Tag: bsf lesson 11

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BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 11, Day 5: Romans 15:4

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

Romans 15:4:

For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 11, Day 5: Romans 15:4

11a) Unsure. I love the Old Testament prophets!

b) It encourages me that I’ll learn great things in God’s word.

12a) People are all sinners. They all turn from God at some point. They are wicked inside. Yet, there are those who follow him and follow him with all their hearts. These are whom God rewards.

b) God never gives up on His people. He is greater, and His love is infinite.

13) I have immense hope for the future. God has never failed, and He won’t even in the face of chaos.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 11, Day 5: Romans 15:4

I can’t wait to dive into the Old Testament even more!

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 11, Day 5: Romans 15:4

God’s word is full of hope. Do you see it? Feel it? Live it? Breathe it?

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BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 11, Day 4: 2 Chronicles 7:14

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

2 Chronicles 7:14

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 11, Day 4: 2 Chronicles 7:14

8a) 17 Old Testament books. 18 if you count the Book of Revelation

b) Moses, Joshua, Elijah, Elisha

9a) The details of the encounter: “I saw the Lord, high and exalted, seated on a throne; and the train of his robe filled the temple. Above him were seraphim, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying.” I love Isaiah’s answer: Here am I! That should be all of our responses to God’s call on our lives.

b) “Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord. “I have put my words in your mouth.” The details here of what God said. I think we all want God to call us in this fashion!

10) The truth of their prophecies lend them credibility for current people and future generations so that they can be believed. Speaking into current situations grabs people’s attention and is a chance to bring more people to God. Both reinforce the truths of God, His word, and His chosen prophets.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 11, Day 4: 2 Chronicles 7:14

Another great lesson on following God’s words and calling for your life.

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 11, Day 4: 2 Chronicles 7:14

Humble yourself, pray and repent, seeking God’s face. Turn your heart and your life over to God. God will hear and forgive you if you do.

Major Prophets

  1. Isaiah
  2. Jeremiah
  3. Lamentations
  4. Ezekiel
  5. Daniel

Minor Prophets:

  1. Hosea
  2. Joel
  3. Amos
  4. Obadiah
  5. Jonah
  6. Micah
  7. Nahum
  8. Habakkuk
  9. Zephaniah
  10. Haggai
  11. Zechariah
  12. Malachi

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BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 11, Day 3: Isaiah 65:1-2 and Ezekiel 20:4-7

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

Isaiah 65:1-2:

“I revealed myself to those who did not ask for me;
    I was found by those who did not seek me.
To a nation that did not call on my name,
    I said, ‘Here am I, here am I.’
2 All day long I have held out my hands
    to an obstinate people,
who walk in ways not good,
    pursuing their own imaginations—

Ezekiel 20:4-7:

God reminds his people that he chose them and swore to the descendants of Jacob and revealed himself to them in Egypt. He said to them, “I am the Lord your God.” He swore to  bring them out of Egypt into a land flowing with milk and honey, the most beautiful of all lands. Do not defile yourselves with the idols of Egypt.

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 11, Day 3: Isaiah 65:1-2 and Ezekiel 20:4-7

5a) God promised his people to be their God, to bring them to a land flowing with milk and honey, and to provide for them. He called them to not defile themselves with the idols of Egypt. To follow his ways and obey him fully, to keep his covenant, and keep Sabbaths holy. Then they will be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. Then they will be his people and he will be their God.

b) They turned to false gods at every turn. They did not obey his laws or his wishes. They disbelieved the prophets. They intermarried with pagans. In short, they did not put him first in their lives.

6a) God called out to them by name and held out his hands. He also said he would destroy them in Deuteronomy 30:15-18 and not live long in the Promised Land. The Assyrians would capture them says 2 Kings 17:6. Lord sent Babylonian Aramean, Moabite and Ammonite raiders to destroy Judah in 2 Kings 24:2. Yet, God still tried to return his people to him. 2 Chronicles 36:15 says,”The Lord, the God of their ancestors, sent word to them through his messengers again and again, because he had pity on his people and on his dwelling place.”

b) That God never gives up on His people. He punishes them but always gives them a road to redemption.

7a) Psalm 86:11 says, “Teach me your way, Lord,
    that I may rely on your faithfulness;
give me an undivided heart,
    that I may fear your name.

