Tag: bsf lesson 2 day 4

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BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 2, Day 4: Ezekiel 37:1-14

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

Summary of Ezekiel 37:1-14

Ezekiel saw a valley of bones while in the Spirit of the Lord. The Lord told Ezekiel to prophesy over the bones to come back to life. He did as commanded, and the bones obeyed.

The Lord says these bones are the bones of the people of Israel. God will bring them back to Israel, so they will know He is God. He will breathe His Spirit in them so that they will live.

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 2, Day 4: Ezekiel 37:1-14

8 ) Ezekiel saw dry bones in a valley. His answer reveals that He knows that God can do anything He wants, and God knows everything.

9a) The Lord told Ezekiel to prophesy over the bones to come back to life. He did as commanded, and the bones obeyed. The bones came together. Tendons and flesh appeared on them and skin, but there was no breath in them.

b) The second time Ezekiel prophesied, the bones came to life fully with breath.

10a) The Lord says these bones are the bones of the people of Israel. God will bring them back to Israel, so they will know He is God. He will breathe His Spirit in them so that they will live.

b) What has God NOT done? Everything is from God. He has blessed me beyond my wildest dreams, and while I have my own problems and issues, He is the One behind it all.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 2, Day 4: Ezekiel 37:1-14

I love this visual of God giving life to bones, like He gives us life via the Holy Spirit. So powerful!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 2, Day 4: Ezekiel 37:1-14

Note that the bones were just lying around. This means they did not receive a proper burial, so the people who died were most likely disgraced.

This was a resurrection by God, a restoration of life. God’s words gave the bones life.

We can be reborn with God’s words, too.

Ezekiel 37:1-14 is about God’s promised restoration of Israel. God was referring to the restoration of His people from Babylon and Assyria, but many believe it speaks to the Second Coming, too.

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

Ezekiel 37:1-14 presents the powerful vision of the Valley of Dry Bones to deliver a message of radical hope to a despairing Israel. The analysis breaks down as follows:

  1. The Problem: The vision begins with a scene of utter death and hopelessness—a valley full of bones that are “very dry,” signifying a long-dead state. God explicitly identifies these bones as “the whole house of Israel,” who are in exile, saying, “Our bones are dried up, and our hope is lost; we are indeed cut off.”
  2. The Process: God demonstrates His power through a two-stage restoration, commanding the prophet to participate. First, Ezekiel prophesies, and a physical reassembly occurs: a rattling sound, bones coming together, and the appearance of sinews, flesh, and skin. However, this creates an army of lifeless bodies. The second stage requires a prophecy to the “breath” (or Spirit), which comes and animates the bodies, bringing them to life as a vast army.
  3. The Promise: The vision is not about individual, literal resurrection but is a potent metaphor for national and spiritual restoration. God promises to reverse Israel’s “death” in exile. He will “open your graves,” bring His people back to the land of Israel, and, most importantly, put His Spirit in them, causing them to live.

In essence, the passage is God’s dramatic answer to Israel’s hopelessness, demonstrating that no situation is beyond His power to restore. He can bring back His people from a state of national death, renewing them both physically (returning them to the land) and spiritually (indwelling them with His Spirit).

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BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 2, Day 4: Revelation’s Subject: God

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

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 2, Day 4: Revelation’s Subject: God

6) The Spirit speaks to the churches. God is worshipped by all forever. Angels worship Jesus. God and Jesus are worthy of worship. Let all come to the Spirit and Jesus. These passages speak as if they are one.

7a) God is worthy of our praise, glory, and honor because He is the Creator of all things and He is holy.

b) His holiness is especially meaningful. To think that an omnipotent God sees me, cares for me, and guides me is incomprehensible. God is so good. He is forever worthy of our praise for all that He has done for us.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 2, Day 4: Revelation’s Subject: God

While Revelation centers on Jesus, God is always at work in the background. He is there for us.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 2, Day 4: Revelation’s Subject: God

God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit all work in us and for us as God’s chosen people. They are inextricably linked and impact all of us in many ways on a daily basis. We can always be close to God.

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BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 2, Day 4: John 1:35-42

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

Summary of John 1:35-42

Two of Jesus’ disciples followed Jesus after hearing John the Baptist call Jesus “The Lamb of God.” One was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He brought his brother, Simon (renamed Peter), who followed Jesus, too.

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 2, Day 4: John 1:35-42

9)

John the Baptist’s influence. I love how when John the Baptist validated who Jesus was, he gained two disciples. This is great! It shows how much credibility John had.

Their initial response. The two disciples immediately followed Jesus. There was no doubt or question. I love this!

Their interaction with Jesus. Jesus asked them their intent and they replied with Teacher. I love how this shows their hearts for Jesus immediately.

The impact on Simon Peter. This then influenced Simon Peter to follow Jesus since his brother was doing so. Love the impact of family here!

