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BSF Study Questions Acts Lesson 2, Day 2: Acts 2:1-13

September 9, 2019September 10, 2019 by atozmom, posted in BSF Acts 2019/2020

Summary of Acts 2:1-13:

On the day of Pentecost the 120 were all in one place (presumably praying still and waiting for the gift). A sound like a blowing violent wind came from heaven and filled the house where they were sitting. They saw tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in tongues through the power of the Holy Spirit.

A lot of people in Jerusalem heard this sound and came together to see what was happening. They were bewildered because each was speaking in his own language. They asked, “Aren’t these all Galileans? How is it we hear them in our own language? What does this mean?”

Some made fun of them and said they were drunk.

BSF Study Questions Act 2 Lesson 2, Day 2: Acts 2:1-13:

3) The disciples heard a sound like the blowing of a violent wind come form heave and fill the house where they were sitting. The saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that spearated and came to rest on them. Then they all began to speak in tongues as the Holy Spirit filled them. Inward reality: God/Jesus was with them. Unseen reality same.

4) Personal Question. My answer: Unsure really. I don’t do a lot of church activities anymore since my kids are older so I’m rarely together with believers for such a unity to take place.

5) This emphasized the power of the Holy Spirit. It proved the power of God as well.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Act 2 Lesson 2, Day 2: Acts 2:1-13:

This is where we see the speaking of tongues in the Bible, which we think of as weird today, but was normal back then.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Act 2 Lesson 2, Day 2: Acts 2:1-13:

Pentecost was celebrated 50 days after Passover that celebrated the firstfruits of the wheat harvest. Pentecost also marked the day the Law as given to the Jews. They sometimes call Pentecost the Joy of the Law.

OT Pentecost: Jews received Law.
NT Pentecost: Church received Holy Spirit

This was the 10th day that the disciples were waiting. The Holy Spirit is promised to us and worth waiting for.

God often comes in a wind:

Genesis 1:1-2, it is the Spirit of God as the breath/wind of God, blowing over the waters of the newly created earth.
Genesis 2:7, it is the Spirit of God as the breath/wind of God, blowing life into newly created man.
In Ezekiel 37:9-10, it is the Spirit of God as the breath/wind of God, moving over the dry bones of Israel bringing them life and strength.

Jesus would baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire (Matthew 3:11).

The idea behind the picture of fire is usually purification, as a refiner uses fire to make pure gold; or fire can burn away what is temporary, leaving only what will last. The filling of the Holy Spirit is not just for abstract power, but for purity.

In certain places in the Old Testament, God showed His special pleasure with a sacrifice by lighting the fire for it Himself – that is, fire from heaven came down and consumed the sacrifice. Here, we see God sending fire from heaven to show His pleasure and power, but upon living sacrifices (Romans 12:1).

In the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit rested on Israel as a nation. Here, the Holy Spirit rests on individuals.

The Speaking of Tongues

Not many homes of that day could hold 120 people. It is far more likely that this upper room was part of the temple courts, which was a huge structure, with porches and colonnades and rooms. The crowd came from people milling about the temple courts.

People from Galilee (Galileans) were known to be uncultured and poor speakers. This was all the more reason to be impressed with their ability to speak eloquently in other languages.

Why speak in tongues?

Some think that the gift of tongues was given primarily as a sign to unbelievers (1 Corinthians 14:21-22) and as a means to miraculously communicate the gospel in diverse languages. They believe there is no longer the need for this sign, so they regard tongues as a gift no longer present in the church today.
Others argue that the gift of tongues, while a sign to unbelievers as stated by 1 Corinthians 14:21-22, are primarily a gift of communication between the believer and God (1 Corinthians 14:2, 13-15), and is a gift still given by God today.
The idea that these disciples communicated to the diverse crowd in tongues is plainly wrong. The crowd had a common language (Greek), and Peter preached a sermon to them in that language! (Acts 2:14-40)
When tongues is practiced in the corporate life of the church, it must be carefully controlled, and never without an interpretation given by the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 14:27-28).
The ability to pray in an unknown tongue is not a gift given to every believer (1 Corinthians 12:30).
We should regard the gift of Acts 2 and the gift of tongues in 1 Corinthians as the same, simply because the same term is used for both in the original language (heterais glossais). Also, the verb translated gave them utterance in Acts 2:4 is frequently used in Greek literature in connection with spiritually prompted (ecstatic) speech, not mere translation into other languages.

