No Bible Quiz Team for 2015-2016

There will be no Bible Quiz Team at Beacon Hill Church in Monroe, CT for the 2015-2016 season.  This blog is going on hiatus unless/until the team starts back up.  Thanks for your support!

HUMOR: Thinful!

Not mine.  From here.

  The church was badly in need of a coat of paint. So the pastor decided he'd do the job himself. But all he had was one bucket of paint. So he got a bunch of buckets and some water, and he thinned the paint enough to cover the entire church. Then he spent all day painting. That night it rained—very hard—and washed all the paint off. The pastor was quite discouraged and asked God, 'Why...why God, did you let it rain and wash off all my hard work?'
      To which God thundered his reply, 'Repaint! Repaint! And thin no more!'

HUMOR: Message from God

Not mine.  From here.

  Inspirational speaker Dr. Wayne Dyer still remembers the card his kids gave him for his 64th birthday. The front said, "Inside is a message from God."
      Pleased they finally appreciated his work, he opened it to read, "See you soon!"

WEEKLY COMIC: Opposites

THE KICKOFF IS TONIGHT!

Please make every effort to attend, and if you won't be able to come but want to quiz you must touch base with the coaches by e-mail, phone, or in person ASAP.  We're looking forward to seeing everyone!

REPRINT: How does a Quiz Work?

This post is re-printed here so that you can share it with any friends or family members who are curious about what Bible Quizzing is, in advance of the kickoff.

How does a Quiz Work?

The Basics

A Bible Quiz always works the same way:

• There are 20 questions in a quiz
• Quizzers "jump" to answer a question
• You have 30 seconds to answer a question (with certain exceptions)
• A correct answer is worth 20 points
• A wrong answer is deducts 10 points, plus the other team gets a bonus question to answer worth 10 points
• There are ways to earn extra points by
• Getting 5 questions right and none wrong (+10)
• Having 4 quizzers on your team get at least one question right (+10)
• Having 5 quizzers on your team get at least one question right (+10)
• At the end, the team with the higher score wins.  (If there is a tie, we go into a 5 question overtime session.)

"Jump"

Every quizzer sits on a chair during the quiz with a pad on the seat.  The pad contains two switches which are depressed when the quizzer puts pressure on it.  When a quizzer relieves the pressure - by standing up, moving their leg, etc. - they have "jumped" and an electrical current goes thru the pad to a box seen by the quizmaster.  The first quizzer to jump - and only the first - shows up as a light on the quizmaster's board.  Once that light is seen, the quizmaster will call on the appropriate quizzer

Kinds of Questions

• Regular Question:

Q:  In my first book, WHO?
A:  O Theophilus   [Acts 1:1]

• Multi-Part Question: 

Q:  2 Part:  I dealt with all that Jesus WHAT?
A:  Began to do and teach    [Acts 1:1]

• Reference Question:

Q:  According to Acts 1:20, For it is written, WHAT?
A:  in the Book of Psalms, “‘May his camp become desolate,
    and let there be no one to dwell in it’; and “‘Let another take his office.’

• Situation Question:

Q:  WHO SAID IT? "Look at us,"
A:  Peter directed his gaze at him, as did John   [Acts 3:4]

• Finish-the-Verse Question:

Q:  He said to them… 
A:  … “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority..  [Acts 1:7]

KICKOFF: T minus 2 days!

If you have any friends or family members who want to join Quiz Team this year, please have them attend the kickoff on Thursday at 6:30 PM.  Remember, we need two more quizzers for this year!

REMINDER: Kickoff is THIS THURSDAY

The Bible Quizzing kickoff is this Thursday, September 3 at 6:30 PM in the Youth Room.  Remember, we need two more teens to have a viable team, so please be spreading the word to your friends!

REPRINT: Why Should I Quiz?

This post is re-printed here so that you can share it with any friends or family members who are curious about what Bible Quizzing is, in advance of the kickoff.

Why Should I Quiz?

The Tagline

We like to break down the appeal of Bible Quizzing into a simple tagline:  Learn God's Word, Make New Friends, Compete

Learn God's Word

Ultimately, Bible Quizzing is all about learning the Bible - God's own words to humanity.  As a quizzer, you won't learn a few quaint Bible stories, some watered-down theology, or a couple of hand-selected memory verses.  You will learn whole books of the Bible!  You'll learn to commit scripture to heart and mind, to read critically, and to understand the original meaning of the text.

