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BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 11, Day 5: Romans 15:4

Romans 15:4:

For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 11, Day 5: Romans 15:4

11a) Unsure. I love the Old Testament prophets!

b) It encourages me that I’ll learn great things in God’s word.

12a) People are all sinners. They all turn from God at some point. They are wicked inside. Yet, there are those who follow him and follow him with all their hearts. These are whom God rewards.

b) God never gives up on His people. He is greater, and His love is infinite.

13) I have immense hope for the future. God has never failed, and He won’t even in the face of chaos.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 11, Day 5: Romans 15:4

I can’t wait to dive into the Old Testament even more!

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 11, Day 5: Romans 15:4

God’s word is full of hope. Do you see it? Feel it? Live it? Breathe it?

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BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 11, Day 2: Psalm 73:24; Isaiah 28:23; and John 10:27

Psalm 73:24:

You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will take me into glory.

Isaiah 28:23:

Listen and hear my voice;
    pay attention and hear what I say.

John 10:27:

My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 11, Day 2: Psalm 73:24; Isaiah 28:23; and John 10:27

3a)

Psalm 19:1-6; Romans 1:18-20: God communicates with people through the sights of the universe and his creation

Psalm 119:105; John 17:17: God communicates with people through His Word.

Amos 3:7; 2 Peter 1:20-21: God communicates with people via his servants the prophets.

Hebrews 1:1-2: God communicates with people through Jesus.

Isaiah 30:21; John 14:26: God communicates with people through the Holy Spirit.

b) I liked John 14:26 because I feel like the Holy Spirit is personalized and speaks to me when I need it the most.

4a) It gives us comfort to know that God is in control, even if we have no understanding of world events, He does.

b) Through Bible Study, prayer, reading His word, and listening for His voice in Nature and within via the Holy Spirit. You have to drown out all the other voices by knowing truth and believing truth only.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 11, Day 2: Psalm 73:24; Isaiah 28:23; and John 10:27

Great verses! I love lessons like these where you are comforted by God’s truths and words.

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 11, Day 2: Psalm 73:24; Isaiah 28:23; and John 10:27

Psalm 73:24:

You guide me with your counsel,
and afterward you will take me into glory.

We all should expect to be guided by God’s words and wisdom.

Isaiah 28:23:

Listen and hear my voice;
    pay attention and hear what I say.

We all should listent to hear God’s voice and pay attention to it when we hear it.

John 10:27:

My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.

True believers hear Jesus’s voice and knows it when they do. Then, they respond and follow him.

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carry your cross www.atozmomm.com matthew 10

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 11, Day 5: Matthew 10:32-42

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 10:32-42

If you acknowledge Jesus (accept him), God will accept you in heaven. Whoever doesn’t won’t be accepted. Jesus did not come to bring peace; he came with a sword to ensure he is first in the hearts of men, not others. You must take up your cross and follow him. Those who accept Jesus will be rewarded.

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 11, Day 5: Matthew 10:32-42

14) If you acknowledge Jesus (accept him), God will accept you in heaven. Whoever doesn’t won’t be accepted. Jesus did not come to bring peace; he came with a sword to ensure he is first in the hearts of men, not others. You must take up your cross and follow him. Those who accept Jesus will be rewarded.

15) Because God is first in lives and deserves to have everything given up for him.

16) Take up your cross means you must be willing to die in order to follow Jesus. You die to self. You surrender everything, including allegiance to your family over Christ. Then, you give up your hopes, dreams, and even family to follow Christ and do his will. The reward is eternal life in heaven. Here is an old post of mine explaining this: HERE

17) I have had to give up my wants and desires for God’s will many times in this world.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 11, Day 5: Matthew 10:32-42

I love how Jesus is encouraging his disciples that even though times will be tough, their reward in heaven will be more than worth it. What we all need to keep in mind.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 11, Day 5: Matthew 10:32-42

We must publically confess our Christianity and not hide it from shame. It should be clear to others you are a Christian. Whatever Jesus is to you, we will be to him.

