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BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 20, Day 4: Revelation 16:1-14

January 8, 2025December 31, 2024 by atozmom, posted in BSF Revelation: The Hope 2024/2025

Summary of Revelation 16:1-14

John heard a loud voice from the temple (God) telling the 7 angels to pour out the 7 bowls of judgment.

The first angel went and poured out his bowl on the land, and ugly, festering sores broke out on the people who had the mark of the beast and worshiped its image.
The second angel poured out his bowl on the sea, and it turned into blood like that of a dead person, and every living thing in the sea died.
The third angel poured out his bowl on the rivers and springs of water, and they became blood.
The fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun, and the sun was allowed to scorch people with fire. They were seared by the intense heat and they cursed the name of God, who had control over these plagues, but they refused to repent and glorify him.
The fifth angel poured out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and its kingdom was plunged into darkness. People gnawed their tongues in agonyand cursed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, but they refused to repent of what they had done.
The sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up to prepare the way for the kings from the East.

Then John saw three impure spirits that looked like frogs; they came out of the mouth of the dragon, out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet.

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 20, Day 4: Revelation 16:1-14

9a)

First Bowl (Exodus 9:8-11): Festering boils broke out on the people and the animals of the land. Mirrors the 6th plague in Egypt. These sores mark those against God.

Second Bowl (Exodus 7:14-25; Revelation 8:8-9): The water of the Nile and in all of Egypt was turned to blood when Moses struck it with his staff, and all the fish died. The 2nd trumpet judgment caused a huge mountain to be thrown into the sea and a third of the sea was turned to blood, a third of the living sea creatures died, and a third of the ships were destroyed. This mirrors the 1st Egyptian plague. Here, everything is affected.

Third Bowl (Revelation 8:10-11): The third trumpet judgment caused a great star to fall into a third of the rivers and springs of water. The water then turned bitter, and many people died from these waters. Here, everything is affected.

Fourth Bowl (Deuteronomy 28:22; 2 Peter 3:7): The Lord will strike you with wasting disease, with fever and inflammation, with scorching heat and drought, with blight and mildew, which will plague you until you perish. Peter says, “The present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly.”

Fifth Bowl (Exodus 10:21-23): Moses stretched out his hand, and darkness covered all of Egypt for 3 days (This was the 9th Egyptian plague). No one could see or move except the Israelites who had light.

Sixth Bowl (Exodus 8:1-15; 14:21-27): God sends a plague of frogs unto Egypt. Moses parts the Red Sea for God’s people to cross.

Most of the bowl judgments mirror the judgments rendered upon Egypt or in the trumpet judgments.

b) God has ultimate power and authority over all of nature and creation. He created it; He can destroy it. And, God can destroy it however he wishes, as we see here.

10a) They have the same response: hard-hearted and cold-hearted. They still refuse to believe in God, repent, and turn to Him. They curse and blame God for their troubles rather than seeing the error of their ways and turning to Him.

b) Most likely. It’s hard to pinpoint, but I try to stay as close to Him as possible, so I don’t become hard-hearted towards Him.

11) It definitely makes it more imperative and important, that’s for sure! I try to open my eyes to whom God wants me to share the Gospel with.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 20, Day 4: Revelation 16:1-14

Love this lesson! Great comparative study!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 20, Day 4: Revelation 16:1-14

God is the voice since no one else is in the temple.

The bowls of judgment are the 3rd woe (Revelation 11:14). Their purpose is to bring people to God.

As people continue to resist God, the intensity of these judgments intensifies.

The judgment is fair and righteous, and those who refused to drink the Living Water Jesus offered now must drink blood.

The other voice is most likely an angel or the altar itself.

The fifth bowl judgment begins judgments against the beast, rather than mankind.

Hell will be dark. Only God brings light.

If the Euphrates River dried up, armies could march across it and attack God’s people. This will prepare the world for Armageddon.

God used frogs in the 2nd Egyptian plague. The Jewish people did not like frogs, believing them to be unclean. The Egyptians had a frog-like goddess. The frogs are false gods

The false prophet is the 2nd beast in Revelation 13

This is a battle against God. We’ll see three major battles at the End Times:

The battle of Gog, Magog and her allies against Israel (Ezekiel 38 and 39)
The battle of Armageddon when the Antichrist fights Jesus (Revelation 17:12-16, 17:14, 19:19)
The final battle when Satan and his allies, after the millennium, fight God (Revelation 20:7-10).

