Catholic Doctrine Bible Study

 Key Points: In Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman, He did not water down his message-(v. 22 “Salvation Is from the Jews.” ) He didn’t say that the polytheistic beliefs of the Samaritans were good or equally valid.  He practiced “charity with clarity.” As we find opportunities to have religious discussions with others, we seek common ground, but we never compromise our proclamation of the Fullness of Truth that was entrusted to the  only Church founded by Christ; the  Catholic Church. (We pray for the time, the place, the person, the method, and the words to say to share His Truth.) The Royal Official showed that he “believed” in Jesus through his ACTION.  (He walked 40 miles round-trip to find Jesus.) 5:22 Jesus WILL ultimately judge our eternal destiny. (Don’t take 3:17 out of context....we as Catholics read scripture as a whole, and through the eyes of the Church. We don’t take one verse and build our whole theology on it.) 5:29 Once again, our actions will demonstrate ou

  Key Points Jesus broke down social and racial barriers by simply speaking with someone different than himself.  (Who should you be speaking to?) The things of this world don’t last; only our relationship with Christ can be eternal. After she realized who Jesus was, she invited others to “come see!”  Though she didn’t know theology, she shared HER EXPERIENCE with Jesus.  People can argue with your theology, but  no one can argue with YOUR EXPERIENCE with Jesus. ( Who will you invite to “Come see” Jesus?) SHE didn’t convert people, but she planted the seeds.  We’re responsible for that; the Spirit is ultimately responsible for the conversion.

Key Points: 3:14 John’s high Christology- Jesus will be “lifted up” vs “crucified”....Jesus is always in control, even when it seems that he is not. John 3:16 “Believes” , once again, means much more than intellectual assent.  (Compare this verse with (3:38.... “Belief “ involves OBEDIENCE.) 3:17 Jesus came the first time not to judge (an individual’s eternal state) ,but to proclaim the kingdom.  But, make no mistake, he will ultimately preside over our judgment, and there WILL be judgment!  (Again, see 3:38 !)

Key Points: Jesus’ turning water into wine is the first of 7 “signs the gospel writer uses to show Jesus’ divinity.  (Jesus has he power to create.)  He can create a new person in us, too, if we walk with him. Jesus calling his mother “Woman” was not disrespectful: Words and customs change meaning over time, (a term of respect(?) Jesus (sinless)honored his mother and father , lived the Commandment. In Garden of Eden, God said he would put emnity between Satan and the Woman.  (Mary is the new Eve; her “Yes” to God contradicted Eve’s “No.” In Revelation 12 we see the “Woman” (not named, but Mary) with a crown of 2 stars. The temple (“sanctuary”) building will be destroyed, but Jesus is the NEW temple....HE is there as  our Sanctuary. “Born again” means a changed life once we walk with Christ.  The seeds are sown at our Baptism.  If we know we are to be Baptised and don’t do it, we are disobedient.  Baptism imparts grace which gives us strength! ( There is a connection between the intel

Key Points: 1:21 (Asked of John the Baptist:) “Are you Elijah?”  (Per Malachi 3:23, Elijah was to reappear before the coming of the Lord.) 1:23 John the Baptist is like Isaiah (Quotes from Isaiah 40:3) 1:29 “Lamb of God” (At Passover, an unblemished LAMB is sacrificed in an ATTEMPT to pay the price for the people’s sins. John the Baptist’s is the first of 7 testimonies as to who Jesus is. 2:1-5 We venerate Mary because: She calls us to follow Christ She intercedes for us She shows us (Lk 1:38) by example HOW to follow God. She inaugurates Jesus’ ministry at Cana She has led countless millions to Christ She was at the key moments of Jesus’ministry and the beginning of His Church. She is ALL of our mothers!  (So, if you feel “motherless” sometimes, remember that Mary is YOUR mother, too!)