We like to tell the story of a couple of past quizzers who applied to be missionaries.  They were in a group with seminarians, pastors, and Bible school graduates, and went through a rigorous test to check their knowledge of the Bible.  They got the top two scores in the entire group, outdoing men and women with MDivs and PhDs, and they realized it was all due to Bible Quizzing.

Make New Friends

There are not many ministries these days that reach out beyond the four walls of your own church or the small group of teens who make up your Youth Group.  But in Bible Quizzing, we compete against teens from other churches from our District (the northeastern USA) and some years from all over the country.  It is a chance to meet people from all over who share your love of Jesus, and form friendships that last a lifetime.

A number of past quizzers met their college roommate, their spouse-to-be, or their best friend in Bible Quizzing.

Compete

Let's be clear - Bible Quizzing is fun!  It's a sport where you test your mind and your heart as you compete with other teens to see who knows the most, who remembers the most, and who is the quickest to remember the material.  Like any sport, not every competitor is the same.  Some are amazing at memorization - it is not uncommon to find quizzers able to recite whole chapters or books of the Bible.  Some are amazing at recognizing key words or phrases - this was my specialty.  Still others are gifted at quick jumping and lightning-fast recall.  And some teens aren't great at memory, but are gifted in bringing the team together and encouraging others.  Whatever your gift, be sure we can use you.  And be sure you will have fun!

A Few Other Things

• Some Home Schoolers find Bible Quizzing a perfect fit for their curriculum.
• Some teens find the Bible Quiz Team to be a safe place to ease their way into the social side of the church.  As a smaller and supportive group with a focussed purpose, it is unintimidating.
• Some colleges offer Bible Quizzing scholarships.  If you're looking at a Christian college, be sure to inquire!

REPRINT: What is Bible Quizzing?

This post is re-printed here so that you can share it with any friends or family members who are curious about what Bible Quizzing is, in advance of the kickoff.

What is Bible Quizzing?

Summary

Bible Quizzing is a ministry of the Evangelical Free Church which brings together teens to study books of the Bible in-depth over the course of a school year.  We focus on learning the text - as well as getting information from the coaches on the context and meaning of the text - and compete with each other to demonstrate our knowledge.  Periodically - about once a month - we get together for a Quiz Meet with other churches in our District for a competition, and about twice a year we meet for a full-blown formal Quiz Meet, complete with trophies.

What is the Goal of Bible Quizzing?

Our focus and goal for the Bible Quizzing ministry is to store up the Bible in the hearts of willing teens.  The competition is a fun, but is just a means to the end of learning scripture.

How much is covered?

We go through a different section of scripture every year, covering anywhere from 1 long book of the Bible to five short books.  Over the course of a cycle, we cover gospels, history, and letters from the New Testament.

For next year, we are studying the books of Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon - about 19 chapters.

If you go through all the possible years of quizzing, you will have learned 16 books of the Bible!

What would MY commitment be?

We have one practice a week, approximately 1 quiz meet a month, and once or twice a year we will do an overnight for one of those Quiz Meets.  We met from September to May.  There is no required cost.

How do I get more information?

1.  Read thru this website.  The sidebar especially has lots of useful information.
2.  Talk to teens currently in the Bible Quizzing ministry.
3.  Talk to the coaches.  You can e-mail us via the link in the sidebar.
4.   Keep coming back to this website.  It will be updated every day with new information.

GETTING READY: Health & Event Forms

Remember, if you want to come along on any Bible Quiz Team trips, we need a filled out Health Form & Event Form on file.  (The same form can be used for all youth group activities.)  You can download the forms here, print them out, fill them out, and bring them to the Kickoff or you can get paper copies there.

GETTING READY: Bible Quiz Team Intro 2015-2016

Do you have a friend who is interested in Bible Quizzing?  This Introduction may be a useful resource in giving them a taste of what the ministry is about and how it functions.  Please pass it along to ANYONE you think may be a prospect.

GETTING READY: FTV list is ready!

