Tag: bsf lesson 7 day 2

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BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 7, Day 2: Daniel 9:1-3

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

Summary of Daniel 9:1-3

When Darius, son of Xerxes, was ruling, Daniel knew that the desolation of Jerusalem and exile of the Israelites would last 70 years. He appealed to the Lord during this time.

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 7, Day 2: Daniel 9:1-3

3a) Daniel was a chosen prophet of the Lord. The Lord gave him visions. The Lord could interpret others’ dreams. He was a high-ranking official in the king’s household. He was well educated. He had a heart for the people and the Lord. God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds.

b) He had seen what God could do. He knew God answered prayers. He knew the power of faithfulness and prayer. He knew God in heaven reveals mysteries. He knew God could do anything, was omnipotent, and in charge of the world. In sum, he knew God.
4a) He keeps bringing me back to daily Bible study despite my busy life. It grounds me, gives me faith, courage, and hope that everything in this world will work out for the good of all, and I don’t have to worry because God has got it. It makes daily living a bit easier.
b) God listens, God answers. God will work all things for good for those who trust in Him.
c) It definitely inspires me by giving me an example of what a life centered in Christ looks like and the results of such a life.  I’m inspired to pray more, lean on God more, and live out God’s purposes for my life.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 7, Day 2: Daniel 9:1-3

Love how Daniel is never afraid to go to the Lord with his requests, needs, and with his heart. And, he’s praying for others, too. Daniel is most definitely a faithful servant of the Lord.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 7, Day 2: Daniel 9:1-3

This was about when Daniel was 80 years old, so it would have been around 538 BC.

Daniel studied the scriptures and built his life on the word of God. He prayed God’s promises.

Effective prayer is from knowing and praying God’s Word and our present circumstances.

Daniel knew the 70-year timeframe from Scripture: Jeremiah 25:11-13 and Jeremiah 29:10

Daniel asked for what God had promised. This is powerful prayer.

God answers prayers, and we can hasten the Second Coming by praying for it: 2 Peter 3:12, (Revelation 22:20)

Fasting allows us to prioritize God’s plans.

Sackcloth was made from animal hair.

Ashes are a symbol of ruin in the Bible.

Daniel is praying for the 70 years to begin sooner rather than later. So to start in 605 B.C. when Jerusalem was attacked and Daniel and others were taken captive to Babylon.

Remember, the exile took place in waves:

  • 597 B.C. – Jerusalem was attacked, and treasure was taken from the temple.
  • 587 B.C. – Jerusalem falls, and the nation was exiled.

Daniel approached God with determination. He knew God answered prayers and his prayer was in alignment with God’s will. He asked God to fulfill His promises.

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

Daniel 9:1-3 sets the stage for a profound prophecy by highlighting the interplay between Scripture, understanding, and prayer.

The interpretation of its key elements is as follows:

  • The Catalyst is Scripture: In his old age, Daniel is diligently studying the writings of the prophet Jeremiah. This reveals that the foundation for this event is not a new vision, but a deep engagement with God’s pre-existing written Word.
  • Understanding God’s Timetable: From his study, Daniel understands that the prophesied 70-year exile for Jerusalem is nearing its end. He discerns that God’s plan for judgment and restoration operates on a specific timeline.
  • Prayer as the Response to Promise: Daniel’s realization does not lead to passive waiting. Instead, the promise of restoration drives him to his knees. This reveals a crucial principle: God’s promises are meant to be the basis and motivation for fervent prayer, not a substitute for it.
  • A Posture of Humility: Daniel approaches God not with demands, but in fasting, sackcloth, and ashes. This demonstrates that he understands the exile was due to sin, and any restoration would be an act of God’s mercy, which must be sought with a humble and repentant heart.

In essence, these verses reveal a powerful model for faith. They teach that understanding God’s promises in Scripture is not a call to passive waiting, but a catalyst for active, humble, and fervent prayer, through which believers participate in the unfolding of God’s sovereign plan.

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BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 7, Day 2: Acts 2:1-21

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

Summary of Acts 2:1-21

Pentecost came after Jesus’ death. All of the believers who were gathered were filled with the Holy Spirit as violent winds came from heaven and tongues of fire came to rest on them. Each heard their own language being spoken and were amazed.

Peter quotes Joel and explains that the Holy Spirit has been poured out on them. They have been saved!

