Blog Response 9

In what ways did the people you learned about during this unit suffer? What was their reaction to their suffering? Which story from the Acts of the Apostles did you find most inspiring and why? How have they experienced challenges in your own life and how have you dealt with them? Who are people that you can turn to in times of need and why?

By: JWilson19

In what ways did the people you learned about during this unit suffer? What was their reaction to their suffering?:
In this unit, we learned about people suffering in different ways. Many people were arrested, killed, abused, and went through so much to preach about God or to have a religious experience. Paul was a major character in most of the presentations. He was abused, sent to jail, and was constantly being put down for his beliefs, but he did not give up. He continued to preach about God's word and go against people who did not believe him. Paul could have easily given up and left the towns, but he wanted to make a difference and continue God’s work. Paul expected this reaction from the towns because it was against the rule to preach. In Act 28, many started to warm up to him and accept him. Paul spoke at gatherings and welcomed many into his home. Paul and other men were scared and terrified when they were suffering during their lives.

Which story from the Acts of the Apostles did you find most inspiring and why?:
The Acts of the Apostle story that I found most inspiring was Act 18: 1-16. Paul dedicated his life to spreading the word of God. He traveled from Athens to Corinth He was discouraged by many of the people, but was still devoted to his mission. The Lord visited Paul in a vision and kept on encouraging him not to give up. God gave him hope, supported him, and helped him get through his hard time. Paul stayed in Corinth and was dedicated to still preach. The Jews brought him to Galileo because they thought Paul deserved to be persecuted and die for his actions. Galileo did not see anything wrong and let Paul go. This is an inspiring passage because Paul did not give up and committed himself to God. God helped him persevere through his life obstacle: lacking the belief and support from the people around him. At the end of Act 28: 17-30, people started to welcome him into their lives.

How have they experienced challenges in your own life and how have you dealt with them? Who are people that you can turn to in times of need and why?:
Challenges that I experienced in my life are friend drama, school drama, and people I do not get along with. These challenges sometimes distract me and discourage me from my top priorities. Before, I had a hard time adjusting to high school and my new Varsity Soccer team. I learned to be open to new friends and be more comfortable around them. For soccer, my team and I had a lot of team bonding activities to be more closer. I overcame them by talking to someone about it, relaxing, and by doing things I like to do. When I am feeling that I can't deal with something by myself, I go to my family. I usually talk to them about all my daily school drama and they usually listen and respond or give me advice on how to deal with the problem. This helps so much because they are my support and help me go through my day. It feels good being able to talk to someone.

Bibliography

N.p., n.d. Web. <http://www.focusonthefamily.com/faith/becoming-a-christian/is-christ-the-only-way/how-can-god-allow-so-much-evil-and-suffering>. 
Sonnenberg, Frank, About Frank SonnenbergFrank Is an Award-winning Author. He Has Written Six Books and over 300 Articles. Frank Was Recently Named One of "America's Top 100 Thought Leaders" and One of America's Most Influential Small Business Experts. Frank Has Served on, Carlos Fonseca Says, Frank Sonnenberg Says, Mark Sutton Says, Christopher Avery Says, Rita Bueter Says, Lisa Says, Lucy DelSarto Says, Anthony D. Laut Says, Kent Julian Says, and Taffy Le Says. "What Do Tough Times Say About You?" Frank Sonnenberg Online. N.p., 12 July 2014. Web. 15 Feb. 2017. <http://www.franksonnenbergonline.com/blog/what-do-tough-times-say-about-you/>. 
"Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles Announce New Campaign – Family Always Has Your Back!" Nerds and Beyond. N.p., 13 Sept. 2016. Web. 15 Feb. 2017. <http://www.nerdsandbeyond.com/2016/09/14/jared-padalecki-and-jensen-ackles-announce-new-campaign-family-always-has-your-back/>. 

Blog Response 8

Discipleship: What did you learn about the original disciples from the group projects? Which disciple did you find most interesting and why? Based on what you learned, what are the characteristics of people who follow Christ and do you feel that you display any of these characteristics? Why or why not? 

