Tag: bsf lesson 3

photo of lampstand in revelation www.atozmomm.com

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!

Great Fall Items

https://amzn.to/3ThCtvO

https://amzn.to/4dUHxP2

https://amzn.to/3XzPqUC

https://amzn.to/4ebvIUu

https://amzn.to/3zloIFE

https://amzn.to/3zhfeLC

*As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases

Contact me today!

photo of lampstand in revelation www.atozmomm.com

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 3, Day 3: Revelation 1:4-8

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

Summary of Revelation 1:4-8

John greets the 7 churches in the province of Asia. He praises Jesus and quotes Daniel 7:13 and Zechariah 12:10 about Jesus’ Second Coming. The Lord says he is the Alpha and the Omega and is the One who is, was, and is to come. Jesus has freed us from our sins by his blood.

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 3, Day 3: Revelation 1:4-8

6) God is, who was, and who is to come. He is eternal. There are seven spirits before his throne. Jesus Christ is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. God has existed since the beginning. Only He knows all things and creates all things. He is perpetual, never changing, and always. Jesus is God’s faithful witness to His almighty power.

7)

John 3:16-17: This says that God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, and whosoever believes in him will have everlasting life. Jesus is the ruler of the kings of the earth as God’s Son and will free us from our sins by his blood.

1 Corinthians 15:3: This says that Christ died for our sins as predicted in God’s Word. Jesus freed us from our sins by his blood.

1 Corinthians 15:20: This says that Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. Jesus Christ is the firstborn from the dead.

Philippians 2:9-11: This says that God exalted Jesus to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name and that every knee shall bow before him and acknowledge his greatness. Revelation says that Jesus is the ruler of the kings of the earth.

8 ) God is never changing. He has been here since the beginning and will be there at the end. He loves us enough to send us his Son to die for our sins so that we can be with him forever. What greater love is there than that? God forgives our sins and shortcomings, so we should forgive ourselves.

9a)  All of mankind has pierced him, including God’s people, the Jews. Mankind will mourn for him. They will mourn because they pierced/killed him. We’ll all witness Jesus’ return (all the peoples of the earth).

b) Christ has conquered all of evil for us with his sacrifice. No matter what we are facing, we are saved eternally. There is no better “good news” than that! We can be strengthened and comforted by his power over evil as we await his return.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 3, Day 3: Revelation 1:4-8

I love how Jesus is the end-all! As long as we hold fast to Jesus, we’ll all be okay!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 3, Day 3: Revelation 1:4-8

John brings a greeting from God to these 7 churches.

Here’s our first reference to the number 7 and its symbolism. The 7 spirits refer to the Holy Ghost. Seven is the number of completion here, so the Holy Spirit is the perfect completion.

The early believers understood this reference, as it appears in Isaiah 11:2 where Isaiah describes the 7 aspects of the Holy Spirit.

John also brought a greeting from Jesus. Jesus is the faithful witness to God and to us. Witness in Greek means martyr.

Firstborn is a reference to always in existence.

Jesus will take over all the earthly kingdoms when he comes again.

Jesus’ death is the ultimate proof that God loves us immensely and indescribably.

Jesus cleansed us of our sins once and for all.

God loves us so much that he cleansed us for him!

Jesus makes us kings and priests to God the Father! This is a status that Adam never obtained.

Therefore, we give Christ the glory.

Amen means, “Yes” in Hebrew. This means that it will be so with God.

John describes Jesus’ coming using the Bible and what other prophets have said. Jesus will come in clouds. Believers can be called God’s cloud, too. All will see him, even the Jews and those who pierced him.

“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End” is the beginning of Jesus introducing himself to his listeners.

Bible scholars debate whether this refers to Jesus or God, but most agree that Jesus is speaking here. After all, this is the Revelation of Jesus Christ. He uses those titles to refer to himself (Revelation 22:13).

