HE IS RISEN!

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(L) to go to Galilee; there they will see me.”

WEEKLY COMIC: Easter Escape

REMINDER: Good Friday Services

Just a quick reminder that there will be special Good Friday services today from noon to 3:30 PM featuring pastors from many different evangelical churches in the area.  Consider stopping by if you're off school today and in the area!

*Good* Friday

Matthew 27:32-61:  Good Friday

32 As they were going out, they met a man from Cyrene, named Simon, and they forced him to carry the cross. 33 They came to a place called Golgotha (which means “the place of the skull”). 34 There they offered Jesus wine to drink, mixed with gall; but after tasting it, he refused to drink it. 35 When they had crucified him, they divided up his clothes by casting lots. 36 And sitting down, they kept watch over him there. 37 Above his head they placed the written charge against him: this is jesus, the king of the jews.

38 Two rebels were crucified with him, one on his right and one on his left. 39 Those who passed by hurled insults at him, shaking their heads 40 and saying, “You who are going to destroy the temple and build it in three days, save yourself! Come down from the cross, if you are the Son of God!” 41 In the same way the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the elders mocked him. 42 “He saved others,” they said, “but he can’t save himself! He’s the king of Israel! Let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe in him. 43 He trusts in God. Let God rescue him now if he wants him, for he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” 44 In the same way the rebels who were crucified with him also heaped insults on him.

45 From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over all the land. 46 About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”).

47 When some of those standing there heard this, they said, “He’s calling Elijah.”

48 Immediately one of them ran and got a sponge. He filled it with wine vinegar, put it on a staff, and offered it to Jesus to drink. 49 The rest said, “Now leave him alone. Let’s see if Elijah comes to save him.”

50 And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit.

51 At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split 52 and the tombs broke open. The bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. 53 They came out of the tombs after Jesus’ resurrection and went into the holy city and appeared to many people.

54 When the centurion and those with him who were guarding Jesus saw the earthquake and all that had happened, they were terrified, and exclaimed, “Surely he was the Son of God!”

55 Many women were there, watching from a distance. They had followed Jesus from Galilee to care for his needs. 56 Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of Zebedee’s sons.

57 As evening approached, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who had himself become a disciple of Jesus. 58 Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus’ body, and Pilate ordered that it be given to him. 59 Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, 60 and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut out of the rock. He rolled a big stone in front of the entrance to the tomb and went away. 61 Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting there opposite the tomb.

TOPICS FROM PRACTICE: Why did Judas betray Jesus?

At practice on Sunday, the Monroe team discussed Judas's betrayal of Jesus.  We talked about the various theories for why he did it - that he'd lost faith, that he was trying to force Jesus's hand, that he was greedy - and ultimately all scripture tells us clearly is "Satan entered him".  This logically raises the question "If Satan entered Judas and drove what he did, was Judas set up?"  This is an especially important question in light of Matthew's clear demonstration that Jesus was in control all the time.

I recommend this short article on the topic, if you've ben wondering about this.  It's especially appropriate today - "Maundy Thursday"- as we remember the Last Supper and the subsequent betrayal.

Jesus chose Judas to be a part of the twelve, but yet knew he would betray him (Mark 14:18, 21; John 6:70). Luke tells us in Luke 22:3 that, “Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot.”
So, was Judas a mindless zombie, set on an uncontrollable mission by the hand of God to betray Jesus?
No.
God did not force Judas’ hand. Judas made conscious choices every step of the way and eventually he chose to betray Jesus.

WEEK 30: Study Matthew, Chapter 27

This week (March 21 thru March 27), please study Matthew, Chapter 27. (Yes, we know it is another LONG one.)

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

Download the MP3.

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

Study Tip: We're almost at the end of the Bible Quizzing season, so it may be tempting to coast on what you already know.  But don't let that impulse win!  Districts is only a few weeks away, and even the end-of-the-year quiz tends to focus mostly on the last few chapters.  And, let us not forget, these current chapters are among the most important in all of scripture dealing with Jesus death and resurrection!  Take the time and keep on task, and learn all you can.

