Tag: bsf lesson 20 day 3

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BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 20, Day 3: John 15:5-8

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

SUMMARY OF JOHN 15:5-8

Apart from Jesus, you can do nothing. If you remain in Jesus and his words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. You will bear much fruit for God’s glory.

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 20, Day 3: John 15:5-8

6) You must remain in Jesus and his words remain in you. He meant you must remain connected to Jesus and abide in him in order to bear fruit/lead a productive, fulfilling life.

7) I would say no, not really. It’s not a fulfilling life and it’s not all that they could have done with Christ. And, it could be fruitful for others, but I think for them they will always be missing something.

8 ) I would say in all areas. I do believe I could bear more fruit in helping others.

9) It means just that: ask for what you want, and, if it’s in line with God’s will for your life, it will be granted. God gives us our desires because it reflects God’s desires for our lives

Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 20, Day 3: John 15:5-8

Great passage on bearing fruit. We must remember that it’s about doing God’s will for His kingdom, so His fruit is most likely different than ours.

End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 20, Day 3: John 15:5-8

If you abide in Christ, you will bear fruit. Period.

Without Jesus, we can do nothing of real, eternal value.

Without abiding in Jesus, your life fails. You are not a true disciple unless you abide.

By abiding to Jesus’ word and prayer, we remain connected to Jesus. As such, we should expect answers to prayers. If not, there there is a disconnect somewhere.

When you bear fruit, you bring God glory.

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BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 20, Day 3: Isaiah 41:1-44:23

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

SUMMARY OF ISAIAH 41:1-44:23

Isaiah 41

Let the idolatrous nations speak. God declares He’s the one who has made all of Creation. The nations tremble. God is with Israel. He strengthens them. God helps His people and redeems them. He will not forsake His people.

He tells the idolaters to present their case, but they can’t because they are false.

Isaiah 42

God speaks of His servant (Jesus) who will have his Spirit on him. He will establish justice on earth and be a light to the Gentiles. The Lord will be praised, and He will never forsake His people. God calls out to those who are deaf and blind to Him to turn to Him. The pain of life is meant to draw them back to God.

Isaiah 43

God created us. That we are His. That He is with us. We will not drown nor be burned. For God is our God. We are precious and honored in His sight. He loves us.

Gather the nations to see if their gods are right. God’s people are His witnesses; He’s the only one who can save. God will have revenge on Babylon. He tells Israel to forget their exile, as He will do new things. Their sins will be forgiven.

Isaiah 44:1-23

God tells His people to not be afraid. He will pour out His spirit on us.

There is no other god than Him. Idols are worthless and those who make idols are nothing. They know nothing and see nothing.

God tells Israel to remember He made them. He will not forget them. He has redeemed them.

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 20, Day 3: Isaiah 41:1-44:23

6a) Idols are worthless. They can’t do anything. They are merely creations of mankind. God created mankind, so only He is worthy of worship and belief. When people believe in something other than God, they have nothing — no hope, no strength, no future. God is a jealous God, and when someone worships idols, it angers Him.

b) Anything can be an idol, and people make idols out of others, material possessions, and anything they put above God in their lives.

7a) Jesus

b) Jesus’ mission is to bring forth justice to the Gentiles. He will speak to the deaf and the blind of Israel. He will bring justice to the nations. In him there is hope.

8 ) It’s good to remember that God created us. That we are His. That He is with us. We will not drown nor be burned. For God is our God. We are precious and honored in His sight. He loves us. When we feel unloved or abandoned, remember God’s promises. We are not alone; we never have been. So, hold God tight.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 20, Day 3: Isaiah 41:1-44:23

LONG passages and lots of reading. The gist: only Jesus and God can save. Idols are worthless.

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 20, Day 3: Isaiah 41:1-44:23

Isaiah 41

God calls all lands to renew their strength, even those who don’t believe in Him. God asks them who is in charge of human history. God says he has.

The lands are afraid, but they turned away from God, not to Him.

But Judah is God’s servant and should not fear Him. He is with them and will strengthen them. No obstacle is too great with the Lord. God is a God of abundance.

