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BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 19, Day 5: Revelation 14:14-20

Summary of Revelation 14:14-20

John saw someone like Jesus seated on a white cloud with a crown of gold and a sharp sickle. An angel told him to start reaping as the time had come. He harvested the earth.

Another angel with a sickle was told to gather the grapes from the earth’s vine because the grapes were ripe. He threw the grapes into the winepress of God’s wrath. The grapes were trampled, and blood flowed out of the press.

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 19, Day 5: Revelation 14:14-20

11) John saw someone like Jesus seated on a white cloud with a crown of gold and a sharp sickle. An angel told him to start reaping as the time had come. He harvested the earth.

12a) Nonbelievers

b)

The sickle (Matthew 13:24-30; 25:32): The instrument that separates God’s true believers from others

The winepress: The instrument of justice and what will happen to the nonbelievers. They will face God’s wrath.

13) It shows that God is in control and His plan will come to fruition. God will win and rule over the devil. This passage gives me courage when things are not going my way; courage to stay with God no matter what.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 19, Day 5: Revelation 14:14-20

As much as Revelation can be hard to read, passages like this give us hope that God is in control, knows what He is doing, and we still have time to save those we love!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 19, Day 5: Revelation 14:14-20

“I looked” is another section.

Bible scholars believe that even though the person is called “one like the Son of Man” that this is indeed Jesus gathering in the harvest.

The idea here is that the people are over-ripe for harvesting, meaning their judgment is overdue.

The imagery here represents the Second Coming of Jesus as we see in Matthew 13:24-30 and 13:36-43

This is the separation of true believers from nonbelievers.

The grape juice from being pressed here is compared to the blood at the final battle of those who are against God.

This is a picture of the carnage that will occur when the battle of Armageddon happens.

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BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 19, Day 4: Revelation 14:6-13

Summary of Revelation 14:6-13

John sees three angels:

  1. First angel: he proclaimed the gospel to those on earth
  2. Second angel: he said Babyon has fallen
  3. Third angel: he said those who worship the Beast will face God’s fury and be tormented forever (will face judgment)

A voice from heaven said: “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on. They will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.”

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 19, Day 4: Revelation 14:6-13

9a) The mark of the beast during their lifetime meant they worshipped the beast and couldn’t buy or sell unless they had the mark. For eternity, those with the mark of the beast faced God’s fury. They will be tormented with burning sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment will rise forever and ever. There will be no rest day or night for those who worship the beast and its image, or for anyone who receives the mark of its name.

b) It’s definitely not a pretty picture for unbelievers. It gives me a renewed sense of urgency for those people to turn to God and share the gospel with them.

10) We must be patient for Jesus despite the pressure of the devil to turn away from God. If we have endurance, we will be blessed and will have eternal rest.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 19, Day 4: Revelation 14:6-13

While God is responsible for turning people to him, we are called to plant the seed by spreading the Good News and Jesus so that God can then turn their hearts to Him. We must be ever on the lookout for those we can share the Gospel with and use our lives as a testament to Him always and forever.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 19, Day 4: Revelation 14:6-13

“Then I saw” is a demarcation of a new section here.

The first angel preaches the Gospel of the saving blood of Jesus, saying the hour of judgment has come. Humanity is to fear God and give Him the glory.

Fun Fact: This is the only place in the New Testament we see angels preaching the Gospel. Jesus has given this task to His people (believers).

The second angel announces the fall of Babylon. Babylon stands for unbelievers as we’ll see soon (Revelation 17)

The third angel warns of judgment for those who worship and follow the Beast (aka Satan). They will drink the wine of God’s fury. This mirrors what we read about the 5th and 6th trumpet judgments (Revelation 9:1-21, with the 5th trumpet in verses 1-11 and the 6th trumpet in verses 13-21). In Revelation 20, we’ll see the climax of all of this!

Fun Fact: The cup of wrath that God holds is mentioned in the Bible more than 13 times. Psalm 75:8 and Jeremiah 25:15 This is the cup that Jesus refers to his cry to avoid it if possible to God (Matthew 26:39)

Fun Fact: The Greek word for wrath here is used only 11 times in the Bible and 10 times in the Book of Revelation. It means a passionate anger.

