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BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 1, Day 5: Ezekiel 2:3-10

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

Summary of Ezekiel 2:3-10

God sends Ezekiel to the Israelites to deliver His messages. He tells Ezekiel to not be afraid of the people and to speak His words. Ezekiel then sees a scroll in God’s hands. Words of lament, mourning, and woe are written on it.

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 1, Day 5: Ezekiel 2:3-10

12) To the Israelites

13a) He tells Ezekiel that many will not listen. They may say terrible things. They are rebellious.

b) God tells Ezekiel not to be afraid of their reactions and to eat what he gives him (aka words to say). By telling Ezekiel that they may not listen, this helps Ezekiel not worry about how the message is received, but instead to just deliver the message. Also, by God appearing to Ezekiel personally, this strengthens Ezekiel’s faith by knowing that it is God calling him.

14) We all should remember that we are not responsible for whether people receive the word of God and turn to Him. God is the one who will turn their hearts. All we have to do is deliver the Good News. We are guided by the Holy Spirit and will know what to say. I am encouraged to pray to the Lord to put people in my life whom I am supposed to share Him with. And, I know God will give me the strength to do so.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 1, Day 5: Ezekiel 2:3-10

Great lesson on the real challenges believers face in bringing the Good News to the world.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 1, Day 5: Ezekiel 2:3-10

Note: Ezekiel is speaking to both the nations of Judah and Israel here. Apart from God, the Israelites are just another heathen nation.

The people are repeatedly called “rebellious.” Not exactly good in God’s eyes.

“This is what the Sovereign Lord says,” is repeated in the book of Ezekiel. This is to say that Ezekiel is bringing God’s message, not his own, to the people.

Rejection can hurt, but God tells Ezekiel to ignore it.

We are to receive God’s word as if we are eating it: take it completely in.

Note: this may or may not be God’s hands. It could be the cherubims’. The text just says “a hand.”

The message was complete since both sides of the scroll were written on (traditionally, at this time, only one side would be written on).

Note that we have a much more cheerful message to bring to people (the news of Jesus Christ). Ezekiel just had to tell the people to turn to God or face His wrath.

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

Ezekiel 2:3-10 details the core of the prophet’s difficult commission, defining his audience, his required attitude, and the content of his message.

The interpretation of its key elements is as follows:

  • The Rebellious Audience: God explicitly warns Ezekiel that he is being sent to the people of Israel, who are described as an obstinate, stubborn, and rebellious nation. This sets the expectation that his mission will be met with resistance. The goal is not necessarily to achieve success, but to ensure that a prophet of the LORD has spoken, leaving the people without excuse.
  • The Call to Fearlessness: God commands Ezekiel not to be afraid of the people or their hostile words, comparing them to thorns, briers, and scorpions. This highlights the dangerous and painful nature of the prophetic task and emphasizes that the prophet’s courage must come from his divine mandate, not the promise of a positive reception.
  • The Eaten Scroll: Ezekiel is given a scroll to eat, which is covered on both sides with “words of lament and mourning and woe.” This powerful symbolic act reveals two key truths:
    1. Internalization: The prophet must completely absorb and digest God’s message, making it a part of his very being before he can proclaim it to others.
    2. Content: The initial message is not one of comfort, but of unavoidable and severe judgment due to the people’s rebellion.

In essence, this passage establishes Ezekiel’s ministry as one of courageous faithfulness. He is called to internalize and deliver a painful message of judgment to a hard-hearted people, regardless of their response.

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BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 1, Day 4: Ezekiel 1:22-2:2

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

Summary of Ezekiel 1:22-2:2

Ezekiel continues his vision, seeing a vault spread out over the living creatures. He describes their wings, which sounded like the voice of the Almighty. He describes God on his throne above the living creatures. He was radiant and appeared like glowing metal and fire. He fell facedown upon seeing the glory of God.

God told him to stand so that He could speak to him.

