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BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 3, Day 5: Daniel 2:24-49

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

Summary of Daniel 2:24-49

Daniel tells and interprets King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream. The dream was of a large statue.  The head of the statue was made of pure gold, its chest and arms of silver, its belly and thighs of bronze, its legs of iron, its feet partly of iron and partly of baked clay.  A rock then struck the statue on its feet of iron and clay and smashed them.  Then the iron, the clay, the bronze, the silver and the gold were all broken to pieces. The wind swept them away. But the rock that struck the statue became a huge mountain and filled the whole earth.

The interpretation: The God of heaven has given you dominion and power and might and glory. Wherever they live, he has made you ruler over them all. You are that head of gold.

After you, another kingdom will arise, inferior to yours. Next, a third kingdom, one of bronze, will rule over the whole earth. Finally, there will be a fourth kingdom, strong as iron.  Just as you saw that the feet and toes were partly of baked clay and partly of iron, so this will be a divided kingdom; yet it will have some of the strength of iron in it. As the toes were partly iron and partly clay, so this kingdom will be partly strong and partly brittle, and the people will be a mixture and will not remain united, any more than iron mixes with clay.

God will then set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed. It will crush all the other kingdoms, but it will endure forever.

King Nebuchadnezzar fell before Daniel and acknowledged God. Daniel was placed in a high position, as were Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 3, Day 5: Daniel 2:24-49

12a) Daniel approached Arioch and told him not to kill the wise men, for he would interpret the dream. Arioch told the king he had found an exile to interpret his dream. Arioch takes the credit here, whereas Daniel gives the credit all to God. Daniel tells the king that only God can interpret it. This shows Daniel’s faith in the One, True God.

b) I think this question is limitless. People take credit for their accomplishments and talents that only God could accomplish, from natural talents like singing to inventions and everyday accomplishments. I do this too when I think to myself I did something when really I didn’t.

13a) Earthly kingdoms all eventually fall and dissipate, just like earthly materials.

b) God’s earthly kingdom will endure forever.

14a) Jesus

b) King Nebuchadnezzar bowed before Daniel and acknowledged God as Lord over all. Similarly, every knee will bow before Jesus, and every tongue shall declare he is Lord.

c) When Jesus comes again, everything in the world will be set right. God is in complete control, and we are part of His plan. We can live with integrity, standing for what’s right. Hope is not in vain, God’s plan will prevail, and we can live with purpose.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 3, Day 5: Daniel 2:24-49

I love how God just shows up when we least expect Him, but also when we ask. God swoops in to rescue His people (Daniel and others), and God makes sure everyone knows it was Him. So great!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 3, Day 5: Daniel 2:24-49

Bible scholars believe that the three kingdoms mentioned here are: Persia (silver), Greece (bronze), and Rome (iron). Nebuchadnezzar was an absolute monarch. Those that came after him were not as powerful as him. And, the countries are of less power, as represented by their metals.

Jesus is the stone ( Psalm 118:22, Isaiah 8:14, Isaiah 28:16, and Zechariah 3:9)

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

Daniel 2:24-49 details the revelation of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream and its interpretation, serving to glorify God by demonstrating His absolute sovereignty over human history.

The interpretation of its key elements is as follows:

  • Daniel Gives God the Glory: Before revealing the secret, Daniel makes it explicitly clear to the king that this wisdom comes not from any human, but from the “God in heaven who reveals mysteries.” This frames the entire event as a demonstration of God’s power, not Daniel’s.
  • The Statue of Worldly Kingdoms: The dream’s great statue—with its head of gold, chest of silver, belly of bronze, legs of iron, and feet of iron mixed with clay—represents a succession of powerful but ultimately temporary human empires. Each kingdom gives way to the next, with the final form being a divided and fragile mixture of strength and weakness.
  • The Stone and the Mountain: The stone “cut without human hands” represents God’s divine and eternal kingdom. It strikes the statue at its feet, utterly destroying all the human empires at once. The stone then grows into a mountain that fills the whole earth, symbolizing the final, unstoppable, and universal triumph of God’s kingdom over all human history.
  • The King’s Acknowledgment: Nebuchadnezzar’s reaction of falling prostrate and declaring Daniel’s God to be the “God of gods and Lord of kings” is the climax. The most powerful pagan monarch on earth is forced to acknowledge the supremacy of the God of the exiles.

