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)

Biblical-sounding language isn't always efficiacious

WEEK 8: Study Ephesians 1

This week (October 25 thru October 31), please study, Ephesians 1.

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 by John Wesley on the chapter, click here. (Free website, chrisnotes.org)

REMEMBER: Next week we are meeting on Tuesday, October 30 instead of Wednesday, due to Trunk-Or-Treat!

Study Tip: Did you know that memories can be linked to aid in recall? Consider doing your studying to a specific piece of music (without lyrics). Then, when you need to recall the chapter for studying, humming the music may bring back the chapter to mind. Some even find that associating other keys, such as smells, can help their recall for difficult passages of scripture.

Pictures from the Quiz Meet

We had a great time this past Saturday and virtually every quizzer on our team did well. Congrats to all! Click on the image below to see all of my pictures from the event.

Special thanks to Quirky for taking pictures while I was in the coach's meeting.

PRAYER ALERT: California Wildfires

Please be praying for quiz team friend Dagney Pitts whose many friends
(and car) are in an evacuation zone for the California wildfires.
Please be praying for safety for those in danger, comfort for those
who are safe but whose "stuff" is in danger, and for peace and calm
for Dagney who is safely here with us for the Conference.

Pastor Anderson goes to be with the Lord

Yesterday, at 2 AM, Pastor Anderson - the pastor who was Senior when I first came to Calvary and who was Pastor Dave's mentor - passed away and was welcomed into Glory by Christ. Pastor Dave sent out this note to all members.

Dear Calvary Family,
Early this morning the Lord called to Himself one of His very choice servants, Pastor Paul H. Anderson. "Pastor A", as he was affectionately known, is responsible for so many of the blessings which we enjoy today as a church. His great vision and dedication to the work of ministry for 37 years were used by the Lord to bring stability to a church whose average previous pastorate was less than 5 years; growth as people came to faith (even non-Norwegians!); and expansion of ministry for the glory of God. Under Pastor &quotA's" leadership Calvary moved from Bridgeport into the "wilderness" of Trumbull. Our location, the church on the hill by the Parkway, was a direct result of his commitment to Christ and passion to grow the work for God's glory.
It was "Pastor and Mrs. A" who began Calvary's emphasis on missions and the annual missions conference. They were responsible for starting the annual Good Friday Services and Vacation Bible School. Their vision inaugurated Weekday Church School which evolved into a special passion, Christian Heritage School.
Pastor Anderson's service for the Lord spread far and wide. Their interest in missions found Pastor and Mrs &quotA" visiting many of our missionaries on the field and making missions a special emphasis at Calvary. Pastor Anderson served on the Board of The Evangelical Alliance Mission and also the Board of The King's College. In addition he served the Evangelical Free Church in various capacities.
If you call Calvary Church "home," then your life has been touched by Pastor Anderson, even if you never met him. He has had a profound influence on many lives over the years and some of those who have been influenced by him most are still at Calvary. So many of our "old timers" have been shaped by his ministry. Both Pastor Randy and I served under his leadership and are richer for it. I was particularly blessed by my relationship with "Pastor A" he was my spiritual mentor. So many ministry lessons and principles I learned from Pastor Anderson. I will be eternally grateful for his strong and significant presence in my life.
He knew how to have fun and enjoy the life God gave. His laugh was deep and loud! He also knew how to work...hard. He was mentally and physically strong. He was spiritually focused. His love for the Lord Jesus was crystal clear.
Please be in prayer for the Anderson family as they grieve. I encourage you to attend the calling hours next Monday, October 29, at Abriola Parkview Funeral Home and the memorial service that evening at 7:00 pm at Christian Heritage School to offer your support to "Mrs. A" and the family and to celebrate his life.
May his example of a life well lived motivate us to serve the King with distinction.

Please be praying for Mrs. A, and the Anderson family in this time of both grief and joy. Grief at his departure, and joy at the confidence in his eternal rest.

The Scoreboard from the Quiz Meet

These are the scores from Saturday's Quiz Meet. If you want to know scores from individual quizzes, see me on Wednesday.

Quizzer	Scores
Fishy	390
Chit-Chat	350
Special J	340
Hopper	290
Knows	270
Lisa	260
Ben H	230
Darth Nader	210
Bronx Box/Classic	200
Super K	190
Lionel	50
Nicole	50
Brain	20
KC	20
Bopper	20
Snoopy	10
Spud	0

The Scoreboard from Practice

This is from the Wednesday Quiz Practice Scores from Saturday will be out tomorrow.

