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BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 7, Day 3: Acts 2:22-47

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

Summary of Acts 2:22-47

Peter addresses the crowd at Pentecost. He reviews Jesus’ life, saying how Jesus was raised from the dead as death could not hold him. He quotes David. Jesus was raised by God and now sits at his right hand. Jesus is now Lord and Messiah. Peter urges those in the crowd to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus and receive the Holy Spirit. 3,000 were baptized and saved.

The new believers bonded. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 7, Day 3: Acts 2:22-47

6a) They realized that they had sinned and that they were the ones who had Jesus killed. They, as sinners, are the reason Jesus had to die to save them.

b) That Jesus is Lord and Savior to all, whether you believe it or not. All are sinners are are therefore in need of Jesus’ sacrifice and saving grace.

7a) “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” God’s plan has always been for us to be with Him, and Jesus was the only way.

b) Many accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior and were baptized. They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

c) I believe that Christians do draw near one another, especially in church. They help each other and others in need. They meet together to grow in Christ. They praise Him for all He is.

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 7, Day 3: Acts 2:22-47

I love the emphasis on how we are all sinners and responsible for the need for Jesus’ sacrifice, yet, we all come together and do better to be more like Jesus and walk in the Lord’s ways. Great stuff!

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 7, Day 3: Acts 2:22-47

Peter now quotes Psalm 16, which is David speaking of the Messiah. Jesus bore the full wrath of God on the cross and was raised from the dead perfectly.

Peter then quotes Psalm 110 about the Messiah who is both Lord and Christ.

Fun Fact: Psalm 110:1. is quoted in the New Testament more than any other single verse (at least 25 times).

Everyone is responsible for Jesus’ death. Now, what to do about it?

Simple: Come to Jesus.

Repent (be sorry for your sins and turn your direction) and be baptized in Jesus’ name. The gift of the Holy Spirit would be given to them and their children to come.

The new Christians continued to learn from the apostles. They continued in fellowship. They broke bread, said prayers, and helped each other and others.

What a great example of how to live!

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Friday’s Digest BSF Revelation: The Hope Lesson 6

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

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW IN BSF REVELATION: THE HOPE LESSON 6

  • God remains faithful and true
  • Jesus gives us strength to live for him
  • Jesus marks those whom he loves
  • Everything we own and everything we are is a gift from God
  • We must depend on God in all things
  • What we do indicates who we are
  • We were created to do good works
  • God works in and through us
  • God transforms our motives and actions
  • Jesus pursues us and exposes us because he loves us
  • God confronts our sins and asks us to repent out of love
  • God’s power and presence are with us wherever we go

TAKE AWAY: God disciplines those He loves.

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Friday’s Digest BSF Revelation: The Hope Lesson 4

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

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW IN BSF REVELATION: THE HOPE LESSON 4

  • Love God and others first
  • Listen to the Holy Spirit to hear spiritual truth
  • Jesus knows everything
  • The devil is the one who comes against us
  • Death has no hold over Christians
  • The second, eternal death is what Christians (and everyone) should be concerned about
  • We are created to draw strength from others
  • Jesus is involved in our lives
  • Jesus can overcome anything; he is stronger than all evil
  • Jesus is at work in our lives

TAKE AWAY: Live for Jesus.

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Friday’s Digest BSF Revelation: The Hope Lesson 3

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

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW IN BSF REVELATION: THE HOPE LESSON 3

  • Jesus is the central focus of the Book of Revelation
  • Jesus offers us hope and purpose
  • Jesus lives in our hearts always
  • God has an eternal plan that we can embrace

TAKE AWAY: We are fully known and fully loved.

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BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 3, Day 5: Revelation 1:17-20

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

Summary of Revelation 1:17-20

When John saw Jesus, he fell at his feet. Jesus tells John he is the First and the Last and is alive forever. Write what he has seen and what will take place later. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 3, Day 5: Revelation 1:17-20

13) When John saw Jesus, he fell at his feet as though dead. We need to understand that we are nothing before Jesus, and we need to show him reverence at all times.