The suffering in hell is real torment. God will be present in Hell but not His love. The torment will be for eternity (in the Greek, this is a very strong use of eternal).

Believers and those persecuted for their beliefs will have rest in heaven for eternity. Their good works follow them into heaven, giving them (and us) meaning for our work here on earth.

Fun Fact: Jesus warms of hell and eternal punishment more than any one else in the Bible.

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BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 19, Day 3: Revelation 14:6-13

Summary of Revelation 14:6-13

John sees three angels:

  1. First angel: he proclaimed the gospel to those on earth
  2. Second angel: he said Babyon has fallen
  3. Third angel: he said those who worship the Beast will face God’s fury and be tormented forever (will face judgment)

A voice from heaven said: “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on. They will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.”

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 19, Day 3: Revelation 14:6-13

6a)

  1. First angel: he proclaimed the gospel to those on earth
  2. Second angel: he said Babyon has fallen
  3. Third angel: he said those who worship the Beast will face God’s fury and be tormented forever (will face judgment)

b) To those who live on earth

7) The eternal gospel is the news that Christ made the ultimate sacrifice for us by dying on the cross and redeeming all of humanity.

8a)  “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” In essence, spread the word of Jesus Christ. He promises: “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

b) Unsure on specifics. I just try to live my life, be an example to others of what a Christ life looks like, and give Jesus all the credit for everything.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 19, Day 3: Revelation 14:6-13

God is so good to give humanity signs and warnings of what is to come. He gives us every chance under the sun to come to Him. Therefore, we all are without excuse (Romans 1:20).

End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 19, Day 3: Revelation 14:6-13

“Then I saw” is a demarcation of a new section here.

The first angel preaches the Gospel of the saving blood of Jesus, saying the hour of judgment has come. Humanity is to fear God and give Him the glory.

Fun Fact: This is the only place in the New Testament we see angels preaching the Gospel. Jesus has given this task to His people (believers).

The second angel announces the fall of Babylon. Babylon stands for unbelievers as we’ll see soon (Revelation 17)

The third angel warns of judgment for those who worship and follow the Beast (aka Satan). They will drink the wine of God’s fury. This mirrors what we read about the 5th and 6th trumpet judgments (Revelation 9:1-21, with the 5th trumpet in verses 1-11 and the 6th trumpet in verses 13-21). In Revelation 20, we’ll see the climax of all of this!

Fun Fact: The cup of wrath that God holds is mentioned in the Bible more than 13 times. Psalm 75:8 and Jeremiah 25:15 This is the cup that Jesus refers to his cry to avoid it if possible to God (Matthew 26:39)

Fun Fact: The Greek word for wrath here is used only 11 times in the Bible and 10 times in the Book of Revelation. It means a passionate anger.

The suffering in hell is real torment. God will be present in Hell but not His love. The torment will be for eternity (in the Greek, this is a very strong use of eternal).

Believers and those persecuted for their beliefs will have rest in heaven for eternity. Their good works follow them into heaven, giving them (and us) meaning for our work here on earth.

Fun Fact: Jesus warms of hell and eternal punishment more than any one else in the Bible.

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BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 19, Day 2: Revelation 14:1-5

Summary of Revelation 14:1-5

John saw the Lamb on Mount Zion, and 144,000 who had his name and his Father’s name written on their foreheads. He heard a sound from heaven. They sang a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and the elders. No one could learn the song except the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth. These are those who did not defile themselves with women, for they remained virgins. They follow the Lamb wherever he goes. They were purchased from among mankind and offered as firstfruits to God and the Lamb.

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 19, Day 2: Revelation 14:1-5

3a) John saw the Lamb on Mount Zion, and 144,000 who had his name and his Father’s name written on their foreheads. He heard a sound from heaven like the roar of rushing waters and like a loud peal of thunder. The sound I heard was like that of harpists playing their harps. And they sang a new song.

b) The 144,000 had the Lamb’s name and his Father’s name written on their foreheads. The song they sang in heaven no one else could learn except them who had been redeemed from earth. They also did not defile themselves with women and were virgins. They follow the Lamb wherever he goes. They were purchased from among mankind and offered as firstfruits to God and the Lamb. No lie was found in their mouths; they are blameless.

