Tag: bsf answers lesson 1

*As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases

BSF Study Questions Romans: From Guilt to Grace Lesson 1, Day 4: Romans 1:11-15

August 26, 2026August 20, 2026 by atozmom, posted in BSF Romans: From Guilt to Grace 2026/2027

Summary of Romans 1:11-15

Paul longs to see the Romans to mutually encourage one another. He wants to impart spiritual strength, experience mutual encouragement, reap spiritual fruit, and fulfill his duty to preach the gospel.

BSF Study Questions Romans: From Guilt to Grace Lesson 1, Day 4: Romans 1:11-15

9) Paul longs to see the Romans to mutually encourage one another. Paul’s other obligations and ministry work may have kept him away.

10) I am encouraged that all things happen in God’s timing and that all things happen for a reason, too. Therefore, delays are for reasons! God’s purpose always prevails!

11a) Paul has many obligations to all people, but he is patient and knows that when he arrives in Rome, he will be all the more eager! Paul felt bound to share salvation with everyone—Jew or Gentile—and fulfilled this duty with passionate obedience, unashamed boldness, and relentless, joyful zeal.

b) Wow. This is a big question. It’s something I have to prioritize (such as this blog). I have to keep this in the forefront of my mind at all times. And, sharing the knowledge of Jesus brings me immense joy!

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Romans: From Guilt to Grace Lesson 1, Day 4: Romans 1:11-15

I love how Paul is eager to go to Rome, but he knows that delays are just a part of the process. We should have the same attitude when we face delays in our lives!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Romans: From Guilt to Grace Lesson 1, Day 4: Romans 1:11-15

Note how Paul wanted to be encouraged as much as he wants to encourage others. This is SO important for all of our ministers. They need prayer, too!

Paul is obligated to both the Greeks and the non-Greeks of Rome because it brought peace, prosperity, and roads, so people could hear of the gospel.

Spurgeon points out that Paul is always ready, whether to preach, suffer, or even die.

Love this! This is SO encouraging to most of us that deal with unexpected circumstances that interrupt our plans (for me, lung cancer), but even the interruption services God’s purpose!

END NOTES SUMMARIZE

In Romans 1:11–15, Paul transitions from personal greetings to explaining his deep desire to visit the Christians in Rome. These verses showcase the heart of Paul’s pastoral philosophy, highlighting mutual encouragement, his duty as an apostle, and his passionate commitment to preaching the gospel.

1. The Purpose of His Visit: Mutual Strengthening (vv. 11–12)

Imparting Spiritual Gifts (v. 11): Paul expresses a strong desire to see them so he can impart “some spiritual gift” to strengthen their faith. This refers to pastoral teaching, spiritual insight, and divine encouragement that builds up the local church.
Mutual Encouragement (v. 12): Paul immediately clarifies his heart to avoid sounding condescending or spiritually superior. He recognizes that spiritual growth is a two-way street; he expects to be personally encouraged by the Romans’ faith just as they would be by his.

2. Persistent Plans and Desired Fruit (v. 13)

Spiritual Fruit: Paul reveals he had planned to visit them many times so he could “reap a harvest” among them, just as he had among other Gentiles. This refers both to new conversions and the deepening of existing faith.
Sovereign Delays: He acknowledges that up until this point, he was “prevented from doing so”—a reminder that even an apostle’s schedule is subject to God’s providential timing and circumstances.

3. The Apostolic Obligation and Eagerness (vv. 14–15)

Under Obligation (v. 14): Paul describes himself as a “debtor” to all people—Greeks and non-Greeks, the wise and the foolish alike. Having received God’s unmerited grace, Paul felt a profound obligation to share that grace with everyone, regardless of culture, class, or intellect.
Eagerness to Preach (v. 15): His duty was not a cold, burdensome chore. Instead, it fueled a passionate eagerness to preach the gospel directly in Rome—the very heart of the pagan empire.

Conclusion

Romans 1:11–15 teaches that true Christian ministry relies on humble, mutual encouragement, views the sharing of the gospel as a sacred debt owed to all people, and moves with joyful eagerness to build up the church wherever God leads.

