Throughout our lives, we receive gifts for birthdays, anniversaries and holidays.  As grand as these gifts may be, they do not compare to the greatest gift. In Wednesday Night Bible Study at First Timothy Baptist Church on October 25, the critical question is: What is the gift of Jesus?

Utilizing the book, Beyond the Sunday Sermon, Dr. Ronald Holmes’ message focused on (1) the birth of Jesus, (2) the boldness of Jesus and (3) the blessings of Jesus. Holmes said that Jesus was born in a manger in Bethlehem (Luke 2: 7): and “the angels said unto them, fear not, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people” (Luke 2: 10). For unto you is born this day a Savior which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11); and this shall be a sign unto you; ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in a manger (Luke 2: 12). Holmes said the birth of Jesus became possible because “God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).

Dr. Holmes said the boldness of Jesus was declared by the Prophet Isaiah over 3,000 years ago when it was indicated that the government shall be upon Jesus’ shoulder as recorded in Isaiah 9:6. Upon Jesus’ second coming to earth, there will be a new heaven and earth, and the former things will pass away. According to Zechariah 14:9, “the Lord shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one Lord, and his name one.” All cities, countries and their governments will be annihilated, said Holmes. “God shall set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever” (Daniel 2:44).

Dr. Holmes reiterated that Jesus demonstrated many blessings and miracles when He enabled a blind man to see, turned water into wine, healed a woman with an issue of blood, removed a boy’s unclean spirit, cleansed 10 men with leprosy and calmed a stormy sea. “For unto us a child is born, and “his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father and the Prince of Peace.” To explain, Holmes said Jesus was full of wonder because he was born of a virgin, announced by angels and surrounded by shepherds. Jesus is a counselor because we have somebody we can talk to when we need comfort. Jesus is the mighty God because he has all power in his hand. Jesus is the everlasting Father because we have somebody that death could not kill. Jesus is the Prince of Peace because he was anointed by God to save us from our sin and offer us eternal life. That’s the gift of Jesus, said Holmes.

In summary, because of Jesus’ birth, boldness, and blessings, we can look to Him for the solutions to our concerns. He saves us from our sins and offers us eternal life. We may receive many gifts during out lifetime, but none compares to the gift of Jesus!

Next Wednesday’s bible study lesson (November 1 at 7:00pm – 8:00pm) is, “The Promise of the Passover” 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 26 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.