Tag: bsf lesson 19

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BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 19, Day 5: Zechariah 6:9-15

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

Summary of Zechariah 6:9-15

God instructs Zechariah to make a crown from gold and silver and place it on the high priest, Joshua’s, head. His name shall be Branch, and he will build the temple of the Lord. He will be clothed in majesty and sit and rule on his throne. He will be a priest on the throne.

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 19 Day 5: Zechariah 6:9-15

12)  “Take silver and gold from the exiles Heldai, Tobijah, and Jedaiah, who have arrived from Babylon. Go the same day to the house of Josiah, son of Zephaniah. Take the silver and gold and make a crown, and set it on the head of the high priest, Joshua son of Jozadak.”

13) The “Branch” symbolizes life springing from the “dead” stump of David’s fallen dynasty (Isaiah 11). It identifies Jesus as the promised King (Jeremiah 23) and Servant (Zechariah 3) who, despite humble beginnings, grows to restore God’s glory (Isaiah 4) and build the eternal Temple.

14a) Jesus fulfills this by offering Himself as the perfect, “once-for-all” sacrifice, securing eternal redemption through His own blood (Hebrews 9–10). Unlike human priests, He holds a permanent priesthood, living forever to intercede for believers at God’s right hand (Hebrews 7; Romans 8), ensuring our salvation is complete and secure.

b)

From these verses, we learn that Jesus is not merely a spiritual guide but the absolute Sovereign of the Universe with authority over every realm of existence.

Here is what each passage reveals about His Kingship:

  • Matthew 25:31 (The Royal Judge): Jesus is the King who sits on a literal “glorious throne.” His Kingship includes the ultimate authority to judge the nations, separating people based on their relationship with Him. He has the final word on human destiny.

  • Ephesians 1:20-22 (The Supreme Head): His authority is total and current. He is seated “far above” every other rule, authority, power, and dominion. Nothing in the spiritual or physical universe is outside His jurisdiction.

  • Philippians 2:9-11 (The Object of Worship): His Kingship is universal and undeniable. He holds the “name above every name,” and eventually, every knee—in heaven, on earth, and under the earth—will bow in submission to His Lordship.

  • Revelation 1:5 (The Ruler of Rulers): His authority is political. He is the “ruler of kings on earth.” Every president, dictator, and monarch is a subordinate who answers to Him.

Short Summary

These verses portray Jesus as the supreme Sovereign who outranks every spiritual power and earthly leader (Ephesians 1, Revelation 1). He sits on a glorious throne as the final Judge (Matthew 25) and holds the highest name, demanding that every creature in existence bow in submission to His Lordship (Philippians 2).

c) With humility, gratitude, awe, worship, prayer, and more.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 19, Day 5: Zechariah 6:9-15

I love this mini-study of Jesus as our High Priest. So, go good!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 19, Day 5: Zechariah 6:9-15

There had always been a separation between church and state in Israel. A high priest was not crowned as king and vice versa. In fact, there were dire consequences if one tried to do so 2 Chronicles 26 .

This is a direct prophecy of Jesus as our King and Priest.

The branch was a common name for the Messiah (Isaiah 4:2 and 11:1, Jeremiah 23:5 and 33:15). We see branches in the Bible elsewhere, too (John 15:5) and often referred to abundance, fruitfulness, and life.

Since the crown was a memorial, this shows us that Joshua was never meant to be king; this was merely a foreshadowing of Jesus to come.

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

Interpretation

Zechariah 6:9-15 (The Crowning of Joshua) is a Messianic prophecy enacted in real life.

  • The Forbidden Merger: Zechariah is commanded to make a crown of silver and gold and place it on the head of Joshua the High Priest. This was shocking symbolism because in Israel, the office of King (tribe of Judah) and Priest (tribe of Levi) were strictly separate.

  • The Branch: The text clarifies that Joshua is merely a sign. The crown actually belongs to the coming “Branch” (the Messiah).

  • The Priest-King: The prophecy declares that this future figure will “sit and rule on his throne” and “shall be a priest on his throne,” with “counsel of peace” between the two roles. He will perfectly unite supreme authority and supreme mercy.

