Heart Check: Religion or Relationship?

Jean on 四月 16, 2026 12:18 上午

Really enjoyed your blog! Absolutely love BSF studies!

Mike on 三月 17, 2026 09:51 下午

It seems obvious to me that Zechariah 8 envisions the Messianic covenant, i.e. the Church, not some distant future millennium based in an earthly temple whose purpose has already been fulfilled.

Marianne on 三月 07, 2026 06:32 下午

Thank you so much for this supplement to our study. I just joined in January and cannot tell you how excited and passionate I am about BSF and all I'm learning about my God, his people and our relationship with him etc. It's so wonderful to learn so much and there's so much more to learn!!! Thank you for this amazing opportunity and journey

Hiwi on 三月 07, 2026 02:53 下午

Thank you

Brenda on 三月 05, 2026 08:10 下午

In the mighty name of JESUS, TY for clarity of the verses, it really helps 🙏 ✨️ GOD bless 💟

Judy on 二月 27, 2026 08:30 下午

Insightful Thank you

Laura Weekley on 二月 27, 2026 05:05 下午

I have been coming to bsf for about 6 years, I have never studied the Bible like I do now. I cant wait to get to class. thank you for helping us learn more about Gods word.

Margaret Wheatley on 二月 27, 2026 04:49 下午

l fell sick and in hospital. After hospitalised, l was discharged and rehabilitation for almost 3 months. l was had a stroke and now l can walk. Pray for strength and courage as only God can sustain me. Praise God and thank you for church and BSF membership prayers.

Ciru on 二月 27, 2026 03:51 下午

Thank you for sharing. I found it very helpful. God bless

Carol on 二月 27, 2026 02:47 下午

Keenly enriched by Dr. Bolinder's words, "GOD used HIS Word to sharpen our sight."

Rupa on 二月 27, 2026 10:38 上午

God our loving Father not de light in our rituals but love us to have true relationship with Him. if we draw near to Him our Lord will not only draw near to Him also equip us to do His will.

Jay on 二月 27, 2026 09:25 上午

Thank you, Dr Bolinder for wonderful insights, especially on what does it mean when God says I am very jealous! This attribute of God has been a difficult one to understand from a human perspective but your explanation of jealous of and jealous for was really helpful. God bless you.

Lucy on 二月 27, 2026 05:19 上午

Thank you for making Zechariah 7-8 more clear.

Janice on 二月 27, 2026 01:44 上午

BSF helps me to practice and the Lord want my heart to be truly devoted to Him and to love Him with all my heart and love and show mercy and compassion and do the right thing for His glory.

Mary on 二月 27, 2026 01:39 上午

I it that God is jealous for me !

Folake on 二月 26, 2026 08:42 下午

Thank you very much, Dr Bolinger, for this article and insight into the Book of Zechariah. This year's in-depth study of Zechariah makes me appreciate so much all the hard work that BSF put into each year's study. Previously, I only paid attention to a few well known verses in Zechariah, but now I hear God speaking to me so much more in each and every verse. of the 14 chapters. Thank you very much again. I truly appreciate it.

Linda on 二月 26, 2026 02:13 下午

Dr Bolinder's blog gave me even simpler insight to Zech 8. I made several notes in my bible from his blog - notes someone after me might read.

Barbara on 二月 26, 2026 10:25 上午

The article is a blessing, as well as the study of Zachariah. Another step towards spiritual growth.

May on 二月 26, 2026 06:56 上午

Very insightful indeed. Thank you❤️

Lina on 二月 26, 2026 06:27 上午

Thank you for your in depth interpretation and simplification of Zechariah's visions. Your words are a testament that the Bible is truly the Living Word. Just as when it was written, the message and the question transcend time and clearly apply to us all.

