1. God promises to send a Savior To restore relationship with God due to original sin, God promises to send a Savior. The prophet, Isaiah, described the savior as “the suffering servant”--- Jesus is our Savior and suffered though he did no wrong. Gospels ( good news) tell about Jesus and his life and death and resurrection. Four gospels– Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John First books of the New Testament. Grace- a share in God’s life.

2. Sacraments Sacrament is an effective sign instituted by Christ to bring us grace. Baptism Eucharist Confirmation Reconciliation Anointing of the Sick Holy Orders Matrimony

3. Humans struggle because of original sin Adam and Eve– 2 sons– Cain and Abel Cain and Abel offered sacrifices, but only Abel’s was accepted. God offered Cain another chance but he decided to reject God and took his anger out on Abel and killed him. God still cared for Cain, but Cain did not accept his love.

4. Cain and Abel teach us the following Sacredness of human life Separation of humans– beginnings of conflicts Accepting life and respecting life God’s healing power if we accept his help

5. Noah and the Ark Justice- respecting the rights of others and giving them what is rightfully theirs. Humans were not being faithful stewards. God gave them a chance to change their ways. God instructed Noah to build an ark and gather faithful humans and the animals. God sent a flood that destroyed the unfaithful. God made a covenant with Noah.

6. Symbols of Noah’s Ark Story Rainbow– covenant with God Ark– the church Flood- Baptism 40 days– a significant number

7. Tower of Babel Tower of Babel symbolizes human resistance to trust in God and his will. Shows the separation among different groups of people--- the loss of unity and the ability to get along with each other. They can no longer even understand each other’s languages. Pentecost– Holy Spirit comes and unity is restored and people can once again speak the same language.

8. Covenant Cycle God makes covenant with people People sin and break covenant. Natural consequences and sufferings People repent God renews covenant.