We all know who wins: God Almighty!

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BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 20, Day 3: Revelation 15:5-8

January 7, 2025December 31, 2024 by atozmom, posted in BSF Revelation: The Hope 2024/2025

Summary of Revelation 15:5-8

John sees the tabernacle in heaven. 7 angels with the 7 plagues were dressed in clean linen and gold sashes. One of the four living creatures gives the angels 7 bowls filled with the wrath of God. The temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God and His power, and no one could enter until the 7 plagues were complete.

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 20, Day 3: Revelation 15:5-8

6) John sees the tabernacle in heaven. 7 angels with the 7 plagues were dressed in clean linen and gold sashes. One of the four living creatures gives the angels 7 bowls filled with the wrath of God. The temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God and His power, and no one could enter until the 7 plagues were complete.

7) Exodus tells us that the glory of the Lord fills the tabernacle, so Moses could not enter because of this. 3 Chronicles says the same thing; the priests could not enter the tabernacle because the glory of the Lord/cloud was in it. All these passages say that God’s presence was in the tabernacle.

8 ) I have complete confidence, comfort, and hope in our Lord for my provision, my job, my passion, my career, my novel, and holding my family close to Him. I find immense comfort in the fact that He has it all, and I don’t have to worry about a thing. I know He is in control. This helps me get through each and every day.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 20, Day 3: Revelation 15:5-8

I did not know/remember that no one could enter the tabernacle when God’s presence was there. This makes sense since no one can see God.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 20, Day 3: Revelation 15:5-8

This is the heavenly tabernacle, which the earthly tabernacle was modeled from Exodus 25:8-9 and Hebrews 8:9

God’s judgment is complete and pure, as indicated by the angels’ clothes.

These bowls are flat, shallow bowls used by the priests for rituals. Here, they hold God’s wrath and judgment against humanity.

God is present always, even in the midst of judgment and despair. And, God’s glory will be revealed in His righteous wrath.

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BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 20, Day 2: Revelation 15:1-4

January 6, 2025December 31, 2024 by atozmom, posted in BSF Revelation: The Hope 2024/2025

Summary of Revelation 15:1-4

John saw 7 angels with the last 7 plagues. The victorious were singing the song of Moses with harps standing next to a sea of glass glowing with fire.

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 20, Day 2: Revelation 15:1-4

3) John saw 7 angels with the last 7 plagues. The victorious were singing the song of Moses with harps standing next to a sea of glass glowing with fire.

4) God’s deeds are great and marvelous. His ways are just and true. He is King of all nations. All fear God and bring Him glory. He alone is holy. All nations will come to God and worship Him. He does righteous acts.

5) Gosh, He deserves praise for everything! My past, present, and future, and all of the world’s past, present, and future. He alone is in control. I will praise Him today for everything!

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 20, Day 2: Revelation 15:1-4

I love how worship, praise, and singing are such a big part of heaven! What a site it will be to see!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 20, Day 2: Revelation 15:1-4

John gave us an overarching view of God’s judgment in Revelation 14. Now, he’s going into detail on those judgments. This writing pattern was common at the time.

The bowl judgments are the 3rd and last judgments in Revelation (after the 7 seals and 7 trumpets). These are the last judgments, bringing God’s judgments to completion.

Fun Fact: Revelation 15 is the shortest chapter in Revelation.

We’ve seen the 7 plagues mentioned in Leviticus 26:21. This is God’s judgment against the world.

The word used here for wrath in Greek is thymos, which is an extreme form of anger used only 11 times in the entire Bible. We see it 10 times in the Book of Revelation, showing how God’s anger is at its peak. God’s anger will be complete here.

The sea of glass reflects God’s holiness in His divine judgment.

You’ll see a lot of images here found in Exodus, including the plagues, Moses, the cloud, and the tabernacle. Bible scholars see this as the ultimate saving of God’s people and bringing them out of a sinful world.

The victors are the martyrs of the tribulation seen in Revelation 7:9-17.

We saw harps with the 24 martyrs in (Revelation 5:8)

This song is known as the Song of Moses and the Song of the Lamb. It focuses on God and gives Him all the praise. It celebrates how God will defeat His enemies and redeem His people.

