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Knowing the Truth makes us free!
Metaphysical Application Ideas for the Christian Science Quarterly Bible Lesson on

“Truth”
for January 24, 2021

by Lindsey Biggs, C.S of Maryland Heights, MO
541 460 3515 biggs.lindsey@gmail.com

Here’s AN AUDIO LINK to enable you to hear Lindsey read “Knowing the Truth makes us free! It is full of her metaphysical application ideas on this week’s Christian Science Quarterly Bible Lesson on “Truth.” You can also cut & paste into your browser this address:
Lindsey Biggs’ “Knowing the Truth Makes You Free!” – CedarS Camps

Introduction

This week’s Bible Lesson on Truth shows the freedom that comes from God! We have wonderful examples of freedom in each section, – from more effective forms of leadership/government to greater health and healing to being released from imprisonment. All of these examples show that Truth expresses itself through greater freedom! Enjoy exploring all the ways that Truth makes you free!

Golden Text

“. . . you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” (John 8:32 NKJV)

This is the Golden Nugget of this week’s Lesson!

I like to think of “knowing” as synonymous with realizing and awakening. Rather than forcing ourselves to know it, we allow the Truth to reveal itself to us!

Some synonyms for know are:
perceive, recognize, discern, feel certain, comprehend, grasp, be acquainted, appreciate, experience.

For instance, “feel certain” of the Truth and the Truth shall make you free; “comprehend” the Truth and the Truth shall make you free. Expanding our sense of knowing helps us see what the action and activity of knowing are all about!

When we study the Word of God, we awaken to the Truth. The Christ, Truth, in us responds to the Truth that we are reading, and we say “yes! I realize and recognize that this is the Truth.” The effect of knowing / realizing / recognizing the Truth is harmony, spontaneity, health, dominion, and joy! Since God, Truth, is the Cause, the effect is freedom!

Responsive Reading

“Speak ye every man the truth to his neighbour;” (Zechariah 8:16)

We may have an opportunity to tell our neighbor how loved he/she is! Or it may be through intentionally witnessing the wonderful qualities they have. Either way, we can be a witness to each person’s spiritual identity. Isn’t that a way of speaking truth to every neighbor? We may not have the opportunity to interact and speak to each person, but by holding to the true idea of who they are as the image and likeness of God, we can partake in this! We are also then adding to a community and atmosphere of peace, joy, kindness, fearlessness, and love.

“And let none of you imagine evil in your hearts against his neighbour;” (Zechariah 8:17)

In the same way, we never want to imagine evil to be part of our neighbor or believe our neighbor could be separated from God. We want to be a witness to each person’s permanent, spiritual identity and relationship with God. There is no “fallen man”, so never accept anything less! Christ Jesus demonstrated this is the true nature of everyone, and we can demonstrate this, too!

SECTION 1 – Knowing your divine rights leads to freedom!

Many Psalms remind us to be happy and joyful! These are the effects of knowing our relationship with God. Explore all that God is doing in this section and see all the reasons to rejoice!

● God is our help – our hope is on the Lord, not on material conditions or circumstances

● God made heaven and earth – all blessed, beautiful, kind, generous, and perfect! We are happy and rejoice because of our Creator!

● God looseths the prisoners – God leads us out of captivity mentally, physically, and spiritually!

● God opens the eyes of the blind — so we can see spiritually the beautiful reality that is already at hand!

● God raises up anyone who is bowed down — or hunched over with false beliefs, theories or doctrines, — with the beautiful Truth of our spiritual being!
(citation B2, Psalms 146:5–8)

These are just some of the ways we can know what God is doing and rejoice!

“The time for thinkers has come.” (citation S1, vii:13) This is so important! We want to be a thinker! We don’t want to be “floating with the popular current of mortal thought without questioning the reliability of its conclusions, we do what others do, believe what others believe, and say what others say.” (Misc. Writings, p. 228)

We want to be intelligently and individually governed by God. The Bible talks about this when it says “try the spirits whether they are of God” (I John 4:1). We can ask ourselves, what is my thought focused on? Is it what God, the Almighty, knows or says? This is a great way to filter our thoughts and allow only true thoughts to govern our consciousness and actions.

