Tag: bsf answers lesson 8

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BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 8, Day 5: Daniel 7

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

Summary of Daniel 7

In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon, Daniel had a dream of the four winds of heaven and four great beasts: a lion, a bear, a leopard, and one with 10 horns. Next, he sees the Ancient of Days who defeats the beasts. The Son of Man was given authority, glory, and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.

The four great beasts are four kings that will rise from the earth. But the holy people of the Most High will receive the kingdom and will possess it forever—yes, for ever and ever.’ The fourth beast is a fourth kingdom that will appear on earth. It will be different from all the other kingdoms and will devour the whole earth, trampling it down and crushing it. The ten horns are ten kings who will come from this kingdom. After them another king will arise, different from the earlier ones; he will subdue three kings. He will speak against the Most High and oppress his holy people and try to change the set times and the laws. The holy people will be delivered into his hands for a time, times and half a time. Then the beast will be defeated, and the kingdom of the Most High will be everlasting.

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 8, Day 5: Daniel 7

11a) Daniel sees the Ancient of Days who is seated on a throne attended by thousands. He defeats the beasts. The Son of Man was given authority, glory, and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.

b) He took his seat to judge all of mankind.

12) God will win. There is no doubt. I have confidence in this by God’s words and in who He is.

13) His visions are full of violence and evil. There will definitely be more violence before the Second Coming and Jesus’ reign forever on earth. This should trouble everyone. However, knowing in the end God wins is the ultimate peace and comfort.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 8, Day 5: Daniel 7

I love how God is so good to give us previews of what is to come to encourage us.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 8, Day 5: Daniel 7

The Babylonians still reigned during this time.

The Great Sea is probably the Mediterranean Sea.

These four beasts represent kingdoms that rule over the earth.

  1. The first is the Babylonians, which is often represented by a lion with wings.
  2. The bear represented the Persian empire.
  3. The leopard is the Greek empire.
  4. The horrible beast is the Roman Empire.

The Ancient of Days is God, but there is some debate if this is God the Father or God the Son. However, most believe it is God the Father.

We see God in all of His glory here. He comes in judgment and with thousands of angels.

There may actually have been wheels on God’s throne as this was the case in some royal chambers. It could also represent God’s activities.

The books that were opened could have been the book of living (Psalm 69:28), remembrance(Malachi 3:16), and Life Revelation 3:5.

Jesus comes to destroy the fourth beast and set up his dominion on earth. Some nations will continue.

Fun Fact: The title “Son of Man” is used more than 80 times in the New Testament to describe Jesus.

The four kingdoms are conquered and are given to the people of God.

The ten kings that the ten horns of the fourth beast represent are not literal unless they are in the future. Some see this as the Roman emperors; others don’t. Truth be told, we are unsure.

The little horn shall come and reign for 3.5 years (time and times and a half). We see this in Revelation (11:2-3, 12:6 and 13:5).

Still, all will be given to the Saints at the End Times.

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BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 8, Day 4: Daniel 6

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

Summary of Daniel 6

Daniel became extremely powerful in his position with the king, so much so that others plotted against him who wanted his power.  They tricked King Darius to put a decree in place that made it illegal to pray to any god or human except him in the next 30 days.  Daniel ignored the decree and prayed to God anyway. The king was forced to throw Daniel into the lions’ den. However, God protected Daniel.

Those who plotted against Daniel, their children, and their wives were thrown into the lions’ den instead. The king issued a decree that all of his kingdom must revere the God of Daniel. Daniel prospered during the reigns of Darius and Cyrus.

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 8, Day 4: Daniel 6

8a) Daniel continued to distinguish himself in the service of the king as God blessed him.

b) Daniel’s enemies tricked King Darius to put a decree in place that made it illegal to pray to any god or human except him in the next 30 days. Daniel ignored the decree and prayed to God anyway. The king was forced to throw Daniel into the lions’ den.

c) Daniel did not change his ways. He remained true to God by giving God worship and praise despite the decree. God protected Daniel for his loyalty by sending his angel and shutting the mouths of the lions.

9) Those who plotted against Daniel, their children, and their wives were thrown into the lions’ den instead. The king issued a decree that all of his kingdom must revere the God of Daniel. Daniel prospered during the reigns of Darius and Cyrus.

