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BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 4, Day 4: 1 Kings 18:1-39

by atozmom, posted in BSF People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided 2022/2023

SUMMARY OF 1 KINGS 18:1-39

After 3 years, the Lord told Elijah to got to Ahab and present himself. He would end the drought. Obadiah was a devote believer in the Lord, and he was Ahab’s palace administrator. He hid 100 prophets from the evil Jezebel and kept them alive. Obadiah was sent by Ahab to try to find food and water for the horses and mules to keep them alive.

Obadiah met Elijah and bowed to him. Elijah tells him to go to Ahab to tell him he is here. Obadiah, however, balks because he believes Ahab will kill him if Elijah goes missing in the meantime because Ahab has been trying to find him for 3 years. Elijah reassures him, so Obadiah does as bidden.

Ahab blames Elijah for the drought. Elijah tells Ahab the drought is punishment from God for abandoning him. He commands Ahab to assemble the people to meet on Mount Carmel, as well as the prophets of Baal and Asherah.

Elijah says to brings two bulls. He will prepare one for sacrifice and the prophets of Baal will prepare the other. He will call upon the Lord to consume the bull with fire, and the prophets of Baal will call upon their god to do so. Whoever answers is God.

The prophets of Baal called upon their god with no response. Elijah begins to taunt them.

Elijah built an altar to the Lord with 12 stones to represent the 12 tribes. He cut his bull and laid it on the wood. He poured 12 jars of water on the wood. He then prayed to God to answer Him to let His people know He is the God of Israel. God sent fire down, which consumed everything, including the water. The people fell down and proclaimed the Lord is God.

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 4, Day 4: 1 Kings 18:1-39

9) It got Elijah in front of the king so Elijah could show all that the gods of Baal were false.

10) He never wavers in his faith that God will consume his offering. He is 100% confident, even taunting the prophets of Baal. You just don’t do that unless you are sure you are going to “win.”

11a) “Let it be known today that you are the God in Israel and that I am your servant and have done all these things at your command. Answer me, O Lord, answer me, so these people will know that you, O Lord, are God, and that you are turning their hearts back again.” “Then the fire of the Lord fell and burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones, and the soil, and also licked  up the water in the trench.” In short, He answered in an undeniable show of power.

b) “They fell prostrate and cried, ‘The Lord – he is God! The Lord –  he is God!'”

c) James 5:16-18 tells us that Elijah prayed earnestly. “The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” The key was Elijah had a heart for God.

12) Unsure on this one. Maybe just staying the course for all He has asked me to do. Asking God to be with me each and every day, to bless me, to keep me, and more.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 4, Day 4: 1 Kings 18:1-39

I love this story! It shows the best in those who have a heart for God in such a human way (with the taunting and all!).

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 4, Day 4: 1 Kings 18:1-39

Bible scholars are unsure if this is the same Obadiah whose prophesized against Edom. There are 13 Obadiahs in the Old Testament, which is why we can’t be sure. (2 Chronicles 17:7) (2 Chronicles 34:12) (Nehemiah 10:5)

The meeting between Obadiah and Elijah was no coincidence — it was God’s doing.

Ahab wanted to punish Elijah for the drought, which is why Obadiah was afraid. Ahab should have believed the word of God Deuteronomy 28:23-24 if Israel disobeyed instead of blaming Elijah.

Before God sent rain, he had to discredit Baal’s gods. This showdown was God’s doing.

The water Elijah used was precious, indeed, after the years of drought. It was a fitting sacrifice to God and it made the wood even harder to catch on fire.

The people were persuaded, but as in all of this history of God’s people, this faith would not last for long.

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BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 4, Day 3: 1 Kings 17:7-24

by atozmom, posted in BSF People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided 2022/2023

SUMMARY OF 1 KINGS 17:7-24

When the brook dried up, God spoke to Elijah. God told him to go to Zarephath of Sidon where a widow will give him food. When he arrived, he spoke to a woman at the town gate gathering sticks. He asked her for food and water. She told him she hardly had any food for her and her son. Elijah told her to go home and make him a small cake of bread and then make something for her and her son. Her jar of flour will never be used up and her jug of oil will not run dry until it rains.