In essence, the passage reveals that God is in complete control of history. Human empires, no matter how powerful, are temporary and will ultimately be swept away by the establishment of God’s eternal and divine kingdom.

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BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 3, Day 4: Daniel 2:1-23

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

Summary of Daniel 2:1-23

King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon kept having troubling dreams, and his team of magicians, enchanters, sorcerers, and astrologers could not tell him his dream and/or interpret it. The king got so mad that he ordered all of the wise men to be put to death, including Daniel and his friends. Daniel found out they were to be executed and prayed to God to interpret the dream. God granted his wish.

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 3, Day 4: Daniel 2:1-23

9) King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon kept having troubling dreams, and his team of magicians, enchanters, sorcerers, and astrologers could not tell him his dream and/or interpret it.

10) King Nebuchadnezzar failed to understand that no one can read minds except the God of Israel.

11a) Daniel again found out the problem and asked God for a solution. He is calm in the midst of a crisis. We should all take our time with dilemmas and ask God.

b) I can take my time and ask God for guidance. I can respond with poise, seek to fully understand the situation, involve others as a support group, pray about it, and express gratitude and praise for the resolution.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 3, Day 4: Daniel 2:1-23

I love Daniel’s response. He approaches problems with solutions in mind and God at his back. So good!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 3, Day 4: Daniel 2:1-23

Some scholars believe that King Nebuchadnezzar may not have remembered the dream entirely, but had only gotten an impression, which is why he wanted to be told the dream, too.

Fun Fact: Daniel 2:4-7:28 is written in Aramaic – not Hebrew. This is the only section of the Bible written in Aramaic, which was the language of the Babylonian Empire.

The wise men knew only God could answer the King’s dilemma. They aimed to show the king’s request was unreasonable, not that they were incompetent in their jobs.

It takes time to listen to God, so Daniel asked for time.

Daniel involves his companions in his prayers. After all, life and death were at stake here, so all the power of prayer was needed!

God answers, and Daniel praises. What we all need to do!

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

Daniel 2:1-23 establishes a crisis that contrasts the failure of human wisdom with the supreme power and wisdom of the God of Israel.

The interpretation of its key elements is as follows:

  • The King’s Impossible Test: King Nebuchadnezzar’s demand that his wise men reveal both his forgotten dream and its meaning is a literary device designed to prove their impotence. It demonstrates that the world’s most acclaimed wisdom and magic are powerless to access divine secrets, leading to a death sentence for all, including Daniel and his friends.
  • Daniel’s Response of Faith: Faced with execution, Daniel doesn’t panic. He tactfully requests time and immediately turns to his friends for prayer. This act shows that his confidence is not in his own ability but in the mercy of the “God of heaven” to reveal the mystery. His approach is one of faithful dependence, not human ingenuity.
  • God as the Revealer of Secrets: The climax of this section is Daniel’s prayer of praise after receiving the vision. He declares that God alone possesses all wisdom and power, changes the course of history (“sets up and deposes kings”), and reveals “deep and hidden things.”

In essence, this passage masterfully sets the stage by showing the complete failure of Babylon’s spiritual and intellectual elite, creating a vacuum that only the God of the exiles can fill. It establishes that what is about to be revealed comes not from human skill but directly from the one true God who controls history.

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BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 3, Day 3: Daniel 1:8-21

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

Summary of Daniel 1:8-21

Daniel did not want to defile himself by eating the royal food and wine. He asked the chief official who showed Daniel favor (thanks to God) to just feed him and his friends vegetables and water to see if their health suffered. Their health did not suffer.

