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BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 10, Day 5: Revelation 5:11-14

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

Summary of Revelation 5:11-14

Millions of angels encircled the throne, the living creatures, and the elders. They were saying how Jesus is worthy to receive power, wealth, wisdom, strength, honor, glory, and praise. All the creatures in heaven and earth gave God and Jesus praise,  honor, glory, and power. The four living creatures around the throne said “Amen,” and the elders fell down and worshiped. 

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 10, Day 5: Revelation 5:11-14

10a) Jesus is worthy to receive power, wealth, wisdom, strength, honor, glory, and praise. Jesus is worthy because he was slain for us.

b) Worship is all-encompassing. It’s about praise, honor, and glory. It’s important to God and Jesus. It shows I need to be more purposeful in my praise and worship.

11a) John saw all the creatures in heaven and earth gave God and Jesus praise,  honor, glory, and power. The four living creatures around the throne said “Amen,” and the elders fell down and worshiped. Everything in heaven and earth praised the Lamb. This is appropriate because God/Jesus is creator over all things. Without them, we’d be nothing.

b) God created mankind in his image and He created all of the animals. He gave man dominion over the earth. God is the Creator of the universe, and we should honor him and give him all of the glory. We also need to care for what God has given us and that includes all of the animals of the earth. We all need to care more about all of God’s creatures.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 10, Day 5: Revelation 5:11-14

Heaven seems like such an amazing place, doesn’t it?! What a sight to see — thousands of angels surrounding God and Jesus!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 10, Day 5: Revelation 5:11-14

Note that only the elders are singing the song of the redeemed. (This is the 2nd song of praise we see here). Nowhere in the Bible do we see angels redeemed. So, as far as we know, only mankind is redeemed.

Worship in Greek means “to fall down” and “to prostrate.” The elders literally did this.

The entire Bible is a chronicle of God’s plan to redeem His children aka us. How amazing!

Then, we see all of Creation join in for the 3rd song of praise here. Jesus will carry out God’s redemptive plan! Amen!

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BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 10, Day 4: Revelation 5:8-10

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

Summary of Revelation 5:8-10

The elders and the four living creatures worshipped the Lamb when he took the scroll. They praised Jesus for purchasing for God believers who will reign on earth forever.

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 10, Day 4: Revelation 5:8-10

7a) They fell down before the Lamb and worshipped him with a new song.

b) The Lamb was worthy because he was slain and purchased for God persons from all over the world and made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve God and reign on earth.

c) That the Lamb/Jesus sacrificed himself so we could be purchased for God. This means everything to me as now I can spend eternity with God, worshipping him, too.

8 ) I know that Jesus has purchased me because I’ve prayed for Jesus to come into my heart and be my Lord and Savior. God has chosen me to be with Him forever. The Holy Spirit lives inside of me. He has purchased us from a life of hell and eternal damnation.

9a) Humans/believers in Christ. Praising the Lord and serving Him all the rest of my days. Telling others of Christ, our Lord and Savior. Living a Godly life so that others may see and believe.

b) This is a tough one. I would be more Godly and do more things Jesus would do. I think what I deem important would not be as much.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 10, Day 4: Revelation 5:8-10

I love this image of Jesus and those worshipping him and how we one day will as well!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 10, Day 4: Revelation 5:8-10

Fun Fact: This passage is where harps in heaven come from!

No doubt there will be music in heaven!

This “new song” is the first of 3 hymns we’ll see from the elders and the living creatures.

Golden bowls full of prayers. What an image!

Incense usually smells good, it flows upwards towards heaven, and it requires fire! Amazing! Incense in the Bible is seen as carrying the people’s prayer up to God.

Vere dignus is Latin for “you are worthy.” The Roman emperors used this as a greeting. However, there’s only one who is worthy!

Our kingdom is heaven as we reign as kings with Jesus. Jesus is our mediator, allowing us to be priests.

Fun Fact: “New song” appears 9 times in the Bible.

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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

map of Babylon in Daniel's time www.atozmomm.com
courtesy freebibleimages.org

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 Revelation: The Hope Lesson 6, Day 4: Revelation 3:14-18

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

Summary of Revelation 3:14-18

Jesus tells the church in Laodicea that he knows their deeds and that they are neither cold nor hot (meaning they are not faithful). They are spiritually wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked. Jesus tells them to buy from him gold refined in the fire, so they can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so they can cover their shameful nakedness; and salve to put on their eyes, so they can see.

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 6, Day 4: Revelation 3:14-18

9) These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation. That Jesus is the Amen, the finality of it all, and the ruler of it all.

10) Jesus tells the church of Laodicea that they are lukewarm and that he wants to spit them out because of this.