People, even families, are divided by Jesus’s message of eternal salvation, which is why a sword analogy is used. Jesus must be first in our lives.

The cross in Roman times symbolized death, not life like it does to us. Taking up your cross meant being willing to die to follow Jesus. When you are willing to lose your life for Jesus, you find it.

Fun Fact: This is the first time Matthew has mentioned cross.

We are to do good for Jesus’s disciples (priests, pastors, etc) by supporting them, even by giving them something as simple as a glass of water.

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BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 11, Day 3: Matthew 10:1-15

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 10:1-15

Jesus called his disciples together and gave them the ability to drive out evil and heal every disease and sickness. The 12 are: Simon (Peter), Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew, James, Thaddaeus, Simon, and Judas.

Jesus sent the 12 out to the lost sheep of Israel, not to the Gentiles or the Samaritans. Preach the message that the Kingdom of Heaven is near. Heal the sick; raise the dead; drive out demons; heal lepers. Freely give as they have received. Take no money, bag, extra clothes or sandals for the worker is worth his keep.

They are to stay at others’ homes while traveling. Bless the home if it is worthy. Move on if it is not.

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 11, Day 3: Matthew 10:1-15

6) He gave them authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.

7a) To the lost sheep of Israel. They were to not go to the Gentiles or the Samaritans.

b) Matthew 28:19-20 is the Great Commission, as Jesus sends out his disciples to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, The Son, and the Holy Spirit. Acts 1:8 says that the disciples will receive the Holy Spirit, and with this power they are to witness in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and all the ends of the earth. Romans 1:16 says that the power of the Gospel (God’s Word) can give salvation to those that believe. Believers will experience honor and peace according to Romans 2:9-11. Unbelievers will experience trouble and distress.

8 ) Preach the message that the Kingdom of Heaven is near. Heal the sick; raise the dead; drive out demons; heal lepers. Freely give as they have received. Take no money, bag, extra clothes or sandals for the worker is worth his keep. They are to stay at others’ homes while traveling. Bless the home if it is worthy.

9) Because hospitality was big in ancient times and was supposed to be given no matter what. Those who rejected the Gospel will face an eternity in hell, which is worse than what Sodom and Gomorrah experienced as burning sulphur rained down.

10) As you meet people, be aware if they may be open to Jesus. Preach the Good News, but if their hearts are closed, Jesus will judge them. You do your part by sharing.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 11, Day 3: Matthew 10:1-15

I love the emphasis on going on and giving freely, but dusting the dust off your feet if your message is not received. We cannot let it bother us when others don’t turn to Jesus. God puts it on others hearts to follow Him or not by hardening hearts or loosening them. Our job is to share the message since we don’t know God’s sovereign will. He awakens dead hearts, not us! And give freely as we have been given to. Great stuff here!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 11, Day 3: Matthew 10:1-15

The 12 Disciples

Really cool synopsis on the Apostles HERE

The disciples are listed in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and Acts, but not the book of John.  Matthew 10:2-4, Mark 3:16-19Luke 6:13-16, and Acts 1:13. Note they are of various backgrounds, as are all believers. 1 Corinthians 1:26-29. There are also other similarities: Peter is always first, and Judas is always last. The brothers are always paired together. Bible scholars see three groups of four, as if each had a leader:

  • Peter, Andrew, James, and John
  • Philip, Bartholomew/Nathanael, Thomas, and Matthew
  • James, Thaddaeus/Judas, Simon, Judas

Jesus equips those he calls to do their job (here, Jesus gave the 12 powers). The 12 have a future role in eternity (Matthew 19:28), helped found the church (Ephesians 2:20)., and shall be remembered always. (Revelation 21:14).

Fun Fact: This is the only time in Matthew the 12 are called apostles, meaning “one who is sent out.”