Upcoming Events:
- April 19-20 - DISTRICTS in Sparta, NJ

REMINDER: No Practice Tonight

Just a reminder that there is no practice tonight.  Enjoy a night with your family during Holy Week.

MUSICAL INTERLUDE: Hosanna

TOPICS FROM PRACTICE: Passover

The Jewish day begins at sunset, so Passover actually began last night.  But today is the first full day of the holiday.  As Gentile Christians, we don't often talk much about Passover (unless we're reading through Exodus) but Holy Week coincided with Passover in Jesus Day.  Click on the images below to learn a little more about the day from Chosen People Ministries.  The first walks you thru a normal Passover Seder, the second walks thru how the symbols of Passover relate to Jesus.

SCOREBOARD: March 20 Practice

BONUS COMIC: Sunrise and Shine

TOPICS FROM PRACTICE: Holy Week & the Gospel of Matthew

Tomorrow begins "Holy Week"- the 8 (modern) days encapsulating Jesus's ministry in Jerusalem, beginning with Palm Sunday and ending with Easter.  Each gospel presents this period a little differently, so let's take a quick look at how Matthew deals with this amazing week.

• Sunday - Palm Sunday & the Triumphal Entry:  Matthew 21:1-11
• Monday - Cleaning of the Temple:  Matthew 21:12-17
• Tuesday - A Day of Parables:  Matthew 22:1-14, Matthew 25:1-28
• Wednesday - Jesus Anointed:  Matthew 26:6-13, Judas Makes his Deal:  Matthew 26:14-16   
• "Maundy" Thursday - The Last Supper:  Matthew 26:17-30, Jesus's Arrest:  Matthew 26:36-55
• "Good" Friday - Sanhedrin Trial: Matthew 26:57-68, Roman Trial:  Matthew 27:11-31, Crucifixion & Burial: Matthew 27:32-61
• "Silent" Saturday:  The Bible says nothing
• "Resurrection/Easter" Sunday:  Matthew 28:1-10

Consider reading thru and studying each of these passes on the appropriate day during this upcoming week.  It may deepen your understanding and appreciating for the material.

Here's a printable PDF of this list to keep in your Bible.

WEEKLY COMIC: Garnish

WEEK 29: Review Matthew, Chapters 17-26

This week (March 21 thru March 27), please review Matthew, Chapters 17-26.

There is no practice next Wednesday (March 27) for Holy Week.  Spend the day with your family.

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

Study Tip: This has been a busy, busy year with very few review weeks, so you may not be familiar with the process.  There are many different ways to review.  Some actually reach thru all of the review chapters every day.  Others focus on just one or two chapters that they had problems with.  If you're not sure what to do, consider focussing on Chapter 26 again. It covers most of Holy Week (which is this coming week anyway) and was a long chapter to cover.

Upcoming Events:
- April 19-20 - DISTRICTS in Sparta, NJ

REFERENCE QUESTIONS: Matthew 26

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

QUESTION:  According  to  Matthew  26:18, What  is  near?

ANSWER:  My  appointed  time. 3:2; 4:17; 10:7; 24:32,33; 26:45

QUESTION:  According  to  Matthew  26:21, Who  will  betray  me?
ANSWER:  One  of  you. 26:23

QUESTION:  According  to  Matthew  26:23, Who  will  betray  me?
ANSWER:  The  one  who  has  dipped  his  hand  into  the  bowl  with  me. 26:21

QUESTION:  According  to  Matthew  26:24, The  Son  of  Man  will  what?
ANSWER:  Go  just  as  it  is  written  about  him. 13:41; 24:30,44

QUESTION:  According  to  Matthew  26:24, What  would  be  better  for  him?
ANSWER:  If  he  had  not  been  born. 18:6

QUESTION:  According  to  Matthew  26:31, This  very  night  you  will  what?
ANSWER:  All  fall  away  on  account  of  me. 26:34

QUESTION:  According  to  Matthew  26:31, What  is  written?
ANSWER:  "I  will  strike  the  shepherd, and  the  sheep  of  the  flock  will  be  scattered."

