be delighted to help you.

February is the traditional month to celebrate love and every nation has its own great love story. The French have Napoleon and Josephine; the Greeks have Orpheus and Eurydice; and Egypt has Cleopatra and Mark Antony.

The Taj Mahal of India was built by Mogul Emperor Shahjakan as a loving memorial to his wife who died in childbirth. It took nearly 22 years to build and required 20,000 workers from all over India and Central Asia. The cost to build was ₹32 million. (Currency India)

However, the greatest love story in history is recorded in a book that required 1500 years to write by 40 different authors in three languages.

This book is the Bible, and it reveals the very heart of God who is defined by love (1 John 4:8), Unlike many lovers, the love of God for us is not based on our merit or lovability. When we were not lovable, God loved us. The Bible says: ” But God demonstrated his love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5: 8).

Also, God’s love for us is not due to our love for Him. He loved us first. The Bible says; “This is love, not that we love God, but that He loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins” (1 John 4:10).

However, there is at least one similarity between our love for one another and God’s love for us. That similarity is this: love extended must be received. I love many people who do not love me. Jesus Loved the people of the world, but the people of the world did not love Jesus.

God’s love is extended to us through His Son Jesus Christ: ” For God so loved the world that He gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16).

The person who rejects Jesus also rejects the love of God. We receive the love of God when we receive Jesus into our lives by faith. If you have not done this, please contact me at RERJ56@gmail.com. I will be pleased to explain further.

Looking back over the centuries a person cannot deny the fact that history repeats itself. This is true on the world stage and also in the life of every individual.

I have listed below some of the articles concerning nations around the world found in the daily newspaper of February 2011.

Egypt :—Mubarak stays___ crowds enraged. — Cairo___ Government blames Al-Jazeerar. —- United Nations___Israel stays focused on peace process— Tehran___ Iran opposition leader under house arrest — Paris ___ Tunisian fear chaos in nation.

The following are some of headlines found In the newspapers of February 2026.

Iran— Thousands of citizens die while protesting government corruption___ Russian troops are occupying sections of a neighboring nation ___ Terrorist groups are systematically killing Israeli citizens___ In America today there are those who are making every effort to destroy the Jewish population___ at this very hour there is a civil war in our nation Americans versus Americans.

Every story noted above reveals the fact that people of the world want peace. Will world peace ever be realized?

The Bible speaks of two kinds of peace. Jesus said: ” Peace I leave with you,my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid (John 14: 27). The peace of God that is spoken of here is permanent.

There is a peace that the world gives, but it is not permanent.

The League of Nations was organized in 1919 to promote world peace. It was formerly dissolved in 1946. Almost immediately The United Nations was formed I to achieve the same purpose. It remains ineffective to this day.

The world gives peace but at best it is temporary. The peace with God that Jesus gives is eternal. We access this peace when we receive the gift of life by turning to Jesus. I I He is the Lord of peace (2 Thessalonians 3:16). Is peace you have permanent or temporary?

If you have put your trust in Jesus, you have permanent peace with God. But if the peace you have is based on the world’s definition of peace, it will be temporary at best.

If you would like to have this peace that God gives contact me at RERJ56@ gmail.com

Every person on earth whether black, brown, white or whatever has needs and no way to meet those needs. I have listed below what the Bible says about those that are common to everyone and the way to satisfy those needs and live a successful life.

I feel I am of no value.—–” You are precious…. in my sight…. and I love you.” Isaiah 43: 4

I can’t do anything. –” I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.” Phi 4:13

I am afraid.—” Do not fear, for I am with you….” Isaiah 41:10

I feel alone—-“Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5

I wish I could change the past. —- ” Forgetting what is behind...press on ….” Philippians 3: 13,14

I fear what the future holds —–“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.“ Deut 31:8

Does God see me and is He aware of my needs? —” For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.” 2 Chronicles 16: 9

I am a sinner.—” If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins….” 1John 1;9

Can I believe his promises? Will He keep his word? —“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” Matthew 24: 35– Mark 13: 31— Luke 21: 33

God wants you to trust in Him, rest in Him, leave the past t0 Him and put the future in His hands. He hears prayer and will never fail you. I challenge you to select one of the needs above and then claim the promise to meet that need.

These promises are for all those who know Jesus as Savior. If you do not know Jesus, I would like to help you. if you have questions contact me at RERJ 56@ gmail.com

January marks the beginning of a new year and in many ways signals a new beginning, a starting over, an opportunity for improvement.

There are four things that everyone should do at the beginning of the new year:

…. One:…. Do not dwell on the past. ” — But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on …. ” (Philippians 3: 13,14a) Do not dwell on past successes or failures, especially the failures.

….Two…. Do not take the future for granted. ” Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day will bring forth.” (Proverbs 27: 1) Also, ” Do not worry about tomorrow…” (Matthew 6: 34a). We know the past. We do not know the future; however, God does and we may trust Him to guide us.