Ezekiel 11:19-20 says if we follow God and his laws, we will be His people. So, if you want to be God’s, do what he says!

b) Busyness of life. Others. Sin. Temptations to sin. Selfishness.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 11, Day 3: Isaiah 65:1-2 and Ezekiel 20:4-7

I love how we see just how much God loves us in these verses. He never stops pursuing us, no matter how much we fall.

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 11, Day 3: Isaiah 65:1-2 and Ezekiel 20:4-7

Isaiah 65:1-2:

God held out his hands to Israel who rejected him or sought him insincerely, following their ways rather than the Lord’s. Yet, God is found by those who seek him sincerely.

Ezekiel 20:4-7:

God is speaking of an oath He made to his people while in exile in Egypt. He repeats his promise he made to Abraham and promises to bring them out of Egypt to the promised land. However, they must throw away the idols of Egypt.

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BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 11, Day 2: Psalm 73:24; Isaiah 28:23; and John 10:27

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

Psalm 73:24:

You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will take me into glory.

Isaiah 28:23:

Listen and hear my voice;
    pay attention and hear what I say.

John 10:27:

My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 11, Day 2: Psalm 73:24; Isaiah 28:23; and John 10:27

3a)

Psalm 19:1-6; Romans 1:18-20: God communicates with people through the sights of the universe and his creation

Psalm 119:105; John 17:17: God communicates with people through His Word.

Amos 3:7; 2 Peter 1:20-21: God communicates with people via his servants the prophets.

Hebrews 1:1-2: God communicates with people through Jesus.

Isaiah 30:21; John 14:26: God communicates with people through the Holy Spirit.

b) I liked John 14:26 because I feel like the Holy Spirit is personalized and speaks to me when I need it the most.

4a) It gives us comfort to know that God is in control, even if we have no understanding of world events, He does.

b) Through Bible Study, prayer, reading His word, and listening for His voice in Nature and within via the Holy Spirit. You have to drown out all the other voices by knowing truth and believing truth only.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 11, Day 2: Psalm 73:24; Isaiah 28:23; and John 10:27

Great verses! I love lessons like these where you are comforted by God’s truths and words.

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 11, Day 2: Psalm 73:24; Isaiah 28:23; and John 10:27

Psalm 73:24:

You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will take me into glory.

We all should expect to be guided by God’s words and wisdom.

Isaiah 28:23:

Listen and hear my voice;
    pay attention and hear what I say.

We all should listent to hear God’s voice and pay attention to it when we hear it.

John 10:27:

My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.

True believers hear Jesus’s voice and knows it when they do. Then, they respond and follow him.

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BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 11, Day 5: Matthew 10:32-42

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 10:32-42

If you acknowledge Jesus (accept him), God will accept you in heaven. Whoever doesn’t won’t be accepted. Jesus did not come to bring peace; he came with a sword to ensure he is first in the hearts of men, not others. You must take up your cross and follow him. Those who accept Jesus will be rewarded.

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 11, Day 5: Matthew 10:32-42

14) If you acknowledge Jesus (accept him), God will accept you in heaven. Whoever doesn’t won’t be accepted. Jesus did not come to bring peace; he came with a sword to ensure he is first in the hearts of men, not others. You must take up your cross and follow him. Those who accept Jesus will be rewarded.

15) Because God is first in lives and deserves to have everything given up for him.

16) Take up your cross means you must be willing to die in order to follow Jesus. You die to self. You surrender everything, including allegiance to your family over Christ. Then, you give up your hopes, dreams, and even family to follow Christ and do his will. The reward is eternal life in heaven. Here is an old post of mine explaining this: HERE

17) I have had to give up my wants and desires for God’s will many times in this world.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 11, Day 5: Matthew 10:32-42

I love how Jesus is encouraging his disciples that even though times will be tough, their reward in heaven will be more than worth it. What we all need to keep in mind.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 11, Day 5: Matthew 10:32-42

We must publically confess our Christianity and not hide it from shame. It should be clear to others you are a Christian. Whatever Jesus is to you, we will be to him.

People, even families, are divided by Jesus’s message of eternal salvation, which is why a sword analogy is used. Jesus must be first in our lives.

The cross in Roman times symbolized death, not life like it does to us. Taking up your cross meant being willing to die to follow Jesus. When you are willing to lose your life for Jesus, you find it.

Fun Fact: This is the first time Matthew has mentioned cross.

