Tag: bsf lesson 4

*As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 4, Day 4: Daniel 4:1-27

September 17, 2025August 25, 2025 by atozmom, posted in BSF Exile & Return: A Time to Build 2025/2026

Summary of Daniel 4:1-27

King Nebuchadnezzar had a dream that no one could interpret except Daniel. He saw a tree that was tall, where the animals sheltered, and it provided abundant fruit. A messenger from heaven came down and told him to cut down the tree. Let the animals flee, but leave the stump and its roots to bind with iron and bronze. This will show that God is sovereign over all the kingdoms. He asks Daniel to interpret his dream because he knows the spirit of God is in him.

Daniel explains that the tree represents the king who has grown great and strong. But the king will be driven away from people and will live with the wild animals. Seven times will pass by for you until you acknowledge that the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes. Your kingdom will be restored when the king acknowledges that Heaven rules.

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 4, Day 4: Daniel 4:1-27

9a) As a testimony to the God Most High and as repentance, so he could have his kingdom back and testify to the might of Daniel’s God and God’s power.

b) His entire kingdom. He was happy to tell this story. He was humbled, offering praise, and in awe. The declaration is not the arrogant edict of a prideful tyrant, but the heartfelt and urgent testimony of a humbled man who has personally experienced the absolute sovereignty of God.

10a)

b) The Tree of Life and the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. As punishment for sin, God takes away the Tree of Life. It also reminds us of the Tower of Babel, where the people thought they could reach God and heaven, but God ensured they did not by creating languages where no one could understand one another.

11a) God is only looking at the heart. Man’s kingdoms can fall at any time because God is the one in control. The chapter teaches that human values focused on self-exaltation are fleeting and lead to a fall. God’s priorities are eternal: He desires rulers and people to act justly, live humbly, and acknowledge Him as the true and sovereign King.

b) Prosperity comes from being nice to the people and doing what is right. Nothing is set in stone. If we repent, God will relent. God is good. He wants a heart change.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 4, Day 4: Daniel 4:1-27

This passage reminds us of the transitoriness of life’s acquisitions, and all that really matters is our relationship with God.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 4, Day 4: Daniel 4:1-27

Most likely, King Nebuchadnezzar came to Daniel last, thinking his sorcerers and astrologers could interpret the dream.

The dream was not all that hard to interpret: it was the picture of a king who would lose his power because God was more powerful. This may be why his sorcerers did not interpret it: they were afraid to.

King Nebuchadnezzar believed he ruled the world. From previous experience, he knew Daniel would tell him the truth.

Bible scholars believe Daniel was troubled because he truly did care for the king and did not want to see him hurt. Daniel told him to repent so that this would not happen.

The Tree Reminds Us Of:

The tree evokes the two central trees in Genesis. Like the Tree of Life, it symbolized immense blessings, provision, and life for all creatures who took shelter in it. However, like the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, it also became a symbol of pride and the temptation to overstep human bounds, which ultimately led to a fall from a place of honor.
The Tower of Babel: The tree’s immense height, “reaching to the sky,” is a direct parallel to the Tower of Babel in Genesis 11. Both are symbols of human power and pride, built to project human greatness across the whole earth. And just as God humbled the tower builders, He humbled the great “tree” of Babylon.
Nations as Trees in Prophecy: The Bible frequently uses the metaphor of a great tree to represent a powerful nation or ruler. In Ezekiel 31, for example, the mighty Assyrian empire is compared to a magnificent cedar of Lebanon that became proud and was therefore cut down by God. The tree in Daniel 4 fits perfectly within this prophetic tradition, serving as a powerful visual metaphor for a kingdom that God allows to grow and can just as easily humble.

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

Daniel 4:1-27 presents King Nebuchadnezzar’s prophetic dream and Daniel’s interpretation, serving as a direct and personal warning from God against human pride.

