Apostolic Lighthouse Tabernacle Presents  

If you are looking for away to get involved, meet people, have fun, and learn your Bible then Bible quuizing is the perfect salution.

This is your chance

The Fringe Benefits of Bible Quizzing …

By Roger D. Creel Louisiana Coordinator

Anyone in serious pursuit of a permanent occupation not only considers the hourly rate or annual salary, but also factors into their “decision formula” the fringe benefits associated with the employment.  Quiet often, it is not the salary that makes the difference between employment opportunities as much as it is the fringe benefits.  Health insurance, life insurance, vacation days, investment options, and company charge cards, vehicles, and phones are just a few of the many fringe benefits that individuals enjoy just because they chose the right employer!

    Young people involved in Bible quizzing likewise can avail themselves of benefits far and above the thrust of this life-changing ministry. While hiding God’s Word in their hearts, our youth involved in the Bible quiz ministry are also reaping benefits both spiritually and physically.  The Psalmist wrote, “Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation.”  Even as the Lord looked down on the pure heart of a young lady named Ruth and provided her with “handfuls on purpose” (Ruth 2:16), He looks today on the hearts of young people desiring to learn more of Him through His Word and drops into their lives benefits on a daily basis.

      And what are some of these fringe benefits?  Listed below, in no particular order, are eight of the top fringe benefits of the Bible quizzing ministry.

Friendships … Over the years, I’ve reaped this benefit myself, over and over again.  I have developed friendships that will last a lifetime.  It is a joy to watch as young people with the same spiritual priorities develop bonds that will provide friendship and support through the good times and the bad.  I’ve also seen friendships developed between quizzers that have led to “til death do us part”!

Time Management … In today’s society, if there is one thing every young person needs to learn, it is time management.  “Too busy for God’s Word today, then you’re too busy I would say!”  These words of my childhood Sunday School teacher still echo loud and clear.  Through Bible quizzing, our youth learn how to manage a teenage life style, but still provide time for prayer and study.  It all comes down to making wise decisions.

Effective Study Habits … Those who don’t understand Bible quizzing and it’s benefits may question whether being involved will hinder their academic progress in school.  In over twenty years of working with Bible quizzers, it has been my observation that their involvement in Bible quizzing has only helped them to develop study habits that result in even higher grades! 

Consistency … A virtue that is a rare commodity in today’s society is consistency.  So many young people have convinced themselves that life, both spiritually and physically, has to be a “roller coaster”.  The fact is that we can overcome this trick of Satan by establishing our lives on the forever stable, never changing Word of God. 

Teamwork … “A threefold cord is not quickly broken.”  The big “I” and little “you” philosophy is common in the workplace today, but has no place in the church.  A successful Bible quiz ministry will revolve around a team and not an individual.  Every person has their place on the team, just as every member has a place in the body of Christ.

Perseverance … “He that endureth to the end shall be saved.”  It is neither the swift, nor the strong who necessarily cross the finish line first.  How many priceless inventions were laid on the shelf and never completed?  How many good intentions are drifting  hopelessly, wishing they would be carried out?  The winners in Bible quizzing are those who “stick with it” to the end.

Handling Emotions … Life is filled with emotions.  From disappointment to exuberance; from victory to defeat, it is important for every young person to learn how to deal with these emotions as they come.  Decisions that affect our lives are not always enjoyable, but  through the experience, we must use them to grow stronger in Christ.  Some of the greatest examples of being humble during victory and gracious during defeat have been  displayed in the Bible quiz ministry. 

Personality Development … Year after year, I have watched as Bible quizzing has drawn young people out of their “shells”.  Those who couldn’t look you in the eye as they spoke  suddenly were testifying, teaching, and even preaching!  They learned to enjoy fellowshipping with others, even to the point that it was sometimes detrimental to their quizzing!  What a reward it is for those who work with the Bible quiz ministry to hear the  last year quizzers as they testify of what God’s Word has done in their lives and remember when they were backward, shy rookies just a few short years ago.

       So along with the Psalmist, I ask each quizzer and coach, “What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me?”    Tell others about the love of Jesus and what this life-changing ministry can do for young people today!