All About 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?

1. Find the cross-references in the Discovery Journal.  Highlight them when you find them in a lesson.

2. Make a list of the cross-references to help you organize the information.  Include the following:

1. Discovery Journal unit and lesson in which the cross-reference is found.

2. Keywords from the DJ lesson that are found in the cross-reference.  Usually there will be just one or two.  Sometimes this is not the case, though.

3. The verse/s from the study chapter that the DJ lesson is focusing on.  One of these verses will most likely be the one that is related to the cross-reference.

Example Cross-Reference List

Lesson	Section	Cross-Reference	Study Passage Verse	Keyword/s
1.3	Navigate	1 Kings 18:21	James 1:8	double-minded
1.3	Navigate	Matthew 7:7-8	James 5:15	prayer, faith
1.3	Navigate	Proverbs 11:30	James 5:20	wisdom

How do I study cross-references?

1. Find a method of learning and reviewing the cross-references.  Here are some ideas:

1. Flashcards - Create a flashcard for each cross-reference.

2. Quizlet - Create a Quizlet set for the cross-references.  Divide this up by units to make the studying more manageable.

3. Reading - Using your list of cross-references, spend a few minutes each day reading through some of them in your Bible

4. Listening - Create sound recordings to listen to while you are participating in another activity, riding in the car, or just before you go to sleep. Include a verse or two before and after the cross-reference to gain context.

5. Mind Map - This is a great way to make connections to the study passage and the Discovery Journal.

6. Other - Get creative and find your own unique way of learning cross-references!

For Parents of Primary Participants

There is a lot of material for Primaries to learn over the Summer Study.  Finding a simple way to learn the official cross-reference list is important so that younger participants do not get overwhelmed.  Here are some ideas for helping your Primary child begin cross-reference study.

Evaluate - You know your child.  You know their schedule.  You know what inspires them and what overwhelms them.  Use this knowledge to evaluate if your child is up for the task of learning cross-references.

If they are not, then ignore the list and enjoy diving into the Discovery Journal and Summer Study memory passages.  By going through the Discovery Journal and reviewing it, your child will already be studying the cross-references from the list.

If they can handle some more studying, then determine your goals for cross-reference study and work from there.  Don’t worry about what is not being covered in your child’s study time.  Focus on them learning well what they are studying.

Start Out Simple - Do what you are able to and don’t worry about the rest.  We often simplify the flashcards for our first-time Primaries.

You can do this by putting the cross-reference on the front of an index card.  On the back, have your child help you write a short summary of the passage.  Circle or write one or two keywords.  Then write the reference from the study passage that the cross-reference relates to.

Review - Even if you only get through a few cross-references during the Summer Study, make sure your child reviews what they have learned.  This is the key to learning anything well and being able to recall information that has been studied.

Continued in Part 2...all about cross-reference context!