10a) I want to know you.

b) Jesus has invited me and all of us to know him better through prayer, his Word, others, and creation. He has invited me though Bible studies such as BSF and others, too.

c) So much! His compassion, his love, his desire to help others and support others, how he picks us up when we fall, and how he’s there for us.

d) In every way: career, family, life, personally, and more.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 2, Day 4: John 1:35-42

I didn’t remember this story of how Peter came to Jesus! Love the influence of others here!

End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 2, Day 4: John 1:35-42

Andrew is identified here as one of the two disciples who followed Jesus. Bible scholars think John himself was the other.

Jesus asks everyone what do they seek. He wanted to know their motivations.

Fun Fact: Every time Andrew is mentioned in the Bible, he is bringing someone to Jesus! (John 6:8 and 12:22) That is so cool! Could the same thing be said about you?

Many people have an Andrew in their life — someone who brings them to Jesus.

Note that Andrew knew Jesus to be the Messiah.

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BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 2, Day 4: 1 Kings 12:25-14:20

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

SUMMARY 1 KINGS 12:25-14:20

Jeroboam made Shechem his capital. Then, he made two golden calves for the people to worship, fearing that if the Israelites went to Jerusalem (in King Rehoboam’s territory to worship God they would rebel against him). He built more shrines to foreign gods and appointed priests not from the tribe of Levi. He made sacrifices to foreign gods.

1 Kings 13

A man of God came to Bethel and prophesied that a son names Josiah would be born to the house of David. He would sacrifice the bad priests who sacrificed to false gods. The altar would be split apart, too. King Jeroboam went to seize the man, but his hand shriveled up and the altar was broken. He begged the man to pray to restore his hand, and it was done by God. He rejected the king’s offer to eat with him.

The man of God was tricked into disobeying the Lord and was killed because of it. Through it all, King Jeroboam did not change his ways, but still appointed priests for high places to worship false gods. This sin led to the downfall of the house of Jeroboam.

1 Kings 14:1-20

Jeroboam’s son became ill, so he sent his wife disguised to the house of Ahijah the prophet for advice. He tells the wife that King Jeroboam has disobeyed all of God’s commands and done evil in God’s eyes. The consequences include: the son will die, as will all the males in the house. Dogs will eat people, as will the birds.

God will raise for himself a king of Israel. He will scatter Israel. Jeroboam’s son, Nadab, succeeded him.

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 2, Day 2: 1 Kings 12:25-14-20

8a) King Jeroboam feared that if the Israelites went to Jerusalem in King Rehoboam’s territory to worship God, they would rebel against him.

b) I don’t have a lot of fears to be honest. My biggest one is my job. I cling to it even though I’d like to pursue something else out of fear of losing money.

c) God gives us power according to 2 Timothy 1:7 and there is no fear in God’s love according to 1 John 4:18. This encourages me that I can do all things through God who strengthens me and provides me with courage and power.

9) King Jeroboam built more shrines to foreign gods and appointed priests not from the tribe of Levi. He made sacrifices to foreign gods. He tried to kill those who spoke against him.

10a) A man of God came to Bethel and prophesied that a son names Josiah would be born to the house of David. He would sacrifice the bad priests who sacrificed to false gods. The altar would be split apart, too. King Jeroboam went to seize the man, but his hand shriveled up and the altar was broken. He begged the man to pray to restore his hand, and it was done by God. He rejected the king’s offer to eat with him. In 1 Kings 14, it was Jeroboam’s wife who received the prophecy of having his son and all the males in his home die, as well as having the dogs and birds eat people.

b) He continues to do what he wants to do to save his own skin, not relying on God to defend him. Yet, God allows him to still reign. God, in His mercy, gave Jeroboam signs to confirm the prophet’s words. And, God healed Jeroboam’s hand when Jeroboam was not really repentent.

11) He never gives up even when I don’t really want to hear from Him. His calls are never easy.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 2, Day 2: 1 Kings 12:25-14-20

I love history, so this is super interesting to me. It’s easy to judge Jeroboam for turning from God on a consistent basis, but how many of us do that? We can see that he’s a dumbo, but when are we dumbos, too?

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 2, Day 2: 1 Kings 12:25-14-20

Jeroboam made “worshipping God” convenient for his people, so they went along to these fake altars.

Fun Fact:  Jeroboam repeated the same words of Aaron from 500 years ago (Exodus 32:4) when he presented them with the golden calves. He may have intended the golden calves to represent God. Either way, God was angry.

We’ll see the prophecy of Josiah fulfilled in 2 Kings 23:15.

God, in His mercy, gave Jeroboam signs to confirm the prophet’s words.

The second prophet who lied to the first may have been prompted by Satan. Satan and his messengers can appear as angels of light (2 Corinthians 11:14-15).

The first prophet should have said no; instead, he paid the ultimate consequence with his life.

Note how God tends to judge his own people more harshly than unbelievers since He expects more from us.  (1 Peter 4:17).

Jeroboam never repents in his lifetime. Instead, he would go down in history as completely disobedient to God. His sins caused a curse upon the people of the Northern Kingdom, and they would remember this (2 Kings 17:21-23).

You would think Jeroboam would pray for his son, rather than play tricks.