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 7, Day 2: Acts 2:1-21

3a) Jesus prophesied that the Holy Spirit would come upon all believers when they believe in his sacrifice for them on the cross. The Holy Spirit lives inside of every believer. He will teach us all things and remind us of Jesus’ words. The Holy Spirit will testify about Jesus. The Holy Spirit will come once Jesus goes away. The Holy Spirit will prove the world wrong about sin, righteousness, and judgment.

b) They were believers in God and Christ all waiting for the promised Holy Spirit. They will then be saved due to Jesus’ death and receive the Holy Spirit.

4a) It speaks about how believers can and will prophesy. God has and will show wonders in heaven and signs on the earth before the Last Days. Everyone has and will call on the name of the Lord and be saved.

b) Most definitely. I believe I’d be a base, selfish person without the Holy Spirit and God’s guidance. I am doing the Lord’s work, not my own.

5) Many of my husband’s relatives. I believe the best way to show God’s word and love is by the way you act and how you shine the Lord’s Spirit to others. So, I will continue to be forgiving, gracious, helpful, evangelical, etc to them.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 7, Day 2: Acts 2:1-21

Great reminder about the beginning of the church and how we must continually work to spread the Good News.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 7, Day 2: Acts 2:1-21

Pentecost was an annual Jewish festival that took place 50 days after Passover. It celebrated the harvest (Numbers 28:26).

Interestingly, Pentecost also marked the day the Law was given to God’s people. Thus, it’s fitting that the Holy Spirit was now given on this day, too.

It’s been 10 days since Jesus went to heaven (Acts 1:3).

The word for Spirit in Hebrew and Greek is the same as for wind. Thus, the sound of heaven is a wind-like noise. The Holy Spirit is a breath from God.

Fire is purification, as seen in fire from heaven in other parts of the Bible.

Here is where we see the speaking in tongues. Many Christians do communicate in another language in prayer (1 Corinthians 14:14-15).

Peter, representing the apostles, speaks. He is bold and confident. He quotes the prophet Joel to explain Pentecost to his listeners.

Fun Fact: This is the first of 3 Old Testament passages Peter will quote in his speech.  Joel 2:28-32, Psalm 16:8-11, and Psalm 110:1.

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BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 7, Day 2: John 5:1-15

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

Summary of John 5:1-15

Jesus went up to Jerusalem. There was a pool called Bethesda, and a great number of disabled people used to lie near it. One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, “Do you want to get well?” The man said he had no one to carry him to the pool. Jesus told him to pick up his mat and walk, and he did!

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 7, Day 2: John 5:1-15

3) The man could not walk. He had been an invalid for 38 years. He was in need of spiritual healing since Jesus told him to stop sinning. He was hopeless since no one would help him into the water.

4a) Jesus asked the man if he wanted to get well. He asks this because some people don’t want to get well. It is also asking the man if he had faith in him to get well. The man explained his situation, which was hopeless.

b) Jesus said to the man, “Get up! Pick up your mat, and walk.” The commands required the man to do something (get up, pick up your mat, and walk) and required faith in Jesus’ words.

c) “Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you.” It shows Jesus’ concern for the man’s spiritual health as well as his physical health. He is warning the man to stop sinning especially since he now has a new life.

5) I feel in time, answers reveal themselves. In the moment, it is extremely difficult to keep moving forward!

Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 7, Day 2: John 5:1-15

I love this miracle/sign of Jesus that John records. The power of Jesus when he speaks!

End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 7, Day 2: John 5:1-15

John 5 begins a new section in the Book of John. We’ll see a shift to more public disputes rather than Jesus as an unknown prophet.

The pool of Bethesda was a purported to be a place of healing.

Out of the multitude waiting, Jesus picked this man to heal. Spurgeon speculates that this was because no one else looked to Jesus for healing; instead, they looked at the water only.

The man responded out of faith, for he does what Jesus commands.

Jesus’ command to walk was to choose a new life.

Note the Jewish leaders asked the man who told him to walk, not who healed him. They didn’t care about the healing; all they cared about was who broke their man-made laws.

Jesus was just as concerned about the man’s spiritual health as he was for his physical health; in fact, more so, since this is infinitely more important.

The man reported Jesus out of fear of the religious leaders.

