The Bible on the "Head of a Pin"

It is amazing how many languages the Bible has been translated into (and thanks to Wycliffe Bible Translaters, there will be many more, soon), but have you every wondered how many different kinds of things the Bible has been transcribed onto? Well, now scientists have managed to write the entire Old Testament onto something smaller than a grain of rice!

The nanotechnology experts at the Technion institute in Haifa say the text measures less than 0.5 square millimeter (0.01 square inch) surface. They chose the Jewish Bible to highlight how vast quantities of information can be stored in minimum amounts of space.

"It took us about an hour to etch the 300,000 words of the Bible onto a tiny silicon surface," Ohad Zohar, the university's scientific adviser for educational programs, told the Associated Press.

The work was done as a proof of concept for how much information can now be captured in small spaces. So don't expect next year's scripture portion to be that small.

Interesting Study on the "Armor of God"

Were you intrigued by Ephesians 6's discussion about the Armor of God? Why not click on over to this study of the Armor of God and related verses elsewhere in scripture. It shows where the concepts originated and how they were fleshed out over time.

#The Sword of The Spirit - The Word of God

Isa 49:2 (NAS) He has made My mouth like a sharp sword, In the shadow of His hand He has concealed Me; And He has also made Me a select arrow, He has hidden Me in His quiver.

# Matthew Henry: "To the Christian armed for defense in battle, the apostle recommends only one weapon of attack; but it is enough, the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. It subdues and mortifies evil desires and blasphemous thoughts as they rise within; and answers unbelief and error as they assault from without. A single text, well understood, and rightly applied, at once destroys a temptation or an objection, and subdues the most formidable adversary."

Heb 4:12-13 (NKJ) For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.

2 Cor 6:7 (NIV) ...in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left...

Ps 149:4-6 (NIV) For the Lord takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with salvation. Let the saints rejoice in this honour and sing for joy on their beds. May the praise of God be in their mouths and a double-edged sword in their hands.

Reference Questions for Ephesians 6

Q: According to Ephesians 6:1, what is right?
A: Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.
R: Ephesians 6:1 (C/R Phil 1:7)

Q: According to Ephesians 6:1, obey you parents why?
A: For this is right.
R: Ephesians 6:1 (C/R Col 3:20)

Q: According to Ephesians 6:2, honor whom?
A: "Honor your father and mother"--which is the first commandment with a promise
R: Ephesians 6:2 (C/R Phil 2:29)

Q: According to Ephesians 6:4, fathers, do not what?
A: Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.
R: Ephesians 6:4 (C/R Col 3:21)

Q: According to Ephesians 6:5, slaves, obey your earthly masters how?
A: With respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ.
R: Ephesians 6:5 (C/R Col 3:22)

Q: According to Ephesians 6:7, serve how?
A: Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men
R: Ephesians 6:7 (C/R Gal 5:13)

Q: According to Ephesians 6:8, you know what?
A: That the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free.
R: Ephesians 6:8 (C/R see Gal 4:13)

Q: According to Ephesians 6:9, masters, do what?
A: Treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him. (the same way -- you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free)
R: Ephesians 6:9 (C/R Col 4:1)


Q: According to Ephesians 6:9, you know what?
A: That he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him.
R: Ephesians 6:9 (C/R see Gal 4:13)

Q: According to Ephesians 6:10, be what?
A: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power
R: Ephesians 6:10 (C/R see Eph 4:2)

Q: According to Ephesians 6:11, why put on the full armor of God?
A: So that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes
R: Ephesians 6:11 (C/R Eph 6:13)

Q: According to Ephesians 6:13,why put on the full armor of God?
A: So that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
R: Ephesians 6:13 (C/R Eph 6:11)

Q: According to Ephesians 6:14-15, stand firm how?
A: With the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.
R: Ephesians 6:14-15 (C/R see Gal 5:1)

Q: According to Ephesians 6:17, take what?
A: The helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
R: Ephesians 6:17 (C/R Phil 3:17)

Q: According to Ephesians 6:20, pray that I may what?
A: Declare it fearlessly, as I should. (it - the gospel)
R: Ephesians 6:20 (C/R Col 4:4)

Q: According to Ephesians 6:24, grace to whom?
A: All who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love
R: Ephesians 6:24 (C/R Phlm 3)

Where creativity began

WEEK 17: Study Ephesians 6

This week (December 27 thru January 2), please study Ephesians 6.

