MUSICAL INTERLUDE: Day One

PHOTO OF THE WEEK: Illustrated Bible from 1864

VERSE OF THE WEEK: Psalm 37:39

The salvation of the righteous is from the Lord; he is their stronghold in the time of trouble. - Psalm 37:39 (ESV).

So... What's Next?

Districts is over, practices for the year are over, so... what is next for Quiz Team in general and this blog in particular?

Well, we still may have one more year-end event (keep a close eye out for any announcements).

In the meantime, we're going to take a month or so off from Bible Quizzing, per se, and just focus some fun. We'll be posting news related to the Bible, good music, comics, jokes, photos, and other interesting tidbits. As always, this site will be updated every day. Then, starting soon, we'll begin getting ready for the 2015-2016 season, where we'll be studying the Books of Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon.

But, for now, let's have some fun!

Bible Knowledge Test for Acts

Our team did quite well on this year's Bible Knowledge Test on the book of Acts (ESV).  But maybe you'd want to retake the test to improve or ask your parents, friends, or siblings to take it!  If so, here is your chance to download the test.

• Bible Knowledge Test
• Answer Key

PHOTOS: Coach Matt's Pictures from Districts

The paparazzi were on the job this weekend!  Click here for the next set or on the image below.

  

WEEKLY COMIC: Powerful Prologue

PHOTOS: Coach Mark's Pictures from Districts

The paparazzi were on the job this weekend!  Click here for the whole set or on the image below.

REMINDER: No Practice Tonight!

Remember, practices are over for the season.  There is nothing going on tonight.

SCOREBOARD: DISTRICTS

*Net Points is all right answer points minus all wrong answer lost points.  So someone who got one right (+20) and one wrong (-10) would have 10 “net points.”

Congratulations on Second Place at Districts

Congratulations on your second place finish at Districts.  Practices are over for the season, but we'll be in touch in the late summer on plans for next year.

WEEKLY COMIC: Old fears

Home at Beacon Hill Church! #biblequizzing #districts

ETA to be back in Monroe is 6 pm. #biblequizzing #districts

Rest stop. #biblequizzing #districts

Heading home! #biblequizzing #districts

Monroe - First Place #biblequizzing #districts

Seniors! #biblequizzing #districts

Closing ceremonies. #biblequizzing #districts

Lunch! #biblequizzing #districts

We couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day. #biblequizzing #districts

Bible knowledge test. #biblequizzing #districts

Bible quizzing resumes. #biblequizzing #districts

Snack time. #biblequizzing #districts

Dallas vs Monroe #biblequizzing #districts

Quizzing begins #districts #biblequizzing

Today's schedule #biblequizzing

Opening ceremonies #biblequizzing #districts

Praying for breakfast #biblequizzing #districts

Gathering before breakfast. #biblequizzing #districts

DISTRICTS: Today's Schedule

Parents, This is our rough schedule for today.  You can check back here during the day for regular photo updates of our progress.

• 6:15am - Rise and shine, personal hygiene, pickup cabin, check-out
• 7:15am - Leave for Dallas EFC,  45 Hildebrandt Rd, Dallas, PA 18612, 570.675.6426
• 7:30am - Breakfast
• 8:30am - Devotions
• 9am - 11:30am - Quizzing, Short break, tiebreaker round (if needed) and Bible Knowledge Test
• 12:30pm - Lunch
• 1:30pm - Worship/closing/presentations
• 2:30pm - Leave for Home
• 4pm - Bathroom break, snack, gas
• 6pm - Arrive at Calvary EFC

We have arrived at the Camp! #biblequizzing #districts

Reloading after some van difficulties. #biblequizzing #districts

Dinner at Chipotle #biblequizzing #districts

Heading out! #biblequizzing #districts

DISTRICTS: See you at the Van!

We're meeting at the church at 3:30 PM tonight to leave for Districts in Dallas, PA.  Please arrive a little early, if possible, so we can pack and be ready to go promptly.

We'll be picking up the Monroe Team on the way, and stopping at Chipotle for dinner.  Once we arrive, we'll hang out in the camp gym until bedtime at 10 PM.

See you then!

FINAL SCOREBOARD & STANDINGS: Practice - April 15

Here are the final scores from the final practice and standings for the year!

Practice:

Final Standings:

DISTRICTS: What do I pack?

