Tag: Bible Study Fellowship

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BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 4, Day 4: John 3:16-21

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

SUMMARY OF JOHN 3:16-21

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. Jesus was sent to save. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned. Whoever lives by the truth comes into the light and into God’s sight.

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 4, Day 4: John 3:16-21

10) They shall not perish but have eternal life. They are not condemned. They come into the light.

11)

John 3:16: Nonbelievers will perish.

John 3:17-19: Whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.

John 3:36: Whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.

2 Thessalonians 1:8-9: He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might.

12) I am encouraged because I know I will have everlasting life.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 4, Day 4: John 3:16-21

LOVE John 3:16. So simple and straightforward of God’s love for me. Always gives me shivers.

End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 4, Day 4: John 3:16-21

Fun fact: There are 31,102 verses in the Bible.

John 3:16 is perhaps the most well-known and most loved.

God loved the world (all of us, not just the Jews). God gave his most precious gift. We have to believe. God will save forever. God’s love is boundless.

Jesus came to save believers. All others are condemned. Those who do not believe love darkness more than light.

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BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 4, Day 3: John 3:9-15

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

SUMMARY OF JOHN 3:9-15

Jesus says that the Jewish leaders still do not see or accept him and the testimony of the disciples and others. If you do not understand earthly things, how will you understand heavenly things? The Son of Man will be lifted into heaven so that others will be.

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 4, Day 3: John 3:9-15

7a) The disciples and John the Baptist.

b) That the Jewish leaders do not accept the testimony of others. That they do not understand God’s Word, essentially.

8 ) The bronze serpent was God’s means of salvation for those bitten by the snake. Similarly, Jesus’ death on the cross is God’s mean of salvation for all of humanity bitten by sin.

9a) When you are saved, you believe in Christ’s sacrifice for your sins on the cross. You then will have eternal life.

b) That Jesus would choose to suffer death for lowly ol’ me.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 4, Day 3: John 3:9-15

I love the emphasis on the fact that anyone can be blind to Christ, including religious leaders. We must always grow close to God ourselves and not rely on others for knowledge of God.

End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 4, Day 3: John 3:9-15

Jesus chides Nicodemus as a religious leader that he does not understand the Scriptures.

Christ is the ultimate authority on heavenly things.

Jesus said that the serpent in Numbers is himself, sent to redeem his people. Serpents represent evil in the Bible and appear more than 50 times. Bronze is associated with judgment in the Bible. A bronze serpent is sin judged, which is Jesus who judges sin.

The people trusted the serpent to save them simply by glancing at it. Similarly, we trust in Jesus.

The Son of Man must be lifted up (ascend). We must accept, not do.

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

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.

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Friday Digest BSF John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 3

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

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW IN BSF JOHN’S GOSPEL: THE TRUTH LESSON 3

  • The Lord can do great things from the ordinary person
  • God gives us His best — Jesus, so why shouldn’t we give him our best?
  • Miracles are signs, and the signs are meant to lead people to faith in Christ
  • God likes to rebuild people
  • Expect great things from God
  • God knows what we seek and why

TAKE AWAY: God transforms us from the inside out. Expect Him to do so.

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BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 3, Day 5: John 2:23-25

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

Summary of John 2:23-25

While Jesus was in Jerusalem for the Passover, many people saw him do signs and believed in his signs. He knew the hearts of others and knew many did not believe in him.

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 3, Day 5: John 2:23-25

11a) The disciples believed in who Jesus was. The belief of many was superficial, as they believed in what Jesus was doing.

b) It doesn’t really challenge my faith, but it does emphasize the importance of believing in Jesus versus what he can do for you.

12a) He knew that many would be against him, so he had to be careful so he could fulfill his duty for mankind. He also could not commit to others who did not believe in him.

b) It’s comforting, actually. I know that Jesus knows what I’m feeling even when I can’t express it.

c) He draws me every day, by being there for me, by putting others in my life I can help and who help me, and by putting His work in front of me to do.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 3, Day 5: John 2:23-25

Love the differentiation of belief here. Many people believe in what Jesus can/does do for them, but they don’t believe in him and his sacrifice for us. Super important for us to keep in mind when we are talking to others about Jesus since many come to Jesus looking for him to do something in their lives, rather than looking for Jesus himself.

End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 3, Day 5: John 2:23-25

It’s important that we, as believers, remember that Jesus does know our heart and our heart’s motivations. Even if we believe in Jesus, we must still be vigilant in our actions and our motivations in life. Sin is always closer than we think.

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BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 3, Day 4: John 2:18-22

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

SUMMARY OF JOHN 2:18-22

The Jewish leaders asked Jesus’ authority to do all this. He said, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.” Jesus was speaking of the temple as his body that would rise again in three days, not the actual temple.

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 3, Day 4: John 2:18-22

9a) Because Jesus’ actions were audacious. The Jewish leaders allowed this to happen, so it made them look bad to let Jesus do their job.

b) They maybe might be thinking Jesus is the Messiah, so they want more proof. Or, they are looking to disprove him altogether.

c) No, not really.

10a) He said, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.” Jesus was speaking of the temple as his body that would rise again in three days, not the actual temple. He willingly laid down his life for us.

b) The false witnesses testified that Jesus said he himself would destroy the temple, God’s holy place, and raise it in three days.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 3, Day 4: John 2:18-22

I love how Jesus answers the Jewish leaders with profound wisdom, and I love Jesus’ body as the temple. Such depth here.

End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 3, Day 4: John 2:18-22

Jesus told them that they would destroy his temple (him), but he would rise again. The body of Christ is still a temple of sorts as embodied by the church.