She did as commanded and it was so. She had flour and oil every day, as well as food.

The son of the woman grew ill and died. Elijah took him into a room and cried out to the Lord to give him his life back. The Lord heard Elijah’s cry and revived the boy. The woman believed in the Lord.

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 4, Day 3: 1 Kings 17:7-24

6a) She did as Elijah had commanded and made him a cake of bread despite she and her son were starving. He asked her to have faith in God and she did.

b) They both received food and water while there was drought and famine in the land.

7a) The woman responded in anger, mad that God had punished her for her sin by taking her son. Elijah responded by turning to the Lord for help.

b) Probably some of both. I get angry and then I pray.

8 ) I know that there is a life outside of this earthly life that is infinitely better. This gives me hope in my troubles.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 4, Day 3: 1 Kings 17:7-24

I had forgotten this story! It’s been a while since I’ve studied Elijah, so this is great! I love: 1) When God conquers death 2) He answers our prayers. Great stuff!

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 4, Day 3: 1 Kings 17:7-24

Elijah moved around a lot, and here he’s ordered to go to the home of a povery-stricken widow in the territory of the evil Queen Jezebel, which is not a welcoming place for a prophet.

The woman had no idea she had been chosen by God based on her responses to Elijah.

She says “the Lord your God,” which shows she is a Gentile. Elijah makes a bold response to feed him first when they have only a small amount of food. The widow willingly obeys, and she is blessed by God for it.

The widow is angry when her son dies. Now, she has no one to provide for her in her old age as was the custom. She blames Elijah and her sin.

Elijah asked God to fix this tragedy. Out of faith, God answered. All of the widow’s needs were met.

Fun Fact: This is the first recording in the Bible of God raising the dead.

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BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 4, Day 2: 1 Kings 15:25-17:6

by atozmom, posted in BSF People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided 2022/2023

SUMMARY OF 1 KINGS 15:25-17:6

Nadab became king of Israel and he reigned over Israel 2 years. He did evil in the eyes of the Lord. Baasha killed Nadab and succeeded him as king. He killed Jeroboam’s whole family. Baasha became king of Israel and he reigned 24 years. He did evil in the eyes of the Lord. The prophet Jehu told Baasha that God was angry with him for his actions and God will destroy him.

Elah succeeded Baasha as king. He ruled 2 years before he was struck down by Zimri, who succeeded him. He killed Baasha’s whole family. He ruled 7 days before Omri was proclaimed king. Omri became king of Israel and he reigned 12 years. He did evil in the eyes of the Lord and sinned more than all those before him. Ahab, Omri’s son, succeeded him as king of Israel. He reigned 22 years and did more evil in the eyes of the Lord than any before him. He married Jezebel, daughter of the king of the Sidonians and began to serve Baal.

By rebuilding Jericho, Hiel endured the curse of the Lord as spoken by Joshua in Joshua 6:26.

Elijah the prophet proclaims to Ahab that a famine is coming for a few years. The Lord sent Elijah to live in the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan. The river and ravens will feed and water him.

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 4, Day 2: 1 Kings 15:25-17:6

3)

  1. Nadab. He caused Israel to commit sins.
  2. Baasha. Baasha killed Nadab and succeeded him as king. He killed Jeroboam’s whole family
  3. Elah. He got drunk and was struck down.
  4. Zimri. He killed Elah and Baasha’s whole family. He set the royal palace on fire and he died as a result of the fire and of his sins.
  5. Omri. He caused Israel to commit sins and brought worthless idols to the nation.
  6. Ahab. He began to serve Baal and worship him. He set up an altar for Baal and made an Asherah pole.

4a) Elijah the prophet proclaims to Ahab that a famine is coming for a few years

b) The Lord sent Elijah to live in the Kerith Ravine, east of the Jordan. The river and ravens fed and watered him during this time.

c) God cares for his people. All it takes is simple faith and obedience and God will provide.

5) My whole life really. He always provides everything I need and blesses me everyday with a wonderful life.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 4, Day 2: 1 Kings 15:25-17:6

Lots of “doing evil in the eyes of the Lord.” Truly disheartening.