Best Back-to-School Items!

*As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases

BSF Study Questions Romans: From Guilt to Grace Lesson 1, Day 3: Romans 1:8-10

August 25, 2026August 20, 2026 by atozmom, posted in BSF Romans: From Guilt to Grace 2026/2027

Summary of Romans 1:8-10

Paul thanks God for the Roman believers and their world-renowned faith. He prays for them, and he hopes to come to them soon to encourage them personally.

BSF Study Questions Romans: From Guilt to Grace Lesson 1, Day 3: Romans 1:8-10

6) “Because your faith is being reported all over the world”

7a) Paul prays to come to them soon. Paul did travel to Rome, but he came in chains having been arrested.

b) Serving God is inherently an act of worship, naturally expressed through unceasing, selfless prayer for others and total submission to His divine will.

8 ) Even though God does not always answer our prayers as we expect, He DOES answer our prayers, so we must never cease to pray to the One, True God!

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Romans: From Guilt to Grace Lesson 1, Day 3: Romans 1:8-10

Great lessons on prayers and how God answers but often in unexpected ways!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Romans: From Guilt to Grace Lesson 1, Day 3: Romans 1:8-10

If we all kept in mind that it’s God’s will and not ours, we’d be a lot less worried and stressed!

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

In Romans 1:8–10, Paul transitions from his formal prescript to a deeply personal pastoral greeting. These verses reveal his heart for a church he had never personally planted or visited, establishing a foundation of gratitude, spiritual integrity, and longing for fellowship.

1. Thanksgiving for World-Renowned Faith (v. 8) Paul begins by thanking God “through Jesus Christ” for the Roman believers.

Global Reputation: He highlights that their faith is being spoken of “throughout the whole world.” Situated at the center of the Roman Empire, the church’s steadfast devotion amid pagan culture served as a powerful testimony across the Mediterranean.
Christ as Mediator: By directing his gratitude to God through Christ, Paul emphasizes that all genuine spiritual vitality flows from Jesus.

2. Spiritual Integrity and Unceasing Prayer (v. 9) Paul appeals to God as his witness, offering a glimpse into his private prayer life:

“Whom I serve with my spirit”: The word for “serve” (latreuo) often carries priestly or liturgical connotations. For Paul, preaching the gospel was not just a job, but a sacred act of worship engagement.
Relentless Intercession: Paul repeatedly assures them that he remembers them “without ceasing.” His commitment to a church he had never met shows his expansive love for the global Body of Christ.

3. Submission to God’s Will for the Future (v. 10) Paul expresses his long-standing desire to visit Rome, but frames it entirely around divine sovereignty:

“By the will of God”: Paul does not presume to dictate his itinerary. Though he passionately desires to travel to Rome, he submits his timing and travel plans to God’s ultimate oversight.

Conclusion

Romans 1:8–10 demonstrates that authentic Christian leadership prioritizes intercessory prayer, celebrates the spiritual victories of others, and submits all future plans to the sovereign will of God.

Best Back-to-School Items!

*As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases

BSF Study Questions Romans: From Guilt to Grace Lesson 1, Day 2: Romans 1:1-7

August 24, 2026August 20, 2026 by atozmom, posted in BSF Romans: From Guilt to Grace 2026/2027

Summary of Romans 1:1-7

Paul was called to bring the good news of the saving grace of Christ to Gentiles. He greets the Romans as such, saying they belong to Jesus and are loved by God and called to be His holy people.

BSF Study Questions Romans: From Guilt to Grace Lesson 1, Day 2: Romans 1:1-7

3a) “A servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, and set apart for the gospel of God”

b) We learn that Paul’s authenticity and veracity are questioned because of his previous persecution of Christians, yet he was successful in converting people to Christ. We learn that Paul believes himself to be the worst of the worst of sinners, but Christ showed him mercy, so that Christ might show his patience in sinners. He received God’s grace, faith, and love.

Acts reveals Paul’s immediate preaching of Jesus’ divinity and apologetic skill, while 1 Timothy highlights his former violence, deep humility, and transformative grace.

