Hexus Mastermind - Galant. Jonah and the sharks...

[ik9000]

holding thread ready for Galant.

Chosen subjects Biblical Christianity and Sharks. Let me know when you're ready mate.

[ik9000]

Ok, it's up, had some trouble getting computer to work at the right times but here it is ready for when you log on. Galant good luck! Add a post when you see this, and we'll start your 24 hours from then.

edit: Not sure re scoring - if needs be we can normalise later.

1.) One of the biblical names for God, what does El Shaddai mean? (1 point)

2.) what three locations are put forward for where Paul wrote the letter to the Philippian church and what are the arguments for and against each (1 point for all three locations, 1 for each argument 6 Total)

3.) the 144,000 mentioned in Revelation - explain the apocryphal illustration being made, and why this is not literal. (2 points)

4.) Typological fulfillment - explain how this is relevant and important to Christian's understanding using the examples of Hebrews' discussion of Moses and Romans' discussion of Adam.

5.) Which passage describes Moses entering the promised land? (1 point)

6.) Which word is used to describe or refer to passages relating to the end times? (1 point)

7.) Which OT prophet? (8 possible, 6 points max)
a) God's people are like an unfaithful wife
b) God's people will die overthrown, cut-off and in famine unless they repent
c) God cares for all nations not only his own - even the enemies of Israel when they turn to him
d) God is in charge of all history, no nation is outside of his control
e) Oi! Stop dismissing me and cheating me from my rightful honour; give me my due and see if I don't restore relationship with you.
f) You know I really do care for you, fickle and wayward people. I sing over you with new mercy each day....
g) One day I really will sort you lot out, dry and barren as you are. And when I do expect great things as I will put my breath in you and raise you to life (even though right now you are acting like a bunch of prostitutes going after whichever of your neighbours has the biggest member to offer....)
h) Really? You want me to return and sort things out? Really? Ok then prepare to meet your God.

8.) In Acts there are three key breakthroughs in the spread of the gospel. Which towns were they at, who was the apostle, and what similar signs accompanied each to endorse a new chapter in the spread of God's kingdom? (7 points available)

9.) Revelation - identify the churches: (7 total)
a) needs salve for their eyes
b) return to your first love
c) Repent of following the Nicolaitans
d) eww lukewarm - careful I don't spit you out...
e) linen, get your pure white linen!
f) I have set before you an open door which no-one can shut
g) Hold on, everybody hurts, sometimes... Hold on. Do not fear the second death.

10.) A Roman colony for retired soldiers, which church is commended for sending carers for Paul, and how did the town derive its name? (2 points)

11.) Explain the teaching of Luke 14-15, discussing the contrasting messages, their intended audiences, and what this means for the Christian today. (8 marks)

12) Which figure had trouble shifting his ass, and what is he ultimately condemned for? (2 total + 1 bonus for references)

13) Choose 3 old testament prophesies remembered at Christmas time and explain how these are fulfilled at Christ's birth. (9 marks total , 1 each for prophesy, reference and explanation x3 times)

14) Phylacteries. What are they, and why don't Christians bother with them? What does Jesus have to say? (3 points)

15) Bible overview - go from Genesis to Revelation explaining the key covenants and unpacking the overall message of the bible (12 points)

[ik9000]

Secondary subject:

1) How are sharks thought to navigate, and what is the name of the organ they use? (2 parts. both required for 1 mark)

2) name the sharks from the pictures 12 possible, 9 required for 1 point
01

02

03

04

05

06

07

08

09

10

11

12

3) name and rank the top 5 most aggressive sharks (based on average number of documented attacks between September2011-2013) (3points available one for 4 or more correct names, one for correct ranking, one for 100% correct)

[ik9000]

4) name the film from the images below. 10 possible, 7 required for 1 point

a

b

c

d

e1

e2

f

g

h

i

j

5) What is the scientific name for the study of sharks? 1 point, correct spelling required.

[Galant]

Ok, it's up, had some trouble getting computer to work at the right times but here it is ready for when you log on. Galant good luck! Add a post when you see this, and we'll start your 24 hours from then.

edit: Not sure re scoring - if needs be we can normalise later.

Thanks! Started at 9pm.

1.) One of the biblical names for God, what does El Shaddai mean? (1 point)

Great, now I'm blanking. 'The Almighty'?

2.) what three locations are put forward for where Paul wrote the letter to the Philippian church and what are the arguments for and against each (1 point for all three locations, 1 for each argument 6 Total)

Honestly, not sure. I'll guess Rome, Ephesus and Corinth because Paul spent significant time in each of the locations. In Rome he was under house arrest. He was 3 years in Ephesus on one of his missionary journeys.

3.) the 144,000 mentioned in Revelation - explain the apocryphal illustration being made, and why this is not literal. (2 points)

There are a few interpretations but I'll go with the 144,000 symbolising the remnant of Jews who come to faith in Christ in latter days. 144,000 is far more likely to be 12 x 12,000 (12 tribes of Israel, completeness) than a literal 144,000. A literal interpretation of the number just doesn't fit with the flow of the passage, it would also seem far too small, and with the reference to the tribes - some of them have been lost.

4.) Typological fulfillment - explain how this is relevant and important to Christian's understanding using the examples of Hebrews' discussion of Moses and Romans' discussion of Adam.