  • The True Builder: While Zerubbabel built the physical temple, this Branch “shall build the temple of the Lord”—referring to the future spiritual house of God (the Church).

Conclusion

Jesus is the solution to the separation of powers. This passage foretells that the Messiah will not just be a ruler who conquers, nor just a priest who prays, but a Priest-King. He is the only one who can mediate for us with perfect empathy (Priest) while ruling over us with perfect sovereignty (King).

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BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 19, Day 4: Zechariah 6:1-8

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

Summary of Zechariah 6:1-8

In Zechariah’s 8th and final vision, he sees 4 chariots pulled by horses of different colors. The horses represented the 4 spirits of heaven going out to the whole world.

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 19 Day 4: Zechariah 6:1-8

9) The four war chariots emerging from unshakeable “bronze mountains” symbolize God’s unstoppable military power unleashed for judgment. Unlike earlier scouts, these forces actively execute wrath against oppressive empires (specifically Babylon). The declaration that His Spirit is now “at rest” confirms that justice has been satisfied and the enemy defeated.

10a) They are bookends. Vision 1 features scouts reporting the nations are “at rest” while God is angry. Vision 8 features war chariots executing judgment. The situation reverses: initially, the world was peaceful and God agitated; now, God’s Spirit is “at rest” because His wrath against the nations is satisfied.

b) In the first vision, God promised to judge the nations that were “at ease.” The final vision fulfills this by deploying war chariots to execute that judgment. The cycle completes as God’s Spirit finds “rest” in the North Country, signifying that the wrath anticipated in Chapter 1 has finally been satisfied.

11) God cannot abide by or in sin. Therefore, comprehensive judgment ensures total restoration. Judging individuals establishes personal accountability; removing systemic “Wickedness” cleanses the culture; and judging nations ends external oppression. If any realm were spared, evil would survive. God must purge sin everywhere—internally, structurally, and globally—to establish a truly holy and peaceful kingdom.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 19, Day 4: Zechariah 6:1-8

Love how these visions all come together to tell a cohesive story of God’s judgment on nations.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 19, Day 4: Zechariah 6:1-8

Many Bible scholars believe that the two mountains are Mount Zion and the Mount of Olives.

We see these colors as the colors of the horsemen in Revelation 6

Note that red often symbolizes war, black death, white victory, and dappled as disease.

The 4 chariots were 4 angelic beings.

God can rest when evil has been judged.

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

Interpretation

Zechariah 6:1-8 (The Vision of the Four Chariots) is the finale of the night visions, depicting Divine Judgment executed.

  • The War Machines: Unlike the first vision (Zechariah 1), where riders were merely scouts, these are chariots—ancient tanks of war. This signals a shift from observation to action.

  • The Bronze Mountains: The chariots emerge from between two mountains of bronze. Bronze symbolizes judgment and strength. This represents the unshakeable, heavenly gateway from which God’s decrees are launched.

  • The Target: The chariots are dispatched to the “four winds,” but the focus is the North Country (Babylon). The black and white horses head there to execute judgment on the oppressor.

  • The Satisfaction: The vision ends with the declaration that these forces have “given My Spirit rest in the north country.” This means God’s wrath has been fully vented; justice has been served, and His anger is now appeased.

Conclusion

The cycle is complete. The visions began in Chapter 1 with the earth “at rest” in complacent sin while God was angry. They end in Chapter 6 with the earth pacified because God has judged it, and His Spirit is “at rest.” It confirms that God is the Lord of History, and He will actively defeat the enemies of His people to establish true peace.

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BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 19, Day 3: Zechariah 5:5-11

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

Summary of Zechariah 5:5-11

In Zechariah’s 7th vision, he sees a woman in a basket who represents all of the sins and evils of the world. Then two women with wings appeared who lifted up the basket to take it to Babylon, where it will sit in a house.

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 19 Day 3: Zechariah 5:5-11

6) The woman “Wickedness” is sealed in a basket and flown to “Shinar” (Babylon), the original site of rebellion (Genesis 11) and future symbol of worldly corruption (Revelation 17). This symbolizes God permanently deporting idolatry back to its pagan source, ensuring true worship is restored in Jerusalem by physically separating evil from His people.

