Tag: bsf lesson 2 day 2

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BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 2, Day 2: Ezekiel 36:16-23

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

Summary of Ezekiel 36:16-23

Ezekiel tells the Israelites the word of the Lord. He says that the people were unclean, worshipped idols, and shed blood in the land. Therefore, they faced God’s wrath. God dispersed them among the nations, and they were scattered through the countries; they were judged according to their conduct and their actions. God is punishing His people because they have defiled His name. He will show the nations that He is holy so that they will know He is the Lord.

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 2, Day 2: Ezekiel 36:16-23

3a) They defiled the land by their conduct and actions. The people were unclean, worshipped idols, and shed blood in the land. They defiled God’s holy name. Therefore, God dispersed them among the nations, and they were scattered through the countries; they were judged according to their conduct and their actions. God is punishing His people because they have defiled His name. He will show the nations that He is holy so that they will know He is the Lord.

b) Other people said, “These are the Lord’s people, and yet they had to leave his land.” This observation and belief by the other nations was a profound profanation of God’s name because it implied a critical failure on God’s part.

The core of the profanation lay in the perception that the God of Israel was either powerless to protect His own chosen people or that He was unfaithful to the covenant He had made with them. In the ancient Near Eastern context, the fate of a people was directly linked to the power of their deity. A victorious nation had a strong god, while a conquered and exiled people had a weak or non-existent one.

Therefore, when the nations saw Israel, who were known as “the people of the LORD,” driven from their promised land, they concluded one of two things:

  • God’s Weakness: They reasoned that the gods of the conquering nations, such as Babylon, were superior in strength to the God of Israel. In their eyes, if the LORD were truly all-powerful, He would not have allowed His own people to be defeated and displaced.
  • God’s Unfaithfulness: Alternatively, they may have seen the exile as a sign that the LORD had abandoned His people, breaking the covenant promises to protect and preserve them in their land. This painted God as unreliable and untrustworthy.

This international mockery directly challenged the character and reputation of God. His “name,” which in Hebrew thought represents the totality of a person’s character and attributes, was being dragged through the mud. The very people who were meant to be a testimony to His greatness and power had, through their sin and subsequent punishment, become a source of ridicule against Him.

c) God’s response in the subsequent verses of Ezekiel 36 makes it clear that His primary motivation for restoring Israel was not for their own sake, as they were undeserving due to their defilement of the land with idolatry and bloodshed. Instead, God acted “for the sake of my holy name, which you have profaned among the nations.” He would bring them back to their land and cleanse them to demonstrate His holiness and power to the onlooking nations, so that “the nations will know that I am the LORD.” The restoration of Israel would serve as a powerful vindication of His name, proving that He is a faithful and sovereign God who is able to fulfill His promises and protect His people.
4a) When others see Christians sin, some think that God is not powerful enough to stop their sin (even though we all sin no matter what since we are fallen). They may think what’s the use of following God if you are still a sinner. People see Christians as hypocrites and God as powerless to change those who follow Him. Christians can judge others, which is harmful to others and turn them away from Christianity.
b) I am inspired to be a better person to please God and be better than I am. I want to not be as selfish and to do God’s will more. It inspires me to take on the daily battles of life to change and more more towards God.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 2, Day 2: Ezekiel 36:16-23

I love the emphasis of how our behavior can (and does) affect how others view God. It’s so crucial for us to set a good example so that other may know Him, too!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 2, Day 2: Ezekiel 36:16-23

Disobedience to God was like a defilement of the land. Therefore, they were judged and scattered among the nations.

This exile was seen by the other nations as God rejecting His people. God wanted to be seen as the only God. So, when Israel would turn to Him again, it would honor God.

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

Ezekiel 36:16-23 diagnoses the theological crisis caused by Israel’s exile. The passage lays out a clear chain of events:

  1. Israel’s Sin: The people defiled their land with idolatry and bloodshed.
  2. God’s Judgment: As a just consequence, God scattered them among the nations.
  3. God’s Name Profaned: The surrounding nations, observing the exiled Israelites, mocked God’s reputation. They essentially said, “These are the LORD’s people, yet He was too weak or unfaithful to keep them in His own land.” This conclusion, drawn from Israel’s punishment, dishonored God’s name.
  4. God’s Motivation: God declares He will act to restore Israel, but not for their sake, as they are undeserving. He will act entirely for the sake of His own holy name—to vindicate His reputation.

The central point is that God’s honor is paramount. His future restoration of Israel will serve as a definitive, public demonstration of His sovereign power and faithfulness, compelling the very nations who scorned Him to recognize His true identity as the LORD.

