Tag: Bible Study Fellowship

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BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 2, Day 4: Revelation’s Subject: God

September 4, 2024September 6, 2024 by atozmom, posted in BSF Revelation: The Hope 2024/2025

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 2, Day 4: Revelation’s Subject: God

6) The Spirit speaks to the churches. God is worshipped by all forever. Angels worship Jesus. God and Jesus are worthy of worship. Let all come to the Spirit and Jesus. These passages speak as if they are one.

7a) God is worthy of our praise, glory, and honor because He is the Creator of all things and He is holy.

b) His holiness is especially meaningful. To think that an omnipotent God sees me, cares for me, and guides me is incomprehensible. God is so good. He is forever worthy of our praise for all that He has done for us.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 2, Day 4: Revelation’s Subject: God

While Revelation centers on Jesus, God is always at work in the background. He is there for us.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 2, Day 4: Revelation’s Subject: God

God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit all work in us and for us as God’s chosen people. They are inextricably linked and impact all of us in many ways on a daily basis. We can always be close to God.

Great Resources for Our Study of Revelation: The Hope

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BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 2, Day 3: Revelation’s Writer & Recipients

September 3, 2024September 1, 2024 by atozmom, posted in BSF Revelation: The Hope 2024/2025

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 2, Day 3: Revelation’s Writer & Recipients

4a)

Matthew 4:21-22; Matthew 17:1-3: Jesus called John and his brother as they were fishing to be his disciples. John was at Jesus’ transfiguration.

John 19:25-27: Jesus asked John to care for his mother after his death.

John 20:1-10: John was the first disciple to the tomb after Mary had come to announce Jesus had risen. He saw and believed.

John 21:20-25: John is the disciple whom Jesus corrects Peter over when Peter asked Jesus what his future would be.

Acts 4:13: John had been with Jesus.

b) John spent 3 years with Jesus as his disciple. It truly doesn’t get any more trustworthy.

5a) The original recipients were suffering. John knows that the people’s deeds, their hard work, and their perseverance. “I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary.”

John knows their afflictions and poverty—yet they are rich! I” know about the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown.”

b) Many. Christians still suffer, are persecuted, and even martyred for their beliefs. Christians persevere and work hard. They are in poverty but are rich because of Jesus. Christians today hold the same hope in Christ Jesus.

c) I hope to be more like Jesus: more compassionate, understanding, and generous. I hope to love others more.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 2, Day 3: Revelation’s Writer & Recipients

We learn that early Christians are not so different than us. We all suffer, just perhaps in different ways due to the changing times. Yet, there is still Jesus! Our shining light and a beacon of hope!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 2, Day 3: Revelation’s Writer & Recipients

Almost all Bible scholars agree that John is the writer of Revelation. He wrote to 7 churches in Asia (modern-day Turkey) sometime in the first century AD when Christianity was new and growing.

The cities are in a circuit from each other, so someone carrying the letters could easily make the rounds. They were on main road that ran north and south in Asia.

That being said, the author has been questioned since Dionysius of Alexandria who lived from AD 231-265. The book was either written at the end of Nero’s reign (54-68 AD) or at the beginning of Domitian’s reign (81-96 AD).

Almost all scholars agree it was written on the island of Patmos. Patmos was a penal colony where political prisoners were condemned to hard labor in the mines there at the time.

Map of Island of Patmos (photo credit: ferrelljenkins.blog/2020/11/10/john-was-on-the-island-called-patmos-2/)

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 2, Day 2: Revelation’s Themes

September 2, 2024September 6, 2024 by atozmom, posted in BSF Revelation: The Hope 2024/2025

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 2, Day 2: Revelation’s Themes

3a)

Revelation 1:4-8; 22:7: This announces Jesus’s Second Coming. This gives me hope that Jesus will arrive soon!

Revelation 2:9-10; 13:10b; 14:12: This speaks to how we will suffer, but to be faithful and keep God’s commands for we will gain eternal life. This calls for patient endurance and faithfulness on the part of God’s people. I’m not alarmed because we all suffer, but it’s helpful to remember our eternal destiny when times are tough.

