Tag: bsf lesson 8

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BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 8, Day 3: John 6:5-9

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

SUMMARY OF JOHN 6:5-9

Jesus asks Philip where they shall buy bread to feed the people who was following him and who he was teaching. Philip only sees the expense, saying they don’t have enough money. Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother points out a boy’s lunch of five small barley loaves and two small fish.

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 8, Day 3: John 6:5-9

6) John tells us that Jesus is testing Philip.

7a) Philip only sees the expense and the impossible. He doesn’t have faith or doesn’t think about how Jesus can solve this dilemma because of who he is. Andrew sees the practical food, but wonders how it would be enough. The boy presumably is willing to share his lunch.

b) I am willing to share, but I feel like I’d be incredulous as to how Jesus would solve the problem, too. Definitely convicting to believe in the power of Jesus to do anything.

8 ) Meager is all you have, like all the boy’s lunch. I can give the Lord everything just like the boy.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 8, Day 3: John 6:5-9

I love how we see the different attitudes of people towards Jesus, which still hold true today. Great stuff!

End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 8, Day 3: John 6:5-9

Some Bible scholars say that perhaps Jesus asked Philip this question because he was from Bethsaida (John 1:44), which was close to the area that this miracle occurred (Luke 9:10).

Jesus was teaching his disciples by asking the question.

Philip should have believed in Jesus’ divine abilities to do the impossible.

Barley was a grain that fed animals mostly, indicating that the boy was poor. The fish were small, too.

Jesus and God like others to participate in miracles to grow their faith. He doesn’t need our help.

Fun Fact: The feeding of the 5,000 is the only miracle of Jesus that is recorded in all 4 Gospels.

Everything Jesus said and did meant so much more than surface value. It was to fulfill needs, but also to teach us so much about the Lord and his powers.

Andrew is always mentioned in the Bible when he is bringing someone to Jesus.

The boy simply gave what he had to Jesus, no matter how small. So must we. Then, Jesus will do great things.

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BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 8, Day 2: John 6:1-4

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

SUMMARY OF JOHN 6:1-4

Jesus crossed to the far shore of the Sea of Galilee and a great crowd of people followed him because they saw the signs he had performed by healing the sick.  Then Jesus went up on a mountainside and sat down with his disciples. The Jewish Passover Festival was near.

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 8, Day 2: John 6:1-4

3) The Jewish leaders were out to get Jesus and have him killed. The time had not yet arrived for Jesus’ death, so he has to avoid any altercations with the Jewish leaders.

4) Jesus puts his needs aside and tends to his flock, the people. He had compassion on them and taught them. He considers his people important.

5) I would like to be more generous with my time and put others ahead of myself like Jesus. I would also like to serve more.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 8, Day 2: John 6:1-4

What a scene with Jesus preaching to the multitudes! Love it!

End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 8, Day 2: John 6:1-4

We are in the region of Galilee where Jesus is teaching. The feeding of the 5,000 is recorded in all the other three Gospels, too.

John is the only one to mention the timeframe of the Passover.

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Friday Digest BSF People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 8

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 8

  • God’s work always continues, even after you’re gone
  • God’s grace and mercy are unbounded
  • God holds people accountable for how they react to Him
  • God’s timing is always perfect
  • Times of great need allow God to display His great power
  • One believer can make all the difference
  • God pursues us to the end
  • Great victory often contains great sadness or sacrifice
  • Embrace the role God has given you

TAKE AWAY: The consequences of rejecting God are severe.

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BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 8, Day 5: 2 Kings 3:20-27

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

SUMMARY OF 2 KINGS 2:20-27

Water appeared as God promised.

The Moabites mistook the water for blood and assumed that all the kings killed each other. They ran to the camp of Israel who fought them. They slaughtered the Moabites and destroyed their towns, covering the fields in rocks, stopping up the springs, and cutting down the trees.

The King of Moab tried to break through to the King of Edom but failed. He offered his firstborn son as a sacrifice on the city wall. The israelites withdrew.

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 8, Day 5: 2 Kings 3:20-27

13) God provided water, which was mistaken as blood by the Moabites, which got them off balance for the war ahead.

14) All of the land of Moab was destroyed, prompting the king to sacrifice his firstborn son to their gods. This causes the Moabites to hate the Israelites for what they did to their land and for forcing them (in their minds) to make such a sacrifice to their gods.

15) That He is faithful. That He answers prayers. That He wants the desires of our hearts to come true.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 8, Day 5: 2 Kings 3:20-27

Great victory often contains great sadness or sacrifice (such as the pagan sacrifice of the son).

