Tag: bsf commentary

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BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 4, Day 4: 1 Kings 18:1-39

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

SUMMARY OF 1 KINGS 18:1-39

After 3 years, the Lord told Elijah to got to Ahab and present himself. He would end the drought. Obadiah was a devote believer in the Lord, and he was Ahab’s palace administrator. He hid 100 prophets from the evil Jezebel and kept them alive. Obadiah was sent by Ahab to try to find food and water for the horses and mules to keep them alive.

Obadiah met Elijah and bowed to him. Elijah tells him to go to Ahab to tell him he is here. Obadiah, however, balks because he believes Ahab will kill him if Elijah goes missing in the meantime because Ahab has been trying to find him for 3 years. Elijah reassures him, so Obadiah does as bidden.

Ahab blames Elijah for the drought. Elijah tells Ahab the drought is punishment from God for abandoning him. He commands Ahab to assemble the people to meet on Mount Carmel, as well as the prophets of Baal and Asherah.

Elijah says to brings two bulls. He will prepare one for sacrifice and the prophets of Baal will prepare the other. He will call upon the Lord to consume the bull with fire, and the prophets of Baal will call upon their god to do so. Whoever answers is God.

The prophets of Baal called upon their god with no response. Elijah begins to taunt them.

Elijah built an altar to the Lord with 12 stones to represent the 12 tribes. He cut his bull and laid it on the wood. He poured 12 jars of water on the wood. He then prayed to God to answer Him to let His people know He is the God of Israel. God sent fire down, which consumed everything, including the water. The people fell down and proclaimed the Lord is God.

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 4, Day 4: 1 Kings 18:1-39

9) It got Elijah in front of the king so Elijah could show all that the gods of Baal were false.

10) He never wavers in his faith that God will consume his offering. He is 100% confident, even taunting the prophets of Baal. You just don’t do that unless you are sure you are going to “win.”

11a) “Let it be known today that you are the God in Israel and that I am your servant and have done all these things at your command. Answer me, O Lord, answer me, so these people will know that you, O Lord, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again.” “Then the fire of the Lord fell and burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones, and the soil, and also licked  up the water in the trench.” In short, He answered in an undeniable show of power.

b) “They fell prostrate and cried, ‘The Lord – he is God! The Lord –  he is God!'”

c) James 5:16-18 tells us that Elijah prayed earnestly. “The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” The key was Elijah had a heart for God.

12) Unsure on this one. Maybe just staying the course for all He has asked me to do. Asking God to be with me each and every day, to bless me, to keep me, and more.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 4, Day 4: 1 Kings 18:1-39

I love this story! It shows the best in those who have a heart for God in such a human way (with the taunting and all!).

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 4, Day 4: 1 Kings 18:1-39

Bible scholars are unsure if this is the same Obadiah whose prophesized against Edom. There are 13 Obadiahs in the Old Testament, which is why we can’t be sure. (2 Chronicles 17:7) (2 Chronicles 34:12) (Nehemiah 10:5)

The meeting between Obadiah and Elijah was no coincidence — it was God’s doing.

Ahab wanted to punish Elijah for the drought, which is why Obadiah was afraid. Ahab should have believed the word of God Deuteronomy 28:23-24 if Israel disobeyed instead of blaming Elijah.

Before God sent rain, he had to discredit Baal’s gods. This showdown was God’s doing.

The water Elijah used was precious, indeed, after the years of drought. It was a fitting sacrifice to God and it made the wood even harder to catch on fire.

The people were persuaded, but as in all of this history of God’s people, this faith would not last for long.

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BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 2, Day 3: 1 Kings 12:1-24 and 2 Chronicles 10

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

SUMMARY OF 1 KINGS 12:1-24

Rehoboam went to Shechem to be made king after his father, King Solomon, died. Jeroboam who had fled to Egypt when Solomon pursued him heard about the king’s death and returned. The people asked Rehoboam to lighten their load. He consulted the elders about how to answer the people, who advised him to give them what they want. Rehoboam rejected this advice and instead followed the advice of the younger men who told him to make their load heavier. This fulfilled the word of the Lord spoken to Jeroboam.

Rehoboam now ruled only over Judah. Rehoboam wanted to war against the Israelites to regain the kingdom. But God told them to not make war against their brothers, so they all returned home.