Learning by example/pictures! A 'type' is a sort of a prototype or foreshadowing of a later or greater reality. God teaches us about that greater reality, and prophesies it, through the provision of earlier 'types'. Moses is not generally seen as a 'type' of Christ but in the passages of early Hebrews he is presented as a type of Christ in the sense of a saviour and covenant giver. That is, Moses was seen as the greatest of prophets, the friend of God who spoke with God "face to face". it was through Moses that God gave to Israel the covenant of the law - essential their identity. Hebrews was written, in large part, to instruct the Jewish believers in the great reality of Christ and the new covenant in His blood. Moses is a type in that he can be contrasted he with Christ who is greater than Moses as both saviour, and salvation, covenant giver and covenant. So Moses is, in this way, a foreshadowing of Christ who is the fulfillment and true reality. A big part of the value of 'types' is in the realisation and understanding that God is faithful and does not change, he can be counted on to work in the same way, continue in the same path and to honour His own word. When a type is presented we can. therefore, take something real and trustworthy away from that illustration.

In Romans Adam and Christ are contrasted with Adam being the forefather of us all, and all of us, therefore, recipients and victims of his sin and mistakes, as well as 'chips of the old block'. Jesus is the last Adam, and placed alongside the first Adam. Just as we are recipients of sin and evil because of our relationship to our father Adam, so too, in a connection with Christ, by faith in Him, we are able to be 'adopted' away from under Adam and into the line of Christ, receiving life and salvation from Christ by that connection, in the same way we received sin and death from Adam.[QUOTE]

5.) Which passage describes Moses entering the promised land? (1 point)

Nice try. Moses didn't enter the promised land.

6.) Which word is used to describe or refer to passages relating to the end times? (1 point)

Eschatalogical, from the Greek, eschaton 'end times'. You might also be thinking of apocalyptic, as in the book of Revelation, but as per the name that literally means 'revealed'.

7.) Which OT prophet? (8 possible, 6 points max)
a) God's people are like an unfaithful wife
b) God's people will die overthrown, cut-off and in famine unless they repent
c) God cares for all nations not only his own - even the enemies of Israel when they turn to him
d) God is in charge of all history, no nation is outside of his control
e) Oi! Stop dismissing me and cheating me from my rightful honour; give me my due and see if I don't restore relationship with you.
f) You know I really do care for you, fickle and wayward people. I sing over you with new mercy each day....
g) One day I really will sort you lot out, dry and barren as you are. And when I do expect great things as I will put my breath in you and raise you to life (even though right now you are acting like a bunch of prostitutes going after whichever of your neighbours has the biggest member to offer....)
h) Really? You want me to return and sort things out? Really? Ok then prepare to meet your God.

Good idea this one. Bloomin' tough though.
a) Hosea
b) Loads, but probably the passage, "I will return to you the years the locust has eaten...", which one is that though...maybe Joel?
c) Jonah
d) Daniel - with his future prophecy?
e) Again, probably, "...You have robbed me. But you will say how have we robbed you?...", and "Would your governors or leaders be happy with such offerings?" Or, "You live in paneled houses while my own house lies in ruins." Habbakuk?
f) Haggai?
g) Ezekiel
h) Zechariah?

8.) In Acts there are three key breakthroughs in the spread of the gospel. Which towns were they at, who was the apostle, and what similar signs accompanied each to endorse a new chapter in the spread of God's kingdom? (7 points available)

Quite honestly, Acts is probably my least familiar book. Utter shame, I know. Here's my attempt though.
Jersualem, Peter and the others, following Pentecost. Outpouring of the Holy Spirit - speaking in tongues,
Antioch, a revival, Paul and Barnabus? If this one was Alexandria I'll kick myself.
Peter, with the vision of the unclean animals, went to the house of the centurion - can't remember the town - Caeserea/Capernaum?

9.) Revelation - identify the churches: (7 total)
a) needs salve for their eyes
b) return to your first love
c) Repent of following the Nicolaitans
d) eww lukewarm - careful I don't spit you out...
e) linen, get your pure white linen!
f) I have set before you an open door which no-one can shut
g) Hold on, everybody hurts, sometimes... Hold on. Do not fear the second death.

a) Laodicea - uncertain about this one but doesn't fit with any of the other six and you didn't say you wouldn't repeat one.
b) Ephesus
c) Pergamum and Thyatira - A rebuke over allowing the presence of the teaching of the Nicolaitans comes in two letters to the churches. Primarily Pergamum but Thyatira does see it mentioned again.
d) Laodicea
e) Sardis - hoping I didn't confuse this one with Thyatira.
f) Philadlephia
g) Smyrna

10.) A Roman colony for retired soldiers, which church is commended for sending carers for Paul, and how did the town derive its name? (2 points)

Honestly not sure but by process of elimination I'm going with the Philippians. It definitely wasn't Rome, Ephesus or Galatia. Doubt it was Thessalonica. That leaves Philippi and Colosse. Both letters are positive but the Philippians are remarked as his pride and joy. Additionally, when I started thinking of the etymology of the names, I don't know either for certain, but Philippians initially made me think of the Greek Philos, love, however, then I remember that Philip means 'lover of horses', and it occurs to me that where you have soldiers, you might well have a love for horses. So I'm going with Philippians and the name has something to do with horses, perhaps some large military stables or a training ground.

