THIS WEEK: Study Romans, Chapter 4

This week (September 30 thru October 6), please study Romans, Chapter 4.

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

Click here to download an MP3 of the chapter.

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

If you want to download the puzzle for this week, click here.

Study Tip: How many senses are you engaging when you study? For most of us, the more of our senses we use, the deeper what we study is moved into our memory. Try reading the chapter out loud (engaging eyes and ears). Try writing out the chapter by hand (engaging eyes and hands). Try associating parts of the chapter with pictures that you draw (engaging eyes in multiple ways). Experiment with different ways of embedding scripture into your memory.

Upcoming Events:
- October 26 - Quiz Meet in Trumbull, CT

CHAPTER REVIEW: Romans 3

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.

REFERENCE QUESTIONS: Romans 3

Please Note:  Some corrections were made to these Reference Questions on Sept 19.  If you have a printed copy from before that date, you'll need to correct it.

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

QUESTION:  According to Romans 3:4, what is written?
ANSWER:  “That you may be justified in your words, and prevail when you are judged.” (cf Rom 1:17; 2:24;3:4, 10; 4:17; 8:36; 9:13, 33; 10:15; 11:8, 26; 12:19;14:11; 15:3, 9, 21)

QUESTION:  According to Romans 3:10, what is written?
ANSWER:  “None is righteous, no, not one.” (cf Rom 1:17; 2:24;3:4, 10; 4:17; 8:36; 9:13, 33; 10:15; 11:8, 26; 12:19;14:11; 15:3, 9, 21)

QUESTION:  According to Romans 3:11, no one what?
ANSWER:  Understands; seeks for God. (cf Rom 3:12)

QUESTION:  According to Romans 3:12, no one what?
ANSWER:  Does good. (cf Rom 3:11)

QUESTION:  According to Romans 3:18, there is no what?
ANSWER:  Fear of God before their eyes. (cf Rom 3:18, 22; 4:15;10:12; 13:1; Jam 1:17)

QUESTION:  According to Romans 3:19, we know that what?
ANSWER:  Whatever the law says, it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be stopped,and the whole world may be held accountable to God. (cf Rom 2:2; 3:19; 6:6, 9; 7:14; 8:22, 28)

QUESTION:  According to Romans 3:22, there is no what?
ANSWER:  Distinction. (cf Rom 3:18, 22; 4:15; 10:12; 13:1; Jam1:17

WEEKLY COMIC: Wait for it...

FINISH THE VERSE: Romans 3

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: As // it is written:...

ANSWER:  ..None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one. (Romans 3:10-12)

QUESTION: For by works // of the law...
ANSWER:  ...no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin. (Romans 3:20)

QUESTION: For all // have sinned...
ANSWER:  ...and fall short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23

VOCABULARY: Romans 3

Paul had a large vocabulary, so sometimes he uses words with which you may be unfamiliar.  This weekly series attempts to help by highlighting potentially unfamiliar terminology.  If there are additional words you need help with, please e-mail the coaches.

Romans 3 Vocabulary:

Oracles:  An authoritative or wise expression or answer (Source:  Mirriam-Webster.Com)

Nullify:  To invalidate; To stop enforcement of  (Source:  Dictionary.Reference.Com)

Prevail:  Win; Prove superior (Source:  Vocabulary.Com)

Slanderously:  Lie about with an intent to harm (Source:  Legal-Dictionary.TheFreeDictionary.Com)

Condemnation:  Blame, set aside for punishment (Source:  Mirriam-Webster.Com)

Asps:  Venomous snakes found in the nile region  (Source:  Wikipedia.Com)

Manifested:  Clearly revealed  (Source:  Vocabulary.Com)

Propitiation:  Satisfying or appeasing the wrath of another (especially God) (Source:  GotQuestions.Org)

Forbearance:  Tolerance and restraint in the face of provocation; patience (Source:  TheFreeDictionary.Com)

MUSICAL INTERLUDE: Chasing You

WEEK 3: Study Romans, Chapter 3

This week (September 23 thru September 29), please study Romans, Chapter 3.

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

Click here to download an MP3 of Romans, Chapter 3.

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

If you want to download the puzzle for this week, click here.

Study Tip: Having problems absorbing the text in such a way that you can get questions at practice? Consider getting your family or friends involved. Have them pick up a Bible and pick a verse from the chapter you are studying. Have them read the first half (or little bit) of the verse, and then you try to complete as much as you can. This gets you used to hearing the text the same way you will in practice.

Upcoming Events:
- October 26 - Quiz Meet in Trumbull, CT

CHAPTER REVIEW: Romans 2

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.