God gave all the knowledge to Daniel and his three friends. Daniel could understand visions and dreams. They entered the king of Babylon’s service, and they were better than all of the king’s magicians and enchanters.

Daniel stayed in the king’s service until the first year of King Cyrus.

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 3, Day 3: Daniel 1:8-21

6a) The royal food and wine would defile him.
b) He negotiated with the royal official who was in charge of them by proposing a test just to see if his plan would work.
7a) Followers of Christ can work within ungodly systems by adopting a framework of faithful presence, which involves a set of principles and practices modeled by Daniel and his friends in Babylon. Know your non-negotiables, excel in your work, work in non-antagonist ways, and don’t violate God’s principles. We all can shine God’s light simply by working within the system but following God’s rules always.
b) God rewards those who stand firm in Him. He protects them and provides for them. You grow deeper in your faith with God. You strengthen your character. You can have inner peace. You can be a witness for God.
8 ) Unsure if there was ever anything big, but I won’t do things that I believe are wrong, such as take advantage of other people and the like.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 3, Day 3: Daniel 1:8-21

Great example set by Daniel of how you can compromise around society when society’s rules are asking you to break God’s commands.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 3, Day 3: Daniel 1:8-21

Some may say that the food was a little thing. However, making compromises on God’s “little things” will eventually lead to compromising God’s big things. We have to stay true to ALL of God’s words and commands, not just some of them or those we deem little.

Note that the first sin was the eating of forbidden fruit. Daniel probably had Adam and Eve in mind with his decision here.

The food and drink offered by the Babylonians most likely did not follow the Old Testament rules of the food they could eat. It could have been food that had been sacrificed to the Babylonian gods.

Daniel took a risk here by defying the Babylonian king’s orders. He could have faced death because of this decision.

Note how Daniel rebelled: he rebelled with respect. He offered a compromise that took into consideration the royal official.

Because of their loyalty to God, He blessed them.

We can still be faithful to God despite our circumstances.

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

Daniel 1:8-21 narrates the first crucial test of faith in response to the assimilation program detailed in the opening verses. This passage demonstrates a powerful theme of principled resistance and divine vindication.

  1. The Resolve: The conflict begins with Daniel’s personal resolution (“he resolved in his heart”) not to defile himself with the king’s rich food and wine. This act is the first pushback against the empire’s attempt to erase his covenant identity. Importantly, his resistance is characterized by wisdom and tact; he respectfully requests an exemption and proposes a test rather than making a defiant scene.
  2. The Intervention: The narrative repeatedly emphasizes God’s hidden hand. It is “God [who] gave Daniel favor” with the official (v. 9) and later “God [who] gave them learning and skill” (v. 17). Daniel’s success is not attributed to his own charm or intellect but to God’s active intervention on behalf of those who honor Him.
  3. The Result: Daniel’s faithfulness is publicly vindicated in two ways. First, after a ten-day test on a simple diet of vegetables and water, he and his friends appear healthier than those eating the king’s luxurious food. Second, at the end of their three-year education, they are examined by King Nebuchadnezzar himself and found to be “ten times better” than all the wise men in his kingdom. This proves that faithfulness to God is not a hindrance to excelling in a secular world, but is in fact the source of superior wisdom and health.

The passage concludes with the statement that Daniel “was there until the first year of King Cyrus,” a powerful note of hope signifying that his faithfulness allowed him to endure and outlast the entire Babylonian empire, living to see the dawn of its dissolution.

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BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 3, Day 2: Daniel 1:1-7

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

Summary of Daniel 1:1-7

Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon besieged Jerusalem and took Jehoiakim king of Judah, along with some of the articles from the temple of God. 

The king ordered Ashpenaz, chief of his court officials, to bring into the king’s service some of the Israelites from the royal family and the nobility to teach them the language and literature of the Babylonians and then to enter the king’s service.