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BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 16, Day 2: Revelation 12:1-6

December 9, 2024December 6, 2024 by atozmom, posted in BSF Revelation: The Hope 2024/2025

Summary of Revelation 12:1-6

A woman was pregnant and about to give birth. A red dragon with 7 heads and crowns and 10 horns stood in front of the woman intent on eating her baby upon birth.

She gave birth to a male son who would rule the nations with an iron scepter. The child was snatched up to God and his throne, while the woman fled to the wilderness, cared for by God for 1260 days.

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 16, Day 2: Revelation 12:1-6

3a) There’s a woman and a dragon. The woman was pregnant about to give birth, and the dragon wanted to eat the child. The woman gave birth to a male son who was snatched up to God and his throne, while the woman fled to the wilderness, cared for by God for 1260 days.

b) The woman could be Mary, Jesus’ mother or Israel. The child could be Jesus. The dragon could be the devil.

4a)

Genesis 3:1-15: The devil took the form of a serpent and tricked the woman into eating the fruit from the tree. This caused sin to enter the world, and Adam and Eve had to leave Paradise. But God promised revenge on the serpent for this act.

John 8:44: We are all born sinners. “You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”

1 Peter 5:8: “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”

b) Satan causes man to sin and leads us to temptation to sin. If it weren’t for God, the world would be full of evil everywhere. Our only hope is our Redeemer, faith in Christ, for redemption. We’ve been set free from sin by Christ’s blood.

5a) God snatched up the infant to heaven and prepared a place for the woman in the wilderness protected for and cared for by God for 1260 days.

b) God has wrapped a cocoon around me, too, protecting me from the devil and his influences. He has given me his word, which I can go to when I need advice, help, and inspiration. And, I can pray to God for His protection, too.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 16, Day 2: Revelation 12:1-6

I love how God always knows what the devil will do and protects His people from the devil. Remember, the devil cannot act outside of God. God is always in control.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 16, Day 2: Revelation 12:1-6

This is the 1st of 7 signs John will relate to us that he saw.

Signs in the Bible hold great significance.

Bible scholars disagree on who the woman represents. Many say the nation of Israel. Some say Mary, Jesus’ mother. Some say the Church. Some say all believers.

Women can represent religion in the book of Revelation. Her crown of 12 stars could represent the 12 tribes of Israel or the 12 apostles.

We see the woman as Israel backed up in many Bible passages (Genesis 37:9-11) (Isaiah 54:1-6, Jeremiah 3:20, Ezekiel 16:8-14, and Hosea 2:19-20).

The 2nd sign is the red dragon, which is clearly Satan. The dragon is portrayed as a king here. Dragons represent the enemies of Israel.

Some Bible scholars say the stars the dragon drew out of heaven are Satan’s followers Revelation 12:9

There has always been an attempt to kill Jesus as soon as he was born, as Herod tried to (Matthew 2:16-18)

The child is no doubt Jesus who rules with an iron scepter (Psalm 2:9 and Revelation 19:15).

Since the woman gave birth to Jesus, many Bible scholars say the woman cannot represent the church since Jesus was the one who gave birth to the church. Therefore, the woman has to be either Mary or Israel, both of which gave birth to Jesus.

1,260 days is 3.5 years. Many Bible scholars connect this with the prophecy seen in Daniel 9. The time frame is also the same time frame as the witnesses who prophesied (Revelation 11:1-3).

Note how God protects the woman.

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BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 6, Day 2: Revelation 3:7-10

September 30, 2024September 28, 2024 by atozmom, posted in BSF Revelation: The Hope 2024/2025

Summary of Revelation 3:7-10

Jesus addresses the church in Philadelphia. Jesus knows their deeds. He places before them an open door that cannot be shut. They have kept his word and not denied his name. Those who are unbelievers will fall down at your feet. They will not face the final judgment others will face.

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 6, Day 2: Revelation 3:7-10

3a)

Holy: One who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens.

True: That everything he says and does is true. The one and the only. And we are true by believing in the one who is true.

Holds the key of David: Jesus holds the key to eternal life or death. He controls what enters and enters heaven.

b) The entrance to heaven and eternal life.

4) “I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.” They were probably enduring severe persecution.

5) Unbelievers. Jews who were persecuting them. Those who did not truly believe in God and Jesus, but they professed so.