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

If you want to listen to the chapter online, click here. (Uses the free RealPlayer.)

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

Study Tip: The holidays can be a crazy time, and the after-Christmas week can often leave one trapped in lines trying to return gifts that didn't fit. Remember, every line is a chance to study. Keep your scripture portion in your back pocket or purse, and keep your MP3 player loaded up with the Bible! The next time boredom strikes, bring out Ephesians and start committing it to memory.

REMINDER: NO PRACTICE TONIGHT

We resume bible quizzing practices one week from today.

Christmas Choir Photos

Coach Matt grabbed a number of photos from the 2007 Choir Concert. Click on the image below for the full set.

or for photos from Christmas Eve's Candlelight Service click here.

Merry Christmas to Every Quizzer, Coach, and Everyone Else!

Scoreboard

Quizzers	Practice	Totals
Knows	370	3390
Fishy	340	3605
Super K	340	3470
Bronx Boy	310	1305
Hopper/Thomas	310	4475
Chit-Chat	280	4320
Lisa	260	3355
Special J	260	2815
Darth Nader	210	2280
Shuffles	180	1020
Ben-Jammin'	140	1415
Ben C	120	400
Lionel	110	505
Pinky	110	875
Wes	90	405
Kcrad	90	865
Nicole	80	440
Surely	80	220
Dani	80	765
Brain	-20	1170

Quiz Team Jersey Prototype

Here is the design for the Quiz Team Jersey we discussed on Wednesday. As we said, it would be more costly than past years - about $30 - but it would also be unique. Take a look and let us know what you think. We can also get the same design as a hoodie or t-shirt for about $20 and $10 respectively.


Come to practice on Wednesday with your opinion, or e-mail the coaches today. No decisions have been made as of yet, and we want to know what each quizzer thinks.

The Coaches' Christmas Secret

Ever wonder what the coaches do when the Quizzers go home after a winter Quiz Meet? Well, this time our staff videographer got the whole thing on video! Click on the image below to see.

(Thanks to Wes for pulling this all together.)

Another view on the nativity

WEEK 16: Review Ephesians 1-3

This week (December 20 thru December 26), please review, Ephesians 1-3.

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

If you want to listen to the chapters online, click here. (Uses the free RealPlayer.)

If you would like to review the reference questions from Ephesians, click here. (Thanks to the EFCA.)

If you would like to review the keywords, click here (Uses free barefootministries.com)

Please rememner, there is NO practice next Wednesday!

Study Tip: Do you find yourself knowing all the material, but unable to beat faster quizzers to the jump? Here, more studying is not exactly the answer. Instead, confidence is the name of the game! Once you know the material, it is time to make yourself BELIEVE you know the material. Try practicing with a friend or a family member. Have them read off the questions. Instead of jumping when you recognize the question, listen carefully and count the words spoken. When the third word is out of their mouth, JUMP! You'll find, if you know the books well, this is usually enough to know where you are and get the question. After a while, you'll have the confidence to jump before you know the question, because you'll know by the time a few seconds is gone, you WILL KNOW.

The Schedule for the Remainder of 2007

Tonight, we do have quiz practice. Normal bat-time, and bat-channel. We're reviewing Galatians.

But, next Wednesdays, there is no practice so that you can celebrate Christmas and the New Year with your families. During this time, please be reviewing the chapters we have studied thus far, so that you do not lose any of the expertise you have built up over the last few months.

And remember, working Quiz Questions into Trivial Pursuit or other quiz-question-type games is a GREAT way to review!

Scoreboard

Quizzers	Practice	Quiz Meet	Totals
Hopper/Thomas	250	270	4165
Chit-Chat	140	220	4040
Super K	330	210	3130
Lisa	280	250	3095
Knows	290	280	3020
Ben-Jammin'	60	OUT	1275
Brain	100	10	1190
Bronx Boy	90	130	995
Shuffles	70	20	840
Pinky	0	OUT	765
Dani	30	30	685
Lionel	10	0	395
Nicole	OUT	-10	360
Wes	10	10	315
Ben C	40	OUT	280
Surely	10	-10	140

Photos from the Quiz Meet

Photos from the quiz meet are up and ready for your review! Click on the image below for the whole set.