4a) We learn that Christ has called the Gentiles to obedience through faith in Christ’s name and included them in the good news/eternal salvation of Christ’s death and resurrection on the cross.

Jesus is the divine Messiah saving all sinners—shown when even a violent persecutor like Paul receives complete forgiveness, infinite patience, and new purpose.

b) I am a Gentile who has been included and counted as a child of God, included in God’s grace and mercy to be saved by faith in Jesus for eternal life.

5a) He told the Romans that they are among those called to belong to Jesus. They are loved by God and called to be His holy people.

Paul encouraged Roman believers by affirming their divine calling, validating their identity as God’s loved saints, and blessing them with grace and peace.

b) All believers are unbelievably blessed to be called to be a part of God’s eternal kingdom. Therefore, we should all show grace and mercy to others.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Romans: From Guilt to Grace Lesson 1, Day 2: Romans 1:1-7

Love how Paul starts out with the best news of all — we are saved! You could literally stop reading here since if that’s all you get from Paul, you got the most important message.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Romans: From Guilt to Grace Lesson 1, Day 2: Romans 1:1-7

There are almost no commentators who dispute that Paul is the author of Romans. It is believed this great book of the Bible was written somewhere around 55 AD in the city of Corinth. He would have been on his third missionary journey. Acts 20:2-3. This is based on Romans 16:1 and 16:23 along with 1 Corinthians 1:14. He planned to visit Rome after he went to Jerusalem.

Note Paul is first a servant of Christ and then an apostle. A servant is utterly devoted.

Romans is a book about God, different than Paul’s other letters, which focus on the churches he wrote to.

Fun Fact: The word “God” appears 153 times in the book of Romans, more than any other New Testament book.

If you look at the frequency of other words in Romans (Lord appears 43 times and faith appears 40 times), you’ll see a huge difference.

Paul did not found the church in Rome, which is different than the other churches he wrote to.

Jesus Christ is the center.

“Grace to you” is a traditional greeting used by Greeks. “Peace from God” is a traditional greeting used by the Jews. Note how Paul is already including the Gentiles here.

Christians are called to live differently. We are made righteous and justified through the blood of Christ on the cross. Christ gives us his perfection so that we can stand with God once again.

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

Romans 1:1–7 functions as Paul’s formal prescript, but it packs an entire systematic theology into a single sentence. Because Paul had not yet visited the church in Rome, he uses this greeting as a theological resume, establishing his authority, defining his message, and honoring his audience.

1. The Messenger: Identity and Authority (v. 1) Paul introduces himself with three distinct titles:

“Servant” (Doulos): Expresses absolute devotion and ownership by Christ. In a Roman context, a slave lacked status, but in a Hebrew context, “servant of the Lord” placed Paul in line with Moses, David, and the prophets.
“Called to be an apostle”: Establishes that his leadership was not self-appointed or humanly assigned, but directly commissioned by God.
“Set apart for the gospel”: His singular focus and lifelong vocation are dedicated entirely to God’s good news.

2. The Message: The Gospel’s Roots and Realities (vv. 2–4) Paul immediately grounds his theology in history and Christology:

Promised beforehand (v. 2): The gospel is not a novel invention or a departure from Judaism; it is the fulfillment of the Old Testament Scriptures.
According to the flesh (v. 3): Refers to Jesus’ human lineage as a descendant of King David, establishing his legal right to the messianic throne.
Declared Son of God in power (v. 4): The Resurrection did not make Jesus God’s Son, but it vindicated Him, revealing His divine power and authority as the resurrected Messiah.

3. The Mission: Bringing Faith to the Nations (vv. 5–6)

Grace and Apostleship: Paul attributes his calling to unmerited favor (grace), which empowers his office (apostleship).
“Obedience of faith”: Real faith is not merely intellectual assent; true belief produces active obedience.
Among all the Gentiles: Paul clarifies his target audience. The church in Rome contained both Jews and Gentiles, but Paul highlights his specific call to the non-Jewish world.