God asks idolaters to present their case, but there is nothing to present. Therefore, idols are worthless.

Fun Fact: This is the only place in the Bible where God uses the title “King of Jacob.” The King of Israel is used 138 times in the Bible.

Fun Fact: God uses the words “I Will” in this chapter 14 times, all in reference to how He will help His people.

Isaiah 42

God speaks of His servant, Jesus, the Elect One. God delights in Him who will bring forth justice to the Gentiles. He will hold Jesus’ hand and keep him. He will be the light to the Gentiles.

I am the Lord, that is My name. This is the four letters of God: Y H U H. No one knows how to pronounce it. It is known as the tetragrammaton.

God praises the work of Jesus. All who serve false gods will be punished.

Jesus will heal the deaf and the blind.

God will defend His people.

Isaiah 43

God tells his people to not fear Him because he has redeemed them. God is with them.

He calls to those who are blind and deaf to Him to prove their case or accept God.

God commissions witnesses for Him. There are no other gods before or after him. Only God can save.

God will judge Babylon for what they did to God’s people. God will make a new path for them.

Even though His people have hard hearts towards Him, He will show mercy and forgive their sins.

Isaiah 44:1-23

The Lord made His people and will pour out His spirit on them. We are God’s. He alone is God.

Those who make idols are useless. They do not know or understand. Idols cannot deliver or redeem.

We should praise God’s greatness and glory. He has redeemed us.

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BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 20, Day 3: Matthew 19:7-12

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 19:7-12

The Pharisees keep pressing Jesus, asking why Moses command a man give his wife a certificate of divorce and send her away. Jesus said that Moses allowed divorce because their hearts were hard, but it was not that way from the beginning. Jesus said that any man who divorces his wife except for marital unfaithfulness and marries another commmits adultery.

The disciples ask then if it’s better not to marry then. Jesus says marriage is not for everyone. Some are eunuchs by birth or made that way and some have renounced marriage because of the kingdom of heaven.

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 20, Day 3: Matthew 19:7-12

6a) The Pharisees keep pressing Jesus, asking why Moses command a man give his wife a certificate of divorce and send her away.

b) Jesus said that Moses allowed divorce because their hearts were hard, but it was not that way from the beginning. Jesus said that any man who divorces his wife except for marital unfaithfulness and marries another commmits adultery.

7) Malachi 2:13-16: This says that the Lord has made man and wife one in flesh and spirit. He says to not break faith with your wife. Here, God says He hates divorce.

1 Corinthians 7:10-16: Here Paul says a wife must not separate from her husband, but if she does, she must remain unmarried or be reconciled to him. A husband must not divorce his wife. If one spouse is not a believer, you should still remain married so that your children will be holy. Yet, if an unbeliever leaves their spouse, let them do so because a believing man or woman is not bound in this circumstance.

Ephesians 5:21-33: Here Paul says to submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. Wives are to submit to their husbands and respect them. Husbands are to love their wives as he loves himself. A man will leave his parents and be united to his wife as one flesh.

8 ) God is and will always be the ultimate father and spouse. He is always there even if the other spouse is not. He understands mankind is broken, and He forgives.

9) The disciples ask then if it’s better not to marry then. Jesus says marriage is not for everyone. Some are eunuchs by birth or made that way and some have renounced marriage because of the kingdom of heaven.

10) The church can encourage them that marriage will come in God’s timing. If you are not married, God is there and fills that gap. Everything is God’s plan.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 20, Day 3: Matthew 19:7-12

I love these passages so much. Such great review on the covenant of marriage as God intended.

Great read!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 20, Day 3: Matthew 19:7-12

The Pharisees wrongly believe that God commanded divorce. In reality, God permitted divorce, which Jesus sets straight.

Divorce is only permitted when someone is sexually unfaithful. They can then remarry, too.

Paul adds that God permits divorce if a believing spouse is left by an unbelieving spouse (1 Corinthians 7:15).

Any other reason (abuse, conflict, irreconcilable differences, addiction, and more) spouses can separate but not remarry.

You have to be divorced in the eyes of God in order to remarry; otherwise, you are committing adultery.