7a) It encouraged them by visualizing that their struggle against sin wasn’t futile. God showed He was actively removing the “principle” of wickedness from their midst. By sending evil back to Babylon (Shinar), God assured them that their new community wouldn’t be corrupted like the past, but would be a holy sanctuary.

b) It’s comforting to know sin will one day end. Knowing that sin and suffering are “light and momentary” compared to the “eternal weight of glory” (2 Cor 4) allows us not to lose heart as we waste away. We have the confident hope of a future Holy City where nothing or no one unclean enters (Rev 21), assuring us that evil’s days are numbered and purity will win.

8a) This vision is pretty easy to understand, as you can imagine the sins of the world being taken away by God. Many people are visual, and pictures can be easier to understand for His people.

b) I pray more. I listen for answers. I study more. I rely on faith to help me know that one day, if it’s in God’s will, I will understand it.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 19, Day 3: Zechariah 5:5-11

Great message of hope here! We all need to keep in mind that one day sin will be no more and be encouraged when we fail that God has got us in His hands!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 19, Day 3: Zechariah 5:5-11

Here’s we see how God removes sin from the land.

The basket was an ephah, and it symbolized commerce.

The woman represented all of evil. A woman was used because the Hebrew word for a woman is feminine.

Wings like a stork emphasize that they were large.

Evil began in Babylon (as we see in the Tower of Babel and as it represents here). So, it would be banished there forever.

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

Zechariah 5:5-11 (The Vision of the Woman in the Basket) is a dramatic scene illustrating the removal of wickedness.

  • The Container: Zechariah sees an “ephah” (a large measuring basket, about the size of a bushel). This likely represents commerce and the economy, but more broadly, it symbolizes the “measure” of the people’s iniquity being full.

  • The Woman: Inside the basket sits a woman identified as “Wickedness” (or Iniquity personified). She tries to rise, but the angel thrusts her back down and seals the basket with a heavy lead lid. This shows that sin is active and dangerous but is being actively restrained by God.

  • The Removal: Two winged women (with wings like a stork) lift the basket and fly it away to “the land of Shinar” (Babylon).

  • The Destination: Shinar is the archetypal place of rebellion against God (Tower of Babel). The vision signifies that wickedness is being returned to its “home base.”

Conclusion

God is purifying His people by exporting sin. While the previous vision (the scroll) dealt with individual sinners, this vision deals with the principle of sin itself. God is not just managing evil; He is removing it completely from the community, sending idolatry and corruption back to Babylon where it belongs, so His people can be holy.

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BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 19, Day 2: Zechariah 5:1-4

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

Summary of Zechariah 5:1-4

In Zechariah’s 6th vision, Zechariah saw a flying scroll that described the curse that went out over the whole land. Those who stole or swore falsely would be banished.

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 19 Day 2: Zechariah 5:1-4

3) The huge “flying scroll” represents God’s Law (Exodus 20), visible to all, acting as the inescapable standard. Just as kings were to write and obey the Law (Deuteronomy 17), this scroll shows that God judges not by whim, but by His written covenant, holding everyone accountable to His established moral order.

4a) Stealing and swearing falsely by God’s name. Stealing violates the Second Greatest Commandment: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Swearing falsely violates the First Greatest Commandment:“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart.”

By targeting these two specific sins, the vision declares judgment on those who fail to love God (the vertical relationship) and those who fail to love people (the horizontal relationship), effectively covering the entire Law.

b) Three details communicate this pervasiveness:

  1. The Size: The scroll is enormous (30×15 feet), implying sin is a massive, undeniable reality that cannot be ignored.

  2. The Scope: It flies “over the face of the whole land,” showing that judgment covers the entire community, not just a few bad apples.

  3. The Intrusion: It enters “the house” and consumes “timber and stones,” showing that the curse penetrates private life and destroys the very structure of existence.

5)

The vision of the flying scroll reveals the inescapable nature of God’s law and the inevitability of judgment, pointing directly to our need for a Savior.

  • Universal Guilt (Romans 3:10-12): The scroll flies over the “whole land,” showing that no one is exempt. The law exposes that “there is none righteous, no, not one,” leaving humanity helpless under the curse.

