Tag: bsf lesson 23

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BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 23, Day 4: Revelation 18:9-20

January 29, 2025January 25, 2025 by atozmom, posted in BSF Revelation: The Hope 2024/2025

Summary of Revelation 18:9-20

The evil kings will mourn Babylon when destruction comes to her. The merchants will cry because no one will buy their goods. They will be terrified at Babylon’s torment. All the sailors will mourn, too.

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 23, Day 4: Revelation 18:9-20

10a) The kings of the earth will mourn because they will lose money because the inhabitants are dead. The merchants will mourn because no one will be left to buy their goods. Those who earn a living by the sea will mourn because there will be no one to trade with. Everyone in these groups is out for themselves.

b) True treasure is found in God and His work. True treasure is stored in heaven. It cannot be stolen. It shows if that person, organization, or nation is out for themselves or helping others in this world. It also shows if you are for God, a believer, and doing His work in your life.

11) They are called to rejoice for God has kept His promises to remember His people and exercise judgment on the people’s enemies who have harmed them.

12) This is a hard one. There are so many evils and injustices in the world. Human trafficking, the drug epidemic, adultery, persecution — anything that harms others.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 23, Day 4: Revelation 18:9-20

It’s interesting how selfish people can be even when they see the power of God firsthand.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 23, Day 4: Revelation 18:9-20

What the merchants mourn are all luxuries, not necessities (food, clothing, shelter). These groups have used others for their profits and gains.

We do not rejoice in the actual judgment itself; instead, we rejoice in the fact that it is righteous judgment for actions against God and His people.

All of these groups are simply out for themselves. When you live a life like that, you should expect to not find fulfillment and to find judgment, too.

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BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 23, Day 3: Revelation 18:4-8

January 28, 2025January 25, 2025 by atozmom, posted in BSF Revelation: The Hope 2024/2025

Summary of Revelation 18:4-8

John heard from heaven to tell the people to come away from sin/Babylon. Come away from sin who will be paid back twice for it. For Babylon will be consumed by fire.

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 23, Day 3: Revelation 18:4-8

6) “‘Come out of her, my people,’ so that you will not share in her sins so that you will not receive any of her plagues.” This is a warning for believers to run away from Babylon and sin.

7) God will exercise judgments and consequences for the sins of Babylon against His people, Israel.

8 ) Babylon will face double restitution for its evil ways. She will suffer torment and grief. Plagues will overtake her. Death, mourning, and famine will overtake her too. She will be consumed by fire.

9) God remembers His people. He does not let sin or evil doings go unpunished. God is good, caring, and compassionate to His people. He will exercise judgment in His timing.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 23, Day 3: Revelation 18:4-8

God does keep His word, and it’s comforting to know this in my heart.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 23, Day 3: Revelation 18:4-8

John is warning God’s people to flee from sin and temptations around them. Elsewhere in Scripture, we see God and prophets telling the people to flee from sin (Isaiah 52:11), (Jeremiah 51:45), (Jeremiah 50:8), (2 Corinthians 6:14), (Ephesians 5:11).

Their sins are many, including pride, selfishness, and material things over God.

God will give back to Babylon double restitution for its evil ways. In Biblical times, if you stole something, double restitution was the penalty (Exodus 22:4-9).

God remembering means he is about to act on a promise.

The punishment will be sudden.

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BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 23, Day 2: Revelation 18:1-3

January 27, 2025January 25, 2025 by atozmom, posted in BSF Revelation: The Hope 2024/2025

Summary of Revelation 18:1-3

John saw an angel who shouted that Babylon had fallen. She had become a dwelling for evil.

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 23, Day 2: Revelation 18:1-3

3a) John saw an angel who shouted that Babylon had fallen. She had become a dwelling for evil.

b) He mentioned that Babylon had become a place for demons and everything impure, unclean, and sinful. She was about to be judged.

4a) The future for Babylon is destruction because of her sins.

b) God should be the top priority. The consequences of putting anything above God (including riches and luxuries) are that they can be taken away, you can live an empty, unfulfilled life, and you risk falling away from Jesus. The list of consequences truly is endless.