4. The Recipients: Believers in Rome (v. 7) Paul addresses the Christians in Rome not as a geographic institution, but as a community defined by grace:

Loved by God & Called to be saints: “Saint” (hagios) means “set apart.” Believers do not become saints through extraordinary moral effort; it is their identity based on God’s call.
Grace and Peace: Paul combines the standard Greek greeting (charis / grace) and Hebrew greeting (shalom / peace), anchoring both in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Conclusion

Romans 1:1–7 anchors Paul’s gospel in ancient prophecy, reveals Jesus’ divinity through resurrection, and unites believers as God’s loved, called saints under grace.

Best Back-to-School Items!

*As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases

photo of Ezekiel having visions from God bsf exile and return www.atozmomm.com

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 1, Day 5: Ezekiel 2:3-10

August 28, 2025August 23, 2025 by atozmom, posted in BSF Exile & Return: A Time to Build 2025/2026

Summary of Ezekiel 2:3-10

God sends Ezekiel to the Israelites to deliver His messages. He tells Ezekiel to not be afraid of the people and to speak His words. Ezekiel then sees a scroll in God’s hands. Words of lament, mourning, and woe are written on it.

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 1, Day 5: Ezekiel 2:3-10

12) To the Israelites

13a) He tells Ezekiel that many will not listen. They may say terrible things. They are rebellious.

b) God tells Ezekiel not to be afraid of their reactions and to eat what he gives him (aka words to say). By telling Ezekiel that they may not listen, this helps Ezekiel not worry about how the message is received, but instead to just deliver the message. Also, by God appearing to Ezekiel personally, this strengthens Ezekiel’s faith by knowing that it is God calling him.

14) We all should remember that we are not responsible for whether people receive the word of God and turn to Him. God is the one who will turn their hearts. All we have to do is deliver the Good News. We are guided by the Holy Spirit and will know what to say. I am encouraged to pray to the Lord to put people in my life whom I am supposed to share Him with. And, I know God will give me the strength to do so.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 1, Day 5: Ezekiel 2:3-10

Great lesson on the real challenges believers face in bringing the Good News to the world.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 1, Day 5: Ezekiel 2:3-10

Note: Ezekiel is speaking to both the nations of Judah and Israel here. Apart from God, the Israelites are just another heathen nation.

The people are repeatedly called “rebellious.” Not exactly good in God’s eyes.

“This is what the Sovereign Lord says,” is repeated in the book of Ezekiel. This is to say that Ezekiel is bringing God’s message, not his own, to the people.

Rejection can hurt, but God tells Ezekiel to ignore it.

We are to receive God’s word as if we are eating it: take it completely in.

Note: this may or may not be God’s hands. It could be the cherubims’. The text just says “a hand.”

The message was complete since both sides of the scroll were written on (traditionally, at this time, only one side would be written on).

Note that we have a much more cheerful message to bring to people (the news of Jesus Christ). Ezekiel just had to tell the people to turn to God or face His wrath.

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

Ezekiel 2:3-10 details the core of the prophet’s difficult commission, defining his audience, his required attitude, and the content of his message.

The interpretation of its key elements is as follows:

The Rebellious Audience: God explicitly warns Ezekiel that he is being sent to the people of Israel, who are described as an obstinate, stubborn, and rebellious nation. This sets the expectation that his mission will be met with resistance. The goal is not necessarily to achieve success, but to ensure that a prophet of the LORD has spoken, leaving the people without excuse.
The Call to Fearlessness: God commands Ezekiel not to be afraid of the people or their hostile words, comparing them to thorns, briers, and scorpions. This highlights the dangerous and painful nature of the prophetic task and emphasizes that the prophet’s courage must come from his divine mandate, not the promise of a positive reception.
The Eaten Scroll: Ezekiel is given a scroll to eat, which is covered on both sides with “words of lament and mourning and woe.” This powerful symbolic act reveals two key truths:
1. Internalization: The prophet must completely absorb and digest God’s message, making it a part of his very being before he can proclaim it to others.
2. Content: The initial message is not one of comfort, but of unavoidable and severe judgment due to the people’s rebellion.