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 8, Day 5: 2 Kings 3:20-27

Sometimes what God tells us to do doesn’t make sense until it’s done.

God uses the ditches to save the men in more ways than one: with water and with confusion to the enemy.

The king of Moab was desperate when he sacrificed his son. He wanted to honor his gods and help give his people courage in the face of the enemy.

The Israelites saw the sickening sacrifice and left.

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BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 8, Day 4: 2 Kings 3:1-19

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

SUMMARY OF 2 KINGS 3:1-19

Joram (or Jehoram) son of Ahab became king of Israel during the reign of Jehoshaphat king of Judah and reigned 12 years. He did evil in the eyes of the Lord, but he did get rid of the sacred stone of Baal.

Moab had to pay tribute to Israel with lambs and wool. But when Ahab died, Moab rebelled. Joram set out to control the rebellion. He asked Jehoshaphat to help, which he agreed to do. They set out through the desert of Edom and the king of Edom joined them. However, they marched for 7 days when they ran out of water. Jehoshaphat was the only one to seek God in this situation, asking for a prophet.

Elisha was amongst them. They called for him, and only because of the presense of Jehoshaphat did Elisha prophesy. The Lord said through Elisha to dig ditches that the Lord would fill with water for everyone and their animals. The Lord will hand Moab over to you.

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 8, Day 4: 2 Kings 3:1-19

10) King Joram did evil in the eyes of the Lord, but he did get rid of the sacred stone of Baal. King Joram set out to control a rebellion, and he managed to unite Jehoshaphat and the king of Edom, too. This is great influence, indeed.

11a) Moab refused to pay tribute to Israel with lambs and wool. Jehoshaphat, King of Judah and the King of Edom

b) Jehoshaphat had made peace with Israel. (1 Kings 22:44).

c) They got lost and ran out of water.

d) Jehoshaphat called for Elisha to ask for God’s help.

12) One, don’t go wandering in the desert without enough water and no sense of direction. Two, don’t partner with unbelievers. Three, seek God when you’ve messed up. Four, do whatever God tells you to do.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 8, Day 4: 2 Kings 3:1-19

Again, we see God’s great mercy when he not only provides water that the men need to save their lives, but He also grants them victory over their enemies.

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 8, Day 4: 2 Kings 3:1-19

Fun Fact: Joram is the 9th evil king over the kingdom of Israel.

Jehoshaphat was more experienced in battle than Joram, which is why he was asked which way to attack the Moabites.

Note how Joram immediately assumes God will not help them, and they have been sent into the hands of the Moabites; whereas, Jehoshaphat seeks God here. Joram blames God.

The three kings humble themselves and go to see Elisha who only agrees to speak to them because of Jehoshaphat. Note how it’s good to be friends with believers.

Note the spiritual power of music here.

God would provide water but in a miraculous way, leaving no doubt it’s from Him.

Note how God has them work first (by digging ditches) before they are rewarded (with life-giving water). God is preparing the people for a blessing by giving them a task they can do, not a task that is insurmountable.

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BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 8, Day 3: 2 Kings 2:13-25

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

SUMMARY OF 2 KINGS 2:13-25

Elisha picked up Elijah’s cloak and used it to part the Jordan River and cross over. The company of prophets recognized that the spirit of Elijah rested on Elisha. Still, they wanted to go and look for Elijah and Elisha let them at their insistance. They looked for three days with no sign of Elijah.

Elisha purified the water of Jericho using salt, saying the Lord healed the water. As Elisha went to Bethel, he was jeered at by some youths. He cursed them and two bears mauled 42 of them. He then went to Mount Carmel and then to Samaria.

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 8, Day 3: 2 Kings 2:13-25

7a) He allowed Elisha to have Elijah’s cloak. He allowed Elisha to part the Jordan River the same way Elijah had done. None of the company of prophets found Elijah.

b) In order to leave no doubt who would be taking Elijah’s place as God’s chosen spiritual leader after Elijah’s departure.

8a) It seems that Elisha took the insults personally and had the youth hurt. Plus, they are youth. Young people do dumb things and say dumb things. The punishment seems severe for just jeering.

b) It must have been in a malicious tone and against God to have such dire consequences. Plus, when you consider that they were mocking Elisha then they were also mocking God, then the punishment makes sense.

9) Matthew 7: 6-23 tells us that you can tell by their fruits or works. 2 Timothy 3:14-17 tells us to have confidence in what we know is God’s word.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 8, Day 3: 2 Kings 2:13-25

It’s hard to read the jeering section. Yet, we were not there and cannot hear the tone of the youths (who may have been older since men lived longer back then). Odds are, the words were threatening and insulting enought for Elishat to ask God to intervene.

