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

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 Revelation: The Hope Lesson 2, Day 2: Revelation’s Themes

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 5: John 1:43-51

Summary of John 1:43-51

Jesus calls Philip in Galilee to follow him. Philip tells Nathanael that they have found Jesus of Nazareth, the one Moses wrote about in the Law.

Nathanael asks if anything good can come from Nazareth. He meets Jesus who tells him that there is no deceit in him because he saw him while still under a fig tree.

Upon hearing this, Nathanael believes Jesus is the Son of God. He tells him he will see great things, including ‘heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on’ the Son of Man.”

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 2, Day 5: John 1:43-51

11) Jesus called Philip to follow him. Philip does and tells Nathanael, too.

12a) Skeptical. Prejudiced. Hesitant.

b) Kindly. Matter-of-factly. By telling him there is no deceit in his heart and proving who he was.

c)  Jesus has come to bring heaven to humanity. Jesus is the ladder or bridge to God for humanity.

13) Unsure. Put out feelers and keep giving God the glory. When you talk about Jesus, you never know who is listening.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 2, Day 5: John 1:43-51

I love how everyone comes to Jesus differently. Great stuff!

End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 2, Day 5: John 1:43-51

So simple words (Follow me); such a profound impact on a life and on others.

Nathanael was prejudiced against those from Nazareth, as we see by his response. Jesus challenged him to come and see for himself.

Bible scholars differ on if Nathanael actually prayed under a fig tree or if this common expression of the times meant he meditated on the Scriptures.

All believers can expect to see greater things when they believe in Jesus.

Jesus is the link between heaven and earth. He came to bring us to heaven. Jesus is the mediator for us to God.

Jesus calls himself The Son of Man frequently because it was a title that referred to the Messiah.

4 Ways to Come to Jesus We See Here

  1. Preaching/spreading the Word about Jesus
  2. Witness by others
  3. Direct call by Jesus
  4. Overcame prejudices to find Jesus

All the Ways to Identify Christ

  • Eternal
  • Anointed with Holy Spirit
  • Lamb of God
  • Son of God
  • The Messiah, Christ
  • One prophesied about in the Old Testament
  • Son of God
  • King of Israel

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

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 John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 2, Day 3: John 1:29-34

Summary of John 1:29-34

John sees Jesus coming. He calls out “Look, the Lamb of God!” He is the one.

John testified that he saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove on him. God told John that this will be the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit. He says this is God’s Chosen One.

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 2, Day 3: John 1:29-34

6a) The lamb was the sin offering that cleansed the people from sin. It’s blood was poured out to atone for sin. With John calling Jesus the Lamb of God, he is saying Jesus is the one who has come to cleanse the people of sin. He is saying Jesus is perfect as the lamb had to be as well.

b) I’m in awe. It’s so hard to believe Jesus would die for my sins, but it’s the truth I hold on to!

7) Jesus was sent by God as the Spirit descending from heaven upon him proved. God declared “This is my Son.” This is the Messiah who was sent by God to save the world and who is God incarnate.

8 ) Water baptism is an outward sign that you accept Jesus’ sacrifice for your sins into your heart. Jesus’ baptizes with the Holy Spirit and saving grace, granting us eternal life with the Father.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 2, Day 3: John 1:29-34

So powerful! Can you imagine seeing Jesus get baptized?! What a sight!

End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 2, Day 3: John 1:29-34

Scholars believe this scene was after John baptized Jesus and after the 40 days of temptation in the wilderness. Jesus is paying a visit to John.

Note that John points out Jesus’ great reason for coming: to save us!

Note there’s only one sin of the world. Jesus takes away all sin.

Jesus was before all; he is eternal.

God gave a visible symbol of who Jesus was. This allowed John to be a witness for Jesus, the Son of God.

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

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.

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BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 2, Day 5: 1 Kings 14:21-31 and 2 Chronicles 11:5-12:16

SUMMARY OF 1 KINGS 14:21-31

Rehoboam ruled Judah, which did evil in the eyes of the Lord. They set up for themselves high places, sacred stones, and Asherah poles to other gods. There were male shrine prostitutes, as the people engaged in detestable practices.

The King of Egypt attacked Judah and carried off all the treasures of the royal palace. There was continual warfare between Jeroboam and Rehoboam. When Rehoboam died, he was succeeded by his son, Abijah.

SUMMARY OF 2 CHRONICLES 11:5-12:16

Rehoboam fortifies Judah by building up the towns’ defenses. The Levite priests all moved to Jerusalem because of Jeroboam choosing other priests than those from their tribe. Those who were in Israel but loved God moved to Judah to sacrifice to the One, True God and supported Rehoboam.