  Key Points: What does it mean to “believe” to the Catholic Church? Why do the heresies spawned by the phrase “Word became flesh” point to the need for the Catholic Church?” “Belief” is much more than an intellectual assent.  It is giving one’s self over in trust and action.  (“Wheelbarrow” story.) Three heresies were spawned by three consecutive words in John 1:14.  We needed the Church (the only Church Christ started, gave the power to “bind and loose” to,  gave the Holy Spirit to guide it into all truth) to eliminate the confusion as to who Christ is....and the confusion that still exists today.   (See 2Peter1:20 regarding personal interpretation of Scripture.  We must read Scripture through the eyes of the Church.)

  Key Points: John was youngest disciple, "the one that Jesus Loved" (20:26); Took care of Mary (20:27); Imprisoned on Patmos; Author of John, Revelation, 1,2,3 John John Emphasizes Jesus' Divinity.  7 Signs of His Divinity (Water to wine, 2:1-11; Cure of Official's son 4:46-54 by His word; Paralytic cure at pool (Ch 5); Multiplication of Loaves and walking on water (Ch 6) Mirror Manna & crossing of red sea in OT; Cure of man born blind (ch 9); Raising of Lazarus (Ch 11) 7 Testimonies (John the Baptist, Samaritan woman, scripture, His works, The crowds, Holy Spirit, Disciples (testify 33x) Jesus is the Word, the Light, the Lamb. He is NOT portrayed as the "suffering servant" but as the Hero, Always in Control ("Lifted Up" vs "Crucified") (Glory 15x) Eternal Genealogy (1:1-2) ("Consubstantial" in the creed) "Light" vs Darkness ("Light" 11x) "Believe" 98x, "World" 78x, "Truth"

  Key Points: 21:1-4 (The Widow’s Offering) We should give out of our first earnings,(The IRS isn’t stupid!), not just out of our abundance.  (That includes teaching your kids to give out of their allowance.) 22:35-38  The swords Jesus told the apostles to get were a metaphor:  we are to “arm” ourselves for “battle.”  (Knowing our faith, prayer, sacraments, etc.) 23:32-43 The one on the cross who “went to confession” was granted forgiveness and did his Purgatory on THIS earth.  (On a cross!)God’s mercy is always available to us if we seek it, even at the end of our life. 24:13-35 (on the walk to Emmaus)  The men didn’t recognize Jesus until Jesus “took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them” (v30).  We must recognize Jesus in the Eucharist!! 24:36-50 The  Apostles didn’t understand Him until they had an encounter with the RESURRECTED Christ, which emboldened them. We encounter the resurrected Christ, just as the 2 followers on the walk to Emmaus and the Apostles, at Mass!

Key Points: 16:1-9 The Master did not commend the steward for being dishonest; he FIRED him for that.  He commended the steward for forgoing his short-term commission (which may have been a normal charge) in exchange for long-term security through better relations with the master’s clients.  Moral:  We must put our own long-term (eternal!!) interests above our short-term earthly interests. We must put money in it’s proper perspective relative to eternal life. 17:7-10  We cannot pay back Christ for the gift He has given us:  we are servants with a job to do.  We owe Him, not the other way around! 19:1-10 (Zacchaeus)  Emphasis:  Treatment of the poor, repentance, reconciliation, forgiveness. (What is your plan to help the needy? We are not saved by faith alone, at least not in the way Luther meant it! Faith means a relationship, which necessitates service.)

  Key Points: Luke 13:6-9  God has patience with us, but we must ultimately “bear fruit” by developing a relationship with God, and all that goes with that, including taking care of those who need help. Luke 14:13, Luke 16:19-31  Take care of the poor, the outcasts!!    Luke 14:33 We must get rid of whatever is standing in our way to a walk with Jesus. Luke 15:8-10 Does your relationship with Christ, the idea of eternal life with Him, give you joy??  (Nothing  could/should possibly give you more joy!)

  Key Points: Forgiveness mentioned 6x in 9verses Lk. 7:42-50.  YOU can be forgiven by God.  Who do YOU need to forgive? Lk. 9:51-56 and Lk10:25-37 (Good Samaritan) -Mercy towards enemies. Lk10:38-42(Martha and Mary) Don’t let life’s busyness keep you from a closer encounter with the Lord!

  Key Points: 2:41-52  It’s important to be obedient to your parents, but God comes first!! 4:16-30 Jesus’ message of salvation is for all who will follow, even those that we don’t like!

