Religion

What is the promise of the Lord?

Ronald W. Holmes, Ph.D.
Special to the Outlook

In this 21st Century, it appears to be very easy to influence people to believe various ideas, theories, and propaganda without scientific evidence or empirical research. Considering the climate in this complex world, the critical question to be asked is: What is the promise of the Lord as recorded in Romans 8:28? It reads, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” On Oct. 4, this question was addressed at First Timothy Baptist Church’s Wednesday Night Bible Study.

Dr. Ronald Holmes was the facilitator for the bible study utilizing the book, Beyond the Sunday Sermon. Holmes cited three key points about the promise of the Lord as recorded in Romans 8:28. The lesson focused on (1) the confidence of the promise; (2) the completeness of the promise and (3) the condition of the promise.

Holmes said the promise of the Lord can be found in Romans 10:13 that reads, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Once being saved and trusting in the Lord with all our heart, Holmes said we must have the confidence of the promise to live by Romans 8:28; we must know that whatever we ask the Lord according to his will, he hears us. “And if we know that he hears us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him” (1 John 5: 14-15). Holmes also said whenever we are dealing with a dilemma, misfortune, mishap or hardship, just remember the confidence of the promise as written in Romans 8:28.

In key point two, Dr. Holmes indicated the completeness of the promise is that “all” things work together for the good of those who love the Lord. Not some things, a few things, a lot of things, good things or bad things but “all” things work together for the good of those who love the Lord. Holmes also said there is no exemption of what the Lord can do. The Lord can bring good from “all” situations. This was demonstrated in his turning water into wine, enabling the blind to see, healing the sick and rescuing the homeless from a famine. Holmes said, therefore, we must put our faith, trust and belief in the Lord.

In response to key point three, Dr. Holmes noted many universities accept students in school based on some condition. One example might require students to attend summer school at the university and pass all their classes before they are granted full acceptance at the university. Holmes said the condition of the promise for God is very selective too. It is predicated on those who love him and called according to his purpose.

In summary, this bible study about the promise of the Lord is to encourage believers to live by Romans 8:28; all things work together for good to those who love God.  

Next Wednesday night’s (Oct. 11) lesson is, “Go Thy Way! Give God Thanks” from the book, “Beyond the Sunday Sermon” on pages 231 – 236). The scripture is Luke 17: 11 – 19. To hear the lesson online from 7 p.m. – 8 p.m. you can go to the First Timothy Baptist Church’s website. The book can be purchased online from Amazon.com.

Dr. Ronald Holmes is the author of 26 books and publisher of “The Holmes Education Post,” an education focused Internet newspaper. Holmes is a former teacher, school administrator, test developer and district superintendent. He has written children’s books about the coronavirus, solar system, flowers, careers and school bullying.  His adult books focus on religion, hazing, workplace bullying, bipolar disorders, issues in education and completing the dissertation.