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Application ideas for the Christian Science Bible lesson on “Truth” for Jan. 28, 2007
Application ideas for the Christian Science Bible lesson on “Truth” for Jan. 28, 2007
By Janet Hegarty, CS, St. Louis, Missouri
Editor’s Note: The following background information and application ideas for the Christian Science Bible Lesson for this week are offered primarily to help CedarS campers and staff (as well as friends) see and demonstrate the great value of daily study of the Christian Science Bible lessons year-round, not just at camp! EACH WEDNESDAY: CHECK www.cedarscamps.org/metaphysical/ FOR A FREE FRENCH TRANSLATION of this weekly “met” offered by Pascal Bujard of Switzerland.
Golden Text
“… be thou my strong rock.” This Psalm was written in a society where rocks were very important. The New Westminster Dictionary of the Bible explains, “Rocks were found nearly everywhere in the hilly and mountainous districts of Palestine.” (Editor’s note: Like in the Ozark Mountain environment around CedarS where rocks are an omnipresent resource today.) Some of the big Palestinian rocks were so important to their communities that they were given names. A large rock could provide shade, protection from enemies and a place of shelter for travelers. The people relied on rocks and often referred to God as a rock because of God’s protecting power. Notice how in the first verse of Hymn 33 God is identified with the same useful and comforting qualities one might find in a rock: “Call the Lord thy sure salvation, Rest beneath th’Almighty’s shade, In His secret habitation Dwell, nor ever be dismayed.” Fear not. God is your strong rock – an ever-present help.
Responsive Reading
Rejoice, be glad, and be not afraid, for God, good is all! “The heavens are thine (God’s), the earth also is thine; as for the world and the fulness thereof, thou hast founded them (Ps 89:11).” Mrs. Eddy explains that Christian Science is built on this “timeless rock” (Hymn 176) in her scientific statement of being: “All is infinite Mind and its infinite manifestation, for God is All-in-all (S&H 468).” In his article entitled “Possession,” originally published in The Christian Science Journal of 1917, Adam Dickey also describes this solid spiritual foundation, he explains, “All belongs to God; nothing belongs to us.” Here is our security: goodness has all power, goodness is all that is truly real, and goodness is in control.
Christ Jesus the cornerstone. The cornerstone — that unites two walls coming together — is the most important stone in the structure of masonry buildings. Its placement determined the soundness of the entire structure. In verse 22 “the head stone of the corner,” may refer to another important stone put at the corner at the top of the wall. However, many other Bible translations simply use the word cornerstone in this verse. Though Jesus and his message of salvation were rejected many, the truth Jesus came to teach and prove lives on for all time. “The stone the builders cast aside is now the building’s strength and pride.” (Ps 118:22 Moffatt) Christ, Truth is your secure rock to build on. You can cherish it and confidently depend on it.
Section 1
What and how are we building? God “stirred up the spirit” of Cyrus to build a temple. Doesn’t Christ Jesus’ life and the many ways he proved our oneness with God, stir us up? His demonstration is the cornerstone in a secure foundation that inspires each of us to build. Our building, like Jesus’, is not of stones and mortar, but rather it is a daily demonstration of the Truth — built on purity — “the cornerstone of all spiritual building.” (S3) The builders of the temple used the materials they had on hand — plenty of rocks — to build their temple. Do you have a challenging project to complete this week? Ask yourself, what do I have plenty of to work with that I can use to finish this project? Recently, I heard a discussion of a group of college students from various Christian denominations. They were explaining what their particular faith meant to each of them. The Christian Scientist in the group explained how she had applied the Truth of Christian Science last semester during finals week. She used what she had, a conviction that “All is infinite Mind” (S&H 468) and the understanding that she reflects this Mind. Her finals week was the most calm, orderly and successful week she had ever had. Her remarks reminded me of the first line of Hymn 141, “If the Lord build not the house, They that labor build in vain.” You also have plenty of Truth to use to finish your work. You can build your spiritual superstructure, adding new stones each day, as you apply Truth to your everyday activities. Let the spirit of Christ stir up your heart to take spiritual action today — to build “the house built without hands ‘eternal in the heavens!'” (S7)
Section 2
Dissolve the adamant of error, live Love today! The name adamant is sometimes given to the diamond and other substances that are extremely hard (Students Reference Dictionary). The temple has been built. Now through the words of Zechariah the people are called to a more spiritual kind of worship. A visitor has asked Zechariah if the traditional fast in the fifth month should continue to be observed. He says it should not be observed because it is now important for worship to move beyond mere traditional feasts to a real understanding of and obedience to what God requires of His children (Dummelow). He reminds the listeners that in times past when the people “made their hearts as an adamant stone” (B8) and refused to hear and follow this guidance they were “scattered.” God then promises to bring the people home again if they are ready to listen and obey. To dissolve the adamant they are to: “shew mercy and compassions every man to his brother,” “not oppress the widow,” and “imagine (no) evil against his brother.” (B8) What’s needed to dissolve the adamant? Science and Health makes it clear — “the universal solvent of Love.” (S11) Even the adamant stone dissolves in the presence of love. Let love be the motivating impulse in our life, then “the adamant of error, — self-will, self-justification, and self-love” (S11) will quickly dissolve.