In essence, this passage establishes Ezekiel’s ministry as one of courageous faithfulness. He is called to internalize and deliver a painful message of judgment to a hard-hearted people, regardless of their response.

Best Items for Bible Study

*As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases

Contact Me Today!

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 1, Day 4: Ezekiel 1:22-2:2

August 27, 2025August 23, 2025 by atozmom, posted in BSF Exile & Return: A Time to Build 2025/2026

Summary of Ezekiel 1:22-2:2

Ezekiel continues his vision, seeing a vault spread out over the living creatures. He describes their wings, which sounded like the voice of the Almighty. He describes God on his throne above the living creatures. He was radiant and appeared like glowing metal and fire. He fell facedown upon seeing the glory of God.

God told him to stand so that He could speak to him.

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 1, Day 4: Ezekiel 1:22-2:2

9) Ezekiel continues his vision, seeing a vault spread out over the living creatures. He describes their wings, which sounded like the voice of the Almighty. He describes God on his throne above the living creatures. He was radiant and appeared like glowing metal and fire.

10) He fell facedown upon seeing the glory of God. He was overwhelmed by God’s holiness and glory and felt unworthy to be in God’s presence. He is completely surrendering to God.

11a) He said to me, “Son of man, stand up on your feet and I will speak to you.”

b) The Spirit came into me and raised me to my feet, and I heard him speaking to me.

c) Psalm 24:4 says that the one who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not trust in an idol or swear by a false god can stand before God. Philippians 3:9 says that those who have faith in Christ’s cleansing blood (who have been made righteous) can stand before God. Jesus cleanses us and allows us to be with God!

d) Truthfully, how have I not? God is responsible for everything in my life. He is always working to bring me to His path.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 1, Day 4: Ezekiel 1:22-2:2

It just reminds me of Mercy Me’s classic song, I Can Only Imagine. I can’t wait for this moment!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 1, Day 4: Ezekiel 1:22-2:2

Ezekiel first describes God’s voice and then God’s likeness. It was held by the Jewish people that God could not ever be fully expressed, or it was blasphemy. God defies human description.

We’ve seen four colors in Ezekiel 1:

Beryl or emerald green (Ezekiel 1:16)
Clear crystal (Ezekiel 1:22)
Sapphire blue (Ezekiel 1:26)
Golden-brown amber (Ezekiel 1:27)

We see God’s power and radiance (red and yellow), His promise to all of humanity (rainbow), and God everywhere

God exists outside of the temple, seen clearly here, and super important in that time period to be made known.

Ezekiel humbly surrenders when he falls on his face.

Fun Fact: God calls Ezekiel “son of man” 93 times. This is the first time.

Jesus refers to himself as “Son of Man” 80 times in the Gospels. This refers to Jesus being the Messiah. Here, when Ezekiel is addressed as “son of man,” it’s literal.

It is good to stand to receive the Word of the Lord.

The Spirit entering Ezekiel was the Holy Spirit here. Since this was before the gift of the Holy Spirit to all of humanity, this was a unique situation and entrance for Ezekiel when the Spirit entered with God’s words.

We see the Spirit lifting Ezekiel a lot in his book (Ezekiel 2:2, 3:14; 8:3; 11:1, 24; 37:1; 43:5).

Notice that God gives Ezekiel the power to stand to do His work. So God gives us the strength to do His calling upon our lives.

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

Ezekiel 1:22-2:2 describes the climax of the prophet’s inaugural vision, revealing God’s glorious presence and commissioning Ezekiel for his mission.

The interpretation of the key elements is as follows:

The Throne and the Divine Figure: Above the living creatures is a crystal platform, upon which rests a throne. On the throne is a figure with a human-like appearance, but composed of fire and brilliant light. This reveals God’s transcendent glory and ultimate authority as King, portraying Him in a form that is both relatable (human shape) and utterly divine (made of light and fire).
The Rainbow: The radiant glory surrounding the figure is compared to a rainbow. This is a powerful symbol of mercy and covenant faithfulness, recalling God’s promise to Noah. It tempers the vision’s terrifying power with an assurance of God’s enduring promise, even as He is about to pronounce judgment.
Ezekiel’s Response and Commission: Overwhelmed by the vision, Ezekiel falls on his face in humility. He is powerless until God’s Spirit enters him, raises him to his feet, and enables him to hear his divine call. This reveals that a prophet’s authority comes not from his own strength, but from being directly called and empowered by God.