Among those who were chosen were some from Judah: Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah.  The chief official gave them new names: to Daniel, the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abednego.

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 3, Day 2: Daniel 1:1-7

3a) The priests and the people were unfaithful to God, followed the detestable practices of the atheist nations around them, and defiled the temple of the Lord. They refused to obey God. The people ignored the prophets sent by God to warn His people to turn back to Him, so God sent the king of Babylon against them.
b) The young men were from the royal family and the nobility without any physical defect, handsome, showing aptitude for every kind of learning, well-informed, quick to understand, and qualified to serve in the king’s palace.
4) They gave the men new names in order to assimilate them into the Babylonian culture and hoped to eradicate their connection to their people and to their God. They wanted to indoctrinate them with Babylonian ways.
5a) Their religion, their culture, their heritage.
b) My God defines my identity.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 3, Day 2: Daniel 1:1-7

Great reminder of how God uses punishments in order to bring His people back to Him, which can explain the lessons in our lives, too.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 3, Day 2: Daniel 1:1-7

We’ll find Daniel in the sixth century B.C. To put this is perspective with the rest of the world’s history, some events that occurred include:

  • The Mayans were at their height in the New World
  • The Greeks were in charge of the known world
  • Aesop was writing his fables
  • Confucius and Buddha were influencing their respective corners of the world

Jehoiakim was placed on the throne by the Pharaoh in Egypt.

Nebuchadnezzar is the king of Babylon at this time.

Jerusalem was taken by Nebuchadnezzar because they were loyal to Egypt, and Nebuchadnezzar had just defeated the Egyptians in a war.

These invasions began in 607 B.C. and lasted till 587 B.C.

Jehoiakim, Ezekiel, and many others were taken to Babylon at this time. This was because the Israelites were not observing the Sabbaths (Leviticus 25:1-7 and 26:2-35), and they were worshipping foreign gods.

In ancient times, the rich ate much better than the poor.

The Name Changes

  • Daniel (God is my judge) was changed to Belteshazzar (Bel protects). Bel is the chief Babylonian god.
  • Hananiah (Yahweh is gracious) was changed to Shadrach (Commanded by Aku). Aku was the moon god.
  • Mishael (Who is like God?) was changed to Meshach (Who is like Aku).
  • Azariah (Yahweh is my helper) was changed to Abednego (Servant of Nebu). Nebu was the god of wisdom.

The first half of the book of Daniel mirrors the second half in a chiastic manner. The beginning and end feature dreams. Then, we find Daniel in a predicament, and in the middle, Daniel interprets a dream and handwriting.

The theme of Daniel is the encouragement of God’s people. In the midst of hardship and circumstances beyond your control, stand firm with the Lord.

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

  1. A World of Divine Sovereignty: On the surface, Daniel 1:1-7 narrates a catastrophic defeat: Jerusalem is conquered by Babylon, and sacred vessels from God’s Temple are taken as tribute to a pagan god. However, the narrator immediately reframes this disaster by stating, “the Lord gave Jehoiakim into his hand.” This crucial phrase establishes the book’s foundational theme: God is sovereign even in the defeat and exile of His people. History is not random; God is using Babylon as His instrument of judgment.
  2. A Strategy of Cultural Assimilation: The passage then details Babylon’s systematic attempt to absorb and neutralize the best of Judah’s youth. This is a calculated, multi-pronged assault on their identity: they are physically displaced, intellectually re-educated in Chaldean literature, made dependent on the king’s food, and finally, their Hebrew names (which honor God) are replaced with Babylonian names that honor pagan deities.

In essence, these verses create the central tension for the book of Daniel: a powerful empire methodically attempts to erase the faith and identity of God’s people, while the narrative simultaneously affirms that the God who allowed their exile is still fully in control, setting the stage for a conflict between allegiance to an earthly king and faithfulness to the sovereign God.