11a) The Laodiceans believe they are rich; they have acquired wealth and do not need a thing. But Jesus says they do not realize that they are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked.

b) You are blind to your need for Jesus and are extremely poor in Spirit. The result is you do not live a life for Him.

c) Staying humble, giving God the glory, always staying in the Word, realizing my blessings, praising him, and praying to him.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 6, Day 4: Revelation 3:14-18

I love this description of lukewarmness because we often can become complacent in our walk with Jesus. We need to always be hot and on fire for Jesus!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 6, Day 4: Revelation 3:14-18

map of laodicea www.atozmomm.com bsf revelation
courtesy of https://davidjeremiah.blog/seven-churches-of-revelation-bible-study/

Laodicea was a rich Roman city. Of course, pagan worship was dominant, but there were many Jews living there. The church here that Jesus addresses was also addressed by Paul in Colossians 2:1 and 4:16.

Jesus chose the term lukewarm because the water supply that served Laodicea came to them as lukewarm due to the distance it had to travel. Therefore, the people would know exactly what Jesus was saying.

Jesus is the “Amen,” meaning “so it is done.” He is first in all Creation.

The people compromised their faith, so Jesus would spit them out.

Being lukewarm is being useless. You cannot please both God and the world. You must choose.  Being cold would at least drive you to Jesus.

Note here that Jesus addresses the church as the church of the Laodiceans. In the other passages, he refers to them as the town itself. Bible scholars believe Jesus is referring to them as such because they allow the majority to rule them, rather than God.

The church of Laodicea was spiritually poor AND blind to it.

If the church of Laodicea would turn to Jesus, they would be clothed, they would see, and they would be spiritually rich.

Complacency is spiritually crippling.

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BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 4, Day 4: Revelation 2:8-11

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

Summary Revelation 2:8-11

Jesus addresses the church in Smyrna. He described himself as the First and the Last and as the one who died and was risen again. He assures the church that he knows about their affictions, poverty, and those who slander them. He says they will suffer, but to not be afraid. If they are faithful, they will receive the victor’s crown.

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 4, Day 4: Revelation 2:8-11

10) He described himself as the First and the Last and as the one who died and was risen again. He assures the church that he knows about their affictions, poverty, and those who slander them. Jesus encouraged the people by telling them that they are rich, but if they are faithful, they will receive the victor’s crown. He challenged them to be faithful, even to the point of death and to not be afraid of the suffering ahead.

Jesus’ exhortation or encouragement is, “Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who is victorious will not be hurt at all by the second death.”

11) The believers were rich because they had Jesus! They would not die; they would live forever. They are spiritually rich.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 4, Day 4: Revelation 2:8-11

I love the similarities of Jesus’ introduction, as well as how he encourages believers. Isn’t it comforting that Jesus KNOWS us and our pain? Great stuff!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 4, Day 4: Revelation 2:8-11

Smyrna is another city controlled by the Romans. It was quite wealthy, but almost everyone there was pagan and practiced emperor worship. By this time, emperor worship was required by the Romans, and many cities (including Smyrna) has temples dedicated to the emperors.

Jesus describes himself as the First and the Last, which only God can do (Isaiah 41:4, 44:6, and 48:12.) Jesus used this terminology when he first appeared to John (Revelation 1:11, 1:17).

He chose to state his resurrection, as he is about to encourage the Christians in Smyrna that although they may face persecution and death, there is home and life after death. Again, Jesus has used this before with John (Revelation 1:18).

Jesus knows the works of the church (like he did with the Ephesians). He also knows their suffering and poverty. Bible scholars speculate that the Christians were poor despite the city’s great wealth because they were being persecuted for their faith.

All of us are rich because we have Jesus!

The Christians were afraid. Jesus tells them their suffering is from the devil, but it is limited to 10 days (Bible scholars debate the actual meaning of 10 days. Some think it is a figurative 10 days. Some think it refers to the reign of 10 Roman emperors. Others say 10 days was an expression used back then for a short time.)

If you were imprisoned, you would most likely be executed.

The attack was to test the Christians according to God’s purpose for their lives. Remember, we suffer to become more like Jesus (1 Peter 1:6-7 Romans 8:17)

Fun Fact: Smyrna is the only church out of the 7 not to have anything bad spoken about them from Jesus. This church is also the only one still surviving to this day.

Remember, crowns were made of leaves and flowers in ancient Rome and given as rewards for contests. Roman emperors wore crowns of laurel. Therefore, receiving the crown of life/victor’s crown was magnificent, indeed!

Jesus tells the church at Smyrna to hear like he told the church at Ephesus.

Polycarp was from Smyrna. He was a great Christian who was martyred. You can read his story HERE.

Those who overcome and stay true to their faith shall never face the second death, which is the final condemnation by Jesus for eternal hell (Revelation 20:14 and 21:8). Jesus conquered death once and for all.

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BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 19, Day 5: John 14:27-31

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

SUMMARY OF JOHN 14:27-31

Jesus gives his disciples peace. They should be glad he is returning to the Father. He has told them ahead of time so that they may believe.