We are to do good for Jesus’s disciples (priests, pastors, etc) by supporting them, even by giving them something as simple as a glass of water.

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BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 11, Day 4: Matthew 10:16-31

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 10:16-31

Jesus warns his disciples what they will face on their journeys. They will be like sheep among wolves. The disciples will need to be on their guard against men who will flog them in their synogogues and hand them over to their local councils. They will be arrested, but God will help them by giving them the words they will need via the Holy Spirit.

Jesus warns them others will hate them because of him, but if they stand firm, they will be saved. If people persecute them, move on. However, they won’t finish going through the cities of Israel after before he dies.

Do not be afraid, for they can kill the body but not the soul. Instead, be afraid of the Devil. No one will fall apart from the will of the Father.

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 11, Day 4: Matthew 10:16-31

11a) The disciples will be like sheep among wolves. They need to be on their guard against men who will flog them in their synogogues and hand them over to their local councils. They will be arrested, but God will help them by giving them the words they will need via the Holy Spirit. People will persecute the disciples.

b) It is the same. People persecute and hate Christians. Brother will betray brother and a father his child.

c) Doing the right thing has been costly in terms of job promotions.

12a) Do not be afraid, for nothing is concealed that won’t be made known, and they can kill the body but not the soul.

b) It’s always good to know that someone has got my back and that I’ll be alright no matter what.

13) The body can be killed but not the soul. This encourages me when death happens.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 11, Day 4: Matthew 10:16-31

Following Jesus is hard, and it’s not all sunshine and roses. Jesus tells his disciples this in order to prepare them for the turmolt ahead.

Great for the shorter nights!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 11, Day 4: Matthew 10:16-31

The disciples will face persecution, but they are to remain harmless, not fighting back. Opposition will be everywhere, including with governors and kings. Christianity will spread, threatening many.

Note the inclusion of the Gentiles in verse 18.

God and His words will be with them. Persecution will come from within families, too. Death will result. But persevere to the end. And don’t seek out martydom, but flee to those who will hear your message.

The Son of Man coming refers to God’s judgement of Judea in AD 70 when the temple was destroyed.

Since Jesus was persecuted, so too will they be. If Jesus was called the Devil (Beelzebub), so they too will be. Instead, be like Jesus, the teacher (Romans 8:29).

The Truth will prevail, so there is nothing to fear. The Truth will be known even if rulers try to suppress it. God cares for the disciples more than the sparrows.

Fun Fact: “Do not be afraid” is mentioned three times in these last 6 verses. With God, there is no room for fear.

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BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 11, Day 3: Matthew 10:1-15

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 10:1-15

Jesus called his disciples together and gave them the ability to drive out evil and heal every disease and sickness. The 12 are: Simon (Peter), Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew, James, Thaddaeus, Simon, and Judas.

Jesus sent the 12 out to the lost sheep of Israel, not to the Gentiles or the Samaritans. Preach the message that the Kingdom of Heaven is near. Heal the sick; raise the dead; drive out demons; heal lepers. Freely give as they have received. Take no money, bag, extra clothes or sandals for the worker is worth his keep.

They are to stay at others’ homes while traveling. Bless the home if it is worthy. Move on if it is not.

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 11, Day 3: Matthew 10:1-15

6) He gave them authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.

7a) To the lost sheep of Israel. They were to not go to the Gentiles or the Samaritans.

b) Matthew 28:19-20 is the Great Commission, as Jesus sends out his disciples to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, The Son, and the Holy Spirit. Acts 1:8 says that the disciples will receive the Holy Spirit, and with this power they are to witness in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and all the ends of the earth. Romans 1:16 says that the power of the Gospel (God’s Word) can give salvation to those that believe. Believers will experience honor and peace according to Romans 2:9-11. Unbelievers will experience trouble and distress.

8 ) Preach the message that the Kingdom of Heaven is near. Heal the sick; raise the dead; drive out demons; heal lepers. Freely give as they have received. Take no money, bag, extra clothes or sandals for the worker is worth his keep. They are to stay at others’ homes while traveling. Bless the home if it is worthy.

9) Because hospitality was big in ancient times and was supposed to be given no matter what. Those who rejected the Gospel will face an eternity in hell, which is worse than what Sodom and Gomorrah experienced as burning sulphur rained down.