SUMMARY OF 2 CHRONICLES 10

Exact same summary as above.

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 2, Day 2: 1 Kings 12:1-24 and 2 Chronicles 10

6a) He listened to the young men rather than to the elders who has served under King Solomon.

b) The consequences were that Jeroboam lost the kingdom of Israel, which was God’s plan. Both worked together to make it so. God manages, but Rehoboam made the decision.

c) This is a tough one. I think we all make up for our sins each and every day if we are striving to be closer to God.

7a) The tribe of Judah and the majority of the tribe of Benjamin accepted Rehoboam as king. The other 10 tribes and the remainder of the tribe of Benjamin chose Jeroboam as their king. This happened arouns 975 BC after King Solomon died.

b) God’s redemptive plan was that Jesus would come from the line of King David, so it was vital that that line was preserved. Also, when Jesus comes again, he will bind the tribes together once again.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 2, Day 2: 1 Kings 12:1-24 and 2 Chronicles 10

I forgot how the Bible repeats itself almost word for word here. I love how God’s hand is in everything on earth, even our decisions and consequences.

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 2, Day 2: 1 Kings 12:1-24 and 2 Chronicles 10

Fun Fact: Rehoboam is the only son of Solomon we know by name. Obviously, with 1,000 wives, he had a lot more.

Shechem was the center of the Northern Tribes. Abraham worshipped there (Genesis 12:6). Jacob built an altar and purchased land there (Genesis 33:18-20). Joseph was buried there (Joshua 24:32).

The people were heavily taxed by Solomon. They wanted relief.

Basically, Rehoboam already knew what he wanted to do, so he listened to the group who verified his decision.

From now on, Israel will refer to the 10 tribes of the North when mentioned in the Bible and Judah will refer to the southern tribes of Benjamin and Judah.

We’ll meet another Jeroboam in the Bible, who is a later king of Israel (2 Kings 14:23-29).

Jeroboam wanted to go against God’s prophecy and force the kingdoms back together. God forcefully said no, and Jeroboam listened.

Fun Fact: Not one of the 20 kings of Israel did what was right in the eyes of the Lord.

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BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 6, Day 4: Matthew 5:31-37

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 5:31-37

Jesus says that the only reason for divorce is unfaithfulness. Otherwise, if you divorce, if you remarry, you will be committing adultery. Jesus says there is not a need for an oath at all since your word should be strong enough.

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 6, Day 4: Matthew 5:31-37

9a) Jesus says that the only reason for divorce is unfaithfulness. Otherwise, if you divorce, if you remarry, you will be committing adultery. Mark adds that Moses permitted divorce and a certificate of divorce because their hearts were hard.

b ) Believers can work hard to not divorce for frivolous reasons such as “irreconcilable differences.” However, divorce is a part of this broken world, and supporting others who have been through it is crucial. It is not for us to judge; it’s for us to love.

10a) You do not need to swear an oath ever.

b ) Society has developed white lies in order to spare people’s feelings. It’s important to do this; however, it’s important to be truthful in serious situations.

c ) God.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 6, Day 4: Matthew 5:31-37

Jesus makes it clear that man and woman were supposed to stay together forever. However, there are legitimate reasons to divorce. Jesus says only for unfaithfulness. I believe abuse is another reason. Either way, divorce is a result of this broken world and broken people, and we all are broken. I remember the times when BSF would not allow a divorced woman to be a leader. I’m glad they changed this rule. This, in and of itself, was judgement. If you have a heart for God and want to share it, do so, whether you are divorced or not.

Great book to help you through tough times.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 6, Day 4: Matthew 5:31-37

The certificate of divorce is found here (Deuteronomy 24:1). Many men were divorcing their wives for frivolous reasons. Deuteronomy says that you may divorce if one is unclean. People were streteching this interpretation at this time. Jesus clarifies that “unclean” means committing adultery.

Remember the times Jesus lived in. It was common for the Romans to be unfaithful outside their marriage with no repercussions.

(Exodus 20:7) tells us to not take the Lord’s name in vain. Here, Jesus tells us that every oath you take is by God and must be honored. Jesus says that your word is good enough so you don’t need to swear an oath. That being said, we see oaths in the Bible, even by God himself. Hebrews 6:13 and Luke 1:73, in a court of law Matthew 26:63-64 and more Romans 1:9, 2 Corinthians 1:23, Galatians 1:20, 2 Thessalonians 2:5.