Iscariout may mean “man of Kerioth,” which is a town in southern Judea, or may mean “traitor.”

Bible Scholar Clarke notes that first the 12 are disciples Matthew 10:1 before apostles Matthew 10:2.. You must learn about God before you can preach about God.

The 12 Disciples Commissioned

It has always been God’s chosen people first (Romans 1:16), then the Gentiles. So it is with the disciples here.

Jesus needed help, so he sends his 12.

Note Jesus called them “the house of Israel.” To God, they will always be Israel, whether they have a state or not.

We are all lost sheep.  (Isaiah 53:6). Jeremiah 50:6

Jesus gives them the message he is delivering: The Kingdom of Heaven is near (Matthew 4:17)

Jesus tells them that God will meet their needs, like He meets our today. He will provide food, clothing, and shelter for them. They are to preach for free, and not charge for it. Give for free as you have received for free.

The 12 disciples who founded the church reflect the 12 Tribes of Israel who founded the nation of Israel. Israel was to be the light of the world. When they rejected him, the Gospel spread to the rest of the world.

The dusting of feet is symbolic of the Jews dusting their feet when they visited a Gentile nation so they would be clean.

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Jesus as the Shepherd bsf matthew www.atozmomm.com matthew 9

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 11, Day 2: Matthew 9:35-38

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 9:35-38

Jesus began travelling through all the towns and villages, preaching the Good News and healing every disease and sickness. Jesus has compassion on the crowds. He told his disciples that they needed more people to preach, so ask the Lord to send out more workers to meet the need.

BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 11, Day 2: Matthew 9:35-38

3a)  “They were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” Basically, they were ignorant of God’s Word and needed to be fed.

b)

Psalm 23:1-3: God is our shepherd, providing us with everything we need. He restores our souls and guides us in righteousness.

Isaiah 53:6: All of us sin, but God leads us back.

Ezekiel 34:5-16: God will be our shepherd and look after us, his flock. He will rescue us and pasture us and gather us. God will bring back the lost, bind up the wounded, and strengthen the weak.

John 10:11-15: Jesus says he is the good shepherd. He knows his sheep, and the sheep know him. He lays down his life for his sheep.

1 Peter 2:24-25: Jesus died for our sins so that we could live. His wounds healed us. We were sheep that had gone astray, but now we have returned to the Shepherd.

c) Knowing they all need a Savior. The desire to help in a broken world.

4) There are more needy people than those who can help them, essentially.

5) God is the Lord of the harvest, so the Lord of everything. He is asking for prayer for more followers to preach the Good News.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 11, Day 2: Matthew 9:35-38

I love the shepherd analogy. Shepherds weren’t the highest of classes in ancient times, so when God and Jesus say they are shepherds, they are identifying with us all.

Try this light for better reading during these shorter days!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Matthew Lesson 11, Day 2: Matthew 9:35-38

We see God as a shepherd all throughout the Bible, beginning  with Jacob (Genesis 48:15) to Revelation 7:17. It was a powerful image for those who were shepherds in ancient times.

The original Greek word for “moved with compassion” is a very strong word that was used for pity.

Jesus is saying that for so long, the people have had no shepherds because the Levite priests were not doing their job and were corrupt themselves. It’s like they had no shepherd. In order to reap the most out of the harvest, workers are needed. We are to be the workers and help those seeking the Lord come to him.

“Send out workers” or thrust them forward in the ancient Greek. We are all to work for God’s kingdom.

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BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 11, Day 3: Genesis 17:9-14; 23-27

Summary of Genesis 17:9-14:

God tells Abraham that he and his descendants must keep His covenant. Every male must be circumcised, which is the sign of the covenant. This is to take place at 8 days old, and this applies to all male, whether adopted or not. If any male has not been circumcised, they are to be cut off from God’s people, as this will be a sign that the covenant has been broken.