  Key Points: Ch.2 v. 1- Skeptics would say Caesar Augustus never ordered an empire-wide census. (Censuses were typically recorded for purposes of taxation.)  This census may have been to, instead, register that subjects swore allegiance to the emperor. v.2 Skeptics would say Quirinius was not the governor of Syria until years after Christ was thought to be born.  Answer: perhaps he was like a “lieutenant governor” at the time, so he was involved in “governing”, perhaps in charge of a smaller area. “First-born” was a legal term, and did not mean that there was necessarily a “second-born.”  (Regarding Mary’s perpetual virginity.) The value of the poor in Luke’s birth-of-Jesus account: Shepherds- the lowest of the low. Manger (feeding trough for animals.) Mary’s sacrifice at temple of 2 birds was that required of the poor, per Lev. 12:8. Simeon proclaims Jesus will be “revelation to the GENTILES”, another of Luke’s themes.

  Key Points: Ark contained Manna(bread), 10 Commandments (Word of God), and Aaron’s Staff (authority of God). Mary’s womb contained Jesus, (the “Bread of Life”, The Word of God, and the authority of God. Lk1:35 “overshadow” Mary, Exodus 40:35 God’s cloud overshadowed ark. Lk1:41 John “leapt” in Elizabeth’s womb. 2Sam6:14-16 David “leapt” with joy upon recovering Ark. Lk1:43 Elizabeth “Why is this granted to me?”  2Sam6:9 David asks same thing about privilege of recovering Ark. Lk 1:56 Mary stayed with Elizabeth for “3 months.”  2Sam6:11 Ark stayed with a keeper for 3 months. Mary not to be touched sexually. (Perpetual Virginity).  Ark not to be touched, or death!!  2Sam6:7 Ark and Mary together!!! (End of Revelation 11, beginning of Chapter 13.

  Key Points: Luke was a Gentile, his emphasis was that Jesus came for ALL regardless of ethnicity or status.  Women tended to be the heroes.  Emphasis on the value of the poor and treatment of them. Emphasis of the Holy Spirit. The gospel of JOY! Emphasis on forgiveness. Emphasis on prayer. Luke not an eyewitness to Christ’s ministry but a travelling companion of Paul. Also wrote Acts of the Apostles. 50+% of “Mark” (source document for Luke) material is in “Luke.” Chapter 1 - Only gospel that talks about John the Baptist’s conception and birth. Elizabeth - a hero. V26 - Mary a hero. V35 - “Power of Most High will OVERSHADOW” Mary. (Important for Ark of Covenant analogy to come.)

  Key Points: Mark travelled with Paul and was a disciple of Peter.  Not one of The 12, but a young follower.  His mother is thought to be the owner of the Upper Room where the Last Supper was held and also the first Novena at Pentecost. Mark’s gospel thought to be: A)First Gospel written (60-70AD?) B)“Peter’s Gospel” C)Source document for Matthew’s and Luke’s gospels.  (80-90% of Mark is in Matthew, 50% of Mark is in Luke. All but 31 verses are part of “Matthew”or “Luke.” ) Mark’s is shortest of Gospels: No Genealogy of Jesus, very short Resurrection account. Emphasizes Jesus’ ACTIONS instead of his WORDS. (Unlike Matthew’s.) Written to gentile CHRISTIANS, probably in Rome.  (As opposed to Matthew, which was written originally for primarily JEWISH converts.) “Messianic Secret” Jesus is also the Suffering Servant The disciples don’t understand Jesus during his earthly ministry.  They’re downright stupid, including Peter! (Again, Peter is relaying incidents in retrospect to Mark

  Key Points: Why believe in the Resurrection? See 1 Corinthians 15:5-8.  Over 500 people witnessed the Resurrected Christ. So, our faith is not blind faith. Christ’s resurrection gives us hope in our own resurrection and eternal life with Him. Mt 28:19 The Apostles were not instructed to write a book, but to make disciples.  Jesus said that he would be with them (His One Church!!) until the end of the age. In spite of the errors and grievous sins of the leaders of his One Church, his Church is prevented from TEACHING error on matters of faith and morals. How are you doing in your disciple-making efforts?  Pray for God’s grace to recognize those that you can share the Gospel with, the method and time to approach them, and the Holy Spirit to open their hearts.

