Tag: bsf lesson 6 day 5

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BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 6, Day 5: Daniel 8:15-27

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

Summary of Daniel 8:15-27

Gabriel, an angel and a frequent messenger in the Bible, was instructed by Jesus to explain the vision. He explains the vision is about the End Times.

The two-horned ram that you saw represents the kings of Media and Persia. The shaggy goat is the king of Greece, and the large horn between its eyes is the first king. The four horns that replaced the one that was broken off represent four kingdoms that will emerge from his nation but will not have the same power.

 Another king will arise. He will become very strong, but not by his own power. He will cause astounding devastation and will succeed in whatever he does. He will destroy those who are mighty, the holy people.   He will destroy many and take his stand against the Prince of princes. Yet he will be destroyed, but not by human power.

Daniel was worn out and exhausted from what he saw. Then he went about the king’s business.

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 6, Day 5: Daniel 8:15-27

12a) Media and Persia and Greece
b) Earthly kingdoms will fade away.
c) God will destroy the kingdoms forever. This gives me hope that despite all the evil surrounding us that God will prevail.
13) God is trustworthy. God is sovereign. God is in control. God uses today’s evil systems to work His plan and His good.
14) I pray that God has got them. That they have peace in God and in their troubles. That they have the strength to persevere in their faith for him. That they use Daniel’s example of how to cope with persecution. That they survive.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 6, Day 5: Daniel 8:15-27

I love how God leads us and doesn’t totally leave us in the dark. This helps us to better follow Him when we have some understanding of what He is saying.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 6, Day 5: Daniel 8:15-27

Ulai is a river in Persia. Here is a map of Susa and the Ulai Canal.

Courtesy of https://crossroadsbible.net/2019/10/23/daniel-in-the-city-of-susa/

Though this prophecy was fulfilled with the Medo-Persian and Greek empires, this also refers to the End Times and the Antichrist.

Sealing of the vision refers to the fact that this is prophecy and would take place far in the future.

Daniel was most likely overwhelmed because he just couldn’t understand how God could allow such a travesty and evil to happen. Yet, he still had a job to do, and he did it.

Note the term “son of man” here refers to Daniel, a literal son of a man. You see this in Ezekiel, too (Ezekiel 2:1, 3; 3:1, 10; 4:16; 6:2; 7:2; 11:2)

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

Daniel 8:15-27 is the angel Gabriel’s direct interpretation of the preceding vision, revealing a specific and terrifying period of future persecution against God’s people.

The interpretation of its key elements is as follows:

  • The Empires Identified: Gabriel explicitly confirms the identities of the beasts. The two-horned ram is the Medo-Persian Empire, and the goat is the Greek Empire. The goat’s first great horn is its first king, Alexander the Great, whose empire is then divided into four kingdoms.
  • A Profile of the Antagonist: The interpretation focuses on the “little horn,” identifying him as a cunning, cruel, and blasphemous king (historically Antiochus IV Epiphanes) who will rise from one of the Greek kingdoms. He will persecute the “holy people” and halt the daily sacrifices in the Temple.
  • A Supernatural Conflict: The interpretation frames this as a spiritual battle. The king becomes powerful “not by his own power” and is ultimately destroyed “but not by human power.” This reveals that the conflict is a direct confrontation between a supernaturally empowered tyrant and the “Prince of princes” (God).
  • A Sobering Prophecy: The vision is so disturbing in its detail of future suffering that Daniel is left physically ill. It is a sobering look at a coming tribulation for the faithful, but it carries the ultimate hope that the persecutor’s reign is limited and his destruction is guaranteed by God Himself.

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BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 6, Day 5: Revelation 3:18-22

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

Summary of Revelation 3:18-22

Jesus tells them to buy from him gold refined in the fire, so they can become rich; white clothes to wear, so they can cover their shameful nakedness; and salve to put on their eyes, so they can see. Jesus rebukes and disciplines those he loves. Jesus awaits at the door; all the people have to do is invite him in. Whoever is victorious will have the right to sit with Jesus on his throne.

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 6, Day 5: Revelation 3:18-22

12a) Spiritual wealth, salvation, holiness, righteousness.

b) Whoever is victorious will have the right to sit with Jesus on his throne. Eternal life.

13) God rebukes those he loves so that they will grow closer to him and be more like him. He disciplines us for our good so that we may share in his holiness.

14a) God disciplines his people with consequences for their actions and decisions so that they can grow closer to him. Pain in childbirth. Pain in toiling the land for food. They may suffer consequences of the law as discipline. They may be shunned as well for their actions.

b) To learn and grow in faith. To be true sons and daughters of God so that we can share in his holiness.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 6, Day 5: Revelation 3:18-22

We should have a healthy attitude towards discipline in our lives. Otherwise, we wouldn’t grow closer to God. There would be no incentive to do so.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 6, Day 5: Revelation 3:18-22

If the church of Laodicea would turn to Jesus, they would be clothed, they would see, and they would be spiritually rich.