The interpretation of its key elements is as follows:

The Great Tree: The magnificent tree that shelters and feeds the world symbolizes Nebuchadnezzar himself and his vast, powerful empire. It represents the peak of his glory and benevolent rule, as he saw it.
The Heavenly Decree: The command from a divine “watcher” to cut the tree down represents God’s impending judgment. The sentence for the stump to live as a wild animal for “seven times” is a humbling punishment designed to strip the king of his power, reason, and status, forcing him to the lowest possible state.
The Purpose of the Judgment: The dream explicitly states its purpose: to make the king and all the living know “that the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth.” It is a direct lesson intended to shatter the illusion that human rulers have ultimate power.
The Hope of Restoration: The detail of leaving the stump and its roots in the ground is a crucial symbol of mercy. It signifies that the judgment is not final. The king’s kingdom will be restored to him, but only after he humbles himself and acknowledges God’s absolute sovereignty.
Daniel’s Call to Repentance: Daniel’s interpretation is not just a prediction but also an appeal. He boldly counsels the king to repent of his pride by acting righteously and showing kindness to the oppressed, suggesting that such a change of heart could avert the coming judgment.

In essence, this passage reveals a God who is sovereign over even the world’s most powerful rulers, who actively opposes pride, and whose corrective judgment is powerfully tempered with an offer of mercy contingent on humility and repentance.

Best Bedtime Items

*As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 4, Day 3: Daniel 3:19-30

September 16, 2025August 25, 2025 by atozmom, posted in BSF Exile & Return: A Time to Build 2025/2026

Summary of Daniel 3:19-30

King Nebuchadnezzar was furious that Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego would not bow before his statue. They were bound and thrown into the furnace. They walked around (with a fourth figure, presumably God) in the fire. Then, the king asked them to come out, so they did. They were unharmed. Then King Nebuchadnezzar praised God who rescued the men. He decreed that no one could blaspheme the God in heaven and promoted the men.

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 4, Day 3: Daniel 3:19-30

6a) King Nebuchadnezzar was so mad because he was the absolute ruler of that area of the world, and he did not expect to be defied. And, he couldn’t let the men set the precedent of defying his orders in front of others, who might then be emboldened against him.

b) The men were thrown into a fiery furnace.

7a) The King saw four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looked like a son of the gods. He asked the men to come out.

b) This story shows that there is a divine standard of justice that supersedes human law and that the right to conscience is sacred. It demonstrates that while humans have the ability to judge, their judgment is dangerously flawed and ultimately subordinate to the perfect and righteous judgment of God.

8a) The king was willing to change his position based on irrefutable evidence of the God in heaven. He takes what he sees and acts on it, declaring no one shall blaspheme God and promotes the men. This shows the intelligence of the king, but also shows just how powerful God truly is.

b) Unsure about “radical” but I know that God’s truths change me every day, as I strive to be more like Jesus in subtle ways that ultimately (I hope) will produce radical change.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 4, Day 3: Daniel 3:19-30

Great story of relying on your faith no matter the consequences, and God rewarding you for it.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 4, Day 3: Daniel 3:19-30

It’s safe to assume that the fourth man was Jesus. King Nebuchadnezzar identifies him as the Son of God. This shows that Jesus is with us in all of our trials, whether we feel his presence or not.

Note that the only thing the fire burned was the ropes that bound the men. They walked around freely in the fire. The fire had no power over them.

Note God can deliver us from a trial, but He can also sustain us while we are in one.

Nebuchadnezzar acknowledges the greatness of the God of the men.

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego surrendered themselves completely to God.

Note how three innocent men had to die because of the king’s anger.

Fire often symbolizes God in the Bible (Exodus 3:2; 13;21; Deuteronomy 4:11-12; Psalm 18:8; Acts 2:1-4)

The outcome of the fire was a powerful testimony for God. What is your testimony?

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

Daniel 3:19-30 demonstrates the supreme power of God over the world’s greatest threats and the ultimate vindication of unwavering faith.