Most of us know that Alpha is the first letter of the Greek alphabet and Omega is the last letter of the Greek alphabet. Therefore, Jesus is saying he was before all else and he will continue after all things. Jesus directs all things and has control of all things from the beginning to the end.

“Who is and was and who is to come” references Yahweh and the idea of Jesus’ eternal nature.

Fun Fact: “Almighty” is used 10 times in the New Testament and 9 times in the Book of Revelation. It means “the one who has his hand on everything” in Greek.

Great Fall Items

https://amzn.to/3ThCtvO

https://amzn.to/4dUHxP2

https://amzn.to/3XzPqUC

https://amzn.to/4ebvIUu

https://amzn.to/3zloIFE

https://amzn.to/3zhfeLC

*As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases

Contact me today!

photo of lampstand in revelation www.atozmomm.com

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

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

Summary of Revelation 1:1-3

John writes that the book of Revelation was truth given to him by an angel whom Jesus sent to tell him the following to share with others. Those who read and hear it and believe it will be blessed for the time is near.

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

3a) Jesus Christ

b) An angel gave this testimony to John to show his servants (believers) what soon will take place. Those who read and hear it and believe it will be blessed.

4) Blessed here means “endowed with divine favor and protection.” I anticipate growing closer to God through His son, Jesus. I hope to be blessed in unknown ways, too, such as growing more like Jesus, having more patience, and just reflecting Jesus more, too.

5) Take to heart means to live out what you hear, really embrace it, and make an effort to implement it into your daily life. I hope to truly grasp more of the book of Revelation and what it is telling me and implement it into my daily life.

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

Yeah! Finally, the Word!

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

Here, we see the revelation, or apokalupsis in the Greek, that will reveal a prophet’s dreams and visions. It’s a prophecy to tell us what is to come so that we can prepare. Apocalypse means “unveiling” or “revealing.”

John will use lots of symbols from the Old Testament that his readers should be familiar with.

Jesus is both the person this book is about and the one doing the revealing.

This is predictive prophecy because the events will happen “soon.”

The book of Revelation would have made sense to the 1st century Jews and Christians who were familiar with the Old Testament.

We see the first blessing of Revelation here, and it is offered to those who read or hear this message and take it to heart.

Fun Fact: There are almost 500 allusions to the Old Testament in the Book of Revelation, making up almost 70% of the entire book!

Here, we see the first of the book of Revelations’ 7 Beatitudes:  (Revelation 1:3, 14:13, 16:15, 19:9, 20:6, 22:7, and 22:14).

The Book of Revelation was first written about in the works of Justin Martyr around AD 135, so we know it was written before then.

Prepare to be blessed this year!

Great Fall Items

https://amzn.to/3ThCtvO

https://amzn.to/4dUHxP2

https://amzn.to/3XzPqUC

https://amzn.to/4ebvIUu

https://amzn.to/3zloIFE

https://amzn.to/3zhfeLC

*As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases

Contact me today!

picture of seagull www.atozmomm.com bsf john lesson 3

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 3, Day 5: John 2:23-25

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

Summary of John 2:23-25

While Jesus was in Jerusalem for the Passover, many people saw him do signs and believed in his signs. He knew the hearts of others and knew many did not believe in him.

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 3, Day 5: John 2:23-25

11a) The disciples believed in who Jesus was. The belief of many was superficial, as they believed in what Jesus was doing.

b) It doesn’t really challenge my faith, but it does emphasize the importance of believing in Jesus versus what he can do for you.

12a) He knew that many would be against him, so he had to be careful so he could fulfill his duty for mankind. He also could not commit to others who did not believe in him.

b) It’s comforting, actually. I know that Jesus knows what I’m feeling even when I can’t express it.

c) He draws me every day, by being there for me, by putting others in my life I can help and who help me, and by putting His work in front of me to do.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 3, Day 5: John 2:23-25

Love the differentiation of belief here. Many people believe in what Jesus can/does do for them, but they don’t believe in him and his sacrifice for us. Super important for us to keep in mind when we are talking to others about Jesus since many come to Jesus looking for him to do something in their lives, rather than looking for Jesus himself.