5) Our hearts and minds should be set on the things above us in heaven — God, Jesus, and His ways and light. Honestly, things of the world occupy my thoughts most of the time. I work every day to reverse this, but the challenges of life can be forceful. But, I pray and each day, I try to spend one extra minute with Jesus! That will add up eventually!

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 23, Day 2: Revelation 18:1-3

Question 5 was very convicting for me. I do need to spend more time contemplating God than things of the world.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 23, Day 2: Revelation 18:1-3

Do note that some Bible scholars see this Babylon as different from the Babylon in Revelation 17.

Most Bible scholars agree that Babylon here is symbolic and not referring to the actual city of Babylon in ancient times.

The angel glows because he was just in God’s presence.

Babylon was guilty of many sins, including idolatry, pride, greed, and the selfish pursuit of worldly things, such as wealth and luxuries.

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BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 23, Day 5: John 18:19-27

February 8, 2024February 3, 2024 by atozmom, posted in BSF John's Gospel: The Truth 2023/2024

Summary of John 18:19-27

Jesus was questioned by Annas. He says he spoke openly and not secretly. He was slapped in the face. and sent to Caiaphas.

Peter was asked again if he were one of Jesus’ disciples. He said no. Peter was accused of being in the Garden with Jesus. Again, he denied he was there. Then the rooster crowed, as foretold by Jesus.

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 23, Day 5: John 18:19-27

13a) “I have spoken openly to the world,” Jesus replied. “I always taught in synagogues or at the temple, where all the Jews come together. I said nothing in secret. Why question me? Ask those who heard me. Surely they know what I said.”

b) He slapped Jesus in the face. He was scared of Jesus and did not want the truth to get out. He also may have wanted to show dominance over Jesus.

c) Jesus did not retaliate. He simply asked why he was struck when he only spoke the truth.

14a) Peter was asked again if he were one of Jesus’ disciples. He said no. Peter was accused of being in the Garden with Jesus. Again, he denied he was there.

b) If you tell one lie, then you may have to tell more lies to cover that lie. And it goes on. Many people think since they’ve already sinned, why not sin more?

15) Jesus had predicted that a rooster would crow after Peter had denied him 3 times.

16) I can do nothing without God. Only His strength gets me by.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 23, Day 5: John 18:19-27

I love how Jesus simply tells the truth and mankind finds ways to twist the truth.

End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 23, Day 5: John 18:19-27

Now, it’s Annas’ job to find out what Jesus is guilty of. Jesus is asking for the witnesses who accuse him, a requirement under Jewish law. Yet, there are none.

Jesus wanted to know why he was being physically abused. No one had an answer.

Annas was done with Jesus and sent him to Caiaphas for a more official trial.

Peter could see Jesus and saw him being slapped. Peter may have become fearful of his life here.

This is the same question as the servant girl’s (John 18:17) with the same answer.

Peter denied Jesus a third time, swearing by it Matthew 26:74. The rooster crowed, fulfilling what Jesus said would happen.

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BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 23, Day 4: John 18:15-18

February 7, 2024February 3, 2024 by atozmom, posted in BSF John's Gospel: The Truth 2023/2024

Summary John 18:15-18

Peter and another disciple follow Jesus to the high priest’s courtyard. Peter denied being a disciple of Jesus for the first time, as he stood by a fire warming himself.

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 23, Day 4: John 18:15-18

10a) Peter had to get permission to enter the high priest’s courtyard.

b) He was questioned by a servant girl. She asked Peter, “You aren’t one of this man’s disciples too, are you?” He replied, “I am not.”

11) Christ went to the cross for us and lived out God’s plan. Peter crumbled under pressure and fear.

12) In many ways. We all let our fears get the best of us and we do/say things we regret because of it. After all, we’re only human.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 23, Day 4: John 18:15-18

Many Bible scholars question why Peter caved under the questioning of a servant girl, a very low person, indeed, in that time. No one knows. All we know is Peter let his fear get the best of him.