Many thanks to Wes, Milea, and Jim for taking most of these great pictures.

Thanks also to those who made themselves available for interviews for the video, and to Mr. Boronow for being our intrepid videographer! More posts to come with updates as we prepare the DVD.

UPDATE! The original link on the photo above was incorrect. It has now been corrected. Apologies.

Joseph is so punny

Good News: Quiz Meet is ON!

Good news, everyone! The weather looks good, so the quiz meet is on. Remember, we are leaving at 7 AM sharp!

If there is snow tomorrow...

...you have two options to find out if the meet has been cancelled:

1. First, check this website. If we have cancelled, a post will be here indicating so.
2. Second, you can you can call coach jim at 375-5322 after 6 am

Also, please note that the study schedule and parents snack schedule have been updated in the links on the left to reflect updated quiz meet schedule and some changes in ordering.

Old Meets New

WEEK 15: Review Galatians

This week (December 13 thru December 19), please review, Galatians 1-6.

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

If you want to listen to the chapters online, click here. (Uses the free RealPlayer.)

If you would like to review the reference questions from Galatians, click here. (Thanks to the EFCA.)

If you would like to review the keywords, click here (Uses free barefootministries.com)

This Saturday is a Quiz Meet. We will be leaving at 7:00 AM sharp.
COST: $9. $5 for gas, and $4 for pizza.

But what about snow? Snow is predicted for several of the next few days. If weather is inclement, we will NOT be going to Essex Fells. In the case of a cancellation, a post will be put up here on Quizpad.Com. If you are in doubt, you can also call Coach Jim's house starting at 6 AM (we'll post his number later in case anyone does not have it).

Scoreboard

Quizzer	Practice	Totals
Chit-Chat	290	3680
Hopper/Thomas	240	3645
Fishy	180	3265
Super K	240	2590
Lisa	20	2565
Special J	160	2555
Knows	240	2450
Darth Nader	0	2070
Brain	90	1080
Bronx Box/Classic	0	775
Kcrad	30	775
Pinky/Snaps	10	765
Shuffles	0	750
Dani	50	625
Lionel	0	385
Nicole	20	370
Spud	40	365
Snoopy	0	170
Surely	30	140

Bible Storybooks hot sellers for Christmas

USA Today has up an intereting article on the various approaches for presenting the Bible to children, and notes that Christmas is the peak time for buying Bible-based storybooks.

Their choice is one of the newest collections, The Jesus Storybook Bible:Every Story Whispers His Name. Author Sally Lloyd-Jones presents Bible stories back to Adam and Eve as foreshadowing the coming of Jesus Christ — the way many Christians read the Bible as adults...Her book is highly popular, Lugannani says, but some parents turn away from it "because they think such symbolic language is confusing to young children."

"It's all part of the decision: Do they want a Bible storybook that's literally true to the text or are they willing to accept that a vegetable illustrates Moses or a butterfly appears in the Gospel?"

There are many way to present God and Christ to a child. What was your favorite Bible story as a child?

REMINDER: Quiz Meet this coming Saturday

With the Christmas party behind us and Christmas still in front of us, we wanted to take a moment to remind everyone that this coming Saturday is a Quiz Meet in Essex Fells, NJ.

WHEN: Saturday, December 15

WHEN DO WE LEAVE: 7:00 AM Sharp

WHEN DO WE RETURN: Between 3 PM and 4 PM, depending on traffic

Photos from the Christmas Party

Photos from Friday's Christmas Party are up and ready for your review. Click on the image below or the whole set!

