Tag: bsf lesson 3 day 4

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BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 3, Day 4: Daniel 2:1-23

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

Summary of Daniel 2:1-23

King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon kept having troubling dreams, and his team of magicians, enchanters, sorcerers, and astrologers could not tell him his dream and/or interpret it. The king got so mad that he ordered all of the wise men to be put to death, including Daniel and his friends. Daniel found out they were to be executed and prayed to God to interpret the dream. God granted his wish.

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 3, Day 4: Daniel 2:1-23

9) King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon kept having troubling dreams, and his team of magicians, enchanters, sorcerers, and astrologers could not tell him his dream and/or interpret it.

10) King Nebuchadnezzar failed to understand that no one can read minds except the God of Israel.

11a) Daniel again found out the problem and asked God for a solution. He is calm in the midst of a crisis. We should all take our time with dilemmas and ask God.

b) I can take my time and ask God for guidance. I can respond with poise, seek to fully understand the situation, involve others as a support group, pray about it, and express gratitude and praise for the resolution.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 3, Day 4: Daniel 2:1-23

I love Daniel’s response. He approaches problems with solutions in mind and God at his back. So good!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 3, Day 4: Daniel 2:1-23

Some scholars believe that King Nebuchadnezzar may not have remembered the dream entirely, but had only gotten an impression, which is why he wanted to be told the dream, too.

Fun Fact: Daniel 2:4-7:28 is written in Aramaic – not Hebrew. This is the only section of the Bible written in Aramaic, which was the language of the Babylonian Empire.

The wise men knew only God could answer the King’s dilemma. They aimed to show the king’s request was unreasonable, not that they were incompetent in their jobs.

It takes time to listen to God, so Daniel asked for time.

Daniel involves his companions in his prayers. After all, life and death were at stake here, so all the power of prayer was needed!

God answers, and Daniel praises. What we all need to do!

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

Daniel 2:1-23 establishes a crisis that contrasts the failure of human wisdom with the supreme power and wisdom of the God of Israel.

The interpretation of its key elements is as follows:

  • The King’s Impossible Test: King Nebuchadnezzar’s demand that his wise men reveal both his forgotten dream and its meaning is a literary device designed to prove their impotence. It demonstrates that the world’s most acclaimed wisdom and magic are powerless to access divine secrets, leading to a death sentence for all, including Daniel and his friends.
  • Daniel’s Response of Faith: Faced with execution, Daniel doesn’t panic. He tactfully requests time and immediately turns to his friends for prayer. This act shows that his confidence is not in his own ability but in the mercy of the “God of heaven” to reveal the mystery. His approach is one of faithful dependence, not human ingenuity.
  • God as the Revealer of Secrets: The climax of this section is Daniel’s prayer of praise after receiving the vision. He declares that God alone possesses all wisdom and power, changes the course of history (“sets up and deposes kings”), and reveals “deep and hidden things.”

In essence, this passage masterfully sets the stage by showing the complete failure of Babylon’s spiritual and intellectual elite, creating a vacuum that only the God of the exiles can fill. It establishes that what is about to be revealed comes not from human skill but directly from the one true God who controls history.

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BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 3, Day 4: Revelation 1:9-16

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

Summary of Revelation 1:9-16

Here, we read John’s vision of Christ: He says that he was on the island of Patmos where he heard a loud voice that told him to write what he sees and send it to the 7 churches: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea. He saw 7 golden lampstands and Jesus dressed in a robe with a golden sash. He had white hair and his eyes were like blazing fire. His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. In his right hand he held seven stars, and coming out of his mouth was a sharp, double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance.

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 3, Day 4: Revelation 1:9-16

10a) John was on the island of Patmos in the Aegean Sea near Greece, and he was suffering because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.

b) Stephen: The first Christian martyr, who was stoned to death for preaching about Jesus. James: The brother of John, who Herod killed. Peter: He was arrested by Herod and intended to be executed. Saul of Tarsus (later Paul): A Pharisee who had a life-changing encounter with Jesus and went on to suffer greatly to build up the church. Job is said to have suffered more than anyone in the Bible. David faced hard times and was exiled to a cave cause Saul wanted to kill him. Joan of Arc and anyone who did anything in the name of Jesus.

c) To know that this side of heaven is temporary and on the other side is God and Jesus. Pray for a relief from the hardships and that they are merely temporary and that you grow from them and become stronger in your faith because of them.

11) The details of what Jesus looked like! So amazing!

12) The Son of Man is Jesus. We learned what he will look like when he comes again. He will come in clouds. Jesus has authority to forgive sins. People will mourn when he comes again, and he’ll have great power and glory. He sits at God’s right hand.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 3, Day 4: Revelation 1:9-16

It’s hard to doubt John when he is so detailed about what he sees. The Bible is Truth, indeed!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 3, Day 4: Revelation 1:9-16

Patmos is a small island that was used as a place to send prisoners (think of Australia, too). It is rocky and not the best place to live in the first century A.D.

