Tag: bsf lesson 5 day 5

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BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 5, Day 5: Daniel 6:19-28

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

Summary of Daniel 6:19-28

God saved Daniel from the lions. King Darius then punished the men who had tricked him and falsely accused Daniel by throwing them and their families into the lions’ den. King Darius then issued a decree that the people must fear and revere God.

Daniel prospered during Darius’ and Cyrus’ reigns.

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 5, Day 5: Daniel 6:19-28

14a) God protected both Daniel and Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego because they were faithful to Him. In both, jealous officials trap faithful Hebrews with a law demanding state-enforced idolatry. The heroes demonstrate uncompromising faith, choosing obedience to God despite a death sentence. God then performs a miraculous deliverance, proving His supreme power over earthly threats. This forces the pagan king to publicly praise God and issue an empire-wide decree, leading to the vindication and promotion of the faithful servants.
b) This encourages me to always trust God in all of my circumstances. God is present in all of my trials, and I need to lean on Him. God can vindicate. Faithfulness is rewarded. God’s in control of all of humanity.
c) In my bankruptcy years ago, my job, His will for my life, what He wants to do next for me.
15a) Jesus was without blame, faithful, and sent to death because of jealous humans. Both were not able to be rescued because of rulers who felt trapped by their power. Jesus was plotted against. But, Jesus came out victorious thanks to God and God’s plans. Jesus died and was raised from the dead. Daniel could have died, but, was saved from death.
b) Darius was overjoyed that Daniel had survived. He then issued a decree that the people must fear and revere God.
16a) God and his faith in God. Daniel had extraordinary daily faith that ultimately rewarded him.
b) Many ways. I know no matter how hard things get, God has got me! I can live with integrity and honor, and my faithfulness to God will get me through each day and even change the world!

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 5, Day 5: Daniel 6:19-28

I love this story. Such a classic story of how faith prevails above all else and how God is in charge of everything (as always). We can always trust God in our lives, even if we cannot fully understand His ways.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 5, Day 5: Daniel 6:19-28

Daniel did not break the king’s laws.

Daniel’s example of faith is mentioned in Hebrews 11:33 as one of the premier examples of a faithful life.

The tradition of the Persians was to eradicate the whole family as punishment.

No one wants to be tricked, so the punishment of the satraps was more than just, especially for those times.

Darius most likely would have punished the men if Daniel had died, too.

The fact that the men were eaten but Daniel was not proves that there was divine intervention. And, Daniel’s survival was taken by the Persians to mean he was innocent of the charges against him.

Darius then declares God’s greatness. This is a similar pattern we see in the Book of Daniel:

  • God’s people stand firm with God
  • God honors and protects them
  • The faithfulness of God’s people is a testimony of God’s work
  • This shows the ungodly the greatness of God.

God always provides a witness to His presence and power.

Some believe that Darius was Cyrus since he is mentioned here.

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

Daniel 6:19-28 describes the miraculous deliverance of Daniel from the lions’ den, the just punishment of his accusers, and the subsequent glorification of God throughout the Persian empire.

The interpretation of its key elements is as follows:

  • The Miraculous Deliverance: Daniel’s survival is an unambiguous demonstration of God’s absolute power over nature and death. An angel is sent to shut the mouths of the lions, and the text explicitly states Daniel was unharmed “because he had trusted in his God.” The miracle is a direct response to and a vindication of Daniel’s unwavering faith.
  • The Reversal of Justice: The story shows a profound and just reversal. The conspirators who used the law to trap an innocent man are subjected to the very fate they intended for Daniel. The speed and ferocity of the lions with the accusers serve to highlight the supernatural nature of Daniel’s rescue, proving that divine justice prevails.
  • The King’s Proclamation: The climax is not just Daniel’s safety, but King Darius’s resulting decree. The miracle compels the powerful pagan king to issue a global proclamation, commanding all his subjects to “fear and reverence the God of Daniel.” He testifies that Daniel’s God is the living, eternal, and sovereign God who rescues and saves.

In essence, this passage reveals that God powerfully vindicates the radical trust of His faithful servants, turns the evil plots of the wicked back upon themselves, and uses these events to reveal His supreme power and glory to the nations.

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BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 5, Day 5: John 4:27-30

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

SUMMARY OF JOHN 4:27-30

The disciples returned, and the woman announced to the town that the Messiah has arrived.

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 5, Day 5: John 4:27-30

11a) They expected Jesus to be alone. They definitely did not expect to see a Samaritan woman.

b) He loves every one of us and wants all of us to come to him.

12a) She expected to return, and she did not want the water jug to slow her down on her mission to announce Jesus’ presence in the town.

b) She ran to the town and announced Jesus’ presence. The people came to Jesus.

13) Just how important having living water is in your life and living and worshipping with that gratitude mindset.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 5, Day 5: John 4:27-30

I love how enthusiastic the woman is. She runs to tell others of Jesus. So great!

