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Metaphysical Application Ideas for the Christian Science Bible Lesson on
“Christian Science” for December 24 – 30, 2007
By Corde Hanzlik, C.S. of Austin, TX
Editor’s Note: The following 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 and application of the Christian Science Bible lessons year-round, not just at camp! You can sign up to have them emailed to you free — in English by Monday of each week. Or by Wednesday you can get a FREE TRANSLATION in French by Pascal or Spanish by Ana or in German this week by Gabriele: JUST SIGN UP at www.cedarscamps.org/newsletters
Hallelujah!!!! We have had the Lesson on the real Christ story, our story, last week. What a tremendous gift that is. No returns or wrong sizes on this one, as one size fits all!!! But, now what? In this week’s Lesson, “Christian Science,” the Golden Text tells us,”…The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom if God is at hand.” Does that mean that we have a job to do? Yes. We have the opportunity to experience right here and now the promised kingdom of God. We may demonstrate the Science of the Christ. [Possible Uplifting Sunday School Homework (P.U.S.S.H.): Apply the Responsive Reading promises to all the details of your life and travels. “After all, the prophesy regarding the appearance of the Christ in human experience was that “of his kingdom there shall be no end” (Luke 1:33) and “the government shall be upon his shoulder” (Isa. 9:6). Why shouldn’t that promise be seen in every detail of our experience, in every detail of our journeys?” Ron Ballard in “Seasonal Travel,” worthy of a full read in the December 24, 2007 Christian Science Sentinel]
We have seen a great light. Wow, is it bright! We are able to see the salvation of our God, our peaceful, healthy and gentle salvation. The Responsive Reading shows us the chronological, yet without time, outline of the realization of the light while “in the shadow of death.” Oh, the blessed light of Love! [P.U.S.S.H.: On Christmas Eve or Day, let in this radiant light of love by clicking on The Gift of Christmas Light, the Nativity story written and recorded by the TMC Youth staff. It’s an inspiring gift that takes about fifteen minutes to experience.]
Section 1: Dream or prophecy?
Zechariah gives us the thread of prophecy for the fulfillment of kingdom of God. He foresees and teaches of the two witnesses of the completion as Jesus bearing witness to Christ, Truth and the second witness, our textbook, as described again later by John in Revelation. (Bible 2, 4) [Possible Sunday School Topics (P.S.S.T.): Why won’t the angel who has the little book just give such an awesome gift to John when he asks for it? (Rev. 10:9) Those of us who have been inspired by “The Ultimate Gift” movie (now on DVD) have seen that for it to be earned and properly placed The Ultimate Gift must be taken by a worthy individual who will use it for good purposes.]
Do you suppose that Zechariah and John knew each other? No. They lived centuries apart from each other, but they had the same source of information, God. Of course, John was a student of the Torah and knew of the prophecy. He then had the first-hand proofs of seeing and working with Jesus and finally, being called, wrote the Book of Revelation. Extra research might be to think about the olive trees as a source of oil (definition of oil S&H 593). Olive trees were constant, living ideas providing clean, renewable fuel for: illumination; cleansing; food; heat; and the anointing of kings and priests.
PSST: How can you better “let your light so shine” (Matt, 5:16) as a “torch bearer” this week and so bless all around you? How can you stop “rushing around smartly” (Mis. 230:12) and start express more grace under pressure? Cobbey Crisler said of Zechariah 4: “Think of the oil provide by these two anointed ones, that directly feeds the light-bearing ability of us all to fill out the full spectrum, the seven aspects of God’s being. Olives do not give up their oil except under tremendous pressure. Gethsemane means “olive press” in Hebrew. The oil that poured out of Jesus in Gethsemane still survives to bless and consecrate mankind.”]
Clearly, in the first marker of the Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, we have the absolute statement of our link with both, Zechariah and John as, “All we correctly know of Spirit comes from God, divine Principle, and is learned through Christ and Christian Science.” (S&H 1) Mrs. Eddy cherished the gospel of the Bible. She was very discerning to see the difference between Jesus and Christ. (S&H 4) Her Christ Science was an explanation of all biblical prophecy by means of spiritual revelation.
Section 2: The timeline of the Light continues…. Are we going to believe it, see it, or not?
How often do we use the word, “Fabulous,” when we describe an experience? Do we mean the actual definition of the word, to be a fable rather than fact? In the case with our “prophecy and revelation,” although it is fabulous, it is no fable! It is the truth! (B7) Are we too, moved to speak by the Holy Ghost?
We have a new ingredient that is introduced by Jesus. It is the Comforter, the Holy Ghost. (B9,10) But what is this Comforter? A spirit [or a down bedspread] or what?
Mrs. Eddy is quick to tell us in S&H 7. It is the Science of Christianity!! As she explains, Jesus was general in his lessons for us (S&H 9), but she in her textbook, is specific. She defines Christian Science in her 2 part system – the discovery (first, second and sixth sections of this Lesson) and the proof third, fourth and fifth sections of this Lesson). The two parts include the past, present and future of Divine Science, Christian Science. It is our turn to prove the spirit and power of it. [P.S.S.T.: To be worthy of getting and sharing the ultimate gift of the Comforter, can you show that you will use it to full advantage by working hard and by properly valuing family, friends and opportunities to learn and share?]
Section 3: Living the truth is not necessarily the most popular thing to do, but we must. Why? Because we know that it is the only way. No withering hands!!!