  Key Points: Peter sinned grievously, despaired,  but was forgiven, and went on to share the gospel with others:  We, too, are sinners, we can similarly be forgiven, and we must share the gospel with others. Judas only despaired;  gave up on God by killing himself.  Never give up on God!! Don’t “wash your hands” of moral issues by taking the easy way out, as Pilate did. Jesus was not despairing on the cross, (“...why have you forsaken me?) but was reciting hopeful Scripture (Psalm 22) during his suffering.  A great place for us to turn!!

  Key Points: We ALL deny Jesus, just as Peter did, every time we sin.  Yet, we too can seek and be given forgiveness. We ALL have our own “Gethsemane Moments” in this life....we can choose to become BITTER or BETTER (our relationship to God) through them. Jesus was no mere rabbi. (Teacher) Only three possibilities:  He was the biggest liar ever, He was the craziest man ever, or He was the only begotten Son of God.

 Key Points:  Some connections between the Jewish Passover Meal and our Communion: Both a Memorial, not just a re-presentation. (We are actually AT the event.) 3 Matsahs vs. 3 members of Trinity Middle matsah broken, (Christ killed) Middle Matsah hidden, (Christ buried) Child who finds matsah gets reward, (Those who find Christ get reward of eternal life.) Sacrificial Lamb must be killed at 3PM - Jesus killed at 3PM (Mk 15:34) Sacrifice of Unbroken lamb must be eaten—Jesus is The Lamb of God, no bones broken (Jn 19:32) 4 Cups of Wine at Passover: 1) “sanctification” (Lk22:17) 2)”plagues” -“deliverance” (not mentioned  in Gospels) 3) “redemption” (Mt. 26:27-28) 4) “completion”, “restoration” (Mt. 26:29- Jesus will drink it with us when we are RESTORED to Him in Heaven. —————————————————— “This IS my body”

  Key Points: We give our best to Jesus’ Church because his gift to us of eternal life with Him is more valuable than anything.  The woman’s gift, and Judas’ price for betraying Jesus (only the price of a slave) showed how much each of them valued Jesus.  Reflect:  How much do I value Jesus?  What you spend your money on will reflect this. Beautiful church structures, paintings, statues, etc. draw people towards God, so they are not a “waste.”

  Key Points: God has given ALL of us talents to be used for the benefit of the Kingdom.  What we don’t use, we’ll lose.  (Just as we do physically by not exercising.) Check yourself with verse 40.  What are you doing for/to others who need help? Many of those are not easy to love.  We love them not because they are “lovable”, but because Christ loves us so much, that he gave everything, (Our life, and  His life!)for us. We’re all brothers and sisters in God’s family.  Nothing pleases a good father more than to see his children care for one another. You can’t say you love God without showing love for all others.  (You can’t say “It’s Jesus and me, and the hell with thee!)

  Key Points: Don’t be a “show” Catholic.  Check your inner thoughts.  Mt24:13-  Once again, we don’t believe in the false doctrine “Once Saved, Always Saved”, at least not the way many non-Catholic Christians do.  We must persevere to the end of our life in our walk with Christ.  (Salvation is not at a moment in time early in our lives, though it can start there.  Salvation is a lifelong journey-it’s important how we complete it.) Everything you have, and everyone you know,  on this earth will pass away.  All that will remain is your eternal relationship with Christ and those who accept His grace. Be ready!  (It’s later than you think!)

  Key Points: Though our invitation to eternal life is a free gift, and we are provided with the “garment” of grace to do good works, we must still prepare ourselves for heaven by cooperating with God’s grace, and doing what God wants. Loving God, and loving your neighbor as yourself sums up the 10 Commandments.  (If you love God and everyone, you won’t want to lie, cheat, steal, covet, murder, etc.  That’s why Augustine said “Love, and then do as you will.”) We’re not just a social service agency:  We have a duty to love God.  We’re not just an adoration group: hence the teaching about loving our neighbor. The two “loves” go together:  You can’t love God properly WITHOUT loving your neighbor (everybody), since we are all a family and are all brothers and sisters.

