Tag: bsf lesson 5

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BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 5, Day 4: Revelation 2:24-29

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

Summary of Revelation 2:24-29

Jesus speaks to those in Thyatira who hold to his teachings, telling them they will not have any more burdens. Jesus will give authority over the nations to those who does his will.

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 5, Day 4: Revelation 2:24-29

9) Jesus promises to not impose any more burdens on believers in Thyatira. He tells them to hold to their beliefs until he comes. I simply try to make my decisions through prayer and what I believe God wants me to do. I read my Bible, do Bible study, and try to attend church events as much as possible in order to strengthen my resolve to be more like Jesus.

10a)  Jesus’ will for believers is to give them authority over the nations — that one ‘will rule them with an iron scepter and will dash them to pieces like pottery’. He rewards them with everlasting life and blessings. Jesus is our reward (Revelation 22:16).

b) Jesus’ words are very uplifting. He promises to make our burdens light to carry and that we will have authority over nations if we hold true to his teachings. This helps when the world and circumstances become heavy, knowing he is strengthening me.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 5, Day 4: Revelation 2:24-29

In a book so full of doom, these moments of joy are important. Jesus is promising us eternal life if we only hold to his teachings. While this is not always easy, it is something we can strive for day after day.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 5, Day 4: Revelation 2:24-29

Jesus promises that believers will reign with him and share in his kingdom if they overcome immorality and idolatry.

The quote is from Psalm 2; those who rebel will be dashed to pieces like pottery.

The Morning Star is Jesus (Revelation 22:16). He is our reward!

Everyone should hear the word of the Lord.

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BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 5, Day 3: Revelation 2:18-23

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

Summary of Revelation 2:18-23

Jesus addresses the church in Thyatira. Jesus knows their deeds, their love, faith, service, and perseverance. Yet, they tolerate Jezebel, a woman calling herself a prophet. She is misleading them into sin. He will make her suffer and those who commit adultery with her suffer. Jesus will strike her children dead. Then all will know he is Jesus and he will repay each of them according to their deeds.

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 5, Day 3: Revelation 2:18-23

6) Jesus knows their deeds, their love, faith, service, and perseverance.

7a) The people are enticed into sexual sin and eating food sacrificed to idols.

b) Jezebel was a foreigner who married Ahab King of Judah. She tempted him and the Israelites into serving and worshipping Baal, as well as setting up altars for Baal and setting up Asherah poles. Jezebel was condemned by the Lord to be eaten by dogs as punishment for her sins. She was tossed out a window and eaten by dogs. She was a deceiver. She was pure evil, wicked, and defiant to God. She had the prophets of God killed and she falsely executed at least one man.

c) If the false teacher did not repent, her children will be struck down.

8 ) Jesus is compassionate as much as he is the bearer of justice. He offers everyone a chance to repent. If they don’t, they face judgment.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 5, Day 3: Revelation 2:18-23

I’m beginning to love this pattern of the churches! Jesus commends and then warns. I feel like this is Jesus in our lives. He loves us for all the good we do and then warns us of the bad we do and redirects us to the good!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 5, Day 3: Revelation 2:18-23

Thyatira was a small city in Asia at the time. Still, being a Roman colony, it was heavily engaged in idol worship.

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Jesus is the Son of God with penetrating eyes of judgment Revelation 1:14. Remember, brass is pure (Revelation 1:15 )

All of those whom Jesus addressed would have known the reference to Jezebel from the Old Testament. She was evil and injected Baal worship into the culture of Israel.

The woman whom Jesus referred to as Jezebel was pretending to be a prophetess. She was leading them into sexual sin and idolatry.

You can read about Jezebel HERE

She did not repent even though Jesus gave her plenty of time to do so.

Thus, Jesus would make her suffer and kill her children.

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BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 5, Day 2: Revelation 2:12-17

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

Summary of Revelation 2:12-17

Jesus now addresses the church in Pergamum. He praises them for remaining true to his name. Yet, some of them follow Balaam’s teaching, are sexually immoral, and eat sacrificial food. Some of them also believe in the teaching of the Nicolaitans. He asks them to repent. Jesus says that those who follow him will receive hidden manna and a white stone with a new name.

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 5, Day 2: Revelation 2:12-17

3) Jesus told them, “You remain true to my name. You did not renounce your faith in me.”

4a) Balaam’s teaching led some to commit sexual sins and eat food sacrificed to idols. Balaam was a false prophet. He betrayed Israel and led them astray by using the Moabites to entice the Israelites with prostitution and idolatry. He made the Israelites curse themselves.

b) The sword of his mouth. This weapon represents His word.

c) God’s word can explain things to you, such as what is sin and what is not sin. God’s word offers examples of others who lived in sin and the consequences. God’s word exposes the evil of sin and helps us to see our evil ways.

