Journal 9



1. What is the one key idea of this chapter?

The one key idea of this chapter is our calling to share the Good News. In Paul's letters we are insisted to give ourselves to God. Although this seems vague and hard to accomplish, there IS good news. The good news is that we do not have to do it alone. We share this mission with each other and with God. Just as this was insisted to early Christians in Paul's time, it is the same today. Additionally, in Paul's letters he modeled a "I can do" attitude. This models the fact that we can accomplish anything no matter what happens. Sometimes I seem skeptical about giving myself to God and if I can even do it. This attitude can help me to be courageous and have confidence, not just in following God but in all things. If we have this "I can do" attitude, sharing the Good News with others and giving ourselves to God will be easy.



2. Write about two major ideas you want to remember.

One major idea I want to remember is Paul's image of the Body of Christ. Sometimes, I feel very alone in Christianity, especially when hanging around with my friends. This makes me think if there is even a point to believing in God or Jesus. However, thinking of things in Paul's point of view makes things clearer. Paul said the Christian community is like the Body of Christ. This means that Christ needs all His parts, and we are all important to the body, no matter how different our gifts are. This image reminds me that I do have other people with me in Christianity, and even if I am not dieing on a cross or saving a whole bunch of lives in one day, I am still needed to keep the Body alive.

Another major idea I want to remember is the Paradox of the Cross. Paul talked about a major contradiction of his time. The vision of gentiles and Jews about the cross was that it was a sign of defeat. Paul's vision was to dispute this. He said that it was a sign of victory and life. This is a mystery that Paul saw through only with eyes of faith. I seem to be like the gentiles and Jews sometimes, thinking that if Jesus is such a great leader for Christianity, why did He have to die? Paul reminds me of the hope that comes from suffering. He did die, but I have to remember that He died for us humans so that we could be saved from our sins. This also allows me to think through many other mysteries in life, such as why my grandpa died or why I lost a wrestling match, etc.



3. One image that captures the chapter for you.





4. One significant question you have from this chapter.

If Paul wrote thirteen letters about Jesus and Christianity throughout his life, how did he not get killed earlier?



5. What is your most favorite passage from an epistle? Copy the passage and tell why it is important to you.

"So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation" (2 Corinthians 5:17-18).
Everyone sins in their life, and I know I am for surely guilty. Whenever I sin, I usually feel pretty bad about it. Sometimes I feel like there is no way I can get back to God, but this passage reminds me of all that Jesus did to save us from this very problem, and how we can reconcile ourselves if we are truly sorry. One example is the other day I was mean to my mom on the phone, and I felt bad. The next day I apologized and showed kindness. This was my reconciliation and helped me feel relieved.