In a thriving Black neighborhood of Greenwood district in Tulsa, OK called Black Wall Street, many Black people lost their homes, schools, businesses and lives. The Tulsa race massacre of 1921 was one of the most severe incidents of racial violence in U.S. history incited by a white mob. With regard to the Tulsa story and other acts of racial violence and hate in America, our Wednesday Night Bible Study at First Timothy Baptist Church on February 21, discussed a need for a spiritual revival in our home, church and community.

Utilizing the book, Beyond the Sunday Sermon, Dr. Ronald Holmes’ message focused on (1) the results of God’s glory, (2) the reflection of God’s goodness and (3) the revelation of God’s grace. Dr. Holmes said that if we are going to have joy, peace, and comfort in our lives, we need the results of God’s glory rather than our personal glory. In fact, we will see the results of God’s glory when a spiritual revival is present in our lives; whereas, we reflect the character of God; and we “Let our light so shine before men, that they may see our good works, and glorify our Father in heaven” (Matthew 5: 16). God is all about his glory, as well as his followers honoring him with their lives. He wants us to walk righteously, holy, and in truth (3 John 1:4). The Tulsa story is not the way God wants us to walk and treat our brothers and sisters. Through God, we must revive ourselves and allow the holy spirit to lead us and order our steps in thy word (Psalm 119: 133), and not the evils of the world.

In key point two, Dr. Holmes said when God’s glory is in our soul, we will be able to reflect and see the goodness of him. God’s goodness can be experienced amid an illness, crisis, pandemic or loss of a loved one; therefore, “count your many blessings. Name them one by one; and it will surprise you what the Lord has done.” Also, love the Lord with all your hearts (Mark 12:30). “For the joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10).

For point three, Dr. Holmes said we are here because of God’s grace not because of the medicine we take for pain or the food we eat for nourishment. Our success has absolutely nothing to do with our race, status, or country. It has everything to do with God’s grace. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8).

Dr. Holmes concluded that the Tulsa story is a very shameful and sinful part of history; but one day the people who were not important will become the most important; and those people who were very important will become the least important. In other words, the bible says in Matthew 20:16, the last shall be first and the first shall be last. Thus, we must pray for God to send a revival in our home, church and community. God’s grace is offered to any person who responds to his love, repents and admits to one’s sinful ways. The key to survival is a revival. The process to get revived is to repent, said Holmes.

Wednesday’s bible study lesson on March 6 @ 7:00pm – 8:00pm is, “Dry Bones Dancing” 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 such as the coronavirus, solar system, flowers, careers and school bullying.  His books for adults focus on religion, hazing, workplace bullying, bipolar disorders, issues in education and completing the dissertation.