You cannot break your promise; only God can.

Don’t try to undo the past or feel guilty for it. Live your life the best you can according to God’s will.

The disciples wonder if people shouldn’t marry since marriage is such a big responsibility.

Jesus says those who can accept celibacy should, but you should not burn with passion 1 Corinthians 7:7-9 Then, it’s better to marry.

Eunuch here may mean those who are called to not marry, either by birth, childhood trauma, or for the kingdom of heaven’s sake. Castration was common in ancient times for male servants in households. However, this does not apply to most of us today.

Some people will remain single for different reasons, Jesus says. You love them, too.

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BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 30

by atozmom, posted in BSF Genesis 2020/2021

BSF Study Questions Lesson 30: Book of Genesis

Well, we made it. I usually just do one post for Lesson 30 since they are all personal questions. Plus, since I just lost my cat, I’m having a really hard time doing anything right now.

Day 1:

For me, I was impacted by how God can do anything he wants, from choosing who he wants to his punishments and consequences of sin. Unsure of his will for me. I just keep plugging along, hoping it is God’s will.

Day 2:

I always have loved Joseph. He faced so many challenges and struggles in his life, yet God had a plan to save the world (and us) through him. It’s one of the most hopeful stories in the Bible. If you can believe that God has a plan for your life and everything works together for your good, then life will be infintely easier.

Day 3:

I hate these questions. I don’t know. I always hope I’m a better person, but it’s truly hard to see that in my life.

Day 4:

Same as Day 3. I’m truly uncertain.

Day 5:

Keep on shining God’s light as best as I can as a flawed human. That’s all I can do.

Day 6:

Trust God.

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BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 20, Day 3: Genesis 30:14-24

by atozmom, posted in BSF Genesis 2020/2021

Summary of Genesis 30:14-24:

Reuben gathered mandrakes for Leah. Rachel asked for some and Leah refused. Rachel told Leah she could sleep with Jacob then that night in exchange for mandraks. Jacob slept with Leah and she had another son named Issachar, meaning “reward.” Zebulon, meaning “honor” was born to Leah next. She also had a daughter named Dinah. God listened to Rachel and gave her a son as well named Joseph, meaning “may he add.”

BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 20, Day 3: Genesis 30:14-24

6) We are not told this. This is speculation. As the head of the household, Jacob could end all of this mess at any point. He is weak and does not. I have no empathy for him. The kids we do not know. They are obviously impacted by their respective mother’s strained relationships, but we are not told how. Probably sibling rivalry and jealousy, but that’s common in every household tody.

7a) God listened and opened her womb.

b) God is in control and sovereign.

8 ) I learned early on to depend on God because humans in my life have let me down so often. As my husband starts a new career, we all are depending on God to help make up the shortfall in income.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 20, Day 3: Genesis 30:14-24

We see the desperation of both women here. Leah is still desperate for Jacob to love her, and Rachel is desperate for children. God is the only one we should be desperate for. He is our everything. In Him lies the answers to everything we seek.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 20, Day 3: Genesis 30:14-24

Leviticus 18:18  woudl forbide the marrying of sisters. The Israelites will finally learn here that this is not a good idea.

The mandrake (called love apple in Hebrew) is mentioned in the Bible here and in Song of Songs 7:13. It is common in Israel and often grows as a weed. It is a member of the nightshade family, which contains the tobacco plant, as well as common vegetables, such as potatoes and tomatoes. It resembles a human so it was regarded with superstition in ancient times. It was believed to be an aphrodisiac and to promote fertility, which is why Rachel was willing to trade time with her husband for it. While the mandrake is common in Israel, it is rare in Paddan-Aram where they lived. This shows that both women are relying on a superstitious plant to solve their problems, rather than turning to God.

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We can gather from the text that Jacob had not been sleeping with Leah all that much since she accuses Rachel of stealing her husband. Rachel uses or prostitutes Jacob to get what she wants here. Both are trading sex and love, which should never be done. God is soveign though here again. He gives both women children, the one who gave the mandrake and the one who bargained for them, too.