Section 3
Christ, Truth the only true spiritual foundation. Jesus’ message, “I and my Father are one,” (B12) sets forth the true relationship between God and man. As Mrs. Eddy explains his words, “…that is, one in quality, not one in quantity.” (S&H 361) Jesus’ words made the Jewish authorities angry because they took it to mean that Jesus considered himself to be equal with God. Why was it so difficult for some in Jesus’ day to recognize the Christ, Truth that he taught and demonstrated? “If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly. Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not.” (B12) Were they looking for a mighty King? Did “other systems” (S18) hide the Truth from them? Perhaps they were afraid to let go of their own false conceptions about God and man, afraid to accept universal Love as a way of life. They must not have understood that nothing is lost and all good is found in “the religion of Love.” (S19)
The House built on the rock. To dwell in the house — and atmosphere of thought — with a foundation that cannot be shaken, check out marker number 18 in Science and Health. There you’ll find these good directions: don’t believe “the testimony of the material senses,” rely on “the teachings of Jesus,” the apostles and the prophets, only accept “the testimony of the Science of Mind” — these will lead you to the house. (S18) Stay alert as you travel to be sure that “other systems” — material medicine or popular semi-metaphysical systems — don’t hide the path from your vision. Have a great trip! It’s a joyous journey and remember: “The Lord is on (your) side.” (RR -Ps. 118:6)
Section 4
To build a lively church, use lively stones. Christ Jesus is the living cornerstone of a healing church. As translated by J.B. Phillips, “You have come to the living Stone despised indeed by men but chosen and greatly honoured by God (1Pet 2:4).” “So you yourselves as living stones must be built up into a spiritual House of God, in which you become a holy priesthood, able to offer those spiritual sacrifices which are acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.” (B16) Jesus made the Truth alive to his students through his healing practice – like the instantaneous healing of fever in Peter’s mother-in-law in B14. He gave active proof of all that he taught.
Healing was the “spiritual foundation” on which Jesus built. (S21) When Jesus asked his students, “Whom do men say that I, the Son of man, am?” – Mrs. Eddy points out he was really asking, “Who or what is it that is able to do the work, so mysterious to the popular mind?” (S&H 136) In his answer to Jesus’ question, Peter reveals the idea that shows that the door is open for all people to enter and be healers. Peter identified the Christ as the healer. Unlike the other students whose answer mirrored the popular beliefs about Jesus, Peter understood that it was not the human personality of Jesus that did the healing. He realized the healing took place through reliance on the power of God, the Principle of being. Anyone who relies on this divine Principle and welcomes the Christ spirit into their daily life can heal the sick (S24). These are the lively stones that Jesus worked to quicken into life and that sprung up and continued in the active healing work of his early followers as recorded in the book of Acts. (B17) You are a lively stone and follower today — let your healing light shine right where you are planted.
Section 5 (last section this week)
God is the builder. Our foundation is secure with Christ as our cornerstone. Hymn 176 describes our part in the building: “living stones we, each in his place, may we be worthy such a grace, While Truth the wide earth enlightens.”
This must be the “New Jerusalem” which St. John saw, “the holy city (B21).” Built by God to God’s specifications — perfect God and His perfect idea, man. It is always daytime in the city since it is infused with the light of Truth. There are no erroneous thoughts to darken the atmosphere. (S29) All is Harmony. However, in this wonderful city you won’t find a physical temple. The temple of New Jerusalem is found in the daily lives of the living stones, each created by God, governed by God, designed by God to reflect His nature. They joyously worship God with daily spiritual demonstrations of love. (S27) It doesn’t get better than this! Let’s do all we can to cherish and build this light, lively and loving atmosphere of thought in ourselves so that we can heal and bless wherever we are.