End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 5, Day 5: John 4:27-30

The disciples said nothing out of respect for Jesus. They knew by now he had his reasons for speaking to the woman.

The woman felt Jesus’ love for her, as she ran off to share the Good News. Her sin had been exposed, and she was changed because of it.

The fact that Jesus knew hidden facts about the woman was a sign the Jews believed at the time of the Messiah.

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BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 5, Day 5: 1 Kings 21

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

SUMMARY OF 1 KINGS 21

King Ahab wants a vineyard that Naboth owns. When Naboth refuses to sell it, citing God’s laws against selling the Promised Land, Ahab sulks. He tells his wife Jezebel about it. She hatches a plot to kill Naboth by declaring a day of fasting and having two scondrels testify that Naboth has cursed God and the king. Naboth is stoned to death.

The word of the Lord comes to Elijah for King Ahab. Since King Ahab has murdered a man and seized his property, he will die. King Ahab humbled himself before the Lord, so God postpones hid judgment till the days of his son.

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 5, Day 5: 1 Kings 21

14a) Ahab is childish. He pouts and storms around when he doesn’t get his way, refusing to eat.

b) Jezebel abuses her power and uses evil ways to get what she wants.

c) Naboth upholds the laws of God and refuses to go against them, even at the request of a king.

15a) He sends a word through Elijah for Ahab. He condemns Ahab and his lineage to death.

b) King Ahab tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and fasted. He lay in sackcloth and went around meekly. He must have been sincere or God would have seen through it and followed through with His judgment. I think he was sincere at this moment, but as we’ve seen, he’ll fall back into his old ways again.

16a) He postpones Ahab’s judgment when he sees he is repentant.

b) It was a good week. I spent some quality time with my daughters and did the Lord’s work.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 5, Day 5: 1 Kings 21

This is an example of how sometimes there is no end to evil people’s evil.

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 5, Day 5: 1 Kings 21

Every Israelite had a right to possess a piece of the Promise Land, which not even a king coule legally usurp. In fact, selling the land broke a law God had given Moses.  Leviticus 25:15, 25:23, 25:25; Numbers 36:7; Ezekiel 46:18.

From 2 Kings 9:26 it is likely that the entire family of Naboth was murdered so no heirs could claim his property. Ahab seized the land anyway.

Note that Ahab is held responsible for the murder and theft since his is the head of the household. Note Elijah is sent, probably one of the few courageous enough to tell the king his judgment.

Ahab will have his blood licked, just in Samaria instead (1 Kings 22:38) Ahab’s son, Jehoram, receives this punishment  2 Kings 9:25,

The judgment was severe: his children would not inherit the thrown.

God’s judgments against us are always invitations to repent, humble oneself, and turn to God for mercy.

God always wants to show mercy and compassion on His children. He gives it freely to the undeserving when people humbly repent.

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BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 5, Day 5: Matthew 5:13-16

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 5:13-16:

Jesus calls believers the salt of the earth, but we must maintain our salt or we will be lost.

Jesus calls believers the light of the world, and like a city on the hill, your light cannot be hidden. Let your light shine as a testament to God so that others may come to know him.

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 5, Day 5: Matthew 5:13-16

15a) Salt in the ancient world was mainly used for preserving food since refrigeration did not exist, and it was used to make food taste good. Salt is a necessity to the human body and its functions. It is essential for nerves and muscle function, as well as the regulation of fluids within our bodies. You will see animals lick salt because they need it, too. Salt also heals wounds. Its chemical composition, sodium chloride, forces liquid (and the bacteria in the liquid) out of the body, speeding healing. It has many uses outside of this. Great salt history HERE and HERE

b) There are many thoughts from Bible scholars about being the salt of the earth. Some think we are to preserve the world from evil, to enhance the flavor of the world, or to stop the decay in the world — to stop sin’s power to destroy our lives. Great reads HERE and HERE

16a) At its core, light illuminates. We cannot see anything without light. It opens our minds to what is there.

b) Christians are to illuminate or make visible Christ. Our good works are to shine for all to see. We are to be the light, the TRUTH, in a dark world. In Philippians 2:15, the apostle Paul says, “Believers, you are to shine as light in the world.” To be a beacon to bring others to the light.

17) We cannot bring God’s word to others and banish evil without living out God’s word. Our lives bring others to Christ, not our words. By being humble and showing mercy, as well as seeking God to be better every day, we will bring others to Christ.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 5, Day 5: Matthew 5:13-16

I love this! I love the analogies, and I love the history! The best thing you and I can do for others is to be Christ-like. We flavor the earth with our actions and our words, we heal the earth, and we shine God’s truth everywhere we go.

