Category: Bible Study

Twas battered and scarred and the auctioneer thought it scarcely worth his while to waste much time on the old violin; but he held it up with a smile. What am I bidden good folks he cried, who will start the bidding for me? A dollar, a dollar— and who’ll make it two?

Three dollars once, three dollars twice, and going for three……. but no, from the room far back a gray haired man game forward and picked up the bow. Then, wiping the dust from the old violin and tightening all the loose strings, he played a melody pure and sweet. Sweet as the caroling angels sing.

The music ceased and the auctioneer with a voice that was quiet and low said,” What am I bid for the old violin?” and held it up with the bow. A thousand dollars, and who’ll make it three? three thousand once, three thousand twice, going and gone, said he.

The people cheered, but some of them cried, we do not quite understand, what changed it’s worth?” Swiftly came the reply, “The touch of the master’s hand.”

And many a man with life out of tune and battered and scarred with sin is auctioned cheap to the thoughtless crowd, much like the old violin. (author m welch)

This short verse is what the Bible teaches about mankind. From Genesis through Revelation God is seeking those who need and want to be salvaged much like the old violin. If you are a believer in Jesus yet see yourself in the old violin then you simply need confession and repentance for complete restoration.

If you are not a believer in Jesus, but want your life changed, I pray this simple prayer: “Jesus, much like the old Violin I need you to change my life and to be my Master. Please send someone to help me.”

For further assistance you may contact me at…rerj56@gmail.com

Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is in me, bless His Holy name!

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits. ( Psalm 1O3: 1,2 )

What are the “benefits” of knowing the Lord?

Let me list just a few reasons from Psalm 103.

v.3….. Who forgives all your sins and wrongdoing.– (He forgives and forgets).

v.3b… Who heals all your diseases.–(The resurrected body will not know disease).

v.4a… Who redeems your life from destruction–(My life was headed for destruction).

v.8… The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in mercy-–(Grace is to receive what I do not deserve: forgiveness and heaven. Mercy is to not receive what I deserve; Judgment and hell).

v.10… He has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor punished us according to our iniquities.-–(I pity all who who must stand alone before God and give an account for sin).

v.13… As a father pities his children, so the Lord pities those that fear him. For he knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust—(God knows that you are human and still loves you. He knows that you are weak and he still loves you).

May I encourage you to read all of Psalm 103 and then bless the Lord for all his benefits.

If you have any questions please contact me at rerj56@gmail.com

World War 1 ended on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of the year 1918. This is called “Armistice Day.” From that day to this, nations around the world remember this time and date as the end of the “war to end all wars.”

Peace flooded the world in 1918. However, from the beginning of humanity to this day another war has existed.

The Bible says that to love the world is to be at war with God. “…. friendship with the world is hatred toward God. Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God ” (James 4:4).

To be a friend of the world does not mean that one is an immoral person. To be a friend of the world simply means that one has no relationship with God. God has no place in that person’s life.

Just as the war among nations ended in November of 1918, my war with God ended in 1951 in Sasebo, Japan. I was introduced to a group of men who had chosen to follow Jesus while living in this world and I made a choice to do that also.

The Bible says:….” Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans5:1).

But God did not come into my life to destroy as a conquering army; but to lovingly transform my life into something beautiful.

The Bible says…..” Therefore, If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old is gone, the new has come” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

In 1951, I agreed with God that I was not good enough to go to heaven. I then put my trust in His promise to save me based on the sacrifice of Jesus. From that day to this God has dealt with me as a loving heavenly Father..

Do you have an “Armistice Day” with God? If not you can have one this day by praying the following prayer: ” God, I realize that I’m not good enough to go to heaven, but I now trust Jesus as my Savior and ask Him to come into my life.”

If you would like additional information to help you in this new life you may contact me at rerj56@gmail.com

The Bible very clearly teaches that only by faith in Jesus can a person find forgiveness of sin and assurance of eternal life. The Bible is no ordinary book and if you want your life changed you should study this book.

Jesus said,” I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14: 6).

The Bible says,” Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved” ( Acts 4:12 I).

But why only Jesus? Again the answer is clear. Jesus is “…. the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1: 29).

Jesus was the perfect sacrifice for sin because he had no sin of his own. No other religion or object of worship can make that claim. No man, woman, animal or any created thing has lived without sin, except one, the man named Jesus.

The Bible says, “God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21).

A terrified Roman jailer once called out to the disciples of Jesus a very simple question, ” Sir, what must I do to be saved ?

The reply of the disciples is just as simple: ” Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved,— you and your household” (Acts16: 30,31).