BSF Study Questions Acts Lesson 1, Day 5: Acts 1:12-26

September 5, 2019September 1, 2019 by atozmom, posted in BSF Acts 2019/2020

Summary of Acts 1:12-26:

The Eleven disciples returned to Jerusalem from Mount Olives after witnessing Jesus ascend to heaven. Along with women, Mary mother of Jesus, and Jesus’ brothers, they prayed constantly. While waiting for the Holy Spirit to descend upon them, Peter leads the believers (120 in number at this time) in choosing one to replace Judas Iscariot as the Scriptures dictate (Psalm 109:8). So they choose one who has been with them from the beginning by praying and casting lots. Matthias is chosen and becomes the new twelfth disciple.

BSF Study Questions Acts Lesson 1, Day 5: Acts 1:12-26

11) Part Personal Question. My answer: Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, Judas son of James, women, Mary the mother of Jesus, and Jesus’s brothers. They are coming together to support one another and mourn together.

12) They chose a replacement because of the Bible (Pslam 109:8) They prayed before casting lots. They wanted someone credible who had been with Jesus since the beginning.

13) Part personal Question. My answer: He had all of the disciples together, so no one had to bear the death of Jesus alone. We’re stronger together so the disciples could draw upon each other’s strength for the coming days. All prayed together. The replacement was chosen together. There is no strife right now.

Conclusions to BSF Study Questions Acts Lesson 1, Day 5: Acts 1:12-26

I love how everyone retreated in prayer. Great lesson for when we suffer a loss. God will comfort you.

End Notes to BSF Study Questions Acts Lesson 1, Day 5: Acts 1:12-26

Note the disciples obeyed Jesus here: they did return to Jerusalem and await the Holy Spirit.

Acts 1:15 tells us that there were about 120 present.

Peter as Leader of the Disciples

Peter took a natural leadership role among the disciples

Peter’s words show wisdom we did not often see in him before. He began by noting that Judas didn’t spoil God’s plan, he fulfilled it. This is something that only wise and mature disciples can see in the aftermath of evil. Luke’s historical note calls attention to how Judas died. Matthew 27:5 says that Judas hanged himself, but apparently he failed in the attempt, fell, and was killed by the impact of falling from the tree in the Field of Blood.

Peter, quoting from two separate Psalms, showed why God wanted them to choose another disciple to officially replace Judas.

Reliance on God’s Word

This is the first time in the New Testament we read that Peter quoted Scripture.

Desire for God’s Will

Because of the principle of the quoted Scripture, they decided to replace Judas because they believe it is what Jesus wanted, not because it is what they wanted.

Doing What Jesus Would Do

When Jesus chose His disciples, He prayed (Luke 6:12-13). The disciples, following Jesus, prayed for wisdom to know who the Lord would add to their number.

The Casting of Lots

This is the last time the Bible mentions the casting of lots, which is an Old Testament method to discern God’s will. Now that we have the Holy Spirit, we don’t need lots.

The casting of lots may be an imperfect way to discern God’s will, but it is much better than the methods many Christians use today – relying on emotions, on circumstances, or feelings, or carnal desires, and so forth.

Fun Fact: Except for Peter and John, none of the original twelve are mentioned again after Acts 1.

Revelation 21:14 brings up an interesting question. It tells us that each of the twelve foundations of the New Jerusalem has the name of one of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. When we get to heaven, it will be interesting to see if the twelfth apostle of the Lamb is Paul or Matthias.

STEPS FOR MAKING BIG DECISIONS IN LIFE AS SEEN IN ACTS 1

Obey
In fellowship with others
Pray
In the scripture
God’s will
Common sense with the guidance of the Holy Spirit
Do what Jesus would do
Rely on God

BSF Study Questions People of the Promised Land 1: Lesson 18, Day 2: 2 Samuel 7:1-7; 1 Chronicles 17:1-6; 22:8; 28:3

January 28, 2019January 6, 2019 by atozmom, posted in BSF People of the Promised Land Part 1

Summary 2 Samuel 7:1-7:

David was given rest by the Lord from his enemies once he became king. David wants to build God a dwelling place. God told Nathan the prophet to tell David that He wants a house to dwell in.