The universe is actually spiritual. A spiritual God didn’t create anything less than a spiritual man and a spiritual universe. “…everything entitled to a classification as truth, or Science, must be comprised in a knowledge or understanding of God” (cit. S3, p. 127) From this premise, the only thing entitled to a classification as “truth” has to proceed from God. One Cause, one Creator. Therefore, there can’t be anything created that is unlike God. We can reason that, for anything to have been created — to be real – it has to be included in a knowledge and understanding of God.

Does something – a situation, thought, feeling – make you free? If it doesn’t, then you can’t have it! “Whatever enslaves man is opposed to the divine government. Truth makes man free.” (cit. S7, p. 225) God’s will for you is that you know your complete freedom as a child of God. We don’t need to submit to any lesser theory because false “education enforces this slavery.” (cit. S6, SH 381:2–4) We want to awaken to our divine rights! We want to study them, ponder them, and put them into practice. Then, we can take part in following Christ and making these teachings practical.

SECTION 2 – Truth leads our communities to greater harmony and freedom

Let’s take a look at some of the background for Moses’ and Jethro’s relationship. Remember Moses went to flee to Midian after killing an Egyptian. While he was at a well, Jethro’s daughters were there. Some shepherds came to the well and harassed the women, but Moses stood up for the women. After this kind act, Moses was invited to Jethro’s home and soon married one of Jethro’s seven daughters, Zipporah. While we don’t know how long he lived with Jethro in Midian, we do know that he took care of Jethro’s sheep until he was called by God to return to Egypt.

We don’t have specifics on the type of relationship that Moses and Jethro had, but perhaps a fondness and affection between Jethro and Moses developed during this time. This could be evidenced by Jethro’s invitation to his home, the offering of one of his daughters to marry Moses, and providing employment for him. The fact that Moses welcomed a visit from Jethro to his new community and willingly accepted advice from his father-in-law about leadership and their government could also be evidence of a friendly relationship. This wise council ended up paving the way for a new form of government for this early Israelite community.

Here is some excellent background Bible research from Bible Lens in the Christian Science Sentinel — January 18, 2021:

“Jethro, father of Moses’ wife Zipporah, is an important figure in Moses’ life. In addition to providing this counsel to Moses, he supports Moses’ mission in Egypt (see 4:18). And although serving as priest of the idolatrous Midianites, he recognizes the supremacy of the God of Israel (see 18:10–12).
In ancient societies, a nation’s ruler was also its judge and lawgiver. As the Israelite leader, Moses sits as the sole arbiter of complaints and disputes, determining outcomes for each case and—because the people come “to inquire of God” (v. 15)—making clear Yahweh’s ordinances and laws.
Jethro perceives that Moses’ system of administering justice exhausts not only the leader’s strength but also the people’s patience as they wait for judgment. Jethro’s plan apportions the weightiest issues to Moses and lesser petitions to well-qualified men (see vv. 21, 22). Groupings of thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens allude to common military divisions.
A scholar calls Jethro’s advice “the first faint step toward a democratic form of government.” As Deuteronomy 1:13 indicates, Moses delegates the choosing of rulers as well: “Take you wise men, and understanding, and known among your tribes, and I will make them rulers over you.”

Truth brings the elements of liberty. (cit. S13, 224:22–28) So, if it’s not making you free, it’s not from Truth! Truth restores order, harmony, and a right sense of fairness for all. I like to think of justice as fairness. Sometimes the idea of justice is perverted to be an excuse for revenge. But the justice that Christ Jesus taught and practiced was always restorative. Jesus’ restoration removed limitation and oppression of various kinds, and brought healing. True spiritual justice brings error to the surface to be corrected and healed.

