Tag: bible study

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BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 19, Day 4: Revelation 14:6-13

January 1, 2025December 25, 2024 by atozmom, posted in BSF Revelation: The Hope 2024/2025

Summary of Revelation 14:6-13

John sees three angels:

First angel: he proclaimed the gospel to those on earth
Second angel: he said Babyon has fallen
Third angel: he said those who worship the Beast will face God’s fury and be tormented forever (will face judgment)

A voice from heaven said: “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on. They will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.”

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 19, Day 4: Revelation 14:6-13

9a) The mark of the beast during their lifetime meant they worshipped the beast and couldn’t buy or sell unless they had the mark. For eternity, those with the mark of the beast faced God’s fury. They will be tormented with burning sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment will rise forever and ever. There will be no rest day or night for those who worship the beast and its image, or for anyone who receives the mark of its name.

b) It’s definitely not a pretty picture for unbelievers. It gives me a renewed sense of urgency for those people to turn to God and share the gospel with them.

10) We must be patient for Jesus despite the pressure of the devil to turn away from God. If we have endurance, we will be blessed and will have eternal rest.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 19, Day 4: Revelation 14:6-13

While God is responsible for turning people to him, we are called to plant the seed by spreading the Good News and Jesus so that God can then turn their hearts to Him. We must be ever on the lookout for those we can share the Gospel with and use our lives as a testament to Him always and forever.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 19, Day 4: Revelation 14:6-13

“Then I saw” is a demarcation of a new section here.

The first angel preaches the Gospel of the saving blood of Jesus, saying the hour of judgment has come. Humanity is to fear God and give Him the glory.

Fun Fact: This is the only place in the New Testament we see angels preaching the Gospel. Jesus has given this task to His people (believers).

The second angel announces the fall of Babylon. Babylon stands for unbelievers as we’ll see soon (Revelation 17)

The third angel warns of judgment for those who worship and follow the Beast (aka Satan). They will drink the wine of God’s fury. This mirrors what we read about the 5th and 6th trumpet judgments (Revelation 9:1-21, with the 5th trumpet in verses 1-11 and the 6th trumpet in verses 13-21). In Revelation 20, we’ll see the climax of all of this!

Fun Fact: The cup of wrath that God holds is mentioned in the Bible more than 13 times. Psalm 75:8 and Jeremiah 25:15 This is the cup that Jesus refers to his cry to avoid it if possible to God (Matthew 26:39)

Fun Fact: The Greek word for wrath here is used only 11 times in the Bible and 10 times in the Book of Revelation. It means a passionate anger.

The suffering in hell is real torment. God will be present in Hell but not His love. The torment will be for eternity (in the Greek, this is a very strong use of eternal).

Believers and those persecuted for their beliefs will have rest in heaven for eternity. Their good works follow them into heaven, giving them (and us) meaning for our work here on earth.

Fun Fact: Jesus warms of hell and eternal punishment more than any one else in the Bible.

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BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 19, Day 3: Revelation 14:6-13

December 31, 2024December 25, 2024 by atozmom, posted in BSF Revelation: The Hope 2024/2025

Summary of Revelation 14:6-13

John sees three angels:

First angel: he proclaimed the gospel to those on earth
Second angel: he said Babyon has fallen
Third angel: he said those who worship the Beast will face God’s fury and be tormented forever (will face judgment)

A voice from heaven said: “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on. They will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.”

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 19, Day 3: Revelation 14:6-13

6a)

First angel: he proclaimed the gospel to those on earth
Second angel: he said Babyon has fallen
Third angel: he said those who worship the Beast will face God’s fury and be tormented forever (will face judgment)

b) To those who live on earth

7) The eternal gospel is the news that Christ made the ultimate sacrifice for us by dying on the cross and redeeming all of humanity.

8a) ^“Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” In essence, spread the word of Jesus Christ. He promises: “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

b) Unsure on specifics. I just try to live my life, be an example to others of what a Christ life looks like, and give Jesus all the credit for everything.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 19, Day 3: Revelation 14:6-13

God is so good to give humanity signs and warnings of what is to come. He gives us every chance under the sun to come to Him. Therefore, we all are without excuse (Romans 1:20).

End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 19, Day 3: Revelation 14:6-13

“Then I saw” is a demarcation of a new section here.

The first angel preaches the Gospel of the saving blood of Jesus, saying the hour of judgment has come. Humanity is to fear God and give Him the glory.