Summary 1 Chronicles 17:1-6; 22:8; 28:3:

After David was settled in his palace, he told Nathan he wants to build God a dwelling place. Nathan said do it, but God came to Nathan in a dream and said not to build him a temple. God did not want David to build God a temple because of all the bloodshed he had caused.

BSF Study Questions People of the Promised Land 1: Lesson 18, Day 2: 2 Samuel 7:1-7; 1 Chronicles 17:1-6; 22:8; 28:3:

3) David wanted to build God a temple because he felt God was worthier of a better dwelling place than just a tent. Yes, God was pleased because it was on David’s heart.

4) Part personal Question. My answer: God did not want David to build the temple because he had fought many wars and shed much blood in God’s sight. God wanted someone pure to build the temple and someone of peace. War is not God’s way even when directed by Him.

5) Personal Question. My answer: God says no to many things I have wanted, and He continues to say no. I see this mostly in jobs I think I want, but I don’t get. Schools I want for my kids they don’t get into. Houses we didn’t end up buying. Vacations we don’t end up going on. Probably a million other little things I think I need in the moment when they are not a need, but a want — and not God’s want for my life.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promised Land 1 Lesson 18, Day 2: 2 Samuel 7:1-7; 1 Chronicles 17:1-6; 22:8; 28:3:

I don’t think I’ve ever caught this before: how David wanted to build God a temple, and God said no. Great lesson in how God does reject our wants because they are not His wants for our lives.

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promised Land 1 Lesson 18, Day 2: 2 Samuel 7:1-7; 1 Chronicles 17:1-6; 22:8; 28:3:

Commentary 2 Samuel 7:1-7:

The events of 2 Samuel 7 happened after the wars of conquest described in 2 Samuel 8. This section is placed before the war accounts in the text to show its greater importance.

Why did David want to build God a tabernacle?

Cedar wood was expensive, showing us that David lived in an expensive, beautiful home. When David sees how the ark of God dwells inside tent curtains, he was troubled by the thought that he lived in a nicer house than the ark of the covenant — as all of us should have felt.
David wanted to do something special for God because he wanted to glorify God and was grateful to God.

David told Nathan that he wanted to build a temple to replace the tabernacle. When Israel was in the wilderness Image result for god's temple more than 400 years before, God commanded Moses to build a tent of meeting (Exodus 25:8-9). God didn’t asked for a permanent building to replace the tent, but David wants to do this for God.

The tent of meeting – also known as the tabernacle – was perfectly suited to Israel in the wilderness because they constantly moved. Now that Israel was securely in the land and the ark of the covenant was in Jerusalem (2 Samuel 6:17), David thought it would be better and more appropriate to build a temple to replace the tabernacle.

Nathan sees nothing wrong with wanting to build the temple. After all, it’s coming from David’s heart.

What do we learn from God’s response to Nathan?

Never presume to know God’s will.
Even with the right motives, if God doesn’t ask for it or want it, don’t do it.

God seemed honored and “surprised” that David offered to build Him a house. It was as if God said to David, “You want to build Me a house? No one ever offered to do that before, and I never commanded anyone to do it.”

David wanted to do more than God commanded. This is a wonderful place to be in our relationship with God.

Commentary 1 Chronicles 17:1-6; 22:8; 28:3:

This is around 995 BC. “The Hebrew text says literally, ‘build me the house.’ The idea of there being such a house was legitimate, just that David was not the one to build it.” (Payne)

David now knew that God didn’t want him to build the temple, but David didn’t respond by doing nothing. Instead of building the temple, David gathered all the materials for its construction so Solomon could build a glorious temple to God (1 Chronicles 29:2-9)

Why did God reject David’s request to build God a temple?

This explanation was not previously recorded, either in 2 Samuel or in 1 Chronicles. God wanted a man of rest and peace to build a house unto Him.

It wasn’t that David’s wars were wrong or ungodly, or that the blood he shed was unrighteous.

“Principally for mystical signification, to teach us that the church (whereof the temple was a manifest and a illustrious type) should be built by Christ, the Prince of peace, Isaiah 9:6; and that it should be gathered and built up, not by might or power, or by force of arms, but by God’s Spirit, Zechariah 4:6, and by the preaching of the gospel of peace.” (Poole)

Though David wanted to build God a house, God politely refused David’s offer and proposed to build him a house instead, in the sense of a lasting royal dynasty (2 Samuel 7).