End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 3, Day 5: John 2:23-25

It’s important that we, as believers, remember that Jesus does know our heart and our heart’s motivations. Even if we believe in Jesus, we must still be vigilant in our actions and our motivations in life. Sin is always closer than we think.

Contact me today!

More Great Resources for Our Study of the Gospel of John

*As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases

picture of seagull www.atozmomm.com bsf john lesson 3

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.

Contact me today!

More Great Resources for Our Study of the Gospel of John

*As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases

picture of seagull www.atozmomm.com bsf john lesson 3

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 3, Day 3: John 2:13-17

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

SUMMARY OF JOHN 2:13-17

Jesus went to Jerusalem for Passover. When he saw that inside the temple courts people were selling cattle, sheep, and doves, he drove all of the money lenders out of the temple.

He told them to stop turning His Father’s house into a market.

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 3, Day 3: John 2:13-17

6) Passover. At Passover, a sacrificial lamb is required to cleanse them of sin. If the people traveled, they could instead tithe silver. The money lenders were there to supply these requirements to the Jewish people.

7a) He got angry. He made a whip and drove the money lenders out.

b) To take bold, immediate action when you see something being done that is not right.

8a) Psalm 69:9: “for zeal for your house consumes me, and the insults of those who insult you fall on me.” This speaks to the zeal Jesus had for the purity of the temple. And, God speaks this in Psalm, but here it explains Jesus’ actions. It is implied that Jesus is acting for/as God here.

b) Jesus will come to the temple and purify it, which is what he did when he kicked out the money lenders.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 3, Day 3: John 2:13-17

I love this example of Jesus’ very human emotions and his direct action to correct the wrong.

End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 3, Day 3: John 2:13-17

Bible scholars estimate that more than 2 million Jews came to Jerusalem for Passover. Paying the temple tax was required, which is why there were money lenders there.

Background: The money lenders were in the Court of the Gentiles, the only place the Gentiles could allowed to pray and offer sacrifices. Jesus sees this as a defiling of the temple since it’s been turned into a marketplace. Great synopsis HERE

Furthermore, the temple tax had to be paid in Tyrian shekels, which had the most amount of silver in it, so the money changers had to exchange the Jews’ coinage in order to satisfy this requirement.

Making a whip would take a bit to time. Jesus did this methodically. He did not drive out the money lenders out of passion.

The outer court was where Gentiles could worship the Lord. With the money lenders there, this space was not corrupt.

Jesus converts water first, then cleanses the temple. Conversion first, then cleansing of the temple.

Contact me today!

More Great Resources for Our Study of the Gospel of John

*As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases

picture of seagull www.atozmomm.com bsf john lesson 3

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 3, Day 2: John 2:1-12

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

Summary of John 2:1-12

Jesus attends a wedding with his mother and disciples in Galilee. When they run out of wine, Mary asks Jesus to help. Jesus turns water into wine for the wedding banquet. It was choice wine.

This is the first of many signs that Jesus performed that revealed his glory and who he was. Jesus then traveled to Capernaum.

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 3, Day 2: John 2:1-12

3a) They ran out of wine for the wedding banquet. This is an embarrassment and could bring shame upon the couple. Hospitality was huge back in ancient times, and failing to provide your guests with adequate drink was a major faux pas.

b) I think Mary was asking Jesus for a solution, not necessarily a miracle. We see this when she tells her servants to do whatever Jesus tells them to do. She responds with obedience.

c) If you approach Jesus with the expectation he will do what you want, you can expect a poor response. If  you approach Jesus with an open heart and looking for help, you can expect him to answer in his way.

d) Jesus is hesitant to reveal himself yet to the masses, but he does so.

4) Miracles but also answering people’s requests with an active answer.