10) It’s encouraging to know that God rewards His faithful servants no matter what else is happening in the world around them.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 8, Day 4: Daniel 6

I love this story! God is so good and so faithful, and Daniel proves what a faithful life can look like.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 8, Day 4: Daniel 6

There is no record of a Darius ruling during this time. However, Darius could be an alias (perhaps for Cyrus).

Daniel lived such a pure life that the only way to get at him was to go after his God.

King Darius signed the decree not thinking it was a trap for Daniel.

Daniel’s custom was to pray privately, which he did. Still, they found him in prayer.

We have to own our own decisions, which Darius did, and oftentimes they can haunt us. Luckily, we have a more powerful God than that.

Daniel is rescued from the lions’ den by God, who is faithful. Daniel’s faith saved him.

Daniel did no wrong to the king by worshipping his God.

Punishing the children and wives of those who plotted against Daniel may seem severe. However, that was the custom of that time and culture. If one was guilty, all paid the price.

This proved to be a powerful testimony for God’s kingdom. Because of Daniel’s faithfulness, he is rewarded by God, and others see and convert.

We saw this when Daniel interpreted Nebuchadnezzar’s dream and gave all the glory to God.

You can see how Daniel’s story parallels Jesus’. He was sentenced to death but rose again!

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BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 8, Day 3: Daniel 2

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

Summary of Daniel 2

Nebuchadnezzar was troubled by dreams that his magicians, enchanters, sorcerers, and astrologers could not interpret. The king became angry that no one could interpret it, so he gave an order to put all wise men to death, including Daniel and his fellow Jews. Daniel asked the king to interpret his dream. He and his friends, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, prayed to God for the answer. God answered Daniel in a prayer, and Daniel gave God praise.

Daniel interpreted the dream, giving God all the credit. Daniel tells Nebuchadnezzar that more kingdoms will arise after his. Then God will set up His kingdom, which will never be destroyed and will endure forever.

Nebuchadnezzar then declared Daniel’s God the God of all gods. Daniel was given many gifts and was made ruler over all of Babylon and the wise men. Daniel’s friends were promoted, too.

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 8, Day 3: Daniel 2

6a) Daniel was facing execution. His response was to turn to the Lord Almighty for help to solve the king’s problem so that him and his friends could survive.

b) For God’s name, wisdom, power. For how God changes times and the seasons. How he controls earthly kings. How He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge. How He reveals deep things. He knows what is in darkness. Daniel thanks God for the wisdom and power he has given him and for making the king’s dream known to them.

c) God decides who is in power, when, and for how long.

d) He has renewed my faith in one of my purposes for my life. He has given me hope that I will continue in this purpose.

7a) That earthly kingdoms will rise out of God’s will, but that God’s kingdom is the only one that will endure forever.

b) God’s kingdom is what we all live and hope for. It gives me the strength to continue each and every day. It is the best.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 8, Day 3: Daniel 2

Love how Daniel turns to God to save him. Great message for all of us, even if death is not on the line.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 8, Day 3: Daniel 2

Fun Fact: This is the only section of the Bible written in Aramaic (Daniel 2:4-7:28), which was the language of the Babylonians.

Since no one could interpret nor tell Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, he wanted to kill all of his wise men. Daniel once again poses a solution. This is a great lesson for all of us when we come upon a problem. Rather than complaining about it; find a solution.

Daniel prays. God being God answers and saves Daniel, his friends, and others. God rewards Daniel for his faithfulness. God is, indeed, good.

Bible commentators disagree over which kingdoms Daniel is referring to there. Many think it was: the Medo-Persian, the Greek, and the Roman Empire. Some separate out Media and Persia as separate empires. Many believe these kingdoms are still future.

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BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 8, Day 2: Daniel 1

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

Summary of Daniel 1

Israel had been conquered by Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonians. Daniel was chosen to learn the language and the literature of the Babylonians so that they could then serve the king.

Daniel refused to compromise his beliefs about God when it came to eating tainted food and wine. He offered a test up and passed it and was granted the exemption to eat his own food.

To these four young men (Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah) God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds. They were wiser and  ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom.

