Tag: bible study

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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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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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Summer Bible Study: Sermon on the Mount: Week 3, Day 2: Matthew 6:1-4

by atozmom, posted in WordGo Sermon on the Mount

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 6:1-4

Be careful to not do acts of righteousness before men; if you do, you won’t have any rewards from your Father in heaven. Instead, all you will have is man’s applause and recognition, when you really want/need God’s. Do not give to the needy for yourself and for recognition (let your left hand know what your right hand is doing). Instead, give in secret. The Father will know and will reward you.

Questions for Matthew 6:1-4

3) All of Jesus’s examples teach to do these things for God and not for man’s recognition. We should also not be trying to lift ourselves up and take credit for things that are only possible through God. When you do things only for pride, that is sin. This brings to mind how we should give all the credit to God for all of our actions because nothing is possible without God.

4) God is the only one who should be exalted by us, not ourselves. God is always number one. God rewards us when we do things for Him. We try to earn God’s favor or the approval of others. We must do good deeds for God alone.

5) Unsure here. I really don’t care what others think of me. Yet, I know I do this. I can prevent this by always having God at the center of everything I do.

Conclusions to Sermon on the Mount Matthew 6:1-4

Good lesson on doing all things for God’s glory and not ours.

One must give and expect nothing in return, this includes thanks, praise, or recognition. We should give to those in need and recognize what He has given to us.

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Don’t Quit BSF

by atozmom, posted in Bible Study Fellowship (BSF)

Hey all!

Right about now is the time many people leave BSF (Bible Study Fellowship).

This is for many reasons:

  • Life gets busy
  • You lack time
  • You are being taken out of your comfort zone by God
  • Doing your BSF lessons is daunting
  • The Bible passages are too long
  • You are struggling and bitter against God
  • The weather is cold
  • It’s just “one more thing to do”
  • And dozens of other reasons

I’m here to tell you that I’m feeling this way, too. Thirty weeks of Bible Study is hard, rough, challenging, and tiring. You are growing with God, but you often don’t feel like you are. And, in the midst of life’s struggles, sometimes we don’t want to hear from God (when that’s exactly the time we need to hear from Him).

But, despite all of this, hang in there. You’ll get over the hump, and you’ll be glad you stuck with it.

Go to class without your lesson completed. Soak up the lecture. Or, do your lesson and skip class and the lecture for a week if getting out is too hard.

Whatever you do, just keep at it. God will reward your work!

Contact me today!

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How Long is Bible Study Fellowship?

by atozmom, posted in Bible Study Fellowship (BSF)

“How long is Bible Study Fellowship?”

Bible Study Fellowship now runs for 30 weeks and follows the school year. In the United States, the first BSF classes begin the week after Labor Day. There is a three-week break for Christmas and a one-week break for Spring Break, which varies depending on your BSF group.

This is different in other countries. Many begin in late August, and those in the Southern Hemisphere begin the BSF study about half-way through ours due to their different seasons.

The BSF classes themselves run approximately two hours. This includes group discussion and lecture.

In the past, BSF was 32 weeks and was 2.5 hours long. However, 2.5 hours is a long time for young children, and students at night would get home really late. Thirty weeks gives a bit more of a break during the summer, too.

Contact me with questions!

5 tips to ready the bible when you don't have time atozmomm.com bible study

5 Tips to Study the Bible When You Have Little Time

by atozmom, posted in Studying the Bible

Most of us have no time anymore, even with COVID concerns. It seems that the days, while chugging along, are always filled. So how do you study the Bible in the midst of personal chaos?

5 TIPS TO STUDY THE BIBLE WHEN YOU HAVE NO TIME

  1. Listen to the Bible. If you drive anywhere (which is the vast majority of us), you can listen to the Bible while in the car. Even if you are only driving five minutes to the grocery store. Any time with God is better than no time with God.
  2. Pick a Bible verse and memorize it. There are so many good (and short) Bible verses to memorize, and it takes very little time. Choose one every week, and you’ll be surprised at how much you’ve memorized of the Bible.
  3. Put Bible verses around your home. This can be on whiteboards, on the fridge, on your bathroom mirror, on your BBQ grill, and on your home gym. Sticky notes fit anywhere!
  4. Pray. When you pray, you don’t need anything — only a heart right for God. It’s that simple.
  5. Decide to read the Bible for 5 minutes every day. That’s it! We all have 5 minutes to spare, so just do it!