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 8, Day 3: 2 Kings 2:13-25

The picking up of the cloak by Elisha demonstrated him picking up the torch passed from Elijah.

The parting of the Jordan River shows that Elisha inherited the same power that Elijah had since God answered Him.

By Elisha asking “Where it the God of Elijah?”, he’s asking where’s the God who performed miracles, provided for Elijah, and gave Elijah strength during his ministry? That’s the God Elisha is seeking (as we all should).

Remember that Joshua cursed anyone who rebuilt what God has destoryed (Joshua 6:26; 1 Kings16:34). God’s grace and mercy are unbounded here.

The youths were from Bethel that has many pagan places of worship. They basically told Elisha to die when they said “go up” referring to Elijah ascending to heaven. This thus mocked Elisha and the God he served, as well as rejected God. For most of us know, the consequences happen at death. Here, God sent a clear message the consequences of rejecting Him. God’s timing is always perfect.

Note Elisha cursed the men, but God provided the consequences. Elisha left it up to God to do this.

42 men is a lot and there were probably more. It could have been a mob jeering at Elisha, which could quickly get out of control and then needed to be dispersed before Elisha was hurt. Note the word “mauled.” It is possible these men were not killed, just hurt.

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BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 8, Day 2: 2 Kings 2:1-12

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

SUMMARY OF 2 KINGS 2:1-12

Elijah and Elisha were on their way to Gilgal. Elijah tried to make Elisha stay behind instead of accompanying him to Bethel, but Elisha insisted on going. He also insisted on going to Jericho and the Jordan. 50 prophets stood at a distance while Elijah took his cloak, rolled it up, and struck the Jordan River with it. It divided so they could cross on dry ground.

Elijah asked Elisha if there was anything he wanted before he was taken to heaven. He asked to inherit a double portion of his spirit. Elijah said if he sees him when he is taken, he will have it. A chariot of fire and horse of fire appeared, separated them, and took Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind. Elisha cried out and then saw him no more. He took his own clothes and tore them in grief.

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 8, Day 2: 2 Kings 2:1-12

3) Close. Elisha did not want to let Elijah go.

4) Elisha asked Elijah to inherit a double portion of his spirit, probably meaning to be as wise as he was.

5) A chariot of fire and horse of fire appeared, separated them, and took Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind. It’s a cool way to get to heaven. It’s very unique, so it makes me wonder just how important Elijah must have been to not have to suffer death like we all have to.

6a) God cares for all of His people, providing their every need.

b) He always provides. Always.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 8, Day 2: 2 Kings 2:1-12

I love this scene. So encouraging and inspiring. I love the relationship between Elijah and Elisha, too. Great stuff!

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 8, Day 2: 2 Kings 2:1-12

Commentators believe that Elijah is testing Elisha’s devotion as he moves from place to place as his death nears.

Elisha could have asked for wealth, but instead he wanted the Spirit of God. The double portion refers to the what the first born son receives Deuteronomy 21:17. Itshows Elisha’s commitment to continue Elijah’s work.

Elijah had the strength of Israel with him. We’ll see these same words uttered at Elisha’s death (2 Kings 13:14)

Fun Fact: Only 2 men in the entire Bible, Enoch (Genesis 5:24) and Elijah, avoided death to get to heaven.

The company of prophets were most likely prophets in training.

Elijah’s miraculous crossing of the Jordan is reminiscent of Moses’s parting of the Red Sea as the Israelites fled Egypt.

Elijah to Elisha foreshadows John the Baptist to Jesus. One preceeded the other and followd with reconciliation and healing. God is preparing His people for His Son.

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Friday Digest BSF Matthew Lesson 8

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW IN MATTHEW 7 BSF LESSON 8

  • Trials are what strengthens us
  • God knows your motives and intentions of your heart
  • There is hope for all, but God does it through His will, not ours
  • God gives us what we need, not necessarily what we ask for
  • God rewards persistant prayer — we are not to give up
  • Love God and loving others will follow
  • God gives good things to those who ask
  • Ask God to help you love
  • Without Jesus, you have nothing
  • Your life enriches others’
  • Expect to think and live differently than others
  • Live a life built on Jesus

TAKE AWAY: We are to love God. Everything else flows from there.

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BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 8, Day 5: Matthew 7:21-29

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 7:21-29

Only those who do the will of the Father will get into heaven. Basically, those who aren’t hypocrites and truly have a heart for God.