If you or someone you love are interested in forgiveness of sin, peace with God and eternal life, trust Jesus today and He will bless you with forgiveness and peace of heart.

Reader, if you want forgiveness, peace and eternal life just pray this simple prayer: ” Jesus , I want all of these. Please send someone into my life to teach me.“

If you would like more information you may contact me at rerj56@gmail.com

In 1619 thirty nine English settlers landed in America, the New World. Their ships charter required that on arrival they would gather together and give thanks to God for a safe crossing of the Atlantic Ocean. This was to be done each year.

In 1789 the first President of the United States, George Washington, issued a general proclamation for a day of thanks.

In 1941 the United States Congress ruled that Thanksgiving Day would be observed on the 4th Thursday of November each year. This was to be a legal federal holiday.

In 2025 Thanksgiving today for most Americans is a day off from work and a day of family get together. However, for believers around the world, Thanksgiving Day is a time to reflect on the goodness of God and of his gracious provision for his children.

Allow me to share with you a few of the things for which I am thankful this year.

Physical health —I have suffered many health problems over the last few years even up to this day. However, as I look around I see those who have suffered so much more.

Financial health — I have a modest income that meets every need that I have. I see others who live paycheck to paycheck.

Mental health— Generally my mental health is stable but with seasons of loneliness and despair of loss. Most people, man or woman, will at one time or another suffer depression.

Moral health —This is a very subtle problem but is common to all, male or female; some to a greater extent than others. If not dealt with this will cause great problems.

Spiritual health — The one area of life and perhaps the most significant is spiritual health. However you score on this personal evaluation this one is the most important. Spiritual health simply means that in God’s sight if you have put your trust in Jesus you are in good spiritual health.

I would encourage you to review these six health issues and deal with each one effectively and quickly.

If you fall short in any area pray this very simple prayer: ” God, I need help in some of these areas. Please bring someone into my life to help me understand what I must do.”

If you have further questions you may contact me at RERJ 56@ gmail.com

The Bible very clearly teaches that only by faith in Jesus can a person find forgiveness of sin and assurance of eternal life

How can this be? aren’t there many roads to heaven? If one is sincere isn’t that enough? The answer is simple: The bible teaches that Jesus is the only way to God (heaven).

Jesus said, ” I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14 :6).

The Bible says, “——salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved” ( Acts 4:12 ).

But why only Jesus:

Again the answer is clear. Jesus is “…. the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1: 29).

Jesus was the perfect sacrifice for sin because He had no sin of his own. No other object of worship or any other religion can make that claim; not a man, a woman, animal, or any created thing.

The Bible says, ” God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God ” (2 Corinthians 5: 21).

The Bible tells about a terrified Roman jailer who once called out to the disciples of Jesus a very simple question , “Sirs, What must I do to be saved?”

The reply of the disciples was just as simple: ” Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved you and your household” (Acts 16: 30, 31).

If you are interested in forgiveness of sin, peace with God and eternal life, trust Jesus and he will bless you with all three.

If you are concerned about dying and what happens to you when you die, just say this short prayer: “Jesus, I want forgiveness of sin, peace with God and eternal life, and right now I ask you to be my savior. “

If you have further questions about what you just did you may contact me at rerj56@gmail.com and I will be pleased to explain further.

There are two ways to read and understand the bible: (1) read it for what it says (understanding) and (2) what it says to me (Application) (11 Timothy 4:16,17). The Bible is an historical account of specific events and people. But it was recorded to provide guidance to any who would read it. I encourage you to read the following verses from Psalm 118 and put your name in the space provided (_______).

___vs. 1 “Oh (__ ___) give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!”

—–vs. 2 ” Let Israel (_____) say ” His steadfast love endures forever.”

___vs. 3 ” Let the house of Aaron (_____) say, ” His steadfast love endures forever.”

___vs. 4 ” Let those (____) who fear the Lord, say, ” His steadfast love endures forever.”

___vs. 5 ” Out of my distress I ( ____) called on the Lord; the Lord answered me (_____) and set me (_____) free.”

___vs. 6 ” The Lord is on my (……….) side; I (______) will not fear. What can man do to me (_____) ?

And now read perhaps most famous scripture verse in the Bible, John 3:16.

” For God so loved the world (_____), that He gave his only Son, that whoever (_____) believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world (_____) but in order that the world (____) might be saved through faith in him .”

As you read the Bible always read it and understand it as God’s message to you personally.

