REMINDER: No Practice Tonight!

There is no practice tonight because the church is closed for Holy Week.  Stay home and study up on Paul's last few adventures in Acts!

HOLY WEEK: The Olivet Discourse & Judas In Negotiations

Tuesday of Holy Week was the day Jesus went up on the Mount of Olives to give the "Olivet Discourse" - a long sermon focussed around prophesies of the coming destruction of Jerusalem and ultimately the End Times.  It is also the day that Judas negotiated the price to betray Jesus (Matthew 24:14-16)

HOLY WEEK: Clearing of the Temple

On Monday of Holy Week, the major event was Jesus's cleansing of the Temple, recorded in all four gospels.

And they came to Jerusalem. And he entered the temple and began to drive out those who sold and those who bought in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons. And he would not allow anyone to carry anything through the temple. And he was teaching them and saying to them, “Is it not written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations’? But you have made it a den of robbers.” And the chief priests and the scribes heard it and were seeking a way to destroy him, for they feared him, because all the crowd was astonished at his teaching. And when evening came they went out of the city.  (Mark 11:15-19)

SCOREBOARD: Practice - March 25

REFERENCE QUESTIONS: Acts 27

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

QUESTION:  According to Acts 27:4, we sailed under the lee of where?
ANSWER:   Cyprus.  (cf 27:4, 7, 16)

QUESTION:  According to Acts 27:7, we sailed under the lee of where?
ANSWER:   Crete.  (cf 27:4, 7, 16)

QUESTION:  According to Acts 27:10, I perceive what?
ANSWER:   That the voyage will be with injury and much loss, not only of the cargo and the ship, but also of our lives.(cf 17:22; 27:10)

QUESTION:  According to Acts 27:22, I urge you to what?
ANSWER:   Take heart.  (cf 27:  22, 34)

QUESTION:  According to Acts 27:34, I urge you to what?
ANSWER:   Take some food.  (cf 27:  22, 34)

FINISH THE VERSE: Acts 27

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:  For this // very night...
ANSWER:  ...there stood before me an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I worship, and he said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar. And behold, God has granted you all those who sail with you.’  (Acts 27:23-24)

QUESTION:  And when he had said these things, he // took bread...
ANSWER:  ...and giving thanks to God in the presence of all he broke it and began to eat. (Acts 27:35)

WEEKLY COMIC: How's your endurance?

THIS WEEK: Study Acts, Chapter 27

There is no practice next week for Holy Week!

These two weeks (March 25 thru April 8, please study Acts, Chapter 27.

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: Do try to study every chapter the exact same way, no matter what the content?  That may be a big mistake.  The last few chapters were speech heavy, which lends itself to a focus on keywords and situation questions.  But this chapter is action heavy, which lends itself to more of a focus on key events and sequencing.   Be sure to think about the kind of chapter you're working with before you study so that you can focus on the right things.

Upcoming Events:

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

BONUS COMIC: Not the Kind of Church Dinner I Want!

MUSICAL INTERLUDE: In Christ Alone

SCOREBOARD: Practice - March 18

REFERENCE QUESTIONS: Acts 26

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

QUESTION:  According to Acts 26:22-23, Moses said what?
ANSWER:   What would come to pass:  that the Christ must suffer and that, by being the first to rise from the dead, he would proclaim light both to our people and to the Gentiles.  (cf 2:22-23; 7:37)

QUESTION:  According to Acts 26:27, I know what?
ANSWER:   You (King Agrippa) do believe the prophets.  (cf 3:17;20:25, 29; 26:27

FINISH THE VERSE: Acts 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:  Delivering  // you from your people...
ANSWER:  ...and from the Gentiles—to whom I am sending you to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’ (Acts 26:17-18)

QUESTION:  But declared  // first to those in Damascus,... 
ANSWER:  ...then in Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds in keeping with their repentance. (Acts 26:20)

QUESTION:  To this  // day...
ANSWER:  ...I have had the help that comes from God, and so I stand here testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses said would come to pass: that the Christ must suffer and that, by being the first to rise from the dead, he would proclaim light both to our people and to the Gentiles.” (Acts 26:22-23)

WEEKLY COMIC: Big Brother, Little Angel?