Home! #biblequizzing

At the Tappan Zee. #biblequizzing

Heading home! (Should be home about 2 pm.) #biblequizzing

Lunchtime! #biblequizzing

Quizzing is done and Scampers is exhausted! #biblequizzing

Trumbull vs Monroe #biblequizzing

We need one of these! #biblequizzing

Quizzing! #biblequizzing

Schedule for quizzing. #biblequizzing

Arrival at Cresskill. #biblequizzing

Off we go. #biblequizzing

Gathering at the #sunrise. #biblequizzing

REFERENCE QUESTIONS: Romans 2

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

QUESTION:  According to Romans 2:2, we know that what?
ANSWER:  The judgment of God rightly falls on those who practice such things. (cf Rom 2:2; 3:19; 6:6, 9; 7:14;8:22, 28)

QUESTION:  According to Romans 2:3, do you suppose what?
ANSWER:  That you will escape the judgment of God? (cf Jam4:5)

QUESTION:  According to Romans 2:13, who will be justified?
ANSWER:  The doers of the law. (cf Rom 3:20)

QUESTION:  According to Romans 2:24, what is written?
ANSWER:  “The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.” (cf Rom 1:17; 2:24; 3:4, 10;4:17; 8:36; 9:13, 33; 10:15; 11:8, 26; 12:19; 14:11; 15:3,9, 21)

Quiz Meet Details!

Our first Quiz Meet is TOMORROW!  Aren't you excited?  Here are the details.

WHEN DO WE LEAVE?  We'll leave the church at 7:00 AM.  Please do NOT be late.
WHERE ARE WE GOING?  Northern Valley Evangelical Free Church in Cresskill, NJ
WHAT IS THE COST?  $5 (for lunch)
WHAT CHAPTERS ARE WE QUIZZING ON?  Romans 1 & 2
WHAT TIME ARE WE GETTING BACK? Around 3:00 PM.  (You can call your ride from the road.)
WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO BRING?  Yourself, your quiz team shirt (or a red shirt/sweatshirt/sweater of about the same color), your scripture portion, and maybe some quizzes for the car!

REMINDER:  You can't go unless your Event and Health Forms have been turned into the coaches (or Pastor Greg). 

FINISH THE VERSE: Romans 2

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: Therefore you // have no excuse,...

ANSWER:  ...O man, every one of you who judges.  For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things. (Romans 2:1)

QUESTION: For no // one is a Jew...

ANSWER:  ...who is merely one outwardly, nor is circumcision outward and physical. But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. His praise is not from man but from God. (Rom 2:28-29)

VOCABULARY: Romans 2

While the NIV tried to stay as close to "plain English" as possible, the ESV tries to stay as close as possible to the original text.  Paul had a large vocabulary, so this means that sometimes he uses words with which you may be unfamiliar.  This new weekly series will attempt to help you thru any difficult words by highlighting potentially unfamiliar terminology.  If there are additional words you need help with, please e-mail the coaches.

Romans 2 Vocabulary:

Repentant:  The act of feeling regret about one's sin; In the original Greek, this word is literally a "turning away" from an old way of life to a new one.  (Reference:  About.Com)

Impenitent:  Not feeling regret about one's sin or sins; unrepentant (Reference:  dictionary.reference.com)

Tribulation:  Distress or suffering resulting from oppression or persecution (Reference:  Merriam-webster.com)

Partiality:  Preference, bias  (Reference:  Wiktionary.org)

Embodiment:  Tangible, bodily, or concrete form of an abstract concept (Reference:  Collinsdictionary.com)

Blasphemed:  To speak with contempt about God (Reference:  GotQuestions.Org)

Precepts:   Commandments, instructions, or orders  (Reference:  Wikipedia.Com)

MUSICAL INTERLUDE: Ready Set Go

WEEK 2: Study Romans, Chapter 2

This week (September 16 thru September 22), please study Romans, Chapter 2.

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

Click here to download an MP3 of Romans, Chapter 1.

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

If you want to download the puzzle for this week, click here.

Study Tip: All bible quizzing is done in the ESV's 2004 edition. This is different from past years which were always in the NIV 1984 version.  If you got a scripture portion from the coaches, it is in the correct version.  Be careful, as if you give answers from the NIV (or other versions) it may be ruled wrong.

Upcoming Events:
- September 21 - Quiz Meet in Cresskill, NJ

CHAPTER REVIEW: Romans 1

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.

REMINDER: Practices begin TOMORROW!

Be ready to quiz on Romans 1 (ESV version) right after church (about 10:10 AM) in the Quiz Team Room!  We're looking forward to another GREAT year of Bible Quizzing.

WEEKLY COMIC: I'm Checkin' In!

CORRECTION: Romans 1:28 keyword

Trumbull had their first practice last night and noticed a small problem with the Reference Question list.  As originally posted, the Reference Question for Romans 1:28 looked like this...

QUESTION:  According to Romans 1:28, God gave them up to what?

ANSWER:  A depraved mind (to do what ought not to be done).(cf Rom 1: 24, 26, 28)

...but if you check the actual ESV Bible, it should look like this...

QUESTION:  According to Romans 1:28, God gave them up to what?

ANSWER:  A debased mind (to do what ought not to be done).(cf Rom 1: 24, 26, 28)

...please note the important difference in wording.  I have updated the reference post from the previous week, updated the questions for Sunday, and will be getting a revised list from the National Head ASAP.

We apologize for the mistake.

BONUS COMIC: Tell me all about it

R is for both Romans & Review

Normally, this part of the week, I'd be posting all of the information on the upcoming chapter for study.  But we already did that!  So, here is a quick, handy-dandy list of links for all of the informational posts on Romans 1:

• Vocabulary
• FTV
• Reference

We're looking forward to seeing you on Sunday!

