Chapter 1 Journal: Called into Relationship, Jesus as the Fulfillment of the Covenant

1. What is the one key idea of this chapter?
The main idea of this chapter is called into relationship. This means that we are called into a relationship with God through Jesus and the Bible. Jesus was the fulfillment of the covenant between God and Abraham. Abraham trusted God so much that he was about to sacrifice his beloved son, Isaac to God. This showed their strong and meaningful relationship, thus forming the covenant. We are called into a relationship by Jesus. He wants us to not only know our father, but live like we were serving him. On top of that, he wants us maintain our relationship by helping the least of his people. Through the Pentecost and other acts of the Apostles we find a very close and personal relationship with Jesus. This is what we are called to be like with God, and should build our relationship with him.

2. Write about two major ideas you want to remember. Write a short paragraph on each clearly stating the idea and then telling why you want to remember it.
The first idea I would like to remember is the one of the Apostles at the Pentecost. The Apostles were afraid and unsure. They had know idea what to do now, and the remainders of the horrors of Jesus' death still lingered with them. However, Jesus had a strong relationship with all of these people, and came to them. The Apostles, knowing the presence of the spirit, were instantly filled with joy and comfort. I want to remember this because a feeling like it is similar to Heaven itself. I just know that when I die there will be a chance for me to feel the same.

The second idea I would remember is the importance of the Holy Land. The Holy Land is a holy city in the world's three major religions. These are: Judaism, Islam, and Christianity. For Judaism it has the Wailing Wall, which was the remainder of Solomon's temple. The Holy Land also holds the Dome Rock, which is a mosque that holds the rock where Abraham almost sacrificed Ishmael. This makes the Holy Land very important to Islam. Christianity has it as a holy city because this is where Jesus had his passion and death. I want to remember this because I believe it will relevant in the future, mainly between the Jews and the Islams. I also want to remember it because it has a very interesting history.

3. One image that captures the chapter for you.


4. One significant question you have from this chapter. It can be intellectual or personal.
On page 11 there is a chart about the Gospels. It contains a section on the genealogy of Jesus. What is the significance of this section? I believed that when it came down to it Jesus was the son of God. Perhaps this was put in there to show the major differences in the Gospels? Or was it important to the people the writers were writing to or for?

5. Do one of the "Living the Gospel" questions at the end of the chapter. Write out the question, reflect upon it and write out your answer. How will the world be different because you were born? Choose "one little bit" you can do today to make the world better for someone and then do it.
The world is different, especially in my family, because I am able to help my sister. My sister is severely disabled, and she and I are very close. I am taller than her so I can help her when she needs it. This sometimes makes things easier for my parents. However, I can stop fighting with my little brother. And that will be my "little bit" I do today.


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