Most likely, John was a prisoner, sent there for his religious beliefs, but it is possible he was a missionary there, too.

John received a vision from the Holy Spirit. We will see this terminology again used later in Revelation: (Revelation 4:2), (Revelation 17:3), (Revelation 21:10).

Note that “the Lord’s Day” here is not the same as the “Day of the Lord” in the Old Testament. Bible scholars are unsure what day this was.

The loud voice is Jesus’.

Fun Fact: John was commanded to write 12 times in the book of Revelation.

Sometimes, we are given visions that are meant to be only for us; other times, we are meant to share them. Here, Jesus makes it clear to write and share this, and he directs whom to share this information with: the 7 churches.

Why these 7 churches? They were in a circular pattern, so it would be easy to deliver the messages. 7 is the number of completeness in the Bible, and the book of Revelation completes the church.

map of 7 churches in revelation

Fun Fact: Paul wrote to 7 churches, too: Rome, Corinth, Galatia, Ephesus, Colosse, Philippi, and Thessalonica. Coincidence?

The 7 lamps are set on stands specifically designed to hold them. In the tabernacle (Exodus 25:31-37), there was one lampstand with 7 lamps. The lampstands display the light given to them by Jesus.

Jesus’ clothing shows he is of the upper class, kingly, and authoritarian. The golden band symbolizes the priesthood.

White hair indicates age, which speaks to wisdom and knowledge. White symbolizes purity.

Fire symbolizes judgment. (Matthew 5:22, 2 Peter 3:7)

Brass had to be refined in the fire. It is also the metal that altars were made from (Exodus 27:1-6). Brass was the strongest metal known in the ancient world at that time.

7 stars represent the 7 leaders of the church. Note that Jesus is holding them, aka holding the church/us in his hands.

The sword is Jesus’ weapon. It comes from his mouth, meaning the power is in Jesus’ words (Ephesians 6:17). This is merely a comparison, not literal.

Jesus’ glory is like the sun. This same language is used at Jesus’ transfiguration (Matthew 17:2).

Fun Fact: This is the ONLY physical description given to us of Jesus in all of the Bible. Isaiah 53:2 came close.

We see Jesus as he is: omnipotent, omniscient, strong, full of majesty and authority, pure and righteous, and our Lord and Savior!

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BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 3, Day 4: John 2:18-22

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

SUMMARY OF JOHN 2:18-22

The Jewish leaders asked Jesus’ authority to do all this. He said, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.” Jesus was speaking of the temple as his body that would rise again in three days, not the actual temple.

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 3, Day 4: John 2:18-22

9a) Because Jesus’ actions were audacious. The Jewish leaders allowed this to happen, so it made them look bad to let Jesus do their job.

b) They maybe might be thinking Jesus is the Messiah, so they want more proof. Or, they are looking to disprove him altogether.

c) No, not really.

10a) He said, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.” Jesus was speaking of the temple as his body that would rise again in three days, not the actual temple. He willingly laid down his life for us.

b) The false witnesses testified that Jesus said he himself would destroy the temple, God’s holy place, and raise it in three days.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 3, Day 4: John 2:18-22

I love how Jesus answers the Jewish leaders with profound wisdom, and I love Jesus’ body as the temple. Such depth here.

End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 3, Day 4: John 2:18-22

Jesus told them that they would destroy his temple (him), but he would rise again. The body of Christ is still a temple of sorts as embodied by the church.

Note Jesus says he will raise himself from the dead and in John 10:18. Also, note that God (Romans 6:4 and Galatians 1:1) and the Holy Spirit (Romans 1:4 and 8:11) raise Jesus, too. It was the power of the Holy Trinity at work here.

Jesus often answers a question asked of him like this. He is not lowering himself to respond to such questions.

The disciples only connected Jesus’ meaning here after his death. This is a frequent occurrence for them that they did not understand at the time but only later.

The Scripture they believed is here:  Psalm 16:10 where Jesus would not be abandoned in the realm of the dead nor would he decay.

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BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 3, Day 4: 2 Chronicles 15

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

SUMMARY OF 2 CHRONICLES 15

The prophet Azariah told Asa that the Lord is with him when he is with God, but if he forsakes God, God will forsake him. Be strong, and do not give up for your work will be rewarded.

Asa took courage and removed the idols from the land. He repaired an altar to the Lord. Asa assembled all of his people and made thousands of sacrifices to the Lord. They entered into a covenant with the Lord to seek him with all their heart and soul. Those who refused this covenant were put to death. The Lord gave them rest.