The list of Finish the Verse questions for 2015-2016 is ready!  These books are full of useful knowledge and advice for living.  Click on the image below, here, or on the sidebar to see the list.

GETTING READY: Reference list is ready!

The list of Reference Questions for 2015-2016 is ready!  Click here, on the image below, or on the link in the sidebar for the whole list.

GETTING READY: Study Schedule 2015-2016

The study schedule for this year is now online and ready for your perusal.  We have fewer chapters than past years, so we have more review weeks than normal.  But this will give our schedule more flexibility for snow days, as well.  Click on the image below or the link in the sidebar to download a copy for yourself!

HUMOR: From the mouths of babes...

Not mine.  From here.

  A teacher was testing the children in her Sunday school class to see if they understood the concept of getting to heaven.
      She asked them, "If I sold my house and my car, had a big garage sale and gave all my money to the church, would that get me into Heaven?"
      "NO!" the children answered.
      "If I cleaned the church every day, mowed the yard, and kept everything neat and tidy, would that get me into Heaven?"
      Again, the answer was, "NO!"
      Now she was smiling. Hey, they're getting it, she thought! "Well, then, if I was kind to animals and gave candy to all the children, and loved my husband, would that get me into Heaven?" she asked.
      Again, they all answered, "NO!"
      She was just bursting with pride for them. "Well," she continued, "then how can I get into Heaven?"
      A five-year-old boy shouted out, "YOU GOTTA BE DEAD."

PHOTOS OF THE WEEK: Video Game Night & Quiz Team Promo

Coach Mark's photos of the Monroe Video Game Night (complete with Quiz Team promo from Coach Matt) are up and ready for your enjoyment.   Click on the image below for the whole set!

WEEKLY COMIC: We need to get this for Pastor Greg

MUSICAL INTERLUDE: Shout Your Name

DID YOU KNOW: Where did all the languages at Pentecost come from?

At the day of Pentecost, there surely were a lot of peoples represented...

And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language? Parthians and Medes and Elamites and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians—we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God.” (Acts 2:8-11)

...so where did they all come from, geographically?  This handy-dandy map may help you to place them all.

PHOTO OF THE WEEK: Pleasure Reading

GETTING READY: Kickoff Date Announcement!

The Bible Quiz Team season will begin with a kickoff meeting on Thursday, September 3 at 6:00 PM (before Reverb).  Come on out to learn more about the year and sign up!

PHOTO OF THE WEEK: Candlelight Service

HUMOR: Just asking

Not mine.  From here.

Atheist: "Do you honestly believe that Jonah spent three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish?"
Preacher: "I don't know, sir, but when I get to heaven, I'll ask him."
Atheist: "But suppose he isn't in heaven?"
Preacher: "Then you ask him."

WEEKLY COMIC: How Literal Are You?

MUSICAL INTERLUDE: Jesus, Your Love

GETTING READY: Video Game Night!

On Thursday, August 20 from 7 to 9 PM, the Beacon Hill Church youth group (REVERB) is having a special Video Game Night where they are bringing in a video game truck and setting up game consoles around the church.  This will be an outreach to area teens with an emphasis on recruiting for the coming year.

The Bible Quiz Team will be presenting at the event!

All quizzer are welcome to come on out and help us talk up Bible Quizzing.  If you do come, please bring a bag of chips, cookies, or a bottle of soda to share.

GETTING READY: Studying the Books of GEPCP

For the 2015-2016 season, we'll be studying not one book but rather a series of books all written by the apostle Paul.  Together they span many years of Paul's life and are written to a series of different peoples in different places in different contexts.