11.) Explain the teaching of Luke 14-15, discussing the contrasting messages, their intended audiences, and what this means for the Christian today. (8 marks)

Another moment of honesty. I can't for certain say what passages those chapters contain. The first thing that comes to mind is Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman who begs him to heal her daughter. He challenges her and she meets that challenge, overcoming potential offense or discouragement to pursue what she wants from Him. This story is recounted after some dialogue between Jesus and various Pharisees. It makes an interesting and embarrassing contrast between the determined, robust faith of a foreign woman (someone of almost no worth to most Pharisees) and the petty squabbling and trickery of the official religious leaders who have either no faith and/or no sincerity, seeking instead to be offended at everything possible with Jesus and refusing to engage with him properly with His meeting their demands for a sign. If that is the passage, then one message for the Christian today, or anyone, is that God hold in high regard those of humble faith over the arrogant and self-righteous, even if they seem to be religious leaders. It is also an extremely striking passage in that it shows Christ's engagement with, and acceptance and validation of foreigners and women, something almost unthinkable at that time. God's good news is for all people, in all places.

That's probably not the passage though. Now that I ponder it more I think this encounter comes in Matthew and not Luke. Ah well.

12) Which figure had trouble shifting his ass, and what is he ultimately condemned for? (2 total + 1 bonus for references)

Balaam, Numbers 21 or 22? Leading the people into idolatry and immorality by advising the foreign king to get the local women to lead them astray and into false worship. Also referenced in Revelation 2 in the letter to Pergamum, and, I think, either 1 Peter or 2 Peter.

13) Choose 3 old testament prophesies remembered at Christmas time and explain how these are fulfilled at Christ's birth. (9 marks total , 1 each for prophesy, reference and explanation x3 times)

Micah 5:2 - A prophecy to the 'little town of Bethlehem' that although small the Messiah, a would come out from her, "whose goings forth are from everlasting".
Isaiah 6:9...or is it 9:6? - Prophecy of the Messiah's birth. "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given and the government shall be upon His shoulders. And he shall be called wonderful, counselor, mighty God, everlasting father, prince of Peace, and of his kingdom there shall be no end."
Can't remember the reference. Massacre of the innocents. Later referenced in Matthew, chapter 2 I think. "And there shall be weeping in Ramah", "Rachel weeping for her children...and she will not be comforted." It prophecies Herod's murder of all the children in Bethlehem under two in order to kill any potential new king, after he learns that the three magi evaded him. Original prophecy might be Zechariah but I'm not sure at all.

14) Phylacteries. What are they, and why don't Christians bother with them? What does Jesus have to say? (3 points)

Awesomely stylish accessories! Little boxes containing portions of Scripture worn by Jews today on their barmitzfah.... can't spell it. Basically they were/are worn on the right hand/arm and the forehead as a literal obedience to the command in Deuteronomy 6 to bind the commands of the Lord to their hand and forehead. Christians don't bother with them because I don't believe that command was intended to be literal in the first place, and even if it was the new covenant in Christ is based upon a new creation of each believer, with a new heart "of flesh, not of stone", upon which God will write His law. I can't think of a direct reference to phylacteries although it would certainly show up in one of His critiques of the religious leaders who made an arrogant show of their supposed faith - praying on street corners to be seen, clanging their coins in the metal collection horns, and having their tassels long etc. Jesus said of this that the reverence or admiration they received from people would be their only reward for such false religion and that the reward from God would come upon the humble, honest and repentant, who give in secret, not the proud, and his ear would be towards those who pray in secret and do not make a show of it. "My Father, who sees in heaven what is done in secret... will reward..."

15) Bible overview - go from Genesis to Revelation explaining the key covenants and unpacking the overall message of the bible (12 points)

Wow. Erm. Lovely.

new post at bottom for this one.

[Galant]

[QUOTE=ik9000;3419701]Secondary subject:[/QUOTES]

1) How are sharks thought to navigate, and what is the name of the organ they use? (2 parts. both required for 1 mark)

Navigation? Tricky one. Unsure. I can say that their sense of smell is strongest, then hearing, then sight. However, the two unique senses they possess are the lateral line and the ampulae of Lorenzini. The latter are electro-receptors in and around their snout which enable to detect tiny electrical currents. Sounds like it could maybe be used for navigation but I had thought it was purely close range. The other is the lateral line which runs down the length of their spine and allows then to detect small changes in pressure/water movement. Again, it's typically used for hunting, picking up the thrashing of injured fish etc. I had thought the lateral line was better over range, but I've no idea how that would enable them to navigate unless they picked up ocean currents. Electro-magnetic detection might be more useful but I didn't think it was sensitive enough for that. I'll go with the ampulae. Now you can go and tell me I'm wrong.

2) name the sharks from the pictures 12 possible, 9 required for 1 point
01

Whale Shark

02

Saw Shark or Saw-Nosed Shark

03

Hammerhead Shark. Lesser hammerhead I think.

04

Leopard Shark.

05

Basking Shark.

06

Not sure. Want to say it's a Dogfish, but I'm not sure if that's specific enough (or right).

07

Nurse Shark.

08

Not sure. Lemon Shark?

09

Oceanic White-Tip Shark

10

Black-Tip Reef Shark

11

Wobbegong Shark (not sure of spelling).

12

Thresher Shark.

3) name and rank the top 5 most aggressive sharks (based on average number of documented attacks between September2011-2013) (3points available one for 4 or more correct names, one for correct ranking, one for 100% correct)

Don't know if my information is up to date but:

Big three are usually:
1. Great White Shark
2. Tiger Shark
3. Bull Shark

But that ranking might be based on kills not attacks.

Next two are more tricky.

4. Hammerhead.
5. Grey Shark.

5 could be a reef shark, though, or a few others. I'm trying to think of sharks most likely to face human contact. Blue sharks are extremely common but more oceanic. The Mako is very aggressive but again it's more open water.