14a) “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.”

b) “Write, therefore, what you have seen, what is now, and what will take place later.”

c) He explained that the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 3, Day 5: Revelation 1:17-20

Jesus is always concerned with our feelings, as he comforts John and tells him not to be afraid. What a Savior we have!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 3, Day 5: Revelation 1:17-20

Jesus is the Lord of all eternity. Jesus is the one who holds the keys to Hades (or Hell), not the devil.

Here is the 2nd command to write what he has seen: the past, present, and future.

Revelation will go over the past in chapter 1, the present in chapters 2 and 3, and then the rest of the book of Revelation will deal with future events.

Bible scholars debate what the angels are: some say the pastors of the 7 churches, some say actual angels, others say the spirit of the churches.

The 7 angels are at Jesus’ right hand. That’s where I want to be!

We can know Jesus as John did. In fact, this is our life mission. Jesus is also often the closest when we are at our most desperate hour.

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BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 3, Day 4: Revelation 1:9-16

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

Summary of Revelation 1:9-16

Here, we read John’s vision of Christ: He says that he was on the island of Patmos where he heard a loud voice that told him to write what he sees and send it to the 7 churches: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea. He saw 7 golden lampstands and Jesus dressed in a robe with a golden sash. He had white hair and his eyes were like blazing fire. His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. In his right hand he held seven stars, and coming out of his mouth was a sharp, double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance.

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 3, Day 4: Revelation 1:9-16

10a) John was on the island of Patmos in the Aegean Sea near Greece, and he was suffering because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.

b) Stephen: The first Christian martyr, who was stoned to death for preaching about Jesus. James: The brother of John, who Herod killed. Peter: He was arrested by Herod and intended to be executed. Saul of Tarsus (later Paul): A Pharisee who had a life-changing encounter with Jesus and went on to suffer greatly to build up the church. Job is said to have suffered more than anyone in the Bible. David faced hard times and was exiled to a cave cause Saul wanted to kill him. Joan of Arc and anyone who did anything in the name of Jesus.

c) To know that this side of heaven is temporary and on the other side is God and Jesus. Pray for a relief from the hardships and that they are merely temporary and that you grow from them and become stronger in your faith because of them.

11) The details of what Jesus looked like! So amazing!

12) The Son of Man is Jesus. We learned what he will look like when he comes again. He will come in clouds. Jesus has authority to forgive sins. People will mourn when he comes again, and he’ll have great power and glory. He sits at God’s right hand.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 3, Day 4: Revelation 1:9-16

It’s hard to doubt John when he is so detailed about what he sees. The Bible is Truth, indeed!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 3, Day 4: Revelation 1:9-16

Patmos is a small island that was used as a place to send prisoners (think of Australia, too). It is rocky and not the best place to live in the first century A.D.

Most likely, John was a prisoner, sent there for his religious beliefs, but it is possible he was a missionary there, too.

John received a vision from the Holy Spirit. We will see this terminology again used later in Revelation: (Revelation 4:2), (Revelation 17:3), (Revelation 21:10).

Note that “the Lord’s Day” here is not the same as the “Day of the Lord” in the Old Testament. Bible scholars are unsure what day this was.

The loud voice is Jesus’.

Fun Fact: John was commanded to write 12 times in the book of Revelation.

Sometimes, we are given visions that are meant to be only for us; other times, we are meant to share them. Here, Jesus makes it clear to write and share this, and he directs whom to share this information with: the 7 churches.

Why these 7 churches? They were in a circular pattern, so it would be easy to deliver the messages. 7 is the number of completeness in the Bible, and the book of Revelation completes the church.

map of 7 churches in revelation

Fun Fact: Paul wrote to 7 churches, too: Rome, Corinth, Galatia, Ephesus, Colosse, Philippi, and Thessalonica. Coincidence?

The 7 lamps are set on stands specifically designed to hold them. In the tabernacle (Exodus 25:31-37), there was one lampstand with 7 lamps. The lampstands display the light given to them by Jesus.

Jesus’ clothing shows he is of the upper class, kingly, and authoritarian. The golden band symbolizes the priesthood.

