Catholic Doctrine Bible Study

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.

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!