We leave for Districts tomorrow afternoon.  If you're going to be packing today/tonight, here is a good list to use as you fill your duffle bag.

ABSOLUTELY DO NOT FORGET:

• Either money for dinner Friday at Chipotle or a bag dinner
• Sleeping gear for Friday night (sleeping bag, pillow, etc.)
• Your Quiz Team shirt
• Long Pants for Saturday quizzing (you can change into shorts after quizzing is done)

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR YOUR SUITCASE:

• A warm/rain jacket for Friday night (Low of 45 with rain predicted overnight)
• Study materials including your scripture portion
• Toiletries (warm showers will be available)
• An alarm clock (or multifunction device with an alarm app)

If possible, please pack in a soft suitcase for maximum packing flexibility.

THIS WEEK: Review all Chapters of Acts

This week (April 15 thru April 18), please review all chapters of Acts.

This is it!  Districts is in 3 days where we will quiz on all chapters of Acts.  Please check and make sure you have all the study materials you need.  Every things can be found here:  http://quizpad.blogspot.com/search/label/acts

If you are missing anything that you need, please contact the coaches.

Study Tip: At this late stage, you have two choices to excel:  (1) cram, cram, cram and try to learn as much material as possible in the few days left, or (2) pick something you are good at and focus on that for the next few days.  We generally recommend #2.  Choose one thing and be the expert - FTVs, References, Multiple Part Answers, Short Answers, etc.

Upcoming Events:

- April 17-18 - Districts Quiz Meet in Dallas, PA

REMINDER: Have you decided on Districts?

Remember, Districts is this weekend and the coaches need to know ASAP if you are coming.  If you've not yet made the decision, check with your parents so you can walk thru the door tomorrow with a plan.  Also make sure you have turned in your Health and Event Forms, so that you have all the necessary paperwork to travel!

SCOREBOARD: Practice - April 8

REFERENCE QUESTIONS: Acts 28

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

QUESTION:  According to Acts 28:28, let it be known that what?
ANSWER:     (To you) That this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen.  (cf 13:38; 28:28

FINISH THE VERSE: Acts 28

Remember, the full list of FTV's can always be found at this link. The // in the verse marks the minimum number of words you need from the FTV to uniquely identify it.

QUESTION:  Therefore // let it be known...
ANSWER:  ...to you that this salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles; they will listen.” (Acts 28:28)


QUESTION:  He lived  // there two whole years...
ANSWER:  ...at his own expense, and welcomed all who came to him, proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance. (Acts 28:30-31)

WEEKLY COMIC: Keeping it rad!

THIS WEEK: Study Acts, Chapter 28

This week (April 9 thru April 15, please study Acts, Chapter 28.

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

Download an MP3 of the chapter.

If you'd like to read a commentary on the chapter, click here.

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

Study Tip: This is our last week of new material.  After this, it is all review which is much harder to stay motivated for.  Use the excitement and interest of "the new" to keep yourself motivated this week.  Because Districts is almost upon us!

Upcoming Events:

- April 17-18 - Districts Quiz Meet in Dallas, PA

REMINDER: Practice resumes tonight!

Practice resumes tonight!  We'll see you there at the usual time.  We'll be quizzing on Acts 27.

REMINDER: DISTRICTS IS COMING!

Districts is coming up next Friday (April 17) and Saturday (April 18).  Now is the time to start working down your checklist:

• Have you given Coach Jim your annual Bible Quizzing Fee?  (If you were at Midwinter, yes.)
• Is your Trumbull Team Shirt clean?
• Do you have a sleeping bag for the overnight at camp?
• Do you have a "study packet" to cram with Friday night?
• Have you confirmed to Coach Jim that you are (or are not) coming?

See you tomorrow for practice!

HOLY WEEK LEFTOVERS: How do we know Jesus actually rose?

Holy Week raises lots of questions worth answering, which we don't always get around to discussing during Holy Week.  We'll take a few days this week to look at those questions.

QUESTION 1:  HOW DO WE KNOW JESUS ACTUALLY ROSE FROM THE DEAD?

Since the very day Jesus rose from the dead, people have been trying to argue it didn't happen.  (The gospels actually record an attempted payoff from the Sanhedrin to the tomb guards to claim the disciples had stolen the body.)  But there is plentiful evidence that Jesus died and that he rose again!