Oaths are allowed just are not needed.

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BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 3, Day 5: Matthew 3:13-17

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 3:13-17

John the Baptist baptizes Jesus who came from Galilee to the Jordan River. John said that Jesus needed to baptize him, not the other way around. Jesus told him he needed to be baptized to fulfill all righteousness. When Jesus was baptized, heaven opened up and the Spirit of God came down upon him. A voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”

BSF STUDY QUESTIONS LESSON 3, DAY 5: MATTHEW 3:13-17

12 ) Jesus came to earth as a human partly to show others how to live. He was baptized to show that Christians should be baptized as well.

13a) That the Spirit would come down from heaven as a dove and remain, baptizing with the Holy Spirit.

b) He was praying.

14 ) We are here only because of God. We are here to do His will, not ours. If we were doing our will, we’d all be sinners, doing whatever we pleased in utter chaos. Instead, we work to please our God, our Creator, as a form or worship and honor for what He has given us and done for us.

15) It is important as Jesus showed us how to live and what to do. Baptism is a special day when you accept Christ into your life publically. If Jesus did it, we should, too. Here, Jesus being baptized also legitimizes John’s baptisms of the people since it was outside of Jewish tradition.

CONCLUSIONS BSF STUDY QUESTIONS LESSON 3, DAY 5: MATTHEW 3:13-17

map of jesus' baptism www.atozmomm.comI love how God opens up the heavens, showing his pleasure. God gives us many signs of how to live, as well as signs of reassurance that we are walking with Him. God does so much just for us. Try to digest that thought today. Great stuff!

END NOTES BSF STUDY QUESTIONS LESSON 3, DAY 5: MATTHEW 3:13-17

John questions Jesus because Jesus had no sin so therefore had nothing to repent of. Yet, Jesus knew this was the right thing to do. This one act allowed Jesus to identify with mankind. This is the official beginning of Jesus’s ministry. It’s an important sign to all that Jesus is here.

God showed all sinners that Jesus was identifying with them, not being cleansed of any sin. It was important that God show everyone this was His Son and that Jesus was different, so he sent the physical sign of the dove for all to see. Jesus now has the power of God (he always did, since he is God, but this is official for humans, like a ceremony). It was also important that John the Baptist, now hugely popular with the people, recognize Jesus as the Savior. John 1:32-33

Note Noah sent a dove that returned with an olive branch from the ark. Doves in the Bible represent peace, love, gentleness, and hope for a better future.

God set his stamp of approval upon Jesus. Here, we see the Holy Trinity together in the Bible: God in heaven, Jesus on earth, the Holy Spirit coming down between the two. Beautiful picture, isn’t it?

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BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 3, Day 2: Matthew 3:1-4

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 3:1-4

John the Baptist came preaching in the Desert of Judea, saying repent for the kingdom of heaven is near. He quoted Isaiah, saying to prepare the way for the Lord. He wore clothes of camel’s hair, had a leather belt around his waist and ate locusts and wild honey.

BSF STUDY QUESTIONS LESSON 3, DAY 2: MATTHEW 3:1-4

3a) Jesus identifies John the Baptist as the one predicted by Malachi in Matthew 11:14; 17:9-13.

Luke 1:17 repeats almost exactly that verse, saying he will go before the Lord in the spirit of Elijah to turn the hearts of the father to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.

2 Kings 1:8 says that he was a man with a garment of hair and a leather belt around his waist.

Mark 1:6 repeats Matthew, saying John wore clothing made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey.

Matthew 17:9-13: Jesus says that Elijah has already come but no one recognized him as such.

b) John identified himself as the voice calling in the desert for God’s glorious arrival, preparing the way for repentance from sin and turning to Jesus.

4) Nothing happens without God’s will and way. God uses people and others to carry out His will. It’s all perfection.

5a) God has been extremely good. He has given me this forum and the knowledge to share with you all. He has always provided for me and my family, and I try to do His will and help others, too. It all comes together in God’s perfect plan for your life and mine.

b) Tell others that Jesus is coming. Pray for others. Prepare myself and my family.