One example of this true justice is when Jesus said to the woman who had committed adultery “Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.” (John 8:11) He restored each person to their rightful sense of identity, as a spiritual idea of God, which in turn gave them a spiritual desire to be and do better. Another example is in the story of Zacchaeus. He was awakened to his spiritual identity as a child of God after an encounter with Jesus and, as a result, had the desire to do better. This effect of this change of heart was restoration to his community and saving them from the bondage of oppressive tax practices. (Luke 19:2-8)

“Man is properly self-governed only when he is guided rightly and governed by his Maker…” (cit. S8, 106:7) So, each person can feel and trust the wisdom of God to guide and govern each footstep. We have God’s angel messages and visitants guiding us each step of the way. And our prayers for our leaders and governments can help enhance their receptivity to listening to messages from God that lead to harmonious and ethical practices for all.

SECTION 3 – Discern Truth from error and gain greater freedom

Jesus speaks quite sharply to the temple officials. What is this about? An excerpt from the Bible Lens Research from the Christian Science Sentinel sheds some light:

“One source points out: “They lived in a world of lies, distortion, and falseness. In a sense, truth was a foreign language to them; their native language was lies.” In Greek thought, the term rendered truth (alētheia) signified reality. Jesus goes beyond declaring his enemies to be liars—he exposes their ignorance of spiritual reality…Unlike the Temple officials, followers of Christ welcome every divine communication and are enabled to detect and reject false messages.”

These Bible texts show that our inherent ability to hear and respond to the messages of Christ come from our spiritual origin and identity. “Now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:” (cit. B10, Ephesians 5:8) What role does light play in discernment? Some synonyms for light are: illumine, brighten, shine, make visible, radiate, and animate.

When things are dark, it’s hard to see which direction to go. But spiritual light and inspiration help to illuminate the way. They help us to discern the dark thoughts from the light-giving thoughts of Truth. This type of spiritual discernment helps pave the way for happiness, harmony, and freedom. “Truth destroys falsity and error, for light and darkness cannot dwell together. Light extinguishes the darkness…” (cit. S14, p. 474) Spiritual light and discernment help us reject the lies of mortal mind and tune in to the messages of Christ.

“Christian Science brings to light Truth and its supremacy, universal harmony, the entireness of God, good, and the nothingness of evil.” (cit. S19, p. 293) Spiritual clarity comes from God. One definition of clarity that I like is “to make distinct”. So, spiritual clarity allows all the ideas of God to be distinct in our consciousness; it also separates out the error so we see clearly!

Knowing the allness of God, good, enables us to more quickly and immediately cast out any fear of error. In reality, error has no power. “Disbelief in error destroys error, and leads to the discernment of Truth.” (cit. S18, 346:15) Error’s claim to act or do something is a lie. We reject this lie by knowing who and what God is. The infinite nature of God, good, precludes even a supposition of error. “We sustain Truth, not by accepting, but by rejecting a lie.” (cit. S15, p. 357) Since God, good, made all and made it good, we can know that evil is a shadow without any real power or authority. God never made it, so we don’t need to fear it! “Reject and accept” are two great tools in our discernment and prayer!

“He that is of God heareth God’s words:” (cit. B8, John 8:47) God’s messages are always speaking to us. These messages are always here! Being receptive is like keeping our “antenna” up and open to good! It helps us feel our oneness with God and His Christ each and every moment. This inspired consciousness heals! It heals ourselves and those around us through uplifted, inspired understanding of reality.

SECTION 4 – Truth gives us greater understanding of our health and freedom!

Mary Baker Eddy gives us several tools, in this section, to help us find healing and prevent/heal sickness.

#1 Allow nothing but God and His likeness to take up residence in your thinking!
“When the illusion of sickness or sin tempts you, cling steadfastly to God and His idea.” (cit. S21, p. 495) I like to think of this statement in terms of cling wrap or Saran Wrap. Saran Wrap is really sticky stuff – especially when it sticks to itself. It’s almost impossible to get unstuck again. When praying for healing, I think of letting my consciousness cling that tightly to God and His idea – allowing “nothing but His likeness” to abide in my thought. Bearing witness only to Truth, God, takes all the seeming reality out of error.