5) Those who are victorious will receive, “I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give that person a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it.” Jesus’ provisions are critical in my life since it’s all from him. We each get a new name with the Lord once we are saved. Jesus offers eternal life. He is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 5, Day 2: Revelation 2:12-17

Again, I love how Jesus warns us and tells us of what we are doing wrong so that we can correct it and live like him!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 5, Day 2: Revelation 2:12-17

Pergamum was a political capital noted for its great learning centers and culture. It also had many temples to the Roman gods and temples to the Roman emperor. It was a city known for its healing since there was a medical school there. Therefore, many people suffering from medical conditions would come here looking for healing.

We saw in Revelation 1:16 that a double-edged sword came from Jesus’ mouth. Now, we see here that Jesus holds this sword. In Hebrews 4:12, the word of God is like a two-edged sword.

Jesus repeats to every church in Revelation that he knows their works. He knows ours, too.

Jesus says Pergamum has much evil there.

There are many people not named in the Bible. Here, Antipas is named and praised for being a faithful martyr but this is all that we know of him. Remember, a martyr is a witness, as much as one who gave up their life for their beliefs.

Balaam could not curse Israel directly, so he used others to turn them to sin. Great read HERE

Sexual immorality was rampant in the Roman Empire, and no one found fault with it. In fact, if you weren’t sexually immoral, you were the oddball.

As we mentioned previously, Bible scholars believe the Nicolaitans approved of immorality, too.

Essentially, the Christians of Pergumum were too tolerant of these other teachings.

Jesus tells 5 of the 7 churches in Revelation to repent. Repent, or face Jesus’ judgment (the double-edged sword). In this instance, Jesus’ weapon is his Word.

Manna is God’s provision. (John 6:41)

A white stone was a blessing in this instance. In ancient times, white stones were used for many things: as part of a census, a sign of acquittal in a trial, they were used for tickets, or for showing friendship.

A new name refers to “a new you” that is forged when you accept Jesus into your heart as your Lord and Savior. Here, this is the assurance of a ticket to heaven!

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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 John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 5, Day 4: John 4:19-26

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

Summary of John 4:19-26

The woman acknowledges that Jesus is a prophet when he tells her things about her life. He explains that the time is coming where you can worship the Father anywhere and in Spirit and in truth.

The woman tells Jesus that the Messiah is coming. Jesus declares he is the Messiah.

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 5, Day 4: John 4:19-26

8 ) The woman was referencing how the Samaritans worship differently than the Jews. They worshipped on Mount Gerazim. I believe she is saying how she is not like Jesus. Bible scholars say she was evading talking about her life. The Samaritans also only accepted the first 5 books of the Old Testament.

9a) Jesus refers to himself as part of the Jews. He says that salvation is from the Jews.

b) Jesus is part of God’s chosen people.

10a) One who offers their entire selves to God: body, mind, spirit, and soul.

b) Give Him my soul and my everything. Give Him the credit and do work in light of Him.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 5, Day 4: John 4:19-26

Can you imagine having Jesus himself tell you he is the Messiah?! What a moment!

End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 5, Day 4: John 4:19-26

The time that is coming is when it would not matter where you worshipped; rather, your heart would matter.

You worship in spirt and in truth, so with the Holy Spirit and in reflection of God’s Word.

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BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 5, Day 3: John 4:10-18

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

Summary of John 4:10-18

Jesus tells the woman at the well that if she knew who he was, she would have asked for living water. The woman asks where can you get the living water. Jesus says he has the water and whoever drinks it will never thirst again. The water will well up inside and lead to eternal life.

The woman asks for the water. Jesus tells her to bring her husband. She admits she has no husband.

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 5, Day 3: John 4:10-18

6a) Living water offers eternal life. Regular water nourishes for the time being. Living water is forever.

b) Belief in Jesus. The Holy Spirit. (Great explanation of this passage and what living water is HERE)

c) Meaning, purpose, something more, God himself. Thirsting for Jesus keeps me going when many times I just want to quit.

7a) She showed belief by asking for it, but unbelief by equating the living water with regular water and less work in life. Jesus told her, “Go, call your husband and come back.” She admitted she had no husband.

b) By helping me to see my sins and trying to be more like Jesus every day.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 5, Day 3: John 4:10-18

I love the symbol of living water. Water is so powerful and so necessary in life. We can’t live without water; neither can we live without living water.

End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 5, Day 3: John 4:10-18

Jesus makes the woman curious, which helps her stay and learn.

Many springs in ancient times were called living water, too.

Living water gives forever.

Our spiritual needs is thirst.

It was not socially correct for a man to speak to a single woman in a long conversation. She would need her husband to continue the conversation.

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BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 5, Day 2: John 4:1-9

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

SUMMARY OF JOHN 4:1-9

Jesus left Judea and went back to Galilee, as the Pharisees were learning of his growing influence and he wanted to avoid a confrontation. He went through Samaria and stopped in the town of Sychar. The disciples were in town to buy food. A woman stopped by the well, and Jesus asked her to draw water for him.

She asked why Jesus, a Jew, would ask her, a Samaritan, since the Jews did not like the Samaritans.