White hair indicates age, which speaks to wisdom and knowledge. White symbolizes purity.

Fire symbolizes judgment. (Matthew 5:22, 2 Peter 3:7)

Brass had to be refined in the fire. It is also the metal that altars were made from (Exodus 27:1-6). Brass was the strongest metal known in the ancient world at that time.

7 stars represent the 7 leaders of the church. Note that Jesus is holding them, aka holding the church/us in his hands.

The sword is Jesus’ weapon. It comes from his mouth, meaning the power is in Jesus’ words (Ephesians 6:17). This is merely a comparison, not literal.

Jesus’ glory is like the sun. This same language is used at Jesus’ transfiguration (Matthew 17:2).

Fun Fact: This is the ONLY physical description given to us of Jesus in all of the Bible. Isaiah 53:2 came close.

We see Jesus as he is: omnipotent, omniscient, strong, full of majesty and authority, pure and righteous, and our Lord and Savior!

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BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 3, Day 3: Revelation 1:4-8

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

Summary of Revelation 1:4-8

John greets the 7 churches in the province of Asia. He praises Jesus and quotes Daniel 7:13 and Zechariah 12:10 about Jesus’ Second Coming. The Lord says he is the Alpha and the Omega and is the One who is, was, and is to come. Jesus has freed us from our sins by his blood.

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 3, Day 3: Revelation 1:4-8

6) God is, who was, and who is to come. He is eternal. There are seven spirits before his throne. Jesus Christ is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. God has existed since the beginning. Only He knows all things and creates all things. He is perpetual, never changing, and always. Jesus is God’s faithful witness to His almighty power.

7)

John 3:16-17: This says that God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, and whosoever believes in him will have everlasting life. Jesus is the ruler of the kings of the earth as God’s Son and will free us from our sins by his blood.

1 Corinthians 15:3: This says that Christ died for our sins as predicted in God’s Word. Jesus freed us from our sins by his blood.

1 Corinthians 15:20: This says that Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. Jesus Christ is the firstborn from the dead.

Philippians 2:9-11: This says that God exalted Jesus to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name and that every knee shall bow before him and acknowledge his greatness. Revelation says that Jesus is the ruler of the kings of the earth.

8 ) God is never changing. He has been here since the beginning and will be there at the end. He loves us enough to send us his Son to die for our sins so that we can be with him forever. What greater love is there than that? God forgives our sins and shortcomings, so we should forgive ourselves.

9a)  All of mankind has pierced him, including God’s people, the Jews. Mankind will mourn for him. They will mourn because they pierced/killed him. We’ll all witness Jesus’ return (all the peoples of the earth).

b) Christ has conquered all of evil for us with his sacrifice. No matter what we are facing, we are saved eternally. There is no better “good news” than that! We can be strengthened and comforted by his power over evil as we await his return.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 3, Day 3: Revelation 1:4-8

I love how Jesus is the end-all! As long as we hold fast to Jesus, we’ll all be okay!

End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 3, Day 3: Revelation 1:4-8

John brings a greeting from God to these 7 churches.

Here’s our first reference to the number 7 and its symbolism. The 7 spirits refer to the Holy Ghost. Seven is the number of completion here, so the Holy Spirit is the perfect completion.

The early believers understood this reference, as it appears in Isaiah 11:2 where Isaiah describes the 7 aspects of the Holy Spirit.

John also brought a greeting from Jesus. Jesus is the faithful witness to God and to us. Witness in Greek means martyr.

Firstborn is a reference to always in existence.

Jesus will take over all the earthly kingdoms when he comes again.

Jesus’ death is the ultimate proof that God loves us immensely and indescribably.

Jesus cleansed us of our sins once and for all.

God loves us so much that he cleansed us for him!

Jesus makes us kings and priests to God the Father! This is a status that Adam never obtained.

Therefore, we give Christ the glory.

Amen means, “Yes” in Hebrew. This means that it will be so with God.

John describes Jesus’ coming using the Bible and what other prophets have said. Jesus will come in clouds. Believers can be called God’s cloud, too. All will see him, even the Jews and those who pierced him.