Note Jesus says he will raise himself from the dead and in John 10:18. Also, note that God (Romans 6:4 and Galatians 1:1) and the Holy Spirit (Romans 1:4 and 8:11) raise Jesus, too. It was the power of the Holy Trinity at work here.

Jesus often answers a question asked of him like this. He is not lowering himself to respond to such questions.

The disciples only connected Jesus’ meaning here after his death. This is a frequent occurrence for them that they did not understand at the time but only later.

The Scripture they believed is here:  Psalm 16:10 where Jesus would not be abandoned in the realm of the dead nor would he decay.

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BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 3, Day 3: John 2:13-17

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

SUMMARY OF JOHN 2:13-17

Jesus went to Jerusalem for Passover. When he saw that inside the temple courts people were selling cattle, sheep, and doves, he drove all of the money lenders out of the temple.

He told them to stop turning His Father’s house into a market.

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 3, Day 3: John 2:13-17

6) Passover. At Passover, a sacrificial lamb is required to cleanse them of sin. If the people traveled, they could instead tithe silver. The money lenders were there to supply these requirements to the Jewish people.

7a) He got angry. He made a whip and drove the money lenders out.

b) To take bold, immediate action when you see something being done that is not right.

8a) Psalm 69:9: “for zeal for your house consumes me, and the insults of those who insult you fall on me.” This speaks to the zeal Jesus had for the purity of the temple. And, God speaks this in Psalm, but here it explains Jesus’ actions. It is implied that Jesus is acting for/as God here.

b) Jesus will come to the temple and purify it, which is what he did when he kicked out the money lenders.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 3, Day 3: John 2:13-17

I love this example of Jesus’ very human emotions and his direct action to correct the wrong.

End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 3, Day 3: John 2:13-17

Bible scholars estimate that more than 2 million Jews came to Jerusalem for Passover. Paying the temple tax was required, which is why there were money lenders there.

Background: The money lenders were in the Court of the Gentiles, the only place the Gentiles could allowed to pray and offer sacrifices. Jesus sees this as a defiling of the temple since it’s been turned into a marketplace. Great synopsis HERE

Furthermore, the temple tax had to be paid in Tyrian shekels, which had the most amount of silver in it, so the money changers had to exchange the Jews’ coinage in order to satisfy this requirement.

Making a whip would take a bit to time. Jesus did this methodically. He did not drive out the money lenders out of passion.

The outer court was where Gentiles could worship the Lord. With the money lenders there, this space was not corrupt.

Jesus converts water first, then cleanses the temple. Conversion first, then cleansing of the temple.

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

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

  1. John 2:1-11 – Water into wine
  2. John 4:46-54 – Healing of the nobleman’s son
  3. John 5:1-15 – Healing at the pool of Bethesda
  4. John 6:1-14 – Feeding the 5,000
  5. John 6:15-21 – Jesus walks on water
  6. John 9:1-12 – Healing of the man born blind
  7. 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!

map of Galilee in times of Jesus www.atozmomm.comCapernaum was on the shore of the Sea of Galilee. Jesus spends a lot of time here during his ministry. (Matthew 4:13).

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Friday Digest BSF John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 2

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW IN BSF JOHN’S GOSPEL: THE TRUTH LESSON 2

  • Your testimony of Jesus is important
  • Never underestimate simplicity: Come and see
  • Jesus knows who we can be
  • Jesus transforms your life
  • There is important work for you
  • Bloom where you are planted
  • With Jesus, the world is greater and the world opens its doors for you

TAKE AWAY: Believe, trust, and commit in Jesus.

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BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 2, Day 5: John 1:43-51

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

Summary of John 1:43-51

Jesus calls Philip in Galilee to follow him. Philip tells Nathanael that they have found Jesus of Nazareth, the one Moses wrote about in the Law.

Nathanael asks if anything good can come from Nazareth. He meets Jesus who tells him that there is no deceit in him because he saw him while still under a fig tree.

Upon hearing this, Nathanael believes Jesus is the Son of God. He tells him he will see great things, including ‘heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on’ the Son of Man.”

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 2, Day 5: John 1:43-51

11) Jesus called Philip to follow him. Philip does and tells Nathanael, too.

12a) Skeptical. Prejudiced. Hesitant.

b) Kindly. Matter-of-factly. By telling him there is no deceit in his heart and proving who he was.

c)  Jesus has come to bring heaven to humanity. Jesus is the ladder or bridge to God for humanity.

13) Unsure. Put out feelers and keep giving God the glory. When you talk about Jesus, you never know who is listening.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 2, Day 5: John 1:43-51

I love how everyone comes to Jesus differently. Great stuff!

End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 2, Day 5: John 1:43-51

So simple words (Follow me); such a profound impact on a life and on others.

Nathanael was prejudiced against those from Nazareth, as we see by his response. Jesus challenged him to come and see for himself.

Bible scholars differ on if Nathanael actually prayed under a fig tree or if this common expression of the times meant he meditated on the Scriptures.

All believers can expect to see greater things when they believe in Jesus.

Jesus is the link between heaven and earth. He came to bring us to heaven. Jesus is the mediator for us to God.

Jesus calls himself The Son of Man frequently because it was a title that referred to the Messiah.

4 Ways to Come to Jesus We See Here

  1. Preaching/spreading the Word about Jesus
  2. Witness by others
  3. Direct call by Jesus
  4. Overcame prejudices to find Jesus

All the Ways to Identify Christ

  • Eternal
  • Anointed with Holy Spirit
  • Lamb of God
  • Son of God
  • The Messiah, Christ
  • One prophesied about in the Old Testament
  • Son of God
  • King of Israel

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