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 1, Day 4: Ezekiel 1:22-2:2

9) Ezekiel continues his vision, seeing a vault spread out over the living creatures. He describes their wings, which sounded like the voice of the Almighty. He describes God on his throne above the living creatures. He was radiant and appeared like glowing metal and fire.

10) He fell facedown upon seeing the glory of God. He was overwhelmed by God’s holiness and glory and felt unworthy to be in God’s presence. He is completely surrendering to God.

11a) He said to me, “Son of man, stand up on your feet and I will speak to you.”

b) The Spirit came into me and raised me to my feet, and I heard him speaking to me.

c) Psalm 24:4 says that the one who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not trust in an idol or swear by a false god can stand before God. Philippians 3:9 says that those who have faith in Christ’s cleansing blood (who have been made righteous) can stand before God. Jesus cleanses us and allows us to be with God!

d) Truthfully, how have I not? God is responsible for everything in my life. He is always working to bring me to His path.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 1, Day 4: Ezekiel 1:22-2:2

It just reminds me of Mercy Me’s classic song, I Can Only Imagine. I can’t wait for this moment!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 1, Day 4: Ezekiel 1:22-2:2

Ezekiel first describes God’s voice and then God’s likeness. It was held by the Jewish people that God could not ever be fully expressed, or it was blasphemy. God defies human description.

We’ve seen four colors in Ezekiel 1:

  1. Beryl or emerald green (Ezekiel 1:16)
  2. Clear crystal (Ezekiel 1:22)
  3. Sapphire blue (Ezekiel 1:26)
  4. Golden-brown amber (Ezekiel 1:27)

We see God’s power and radiance (red and yellow), His promise to all of humanity (rainbow), and God everywhere

God exists outside of the temple, seen clearly here, and super important in that time period to be made known.

Ezekiel humbly surrenders when he falls on his face.

Fun Fact: God calls Ezekiel “son of man” 93 times. This is the first time.

Jesus refers to himself as “Son of Man” 80 times in the Gospels. This refers to Jesus being the Messiah. Here, when Ezekiel is addressed as “son of man,” it’s literal.

It is good to stand to receive the Word of the Lord.

The Spirit entering Ezekiel was the Holy Spirit here. Since this was before the gift of the Holy Spirit to all of humanity, this was a unique situation and entrance for Ezekiel when the Spirit entered with God’s words.

We see the Spirit lifting Ezekiel a lot in his book (Ezekiel 2:2, 3:14; 8:3; 11:1, 24; 37:1; 43:5).

Notice that God gives Ezekiel the power to stand to do His work. So God gives us the strength to do His calling upon our lives.

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

Ezekiel 1:22-2:2 describes the climax of the prophet’s inaugural vision, revealing God’s glorious presence and commissioning Ezekiel for his mission.

The interpretation of the key elements is as follows:

  • The Throne and the Divine Figure: Above the living creatures is a crystal platform, upon which rests a throne. On the throne is a figure with a human-like appearance, but composed of fire and brilliant light. This reveals God’s transcendent glory and ultimate authority as King, portraying Him in a form that is both relatable (human shape) and utterly divine (made of light and fire).
  • The Rainbow: The radiant glory surrounding the figure is compared to a rainbow. This is a powerful symbol of mercy and covenant faithfulness, recalling God’s promise to Noah. It tempers the vision’s terrifying power with an assurance of God’s enduring promise, even as He is about to pronounce judgment.
  • Ezekiel’s Response and Commission: Overwhelmed by the vision, Ezekiel falls on his face in humility. He is powerless until God’s Spirit enters him, raises him to his feet, and enables him to hear his divine call. This reveals that a prophet’s authority comes not from his own strength, but from being directly called and empowered by God.

In essence, this passage portrays a God of absolute and transcendent authority whose power is nevertheless bound by covenant mercy. It establishes that the prophetic word Ezekiel is about to speak originates from this awe-inspiring divine presence.

