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BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 7, Day 4: John 5:31-39

SUMMARY OF JOHN 5:31-39

Jesus says that John testifies for him. Also, the works that he is doing (given to him by the Father) testifies for him. God testifies to Jesus. God’s Word testifies to him.

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 7, Day 4: John 5:31-39

10)

5:33-35: John the Baptist. John was a lamp that burned and gave light, and you chose for a time to enjoy his light.

5:36: The works Jesus is doing given to him by the Father. This proves he is God’s Son.

5:37-38 (See also Matthew 3:13-17, 17:5): God. This proves Jesus is God’s Son. Matthew tells us that the Spirit of God descended upon Jesus for his baptism with God declaring Jesus as his Son.

5:39 (See also Luke 24:27): God’s Word/Scripture

11) People, others, events in my life, pastors, Scripture, prayer

12) If you don’t, you won’t be saved. And, because Jesus and God are one ultimately.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 7, Day 4: John 5:31-39

Love the four testimonies of who Jesus is. I love how they are all different, too.

End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 7, Day 4: John 5:31-39

It was super important in ancient times and in Jewish culture to have others vouch for you. This was established in Deuteronomy 19:15.

John the Baptist may already have been executed by Herod when this scene was recorded because Jesus uses the past tense when speaking about him.

4 Testimonies to Who Jesus Is

  1. John the Baptist testifies to who he is.
  2. His works/signs/miracles testify to who he is. These are signs only God could do previously.
  3. God testifies to who Jesus is.
  4. The Scriptures speak of Jesus everywhere.

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BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 6, Day 3: John 4:35-38

Summary of John 4:35-38

Jesus tells the disciples that the time for the harvest is now. Those who work will be rewarded with eternal life. Many have sown so that they may reap.

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 6, Day 3: John 4:35-38

6a) The harvest is those people who are eager to know the Kingdom of God and the power of Jesus’ saving grace.

b) He wanted them to see that the time is now to bring people to him.

7a) The sower is Jesus and John the Baptist. The reapers are the disciples and those who come to Christ.

b) The wages are the fruit of the labor, the rewards of sharing the Gospel, and eternal life that the sowers and reapers receive.

c) To always have the mindset of a sower — someone who plants the seed in the minds of others of the goodness and blessing of knowing Christ. You never know who will touch along the way.

8 ) It encourages me to talk more about Jesus in order to plant a seed in the soul of others.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 6, Day 3: John 4:35-38

Great lesson, and I’d say not the easiest to understand, especially since we are not an agrarian society.

End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 6, Day 3: John 4:35-38

Jesus wants his disciples to see the fact that the time for harvest is now, not in four months.

There were many people who need to know about the Kingdom of God and believe in it, and the disciples are the workers bringing them (the harvest) in/to God.

The disciples would be rewarded for their work with eternal life. They would rejoice in the work.

John the Baptist and Jesus labored first, and the disciples would bring in the harvest. This is often how people come to the Lord (1 Corinthians 3:6-8) and how many things happen in life, such as our technologies and innovations.

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BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 5, Day 4: John 4:19-26

Summary of John 4:19-26

The woman acknowledges that Jesus is a prophet when he tells her things about her life. He explains that the time is coming where you can worship the Father anywhere and in Spirit and in truth.

The woman tells Jesus that the Messiah is coming. Jesus declares he is the Messiah.

BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 5, Day 4: John 4:19-26

8 ) The woman was referencing how the Samaritans worship differently than the Jews. They worshipped on Mount Gerazim. I believe she is saying how she is not like Jesus. Bible scholars say she was evading talking about her life. The Samaritans also only accepted the first 5 books of the Old Testament.

9a) Jesus refers to himself as part of the Jews. He says that salvation is from the Jews.

b) Jesus is part of God’s chosen people.

10a) One who offers their entire selves to God: body, mind, spirit, and soul.

b) Give Him my soul and my everything. Give Him the credit and do work in light of Him.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 5, Day 4: John 4:19-26

Can you imagine having Jesus himself tell you he is the Messiah?! What a moment!

End Notes BSF Study Questions John’s Gospel: The Truth Lesson 5, Day 4: John 4:19-26

The time that is coming is when it would not matter where you worshipped; rather, your heart would matter.

You worship in spirt and in truth, so with the Holy Spirit and in reflection of God’s Word.

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Summer Bible Study: Sermon on the Mount: Week 4, Day 2: Matthew 7:1-6

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 7:1-6

Jesus is still speaking his sermon on the mount. Do not judge others, and you won’t be judged. Quit being a hypocrite and judging others for it. Do not give your valuables to others who may trample them and tear you to pieces.

Questions for Matthew 7:1-6

3) Just that — Don’t judge others and think you are better than them when you are not. Discernment by definition is “the ability to judge well” or in Biblical thinking “perception in the absence of judgment with a view to obtaining spiritual guidance and understanding.” God helps you arrive at the best decision. We aim to know what God’s will is. Romans 12:2 says that discernment is knowing the right thing to do and doing it. You will be able to know God’s will and be able to do it, too. Philippians 1:9-10 says discernment is knowing what is best in order to do good and avoid sin. Hebrews 5:14 says God blesses wise discernment.