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BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 2, Day 2: Revelation’s Themes

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

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 2, Day 2: Revelation’s Themes

3a)

Revelation 1:4-8; 22:7: This announces Jesus’s Second Coming. This gives me hope that Jesus will arrive soon!

Revelation 2:9-10; 13:10b; 14:12: This speaks to how we will suffer, but to be faithful and keep God’s commands for we will gain eternal life. This calls for patient endurance and faithfulness on the part of God’s people. I’m not alarmed because we all suffer, but it’s helpful to remember our eternal destiny when times are tough.

Revelation 12:10-17; 13:5-7: Jesus comes to redeem us from Satan even though Satan wages war against us. Satan’s “reign” is temporary. It’s helpful to know that Satan only has power because God allows him to have power. This shows that God is the only one in control. Trust in Him for everything.

Revelation 19:6-9, 11-16: The Lord God Almighty will reign and believers will reign with Him. Jesus will come in all his glory to defeat Satan.

Revelation 21:1-4; 22:1-5: There will be heaven on earth, and there will be no more pain or suffering in Jesus’ reign. This is excited because we will get to see God and be with Him forever. The scene is truly unimaginable.

b) I want to learn more about the vanquishing of the devil. This is what gives me hope when I am in the midst of suffering or under attack.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 2, Day 2: Revelation’s Themes

There is so much hope in this often-misunderstood book! I am looking forward to learning more about what my future will look like one day with Jesus by my side!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 2, Day 2: Revelation’s Themes

Revelation is all about Jesus. As you’re reading, see him as the unifying theme.

We also see redemption and judgment all throughout this book. While it may be hard to understand God’s just judgment, especially on unbelievers, it’s important for us to understand so that we can bring more unbelievers to Him.

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BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 2, Day 2: John 1:19-28

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

Summary of John 1:19-28

John the Baptist says he is not the Messiah, Elijah, or a prophet when asked who he was by the Jewish leaders. Instead, he quotes Isaiah and says he’s the one preparing the way for the Lord.

The leaders ask John why he baptizes then if he’s not the Messiah. He says he baptizes with water. He says that Jesus is coming after him. They do not know him, but he is not worthy to untie his sandals.

This happened in Bethany on the other side of the Jordan where John was baptizing.

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 2, Day 2: John 1:19-28

3)

Question 1 – 1:19-20 Question: Who are you? John answered, “I am not the Messiah.”

Question 2 – 1:21a (Malachi 3:1; 4:5) Question: Are you Elijah? John answered: “I am not.”

Question 3 – 1:21b (Deuteronomy 18:15) Question: Are you the Prophet? John answered: “No.”

Question 4 – 1:22-23 (Isaiah 40:3) Question: Who are you? Give us an answer to take back to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” John answered: “I am the voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord.’”

Question 5 – 1:24-27 Question:  “Why then do you baptize if you are not the Messiah, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?” John answered:  “I baptize with water,” John replied, “but among you stands one you do not know.  He is the one who comes after me, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.”

4) He was solid in his identity. He understood Jesus was much greater than him. John is very clear about his purpose and calling and never questions it. He wants no attention on himself.

5) John never wavers. He quotes the Bible for his answers. He makes simple statements. He is straightforward. I think we all could be like this.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 2, Day 2: John 1:19-28

I love how John does not cave when confronted by the Jewish leaders. He stands firm in his purpose and for the Lord. Fabulous!

End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 2, Day 2: John 1:19-28

Here, we see for the first time in John’s Gospel the word “Jews,” referring to one particular group here, the religious leaders.

Fun Fact: Jews meaning Jewish leaders appears almost 70 times in John’s Gospel.

John says who he is not, not who he is. He does not want any attention focused on himself.

Remember that Jesus referred to John as a type of Elijah in spirit. (Matthew 11:13-14 and Mark 9:11-13).

John’s work is to prepare for the work of the Lord. He baptized people to prepare for Jesus, cleansing them.

Baptism in Jesus’ time was only for Gentiles who converted to Judaism. Here, John is baptizing Jews as a sign of repentance.

The lowest slave untied sandals. John is saying he is below the lowest when it came to Jesus.

Great Resources for Our Study of the Gospel of John

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BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 2, Day 2: 1 Kings 11

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

SUMMARY OF 1 KINGS 11

King Solomon had many foreign wives despite God’s order to not marry foreigner. They led him astray from God over time, causing him to do evil in the eyes of the Lord. He built shrines to foreign gods, and God became angry with him. As punishment, Solomon’s son will lose the kingdom he built. God raised up adversaries agains Solomon, Hadan the Edomite and Rezon son of Eliada. Jeroboam, one of Solomon’s officials, rebelled against him.