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 8, Day 2: Daniel 1

3a) The conquering of Israel by the Babylonians.

b) He faced the challenges of food. He did not want to eat the food and drink that was defiled, so he came up with a test that showed his food was just as healthy as the king’s. He was granted the exemption.

c) To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds. They were ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom.

4) God rewards those who stand for Him with amazing gifts, blessings, and abundance.

5) I try to stay away from social media and the news as much as possible (without being totally oblivious to what’s going on in the world). I try to fill my mind with God’s word as much as possible. I pray to God for strength to follow His ways and be faithful to His words and decrees.

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 8, Day 2: Daniel 1

I love Daniel. He’s one of my favorite characters of the Bible. So strong in his faith, and God rewards him for it. Great stuff!

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 8, Day 2: Daniel 1

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Daniel lived in the 6th century B.C.

The Jewish people were conquered by the Babylonians for 2 reasons:

  1. Idol worship
  2. Working on the Sabbath (Leviticus 25:1-7 and 26:2-35)

Nebuchadnezzar took the best and brightest young men to teach them his ways so that they would not rebel against him in the future.

Fun Fact: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego are the Babylonian names given to these youth. Daniel’s Babylonian name was Belteshazzar.

Eating the king’s food violated Daniel’s beliefs because it was not kosher, was probably sacrificed to idols, and implied they agreed with Nebuchadnezzar.

In Daniel’s rejection, he came with a plan. God was behind their plan, so it worked.

God then blessed them with knowledge, skills, visions, and dreams. For their faithfulness, they were rewarded. How great is He!

God had a plan for Daniel’s life like He has a plan for your life.

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BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 8, Day 3: John 6:5-9

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

SUMMARY OF JOHN 6:5-9

Jesus asks Philip where they shall buy bread to feed the people who was following him and who he was teaching. Philip only sees the expense, saying they don’t have enough money. Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother points out a boy’s lunch of five small barley loaves and two small fish.

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 8, Day 3: John 6:5-9

6) John tells us that Jesus is testing Philip.

7a) Philip only sees the expense and the impossible. He doesn’t have faith or doesn’t think about how Jesus can solve this dilemma because of who he is. Andrew sees the practical food, but wonders how it would be enough. The boy presumably is willing to share his lunch.

b) I am willing to share, but I feel like I’d be incredulous as to how Jesus would solve the problem, too. Definitely convicting to believe in the power of Jesus to do anything.

8 ) Meager is all you have, like all the boy’s lunch. I can give the Lord everything just like the boy.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 8, Day 3: John 6:5-9

I love how we see the different attitudes of people towards Jesus, which still hold true today. Great stuff!

End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 8, Day 3: John 6:5-9

Some Bible scholars say that perhaps Jesus asked Philip this question because he was from Bethsaida (John 1:44), which was close to the area that this miracle occurred (Luke 9:10).

Jesus was teaching his disciples by asking the question.

Philip should have believed in Jesus’ divine abilities to do the impossible.

Barley was a grain that fed animals mostly, indicating that the boy was poor. The fish were small, too.

Jesus and God like others to participate in miracles to grow their faith. He doesn’t need our help.

Fun Fact: The feeding of the 5,000 is the only miracle of Jesus that is recorded in all 4 Gospels.

Everything Jesus said and did meant so much more than surface value. It was to fulfill needs, but also to teach us so much about the Lord and his powers.

Andrew is always mentioned in the Bible when he is bringing someone to Jesus.

The boy simply gave what he had to Jesus, no matter how small. So must we. Then, Jesus will do great things.

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BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 8, Day 3: 2 Kings 2:13-25

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

SUMMARY OF 2 KINGS 2:13-25

Elisha picked up Elijah’s cloak and used it to part the Jordan River and cross over. The company of prophets recognized that the spirit of Elijah rested on Elisha. Still, they wanted to go and look for Elijah and Elisha let them at their insistance. They looked for three days with no sign of Elijah.

Elisha purified the water of Jericho using salt, saying the Lord healed the water. As Elisha went to Bethel, he was jeered at by some youths. He cursed them and two bears mauled 42 of them. He then went to Mount Carmel and then to Samaria.