I hope you’ve enjoyed these quick tips to help you study the Bible when you have no time. Contact me today with questions!

Bible Study Tools: What Does it Mean to Be a Servant of God?

by atozmom, posted in Studying the Bible

In this second part of our series on what does it mean to serve, we’ll take a look at a few more meanings of this elusive term. Contact me with questions!

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A SERVANT OF GOD?

  • A servant does his master’s work. The servant performs God’s work for God, or on God’s behalf. We carry out God’s will and labor for Him willingly. Paul said, “I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls.” (2 Corinthians 12:15).
  • A servant follows his master. Where God leads, you go through green pastures and dark valleys. He takes up his cross (Luke 9:23) to remain pure in an evil world.
  • A servant is satisfied with what his master pays. We are content with what God has given us in this world. We don’t grumble.
  • A servant defends the honor of his master. A servant defends God and speaks up for Him to others.

Hopefully, this will give you more of an ideas of what a servant of God is. Contact AToZMomm with questions!

Bible Study Tools: What Does it Mean to Be a Servant?

by atozmom, posted in Studying the Bible

We are called to be servants of God. But what exactly does that mean? In this blog post, I’ll dive into that question. Contact me today!

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A SERVANT OF GOD?

  • A servant serves one master. When we’re called to be servants of God, it means that we serve only one master: God. We let go of our sins, and we joyfully use our lives for God. In the end, we’ll have eternal life (Romans 6:22).
  • A servant follows God, not himself. We are to do God’s bidding, not our own. Servants listen for God’s voice, and follow it.
  • A servant is bound to his master, in this case, God. Through our faith and baptism, we have promised ourselves to God — a promise we cannot break.

Being a servant of God is not easy. Stay tuned for our next blog post for more on being a servant of God, and contact AToZMomm with questions.

Bible Study Plans: What is My Responsibility as a Believer?

by atozmom, posted in Studying the Bible

Responsibility these days is hard to find. No one wants to take any. That’s why when asked what is your responsibility as a believer, many Christians have no idea what that is. In this blog post by AtoZMomm, we’ll answer that question for you. Contact me with questions!

YOUR RESPONSIBILITY AS A BELIEVER

  • Unwavering belief in Jesus as the Son of God and in his resurrection and death for our sins.
  • “Standing firm, letting nothing move us” and “always giving ourselves full to the work of the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58)
  • If we have no eternal home or earthly ramifications then we will be “tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming” (Ephesians 4:14).
  • God has given us everything; we need to give to him everything in return.

WORK FOR THE LORD AND AS HE LEADS

Until the Lord returns, there are souls to reach and ministries of every sort to be performed. We are responsible for our money, time, energy, talents, gifts, bodies, minds, and spirits, and we should invest in nothing that does not in some way contribute to the work of the Lord. James tells us, “As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead” (James 2:26).

We are to work for the Lord always and faithfully. Our work is eternal benefits in heaven.

“Since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving” (Colossians 3:24).

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Bible Study Plans: Best Bible Scholars Part 4

by atozmom, posted in Studying the Bible

We’ve been taking a look at influential Bible scholars of the past. Here’s the last post in our series. Contact AToZMomm with questions!

INFLUENTIAL BIBLE SCHOLARS OF OUR TIMES

  • Francis of Assisi (1182-1226). Perhaps best known as the priest who loved animals, Francis of Assisi was one of the primary influences of orders within the Catholic church. He is a saint who founded the Franciscan orders and is credited with setting up the first live nativity scene.
  • Jerome or Saint Jerome (347-420). Saint Jerome’s primary contribution to Christianity is translating the Bible into Latin (the version known as the Vulgate, which was the official Bible of the Catholic Church throughout the Middle Ages), and he wrote commentaries on the Bible.
  • Teresa of Avila (1515-1582). Teresa of Avila was a nun who reformed the Carmelite Orders. She wrote extensively on Christian mysticism and meditation and was an apologist for Catholicism
  • Karl Barth (1886-1968). Karl Barth was a Swiss Reformed theologian who is most well known for his landmark The Epistle to the Romans and his five volume theological summa the Church Dogmatics. He is the father of “neo-orthodoxy” and influential in the movement to reject theological liberalism.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this series on Bible scholars as much as I have. Contact AToZMomm with questions!