4) You must be merciful because you yourself have faults, too, and are in need of mercy. James 2:12-13 reminds us to speak and act as though you will be judged. We have received mercy from God; therefore, we are to show others mercy as well.

5) I judge others when I think they are not doing the right thing or acting the right way. I need to show mercy to others and kindness and not condemn them for their faults. I’d have better relationships and be less stressed and irritated overall. We should seek restoration instead.

Conclusions to Sermon on the Mount Matthew 7:1-6

“Do not judge” means “do not condemn.” Sinners should be held accountable for their actions, but shown love, support, and forgiveness from us.

The closer we are to God, the better our relationships are. Look for others to share the Gospel with. See others with God’s eyes.

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Summer Bible Study: Sermon on the Mount: Week 1, Day 4: Matthew 5:9-12

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 5:9-12

Blessed are the peacemakers who will be called the sons of God. The persecuted will have the kingdom of heaven. You are blessed when you are insulted. Your reward in heaven will be great. The prophets were persecuted, too.

Questions for Matthew 5:9-12

9) We have made peace per se with God by accepting his Son, Jesus, as our Savior. Therefore, we are reconciled to God. We want to help others become reconciled to God, which is why we are peacemakers.

10) I truly don’t know anyone like this. However, I would like to be better at helping others make peace with God by finding Him and Jesus. I can do this by just being open to the opportunities when they present themselves.

11) We are persecuted because we have God. Others are jealous when they see God in us and are convicted of their sins. They feel guilty over their sins, and they don’t want to feel that way; therefore, they persecute Christians. I would say I get this sometimes at work although it’s subliminal.

Conclusions to WordGo Sermon on the Mount Matthew 5:9-12

As we grow in sanctification or in holiness, we receive God’s blessings and are able to bless others.

Growing with God takes a lifetime; it’s a slow process, but with each step, it happens. Reflect back on yourself a year ago, and you’ll see it.

Jesus is our peace. Find it with him.

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Summer Bible Study: WordGo’s Christ’s Life and Work: Week 4, Day 2: Matthew 27:32-37

SUMMARY OF MATTHEW 27:32-37

A man named Simon from Cyrene carried Jesus’s cross because he could not. At Golgotha (meaning The Place of the Skull), the Roman soldiers offered Jesus wine to drink that was mixed with gall. Jesus taste it, but refused to drink more. They crucified him and divided up his clothes by casting lots. They waited for Jesus to die. They placed the sign “This is Jesus, King of the Jews” above his head.

Questions for MATTHEW 27:32-37

3) Jesus refused the drink. Even in so much pain, he refused to dull it like he refuses to leave us behind. He fights for us even when we don’t want him to.

4) Jesus’ great love for us outshone any pain or agony. His blood purified us. This allows me to live in freedom knowing I am loved and embraced.

5) Incomprehensible. God, thank you for the incomprehensible sacrifice of your Son, Jesus, for our sins. I cannot imagine what that felt like as a father. There truly are no words. Thank you, thank you thank you. In Jesus’ name, Amen

Conclusions to WordGo Christ’s Life and Work Matthew 27:32-37

A sad commentary on humanity and an even sadder reading of Jesus’ treatment. Yet, Jesus’ power shines brightly here for all to see. We should see it, too, in our daily lives more and more as we grow closer to him.

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Summer Bible Study: WordGo’s Christ’s Life and Work: Week 3, Day 2: Matthew 26:47-56

Summary of Matthew 26:47-56

Judas arrived in the Garden of Gethsemane after Jesus was done praying. He came with a large crowd who were carrying swords and clubs. They were sent by the chief priests and the elders. Judas had arranged ahead of time that the one he kissed was Jesus.

Judas went up to Jesus and kissed him. Jesus was arrested. One of the 12 took out his sword and cut off the ear of one of the servants of the high priest. Jesus told him to put his sword away for if he wanted he could call down 12 legions of angels. Instead, he must fulfill Scripture. Jesus asks the crowd why they are carrying swords and clubs. He taught peacefully in the temple, and now the writings of the prophets will be fulfilled.

The disciples all deserted Jesus.

Questions for Matthew 26:47-56

3) I want to remember Jesus’ cool and calm demeanor when there is chaos all around him. I want to remember how everyone fled from Jesus out of fear for their own lives. I want to not be afraid to stand with Jesus.

4) Jesus triumphed in the worst adversity. He was strong in his faith and never wavered in his steps to fulfill God’s plan for all of humanity. Jesus forgave all who betrayed him; so can we. All relationships are broken. It’s making the best of them that counts.

5) Why would God have his Son go through torture if it wasn’t necessary? The events leading up to Jesus’ death make no sense unless there were ordained by God.

Conclusions to WordGo Christ’s Life and Work Matthew 26:47-56

Remember that Jesus laid down his life; it was not taken from him. Out of his infinite love for us, he saved us. When he was abandoned, he stood firm. He was never alone because God never abandoned him. We are never alone either. Stand firm in and with the Lord, always and forever.