“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End” is the beginning of Jesus introducing himself to his listeners.

Bible scholars debate whether this refers to Jesus or God, but most agree that Jesus is speaking here. After all, this is the Revelation of Jesus Christ. He uses those titles to refer to himself (Revelation 22:13).

Most of us know that Alpha is the first letter of the Greek alphabet and Omega is the last letter of the Greek alphabet. Therefore, Jesus is saying he was before all else and he will continue after all things. Jesus directs all things and has control of all things from the beginning to the end.

“Who is and was and who is to come” references Yahweh and the idea of Jesus’ eternal nature.

Fun Fact: “Almighty” is used 10 times in the New Testament and 9 times in the Book of Revelation. It means “the one who has his hand on everything” in Greek.

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7 Blessings of Revelation

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

7 Blessings in Revelation

  1. Revelation 1:3 “Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.”
  2. Revelation 14:13 “Then I heard a voice from heaven say, ‘Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.’ ‘Yes,’ says the Spirit, ‘they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.’”
  3. Revelation 16:15 “Look, I come like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake and remains clothed, so as not to go naked and be shamefully exposed.”
  4. Revelation 19:9 “Then the angel said to me, ‘Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!’ And he added, ‘These are the true words of God.’”
  5. Revelation 20:6 “Blessed and holy are those who share in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years.”
  6. Revelation 22:7 “Look, I am coming soon! Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy written in this scroll.”
  7. Revelation 22:14 “Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city.”

Again, we see the number 7, which represents the number of completeness or wholeness.

Great commentary HERE

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BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 2, Day 5: Revelation’s Content: Eternal Hope

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

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 2, Day 5: Revelation’s Content: Eternal Hope

8a) Jesus is the First and the Last. “I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.”

b) Jesus is there always and he will be there always once I have passed. He is omnipresent, and whenever I need him, he is there.

9a) Oh, gosh, so much. World events, wars, crimes, murder, the breaking of the 10 commandments, the move towards agnosticism, so many things that are evil and not of God. I think all evil impacts us in some small way because we are all connected. Evil infiltrates people, which then permeates outward. Evil tends to make me wary and guarded.

b) It keeps me from freaking out every day and worrying about things I cannot control. I am at peace and can be more peaceful with others knowing that God has got it. One day, we will all be with Christ. That is comforting, indeed!

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 2, Day 5: Revelation’s Content: Eternal Hope

Without Christ, you have no hope, and I see those people who live with no hope, and their lives are utterly sad. Christ and his return is what we as Christians hold onto to get us through the tough times. Will you share this with others?

End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 2, Day 5: Revelation’s Content: Eternal Hope

Revelation was written for the express purpose of revealing what is to come so that the church could be prepared for what is to come. The time of the writing was, needless to say, tumultuous, and moral decay was everywhere. This book reminded Christians about their eternal hope in Christ Jesus.

God alone is in control of our lives. Surrender to Him, and you will feel an indescribable peace in your life. God determines history; the devil is merely a player.

Understanding what will happen allows us to live today.

When you think there is nothing left, remember there’s always the Triune God!

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BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 2, Day 4: Revelation’s Subject: God

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

BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 2, Day 4: Revelation’s Subject: God

6) The Spirit speaks to the churches. God is worshipped by all forever. Angels worship Jesus. God and Jesus are worthy of worship. Let all come to the Spirit and Jesus. These passages speak as if they are one.

7a) God is worthy of our praise, glory, and honor because He is the Creator of all things and He is holy.

b) His holiness is especially meaningful. To think that an omnipotent God sees me, cares for me, and guides me is incomprehensible. God is so good. He is forever worthy of our praise for all that He has done for us.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 2, Day 4: Revelation’s Subject: God

While Revelation centers on Jesus, God is always at work in the background. He is there for us.

End Notes BSF Study Questions Revelation: The Hope Lesson 2, Day 4: Revelation’s Subject: God

God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit all work in us and for us as God’s chosen people. They are inextricably linked and impact all of us in many ways on a daily basis. We can always be close to God.

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