[Galant]

4) name the film from the images below. 10 possible, 7 required for 1 point

Hmmmm. Interesting one this...

a

Finding Nemo

b

Thunderball

c

Jaws 2?

d

Jaws 3

e1

e2

No idea.

f

No idea.

g

Sharknado? Not seen it but that does appear to be an airborne shark.

h

Deep Blue Sea.

i

No idea. Sharknado 2? Looks incredibly poor!

j

Jaws

5) What is the scientific name for the study of sharks? 1 point, correct spelling required.

I actually have no clue! Can't recall the latin name for that branch. Sharks and rays are in the same family. Cartilaginous/None bony fish. Just can't recall it.

[ik9000]

I'll mark it later - looks like a strong showing. Re Q15 - key themes, explaining the OVERALL message, not looking for a book-by-book commentary. Think of it as answering "what's it all about?" and why bits of it need to be read in the context of the overall message.

[Galant]

Alright, well from Genesis to Revelation you have an unfolding of reality and God's plans for the human race and beyond. It is essentially the story and message of God's love and as it is unfolded it is present in the Bible through story, history, law, poetry, prophecy, personal accounts, letters and revelations.

The Bible opens with the Torah, the firs five books, which take the story from the origins of the universe to God's choice and redemption of a people. As mentioned in the question, throughout the whole of the Scriptures God operates by means of covenants, that is to say, simply, forming relationship, and essentially, relationships are at the heart of God's story and revelation. Sort of as one might expect if God is love. The first book, Genesis, opens with a creation account which, in contrast to mythologies of the day, reveals one, single, God of order who creates all things. Humans are presented as the pinnacle of God's creation and, crucially, are set apart from the rest of the created universe to act as God's stewards and sub-rulers over the world, caring for it. Man is social, created in God's image, both male and female, to reflect Him, and also to be in relationship with Him. The ideal is presented, life is, literally, good. However, it does not last because of both an outside influence and man's own choice. A tragic and ironic temptation to be like God is presented and man and woman, in their pride, choose a rejection of God's order and purpose in pursuit of their own pre-eminence. The results are horrific and wide-ranging resulting in a corruption of all aspects of life on earth. Work, relationships (both between hmans and between humans and the created world), health and the body, all suffer under the self-centred rejection of God by man. The order is broken and the world would now be subject to the rule of self-centred, corrupt stewards. Most centrally, man's relationship with God is divided, man's choice is honoured, and they leave the blessing of God, in Eden. It isn't long before brothers are murdering one another and fear, violence and power, begin to unfold with humanity spreading out through the earth. Yet, in the midst of this, a purpose of God is declared. Judgement upon the outside source of temptation and the redemption of humanity is promised, shame would be covered, even at the cost of a sacrificed life. From the beginning God's plan for redemption of what man corrupted is proclaimed.

So then the first covenant is the Adamic one. As the story continues to unfold, the wickedness and corruption of the human race is presented and condemned, and we see a pinnacle of that in the story of Noah, where it is made clear that men are responsible beings and will be held responsible for their actions, and yet, again, in a picture of inescapable judgement, God's purpose of redemption is repeated and the Noahic covenant is established.

One by one relationships unfold. God's dealings with certain imperfect individuals are recounted and the nature of God's purpose, persistence, desire and character, and His desires and requirements for people are opened up and made clear. A global story focuses down onto the life of Abraham, an imperfect father whom God promises to make a father of many nations, if he will have the faith to believe it. The Abrahamic covenant is formed, a covenant of promise and trust, and Abraham moves from Iran to Egypt to Israel (by their modern names). Abraham's story leads into Isaac's then into Jacob's and Jacob becomes the man known as Israel, and Israel's 12 sons become 12 families prospering in Egypt. All the while pictures are painted of God's purpose, His love, and his plan for the redemption of the sons of Adam is slowly unveiled.

Time skips forward and 12 sons and families have become close to 12 clans or tribes, a nation, almost. Yet a change in the rulership of Egypt sees favoured sons becoming tortured slaves. Here God begins to move His plan further forward, still honouring all His promises and covenants, He now leads this people into the desert to rescue them from not only the place of Egypt but also its ways, and makes them now a new nation as He forges the Mosaic covenant, a double-edged promise of blessing or cursing depending upon their own ability to enter into and uphold their own side. They do enter into this national relationship with God, even to the individual level, and laws and traditions and culture are given. Even as they are given though, Israel's failure is predicted and with it a promise of redemption by God's own hand, even as the sacrificial system is established and the gravity of sin is made clear.

Lead into the Canaan, the promised land, God paints a picture of both salvation and judgement, and yet, despite the reality and visibility of both these things, hundreds of years pass where it becomes clear that even though, as a race, they bear the name of the chosen ones of God, the reality is they are no different than any of the other nations around. In the midst of this story the important Davidic covenant is formed with the imperfect David, who establishes true, godly kingship in Israel. Although it is short lived, more pictures of God's plan of redemption, and who God and the Messiah are and would be, are painted down. This covenant is the promise of a rule that would know no end. A ruler who would come, via David's imperfect line, by God's choice, who would sit on 'David's throne' forever. Sacrifice, Love, Substitution, Shepherd, Family provision and protection, Kingly reign, Purchase, Rightful ownership, Judgement upon wickedness. All these are unfolded as specifics of the plan in the redemption of the sons of Adam. Yet, wickedness grows - slavery, child sacrifice, abuse of the poor and vulnerable, greed and selling of others and oneself, in worship, - and God's people despite many warnings and reminders, find themselves either killed or taken captive. The promise lost in accordance with the covenant of Moses. During this time we hear the voices of the prophets proclaiming God's messages and reminders and warnings and promises. From deep and scathing rebuke to some of the most beautiful poetry penned, the darkness of the deeds of Israel and the surrounding nations is contrasted with the beyond bright promises of God's redemption. God makes clear His utter hatred and rejection of it their ways, yet reaffirms his love for and commitment to the salvation of the sons of Adam.