• Galatians:  Written to the Christians in Galatia, a Roman province that included Antioch, Iconium, Lystra and Derbe (all familiar names from the Book of Acts!)  The book is primarily written in response to Jewish Christians who were trying to force Gentile Christians to convert to full-blown Judaism.  It is a powerful defense of salvation by faith alone.
• Ephesians:  Written to the Christians in Ephesus, a Roman colony in what today is Turkey.  Ephesians is a great treatise on God's intentions for the Church, and His plan to fulfill those intentions in us.  It is especially famous for teaching on Spiritual Gifts and Spirtual Warfare.
• Philippians:  Written to the Christians in Philippi, a Roman colony made up of almost entirely gentiles.  The book is primarily written to remind proud citizens of Rome that they are also citizens of a greater empire in the Kingdom of God.  It is one of Paul's happiest letters, as the Philippians were especially active in supporting Paul's ministry.
• Colossians:   Written to the Christians in Colosse, who were converts of Epaphras and not Paul himself.  It was written to address a gnostic heresy that had crept into the church there which tried to mix elements of Greek thought and "secret practices" into Christianity.  It is very focussed on the supremacy of Christ over all things.
• Philemon:  Written to a single Christian - Philemon - who was a citizen of Colosse and owner of a slave named Onesimus.  Onesimus had fled his master to find freedom, and had converted to Christianity through Paul.  The letter is sent to convince Philemon not to punish Onesimus (typical punishment was death) and to welcome him back as a brother.

These books present a wide diversity of Paul's thought and teaching about the gospel of Christ.  Look towards this as an opportunity to see into the mind and heart of one of the greatest teacher of the Faith.

DID YOU KNOW: Why did we switch to ESV?

"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.

Why did Bible Quizzing switch from the NIV to the ESV as the translation we study?

Since the 1980's, EFCA Bible Quizzing used the New International Version (NIV) for all of our competitions.  It was chosen because of the quality of its scholarship, its readability, and its accuracy.  A few years back, EFCA Bible Quizzing switched to the English Standard Version (ESV).

In 2011, Biblicia - the organization that owns the rights to the NIV - released a new revision to the translation.  Their intention was to update the translation with the newest scholarship, and to reflect changes in the English language since 1984.  Their revisions were significant (see here for a full listing) and especially focussed on introducing gender-neutral language to many scriptures where the existing gender-interpretation could be seen to change the meaning of the text.  After much debate, many Evangelical churches, leaders, and denominations decided they could not endorse the 2011 version.  Biblicia, at the same time, forbid anyone to continue publishing the previous 1984 version.  So, Bible Quizzing needed to decide whether to move to the (controversial) NIV 2011 or consider moving to another translation.

At the same time, a new version - based on the venerable Revised Standard Version (RSV) was released in 2011, called the English Standard Version.  It was widely praised for the quality of its scholarship, its readability, and its accuracy.  (Sound familiar?)  And it was released with liberal electronic licensing (free versions online, free versions on eBooks, and free apps) that would be valuable for study and quizzing.

So, the leadership of EFCA Bible Quizzing decided it was time for a change and announced that we would be moving to the ESV for the 2013-2014 season.

So which translation is really "better"?

The Bible was originally written in Hebrew and Aramaic (Old Testament) and Greek (New Testament).  Anytime you see it in English, it is a translation and decisions must be made.  The best translations balance precision with readability, so that the meaning of the original language comes through without sounding like a foreign language.

The NIV 2011 takes a number of liberties with the text which are controversial.  But it does address some real problems with the original NIV, and is very natural and readable.

The ESV is much more precise, verging on a literal reading of the text.  But that means the language contains a larger vocabulary, sometimes is a bit wooden, and can be harder to read.

Should I be worried about the change?

No.  The ESV is an excellent translation.  Your first day reading it, things may seem a bit strange.  But you will quickly get used to the language.  And the language is a bit more poetic, so you may even find it easier to memorize the FTVs!

PHOTO OF THE WEEK: Origami Ark

HUMOR: Be careful what you pray for!

Not mine.  From here.

  A country preacher decided to skip services one Sunday to spend the day hiking in the wilderness. Rounding a sharp bend in the trail, he collided with a bear and was sent tumbling down a steep grade. He landed on a rock and broke both legs.
      With the ferocious bear charging at him from a distance, the preacher prayed, "O Lord, I'm so sorry for skipping services today. Please forgive me and grant me just one wish—make a Christian out of that bear that's coming at me!"
      At that very instant, the bear skidded to a halt, fell to his knees, clasped his paws together, and began to pray aloud at the preacher's feet: "Dear God, please bless this food I am about to receive."

