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)