CONCLUSIONS BSF STUDY QUESTIONS LESSON 3, DAY 2: MATTHEW 3:1-4

Matthew skips over all of Jesus’s youth. We go from the baby Jesus to Jesus’s baptism. It jarred me a bit, but then I love a good story. I also love how Jesus is not alone in his task to save humanity. God has given him help, guidance, and companions. Great stuff!

From Jordan to Wilderness. Wilderness Wilderness of Judea: The desolate region between Judah and the Dead Sea. John the Baptist preached here. (Matt 3:1-3)

END NOTES BSF STUDY QUESTIONS LESSON 3, DAY 2: MATTHEW 3:1-4

John the Baptist is son to Zacharias and Elizabeth, whom we met in Luke and how the couple had John by God’s miracle, too. John’s purpose is to prepare the hearts of God’s people for Jesus by telling them to turn to God.

Note the importance of the word “repent.”

John wanted everyone to know that the Messiah was coming so be ready!

Note that kingdom of heaven and kingdom of God is used interchangeably in the Bible. Both refer to God’s kingdome. Scholars believe that kingdom of heaven was used by Matthew since he was writing to Jews who did not like direct references to God. You’ll see kingdom of God used more in Mark and Luke.

It is super important to prepare for Jesus, which is why you all are here in Bible Study Fellowship’s study of Matthew! We must learn about Jesus, draw closer to him, and prepare for his Second Coming. Thus, John’s work is huge for believers.

A straight path to Jesus makes sense. Truthfully, is there any other way?

WHAT’S UP WITH THE CAMEL HAIR AND LEATHER BELT?

It doesn’t matter what John the Baptist wears; the point of this is that it was predicted that someone looking like John the Baptist would arise and point the way to the Messiah. Secondary is the fact that John the Baptist led a very simple life, and he made a powerful impact. We can do the same, too. We don’t need a lot to shine God’s light to the world. Contact me with questions!

Resources for BSF Study of Matthew

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

Hey all!

I am often asked about resources of the study of Matthew. Below, you’ll find some of my recommendations. Happy reading!

 

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joseph sent to prison www.atozmomm.com

BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 24, Day 3: Genesis 39:19-23

by atozmom, posted in BSF Genesis 2020/2021

Summary Genesis 39: 19-23:

Joseph was sent to the prison where the king’s prisoners were held after Potiphar’s wife claimed he tried to seduce her. God does not abandon Joseph here either. God granted Joseph favor with the prison warden. Joseph was put in charge of all those held in prison and all the happenings there, allowing the warden the ability to not do anything either, like Potiphar.

BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 24, Day 3: Genesis 39:19-23

7) God granted Joseph favor with the prison warden. Joseph was put in charge of all those held in prison and all the happenings there, allowing the warden the ability to not do anything either, like Potiphar.

8 ) God was with Joseph, and God gave Joseph success in everything he did and on those around Joseph. God uses us to bless others and uses our situation to do so, no matter how dreadful it is.

9a) See Genesis 50:20: “God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”

Psalm 119:50: My comfort in my suffering is that your promise preserves my life.

John 16:33: Jesus has overcome the world. You can have peace in this world.

Romans 8:28-29: God works in all things for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.

2 Corinthians 4:17: “Our momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.”

1 Peter 6-7: Your suffering, grief, and trials are so that your faith may be proved genuine, and may result in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus is revealed.

and Revelation 21:4: The old order will pass away and so will grief, death, mourning, crying, or pain.

b) Our suffering grows our faith. We suffer because Jesus suffered. Suffering is only on this side of heaven. This is encouraging.

10) Wisdom, patience, waiting on God, depending on God, plus he had years of practice managing households and the jail so he was prepared to manage the country.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 24, Day 3: Genesis 39:19-23

I love how God never leaves Joseph. However, I am also wondering because Joseph saw how he was blessed at Potiphar’s if he knew God would bless him wherever he went? Or, he expected it? Or, if you have that mindset that God will do great things always, life and trials would be infinitely easier.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 24, Day 3: Genesis 39:19-23

Spurgeon noted that Joseph’s silence was eloquent, saying nothing when your reputation and character are at stake. This is a prime example of letting your actions speak for themselves.

Bible scholars believe Potiphar was angry at his wife because he probably knew this was a false accusation, but Potiphar was forced to punish Joseph because he was a slave and for his wife’s reputation. Now, Potiphar will have a lot more work to do himself without Joseph running his affairs.

