MUSICAL INTERLUDE: Should've Been Me

DID YOU KNOW: How was the Bible put together?

"DID YOU KNOW?" will be a summer series where we review issues of the Bible and the Christian faith of special interest. If you have a suggestion/question that you'd like addressed in a "DID YOU KNOW?" segment, please e-mail the coaches.

How was the Bible put together? How did history decide which books were in and which ones were out?

The current list of books in the Bible - known as the "canon" - was put together in different ways for the Old Testament and New Testament. But despite what some fiction authors might like to claim, the process was not secretive or mysterious.

...there was very little controversy over the canon of the Old Testament. Hebrew believers recognized God’s messengers and accepted their writings as inspired of God. While there was undeniably some debate in regards to the Old Testament canon, by A.D. 250 there was nearly universal agreement on the canon of Hebrew Scripture...

For the New Testament, the process of the recognition and collection began in the first centuries of the Christian church. Very early on, some of the New Testament books were being recognized. Paul considered Luke’s writings to be as authoritative as the Old Testament (1 Timothy 5:18; see also Deuteronomy 25:4 and Luke 10:7). Peter recognized Paul’s writings as Scripture (2 Peter 3:15-16). Some of the books of the New Testament were being circulated among the churches (Colossians 4:16; 1 Thessalonians 5:27). Clement of Rome mentioned at least eight New Testament books (A.D. 95). Ignatius of Antioch acknowledged about seven books (A.D. 115). Polycarp, a disciple of John the apostle, acknowledged 15 books (A.D. 108). Later, Irenaeus mentioned 21 books (A.D. 185). Hippolytus recognized 22 books (A.D. 170-235). The New Testament books receiving the most controversy were Hebrews, James, 2 Peter, 2 John, and 3 John...

The councils followed something similar to the following principles to determine whether a New Testament book was truly inspired by the Holy Spirit: 1) Was the author an apostle or have a close connection with an apostle? 2) Is the book being accepted by the body of Christ at large? 3) Did the book contain consistency of doctrine and orthodox teaching? 4) Did the book bear evidence of high moral and spiritual values that would reflect a work of the Holy Spirit?

HUMOR: Fill it up!

Not mine.  Found online.

One Saturday the Pastor's 5 year old daughter complained of a stomach ache to her mother. Her mother replied, "That's because you have an empty stomach. You need to feed it with something."
The next day her father sat down after a long sermon and complained of a headache. His daughter replied, "That's because you have nothing in your head you need to feed it with something."

BIBLE NEWS: Church is Good for You

It is no surprise that pastors teach that church is good for us - that's where they work!  But now science is getting into the act to explain why the Bible teaches "not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching." - Hebrews 10:25.

Social support is no doubt part of the story. At the evangelical churches I’ve studied as an anthropologist, people really did seem to look out for one another. They showed up with dinner when friends were sick and sat to talk with them when they were unhappy. The help was sometimes surprisingly concrete. Perhaps a third of the church members belonged to small groups that met weekly to talk about the Bible and their lives...A study conducted in North Carolina found that frequent churchgoers had larger social networks, with more contact with, more affection for, and more kinds of social support from those people than their unchurched counterparts. And we know that social support is directly tied to better health.

WEEKLY COMIC: Things that Make You Go "Hmmm..."

Photos from Sunday School

The paparazzi were out at Sunday School this week, too, and they got a few nice photos and animated GIFs of the action!  Click on the animation below for the whole set.

MUSICAL INTERLUDE: Washed Over Me

Photos from Districts

As always, the shutterbugs were swarming at this weekend's year-end Districts Quiz Meet.  For a full dose of photographic goodness, click on the links or photos below:

Coach Mark's Photos:


Coach Matt's Photos:

Time for a Rest

Great job, team.  We've been working hard since September.  We've been thru 8 months of quizzing, 33 weeks of studying, and 6 Quiz Meets including 2 overnights.  Now, it's time to rest for a bit and let the Gospel of Matthew sink into our hearts and minds.