The interpretation of its key elements is as follows:

The Furnace and Divine Power: In a fit of rage, King Nebuchadnezzar heats the furnace to its absolute limit, an act representing the peak of human fury and power. The fire is so intense that it kills his own soldiers, yet it is utterly powerless against those protected by God, revealing that God’s power is infinitely greater than any earthly threat.
The Fourth Man in the Fire: The miracle’s climax is the appearance of a fourth, divine figure (described as “like a son of the gods”) walking with the men in the flames. This reveals a God who does not just rescue from a distance but is present with His people in the midst of their suffering.
The King’s Forced Confession: The event compels the arrogant king to reverse his position completely. He goes from taunting God to praising Him, issuing a decree to protect God’s name, and admitting that “no other god can save in this way.” God uses the faithfulness of the three men to reveal His unique power to the pagan world.
The Vindication of Faith: The miraculous preservation and subsequent promotion of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego serve as a public reward for their absolute loyalty. Their willingness to die rather than compromise their faith is openly honored by both God and the king.

In essence, this passage reveals that radical faith, even in the face of certain death, is honored by a God who is present in suffering and whose power can compel even the world’s most powerful rulers to acknowledge His supremacy.

Best Bedtime Items

*As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 4, Day 2: Daniel 3:1-18

September 15, 2025August 25, 2025 by atozmom, posted in BSF Exile & Return: A Time to Build 2025/2026

Summary of Daniel 3:1-18

King Nebuchadnezzar made an image of gold and summoned everyone to dedicate it. Everyone was to worship the image or face a blazing furnace. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to do so. The King asked them to do so. They said they would not because God would deliver them.

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 4, Day 2: Daniel 3:1-18

3a) King Nebuchadnezzar proclaimed that everyone must worship an image he made. This shows he did not know the One and Only God in heaven. This revealed his heart to be filled with megalomaniacal pride and a desire for absolute control. His taunt—”what god will be able to rescue you?”—showed he believed his own power was supreme over any divine authority.

b) Gods of gold are not to be worshipped. The king’s command was wrong because it was state-enforced idolatry, a direct violation of God’s law. It demanded that people give worship—due only to God—to an object representing human power. This elevated a human king to the status of a god, demanding an ultimate allegiance he did not deserve.

4) The astrologers were jealous of the power of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and would have loved to see them killed and gotten out of the way so that they could have more power.

5a) They would remain loyal to God, even if it meant death. They completely understood the power of God and would not budge.

b) My faith gives me the strength to press on despite the heaviness the world brings.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 4, Day 2: Daniel 3:1-8

Great passage and example of standing firm in your faith, no matter what.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 4, Day 2: Daniel 3:1-18

The idol was of considerable size. All of the public officials were to be at the dedication ceremony.

By disobeying the King’s command, the people would face death. This is an example of using religion to strengthen your power.

Despite enormous pressure to bow, they all refused. They had faith that God would rescue them if it was in His will, but if not, they were willing to die for their faith.

They stood firm. They would not “do as the Romans would do.” They would do as God would do.

Fun Fact: Daniel 3 is the only chapter in Daniel that does not mention Daniel by name.

The king’s forced worship foreshadows the End Times, where the church will be persecuted and show reverance to the beast.

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

Daniel 3:1-18 describes a definitive test of faith, where the absolute authority of a human king clashes with the absolute loyalty required by God.

The interpretation of its key elements is as follows:

The Golden Statue and the Command: King Nebuchadnezzar erects a massive golden statue and commands universal worship of it upon penalty of death in a fiery furnace. This act represents the ultimate demand for state-mandated idolatry, where loyalty to the king and his empire is equated with religious devotion. It is the height of human pride demanding divine honor.
The Accusation and Confrontation: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego are accused of treason for refusing to comply. When confronted by the furious king, they are given a second chance, which forces their faith into a public crisis. The king’s taunt, “Then what god will be able to rescue you from my hand?” frames the conflict as a direct challenge to God’s power.
The Declaration of Absolute Faith: The three men’s response is the theological heart of the passage. They declare that their God is able to save them, but their decision is not based on that outcome. Their statement, “But even if he does not, we will not serve your gods or worship the image,” demonstrates a faith that is absolute. Their loyalty to God is not a transaction for deliverance; it is an unwavering commitment, even unto death.