Were the Pharisees maddened by Jesus because of the healing he did or because the healing was on the Sabbath? (B12) Find your answer at http://www.mybiblelesson.com. It was because of the Sabbath day violation primarily. In either case, the Pharisees had little power or control over the Son of man in his expression of his God-power. (Think about the man with the withered hand that was healed. His hand, powerless due to muscle or nerve damage, was probably an example of pharisaical thought that would shrivel and make powerless even the most effective thinkers and doers due to false doctrines and accusations. That’s not us! We have power! God power.) The disciples may not have understood Jesus’ warning at that time, but they soon found out what persecution was all about. Are we persecuted? Ask your state or country C.O.P. [Committee On Publication] In your own community or your own family there may be resistance. Are there individuals who think that Christian Science is a cult, mind over matter, without the Christ or the Bible? Do we persecute others out of our ignorance? [P.U.S.S.H.:] Find out more about the Beatitude specifically dealing with persecution by clicking on the new Sunday School podcasts on the Beatitudes and Lord’s Prayer which celebrate Christ Jesus’ legacy during Christmas week. Apply these principles of the Science of the Christ to your life.
Have you ever noticed that when we are doing the wrong thing or something the wrong way, how we tend to justify our faults or become angry at the individual trying to help us? (S&H 11,12) We get so busy standing up for the error that we miss the whole point of the correction and truth. Mortal mind will never understand the Truth of being, will never understand Principle. Does that mean that we give up confronting error? Never!! In humility and love we continue to be a standard bearer (one who stands for a cause or carries a flag or banner of that cause). It is the Science of the Christ that is discomforting to mortal mind, not an individual man. (S&H13,14,15) We need to remember who was the real winner in the work that Jesus did. He was – he ascended! And now we are blest.
Section 4: We must guard our thoughts! It is our armor.
We all find that the only power of a suggestion or an action from another is how we react to it. In our thought, as we react, dismiss or agree with it, our mouth or body corresponds. Jesus tells us in B14 to “love our enemies”, bless those that curse, offer the other cheek, etc, that all lead up to his bottom line of don’t react. No matter what evil anyone does to us, we don’t do it back. Matter of fact we’re supposed to act and do as we would want others to do unto us. What is this command called? The Golden Rule! Everyone knows it. Do we all do it? Love conquers all difficulties. Actually, if we don’t react to evil, does it have any power? No. We destroy any so-called power that it might have in our own thought. B15,16 tell us that our strength comes as we take our stand. We are righteous! We are of the heritage of God! We do love our neighbor as ourselves. (Even relatives – not because they are relatives, but because the are God’s children.) If we don’t love, perhaps the greater question is, “Do we love ourselves?”
The Science and Health basically tells us that the good guy wins. We will not suffer as we [become “the Christianly scientific man”] and stand on divine law [“thus becoming a law unto” ourselves, do “violence to no man … nor are a false accuser.” [PSST: which 3 Commandments do these cover?] (S&H16)
So let’s all take a bath! That is in beauty and light! (S&H17) We are safe in the law of God, Truth, and Love. As we guard our thoughts, think of others correctly, then all of the S&H markers 19-22 describe our total victory over evil suggestions. We become stronger and richly blest.
Section 5: Let’s make bread in the kingdom!
The parable of the leaven (B18) is a simple idea. The leaven does the work to change and make usable the dough. [P.S.S.T.:] Do we always trust the simple word of Truth to do the work? How do we sometimes complicate the process?
Mrs. Eddy tells us that this leaven, the Science of Christ, has been actively leavening and destroying evil forever. We have only had a brief window of time where we have been aware of this leavening, but our spiritual freedom is guaranteed. (S&H23) We can partake of the glorious benefits of perfection now! The chapter in Science and Health, Science, Theology and Medicine are specific topics that the leavening of meal have affected world belief. We daily see the proof of this leavening.
Section 6: The complete fruition of Christian Science is now!
In our wisdom and understanding of Christian Science, we recognize more and more the completeness and wholeness of this divine revelation. The Lord’s voice (B23) has come through, loud and clear to our virtuous woman (B19), Mary Baker Eddy. She took what she heard, wrote it down then, proved her Science. (S&H24-27) We have the deliverance of Christian Science in a form that all may understand and prove. How can we thank Christ Jesus and Mrs. Eddy enough, but through greater demonstration and love of Christian Science. It is our turn. The strength, authority and totality of Christian Science demand our practice. Why are we able? The Law, Truth includes enforcement and effectiveness. God is directing the show. We are the expressers of this Truth. Hallelujah! “Now is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ.” (B22) [P.U.S.S.H. Like the virtuous woman in Proverbs 31 (B19) let’s show our worthiness this week to have received Christian Science, the ultimate gift: “sensing the worthiness of our work (and) in no hurry to call it quits for the day; … (be) quick to assist anyone in need;” (The Message) Better yet, like Mrs. Eddy, lets’ allow Christmas to be “the reminder of God’s great gift, –His spiritual idea, man and the universe. – a gift which so transcends mortal, material, sensual giving that the merriment, mad ambition, rivalry, and ritual of our common Christmas seem a human mockery in mimicry of the real worship in commemoration of Christ’s coming. I love to observe Christmas in quietude, humility, benevolence, charity, letting good will toward men, eloquent silence, prayer, and praise express my concept of Truth’s appearing.” Excepts from “What Christmas Means to Me” reprinted in full and worth study in the December 24, 2007 Christian Science Sentinel]
Camp Director’s Note: The above sharing is the latest in a series of CedarS Bible Lesson “mets” (metaphysical application ideas) contributed weekly by a rotation of CedarS Resident Practitioners and occasionally by other metaphysicians [with bracketed, italicized notes and “Possible Sunday School Topics” offered by me as editor]. 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, application 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. 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. Have fun unwrapping, cherishing and sharing your special, spiritual gift(s)!
Enjoy!
Warren Huff, Camp Director director@cedarscamps.org (636) 394-6162
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