QUESTION:  According  to  Matthew  26:34, This  very  night  you  will  what?
ANSWER:  (Before  the  rooster  crows) disown  me  three  times. 26:31

QUESTION:  According  to  Matthew  26:45, The  Son  of  Man  is  what?
ANSWER:  Betrayed  into  the  hands  of  sinners. 12:8

FINISH THE VERSE: Matthew 26

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: "Put // your sword...

ANSWER:  ...back in its place," Jesus said to him, "for all who draw the sword will die by the sword."  (Matthew 26:52 )

QUESTION:  Do you // think I cannot...

ANSWER:  ...call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?  (Matthew 26:53-54 )

QUESTION:  Going // a little farther,...

ANSWER:  ...he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will."  (Matthew 26:39 )

QUESTION:  Then he took // the cup,...

ANSWER:  ...gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins."  (Matthew 26:27-28 )

QUESTION:  Then one // of the Twelve -...

ANSWER:  ...the one called Judas Iscariot - went to the chief priests and asked, "What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?" So they counted out for him thirty silver coins.  (Matthew 26:14-15 )

QUESTION:  Watch // and pray...

ANSWER:  ...so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.  (Matthew 26:41 )

QUESTION:  When she // poured this perfume...

ANSWER:  ...on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. I tell you the truth, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.  (Matthew 26:12-13 )

QUESTION:  While they // were eating,...

ANSWER:  ...Jesus took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to his disciples, saying, "Take and eat; this is my body."  (Matthew 26:26 )

Photos from Saturday's Quiz Meet

The photos from Saturday's Quiz Meet are up and ready for your enjoyment.  Click on the images below to see each set.

Coach Mark's Photos:


Coach Matt's Photos:

SCOREBOARD: March 13 Practice

WEEKLY COMIC: Burying Talents

QUIZ MEET: Heading Out!

QUIZ MEET: Lunchtime!

QUIZ MEET: Last Quiz

QUIZ MEET: Quiz 6

QUIZ MEET: Trumbull

QUIZ MEET: Número Tres

QUIZ MEET: Monroe vs Trumbull

QUIZ MEET: We have a cheering section!

QUIZ MEET: Quizzing begins

QUIZ MEET: The calm before the storm

Quiz Meet is TODAY

See you at the church at 9:00 AM!

REMINDER: Home Quiz Meet is TOMORROW

Our next Quiz Meet is tomorrow at home.

COST:  $5.00 for lunch

SCHEDULE:
9:00 AM:  Opening ceremonies
9:30 AM:  Quizzing Begins
11:30 AM:  Quizzing Ends
11:35 AM:  Lunch
1:00 PM:  Activities end, everyone heads home (may be earlier, depending on events)

See you tomorrow at 9:00 AM!

WEEK 28: Study Matthew, Chapter 26

This week (March 14 thru March 20), please study Matthew, Chapter 26. (Yes, we know it is a LONG one.)

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

Download the MP3.

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

Study Tip: We're now in the season of Lent, when Christians celebrate the weeks before Jesus's death on the cross and resurrection from the dead. It is traditional at this time among some Christians to give up something, in order share in some small way with Christ's suffering. If you're still unable to find time to study, perhaps you might choose something to give up for Lent (maybe a favorite TV program) to provide more time to spend in the scriptures.

Upcoming Events:
- April 19-20 - DISTRICTS in Sparta, NJ

BIBLE NEWS: Firemen sworn in on iPad Bible

We study the Bible for its content, but it is also used as a ceremonial object.  For instance, it is commonly used in swearing-in ceremonies.  And as the Bible goes online, we're seeing electronic bibles used in new and different ways.  Did you think you'd see the day when someone was sworn in on an iPad?

According to a local NBC news channel, when the firemen showed up for the swearing in ceremony, they discovered that no one brought along a physical copy of the Bible. A quick-thinking member of the group took out an iPad and downloaded the app.

MUSICAL INTERLUDE: We Won't Be Shaken

SCOREBOARD: March 6 Practice

REFERENCE QUESTIONS: Matthew 25

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

QUESTION:  According  to  Matthew 25:13, Keep  watch  why?

ANSWER:  Because  you  do  not  know  the  day  or  the  hour. 24:42

FINISH THE VERSE: Matthew 25

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:  When the Son // of Man...

ANSWER:  ...comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.  (Matthew 25:31-32)

WEEKLY COMIC: Palm Sunday

WEEK 27: Study Matthew, Chapter 25

This week (March 7 thru March 13), please study Matthew, Chapter 25.

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

Download the MP3.

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

Study Tip: Some years, we have the luxury of review weeks, but for 2013 we'll have only a few review weeks left to us.  Be sure to embrace this reality by staying sharp and focussed on the new material each week.  There's always new things to learn and new lessons to embrace.

Upcoming Events:
- Saturday, March 16 - Quiz Meet in Trumbull, CT

BIBLE NEWS: "The Bible" Miniseries gains big ratings

Bible readers like us have known for years that the greatest book is full of drama.  From Adam and Eve to Jesus on the cross to Jesus triumphant at the end, it is a long love story between God and humankind stretching across thousands of years.  So, it's not a big shock that the History Channel's new mini-series "The Bible" is getting big ratings.

The miniseries' two-hour cable network premiere was seen by 13.1 million viewers and scored a 3.3 rating among adults 18-49. That's more viewers and a higher demo rating than any show on the major broadcast networks last night and ranks as cable's most-watched entertainment telecast this year. If you include the show's repeat, the viewership rises to 14.8 million for the night.

I haven't seen the show yet, so I can't say whether or not I'd recommend it to quizzers.  But it is nice to see the Bible getting the respect it deserves as the greatest story every told.

MUSICAL INTERLUDE: Swallow the Ocean

SCOREBOARD: February 27 Practice

REFERENCE QUESTIONS: Matthew 24

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

QUESTION:  According  to  Matthew  24:23, Do  not  believe  what?

ANSWER:  (At  that  time) If  anyone  says  to  you, "Look, here  is  the  Christ!" or, "There  he  is!". 24:26

QUESTION:  According  to  Matthew  24:26, Do  not  believe  what?

ANSWER:  If  anyone  tells  you, "Here  he  is, in  the  inner  rooms"? 24:23

QUESTION:  According  to  Matthew  24:42, Keep  watch  why?

ANSWER:  Because  you  do  not  know  on  what  day  your  Lord  will  come. 25:13

FINISH THE VERSE: Matthew 24

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:    And he will // send...

ANSWER:  ...his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.  (Matthew 24:31 )

QUESTION:  And this // gospel...
ANSWER:  ...of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.  (Matthew 24:14 )

QUESTION:  At that time if // anyone...
ANSWER:  ...says to you, "Look, here is the Christ!" or, "There he is!" do not believe it. For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect - if that were possible.  (Matthew 24:23-24 )

QUESTION:  At that time the // sign...
ANSWER:  ...of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory.  (Matthew 24:30 )

QUESTION:  Heaven // and earth....
ANSWER:  ...will pass away, but my words will never pass away.  (Matthew 24:35 )

QUESTION:  No one knows // about...
ANSWER:  ...that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.  (Matthew 24:36 )

QUESTION:  So you // also must be...
ANSWER:  ...ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.  (Matthew 24:44 )

QUESTION:  Therefore keep // watch,...
ANSWER:  ...because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.  (Matthew 24:42 )

WEEKLY COMIC: Palm Sunday