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Studying Cross-References, Part 2

  Continued on from here .  What about context? Context is the key to interpreting Scripture.  The list below may seem overwhelming, but it is really just a list of questions that you can ask about a passage of Scripture to help you understand its meaning in its literary, historical, geographical, and cultural context. Not every questions applies to every passage. The best place to begin is by asking yourself, "What information is not provided in the passage that is necessary for me to understand what is being said/what is happening?" Here are some considerations as you get started. When looking at the context of cross-references, it is important to note the following: Literary Style - What type of writing is the passage?  Then ask some of the questions listed under each style.  You do not need to ask all of the questions.  In fact, some passages will not have answers to all of them.  For descriptions of the styles look here . Epistle Who is writing...
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How to Study Cross-References, Part 1

   What is a cross-reference?  How do I study cross-references?  What am I supposed to do with the cross-reference list from the NBB?  Wondering about cross-references?  Here is a guide to identifying what cross-references are and how to study them for the NBBC Qualifying Test and beyond. What is a cross-reference? Cross-reference : Scripture from another part of the Bible that helps explain the Bible passage you are studying. This definition gives us the ultimate reason for studying cross-references.  That is, we should use them as a way to gain better understanding and insight of the study passage. What do I do with the official cross-reference list put out by the NBB? Find the cross-references in the Discovery Journal.  Highlight them when you find them in a lesson. Make a list of the cross-references to help you organize the information.  Include the following: Discovery Journal unit and lesson in which the cross-reference is found. Keywo...

Scripture Memorization, Part 3

   Do you want to find creative ways to make memorization part of your daily routine?  Check out the list below to find 31 ways to fit 30 minutes of memorization into your day. 31 Creative Ways to Make Memorization a Part of Your Daily Routine First thing in the morning While brushing your teeth Before breakfast During breakfast After breakfast While washing dishes During daily Bible reading During daily Discovery Journal study time While you work on a chore While playing outside Before lunch During lunch After lunch While driving or riding in the car While waiting at the doctor/dentist At the park While you knit, sew, color, draw, etc. While riding your bike Before dinner During dinner After dinner During school time In the shower While cooking or baking While on a run/walk During family Bible time Before bed Just before falling asleep During your free time While doing sit-ups, push-ups, or other exercise While walking on the treadmill or riding a stationary bike Check o...

Scripture Memorization, Part 2

   Methods of Memorization Choosing a method of memorization can take some time.  Often, the methods that work as you get started or as a young child are not the ones that work as you grow and mature.  Sometimes a passage is challenging and requires a new approach.  And sometimes you just need something new to make the memory work interesting. Here are some ideas for how to incorporate your senses as you memorize. Visual Learning Draw a picture to represent each part of the passage. Write the passage down on a poster board and put it in a prominent place in your house. Write down the passage on sticky notes and put them on the bathroom mirror, above the kitchen sink, or beside your bed. Divide the passage into short phrases.  Read a phrase, then close your eyes and recite the phrase while envisioning the words in front of you. Highlight or color important words in the passage. Play Erase-a-Word.  Write the passage on a dry erase board or chalkboard....

Scripture Memorization, Part 1

  It could be said that the cornerstone of the Bible Bee is scripture memorization.  Participants in the Summer Study will have 2 passages each week to memorize.  These passages will vary in length depending on the age division you are in.  By the end of the 8-week session, you could have memorized as many as 14 Bible passages. Participants who are aiming to qualify for the National Bible Bee Competition will have an even more exciting challenge.  They will need to memorize approximately 600-1,000 verses!  How do children as young as 7 years old accomplish such a huge feat? The answer is simple. Time, effort, and consistency make memorizing any amount of scripture possible. Time, effort, and consistency make memorizing any amount of scripture possible.  No matter how old or young you are, if you consistently take the time and make the effort, you will be able to successfully commit passages of the Bible to memory.  By following a few simple guidel...