Tag: bsf lesson 5

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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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BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 5, Day 2: 1 Kings 19:1-10

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

SUMMARY OF 1 KINGS 19:1-10

When Jezebel found out from Ahab that Elijah had killed all of the prophets with the sword, she threatened to kill him. Afraid, Elijah fled. He left his servant at Beersheba while he went into the wilderness. He prayed to die. He woke to an angel who fed him and gave him water. The angel appeared again telling him to eat and drink for strength.

Elijah then traveled 40 days and nights till he reached Horeb, the mountain of God. While in a cave, the word of the Lord came to him and asked him what he was doing there. Elijah said how he is afraid for his life.

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 5, Day 2: 1 Kings 19:1-10

3) First, he was elated and boastful. Then he was afraid for his life. He also experienced remorse and sadness over the Israelites and their worship of other gods. Frankly, he was depressed. He was physically exhausted, too.

4a) God sent an angel who fed him and gave him water. The angel appeared again telling him to eat and drink for strength.

b) Similarly, God has provided when I’ve been exhausted from the trials of life with food, clothing, shelter, friendships, and more.

5) God asked, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” Elijah replied, “I have been very jealous for the Lord God Almighty. The Israelites have rejected your covenant, broken down your altars, and put your prophets to death with the sword. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me, too.”

6) Elijah prays for God’s help. He listens to and for God. He obeys God and trusts God for provision.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 5, Day 2: 1 Kings 19:1-10

I think many of us have reached breaking points like Elijah to the point where we wish we were dead. Note here how God is there at our weakest moments, waiting to pick us up and strengthen us in the days ahead.

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 5, Day 2: 1 Kings 19:1-10

Jezebel was not impressed with God’s show at Mount Carmel. Instead, she went after the instigator.

Beersheba is about 80 miles south of Mount Carmel. We are not told if God told Elijah to go there or not. All we know is God wanted to protect Elijah.

It’s ironic that Elijah prayed to die, but he’s one of the few humans that ever lived that never experienced death. Sometimes a no from God is a good thing.

Elijah was wore out, plain and simple.

We see this many times in the Bible where God provides for our physical needs before our spiritual needs.

On Elijah’s 40-day, 200-mile journey to Mount Horeb (or Mount Sinai), it is likely he gained strength physically.

Obviously, God knew the answer to why Elijah was there, but God graciously allows Elijah to explain his feelings and relieve the burdens on his heart.

Basically, Elijah is saying life is unfair here. He shouldn’t have his life threatened if he is doing God’s work (but this is usually the case). He wants an easy life like we all do. But, as God’s servant, he would not have that.

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Friday Digest BSF Matthew Lesson 5

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW IN MATTHEW 5

  • Through God’s power, we can be like Jesus
  • We receive strength and hope in Christ
  • Seek God’s way instead of your own
  • Often trials and failure teaches us the Beatitudes’ qualities
  • Be what God made you to be
  • The greatness of Christ lives in us
  • Use your circumstances to bring beauty to the world.

Take Away: God works within us and through us to create His will.

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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 Matthew Lesson 5, Day 4: Matthew 5:9-12

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 5:9-12

Blessed are the peacemakers who will be called the sons of God. The persecuted will have the kingdom of heaven. You are blessed when you are insulted. Your reward in heaven will be great. The prophets were persecuted, too.

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 5, Day 4: Matthew 5:9-12

12a) The one in your family who just wants everyone to get along. They are the facilitators of communication and advocates for relationships to be mended.

b) 2 Corinthians 5:18-20 tells us that since we have been reconciled to God through Christ that we can reconcile others to God and reconcile situations and people around us.

13a) People persecute us because we have God and Jesus and know where we are going. They are jealous by nature and therefore want us to be brought down. Those who do good are always targeted by man’s evil nature.

b) I wish I could say a forgiving heart, but it’s often negatively in the beginning. However, I end up praying for them and not letting me bother me because I do know where I’m going.

14) Unsure. Mostly it’s hardships of knowing what to do with my life at this moment and what path to take for him. Since I work from home, I have very little interaction with the outside world.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 5, Day 4: Matthew 5:9-12

Spoken to first century Jews, these verses are hard for us to understand. Some may be facing persecution because of their faith, but most of us are not facing persecution by death. Our persecutions are small in comparison. However, when they do occur, know the kingdom of heaven awaits.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 5, Day 4: Matthew 5:9-12

You can be a literal peacemaker in your family, or you can bring peace to others through helping them reconcile to God and accept Jesus as Savior.

Some will be persecuted because of their faith and righteousness. Other translations say to be joyful in persecution. Many Christians who were martyred were joyful, being on the cusp of meeting God. In our lives, it’s good to be joyful knowing we will meet God soon.

The world does not value the character traits in the Beatitudes. No matter. You live your truth; the rest will be damned.

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