It has been said that the Old Testament serves as an artist's palate, providing colour depth to the message of God's redemption, His gospel. if so, then it is the New Testament or New Covenant which draws the finished lines of that work. Israel having had a remnant return from exile in Babylon to their land of Israel, the faithfulness of God to His word illustrated in a small way, they now appear in the New Testament a broken people. Idolatrous foreign ways are less of a threat now, and have been replaced with fierce religiosity. The pendulum has swung completely the other way. Despite this, they are nation that has been embattled. From Babylonians and Assyrians they saw the Greeks and then the Romans come in and conquer their land. 400 silent years pass with no prophetic voice. No proclamation or visitation of God. They have seen themselves nationalistic fighters, warriors, and yet have produced little victory and now live out their lives in the supposed promised land, under Roman rule. It is here now, that God finally breaks the silence, and He does so with His Word, incarnate. The ultimate revelation of His will, character, love and purpose. The fulfillment of His promises, the filling up of His words and truth. Jesus Christ is born into the skin of the sons of Adam in order to finally bring about their work of their redemption. Many do not recognise Him, many reject Him, but He proclaims the fullness of God's truth and way and promise. What once was picture and type now becomes real and made clear. He teaches and challenges, proclaims and redeems. All the threads of the covenants come together in Him even as He dies in the skin of the sons of Adam, humble and obedient in place of the proud and rebellious, the wrath of God for the sins of men is poured out upon the one with shoulders big enough to bear it, and the suffering we could not have borne He takes upon Himself. The mystery of the ages, God on earth, dying in place of man in the greatest act of love there is. It is a stumbling block to the Jews, Paul writes, and foolishness to the Gentiles, but it is and was God's plan from the beginning, Himself to bear what we could not, that He might be both just and yet also the justifier. The incredible reality of the one who died and rose from the grave so that the sons of Adam could now become, as was intended from the beginning, sons of God. Heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, who it is said, is not ashamed to be called their brother.

In this incredible and complete work of God to bring salvation, God does away with both forms of sin, outright wickedness and deceptive religiosity. Instead of ruthlessness and corruption, goodness and freedom, instead of law and rules, love. The true worship of God, trusting Him with one's whole life, is revealed, and the way to the satisfaction of all men's desires, for life and love and productivity or fruitfulness, is made both clear and accessible. The work is done, the path is open, the call is made. Christ returns to the realm of Heaven from where He came, but in His place God's Spirit is poured out that the plan may be complete. No longer would the temple of God be wood and stone but the lives of the sons of God. He would be with them forever, and they with Him.

Letters are written as the message is shared and with them guidance is given and teachings provided to help men and women in life together and the worship of God in Spirit and Truth. From there, the message spreads and is taken, and to be taken, to all the sons of Adam so that all might know it. The truth of this ultimate covenant, this relationship with God founded through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, is spread even as the goodness of life is lived and enjoyed, and the final promises of God are awaited. The story ends as it begins, in a way, with God's promise to make all things new, remembering the garden, with the sons of Adam facing a choice to reject the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and choose again to elevate themselves in separation from God and life, and, along with the one who brought an arrogant temptation in the garden, to be condemned forever this time, for that act (and every other act) of cosmic treason. Or to choose, this time, to pursue relationship with God in paradise, bearing the image of God, by faith united with Jesus in His death and thus too in His life, and joy forever.

[Galant]

That was a bit long! Got a bit carried away.

Went over time slightly. Took longer than expected and started late, but if it doesn't count that's alright.

Thanks for the quiz! Lot of tough ones there. I know you were busy so I appreciate the time and effort.

Good job!

Thanks.

[jim]

Sharknado? Not seen it but that does appear to be an airborne shark.

Some seriously tough questions there! Will be interested to see how you did.

[ik9000]

ok, no worries Q15 accepted, Will mark this tomorrow evening. Last edit times noted below...

10.37pm
2.14am
No edits
11.06pm

[ik9000]

I'm half way through marking. Have to go out now, but will continue tomorrow and post full set in one go. Sorry to keep you hanging.

[Galant]

No worries and no rush.

[ik9000]

1.) One of the biblical names for God, what does El Shaddai mean? (1 point)

Great, now I'm blanking. 'The Almighty'?

Correct 1 point Close enough. It is literally God Almighty, from El (God) Sadday (almighty) (shaddai -Hexus doesn't do the accents!), as God reveals himself to the patriarchs particularly at initiation/ reaffirmations of the covenant eg Gen 17:1, 35:11. 48:3, etc.

interesting to look out for El when considering the names of bible folk e.g. Daniel (God is my judge), Ezekiel (may God save) and Joel (Yahweh/Jehovah is God)

2.) what three locations are put forward for where Paul wrote the letter to the Philippian church and what are the arguments for and against each (1 point for all three locations, 1 for each argument 6 Total)

Honestly, not sure. I'll guess Rome, Ephesus and Corinth because Paul spent significant time in each of the locations. In Rome he was under house arrest. He was 3 years in Ephesus on one of his missionary journeys.

Throughout the letter Paul describes himself as being "in chains" for the gospel and at the end of the letter sends greetings from "those who belong to Ceaser's household" (4:22).

As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard, and to everyone else, that I am in chains for Christ.

Paul is also facing the real prospect of immediate execution.

I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body whether by life or by death.