In essence, this passage portrays a God of absolute and transcendent authority whose power is nevertheless bound by covenant mercy. It establishes that the prophetic word Ezekiel is about to speak originates from this awe-inspiring divine presence.

Best Items for Bible Study

*As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 1, Day 3: Ezekiel 1:4-21

August 26, 2025August 23, 2025 by atozmom, posted in BSF Exile & Return: A Time to Build 2025/2026

Summary of Ezekiel 1:4-21

Ezekiel describes his visions from God. He saw a windstorm from the north. He saw four living creatures in a fire. Each creature was human but had four faces and four wings. They had feet like a calf. They had human hands. Their wings touched each other and they traveled straight.

Each face has a face of a man, a lion, an ox, and an eagle. They each had a pair of wings. They went where their spirit went. They sped, and fire moved among them.

He saw wheels on the ground beside the creatures. They had eyes all around them, and they went where the creatures went. The spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels.

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 1, Day 3: Ezekiel 1:4-21

6) The source and description of what he saw and heard (1:4): The windstorm was coming from the north (where Israel’s enemies come from). It was a cloud (God is often seen in a cloud) with lightning and brilliant light.

The four creatures (1:5-14): Each creature was human but had four faces and four wings. They had feet like a calf. They had human hands. Their wings touched each other, and they traveled straight. Each face has a face of a lion, an ox, and an eagle. They each had a pair of wings. They went where their spirit went. They sped, and fire moved among them.

The wheels (1:15-21): He saw wheels on the ground beside the creatures. They had eyes all around them, and they went where the creatures went. The spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels.

7) Ezekiel was probably scared by what he saw. Unsure about it. Full of doubt and questions. Wanting to know what it meant.

8a) God is good to speak to man and give us directions, whether personally today or via prophets. God is majestic and sovereign. He guides us and protects us. He is always present with us.

b) It’s comforting to know I am never alone and I can always go to God with anything. He has the answers, and all I have to do is pray and listen.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 1, Day 3: Ezekiel 1:4-21

I love how even though God is mysterious, he is kind enough to give us His word when we need it.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 1, Day 3: Ezekiel 1:4-21

Bible scholars describe Ezekiel’s vision as one of the most detailed and unusual descriptions of God in the Bible.

Fun Fact: Enemies came from the North towards Israel and are often associated with God’s judgment.

The exile was from God as punishment for His people turning from Him.

Fun Fact: Ezekiel’s calling is the longest and most detailed of any prophet recorded in the Bible.

The brightness is God’s glory. The cloud and fire show God’s presence amongst His people.

These creatures will be identified later as cherubim (Ezekiel 10:8-15).

Cherubim in the Bible

These are ancient creatures who guarded the entrance to Paradise after the fall (Genesis 3:24).
We see them on the Ark of the Covenant (Exodus 25:18-20), which is the presence of God with the people.
The tabernacle was decorated with cherubim (Exodus 26:1) (Exodus 26:31) (1 Kings 6:23-35).
They may be the creatures in Revelation surrounding God’s throne (Revelation 4:6-8).
Satan is seen with them, too (Ezekiel 28:14-16).

This could be where wings are associated with angels, as this is one of the few places in the Bible where angelic beings have wings.

John could have seen these same creatures in his vision of heaven (Revelation 4:6-8).

Bible scholars say these faces represent all of creation, with the mightiest of animals (lion), the strongest (ox), flight (eagle), and man (highest).

The creatures move straight like God’s plan.

The point of the wheels is to show constant motion by God, and he is always present. Many Bible scholars think of this as a chariot.

The eyes represent knowledge and intelligence. He is omniscient, seeing everything.