4) They were chosen by God to be saved and they believed in the sacrifice of Jesus as their Lord, Savior, and Redeemer.

5a) We are God’s as the Holy Spirit dwells within our bodies. How we behave, think, and speak reflects the character of Jesus. We walk in Christ’s ways. We should offer praise and gratitude to the Lord. We live in righteousness and truth. We live with Jesus’ mindset. They humble themselves and put others and their interests first. We are to do everything without grumbling and arguing. We confess our sins and are purified when we do so.

b) Speech. I am quick to speak without thinking. Behavior sometimes. Putting others first. In general, just being Jesus-like.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 19, Day 2: Revelation 14:1-5

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 is one of my favorite Bible verses. We are God’s, and we are to do everything for God and honor Him in every way.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 19, Day 2: Revelation 14:1-5

144,000 is 12 x 12 x 1000. Bible scholars disagree on who they actually are. Some say this is an actual number; others say they represent all Jewish believers. They could also refer to martyrs.

This is the same group referred to in  Revelation 7, believers given a seal of protection. Here, they are not defeated and are triumphant, worshipping the Lord with Jesus.

New songs are not often seen in Scripture, but when they are, they celebrate a great act of God.

Mount Zion is the place where Jesus will come and reign on earth after the Second Coming. Mount Zion can also refer to God’s people in general.

They belong to the Lord (as the mark shows).

The sound from heaven is the voice of God (other translations say ‘voice’). (Revelation 1:15 and 4:5)

The elders have harps  Revelation 5:8

The virginity shows they are spiritually pure. Yet, they probably are celibate. (1 Corinthians 7:25-35). They are Jewish believers (Revelation 7:4-8). They were redeemed to be firstfruits. They represent hope.

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BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 19, Day 2: John 14:15-17

SUMMARY OF JOHN 14:15-17

Jesus tells the disciples they will receive the Holy Spirit (an advocate) that will live inside them.

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 19, Day 2: John 14:15-17

3) They all work together for our good, to bring us closer to God.

4a) Advocate — someone who recommends and supports you or your cause. An advisor, defender, mediator, and intercessor.

Spirt of Truth — The Holy Spirit who allows us to understand God’s spiritual truths and guide us towards spiritual truth.

b) Right now, the disciples cannot understand the Holy Spirit because it has not been given yet (not until after Jesus’ death). After Jesus’ death, the disciples will receive the Holy Spirit inside of them and it will live inside of them, and then they will be able to understand the Holy Spirit.

5) That it exists at all!

Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 19, Day 2: John 14:15-17

I love how Jesus loves us enough to prepare us and to give us gifts, such as a guide for life. How amazing!

End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 19, Day 2: John 14:15-17

Loving Jesus is keeping his commandments. It’s action.

Obedience comes out of love. Disobedience can be from a lack of love.

This is Jesus’ 2nd assurance he gives to the disciples: that he will give them a helper (Holy Spirit).

The Holy Spirit will abide with us permanently.

Jesus was already with them. The Holy Spirit would then be in them.

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BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 19, Day 5: Matthew 18:21-35

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 18:21-35

Jesus tells the Parable of the Unmerciful Servant when Peter asks Jesus how many times he should forgive his brother. Jesus answers with 77 and then tells the parable of a man who owed the king money. The king was about to sell his family to pay the debt, but the man begged him to be patient with him. The king forgave his debt and let him go. However, this man did not show mercy to a man who owed him money. When the king found out, he had him tortured and ordered him to pay back the money he owed. You must forgive your brother from your heart, Jesus says.

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 19, Day 5: Matthew 18:21-35

13a) That he had the same person sinning against him repeatedly.

b) That he must forgive his brother 77 times.

c) To show mercy to others as Jesus shows us mercy every day.

