Just as segregated public facilities prohibited people of color access to restrooms, restaurants and water fountains, a lame man in the bible was prohibited from entering the temple because he was crippled. Nevertheless, one day he discovered the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth.

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 points regarding the text: (1) the history that makes an impact, (2) the hope that makes an impact and (3) the healing that makes an impact.

Dr. Holmes said we can see the history that made an impact through the biblical story in Acts 3:1–3. Peter and John went to the temple to pray at the ninth hour (3:00p.m). It was the same hour that Jesus gave his final words on the cross: “It is finished.” When they got there, they saw a lame man at the gate of the temple called “Beautiful” begging for money. This man was born cripple and carried daily to the temple for prayer. Because of his disability, the lame man was denied access to the temple; so he begged for money from people as they entered the temple.

In point two, Dr. Holmes said that when we know our history of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, that will give us hope. It will propel us to rise and be about the business of God. The lame man never lost hope that someone in the crowd was going to bless him. He just did not know who, when and how someone was going to bless him. The lame man had been crippled for 40 years and his situation was about to change. Peter and John told him to focus his attention on them (Acts 3:4); and the lame man paid attention and listened to them (Acts 3:5). In lieu of money, they requested the lame man to rise and walk in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth (Acts 3:6). Hope in Jesus will always give us more than we expected, said Holmes.

For point three, Dr. Holmes concluded with the healing that made an impact (Acts 3:7-10). The lame man was lifted and “immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength” (Acts: 3:7). The lame man started dancing and praising God as he entered the temple with John and Peter (Acts 3:8). This was witnessed by people inside the temple, and they were amazed by how God had blessed him (Acts 9-10). The lame man got more than he expected, and we will also get more than expected through God’s grace, said Holmes. To hear this lesson, click on this link:

The next bible study is November 20 at 7:00p.m. – 8:00p.m. (EST). The lesson is, “God Still Sends Angels and Moves Stones” 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.