Extra, Extra read all about it. The good news is that Jesus Lives: He has triumphed over the tomb. This was the good news for Wednesday Night Bible Study at First Timothy Baptist Church on March 20. The good news focused on (1) the ministry of love, (2) a message of life and (3) a mission of liberation. Utilizing the book, Beyond the Sunday Sermon, the following provides the message from Dr. Ronald Holmes about Jesus’ triumph at the tomb.

Dr. Holmes said the good news is that Jesus lives forevermore and has “the keys to hell and death” (Revelation 1:18); therefore, “rejoice, rejoice, O Christian lift your voice and sing; eternal hallelujahs to Jesus Christ, the King.” This gospel story is about love. Love for all humankind. Love for Jesus Christ. The bible says in John 3:16: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” In the text (Mark 16: 1-3), the ministry of love is expressed at the tomb. For example, three women went to the tomb early in the morning to show their love for Jesus and anoint him with sweet spices. These women were under pressure to see Jesus and anoint his dead body as they “said among themselves, who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulchre?” Neither they nor anyone else had the strength to do it.

In key point two, Dr. Holmes said Jesus has come to give us joy, love and life more abundantly in the midst of our pressure, pain and suffering. Jesus says in John 6:35, “I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.” In the text (Mark 16: 4-6), the women were surprised when they saw that the stone was rolled away; they were also surprised and frightened when they entered the sepulchre and “saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment; and he saith unto them be not frightened.” The women were looking for the body of a dead Jesus but found an angel; and the angel brought the message of life, peace and hope. “Be not frightened: Ye see Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him.”

For point three, Dr. Holmes said Jesus wants us to live a liberated life. A mission of liberation can be found in Luke 4:18. It reads, “The spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor, to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, to recover sight to the blind, and to set at liberty them that are bruised.” In the text (Mark 16: 6 – 11), the three women were given instructions to tell the disciples and Peter that Jesus will meet them in Galilee, and they fled quickly from the sepulchre in amazement and fear. Jesus appeared to one of the women, Mary Magdalene, and she told others she had been with him; and they did not believe her.  Holmes ended the discussion saying, “How many times do we have to be told that Jesus is risen for us to believe it?” Jesus wants us to tell the world about his grace, glory, mercy, salvation and redemption. He is alive and able to meet all of our needs; so we must love the Lord with all of our heart, soul, and mind (Matthew 23:37). We must praise Jesus for his grace and mercy. He is worthy to be praised.

Wednesday’s bible study lesson on April 3 at 7:00p.m. – 8:00p.m. is, “People Get Ready! Jesus is Coming” 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.