What are the two ways we can know God?
- Reason/Observation
- Revelation
Define Revelation
God making himself known to us.
Define the Bible
The inspired and inerrant Word of God.
What are the two sources of the Catholic teachings and beliefs?
- Bible
- Sacred Tradition
I someone says, "Catholics don't use the Bible," what would you tell them?
I would tell them that we use the Bible in every reading at mass, sacrament, prayer.
What does "covenant" really mean?
Relationship.
What is inspiration?
God working through and with the human authors to give us his message.
What was the human role in writing the Bible?
To write down stories from the past from the past guided by the Holy Spirit but is their own words, style, and setting.
Define inerrant.
the bible teaches only the truth when properly understood
Define canon.
The official list of writing accepted as being inspired.
How did "they" come up with the O.T. canon?
70 Jewish Scholars determined which writings were scripture and translated them into Greek.
How did "they" come up with a N.T. canon?
Determined by
- Apostolic origin
- Free from error
- Which writings were worshiped the most.
What must we think about in order to know what the human authors intended?
- Time period
- Style of writing
- His/Her purpose of writing
What two questions must we ask to know what God's message is in a passage of the Bible?
does this match up with other teachings?
does this make sense with what we believe in?
Is Genesis History? Explain.
No, Genesis is prehistory. it tells us about time before written documents.
What is the real goal of Genesis? (Especially the 1st Creation story)
Teach us about the relationship between us, God, and the world.
List four lessons from the first creation story.
- God made the earth
- Everything God made is good
- God made everything for us to use/take care of
- Creation is Gods first covenant with humans
Summarize Genesis chapter 2.
God creates man special from clay and creates a partner for man.
What makes us human?
- free will
- intelligence/reason
- capacity to love
- we are someone not something
What are four lessons from the 2nd Creation story? (Gen ch. 2)
- God recongnizes our needs and fulfills them
- God made man and women equal
- We are body and soul
- Humans made for each other
Summarize Genesis chapter 3.
Adam and Eve disobey God causing original sin
What was Adam and Eve's sin? (What was sinful about eating the fruit other than disobeying God)
They wanted to be the same rank as God.
What are three lessons from the story of the Fall? (Gen ch. 3)
- We chose sin
- Sin separates us from God
- Sin lead to shame
Explain what might have happened (in history) that led to the Flood story.
The Mediteranian Sea may have broke open and flooded every living thing and towns around it.
What is the book of Exodus about?
Story of God working through Moses to lead the Hebrews/Israelites out of slavery in Egypt.
What is the overall purpose of the book of Exodus?
Not to record details of events but to teach about God's role in them
Who is Joseph and what does he have to do with the book of Exodus?
- Kidnapped and taken to Egypt
- Work his way up to a government position
- Invited Hebrews to Egypt where there was enough food
What do all of the laws listed in the chapters of Exodus that explain the covenant teach us about "covenant"?
All relationships have rules and expectations
Is Christ in the Old Testament? Explain.
Yes, he is foreshadowed in many books of the O.T.
Summarize the Passover story. How does this story point to Christ?
The Passover is the sacraficing of a lamb and spreading it on your door for the angel of death to passover.
- Jesus is the unblemished lamb, we are saved by his blood.
Summarize the Crossing of the Red Sea story. What is this story foreshadowing of? Explain
Moses and the Israelites are trapped by the Egyptians and cross the Red Sea by spliting the sea in two to cross.
- Passing from slavery to sin, and death through the waters of baptism to freedom and new life in Christ.
Who was Joshua and what was his job?
Succeeder of Moses to take all the lands for the Israelites.
Before crossing into the Promised Land, what was God promising the israelites? What was he asking in return?
- Give Joshua every place he went
- To obey the laws of Moses
Who were the Judges and what was their role?
Soldier-prophets who rescued the of Israel from their enemies
Describe two key aspects of life under the judges.
- People were involved in many religions
- They did not work together making themself weak to others
Why did David choose Jerusalem as his capital? What was he trying to accomplish? (all one question)
Jerusalem was the center of Israel.
List and explain 3 ways David and the Davidic Covenant point to Jesus and the Church.
- Queen = Mary
- Prime Minister = Peter/Pope
- Temple = Jesus is the center of worship
List the four Gospels?
Matthew, Mark, Luke, John
Matthew's audience and theme.
Jewish Christians; Jesus is the fulfillment of God's promise to David.
Mark's audience and theme.
Jewish Christians; Jesus is the Suffering Messiah.
Luke's audience and theme.
Gentile Christians; Jesus is the compassionate savior of all mankind.
John's audience and theme.
Jewish Christians; Jesus is the eternal Son of God. The Word made flesh.
What is the central truth of the Incarnation?
Jesus is both true God and true man.
Why does Matthew begin his Gospel with a genealogy of Jesus?
To show Jesus is the perfect descendant of David and Abraham.
What were the three main activities that Jesus did during his ministry?
Preaching
Healing
Drove out demons
What was the basic message of Jesus' early preaching?
This is the time of fulfillment, The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and Believe in the Gospel