Journal #9 Called To Share the Good News
By: Andrew Evens
A) What is the one key idea of this chapter? Pay attention to the title of the chapter!
The key idea of this chapter would be to be called to share the good news. This chapter mainly focuses on the twenty-one letters in the New Testament and how Paul wrote them to share to the people about Jesus. We learn through Paul how to spread the news of Jesus. In his life, Paul was either revered or hated because of what he had to say. Some people evens almost stoned Paul to death but he managed to live through the grace of God. This chapter shows us that we too are supposed to share to good news in our lives even if people don't want to hear it. By sharing the news of Jesus, we become closer to him and towards everlasting life.
B) 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 thing that I would like to remember would be how Paul was thought to be an enemy of the Christians, but led to becoming one of the head Christians at the time. During the beginning of Paul's life, he rounded up many of the Christians and killed them. However, when Paul was heading on the road to Damascus, he had a conversion experience, in which he was made blind and didn't eat and drink for three days. After Paul received his sight, he became a zealous Christian and spread the word of Jesus to everyone. He is the most well known Christian to have spread the news to the Gentiles, non-Jewish people. Paul wrote thirteen letters, which are called the Pauline letters, to the Gentiles all over. I think that people should remember this because it shows how some people, who have bad intentions at first, can be changed and live a better life.
The other thing that I would like to remember would be the "I can do" attitude. The definition of an "I can do" attitude is "being able to accomplish great things no matter what happens in life, knowing that the strength one needs in as close as a prayer or the support of Christ" (LeCompte 158). I believe that having an "I can do" attitude is something that everyone should strive for in their lives. I think that I should strive harder to have an "I can do" attitude because I would then be able to accomplish more things and be able to cope better with failure. In my opinion, having an "I can do" attitude would help everyone in their lives to get closer to Jesus.
C) One image that captures the chapter for you.
Paul's Conversion
D) One significant question you have from this chapter. It can be intellectual or personal. Just write out the question. Try to answer it if you want.
How did Paul's letters get sent out to the people? Did he give them to some representative in the area who would spread the news?
E) What is your most favorite passage from an epistle? Copy the passage and tell why it is important to you.
"Therefore, you are without excuse, every one of you who passes judgment. For by the standard by which you judge another you condemn yourself, since you, the judge, do the very same thing." (Romans 2:1)
I really like this passage because it really applies in my life right now. During our lives, we all judge people, especially during our high school years. Thinking about my life, I realize that I do judge many people without getting to know them. When I read this passage, I feel like I can relate to what is going on during their time. I think that people should try not to judge people and maybe the world would become a lot more peaceful.