  Key Points: Jesus did not sin when he overturned tables and chairs and forced the money-changers to leave the temple, because it was His house!  (An owner has the right to remove unwanted intruders!)  He was exhibiting righteous indignation, which we as Christians should do when OUR Church and its doctrines are being abused. Jesus caused the barren fig tree to wither, not because of a temper tantrum, but to illustrate that all Israel is to bear fruit , and will bear the punishment of it’s fruitlessness.  (The fig tree had long been a symbol for Israel, as an eagle is a symbol of the U.S.)

  Key Points: Although a sincere “deathbed conversion” is valid, don’t wait!  Why miss out on the graces of the greatest relationship you can have, for ANY length of time? We are to lead through service, as Jesus did for us. How/who are you serving?

  Key Points: Marriage is a COVENANT, not merely a CONTRACT.  Each partner’s goal should be to make sure the other goes to heaven.  Daily prayer TOGETHER greatly increases the odds of a lasting, successful marriage.  For marriage in general, read CCC paragraphs 2360-2381. Divorce: paragraphs 2382-2385 Annulment: paragraph 1629 The rich young ruler’s wealth was an impediment to a closer walk with Jesus. What’s your impediment?  Pray about your priorities and what to do about them. You can’t earn your way to heaven! (Pelagianism heresy)  It is a free gift from God, but we must cooperate. Eternal life beats any life we could imagine on this earth!

  Key Points: We must have the faith of little children, in the sense that little children instinctively know they must depend on others, just as we must depend on and trust God. Do an examination of conscience-Who have I been a bad example to recently? Go to Confession if necessary. Jesus would have died for you if you were the only person on earth!  He loves you that much!! Mt 18:17-20 is another example of how Jesus intended that there be ONE authoritative Church. We must forgive others principally because God has forgiven us.  (We don’t DESERVE forgiveness, and sometimes the person that offends us doesn’t DESERVE our forgiveness either.  But, we must!) Homework:  Think of someone that you hold a grudge against, pray for them each day for a week, and forgive them, at least in your own heart.  Let it go!(Depending on circumstances, you may or may not decide to communicate with the person directly— if there has been physical abuse towards you in the past, as an example.)

  Key Points: Matthew shows that Jesus is the “newer, better” Moses. Moses makes it to the Promised Land after all!  (But, as with us, Moses doesn’t reach the ultimate Promised Land until after his death- this world is not our home!) With faith, we can “move mountains”, FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD ( which is what we’re here for!) , but not necessarily for our own personal earthly benefit. Jesus didn’t need to pay the temple tax. (As God, the Temple was his house!), but did so as an example for us.

  Key Points: God only changes someone’s name on 3 occasions in the Bible.  Each time, the change denotes the person is to become the leader of God’s people. Peter, (“Rock”) is given the “keys”, the power to “bind and loose”, will represent the authority of God on earth. The Church is to last until the end of the earth, so that authority (keys) is to be passed down. “Apostolic succession.” See linked images for additional support https://drive.google.com/file/d/1at58RsLF1j7OHu-2Xof5lWs9dYH3zoso/view?usp=sharing https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cw6Z8gYqeDAnf7NVx_uLcPe_xhmrW3Vb/view?usp=sharing

Key Points: 15:3-9  Don’t edit the word of God to suit your beliefs.  (Follow the one Church that Jesus founded.) Jesus came to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable.  At different moments in our lives, we can be both, and we need Jesus equally in both circumstances. Jesus helped the Canaanite (non-Jewish) woman because of her PERSISTENT FAITH. He indirectly referred to her as a “dog”, I believe, to show the Apostles the error of their ways in assuming that Jesus came only for the Jews, using an epithet that they, themselves, likely used to describe Gentiles.  It was a “teaching moment” that Jesus used, for their benefit.