WEEKLY COMIC: Virtual Church

MUSICAL INTERLUDE: Already Done

PHOTO OF THE WEEK: Robot Copies Bible

VERSE OF THE WEEK: Hebrews 2:18

For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. - Hebrews 2:18 (ESV) http://biblehub.com/hebrews/2-18.htm

DID YOU KNOW: The Feast of the Transfiguration

"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.

I heard Thursday is the "Feast of the Transfiguration".  What is that?

More liturgical Christian traditions than ours put events onto the calendar to remember both heroes of the faith and the major events of Jesus's life.  The "Feast of the Transfiguration" on August 6 (for most denominations, not all) is set aside to remember the events of the transfiguration recorded in the synoptic gospels.

Now about eight days after these sayings he took with him Peter and John and James and went up on the mountain to pray. And as he was praying, the appearance of his face was altered, and his clothing became dazzling white. And behold, two men were talking with him, Moses and Elijah, who appeared in glory and spoke of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. Now Peter and those who were with him were heavy with sleep, but when they became fully awake they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him.  And as the men were parting from him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good that we are here. Let us make three tents, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah”—not knowing what he said.  As he was saying these things, a cloud came and overshadowed them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud. And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is my Son, my Chosen One; listen to him!” And when the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and told no one in those days anything of what they had seen.Luke 9:28-36 ESV

This feast is unusual in not focussing on a single character (in this case Jesus), but is seen as a time to reflect on the mystery of the Trinity where God is one being in three persons.  God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit are all worshipped, celebrated, and remembered in this feast.

JUST FUN: Men of the Bible

It's a vacation time of year, so why not have some fun?  This series will put up something fun (and Bible related) every week for you to enjoy!

This week is a version of Hangman on "Men of the Bible".  Click here or on the image below.

HUMOR: Denominations

Not mine.  From here.

  An old dollar bill and an even older $20 arrive at a Federal Reserve Bank to be retired.
      "I've had a pretty good life," the $20 says. "I've been to Vegas, the finest restaurants in New York, and even on a Caribbean cruise."
      "You did have an exciting life!" the dollar says.
      "Where have you been?" the $20 asks.
      "Oh, I've been to the Methodist church, the Baptist church, spent some time with the Lutherans..."
      "Wait," the $20 interrupts. "What's a church?"

WEEKLY COMIC: On the Go!

MUSICAL INTERLUDE: In the Presence of Angels

PHOTO OF THE WEEK: Well-Worn Bible

VERSE OF THE WEEK: Matthew 11:28

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. - Matthew 11:28 (ESV) http://biblehub.com/matthew/11-28.htm

DID YOU KNOW: Does the New Testament refer to the Old Testament?

"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.

Does the New Testament refer to the Old Testament?

Some Christians tend to focus only on the New Testament when studying the Bible, but the whole Bible is the Word of God.  And the New Testament makes references to the Old Testament all the time.  As a matter of fact, Jesus knew the Old Testament by heart, and quoted from it often.

The most commonly quoted books of the Old Testament in the New Testament are:

1. Isaiah: referred to 419 times in twenty-three New Testament books.2. Psalms: referred to 414 times in twenty-three New Testament books.3. Genesis: referred to 260 times in twenty-one New Testament books. 4. Exodus: referred to 250 times in nineteen New Testament books. 5. Deuteronomy: referred to 208 times in twenty-one New Testament books. 6. Ezekiel: referred to 141 times in fifteen New Testament books. 7. Daniel: referred to 133 times in seventeen New Testament books. 8. Jeremiah: referred to 125 times in seventeen New Testament books. 9. Leviticus: referred to 107 times in fifteen New Testament books. 10. Numbers: referred to 73 times in four New Testament books.

JUST FUN: Who wants to be a (Bible) Millionaire?

It's a vacation time of year, so why not have some fun?  This series will put up something fun (and Bible related) every week for you to enjoy!

This week is a Bible-themed version of "Who wants to be a Millionaire?"  Click here or on the image below.

HUMOR: Little Ones

Not mine.  From here.

  A father was reading Bible stories to his young son. He read, "The man named Lot was warned to take his wife and flee out of the city, but his wife looked back and was turned into a pillar of salt."
      His son asked, "What happened to the flea?"

WEEKLY COMIC: Pun-tastic!