We are therefore looking for locations where this description would fit with the timeline and suitable locations of Paul's known imprisonments, and the prospect of death.
a) Ceasarea AD57-59
For- Acts 23:25 records Paul's imprisonment there in the praetorium of Herod (NIV=Herod's palace) , which would tie with the praetorium of 1:13 (NIV=palace guard), and two years imprisonment there gives time for letters. Paul's reference to making a defence could be that made to Felix in Acts 24-26. Paul in Ceasarea would also be after the delivery of gifts to Jerusalem (see below).
against In Ceasarea Paul is not facing immediate prospect of execution, but is only just on his way to Rome - still a long way off. "The alternatives of death and release (1:20-24) and the hope of subsequent visit to Philippi" are not imminent during this time. (New bible commentary)
b) Ephesus. AD54-55
It is not documented as an imprisonment in Acts, but cases for:
It is near to Philippi so it is easy for the four-fold correspondence with them to have taken place (the sending of Epaphroditus, a letter back saying he's ill, one back for their concern, and the sending back of Ep' with the letter we have now). Also Acts 19:22 Timothy is sent from Ephesus to Macedonia and could fit with 2:19-22. The letter bares more similarities with earlier letters than later ones eg letters to Timothy, etc, and is the church still a young one? (1:30, 4:15-16) If so then 12 years needed to get to Rome sounds too late.
Against - if an imprisonment in Ephesus did happen, it would have had to have been short to not have been recorded in Acts, and therefore not long enough for the time frame in Phil1:12-18 to develop. Also in Ephesus Paul would still have to deliver the monetary charity gift to Jerusalem - so why is it not mentioned, particularly given the topic of Chapter 4.
c) Rome c. AD62
For In Rome Paul awaits trial by the emperor and either death or acquittal and release, which ties in with 1:19-26
Rome is 7-8 weeks journey from Philippi, so a lengthy imprisonment would still allow for the correspondence with the church there
There is evidence to suggest while Paul hoped to head west if released, he was concerned with the churches already founded and the threat of false teaching of the kind he rebuts in chapter 3 (New Bible Commentary)
There are sufficient differences in the letter to the known earlier ones that it could be from a different time.
The references to Ceasar's household and preatorium are best reconciled by a Roman imprisonment (Acts 28), and the Jerusalem gift would have been long since delivered, so would not need mentioning.

The most common view is that it originates in Rome.

For more details see the New Bible Commentary by Carson et al Pub IVP

So 2/3 locations = 0 points, 1 for prison in Rome, 1 for Paul being 3 years in Ephesus. = 2 out of 6 possible.

3.) the 144,000 mentioned in Revelation - explain the apocryphal illustration being made, and why this is not literal. (2 points)

There are a few interpretations but I'll go with the 144,000 symbolising the remnant of Jews who come to faith in Christ in latter days. 144,000 is far more likely to be 12 x 12,000 (12 tribes of Israel, completeness) than a literal 144,000. A literal interpretation of the number just doesn't fit with the flow of the passage, it would also seem far too small, and with the reference to the tribes - some of them have been lost.

Sorry I have to mark the first part wrong. Neither of the places 144,000 is mentioned in revelation relate to the Jewish revival (which is more a theme from Romans) but list in chapter 7 members from the 12 tribes (almost - see image extract below) who are sealed as servants of God or in chapter 14 the saints who are set apart with God's name. 1/2 mark for completeness however, but it needed to be the complete people of God from all ages, rather than just those of Jewish origin. 0.5 out of 2 possible

Firstly, to frame things in the apocryphal numbers take on significance from wider biblical context. See the images below for full details, but 12 signifies the number of God's people via OT the 12 tribes and NT the 12 apostles. 10 is a number of magnitude i.e. many. 3 is used for repetitive emphasis. so 10x10x10=1000 is akin to our infinity. 144000=12x12x1000 the full and complete number of God's people from all ages, and is a vast number, not literally 144,000.





Above image extracts from Revelation Unwrapped by John Richardson MPA/The Good Book Company. Well worth a read for a better understanding of the apocryphal and cyclical structure of the majority of the book of Revelation. Another corrobatory reference is below from the NIV Student Bible (Hodder & Stoughton)




4.) Typological fulfillment - explain how this is relevant and important to Christian's understanding using the examples of Hebrews' discussion of Moses and Romans' discussion of Adam.

Learning by example/pictures! A 'type' is a sort of a prototype or foreshadowing of a later or greater reality. God teaches us about that greater reality, and prophesies it, through the provision of earlier 'types'. Moses is not generally seen as a 'type' of Christ but in the passages of early Hebrews he is presented as a type of Christ in the sense of a saviour and covenant giver. That is, Moses was seen as the greatest of prophets, the friend of God who spoke with God "face to face". it was through Moses that God gave to Israel the covenant of the law - essential their identity. Hebrews was written, in large part, to instruct the Jewish believers in the great reality of Christ and the new covenant in His blood. Moses is a type in that he can be contrasted he with Christ who is greater than Moses as both saviour, and salvation, covenant giver and covenant. So Moses is, in this way, a foreshadowing of Christ who is the fulfillment and true reality. A big part of the value of 'types' is in the realisation and understanding that God is faithful and does not change, he can be counted on to work in the same way, continue in the same path and to honour His own word. When a type is presented we can. therefore, take something real and trustworthy away from that illustration.

In Romans Adam and Christ are contrasted with Adam being the forefather of us all, and all of us, therefore, recipients and victims of his sin and mistakes, as well as 'chips of the old block'. Jesus is the last Adam, and placed alongside the first Adam. Just as we are recipients of sin and evil because of our relationship to our father Adam, so too, in a connection with Christ, by faith in Him, we are able to be 'adopted' away from under Adam and into the line of Christ, receiving life and salvation from Christ by that connection, in the same way we received sin and death from Adam.