Ahijah, a prophet, told Jeroboam about the prophecy God made against Solomon. He also prophesied that Jeroboam would be king of Israel. If he followed God’s statues and did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, God would be with him. He would build him a dynasty and humble David’s descendants for a time. Solomon died and his son, Rehoboam, succeeded him as king.

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 2, Day 2: 1 Kings 11

3a) King Solomon had many foreign wives despite God’s order to not marry foreigner. They led him astray from God over time, causing him to do evil in the eyes of the Lord. He built shrines to foreign gods, and God became angry with him. He tried to kill Jeroboam for no reason besides the prophecy.

b) Well, anything you do that goes against what God tells you to do is serious. Here, King Solomon is the leader of God’s people, and what the leader does, so do the people. He led his people (aka God’s people) astray. This is very serious in God’s eyes. The result is punishment meted out by God: Solomon’s son will lose the kingdom he built.

4) Ahijah, a prophet, told Jeroboam about the prophecy God made against Solomon (Solomon’s son would lose the kingdom). He also prophesied that Jeroboam would be king of Israel. If he followed God’s statues and did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, God would be with him. He would build him a dynasty and humble David’s descendants for a time.

5) Really good question. I think sometimes my life is so busy that I lose sight of making time to pray and worship Him as I should.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 2, Day 2: 1 Kings 11

I’m glad we spent two days on this passage. So much here to learn from!

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 2, Day 2: 1 Kings 11

Note Solomon loved many women and they were foreign — both of which went against God’s laws. (Matthew 19:4-6, Genesis 2:23-24). He wanted his wives more than he wanted the Lord. His heart turned from the Lord, too. David sinned, but his heart was always with the Lord.

God became angry with Solomon’s disobedience. The punishment is that God will divide the kingdom. 2 Chronicles 11:12) tell us that the southern kingdom was made up of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, even though it’s called only one tribe here.

God raised up adversaries against Solomon:

  1. Hadad the Edomite
  2. Rezone, son of Eliadah

Jeroboam was a fellow Israelite who rebelled against Solomon. Jeroboam means “may the people be great.”

The prophet Ahijah tells Jeroboam that he would be king of the ten tribes of Israel after Solomon dies as punishment for Solomon’s sin. God would be with Jeroboam and would give him a lasting dynasty if he would do what was right in the eyes of the Lord. Solomon tried to kill him because of this prophecy.

Solomon dies, and his son, Rehoboam, succeeds him as king.

Fun Fact: This is the first mention of the divided kingdom.

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

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 2:1-8

During the time of King Herod, Jesus was born. Magi came from the east to Jerusalem looking for the king of the Jews to worship him. King Herod heard about the birth of Jesus, which disturbed him. He knew Jesus would be born in Judah in Bethlehem as Micah had foretold.

Herod found out from the Magi the exact time the star had appeared and then told them to report back to him where Jesus was so that he could worship him, too.

BSF STUDY QUESTIONS LESSON 2, DAY 2: MATTHEW 2:1-8

3) The Magi heard that the king of the Jews was born and went to find him to worship him. The news of the birth of the Messiah disturbed King Herod, and he secretly planned to find out where Jesus was from the Magi.

4) Skepticism. Belief. Cherry-picking the parts of the Bible that work and don’t work.

5) By sending challenges my way, as well as victories.

CONCLUSIONS BSF STUDY QUESTIONS LESSON 2, DAY 2: MATTHEW 2:1-8

I don’t remember this part of Matthew’s account! How King Herod used the Magi to discover where Jesus was. King Herod was a weak man and a weak ruler. He was threatened by the birth of Jesus and harbored nefarious inklings towards Jesus right from the get-go. No one had a problem killing infants in ancient times. No doubt that was on Herod’s mind. The Magi were wary of Herod and probably had no intention of returning to him.

END NOTES BSF STUDY QUESTIONS LESSON 2, DAY 2: MATTHEW 2:1-8

Check out these excellent resources for more in-depth information on the Magi and King Herod

Who Were the Magi?

While there are many questions surrounding the Magi, such as who they were, were exactly did they come from, how many were there, and why would they even care about the King of the Jews being born, Matthew focuses on the facts. Magi arrived from the east looking to worship the King of the Jews. They followed a star to find him (another question that Bible scholars cannot answer. What kind of star? And how did the Magi know to follow it?). Regardless, you have foreigners seeking to worship the One, True King. This shows God’s inclusion into His plan for the world.