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 8, Day 3: 2 Kings 2:13-25

7a) He allowed Elisha to have Elijah’s cloak. He allowed Elisha to part the Jordan River the same way Elijah had done. None of the company of prophets found Elijah.

b) In order to leave no doubt who would be taking Elijah’s place as God’s chosen spiritual leader after Elijah’s departure.

8a) It seems that Elisha took the insults personally and had the youth hurt. Plus, they are youth. Young people do dumb things and say dumb things. The punishment seems severe for just jeering.

b) It must have been in a malicious tone and against God to have such dire consequences. Plus, when you consider that they were mocking Elisha then they were also mocking God, then the punishment makes sense.

9) Matthew 7: 6-23 tells us that you can tell by their fruits or works. 2 Timothy 3:14-17 tells us to have confidence in what we know is God’s word.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 8, Day 3: 2 Kings 2:13-25

It’s hard to read the jeering section. Yet, we were not there and cannot hear the tone of the youths (who may have been older since men lived longer back then). Odds are, the words were threatening and insulting enought for Elishat to ask God to intervene.

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 8, Day 3: 2 Kings 2:13-25

The picking up of the cloak by Elisha demonstrated him picking up the torch passed from Elijah.

The parting of the Jordan River shows that Elisha inherited the same power that Elijah had since God answered Him.

By Elisha asking “Where it the God of Elijah?”, he’s asking where’s the God who performed miracles, provided for Elijah, and gave Elijah strength during his ministry? That’s the God Elisha is seeking (as we all should).

Remember that Joshua cursed anyone who rebuilt what God has destoryed (Joshua 6:26; 1 Kings16:34). God’s grace and mercy are unbounded here.

The youths were from Bethel that has many pagan places of worship. They basically told Elisha to die when they said “go up” referring to Elijah ascending to heaven. This thus mocked Elisha and the God he served, as well as rejected God. For most of us know, the consequences happen at death. Here, God sent a clear message the consequences of rejecting Him. God’s timing is always perfect.

Note Elisha cursed the men, but God provided the consequences. Elisha left it up to God to do this.

42 men is a lot and there were probably more. It could have been a mob jeering at Elisha, which could quickly get out of control and then needed to be dispersed before Elisha was hurt. Note the word “mauled.” It is possible these men were not killed, just hurt.

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BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 8, Day 4: Matthew 7:13-20

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 7:13-20

The road to life has a small gate and is narrow and only a few find it. The road to destruction is wide and broad and many enter.

Watch out for false prophets whom you will know by the fruit they bear. They will bear bad fruit and can only bear bad fruit. Good trees bear good fruit, and bad ones bear bad. Bad trees are cut down and thrown into the fire.

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 8, Day 4: Matthew 7:13-20

9a) That the path to life (heaven) is only through him and not many will find this path. John 14:6 says he is the only way to God. He is the way, the truth, the life. Acts 4:12 says salvation is found only in Jesus.

b) They want to believe the path to heaven is more complicated than that, and they want to be able to do what they want without following God’s law and still gain access to heaven.

10a) They bear bad fruit. John 15:16 says God chooses those to be with Him to bear lasting fruit. Galatians 5:22-23 lists the fruit of the Spirit as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

b) You have to have the ability to discern those who are false prophets from those who are true; those with good hearts versus those who are bad. Judging is about ensuring you are holding yourself to the same standard when you judge others. Thus, by looking at people’s fruit/good deeds, this can help you discern the truth.

11) Be careful of smooth talkers, wolves in sheep’s clothing, and others who sound/say something that is too good to be true. Pray and discern to ensure you are not being led astray.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 8, Day 4: Matthew 7:13-20

Good reminder that God chooses those who go to heaven, and that you have to be wary of false prophets.

Good read on false prophets.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 8, Day 4: Matthew 7:13-20

As Christians know, the path to heaven is narrow and difficult and will not be easy to traverse. Jesus is telling his disciples to prepare for future hardships.

Being aware that there are false prophets is step one. Watch out for those who motivated purely by self-interest. Do these prophets teach God’s Word, are people growing in God, and do they live out God’s teachings?