Reference Questions for Ephesians 5

Q: According to Ephesians 5:1, be what?
A: Be imitators of God as dearly loved children
R: Ephesians 5:1 (C/R see Eph 4:2)

Q: According to Ephesians 5:6, let no one what?
A: Deceive you with empty words
R: Ephesians 5:6 (C/R Gal 6:17)

Q: According to Ephesians 5:8, live how?
A: As children of light
R: Ephesians 5:8 (C/R see Gal 5:16)

Q: According to Ephesians 5:15, be what?
A: Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise
R: Ephesians 5:15 (C/R see Eph 4:2)

Q: According to Ephesians 5:15-16, live how?
A: Not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.
R: Ephesians 5:15-16 (C/R see Gal 5:16)

Q: According to Ephesians 5:17, do not be what?
A: Do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is.
R: Ephesians 5:17 (C/R see Gal 6:7)

Q: According to Ephesians 5:18, do not what?
A: Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.
R: Ephesians 5:18 (C/R see Gal 5:1)

Q: According to Ephesians 5:18, be what?
A: Be filled with the Spirit
R: Ephesians 5:18 (C/R see Eph 4:2)

Q: According to Ephesians 5:21, submit to whom?
A: One another
R: Ephesians 5:21 (C/R Eph 5:22, Col 3:18)

Q: According to Ephesians 5:22, wives, do what?
A: Submit to your husbands as to the Lord.
R: Ephesians 5:22 (C/R Col 3:18)

Q: According to Ephesians 5:23, Christ is what?
A: Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior
R: Ephesians 5:23 (C/R Phil 1:18, Col 3:1, Col 3:11)

Q: According to Ephesians 5:25, husbands, do what?
A: Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her
R: Ephesians 5:25 (C/R Col 3:19)

Q: According to Ephesians 5:30, we are what?
A: Members of his body. (his/Christ)
R: Ephesians 5:30 (C/R see Gal 3:25)

The Big Chill

WEEK 14: Study Ephesians 5

This week (December 6 thru December 12), please study Ephesians 5.

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

If you want to listen to the chapter online, click here. (Uses the free RealPlayer.)

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

Study Tip: Do you find it hard to study Ephesians, but can easily remember the words to the latest chart-topping song? Consider taking portions of your studying and setting it to music in your mind. Sometimes using a different part of your brain can cause it to more fully engage, and cause memory to be deeper and more effective. And, of course, be aware that there are a number of passages - especially of Ephesians - that are already set to music by Christian artists. Keep an ear out!

Scoreboard

Quizzer	Practice	Totals
Hopper/Thomas	150	3405
Chit-Chat	190	3390
Fishy	90	3085
Lisa	170	2545
Special J	100	2395
Super K	200	2350
Knows	80	2210
Darth Nader	80	2070
Ben-Jammin'	0	1215
Bronx Boy	10	775
Pinky	20	755
Shuffles	0	750
Dani	20	575
Lionel	10	385
Nicole	60	350
Wes	-10	295
Ben C	0	240
Snoopy	0	170
Surely	10	110

Gift Suggestions for the Christmas Game

Every year some people have NO problem thinking of ideas for presents for the gift game at the Quiz Team Christmas party. ...And every year some people are absolutely stumped. If you need some ideas, here are a few popular ideas from past years.

• Nerf toys (guns, balls, etc.)
• Tool sets
• Gift cards
• Christian CDs
• Candy
• Puzzles (Brain teasers, mind games, etc.)
• Stuffed animals

Picture: Keeping the Bible at the Center of Christmas

Quiz Team Christmas Party!

WHEN: Friday, September 7 at 6 PM

WHERE: Calvary Church in the old Felloship Hall (downstairs, the old building)

WHO: Members of the 2007-2008 Trumbull Bible Quiz Team and their families

COST: None. But each family is asked to bring a potluck dish. (Please contact Coach Jim by the Evite or phone or e-mail to tell him what you are bringing)

GIFT GAME: Each year there is an optional gift-giving game. If you wish to play, please bring a gift worth between $5 and $10 appropriate for either a teen boy or girl. (The game is simiilar to a Yankee Swap).