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 19, Day 5: John 14:27-31

12a) That the peace Jesus brings is beyond the peace the world can give.

b) Peace with God is the peace we receive when we accept Christ as our Savior. We have made peace with God. Peace of God is the peace we receive when we trust Jesus. It is a feeling of closeness to God and being well with our relationship with Him.

Peace with God comes before Peace of God; both are God’s gift to us.

c) It gives me comfort and hope that my dreams will be achieved, that He will put me where He wants me; that life will be great.

13) Jesus’ death brings him back to the Father, which is what we all want. How wonderful is that! Jesus is preparing them, so they won’t be shocked. They can be comforted that Jesus is in a better place.

14a) Jesus will defeat the prince of this world aka the devil. The world/us can learn from Jesus’ battle with the devil that we can overcome him, too.

b) There’s really only two choices: a life of faith and a life without faith. No matter what, having God on your side is the only way to hope and strength in dire circumstances.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 19, Day 5: John 14:27-31

I love God’s peace! We all can have the peace of God. So amazing!

End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 19, Day 5: John 14:27-31

Saying “peace I leave with you” was a customary saying in the first century AD. Yet, Jesus’ peace was is better, a real peace we all can have.

Jesus’ death is a matter of rejoicing, as he will defeat the devil once and for all for all of us.

Jesus obeyed God on his way to the cross to defeat the devil; he is a willing sacrifice.

Now, they would be heading to the Garden of Gethsemane; the time has come.

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BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 19, Day 3: John 14:18-20

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

SUMMARY OF JOHN 14:18-20

Jesus comforts his disciples again, saying he won’t leave them. They will see him again. He will be in them.

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 19, Day 3: John 14:18-20

6) 1) I will not leave you as orphans 2) I will come to you 3) You will see me 4) You will live also 5) You are in me 6) I am in you.

Each is important because it comforts us and let’s us know we are not alone. We have the power of Jesus in us, so we can vanquish the Enemy. Jesus will help us when we need it. We are never alone.

7a) Jesus and God are one. We abide in Jesus. Jesus abides in us.

b) The fact that we are in God and Jesus and they are in us. It’s hard to fathom.

8 ) He cares about our every need and provides for our every need. No matter what, we can come to him — always and forever.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 19, Day 3: John 14:18-20

I love how Jesus is not concerned about himself at all, only about his disciples. That’s how it should be for us, too.

End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 19, Day 3: John 14:18-20

Jesus’ third assurance is that he will come to them (we saw this previously in John 14:3). This includes his Second Coming and the Holy Spirit.

The disciples will see Jesus after his resurrection. The Holy Spirit will live in them.

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BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 14, Day 4: John 10:22-33

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

Summary of John 10:22-33

Jesus was at the Festival of Dedication in Jerusalem. Jesus explains that those who do not believe are not his sheep. His sheep know him and listen to his voice. No one will take them from him or from God. He is one with God.

Those who did not believe Jesus went to stone him, but he challenged them, asking why stone him over his good works.

They said they are stoning him for his claim to be God.

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 14, Day 4: John 10:22-33

9a) The Jews who were there gathered around him, saying, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly.”

b) By saying he has spoken to them, but they don’t understand because they don’t believe in him.

10a) “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand.”

b) It encourages me by the fact no one take me from Jesus. This gives me hope when the devil attacks and speaks his lies that Jesus is more powerful. That I am in God’s hands. He holds me close when I need it the most.

c) That Jesus will never abandon those who follow and believe in him.

11a) “ I and the Father are one.” By going to stone him for blasphemy. Basically, they responded with unbelief.

b) Jesus is part of the Trinity. He is God. He can do anything.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 14, Day 4: John 10:22-33

It’s hard for us to understand the skepticism of those in the first century. Yet, there would be much today, too. I often wonder would I have believed in Jesus back then.

End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 14, Day 4: John 10:22-33

This feast celebrated the cleansing and re-dedication of the temple after it was desecration in 160 B.C.

Solomon’s colonnade was the portico on the eastern side of the outer court of Herod’s temple. Luke, the presumed writer of Acts, mentions it twice: 1) Peter talks to a crowd 3) as a gathering place (Acts 3:11; 5:12).

These are the religious leaders once again confronting Jesus. Jesus had told them so many times who he is that he’s probably tired of repeating it. They aren’t there to believe; they are there to kill him.

Jesus repeats the benefits of belief: eternal life and God’s hands on them.

Jesus and God are equal in nature.

Jesus and God are not the same person.

What is blasphemy?

Blasphemy is “the act of insulting of showing contempt or lack of reverence for God. The act of claiming the attributes of a deity; irreverence toward something considered sacred or inviolable” according to Webster’s Dictionary.

Thus, Jesus was claiming to be equal with God; hence, the blasphemy charge.

Great map of Solomon’s Colonnade HERE

Watch a great short explanation HERE

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