In essence, this passage showcases a courageous and uncompromising faith that refuses to bow to idolatrous political pressure. It powerfully separates faith in God’s power from submission to God’s sovereign will, defining true faithfulness as obedience regardless of the personal cost.

Best Bedtime Items

*As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 4, Day 5: Revelation 2:8-11

September 19, 2024September 22, 2024 by atozmom, posted in BSF Revelation: The Hope 2024/2025

Summary of Revelation 2:8-11

Jesus addresses the church in Smyrna. He described himself as the First and the Last and as the one who died and was risen again. He assures the church that he knows about their affictions, poverty, and those who slander them. He says they will suffer, but to not be afraid. If they are faithful, they will receive the victor’s crown.

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 4, Day 5: Revelation 2:8-11

12a) Jesus faced abundant persecution from everyone, really. Since Jesus was persecuted, his followers should expect to face the same. They will face ostracism from the church and even death. 2 Timothy 3:12, “In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”

b) Very similar. Some Christians around the world can face death. Christians can be ousted from the church, shunned by their friends and family, and persecuted for their beliefs, such as not patronizing Christian businesses. Any discrimination based on Christianity is a form of persecution.

13) Their suffering would be for a limited time. And, they would receive the victor’s crown or eternal life for their faithfulness. Their rewards (and ours) are in heaven, not here.

14a) Knowing Jesus gives believers hope for the future and strength to persevere for the long run. Sufferings are temporary. When our lives end, we are in heaven celebrating! Having an eternal perspective makes the trials less challenging. Jesus provides us with the hope, strength, and knowledge to keep moving for his sake. He gives us purpose, which can fuel our days. He is there when we need him. He is our rock and our shelter. What could be better?!

b) Good question. I always feel like I have a pretty cushy life in comparison to many and especially to the early Christians 2000 years ago. I would say I hold to my beliefs, and I’ve lost jobs and friends over that.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 4, Day 5: Revelation 2:8-11

Great questions to explore! I love how Jesus is always in our corner when no one else is.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 4, Day 5: Revelation 2:8-11

Smyrna is another city controlled by the Romans. It was quite wealthy, but almost everyone there was pagan and practiced emperor worship. By this time, emperor worship was required by the Romans, and many cities (including Smyrna) has temples dedicated to the emperors.

Jesus describes himself as the First and the Last, which only God can do (Isaiah 41:4, 44:6, and 48:12.) Jesus used this terminology when he first appeared to John (Revelation 1:11, 1:17).

He chose to state his resurrection, as he is about to encourage the Christians in Smyrna that although they may face persecution and death, there is home and life after death. Again, Jesus has used this before with John (Revelation 1:18).

Jesus knows the works of the church (like he did with the Ephesians). He also knows their suffering and poverty. Bible scholars speculate that the Christians were poor despite the city’s great wealth because they were being persecuted for their faith.

All of us are rich because we have Jesus!

The Christians were afraid. Jesus tells them their suffering is from the devil, but it is limited to 10 days (Bible scholars debate the actual meaning of 10 days. Some think it is a figurative 10 days. Some think it refers to the reign of 10 Roman emperors. Others say 10 days was an expression used back then for a short time.)

If you were imprisoned, you would most likely be executed.

The attack was to test the Christians according to God’s purpose for their lives. Remember, we suffer to become more like Jesus (1 Peter 1:6-7 Romans 8:17)

Fun Fact: Smyrna is the only church out of the 7 not to have anything bad spoken about them from Jesus. This church is also the only one still surviving to this day.