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 5, Day 2: John 4:1-9

3) The Samaritans did not believe in God. They worshipped other gods.  They neither worship the Lord nor adhere to the decrees and regulations, the laws and commands that the Lord gave. Ezra says that the Samaritans tried to discourage the building of the temple.

4) Nicodemus sought Jesus out. Here, the woman does not know who Jesus is. Nicodemus is well born, wealthy, and learned. This woman is uneducated and poor. Nicodemus is interested in knowing if Jesus is who he says he is. The woman is merely going about her daily life. Both became a witness for Jesus. The man is named; the woman is not.

5a) Jesus begins the conversation very pleasantly, asking a simple question. We can do this as well.

b) She needed to drink from the cup of life that Jesus offered her. She needed living water that only Jesus gives.

c) Hard question. Many times in the course of my life.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 5, Day 2: John 4:1-9

Such a simple scene where Jesus makes a powerful impact on a woman’s life. Jesus continues to do this every day with us as well.

End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 5, Day 2: John 4:1-9

map of Sychar in Samaria where Jesus met the Samaritan woman at the well John 4 bsf john

John tells us that Jesus baptized people in John 3:22 The disciples did the baptizing to prepare them for when Jesus was gone.

Most Jews walked around Samaria on their way to Galilee. To see Jesus must have been a shock for the Samaritan woman.

Jesus needed to go through Samaria to reach the people there.

The city of Sychar was ancient Shechem and was the capital city of the Samaritans. Sychar or ancient Shechem is mentioned a lot in Genesis. It’s where Abraham first arrived in the Promised Land and where Joseph was buried.

Bible scholars wonder why the woman came around noon to the well by herself. This was an unusual time to draw water. They speculate that she may have been a social outcast or she had an immediate need.

No Jew would ask a Samaritan for anything. So, Jesus’ presence and request was extremely unusual.

Here, we see Jesus’ love and compassion for all!

Fun fact: Jesus’ conversation with the Samaritan woman is the longest recorded conversation Jesus had.

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Friday Digest BSF People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 5

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

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW IN BSF PEOPLE OF THE PROMISE: KINGDOM DIVIDED LESSON 5

  • God is our permanent shelter
  • God gives us just what we need; we just need to trust Him to do so
  • God leads us when we don’t know what to do
  • God gives us strength to do His will
  • God offers grace and mercy to all

TAKE AWAY: God is the whisper we all need to hear.

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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 People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 5, Day 4: 1 Kings 20

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

SUMMARY OF 1 KINGS 20

Ben-Hadad king of Aram attacked Samaria, demanding all the silver, gold, wives, and children. At first, Ahab did not refuse. Then he did when more demands were made, so Ben-Hadad prepared to attack.

A prophet comes to Ahab to tell him that the Lord will deliver the enemy into his hands so that he will know the Lord did it. Ahab must start the battle and the young officers of the provincial commanders will defeat the army. The 7,000 remaining Israelites of faith went out while the enemy was in their tent getting drunk. The Israelites defeated the king of Aram, but the king escaped.

The prophet told Ahab that the king of Aram would attack next year. So, Ahab prepared for the attack. When it came, the prophet told Ahab that God would once again deliver the enemy into his hands so that he will know He is God. Ahab won the battle, but he ended up making a deal with the king of Aram and let him go free.  A prophet tells Ahab that because he let a man go free whom he should have (the king of Aram), he would give his life for him.

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 5, Day 4: 1 Kings 20

10) God ensured that if an enemy attacked Israel that Israel would win. He used prophets to tell Ahab these things.

11a) Verse 13 & 28

b) Too many. Honestly, every day in some small way when He rescues me from sin.

12) He bargained with the king of Aram and let him go free.

13a) He was “sullen and angry” and retreated to his palace in Samaria. Note he was not repentant.

b) Every time He lets me know He’s in charge and not me.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 5, Day 4: 1 Kings 20

I love how God never gives up on us like we give up on Him.

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 5, Day 4: 1 Kings 20

At first, Ahab willingly surrenders. Then, he changes his mind with advice.

A prophet appears and tells Ahab the Lord will deliver them out of His infinite mercy and love. Ahab wonders how, which is something most of us wonder when God promises to do something in our lives. God delivers Israel, but the Syrians would try again in the spring.

Saying that God was a god of the hills and valleys meant God was only a god over certain areas instead of the Lord of the earth.

The Lord delivers Israel another miraculous victory over a vastly superior army. Yet, Ahab makes a treaty with the defeated pagan king instead of completely destroying him.

The Mysterious Prophets

These prophets mentioned here are nameless and are believed to not be Elijah or Elisha. They are presumed to be among the 7,000 faithful.

The reason for the harsh judgement of against the man who refused to strike the prophet was because that man was a fellow man of God or a son of the prophet. Thus, he should have known to follow the command of the prophet.

The prophet tells Ahab a story that is really a story of the mistake he just made — failing to guard the life of someone. Since King Ahab failed to guard what was entrusted to him, he would pay the ultimate price. God wanted the death of the king of Aram to be by the army that He had empowered.

God reached out in so many ways to Ahab. As He does to us.

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