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 4, Day 2: 1 Kings 15:25-17:6

You must remember that the books of Kings are more concerned with the ruler’s spiritual health than anything else, which is why the books are written like they are, pointing out who did good in the eyes of the Lord and who did bad.

Baasha conspired to murder Nadab. Little did Baasha know, he was the instrument of God’s judgment against the house of Jeroboam. Baasha faces the same judgment in his death, too.

Assassination to get the throne was common in ancient times, as was the assassination of the entire family so that no claims to the throne could be made.

God exterminated every member of the first two dynasties of Israel.

Fun Fact: Zimri is one of only a handful of suicides mentioned in the Bible. Some of the others are: Samson (Judges 16:28-30), Saul (1 Samuel 31:4) and Ahithophel (2 Samuel 17:23). This is because God does not approve of suicide and therefore does not want to approve of it in any way.

Omri defeated Tibni in a civil war, presumably killing him. He built what would become the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, Samaria. He is regarded by historians as one of the strongest kings of Israel. The location he chose for the capital guarded all routes north and south into the city, a perfect defensive position. He was the 6th king of Israel since the split into two kingdoms.

In 41 years, Israel had 7 different kings.

Ahab was worse than all of the other previous kings. This is because he introduced the worship of new, pagan gods and made people worship them. This is why God was so angry. Both Omri and Ahab did this; whereas, Solomon only worshipped pagan gods himself. Marrying Jezebel only took the country further into idolatry.

Who is Elijah?

God brings Elijah up in order to try to bring light into this dark time of Israel’s history. Elijah means “Yahweh is my God.” The nation was headed deeper into idolatry. Israel needed a prophet to bring them back to God. Elijah came from nowhere to appear on the scene.

Elijah prayed for a drought and God answered his prayer. God has granted Elijah great power in order to bring Israel back to Him.

God protects and preserves Elijah during the drought by taking him some place to be alone so He could provide for him. Here, Elijah would learn total dependence on God as God fed and watered him every day like God did the Israelites in the desert.

So must we trust God to provide for us.

God told him the specific place. So must we listen to where God wants us, too.

Fun Fact: Elijah is the most mentioned Old Testament prophet in the New Testament.

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BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 2, Day 2: 1 Kings 11

by atozmom, posted in BSF People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided 2022/2023

SUMMARY OF 1 KINGS 11

King Solomon had many foreign wives despite God’s order to not marry foreigner. They led him astray from God over time, causing him to do evil in the eyes of the Lord. He built shrines to foreign gods, and God became angry with him. As punishment, Solomon’s son will lose the kingdom he built. God raised up adversaries agains Solomon, Hadan the Edomite and Rezon son of Eliada. Jeroboam, one of Solomon’s officials, rebelled against him.

Ahijah, a prophet, told Jeroboam about the prophecy God made against Solomon. He also prophesied that Jeroboam would be king of Israel. If he followed God’s statues and did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, God would be with him. He would build him a dynasty and humble David’s descendants for a time. Solomon died and his son, Rehoboam, succeeded him as king.

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 2, Day 2: 1 Kings 11

3a) King Solomon had many foreign wives despite God’s order to not marry foreigner. They led him astray from God over time, causing him to do evil in the eyes of the Lord. He built shrines to foreign gods, and God became angry with him. He tried to kill Jeroboam for no reason besides the prophecy.

b) Well, anything you do that goes against what God tells you to do is serious. Here, King Solomon is the leader of God’s people, and what the leader does, so do the people. He led his people (aka God’s people) astray. This is very serious in God’s eyes. The result is punishment meted out by God: Solomon’s son will lose the kingdom he built.

4) Ahijah, a prophet, told Jeroboam about the prophecy God made against Solomon (Solomon’s son would lose the kingdom). He also prophesied that Jeroboam would be king of Israel. If he followed God’s statues and did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, God would be with him. He would build him a dynasty and humble David’s descendants for a time.

5) Really good question. I think sometimes my life is so busy that I lose sight of making time to pray and worship Him as I should.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 2, Day 2: 1 Kings 11

I’m glad we spent two days on this passage. So much here to learn from!