Reference Questions for Ephesians 4

Q: According to Ephesians 4:2, be what?
A: Be completely humble and gentle; be patient
R: Ephesians 4:2 (C/R Eph 4:32, 5:1, 5:15, 5:18, 6:10, 6:18, Col 3:15, 4:5, cp. Eph 4:23)

Q: According to Ephesians 4:6, who is in all?
A: One God and Father of all
R: Ephesians 4:6 (C/R Col 3:11)

Q: According to Ephesians 4:16, the whole body grows how?
A: As each part does its work
R: Ephesians 4:16 (C/R Col 2:19)

Q: According to Ephesians 4:17, I tell you what?
A: This - You must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking
R: Ephesians 4:17 (C/R see Gal 5:2)

Q: According to Ephesians 4:21, in him you what?
A: You were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus.
R: Ephesians 4:21 (C/R see Eph 1:4)

Q: According to Ephesians 4:22, put off what?
A: Your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires
R: Ephesians 4:22 (C/R Eph 4:25)

Q: According to Ephesians 4:24, put on what?
A: The new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
R: Ephesians 4:24 (C/R Eph 6:11, 6:13, Col 3:14, cp. Col 3:10)

Q: According to Ephesians 4:25, put off what?
A: Falsehood
R: Ephesians 4:25 (C/R Eph 4:22)

Q: According to Ephesians 4:26, do not what?
A: In your anger do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry,
R: Ephesians 4:26 (C/R see Gal 5:1)

Q: According to Ephesians 4:27, do not what?
A: Do not give the devil a foothold.
R: Ephesians 4:27 (C/R see Gal 5:1)

Q: According to Ephesians 4:29, do not what?
A: Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
R: Ephesians 4:29 (C/R see Gal 5:1)

Q: According to Ephesians 4:30, do not what?
A: Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
R: Ephesians 4:30 (C/R see Gal 5:1)

Q: According to Ephesians 4:32, be what?
A: Be kind and compassionate to one another
R: Ephesians 4:32 (C/R see Eph 4:2)

Truth Is Truth

WEEK 13: Study Ephesians 4

This week (November 29 thru December 5), please study Ephesians 4.

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

If you want to listen to the chapter online, click here. (Uses the free RealPlayer.)

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

Study Tip: During the holiday season, it becomes increasingly difficult to stay focussed on Quiz Team. Parties, concerts, plays, and the like eat more and more into your daily study time. How do you cope? First, accept the fact that your life will have competing priorities and that sometimes Quiz Team can't be #1. Second, realize that we only HAVE time if we MAKE TIME. Set aside some time every day that you can for studying. Make it the same time, as much as possible, and try to be disciplined. Eventually, study time will become a habit, and something you won't have to work so hard to keep up.

More pictures from the Quiz Meet

Coach Rick from Montgommery, NJ has put up some of his own photos from the last Quiz Meet. Click on the image below to see the set.

Wisdom from Ephesians

Finish the Verse Questions for Ephesians 3

This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 3:6

In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.
Ephesians 3:12

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
Ephesians 3:20-21

Casting Stones can be dangerous

Reference Questions for Ephesians 3

Q: According to Ephesians 3:1, Paul was what?
A: The prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles
R: Ephesians 3:1 (C/R see Gal 1:1)

Q: According to Ephesians 3:6, what is this mystery?
A: This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus.
R: Ephesians 3:6 (C/R Col 1:27)

Q: According to Ephesians 3:7, I became what?
A: I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God's grace given me through the working of his power.
R: Ephesians 3:7 (C/R Gal 4:12)

Q: According to Ephesians 3:12, in him we what?
A: In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.
R: Ephesians 3:12 (C/R see Eph 1:4)

Q: According to Ephesians 3:13, I ask you what?
A: I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you
R: Ephesians 3:13 (C/R Phil 4:3)

Q: According to Ephesians 3:16-17, I pray that what?
A: I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.
R: Ephesians 3:16-17 (C/R see Eph 1:18-19)

Q: According to Ephesians 3:17-19, I pray that what?
A: And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge--that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
R: Ephesians 3:17-19 (C/R see Eph 1:18-19)

WEEK 12: Study Ephesians 3

This week (November 22 thru November 28), please study, Ephesians 3.

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

If you want to listen to the chapter online, click here. (Uses the free RealPlayer.)

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

Study Tip: Looking for more study tips from a different source? Check out StudyTips.Org for other ideas for improving your studying of the Bible and in school.