Here’s a cool salt and light bible devotional I found!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 5, Day 5: Matthew 5:13-16

Salt is precious, it preserves, and it adds flavor to the world. Christians do the same. Do not lose your saltiness, or you become useless to others. Salt also heals. Your actions and words can heal a broken soul.

Jesus is the ultimate light of the world (John 8:12 and John 9:5). We are now responsible for preventing decay and shining biblical truth in the world. This also means we are to get out in the world in order to shine.

Our light should be visible to others, like a city in the distance. We are to shine brightly for Jesus. The lampstand is intentionally placed there, as should our light be intentionally shined. Our good works will shine bright and bring others to Jesus. Let others see God in you.

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BSF Study Questions Genesis Lesson 5, Day 5: Genesis 4:17-24

by atozmom, posted in BSF Genesis 2012/2013

Summary of passage:  Cain lay with his wife and she gave birth to Enoch.  Cain then built a city and named it after his son.  Enoch had Lamech who married two women.  These sons raised livestock, invented the harp and flute, and all kinds of tools.  Lamech bragged to his wives about killing a man and how he will be avenged.

Adam and Eve had a son named Seth to replace Abel.  Abel had a son named Enosh.

Questions:

12)  It had to have been his sister.  No other people were on Earth at the time.

13a)  Cain was then building a city, and he named it after his son Enoch.

b)  Jabal was the father of those who live in tents and raise livestock

c)  Tubal-Cain forged all kinds of tools out of bronze and iron

d)  Jubal was the father of all who play the harp and flute

e)  Same as d:  Jubal was the father of all who play the harp and flute

14a)  Lamech married two women, against God’s original plan of one woman and one man for marriage (Genesis 2:24) and he boasts of killing and retribution.

b)  Same answer as a.

15a)  It shows how mankind has a choice:  to obey God or not and how many choose to not obey Him.  This has been the same since the beginning of time.  It shows the ingenuity God gave man in terms of invention and the arts as man fulfills his role of caring for the world.  This is still the same today as we see new inventions since the beginning of time.

Murder is the same.  Sin is the same.  Pride, boasting, and polygamy are the same.  The sins never change.

b)  Personal Question.  My answer:  I don’t think I’ve ever boasted of evil especially as an adult.  Not sure how I’ve defied God.  It’s not like I’ve ever said, “Yeah, God.  I hear you but I’m going to do it anyway.”  Nope.  In fact, still waiting on God’s words and I’d love to have a conversation (that’s not quite so one-sided) with Him.

I think most of us it’s the same:  we pray; we ask God; we wait for an answer; we go the way we think He wants us to go.  It’s not defiance if we choose wrong–not by any stretch of the imagination.

Defiance according to the Internet is “open resistance and bold disobedience.”  According to Webster’s it’s “disregard and withstand.”

By these definitions, I haven’t defied God.

Conclusions:  This lesson was vague to say the least.  Twice I thought the question repetitive of one already asked and the last question (which is personal and I’m unsure why it’s not marked as such) is out of place in my opinion.  This passage is about Cain.  And he’s a murderer.  I’d like to think I’m a bit better than that.

As a Christian, I like to think I obey God.  I can see this question applying to non-Christians.  Sometimes I think these questions are negative in connotation and make us wonder if we are bad people.  It makes us doubt ourselves.

I get defensive with such questions.  Defy is a very, very strong word.  Most of us do not “defy” God.  If we do, we probably wouldn’t be in a bible study.

I would hope we don’t go around boasting of the evil we do.  I know I’m ashamed of my sins (not evil mind you) and I confess and ask for forgiveness.  I definitely don’t tell my best friend about it.

Am I wrong here?  What do you think?  Am I just getting way too defensive?  Or maybe I have defied God and just don’t know it?  See….doubting here.  I’d rather spend my time focusing on the good I do and not the bad.

This question just does not sit right with me.  It gives me a funny, uneasy feeling that I don’t like.  It seems with all the “changes” going on in BSF (of which none are official–just from what my leader has told me) I would hope questions such as this would be re-thought.  For me, I’m trying to think of what it would be like to defy God and boast of evil crimes against humanity.  And I don’t like thinking about that.  Way too much negativity in this world as it is.

Now, I could say I have defied God in the little things.  Like not loving others as I should.  Not giving as much.  Not honoring my father and mother at times when I was a teenager.  Those type of things.

It’s hard to say because 1)  We are speaking of heinous crimes such as murder and 2) the word “and” in the question could refer to only those times you have defied God AND boasted.

We all Fall.  That’s  a given.  But defiance?  Outright?  That’s much more complicated.

Still, I’ve never boasted.  If you have the Holy Spirit, even the little defiances should prevent you from boasting.  Instead, you should feel an overwhelming guilt and repentance.

I don’t know.  Interpretation of the question and speculation of its intentions.  I’m just saying how this question hit me.

Just my opinion, of course.