THIS WEEK: Study Acts, Chapter 26

This week (March 19 thru March 25, please study Acts, Chapter 26.

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

Listen to the chapter online. (MP3s are coming soon.)

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: Do read through the text of scripture and find at the end that you know barely more than you did at the beginning? Do you envy those who can read it once, and be able to quiz effectively? Different people learn in different ways. Some people can do it by simply reading, others by listening. But you may be a learner who needs to really engage the text. Consider taking notes as you read - note down really interesting sections, questions that the text raises, notable phrases, etc. At the end, you will have applied not only your eyes but all the parts of your brain, and the learning may very well be far more effective. Oh, and don't forget to call, e-mail, or speak to the coaches, your parents, or the pastors to get the answers to those questions you had.

Upcoming Events:

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

SCOREBOARD: Practice - March 11

Happy Saint Patrick's Day!

Happy Saint Patrick's Day!  Take some time today to remember the great evangelist of Ireland.  http://www.examiner.com/article/the-real-st-patrick

MUSICAL INTERLUDE: Light Me Up

REFERENCE QUESTIONS: Acts 25

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

QUESTION:  According to Acts 25:6, Who went down to Caesarea?
ANSWER:   (He) Festus.  (cf 12:19)

FINISH THE VERSE: Acts 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:  If then I // am a wrongdoer...
ANSWER:  ...and have committed anything for which I deserve to die, I do not seek to escape death. But if there is nothing to their charges against me, no one can give me up to them. I appeal to Caesar.” (Acts 25:11)

WEEKLY COMIC: Splish Splash!

THIS WEEK: Study Acts, Chapter 25

This week (March 12 thru March 18, please study Acts, Chapter 25.

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

Listen to the chapter online. (MP3s are coming soon.)

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: Did you know we only have 3 more weeks of new material after this?  The end of the Bible Quizzing season is coming up fast!  Be sure to focus and study extra-hard over the next few weeks, as these will likely be the most prominent chapters at Districts!

Upcoming Events:

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

See you tonight!

Well, we lost last week to bad weather but things look good for tonight!   We'll see you at the usual time, and please be ready to quiz on BOTH Acts 23 and 24.

BIBLE NEWS: The Cross vs ISIS

The world is scary today with terrorism and wars happening all over the Middle East.  ISIS has been murdering Christians left and right, and glorying in their deaths.  Why is the cross so offensive to them?  The reality is, it has always been an offense to those outside our faith.

The ISIS barbarians were actually quite right in entitling their video "A Message Written in Blood." Up and down the centuries, tyrants and their lackeys have thought that they could wipe out the followers of Jesus through acts of violence.But as Tertullian observed long ago, the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church. And they were furthermore right in sending their message to "the Nation of the Cross." But they should know that the cross taunts them.  

REFERENCE QUESTIONS: Acts 24

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

THERE ARE NO REFERENCE QUESTIONS FOR CHAPTER 24.  Enjoy an extra bonus comic instead.

FINISH THE VERSE: Acts 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:  But this // I confess to you,...
ANSWER:  ...that according to the Way, which they call a sect, I worship the God of our fathers, believing everything laid down by the Law and written in the Prophets, having a hope in God, which these men themselves accept, that there will be a resurrection of both the just and the unjust. (Acts 24:14-15)

QUESTION:  So I // always...
ANSWER:  ...take pains to have a clear conscience toward both God and man. (Acts 24:16)

REMINDER: "Spring" forward tonight

Tonight we begin Daylight Savings Time, and "Spring" forward an hour.  Set your clocks ahead so you don't arrive at church at the wrong time tomorrow!

WEEKLY COMIC: Pottery Barn Agrees

THIS WEEK: Study Acts, Chapter 24

This week (March 5 thru March 11, please study Acts, Chapter 24.

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: They say "March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb."  Odds are we have several more snow days ahead of us.  Make good use of this time by firming up your studying of the book of Acts!

Upcoming Events:

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

PRACTICE CANCELLED BY WEATHER

There will be no Bible Quiz Team Practice today, due to the winter weather.  But keep on studying!  We will keep moving onto Acts 24 for next week, and quiz on both chapters.