14a) It’s important to realize when things are just petty and don’t matter in the grand scheme of things, especially in terms of eternity.

b) I find it hard to forgive those closest to me. The hurt is just too great.

c) My parents. Unsure. Call them. Visit them.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 19, Day 5: Matthew 18:21-35

Jesus has done so much for us that it truly is little to forgive others and treat them as we want to be treated.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 19, Day 5: Matthew 18:21-35

At the time, the accepted standard was to forgive someone three times as set forth by the rabbis. Peter probably thought he was being extremely generous when he more than doubled this number — that is, until Jesus put him in his place.

Jesus’s answer means we forgive unlimited amounts of time.

Settling accounts was a common and regular practice in biblical times.

Ten thousand talents would be worth anywhere between $12 million and $1 billion in today’s terms. It was a huge debt.

The man would never be able to pay (so how he racked up that much debt in ancient times is unclear). The selling of his family was merely a drop in the hat for payment.

The other servant’s debt was about 100 days worth of work, which was a large amount, too.

Note the plea is the same, and the forgiven man turns a blind eye.

The forgiven man seems to have no regrets over his actions, which helps to explain the harshness of the king’s judgement.

Any debt someone owes us is insignificant in comparison to the debt that Jesus paid for us on the cross.

Forgiveness can be one-sided. After all, it’s for your benefit to forgive so you aren’t consumed with bitterness.

You must forgive with the heart, or it’s meaningless and worthless.

If you will not forgive,  you cannot expect to be forgiven.

Fun Fact: Matthew, a tax collector, records Jesus’s teachings on money found nowhere else in the Gospels. He also records Jesus’s words on how to treat the poor and the needy.

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BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 19, Day 3: Genesis 29:15-20

Summary of Genesis 29:15-20:

Laban asks Jacob after a month what his wages were be (in sum, what he actually wants and why he is here). Jacob responds that he will work 7 years for Rachel’s hand in marriage. Leah was the older daughter, she is described as having weak eyes, while Rachel is lovely in form and beautiful. The time flew for Jacob so in love was he.

BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 19, Day 3: Genesis 29:15-20

6) Apparently Jacob was working for Laban for free.

7a) It taught him patience to have what he wants, and it’s a fair price for his work.

b) Jacob could have offered to pay Laban; instead, he works for what he wants, which is the opposite today in this world of instant gratification

8a) Proverbs says God disciplines those He loves for His reasons and their good. Romans 8:28 is the famous verse of all things work for your good. James tells us that we are tested to develop perseverance. Peter tells us that grief proves our faith to be genuine and results in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus is revealed. We are filled with joy becaues of our faith.

b) Stay the course. Keep praying. Keep working. Keep following His lead despite the hardships and the setbacks.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 19, Day 3: Genesis 29:15-20

I think Jacob’s mistake is not leaving as soon as he could, like Abraham’s servant did with Rebekah. It gave Laban time to plot.

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End Notes BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 19, Day 3: Genesis 29:15-20

While on the surface, Laban seems to be generous, he’s seen the good work Jacob could do and wants to see what Jacob wants in exchange for continued work.

Bible scholars debate what Leah’s eyes being weak or delicate actually mean. Does it mean she has a problem with her vision? Does it mean she has no life to them like her sister? Is it just a nice way to say she wasn’t pretty? Either way, we can guess that if Rachel is more beautiful than Leah that there was a sibling rivalry between the two.

Jacob offers to work for 7 years for Rachel as a dowry. This is over-the-top generous, which was probably his downfall. It showed how much he really wanted Rachel, which Laban would exploit next. Yet it shows his love for her. He was willing to wait. This is a long time in today’s culture and rare is this “I want it now” culture seen today. Time flew for him too.

We can surmise that Jacob and Rachel probably did not see each other much. First, in these times and culture, women did not spend time with men and were often relegated to the home, whereas the men worked the fields. Second, there were no date nights back there. Social propriety was strictly enforced to ensure no one questioned the woman’s purity. However, since both were shepherds, they could have spent some time together and got to know each other more.

Jacob is now 77 years old at this time and he kept sheep for Laban Hos. 12:12 Rachel was very young, maybe even barely marriageable age, which may be another reason Jacob wanted to wait.