2010-2011 Season: Bible Quizzing Rules

As you prepare for the next year, you may wish to brush up on the "official" Bible Quizzing rules. These are actually the rules for 2008-2009, but not too much has changed. And as soon as we have the newest version of the rules, we will get them out to you. The general scope, breadth, and high level details have not changed.

Context is everything

2010-2011 Season: Keywords

We learned toward the end of last year that keywords (a.k.a. once-used words, words used only one time over the entire book(s) we're studying) can be a very helpful resource in studying and quizzing. So, we also have the list of keywords for the gospel of John for your reference.

2010-2011 Season: Reference Questions List

Continuing our parade of resources, we next up have the official reference question list for the gospel of John. Remember, in a quiz you need to be able to finish the question and furnish the answer, if the quizmaster doesn't read the whole question aloud.

2010-2011 Season: Finish the Verse List

Last year, we had to wait a while before getting some of the resources offered us by the District, but this time around we have everything we need in our grubby little hands. If you want to get the Finish-the-Verse list early, so you can start preparing for the next season grab it here or click on the image below.

2010-2011 Season: The Gospel of John

Okay, you've had two weeks to let your brains relax from Nationals and then start to get back in shape with some news articles. Now, here is your chance - if you choose - to start preparing for next year. Please note, any preparation prior to the kickoff is purely voluntary. Don't forget to enjoy this beautiful summer!

But first, for the 2010-2011 season, we will be studying... {{drum roll}}... THE GOSPEL OF JOHN.

If you'd like to kick off your studies of John with a review of the history, background, and theology of John, consider checking out this summary of the book offered by Zondervan. If you're in the mood for an audio-visual experience instead, consider renting the Gospel of John DVD instead - it is NOT in the NIV version but it is still a good way to get familiar with the events of the book.

Churches can help Churches, too

We're always looking for was to reach out to those around us. This is a very good thing, and very much in line with what Christ called us to. But sometimes, we fail to notice our brothers and sisters in Christ who are in need alongside us. But in at least one case, churches reached out to help another church in desperate need of some TLC.

That’s when Pastor Bob Crawford realized his prayers had been answered - the Whitehall congregation wanted to restore the Lakewood church.

Last week, about 80 volunteers from Whitehall and 15 from the Lakewood church as well as other community members renovated the 66-year-old building. Each day, crews worked from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and another team worked from 6 p.m. for several hours. Participants ranged in age from teens to seniors. Members of the Lakewood congregation served breakfast and lunch.

Always be looking outwards for ways to serve, whether it be those outside the church, those inside your church, or those in another church!

Wycliffe is bringing the Bible to ALL LANGUAGES by 2025

Have you ever stopped to think about how many different languages are spoken in the world? Experts believe there are 6,905! And Bible translators like those at Wycliffe believe that it will be possible to translate the Bible into all of those languages by 2025! Jesus gave us the command to bring his gospel to all nations, and it may be within our lifetime that fulfilling that charge may be possible!

Wycliffe Bible Translators, the world’s largest scripture translation organization, believes Bible translation into all of the remaining 2,200 languages used by some 350 million people is possible by 2025...

Edwards said many factors are contributing to the rapid speed of Bible translation over the past few years.

As recent as 1999, Wycliffe estimated it would take eight generations, or some 140 to 150 years, before it would see the last translation started. In 1999, the group was averaging 20 new translation starts a year and there were about 3,000 languages left.

But 10 years later, Wycliffe had 109 new translation starts in 2009. The average new translation starts for the past 10 years is 75, Edwards noted.

Keep a close eye on these developments, as we may be approaching a turning point in history. Once every man, woman, and child in the world can hear the gospel, who knows what may change?

Hmmmmmmmm....

Israeli Bible Quiz inspires all walks of life

We're not the only ones who run Bible Quizzing competitions. Indeed, such competitions can be found all over the world, in different nations, languages, and cultures. Consider this competition in Israel which has attracted both the son of the Prime Minister and a Bedouin teacher.

The response for the newly resumed quiz has been overwhelming: 1,650 people have thus far registered.

Contestants will be divided into seven districts around Israel, including one designated for IDF soldiers. A written test will be held in mid-July to determine 14 winners from each district who will move on to the regional competition. At the second stage, each district will hold a local race for two spots. A total of 14 contestants will participate in the national contest to be held during the holiday of Hanukkah. The winner and his two runner-ups will move on to the international contest which will be held in 2011.