MUSICAL INTERLUDE: Wake

WEEK 1: Study Romans, Chapter 1

This week (September 9 thru September 15), please study Romans, Chapter 1

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

Click here to download an MP3 of Romans, Chapter 1.

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

If you want to download the puzzle for this week, click here.

Study Tip: For Bible Quizzing, we recommend at a minimum that quizzers read the chapter at least twice each day. This provides a good foundation for studying as the quizzer becomes familiar with the material. It is often good to make this a first-thing-in-the-morning, and a last-thing-at-night event, as that lodges the material in the brain for the subconscious to work on it during your day and overnight.

Upcoming Events:
- September 21 - Quiz Meet in Cresskill, NJ

Practices begin ONE WEEK FROM TODAY!

Practices begin one week from today on Sunday, September 15 at ~10:15 AM in the Round Room.  Time to crack open your scripture portions and start studying.  Remember, we're working in the ESV this year, so be sure to study that and not the NIV!

BIBLE NEWS: Online Bible reading at an all-time high

It is no secret that Coach Matt and I are techies.  We've been reading the Bible in electronic forms since the 1990s!  But for many Christians, the idea of reading the Word of God outside of paper is still quite strange.  Still, a new study indicates that more people than ever before are reading the Bible online!

“The data shows a continual shift to digital content. The number of Bible readers who use their smartphone or cell phone to search for Bible content has increased each year, with a 6 percent increase in the use of this format from 2012,” said the Society. “Use of Internet to find Bible content has also increased, up 4 percent from 2011.”
...However, the report also found a decrease in Bible ownership: 92 percent of American households owned a physical copy of the book in 1993, while only 88 percent do today. That's still a tremendous number, of course; the decrease is likely more indicative of the increased access to scripture online than lessened interest.

 The day is fast approaching when anyone in the world can access the Bible anytime they need it.  But the day may also be fast approaching when finding a paper Bible is next to impossible.

WEEKLY COMIC: Unpublishable grief

HUMOR: Groan-inducing humor.

Not mine.  From here.

Q. Why couldn’t Jonah trust the ocean? A. Because he knew there was something fishy about it. 

Q. Why didn’t Noah go fishing?A. He only had two worms.  

Q. Where is the first tennis match mentioned in the Bible?A. When Joseph served in Pharaoh’s court. 

Q. How do we know Peter was a rich fisherman?A. By his net income. 

Q. Who was the fastest runner in the race?A. Adam, because he was first in the human race. 

Q. What kind of man was Boaz before he married?A. Ruthless.

PHOTO OF THE WEEK: Illuminated Manuscript - Christ on the Water

In previous centuries, Bible were often sources of fine art as artists (often monks) painted dramatic scenes from the book for the benefit of those who were illiterate in their flock.  This is an example of such an "illuminated" manuscript.

MUSICAL INTERLUDE: Love Take Me Over

BIBLE NEWS: Returning a stolen Bible... after 42 years!

I guess the phrase "Better late than never" comes to mind here.  A man who stole a Bible decades ago from an English church has finally returned it.  The church from whom it was stolen is both amused and pleased to have a little piece of its history returned.

Simon Scott, treasurer of the Holy Trinity Church, in the coastal resort of Hastings, England, received the large, leather bound, book in the mail earlier this month.It followed an anonymous note, inside an envelope marked with a German return address, that he'd received a few days earlier from the man who said he's taken the text back in 1971...The anonymous note said: "I've never managed to pluck up the courage to come and hand it back personally. But now that I've retired, I've definitely decided to get on the right side of things.""Whenever I came across the bible I would have this guilty conscience about doing it," he added.

God says His word never returns void.  Perhaps it did some good in the life of this man, in the end.

REFERENCE QUESTIONS: Romans 1

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

QUESTION:  According to Romans 1:17, what is written?

ANSWER:  “The righteous shall live by faith.” (cf Rom 1:17; 2:24;3:4, 10; 4:17; 8:36; 9:13, 33; 10:15; 11:8, 26; 12:19;14:11; 15:3, 9, 21)

QUESTION:  According to Romans 1:23, they exchanged what?

ANSWER:  The glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things. (cf Rom 1:23, 25, 26)

QUESTION:  According to Romans 1:24, God gave them up to what?

ANSWER:  Impurity(to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, in the lusts of their hearts). (cf Rom 1:24, 26, 28)

QUESTION:  According to Romans 1:25, they exchanged what?

ANSWER:  The truth about God for a lie. (cf *Rom 1:23, 25, 26)

QUESTION:  According to Romans 1:25, who is blessed forever?

ANSWER:  The Creator. (cf *Rom 9:5)

QUESTION:  According to Romans 1:26, God gave them up to what?

ANSWER:  Dishonorable passions. (cf Rom 1: 24, 26, 28)

QUESTION:  According to Romans 1:28, God gave them up to what?

ANSWER:  A debased mind (to do what ought not to be done).(cf Rom 1: 24, 26, 28)