Journal #1 by patrickJroy

The major topic of Chapter One is being called into a relationship with God. If we follow this call, we must understand and fulfill the covenant God has made with us. We also must understand the meaning of covenant and the importance of being in a relationship with Jesus. Also, another key topic of the chapter was the meaning of the Kingdom of God. For us to be understanding, we need to understand the Hebrew Scriptures and the Old Tesmement because Old Testement covenants were fulfilled through Jesus.
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.
One idea I would like to remember is that the four alternate sources we learned about (Josephus, Tacitus, Pliny the Younger, and Suetonius) do not give details about Jesus' entire life. Although they do not do this, they do give evidence to the historical life of Jesus and the early Christians, meaning that Jesus was actually alive. Each were non-eyewitnesses to Jesus' words and actions, unlike Mary, the apostles, and the disciples, who were all eyewitnesses to Jesus' words, actions, and decisions.

Another idea I want to remember is the importance of the Gospels and the evangelists. The Gospels present stories about the teachings of Jesus and his life, death, and resurrection. An important thing is that they are not biographies of Jesus' life but that they were testimonies that were communicated in a certain time, language, and culture. They enrich the story of God's dreams and forgiveness for us. The Evangelists were the 4 Gospel writers: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. They told these stories of Jesus to uncover the center of the religious encounter of the community. They were the ones who describes Jesus as "divinely human yet humanly divine. Although each had a different view of the reality of Jesus, each evangelist edited his Gospel to benefit the needs of the community.
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 that I have for this chapter is why choose Abraham for the covenant? If God could choose anyone, why Abraham then?
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 will be different when I was born in that God and Christ will have another supporter. Through my actions, I will be able to show others what the true meaning of the kingdom of God is. If all people follow the way of Jesus, they will realize that he will lead them to salvation. I believe that through my works and actions as a Christian, I am fulfilling God's will and I am being a servant of God.

One thing I could do for my grandparents is visit them at least three or four times a week. They just moved into a retirement home and they need visits every week to help them feel at home. Also, they have trouble moving around, so it is hard for them to get out much and get their essentials like groceries and toletries. Knowing this, I could go out and get those neccessities for them.



Any Questions, comments or anything else, just email me at jrbilliken619@yahoo.com