Gospel Overview and Jesus' Life

Study Notes

The Three Stages of Gospel Formation:
- Stage 1: Oral: Stories passed on by apostles, helped by the Holy Spirit after Pentecost.
- Stage 2: Written: Apostles wrote down experiences, creating Gospels.
- Stage 3: Editing: Gospel writers (evangelists) edited stories to provide context.

What is the New Testament?: A collection of writings about Jesus and the early church, teaching, death, and resurrection of Jesus.
Who is St. Paul and His Conversion?: Saul, a persecutor of Christians, had a vision of Jesus and became a missionary. Changed his name to represent a new life.
Pentecost: The Holy Spirit came upon apostles, giving them power to preach the Gospel in all languages through gifts, like wisdom and understanding.

Who is Jesus?: Born in Bethlehem, lived in Nazareth, spread a message of love and forgiveness, brought salvation through teachings, death, and resurrection.
Jesus' Purpose: To bring salvation.
Jesus' Death and Resurrection: Died on the cross for sins, rose from the dead.
Parables: Stories Jesus used to teach spiritual lessons. Includes comparison, crisis, resolution, and is always about God. Examples of themes are the description of the King, Kingdom, responses, relationships with neighbors, and the future coming of God's kingdom.
Miracles: Supernatural events showing God's power. Examples of miracles include healing, nature miracles, exorcisms, and raising the dead. Miracles show God's kingdom activity in the world.

The Paschal Mystery: The death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus. Jesus is considered the "Lamb of God" and is connected with the new covenant.
Table Fellowship: Jesus welcomed everyone including sinners, outcasts, and poor people.

What is Justice?: Fair treatment, ensuring everyone receives what they deserve (balance of fairness).
Importance of Justice: Maintains peace and order in society. A core value in Christianity.
Environmental Justice: Christians are called to care for the environment and promote sustainability driven by Laudato Si encyclical.

Who is God?: A spirit, and faith in God means trusting Him despite lack of physical proof. Jesus is both fully divine and fully human.
What is Faith?: Believing in God, trusting in His plan even without complete understanding.
Benefits of Faith: Provides hope, instills peace, and purpose.
The Holy Trinity: Belief in one God in three persons: Father, Son, Holy Spirit.

What is Spirituality?: Connection with God through prayer, worship, living a faith-driven life.
Types of Prayer: Blessing/Adoration, Petition, Thanksgiving, Intersession, Praise, recognizing the importance of prayer and dependence on God,
Sacraments: Visible signs of God's grace granting spiritual benefits. Examples include Initiation (Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation), Healing (Penance, Anointing of the Sick), Service (Marriage, Holy Orders).

Different Types of Love: Agape (unconditional love), Eros (romantic love), Philia (friendship love), and Storge (familial love) in the Bible.
Healthy Relationships: Based on respect, communication, trust, and love.