MUSICAL INTERLUDE: Unbroken Praise

DID YOU KNOW: The Feast of Mary Magdalene

"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.

I heard July 22 is the "Feast of Mary Magdalene".  What is that?

Unlike our tradition, Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and Lutheran churches celebrate feasts for the great heroes of the Faith (whom they call "Saints").  The Feast on July 22 commemorates Mary Magdalene, the sister of Martha and Lazarus.  She is the most commonly mentioned woman in the New Testament, and was at both Christ's crucifixion and resurrection.

VERSE OF THE WEEK: Proverbs 18:10

The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe - Proverbs 18:10 (ESV) http://biblehub.com/proverbs/18-10.htm

DID YOU KNOW: Were there ever any misprints in Bible editions?

"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.

Skeptics are often looking for errors in the Bible.  Were there ever any documented misprints in Bible editions?

The Holy Bible, as written, is inerrant and inspired by the Holy Spirit.  But various editions printed by humans - copied from the originals or copied from copies - have had errors over the years.  But, as you'd expect, these errors were quickly discovered and resolved.  This article covers some famous misprints.

The "Placemakers" Bible The second edition of the Geneva Bible, published in 1562 has been given the name the "Placemakers" Bible because it printed: "Blessed are the placemakers" instead of "peacemakers" in Matthew 5:9.The "Wicked" Bible In a 1631 edition of the King James Bible, in Exodus 20 verse 14, the word "not" was left out. This changed the 7th commandment to read, "Thou shalt commit adultery." Most of the copies were recalled immediately and destroyed on the orders of Charles I. But there are 11 copies still remaining. They are known as the "Wicked" Bible. The Bible museum in Branson, Missouri, has one copy of the "Wicked Bible". Fortunately for this interesting Bible fact the printer was fined heavily for his mistake.
The "Sin On" Bible In the 1716 King James Version John 8:11 should read: "Go, and sin no more." However, the printer accidentally inverted the "n" and the "o" in the word "on," so it read, "Go and sin on more."
The "Fool" Bible The printer of the 1763 KJV was ordered to pay £3,000 for his inadvertent printer's error which he made in Psalm 14:1. There he printed: "the fool hath said in his heart there is a God," instead of: "the fool hath said in his heart there is no God." As soon as this error was spotted all copies of this Bible were suppressed.

JUST FUN: Names of God

It's a vacation time of year, so why not have some fun?  This series will put up something fun (and Bible related) every week for you to enjoy!

This week is a word search on the Hebrew names of God.  Click here or on the image below.

HUMOR: Sibling Rivalry

Not mine.  From here.

  After explaining the commandment to honor your father and mother, a Sunday School teacher asked her class if there was a commandment that teaches us how to treat our brothers and sisters.
      One boy, the oldest in his family, immediately answered, "Thou shalt not kill."

WEEKLY COMIC: Let it go!

MUSICAL INTERLUDE: King of My Heart

PHOTO OF THE WEEK: Bible in the Center

VERSE OF THE WEEK: Psalm 34:8

Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him! - Psalm 34:8 (ESV)  http://biblehub.com/psalms/34-8.htm

DID YOU KNOW: Where was the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament?

"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.

Where was the Holy Spirit in the times of the Old Testament?

We previously discussed where Jesus was before the New Testament, but it is even more logical to ask that question about the Holy Spirit.  Jesus and the Apostles are very clear that the Holy Spirit is God and is part of the Trinity (along with the Father and Jesus, the Son).  If that is the case, why did it take until the New Testament to learn about Him?

But it turns out that - like Jesus - the Holy Spirit is all over the Old Testament, once you know what to look for.  The first mention is Genesis 1:2.

The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.  (Genesis 1:2 ESV)

And it pops up again just a few chapters later in Genesis 6:1-3.

When man began to multiply on the face of the land and daughters were born to them, the sons of God saw that the daughters of man were attractive. And they took as their wives any they chose. Then the Lord said, “My Spirit shall not abide in[a] man forever, for he is flesh: his days shall be 120 years.” (Genesis 6:1-3 ESV)

The "Spirit of God" or "God's Spirit" or "My Spirit" appears all over the Old Testament.  The last reference is in Malachi 2:15.