MUSICAL INTERLUDE: Soul on Fire

DID YOU KNOW: How was the high priest selected?

This week, the text talks about Ananias as the "High Priest" of Israel.  How was/is a High Priest chosen?

The High Priest is a unique position for Judaism.  While the High Priest was a major religious leader, his most important function was to enter the Holy of Holies in the temple once a year on Yom Kippur to gain atonement for the sins of the people of Israel.  Since the destruction of the last temple, this act has not been possible.  But many within the modern nation of Israel are ready for when a new temple is built.

There are many requirements to be the High Priest:

• He must be male
• He must be a direct descendent of Aaron (brother of Moses)
• He must be widely recognized as the greatest priest in Israel

Of course, this leaves open the question of "Who decides?"  In any time and any election, the question of who is "the greatest" is a matter of debate.  Historically, there have been different answers to the question:

• God appoints the High Priest (as He did with Aaron)
• The King appoints the High Priest (as Solomon did with Zadok)
• The Sanhedrin appoints the High Priest (as they did for Ananias)
• The next High Priest may be the son of the last High Priest (as Aaron's sons were after him)

The Bible requires a high priest, but Israel has had to maintain the position thru many different historical contexts.

Information largely comes from here:  http://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/994923/jewish/How-Is-a-High-Priest-Selected.htm and http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High_Priest_of_Israel

SCOREBOARD: Practice - February 25

REFERENCE QUESTIONS: Acts 23

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

QUESTION:  According to Acts 23:5, what is written?
ANSWER:   You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.  (cf1:20, etc.)

QUESTION:  According to Acts 23:7, the assembly was what?
ANSWER:   Divided.  (cf 19:32; 23:7)

QUESTION:  According to Acts 23:31, by night what?
ANSWER:   The soldiers, according to their instructions, took Paul and brought him to Antipatris.  (cf 9:25; 17:10;23:31)

FINISH THE VERSE: Acts 23

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:  For the // Sadducees say...
ANSWER:  ...that there is no resurrection, nor angel, nor spirit, but the Pharisees acknowledge them all. (Acts 23:8)

WEEKLY COMIC: Hang On, Shoulder Angel!

THIS WEEK: Study Acts, Chapter 23

This week (February 17 thru February 23, please study Acts, Chapter 23.

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: How are you doing with the whole book of Acts?  In the week-to-week grind, it can be easy to lose track of the chapters on which you may be weak.  Take a moment in the next 7 days to think about your progress and consider where you may need to do a little review.  We're going full-speed-ahead until Districts, so if you want to do any review, you need to set aside the time yourself!

Upcoming Events:

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

Bible Verses on Snow

We've had so many days filled with snow this year, it seemed appropriate to do a little mini-study on how the Bible views snow.

Job 37:6 - "For to the snow He says, 'Fall on the earth,' And to the downpour and the rain, 'Be strong.' 

Proverbs 26:1 - Like snow in summer and like rain in harvest, So honor is not fitting for a fool. 

Proverbs 31:21- She is not afraid of the snow for her household, For all her household are clothed with scarlet. 

Job 24:19 - "Drought and heat consume the snow waters, So does Sheol those who have sinned. 

Psalms 148:8 - Fire and hail, snow and clouds; Stormy wind, fulfilling His word;] 

Job 38:22 - "Have you entered the storehouses of the snow, Or have you seen the storehouses of the hail, 

Psalms 147:16 - He gives snow like wool; He scatters the frost like ashes 

Isaiah 55:10-11 - "For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, And do not return there without watering the earth And making it bear and sprout, And furnishing seed to the sower and bread to the eater; So will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; It will not return to Me empty, Without accomplishing what I desire, And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it. 

Lamentations 4:7 - Her consecrated ones were purer than snow, They were whiter than milk; They were more ruddy in body than corals, Their polishing was like lapis lazuli.

Psalms 51:7 - Purify me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. 

Isaiah 1:18 - "Come now, and let us reason together," Says the LORD, "Though your sins are as scarlet, They will be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They will be like wool.  

Proverbs 25:13 - Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest Is a faithful messenger to those who send him, For he refreshes the soul of his masters.

SCOREBOARD: Practice - February 18

MUSICAL INTERLUDE: Hallelujah for the Cross