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BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 1, Day 3: Ezekiel 1:4-21

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

Summary of Ezekiel 1:4-21

Ezekiel describes his visions from God. He saw a windstorm from the north. He saw four living creatures in a fire. Each creature was human but had four faces and four wings. They had feet like a calf. They had human hands. Their wings touched each other and they traveled straight.

Each face has a face of a man, a lion, an ox, and an eagle. They each had a pair of wings. They went where their spirit went. They sped, and fire moved among them.

He saw wheels on the ground beside the creatures. They had eyes all around them, and they went where the creatures went. The spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels.

BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 1, Day 3: Ezekiel 1:4-21

6) The source and description of what he saw and heard (1:4): The windstorm was coming from the north (where Israel’s enemies come from). It was a cloud (God is often seen in a cloud) with lightning and brilliant light.

The four creatures (1:5-14): Each creature was human but had four faces and four wings. They had feet like a calf. They had human hands. Their wings touched each other, and they traveled straight. Each face has a face of a lion, an ox, and an eagle. They each had a pair of wings. They went where their spirit went. They sped, and fire moved among them.

The wheels (1:15-21): He saw wheels on the ground beside the creatures. They had eyes all around them, and they went where the creatures went. The spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels.

7) Ezekiel was probably scared by what he saw. Unsure about it. Full of doubt and questions. Wanting to know what it meant.

8a) God is good to speak to man and give us directions, whether personally today or via prophets. God is majestic and sovereign. He guides us and protects us. He is always present with us.

b) It’s comforting to know I am never alone and I can always go to God with anything. He has the answers, and all I have to do is pray and listen.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 1, Day 3: Ezekiel 1:4-21

I love how even though God is mysterious, he is kind enough to give us His word when we need it.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Exile & Return: A Time to Build Lesson 1, Day 3: Ezekiel 1:4-21

Bible scholars describe Ezekiel’s vision as one of the most detailed and unusual descriptions of God in the Bible.

Fun Fact: Enemies came from the North towards Israel and are often associated with God’s judgment.

The exile was from God as punishment for His people turning from Him.

Fun Fact: Ezekiel’s calling is the longest and most detailed of any prophet recorded in the Bible.

The brightness is God’s glory. The cloud and fire show God’s presence amongst His people.

These creatures will be identified later as cherubim (Ezekiel 10:8-15).

Cherubim in the Bible

This could be where wings are associated with angels, as this is one of the few places in the Bible where angelic beings have wings.

John could have seen these same creatures in his vision of heaven (Revelation 4:6-8).

Bible scholars say these faces represent all of creation, with the mightiest of animals (lion), the strongest (ox), flight (eagle), and man (highest).

The creatures move straight like God’s plan.

The point of the wheels is to show constant motion by God, and he is always present. Many Bible scholars think of this as a chariot.

The eyes represent knowledge and intelligence. He is omniscient, seeing everything.

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

God’s Mobility and Unconfined Presence

  • A Moving Throne: The vision is not of a stationary throne in a building, but of a chariot. This reveals that God is not confined to one location, city, or temple. He is mobile, and His presence has come to be with His people even in their exile by a canal in Babylon. This was both a comfort (God is with us) and a warning (you cannot escape His presence).

In sum, this vision introduces God not as a local deity, but as the majestic, all-powerful, all-seeing, and omnipresent King of the entire universe, who is in absolute control and is present with His people even in their darkest hour of exile.

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

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

Summary of Ezekiel 1:1-3

Ezekiel has a vision from God.

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

3a) Ezekiel was an exile in Babylon (a lof of Judah had been exiled at this time). It was during the reign of King Jehoiachin. The Lord was with him. 2 Kings adds that Jehoiachin did evil in the eyes of the Lord.

b) I’m sure it was not pleasant being an exile in a foreign land. I’m sure he was doing his best to be faithful to the Lord while being surrounded and captured by pagans. He may have been depressed, anxious, losing faith in God, questioning God, etc.

