Chapter 9:Called to Share the Good News
The New Testament Letters
1.What is the one key idea of this chapter. pay attention to the title of the chapter!
The one key idea of this chapter is that we are called to share the good news. That is why this chapter was all about the new testament letters to the early Christian communities. St. Paul models an I can do attitude. This means he is able to accomplish great things no matter what happens in life, knowing that the strength one needs is as close as a prayer or the support of Christ. We should mimic this I can do attitude and apply its values to our lives. These letters dealt with many issues that the early Christians struggled with. Some of these issues, like sexuality, alchohol, violence, and relationships, are still big problems in our world today. We should learn from these letters and help each other grow in Christianity.
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 major idea I'd like to remember would be the point of emphasis in the Letter to the Galatians. Paul was writing to people in a group of communities called Galatia. These Galatians were most likely converts directly from polytheism. They didn't have a clear image of what their lives in Christ would demand. Paul tried to help them see that to be in a proper relationship with God, it is necessary to observe God's commandments but in and by the power of the Spirit of love that Jesus brought to them. In this letter Paul speaks most clearly about what justification by faith means. I would like to remember this key idea because I can sort of relate to the Galatians and I struggle with some of the same issues that they struggled with.
The second key idea I'd like to remember would be the letter to the Colossians. Collosae in Prhygia was a magical and mysterious place. The Collosians were turning to other cults away from Christianity because of what they had to offer. Paul, or someone writing in his name, told them that they were like a young plant that was still growing and hadn't borne fruit yet. He said that they shouldn't consider themselves perfect because this could only lead to judging those considered not perfect. With obedience to God's spirit, they are to extend love and support to each other so hat all can grow toward perfection in Christ. I would like to remember this idea because I can sometimes think I am almost perfect. I have a big head sometimes and I can sort of relate to the Collosians.
3.One image that captures the chapter for you.
4.One significant question you have from this chapter. It can be intellectual or personal.
One question I have about this chapter deals with the reactions of these communities to their letters. How and why did some of the early communiies react to their letters?