Tag: bsf lesson 8

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BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 8, Day 4: Daniel 6

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

Summary of Daniel 6

Daniel became extremely powerful in his position with the king, so much so that others plotted against him who wanted his power.  They tricked King Darius to put a decree in place that made it illegal to pray to any god or human except him in the next 30 days.  Daniel ignored the decree and prayed to God anyway. The king was forced to throw Daniel into the lions’ den. However, God protected Daniel.

Those who plotted against Daniel, their children, and their wives were thrown into the lions’ den instead. The king issued a decree that all of his kingdom must revere the God of Daniel. Daniel prospered during the reigns of Darius and Cyrus.

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 8, Day 4: Daniel 6

8a) Daniel continued to distinguish himself in the service of the king as God blessed him.

b) Daniel’s enemies tricked King Darius to put a decree in place that made it illegal to pray to any god or human except him in the next 30 days. Daniel ignored the decree and prayed to God anyway. The king was forced to throw Daniel into the lions’ den.

c) Daniel did not change his ways. He remained true to God by giving God worship and praise despite the decree. God protected Daniel for his loyalty by sending his angel and shutting the mouths of the lions.

9) Those who plotted against Daniel, their children, and their wives were thrown into the lions’ den instead. The king issued a decree that all of his kingdom must revere the God of Daniel. Daniel prospered during the reigns of Darius and Cyrus.

10) It’s encouraging to know that God rewards His faithful servants no matter what else is happening in the world around them.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 8, Day 4: Daniel 6

I love this story! God is so good and so faithful, and Daniel proves what a faithful life can look like.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 8, Day 4: Daniel 6

There is no record of a Darius ruling during this time. However, Darius could be an alias (perhaps for Cyrus).

Daniel lived such a pure life that the only way to get at him was to go after his God.

King Darius signed the decree not thinking it was a trap for Daniel.

Daniel’s custom was to pray privately, which he did. Still, they found him in prayer.

We have to own our own decisions, which Darius did, and oftentimes they can haunt us. Luckily, we have a more powerful God than that.

Daniel is rescued from the lions’ den by God, who is faithful. Daniel’s faith saved him.

Daniel did no wrong to the king by worshipping his God.

Punishing the children and wives of those who plotted against Daniel may seem severe. However, that was the custom of that time and culture. If one was guilty, all paid the price.

This proved to be a powerful testimony for God’s kingdom. Because of Daniel’s faithfulness, he is rewarded by God, and others see and convert.

We saw this when Daniel interpreted Nebuchadnezzar’s dream and gave all the glory to God.

You can see how Daniel’s story parallels Jesus’. He was sentenced to death but rose again!

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BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 8, Day 3: Daniel 2

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

Summary of Daniel 2

Nebuchadnezzar was troubled by dreams that his magicians, enchanters, sorcerers, and astrologers could not interpret. The king became angry that no one could interpret it, so he gave an order to put all wise men to death, including Daniel and his fellow Jews. Daniel asked the king to interpret his dream. He and his friends, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, prayed to God for the answer. God answered Daniel in a prayer, and Daniel gave God praise.

Daniel interpreted the dream, giving God all the credit. Daniel tells Nebuchadnezzar that more kingdoms will arise after his. Then God will set up His kingdom, which will never be destroyed and will endure forever.

Nebuchadnezzar then declared Daniel’s God the God of all gods. Daniel was given many gifts and was made ruler over all of Babylon and the wise men. Daniel’s friends were promoted, too.

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 8, Day 3: Daniel 2

6a) Daniel was facing execution. His response was to turn to the Lord Almighty for help to solve the king’s problem so that him and his friends could survive.

b) For God’s name, wisdom, power. For how God changes times and the seasons. How he controls earthly kings. How He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge. How He reveals deep things. He knows what is in darkness. Daniel thanks God for the wisdom and power he has given him and for making the king’s dream known to them.

c) God decides who is in power, when, and for how long.

d) He has renewed my faith in one of my purposes for my life. He has given me hope that I will continue in this purpose.