Fun Fact: This is the only place in the New Testament we see angels preaching the Gospel. Jesus has given this task to His people (believers).

The second angel announces the fall of Babylon. Babylon stands for unbelievers as we’ll see soon (Revelation 17)

Fun Fact: The Greek word for wrath here is used only 11 times in the Bible and 10 times in the Book of Revelation. It means a passionate anger.

The suffering in hell is real torment. God will be present in Hell but not His love. The torment will be for eternity (in the Greek, this is a very strong use of eternal).

Believers and those persecuted for their beliefs will have rest in heaven for eternity. Their good works follow them into heaven, giving them (and us) meaning for our work here on earth.

Fun Fact: Jesus warms of hell and eternal punishment more than any one else in the Bible.

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BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 19, Day 2: Revelation 14:1-5

December 30, 2024December 25, 2024 by atozmom, posted in BSF Revelation: The Hope 2024/2025

Summary of Revelation 14:1-5

John saw the Lamb on Mount Zion, and 144,000 who had his name and his Father’s name written on their foreheads. He heard a sound from heaven. They sang a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and the elders. No one could learn the song except the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth. These are those who did not defile themselves with women, for they remained virgins. They follow the Lamb wherever he goes. They were purchased from among mankind and offered as firstfruits to God and the Lamb.

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 19, Day 2: Revelation 14:1-5

3a) John saw the Lamb on Mount Zion, and 144,000 who had his name and his Father’s name written on their foreheads. He heard a sound from heaven like the roar of rushing waters and like a loud peal of thunder. The sound I heard was like that of harpists playing their harps.And they sang a new song.

b) The 144,000 had the Lamb’s name and his Father’s name written on their foreheads. The song they sang in heaven no one else could learn except them who had been redeemed from earth. They also did not defile themselves with women and were virgins. They follow the Lamb wherever he goes. They were purchased from among mankind and offered as firstfruits to God and the Lamb.No lie was found in their mouths; they are blameless.

4) They were chosen by God to be saved and they believed in the sacrifice of Jesus as their Lord, Savior, and Redeemer.

5a) We are God’s as the Holy Spirit dwells within our bodies. How we behave, think, and speak reflects the character of Jesus. We walk in Christ’s ways. We should offer praise and gratitude to the Lord. We live in righteousness and truth. We live with Jesus’ mindset. They humble themselves and put others and their interests first. We are to do everything without grumbling and arguing. We confess our sins and are purified when we do so.

b) Speech. I am quick to speak without thinking. Behavior sometimes. Putting others first. In general, just being Jesus-like.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 19, Day 2: Revelation 14:1-5

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 is one of my favorite Bible verses. We are God’s, and we are to do everything for God and honor Him in every way.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 19, Day 2: Revelation 14:1-5

144,000 is 12 x 12 x 1000. Bible scholars disagree on who they actually are. Some say this is an actual number; others say they represent all Jewish believers. They could also refer to martyrs.

This is the same group referred to in Revelation 7, believers given a seal of protection. Here, they are not defeated and are triumphant, worshipping the Lord with Jesus.

New songs are not often seen in Scripture, but when they are, they celebrate a great act of God.

Mount Zion is the place where Jesus will come and reign on earth after the Second Coming. Mount Zion can also refer to God’s people in general.

They belong to the Lord (as the mark shows).

The sound from heaven is the voice of God (other translations say ‘voice’). (Revelation 1:15 and 4:5)

The elders have harps Revelation 5:8

The virginity shows they are spiritually pure. Yet, they probably are celibate. (1 Corinthians 7:25-35). They are Jewish believers (Revelation 7:4-8). They were redeemed to be firstfruits. They represent hope.

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BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 11, Day 4: John 7:25-36

November 15, 2023November 10, 2023 by atozmom, posted in BSF John's Gospel: The Truth 2023/2024

SUMMARY OF JOHN 7:25-36

The people began questioning Jesus, saying that when the Messiah comes, no one will know where he will come from, and they know where Jesus came from. Jesus answers that he is from God and was sent from God.

They tried to seize Jesus, but his time had not yet come.

Jesus said he is only here for a short time and then he’ll be gone and no one can find him nor can they come. The people were confused and had no idea what Jesus was talking about.

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 11, Day 4: John 7:25-36

8a) Jesus claimed he was from God and God sent him. They could not arrest him because his time had not yet come.

b) God protects Jesus here as he fulfills his purpose. God protects us, too when our time has not yet come.