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 2, Day 2: 1 Kings 11

Note Solomon loved many women and they were foreign — both of which went against God’s laws. (Matthew 19:4-6, Genesis 2:23-24). He wanted his wives more than he wanted the Lord. His heart turned from the Lord, too. David sinned, but his heart was always with the Lord.

God became angry with Solomon’s disobedience. The punishment is that God will divide the kingdom. 2 Chronicles 11:12) tell us that the southern kingdom was made up of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, even though it’s called only one tribe here.

God raised up adversaries against Solomon:

  1. Hadad the Edomite
  2. Rezone, son of Eliadah

Jeroboam was a fellow Israelite who rebelled against Solomon. Jeroboam means “may the people be great.”

The prophet Ahijah tells Jeroboam that he would be king of the ten tribes of Israel after Solomon dies as punishment for Solomon’s sin. God would be with Jeroboam and would give him a lasting dynasty if he would do what was right in the eyes of the Lord. Solomon tried to kill him because of this prophecy.

Solomon dies, and his son, Rehoboam, succeeds him as king.

Fun Fact: This is the first mention of the divided kingdom.

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BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 1, Day 3: Luke 24:13-49 and Romans 15:4

by atozmom, posted in BSF People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided 2022/2023

SUMMARY OF LUKE 24:13-49

After Jesus’s death, two were walking to Emmaus. Jesus appeared alongside them, but they did not recognize him. They were downcast that Christ has been crucified, hoping he was the redeemer. Christ told them about how Christ was meant to die for them, and he explained all of the foretellings about this in the Old Testament. He stayed with them, and when Christ broke bread for dinner, he was revealed to them and then he disappeared.

The men went to tell the Eleven what had happened. As they were talking, Jesus appeared. They believed him a ghost at first till Jesus began to eat. He opened their minds to the Scriptures. They are witnesses to all that has happened and would be sent the Holy Spirit as promised.

SUMMARY OF ROMANS 15:4

“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.”

BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 1, Day 3: Luke 24:13-49 and Romans 15:4

7a) Matthew 23:39: “For I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.'” From Psalm 118:26

b) If Jesus quotes the Old Testament, then it’s important. Since the Old Testament foretells Jesus’s coming, it’s all intertwined, and nothing God records is wasted.

8 ) Jesus is resurrected here, fulfilling prophecy that Jesus would come and sacrifice his life so that all may live. Prophecy also says how Jesus will be resurrected as God conquers death. Jesus fulfills the law.

9) I love studying the Old Testament because I’m a history buff. It’s fascinating to read about the mistakes people made with regards to following God and his laws and how we continue to do the same thing today, even though it’s easier for us since we have God’s law to obey and we have Jesus. I’m hoping to learn more, so I can grow with God and make fewer mistakes and sins in my life because of it.

Conclusions BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 1, Day 3: Luke 24:13-49 and Romans 15:4

Great example of God’s Will and fulfilling of prophecy from the Old Testament come to fruition with Jesus’s resurrection.

End Notes BSF Study Questions People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided Lesson 1, Day 3: Luke 24:13-49 and Romans 15:4

The two disciples are anonymous and the are lamenting Jesus’s death. Jesus listens to them and then teaches them that Christ had to suffer as the prophets said. They needed to believe with their hearts.

Jesus told them all about Moses, the Prophets, and the Old Testament, using the Old Testmant. What I wouldn’t give to hear that explained!

Jesus broke bread and revealed himself. Remember, these men were not at the Last Supper. Then, he vanished. Yet, their hearts burned because of God’s word!

They then walked 7 miles to report what had happened to the disciples.

Jesus appears to them in the flesh and eats. He teaches them and opens their understanding, so they may teach others.

All of what was written in the past (Old and New Testament) is for our learning so we can be close to God. How cool is that!

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Exploring God’s Character: People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided: Day Three

by atozmom, posted in BSF People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided 2022/2023

I think my concerns are similar to all of ours. We are concerned about the recession and how bad it will hit our pocketbooks. We are concerned about the world we are sending our children into. We are concerned about our jobs and careers, and if it is His will.

God moves by moving me where He wants me for the time period. I do want to move to some place warmer, but now is not the time. It’s patience. again.

I pray for faith for His timing in my life and that His will calms and soothes my anxieties.

