MUSICAL INTERLUDE: Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)

Gift Game Help

It's still a few weeks away (January 10), but the Quiz Team Christmas Party is coming!  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
• Bible-themed toys
• Christian CDs
• Candy
• Gift Cards

Special after-Christmas sales are a good time to pick up presents for cheap.  Keep an eye out! Your gift may be the one most-traded this year.

BONUS MUSICAL INTERLUDE: Need You Now

BONUS COMIC: All About Marketing

WEEKLY COMIC: This is why we say WISE men!

THIS WEEK: Review Romans, Chapters 1-13

This week (December 26 thru January 1, please review Romans, chapters 1-13

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

For resources on past chapters, click below:

• Romans 1
• Romans 2
• Romans 3
• Romans 4
• Romans 5
• Romans 6
• Romans 7
• Romans 8
• Romans 9
• Romans 10
• Romans 11
• Romans 12
• Romans 13

Reminder:  There is no practice next Wednesday for New Years Day.

Study Tip:  Christmas is behind us and New Years is before us.  This is a good time to pause and reflect on how you have done as a Bible Quizzer in 2013.  What chapters are you strong on?  What chapters are you weak on?  Are you best at keywords, references, finish-the-verse questions? Do you need to set aside more time each week, or are you overdoing it and burning out?  Reflection and honesty can only help you make the changes you need in 2014 to be a better Bible quizzer and a better person, in general!

Upcoming Events:
- Friday, January 10, Christmas Party in Monroe, CT
- January 25, Midwinter Quiz Meet in Sparta, NJ

Merry Christmas from the Coaches!

Happy birthday, Jesus!  Thank you for coming to bring us all joy and grace!

(Sorry for the "Happy Holidays" at the end of the video.  It was the only option offered.)

MUSICAL INTERLUDE: Joy to the World

Online Gutenberg Bible

The Gutenberg Bible was one of the first books every produced by the moveable type printing press, and is widely considered a great work of art.  Now, scans from a Gutenberg Bible are available online for free!  Click on thru and enjoy a little bit of Biblical history during Christmas week!

PHOTOS: Pictures from Homecoming!

Coach Mark's photos from Homecoming are up and ready for your review.  Click on the image below for the whole set!

REMINDER: No Practice for the Next Two Wednesdays

In the hustle and bustle of Homecoming, the coaches forgot to remind everyone that there will be no practice for the next two Wednesdays due to them being Christmas and New Years Day.  Enjoy the extra time with your family, but don't forget to review!

WEEKLY COMIC: A "Wise" Observation

THIS WEEK: Review Romans, Chapters 11-13

This week (December 19 thru December 25), please review Romans, chapters 11-13

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

For resources on past chapters, click below:

• Romans 11
• Romans 12
• Romans 13

Study Tip:  Next Wednesday is Christmas and the Wednesday after that is New Years.  That is two whole weeks without a practice, so it may be tempting to lose yourself in holiday cheer and forget all about Bible Quizzing.  DON'T DO IT!  Christmas is the time we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the very man Paul is spending all of Romans talking about.  Set aside some time each day over the next two weeks to review Romans, and you'll find your Christmas season substantially enhanced.

Upcoming Events:
- Friday, January 10, Christmas Party in Monroe, CT
- January 25, Midwinter Quiz Meet in Sparta, NJ

WOO-HOO: Homecoming is Tonight!

Tonight is our annual Trumbull Bible Quiz Team Homecoming event, where quizzers have graduated or moved on are invited back to quiz with us for the night.  If you have any siblings in town for Christmas who may have missed the Evite, remind them and drag them along tonight.

MUSICAL INTERLUDE: White As Snow

SCOREBOARD: Practice 12/11

REFERENCE QUESTIONS: Romans 13

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

QUESTION:  According to Romans 13:1, let every person be what? 
ANSWER:  Subject to the governing authorities. (cf Jam 1:19)

QUESTION:  According to Romans 13:1, there is no what?
ANSWER:  Authority except from God. (cf Rom 3:18, 22; 4:15; 10:12; 13:1; Jam 1:17)

QUESTION:  According to Romans 13:9, you shall not what?
ANSWER:  Commit adultery, murder, steal, covet. (cf Rom 7:7)

QUESTION:  According to Romans 13:11, you know what?
ANSWER:  The time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. (cf Rom 13:11; Jam 1:3; 3:1)

QUESTION:  According to Romans 13:12, what is at hand? 
ANSWER:  The day. (cf Jam 5:8)

FINISH THE VERSE: Romans 13

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: Let every // person be subject... 
ANSWER:  ...to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. (Romans 13:1)

QUESTION: Owe no // one anything...
ANSWER:  ...except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. (Romans 13:8)

QUESTION: Love // does no wrong... 
ANSWER:  ...to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. (Romans 13:10)

QUESTION: But put // on the Lord Jesus Christ...
ANSWER:  ...and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires. (Romans 13:14)

WEEKLY COMIC: Good Question!

THIS WEEK: Study Romans, Chapter 13

This week (December 12 thru December 18), please read Romans, chapter 13

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

Click here to download an MP3 of the chapter.

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

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

Study Tip: Christmas is now bearing down upon us, and if you're like me, you are a little bit overwhelmed with everything that has to get done.  How can you fit your studying for Bible Quiz Team into the schedule?  They key is to set clear and simple goals.  Consider creating a to-do list for each day of tasks that must be done before bedtime, and checking them off as you go.  AND make sure "study Bible Quiz Team material" is on that list!  Having a list can help focus you, and keep you from accidentally drifting off into unproductive activities.

Upcoming Events:
- Wednesday, December 18 - Quiz Team Homecoming!
- Friday, January 10, Christmas Party in Monroe, CT
- January 25, Midwinter Quiz Meet in Sparta, NJ

Happy Birthday, Coach Jim!

REFERENCE QUESTIONS: Romans 12

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

QUESTION:  According to Romans 12:1, I appeal to you how? 
ANSWER:  By the mercies of God. (cf Rom 15:30)

QUESTION:  According to Romans 12:2, do not be what?
ANSWER:  Conformed to this world. (cf Rom 11:18; 12: 2, 11, 16, 21; Jam 1:16)

QUESTION:  According to Romans 12:11, do not be what?
ANSWER:  Slothful in zeal. (cf Rom 11:18; 12: 2, 11, 16, 21; Jam 1:16)

QUESTION:  According to Romans 12:16, do not be what?
ANSWER:  Haughty. (cf Rom 11:18; 12: 2, 11, 16, 21; Jam 1:16)

QUESTION:  According to Romans 12:16, live how?
ANSWER:  In harmony with one another. (cf Rom 12:16, 18)

QUESTION:  According to Romans 12:18, live how?
ANSWER:  Peacably with all (if possible, so far as it depends on you). (cf Rom 12:16, 18)

QUESTION:  According to Romans 12:19, what is written?
ANSWER:  “Vengeance is mine, I will repay,” (says the Lord). (cf Rom 1:17; 2:24; 3:4, 10; 4:17; 8:36; 9:13, 33; 10:15; 11:8, 26; 12:19; 14:11; 15:3, 9, 21)

QUESTION:  According to Romans 12:21, do not be what?
ANSWER:  Overcome by evil. (cf Rom 11:18; 12: 2, 11, 16, 21; Jam 1:16)

FINISH THE VERSE: Romans 12

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: I appeal to you, therefore //...
ANSWER:  ...brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. (Romans 12:1)

QUESTION: Do not be conformed // to this world...
ANSWER:  ...but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:2)

QUESTION: For by the // grace given to me...
ANSWER:  ...I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. (Romans 12:3)

QUESTION: For as // in one body...
ANSWER:  ...we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. (Romans 12:4-5)

QUESTION: Let love // be genuine...
ANSWER:  ...Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. (Romans 12:9-10)

QUESTION: Repay // no one evil for evil...
ANSWER:  ...but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. (Romans 12:17-18)

QUESTION: Beloved, // never avenger yourselves
ANSWER:  ...but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” (Romans 12:19-20)


QUESTION: Do not be overcome // by evil...
ANSWER:  ...but overcome evil with good. (Romans 12:21)

MUSICAL INTERLUDE: What a Glorious Night

SCOREBOARD: Practice 12/4

PHOTOS: Pictures from the Quiz Meet

It's been a few weeks, but the paparazzi pictures from the Quiz Meet in Monroe, CT are up and ready for your enjoyment.  Click on the images below to see each whole set.

Coach Mark's Photos:


Coach Matt's Photos:

WEEKLY COMIC: Be Careful with Scripture

THIS WEEK: Study Romans, Chapter 12

This week (December 5 thru December 11), please read Romans, chapter 12

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

Click here to download an MP3 of the chapter.

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

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

Study Tip: Are you taking full advantage of the tools available to you for studying?  While we provide commentaries, MP3s, puzzles, lists of reference and FTV questions, scripture portions and keywords, many quizzers wind up just doing the same old thing and just read the chapters for their studying.  There is nothing wrong with that, but it can become old hat after a while and you can lose the excitement that comes with new discoveries.  Consider really digging into ALL of the tools at your disposal to reignite your excitement for Bible Quizzing!

Upcoming Events:
- Friday, January 10, Christmas Party in Monroe, CT
- January 25, Midwinter Quiz Meet in Sparta, NJ

SCOREBOARD: Practice 11/20

VOCABULARY: Romans 11

Paul had a large vocabulary, so sometimes he uses words with which you may be unfamiliar.  This weekly series attempts to help by highlighting potentially unfamiliar terminology.  If there are additional words you need help with, please e-mail the coaches.

Romans 11 Vocabulary:

Foreknew:  Had prior awareness of; Prophetic understanding

Demolished:  Destroyed

Altars:  Structure upon which offerings are placed for sacrifice

Baal:  False god worshipped by the Babylonian people

Stupor:  Near-unconsciousness

Snare:  A rope-based trap for animals

Grafted In:  Gardening technique whereby a branch of one kind of plant is attached to the trunk of another plant

Banish:  To exile or cast out

Inscrutable:  Impossible to discover or figure out

MUSICAL INTERLUDE: All You've Ever Wanted

BIBLE NEWS: Bible More Accessible Than Anytime in History

It was not so long ago that you were a very lucky person if you had access to a Bible.  For centuries, they were held almost exclusively by priests and monks.  Then for centuries more, they were mostly held by the rich.  By the time our parents and grandparents came along, Bibles were everywhere in the Western world, but still forbidden across most of the east.  But now, experts are saying the Bible is accessible to nearly anyone, more-so than any time in history.  And it may be fulfillment of prophecy!

Creson states that "the last translator for the last Bible translation is alive somewhere in the world today." He told CP why he believes that. "Thirty years ago, the average New Testament took over 20 years to translate," Creson explained. Today, it takes about 8 years.
The Wycliffe president also testified his belief that organization's work helps bring about the End Times. "I believe that the work we do hastens the return of Jesus Christ," Creson told CP. Citing Matthew 24:14, he paraphrased Jesus' words saying "this good news message has to be preached to the whole world, to every tongue, tribe, and nation, and then the end will come."

REFERENCE QUESTIONS: Romans 11

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

QUESTION:  According to Romans 11:1, I ask what?
ANSWER:  Has God rejected his people? (cf Rom 10:18, 19; 11:1, 11)

QUESTION:  According to Romans 11:2, do you not know what?
ANSWER:  What the Scripture says of Elijah, how he appeals to God against Israel. (cf Rom 6:3, 16; 7:1; 11:2; Jam 4:4)

QUESTION:  According to Romans 11:8, what is written?
ANSWER:  “God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes that would not see and ears that would not hear, down to this very day.” (cf Rom 1:17; 2:24; 3:4, 10; 4:17; 8:36; 9:13, 33; 10:15; 11:8, 26; 12:19; 14:11; 15:3, 9, 21)

QUESTION:  According to Romans 11:11, I ask what?
ANSWER:  Did they stumble in order that they might fall? (cf Rom 10:18, 19; 11:1, 11)

QUESTION:  According to Romans 11:13, I am speaking to whom? 
ANSWER:  You Gentiles. (cf Rom 7:1; 11:13)

QUESTION:  According to Romans 11:18, do not be what?
ANSWER:  Arrogant toward the branches. (cf Rom 11:18; 12: 2, 11, 16, 21; Jam 1:16)

QUESTION:  According to Romans 11:26, what is written?
ANSWER:  “The Deliverer will come from Zion; he will banish ungodliness from Jacob.” (cf *Rom 1:17; 2:24; 3:4, 10; 4:17; 8:36; 9:13, 33; 10:15; 11:8, 26; 12:19; 14:11; 15:3, 9, 21)

QUESTION:  According to Romans 11:26, who will be saved? 
ANSWER:  All Israel. (cf *Rom 9:27; 10:9, 13; 11:26)