5a) Jesus did something only the Messiah could do.

b) It shows me that not only is anything possible with God, but anything is possible when you have an open heart and mind.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 3, Day 2: John 2:1-12

I love this miracle! It solves a basic human need (drink) and helps avoid an embarrassing situation (shows Jesus’ compassion), and it’s done in an unpresumptuous way.

End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 3, Day 2: John 2:1-12

The 3rd day refers to the continuation of John’s telling of events: the beginning (John 1:19-28), Day 1: (John 1:29-34), Day 2: (John 1:35-42), Day 3: (John 1:43-51)

Jesus blesses weddings (he does this as we see by attending them). He blesses events in our lives when we invite him in.

It is presumed that Joseph died young since he is not mentioned here. Many Bible scholars believe Jesus took care of the family until they were of age. This is why he stayed in Nazareth and left when they were all cared for.

Mary probably approaches Jesus as the head of the household who is used to solving problems. It’s no different today from going to your family members to solve problems.

By calling Mary “woman,” Jesus is distancing himself since he is now in the public eye.

Fun Fact: Many only appears in the Gospel of John one more time — at the cross (John 19:26)

When Jesus spoke of “his hour,” he meant the cross.

Jesus most likely prayed before performing this miracle and did not do it just to please Mary.

Note that not very many words of Mary’s are recorded in the Bible. Those that are point to Jesus as Sovereign. As we see here, you are to do whatever he tells you to do.

Jesus used the existing water pots, allowing the servants who filled them to share in his miracle.

The pots were filled to the brim; a transformation was coming, not an additive to the water.

They took out the water in faith that was now wine.

Whether the wine was transformed in the pot or at the pouring, we do not know. There was extra, which the couple could have sold for more money for a start in life.

This is the FIRST of SEVEN signs recorded in John’s Gospel, each designed to bring the reader to faith in Jesus.

Jesus’ 7 Signs in the Gospel of John

  1. John 2:1-11 – Water into wine
  2. John 4:46-54 – Healing of the nobleman’s son
  3. John 5:1-15 – Healing at the pool of Bethesda
  4. John 6:1-14 – Feeding the 5,000
  5. John 6:15-21 – Jesus walks on water
  6. John 9:1-12 – Healing of the man born blind
  7. John 11:1-44 – Lazarus raised from the dead

Fun Fact: The Greek word for “signs” is used 74 times in the New Testament, 23 times in John’s Gospel.

Note the hint of the 3rd day of glory as this miracle happened on the 3rd day.

The disciples believed in Jesus more after the miracle, which was probably a motivation for Jesus performing it — to strengthen their faith.

We believe more in the Lord when He does great things for us, too!

Mary expects great things and lets Jesus do it his way. Great example!

map of Galilee in times of Jesus www.atozmomm.comCapernaum was on the shore of the Sea of Galilee. Jesus spends a lot of time here during his ministry. (Matthew 4:13).

Contact me today!

More Great Resources for Our Study of the Gospel of John

*As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases

picture of judah www.atozmomm.com bsf people of the promise: kingdom divided lesson 3

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 3, Day 5: 1 Kings 15:16-24 and 2 Chronicles 16

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

SUMMARY OF 1 KINGS 15:16-24

Asa fought Israel’s king Baasha throughout his reign. Asa gave silver and gold to the king of Aram to break the treaty with Baasha and be on his side. This worked and Baasha retreated. Asa died of old age, and his son, Jehoshaphat, succeeded him.

SUMMARY OF 2 CHRONICLES 16

Asa fought Israel’s king Baasha throughout his reign. Asa gave silver and gold to the king of Aram to break the treaty with Baasha and be on his side. This worked and Baasha retreated.

Hanani, a seer, told Asa that because he relied on a foreign king to help him rather than the Lord he would be at war from now on. Asa was angry at these words, so he threw the seer in jail and began to brutally oppress some of the people. He died.