10) As you meet people, be aware if they may be open to Jesus. Preach the Good News, but if their hearts are closed, Jesus will judge them. You do your part by sharing.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 11, Day 3: Matthew 10:1-15

I love the emphasis on going on and giving freely, but dusting the dust off your feet if your message is not received. We cannot let it bother us when others don’t turn to Jesus. God puts it on others hearts to follow Him or not by hardening hearts or loosening them. Our job is to share the message since we don’t know God’s sovereign will. He awakens dead hearts, not us! And give freely as we have been given to. Great stuff here!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 11, Day 3: Matthew 10:1-15

The 12 Disciples

Really cool synopsis on the Apostles HERE

The disciples are listed in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and Acts, but not the book of John.  Matthew 10:2-4, Mark 3:16-19, Luke 6:13-16, and Acts 1:13. Note they are of various backgrounds, as are all believers. 1 Corinthians 1:26-29. There are also other similarities: Peter is always first, and Judas is always last. The brothers are always paired together. Bible scholars see three groups of four, as if each had a leader:

  • Peter, Andrew, James, and John
  • Philip, Bartholomew/Nathanael, Thomas, and Matthew
  • James, Thaddaeus/Judas, Simon, Judas

Jesus equips those he calls to do their job (here, Jesus gave the 12 powers). The 12 have a future role in eternity (Matthew 19:28), helped found the church (Ephesians 2:20)., and shall be remembered always. (Revelation 21:14).

Fun Fact: This is the only time in Matthew the 12 are called apostles, meaning “one who is sent out.”

Iscariout may mean “man of Kerioth,” which is a town in southern Judea, or may mean “traitor.”

Bible Scholar Clarke notes that first the 12 are disciples Matthew 10:1 before apostles Matthew 10:2.. You must learn about God before you can preach about God.

The 12 Disciples Commissioned

It has always been God’s chosen people first (Romans 1:16), then the Gentiles. So it is with the disciples here.

Jesus needed help, so he sends his 12.

Note Jesus called them “the house of Israel.” To God, they will always be Israel, whether they have a state or not.

We are all lost sheep.  (Isaiah 53:6). Jeremiah 50:6

Jesus gives them the message he is delivering: The Kingdom of Heaven is near (Matthew 4:17)

Jesus tells them that God will meet their needs, like He meets our today. He will provide food, clothing, and shelter for them. They are to preach for free, and not charge for it. Give for free as you have received for free.

The 12 disciples who founded the church reflect the 12 Tribes of Israel who founded the nation of Israel. Israel was to be the light of the world. When they rejected him, the Gospel spread to the rest of the world.

The dusting of feet is symbolic of the Jews dusting their feet when they visited a Gentile nation so they would be clean.

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BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 11, Day 2: Matthew 9:35-38

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 9:35-38

Jesus began travelling through all the towns and villages, preaching the Good News and healing every disease and sickness. Jesus has compassion on the crowds. He told his disciples that they needed more people to preach, so ask the Lord to send out more workers to meet the need.

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 11, Day 2: Matthew 9:35-38

3a)  “They were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” Basically, they were ignorant of God’s Word and needed to be fed.

b)

Psalm 23:1-3: God is our shepherd, providing us with everything we need. He restores our souls and guides us in righteousness.

Isaiah 53:6: All of us sin, but God leads us back.

Ezekiel 34:5-16: God will be our shepherd and look after us, his flock. He will rescue us and pasture us and gather us. God will bring back the lost, bind up the wounded, and strengthen the weak.

John 10:11-15: Jesus says he is the good shepherd. He knows his sheep, and the sheep know him. He lays down his life for his sheep.

1 Peter 2:24-25: Jesus died for our sins so that we could live. His wounds healed us. We were sheep that had gone astray, but now we have returned to the Shepherd.

c) Knowing they all need a Savior. The desire to help in a broken world.

4) There are more needy people than those who can help them, essentially.

5) God is the Lord of the harvest, so the Lord of everything. He is asking for prayer for more followers to preach the Good News.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 11, Day 2: Matthew 9:35-38

I love the shepherd analogy. Shepherds weren’t the highest of classes in ancient times, so when God and Jesus say they are shepherds, they are identifying with us all.

Try this light for better reading during these shorter days!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 11, Day 2: Matthew 9:35-38

We see God as a shepherd all throughout the Bible, beginning  with Jacob (Genesis 48:15) to Revelation 7:17. It was a powerful image for those who were shepherds in ancient times.

