Tag: bsf lesson 10 day 2

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BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 10, Day 2: Ezra 3:1-6

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

Summary of Ezra 3:1-6

Joshua and Zerubbabel began to rebuild the altar of God once the Israelites had settled into their towns. They sacrificed burnt offerings. They celebrated the Festival of Tabernacles. They commenced regular offerings.

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 10, Day 2: Ezra 3:1-6

3) Offering sacrifices to God was how the people worshiped and obeyed God. It was of utmost importance. It also allowed the people to be cleansed from their sins. It was the most essential and immediate way for the exiles to restore their covenant relationship with God. Before the people could build a house for God, they first had to re-establish their home in His presence through worship, forgiveness, and dependence. The altar was the crucial starting point for that restoration.
4) They rebuilt the altar despite their fear of the people around them.
5a) The exiles rebuilt the altar on its original foundation. They celebrated the Festival of Tabernacles with the required number of burnt offerings prescribed for each day. After that, they presented the regular burnt offerings, the New Moon sacrifices, and the sacrifices for all the appointed sacred festivals of the Lord, as well as those brought as freewill offerings to the Lord. They began to offer burnt offerings to the Lord. They followed God’s commands precisely.
b) Worship is setting aside time to prioritize praising God, hearing from Him, obeying Him, and doing His will for my life. I can praise Him each and every day as often as I remember, too. I can give Him the glory always. I can follow Jesus and His ways for my life. I can help others and be a light. I can honor God through my daily living.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 10, Day 2: Ezra 3:1-6

I love how worshipping and obeying the Lord are prioritized here. Such beauty, even in the small things!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 10, Day 2: Ezra 3:1-6

For the Israelites, the 7th month was dominated by worship and festivals: The Day of Atonement, The Feast of Trumpets, and the Feast of the Tabernacles.

The altar was built in the same place where the old temple had stood.

Rebuilding the altar was the first step to prioritizing God. It was quick and gave them a place to worship.

The altar allowed for atonement of their sins. Therefore, it was super important to have.

The Feast of Tabernacles was the celebration to remember God’s faithfulness to His people as the Israelites journeyed to the Promised Land. It was one of three major feasts of the Israelites.

During their exile, the Jews could not regularly offer sacrifices to God due to religious restrictions. Now, they could once again.

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

Ezra 3:1-6 details the first and most urgent priority of the returned exiles: the restoration of communal worship. It shows a community unified in purpose, re-establishing its covenant relationship with God before undertaking any other major project.

Led by the high priest Jeshua and the governor Zerubbabel, the people gathered in Jerusalem “as one,” demonstrating profound unity. Their immediate action was not to build houses or city walls, but to rebuild the altar on its original foundation. They did this despite their fear of the surrounding peoples, showing that their fear of God and desire for His favor outweighed their fear of man.

Upon completing the altar, they immediately reinstated the core practices of their faith as prescribed in the Law of Moses: the daily morning and evening burnt offerings and the celebration of the Festival of Tabernacles. The passage culminates by emphasizing a critical point: this complete restoration of the sacrificial system began before the Temple’s foundation was even laid.

Conclusion

This passage powerfully illustrates that the true foundation of the restored community was not physical stone, but spiritual devotion. By prioritizing the altar over the Temple building, the people declared that the act of worship and communion with God was more important than the house where it would take place. Their actions were a statement of faith, re-consecrating the nation to God and seeking His presence and protection as the essential first step in their new life.

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BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 10, Day 2: Revelation 5:1-5

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

Summary of Revelation 5:1-5

John sees God holding a scroll sealed with 7 seals. There was no one worthy to open the scrolls. John wept because no one was able to open the scrolls. Then, one of the elders said that the Lion of the tribe of Judah (Jesus) is able to open the scroll.

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 10, Day 2: Revelation 5:1-5

3a) John saw God holding a scroll with writing on both sides and sealed with seven seals. The angel asked, “Who is worthy to break the seals and open the scroll?”

b) He wept. He was so overwhelmed with grief cause he knew the scroll needed to be opened since the angel was seeking someone worthy. He may have thought the future lay on it and he wanted to know it. Or, he thought that the world would end if it were not opened. Whatever John thought, it was profound enough to make him cry.