4a) “The heavens were opened and I saw visions of God” and “the word of the Lord came to Ezekiel the priest” and “There the hand of the Lord was on him.”

b) It shows that God has not abandoned Ezekiel. He is still with him, guiding him, as God does for us, no matter our circumstances. God offers compassion, His word, and His power to us.

5) God directs me and I follow the best I can. He gives me great peace in unsettling circumstances. He is and always has been faithful, even in my darkest days.

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

I love the emphasis on God’s presence in our lives always, no matter the circumstances and God’s hand on us as we journey through life. Great news!

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

Most likely, Ezekiel was 30 years of age at this time. He was a priest, and priests began their service in the temple at the age of 30. However, Ezekiel was now called to be a prophet.

The time is most likely 597 BC, before the complete fall of Jerusalem and the nation of Judah.

Ezekiel means “strengthened by God,” and he had the hand of the Lord on him.

Map of Kebar River

map of Kebar River
Courtesy of Pinterest

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

END NOTES SUMMARIZED

The visions of the prophet Ezekiel are some of the most complex, symbolic, and vivid in the entire Bible. Given to him during the crisis of the Babylonian exile, their details reveal profound truths about the nature and character of God, intended to both challenge and comfort the displaced people of Judah.

Here are some of the key things the details of Ezekiel’s visions reveal about God:

God’s Overwhelming Majesty and Sovereignty

Ezekiel’s first and most famous vision (Ezekiel 1) is of God’s throne-chariot. The details are meant to overwhelm the senses and convey a being of unimaginable power:

  • The Four Living Creatures: Each creature has four faces (human, lion, ox, eagle), representing all of creation—humanity, wild animals, domesticated animals, and birds. This reveals that God is not just the God of Israel, but the sovereign ruler over all living things.
  • The Wheels Within Wheels: The intricate, intersecting wheels covered in eyes () reveal God’s omnipresence and omniscience. He can move in any direction with perfect agility, and His eyes see everything, everywhere.
  • The Dazzling Appearance: The vision is filled with imagery of brilliant light, flashing fire, and glowing metal, culminating in a throne of lapis lazuli. This reveals God’s glory and power as something awesome, terrifying, and utterly beyond human comparison or comprehension.

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BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 1, Day 2: Read the Scripture Passages With the Questions

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

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 1, Day 2: Read the Scripture Passages With the Questions

3a) “We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. 20 Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. 21 For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”

b) Basically, all prophecy is God-breathed and truthful. This means that we can trust prophecy and know it is true. This helps us to prepare for what is to come, and it offers us hope, too.

4a) So that you will believe in Jesus.

b) It definitely makes it easier to believe in Jesus, that’s for sure! Prophecy shows the sovereignty of God and how He is the one in control of everything in the universe. I can rest easier, have more peace, and have more faith in the One, True God.

5) God Himself never lies and is good, sovereign, faithful, holy, loving, omnipotent, omniscient, just, forgiving, wise, merciful, eternal, and perfect. We can therefore believe Biblical prophecy because we can trust in God and who He is.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 1, Day 2: Read the Scripture Passages With the Questions

Great stuff! I love how we take the time to truly understand what exactly Biblical prophecy is before we just dive into it all. In this Bible study, faith in the reliability of God’s Word will be paramount and overarching to this whole study.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 1, Day 2: Read the Scripture Passages With the Questions

It’s important to know that we don’t have to fully understand prophecy in order to trust in its truth.

Fun Fact: Biblical prophecy is a BIG part of the Bible, comprising one-fourth of the Bible.

Fun Fact: There are only 4 books in the Bible that contain no prophecy whatsoever: Ruth, Song of Solomon, Philemon, and 3 John.

Biblical prophecy is written by humans through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Prophecy revolves around one central theme: how God will send His Son, Jesus Christ, to save His people.

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

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

SUMMARY OF JOHN 1:1-5

God existed from the very beginning, as well as the Word/Jesus. All things are made in God and Jesus. God/Jesus is light. Nothing can defeat light/God/Jesus.