By: JWilson19

After watching and listening to the group projects, I learned so much about the disciples. The disciples that were presented in class were Philip, Bartholomew, Matthias, Andrew, Matthew, Simon, John, Jude, Peter, James the Greater, and Judas. I learned that all the disciples were normal citizens until Jesus came into their lives and He helped guide them to help others and spread the word of God. Philip was the brother of Peter and Andrew. He was with Jesus when he feed 5,000 people. He actively participated in disciple discussions with Jesus and obeyed Jesus when he told him to go with him. Bartholomew was introduced to Jesus by Philip. He performed many miracles throughout his life and converted pagans from India to Christians. He is also notable for translating the Gospel of Matthew. Matthias was Judas' replacement. He was a caregiver and helped many avoid temptation. He lived a healthy life and later stoned to death. Andrew was very close to Jesus. Before becoming a disciple, he was a fisherman with his brother, Peter, and his father. He is most notable for proclaiming the Gospel. Matthew was an apostle of Jesus and one of the four Evangelists. He was a tax collector and it was odd for a Jew to collaborate with a Roman occupation force. His name was Levi before receiving the name Matthew. He wrote the Gospel of Matthew and wrote about Jesus' message and news to His people. Simon was 28 years old before becoming an apostle. He was a merchant before becoming an apostle. He inspired others and preached "Peace on Earth and goodwill among men." John is well-known in the Bible and is mentioned 131 times. He is also an Evangelist like Matthew. He was a fisherman with his father before becoming a disciple and was a very close friend of Jesus. He also wrote three letters in the new testament. Jude  is the author of Jude in the New Testament and is a mysterious apostle. He is seen with a flame on his head with an image of Jesus and he holds a book/paper and axe. Peter is a disciple that was notable for guiding people toward Jesus through fishing. He spoke to many people about Jesus in Jerusalem and then encouraged 3,000 people to get baptized. James the Greater was also a fisher with his father. He was in a famous story when they caught plenty of fish. When he went fishing, their nets were empty, but when Jesus told him to go out again and check the nets, there were many fish. He was later chosen to see Jesus' Transfiguration. Judas was the disciple that betrayed Jesus and help with his crucifixion. He sold Jesus out for money and later regret his decision. He felt so guilty, he hung himself and died. 

Out of all the disciples, I saw that Judas' life was interesting because he was chosen by Jesus and later turned his back from him. I found this interesting because Jesus knew Judas was going to betray him in the future, but did not do anything because it was God's  plan. Jesus had a lot of courage because he spent so much time with Judas and knew the whole time he was going to turn him over and kill him. Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss the help indicate that that was Jesus and the one that they wanted. He was so guilty of turning in Jesus, he killed himself. 

Based on what I know, characteristics that a follower of Jesus posses are loyalty, commitment, and faithful. The one disciple that did not have these characteristics was Judas because he disobeyed Jesus and he was not committed to help others. He sold Jesus to the soldiers and betrayed him with a kiss. Jesus' other disciples were always loyal to Jesus and His people. They demonstrated loyalty by always accepting a task from Jesus and they did not turn away from Him or God when they were scared. They wanted to commit their lives to live out their faith and help others do the same. They were with Jesus through the good times and bad. The followers of Jesus were always faithful and were constantly praying and doing God's work. They believed that God would help them and support them. I think that I have these qualities because I am an Active Christian and I am always trying to improve my relationship with God and people around me. I attend Sunday masses and I participate in school liturgies. 

Pictures

"How Well Do You Know Jesus' 12 Apostles?" Playbuzz. N.p., 20 Oct. 2015. Web. 31 Jan. 2017. <http://www.playbuzz.com/answers10/how-well-do-you-know-jesus-12-apostles>.

"Minnesota Prairie Roots." Minnesota Prairie Roots Judas Betrays Jesus Tag. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Feb. 2017. <https://mnprairieroots.com/tag/judas-betrays-jesus/>. 

"Disciple Characteristics of Jesus-Followers." Ppt Download. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Feb. 2017. <http://slideplayer.com/slide/5991961/>.