Did he not make them one, with a portion of the Spirit in their union? And what was the one God seeking? Godly offspring. So guard yourselves in your spirit, and let none of you be faithless to the wife of your youth. (Malachi 2:15 ESV)

So, if the Holy Spirit appeared all over the Old Testament, what the special significance of Pentecost?  Before this event, the Holy Spirit would endwell or empower just one person at a time.  For instance, it came upon King Saul when he was anointed king of Israel by Samuel, but then left him and eventually came upon King David when he was anointed king.  After Pentecost, anyone who became a Christian received the Holy Spirit, and could be empowered by Him.

God is the same yesterday, today, and forever.  Anytime you think the Old Testament and the new Testament might be in conflict, check again!

JUST FUN: David vs Goliath

It's a vacation time of year, so why not have some fun?  This series will put up something fun (and Bible related) every week for you to enjoy!

This week is a self-quiz on David vs Goliath.  Click here or on the image below.

HUMOR: Aces High

Not mine.  From here. 

Another Sunday School teacher said to her children, "We have been learning about how powerful the kings and queens were in Biblical times. But there is a higher power. Who can tell me what it is?" Tommy blurted out, "I know, Aces."

WEEKLY COMIC: Long week!

MUSICAL INTERLUDE: Have Everything

PHOTO OF THE WEEK: Ring on Bible

VERSE OF THE WEEK: Psalm 119:165

VERSE OF THE WEEK: Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble. - Psalm 119:165 http://biblehub.com/psalms/119-165.htm

DID YOU KNOW: *More* Biblical Stats

"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.

What are some MORE interesting statistics about the Bible?

People seemed to enjoy the first list of interesting stats about the Bible, so here's a follow-up with even more statistics for your ledger.

• Number of books in the Bible: 66 
• Chapters: 1,189 
• Verses: 31,101 
• Words: 783,137 
• Letters: 3,566,480 
• Number of promises given in the Bible: 1,260 
• Commands: 6,468 
• Predictions: over 8,000 
• Fulfilled prophecy: 3,268 verses
• Number of times the word "God" appears: 3,358 
• Number of times the word "Lord" appears: 7,736 
• Number of languages the Bible has been translated into: over 1,200

HUMOR: Not quite the Trinity

Not mine.  From here.

Several children found a dead robin. Feeling that a proper burial should be performed, they secured a small box and some cotton batting, dug a hole in the back yard, and made ready to dispose of the deceased. The minister's 5-year-old son was chosen to say the prayer. And so with great dignity, he intoned, "Glory be to the Father...and unto the Son...and into the hole he goes."

Happy Independence Day!

Thank you, Lord, for a country where we can freely practice our religion and follow you.... even with Bible Quizzing!

WEEKLY COMIC: It's "Magic"!

MUSICAL INTERLUDE: Cast My Cares

PHOTOS OF THE WEEK: Districts 2015 Quiz Meet

VERSE OF THE WEEK: Colossians 4:5-6

Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. - Colossians 4:5-6 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Colossians+4%3A5-6&version=NIV

DID YOU KNOW: Where was Jesus before the New Testament?

"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.

Where was Jesus before he was born in 1 B.C.?

The Bible is very clear about the identity of Jesus Christ:

1. He is the Son of God
2. He is God (part of the Trinity)
3. He was involved in the creation of the world

So, if Jesus is God and God is eternal (always existing), then where was Jesus before the New Testament begins?  This is a question that has sent Christians from the earliest times searching the Old Testament.

First, nowhere in the Old Testament is there a character known as "Jesus" who is obviously the same person.  ("Jesus" is the same name as Joshua, but the Joshua we know from Moses time is NOT the son of God.)  This is one reason why the Jews of his own time were perplexed when he appeared.  Many had come claiming to be the Messiah, so until there was proof he was just one more potential charlatan.

Second, there is evidence that the Trinity has been there from the beginning.  In Genesis, God refers to Himself as "we" and "us" repeatedly during creation.  (Of course, this is not proof, merely evidence.  The story of Creation is poetry, which allows some linguistic freedom, and there are cases of human kings referring to themselves as "we" and "us", as well.)

Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” - Genesis 1:26

Third, there is a character int he Old Testament who shows up again and again, who is always doing God's work, and who appears to have great power.  He is called "the Angel of the Lord" and is always associated with an appearance of God Himself.

• Genesis 16:7–12:  The Angel of the Lord saves Hagar
• Genesis 21:17-18:  The Angel of the Lord saved Hagar and Ishmael
• Genesis 22:11-18:  The Angel of the Lord stays Abraham's hand from sacrificing Isaac
• Exodus 3:2:  The Angel of the Lord speaks to Moses from the burning bush
• Judges 13:3-22:  The Angel of the Lord promises Samson
• Zechariah 3:1:  The Angel of the Lord opposes Satan before God

...and there are many more appearances.  Did you notice a common theme in all of these cases?  The Angel of the Lord is a savior.  He speaks for God and he opposes Satan.  This is almost exactly the way Jesus presented himself in the New Testament.  

It is likely that this Angel of the Lord is in fact Jesus before his birth to Mary.

BIBLE NEWS: First Bible Printed in England to be Auctioned

The Bible was first written down thousands of years ago.  But the last few centuries have seen it translated into many different languages.  A landmark was the Tyndale Bible printed in English in England in 1526.  A copy of this historic run is being auctioned off and is expected to bring £35,000 (about $39,000).

Tyndale’s Bible was taken to be a direct challenge to the hegemony of the Roman Catholic church and English laws to maintain the church’s position. After being arrested in Antwerp, Tyndale was executed as a heretic in 1536 and copies of the book discovered in Britain were burnt.Henry VIII eventually ordered four English translations of the Bible to be published in England, less than four years after Tyndale’s death by strangulation.

HUMOR: Always be ready!

Not mine.  From here.

It was Palm Sunday but because of a sore throat, 5-year-old Johnny stayed home from church with a sitter. When the family returned home, they were carrying several palm fronds. Johnny asked them what they were for.
      "People held them over Jesus' head as he walked by," his father told him.
      "Wouldn't you know it," Johnny fumed, "the one Sunday I don't go and he shows up."

WEEKLY COMIC: Reflexes are not always right

MUSICAL INTERLUDE: Prayer

PHOTO OF THE WEEK: A Different Kind of "Bible Quiz"

VERSE OF THE WEEK: Romans 12:15

Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Romans 12:15 (ESV)

DID YOU KNOW: Some Biblical Stats

"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.

What are some interesting statistics about the Bible?

The Bible is a long book (or rather collection of books) and has been around for a long time, so scholars have had plenty of time to crunch the numbers.

• About 50 Bibles are sold every minute.
• There are 66 books in the Bible, 39 in the Old Testament and 27 in the New Testament.
• The 66 books of the Bible is divided into 1,189 chapters consisting of 31,173 verses. 
• The Old Testament has 929 chapters, the New Testament 260.
• The longest line in the Bible is Esther 8:9 - 89 words, 425 letters. 
• The longest word in the Bible is Maher-shalal-hash-baz: Isaiah 8:1.
• The shortest verse in the NIV Bible is John 11:35: "Jesus wept."
• The longest book chapter in the Bible is Psalm 119, the shortest is Psalm 117.
• There are 594 chapters before Psalm 118 and 594 chapters after it. 
• Psalm 118 verse 8 is in the center of the Bible: "It is better to trust in the Lord than put confidence in man."
• Obadiah, with 21 verses consisting of 602 words, is the shortest book in the Old Testament, and the third shortest in the Bible.
• II John has the fewest number of verses of any book in the Bible - it is the shortest book in the Bible.
• III John has the fewest number of words of any book in the Bible.
• Job is the oldest book written in the Bible - it was written by an unknown Israelite around 1500 BC.

Happy Fathers Day!

We wish a VERY happy to day to all the fathers in Bible Quizzing.  We greatly appreciate all you for your kids and our ministry.  We know without you, all of our lives would be far harder and scarier.

HUMOR: Brothers & Sisters

Not mine.  From here.

After explaining the commandment to honor your father and mother, a Sunday School teacher asked her class if there was a commandment that teaches us how to treat our brothers and sisters.
      One boy, the oldest in his family, immediately answered, "Thou shalt not kill."

WEEKLY COMIC: No need to squint