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BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 3, Day 5: Revelation 1:17-20

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

Summary of Revelation 1:17-20

When John saw Jesus, he fell at his feet. Jesus tells John he is the First and the Last and is alive forever. Write what he has seen and what will take place later. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 3, Day 5: Revelation 1:17-20

13) When John saw Jesus, he fell at his feet as though dead. We need to understand that we are nothing before Jesus, and we need to show him reverence at all times.

14a) “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.”

b) “Write, therefore, what you have seen, what is now, and what will take place later.”

c) He explained that the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 3, Day 5: Revelation 1:17-20

Jesus is always concerned with our feelings, as he comforts John and tells him not to be afraid. What a Savior we have!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 3, Day 5: Revelation 1:17-20

Jesus is the Lord of all eternity. Jesus is the one who holds the keys to Hades (or Hell), not the devil.

Here is the 2nd command to write what he has seen: the past, present, and future.

Revelation will go over the past in chapter 1, the present in chapters 2 and 3, and then the rest of the book of Revelation will deal with future events.

Bible scholars debate what the angels are: some say the pastors of the 7 churches, some say actual angels, others say the spirit of the churches.

The 7 angels are at Jesus’ right hand. That’s where I want to be!

We can know Jesus as John did. In fact, this is our life mission. Jesus is also often the closest when we are at our most desperate hour.

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BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 3, Day 4: Revelation 1:9-16

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

Summary of Revelation 1:9-16

Here, we read John’s vision of Christ: He says that he was on the island of Patmos where he heard a loud voice that told him to write what he sees and send it to the 7 churches: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea. He saw 7 golden lampstands and Jesus dressed in a robe with a golden sash. He had white hair and his eyes were like blazing fire. His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. In his right hand he held seven stars, and coming out of his mouth was a sharp, double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance.

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 3, Day 4: Revelation 1:9-16

10a) John was on the island of Patmos in the Aegean Sea near Greece, and he was suffering because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.

b) Stephen: The first Christian martyr, who was stoned to death for preaching about Jesus. James: The brother of John, who Herod killed. Peter: He was arrested by Herod and intended to be executed. Saul of Tarsus (later Paul): A Pharisee who had a life-changing encounter with Jesus and went on to suffer greatly to build up the church. Job is said to have suffered more than anyone in the Bible. David faced hard times and was exiled to a cave cause Saul wanted to kill him. Joan of Arc and anyone who did anything in the name of Jesus.

c) To know that this side of heaven is temporary and on the other side is God and Jesus. Pray for a relief from the hardships and that they are merely temporary and that you grow from them and become stronger in your faith because of them.

11) The details of what Jesus looked like! So amazing!

12) The Son of Man is Jesus. We learned what he will look like when he comes again. He will come in clouds. Jesus has authority to forgive sins. People will mourn when he comes again, and he’ll have great power and glory. He sits at God’s right hand.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 3, Day 4: Revelation 1:9-16

It’s hard to doubt John when he is so detailed about what he sees. The Bible is Truth, indeed!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 3, Day 4: Revelation 1:9-16

Patmos is a small island that was used as a place to send prisoners (think of Australia, too). It is rocky and not the best place to live in the first century A.D.

Most likely, John was a prisoner, sent there for his religious beliefs, but it is possible he was a missionary there, too.

John received a vision from the Holy Spirit. We will see this terminology again used later in Revelation: (Revelation 4:2), (Revelation 17:3), (Revelation 21:10).

Note that “the Lord’s Day” here is not the same as the “Day of the Lord” in the Old Testament. Bible scholars are unsure what day this was.

The loud voice is Jesus’.

Fun Fact: John was commanded to write 12 times in the book of Revelation.

Sometimes, we are given visions that are meant to be only for us; other times, we are meant to share them. Here, Jesus makes it clear to write and share this, and he directs whom to share this information with: the 7 churches.