7a) That earthly kingdoms will rise out of God’s will, but that God’s kingdom is the only one that will endure forever.

b) God’s kingdom is what we all live and hope for. It gives me the strength to continue each and every day. It is the best.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 8, Day 3: Daniel 2

Love how Daniel turns to God to save him. Great message for all of us, even if death is not on the line.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 8, Day 3: Daniel 2

Fun Fact: This is the only section of the Bible written in Aramaic (Daniel 2:4-7:28), which was the language of the Babylonians.

Since no one could interpret nor tell Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, he wanted to kill all of his wise men. Daniel once again poses a solution. This is a great lesson for all of us when we come upon a problem. Rather than complaining about it; find a solution.

Daniel prays. God being God answers and saves Daniel, his friends, and others. God rewards Daniel for his faithfulness. God is, indeed, good.

Bible commentators disagree over which kingdoms Daniel is referring to there. Many think it was: the Medo-Persian, the Greek, and the Roman Empire. Some separate out Media and Persia as separate empires. Many believe these kingdoms are still future.

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BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 8, Day 2: Daniel 1

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

Summary of Daniel 1

Israel had been conquered by Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonians. Daniel was chosen to learn the language and the literature of the Babylonians so that they could then serve the king.

Daniel refused to compromise his beliefs about God when it came to eating tainted food and wine. He offered a test up and passed it and was granted the exemption to eat his own food.

To these four young men (Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah) God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds. They were wiser and  ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom.

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 8, Day 2: Daniel 1

3a) The conquering of Israel by the Babylonians.

b) He faced the challenges of food. He did not want to eat the food and drink that was defiled, so he came up with a test that showed his food was just as healthy as the king’s. He was granted the exemption.

c) To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds. They were ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters in his whole kingdom.

4) God rewards those who stand for Him with amazing gifts, blessings, and abundance.

5) I try to stay away from social media and the news as much as possible (without being totally oblivious to what’s going on in the world). I try to fill my mind with God’s word as much as possible. I pray to God for strength to follow His ways and be faithful to His words and decrees.

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 8, Day 2: Daniel 1

I love Daniel. He’s one of my favorite characters of the Bible. So strong in his faith, and God rewards him for it. Great stuff!

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 8, Day 2: Daniel 1

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Daniel lived in the 6th century B.C.

The Jewish people were conquered by the Babylonians for 2 reasons:

  1. Idol worship
  2. Working on the Sabbath (Leviticus 25:1-7 and 26:2-35)

Nebuchadnezzar took the best and brightest young men to teach them his ways so that they would not rebel against him in the future.

Fun Fact: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego are the Babylonian names given to these youth. Daniel’s Babylonian name was Belteshazzar.

Eating the king’s food violated Daniel’s beliefs because it was not kosher, was probably sacrificed to idols, and implied they agreed with Nebuchadnezzar.

In Daniel’s rejection, he came with a plan. God was behind their plan, so it worked.

God then blessed them with knowledge, skills, visions, and dreams. For their faithfulness, they were rewarded. How great is He!

God had a plan for Daniel’s life like He has a plan for your life.

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BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 8, Day 5: John 6:16-21

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

SUMMARY OF JOHN 6:16-21

After feeding the 5,000, the disciples got in a boat headed to Capernaum. A strong wind blew, and the waters were rough. Jesus approached the boat, walking on water. They were frightened, but Jesus said don’t be afraid. Jesus got in the boat, and they arrived.

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 8, Day 5: John 6:16-21

13a) They were facing a storm, and their boat was going nowhere. It could have been in danger of tipping. Jesus appears in the storm, and they were unsure if it was him.

b) He calmed the storm and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading.

c) They were afraid. Unsure if it was Jesus.

14a) “It is I; don’t be afraid.”

b) They took Jesus into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading. Jesus solved their problems immediately.