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

3) Jesus was in existence from the beginning. Jesus was with God. Jesus was God. Jesus has always been means he was not created. He is God. Everything that is true about God is true about Jesus.

4)

Genesis 1:1: God created everything from the beginning. This means Jesus participated in creation, too.

Colossians 1:15-17: Jesus is equal with God since he was in existence from the beginning and participated in creation. Jesus created all things.

Hebrews 1:1-3: Jesus is heir of all things. God made the universe through Jesus. Jesus is God.

5a) Light is God and Jesus. Darkness is evil, sin, and Satan. If we believe in Jesus, we have light, too.

b) Light is the good deeds people do. Darkness is the bad we do to each other.

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

Love the opening of John. He says exactly what we need to know from the get-go. Jesus is God. If you have them, you will have light. Darkness cannot overcome light.

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

  • John’s Gospel was written last and at the end of John’s life. This is perhaps why John did not record the same things as the other 3 Gospels.
  • We see Jesus in Jerusalem here.
  • John emphasizes that Jesus is God.
  • John will discuss 7 miracles.
  • John uses Jesus’s words in the 7 “I Am” statements.
  • John’s point is so we will believe in Jesus as the Son of God.
  • The Word is “logos” in Greek. This word puts meaning to the world.
  • Jesus is the Word here.
  • The Father and the Son are equally God, but distinct in person.
  • The Word/Jesus created all things that were created.
  • The Word is life.
  • The Word is light.
  • Without Jesus we are dead and dark.

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BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 1, Day 4: Isaiah 5:1-7; Acts 7:1-53; and 1 Corinthians 10:1-13

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

SUMMARY OF ISAIAH 5:1-7

This is about God’s treatment of Judah. Israel is the vineyard, and God had done everything possible to care for them, but they only yielded bad grapes. So he lets it grow wild and uncultivated, which yields only bloodshed and cries of distress.

SUMMARY OF ACTS 7:1-53

Stephen tells us the back story: God appeared the Abram/Abraham while he was still in Ur in Mesopotamia before he left for Haran and told Abram to leave Ur and to go to Canaan. So he went to Haran. Then after Terah, his father, died God sent Abram to Canaan.

God gave him no inheritance in Canaan but He promised him his descendants would possess the land. God told Abram his children would be strangers in the land and would be enslaved for 400 years. But God would punish that nation and afterward they will come back to Canaan to worship Him. Here, God instituted the covenant of circumcision as a sign of this covenant.

Then Abraham had Isaac whom he circumcised. Isaac had Jacob who became the father of the twelve patriarchs.

Joseph was sold as a slave, but God was with him and he was made ruler over Egypt and the palace. When famine struck Canaan, Jacob brought his entire family to Egypt, so Joseph could feed them.

Moses was born and saw God in the burning bush. God sent him to Egypt to lead his people out of slavery. The people rebelled while heading to the Promise Land, making a golden calf. Joshua drove the nations out of the Promised Land so Israel could occupy it. Solomon then built God a temple, a permanent place to be worshipped.

Stephen calls the Sanhedrin stiff-necked and just like their fathers. They resist the Holy Spirit, and they killed Jesus.

SUMMARY OF 1 CORINTHIANS 10:1-13

Paul warns against being idolaters, as some of their forefathers were in Moses’s day. They should not commit sexual immorality, not test the Lord, and not grumble. Past events were recorded as warnings for us, but we need to be ever vigilant against temptation. But God is faithful. He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear, and He’ll provide a way out to stand up against the temptation.

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 1, Day 4: Isaiah 5:1-7; Acts 7:1-53; and 1 Corinthians 10:1-13

10) God took care of Israel since the time before they were born and through their lives. He treated them tenderly and watched over them. Yet, they rebelled, so He took away his protection.

11) That God has chosen me out of all the peoples of the earth. What power lies in this fact.