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

God’s Mobility and Unconfined Presence

A Moving Throne: The vision is not of a stationary throne in a building, but of a chariot. This reveals that God is not confined to one location, city, or temple. He is mobile, and His presence has come to be with His people even in their exile by a canal in Babylon. This was both a comfort (God is with us) and a warning (you cannot escape His presence).

In sum, this vision introduces God not as a local deity, but as the majestic, all-powerful, all-seeing, and omnipresent King of the entire universe, who is in absolute control and is present with His people even in their darkest hour of exile.

Best Items for Bible Study

*As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 1, Day 2: Ezekiel 1:1-3

August 25, 2025August 23, 2025 by atozmom, posted in BSF Exile & Return: A Time to Build 2025/2026

Summary of Ezekiel 1:1-3

Ezekiel has a vision from God.

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 1, Day 2: Ezekiel 1:1-3

3a) Ezekiel was an exile in Babylon (a lof of Judah had been exiled at this time). It was during the reign of King Jehoiachin. The Lord was with him. 2 Kings adds that Jehoiachin did evil in the eyes of the Lord.

b) I’m sure it was not pleasant being an exile in a foreign land. I’m sure he was doing his best to be faithful to the Lord while being surrounded and captured by pagans. He may have been depressed, anxious, losing faith in God, questioning God, etc.

4a) “The heavens were opened and I saw visions of God” and “the word of the Lord came to Ezekiel the priest” and “There the hand of the Lord was on him.”

b) It shows that God has not abandoned Ezekiel. He is still with him, guiding him, as God does for us, no matter our circumstances. God offers compassion, His word, and His power to us.

5) God directs me and I follow the best I can. He gives me great peace in unsettling circumstances. He is and always has been faithful, even in my darkest days.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 1, Day 2: Ezekiel 1:1-3

I love the emphasis on God’s presence in our lives always, no matter the circumstances and God’s hand on us as we journey through life. Great news!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 1, Day 2: Ezekiel 1:1-3

Most likely, Ezekiel was 30 years of age at this time. He was a priest, and priests began their service in the temple at the age of 30. However, Ezekiel was now called to be a prophet.

The time is most likely 597 BC, before the complete fall of Jerusalem and the nation of Judah.

Ezekiel means “strengthened by God,” and he had the hand of the Lord on him.

Map of Kebar River

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

The visions of the prophet Ezekiel are some of the most complex, symbolic, and vivid in the entire Bible. Given to him during the crisis of the Babylonian exile, their details reveal profound truths about the nature and character of God, intended to both challenge and comfort the displaced people of Judah.

Here are some of the key things the details of Ezekiel’s visions reveal about God:

God’s Overwhelming Majesty and Sovereignty

Ezekiel’s first and most famous vision (Ezekiel 1) is of God’s throne-chariot. The details are meant to overwhelm the senses and convey a being of unimaginable power:

The Four Living Creatures: Each creature has four faces (human, lion, ox, eagle), representing all of creation—humanity, wild animals, domesticated animals, and birds. This reveals that God is not just the God of Israel, but the sovereign ruler over all living things.
The Wheels Within Wheels: The intricate, intersecting wheels covered in eyes ( $g yrosco p es$ ) reveal God’s omnipresence and omniscience. He can move in any direction with perfect agility, and His eyes see everything, everywhere.
The Dazzling Appearance: The vision is filled with imagery of brilliant light, flashing fire, and glowing metal, culminating in a throne of lapis lazuli. This reveals God’s glory and power as something awesome, terrifying, and utterly beyond human comparison or comprehension.

Best Items for Bible Study

*As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases

photo of the book of revelation bsf bible study www.atozmomm.com

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

https://amzn.to/3XB4Ckl

https://amzn.to/3Z9mkfU

https://amzn.to/4eai04f

https://amzn.to/3ATLh4V

https://amzn.to/4g8XeE5

https://amzn.to/4cUhE0z

https://amzn.to/3TlX42d

https://amzn.to/47lH7Pw

https://amzn.to/3XCigUo

https://amzn.to/3Xw94AC

*As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases

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.