Revelation 12:10-17; 13:5-7: Jesus comes to redeem us from Satan even though Satan wages war against us. Satan’s “reign” is temporary. It’s helpful to know that Satan only has power because God allows him to have power. This shows that God is the only one in control. Trust in Him for everything.

Revelation 19:6-9, 11-16: The Lord God Almighty will reign and believers will reign with Him. Jesus will come in all his glory to defeat Satan.

Revelation 21:1-4; 22:1-5: There will be heaven on earth, and there will be no more pain or suffering in Jesus’ reign. This is excited because we will get to see God and be with Him forever. The scene is truly unimaginable.

b) I want to learn more about the vanquishing of the devil. This is what gives me hope when I am in the midst of suffering or under attack.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 2, Day 2: Revelation’s Themes

There is so much hope in this often-misunderstood book! I am looking forward to learning more about what my future will look like one day with Jesus by my side!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 2, Day 2: Revelation’s Themes

Revelation is all about Jesus. As you’re reading, see him as the unifying theme.

We also see redemption and judgment all throughout this book. While it may be hard to understand God’s just judgment, especially on unbelievers, it’s important for us to understand so that we can bring more unbelievers to Him.

Great Resources for Our Study of Revelation: The Hope

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photo of the book of revelation bsf's study of revelation www.atozmomm.com

Overview of the Book of Revelation

August 30, 2024August 29, 2024 by atozmom, posted in BSF Revelation: The Hope 2024/2025

Hey all!

These are my favorite videos that explain succinctly the Book of Revelation. These are great for kids, too! Enjoy!

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 1, Day 5: Read the Scripture Passages With the Questions

August 28, 2024September 6, 2024 by atozmom, posted in BSF Revelation: The Hope 2024/2025

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 1, Day 5: Read the Scripture Passages With the Questions

11) Jesus is the greater/greatest prophet. Moses referred to himself when saying that God would raise up a prophet like him. Moses was close to God and obeyed God. He leads the people out of suffering. Jesus will lead the people from ultimate suffering.

12a) Matthew 16:27: “For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what they have done.”

This promises that the Lord will come again and reward us.

Luke 24:44-47:

He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.” ⁴⁵Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures. ⁴⁶He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, ⁴⁷and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.”

This promises that Jesus died for our sins, and everyone (Jews and Gentiles) will be forgiven for their sins.

John 14:3: “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”

This promises Jesus’ Second Coming when he comes to take us back to him.

I have every confidence that Jesus will come for us so that we can forever reign with him here on earth in the presence of our Father.

b) This gives me hope that all of my pain and suffering are temporary and one day, I will be with Jesus!

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 1, Day 5: Read the Scripture Passages With the Questions

Where Jesus goes, I go! Love it!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 1, Day 5: Read the Scripture Passages With the Questions

As we study God’s Word, the hope is that all of us will draw nearer to God, learn more about His magnitude and greatness, and learn more about our Savior, Jesus. Revelation is about Jesus.

I pray for all of you that you show up to this study open-minded and receive what God has for you and that your relationship with Him deepens. Welcome to BSF’s Study of Revelation!

Great Resources for Our Study of Revelation: The Hope

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BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 1, Days 3 & 4: Read the Scripture Passages With the Questions

August 27, 2024September 6, 2024 by atozmom, posted in BSF Revelation: The Hope 2024/2025

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 1, Day 3 & 4: Read the Scripture Passages With the Questions

6a) The future alarms people because it is unknown, and many people don’t like the unknown. It points out just how much lack of control they actually have over events that will happen. The future also intrigues many because it is unknown, so it’s full of possibilities that can offer hope.

b) By indulging in psychics, fortune tellers, clairvoyants, diviners, or others who claim to know the future. They may follow false prophets who claim to know the future. They may look for signs that they believe confirm future events. In sum, no one knows the future apart from God, so people may indulge in any method outside of God to know the future.