Quizzer	Last Week	Totals
Chit-Chat	300	1620
Liz	290	1150
Special J	250	1110
Lisa	140	1060
Knows	160	1000
Darth Nader	270	910
Brain	70	650
Shuffle	160	570
Ben H	70	530
Pinky	50	480
KC	70	300
Dani	0	270
Bronx Boy	0	180
Spud	50	150
Ben C	0	110
Surely	0	90
Lionel	10	50
Nicole	0	30
Sarah	10	20

Sarris show: Defeating Giants

Click here for more details on the show.

Oops!

Quiz Meet Details!

WHEN: Saturday, October 20
WHEN DO WE LEAVE: 7:00 AM (Vans load starting 6:45 AM)
WHEN DO WE RETURN: 4:00 PM
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST: $10 ($5 for gas, $5 for pizza)
WHERE ARE WE GOING: Essex Fells, NJ
WHAT CHAPTERS ARE WE QUIZZING ON: Galatians 1-6

Schedule:
7:00 AM: Depart Trumbull
8:30 AM: Arrival -food and fellowship during arrivals;
9:10 AM: Devotional
9:45 AM: Quizzing
12:45 PM: Pizza lunch ($5)
2:00 PM: Leave for Essex Fells
4:00 PM: Arrive Trumbull

WEEK 7: Review Galatians Chapters 1 through 6

This week (October 18 thru October 24), please study, Galatians 1 thru 6. This is the same chapters we will be quizzing on this weekend at the Quiz Meet in Essex Fells.

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: Reviewing is often harder than your initial studying because the material is no longer new. In fact, some quizzers decide not to study because "I already know it." BAD IDEA! The brain is designed to forget things we do not review or use regularly. Be sure this week to review all of Galatians. If you are looking for a new way to view the book, try to put together the flow of the letter, as intended by Paul. Look for how each chapter flows into the next, and the way that Paul tried to relate different ideas and arguments.

Parents: This is a time when you can be of real help to your quizzer. This week, help your teen to study by: (1) quizzing them on past chapters - they should have copies of all the questions we use at practice, (2) asking them challenging questions about the text, and (3) discussing ideas from the chapter as a family, to cement their importance in daily life.

Video from the REVOLUTION Hike!

Thanks to Hike Leader Russ for putting this together!

UPDATED: Study Schedule and Parents Schedule

We have made some tweaks to the Study Schedule in order to better make use of weeks in which we have a Quiz Meet. We will have paper copies for you on Wednesday, but in the meantime you can see the updated study schedule here and the updated parent's schedule here.

If you have any questions, feel free to e-mail or call the coaches.

And don't forget this coming weekend is a Quiz Meet in Essex Fells, NJ!

The Scores, So Far

Please note, the changes in standing from those announced during the practice are largely due to the fact that the top quizzers of the night sat out the last quiz.

Quizzer	Last Week	Total Score
Chit-Chat	230	1320
Liz M	200	860
Fishy	200	1220
Super K	180	610
Special J	170	860
Lisa	160	920
Brain	140	580
Darth Nader	110	640
Knows	90	840
Pinky/Snaps	90	430
Ben H	80	460
KC	40	230
Shuffle	40	410
Lionel	10	40
Nicole	0	30
Danielle	0	270
Sarah	0	10
Wes	0	150
Ben C	-10	110
Spud	-20	100
Bronx Boy	-20	180

DID YOU KNOW: The Scribe of Galatians

In this week's reading, there is a weird little phrase.

See what large letters I use as I write to you with my own hand!
Galatians 6:11

This seems like a strange insertion into the letter, since Paul made it clear earlier that he was the writer of Galatians in chapter 1. Why bother to note the large letters, if Paul has been writing the whole time?

The answer is that while Paul is the author of Galatians, that does not mean he actually put the pen to paper. It was common in ancient times for a letter to be dictated by an author to a scribe. The scribe was often a person who took down letters professionally, since in those days there were no printing presses or printers to produce legible results. Scribes had excellent handwriting to ensure the eventual reader would have no problems. The scribe might also be an expert in the Greek language that the Bible was written in, who could correct certain grammatical errors that might pop up. It is believed Titus served as the scribe for many of Paul's letters.

It is believed that in the case of Galatians, a scribe took down Paul's dictation except for this little bit where Paul wrote out the letter himself. And why would the letters be so big? There are two explanations commonly given. First, big letters are easier to read, even for one with messy handwriting. Second, tradition states that Paul has poor eyesight, so he would have had to write lage letters to be able to see his own work.

Reference Questions for Galatians 6

In the interest of helping preparation, publication of the scores has been moved to Monday to allow more time to study with the Reference Questions each week.