Significantly, David calls the temple a house of rest. “As in the case of God’s sabbath rest at creation (Genesis 2:1-3), God’s rest represents the completion of his work. The idea of rest was so significant for the temple that even though David’s role as a ‘man of war’ was a vital part of the temple preparations in creating the necessary conditions for the work, it disqualified him from building the temple himself. Only Solomon, the ‘man of rest’ (1 Chronicles 22:9), was sufficiently fitted for the task.” (Selman)

BSF Study Questions People of the Promised Land 1: Lesson 15, Day 5: 1 Samuel 31 with 1 Chronicles 10

January 10, 2019January 1, 2019 by atozmom, posted in BSF People of the Promised Land Part 1

Summary of 1 Samuel 31:

Like the apparition of Samuel had said, the Israelites lost the battle with the Philistines, and Saul and his sons lost Image result for 1 samuel 31 their lives. Saul ended up falling on his own sword when he was critically wounded to avoid any punishment by the Philistines. All the Israelites fled when they heard the news, and the Philistines occupied the Israelites’ cities. The Philistines cut off Saul’s head and hung his body to the wall of Beth Shan. The people of Jabesh Gilead whom Saul had helped so many years ago (1 Samuel 11:1-11) rescued Saul’s body and his sons and buried them.

Summary of 1 Chronicles 10:

The same synopsis is given as above. Added details include: Saul died because he was unfaithful to the Lord. We learn Saul’s head was hung up in the temple of Dagon.

BSF Study Questions People of the Promised Land 1: Lesson 15, Day 5: 1 Samuel 31 with 1 Chronicles 10:

12) Saul died exactly how Samuel and the Lord said he would: in battle. He was critically wounded and had asked his armor-bearer to finish him off, so he wouldn’t face torture from the Philistines. His armor bearer refused so Saul took his own life. The people of Jabesh Gilead whom Saul had helped so many years ago (1 Samuel 11:1-11) rescued Saul’s body and his sons and buried them.

13) Personal Question. My answer: Good question. I don’t know. It’s something I need to be on the look out for. I don’t really think I do much honorable or compassionate in general.

14) Part Personal Question. My answer: “Saul died because he was unfaithful to the Lord; he did not keep the word of the Lord and even consulted a medium for guidance.” I hope it will be said I was a good person, and I fulfilled God’s purpose for my life while here. I was a good mother and wife and pet owner.

Conclusions: BSF Study Questions People of the Promised Land 1 Lesson 15, Day 5: 1 Samuel 31 with 1 Chronicles 10:

The inevitable has happened; Saul is removed from the throne, paving the way for David’s rule.

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promised Land 1 Lesson 15, Day 5: 1 Samuel 31 with 1 Chronicles 10:

Summary 1 Samuel 31:

Gilboa was the location of the Israeli army camp (1 Samuel 28:4), meaning Israel was in full retreat from the battle. Tt seems probable that the scene with the witch of Endor should have been placed just before this chapter, and not all the way back in 1 Samuel 28 (it’s current location requires some geographical skipping).

Tragically, Saul’s sons were affected in the judgment of God against their father, Saul. The brave and worthy Jonathan died loyally fighting for his God, his country, and his father the king.

The death of all of Saul’s sons was important in God’s plan. In taking the logical heirs to Saul’s throne, God cleared the way for David to become the next king of Israel. We know that if Jonathan had survived he would have gladly yielded the throne to David (1 Samuel 18:1-4). But the same could not be said of Saul’s other sons. God was also merciful to Jonathan, sparing him the ordeal of having to side with David against his own brothers.

David had to deal with Ishbosheth, the one surviving son of Saul before taking the undisputed throne of Israel (2 Samuel 2:8 through 4:12).

Why did the armor-bearer refuse to kill Saul?

It’s unclear why the armour-bearer refused. It could be that killing his king – even if commanded to do so – is just too great a sin for him, or it could be a final dig at Saul as we saw in 1 Sam. 22:17, where his followers refused his command to kill the the priests at Nob.

Did Saul commit suicide?