4a) The elder said, “Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.”

b) These are messianic titles or titles for Jesus. Judah is compared to a lion’s cub, and it is from the tribe of Judah that Jesus will come. Jesus will come from the line of David. He will establish the forever kingdom.

c) Jesus overcame sin to save all of humanity with his blood. He purchased us for God. It is encouraging and gives me hope when I am down.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 10, Day 2: Revelation 5:1-5

I love how Jesus is worthy!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 10, Day 2: Revelation 5:1-5

Most scrolls at that time only had writing on one side. There were 7 strings that were sealed with wax creating the 7 seals on this one scroll.

No one knows what is on this scroll, and only Jesus can open it. Many Bible scholars say this seal holds the history of the world and is God’s final will because wills in Roman times had 7 seals on them.

The Messianic title Lion of the tribe of Judah comes from Genesis 49:9-10, Isaiah 31:4, and Hosea 11:10. Root of David comes from Isaiah 11:10 and is also used in Revelation 22:16.

The scroll is most likely God’s redemptive plan for mankind come to fruition, as well as His purposes for the world. If it’s not opened, none of it will be fulfilled.

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BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 10, Day 2: John 6:41-51

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

SUMMARY OF JOHN 6:41-51

The Jews were unsure of Jesus calling himself the bread of life because they grew up with him. How could he have come down from heaven? Jesus tells them to stop grumbling. All who come to him were chosen by the Father and those who come will be raised. Anyone can eat the bread from heaven that Jesus offers and live.

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 10, Day 2: John 6:41-51

3) “Everyone who has heard the Father and learned from him comes to me.” Those who have heard the word of God and believed in Jesus will come to Jesus. The Scriptures speak of Jesus. The Bible is full of the Spirit and Life.

4) Jesus says that no one has seen the Father except him. And, anyone who has seen Jesus has seen God. It means that those who know Jesus know God, so we can grow closer to God the closer we grow to Christ and the deeper our faith grows.

5) With belief in Christ, you will live forever. My response is joy, hope, peace, and comfort.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 10, Day 2: John 6:41-51

I love how intricately God and Jesus are linked, and it’s hard to grasp, but Jesus’ analogy of the bread of life makes it easier.

End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 10, Day 2: John 6:41-51

Fun Fact: Six times Jesus says he ‘came down from heaven’ (6:33, 38, 41, 50, 51, 58).

Accepting Jesus as from heaven is too much for those who knew Jesus as a child growing up. In addition, they expect someone to emerge from the clouds as their Savior.

The Jews believed because they were born Jews that they get to heaven automatically. Jesus says that God chooses them to believe in him instead. Heaven is not automatic.

Those who come will have everlasting life. Jesus quoted from Isaiah 54:13 saying then they will be taught by God.

If you are taught by God, you will believe in Jesus because they are one in the same.

No one else in the Bible has ever made claims of being God’s son and offering everlasting life. This is why the people are so confused.

Jesus is necessary for spiritual life as bread is for physical life.

The manna in the wilderness was for physical needs. Jesus is the bread of life and is everlasting.

The bread is his flesh/life that he will give to save the world.

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BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 10, Day 2: 2 Kings 6:8-8:6

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

SUMMARY OF 2 KINGS 6:8-8:6

Elisha keeps telling the king of Israel where the Arameans are at, so they can avoid them. The King of Aram decides to go and try and capture Elisha who is at Dothan. The king surrounds the city, but the king is surrounded by an unseen army of God with chariots of fire. Elisha asks God to blind the Arameans, which He does. Elisha led the army of Arameans to Samaria where he fed them and sent them home. After this, the raids upon Israel stopped.

The king of Aram then laid seige to Samaria. There was a famine in the land, and the people were so hungry they were resorting to cannabalism. The king of Israel blamed God and Elisha for this. Elisha foretold that the seige would end. The Lord has scared the Aramean army by creating sounds of chariots, horses, and an army. They fled, leaving everything behind, including riches and food. Now, the people of Israel could eat once again.