Why these 7 churches? They were in a circular pattern, so it would be easy to deliver the messages. 7 is the number of completeness in the Bible, and the book of Revelation completes the church.

map of 7 churches in revelation

Fun Fact: Paul wrote to 7 churches, too: Rome, Corinth, Galatia, Ephesus, Colosse, Philippi, and Thessalonica. Coincidence?

The 7 lamps are set on stands specifically designed to hold them. In the tabernacle (Exodus 25:31-37), there was one lampstand with 7 lamps. The lampstands display the light given to them by Jesus.

Jesus’ clothing shows he is of the upper class, kingly, and authoritarian. The golden band symbolizes the priesthood.

White hair indicates age, which speaks to wisdom and knowledge. White symbolizes purity.

Fire symbolizes judgment. (Matthew 5:22, 2 Peter 3:7)

Brass had to be refined in the fire. It is also the metal that altars were made from (Exodus 27:1-6). Brass was the strongest metal known in the ancient world at that time.

7 stars represent the 7 leaders of the church. Note that Jesus is holding them, aka holding the church/us in his hands.

The sword is Jesus’ weapon. It comes from his mouth, meaning the power is in Jesus’ words (Ephesians 6:17). This is merely a comparison, not literal.

Jesus’ glory is like the sun. This same language is used at Jesus’ transfiguration (Matthew 17:2).

Fun Fact: This is the ONLY physical description given to us of Jesus in all of the Bible. Isaiah 53:2 came close.

We see Jesus as he is: omnipotent, omniscient, strong, full of majesty and authority, pure and righteous, and our Lord and Savior!

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BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 3, Day 3: Revelation 1:4-8

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

Summary of Revelation 1:4-8

John greets the 7 churches in the province of Asia. He praises Jesus and quotes Daniel 7:13 and Zechariah 12:10 about Jesus’ Second Coming. The Lord says he is the Alpha and the Omega and is the One who is, was, and is to come. Jesus has freed us from our sins by his blood.

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 3, Day 3: Revelation 1:4-8

6) God is, who was, and who is to come. He is eternal. There are seven spirits before his throne. Jesus Christ is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. God has existed since the beginning. Only He knows all things and creates all things. He is perpetual, never changing, and always. Jesus is God’s faithful witness to His almighty power.

7)

John 3:16-17: This says that God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, and whosoever believes in him will have everlasting life. Jesus is the ruler of the kings of the earth as God’s Son and will free us from our sins by his blood.

1 Corinthians 15:3: This says that Christ died for our sins as predicted in God’s Word. Jesus freed us from our sins by his blood.

1 Corinthians 15:20: This says that Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. Jesus Christ is the firstborn from the dead.

Philippians 2:9-11: This says that God exalted Jesus to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name and that every knee shall bow before him and acknowledge his greatness. Revelation says that Jesus is the ruler of the kings of the earth.

8 ) God is never changing. He has been here since the beginning and will be there at the end. He loves us enough to send us his Son to die for our sins so that we can be with him forever. What greater love is there than that? God forgives our sins and shortcomings, so we should forgive ourselves.

9a)  All of mankind has pierced him, including God’s people, the Jews. Mankind will mourn for him. They will mourn because they pierced/killed him. We’ll all witness Jesus’ return (all the peoples of the earth).

b) Christ has conquered all of evil for us with his sacrifice. No matter what we are facing, we are saved eternally. There is no better “good news” than that! We can be strengthened and comforted by his power over evil as we await his return.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 3, Day 3: Revelation 1:4-8

I love how Jesus is the end-all! As long as we hold fast to Jesus, we’ll all be okay!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 3, Day 3: Revelation 1:4-8

John brings a greeting from God to these 7 churches.

Here’s our first reference to the number 7 and its symbolism. The 7 spirits refer to the Holy Ghost. Seven is the number of completion here, so the Holy Spirit is the perfect completion.

The early believers understood this reference, as it appears in Isaiah 11:2 where Isaiah describes the 7 aspects of the Holy Spirit.