Those who follow God’s law and Jesus’s teaching will have a firm foundation like someone who built his house on a rock. Those who don’t are like the foolish man who built his house on sand, so the house eventually fell under the strain.

The crowds were amazing as Jesus’s authoritative teachings.

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 8, Day 5: Matthew 7:21-29

12a) Only those who do the will of the Father will get into heaven. Basically, those who aren’t hypocrites and truly have a heart for God.

b) You have to walk the walk. It’s important to act on God’s Word and not just know it.

13a) Isaiah 28:16 says trust in God. 1 Corinthians 3:11 says that Jesus Christ is our foundation. You build your life upon God’s Word and Jesus’s teachings by doing your best to follow them.

b) By not following God’s laws, commands, and teachings. By being completely out for yourself. By doing evil.

14) It gives me hope, strength, and encouragement to keep going.

15) Your actions.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 8, Day 5: Matthew 7:21-29

I love the foundation analogies because it’s so true. If you are grounded in God and His Word, no storm can penetrate or blow you over.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 8, Day 5: Matthew 7:21-29

Jesus warns about those who do not have a heart for God. They merely say things without truly believing it. Saying Jesus is your Lord and Savior is not enough. You have to have a relationship with Jesus in order to be saved.

“In that day” or “On that day” refers to Jesus’s Second Coming.

Preaching is not enough. Just ask Judas.

Note that each house most likely looked the same from the outside; it was what was on the inside — the foundations — that mattered.

Your foundations will be shaken by life; it’s important that they stand the test with Jesus. (Proverbs 10:25)

We must be doers of God’s Word. We must seek out God. Doing nothing is almost as bad as doing evil.  (Numbers 32:23) The results are the same.

The listeners had never heard these teachings before, and they had never seen the authority of God. Imagine! I’m sure Jesus had quite the presence.

Once your astonishment is over, it’s time to get to work, implementing the teachings.

Summary of The Sermon on the Mount

This concludes Matthew 5-7, Jesus’s longest recorded speech, the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus is concerned with what was on the inside. During these times, the emphasis was on the front you portrayed to others. Those who were religious tried to outdo each other by fasting for show, praying in public, and wearing Bible verses strapped to their foreheads and left arms. We cannot fool God and fake religion. He knows that inside we are broken and need a Savior.

These three chapters are among the most studied in the entire Bible. Yet, Jesus says none of this is new. He comes to fulfill the Old Testament and lays out the one truth we must hold dear: we are to live for God alone. A heart living, not one of appearances.

I hope you enjoyed these chapters as much as I did. They are full of great heart advice and reminders of who is our king and who we live for.

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BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 8, Day 4: Matthew 7:13-20

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 7:13-20

The road to life has a small gate and is narrow and only a few find it. The road to destruction is wide and broad and many enter.

Watch out for false prophets whom you will know by the fruit they bear. They will bear bad fruit and can only bear bad fruit. Good trees bear good fruit, and bad ones bear bad. Bad trees are cut down and thrown into the fire.

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 8, Day 4: Matthew 7:13-20

9a) That the path to life (heaven) is only through him and not many will find this path. John 14:6 says he is the only way to God. He is the way, the truth, the life. Acts 4:12 says salvation is found only in Jesus.

b) They want to believe the path to heaven is more complicated than that, and they want to be able to do what they want without following God’s law and still gain access to heaven.

10a) They bear bad fruit. John 15:16 says God chooses those to be with Him to bear lasting fruit. Galatians 5:22-23 lists the fruit of the Spirit as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

b) You have to have the ability to discern those who are false prophets from those who are true; those with good hearts versus those who are bad. Judging is about ensuring you are holding yourself to the same standard when you judge others. Thus, by looking at people’s fruit/good deeds, this can help you discern the truth.

11) Be careful of smooth talkers, wolves in sheep’s clothing, and others who sound/say something that is too good to be true. Pray and discern to ensure you are not being led astray.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 8, Day 4: Matthew 7:13-20

Good reminder that God chooses those who go to heaven, and that you have to be wary of false prophets.

Good read on false prophets.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 8, Day 4: Matthew 7:13-20

As Christians know, the path to heaven is narrow and difficult and will not be easy to traverse. Jesus is telling his disciples to prepare for future hardships.

Being aware that there are false prophets is step one. Watch out for those who motivated purely by self-interest. Do these prophets teach God’s Word, are people growing in God, and do they live out God’s teachings?

Before judging others’ fruit, judge your own. Are you bearing good or bad fruit? You are either bearing one or the other. Those who bear neither good nor bad are considered bad.

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