15) God shows up when you least expect it. God can solve any problems. God is there in our troubles. God can ensure we get to where we’re going. God protects us. God provides.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 8, Day 5: John 6:16-21

I love how Jesus shows up when you least expect it, and he has all of the answers. In our deepest needs, he is there.

End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 8, Day 5: John 6:16-21

Matthew and Mark explain that Jesus had instructed His disciples to get into the boat and row (Mark 6:45).

John does not record the first time Jesus calmed the storm. (Matthew 8:24). The difference is Jesus was with them that time. Now, the disciples must trust in Jesus’ spiritual presence.

Rowing by hand against the wind was yielding little progress for the disciples.

Matthew 14:25 lets us know that the disciples had been rowing for hours now with little progress.

As you can imagine, the disciples were frustrated. However, Jesus was watching them the entire time. Mark 6:48 He had not forgotten them and was protecting them.

We know the disciples thought Jesus to be a ghost Mark 6:49-50, which is reasonable. What human walks on water? Mark adds that Jesus had hoped his mere appearance would give them courage.

“It is I” is Jesus reassuring his disciples of his presence, which is sufficient. Here is when Peter did walk on water, too. Matthew 14:28-32

Jesus was asked/received to get into the boat. We must accept Jesus always. Then, he solves their problem immediately. If we ask for Jesus’ help, we should not be surprised when it arrives soon.

This miracle reassured the disciples of who Jesus was.

At precisely the right time, Jesus came to his disciples.

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BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 8, Day 4: John 6:10-15

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

SUMMARY OF JOHN 6:10-15

Jesus had the people sit down. There was about five thousand men in total. Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish. Once everyone had eaten their fill, the disciples gathered the leftovers, so there would be no waste. They filled twelve baskets.

The people intended to make Jesus, the Prophet, king, so he retreated again.

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 8, Day 4: John 6:10-15

9a) Jesus gave specific instructions to the disciples, which they followed. It’s good to follow exactly what Jesus says to do.

b) He prayed and gave thanks. This should always be the first thing we do with anything in life, from getting out of bed to major and minor life decisions.

10) Jesus makes a bunch of food from nothing. Jesus can make our nothings into something, too. I can have faith in what He will do in my life and for me even when I can’t see it. I pray a lot, but I can remember to pray for everything all the time.

11a) He always gives us everything we need in abundance, including what we need for spiritual health and wellness. By oversupplying the people’s physical needs, he points to how he can meet our spiritual, too.

b) By speaking about Jesus to others; by giving Jesus all the credit for the goodness in my life; by having faith in all that he is and all that he does.

12a) They wanted to make him king to rule over them and be their leader, as well as defeat their enemies. Jesus’ kingdom was spiritual, not physical and of man.

b) When I want something and he doesn’t. When I want the easy way and not the hard way.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 8, Day 4: John 6:10-15

Love this miracle! It epitomizes who Jesus is: his caring, compassion, and provision for all of us.

End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 8, Day 4: John 6:10-15

Sitting down is like lying down in green pastures.  Psalm 23:1-2 Jesus is the host here. He is in no hurry. He is our shepherd and provider of everything we need.

We not told how the division of the food happened, and the people weren’t even aware of it at the time. Jesus simply distributed food that was never ending — like his love for us.

Everyone ate their fill. They were satisfied, and the leftovers were more than what the boy had brought. Remember, that eating and drinking in the Old Testament was a great event and signified prosperity and happiness.

The disciples participated by distributing the food.

Jesus likes to give in abundance. He more than meets our needs.

Calling Jesus “The Prophet” is a reference to Moses’ prediction of the coming Prophet/Jesus. (Deuteronomy 18:15)

Jesus also provided the people with food like Moses did in the wilderness with manna.

The people wanted to use Jesus to throw off the Roman powers. They were only interested in what Jesus could do for them. Jesus, of course, wanted nothing to do with this, so he retreated to be with His Father.

Jesus is our King, just not in the way we think of a king.

How often do we think the same way?

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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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