Remember, crowns were made of leaves and flowers in ancient Rome and given as rewards for contests. Roman emperors wore crowns of laurel. Therefore, receiving the crown of life/victor’s crown was magnificent, indeed!

Jesus tells the church at Smyrna to hear like he told the church at Ephesus.

Polycarp was from Smyrna. He was a great Christian who was martyred. You can read his story HERE.

Those who overcome and stay true to their faith shall never face the second death, which is the final condemnation by Jesus for eternal hell (Revelation 20:14 and 21:8). Jesus conquered death once and for all.

Great Fall Items

*As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 4, Day 4: Revelation 2:8-11

September 18, 2024September 22, 2024 by atozmom, posted in BSF Revelation: The Hope 2024/2025

Summary Revelation 2:8-11

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 4, Day 4: Revelation 2:8-11

10) He described himself as the First and the Last and as the one who died and was risen again. He assures the church that he knows about their affictions, poverty, and those who slander them. Jesus encouraged the people by telling them that they are rich, but if they are faithful, they will receive the victor’s crown. He challenged them to be faithful, even to the point of death and to not be afraid of the suffering ahead.

Jesus’ exhortation or encouragement is, “Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who is victorious will not be hurt at all by the second death.”

11) The believers were rich because they had Jesus! They would not die; they would live forever. They are spiritually rich.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 4, Day 4: Revelation 2:8-11

I love the similarities of Jesus’ introduction, as well as how he encourages believers. Isn’t it comforting that Jesus KNOWS us and our pain? Great stuff!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 4, Day 4: Revelation 2:8-11

Jesus describes himself as the First and the Last, which only God can do (Isaiah 41:4, 44:6, and 48:12.) Jesus used this terminology when he first appeared to John (Revelation 1:11, 1:17).

All of us are rich because we have Jesus!

If you were imprisoned, you would most likely be executed.

The attack was to test the Christians according to God’s purpose for their lives. Remember, we suffer to become more like Jesus (1 Peter 1:6-7 Romans 8:17)

Fun Fact: Smyrna is the only church out of the 7 not to have anything bad spoken about them from Jesus. This church is also the only one still surviving to this day.

Jesus tells the church at Smyrna to hear like he told the church at Ephesus.

Polycarp was from Smyrna. He was a great Christian who was martyred. You can read his story HERE.

Great Fall Items

*As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 4, Day 3: Revelation 2:1-7

September 17, 2024September 22, 2024 by atozmom, posted in BSF Revelation: The Hope 2024/2025

Summary of Revelation 2:1-7

To the church in Ephesus: Jesus praises the church for their hard work and perseverance. He knows they have endured many hardships. YET: They have forsaken the love they had at first. He asks them to repent and whoever is victorious (i.e. follows his ways), Jesus will grant them eternal life.

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 4, Day 3: Revelation 2:1-7

6) Compare what false prophets say against what the Bible says. As you grow and become more with Jesus, you will have a greater understanding of God’s ways and word and be better able to discern false teachings. False teaching may curse Jesus.

7a) Jesus says,”Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment.” Someone who does not back up their words with actions. They no longer walk the walk of loving God or others. They have let evil into their heart when it comes to one or both of these.

b) I express my love by trying to do God’s will for my life and obeying His commands. I also try to help others along their Christian walk. I fall short in many ways. I can be very selfish, very cautious, and think the worst-case scenarios, rather than helping others. I think more about how it will affect me rather than others.

8 ) Repent means to change your ways and go in a different direction. It’s the act of changing your mind and changing the course of your life. Here, Jesus is telling the Ephesians to turn back to their old ways. God could be telling me to turn to him and away from my sins as well.

9) The tree of life was the tree in the middle of the Garden of Eden that God had made. Adam and Eve could eat from the tree of life. Jesus here promises that those who return to him can return to God’s paradise in heaven and have eternal life. Therefore, if I follow God and his ways, I can have eternal life!