End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 23, Day 4: John 18:15-18

Peter and John (most scholars believe this was John) follow Jesus to the house of Annas. John knew the high priest, so they were let in.

Peter was trying to blend into the crowd by warming his hands. He could have acknowledged Jesus but instead denied him here.

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BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 23, Day 3: John 18:10-14

February 6, 2024February 3, 2024 by atozmom, posted in BSF John's Gospel: The Truth 2023/2024

Summary of John 18:10-14

Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his right ear. (The servant’s name was Malchus.) Jesus told him to put his sword away.

Jesus was arrested and brought to Annas, the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest. He was the one who had told the Jewish leaders to have one man die for the people.

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 23, Day 3: John 18:10-14

6) Peter drew his sword and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his right ear. His love for Jesus and his pledge to defend him (Matthew 26:35).

7a) Jesus has to go to his destiny of the cross to save all of mankind. He takes the cup of God’s wrath upon himself, so no believer has to face the judgment they deserve.

b) My job dilemma. Praying and trusting in God to do it for me.

8 ) That after Jesus’ display of power that they still arrest him and bind him.

9) Annas, the father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest. He was the one who had told the Jewish leaders to have one man die for the people.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 23, Day 3: John 18:10-14

It still astounds me that even after Jesus’ display of power the soldiers still arrest him. You think they would fall down in worship instead.

End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 23, Day 3: John 18:10-14

Only John names Simon as the disciple to cut off the ear of the servant. He is defending Jesus here (Matthew 26:35). The disciples carried swords to fend off robbers if need be.

Peter tried to fight a spiritual battle with a human weapon.

Only John mentions the servant by name. Many people in the Gospels and Acts are named because they were known amongst the early Christians. This man may then have converted.

Scholars note this man was attacked from behind if Peter was holding his sword in his right hand (not a very courageous move).

Jesus tells Peter to stop. The last thing Jesus needed was a fight where the disciples got hurt (or worse). In addition, this was Jesus’ destiny, and no one would stop him.

Note John did not mention the healing of the man’s ear (Luke 22:51).

Jesus was bound cause he was viewed as a threat. Jesus allowed himself to be bound and let to Annas, a powerful man who put his son-in-law in power as high priest. Annas has been high priest from 6-15 AD and four of his sons had held the position,

Caiaphas had said it would be good for one man to die for the people John 11:49-53. Little did he know Jesus would die for our sins and save all of mankind.

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BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 23, Day 2: John 18:1-9

February 5, 2024February 3, 2024 by atozmom, posted in BSF John's Gospel: The Truth 2023/2024

Summary of John 18:1-9

Jesus leaves for the Kidron Valley to the Garden of Gethsemane. Judas comes to the garden with soldiers and officials. Jesus told them who he was and asked them to let his disciples go.

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 23, Day 2: John 18:1-9

3a) Jesus prayed to the Father for himself and his disciples, as well as all believers. He retreats to prepare for this moment.

b) The Garden of Gethsemane. He may have chosen it because Judas knew the place. It was also out of the public eye.

4) He confessed to who he was right away and asked for his men to be let go. His show of power was to protect his disciples.

5a) The men drew back and fell to the ground. They were overwhelmed by the power of Christ. They knew they were in the presence of God and reacted to it. The soldiers were no match for the great “I am.”

b) Jesus’ power is so great that it impacts everyone, believers and non-believers alike. The fact he willingly goes to the cross shocks everyone. It helps me understand his immense love for all of us.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 23, Day 2: John 18:1-9

Jesus is never concerned about himself. So powerful here.

End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 23, Day 2: John 18:1-9

This is a new section of John’s Gospel as we follow Jesus to the cross.

Bible scholars note that the Kidron River would have been red from the blood of thousands of Passover lambs that had been sacrificed, signifying Jesus’ upcoming sacrifice.

John did not name the Garden, but the other Gospel writers did (Matthew 26:36 and Mark 14:32). This was a place Jesus and his disciples often visited.

Judas comes with soldiers and officials to arrest Jesus. They may have expected a fight. Obviously, Judas did not know the character of Jesus.