Reader, if you understand who God is and you want to know Him personally, please do what this verse tells you to do and pray this prayer: “—- If you ( _____) confess with your (____) mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your (____) heart that God raised Him from the dead, you (____) will be saved. For with the heart one (____) believes and is justified and with the mouth one (____) confesses and is saved—“ ( Romans 10:9,10)

Now you must pray and ask God to bring someone into your life who can help you live for Him. If you have questions You may contact me at rerj56@gmai.com

Jesus Christ was and is no ordinary human being. He was and is at the same time Son of man and Son of God. Millions of people over the centuries have chosen to believe his teaching, to follow him and to be identified by his name: Christian.

In much of the world today, Christ is rejected, Christians persecuted, and the Bible forbidden to be owned or read. Yet people around the world, when given the opportunity, still choose to follow Jesus. Why?

Here are only a few of the reasons why.

+ In him we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. +He is the image of the invisible Go +By Him all things were created. +All things were created by Him and for Him. +He is before all things and in Him all things hold together. +God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in Him. +And through Him God reconciled to Himself all things…… by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. +Once we were alienated from God and were enemies because of evil behavior. +Now we are holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusations ( From the Bible Colossians chapter 1).

The invitation is clear and open to all who choose to accept and follow Jesus.

Jesus said: ” Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

If you are not in God’s family trust Jesus today and join the ranks of the faithful believers from centuries past and present, and God will bless you and your family.

If this is all new to you but want all that Jesus offers, pray this simple prayer, ” Jesus bring someone into my life that can explain to me more fully how how I can live to please you.”

If you have further questions please contact me at rerj56@gmail.com

The wonderful thing about the love of God is that it is unconditional.

…..God’s love was not given to us because we are good. The Bible says: “But God demonstrated his love for us in this: while we are still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).

…..God does not give us his love because we loved him. The Bible says: “This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins” (1 John 4: I 10).

…..The love of God is different than human love. God’s love lasts forever. The Bible says: ” …. I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving kindness” (Jeremiah 31: 3).

…..Also, the love of God withstands all difficulties. The Bible says: ” Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger of sword…. neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8: 35,39).

…..And what a thrill to know that the love of God is not restricted to one nation of people to the exclusions of all others. God’s love is for the world.

Jesus said: ” 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).

This is the same God who: ” ….made the heavens and the earth and the seas and everything in them” (Acts 4:24).

And this God loves you and wants you to know him!

New reader, if you fear that God does not love you, He does. He wants you love him also. If you feel you are not worthy, please pray this very simple prayer: ” God in heaven, I know I am not lovely, but that you love me and You want to change my life. Please bring someone who can give me direction and instruction on how to know you and how to express my love for you.”

You may contact the author at rerj56@gmail.com

Most everybody follows and wants to be like somebody.

And that somebody is a different because each one of us is different. We all have those people that we have looked up to with a desire to be just like that person That person is usually one tho had been recognized for great achievements. Whether you are male or female there is that one person you look up to and admire very much. Two such people come to my mind.

The first person to really love me is my beloved wife of 65 years, who is now with the Lord. She loved and cared for me with a love that is only exceeded by one other.

The second person to really love me came earlier when I was a young man I in the United States Navy in Sasebo, Japan. He had fixed his love on me even before I was born. He is the one in the Bible that is spoken of as Jesus of Nazareth.

He changed my life and I will praise Him as long as I live. I will sing praises to Him even with my dying breath.

The reasons why I love and praise Him are as many as the grains of sand that cover the seashore. They are as many and as varied as the snowflakes on winter day.

I have listed below 10 reasons why I love Him. These are written by the Psalmist in Psalm 148 NLT. Also, I would encourage you to read the entire Psalm.

(1) But happy are those who have the God of Israel as their helper; whose hope is in the Lord their God. (vs 5)

(2) He is the one who made heaven and earth, the sea and everything in them. (vs. 6)

(3) Who gives justice to the oppressed and food to the hungry. (vs. 7a)

(4) The Lord frees the prisoners. (vs. 7b)

(5) The Lord opens the eyes of the blind. (vs. 8a)

(6) The Lord lifts the burdens for those bent beneath their load. (vs. 8b)

(7) The Lord loves the righteous. (vs. 8c)

(8) The Lord protects the foreigners among us. (vs. 9a)

(9) He cares for the orphans and widows. (vs. 9b)

(10) The Lord will reign forever. (vs. 10)

And finally , I love him because He first loved me and gave himself for me. (1John 4:19)

As you read this blog and have had your life changed, stop now and just say “thank you Lord.”

Reader, if this is all new to you but you want to know more just pray this very simple prayer, “Jesus, I want these things in my life. Please bring someone to help me understand and to teach me how I can know you.”

If I can help you in any way please contact me at RERJ 56@ gmail.com