Happy Thanksgiving!

A Couple of Reminders

FIRST REMINDER: There is no Quiz Team practice tonight. Instead, consider coming out to the Thanksgiving Eve service.

SECOND REMINDER: Consider dropping Coach Matt a note today as it is his birthday!

Picturing the Bible: The Earliest Christian Art

It often seems like people consider the Bible these days to be something completely divorced from "life". We hear about the BIble vs Science. The Bible vs. History. The Bible vs. Art. But the fact of the matter is that the Bible has been central to the development of Western culture, and has been central to the development of historical study, the scientific method, and most of all the development of different art forms. Consider this article the next time someone speaks of the Bible as though it were separable from the other good things in our culture.

Commented Timothy Potts, director of the Kimbell Art Museum: “The origins of Christianity have been a very active area of research in recent years from a variety of perspectives—historical, theological, and artistic. But there has never been an exhibition that brings this new evidence together, allowing visitors to see in the works of art themselves how and why a distinctively Christian visual artistic culture emerged. In "Picturing the Bible" we see how the early Christians drew upon pagan and Old Testament motifs to express their new faith; we witness the interplay between the earliest artistic representations of biblical themes and the doctrinal debates among early Church Fathers over the correct interpretation of scripture; and in the process come face to face with many of the finest and most treasured images that have survived from the tumultuous centuries when Christianity emerged from persecution to become the state religion of the Roman Empire. Assembling so many of the most important masterpieces of early Christian art has been a major challenge—especially the fragile early Bibles, ivories, and gold glass—and presents a spectacle of early Christian life that is unlikely to be repeated in our lifetime.”

Scoreboard

Quizzer	Practice	Totals
Hopper/Thomas	440	3255
Chit-Chat	370	3200
Fishy	380	2995
Lisa	250	2375
Special J	320	2295
Super K	400	2150
Knows	290	2130
Darth Nader	280	1990
Ben-Jammin'	140	1215
Brain	100	990
Bronx Boy	190	765
Shuffles	120	750
Kcrad	170	745
Pinky	120	735
Dani	110	555
Lionel	110	375
Wes	110	305
Nicole	100	290
Ben C	110	240
Snoopy	90	170
Surely	30	100

Johnstone Films Presents: DESSERTS

Former quizzer Johnstone put together this short film. Watch and enjoy!

MVPs

Sword of the Spirit

WEEK 11: Review Galatians

This week (November 15 thru November 21), please review, Galatians 1-6.

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

If you want to listen to the chapters online, click here. (Uses the free RealPlayer.)

If you would like to review the reference questions from Galatians, click here. (Thanks to the EFCA.)

If you would like to review the keywords, click here (Uses free barefootministries.com)

Study Tip: With two weeks to go until the next practice, it may be hard to stay focussed on quizzing... especially with all the fun stuff around Thanksgiving. Consider making up flash cards of important kinds of questions (Finish the Verses, and Reference Questions), and bring them with you. Have friends and family quiz you on these, when the opportunity presents itself. At least a little bit every day.

IMPORTANT NOTE: There is no quiz practice next Wednesday, due to Thanksgiving and the Thanksgiving Eve service.

Pictures from the Quiz Meet!

Pictures from this Saturday's quiz meet are now online. Click on the image below for the whole set.

Deep and Wide (and High and Low)

Scoreboard from Practice and Quiz Meet

Quizzer	20071107	Quiz Meet	Totals
Hopper/Thomas	330	440	2815
Fishy	330	420	2615
Lisa	170	300	2125
Chit-Chat	150	270	2830
Super K	340	240	1750
Knows	170	180	1840
Ben H	20	90	1075
Bronx Boy	10	80	575
Spud	-10	60	325
Dani	10	60	445
Kcrad	-10	20	575
Shuffles	40	10	630
Nicole	OUT	0	190
Wes	OUT	0	195
Lionel	50	-10	265
Snoopy	0	-10	80
Darth Nader	280	OUT	1710
Ben C	20	OUT	130
Pinky	40	OUT	615
Surely	-10	OUT	70
Brain	90	OUT	890
Special J	240	OUT	1975

Photos from the "Defeating Giants" Event

Friday night was a great time of drama and dance, as former quiz teamer Katherine Sarris, quiz team dad George Sarris, and Dan Cosette presented a night of Bible-inspired entertainment. Click on the image below for some pictures from the evening.

