In Acts 6-7, we first learn that the apostles were faced with the pastoral challenge of equitable distribution of food to the widows. Sharon goes on to give a beautiful teaching about God’s tender heart towards widows, as seen both in Old and New Testament stories. To solve this pastoral problem, the Apostles appointed the first deacons, an ordained ministry of the early Church, now revived by Vatican II by the Western Church. Stephen, one of the first deacons, was also the first martyr of the post-resurrection Church. Sharon gives a terrific overview of Stephen’s famous speech to the Sanhedrin. As we find out, the life of Christ is recapitulated in the Church, and the martyrdom of Stephen echoes the martyrdom of Christ: both are executed for the undeserved charge of blasphemy. Stephen’s death and our own sufferings were foretold by Christ: “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you (John 15:18-19).”

Sharon Doran serves as the teaching director of “Seeking Truth.” An experienced Bible Study teacher, Sharon has a passion for scripture that will motivate and challenge you to immerse yourself in God’s Word and apply His message to your every day life.

“Seeking Truth” is an in depth Catholic Bible Study, commissioned by the Archdiocese of Omaha in response to John Paul II’s call to the New Evangelization as well as Pope Benedict XVI’s exhortation for all Catholics to study scripture. To learn more go to:www.seekingtruth.net

Do some of the stories of the Bible seem unfair? Does God seem to be overly harsh? If these thoughts have occurred to you, keep reading. The birth of the Church at Pentecost is heralded by the dawn of a new priesthood. In this week’s lecture, Sharon traces the origin of the priesthood, beginning with Adam and then to Noah, Abraham, Moses and the Levites. However, with the great commissioning of the Apostles and our first Pope, Peter, a new priesthood in the order of Melchizedek is established. Jesus gives this new priesthood the power to forgive AND retain sins. Understanding this priestly role is critical to unlocking the unsettling story of Ananias and Sapphira, who were struck dead when they did not give Peter all their money. Many “Ah Hah!” moments are found in this lecture. You won’t want to miss it.

Sharon Doran serves as the teaching director of “Seeking Truth.” An experienced Bible Study teacher, Sharon has a passion for scripture that will motivate and challenge you to immerse yourself in God’s Word and apply His message to your everyday life.

“Seeking Truth” is an in-depth Catholic Bible Study, commissioned by the Archdiocese of Omaha in response to John Paul II’s call to the New Evangelization as well as Pope Benedict XVI’s exhortation for all Catholics to study scripture. To learn more go to:www.seekingtruth.net

In this lecture, our study of Acts of the Apostles begins in earnest. The first two chapters of Acts are nothing less than astounding, with two amazing events taking place: the Ascension of Jesus and the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. In this important lecture, Sharon demonstrates how the life of Jesus is recapitulated through His mystical body, the Church. Also, Sharon teaches us about the importance of Mary, who was present not only at the birth of Jesus, but also at the birth of the Church at Pentecost. Furthermore, we learn about the continuity between the Old and New Covenants, with particular attention given towards the typology of Jesus, the new Moses. Finally, Sharon shows us the incredible connections between the Jewish feast of Pentecost (Shavuot) and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at the Pentecost of the Catholic Church.

Sharon Doran serves as the teaching director of “Seeking Truth.” An experienced Bible Study teacher, Sharon has a passion for scripture that will motivate and challenge you to immerse yourself in God’s Word and apply His message to your every day life.

“Seeking Truth” is an in depth Catholic Bible Study, commissioned by the Archdiocese of Omaha in response to John Paul II’s call to the New Evangelization as well as Pope Benedict XVI’s exhortation for all Catholics to study scripture. To learn more go to:www.seekingtruth.net