12a)

Stephen tells us the back story: God appeared the Abram/Abraham while he was still in Ur in Mesopotamia before he left for Haran and told Abram to leave Ur and to go to Canaan. So he went to Haran. Then after Terah, his father, died God sent Abram to Canaan.

God gave him no inheritance in Canaan but He promised him his descendants would possess the land. God told Abram his children would be strangers in the land and would be enslaved for 400 years. But God would punish that nation and afterward they will come back to Canaan to worship Him. Here, God instituted the covenant of circumcision as a sign of this covenant.

Then Abraham had Isaac whom he circumcised. Isaac had Jacob who became the father of the twelve patriarchs.

Joseph was sold as a slave, but God was with him and he was made ruler over Egypt and the palace. When famine struck Canaan, Jacob brought his entire family to Egypt, so Joseph could feed them.

Moses was born and saw God in the burning bush. God sent him to Egypt to lead his people out of slavery. The people rebelled while heading to the Promise Land, making a golden calf. Joshua drove the nations out of the Promised Land so Israel could occupy it. Solomon then built God a temple, a permanent place to be worshipped.

The main points of Acts 7 are:

  • Abraham’s calling (7:2-8);
  • the Patriarchs in Egypt (7:9-16);
  • life of Moses (7:17-36);
  • Moses and Israel in the wilderness (7:37-43);
  • and the Tabernacle of Testimony (7:44-50).

He emphasizes God’s calling and care of His people and His provision of a leader when they needed it the most. He also emphasized how God was with them without a physical temple for thousands of years.

b) I think all of our lives are like this: we have spiritual successes and failures, but the ultimate goal is to have progressively fewer failures as we move towards God and Jesus. We should learn from the past so we can be better in the future.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 1, Day 4: Isaiah 5:1-7; Acts 7:1-53; and 1 Corinthians 10:1-13

A lot of reading in this lesson. I love Stephen’s summary of the Old Testament. It’s concise and covers the big picture. Great stuff!

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 1, Day 4: Isaiah 5:1-7; Acts 7:1-53; and 1 Corinthians 10:1-13

Isaiah 5:1-7: Israel had everything it needed to grow and follow the Lord and they chose not to. God did all He could do; the fault is solely Israel’s. So, as punishment, God stopped protecting His people and stopped giving them blessings.

Acts 7:1-53: Stephen emphasizes Israel’s perpetual rejection of God and the Law. Then he points out how they rejected Jesus, the Son of God. He is showing how Israel treated Moses and how the Jews treated Jesus the same way. Moses was divinely appointed by God, as was Jesus. Yet, Moses was repeatedly rejected by the people, as was Jesus. The people turned to idols and God let them go.

Worship does not have to be in a temple, as Israel’s history showed.

Fun Fact: This is the longest speech in Acts.

1 Corinthians 10:1-13: Paul lists all the blessings the Israelites in the wilderness had:

  • They had God as a cloud, a constant reminder of His presence
  • All were baptized via the Red Sea
  • God provided them with food and drink

Yet, they did not please God, and they died in the wilderness, never entering the Promise Land.

The point is just becuaes you are a believer, you may not be pleasing God. This is why you should not be an idolater, commit sexual immorality, not test the Lord, and not grumble.

We need to learn from Israel’s mistakes and God gives us the ability to resist our temptations.

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BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 1, Day 2: Psalm 19:7-11; 119; 160 and John 6:63; 17:17

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

SUMMARY OF PSALM 19:7-11

God’s law, statues, precepts, and commands are perfect. The fear of the Lord is pure, the ordinances are righteous. They are more precious than gold. You will be rewarded by keeping them.

SUMMARY OF PSALM 119:160

“All your words are true; all your righteous laws are eternal.”

SUMMARY OF JOHN 6:63

“The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit, and they are life.”

SUMMARY OF JOHN 17:17

“Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.”