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 4, Day 3: Revelation 2:1-7

I love how we visit such a great passage twice! Again, we see a repetitive them in Bible and the book of Revelation: if we walk in God’s ways, we’ll have eternal life!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 4, Day 3: Revelation 2:1-7

Most Bible scholars say that the Nicolaitans promoted an incorrect doctrine of Jesus and God’s Word. They could have claimed they were from the body of Christ but then perverted the word.

The Nicolaitans are mentioned in Revelation 2:15-16, too. They are considered a heretical group within the early church. When we see them mentioned again, they are mentioned in association with Balaam. Some say it could have been a reference to a false teacher who taught heretical beliefs. This belief taught Christians to be of the world. Learn more about who the Nicolaitans were HERE

Here, we have the first letter to the first church, Ephesus. They all follow a very similar pattern: Jesus will tell the church what they are doing good and/or bad and then he will offer up a command for reparation. He also promises a reward!

Jesus addresses the church as angel.

The church in Ephesus should be familiar to you. It is mentioned a lot by Paul since he ministered there for 3 years. Aquila, Priscilla, Timothy, and Apollos served there as well. (Acts 18:24-28, Acts 19:1, Acts 19:10, Acts 20:31, 1 Timothy 1:3)

One of the seven wonders of the ancient world was located here, the temple of Diana. It was absolutely massive!

Jesus describes himself as John sees him in Chapter 1. Jesus is central in all of this.

Jesus knows all about the church (as he knows everything).

The church left (not lost) their first love. This is a deliberate choice.

Their first love is most likely God AND the people. You have to love both (Matthew 22:37-39)

Jesus tells them to:

Remember the times when they had their priorities right. You must get back to where you were with Jesus.
Repent
Go back to the basics (pray, read God’s Word, be excited about Jesus).

He says another positive word, by pointing out how they hate the Nicolaitans. Not much is known about the Nicolaitans, but you can be sure they were evil.

We don’t see Jesus use the word “hate” much (after all, he’s a God of love), so this is strong indeed.

All (including us) who hear.

If you overcome your cold hearts, you’ll receive eternal life.

map courtesy of: https://www.cgg.org/index.cfm/library/article/id/1887/truth-revelation-2-3.htm

Great Fall Items

*As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 4, Day 2: Revelation 2:1-7

September 16, 2024September 22, 2024 by atozmom, posted in BSF Revelation: The Hope 2024/2025

Summary of Revelation 2:1-7

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 4, Day 2: Revelation 2:1-7

3) Jesus identified himself as the one who, “holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands.” He told them he knows, “I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary.”

Jesus offers encouragement by telling them that whoever is victorious (i.e. follows his ways), he will grant them eternal life. He holds against them, “You have forsaken the love you had at first.”

The consequences of not repenting/doing what Jesus is asking them to do are, “If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place.” i.e. remove his blessing from them.

Jesus’ final exhortation or encouragement is, “Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.”

4a) The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.

b) He walks among the 7 lampstands; he also encourages them and chastizes them. Jesus walks with his church/me is wonderful news! I am not alone, and I can always turn to Jesus for anything: advice, help, praise, and worship!

5) I work hard, and I persevere. I would like to love others more and put Jesus first in my life more.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 4, Day 2: Revelation 2:1-7

I love how first Jesus speaks positive things and praises the church before telling them what they are doing wrong. He also is gracious enough to give them directions on what they need to do to do right: repent and return to their old ways. While it sounds simple, we know it is hard, but each day is new, so we try, try again!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 4, Day 2: Revelation 2:1-7

Jesus addresses the church as angel.

One of the seven wonders of the ancient world was located here, the temple of Diana. It was absolutely massive!

Jesus describes himself as John sees him in Chapter 1. Jesus is central in all of this.

Jesus knows all about the church (as he knows everything).

The church left (not lost) their first love. This is a deliberate choice.