Some more Rock the Sound videos

It is important to stay current

WEEK 10: Review Galatians plus Ephesians 1&2

This week (November 8 thru November 14), please review, Galatians 1-6, & Ephesians 1-2.

If you want to read these chapters online, click here for Galatians and click here for Ephesians 1 & 2. (Free website Biblegateway.Com)

Study Tip: Reviewing multiple books can be difficult over the course of a single week. Often it is better to focus on the last few chapters that we have studied because (1) those are the ones you probably know least and (2) most quiz meets focus on the last few chapters studied with most questions from those. Try to read all the chapters several times his week, but focus on Ephesians 1 & 2

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QUIZ MEET INFO: Saturday, November 10
When do we leave? We'll leave the church at 7 AM sharp.
What chapters are being covered? All of Galatians, Ephesians 1 and 2
What is the cost? $9 total ($5 for gas, $4 for pizza)
When do we get back? We'll be getting back between 3 and 4 PM (Kids with a cell phone will be encouraged to call when we enter Greenwich.)

Rock the Sound: Jars of Clay

If you missed Rock The Sound, here is a little taste of what we experienced.

Rock the Sound Pictures

Rock the Sound was a great time of music and fun. And I think during the Grits set, my internal organs got rearranged by the bass notes. Click on the image below for the whole set.

Scoreboard

Nickname	This Week	Total
Hopper	260	2045
Knows	220	1490
Super K	210	1170
Chit-Chat	210	2410
Fishy	140	1865
Kcrad	90	565
Lisa	80	1655
Special J	60	1735
Pinky	30	575
Ben-Jammin'	20	965
Nicole	20	190
Lionel	10	225
Shuffles	10	580
Wes	0	195
Dani	0	375
Surely	-10	80
Darth Nader	-30	1430

WHERE AM I: Ephesians & Ephesus

This map may help to give you a feel for Ephesus and the part of the world Paul wrote Ephesians to.

Reference Questions for Ephesians 2

Q: According to Ephesians 2:1, you were dead in what?
A: Your transgressions and sins
R: Ephesians 2:1 (C/R Col 2:13)

Q: According to Ephesians 2:3, we were what?
A: Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath
R: Ephesians 2:3 (C/R see Gal 3:23)

Q: According to Ephesians 2:5, we were what?
A: We were dead in transgressions
R: Ephesians 2:5 (C/R see Gal 3:23)

Q: According to Ephesians 2:6, in the heavenly realms God what?
A: Raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus,
R: Ephesians 2:6 (C/R see Eph 1:3)

Q: According to Ephesians 2:8-9, you have been saved how?
A: It is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--not by works, so that no one can boast.
R: Ephesians 2:8-9 (C/R Eph 2:5)

Q: According to Ephesians 2:10, we are what?
A: God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
R: Ephesians 2:10 (C/R see Gal 3:25)

Q: According to Ephesians 2:12, remember what?
A: That at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world.
R: Ephesians 2:12 (C/R see Eph 2:11)

Q: According to Ephesians 2:13, in Christ Jesus what?
A: You who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.
R: Ephesians 2:13 (C/R see Gal 2:4)

Q: According to Ephesians 2:19, you are no longer what?
A: Foreigners and aliens but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household
R: Ephesians 2:19 (C/R Gal 4:7)

Q: According to Ephesians 2:21, in him what?
A: In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord.
R: Ephesians 2:21 (C/R see Eph 1:4)

Q: According to Ephesians 2:22, in him you what?
A: In him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.
R: Ephesians 2:22 (C/R see Eph 1:4)

Watch for the Signs

Old School Christian Rock: Greg X Volz

With Rock the Sound coming up, it seemed like a good time to dust off some classic Christian rock. In doing so, I stumbled across the website of Greg X Volz. Greg was once the lead singer of PETRA (one of the first major Christian rock bands) and is still cranking out modern Christian rock and praise music.