The original Greek word for “moved with compassion” is a very strong word that was used for pity.

Jesus is saying that for so long, the people have had no shepherds because the Levite priests were not doing their job and were corrupt themselves. It’s like they had no shepherd. In order to reap the most out of the harvest, workers are needed. We are to be the workers and help those seeking the Lord come to him.

“Send out workers” or thrust them forward in the ancient Greek. We are all to work for God’s kingdom.

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Friday Digest: BSF’s Study of Genesis Lesson 11

by atozmom, posted in BSF Genesis 2020/2021

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW IN GENESIS CHAPTER 17-18:15:

  • God never gives up on us; we give up on Him.
  • God wants circumcision of the heart, a separation of Him from others.
  • God meets us right where we need Him.

Take Away: Nothing is impossible for God.

BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 11, Day 5: Genesis 18:1-15

by atozmom, posted in BSF Genesis 2020/2021

Summary of Genesis 18:1-15:

The Lord appeared to Abraham among three visitors one day while Abraham was resting in the heat of the day.  When Abraham saw these men, he hurried to greet them and bowed low, knowing one was God for he says, “my lord” while addressing them. Abraham entreats them to stay, and he washes their feet and brings food and drink for their comfort. They agree to stay.

Abraham bustles about, hurrying the preparations of bread, meat, and milk (it is God). The men ask Abraham where is Sarah. God Himself tells Abraham (again) that Sarah will have a child this time next year.

Sarah who was eavesdropping laughs, believing she is worn out. God, of course, hears Sarah and asks Abraham directly, “Is anything too hard for the Lord?” Then God says He will return this time next year and Sarah will have a son.

Then Sarah denies she laughed out of fear.

BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 11, Day 5: Genesis 18:1-15

14a) They may not have invited the men to stay, nor feed them a meal. He selected the best calf to slaughter and brought curds and milk and baked bread. They both did the work themselves instead of servants, and we sense urgency in Abraham’s doings, indicating he knew his guests were special.

b) Personal Question. My answer: Attitude and joy, mainly. I either begrudge every moment and have a miserable time, or I have a good time and feel joy.

15) The first thing they ask is where is Sarah, so their visit was to confirm to Sarah that she would have a son. God says that when He returns, Sarah will have a son.

16) Because God heard Sarah laugh and knew she had.

17) Sarah had to believe God. We must believe God. God blesses (Luke 1:45) and rewards those who have faith (Hebrews 11:6; 11) Without faith you can’t please God.

BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 11, Day 5: Genesis 18:1-15

I love how God includes Sarah and makes sure she understands and has faith in this culture where women did not matter. This shows God loves all equally.

BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 11, Day 5: Genesis 18:1-15

It is possible that Sarah never conceived earlier because she never had faith in God’s promise.

Bible scholars believe this was only 3 months since the last time God appeared because Sarah is not pregnant yet.

Here we literally see the Triune God, appearing as 3 men. So cool!

map of mamre bible

We’ve seen Mamre a lot so far in the Bible

Abraham knew it was God. At what point, we are unsure. Did God appear the same? No one knows. He could have changed his appearance at will.

Note God called Sarah by her new name. (Genesis 17:15-16).

God says His promise over and over again because dumb humans need to hear it over and over again, albeit this appearance was for Sarah, not Abraham.  Genesis 17:17-22

Romans 10:17:  “Faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ”

Both knew they’d have a son only be God’s miraculous hand, which may have been why they had to wait so long because God wanted to make it clear it was a miracle.

Doubt Versus Faith

As time passes and things don’t happen in our lives as we believe they should, we doubt as we see here with Sarah and Abraham. During their childbearing years, they believed. Now, it’s hard for them to do so.

Great commentary on the tree and this passage HERE

Some scholars think Abraham and Sarah were not having sex for whatever reason so God needed to reinforce His will personally, which is why He appears here.  In other words, they did not believe God (they were doubting His word) and were doing nothing to fulfill God’s will for their lives.

God heard Sarah’s laugh. We should remember God hears everything. God does not punish them for their unbelief. God is faithful to His promises despite our doubt (2 Timothy 2:13). He never abandons us like we do Him.

Hard is the same Hebrew word for wonderful in Isaiah 9:6 referring to Christ.

God talks to Abraham about Sarah’s doubt since he is the head of the household. He is responsible for her faith, or, in this case, her unbelief.