We should want to be disciplined by God. It shows his love for us.

We need to repent and turn from our ways.

Jesus invited the church to knock at his door, dine with him, have a relationship with him, and be in his presence. We must invite Jesus into our lives. He stands waiting to respond to us!

Jesus wants to offer them a renewed spiritual vision.

He wants fellowship with us. The invitation is for all of us!

We must hear Jesus’ call on our lives.

Fun Fact: Jesus reprimands the church of Laodicea the harshest.

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BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 6, Day 5: John 4:43-54

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

SUMMARY OF JOHN 4:43-54

Jesus left Sychar in Samaria and heads back to Galilee. Jesus was welcomed, as they had seen what he had done in Jerusalem at Passover. He visited Cana. A royal official whose son was sick in Capernaum went to Jesus to beg him to save his son’s life.

Jesus questions whether the man will believe without a sign. The man asks him to come down before his son dies. Jesus told him to go and that his so would live.

The man did believe, and before he even returned home, the man was told by his officials that his son was well. His whole household believed because of this miracle.

This was the second sign Jesus performed after coming from Judea to Galilee.

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 6, Day 5: John 4:43-54

12) He went to Cana in Galilee. He was welcomed by the people as they had seen what he had done in Jerusalem at Passover.

13a) The man was a royal official whose son was sick in Capernaum went to Jesus to beg him to save his son’s life.

b) Jesus was skeptical that the man would believe, but Jesus healed the boy anyway.

14) Jesus shows grace to everyone, even to those whom may doubt him. He answers prayers simply and powerfully, which is why we must always pray!

15) He is giving me patience to wait on His answers. He is helping me reach these prayers with tiny steps every day. He gives me the encouragement I need when I need it.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 6, Day 5: John 4:43-54

Great lesson! Shows the power of prayer when you see out Jesus!

End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 6, Day 5: John 4:43-54

map of Cana, Sychar, and Capernaum where Jesus heals official's son BSF JohnLet us remember that Jesus grew up in Galilee. He is returning to home territory. Because of this familiarity, it was hard for the people to believe in Jesus since he grew up there as a normal child. They did not honor him as they should.

Cana is about 20 miles from Capernaum, so the royal official had traveled that far to meet Jesus.

The Second Sign Recorded by John

Jesus wondered if the man required a sign to believe. You can imagine that many people Jesus encountered only wanted something from him without faith.

We should not require signs and wonders to prove God is who He is. Signs prove a purpose and are useful, but should not be the foundation of our faith.

Jesus tests the man by simply uttering words to heal his son. The nobleman believes, as indicated when he turned to leave, obeying Jesus.

The nobleman was not walking hurriedly (since it was yesterday at the 11th hour). This shows his faith in Jesus’ words, too.

The nobleman’s faith was deepened even more, and his whole household believed.

The signs John records are so that we will believe (John 20:29-31).

Fun fact: The first and the second sign took place in Cana (the water turned to wine and the healing of this son).

The first sign was so that the disciples may believe.

This second sign is so that the nobleman and his household would believe.

Note the Samaritans (and many others) believed without a sign.

Jesus uses whatever power is necessary that will reach us individually. What a gracious God we have!

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BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 6, Day 5: 2 Kings 1

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

SUMMARY OF 2 KINGS 1

King Ahaziah of Israel fell. He sent messentgers to false gods to ask if he will recover from his injury. The angel of the Lord instructs Elijah to confront these messengers and send them back to King Ahaziah to tell him that he would die due to his lack of faith. King Ahaziah sent a commander and 50 troops to retrieve Elijah to him. Elijah called down fire from heaven to consume them. He did this to the next 50 men who came for him, too.

A third captain with 50 men begged to not be killed. God told Elijah to go with this man. Elijah went to the king who then died. King Ahaziah had no sons so Joram succeeded him as king.

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 6, Day 5: 2 Kings 1

13) King Ahaziah of Israel fell. He sent messentgers to false gods to ask if he will recover from his injury rather than consulting God.

14a) Elijah was God’s chosen messenger to reveal to King Ahaziah his punishment for seeking false gods.

b) I think he was Spirit-led. If he wasn’t, fire would not have reigned down. The lesson is that the 3rd captain and men came humbly and begged for their lives. After all, they were just doing what they were told from the king.

15) I think we all can relate to resisting God, especially when things are just not going our way in this world. They key is to turn back to Him always.

16) He has always provided, always answered (nor not answered prayers) according to His will, and He continues to lead me in my life.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 6, Day 5: 2 Kings 1

I don’t remember this at all. While we may see God’s judgment as harsh on the 100 men, remember they are unbelievers, and God’s judgment is perfect. The men could have refused the king’s order since God’s commands are superior to men’s commands, but they did not.