9a) Jesus knew he was going to heaven and no one could follow him yet. He also meant no one (the guards) would find him because his time had not yet come.

b) With confusion. They had no idea what Jesus was talking about. They thought Jesus was talking about a place on earth, not in heaven.

10) Sometimes, Jesus’ words are confusing or passages in the Bible. Prayer, others, online resources, the Holy Spirit, and more Bible study helps.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 11, Day 4: John 7:25-36

I love how simple Jesus’ words are here. His authority is from God.

End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 11, Day 4: John 7:25-36

Many believed the Messiah would appear out of thin air. God’s messenger appearing in the temple suddenly Malachi 3:1 helped fuel this belief.

Jesus plainly states he is from God and was sent by him. Yet, no one is arresting him. The whole scene is confusing to the people.

Many people believed in Jesus as he spoke.

No one would arrest him because his time had not yet come.

Truth rarely comes from the noise of crowds.

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BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 10, Day 3: John 6:52-59

November 7, 2023November 4, 2023 by atozmom, posted in BSF John's Gospel: The Truth 2023/2024

SUMMARY OF John 6:52-59

Jesus says that unless the people accept his flesh and blood sacrifice on the cross, they will not have eternal life. Those who do accept his sacrifice will have Jesus remain in them. Jesus’ bread is eternal, unlike the manna bread their ancestors ate.6)

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 10, Day 3: John 6:52-59

6) The blood protected the people from God’s judgment when they were in ancient Egypt. The blood covered the people, so God did not see their sins and passed over them, rather than judging/killing them.

7) The people ate the meat. When the people ate the meat, they believed in God’s instructions to save them. When people accept Jesus’ flesh sacrifice on the cross, they believe in Jesus and in his promise to save them.

8a) Eternal life. That Jesus would always abide in them. They will be raised up on the last day.

b) It makes it more concrete; accept what Jesus did on the cross and you’ll have life.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 10, Day 3: John 6:52-59

Great explanation of Jesus of what he meant by “eating” his flesh and blood. Accept his sacrifice; that is all. Albeit, it was hard for the people of the day to grasp this idea since it was so very new.

End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 10, Day 3: John 6:52-59

Bible scholars believe that the Jewish leaders did understand Jesus here but chose to use the face-value meaning of actually eating and drinking Jesus’ blood rather than the symbolism here to help condemn Jesus. This causes confusion amongst others.

Jesus continues his explanation in order to refute the Jewish leaders’ interpretation.

It in internalizing the metaphor that leads to life. Then, we abide in him and him in us.

Once you receive Jesus (eat his flesh), you will have everlasting life.

All this took place at a synagogue on a Sunday in a church in Capernaum.

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BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 4, Day 2: John 3:1-8

September 25, 2023September 24, 2023 by atozmom, posted in BSF John's Gospel: The Truth 2023/2024

SUMMARY OF JOHN 3:1-8

Jesus talks with Nicodemus, a Pharisee, who acknowledges he is performing signs that require God to be with him. Jesus responds, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” Nicodemus is confused and wonders how someone can be born a second time in their mother’s womb.

Jesus clarifies: “No one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.”

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 4, Day 2: John 3:1-8

3a) Nicodemus approaches at night because he is a Pharisee and does not want word to get out that he is questioning Jesus because the Pharisees are against Jesus. I think Nicodemus is curious about Christ.

b) To know him better and to be more like him.

4a) Because Jesus knows that Nicodemus needs to be born again to be saved. Jesus’ primary concern is to bring everyone to him.

b) Nicodemus is not grasping the spiritual/imagery of Jesus. He’s only thinking of the physical and what can be seen.

5) Humanity. The physical body.

6a) They are born of the flesh, not of the spirit. Those born of the Spirit who have accepted Christ as their Savior have eternal life. You mush have a new birth to have eternal life.

b) Yes. If you are born of the spirit, you are born again. Yes.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 4, Day 2: John 3:1-8

Great lesson on how even the religious leaders are drawn to Jesus.

End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 4, Day 2: John 3:1-8

Jesus wanted to make it known that just because you were of Jewish heritage, descended from Abraham, does not guarantee a place in heaven.

To be born from above (the Hebrew meaning of the word “again”) is to be born again.

Rebirth is a central theme in the Bible. Most Jews thought they had been cleansed for God. No one understood the acceptance of Christ as the rebirth.