Who Was King Herod?

Herod was one of many “Herods” in the Bible. They were the ruling dynasty that reigned over the Jews during the time of the Roman Empire. Obviously, he wanted to keep power, and the birth of a foretold king did not help the situation. He would do anything he could to snuff out Jesus’s life, including using the Magis. This Herod was considered a great ruler by Rome because he ran his territory with skill. However, he suffered near the end of his life from paranoia and often killed people when angry. Herod murdered his own sons, his wife, and Sanhedrin, and anyone else who was a threat. He was not a Jew. He was troubled as was others; great uncertainty was about to take root.

map of bethlehem www.atozmomm.comBethlehem was where David was from, and it was super tiny even by ancient times’ standards. It lies six miles to the south of Jerusalem. There is another Bethelehem, too, which is why it is referred to as Bethlehem of Judea.

Note that the star is HIS star. While many try to wonder what the star was naturally, such as a comet, a supernova, or even planetary conjunctions, suffice it to say it was God, plain and simple. In addition, Jesus was born a king, and he is still a king.

The chief priests and scribes were the teachers and those with book knowledge in ancient times.

Fun Fact: Matthew is the only one of the four Gospels that tell the tale of the Magi. This beloved part of the Christmas story holds more significance than just gifts — it shows how God always intended for Jesus to be for everyone. Contact me today!

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BSF Study Questions Genesis Lesson 2, Day 2: Genesis 1:3-5

by atozmom, posted in BSF Genesis 2012/2013

Passage:  And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.  God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness.  God called the light “day,” and the darkness he called “night.”  And there was evening, and there was morning–the first day.

Questions:

3)  Genesis 1:3-5:  By creating it and separating it from the darkness for us, giving us morning and evening so we could see since our eyes do not see without light

Psalm 18:28:  He keeps my lamp burning and turns my darkness into light–both literally and figuratively by keeping the devil at bay through His strength

Psalm 36:9:  God is the fountain of life and in His light we see light, meaning in His light (under his loving influence) we see and understand His love in all that surrounds us.

Psalm 119:105,130:  God’s word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path (so we can see where we are going.  Hopefully it’s His way and His path).

His word gives light and understanding to the simple.  We understand better when we read God’s word.

John 1:4-8:  God gave life, which is the light of men.  This light shines in the darkness and the darkness (devil) does not understand it.  John (the Baptist) was sent from God as a witness to the light so that all men might believe.

Here, they are speaking of Jesus as the light of the world.  Through Jesus God gives us light.

John 3:19-21:  Light is here but men still chose darkness.  These people hate the light because the light exposes those evil deeds.  Whoever lives by the truth (God’s word and laws) comes into the light and shows all the evil doers that what you have done is through God.

Light exposes evil.  Light overshadows the evil when we do good.

John 8:12:  Jesus says he is the light of the world and whoever follows him will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.

2 Corinthians 4:4-6:  God has blinded the minds of unbelievers so they cannot see the light of Jesus.  God made His light (Jesus) shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.

We know God through Jesus, the light.

1 Peter 2:9:  God’s chosen people were called out of darkness into His light (knowledge of Him).  Light serving as a beacon.

1 John 1:7-10:  Please start reading at verse 5:  Verse 5 declares outright God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all.  If we walk in the light (in Jesus and with Jesus and God) we have fellowship with one another, with Jesus, and we are purified of our sins.

4a)  Having Jesus, the Holy Spirit, the faith, the belief of Jesus in your heart gives you light; whereas, non-believers do not have this light.  We shine this light wherever we go.  It should be evident in our actions that we have Jesus.  If we do evil and walk in darkness, we are not living by the truth (and probably don’t have Jesus).  1 John 1:5-7.

Matthew 6:22-23:  The eye (where we see light) is our lamp.  If we are good, we will be full of light.  If your eyes are bad (if you are evil or you shine evil or you do evil), you will be full of darkness.

2 Corinthians 6:14-17:  Light cannot exist with darkness (remember in God there is no darkness).  Thus, do not be yoked together with unbelievers.  Today this would read “don’t hang out with unbelievers”.  For their beliefs will influence yours.  Choose your friends wisely.

Unbelievers are in the dark.  Believers are in the light.  They cannot co-mingle.

[If you did the study of Acts last year, this discussion will be familiar.  It’s not to say not to talk or shun unbelievers or share the light with them.  It is to say don’t spend all your free time with unbelievers who could unduly influence you.]