PAT on 二月 26, 2026 01:23 上午

I am a 12 year member of BSF and I praise God for ALL that BSF does and how they do it. These blogs most recently added are amazing and I love how they parallel the lessons we are currently studying. I didn’t think could be better than the NOTE sections in our guides. However, the blogs are a tremendous addition. Thank you and may God bless and use BSF to glorify himself - our jealous Lord and Savior

Elaine on 二月 25, 2026 10:49 下午

I am loving what I’m learning in this BSF study! I’m a children’s leader and doing this just enriches my learning! Thank you to all who make BSF continue!! God bless!!❤️🙏

Tim on 二月 25, 2026 05:34 下午

"Were they doing their religious remembrances as unto the Lord or for themselves? " That's a question we should ask ourselves in our pulpit and pew version of "meeting together" called "worship service". It's a REVERSAL of God's instructions for "meeting together" and for the last 500 years. Disobedience is NEVER "unto the Lord" but our flesh will claim it is. When we walk in the Spirit, we won't be fooled. Hebrews 10:24-25 24 AND LET US (all of us) CONSIDER HOW (prepare in advance of meeting) to stir up ONE ANOTHER (dialogue, no lecture) to LOVE AND GOOD WORKS, (far beyond more knowledge) 25 not neglecting to MEET TOGETHER, as is the habit of some, but encouraging ONE ANOTHER, (again, no sermon) and ALL THE MORE as you see the Day drawing near.
 
But every preacher adds 3 phony rules to the following: “Preach the word be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. 2 Timothy 4:2 Cannot be exposited to mean: 1. Lecture the word - all dialogue excluded 2. One man for the whole time- shared between all other giftings excluded 3. Hired men with Bible degrees only- all laity excluded. It’s only assumed to mean these man made rules. This 500 year old ritual does not fool Jesus. It’s fooling you. It used to fool me, but I repented to obey. We should “one another” about this. Where am I wrong? There is MUCH MORE scripture that says the same.

Sharon on 二月 25, 2026 04:22 下午

Thank you Dr. Bolinger for bringing the truth of these chapters right to our own front doors. What a great study this has been in Zechariah!!! Thanks for your insights!

Phyllis on 二月 25, 2026 04:05 下午

Reality is, as descendants of Adam and Eve, the world is consumed of imperfect people in need of Yeshua, our perfect Redeemer who sacrificed his life as our Messiah so that we may live eternally in his kingdom of love, peace and Joy.

Winrose on 二月 25, 2026 03:45 下午

God jealously guide, guards. Surely He is a jealous God. Cannot share His glory with anyone. We have a saying with our friends that. We practice Holy Jealousy. I didn't know that one day I will find it in the bible. Thank you Dr Garth for well researched article. God bless your. From Kenya Africa. BSF the way to go. Blessings

Elaine on 二月 25, 2026 03:29 下午

Love the message , thanks Dr. Garth

Rebecca on 二月 25, 2026 03:02 下午

Thanks for the deeper insight of the chapter and it helped me to understand more clearly

Marc on 二月 25, 2026 02:57 下午

It is truly amazing to think our Heavenly Father, the creator of the universe is jealous for our devotion to him. He longs for us to drawer near and connect - when we do, He responds and comes to us - marvellous indeed.

Ricky on 二月 25, 2026 01:20 下午

God blesses those who love Him, thanks for this. Heartwarming to see a BSF Board member engaged in on-going, everyday activities at BSF. The BSF relationship has been a gracious gift to me from Him, through my wife of course:)

Penelope on 二月 25, 2026 12:50 下午

God is amazing in all His ways. He does not leave His people to wonder without knowledge and guidance. His omnipotent Hand directs everyone and everything to fulfill His good plan. When we know more we see more and when we see more we know more.

Peter on 二月 25, 2026 12:38 下午

This was very helpful and encouraging.....just what I needed with where I am at with my walk with God.

Peggy on 二月 25, 2026 12:38 下午

Thank you ❤️

Haz on 二月 25, 2026 12:24 下午

Love cost nothing, it is universal and we need to love as only God can love

Isaiah on 二月 25, 2026 08:23 上午

Very insightful indeed. Thank you.