Before judging others’ fruit, judge your own. Are you bearing good or bad fruit? You are either bearing one or the other. Those who bear neither good nor bad are considered bad.

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BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 8, Day 5: Genesis 12:10-20

by atozmom, posted in BSF Genesis 2020/2021

Summary of Genesis 12:10-20:

Abram traveled to Egypt because there was a famine in the land. He pretended Sarai was his sister so that he would be treated well and his life would be spared (selfish). Pharaoh took Sarai for his wife, not knowing she was married. Abram prospered while in Egypt. Then God struck Pharaoh and his household with disease because of this. Pharaoh sent Sarai away and told Abram to leave when he found out the truth.

BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 8, Day 5: Genesis 12:10-20

11a) They went to Egypt because of a famine. Abram pretended Sarai was his sister so that he would be treated well and his life would be spared.

b) That God will protect you and will make His plans for your life happen.

12) Personal Question. My answer: God wanted Abram out of Egypt so He made Pharaoh kick them out. God’s will is done despite our decisions. God will protect you when you follow Him.

13) Personal Question. My answer: Just try to persevere through it in a Godly manner (not take your stress out on your family or others) is all you can do.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 8, Day 5: Genesis 12:10-20

Abram obviously is selfish and has no integrity. If they knew Egypt was like this, why go in the first place? If they had faith in God’s plan for them, He would protect them. Pharaoh should have killed Abram for what he did.

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End Notes BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 8, Day 5: Genesis 12:10-20

Abram thought he knew better than God to move when God did not tell him to do so. As a result, he compromises his integrity, defiles his wife, and almost dies anyway. While in Egypt, they acquire Hagar who will be trouble all her own later on.

While Sarai was Abram’s half-sister (Genesis 20:12), Abram lied and he justified it to himself. How often do we do this?

Unsure how many women today would agree to become the wife of another.

Knowing Sarai was where the line of the Messiah would come from, unsure how much God appreciated Abram at this moment.

Still, God is faithful. He protected Abram and Sarai and used the Egyptian Pharaoh to move them again. God knows what He is doing even when we obviously do not.

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BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 8, Day 4: Genesis 12:4-9

by atozmom, posted in BSF Genesis 2020/2021

Summary of Genesis 12:4-9:

Abram left Haran at age 75 with Lot, his wife, and all the people and possessions they had acquired in Haran. God appeared to Abram when he reached Shechem, telling him he will give his offspring this land. Abram built an offering to God here. He built another altar to God at Bethel. Then he continued towards the Negev.

BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 8, Day 4: Genesis 12:4-9

9) Abram obeyed, but brought along others and his possessions, which God did not say to do. Still, by faith (being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see) Abram obeyed and was blessed (just being chosen was the best blessing ever).

10a) He obeyed God. He left everything he ever knew and some of his family for a land of unknowns and living in tents. He had kids out of faith. All with no idea how to do this except through God.

b) Personal Question. My answer: Unsure if I’m waiting on anything specific for God to fulfill. I just know He shows up and guides me. I pray and take action when prompted.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 8, Day 4: Genesis 12:4-9

Taking the small steps is what leads to great things.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 8, Day 4: Genesis 12:4-9

Most of us know Lot’s tale (which is coming up in Genesis 13-14). Abram probably regretting bringing him along in disobedience to God’s exact instructions.

Canaan was not the best place either. It was full of sin. He stopped first at a tree. Shechem means “shoulder,” and is roughly in the middle of Canaan. Most names of places are named after a landmark, which is what Bible scholars believe here. We will see Shechem a lot when we get to Jacob.

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What Happens in Shechem?

  • Jacob comes here (Genesis 33:18) and buys land from a man names Hamor for 100 pieces of silver (Genesis 33:19).
  • Jacob builds an altar to the Lord (Genesis 33:20). known as Jacob’s well.
  • Jacob’s daughter, Dinah was raped and in retaliation, the sons of Jacob massacred the men (Genesis 34).
  • Jacob gave this land to Joseph (Genesis 48:22).
  • Jospeh was buried here. (Joshua 24:32).
  • Joshua said his famous words as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord (Joshua 24) and made a covenent with Israel
  • \Jesus met the Samaritan woman at the well in John 4 (John 4:5-6).