6) I stand by living out the life I believe Jesus has planned for me. I give God all the glory. I live by Biblical truth.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 6, Day 2: Revelation 3:7-10

Again, I love how Jesus first commends and then he promises to help. Good stuff!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 6, Day 2: Revelation 3:7-10

As most of us know, Philadelphia in Greek means “brotherly love.” It was founded for the sole purpose of spreading Greek culture in Asia. It was a prosperous city and the center of many trading routes.

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Jesus introduces himself differently here than in the other 6 letters. The emphasis is on his absolute authority.

Philadelphia is the 2nd church that Jesus only offers praise for (the other was Smyrna).

Jesus told all of the churches in Revelation that he knows their deeds.

An open door in Scripture usually refers to evangelism (1 Corinthians 16:9, 2 Corinthians 2:12, and Colossians 4:3).

No one can shut access to Jesus.

Little strength implies strength in the Lord. They lived in the way of Jesus.

This is the 2nd church Jesus had nothing negative to say about.

Jesus promised the church vindication against their persecutors and as a reward for their faithfulness and a pass for the final Tribulation.

Fun Fact: “Those who dwell on the earth” is used 9 times in the Book of Revelation and refers to unbelievers. They are the lost.

Christians dwell in heaven, not here.

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BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 5, Day 5: Revelation 3:1-6

September 26, 2024September 22, 2024 by atozmom, posted in BSF Revelation: The Hope 2024/2025

Summary of Revelation 3:1-6

Jesus addresses the church in Sardis. Jesus tells them he knows their deeds, but yet they are dead. Their deeds are unfinished. The people need to remember what they have received and heard and repent. If they don’t repeat, Jesus will come.

Yet, a few have held to his teachings. They will walk with Jesus wearing white. Their names will be acknowledged before God and angels.

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 5, Day 5: Revelation 3:1-6

11a) Jesus tells them he knows their deeds. They need to wake up and strengthen their resolve. They need to remember what they have received and heard and repent.

b) It can be easy to be complacent about doing God’s will in our lives when our lives are so “busy.” We must always be vigilant to God’s word and ways and strive to align our will with His. When you are just going through the motions, you need to wake up and be more alert regarding your actions.

12) Clean, white clothes symbolize purity and righteousness before God. It symbolizes how we have been purified by the blood of Christ. It assures me that I will have a place in heaven with God and Jesus forever. That I will not be forgotten nor forsaken. That I am pure in God’s eyes.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 5, Day 5: Revelation 3:1-6

Great stuff again! I love how the message is pretty simple: walk in Jesus’ ways and be saved. Hallelujah!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 5, Day 5: Revelation 3:1-6

Sardis was another city in Asia that was wealthy. The first coins in Asia were printed here, becoming one of the first forms of money.

Sardis, like most other Roman cities, was full of sin. It had many temples to the Roman gods, and the people were amoral.

Sardis was on a high cliff, but it was still famously conquered by the Persian King Cyrus in 549 B.C. and again in 214 B.C. by Antiochus.

Remember, 7 is the number of completion, so here Jesus is saying he is fully God and the church.

If the people did not remain vigilant and turn from their ways, Jesus would come bringing judgment.

There were a few good ones just like in Pergumum (Revelation 2:14) and Thyatira (Revelation 2:20).

Their reward was to walk with Jesus. Who doesn’t want to do that?

Most Bible scholars believe there is a real Book of Life with our names written in it. It will be used on the Day of Judgment to determine our eternal destiny. (Revelation 20:15)

Fun Fact: There are 5 references to the Book of Life in the Bible:

We need to be born of Jesus in order to be able to be assured our name is in the Book of Life.

We must all hear and take heed so that we remain vigilant in our faith and not spiritually dead.

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BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 4, Day 5: Revelation 2:8-11

September 19, 2024September 22, 2024 by atozmom, posted in BSF Revelation: The Hope 2024/2025

Summary of Revelation 2:8-11

Jesus addresses the church in Smyrna. He described himself as the First and the Last and as the one who died and was risen again. He assures the church that he knows about their affictions, poverty, and those who slander them. He says they will suffer, but to not be afraid. If they are faithful, they will receive the victor’s crown.