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Exploring God’s Character: People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided: Day One

by atozmom, posted in BSF People of the Promise: Kingdom Divided 2022/2023

God has been faithful my whole life, even if I did not recognize it or chose not to recognize it because it was not what I wanted.

I would like God to continue to be faithful in a shaky world and continue to guide me to do His work through my dreams, which I believe are from Him.

I also need God to be faithful for and with my family in their dreams and His purpose for their lives.

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Summer Bible Study: WordGo’s Study of Wisdom: Week 3, Day 5: Proverbs 30 and 31

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

Summary of Proverbs 30

“I am weary, God, but I can prevail.” Every word of God is flawless. He is our shield to take refuge.

Summary of Proverbs 31

Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.

A wife of noble character is worth far more than rubies. She lacks nothing of value. She brings her husband good. She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. Her lamp does not go out at night. She helps the poor. Her children arise and call her blessed. Woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

Questions for Proverbs 30 and 31

12) “I am weary, God, but I can prevail.” It gives me the will to keep going and striving for my goals.

13) She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. I take my job seriously, and I try to be the best wife and mom possible.

14) I’m not really feeling like I lead in anything right now, so unsure on this one.

Conclusions to Wordgo Study of Wisdom Proverbs 30 and 31

I haven’t read the wife of noble character passage for a while. This is encouraging as sometimes I think I’m not all that noble.

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Summer Bible Study: WordGo’s Study of Wisdom: Week 3, Day 1: Proverbs 3

by atozmom, posted in BSF Matthew 2021/2022

Summary of Proverbs 3

Keep God’s teaching in your heart to prolong your life and bring you peace. Let love and faithfulness never leave you. Trust in the Lord. Fear God. Honor God. Bring Him the first fruits. Don’t despite the Lord’s rebuke. Blessed are those who find wisdom. Preserve sound judgement and discretion. Have no fear of sudden disasters. Do not withhold good from your neighbor. Do not envy the violent or choose their ways. The wise inherit honor.

Questions for Proverbs 3

1 ) Trust in the Lord with all your heart and don’t lean on your own understanding. Submit to God and fear Him. Honor the Lord with your wealth.

2 ) I feel like I follow His will for my life and not mine when I follow His wisdom. My life and the lives of those around me bloom, too.

Conclusions to Wordgo Study of Wisdom Proverbs 3

I love reading the words of Solomon that hold such wisdom that still ring true today!

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Summer Bible Study: WordGo’s Study of Wisdom: Week 2, Day 5: Psalms 2, 16, 22, and 110

by atozmom, posted in WordGo Wisdom

Summary of Psalm 2

Men plot in vain against God. God laughs and says He has installed his king on Zion. He warns the rulers to be wise and to serve the Lord with fear. The Son will lead to their destruction if they don’t.

Summary of Psalm 16

David prays to God to be kept safe. He takes refuge in God. Apart from God, he has nothing. God is his portion and his cup. He praises God and keeps his eye on him. God will make know to him the path of life and fill him with joy.

Summary of Psalm 22

David asks God why he has forsaken him. He trusts God, but asks God not to be far from him. God is his strength and deliverer. God rescues him, and David praises God and his righteousness.

Summary of Psalm 110

God says to his lord (Jesus) to sit at his right hand and he will make enemies at his feet. You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek. The Lord is at his right hand. He will judge the nations.

Questions for Psalms 2, 16, 22 & 110

12) Nations and people conspire against God. They say God is too restrictive and that there is no freedom from obeying God. The same. People don’t like what God has to say, so they do their own way — to their own detriment.

13) I praise God for this life, for what he has given me, for his undying faithfulness, and his forever guidance. God delivers me each and every day from sin, and I am grateful.

14) Jesus is God. He is seated at God’s right hand. He is the priest in the order of Melchizedek. He will crush kings and judge the nations. He will lift his head high. Jesus is our almighty savior. I respond with utter surrender.

Conclusions to Wordgo Study of Wisdom Psalms 2, 16, 22 & 110

Lots of reading today! I love how David doubts, but he never gives up on God. That’s what we must do. The Psalms are full of some of life’s great nuggets that we can grab onto and use in our times of need.

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