Since God had commanded all the people to spread out and He did so after the Tower of Babel, people lived in Canaan. Like most of us, we’re not going to voluntarily moved. It would take 400 years for God’s promise of this land to come true.

Calling of Abram

God told Abram again of His promises, backing it up with the land itself. Remember Abram bought his burial plot here. Genesis 23:14-20

Note Abram built an altar, which served as a meeting place between God and Abram before churches. From the beginning of time, we see how important it is to have your own place to meet with God and Jesus and remember their blessings in your life. Hebrews 13:15   (Hebrews 13:10)

Abram lived in a tent. Culture tells us to strive for material goods when our homes are in heaven. Strive to live here just good enough to live well in heaven. Hebrews 11:16

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BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 8, Day 3: Genesis 12:1-3

by atozmom, posted in BSF Genesis 2020/2021

Summary of Genesis 12:1-3:

The Lord called Abram to leave his country and his people to journey to a new land with this promise:

“I will make you into a great nation,
    and I will bless you;
I will make your name great,
    and you will be a blessing.
3 I will bless those who bless you,
    and whoever curses you I will curse;
and all peoples on earth
    will be blessed through you.

BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 8, Day 3: Genesis 12:1-3

6a) The Lord called Abram to leave his country and his people to journey to a new land with this promise:

“I will make you into a great nation,
    and I will bless you;
I will make your name great,
    and you will be a blessing.
3 I will bless those who bless you,
    and whoever curses you I will curse;
and all peoples on earth
    will be blessed through you.

b) God appeared to Abram while he was still in Mesopotamia before he lived in Haran and called him. This shows that Abram only made it half-way, and he took his father as well.

7) Isaiah 41:8-10 says we are chosen by God, He is with us, He will strengthen us. Matthew 4:18-22 says Jesus calls Peter and Andrew and he will make them fishers of men. Matthew 19:28-30 says that at the Second Coming those who followed him will also sit on 12 thrones, judging the 12 tribes. Anyone who has left houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, or chidlren for his way will receive 100 times as much and will inherit eternal life. Mark 8:34-36 says you must deny yourself and take up your cross and follow Jesus and you will gain eternal life. John 14:15-20 says if you obey Jesus’ commands, you will receive the Holy Spirit to guide and protect you.

8a) Personal Question. My answer: We just moved as well for a better life and pivots in our careers. I plan on many things, including growing closer to God and doing His will in my life.

b) Personal Question. My answer: God’s call never seems to get any easier in life. It’s just a matter of surrender. Knowing that God is behind it all gives me the strength and courage to persevere.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 8, Day 3: Genesis 12:1-3

To us, this is no big deal; people move all the time. However, in ancient times, it was extremely rare for people to travel more than a mile or so outside of their towns and villages. They relied on their family to help them survive. After all, tilling the land is no easy way to live. Thus, when God called Abram to leave both his family and his land for some distant, unknown place, this was a big deal.

his explains why Abram disobeyed God and took family members and why he made it only half way. Perhaps his father could not travel any more. Like I said yesterday, while this is not full obedience, it is better than none at all.

fall bsf study of genesis www.atozmomm.com

End Notes BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 8, Day 3: Genesis 12:1-3

I typed out the verses because they are so famous and they are good to memorize for us. This promise is repeated here from when God first called Abram.

When God says “I will,” it will be done.

We see Abram growing in faith; this is what we should do as well. We will never be perfect. The point is you journey towards God, one step at a time.

Abram was promised a land, a nation, and fame. All of the major religions (Islam, Christianity, and Judaism) honor him.

Note God’s promise to bless those who blesses His people, and to curse those who curse them. This promise is made to the Jews who are and always will be God’s chosen people. Gentiles were adopted later. God always protects the Jews as history shows, from the Greeks and the Romans to Hitler’s Germany. The moral of the story is: don’t mess with God’s people. The nation of Israel, as tiny as it is, has all of the power in the world because God will never abandon them.

God also promises to make Abram a blessing. If you are a Christian today, no matter your denomimation, you can thank Abram and God. Galatians 3:8-9). (Revelation 5:9)

God’s plan always prevails; aren’t we glad?