Elisha has told the woman whose son he had restored that there would be a famine in the land for seven years and they should flee. They stayed in the land of the Philistines for seven years, and when they returned, they asked for their land back. The king granted them their request.

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 10, Day 2: 2 Kings 6:8-8:6

3a) Elisha keeps telling the king of Israel where the Arameans are at, so they can avoid them. The King of Aram decides to go and try and capture Elisha who is at Dothan. The king surrounds the city, but the king is surrounded by an unseen army of God with chariots of fire. Elisha asks God to blind the Arameans, which He does. Elisha led the army of Arameans to Samaria where he fed them and sent them home. After this, the raids upon Israel stopped.

Elisha made sure the army got sent away without anyone losing their lives, as God made noises to mimic an army. He used his unseen army to keep them safe.

b) I think I do this every day to be honest. I wish I could learn to do things His way, instead of mine.

4) There was a famine in Samaria and they were beseigned by the Arameans. The king of Israel blamed God and Elisha. The seige lifted in God’s timing, which Elisha foretold.

5) God is good. He teaches His people a lesson, but He ultimately provides them with everything they need.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 10, Day 2: 2 Kings 6:8-8:6

I love how God has resources to help us that we can’t see. I wonder at the invisible chareiots of fire that surround and protect me each and every day.

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 10, Day 2: 2 Kings 6:8-8:6

Elisha saves Israel because they are God’s people, not because he approves of the kings of Israel.

God sends an invisible army to protect Elisha and his people.

Because Elisha met evil with good, the army left and did not invade again.

Cannabalism is something God never approves of. This seige was punishment because Israel disobeyed God, rejected Him, and rejected the covenant He had made with them.

Once again, in God’s wisdom, He would relent and turn the famine around for the kingdom of Israel. Elisha is allowed to foretell this.

The king’s officer doubted Elisha’s prophecy and, ultimately, God, which is why he paid the ultimate price of death.

The leprous men were probably going to die in their minds, so they decided to take their chances with the Syrians. They discovered that God has caused the Syrians to flee, and the Israelites were now free.

The lepers did the right thing: they nourished themselves, but then they told the Good News. This should be us today.

The doubting officer did, indeed, die as foretold by Elisha once the promise by God was realized to be true.

2 Kings 4 describes Elisha’s relationship with the woman who cared for him. Her land was restored.

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BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 10, Day 2: Matthew 9:1-8

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 9:1-8

Jesus arrived in Capernaum. Some brought to him a paralytic. Jesus told the man his sins were forgiven. Some teachers of the law took this as blaspheming God. Jesus said these words so that they would know that the Son of Man had power on earth to forgive sins. He then told the man to get up and walk, which he did. The crowd then praised God for such authority.

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 10, Day 2: Matthew 9:1-8

3) The men who brought the paralytic to Jesus. Mark adds the details that the men made a hole in the roof and lowered the man down to Jesus because the crowd was so thick they could not get through. God can help others through your faith alone.

4a) Jesus healed the paralytic first off. Then, he forgave the man’s sins, saying he is the Son of Man who has authority to do so.

b) The teachers of the law were offended. They thought Jesus was blaspheming God and they said only God has the power to forgive sins. The man who was healed did as Jesus instructed: he got up and walked out, carrying his mat. The watching crowd was absolutely amazed. They praised God for His goodness.

5) Everything. It gives me hope everyday despite my sins.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 10, Day 2: Matthew 9:1-8

I love this story. So dramatic with the lowering of the roof. Now that would have been cool to see. It shows the faith of the men that they will do anything to get their friend help. It also shows the power of friendship. Do you have friends like this — who would do anything for you?