The Bible warns of believing superstitions in our life. (Ex. 22:18; Rev. 22:15)  Do you have any superstitions?

Issachar adn Zebulun are sons nine and ten for Jacob. Leah was done having children at this point.

God is often credited (rightly so) as opening and closing wombs in Old Testament times (Genesis 25:21), (Genesis 29:31), (1 Samuel 1:5).

Finally, Joseph is born to Rachel, Jacob’s 11th son.

BSF Study Questions Genesis Lesson 20, Day 3: Genesis 25:19-26:11

by atozmom, posted in BSF Genesis 2012/2013

Summary of passage:  Isaac was forty when he married Rebekah.  Isaac prayed when he discovered Rebekah was barren and God granted her twins.  The Lord told her she carried two nations, one will be stronger and the older will serve the younger.  Esau was the first born (his name may mean hairy.  He was also called Edom which means red for he was red-headed).  The second born was Jacob who came out clasping Esau’s heel (his name means he grasps the heel or he deceives).  Isaac was 60 years old at their birth.

Esau became a hunter while Jacob stayed home.  Isaac loved Esau while Rebekah loved Jacob more.

Esau sold his birthright for a meal, implying he despised his birthright.

A famine came into the land and Isaac went to Abimelech king of the Philistines in Gerar (different guy than Abraham’s Abimelech.  Remember, Abimelech is the name they give to rulers).  The Lord appeared to Isaac and told him to not go to Egypt but to stay here. He will bless him and give all this land to his descendants.  He repeats the oath He gave to Abraham.  He will bless all nations because Abraham was faithful and his descendants will be as numerous as the stars..

Isaac, however, lied who Rebekah was, saying she was his sister just like Abraham had done in Egypt out of fear of being killed.  But Isaac got caught in his lie and was chastised by Abimelech who orders no one to touch or molest Isaac or Rebekah.

Questions:

5)  He prayed

6)  Isaac loved Esau because he brought him wild game to eat.  It’s a shallow reason.  Yes, providing food is important in life but to love your son just because he does this is not loving the heart.  It’s loving for actions and not for who the person is.  You love the entire person and not because of what they can do for you.  Sad, really.

7)  God commanded Isaac not to go to Egypt during the famine.  He promised him He would be with him and He would bless him.  He confirmed the oath He gave to Abraham, saying He will give all his descendants all these lands.  He will make Isaac’s descendants as numerous as the stars and all the nations will be blessed because Abraham obeyed and kept God’s laws.

8a)  He lied about who his wife was.

b)  I don’t think he could have.  Abraham’s sin was committed before he was born so Isaac would only have heard stories told and he would have seen first-hand the pain that Hagar had brought to all.  Sin is a personal choice, an act of Free Will.  Parents can no more prevent their kids from sinning than they can prevent themselves if they so choose.  We have no control.  Abraham could have told Isaac not to lie, etc but Isaac chose to follow his way instead.

[Note:  Commentaries I read said Abraham could have set a better example and that the sins of the father are often found in the children because of the sinful environment in which they grew up in.  I, however, reject this.  Abraham sinned before Isaac was born and we all have our own choices to make.  I’m sure Abraham told his son the story and not to do what he did.  Personal responsibility and Free Will reign here.]

c)  Personal Question.  My answer:  Tell them honestly what you have done and implore them to make better choices.  Show them the consequences of your sin and do not hide it. Kids need to know there are consequences for sin.  Don’t sugar-coat anything and live an honest, repentant life.

Conclusions:  We don’t know what Isaac knew about Egypt but we do know the pain Hagar and Ishmael caused so we can assume Isaac knew this as well and he chose to follow in his father’s footsteps and let fear reign.  Like I said yesterday, fear is a motivating factor that often causes us to sin but God can help us trust Him and not let fear take over.

Sin is a personal choice, something we are all responsible for.  No one else is to blame. Isaac sinned just like his father.  For Isaac is human just like Abraham.  We can help our kids understand what sin is and what are the consequences and that they have a choice: to follow God or to follow themselves or the devil.

Sin is inevitable; but with Jesus sin is wiped away.