7a)

Isaiah 45:21: God is the only one who foretold events. There is no one like Him.

Amos 3:7: “Surely the Sovereign Lord does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants the prophets.”

2 Timothy 3:16: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness”

Hebrews 11:32-40: This passage gives examples of prophets who believed in God’s word and who were blessed by God in their lives.

1 Peter 1:10-12: The prophets spoke of what was to come, and they did so for our benefit.

b) Biblical prophecy is for us, to strengthen our faith and path in life. I can be confident that what God says will happen, will indeed be. He has predicted the future before, as He will do so now.

8 )

Isaiah 7:14, 9:6-7; Luke 1:26-27: This speaks to the prediction of the birth of the Messiah. That Jesus will be the king of peace.

Micah 5:2; Matthew 2:1-6: That a ruler (Jesus) will come from Bethlehem. That Jesus came from such a humble town with inauspicious beginnings. From small things comes greatness.

Isaiah 53:3-6; Matthew 27:22-26: That Jesus was despised and pierced for our transgressions. He took on our sin for our peace.

9) False prophets look like everyone else, but we can recognize them by their fruit/works they do. They will say and do things that go against the Bible. Deuteronomy 18:21-22 says that a real prophet’s predictions will come true; a false prophet’s predictions don’t come true. Matthew 24:24 says false prophets appear and perform signs to deceive. 2 Peter 2:1 says that false prophets will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. John 4:1 says that the spirits should be tested to see if they are from God.

10) Having fulfilled prophecy in the Bible gives it credibility and helps us to have faith in God’s Word and His teachings. We can go to the Bible and see for ourselves God’s magnificence in all of His ways from fulfilled prophecies.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 1, Day 3 & 4: Read the Scripture Passages With the Questions

Great lesson on how we do need to be aware of false prophets and ensure that what others tell us aligns with God’s Word and His character. We must be wary when it comes to those who claim to be of God but we have doubts. Always go to the Lord in prayer and to His word for answers.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 1, Day 3 & 4: Read the Scripture Passages With the Questions

All of prophecy points to Jesus and how he will redeem mankind so that we can be with our Lord forever.

We can trust prophecy because it confirms God’s truthfulness, His promises, His Word, and shows us His character.

We can trust God, always.

Great Resources for Our Study of Revelation: The Hope

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BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 1, Day 2: Read the Scripture Passages With the Questions

August 26, 2024September 6, 2024 by atozmom, posted in BSF Revelation: The Hope 2024/2025

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 1, Day 2: Read the Scripture Passages With the Questions

3a) “We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. ²⁰Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. ²¹For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”

b) Basically, all prophecy is God-breathed and truthful. This means that we can trust prophecy and know it is true. This helps us to prepare for what is to come, and it offers us hope, too.

4a) So that you will believe in Jesus.

b) It definitely makes it easier to believe in Jesus, that’s for sure! Prophecy shows the sovereignty of God and how He is the one in control of everything in the universe. I can rest easier, have more peace, and have more faith in the One, True God.

5) God Himself never lies and is good, sovereign, faithful, holy, loving, omnipotent, omniscient, just, forgiving, wise, merciful, eternal, and perfect. We can therefore believe Biblical prophecy because we can trust in God and who He is.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 1, Day 2: Read the Scripture Passages With the Questions

Great stuff! I love how we take the time to truly understand what exactly Biblical prophecy is before we just dive into it all. In this Bible study, faith in the reliability of God’s Word will be paramount and overarching to this whole study.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 1, Day 2: Read the Scripture Passages With the Questions

It’s important to know that we don’t have to fully understand prophecy in order to trust in its truth.

Fun Fact: Biblical prophecy is a BIG part of the Bible, comprising one-fourth of the Bible.

Fun Fact: There are only 4 books in the Bible that contain no prophecy whatsoever: Ruth, Song of Solomon, Philemon, and 3 John.

Biblical prophecy is written by humans through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Prophecy revolves around one central theme: how God will send His Son, Jesus Christ, to save His people.

Great Resources for Our Study of Revelation: The Hope