God’s judgement is harsh. Note there is an immediate judgement (death of his son), and a judgement in the future (the people of Isreal would be scattered).

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BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 2, Day 5: Matthew 2:19-23

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 2:19-23

An angel of the Lord appeared again to Joseph after Herod had died and told them to return to Israel. Archelaus, Herod’s son, followed Herod on the throne of Judea. Joseph was afraid to return. Joseph was warned in a dream so he went to Galilee to a town called Nazareth, fulfilling the prophecy of Jesus being called a Nazarene.

BSF STUDY QUESTIONS LESSON 2, DAY 4: MATTHEW 2:13-18

13 ) Archelaus, Herod’s son, followed Herod on the throne of Judea. Joseph was afraid to return. Consequently, Joseph was warned in a dream so he went to Galilee to a town called Nazareth, fulfilling the prophecy of Jesus being called a Nazarene.

14a ) The Bible foretold the King would come from Nazareth.

b ) In truth, all of us come from unexpected places since no place is truly more significant than another. Anything good can come from anywhere.

15 ) In every way. God has always guided me and protected me throughout all of the events of my life.

CONCLUSIONS BSF STUDY QUESTIONS LESSON 2, DAY 4: MATTHEW 2:13-18

God draws us to Him one step at a time. The journey of our faith doesn’t happen by leaps and bounds; it’s in the little faithful doings when we say “Yes, Lord” when we grow until one day, we are His.

END NOTES BSF STUDY QUESTIONS LESSON 2, DAY 4: MATTHEW 2:13-18

map of ancient galilee and egypt www.atozomm.comAgain, we see “child” mentioned first in reference to this event, emphasizing Jesus’s importance over others.

Archelaus, Herod’s son, was just as cruel as his father, which is why Joseph was hesitant to return. He killed indisciminantly, too. He ended up being replaced as ruler because of his incompetency.

God directs Joseph to settle in Galilee in the town of Nazareth, knowing that those people would need Jesus. Nazareth was an insignificant little town that has a not-so-stellar reputation. Here, Jesus, the King of the World, would come forth. Jesus who stood for the everyman and was for every man would be raised as no one special. That means that we all can start from nowhere and achieve great things with God.

God and Jesus’s glory will never be snuffed out. If you continue on God’s path, yours won’t either. Take his hand, and walk with him today!

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BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 2, Day 4: Matthew 2:13-18

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 2:13-18

An angel of the Lord appears to Joseph and tells him to go to Egypt for Herod is searching for Jesus to kill him.  Mary, Joseph, and Jesus all fled in the middle of the night. They stayed there until Herod died. Herod had all of the boys in Bethlehem and the surrounding area under the age of 2 killed in an effort to kill Jesus. Hosea prophesied this.

BSF STUDY QUESTIONS LESSON 2, DAY 4: MATTHEW 2:13-18

9 ) The threat to his crown

10a ) God sends an angel of the Lord to protect Jesus and his family. Joseph obeyed immediately, fleeing in the middle of the night. When God calls, you answer. There is no room for hesitancy.

b ) God’s people frequently flees to Egypt for protection, like during the famine. This is for protection and survival. Jesus will redeed us from sin like Moses did the ancient Israelites when he led them out of Egypt to the Promised Land. Hosea predicted this so this shows the legitimacy of the Bible.

11a ) Killing innocent children.

b ) Proverbs 21:30 “There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the Lord.” The insecurity of my future. Nothing happens without God and it being in his plan.

12 ) Matthew uses this verse to portray Rachel weeping over Herod’s slaughter of all baby boys in Bethlehem. But God answers, showing He is there and is planning redemption.

CONCLUSIONS BSF STUDY QUESTIONS LESSON 2, DAY 4: MATTHEW 2:13-18

I don’t remember this either. It amazes me to what lengths mankind will go to to try to circumvent God. They lose every time.

Great book on angels!

END NOTES BSF STUDY QUESTIONS LESSON 2, DAY 4: MATTHEW 2:13-18

Joseph, Mary, and Jesus fled 225 miles to Egypt at God’s warning. In ancient times, a lot of Jews lived in Egypt, and Herod had no control there. Bible scholars believe this was right after the Magis left. This was a long journey in ancient times, which shows again that God doesn’t usually take the easy way. In fact, God often uses ordinary means.

We can only guess at how long the family stays in Egypt; we are not told. Some say months; others say years.

Herod’s fear turns to murdering children. God weeps for them.

We should expect opposition too as we follow Jesus. Instead of lamenting it, use God’s strength to grow stronger in faith and overcome. The prophecy from Hosea 11:1 is fulfilled here, as God calls his son out of Egypt to save the world.

Ordering the death of innocent children was completely in line with Herod as a cruel leader that we know him to be. At that time, there would not have been many children tpu to death since Bethlehem was a small town. In ancient times, whole towns and peoples would be wiped out on a regular basis due to war, which may explain why this event is not recorded elsewhere in history. In truth, this was an everyday occurence, so there was nothing special about it.

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