  Key Points: There is a Hell.  Jesus makes reference to it about 60 times in the Gospels.  (Having said that, Jesus makes about 3 times more references to Heaven.) The Feeding of the 5000 (men, plus additional women and children) was a real miracle of Jesus.  To say otherwise is to deny the divinity of Christ. When we keep our eyes on Christ, we can do more than we ever could without him, as Peter discovered. (14:39)  When we doubt Him, we will “sink.” (14:30)

“ How to get rid of a sinful habit.” and “Is the doctrine held by many non-Catholic Christians of “Once Saved, Always Saved” true? Key Points: Jesus has given us enough signs to trust him.  We don’t need more signs; we need more faith! To rid ourselves of a sinful habit, we must replace the bad habit with a good one.  The vacuum will be filled with something. Jesus’ gift is to all who will follow him, which is more important than even family. The seed sown on the rocky ground shows that salvation can “fall away.” So, NOT  “Once Saved, Always Saved.” We must persevere!  (With God’s grace!) The Parable of the weeds and the wheat growing together describes the Church.

  Key Points: What sin can’t be forgiven? We must look beyond the LETTER of the law to follow the SPIRIT of the law. ( So, if helping an accident victim causes you to miss Mass, helping the wounded person takes priority.)  The LAW is good and needed, but it’s ultimate purpose is to guide us as to how to love God and our fellow people better, not the other way around.  “Whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.....” means to reject God’s mercy to the end of our life...either by saying that we don’t need God’s mercy (that we don’t need God at all), or by saying that our troubles are so great that God cannot help us.  (See CCC paragraph 1864.) We will answer for every thing we’ve said and done on the day of judgement. (But, thank God for Purgatory!)

  Key Points: (“Came not to bring pea ce, but the sword”) Your eternal life is more important than your earthly life. How am I acknowledging Christ to others? Jesus causes division.  (But in a good way!) We must choose between following what the world tells us, or following Christ. To “take up one’s cross” is to risk even crucifixion to follow Jesus, as was understood in Jesus’ culture.  10:40 A prelude to Apostolic Succession. Who do you know that needs “a cup of cold water” today?

Key Points: Jesus has power over sin and death. The Church is a hospital for the sick (all of us!), not a country club for the (spiritually) well-off. Who can you “take by the hand” or “touch” to help with their problems? “Whoever endures to the end will be saved”  flies in the face of the “once saved, always saved” theology espoused by many non- Catholic Christians.

  Key Points: Jesus healed several people in this chapter,  including total social outcasts (lepers) with a touch.  Who needs our touch today, even if (ESPECIALLY IF!) they are outcasts by our society? Leprosy analogous to mortal sin.  Jesus told the lepers to “show yourself to the priest”, just as WE must show ourselves to a priest in the Sacrament of Reconciliation to be declared clean of our “leprosy” of serious sin. Jesus’ healing is available to ALL!  ( The Centurion was a Gentile.) Our relationship with Jesus needs to be our #1 priority.  (2 examples where they were not.)

  Key Points “Judge not, lest ye be judged!”  means we are not to judge a person’s eternal destiny.  We also don’t necessarily know what’s going on in that person’s life that may lessen their culpability.  BUT, we ABSOLUTELY must judge whether an act is moral or not.  There are moral absolutes!  We must be introspective about our own lives through frequent examination of conscience, asking friends, etc. “Do not throw your pearls before swine.”  While we are to witness to all, there’s a time, a place, and a way to share the Gospel.  It is best sometimes to avoid a confrontation, pray for that person, pray for a better set of circumstances in which to share, and pray for other people to witness that the subject might listen to.  “A man convinced against his will is of the same opinion still!” Jesus is not preaching a “prosperity Gospel.”  God WILL give us what we ask for, for the good of our relationship with him, for our eternal salvation, and the good of HIS kingdom, but this world

  Key Points: Our attitudes are as important as our actions.  (Do we do good things (prayer, fasting, good deeds) to promote OUR good name, or GOD’S?) Prayer: A conversation with God.  It’s all about a growing RELATIONSHIP with God. (We can’t have a RELATIONSHIP without COMMUNICATION!) We pray for GOD’S will to be done.  (And for our will to become one with GOD’S will.)  We are merciful to others because of God’s mercy toward us. Our lasting treasure is eternal life with God.  NOTHING else lasts!