HUMOR: Meet Jesus!

Not mine.  From here.

A certain man made a visit to one of his relatives in a far country who welcomed him and invited him to a church service the following day. The man had never been to a church. During the service, the pastor requested the visitors to stand up and he stood. After mentioning his name and where he came from, the pastor asked him whether he knows Jesus and he replied, “Pastor, I am still new in this place. I do not know anyone here!”

BONUS COMIC: Which version are you reading?

WEEKLY COMIC: Two Paths

GETTING READY: Why do we study the Bible?

Starting next week, we'll begin a series of introductory posts about the books of Romans and James, to help you prepare for next year.  But before we start diving into new text, let's pause a moment and think about why we study the Bible and why we Quiz. 

We take part in Bible Quizzing, because it encourages us to learn the Bible, right?  (I am hoping your answer is "Yes", but it's okay if it's "Yes, but there are other reasons, too.")  We love the Bible because we believe it is God's Word - His method of communicating with human beings.

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,
2 Timothy 3:16

 But there is a real danger in studying the scriptures, too.  Jesus actually had words of warning about it for the Pharisees and Teachers of the Law of his own day.

You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me,John 5:39

It is possible when studying the Bible to start thinking that the scriptures are the most important thing.  They are very important, but they are important because they point us to Jesus and to God!

Paul also has a warning to his readers.

...we know that “all of us possess knowledge.” This “knowledge” puffs up, but love builds up.1 Corinthians 8:1

There is always a temptation when you gain knowledge to use it as a basis for pride.  But scripture is always warning people to be humble.  We're all nothing before God, and our best knowledge is only a tiny fraction of real understanding.

As we move into this new Bible Quizzing season, take a moment to examine and prepare your heart for your studying.  Make sure you are studying for the right reasons - to know God - and not for the wrong ones.

PHOTO OF THE WEEK: Houghton Chapel Mural

Some of you know Coach Matt and Coach Mark are alumni of Houghton College. This is a photo from a mural at the college campus, showing the progression of Church history.

MUSICAL INTERLUDE: Mediator

NEWS FROM THE FRONT: Bible Quizzers in Manassas, VA

"News from the Front" will be a periodic feature over the summer, reporting on former Bible Quizzers now working in ministry, either full-time or short-term.  We'll always try to include how their career as a quizzer prepared them for their work.  If you have a story about your missions trip, or a former Bible Quizzer, please e-mail the coaches!

Several members of the Monroe Bible Quiz Team are going along with the Beacon Hill Church Youth Group on a missions trip to Manassas, VA from June 30 to July 5.  The team will consist of 10 people - 8 teens and 2 chaperones - going on a "Week of Hope" to the area.  While their exact duties are not yet fully known, the group will be focussed on Community Service and Outreach, along with over 100 other students from around the country.  The theme for the week will be "What Do You Stand For?"

Please be praying for this trips - and especially your fellow Bible Quizzers - as they go on this adventure for God.  There are sure to be difficulties and trials - Satan rarely fails to oppose warriors on the battlefield - but please pray that they will overcome and see spiritual growth in their own lives and the lives to whom they have been sent!