Our world is faced with many crises caused by crimes, wars, famines, pestilences, wildfires and hurricanes. As the world turns from one crisis to another crisis, we must be steadfast in our peace and endure to the end of time. This was the focus of Wednesday Night Bible Study at First Timothy Baptist Church. Utilizing the book, Beyond the Sunday Sermon, Dr. Ronald Holmes’ message highlighted three things we can do to be steadfast in peace and endure to the end. We must (1) stay with the truth, (2) stay calm in the crisis and (3) stay strong in the faith.

Dr. Holmes said we must be aware, alert, watchful and sober-minded that no man or woman tricks or deceives us. We must stay with the truth. Don’t be persuaded by false gods. Don’t allow false gods to lead us astray. Jesus says in Matthew 24:5, “For many shall come in my name, saying I am Christ; and shall deceive many.” In this world, we have witnessed false gods with different agendas, platforms, theories and ideologies.  Jesus says ignore any other so-called Savior. Stay with the truth. Look to him because he is the world’s only Messiah. In fact, Jesus says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6). Additionally, Jesus says that “ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32); therefore, pay attention and don’t be fooled by false gods, false prophets and false leaders of the world.

In point two, Dr. Holmes said we must stay calm in the crisis, maintain our composure and don’t be anxious for anything; but in every situation, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present our request to God (Philippians 4:6). In fact, be still in Jesus’ presence. Be still and know that he is our Lord and Savior. He is exalted among the earth and all nations. He is with us (Psalm 46:10). As such, we must stay calm in the crisis and in the word of God. The bible says in Matthew 24:7, “For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines,” pandemics and earthquakes in various places. In fact, we are witnessing these things. We are witnessing droughts, floods, wildfires and hurricanes. Jesus says in Matthew 24:8, “All these are the beginning of sorrows.” However, Jesus promises us peace during tribulations. Jesus says in Isaiah 26:3-4 respectively, he will keep us in perfect peace as our mind stays focused on him; and trust in him forever because he has everlasting strength.

For point three, Dr. Holmes said we must stay strong in the faith. We must persevere through tribulations and endure until the end. “For by grace are ye saved through faith” (Ephesians 2:8). For “the just shall live by faith” (Galatians 3:11). For, above all, we must carry the shield of faith so that we can extinguish all the flaming darts of the wicked (Ephesians 6:16). Finally, we must ask Jesus to increase our faith so we can endure until the end. We must draw nearer to God, and he will draw nearer to us (James 4:8). As we do so, we will be surrounded by his peace, grace, love and healing, said Holmes.

Wednesday’s bible study lesson on August 21 at 7:00p.m. – 8:00p.m. (EST) is, “Should I stay or should I go to Bethlehem,” from the book, Beyond the Sunday Sermon. The book can be purchased online from Amazon.com. To virtually attend the bible study, go to the First Timothy Baptist Church’s website, YouTube or Facebook.

Dr. Ronald Holmes is the author of 27 books and publisher of “The Holmes Education Post,” an education focused Internet newspaper. His books for children cover topics on the coronavirus, solar system, flowers, careers and school bullying.  His books for adults focus on religion, relationships, hazing, workplace bullying, bipolar disorders, issues in education and completing the dissertation.