Type: Reference
Q: According to Galatians 6:4, each one should what?
A: Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else
R: Galatians 6:4 (C/R Gal 6:5)

Type: Reference
Q: According to Galatians 6:5, each one should what?
A: Each one should carry his own load.
R: Galatians 6:5 (C/R Gal 6:4)

Type: Reference
Q: According to Galatians 6:7, do not be what?
A: Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.
R: Galatians 6:7 (C/R Eph 5:7, 5:17, Phil 4:6)

Type: Reference
Q: According to Galatians 6:9, let us not what?
A: Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
R: Galatians 6:9 (C/R Gal 5:26)

Type: Reference
Q: According to Galatians 6:10, let us what?
A: Do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. (as we have opportunity)
R: Galatians 6:10 (C/R see Gal 5:25)

Type: Reference
Q: According to Galatians 6:11, I write to you how?
A: With my own hand!
R: Galatians 6:11 (C/R Phlm 21)

Type: Reference
Q: According to Galatians 6:15, what counts?
A: Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is a new creation.
R: Galatians 6:15 (C/R Gal 5:6)

Type: Reference
Q: According to Galatians 6:17, let no one what?
A: Cause me trouble
R: Galatians 6:17 (C/R Eph 5:6)

Spelling is important

WEEK 6: Study Galatians Chapter 6

This week (October 11 thru October 17), please study, Galatians 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 by John Wesley on the chapter, click here. (Free website, CCEL.org)

Study Tip: Where do you do your Bible Quizzing studying? In our age of Multitasking, it is common for people to try to study with the TV or radio on. Others try to do it in the main thoroughfare of the house, where parents are cleaning, siblings are talking on the phone, and pets are running by. This is not optimal for memory or concentration. Try finding a quiet corner of the house, and do your studying without music or video paying. Focus can make an incredible difference in your memory retention.

Rock the Sound is coming

This is a youth group event, but not a Quiz Team event, per se. Still, Rock the Sound is a great Christian concert experience, and something we in the Northeast do not always get to experience. See Pastor Scott for tickets!

Reference Questions for Galatians 5

Type: Reference
Q: According to Galatians 5:1, do not what?
A: Do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.
R: Galatians 5:1 (C/R Gal 5:13, Eph 4:26, 4:27, 4:29, 4:30, 5:18, 6:9, Col 3:9-10, Col 3:19)

Type: Reference
Q: According to Galatians 5:2, I tell you what?
A: If you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no value to you at all.
R: Galatians 5:2 (C/R Eph 4:17, cp. Col 2:4)

Type: Reference
Q: According to Galatians 5:5, we eagerly await what?
A: By faith we eagerly await through the Spirit the righteousness for which we hope.
R: Galatians 5:5 (C/R Phil 3:20)

Type: Reference
Q: According to Galatians 5:6, in Christ Jesus what?
A: Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.
R: Galatians 5:6 (C/R see Gal 2:4)

Type: Reference
Q: According to Galatians 5:6, what counts?
A: The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.
R: Galatians 5:6 (C/R Gal 6:15)

Type: Reference
Q: According to Galatians 5:13, you were called why?
A: To be free.
R: Galatians 5:13 (C/R Eph 4:4, Col 3:15)



Type: Reference
Q: According to Galatians 5:13, do not what?
A: Do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature ; rather, serve one another in love.
R: Galatians 5:13 (C/R see Gal 5:1)

Type: Reference
Q: According to Galatians 5:16, I say what?
A: Live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful
R: Galatians 5:16 (C/R see Gal 1:9)

Type: Reference
Q: According to Galatians 5:25, let us what?
A: Keep in step with the Spirit.(since we live by the Spirit)
R: Galatians 5:25 (C/R Gal 6:10, Phil 3:16)

Type: Reference
Q: According to Galatians 5:26, let us not what?
A: Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.
R: Galatians 5:26 (C/R Gal 6:9)

Scheduling Reminders

Happy Columbus Day to all! We thought it would be a good idea to use this day to remind people of a few important scheduling notes.

Note 1: Reminder that you should be studying Galatians 5 this week.

Note 2: This week's parent guest invitee is the Backuses. We hope to see you there on Wednesday.

Note 3: Please note there will be no Quiz Team practice on October 31, due to the Trunk or Treat event . Quiz Team will meet on Tuesday, Octber 30 that week. (There is no youth group that night, so there should be no conflict.)

DID YOU KNOW: Yeast

Did you notice this little phrase in your Galatians 5 reading this week?

"A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough."
Galatians 5:9

In our modern age, where bread is usually not baked in our own kitchens, this image is not as obvious as it would have been in Paul's time. There are a few essential things to keep in mind in thinking about Yeast in the Bible.