1. Jesus Died:  The Romans were experts at killing and crucifixion was one of their go-to methods for killing.  The gospels even record that the guards at the cross were ready with a backup plan for anyone who hadn't died.  They would break their legs, so they couldn't push themselves up to catch a breath.  Instead, when they came to Jesus, they saw he was dead.  But just to make sure, they thrust a spear into his side.  The gospels report "blood and water" flowed, which either indicates that the blood had begun to coagulate inside the body, or that the cardiac sack around the heart had been punctured.  Either way, there is now way to survive that.
2. Jesus Rose:  First century Jews were no fools and were used to Messiahs who didn't deliver what they promised, so it makes little sense to chalk up Jesus's appearances to superstition.  Instead, the gospels report repeatedly that there were eyewitnesses to the resurrected Christ.  First, he appeared to the women who came to the tomb to care for his body.  Second, he appeared to Peter (and John saw the empty tomb).  Third, he appeared to two unnamed disciples on the way to Emmaus.  Fourth, he appeared to all of the disciples in the upper room, except Thomas.  Finally, he appeared to Thomas, as well, and even showed him the scars in his hands, his feet, and his sides.  And it was not just the apostles who saw him, but Paul reports in 1 Corinthians 15:6 that over 500 people saw Jesus alive (most of whom were still alive when he wrote for readers to check back with).
3. Jesus Changed Lives:  Finally, it is worth noting the transformation seen in the disciples after Jesus's resurrection.  After the crucifixion, all accounts report they were terrified and hidden away, fearing the Romans or Sanhedrin would come for them next.  They feared for their lives, and were ready to run away.  But after the resurrection, suddenly they are bold and brash men with no fear for their lives.  They preach, they teach, they do miracles, and they eagerly march toward martyrdom.

While we do not have a photograph of the risen Jesus to examine, all of this adds up to a lot of strong evidence that Jesus of Nazareth did indeed rise from the dead.

HOLY WEEK: Resurrection Sunday!

Matthew 28:1-10:  Easter Sunday

1 After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.

2 There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. 4 The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.

5 The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”

8 So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”

HOLY WEEK: Holy Saturday

It is typical to think of Saturday as an "off day" for Holy Week, but actually quite a lot was happening.  Jesus was taken down from the cross and his body was wrapped in fine cloths and spices.   Then Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea - both prominent men who had much to lose by declaring they were followers of Jesus - came forward to claim the body and place it into a rich tomb.  Finally, the Sanhedrin - aware of Jesus's prophesies about resurrection - convinced Pilate to seal the tomb and guard it to protect against tampering.

HOLY WEEK: Good Friday

Good Friday is the holiest day on the Christian calendar, because it is the day Jesus died and took on all of our sins.  Without his death, we would still be in our sins and under judgement for all eternity.  Salvation, both Old and New Testament, is based on faith in the saving work of God thru Christ.

It was a long and difficult day for Jesus.  He not only died, but went thru multiple trials before both Jewish and Gentile, both local and imperial authorities.  He was offered a way out by Pilate, but the crowds chose a known murderer instead.  Jesus was then tortured, and forced to carry his own cross (until he collapsed and a bystander in the crowd was drafted to carry it for him).  Finally, he was nailed to the cross and after blessing nearly all those around him, died.

It is important to note how Jesus died.  He was not killed, but instead scripture says he "gave up his spirit."  God chose to die, because his life could not be taken from him.

HOLY WEEK: Maundy Thursday

Maundy Thursday is the most solemn and somber of days in the Christian calendar.  It marks the day that Jesus gave the Last Supper, prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, and was betrayed by Judas.

The term "Maundy" is a reference back to the Latin "mandatum" - i.e. "command" - which comes from John 13:34-35:  "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”"

Why is this day more somber than "Good Friday" on which Jesus actually died?  Because that day is made "good" by the redemption accomplished by his death on the cross.  Thursday, on the other hand, is just one difficult moment for Jesus after another with no relief in sight.  In light of this, it is traditional for Maundy Thursday services to end in silence, with people leaving the church without talking.

HOLY WEEK: Silent Wednesday

Nothing is recorded in the gospels about Wednesday of Holy Week.  This certainly doesn't say "nothing" happened, but scholars speculate Jesus and his disciples may have spent the day resting up for the Passover celebration in Bethany with Mary, Martha, and Lazarus.