Camp Director’s Note: The above sharing is the latest in a long series of CedarS Bible Lesson “mets” (metaphysical application ideas) contributed weekly by a rotation of CedarS Resident Practitioners and occasionally by other metaphysicians. This document is intended to initiate further study as well as to encourage the application of ideas found in the Weekly Bible Lessons as printed in the Christian Science Quarterly and as available at Christian Science Reading Rooms. * Originally sent JUST to campers, staff and CedarS families who wanted to continue at home and in their home Sunday Schools the same type of focused Lesson study and inspiration they had felt at camp, CedarS lesson “mets” are in no way meant to be definitive or conclusive or in any way a substitute for daily study of the lesson in the books. The thoughts presented are the inspiration of the moment and are offered to give a bit more dimension, background and daily applicability to some of the ideas and passages being studied. The citations referenced (i.e. B1 and S28) from this week’s Bible Lesson in the “met” (metaphysical application ideas) are taken from the King James Version of the Bible (B1-24) and the Christian Science textbook, Science and Health With Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy. (S1-30) The Bible and Science and Health are the ordained pastor of the Churches of Christ, Scientist. The Bible Lesson is the sermon read in Christian Science church services throughout the world. The Lesson-Sermon speaks individually through the Christ to everyone, providing unique insights and tailor-made applications for each one. We are glad you requested this metaphysical sharing and hope that you find some of these ideas helpful in your daily spiritual journey, in your deeper digging in the books and in closer bonding with your Comforter and Pastor.) Spirituality is your innate estate that connects you moment by moment with God. (See S&H 258:30) Christ is the gift of light that Jesus gave. This Christ light of spiritual understanding comes with and reveals infinite blessings. So, have fun unwrapping and cherishing your very special, spiritual gift(s)! Then, wherever you are, share them with all as big blessings that make the Infinite difference!
Camp Director’s Note: The above sharing is the latest in a long series of CedarS Bible Lesson “mets” (metaphysical application ideas) contributed weekly by a rotation of CedarS Resident Practitioners and occasionally by other metaphysicians. This document is intended to initiate further study as well as to encourage the application of ideas found in the Weekly Bible Lessons as printed in the Christian Science Quarterly and as available at Christian Science Reading Rooms. * Originally sent JUST to campers, staff and CedarS families who wanted to continue at home and in their home Sunday Schools the same type of focused Lesson study and inspiration they had felt at camp, CedarS lesson “mets” are in no way meant to be definitive or conclusive or in any way a substitute for daily study of the lesson in the books. The thoughts presented are the inspiration of the moment and are offered to give a bit more dimension, background and daily applicability to some of the ideas and passages being studied. The citations referenced (i.e. B1 and S28) from this week’s Bible Lesson in the “met” (metaphysical application ideas) are taken from the King James Version of the Bible (B1-24) and the Christian Science textbook, Science and Health With Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy. (S1-30) The Bible and Science and Health are the ordained pastor of the Churches of Christ, Scientist. The Bible Lesson is the sermon read in Christian Science church services throughout the world. The Lesson-Sermon speaks individually through the Christ to everyone, providing unique insights and tailor-made applications for each one. We are glad you requested this metaphysical sharing and hope that you find some of these ideas helpful in your daily spiritual journey, in your deeper digging in the books and in closer bonding with your Comforter and Pastor.) Spirituality is your innate estate that connects you moment by moment with God. (See S&H 258:30) Christ is the gift of light that Jesus gave. This Christ light of spiritual understanding comes with and reveals infinite blessings. So, have fun unwrapping and cherishing your very special, spiritual gift(s)! Then, wherever you are, share them with all as big blessings that make the Infinite difference!
Enjoy!
Warren Huff, Director director@cedarscamps.org (636) 394-6162
CedarS Camps Office (where you can now mail requests or support till the office moves back to camp in May)
1314 Parkview Valley
Manchester, MO 63011
You can also just mail your tax-deductible support to:
The CedarS Camps, Inc.
1314 Parkview Valley
Manchester, MO 63011 To print a formatted and printer-friendly version of this week’s Met just go to: http://www.cedarscamps.org/metaphysical/met.asp or copy and paste this link into your browser. You can receive this weekly newsletter in your email box by Sunday or Monday of each week by subscribing at or your e-mail address can be added per your request by our staff at CedarS. For additional support, or if you have any concerns, please send e-mail to: director@cedarscamps.org.
Another new, visually-oriented and very helpful resource for study of the weekly Bible Lesson is being produced by The Christian Science Publishing Society and can be found at: myBibleLesson.com. “This is the final free Lesson. Subsequent Lessons will be available by monthly subscription or single-week purchase.” It has word definitions, Bible background, timelines and translations, plus many healing ideas to use. Why not check out the last free copy and sign up for updates on this effort to help bring each beloved Bible lesson to life in order to bless the youthful thinker and Sunday School student in everyone!