But keep an eye here on MonroeBibleQuiz.Com all Spring and Summer long.  This website will be updated with Bible news, Christian music, and tips for the 2013-2014 season every day!

Bible Quiz Musical Chairs at Sunday School. #biblequizzing #animated

WEEKLY COMIC: What did YOU learn?

We're back at the church. #biblequizzing

GPS estimates arrival at the church 5:15 pm

>
>

Heading home! #biblequizzing

>

Monroe came in Second! #biblequizzing

Bible Knowledge Test. #biblequizzing

Three team tiebreaker!!! #biblequizzing

Lunchtime! #biblequizzing

Quizing vs Sparta

Last "regular" quiz of the day. #biblequizzing

Dallas vs Monroe #biblequizzing

Trumbull Upper vs Monroe! #biblequizzing

Even Mascots Get Uniforms

Snack Time. #biblequizzing

Trumbull vs Monroe. #biblequizzing

Quizzing begins!

The Schedule! #biblequizzing

The Trophies. #biblequizzing

Opening Ceremonies. #biblequizzing

The Competitors #biblequizzing

Gathering at the Church

Breaking the Fast.

DISTRICTS: Let's Quiz!

Districts is today!  Quizzing will begin about 9:00 AM.  Keep an eye here all day for updated photos as we go!

Parents & Pastors, Please be praying that we do our best and remember what we've learned.

Our host dog (and family) is very hospitable!

Heading to host homes!

We have arrived!

Heading out!

Gathering to Go!

SEE YOU TONIGHT!

We leave for Districts tonight!  We hope to see everyone at the church by 5:00 PM.

Don't forget to bring (at least!):

1. A bag lunch
2. A sleeping bag for tonight
3. An outfit including your Quiz Team Shirt for tomorrow

REVIEW TIPS: Choose Your Adventure

We've got one day left before Districts.  If you've not been studying hard all year long, it's too much ground to make up now.  But that doesn't mean you can't be a contributor at the competition.  You could even make the difference between a win and a loss by getting a single jump or bonus question.  How?  Specialize and choose a particular kind of question to focus on this week!

Some ideas for specialized study - become an expert on one thing (or a few things) that is sure to be asked about to be effective at Districts:

1. Learn the Genealogies:  Matthew 1:1-17
2. Learn the Sermon on the Mount:  Matthew 5-7
3. Learn how Jesus resisted the Devil:  Matthew 4:1-11  
4. Learn about the Events of Holy Week: Matthew 21:1-17, 26-28
5. Learn about the John the Baptist:  Matthew 3, 11:1-19

REVIEW TIPS: The Ten SHORTEST Finish-the-Verse Questions in Matthew

As you do your final reviews, you're probably thinking "Wow, there is so much material out there!  How do I figure out what to study?"  One good approach is to identify easy ways to fill in the gaps in your knowledge and potentially help the team.  One way is Finish the Verses.  While they are tough due to their word-perfect requirements, they give you the advantage of knowing exactly what will be asked and why.

Consider learning the Ten Shortest FTVs in Matthew, listed below.

QUESTION:  If you believe, // you will…

ANSWER:  ...receive whatever you ask for in prayer.  (Matthew 21:22 )

QUESTION:  Heaven // and earth…

ANSWER:  ...will pass away, but my words will never pass away.  (Matthew 24:35 )

QUESTION:  Therefore keep // watch,…

ANSWER:  ...because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.  (Matthew 24:42 )

QUESTION:  Whoever finds // his life…

ANSWER:  ...will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.  (Matthew 10:39 )

QUESTION:  The men // were amazed…

ANSWER:  ...and asked, "What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!"  (Matthew 8:27 )

QUESTION:  Jesus looked // at them…

ANSWER:  ...and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."  (Matthew 19:26 )

QUESTION:  So you // also must be…

ANSWER:  ...ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.  (Matthew 24:44 )

QUESTION:  But seek // first his…

ANSWER:  ...kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.  (Matthew 6:33 )

QUESTION:  No one knows // about…

ANSWER:  ...that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.  (Matthew 24:36 )

QUESTION:  So in // everything, do to…

ANSWER:  ...others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.  (Matthew 7:12 )

QUESTION:  Jesus answered, // "It is written:…

ANSWER:  …'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'"  (Matthew 4:04 )

MUSICAL INTERLUDE: Hallelujah, God is Here

WEEK 32: Review the Gospel of Matthew

This week (April 15 thru April 20), please review the Gospel of Matthew.