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Summer Bible Study: WordGo’s Christ’s Life and Work: Week 2, Day 3: Matthew 26:17-30

Summary of Matthew 26:17-30

When Passover arrived on the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the disciples asked Jesus where he wanted them to make preparations. He sent them into the city to a man’s house. That evening, Jesus told the disciples that one of them will betray him. All of the disciples ask if it is them. Jesus says it will be the one who has dipped his hand into the bowl, and it would be better if that man would not have been born. Jesus tells Judas it is him, when he asks Jesus.

At the Passover meal, Jesus took the bread and broke it, passing it to his disciples. He said this is his body and for them to eat it. Then he took the cup and told the disciples to drink, as it represented his blood of the covenant, which is poured out in order to forgive them all. Jesus says he will not drink it until the day he drinks it anew in his Father’s kingdom. They sang a hymn and then went out to the Mount of Olives.

Questions for Matthew 26:17-30

6) Jesus was without blemish, as was the requirement to have a lamb without blemish. Jesus’ blood cleansed us, as did the lamb’s. Covered in Jesus’ blood with faith in him, we will receive everlasting life. The blood of the lamb graced the doorway to protect them from death. They were passed over and protected. Others are not protected who do not believe in Jesus as Savior.

7) We practice communion to remember Jesus’ sacrifice for us and to cleanse us of our sins. We take a moment to remember what Jesus did for us. It also represents the New Covenant with Jesus as our sacrificial lamb.

8 ) God, help me to remember the amazing sacrifice of your Son, Jesus Christ, and what he did for us on the cross so that we could spend eternity with you. Let me be humbled and grateful daily and make more decisions with this fact in mind.

Conclusions to WordGo Christ’s Life and Work Matthew 26:17-30

All 4 Gospels record the Lord’s Supper, telling you how important this is.

Jesus protects us with his blood from God’s wrath and judgment. Instead, we are forgiven and welcomed into the eternal kingdom.

The Lord’s Supper gives us hope of what God will do and is doing in our lives, even when we can’t see it. At your next communion, remember the power of what Jesus did for you and thank him for his sacrifice. And, hold onto hope, no matter how bad life’s circumstances seem.

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Summer Bible Study: WordGo’s Christ’s Life and Work: Week 1, Day 6: Acts 7:55

Passage: Acts 7:55

“But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.”

Acts 7:55

Reflection Questions for Acts 7:55

15) I want to remember his humility, his concern and prayer for others, and how he uses the Bible to educate others. I think I’d be a much better person if I prayed for others more.

16) During his trial and testimony, Stephen always had a heart for his accusers and was concerned for them and their salvation. He was humble and relied on the word of God and prayer like Jesus. When I’m angry, it’s really hard to show the heart of Christ to others.

Conclusion to Week 1 of Christ’s Life and Work: Acts 7

Stephen is a really powerful example of how to live a life with God at the center. He lived and died for Christ, which should be all of ours goals. He prayed for others, and he never doubted the truth of God. Great!

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Summer Bible Study: WordGo’s Christ’s Life and Work: Week 1, Day 1: Acts 7

Summary of Acts 7

Stephen’s speech to the Sanhedrin after his arrest.

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

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

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

Joseph was sold as a slave out of jealousy. But God rescued him and gave him wisdom. He became ruler over Egypt and the palace. When there was a famine in Canaan, Joseph sent for his family. He brought them into Egypt and provided them with food.

The number of God’s people increased in Egypt. The new king was cruel to the people. So, Moses was born and educated in all the wisdom of Egypt. When he was 40, he went to see the Israelites. He defended one who was mistreated and killed the Egyptian doing so. Moses was rejected as their leader, so he fled to Midian and had two sons.

Another 40 years passed until an angel in the burning bush told Moses to return to his people. God spoke to him, and Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt. They wandered for 40 years before they came to the Promised Land. The people rejected Moses again and instead worshipped a golden calf.

The tabernacle of the law was with the people in the wilderness. They brought the tabernacle with them when they got to the Promised Land. It remained with them until Solomon built a house for him. Therefore, God does not live in houses. They are just like their ancestors who rejected God.

The members of the Sanhedrin were furious, but Stephen saw the glory of God. Instead, they stoned him. Saul was witness to this. Stephen prayed for the souls of his oppressors.

Questions for Acts 7

1) God will raise up a prophet (Jesus) for His people. Yet, the people rejected him. They killed the prophet. The Bible tells the story of Jesus. God’s in control and His will is done. The people still have not learned about their only hope, who is Jesus.

2) Abraham who started it all. Joseph who saved God’s people. Moses who led God’s people. Through it all, the people rebelled, but God never gave up. Jesus never gives up on us. Christ was rejected and killed by those whom he loved, but he loved us too much to not sacrifice for our sins.

Conclusions to WordGo Christ’s Life and Work Acts 7

The whole Bible points to Jesus’ identity and work. He is our only hope in this world and the next.

We must live for Jesus and find our contentment in God alone.

Stephen’s last words were for his enemies. Our thoughts and prayers should be for all people, including our enemies, too.

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