Paul on 二月 25, 2026 07:38 上午

Thanks Dr Bolinder for he application on Zechariah 8:23 connecting it to bsf participation and family connection. It applies to me.

Underlow on 二月 25, 2026 07:26 上午

Indeed God uses His Word to sharpen our sight, encourage and make many things clear as we journey in life.

Mariq on 二月 25, 2026 05:23 上午

Aint we all like the children of Isreal ? My prayer is that God help me to stay connected to you , to have a deep relationship with you .

Donna on 二月 25, 2026 04:56 上午

Thank you! My special friend says 'Abide with the Lord.'. Abide means to stay. Stay. with God and His Word.

M.P. on 二月 25, 2026 04:40 上午

Great reminder from the book of Zechariah. Praise God ! Thanks dear brother 🤝

Thomas on 二月 25, 2026 04:16 上午

Thank you Dr. Garth for the great insight you shared on the blog on authentic obedience to God. Yes many times we are self centered and do not practice what needs to be actually done.

Ingrid on 二月 25, 2026 03:51 上午

Thank you. God longs to have relationship with us, to be our Father and for us to be His children. Holy Spirit continue to work in my heart invade my heart, fill me with this truth Amen.

Marie France on 二月 25, 2026 03:09 上午

This lesson remind me if I worship or work like rituals or really for God

Fabian on 二月 25, 2026 03:01 上午

Great Blog

Donna on 二月 25, 2026 01:51 上午

It reminds me of how Jesus would bring out the true issue of a person’s heart when he was asked a question.

Ronald on 二月 25, 2026 01:46 上午

Tools for doing deeper in Gods tools

Ethel on 二月 25, 2026 01:39 上午

Thank you. Really helps

Jerry on 二月 25, 2026 01:16 上午

Lovely insights from religion to relationship. Indeed, in our Christian faith journey, relationship with our Lord and obedience of the heart is key to holiness. Thank you for a good sharing of God' words in sharping our sight - spiritual eyes for growth and faithful in Jesus Christ. Amen.

Juli on 二月 25, 2026 12:13 上午

Lovely way to describe God 's love for us. He is jealous for us. For a relationship with us.

Lena on 二月 25, 2026 12:11 上午

Find BSF very rewarding.

Thomas on 二月 24, 2026 11:32 下午

Was blessed by your sharing the truth of God's Word. I attend BSF Casa Grande, and aim so blessed every week! Blessings to you, Tom Bechtold

R on 二月 24, 2026 11:30 下午

I am interested in this and want to receive th em!

Cynthia on 二月 24, 2026 11:17 下午

Our sovereign God truly loves us and is in control

Valerie on 二月 24, 2026 10:52 下午

Thank you.

Lars on 二月 24, 2026 10:40 下午

I appreciate the tenor of the blog, however I am concerned about the headline. I am not willing after surrendering the rainbow and the marriage covenant to now also turn over the word 'religion'. As a devout Christian, it is my religion, the term describes my relationship with my creator and it is a beautiful word. The attempt to make it mean empty, hollow, meaningless activities is a Trojan Horse and a work of the devil. We should use the word often and state what we mean by it, instead of surrendering to the enemy.

clara on 二月 24, 2026 10:38 下午

Thanks so much for more clarification of the chapters we are currently studying!!!

Judy on 二月 24, 2026 10:37 下午

Loved his remarks & gave greater understanding to my studying

Susan on 二月 24, 2026 10:12 下午

I love this. What a beautiful explanation of how much God loves us. Thank you.

James on 二月 24, 2026 10:02 下午

I need to better understand how BSF scholars came to see Zechariah as foretelling end times rather than foretelling the several hundred years prior to Jesus first coming. It seems that his context was to encourage the people of Israel to rebuild after the exile and become sincere in their faith.