Born of the Spirit is the emphasis here.

Born of water has many interpretations: baptism, physical birth, born by the Word of God, born by the Holy Spirit, or the water of cleansing Ezekiel 36:25-28

Nicodemus did not have to understand to have the Spirit; he just needed to accept.

In short, no human effort can save us; only belief in the redeeming blood of Christ.

More Great Resources for Our Study of the Gospel of John

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BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 3, Day 2: John 2:1-12

September 18, 2023September 11, 2023 by atozmom, posted in BSF John's Gospel: The Truth 2023/2024

Summary of John 2:1-12

Jesus attends a wedding with his mother and disciples in Galilee. When they run out of wine, Mary asks Jesus to help. Jesus turns water into wine for the wedding banquet. It was choice wine.

This is the first of many signs that Jesus performed that revealed his glory and who he was. Jesus then traveled to Capernaum.

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 3, Day 2: John 2:1-12

3a) They ran out of wine for the wedding banquet. This is an embarrassment and could bring shame upon the couple. Hospitality was huge back in ancient times, and failing to provide your guests with adequate drink was a major faux pas.

b) I think Mary was asking Jesus for a solution, not necessarily a miracle. We see this when she tells her servants to do whatever Jesus tells them to do. She responds with obedience.

c) If you approach Jesus with the expectation he will do what you want, you can expect a poor response. If you approach Jesus with an open heart and looking for help, you can expect him to answer in his way.

d) Jesus is hesitant to reveal himself yet to the masses, but he does so.

4) Miracles but also answering people’s requests with an active answer.

5a) Jesus did something only the Messiah could do.

b) It shows me that not only is anything possible with God, but anything is possible when you have an open heart and mind.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 3, Day 2: John 2:1-12

I love this miracle! It solves a basic human need (drink) and helps avoid an embarrassing situation (shows Jesus’ compassion), and it’s done in an unpresumptuous way.

End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 3, Day 2: John 2:1-12

The 3rd day refers to the continuation of John’s telling of events: the beginning (John 1:19-28), Day 1: (John 1:29-34), Day 2: (John 1:35-42), Day 3: (John 1:43-51)

Jesus blesses weddings (he does this as we see by attending them). He blesses events in our lives when we invite him in.

It is presumed that Joseph died young since he is not mentioned here. Many Bible scholars believe Jesus took care of the family until they were of age. This is why he stayed in Nazareth and left when they were all cared for.

Mary probably approaches Jesus as the head of the household who is used to solving problems. It’s no different today from going to your family members to solve problems.

By calling Mary “woman,” Jesus is distancing himself since he is now in the public eye.

Fun Fact: Many only appears in the Gospel of John one more time — at the cross (John 19:26)

When Jesus spoke of “his hour,” he meant the cross.

Jesus most likely prayed before performing this miracle and did not do it just to please Mary.

Note that not very many words of Mary’s are recorded in the Bible. Those that are point to Jesus as Sovereign. As we see here, you are to do whatever he tells you to do.

Jesus used the existing water pots, allowing the servants who filled them to share in his miracle.

The pots were filled to the brim; a transformation was coming, not an additive to the water.

They took out the water in faith that was now wine.

Whether the wine was transformed in the pot or at the pouring, we do not know. There was extra, which the couple could have sold for more money for a start in life.

This is the FIRST of SEVEN signs recorded in John’s Gospel, each designed to bring the reader to faith in Jesus.

Jesus’ 7 Signs in the Gospel of John

John 2:1-11 – Water into wine
John 4:46-54 – Healing of the nobleman’s son
John 5:1-15 – Healing at the pool of Bethesda
John 6:1-14 – Feeding the 5,000
John 6:15-21 – Jesus walks on water
John 9:1-12 – Healing of the man born blind
John 11:1-44 – Lazarus raised from the dead

Fun Fact: The Greek word for “signs” is used 74 times in the New Testament, 23 times in John’s Gospel.

Note the hint of the 3rd day of glory as this miracle happened on the 3rd day.

The disciples believed in Jesus more after the miracle, which was probably a motivation for Jesus performing it — to strengthen their faith.

We believe more in the Lord when He does great things for us, too!

Mary expects great things and lets Jesus do it his way. Great example!

Capernaum was on the shore of the Sea of Galilee. Jesus spends a lot of time here during his ministry. (Matthew 4:13).