1. Yeast is a fungus used in baking to turn sugars into carbon dioxide - the gas which causes breads and cakes to rise by forming bubbles. As the yeast is warmed, it becomes active (alive) and begins digesting the sugars and expanding the dough into the delicious carbohydrate we know today. It requires only a tiny amount of yeast to rise the dough for a very large load of bread.

2. In the story of the Passover, the Israelites left Egypt quickly and had no time to leaven their bread by adding Yeast. To this day, the Jews celebrate Passover by removing all Yeast from their homes for 7 days. The only bread they eat during this time is Matzo - cracker-like bread which has never been leavened. This may also be an illustration of Israel rejecting Egyptian ways and gods for the One True God, as it is believed Yeast was discovered in Egypt.

3. All thoughout the New Testament, Jesus uses Yeast as a symbol for corruption and evil warning against "the Yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees" (Matthew 16:5-7), "Watch out for the yeast of the Pharisees and that of Herod." (Mark 8:14-16), "Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy." (Luke 12:1-3), and elsewhere. Paul goes on to use this same imagery in many of his letters.

Scores from this Week's Practice

Quizzer	This Week	Total Scores
Chit-Chat	270	1090
Fishy	250	1020
Lisa	190	760
Knows	50	750
Special J	130	690
Liz M	120	660
Darth Nader	260	530
Brain	60	440
Super K	Out	430
Ben H	80	380
Shuffle	40	370
Pinky	100	340
Danielle	10	270
Bronx Boy	20	200
KC	70	190
Wes	0	150
Spud	-10	120
Ben C	10	120
Surely	-10	90
Lionel	20	30
Nicole	-10	30
Sarah	-20	10
Frenchie	-30	-50

Thank God for Exceptions

WEEK 5: Study Galatians Chapter 5

This week (October 4 thru October 10), please study, Galatians 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, ChristNotes.org)

Study Tip: Ask yourelf, are you learning SCRIPTURE or QUIZ QUESTIONS? Bible quizzing is certainly a great competition, but our ultimate goal is to really learn the BIble verses we are studying. Be sure as you read through these books, you take the time to make sure you understand what you read. Are there terms you don't understand? Ask your parents, or the coaches. Are there concepts or stories referred that you have not read? Seek them out in the Old Testament! The more you understand what you read, the better you will be able to bring it back later when you need it.

One more set of Quiz Meet pics

Okay, I don't plan to do this after every Quiz Meet, but we have yet another set of pics for your perusal pleasure. One of the Montgommery Coaches captured his own photos from the event. Click on the image below for the whole set.

Reference Questions for Galatians 4

Type: Reference
Q: According to Galatians 4:3, we were what?
A: So also, when we were children, we were in slavery under the basic principles of the world
R: Galatians 4:3 (C/R see Gal 3:23)

Type: Reference
Q: According to Galatians 4:4, God sent whom?
A: When the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law,
R: Galatians 4:4 (C/R Gal 4:6)

Type: Reference
Q: According to Galatians 4:5, we might receive what?
A: The full rights of sons.
R: Galatians 4:5 (C/R Gal 3:14)

Type: Reference
Q: According to Galatians 4:6, God sent whom?
A: Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, "Abba, Father."
R: Galatians 4:6 (C/R Gal 4:4)

Type: Reference
Q: According to Galatians 4:7, you are no longer what?
A: A slave (but a son)
R: Galatians 4:7 (C/R Eph 2:19)

Type: Reference
Q: According to Galatians 4:13, you know what?
A: It was because of an illness that I first preached the gospel to you.
R: Galatians 4:13 (C/R Eph 6:8, 6:9, Phil 2:22, Col 3:24, 4:1)


Type: Reference
Q: According to Galatians 4:22, what is written?
A: Abraham had two sons, one by the slave woman and the other by the free woman.
R: Galatians 4:22 (C/R see Gal 3:10)

Type: Reference
Q: According to Galatians 4:24, Hagar is what?
A: One covenant is from Mount Sinai and bears children who are to be slaves: This is Hagar.
R: Galatians 4:24 (C/R Gal 4:25)

Type: Reference
Q: According to Galatians 4:27,what is written?
A: "Be glad, O barren woman, who bears no children; break forth and cry aloud, you who have no labor pains; because more are the children of the desolate woman than of her who has a husband."
R: Galatians 4:27 (C/R see Gal 3:10)

Parents Schedule for Quiz Team

As Jim mentioned at the kickoff, we are hoping to get more parents involved this year. One of the ways we are hoping to involve you is by having you attend a few of our practices and help us out with time. And if you want to bring a snack for the kids, that would be great as well. The next few are listed below, but click here for the full listing.

• October 3rd: Douglass
• October 10th: Backus
• October 17th: Barnes
• October 24th: Blasckewicz
• October 31st: Brake