Genesis 17:23-27:

Every male on that day was circumcised, including Abraham, his son, Ismael, and all in his household.

BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 11, Day 3: Genesis 17:9-14; 23-27

7) “It will be the sign of the covenant between you and me.”

8 ) That he/they are faithful.

9) Having faith is more important than works.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 11, Day 3: Genesis 17:9-14; 23-27

I love that Abraham obeyed immediately without delay. So, too, are we called to obey immediately as well.

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End Notes BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 11, Day 3: Genesis 17:9-14; 23-27

The cutting of the foreskin represents how God is setting His people apart (cutting them off). It is a physical sign that they are His people. Since males were born into it, it was fitting to be associated with reproduction. This is a sign of faith. Circumcision also helped with cleanliness, which was important in a society where no one bathed. Also, it was a sign of cleansing as well.

With Jesus, we are spiritually circumcised.

Why the 8th day? Childbirth is traumatic on a baby. After all, it goes from a water world to a world of air and newness. After 8 days, the baby’s body will recover faster, and some experts think that because the immune system is in place by now, that the baby will be less likely to get an infection. Doctors believe that a baby’s body can also blood-clot better on day 8 of life.

It’s important to note that the people were part of the covenant through faith. When they rejected circumcision, they were rejecting the covenant that God had granted through grace. Circumcision is not something you do that gets you to heaven, although the early Christians tried to make this so. (Galatians 5:1-15). Now, with the new covenant, you are free to circumcise or not.

Abraham’s immediacy speaks to his faith and his obedience to God’s commands. What does your response say when God tells you to move?

BSF Study Questions Genesis Lesson 11, Day 4: Genesis 12:4-9 & Hebrews 11:1, 8-10, 15

Summary of passages:  Genesis 12:4-9:  Abram obeyed God and set out for Canaan at the age of 75 with his wife, Sarai, his nephew, Lot, and all the possessions and people they had acquired in Haran.

At the tree of Moreh at Shechem the Lord appeared to Abram and told him he will give Abram’s offspring this land (which was currently occupied by the Canaanites).  Abram built an altar there for the Lord.

Abram continued on his journey, stopping at Bethel to build an altar to the Lord and call upon his name and then continuing towards Negev.

Hebrews 11:1, 8-10, 15:  Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.  Abraham had faith when he answered God’s call and traveled to Canaan to receive his inheritance even though he had no idea where he was going.  He moved to a strange land, lived in tents, and raised his family–all while looking forward to the city of God.  He was looking for God’s heavenly country and not a country on Earth.

Questions:

7a)  FAITH

b)  Personal Question.  My answer:  I think we all have experiences if we follow God most days of our lives.  For God is in the little things just as much as He is in the big things such as moving.  God wants all of us all the time.

I have been praying and praying about my husband’s job for he will be moved across country again.  I have been praying and praying about what God wants me to do with this talent I have.  The key is to respond in faith and live faith every day of your lives.  I homeschool my kids cause I believe that is God’s calling for me.  I write this blog every day as I believe that as well.  I write my heart into the stories I write and weave God into them through faith in Him and what He wants me to do with this life.

c)  “Anyone who trusts in Him will never be put to shame.”

8a)  Verse 4 (“So Abram left) and verse 5 (“took…all the possessions they had and the people.”

b)  God, Sarai, Lot, other people from Haran

9a)  “To your offspring I will give this land.”  So not only to Abram but to his kids as well.

b)  He built an altar and presumably worshiped God and offered sacrifices

c)  Personal Question.  My answer:  Through all my husband’s layoffs, we have been provided for.  All the moves have been in His plan.  Right now, I am doing my work in Faith.

10a)  He moved on to Bethel and built an altar to the Lord and called on His name and then he continued toward the Negev.  In essence, he continued following God’s plan for him.

b)  Colossians 1:23:  Continue your life in faith and not moved from the hope Jesus gave us.  Verse 22 adds we are reconciled to God through Christ if we continue in faith.