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 4, Day 5: Revelation 2:8-11

12a) Jesus faced abundant persecution from everyone, really. Since Jesus was persecuted, his followers should expect to face the same. They will face ostracism from the church and even death. 2 Timothy 3:12, “In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”

b) Very similar. Some Christians around the world can face death. Christians can be ousted from the church, shunned by their friends and family, and persecuted for their beliefs, such as not patronizing Christian businesses. Any discrimination based on Christianity is a form of persecution.

13) Their suffering would be for a limited time. And, they would receive the victor’s crown or eternal life for their faithfulness. Their rewards (and ours) are in heaven, not here.

14a) Knowing Jesus gives believers hope for the future and strength to persevere for the long run. Sufferings are temporary. When our lives end, we are in heaven celebrating! Having an eternal perspective makes the trials less challenging. Jesus provides us with the hope, strength, and knowledge to keep moving for his sake. He gives us purpose, which can fuel our days. He is there when we need him. He is our rock and our shelter. What could be better?!

b) Good question. I always feel like I have a pretty cushy life in comparison to many and especially to the early Christians 2000 years ago. I would say I hold to my beliefs, and I’ve lost jobs and friends over that.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 4, Day 5: Revelation 2:8-11

Great questions to explore! I love how Jesus is always in our corner when no one else is.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 4, Day 5: Revelation 2:8-11

Smyrna is another city controlled by the Romans. It was quite wealthy, but almost everyone there was pagan and practiced emperor worship. By this time, emperor worship was required by the Romans, and many cities (including Smyrna) has temples dedicated to the emperors.

Jesus describes himself as the First and the Last, which only God can do (Isaiah 41:4, 44:6, and 48:12.) Jesus used this terminology when he first appeared to John (Revelation 1:11, 1:17).

He chose to state his resurrection, as he is about to encourage the Christians in Smyrna that although they may face persecution and death, there is home and life after death. Again, Jesus has used this before with John (Revelation 1:18).

Jesus knows the works of the church (like he did with the Ephesians). He also knows their suffering and poverty. Bible scholars speculate that the Christians were poor despite the city’s great wealth because they were being persecuted for their faith.

All of us are rich because we have Jesus!

The Christians were afraid. Jesus tells them their suffering is from the devil, but it is limited to 10 days (Bible scholars debate the actual meaning of 10 days. Some think it is a figurative 10 days. Some think it refers to the reign of 10 Roman emperors. Others say 10 days was an expression used back then for a short time.)

If you were imprisoned, you would most likely be executed.

The attack was to test the Christians according to God’s purpose for their lives. Remember, we suffer to become more like Jesus (1 Peter 1:6-7 Romans 8:17)

Fun Fact: Smyrna is the only church out of the 7 not to have anything bad spoken about them from Jesus. This church is also the only one still surviving to this day.

Remember, crowns were made of leaves and flowers in ancient Rome and given as rewards for contests. Roman emperors wore crowns of laurel. Therefore, receiving the crown of life/victor’s crown was magnificent, indeed!

Jesus tells the church at Smyrna to hear like he told the church at Ephesus.

Polycarp was from Smyrna. He was a great Christian who was martyred. You can read his story HERE.

Those who overcome and stay true to their faith shall never face the second death, which is the final condemnation by Jesus for eternal hell (Revelation 20:14 and 21:8). Jesus conquered death once and for all.

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BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 2, Day 3: Revelation’s Writer & Recipients

September 3, 2024September 1, 2024 by atozmom, posted in BSF Revelation: The Hope 2024/2025

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 2, Day 3: Revelation’s Writer & Recipients

4a)

Matthew 4:21-22; Matthew 17:1-3: Jesus called John and his brother as they were fishing to be his disciples. John was at Jesus’ transfiguration.

John 19:25-27: Jesus asked John to care for his mother after his death.

John 20:1-10: John was the first disciple to the tomb after Mary had come to announce Jesus had risen. He saw and believed.

John 21:20-25: John is the disciple whom Jesus corrects Peter over when Peter asked Jesus what his future would be.

Acts 4:13: John had been with Jesus.

b) John spent 3 years with Jesus as his disciple. It truly doesn’t get any more trustworthy.

5a) The original recipients were suffering. John knows that the people’s deeds, their hard work, and their perseverance. “I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary.”