Their first love is most likely God AND the people. You have to love both (Matthew 22:37-39)

Jesus tells them to:

Remember the times when they had their priorities right. You must get back to where you were with Jesus.
Repent
Go back to the basics (pray, read God’s Word, be excited about Jesus).

He says another positive word, by pointing out how they hate the Nicolaitans. Not much is known about the Nicolaitans, but you can be sure they were evil.

We don’t see Jesus use the word “hate” much (after all, he’s a God of love), so this is strong indeed.

All (including us) who hear.

If you overcome your cold hearts, you’ll receive eternal life.

map courtesy of: https://www.cgg.org/index.cfm/library/article/id/1887/truth-revelation-2-3.htm

Great Fall Items

*As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 4, Day 5: John 3:22-36

September 28, 2023September 24, 2023 by atozmom, posted in BSF John's Gospel: The Truth 2023/2024

Summary of John 3:22-36

Both John and Jesus are baptizing in the river. John defers to Jesus, saying he is greater. Jesus is above all and speaks the words of God. The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands.Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life.

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 4, Day 5: John 3:22-36

13a) That everyone was going to Jesus to be baptized rather than to John.

b) John acknowledged Jesus as the Messiah and that he is less than Jesus.

c) I don’t want to be jealous of others or take away their glory. Instead, I want to support God’s mission like John did.

14) John replied, “A person can receive only what is given them from heaven. You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah but am sent ahead of him.’The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete.He must become greater; I must become less.”

Jesus is Lord and Savior of the World.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 4, Day 5: John 3:22-36

Love John’s example of deference here. So very hard to do with human emotions. We must all defer to Jesus and His ways over ours in all circumstances. I also love how our roles can change throughout life and our calling can change, too.

End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 4, Day 5: John 3:22-36

Note Jesus in in Judea here. The other Gospels are mostly about Jesus in Galilee.

John was unflustered or bothered by Jesus’ popularity in the same vicinity as he.

John’s gifts were from God. He knew his God-given purpose, and he knew who Jesus was. John is like a bridegroom, a friend of Jesus, at the wedding, but he is not the groom. The bridegroom is Jesus, a familiar reference in the Bible.

John’s mission was fulfilled, and he was full of joy. He knew he would shrink into the background, and he was okay with this.

John has fame and humility. He also continued in his role, albeit changed and diminished from before. He was still doing God’s work.

Jesus came from heaven and is therefore greater than everyone else. No one would receive him.

Note “The Father loved the Son” here (John 3:35) and in John 5:20.

Reject Jesus, and you reject eternal life and receive wrath. The wrath of God lingers until you accept Christ and He comes again.

There are 4 “Must’s” in John 3:

You must be born again (John 3:7)
So must the Son of Man be lifted up (John 3:14)
He must increase (John 3:30)
I must decrease (John 3:30)

We would do well to abide by all: be born again, lift Christ up, and defer to Christ. So good!

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 4, Day 4: John 3:16-21

September 26, 2023September 24, 2023 by atozmom, posted in BSF John's Gospel: The Truth 2023/2024

SUMMARY OF JOHN 3:16-21

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. Jesus was sent to save. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned. Whoever lives by the truth comes into the light and into God’s sight.

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 4, Day 4: John 3:16-21

10) They shall not perish but have eternal life. They are not condemned. They come into the light.

11)

John 3:16: Nonbelievers will perish.

John 3:17-19: Whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.

John 3:36: Whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.

2 Thessalonians 1:8-9: He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might.

12) I am encouraged because I know I will have everlasting life.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 4, Day 4: John 3:16-21

LOVE John 3:16. So simple and straightforward of God’s love for me. Always gives me shivers.

End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 4, Day 4: John 3:16-21

Fun fact: There are 31,102 verses in the Bible.

John 3:16 is perhaps the most well-known and most loved.

God loved the world (all of us, not just the Jews). God gave his most precious gift. We have to believe. God will save forever. God’s love is boundless.

Jesus came to save believers. All others are condemned. Those who do not believe love darkness more than light.