Catholic Doctrine Bible Study

Exploring the essential foundations of Catholic doctrine, this discussion highlights why starting from the very beginning matters. Listeners are encouraged to follow a structured learning path to deepen their understanding of the Bible. The insights shared emphasize the significance of a solid groundwork in grasping complex theological concepts. It’s a must-listen for anyone looking to enrich their faith journey.

Explore the importance of reverence and giving your best to God, as emphasized in the Book of Malachi. Discover the sacredness of marriage and the biblical perspective on divorce, highlighting the need to honor commitments. Delve into the Old Testament's call for accountability and the significance of generosity in faith. Reflect on how personal devotion shapes our relationship with God, even amid human failures.

Dive into captivating prophecies from Zechariah that highlight a humble king arriving on a donkey, echoing New Testament themes. Explore the haunting symbolism of betrayal, with Judas' 30 pieces of silver illuminating deeper spiritual lessons. Discover connections between suffering leaders and the Messiah's anticipated arrival, emphasizing the significance of community care and fostering relationships with God. These insights weave a rich tapestry of redemption and accountability that transcends time.

Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi are Postexilic prophets....they speak AFTER the people have been allowed to return from their Babylonian Exile. Haggai: c.520BC - Though the people have returned, they have NOT rebuilt the Temple, partly due to outside influences, but also lack of proper priorities.  See Ezra 1-6 for background.  Does God have priority in your life? Zechariah: c.520BC (Same as Haggai above.) Chs1-4.... Return to God, there will be a New Jerusalem, we are the apple of God’s eye! We can have Hope!

Nahum: 612BC, just before Ninevah, the Capitol of Assyria, was destroyed by Babylon that year. -God is just, but also merciful -Destruction predicted for Assyria, HOPE for Judah.  Habakkuk:  605-597BC. Worry about Babylon. Is basically a gripe session to God, yet see 3:17-19 “I will rejoice in the Lord, my strength!” Zephaniah-640-609BC (Just before Jeremiah and Habakkuk.)  (See 2 Kings 22 for background.) “The Day of the Lord”= Doom, judgment. But, HOPE (for Judah, and US!) 3:16-20.

Timeline: 750-710BC, contemporary of Isaiah (Isaiah 1-39), but Chapters 4-7 probably added after the return from exile, which began in 538BC. Distinctive Feature: The ruler, the shepherd of his people, will come from BETHLEHEM. (5:1-4) (See Mt. 2:1-5) 7:7 “But as for me, I will look to the Lord.”  (See Joshua 24:15) Again, as with most of the Prophets, it offers hope for the future.

Timeless truths in Jonah: 1) You can’t hide from God 2) We all have a job to do for the Kingdom-evangelize! 3) God wants ALL to convert...even Israel’s worst enemy! 4) WE should pray for the conversion of our enemies.

Amos 4-9   4:1 , 5:11 and 12, 8:4-6, Don’t “oppress the weak and abuse the needy.” Amos Distinctive Feature:  “Plumb line” (7:7-8) to determine “straight” vs. “crooked” behavior and worship. Amos-Salvation promised to the faithful in 9:11-15.  (9:11 quoted by James in Acts 15:16-17 at the Council of Jerusalem.) Obadiah- only 21 verses long!  Against Edom, 5th Century BC. Jonah- Were the events real, or was this a “fish story?”  See CCC 107 (“truth...for the sake of our SALVATION...”) CCC 110.

Hosea 11, God is a loving Father.  Hosea 14, God shows mercy on all who repent. Joel- Timeline unknown.  (800’sBC?  400’sBC? -no mention of kings, or Assyria, or Babylon?) Distinctive Feature: “Locusts” as punishment.  “Apocalyptic” view, End Times, “the day of the Lord” mentioned 5X. Joel 3:1 “Spirit” poured out, quoted by Peter in Acts 2:17-21 at Pentecost. Joel 3:5  “Everyone shall be rescued who calls on the name of the Lord.”  (Again, realize the Catholic Church’s understanding of salvation, and what it entails to call on the name of the Lord!) Amos-Timeline 760-750BC (Just before Hosea, and just before the Northern Kingdom fell in 722. Also same audience-the Northern Kingdom.  Amos was a shepherd. Social justice theme.

Hosea: Timeline is c. 750BC-715BC.  (Just before and just after the Northern Kingdom fell to the Assyrians in 722BC.) Audience: The Northern Kingdom. Distinctive Feature: Hosea’s wife, Gomer, (the Roamer!), a prostitute, is an allegory for how Israel had prostituted its faith, in bad political alliances and idol worship through temple pros