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BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 7, Day 2: 2 Chronicles 17-19

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

SUMMARY OF 2 CHRONICLES 17-19

2 Chronicles 17:

Jesoshaphat became king of Israel. The Lord was with Jesoshaphat because he walked in the ways his father David had in the early years. He had great wealth and honor. He was devoted to the Lord, and he removed the high places. He sent officials to teach the people throughout Jesus about God. There was peace, and many brought Jesoshaphat gifts. He became more powerful, and he built an army.

2 Chronicles 18:

There was peace between Aram and Israel for three years until Jehoshaphat king of Judah went to see the king of Israel, Ahab. Israel and Judah looked to make an alliance to take Ramoth Gilead back, but Jesoshaphat requested to inquire of the Lord first. The only prophet left was Micaiah whom Ahab did not like because he prophesied against him. All of the other prophets said to go to war and Micaiah was urged to agree. However, Micaiah refused, saying he could only say what the Lord had told him.

When Micaiah arrived when summoned for his inquiry unto the Lord, he told them that the Lord would entice them to go to war against Ramoth Gilead, but the war will be a disaster for them and that their leader would die. Zedekiah slapped Micaiah in the face, and he was ordered back to Amon to go to prison with nothing but bread and water till Ahab returns safely.

Ahab and Jehoshaphat defied Micaiah’s prophecy and went to battle for Ramoth Gilead. Ahab went disguised, while Jehosphaphat wore royal robes. The king of Aram only wanted to fight against the king of Israel, so they left Jehoshaphat alone. The king of Israel, Ahab, was hit by a random arrow. He died that night and his blood was licked by dogs as the Lord had prophesied. His son, Ahaziah, succeeded him as king.

2 Chronicles 19:

Jehoshaphat returned safely to the palace. The seer Jehu told him that the wrath of God was upon him because he made alliances with those who hate God. However, he did rid the land of Asherah poles and he does seek God. He appointed God-fearing judges to rule over his people. He appointed priests to administer the law and to settle disputes with the fear of the Lord. Amariah the chief priest will be over you in any matter concerning the Lord, and Zebadiah will be over youin any matter concerning the king. The Levites will be officials.

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 7, Day 2: 2 Chronicles 17-19

3a) Jehoshaphat stationed troops in all the fortified cities of Judah and put garrisons in Judah and in the towns of Ephraim. He sought God and followed his commands. He removed the high places and the Asherah poles from Judah. He sent officials to teach the people throughout Jesus about God. There was peace, and many brought Jesoshaphat gifts. He became more powerful, and he built an army. He built forts in Judah and store cities. He had large supplies in the towns of Judah. He kept experienced fighting men in Jerusalem.

b) Jehoshaphat had great wealth and honor. He put the fear of the Lord (Himself) on all the kingdoms surrounding Judah so that they did not make war with Jehoshaphat. Some Philistines brought him gifts and silver as tribute. The Arabs brought him flocks. He prospered.

4a) He risked God’s anger towards him. He risked his own life. He risked the lives of his own people.

b) Jehoshaphat returned safely to his palace despite his anger at him allying with Ahab who hated God.

c) LOL! Yep! I’d say every day, but there may be a couple of days I haven’t made one. God has always provided a way out. Always. And He has used it for good to be with Him and near him.

5a) “Consider carefully what you do because you are not judging for men, but for the Lord, who is with you whenever you give a verdict. Now let the fear of the Lord be upon you. Judge carefully, for with the Lord our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery.”

b) We must all remember that the work we do, from our every day job to raising our kids, is for God, not for anyone else. He is with us, always, watching us. Everything we do is for Him and His glory.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 7, Day 2: 2 Chronicles 17-19

I love reading the parallel accounts. It not only reinforces what is happening, but there’s always another nugget to be gleaned.

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 7, Day 2: 2 Chronicles 17-19

2 Chronicles 17:

The example is those who walked NOT in the ways of Israel.

Jehoshaphat is blessed by the Lord because he walked in God’s ways. He strengthened the kingdom. He brought the word of God to the people. Jehoshaphat and his kingdom was exalted above all other nations.

2 Chronicles 18:

King Ahab asked King Jehoshapat to ally with him against Syria. Ramoth-Gilead was only 40 miles from Jerusalem, the capital of Judah.

Jehoshaphat only picked prophets that told him what he wanted to hear. Knowing this Jehoshapat wanted to hear from a prophet of the Lord.

The two rulers sat at the gate of Samaria, which was a traditional place to make decisions. The unfaithful prophets all said what the king of Israel wanted to hear.