Asa’s heart was fully committed to the Lord all his life. He returned all the silver and gold to God’s temple.

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 3, Day 2: 2 Chronicles 15

10) The prophet Azariah told Asa that the Lord is with him when he is with God, but if he forsakes God, God will forsake him. Be strong, and do not give up for your work will be rewarded.

11a) Asa took courage and removed the idols from the land. He repaired an altar to the Lord. Asa assembled all of his people and made thousands of sacrifices to the Lord. They entered into a covenant with the Lord to seek him with all their heart and soul. Those who refused this covenant were put to death. The Lord gave them rest.

b) Asa assembled all of his people and made thousands of sacrifices to the Lord. They entered into a covenant with the Lord to seek him with all their heart and soul. Those who refused this covenant were put to death. The Lord gave them rest.

12a) Unsure here about public. I did run for public office once, but I lost. I guess you could call this public. I did take quite the beating when I first started doing this because it was online and now BSF is mostly online themselves!

b) Good question. Unsure.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 3, Day 2: 2 Chronicles 15

I love verse 7 “be strong and do not give up for your work will be rewarded.” I work a lot for goals, so I’m hoping this is from Him for His work through me.

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 3, Day 2: 2 Chronicles 15

When you draw near to God, he draws near to you. He does not hide from us. We are to actively look for God in our lives.

Yet, if you forsake God, He will forsake you.

Asa responds correctly and turns more towards God than ever before.

We give to God what He gives us since everything we have is from him.

The covenant was public and accountable. This was serious business. The people collectively sought God — very powerful, indeed.

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BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 3, Day 4: Matthew 3:11-12

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 3:11-12

John the Baptist baptizes with water, but after him will come one more powerful who will baptize with the Holy Spirit and with fire. He will gather his wheat (his people) and burn up the chaff with fire (their sins).

BSF STUDY QUESTIONS LESSON 3, DAY 4: MATTHEW 3:11-12

9) The Holy Spirit is part of the Trinity sent to be with us always and guide us in our ways. According to Zondervan’s Illustrated Bible Dictionary, the Holy Spirit is the third person in the Trinity. He is God’s agent in creation, in the providential work of God in the moral sphere, history, and relationships, and a personal endowment. The Spirit is wise, has power and influence, and inspired the prophets. The Holy Spirit works in the lives of believers. If you are filled with the Holy spirit, you experience Christ living within.

John 15:26: The Holy Spirit is sent out from God to testify truth about Jesus.

John 16:13-14: The Spirit of Truth will guide you into all truth. He speaks to you and will tell you what is to come. He will bring glory to God by taking what is God’s and making it known to you.

Romans 8:9: Those who belong to Christ have the Holy Spirit within them. The Holy Spirit controls you.

2 Corinthians 13:14: The Holy Spirit is with you in fellowship.

Galatians 4:6: The Holy Spirit lives in your heart.

10) Ezekiel 36:25-27: You will have a new heart and a new spirit within.

John 7:37-39: Those who believe in Jesus will have the Holy Spirit flow within them as it will come upon them.

John 16:13: The Spirit of Truth will guide you into all truth. He speaks to you and will tell you what is to come.

Acts 1:5, 7-8: Jesus baptizes with the Spirit. The Holy Spirit gives them power.

11 ) The Holy Spirit helps me when I am tempted to sin and thereby draws me closer to God. He comforts me when no one else is there or can. He gives me strength in my weak moments.

CONCLUSIONS BSF STUDY QUESTIONS LESSON 3, DAY 4: MATTHEW 3:11-12

I never really thought of the Holy Spirit as a person before. I think of the Holy Spirit as a being that comes down upon us. Thinking of the Holy Spirit as a person to me lessens the power of the Holy Spirit because the Holy Spirit is way above humans. (Romans 6:3-4). Lots of references today so leave extra time to look everything up. Great look at the Holy Spirit in the Bible. Here’s a link to Zondervan’s Illustrated Bible Dictionary, if you are interested in this great resource today.

BSF STUDY QUESTIONS LESSON 3, DAY 4: MATTHEW 3:11-12

John baptized with repentance; whereas Jesus baptizes with himself by granting the Holy Spirit within.

John is humble, making it clear Christ is above himself.

Fire has always been a symbol of judgement in the Bible. Thus, Jesus is coming with blessings and with judgement for those who do not accept him. Fire also purifies in the Bible. Chaff is the part of the wheat that we not consume, and workers used a winnowing fork to separate the grain from the chaff.  (Isaiah 4:4; Zechariah 13:9; Malachi 3:2; cf. Isaiah 1:25).

Too many Christians today forget that Jesus will judge at the Second Coming. He comes to save and to judge. Contact me with questions!

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