Great encouraging stories below!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 10, Day 2: Matthew 9:1-8

We see Jesus as healer of the sick as prophesied by Isaiah. Isaiah 35:5-6

Note that Jesus heals for need, not show. Bible scholars speculate that there’s a lot of need at this time due to a lot of unfaithfulness. Exodus 15:26

Reasons for “Your Sins Are Forgiven”

  • The friends’ faith is strong. By saying “your sins are forgiven,” Jesus is also strengthening the paralytic’s faith as he is most likely depressed with his lot in life.
  • Note that with Jesus’ words, he is taking care of the man’s soul more so than his body. This shows us that your heart is more important than your physical condition.
  • Sin takes precedence over anything else.
  • The Pharisees see this too.
  • This emphasizes that Jesus is here to forgive sins first and foremost.
  • Jesus is claiming to be God with these words.

The Pharisees

  • Note that is the “well-educated” who always object first to what is new.
  • Note the Pharisees do not object outloud, yet Jesus “hears” them. God knows everything.
  • This should have proved to the Pharisees Jesus was God since he read their thoughts.
  • The Pharisees are correct in the fact that it is blasphemous to claim to do something only God can do; they missed the point that Jesus is God by doing this.
  • Jesus heals and forgives  Psalm 103:3.

Fun Fact: This is the first mention in the Bible of opposition to Jesus.

Note God gets the glory here. Jesus is not out for himself, which false prophets are.

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BSF Study Questions Genesis Lesson 10, Day 2: Skim Genesis 1-5

by atozmom, posted in BSF Genesis 2012/2013

Summary of passages:  Please see previous posts.

Questions:

3a)  Physical Needs:  God clothed them.  Food:  now man must sow the ground for his food.  The garden had provided shelter for man.

Spiritual Needs:  A Father (God) to lead man.

Man thought he needed the knowledge of good and evil (or of God and what God knows) but in all actuality man doesn’t.

b)  3:15  “…and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head and you will strike his heel.”  Matthew and Luke recounts how God provided Mary a child through the Holy Spirit.

4)  Faith is believing in what we cannot see and being sure of it despite this.  The writer uses the example that we believe God made the universe even though no one saw this happen and believing God made all we see from what we do not see.

5a)  Personal Question.  My answer:  Abel knew God demanded the best from him so he brought the best.  Just like God demands the best from us so we must give Him our best.  Whatever that looks like for each of us.

b)  Faith.  Hebrews 11:5:  “By faith Enoch was taken from this life…”

c)  Personal Question.  My answer:  I must keep the faith.  Hebrews 11:13:  “…They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them…”  Hebrews 11:39-40:  “…yet none of them received what had been promised.  God had planned something better for us…”

Even though I cannot see it, it is there.  God’s promises for me.  In Him.  And when I feel like this life sucks I must keep moving towards Him.  Through faith.  For He has a better plan.

Conclusion:  Interesting how 2 obscure men in the Bible (Enoch and Abel) who maybe have a dozen verses between them (that’s being generous) made such an impact on others who remembered their faith.  For we are not told much about what they did.  Only Enoch walked with God and Abel brought the fat.  That’s about it.  Then they die.

This gives me hope.  Currently, I am struggling with my life and its meaning.  I feel like God has so much more for me and here I am languishing.

For who am I?  Who was Abel?  Just a guy who had faith and got killed for it.  Who was Enoch?  Just a guy who walked with God and because of it was spared a physical death. Who will remember me?  No one will read about me when I die.  Yet there is something out there for me that will make an impact.  I just feel I’m not there yet.

End Note:  Admittedly, I skimmed this Lesson (a review lesson) and was dreading it.  I skimmed today’s passages and thought Not again!  I mean, how many times do I have to read Hebrews.  Seriously?

So I thought God must have something here for me.  So I read all of Hebrews 11.  And sure enough I came up with the answer to question 5c and the conclusion.

That even though I am only one person out of 7 billion people or however many people are on the planet now I can make a difference and an impact.  If I have the faith in God and trust Him to do it.  Not me.  But Him.  Just like all the people mentioned in Hebrews 11.  All had one thing in common:  faith in God.  And all accomplished His mission in their lives.

This is my prayer for me and you:  keep the faith and accomplish His purpose in our lives.

Fun Fact:  Check out this website with cool charts on the world population throughout history:

http://www.worldometers.info/world-population/