Apparently, Micaiah was already in prison (1 Kings 22:26). The assistants to King Ahab tried to persuade Micaiah to repeat the words of the 400 other prophets, but Micaiah refused. Ahab hated anyone who opposed him. Micaiah mocks the other prophets by repeated what they had said, and then tells the truth when prompted by Ahab.

On the right side of God sits the host of heaven on the left sits fallen angels. A fallen angel would lead Ahab into battle. Ahab would pay with his life for his fallen leadership, while Israel paid for following false gods.

Micaiah was met with violence upon this news and anger. Yet, God’s plans never fail.

Many Bible scholars are unsure why Jehoshaphat agrees to go to battle against God’s word. Maybe he wanted to save grace or perhaps he wanted to die. It was not a smart decision on either’s part.

Jehoshaphat cried out to the Lord, and he was saved.

The arrow that pierced King Ahab was not by chance; nothing is by chance with God. God orchastrated it.

The war ended with Ahab’s death.

Elijah prophesied about the dogs licking the blood of Ahab.  1 Kings 21:19 This just took place in a different location that prophesied.

We also see a prophecy come to fruition with 1 Kings 20:42, where Ahab spared Ben-Hadad’s life.

Despite the wealth of Israel, the people were spiritually poor.

2 Chronicles 19:

Jehoshaphat was saved by God’s mercy. Yet, he is still rebuked by God for his actions, but encouraged, too.

We see Jeru when he prophesies to Baasha the king of Israel (1 Kings 16:1, 16:7).

Jehoshaphat concentrates on bettering Jerusalem. He offers judicial reforms and improves the laws.

Remember, God’s wrath is His holy response to sin.

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BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 7, Day 2: Genesis 9:18-23

by atozmom, posted in BSF Genesis 2020/2021

Summary of Genesis 9:18-23:

Noah had three sons with him in the Ark: Shem, Ham, and Japheth (Ham was the father of Canaan) who then populated the earth. Noah became drunk from wine one day, and he was naked in his tent. Ham told his two brothers of their father’s nakedness, both of whom covered up his father’s nakedness.

BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 7, Day 2: Genesis 9:18-23

3) Noah became drunk from wine one day, and he was naked in his tent. Ham told his two brothers of their father’s nakedness, both of whom covered up his father’s nakedness.

4) Personal question. My answer: Sin is pervasive.

5) Personal question. My answer: Avoid sin.

6a) Personal question. My answer: I’d say we’ve all been affected by our parents in some way. We learn from them how to be successful, or sometimes we repeat their mistakes.

b) Personal Question. My answer: It’s hard to say since it’s probably just my children who are affected. I’d like to think they don’t repeat my faults and they learn from my successes, but who knows. It’s hard to teach what only experience can teach you. In truth, it’s hard to say how anyone is being affected, even the persom themselves, without hindsight.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 7, Day 2: Genesis 9:18-23

I’m not totally sure I see the big deal in this passage. This happens all the time where people get drunk and others walk in on them. I’m also not sure about these questions either.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 7, Day 2: Genesis 9:18-23

We see the world being repopulated from the three sons mentioned here. For a complete list of descendants, stay tuned. It’s coming up in Genesis 10.

Fun Fact: We see the first recorded person drunk here — Noah, a giant of the Bible.

So what’s the big deal here? For me, it was hard to see since the Bible gives very little information but the facts. We’ll see in our next lesson that something was a big deal because Noah curses his youngest son, Ham, the land of Canaan.

Theories of the Big deal:

  • Noah was sexually abused by someone, perhaps his son, Ham. This is derived from a different translation that says “became uncovered,” which is associated with sex here: (Leviticus 18:6-20).
  • Ham made fun of Noah for being drunk

In truth, there is so little information here that we just don’t know. It’s up to interpretation. I find it strange the other two brothers walked in backwards. Being naked is nothing to be ashamed of. This is weird to me.

BSF Study Questions Genesis Lesson 7, Day 2: Genesis 6:1-12 with 1 Peter 3:20; 2 Peter 2:4-9; 3:1-10 & Jude 5-7

by atozmom, posted in BSF Genesis 2012/2013

Summary of passages:  Genesis 6:1-12:  The sons of God married any daughters they chose.  The Lord said His Spirit will not contend with (be with) man forever for he is mortal; his days will be a hundred and twenty years.  The Nephilim were the heroes of old, men of renown and were on earth during this time when the sons of God were as well.