Who knows where your Bible knowledge may take you someday?

Florida Bible Museum

The Bible is so much a part of history that the various translations and editions that have been produced over the centuries are intertwined with the times and places where they were written. Every Bible is not only a historical record of the Word of God, but also a piece of history itself, so it should not be surprising to find Bible museums like the one in Tarpon Springs, Florida where a large collection of historical Bibles is preserved for all to see.

Leslie Hale is a preacher who settled here from Ireland. His bible collection spans several centuries. In six years, the museum at the church that has grown to almost 400 pieces of antiquity for all to see.

"I had a great burden to cause the people to have a new appreciation of God's word," Hale explained. "They said it was too holy to have human error."

Each piece has a story. Among the ancient scrolls and commentaries are 14 Geneva Bibles brought to America by the pilgrims. These books of worship were the cornerstone of life in the early English settlements.

"Most have never heard of it, and we have 14. This one here is dated 1589. Just think of that, and there's actually notes that are written inside this bible," Hale said.

Another priceless rare treasure is the Baskerville Bible from the 1700s, which is the blueprint for the modern King James version.

What's in a name?

I'm sure everyone is aware what Coach Mark, Coach Matt, and Coach Jim (James) all have in common, right? We all have Biblical names (i.e. names derived from the Apostles). While a Biblical name doesn't give us any special grace, it does say something to the world about us and about our parents. Names are important things - as proven by the fact that God often renames people when he calls them (Abram -> Abraham, Simon -> Peter, Saul -> Paul). So, what about a man named "God's Gift Achiuwa"? He must have a story to tell!

Meet God's Gift Achiuwa, a 6-foot-9 forward at Erie Community College who has already caught the attention of some high-profile Division I programs because of both his stellar play and unusual name. The Nigeria native's father is a minister, so the first name he chose for his son is a reflection of the family's devout religious beliefs.

"His name is the first thing that anyone asks about when they meet him," Erie coach Alex Nwora said by phone. "Everyone thought it was a nickname or something, but that's his real name. Fortunately, he's a religious kid, so he likes it."

Next up - NEWS WEEK

Okay, you've had a week to decompress, rest, and relax. Are you ready to get back into it?! What's that? Not yet? Okay, rather than jumping back in with both feet, we'll take this week for NEWS WEEK where we'll see out various news items related to the Bible or the Christian faith. That way, you can start to bring your brain back into shape without pulling a mental muscle.

Random Relaxation

Today is our last day of "rest and relaxation" postings, so here is one more bit of randomness to amuse and distract while your brain restores itself from the stresses of studying for Nationals.

You may want to turn down the volume or put on headphones for this one. It can become quite annoying to those not playing along.

Ball Dropping is a little game for your computer (Javascript only, no Flash required) where you draw lines across the screen and balls drop from an opening and make music as they hit the lines and bounce off. It is very simple, but also highly addictive and soothing. Enjoy!

(And yes, I have posted this before. But I think it's worth it.)

Free Christian Music: Red Letter

In addition to free radio stations and tv stations for Christian music, you can also find a lot of free Christian music out there for you to enjoy. Consider this band from Mars Hill Church in Seattle, WA called "Red Letter".

Answers to Prayer

From here. Click on the image to embiggen it.

Absolutely NOTHING to do with Bible Quizzing

I promised you a week of rest and relaxation here at QuizPad.Com and sometimes that means just having fun with no direct Biblical tie. (Although, I'll give extra points to anyone who can find one and post it in the comments below!) Instead, here is a fun game that I found online where you can play the old classic Super Mario Brothers game from the Nintendo Entertainment System using characters from many other classic games. Good, clean fun. (Flash is required.)

Christian Radio Online

One disadvantage to an iPod or MP3 player is you're stuck with the same old songs that you already know. But there is a distinct lack of Christian radio in this area. So, here are a few options if you'd like to listen to Christian music or speakers online! All of these options are free.

• KVIL Dallas - Christian Rock
• The Faith - 104.7
• OnePlace.Com
• ChristianRock.Net
• JCTV.Org

That's Just Nutty!

From Finding Elim.

What now? FUN WEEK!