John knows their afflictions and poverty—yet they are rich! I” know about the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown.”

b) Many. Christians still suffer, are persecuted, and even martyred for their beliefs. Christians persevere and work hard. They are in poverty but are rich because of Jesus. Christians today hold the same hope in Christ Jesus.

c) I hope to be more like Jesus: more compassionate, understanding, and generous. I hope to love others more.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 2, Day 3: Revelation’s Writer & Recipients

We learn that early Christians are not so different than us. We all suffer, just perhaps in different ways due to the changing times. Yet, there is still Jesus! Our shining light and a beacon of hope!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 2, Day 3: Revelation’s Writer & Recipients

Almost all Bible scholars agree that John is the writer of Revelation. He wrote to 7 churches in Asia (modern-day Turkey) sometime in the first century AD when Christianity was new and growing.

The cities are in a circuit from each other, so someone carrying the letters could easily make the rounds. They were on main road that ran north and south in Asia.

That being said, the author has been questioned since Dionysius of Alexandria who lived from AD 231-265. The book was either written at the end of Nero’s reign (54-68 AD) or at the beginning of Domitian’s reign (81-96 AD).

Almost all scholars agree it was written on the island of Patmos. Patmos was a penal colony where political prisoners were condemned to hard labor in the mines there at the time.

Map of Island of Patmos (photo credit: ferrelljenkins.blog/2020/11/10/john-was-on-the-island-called-patmos-2/)

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BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 1, Days 3 & 4: Read the Scripture Passages With the Questions

August 27, 2024September 6, 2024 by atozmom, posted in BSF Revelation: The Hope 2024/2025

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 1, Day 3 & 4: Read the Scripture Passages With the Questions

6a) The future alarms people because it is unknown, and many people don’t like the unknown. It points out just how much lack of control they actually have over events that will happen. The future also intrigues many because it is unknown, so it’s full of possibilities that can offer hope.

b) By indulging in psychics, fortune tellers, clairvoyants, diviners, or others who claim to know the future. They may follow false prophets who claim to know the future. They may look for signs that they believe confirm future events. In sum, no one knows the future apart from God, so people may indulge in any method outside of God to know the future.

7a)

Isaiah 45:21: God is the only one who foretold events. There is no one like Him.

Amos 3:7: “Surely the Sovereign Lord does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants the prophets.”

2 Timothy 3:16: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness”

Hebrews 11:32-40: This passage gives examples of prophets who believed in God’s word and who were blessed by God in their lives.

1 Peter 1:10-12: The prophets spoke of what was to come, and they did so for our benefit.

b) Biblical prophecy is for us, to strengthen our faith and path in life. I can be confident that what God says will happen, will indeed be. He has predicted the future before, as He will do so now.

8 )

Isaiah 7:14, 9:6-7; Luke 1:26-27: This speaks to the prediction of the birth of the Messiah. That Jesus will be the king of peace.

Micah 5:2; Matthew 2:1-6: That a ruler (Jesus) will come from Bethlehem. That Jesus came from such a humble town with inauspicious beginnings. From small things comes greatness.

Isaiah 53:3-6; Matthew 27:22-26: That Jesus was despised and pierced for our transgressions. He took on our sin for our peace.

9) False prophets look like everyone else, but we can recognize them by their fruit/works they do. They will say and do things that go against the Bible. Deuteronomy 18:21-22 says that a real prophet’s predictions will come true; a false prophet’s predictions don’t come true. Matthew 24:24 says false prophets appear and perform signs to deceive. 2 Peter 2:1 says that false prophets will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. John 4:1 says that the spirits should be tested to see if they are from God.

10) Having fulfilled prophecy in the Bible gives it credibility and helps us to have faith in God’s Word and His teachings. We can go to the Bible and see for ourselves God’s magnificence in all of His ways from fulfilled prophecies.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 1, Day 3 & 4: Read the Scripture Passages With the Questions

Great lesson on how we do need to be aware of false prophets and ensure that what others tell us aligns with God’s Word and His character. We must be wary when it comes to those who claim to be of God but we have doubts. Always go to the Lord in prayer and to His word for answers.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 1, Day 3 & 4: Read the Scripture Passages With the Questions

All of prophecy points to Jesus and how he will redeem mankind so that we can be with our Lord forever.

We can trust prophecy because it confirms God’s truthfulness, His promises, His Word, and shows us His character.

We can trust God, always.