  • The Curse Taken (Galatians 3:13): The scroll represents a “curse” that consumes the sinner. Christ redeems us by becoming a curse for us, hanging on the cross to absorb the judgment that the flying scroll threatened against us.

  • The Exchange (2 Corinthians 5:21): The scroll demanded perfection we didn’t have. Christ takes our “filthy garments” (sin) and gives us His righteousness, silencing the law’s accusation so we are no longer consumed.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 19, Day 2: Zechariah 5:1-4

Great lesson on how we are all accountable to God for our sins and will pay the just consequences for them, too.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 19, Day 2: Zechariah 5:1-4

The 6th and 7th visions concern God’s judgment of sin and His determination to remove sin’s corruption from the land.

Fun Fact: The dimensions of the scroll were the same as the dimensions of the porch of Solomon’s temple (1 Kings 6:3).

Scrolls are seen in the Bible when a judgment is pronounced.

The two sins were from different sides of the Ten Commandment tablets. Therefore, they represent all of the sins of God’s people.  God will judge all of sin. Those who committed these sins would be cursed and so would their house.

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

Interpretation

Zechariah 5:1-4 (The Vision of the Flying Scroll) is a message about divine cleaning house.

  • The Object: Zechariah sees a massive flying scroll (approx. 30×15 feet), open for all to read. This represents the Law of God, specifically the Ten Commandments.

  • The Curse: The scroll is a “curse that goes out over the face of the whole land.” It targets two specific sins:

    • Thieves (Stealing): Violation of the 8th Commandment (sins against neighbors).

    • Perjurers (Swearing falsely by God’s name): Violation of the 3rd Commandment (sins against God).

  • The Infiltration: Unlike human police who can be evaded, this curse is supernatural. It “enters the house” of the sinner, ignoring locked doors.

  • The Destruction: It does not just punish the person; it consumes the “timber and stones” of their house. This signifies total eradication of the ill-gotten gain and the legacy built on it.

Conclusion

God will not tolerate hidden sin in the new community. While the earlier visions promised comfort and rebuilding, this vision warns that the new Temple community must be holy. God is actively purging corruption, ensuring that those who exploit neighbors or misuse His name cannot hide behind closed doors.

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

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

Summary of Revelation 14:14-20

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

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

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

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

12a) Nonbelievers

b)

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

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

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

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

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

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

“I looked” is another section.

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

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

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

This is the separation of true believers from nonbelievers.

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

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

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

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

Summary of Revelation 14:6-13

John sees three angels:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Summary of Revelation 14:6-13

John sees three angels:

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

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

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

6a)

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

b) To those who live on earth

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Summary of Revelation 14:1-5

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The elders have harps  Revelation 5:8

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

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BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 19, Day 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 4: John 14:15, 21-26

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

SUMMARY OF JOHN 21-26

Jesus says whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. They will be loved by the Father. Those who not love him (Jesus) will not obey him. The Holy Spirit will teach them all things and remind them, too.

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 19, Day 4: John 14:15, 21-26

9a) When you love the Lord, you will obey him. Studying the Bible allows us to know his commands so we can obey them and love him more.

b) Those at my church, my friends and family, God’s Word, prayer, and the Holy Spirit. I can tell them about the Lord and live a Godly life, too.

10) They live in us, meaning they are present within us, so we can draw their strength when needed, be comforted, and not be alone.

11a) The Holy Spirit will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. The Holy Spirit helps us to understand God’s Word.

b) There has been countless times in my life where I’ve experienced God’s presence, grace, comfort, help, strength, and more. My faith grew as a result; I became a better person; I became closer to Him and more obedient.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 19, Day 4: John 14:15, 21-26

I love the connection of love and obedience! And, I love the presence of God every day of my life.

End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 19, Day 4: John 14:15, 21-26

The disciples are confused since they thought Jesus would reveal himself (Matthew 24:30). In addition, since they haven’t received the Holy Spirit yet, some things are just hard to understand.

Jesus reveals himself through love, obedience, and his union with the Father and us.

Three times in this passage we see whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me (John 14:15, 21 & 23-24).

God the Father sends God the Holy Spirit at the request of God the Son. How amazing!

The Holy Spirit would teach the disciples (and us).

Every believer receives the Holy Spirit when they receive Christ as their Savior.

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