The King of Egypt attacked Jerusalem because the people had been unfaithful to God. He captured the cities of Judah. However, the king and leaders humbled themselves, so God showed them mercy. he made them subject to the King of Egypt rather than destroy them as punishment.

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 2, Day 5: 1 Kings 14:21-31 and 2 Chronicles 11:5-12:16

12) Faithfulness by those moving to Judah to worship God. Yet, they abandoned God’s law.

13) The attack from Egypt made Rehoboam humble himself before the Lord. This allowed the kingdom of Judah to keep surviving rather than be destroyed.

14) Mixed. He did right in the eyes of the Lord, but then he didn’t. Probably like most of our lives, I would say.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 2, Day 5: 1 Kings 14:21-31 and 2 Chronicles 11:5-12:16

I love how God always looks for ways to lessen our consequences when we turn back to Him. He is merciful, indeed.

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 2, Day 5: 1 Kings 14:21-31 and 2 Chronicles 11:5-12:16

Now, Judah sins, so God becomes jealous and angry. God uses the King of Egypt to enact punishment.

However, when Rehoboam humbled himself, God showed mercy and made them servants to the King instead. He took away the treasures and the gold. This would have been the equivalent of millions of dollars today.

Note that the strength of Judah lay in their faith with God.

As Rehoboam grew in strength, he decided he didn’t need God, and he took the rest of the people with him in this sentiment, which is a horrible sin in the eyes of the Lord. Therefore, God sent Egypt to attack them.

Note that Jeroboam ended his life totally against God. Note that Rehoboam humbled himself and had a better ending to his life.

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

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 People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 2, Day 3: 1 Kings 12:1-24 and 2 Chronicles 10

SUMMARY OF 1 KINGS 12:1-24

Rehoboam went to Shechem to be made king after his father, King Solomon, died. Jeroboam who had fled to Egypt when Solomon pursued him heard about the king’s death and returned. The people asked Rehoboam to lighten their load. He consulted the elders about how to answer the people, who advised him to give them what they want. Rehoboam rejected this advice and instead followed the advice of the younger men who told him to make their load heavier. This fulfilled the word of the Lord spoken to Jeroboam.

Rehoboam now ruled only over Judah. Rehoboam wanted to war against the Israelites to regain the kingdom. But God told them to not make war against their brothers, so they all returned home.

SUMMARY OF 2 CHRONICLES 10

Exact same summary as above.

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 2, Day 2: 1 Kings 12:1-24 and 2 Chronicles 10

6a) He listened to the young men rather than to the elders who has served under King Solomon.

b) The consequences were that Jeroboam lost the kingdom of Israel, which was God’s plan. Both worked together to make it so. God manages, but Rehoboam made the decision.

c) This is a tough one. I think we all make up for our sins each and every day if we are striving to be closer to God.

7a) The tribe of Judah and the majority of the tribe of Benjamin accepted Rehoboam as king. The other 10 tribes and the remainder of the tribe of Benjamin chose Jeroboam as their king. This happened arouns 975 BC after King Solomon died.

b) God’s redemptive plan was that Jesus would come from the line of King David, so it was vital that that line was preserved. Also, when Jesus comes again, he will bind the tribes together once again.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 2, Day 2: 1 Kings 12:1-24 and 2 Chronicles 10

I forgot how the Bible repeats itself almost word for word here. I love how God’s hand is in everything on earth, even our decisions and consequences.

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 2, Day 2: 1 Kings 12:1-24 and 2 Chronicles 10

Fun Fact: Rehoboam is the only son of Solomon we know by name. Obviously, with 1,000 wives, he had a lot more.

Shechem was the center of the Northern Tribes. Abraham worshipped there (Genesis 12:6). Jacob built an altar and purchased land there (Genesis 33:18-20). Joseph was buried there (Joshua 24:32).

The people were heavily taxed by Solomon. They wanted relief.

Basically, Rehoboam already knew what he wanted to do, so he listened to the group who verified his decision.

From now on, Israel will refer to the 10 tribes of the North when mentioned in the Bible and Judah will refer to the southern tribes of Benjamin and Judah.

We’ll meet another Jeroboam in the Bible, who is a later king of Israel (2 Kings 14:23-29).

Jeroboam wanted to go against God’s prophecy and force the kingdoms back together. God forcefully said no, and Jeroboam listened.

Fun Fact: Not one of the 20 kings of Israel did what was right in the eyes of the Lord.

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