Jesus of Nazareth was how most people referred to Jesus at the time.

Jesus answers with his name “I am,” proclaiming his deity once again and connecting to the rest of his “I am” statements in John’s Gospel.

The fact the men fell when Jesus spoke is undeniable proof that Jesus could have escaped if he so chose to. Jesus was in control.

He knocked the soldiers down to protect his disciples. Jesus sacrificed himself for their safety. The disciples then left.

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BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 23, Day 5: Micah 6-7

February 9, 2023February 4, 2023 by atozmom, posted in BSF People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided 2022/2023

SUMMARY OF MICAH 6-7

Micah 6

Micah reports the Lord’s case against Israel regarding their sins. God tells His people to remember all He has done for them since bringing them up out of Egypt and to the Promised Land. He tells them that they know what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly^[a] with your God.

Micah 7

There will be a remnant of God’s people who will confess their sins. There will be misery because of their sins. However, Israel will rise again. God will restore them and care for them. He wants His people to do the same.

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 23, Day 5: Micah 6-7

12a) God tells His people to remember all He has done for them since bringing them up out of Egypt and to the Promised Land. He tells them that they know what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly^[a] with your God.

b) Hardened

13a)

“To act justly” To show justice to others and act justly.

“To love mercy” To show mercy to others and be happy to show mercy.

“To walk humbly with your God” To remember who God is and to walk humbly before Him.

b) I’d say in every aspect of my life. To be just, have mercy, walk humbly.

14) The Lord will bring His people back into the light despite their sins. No matter how much God’s people sin, He is infinitely merciful and loving. He will redeem His people. This offers me hope, too, that no matter how ‘bad’ I am, God still loves me.

15) All of it, really. God forgives, shows mercy, does not stay angry, has compassion, is faithful, shows love, and more. God is good in every way.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 23, Day 5: Micah 6-7

I love how we are called to be like God: to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly. Great stuff.

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 23, Day 5: Micah 6-7

Micah 6

Israel is on trial before the Lord. God brings His case. God tells His people to remember all that He has done for them. Israel asks God what He wants from them in the sense that God wants too much from them.

God responds with 3 things he wants:

Do Justly
Love Mercy
Walk Humbly With God

Pretty simple, God says.

God will judge Israel who is greedy and wicked.

Micah 7

Now, a remnant of God’s people will confess their sins. No one could trust anyone.

God’s people will be humbled and then restored. God will care for them, and all the nations will be brought low.

God offers forgiveness and delights in showing mercy to His people. He will have compassion on all of His people. God wants everyone to do the same.

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BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 23, Day 4: Micah 4-5

February 8, 2023February 4, 2023 by atozmom, posted in BSF People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided 2022/2023

SUMMARY OF MICAH 4-5

Micah 4

In the last days, the mountain of the Lord’s temple will be established. Many nations will come and be judged. Disputes will be settled. There will be no more war.

The Lord will gather the remnant and rule over them in Mount Zion. They will go to Babylon, but will be redeemed.

Micah 5

A ruler will arise from Bethlehem. He will shepherd the people. The people will live securely. The remnant will be at peace. Yet, God will destroy and take vengeance on the nations that have not obeyed Him.

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 23, Day 4: Micah 4-5

9) That we will walk in the name of the Lord our God forever.

10a) Jesus

b) Jesus will come from the clans of Judah. Jesus will shepherd his flock, and they will live securely.

11) Good question. It gives me hope on the days I feel little hope. It gets me through.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 23, Day 4: Micah 4-5

Simple message, but powerful. Jesus will come and save.

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 23, Day 4: Micah 4-5

Micah 4

God will reign over Israel once she is restored during the Second Coming. The people will learn His ways. There will be no more war or fear.

Everyone will be blessed. The people will be gathered. But they will be punished in Babylon first and then delivered. Nothing and no one will be able to stand against the Lord.

Micah 5

The ruler or king will come from Bethlehem. He will care for his flock tenderly. He will bring peace.

God will deliver His people from their enemies (personified as Assyria here).

The remnant will win, and they will exalt the Lord.