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 1, Day 2: Psalm 19:7-11; 119; 160 and John 6:63; 17:17

4a) The Bible provides us with God’s commands on how we are to live and worship.

b) The Bible has comforted me many times in my trials. It has offered helpful advice in difficult relationships, and it’s been a beacon of light when I’m wandering lost.

5a)

Creation — The Bible tells of how the earth, heavens, mankind, and life on earth was created and offers guidance on how they are to live. God provides everything all life needs to survive and thrive.

Rebellion — Much of the Old Testament is about how mankind repeatedly rebels against God, his judgment upon them, and his care and love for them despite their rebellion. We learn how God always pulls us back to him no matter how far we wander.

Redemption — What the entire Bible is about, as well as the New Testament. It’s also the purpose of Jesus Christ. It’s the story of the Fall of Man and how God sent his Son to redeem all of humanity and bring them back to Him.

Restoration — When Jesus was crucified on the cross and died for our sins, all of humanity was redeemed and able to live forever with God in heaven. As long as you accept Jesus’s sacrifice on the cross for your sins.

b) It’s the story of God’s creation of the world, man’s perpetual rebellion against him, God’s plan to redeem humanity through his Son, Jesus Christ, and our final restoration with God upon acceptance of Jesus as our Lord and Savior.

6) Lord, guide me this year in my challenges, open my heart to you through this study and in daily life, and let your will be done in my life and in the lives of those around me. Give me the strength to persevere in all things, especially those for you. Let the dreams of my heart be from you, as you open the door to make them come true. Amen.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 1, Day 2: Psalm 19:7-11; 119; 160 and John 6:63; 17:17

Great opening lesson! I loved the introductory notes and the overview of the Bible. I’m definitely looking forward to this year’s study!

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 1, Day 2: Psalm 19:7-11; 119; 160 and John 6:63; 17:17

David’s point in Psalm 19:7-11 is to praise God for revealing himself through his Word and not just through Creation. He chooses his words wisely: law, testimony, precepts, commands, fear, and ordinances.

God’s Word is never wrong, it’s reliable, it’s right, it’s pure, it’s enduring, and it’s true and righteous. And King David didn’t even have all of the Bible!

God’s Word is more valuable than gold and sweeter than honey. It warns us, and it rewards us.

We are set apart (sanctified) for God’s purpose and pleasure. The more truth we believe and understand, the more sanctified (or the more we will be God’s) we will be.

Powerful stuff as we begin this study!

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BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 1, Day 5: Matthew 1:1-25

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 1:1-25

Matthew lists the genealogy of Jesus in these 17 verses. You’ll find a mix of characters here, from prostitutes, such as Rahab to kings, such as David and Solomon.  Most of the names are simply that — names of people whom the Bible does not talk about. However, God chose all to be a relative of Jesus. How cool is that?

Consider that there were 14 generations from Abraham to David, from David to the time of the Babylonian exile, and from the exile to the Messiah. Why the number 14? Matthew leaves out generations in order to create this numeric lineup. The letters of the Hebrew alphabet represented numbers, too. The letters in David’s name add up to 14, which is used to show that Jesus was the son of David, but also that Jesus is greater than David.

Mary became pregnant while betrothed to Joseph. Joseph, knowing that he was not the father, wanted to divorce Mary but in a quiet way. An angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph as he slept and reassured him that Mary is faithful. Mary’s child she carries is from the Holy Spirit and is to be named Jesus, meaning “the Lord saves.” This fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah in Isaiah 7:14.

Joseph believed the angel. He took Mary as his wife but did not lie with her until after the birth of Jesus.

BSF STUDY QUESTIONS LESSON 1, DAY 5: MATTHEW 1:1-25

14a ) Matthew emphasizes how Jesus is from the line of David as it was foretold in the Old Testament. The angel mentions how Jesus will be from a virgin birth and called Immanuel (Isaiah 7:14).

b ) God has a plan and he wants to make sure his people knew exactly who Jesus was.