God saw how men’s hearts had become only evil and He was filled with pain.  God said he would wipe mankind from the face of the earth for He is grieved (regretted) He created them.  Except for Noah who was a righteous man and walked with God.  Noah had 3 sons: Shem, Ham and Japheth.

The earth was corrupt and the people were violent.

1 Peter 3:20:  God only saved 8 people in the ark.  He waited patiently while the ark was being built for others to repent but none did.

2 Peter 2:4-9:  God punished the wicked:  He sent angels to hell when they sinned.  He brought the flood but saved Noah.  He burned Sodom and Gomorrah but rescued Lot, a righteous man.  The Lord rescues godly men but condemned the unrighteous.

2 Peter 3:1-10:  The writer is imploring the people to wholesome thinking.  In the last days, scoffers will come, skeptical and evil, questioning God, forgetting the creation.  The world was destroyed in the flood and the day of judgment will come when the world will be destroyed by fire.

The Lord’s time is not our time; He is patient, giving everyone a chance to repent.  But the Day of Judgment will come and everything will be destroyed.

Jude 5-7:  The Lord delivered His people out of Egypt but later destroyed those who didn’t believe.  He bound angels who did not keep their positions of authority.  Sodom and Gomorrah were burned as punishment for sin.

Questions:

3)  There are two main ideas about who the sons of God and the daughters of men were.  Some say the sons of God were from the line of Seth and the daughters of men were from the line of Cain, which would represent a mixing of godly with ungodly which the Bible later does not permit (Deuteronomy 7:1-4 and 2 Corinthians 6:14).

The more popular theory is the sons of God are fallen angels or demons or demon-possessed men and the daughters of men are human women.  This is supported by other passages in the Old Testament that refer to the sons of God as angels (Job 1:6; 2:1; 38:7).

Jude seems to support this claim as well, saying the angels in a similar way committed sexual immorality and thus God kept them in darkness and bounded them in chains.

1 Peter 18-20 tells us Jesus went and preached to these spirits in prison.

Scholars refute this angel idea with Matthew 22:30 where Jesus says angels do not marry.  However, he is speaking of obeying angels not disobeying/Fallen angels.

The idea is Satan tried to thwart God’s plan for the Messiah by polluting the Seed of the woman where the Savior will come from (Genesis 3:15).  This could be a reason for the flood.  Man was so corrupt and polluted God had to start over with Noah.

4a)  Morals are the principles of right and wrong behavior and the goodness or badness of human character.

How great man’s wickedness had become and how every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil.

b)  Well, if you believe the sons of God are demons and they mixed with humans than the flood succeeds in purifying the human race again.  God started over with Noah, ridding the world of all the violence and beginning anew.

c)  Personal Question.  My answer:  That God will punish evil and evil-doers but He will show grace to the righteous.

5a)  Personal Question.  My answer:  Sin.  Every sin I commit causes God grief and pain.

b)  Personal Question.  My answer:  Speculation since God hasn’t spoken to me directly but I believe I have found favor by seeking Him, repenting from sin, asking for forgiveness, striving to be more like Jesus every day, learning from my mistakes, reading God’s word, doing His call on my life, praying, putting Him center, following His commandments, etc.

Conclusions:  The Nephilim were believed to be the offspring of the sons of God and the daughters of men.  Of course, this is debated as well, depending upon which theory you believe the sons of God to be.  So they are either the offspring of Seth or of angels.  You can read a good explanation of both theories HERE

If you did the study of Isaiah, you will remember me saying how the whole book was how bad and evil man was and how God was going to judge all.  And it was depressing due to man’s sin.

Here, we see God again (as we see Him often in the Old Testament) judging the evils of man and exercising punishment.  But we also see God’s goodness in preserving a remnant with Noah.  Preserving the righteous.  In rewarding those who do good.

God could have wiped us all out and been done with man.  Fed up with us and given up. Ended His grief and pain over His creation.  But He didn’t.

God is always good even when He is exercising justice in this world.

All sin grieves God.  I saw no need to be specific in 5a.  We all know what we do to cause God grief as He knows.  The key is recognizing it, repenting, asking for forgiveness, accepting His forgiveness, and making changes in your life to do better.  That’s all Fallen Man can do.

Remember when we fall, God will pick us up.  Again and again and again.