John also brought a greeting from Jesus. Jesus is the faithful witness to God and to us. Witness in Greek means martyr.

Firstborn is a reference to always in existence.

Jesus will take over all the earthly kingdoms when he comes again.

Jesus’ death is the ultimate proof that God loves us immensely and indescribably.

Jesus cleansed us of our sins once and for all.

God loves us so much that he cleansed us for him!

Jesus makes us kings and priests to God the Father! This is a status that Adam never obtained.

Therefore, we give Christ the glory.

Amen means, “Yes” in Hebrew. This means that it will be so with God.

John describes Jesus’ coming using the Bible and what other prophets have said. Jesus will come in clouds. Believers can be called God’s cloud, too. All will see him, even the Jews and those who pierced him.

“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End” is the beginning of Jesus introducing himself to his listeners.

Bible scholars debate whether this refers to Jesus or God, but most agree that Jesus is speaking here. After all, this is the Revelation of Jesus Christ. He uses those titles to refer to himself (Revelation 22:13).

Most of us know that Alpha is the first letter of the Greek alphabet and Omega is the last letter of the Greek alphabet. Therefore, Jesus is saying he was before all else and he will continue after all things. Jesus directs all things and has control of all things from the beginning to the end.

“Who is and was and who is to come” references Yahweh and the idea of Jesus’ eternal nature.

Fun Fact: “Almighty” is used 10 times in the New Testament and 9 times in the Book of Revelation. It means “the one who has his hand on everything” in Greek.

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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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BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 3, Day 3: 1 Kings 15:9-15 and 2 Chronicles 14

by atozmom, posted in BSF People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided 2022/2023

SUMMARY OF 1 KINGS 15:9-15

Asa became king of Judah, and he reigned 21 years. He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. He expelled the male shrine prostitutes, got rid of idols, and deposed his grandmother. His heart was fully committed to the Lord.

SUMMARY OF 2 CHRONICLES 14

Asa became king of Judah. He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. He removed the foreign altars and the high places, smashed the sacred stones, and cut down the Asherah poles. He commanded all of Judah to seek the Lord and to obey His laws. Judah was at peace during his rule. He built up the fortified cities of Judah. No one was at war with him during those years.

The Lord struck down the Cushites who had come against Asa after Asa prayed to God to help them.

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 3, Day 3: 1 Kings 15:9-15 and 2 Chronicles 14

6) That Asa did what was right in the eyes of the Lord (which is all that truly matters).

7) He expelled the male shrine prostitutes, got rid of idols, and deposed his grandmother. He removed the foreign altars and the high places, smashed the sacred stones, and cut down the Asherah poles. He commanded all of Judah to seek the Lord and to obey His laws.

8 ) Too many to count. Every day even. With each day and every prayer, I feel I get closer to Him.

9a) God loves to answer prayers. Asa first praised God. He asked for help. He entreated God to not let anyone go against God’s people. God grants Asa’ prayer and then some. He grants him total victory. If we pray, God will grant our victory, too.

b) He struck down the Cushites to the point they were crushed. Judah took away a large amount of plunder from them. God answered by going above and beyond what was asked for. We should expect that response, too, to our prayers.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 3, Day 3: 1 Kings 15:9-15 and 2 Chronicles 14

Great example of how the Lord loves to reward the faithful. Stay the course is the theme of this lesson.

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 3, Day 3: 1 Kings 15:9-15 and 2 Chronicles 14

Asa was Solomon’s great grandson. Most of the kings we’ll study will be measured against David, the ideal.

Asa removed the hight places dedicated to idols, but not the ones dedicated to the Lord.

The Cushites (or Ethiopians) outnumbered the Judean army. He knew this battle belonged to the Lord, so he called on him to defend His honor.

Asa responded in prayer so that God could demonstrate His might to others. He showed utter dependence upon God. He knew God’s power and relied on it. So must we, and God will answer.

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