REMINDER: For those just joining us...

A few of you probably discovered MonroeBibleQuiz.Com over the summer - perhaps after the ministry fair - and have been following along.  But for most of you, this website is all new!  If so, be sure to browse some of the features we posted previously which will be of use in preparing to study the gospel of Matthew.  Click on any of the bullet points below for the associated post.

• Introduction to the Gospel of Matthew
• Who wrote the Gospel of Matthew?
• Why was the Gospel of Matthew written?
• Outline of the Gospel of Matthew
• When was the Gospel of Matthew written?

"WEEK" 1: Study Matthew, Chapter 1

This week (August 27 thru September 16), please study Matthew, Chapter 1

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

Click here to download an MP3 of Matthew, Chapter 1.  (Use "monroebiblequiz.com" as the password, when asked.  This link will only work for 90 days.)

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.  (Use "monroebiblequiz.com" as the password, when asked.  This link will only work for 90 days.)

Study Tip: For Bible Quizzing, we recommend at a minimum that quizzers read the chapter at least twice each day. This provides a good foundation for studying as the quizzer becomes familiar with the material. It is often good to make this a first-thing-in-the-morning, and a last-thing-at-night event, as that lodges the material in the brain for the subconscious to work on it during your day and overnight.

Upcoming Events:
- September 16 - Practices begin
- September 22 - Quiz Meet in Trumbull, CT

The Kickoff is *TODAY*

The Kickoff Meeting is immediately after church in the Youth Room TODAY, for teens and parents interested in the Bible Quiz Team.  See you soon.

REMINDER: Kickoff is *THIS* Sunday!

The kickoff for the Bible Quiz Team is this Sunday, 8/26 right after the church service.  We'll be in the Youth Room, and are looking forward to meeting all of you and talking about Bible Quizzing.  There will be snacks, and giveaways to any teens attending who want to join the team.

See you then!

GETTING READY: Keywords List

Keywords - also known as "once used words" - are a useful tool for the careful Bible Quizzer.  They are words used only once in the entire book being studied.  Therefore, you know if you hear that word, you know exactly where you are in the book.  Superior quizzers learn the keywords in the chapters to increase their jumping speed and refine their knowledge of the book.

For example, in this verse, the keywords are highlighted in red.

A record of the genealogy of Jesus Christ the son of David, the son of Abraham
Matthew 1:1

This means any time you hear the words "record" or "genealogy", you know we must be talking about Matthew 1:1.

If you're interested in using this valuable tool, check out the Keywords List for yourself!  (Keywords can also be found highlighted in the scripture portions we will hand out at the kickoff.)

ANNOUNCEMENT: Study Schedule for 2012 is ready!

The summer is nearly over, and many families are starting to plan for the school year.  If you or your parents are making up the calendar, you may be pleased to know our Bible Quiz Team Study Schedule is up and ready for your review.  It gives you an idea of what we'll be studying when, weeks we'll be taking "off", and even the first Quiz Meet of the year.

Be sure to keep checking back, however, as the schedule is sure to evolve as we interact with other teams and find out when the various Quiz Meets are.  You can always find the schedule in the "Useful Links" section on the right of the site!

GETTING READY: Reference Question List

Reference Questions are among the most confusing for Bible Quizzers.  While most questions that are asked can be easily differentiated from all others, Reference Questions are specifically chosen from those which could come from many different places in the text.  For example,

Question: According  to  Matthew 2:15, What  was  fulfilled? 

Question: According  to  Matthew 2:18, What  was  fulfilled? 

Question: According to Matthew 2:23, What was fulfilled?

In order to make it possible to figure out the context of the question, however, an exact reference is given. Likewise, the list of possible reference questions is given out at the beginning of each year, so the possibilities are limited.  This can actually make them easier to study, because you know the exact question and exact answer up front.

Be aware, however, if you answer a reference question that there is one more wrinkle in the rules.  If you "jump" on a question before the full question is asked, you must give the full question and answer to the quizmaster.  (Don't worry, it's not as hard as it sounds.)  For example,

Assuming the quiz master says, "Question:  According  to  Matthew  2:18, What..."  *JUMP*
You would say, "What was fulfilled?  'A  voice  is  heard  in  Ramah, weeping  and  great  mourning, Rachel  weeping  for  her  children  and  refusing  to  be  comforted, because  they  are  no  more.'"

Check out the full list.  This may very well be a good option for your study focus.