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 3, Day 5: 1 Kings 15:16-24 and 2 Chronicles 16

13a) The king of Israel Baasha fortified Ramah to prevent anyone from leaving or entering Judah.

b) God sent the seer Hanani to tell Asa how he had sinned, and Asa could have repented then and there.

c) Instead, Asa was angry at these words, so he threw the seer in jail and began to brutally oppress some of the people.

14a) Most days.

b) God always offers us a way out and a way back to him after we sin. All we have to do is accept God’s forgiveness and turn to him once again.

15) Turn to God first and foremost. Don’t rely on pagans. Pray. Make changes in your life that show you are God’s.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 3, Day 5: 1 Kings 15:16-24 and 2 Chronicles 16

Even those who do good in the eyes of the Lord also do bad. Humans are all the same; we all sin. What matters is the response after we sin.

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 3, Day 5: 1 Kings 15:16-24 and 2 Chronicles 16

Asa followed God and then failed in a question of faith, and he refused to hear the words of correction.

Asa is a king that did not finish well. His later years he did not follow God, and he oppressed his people.

Asa wanted other Israelites to come to his country, but the way he went about it was all wrong. The covenant he made with God was forgotten.

Asa failed to remember God’s goodness from before. Instead, he turned to pagans for help, which worked but angered God.

Now, more wars would occur. Asa could have humbled himself, but he did not.

Contact me today!

Great Items for Bible Study

*As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

picture of judah www.atozmomm.com bsf people of the promise: kingdom divided lesson 3

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.

Contact me today!

Great Items for Bible Study

*As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

picture of judah www.atozmomm.com bsf people of the promise: kingdom divided lesson 3

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 3, Day 3: 1 Kings 15:9-15 and 2 Chronicles 14

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

SUMMARY OF 1 KINGS 15:9-15

Asa became king of Judah, and he reigned 21 years. He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. He expelled the male shrine prostitutes, got rid of idols, and deposed his grandmother. His heart was fully committed to the Lord.

SUMMARY OF 2 CHRONICLES 14

Asa became king of Judah. He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord. He removed the foreign altars and the high places, smashed the sacred stones, and cut down the Asherah poles. He commanded all of Judah to seek the Lord and to obey His laws. Judah was at peace during his rule. He built up the fortified cities of Judah. No one was at war with him during those years.

The Lord struck down the Cushites who had come against Asa after Asa prayed to God to help them.

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 3, Day 3: 1 Kings 15:9-15 and 2 Chronicles 14

6) That Asa did what was right in the eyes of the Lord (which is all that truly matters).

7) He expelled the male shrine prostitutes, got rid of idols, and deposed his grandmother. He removed the foreign altars and the high places, smashed the sacred stones, and cut down the Asherah poles. He commanded all of Judah to seek the Lord and to obey His laws.

8 ) Too many to count. Every day even. With each day and every prayer, I feel I get closer to Him.

9a) God loves to answer prayers. Asa first praised God. He asked for help. He entreated God to not let anyone go against God’s people. God grants Asa’ prayer and then some. He grants him total victory. If we pray, God will grant our victory, too.

b) He struck down the Cushites to the point they were crushed. Judah took away a large amount of plunder from them. God answered by going above and beyond what was asked for. We should expect that response, too, to our prayers.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 3, Day 3: 1 Kings 15:9-15 and 2 Chronicles 14

Great example of how the Lord loves to reward the faithful. Stay the course is the theme of this lesson.

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 3, Day 3: 1 Kings 15:9-15 and 2 Chronicles 14

Asa was Solomon’s great grandson. Most of the kings we’ll study will be measured against David, the ideal.

Asa removed the hight places dedicated to idols, but not the ones dedicated to the Lord.

The Cushites (or Ethiopians) outnumbered the Judean army. He knew this battle belonged to the Lord, so he called on him to defend His honor.

Asa responded in prayer so that God could demonstrate His might to others. He showed utter dependence upon God. He knew God’s power and relied on it. So must we, and God will answer.

Contact me today!

Great Items for Bible Study

*As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.