If you want to read the book online, click here. (Free website Biblegateway.Com)

Study Tip: The Gospel of Matthew is 28 chapters long, but this is your chance to firm up your knowledge and close up any gaps.

• If you've been studying well all along, identify weeks you were weak and focus there, and
• If you've been having problems this year, focus on the last few chapters (it never hurts to study Holy Week!).

We'll see you on Saturday for the trip to Sparta, NJ!

Upcoming Events:
- April 19-20 - DISTRICTS in Sparta, NJ

CHAPTER REVIEW: Matthew 28

If you'll miss practice this week we don't want you to miss out on the review of the chapter.  You can download Coach Mark's lesson by clicking here, or on the image below.

What is the Bible Knowledge Test?

Districts has one activity that is different from all other Bible Quizzes - the Bible Knowledge Test.

WHAT IS IT?

The Bible Knowledge Test is a written exam given each year at Districts, covering the same material as we quizzed on.

WHY DO WE DO IT?

The Bible Knowledge Test gives you a chance to demonstrate what you learned during the Bible Quizzing season without worrying about competing with other quizzers or worrying about the speed of jumping.

DO I HAVE TO TAKE IT?

No, the Bible Knowledge Test is 100% voluntary.  All Quizzers (and Coaches) are encouraged to take it, but it's entirely up to you.

HOW WILL IT WORK?

After Quizzing is done, a room (or a few rooms) will be opened up for everyone to work on the Bible Knowledge Test.  As you enter the room, you'll give given the test and a pencil.  Everyone will work on the test, and hand it when we're done.

HOW WILL IT BE SCORED?

The test will be scored by Coach Rose - the District Head - and we'll get our scores (and rankings) in a few weeks.  The coaches will hand out the scores and your marked tests when we get them.

WEEKLY COMIC: Sing along!

REFERENCE QUESTIONS: Matthew 28

Remember, the full list of Reference Questions can always be found in the sidebar or at this link.

QUESTION:  According  to  Matthew  28:9, Who  worshiped  him?

ANSWER:  (They) The  women  (Mary  Magdalene  and  the  other  Mary). 2:11; 14:33; 28:17

QUESTION:  According  to  Matthew  28:17, Who  worshiped  him?
ANSWER:  (They) The  eleven  disciples. 2:11; 14:33; 28:

FINISH THE VERSE: Matthew 28

Remember, the full list of FTV's can always be found at this link. The // in the verse marks the minimum number of words you need from the FTV to uniquely identify it.

QUESTION: The angel // said...

ANSWER:  ...to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay."  (Matthew 28:05-06 )

QUESTION: Then go // quickly...

ANSWER:  ...and tell his disciples: 'He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.' Now I have told you.  (Matthew 28:07 )

QUESTION: Then Jesus came // to them...

ANSWER:  ...and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."  (Matthew 28:18-20 )

QUESTION: There was // a violent earthquake,...

ANSWER:  ...for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it.  (Matthew 28:02 )

PHOTOS: Pizza Party!

Thanks again to Pastor Greg for our pizza party on Friday!  We had a great time and enjoyed some tasty pizza.  To see all of Coach Mark's photos of the night click here or on the images below.

WEEK 31: Study Matthew, Chapter 28

This week (April 8 thru April 14), please study Matthew, Chapter 28.

If you want to read the chapter online, click here. (Free website Biblegateway.Com)

Download the MP3.

Download the puzzle.

If you'd like to read a commentary on the chapter, click here. (Free website, BibleGateway.Com)

Study Tip: This is the last week of new material and Districts is almost upon us.  Don't let up now!  It's been a long season, full of ups and downs, but we're in the home stretch!  Keep up your study schedule - read the material at least twice a day, every day - and you may be the difference for the team between a win and loss in Sparta.