15 ) Their families could have ostracized them and kicked them out of their faith. They could have been social outcasts. Their reputations could have been tarnished, making it hard to make a living in Old Testament times.

16 ) Anytime you lay down yourself and your wants for others costs you something. In truth, I don’t have any earth-shattering examples, but just following him and doing the right thing can be hard and difficult at times, alienating others, too.

CONCLUSIONS BSF STUDY QUESTIONS LESSON 1, DAY 5: MATTHEW 1:1-25

In chapter 1 of Matthew, we get a sense right away of what this book is all about. We will be following Jesus’s birth and life all to the end, and we will be meeting people who aren’t exactly high society. We see how Christianity is right for everyone. Fabulous!

END NOTES BSF STUDY QUESTIONS LESSON 1, DAY 5: MATTHEW 1:1-25

I’m super excited to be studying with you all again this year! Every year is like family, and I can’t wait to see what you all learn! In addition, do comment and share when led. Welcome to BSF’s Study of Matthew! Contact me with questions!

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BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 1, Day 4: Luke 1:26-38

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

SUMMARY OF LUKE 1:26-38

Luke records how the angel of God reassured Mary, too. We are told that the angel, Gabriel, went to Nazareth in Galilee to a virgin named Mary. Gabriel told Mary that the Lord was with her and that she is highly favored. However, Mary was afraid, but the angel said that God has favored her and chosen her to bear His son to be named Jesus. He will inherit the throne of David and will reign over God’s people for eternity.

The Holy Spirit will come upon her. Her relative, Elizabeth, will have a child (John the Baptist) in her old age for nothing is impossible with God. “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered, and the angel left.

BSF STUDY QUESTIONS MATTHEW LESSON 1, DAY 4: GOD’S PLAN FOR MARY: LUKE 1:26-38

11a ) Gabriel told Mary that the Lord was with her and that she is highly favored. The angel said that God has favored her and chosen her to bear His son to be named Jesus. He will inherit the throne of David and will reign over God’s people for eternity. The Holy Spirit will come upon her. Her relative, Elizabeth, will have a child (John the Baptist) in her old age for nothing is impossible with God.

b ) The Holy Spirit. Because it is God’s child, his Son, the Savior of the World.

12 ) “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it be as you have said,” she told the angel Gabriel upon hearing she would bear God’s Son.

13 ) How I can see everything working in my life that He planned, not me. To impact my little corner of the world as He sees fit. Everything has come to this moment.

CONCLUSIONS BSF STUDY QUESTIONS MATTHEW LESSON 1, DAY 4: GOD’S PLAN FOR MARY: LUKE 1:26-38

I love how we can have the same stories from different points of view. So great! God is good!

END NOTES BSF STUDY QUESTIONS MATTHEW LESSON 1, DAY 4: GOD’S PLAN FOR MARY: LUKE 1:26-38

Curiously enough, no writer of the Old Testament ever mentioned the town of Nazareth. This tells you how insignificant it truly was. Until this moment when God chooses the human parents of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. They live in Nazareth. Here, we get the term “Jesus of Nazarth” plus the Nazarenes, or followers of Jesus.

One could say we are all favored, blessed, and have the Lord in the form of the Holy Spirit with us.

Mary’s mind turns to the practical when asking how she will have a baby when she has never had sex. Does this show a lack of faith? No. It simply is a question that most of us would ask. How will this happen?

“Overshadow” has the same meaning as cover with a cloud what God appeared in (Exodus 16:10, 19:9, 24:16, 34:5, 40:34) and when Jesus was transfigured (Matthew 17:5, Mark 9:7, Luke 9:34). The cloud is God or the Holy Spirit.

The example of Elizabeth strengthened Mary’s faith in the the angel’s words.

Mary will face scrutiny from man for her pregnancy. Yet, God’s words are stronger.

Fun Fact: Note in no other culture does a virgin birth occur.

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A great book about Mary! Happy Reading!

 

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