We know this was God’s plan as always so Joseph could get in front of Pharaoh. Yet, it was an odd plan. Joseph could have gotten to be 2nd in command of Egypt without going to prison just from his reputation at Potiphar’s house. God’s plans and ways are not ours. Perhaps Joseph needed one more lesson along the way of rising and falling and being faithful throughout.

The Lord was with Joseph and blessed him all throughout his life  (Genesis 39:2; 3; 5; 21:23)

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BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 23, Day 5: Genesis 38:13-30

by atozmom, posted in BSF Genesis 2020/2021

Summary of Genesis 38:13-30:

Tamar was desperate and knew Shelah would not be her husband. So she disguised herself to go and meet her father-in-law, Judah, at Enaim on the road to Timnah. Judah thought she was a prostitute so he offered her a young goat as payment to sleep with her. She asked for a pledge since he did not have the goat with him. He gave her his seal, cord, and staff. She slept with him and became pregnant.

Judah could not find her again to give her the goat. When he found out though that Tamar was pregnant, he ordered her death, thinking she sinned as a prostitute. She presented him with her pledge and Judah had to admit he was wrong not to give her Shelah. She had twin boys named Perez and Zerah.

BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 23, Day 5: Genesis 38:13-30

13a) Tamar was desperate and knew Shelah would not be her husband. So she disguised herself to go and meet her father-in-law, Judah, at Enaim on the road to Timnah. She then tricked him into sleeping with her in order to have kids.

b) Too many ways to begin.

c) Judah at first was angry, but then he realized he was the one who sinned against her.

14) Jesus came from Tamar’s son, Perez, and Judah

15) It challenges me to do what is right, but not to use deceit to do so. Although, in Tamar’s defense, this was ancient times, and she didn’t have a lot of rights or say in any matter.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 23, Day 5: Genesis 38:13-30

Now I see the significance of this story! I had forgotten about this until I read it again. Great stuff!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 23, Day 5: Genesis 38:13-30

Tamar did not have a lot of options. It’s hard to blame her here. Judah was solely in charge if she would marry again, and it was painfully obvious he would not give her his last son.

God’s plan once again in action.

Judah fails to see his sin until he is confronted with it by Tamar. Wisely, he recognizes it for what it is.

Tamar becomes part of Jesus’ lineage!  Matthew 1:3 and Luke 3:33 Cool stuff!

Note this is another example of how God grants grace to sinners and how Jesus does not come from perfect examples of humanity (of which there are none). God can make all things work for the good of those who trust him (Romans 8:28), and for His redemptive plan.

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BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 23, Day 4: Genesis 38:1-12

by atozmom, posted in BSF Genesis 2020/2021

Summary of Genesis 38:1-12:

Judah left the family and went up to Adullam. He got married and had three sons. Judah got a wife for his firstborn, Er, but he was wicked so God put him to death. Onan, Er’s brother, was then to lie with Er’s wife, but he refused to have kids with her so he was put to death. The widow Tamar was sent to live with her father until Shelah, Judah’s final son, was of age. Judah’s wife died, and he went to Timnah.

BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 23, Day 4: Genesis 38:1-12

10) He married a Canaanite woman and so too did his sons.

11a) Er was wicked in the eyes of the Lord (that is all we are told). Onan refused to have children with Er’s widow, which violated Deuteronomy 25:5-10

b) God does not tolerate wickedness, and He enacts justice.

12) It helps me to not stray from God’s path, to remember Him, and hopefully to not sin as much.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 23, Day 4: Genesis 38:1-12

I really don’t remember this chapter in Genesis. It seems out of place to me, especially if this is Joseph’s remembrances.

map of adullam and timnah www.atozmomm.comBSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 23, Day 4: Genesis 38:1-12

It seems strange to me that Judah did this. Perhaps he is reminded daily of his sin against his father when he sees him so he leaves. Yet, he violates God’s wishes by marrying a Canaanite woman, which we see a lot in Genesis. (Genesis 24:3, 28:1, 28:8

Being required to marry the widow of your brother was one of God’s ways to care for widows. Widows would probably have lived the rest of their lives struggling if not provided for. Onan refused to have kids with Tamar because they would not be his (they would be considered kids of the one who died, in this case Er). Thus, only obeying God half-way is still a sin.

Judah was afraid his last son would face God’s judgement too so he sent Tamar away.