Ephesians 5:8, 11-12:  Reflects 2 Corinthians 6:14-17 exactly.  Live as children of light.  Ephesians 5 speaks to avoiding darkness and do what pleases the Lord.  Do not be partners with those who are disobedient for God’s wrath will be upon them.

Be imitators of God; be careful how you live; speak words of psalms and praise to each other and not obscene language.  Speak of gratitude and thanksgiving from your tongue.  Always give thanks to the Lord.

Philippians 2:15:  We (believers) shine like the stars in the universe when we embrace the word of life (Jesus and God) and obey His commands.  God will work in you to do His good purpose (Philippians 2:13).

Revelation 21:23-27:  In the final days, there will be no darkness for darkness does not exist with God.  The moon and the sun will no longer be needed for the glory of God will light the entire city/world as Jesus is the lamp.  The nations will follow God’s laws (His light).  Only those saved will exist there for no evil will enter.

Isaiah 60:19:  “The sun will no more be your light by day, nor will the brightness of the moon shine on you, for the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory.”

b)  Personal Question.  My answer:  My potty mouth, my bitterness, my anger.  I need to hold my tongue more.  Not release my wrath to others and give it to God.

Conclusions:  Wow!  Exactly what I needed this morning.  A study on how I am good even though I never think so.  A review of some of my favorite passages from last year’s study of Acts.  I am reminded of how I am supposed to reflect God’s light everywhere I go and how I am supposed to be an imitator of God, giving Him praise and thanksgiving as much as possible every day all day long.  How I must speak words of love to all around me.

Gives me something to work on.  I admit I had become complacent this summer in terms of my growth.  I have had so much going on (trying to buy a house, dog dying, moving, school getting started again, finishing my novel) that I have neglected God’s word.  BSF reminds me every fall how I need to stay in it.  Even if only for 5 minutes a day.

Explanation of light:  All light is white light.  The sun is actually shining white light, but the white light is actually all the colors of the rainbow put together except for black.  We only see color because each light beam is a different wavelength and when these individual beams bounce off of things, we see what is left.  The rest of the lights are absorbed by the object.  You see the color that has bounced.

The sky is blue because of our atmosphere.  Our atmosphere absorbs a huge amount of light and what you see is the blue light waves that have bounced off of it.

Our eyes are designed to see with light.  Without our eyes to see the color and our brains to interpret it, we wouldn’t see anything.  Even at night, there is some light somewhere in the house or from the moon so we can see.  Otherwise, it would be pitch black.  Objects are black because they absorb all the colors of light.

God designed us this way.  Some animals can see in the dark.  Their eyes are designed and shaped differently than ours.  But there is still light.  These animals just need much less than we do.

Hence, you could say by itself light is invisible.  Everything is invisible until light strikes it and bends around it.  Then we see color.

Black is not a color for no light bounces off of black.  It absorbs all of the light.  The color of the devil and what we are most afraid of is nothing.  Fascinating, isn’t it?

Explanation summarized from my kids’ Astronomy textbook entitled Exploring Creation with Astronomy by Jeannie Fulbright P.20-23.

Side Note on the passage John 1:4-8:  I am deeply surprised that BSF did not make us read the John 1:1-8.  Here is the crux of the matter, where we are told Jesus was there from the beginning, that Jesus is the Word, Jesus was with God, Jesus is God, and Jesus was there from the beginning.

Genesis 1:1: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”  Notice God “created”.  He didn’t “speak”.  I had always pictured God as speaking the heavens and the earth but now I see Him as merely doing it.

This brings into the discussion of did God know man was to Fall and Jesus was planned from the beginning?  Or did Jesus just always exist (yes, He did) but God was hoping He wouldn’t have to send him?  It’s the question of Free Will and how much does man control his own destiny and does God know it all.  See previous post HERE

I believe God knows what we are going to do before we do it, that He does know all.  So He knew we’d Fall.  He’d sacrifice His only Son.  Yet He did it ANYWAYS!!!  That’s the depth of His love for us.

So the question becomes:  Would you?

Advice to all:  When given all these different passages to look up, take the time to read before and after it.  Especially this time there was a ton more listed before that was relevant to the subject of light.  You have to understand the context of these passages in order to divine its meaning.  Otherwise a verse here and there can seem completely irrelevant.

I know it’s time-consuming.  But anything worth doing takes time.  You just have to prioritize.  The study of God’s word is not the place to cut corners.  Watching less TV, reading one less chapter in your engrossing book, or giving up sleep (this is how I do this) are some places to cut.

Here’s a great verse by verse explanation on John 1:  http://www.fridaystudy.org/html/john/john1.htm