Upcoming Events:
- April 19-20 - DISTRICTS in Sparta, NJ

CHAPTER REVIEW: Matthew 27

If you'll miss practice this week we don't want you to miss out on the review of the chapter.  You can download Coach Mark's lesson by clicking here, or on the image below.

WEEKLY COMIC: Llama Time

REMINDER: Pizza Party Tonight!

Don't forget, we have our pizza party tonight!  We'll see you at the church at 6:00 PM.  (We should be done about 9:00 PM.)

REFERENCE QUESTIONS: Matthew 27

Remember, the full list of Reference Questions can always be found in the sidebar or at this link.

QUESTION:  According  to  Matthew  27:9, What  was  fulfilled?

ANSWER:  What  was  spoken  by  Jeremiah  the  prophet: "They  took  the  thirty  silver  coins, the  price  set  on  him  by  the  people  of  Israel, and  they  used  them  to  buy  the  potter's  field, as  the  Lord  commanded  me."

QUESTION:  According  to  Matthew  27:23, They  shouted  all  the  louder  what?

ANSWER:  "Crucify  him!" 20:31

QUESTION:  According  to  Matthew  27:29, Who  mocked  him?

ANSWER:  (They) The  governor's  soldiers. 27:41

QUESTION:  According  to  Matthew  27:41, Who  mocked  him?

ANSWER:  The  chief  priests, the  teachers  of  the  law  and  the  elders. 27:29

QUESTION:  According  to  Matthew  27:54, Who  were  terrified?

ANSWER:  (They) The  centurion  and  those  with  him  who  were  guarding  Jesus. 14:26; 17:6

FINISH THE VERSE: Matthew 27

Remember, the full list of FTV's can always be found at this link. The // in the verse marks the minimum number of words you need from the FTV to uniquely identify it.

QUESTION: And when Jesus // had...
ANSWER:  ...cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split.  (Matthew 27:50-51 )

QUESTION: From the // sixth hour...
ANSWER:  ...until the ninth hour darkness came over all the land. About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?" - which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"  (Matthew 27:45-46 )

QUESTION: Joseph // took the body,...
ANSWER:  ...wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut out of the rock. He rolled a big stone in front of the entrance to the tomb and went away.  (Matthew 27:59-60 )

QUESTION: The tombs // broke open...
ANSWER:  ...and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. They came out of the tombs, and after Jesus' resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many people.  (Matthew 27:52-53 )

QUESTION: They spit // on him,...
ANSWER:  ...and took the staff and struck him on the head again and again. After they had mocked him, they took off the robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him away to crucify him.  (Matthew 27:30-31 )

QUESTION: They stripped // him and...
ANSWER:  ...put a scarlet robe on him, and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head. They put a staff in his right hand and knelt in front of him and mocked him. "Hail, king of the Jews!" they said.  (Matthew 27:28-29 )

QUESTION: When the centurion // and those...
ANSWER:  ...with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, "Surely he was the Son of God!"  (Matthew 27:54 )

MUSICAL INTERLUDE: Kings & Queens

WEEK 30: Study Matthew, Chapter 27

This week (April 1 thru April 7), please study Matthew, Chapter 27. (Yes, we know it is another LONG one.)

If you want to read the chapter online, click here. (Free website Biblegateway.Com)

Download the MP3.

Download the Puzzle.

If you'd like to read a commentary on the chapter, click here. (Free website, ChristNotes.Com)

Study Tip: We're almost at the end of the Bible Quizzing season, so it may be tempting to coast on what you already know.  But don't let that impulse win!  Districts is only a few weeks away, and even the end-of-the-year quiz tends to focus mostly on the last few chapters.  And, let us not forget, these current chapters are among the most important in all of scripture dealing with Jesus death and resurrection!  Take the time and keep on task, and learn all you can.

Upcoming Events:
- April 19-20 - DISTRICTS in Sparta, NJ