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 6, Day 5: 2 Kings 1

Ahab had been a powerful ruler. With his death, Moab felt safe to rebel. They had been under Israel’s control since the time of David (2 Samuel 8:2 and 8:11-12). This is just one sign of Israel’s imminent decline.

Ahaziah could have repented when warned of his death. He did not. God is merciful, so he may have been spared.

The soldiers acted immorally when coming for Elijah. In fact, it was a slight against God more so than Elijah. Elijah asked God to send fire down. God could have refused. Instead, God sent his judgment upon them.

The sin was not believing in God and His presense in Israel. For that, Ahaziah and the soldiers paid with their lives.

Joram or Jehoram was the brother of king Ahaziah and a son of Ahab.

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BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 6, Day 5: Matthew 5:38-48

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 5:38-48

Jesus says that previously an eye for an eye was the rule, meaning if someone did you harm, you do them harm back. However, Jesus says the opposite. If someone does you harm, do not resist them. Give and lend to those who ask.

Jesus says to love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. Love and greet everyone. God handles the evil.

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 6, Day 5: Matthew 5:38-48

11) To not retaliate and to not resist. He teaches to respond in kindness, to love your enemies, and pray for those that persecute you.

12a) Most people want revenge and retaliation when they have been wronged. It can consume them.

b) Unsure. Unsure if I’m persecuted or if I have enemies.

13a) My goal is to strive to be like Jesus. Obviously, we can’t be perfect, but it’s a goal nevertheless. And goals are good things to have.

b) Galations 5:16 says to live by the Spirit and you won’t gratify the desires of a sinful nature. Ephesians 4:22-24 tells us to put on our new selves in Christ. Philippians 2:12-13 says that it is God who works in you for his purposes. The idea of “being perfect” is just to do good in your life and in others’. Use the power of Jesus to do so.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 6, Day 5: Matthew 5:38-48

I had not remembered Jesus’s call to be perfect here. While I love shooting for goals, this is one we all will never reach. However, getting better every day is a good goal to have.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 6, Day 5: Matthew 5:38-48

You’ll find “an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth” here (Exodus 21:24). This command had been corrupted over time, which is why Jesus is clarifying it here. He says to let God be our defender when people insult us or do us wrong. Should you resist evil? Yes. However, the everyday slights and offenses shoulbe let go immediately and ignored. You just give it weight when you respond.

Jesus is using the slap here to mean insult. Obviously, if someone hits you, you defend yourself.

The cloak here is confusing. It’s referring to a Law that says that the outer cloak you were wearing could not be taken (Exodus 22:26; Deuteronomy 24:13).

Going the extra mile in Jesus’s time referred to the fact that Roman soldiers could command a Jew to carry their pack for one mile. This is where our saying comes from that now means to go above and beyond expectation. Read more HERE

Love Your Neighbor

Love your neighbor is an ancient Mosaic law (Leviticus 19:18). However, the teachers of the time were adding on to hate your enemies. The Bible never says this. Instead, Jesus says love your enemies who are our neighbors, too. Respond to your enemies in love, which is what God would do.

Christians are called to be better than others because of the power of the Holy Spirit. Our responses speak volumes about our relationship with God.

To be perfect, we need God’s righteouness (Romans 3:21-22) Keeping God’s laws makes up righteous.

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BSF Study Questions Genesis Lesson 6, Day 5: Genesis 5:25-32

by atozmom, posted in BSF Genesis 2012/2013

Summary of passage:  Methuselah became the father of Lamech who was Noah’s father. Noah fathered Shem, Ham and Japheth.  All lived long lives.

Questions:

11)  Methuselah and he was 969 years old.

12)  God kept Seth’s descendants alive longer than others so they would have a chance to repent before he sent the flood (right after Methuselah died).  Also, Seth’s descendants lived right after the Fall.  God had intended man to live forever so because it was so close to the Fall, God kept man alive longer.

I would speculate God wanted the earth populated so he allowed man to live longer so he could procreate more.

Also, the atmosphere/environment was very different before the flood destroyed everything.  Think of the differences say in the times of Dinosaurs and Ice Ages.  The world was a different place.  Everything was teeming with life.  No pollutants or hazards in the environment.  Probably little illnesses and diseases as of yet.  Abundant food.  We don’t hear of starvation during this time.  Genetically, there probably wasn’t a lot of harmful mutations yet.  God is still very, very close to His people here–physically–so they lived longer.

As more and more generations passed, more and more turning from God entered the world.  Sin accumulated.  Thus, I would say God decided to shorten man’s life in accordance.  To lessen the evil we do to ourselves and in the world.

Ultimately, it’s God’s will and grace that determines how long we live.  The rest is just speculation.

Conclusions:  The only day I liked in this lesson.  It shows how everything is God’s will and is in His grace.  Perfect lesson for me today.