Colossians 2:6-7:  Continue to live in Christ Jesus, rooted in him, strong faith in him, and overflowing thankfulness in him.

Hebrews 6:1:  Continue to mature in Christ, continue faith in God and repenting from acts that lead to death

Hebrews 10:35-38:  Persevere in God’s will for your life so you will receive what He has promised and live by faith.  Have confidence in what God is doing with you.

1 Peter 2:2:  Continue to grow in God’s goodness (verse 3) and in your confidence in your salvation by craving God’s goodness and purity

Conclusions:  BSF should subtitle the Study of Genesis as the Study of Hebrews.

If you haven’t gotten it yet, Abram was FAITHFUL.

However, IMPORTANT NOTE:  Abram did not obey God fully.  The Lord says in verse 1 “Leave your country, your people and your father’s household”.  Abram did not do this.  He brought Lot and other people from Haran with him.  We will soon see how Lot turned out.  Like the rest of us, Abram is human, too.

Also, a big deal is made in Hebrews about tents.  Even today people who live in tents are travelers, not permanent settlers.  Like when you go camping.  You pitch a temporary home.  The writer of Hebrews is trying to drill that point home.  Abraham lived in tents because he was looking forward to his permanent home in God’s kingdom, heaven.  He could have built a house once he settled but he didn’t.  He was just passing through this world.

End Note:  Map of Negev HERE.  The Negev is a desert region in Israel where Abram was headed.  It still is called the Negev today.

BSF Study Questions Genesis Lesson 11, Day 3: Genesis 12:1-3

Summary of passage:  God calls Abram to leave his country (Mesopotamia) for the land He will show Him (Canaan).  God promises Abram to make him into a great nation and He will bless him.  He will bless those who bless him and curse those who curse him. ALL people on earth will be blessed through Abram.

Questions:

5a)  I (I being God) will:

1) Make you into a great nation.  This is the Jewish People and the Old Testament chronicles this through Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, and down to Christ. Genesis 13:16

2)  Bless you.  Philippians 4:19  “God will meet all your needs…in Christ Jesus.”

3)  Make your name great.  Abram is honored by Jews, Muslims, and Christians.  I would wager most people know who he is.

4)  You will be a blessing.  Matthew 28:19-20.  I think the biggest blessing we can be is to tell others about Jesus.

5)  Bless those who bless you.  Matthew 16:19

6)  Curse those who curse you.  I see this in God’s punishment of the nations who are against Israel (Babylon, Assyria, etc) as attested throughout the Bible, history, and today.

7)  All peoples on earth will be blessed through you.  Through Jesus and our faith the Gentiles are children of Abraham. Galatians 3: 7-9, 14-18,29, Genesis 22:18, Acts 3:25-26

b) I’m using Genesis 17 for all of these, where God re-affirms His covenant with Abram (ham) and gives him the sign of circumcision to seal the covenant.  Joshua 21:43-45 confirms Israel took the land and that “every one (promise) was fulfilled.”

6a)  Ephesians 1:3:  Every spiritual blessing

b)  Ephesians 1:18:  Know the hope He has called us to and the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints

c)  Ephesians 2:6-7:  Raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realm; Shows us the incomparable riches of His grace

d)  1 Corinthians 2:9-10: We receive His Spirit so we may know what God has prepared for those who love Him (us)

e)  Psalm 16:5-6, 11:  We have an assigned portion that is secure and pleasant which is a delightful inheritance.  Know the path of life, the joy in your presence, eternal pleasures

Conclusions:  A lot of looking up and researching with the challenge question.  Writing out God’s promises is a powerful reminder that God is for us–not against us (Romans 8:31).  He is our greatest cheerleader and our greatest protector against the enemy.  God is good despite all the bad that sometimes surrounds us.

With these promises, He expects us to be a blessing.  We must show God’s love.  Always.