Correct. 3 Marks out of 3 possible. Just to pick you up on Moses not generally being seen as a type of Christ though:
1) Moses is "made like God to Pharoah" (Exodus 7:1) and God uses him to redeem God's people out of slavery (to death) in Egypt and bring them into the promised land. (to redeem = to save/rescue for God himself). Christ is the ultimate redeemer who does not just lead God's people out of earthly slavery and physical death, but from slavery to sin and eternal death, to bring them not into an earthly land until they die, but into an eternal promised land, free of death and living face-to-face with God, just as Moses was allowed in God's presence. Moses did not see God's face the way we will. Even that was shielded from him (Exodus 33:20) for that would kill him. Jesus however, does not just bring us God's word, but reveals God himself, and ultimately we will see God's face. Revelation 21:3-4 and 22:4).

This is referenced in Hebrews particularly in Hebrews 9 which majors on how Christ's role in purifying the people and representing them before God is greater than Moses'

When Moses had proclaimed every command of the law to all the people, he took the blood of calves, together with water, scarlet wool and branches of hyssop, and sprinkled the scroll and all the people. He said, “This is the blood of the covenant, which God has commanded you to keep.” In the same way, he sprinkled with the blood both the tabernacle and everything used in its ceremonies. In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.

It was necessary, then, for the copies of the heavenly things to be purified with these sacrifices, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. For Christ did not enter a sanctuary made with human hands that was only a copy of the true one; he entered heaven itself, now to appear for us in God’s presence. Nor did he enter heaven to offer himself again and again, the way the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with blood that is not his own. Otherwise Christ would have had to suffer many times since the creation of the world. But he has appeared once for all at the culmination of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself. Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.

An example of Adam being contrasted to Jesus in Romans is

Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned—

...Consequently, just as one trespass resulted in condemnation for all people, so also one righteous act resulted in justification and life for all people. For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.

Or more succinctly in 1 Corinthians15:

But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.

[ik9000]

5.) Which passage describes Moses entering the promised land? (1 point)

Nice try. Moses didn't enter the promised land.

Sorry, but this was not a trick-question. You're right that Moses did not enter the promised land the first time round, but in the transfiguration Matthew 17 he is on the mountain with Jesus, very much in the promised land. 0 out of 1 possible

After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. 2 There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. 3 Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus.

6.) Which word is used to describe or refer to passages relating to the end times? (1 point)

Eschatalogical, from the Greek, eschaton 'end times'.

Correct 1 point

7.) Which OT prophet? (8 possible, 6 points max)

Good idea this one. Bloomin' tough though.

Thanks, thought it might be a fun one.
5 out of 8 answers, *6 points max = 4 points
a) God's people are like an unfaithful wife

a) Hosea

Correct

When the LORD began to speak through Hosea, the LORD said to him, “Go, marry a promiscuous woman and have children with her, for like an adulterous wife this land is guilty of unfaithfulness to the LORD.”

The Lord said to me, “Go, show your love to your wife again, though she is loved by another man and is an adulteress. Love her as the Lord loves the Israelites, though they turn to other gods..."

Hear the word of the Lord, you Israelites,
because the Lord has a charge to bring
against you who live in the land:
“There is no faithfulness, no love,
no acknowledgment of God in the land.

because they have deserted the Lord
to give themselves to prostitution;
old wine and new wine
take away their understanding.
My people consult a wooden idol,
and a diviner’s rod speaks to them.
A spirit of prostitution leads them astray;
they are unfaithful to their God.

b) God's people will die overthrown, cut-off and in famine unless they repent

b) Joel?

Correct

Hear this, you elders;
listen, all who live in the land.
Has anything like this ever happened in your days
or in the days of your ancestors?
Tell it to your children,
and let your children tell it to their children,
and their children to the next generation.
What the locust swarm has left
the great locusts have eaten;
what the great locusts have left
the young locusts have eaten;
what the young locusts have left
other locusts have eaten.

Wake up, you drunkards, and weep!
Wail, all you drinkers of wine;
wail because of the new wine,
for it has been snatched from your lips.
A nation has invaded my land,
a mighty army without number;
it has the teeth of a lion,
the fangs of a lioness.
It has laid waste my vines
and ruined my fig trees.
It has stripped off their bark
and thrown it away,
leaving their branches white.

Mourn like a virgin in sackcloth
grieving for the betrothed of her youth.
Grain offerings and drink offerings
are cut off from the house of the Lord.
The priests are in mourning,
those who minister before the Lord.
The fields are ruined,
the ground is dried up;
the grain is destroyed,
the new wine is dried up,
the olive oil fails.

Despair, you farmers,
wail, you vine growers;
grieve for the wheat and the barley,
because the harvest of the field is destroyed.
The vine is dried up
and the fig tree is withered;
the pomegranate, the palm and the apple[b] tree—
all the trees of the field—are dried up.
Surely the people’s joy
is withered away.

Put on sackcloth, you priests, and mourn;
wail, you who minister before the altar.
Come, spend the night in sackcloth,
you who minister before my God;
for the grain offerings and drink offerings
are withheld from the house of your God.
Declare a holy fast;
call a sacred assembly.
Summon the elders
and all who live in the land
to the house of the Lord your God,
and cry out to the Lord.

Alas for that day!
For the day of the Lord is near;
it will come like destruction from the Almighty.