Click thru the link above or the picture on the left to hear some of his newest stuff for free, and see if any of those tracks strikes your fancy. If so, let me know and I'll play some of his older stuff for you at practice some week or in the van on the way to a Quiz Meet.

WEEK 9: Study Ephesians 2

This week (November 1 thru November 7), please study, Ephesians 2.

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

If you want to listen to the chapter online, click here. (Uses the free RealPlayer.)

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

Study Tip: Are you a morning person or a night owl? Do you find yourself happiest and most focussed early in the day, in the middle of it, or late at night when everyone else had gone to bed? Pay attention to these patterns in yourself, and try to study accordingly. If you are a morning person, consider getting up a half hour earlier and studying before school. If you are a night owl, you may want to make your studying the last thing you do before bed. Knowing your own rhythms can be of great help when trying to put God's word into your mind.

One more set of Quiz Team pictures!

Thanks to Coach Rich from Montgommery for posting his pics of the event. Click on the image below for his whole set.


REMEMBER: Quiz Team is TONIGHT, instead of Wednesday.

The Scoreboard

Quizzer	This Week	Totals
Hopper	345	1785
Darth Nader	340	1460
Lisa	255	1575
Chit-Chat	230	2200
Special J	225	1675
Ben H	185	945
Super K	160	960
Kcrad	155	475
Brain	130	800
Spud	125	275
Fishy	115	1725
Lionel	115	215
Bronx Boy	105	485
Nicole	90	170
Dani	85	375
Pinky	65	545
Snoopy	60	90
Wes	45	195
Knows	0	1270

Knowledge Test Results
A: 4
B: 8
C: 3
D: 2
F: 1

Important Note: Your scores from the Knowledge Test have been added to your totals!

DID YOU KNOW: Introduction to Ephesians

As we begin our study of Ephesians, you may want to click over to the Bible.Org introduction to the book which summarizes the major points of authorship, purpose, and theology.

While Paul was sitting in prison, contemplating his upcoming trial and potential work in the west, he began formulating some parting comments to make to the churches of Asia Minor. As he dialogued with his amanuensis over its contents, a rough draft of Ephesians was probably put together in outline form. The amanuensis then began to fill in the details.

Then, startling news from the east came: there was a new heresy in Colossae which was infecting the church there. At about the same time, Onesimus appeared before Paul with his confession of abandoning and robbing his owner, Philemon.

At this juncture, Paul decided several things: (1) write to the Colossians with appropriate warnings, though taking the material mostly from a letter which already addressed some of the very same issues in a larger perspective; (2) write to Philemon, urging him to take Onesimus back, as a freeman—and even to prepare a room for the apostle himself; (3) finish the letter to all the churches in Asia Minor and have it sent with the other two letters.

Click on over for many interesting facts regarding the letter to Ephesus.

Reference Questions for Ephesians 1

PLEASE NOTE: The full reference questions list is now online!

Q: According to Ephesians 1:1, Paul was what?
A: An apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God
R: Ephesians 1:1 (C/R see Gal 1:1)

Q: According to Ephesians 1:1, Paul, an apostle, to whom?
A: To the saints in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus
R: Ephesians 1:1 (C/R see Gal 1:1-2)

Q: According to Ephesians 1:3, in the heavenly realms God what?
A: Has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in Christ.
R: Ephesians 1:3 (C/R Eph 1:20, 2:6)

Q: According to Ephesians 1:7, in him we what?
A: In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace
R: Ephesians 1:7 (C/R see Eph 1:4)

Q: According to Ephesians 1:11, in him we what?
A: In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will,
R: Ephesians 1:11 (C/R see Eph 1:4)

Q: According to Ephesians 1:13, what is the word of truth?
A: The gospel of your salvation
R: Ephesians 1:13 (C/R Col 1:5-6)

Q: According to Ephesians 1:13, in him you what?
A: Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit
R: Ephesians 1:13 (C/R see Eph 1:4)

Q: According to Ephesians 1:18-19, I pray that what?
A: That the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.
R: Ephesians 1:18-19 (C/R Eph 3:16-17, Eph 3:17-19, Phlm 6)