Nationals is over, all the photos have been posted for your review, and all of the spies have been retired for now. So, what is a quizzer to do?! Well, this week will be dedicated to rest and rejuvenation! Take some time off of Bible quizzing to let your mind be restored before starting to prepare for next year. And enjoy a week of posts that are "just fun".

Looking for a Nationals Flashback?

Nationals was clearly a great time, where the Lord was working in a mighty way. Now, as you return to "real life", it may be helpful to have a few reminders of how you felt in Columbus, and to drive home the points the speakers were trying to make.

You may want to either considering investing in the DVD set of the week.

Or you may want to download the podcasts of the speakers.

(These are MP3s so no iPod required. They will be up for 88 days only.)

• Poor in Spirit
• Merciful
• Mourn
• Pure in Heart
• Meek
• Peacemakers
• Hunger & Thirst
• Persecuted

All of these are secured with the usual password - "quizpad" without the quotes. Enjoy!

Spy Videos from Code Name: Darth Nader

Many thanks to our spy code named Darth Nader (i.e. Nate) for two excellent videos of the Nationals Gospel Choir that many of our own teens took part in. As far as I know, these have not been seen anywhere previously.

Spy Photos from Code Name: JHBRK

Many thanks to our spy code named JHBRK (i.e. Coach Jim) for these excellent photos from Nationals. Click on the image below to see them all.

This set has a password - please use "columbus" to get into the full album.

Spy Photos from Code Name: Miss Frizzle

Many thanks to our spy code named MISS FRIZZLE (i.e. Liz) for these excellent photos from Nationals. These can also be seen on her Facebook page, if you have the right connections.

Spy Photos from Code Name: Mrs. Mac

Many thanks to our spy code named MRS MAC (i.e. Mrs. McIntyre) for these excellent photos from Nationals. These can also be seen on her Facebook page, if you have the right connections.

Spy Photos from Code Name: Snoopy

Many thanks to our spy code named SNOOPY (i.e. Sarah) for these excellent photos from Nationals. These can also be seen on her Facebook page, if you have the right connections.

Spy Photos from Code Name: Specs

Many thanks to our spy code named SPECS (i.e. Jessica) for these excellent photos from Nationals. These can also be seen on her Facebook page, if you have the right connections.

Nationals Rewind - Day 5

Challenge 2010 Rewind 5 from Carl Larsen on Vimeo.

Travelling can be tough.

Spy Photo: "2010 National EFCA Bible Quizzing Champs!!!"

Spy Report: "Home around 10:30 AM"

Our spies make use of every mobile technology, and one has just contacted us from the road by carrier pigeon. The spy reports that they have just crossed into New Jersey, and expect to be in the church parking lot about 10:30 AM.

Welcome home, weary travelers!

Welcome Home!!!

Welcome home, coaches, quizzers, teens, and sponsors! Great work in Columbus, Ohio. Were happy to have you home, and hope that you had a great time, learned a lot, and took your relationship with God to a new level.

Rewind - Day 4

Challenge 2010 Rewind 4 from Carl Larsen on Vimeo.

Spy Photo: "Nationals Group Photo at Ohio State!"

Spy Photo: "We're not in CT anymore!"

Last Day is Today, But it Need Not End

Today is the last day of Nationals - an event which was a life-changing experience - and the songs and speakers are likely echoing in the memories of the students who went. But every cup that is full empties in time. If you want to refill the cup, consider downloading the messages from the week from the Challenge 2010 website. Click on the image below to see what is available.

Rewind Video for Day 3

Challenge 2010 Rewind 3 from Carl Larsen on Vimeo.

Spy Photo: "Traditional Crazy T-shirt Day"

Spy Report: "Ohio State was great!"

The newest report is hot off of the teletype!  Our spies report the teens visited Ohio State University, and are now engaged on service project at a local EFCA church.

Please continue to pray that God is working in their lives, and that they can see His hand guiding and protecting them all the way.

Not Our Spy, But...

Counter-intelligence has picked up transmissions from other spies at the National EFCA Youth Conference! Check out these intercepted spy photos, and marvel at the wonders of modern spycraft. Click on the images below to see the whole set.

Day 1


Day 2


Day 3

Official Challenge 2010 Video Recaps

Have you been following along on the Challenge 2010 Facebook Page? If not you may want to check out these great recap videos. Click on the image below to see the whole thing in HD.

Day 1


Day 2