“Even now,” declares the Lord,
“return to me with all your heart,
with fasting and weeping and mourning.”

Rend your heart
and not your garments.
Return to the Lord your God,
for he is gracious and compassionate,
slow to anger and abounding in love,
and he relents from sending calamity.
Who knows? He may turn and relent
and leave behind a blessing—
grain offerings and drink offerings
for the Lord your God.

c) God cares for all nations not only his own - even the enemies of Israel when they turn to him

c) Jonah

Correct God's offer of forgiveness ultimately applies to all people, even in the old testament times. Jonah, however, did not want the enemies of God's people to be spared, and tries to do a runner to dodge taking them God's message offering them a second chance. God intervenes and some whale time later...

Then the word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time: “Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give you.”

Jonah obeyed the word of the Lord and went to Nineveh. Now Nineveh was a very large city; it took three days to go through it. Jonah began by going a day’s journey into the city, proclaiming, “Forty more days and Nineveh will be overthrown.” The Ninevites believed God. A fast was proclaimed, and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth.

When Jonah’s warning reached the king of Nineveh, he rose from his throne, took off his royal robes, covered himself with sackcloth and sat down in the dust. This is the proclamation he issued in Nineveh:

“By the decree of the king and his nobles:

Do not let people or animals, herds or flocks, taste anything; do not let them eat or drink. But let people and animals be covered with sackcloth. Let everyone call urgently on God. Let them give up their evil ways and their violence. Who knows? God may yet relent and with compassion turn from his fierce anger so that we will not perish.”

When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he relented and did not bring on them the destruction he had threatened.
Jonah’s Anger at the Lord’s Compassion

But to Jonah this seemed very wrong, and he became angry. He prayed to the Lord, “Isn’t this what I said, Lord, when I was still at home? That is what I tried to forestall by fleeing to Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity. Now, Lord, take away my life, for it is better for me to die than to live.”

But the Lord replied, “Is it right for you to be angry?”....

.... should I not have concern for the great city of Nineveh, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left—and also many animals?”

d) God is in charge of all history, no nation is outside of his control

d) Daniel - with his future prophecy?

Correct, throughout the whole book this is the over-arching message.

“Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever;
wisdom and power are his.
He changes times and seasons;
he deposes kings and raises up others.
He gives wisdom to the wise
and knowledge to the discerning.

King Nebuchadnezzar,
To the nations and peoples of every language, who live in all the earth:
May you prosper greatly!
It is my pleasure to tell you about the miraculous signs and wonders that the Most High God has performed for me.
How great are his signs,
how mighty his wonders!
His kingdom is an eternal kingdom;
his dominion endures from generation to generation....

...‘The decision is announced by messengers, the holy ones declare the verdict, so that the living may know that the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes and sets over them the lowliest of people.’....

....At the end of that time, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven, and my sanity was restored. Then I praised the Most High; I honored and glorified him who lives forever.

His dominion is an eternal dominion;
his kingdom endures from generation to generation.
All the peoples of the earth
are regarded as nothing.
He does as he pleases
with the powers of heaven
and the peoples of the earth.
No one can hold back his hand
or say to him: “What have you done?”

At the same time that my sanity was restored, my honor and splendor were returned to me for the glory of my kingdom. My advisers and nobles sought me out, and I was restored to my throne and became even greater than before. Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, because everything he does is right and all his ways are just. And those who walk in pride he is able to humble.

e) Oi! Stop dismissing me and cheating me from my rightful honour; give me my due and see if I don't restore relationship with you.

e) Again, probably, "...You have robbed me. But you will say how have we robbed you?...", and "Would your governors or leaders be happy with such offerings?" Or, "You live in paneled houses while my own house lies in ruins." Habbakuk?

incorrect - Malachi. Your first two quotes are so close to Malachi 3:8 and 1:8 that I thought you had it. Panelled houses however is Haggai 1:4.

"Return to me and I will return to you," says the Lord Almighty

Malachi 3:7b
f) You know I really do care for you, fickle and wayward people. I sing over you with new mercy each day....

f) Haggai?

incorrect - Zephaniah. Sorry this one is a bit unfair, it's a hodge podge of Zephaniah 3:17 and Lamentations 22-23, but the prophet would therefore be Zephaniah.

The Lord your God is with you,
the Mighty Warrior who saves.
He will take great delight in you;
in his love he will no longer rebuke you,
but will rejoice over you with singing.”

g) One day I really will sort you lot out, dry and barren as you are. And when I do expect great things as I will put my breath in you and raise you to life (even though right now you are acting like a bunch of prostitutes going after whichever of your neighbours has the biggest member to offer....)

g) Ezekiel

Correct. I wondered if the first part might take you to Jeremiah full of its barren references and cracked cisterns (eg Jeremiah 2:13) but the dry bones being raised to life is Ezekiel 37, and the Israel being like a lustful whore is Ezekiel 23.

Then he said to me: “Son of man, these bones are the people of Israel. They say, ‘Our bones are dried up and our hope is gone; we are cut off.’ Therefore prophesy and say to them: ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: My people, I am going to open your graves and bring you up from them; I will bring you back to the land of Israel. Then you, my people, will know that I am the Lord, when I open your graves and bring you up from them. I will put my Spirit in you and you will live, and I will settle you in your own land. Then you will know that I the Lord have spoken, and I have done it, declares the Lord.’”

h) Really? You want me to return and sort things out? Really? Ok then prepare to meet your God.

h) Zechariah?

incorrect - Amos

“Therefore this is what I will do to you, Israel,
and because I will do this to you, Israel,
prepare to meet your God.”