Image result for 1 samuel 31 — Depiction from the Worms Bible 1148 of Saul falling on his sword

No. Suicide is deciding to end your own life. Saul’s life was taken by the arrows of the enemy. He only hastened the inevitable.

What does the Bible say about suicide?

God does regard suicide as sin; it is the sin of self-murder. Yet, we are wrong if we regard it as an unforgivable sin. Suicide is the result of Satan’s lies whose purpose is to kill and destroy (John 10:10).

We don’t see any repentance, sorrow, or crying out to God from Saul before his death even though he knew it was coming (1 Samuel 28:19). He did not seem to prepare his soul to meet God in any way.

Take away from Saul’s death:

Saul did not want to repent like so many others.
Saul’s life began with such promise and light and ended in such darkness and despair.

We’ll see in 2 Samuel 1:4-10 an Amalekite came to David with the report that Saul had died in battle and that he actually delivered the death-blow to Saul. Does the Amalekite’s statement contradict this passage, where it seems Saul killed himself? It may be that Saul fell on his sword, and life still lingered in him, so he asked this Amalekite to finish him off. Or it may be that the Amalekite simply lied and was the first one to come upon Saul’s dead body, and that he told David that he killed him because he thought David would be pleased and he would be rewarded.

Image result for beautiful pictures

Consequences of Saul’s death

With the Philistine army now occupying territory on the other side of the Jordan, they have effectively cut Israel in half from west to east. The rest of the nation is now ripe for total conquest by the Philistines.
The Israelites scatter. Jesus feared this same effect with his demise: Then Jesus said to them, “All of you will be made to stumble because of Me this night, for it is written: ‘I will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’” (Mark 14:27)

Take away about responsibilities of being a leader:

The fall of leaders can endanger many more people than the fall of someone who is not a leader. Leaders are held to a higher standard because of this responsibility. (1 Timothy 3:2, Titus 1:6).

Saul’s death was used to glorify pagan gods and to mock the living God.

In that culture, to have your dead body treated this way was considered a fate worse than death itself.

Why was Saul’s body burned?

It’s not clear why people of Jabesh Gilead choose to burn the bodies rather than simply bury them. It could be that the fire is intended as a sort of purification after the bodies were left hanging too long (if they rescue the bodies on the night of the same day that they were hung, this would still violate Deut. 21:23). Or there was some variation in burial practices at this time.

You can go to the ruins of Beth Shan today, as the foundations to the city sit high on a hill overlooking the Roman ruins destroyed in an earthquake. It was high on that hill that the Philistines hung the decapitated corpse of King Saul in the ultimate humiliation.

God’s work is bigger than any one man or group of men

The inhabitants of Jabesh Gilead repaid Saul’s kindness of delivering their city from the Ammonites (1 Samuel 11:1-11). Upon taking the throne, David will recognize them as well (2 Samuel 2:4-7).

When David heard of Saul’s death, he did not rejoice. In fact, he mourned and composed a song in honor of Saul and Jonathan (The Song of the Bow, 2 Samuel 1:11-27). In spite of all that Saul did against David, David spoke well of Saul after his death.

David’s Noble Heart

Choosing this kind of heart showed David to be a true “Man after God’s Own Heart.” It showed that the years in the wilderness escaping Saul really were years when God trained him to be a king after God’s own heart. Despite his sin, David never followed in the same tragic footsteps as King Saul.

Commentary 1 Chronicles 10:

Image result for 1 samuel 31 The story of King Saul is one of the great tragedies of the Bible. He was humble at his beginning, yet seeming to lack any genuine spiritual connection with God, he was easily and quickly corrupted by pride and fear. Saul is the epitome of a tragic waste of potential.

“Saul was a man than whom no other had greater opportunities, but his failure was disastrous. Of good standing in the nation, distinctly called and commissioned by God, honored with the friendship of Samuel, surrounded by a band of men whose hearts God had touched, everything was in his favor. From the beginning he failed; step by step he declined in conduct and character, until he went out.” (Morgan)

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BSF Study Questions Acts Lesson 2, Day 2: Acts 2:1-13

Summary of Acts 2:1-13:

BSF Study Questions Act 2 Lesson 2, Day 2: Acts 2:1-13:

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Act 2 Lesson 2, Day 2: Acts 2:1-13: