Reformation Day

Today is not only a day for candy and costumes.  It is also "Reformation Day" - the anniversary of the day Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg.

Martin Luther was a monk and a theologian of the Catholic Church in the 1500s. He had struggled his whole life with overwhelming feelings of guilt and awareness of his own sinfulness. He finally was able to overcome this by studying the book of Romans, where he learned that salvation is a Free Gift and that Jesus Christ had already done everything required by God.  He was known for both his scholarly teaching of students, and his compelling sermons at the local church. 

Pope Leo X needed money to fund the building of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, so he sent out priests on a fund-raised selling "indulgences".  Indulgences were pieces of paper that could be bought to get loved ones who had died out of Hell and into Heaven.  (This Pope didn't start the practice.  It was well-established by this time.  But it had not been seen in Germany during Luther's lifetime.)  Some of the priests of the time were so zealous to sell indulgences that they used tactics that we'd associate with a "used car dealer" today.   

Luther was outraged to see people selling Christ's "free gift".  He put together his 95 Theses - a list of 95 statements of what Luther believed to be true - and nailed them to the door of the local church.  (This was a common practice of the time for advertisements.)  He intended to have a scholarly debate on the subject with other theologians.  But copied of his 95 These made their way to Rome, and the pope ordered that Luther be tried for heresy (i.e. teaching false things about the Bible and the Church). 

The trial and its results triggered the Reformation, whereby nations and churches broke away from the Catholic Church and formed the many denominations of Christianity we know today.

THIS WEEK: Study Acts, Chapter 9

This week (October 30 thru November 5), please study Acts, Chapter 9.

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: Looking for more study tips from a different source? Check out StudyTips.Org for other ideas for improving your studying of the Bible and in school.

Upcoming Events:
- November 1 - Quiz Meet in Trumbull, CT
- December 5 - Christmas Party with Trumbull (in Monroe)
- January 17 - Midwinter Quiz Meet in Monroe, CT

BONUS COMIC: Godly Coverage

MUSICAL INTERLUDE: Jesus Loves Me

SCOREBOARD: Practice 10/22

FINISH THE VERSE: Acts 8

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 Saul // approved of his execution....
ANSWER:  ...And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.  (Acts 8:1)

QUESTION:  But Saul was // ravaging the church... 
ANSWER:  ...and entering house after house, he dragged off men and women and committed them to prison. Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word. Acts 8:3-4


QUESTION:  But Peter said to  // him, “May your silver perish...
ANSWER:  ...with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is not right before God. Acts 8:20-21

REFERENCE QUESTIONS: Acts 8

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

QUESTION:  According to Acts 8:7, who were healed?
ANSWER:  Many who were paralyzed or lame.  (cf 5:16; 8:7)

QUESTION:  According to Acts 8:9, who had practiced magic?
ANSWER:  A man named Simon.  (cf 8:9; 19:19)

QUESTION:  According to Acts 8:12, Philip preached what?
ANSWER:  The good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ.  (cf 8:5,12, 30, 35, 38, 40)

QUESTION:  According to Acts 8:12, who were baptized?
ANSWER:  Both men and women.  (cf 2:41; 8:12, 16:15, 16:33, 18:8, 19:5)

QUESTION:  According to Acts 8:13, who believed?
ANSWER:  Even Simon himself.  (cf 4:4; 8:13; 11:21; 13:12, 48; 14:1; 17:12, 34; 18:8)

QUESTION:  According to Acts 8:14, the apostles heard what?
ANSWER:  That Samaria had received the word of God.  (cf 8:14; 11:1; 14:14)

QUESTION:  According to Acts 8:17, who received the Holy Spirit?
ANSWER:  They (The men and women of Samaria whom Philip had baptized).  (cf 8:17; 10:47)

QUESTION:  According to Acts 8:17, they laid their hands on whom?
ANSWER:  (Them) Samaritans.  (cf 6:6; 8:17; 13:3)

QUESTION:  According to Acts 8:22, repent and what?
ANSWER:  Pray to the Lord.  (cf 2:38; 3:19; 8:22)

QUESTION:  According to Acts 8:23, I see what?
ANSWER:  That you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity.  (cf 7:56; 8:23)

QUESTION:  According to Acts 8:40, Philip preached what?
ANSWER:  The gospel.  (cf 8:12, 40)

WEEKLY COMIC: Cloud Storage

THIS WEEK: Study Acts, Chapter 8

This week (October 23 thru October 29), please study Acts, Chapter 8.

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, StudyLight.org)

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

Study Tip: Are you a morning person or a night owl? Do you find yourself happiest and most focused early in the day, in the middle of it, or late at night when everyone else had gone to bed? Pay attention to these patterns in yourself, and try to study accordingly. If you are a morning person, consider getting up a half hour earlier and studying before school. If you are a night owl, you may want to make your studying the last thing you do before bed. Knowing your own rhythms can be of great help when trying to put God's word into your mind and heart.

Upcoming Events:
- November 1 - Quiz Meet in Trumbull, CT
- December 5 - Christmas Party in Monroe
- January 17 - Midwinter Quiz Meet in Monroe, CT

BIBLE NEWS: North Korea frees Bible-carrying man

It is easy to think of persecution being something that requires an overt act like preaching on the street corner, but in many parts of the world Christianity is offensive in even it's smallest, most personal forms.  One man was arrested in North Korea for simply leaving his own Bible in his hotel room.  Thankfully, the diplomats have gotten him freed.

Jeffrey Fowle, one of three Americans being held captive in North Korea, is on his way home. Fowle was detained in May after leaving a bilingual bible in his hotel room (or in a nightclub, or in a restaurant bathroom, depending on the source, because this is North Korea). The 59-year-old was charged with "anti-state crimes."

SCOREBOARD: Practice 10/15

MUSICAL INTERLUDE: Here's to the Ones

FINISH THE VERSE: Acts 7

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:  Yet the // Most High...
ANSWER:  ...does not dwell in houses made by hands, as the prophet says,“‘Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. What kind of house will you build for me, says the Lord, or what is the place of my rest? Did not my hand make all these things?’ (Acts 7:48-50)


QUESTION:  And as // they were stoning...
ANSWER:  ...Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep. (Acts 7:59-60)

REFERENCE QUESTIONS: Acts 7

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

QUESTION:   According to Acts 7:2, who was our father?
ANSWER:   Abraham.  (cf 4:25; 7:2)

QUESTION:   According to Acts 7:9, who were jealous?
ANSWER:   The patriarchs  (cf 5:17, 7:9; 17:5)

QUESTION:   According to Acts 7:9, God was with whom?
ANSWER:   (Him) Joseph.  (cf 7:9; 10:38)

QUESTION:   According to Acts 7:27, who thrust him aside?
ANSWER:   The man who was wronging his neighbor.  (cf 7:27,37)

QUESTION:   According to Acts 7:34, I will send you where?
ANSWER:   To Egypt.  (cf 7:34, 43; 22:21)

QUESTION:   According to Acts 7:37, Moses said what?
ANSWER:   (To theIsraelites) “God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your brothers.”  (cf 6:14; 7:20, 22, 29, 32, 37, 40; 15:21)

QUESTION:   According to Acts 7:39, who thrust him aside?
ANSWER:   Our fathers.  (cf 7:27, 37)

QUESTION:   According to Acts 7:41, in those days what?
ANSWER:   And they made a calf in those days, and offered a sacrifice to the idol and were rejoicing in the works of their hands.  (cf 1:15; 2:18; 7:41; 9:37)

QUESTION:   According to Acts 7:42, what is written?
ANSWER:   “Did you bring to me slain beasts and sacrifices, during the forty years in the wilderness, O house of Israel?”  (cf 1:20; 7:42; 13:33; 15:15; 23:5)

QUESTION:   According to Acts 7:43, I will send you where?
ANSWER:   Into exile beyond Babylon.  (cf 7:34, 43; 22:21)

QUESTION:   According to Acts 7:55, who was full of the Holy Spirit?
ANSWER:   He (Stephen).  (cf 4:8; 6:5; 7:55, 11:24; 13:9)

QUESTION:   According to Acts 7:56, I see what?

ANSWER:   The heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.  (cf 7:56; 8:23)

WEEKLY COMIC: Faith is...

THIS WEEK: Study Acts, Chapter 7

This week (October 16 thru October 22), please study Acts, Chapter 7.

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, ChristNotes.org)

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

Study Tip: Did you know that memories can be linked to aid in recall? Consider doing your studying to a specific piece of music (without lyrics). Then, when you need to recall the chapter for studying, humming the music may bring back the chapter to mind. Some even find that associating other keys, such as smells, can help their recall for difficult passages of scripture.

Upcoming Events:
- November 1 - Quiz Meet in Trumbull, CT

BIBLE NEWS: Travelodge removes Bibles from UK hotels

Allegedly to spare religious feelings, Travelodge has decided to remove Bibles from hotel rooms throughout the UK.  While Bibles can still be requested at the Front Desk, they will no longer be placed in rooms.

The Church of England condemned the move as “tragic and bizarre,” saying that Bibles in hotel rooms are important to provide hope, comfort and inspiration to travelers.Several recent cases indicate that Christianity is not practiced as freely as was previously the case. In 2006, a British Airways employee was banned from wearing a cross at work.

There is no indication that this move is coming to the USA, yet.  But don't be surprised if the company tries to turn away the Gideons the next time they come knocking.

SCOREBOARD: Practice 10/8

MUSICAL INTERLUDE: Endless Praise

FINISH THE VERSE: Acts 5 & 6

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:  None // of the rest dared... 
ANSWER:  ...join them, but the people held them in high esteem. (Acts 5:13)

QUESTION:  And more // than ever...
ANSWER:  ...believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women, so that they even carried out the sick into the streets and laid them on cots and mats, that as Peter came by at least his shadow might fall on some of them. (Acts 5:14-15)

QUESTION:  But Peter and // the apostles answered,...
ANSWER:  ...“We must obey God rather than men. (Acts 5:29)

QUESTION:  The God of // our fathers...
ANSWER:  ...raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging him on a tree. God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.” (Acts 5:30-32)

QUESTION:  Then they // left the presence...
ANSWER:  ...of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. (Acts 5:41)

QUESTION:  And every // day, in the temple...
ANSWER:  ...and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching that the Christ is Jesus. (Acts 5:42)

REFERENCE QUESTIONS: Acts 5 & 6

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

QUESTION: According to Acts 5:2, who laid it at the apostles’ feet?
ANSWER: (He) Ananias. (cf 4:35, 37; 5:2)

QUESTION: According to Acts 5:5, great fear came upon whom?
ANSWER: All who heard of it. (cf 5:5, 11)

QUESTION: According to Acts 5:5, who fell down?
ANSWER: (He) Ananias. (cf 5:5, 10; 10:25; 16:29; 20:9)

QUESTION: According to Acts 5:6, the young men what?
ANSWER: Rose and wrapped him up and carried him out and buried him. (cf 5:6, 10)

QUESTION: According to Acts 5:10, the young men what?
ANSWER: When the young men came in, they found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her beside her husband. (cf 5:6, 10)

QUESTION: According to Acts 5:10, who fell down?
ANSWER: (She) Sapphira. (cf 5:5, 10; 10:25; 16:29; 20:9)

QUESTION: According to Acts 5:11, great fear came upon whom?
ANSWER: Upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these things. (cf 5:5; 5:11)

QUESTION: According to Acts 5:14, who were added to the Lord?
ANSWER: Multitudes of both men and women. (cf 5:14; 11:24)

QUESTION: According to Acts 5:16, who were healed?
ANSWER: The sick and those afflicted with unclean spirits. (cf 5:16; 8:7)

QUESTION: According to Acts 5:17, who were filled with jealousy?
ANSWER: The high priest and all who were with him (the party of the Sadducees). (cf 5:17; 13:45)

QUESTION: According to Acts 5:30, the God of our fathers what?
ANSWER: Raised Jesus. (cf 3:13; 5:30; 22:14)

QUESTION: According to Acts 5:32, we are witnesses to what?
ANSWER: These things. (cf 2:32; 5:32, 3:15; 10:39; 13:31)

QUESTION: According to Acts 5:40, they charged them not to what?
ANSWER: Speak in the name of Jesus. (cf 4:18; 5:40)

QUESTION:  According to Acts 6:1, in these days what?
ANSWER:  (When the disciples were increasing in number) A complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution.  (cf 6:1; 11:27)

QUESTION:  According to Acts 6:5, Stephen was full of what?
ANSWER:  Faith and of the Holy Spirit.  (cf 6:5, 8)

QUESTION:  According to Acts 6:7, the word of God what?
ANSWER:  Continued to increase.  (cf 6:7; 12:24)

QUESTION:  According to Acts 6:8, Stephen was full of what?
ANSWER:  Grace and power.  (cf 6:5, 8)

QUESTION:  According to Acts 6:12, they seized whom?
ANSWER:  Stephen.  (cf 6:12; 16:19; 18:17; 21:30)

WEEKLY COMIC: There's a Downside to Everything

THIS WEEK: Study Acts, Chapter 5 & 6

This week (October 9 thru October 15), please study Acts, Chapters 5 & 6

Yes, we are studying TWO chapters this week.  Acts 6 is short (15 verses) and this will get us back in sync with the other Quiz Teams in our district.

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

MP3s of the chapters:  Acts 5 and Acts 6.

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

Study Tip: Where do you do your Bible Quizzing studying? In our age of Multitasking, it is common for people to try to study with the TV or radio on. Others try to do it in the main thoroughfare of the house, where parents are cleaning, siblings are talking on the phone, and pets are running by. This is not optimal for memory or concentration. Try finding a quiet corner of the house, and do your studying without music or video paying. Focus can make an incredible difference in your memory retention.

Upcoming Events:
- November 1 - Quiz Meet in Trumbull, CT

PHOTOS: Coach Mark's Pictures from the Quiz Meet

The paparazzo has to duck out in the middle of the meet, so there are fewer photos than usual this time around.  But click here or on the image below for the whole set from the Quiz Meet.

SCOREBOARD: Practice 10/1

MUSICAL INTERLUDE: Lay It Down

FINISH THE VERSE: Acts 4

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:  If we // are being examined...
ANSWER:  ...today concerning a good deed done to a crippled man, by what means this man has been healed, let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead—by him this man is standing before you well. (Acts 4:9-10)

QUESTION:  This Jesus is // the stone...
ANSWER:  ...that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. (Acts 4:11)

QUESTION:  And there is // salvation...
ANSWER:  ...in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)

QUESTION:  Now when // they saw...
...the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus. (Acts 4:13)

QUESTION:  So they // called them...
...and charged them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.” (Acts 4:18-20)

QUESTION:  Now the // full number...
...of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. (Acts 4:32)


QUESTION:  There was //not a needy person...
...among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. (Acts 4:34-35)

Today's Quizzers from Trumbull

Thanks to Alicia Foss for being our speaker at today's #QuizMeet! #biblequizzing

Opening ceremonies! #quizmeet #biblequizzing

Breakfast in Monroe.

SEE YOU AT THE QUIZ MEET!

Opening ceremonies will start at 9:00 AM, and quizzing about 9:30 AM.  Bring $5 for lunch.

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REMINDER: The Quiz Meet is tomorrow!

The first quiz meet of the year is tomorrow here at home!  Get psyched and we hope to see everyone there!

WHAT TIME DO WE GET TO CHURCH?   Go directly to Monroe (Beacon Hill Church, 371 Old Zoar Road, Monroe, CT) and be there by 9 AM.
HOW MUCH MONEY DO WE BRING?  $5 for pizza for lunch
WHAT ARE WE QUIZZING ON?  Acts 1-3
WHO ELSE IS COMING?  Teams are expected from Monroe, Trumbull, and Dallas
WHAT TIME WILL THINGS BE DONE?  We expect visitors to leave the church about 1 PM.

THIS WEEK: Study Acts, Chapter 4

This week (October 2 thru October 8), please study Acts, Chapter 4.

You may note this appears to be a repeat, but it is simply in line with the new study schedule published earlier this week.

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, ChristNotes.com)

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

Study Tip: How many senses are you engaging when you study? For most of us, the more of our senses we use, the deeper what we study is moved into our memory. Try reading the chapter out loud (engaging eyes and ears). Try writing out the chapter by hand (engaging eyes and hands). Try associating parts of the chapter with pictures that you draw (engaging eyes in multiple ways). Experiment with different ways of embedding scripture into your memory.

Upcoming Events:
- October 4 - Quiz Meet in Monroe, CT

BIBLE NEWS: Museum of the Bible

A new "Museum of the Bible" is being built in Washington, D.C. by the founder of Hobby Lobby.  It will feature exhibits on the impact and history of the Bible thru the centuries.

Unlike Answers in Genesis, the ministry that launched the Creation Museum in Kentucky and an Ark Encounter park under construction, employees need not pass a Christians-only litmus test. Green said believers, skeptics and the “intellectually curious” alike can visit and learn, just as they might at a science museum.
“The Bible can speak for itself, explain itself.”