….Three …. In all that you do each day, do it with diligence ” A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich.” (Proverbs 10: 4) Also, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart as working for the Lord, not men.” (Colossians 3: 23)

….Four…. Do not go into the new year alone: go with God. ” So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41: 10)

May 2026 be a year of new successes and personal prosperity for you and your family.

If you would like to begin this new year trusting in God, please talk with a friend, your pastor, or you may contact me at Rerj56@gmail.com

In his book, One Thing You Can’t Do in Heaven, Mark Cahill was asked this question by a professor at Louisiana State University: ” Can you prove that there is a God?”

(The following is excerpted from his book)

Mark’s answer was, yes , I can. by (1) Creation (2) Design (3) Art (4) Order.

Every time you see a shirt, or dress, or any item of clothing, you know there was a creator.

Every time you see a wristwatch, you know it had a designer.

Every time you see order, like 20 bottles in a row, you know there is an orderer.

When you look around the universe, what do you see? You see creation, design, art, and order. Since everything has a creator, a designer, an artist, and an orderer behind it, why would you not think that there is a Creator, Designer, Artist, and Orderer behind the universe?

The Bible says, “For the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by things that are made, even the eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse” (Romans 1:20).

I know there is creation, design, art, and order by simple observation. I also know there is a Creator, a Designer, an Artist and an Orderer by observation and faith.

The day is coming when every person will meet this Creator, Designer, Artist, Orderer. If you have not met Him and would like to know more, please consult a friend who knows Him or contact me at RERJ 56@gmail.c0m.

We survived 2025! It was not a good year for many, but we did live through it and now look forward to 2026. Will we live through 2026 and welcome 2027? This, no one knows. We have no guarantee of tomorrow, let alone a full year. We are all just one heartbeat away from eternity. The Bible says: ” Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth” (Proverbs 27:1).

And again the Bible says: “Now listen, you who say, today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money. Why you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes (James 4:13,14).

Since we have no assurance of tomorrow, how should we live today? Let me offer two suggestions.

First___”….love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind….” (Luke 10:27a). Below is the definition some scholars give of heart, soul, strength, and mind.

___ The heart is the center of emotions, desires, and affections

___ The soul is a person’s “being” and uniqueness

___ The Strength is a person drive or will

___ The mind is the center of the intellect

Second___”… and love your neighbor as yourself” (Luke: 10:27b). Neighbor means fellow human beings in general.

Jesus knew that no one in his audience had kept the Ten Commandments. so he gave the intent of the ten when he said : you are to love God with all your being as and also love your neighbor as you love yourself.

Your goal then for 2026 should be to love God and to love your neighbor. Do this and you will be blessed.

If you need more information, please contact your pastor or respond to this email at RERJ 56.@gmail.com

January, the first month of the year, was named after Janus, the God of doors and gates in Roman mythology. Janus is usually represented by a head with two faces: one looking backward and one looking forward.

We should never look backward to last year’s failures, lest we become discouraged, and we should never look backwards to last year’s successes lest we become proud. Always remember that the past is past and this can seldom be changed. However, the year before us is a future, yet to be determined and will be the result of our good or bad choices. Let me give you some examples of good choices.

First: choose to honor God and His Word—” This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success” (Joshua (1:8). God’s promise is clear: if we honor God’s word, prosperity and success will follow.

Second: Choose to honor your father and mother—“Honor your father and mother, that your ways may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you” (Exodus 20:12).The New Testament repeats and confirms this promise and adds that this is the “first commandment with promise” (Ephesians 6:2).

Third: Choose to honor God for all you have —“Honor the Lord with your possessions, and with the firstfruitsi of all your increase, so shall your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine ” (Proverbs 3:9,10).

There is yet another promise from God: God will honor those who honor him.

Choose to honor God and to set new goals for 2026 and He will bless you as He has promised.

If you would like to know more about how to honor God, please contact your pastor or contact me at– rerj56@gmail.com

Christmas Day, December 25, is celebrated around the world…. for many different reasons and by many different people.:

(A)…For the average person Christmas may be described this way: …..for the store owner it means increased sales and additional profit—- for the employee it often means time off from work and time to be with family—– for children it means receiving presents—– for many homeless people, Christmas means a hot meal. The average person celebrates Christmas this way and hopeful that it will be repeated next year.

(B)….For the average person who is also a Christian, it may be described as :… being free from the fear of death—– one no longer controlled by anger and bitterness…… one who has received forgiveness of sin….. one who now loves and does not hate….. one who truly lives and does not just exist…. and one who now has a peaceful heart.

Although we remember the birth of Jesus on December 25, the exact date is not known. However, the effect of that birth has been evident for nearly 2000 years in cultures around the world.

Jesus said ,” I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (john 10:10).

According to the Bible ,if you have possession of both A and B, you are very blessed; if not. Take note of where you are and do something about it.

If you’re reading this and do not understand, please contact me at RERJ56@gmail.com