#2 Realize you already have all that you pray for!
“Realize the presence of health and the fact of harmonious being, until the body corresponds with the normal conditions of health and harmony.” (cit. S22, p. 412) The health, joy, supply that you need is already within you! Praying doesn’t make the Truth true – it helps us recognize what is already true! It brings our thought into alignment with Spirit to realize what has been there all along! We can humbly recognize that God, infinite Spirit, doesn’t know any discord or limitation. So, all the spiritual qualities that we long for (such as confidence, dominion, security) are already ours each moment through reflection!

“Realize” is to recognize, to understand, to become conscious of, to remember, to make real to you. It’s the “Aha!” moment when you recognize the good you want has been there all along even if we just couldn’t see it at the time. Healing is revealing, or revelation of, what is already true about yourself and others as the spiritual image and likeness of God.

#3 Know the Truth with power and conviction!

It’s what you know, not so much what you say or do, that brings healing. Knowing means knowing with scientific certainty; being thoroughly persuaded; without a single element of doubt or fear. It means knowing the Science of Being, knowing who you are a spiritual child of God, knowing how much God loves and cares for you.

Knowing is a quality of Mind and it is connected with understanding. When you know something – such as the Earth is a sphere – you have understanding; therefore, you aren’t bothered by thoughts or fears about a flat Earth. They don’t have any effect on you! Spiritual understanding can’t be shaken!
“…be thoroughly persuaded in your own mind concerning the truth which you think or speak, and you will be the victor.” (cit. S22, p. 412)

“You command the situation if you understand that mortal existence is a state of self-deception and not the truth of being.” (cit. S23, p. 403)

Christ Jesus proved this through the healing of the woman who was bowed down. (cit. B12, Luke 13:11–17). He wasn’t deceived by the picture of the material senses. He knew who she was as a child of God, and this realizing of the presence of goodness and harmony restored this woman to wholeness. We can use these tools to help bring restoration, too!

SECTION 5 – Truth releases us from captivity

The new church community was gaining momentum! They had witnessed Jesus’ ascension, they had experienced the Holy Spirit through the Pentecost, they sold their possessions and lived as one community and gave to the poor, and they witnessed the healing power of the Holy Spirit. That was drawing attention! Some of it was positive and some of it negative. A lot of people were baptized and joined them, but others also persecuted them just as they did Jesus.

When they were wrongly imprisoned, an “angel of the Lord” opened the prison doors for them. The angel encourages them to get back out there and continue preaching and teaching the “words of this life” in the temple. And they do! (cit. B14, Acts 5)

“It requires courage to utter truth; for the higher Truth lifts her voice, the louder will error scream, until its inarticulate sound is forever silenced in oblivion.” (cit. S26, 97:22) God gave them courage to voice the Truth because it needed to be heard! It turned many hearts and minds to the Truth that Christ Jesus lived. What did they do when they were persecuted? They rejoiced that they were worthy to “suffer shame for his name” (Acts 5:41). They prayed for “boldness” to speak the Word of God! (Acts 4:23-31) What a great response to persecution – to continue proclaiming the Word of God with fearlessness and courage.

Mary Baker Eddy writes that one way we can follow these early disciples is through healing! “The best sermon ever preached is Truth practised and demonstrated…” (cit. S25, p. 201) So, living the Truth is one of the best ways we can preach the Truth. Similarly, Ralph Waldo Emerson says, “Your actions speak so loudly, I can not hear what you are saying.” And a quote from an unknown author (although often attributed to St. Francis) adds, “Preach the Gospel at all times. When necessary, use words.”

SECTION 6 – Accept and live your freedom today!

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” (Galatians 5:1, NIV)

Paul was referring to not being burdened by the regulations of the laws of Moses. But, we can certainly expand this definition to our modern context and be free from anything that would try to enslave us! Addictions, fear, polarizing viewpoints, concerns about health, etc. are all burdens to be free from!

Claim, accept, and live your freedom today! “Citizens of the world, accept the ‘glorious liberty of the children of God,’ and be free!” (cit. S29, p. 227) This is your divine right!


CLICK below for more APPLICATION IDEAS for this Lesson from CedarS-team:

  • CedarS 2021 Life GEMs and lessons that will “grace” you and the whole world this year! They will be sent soon with insights and application ideas from Cobbey Crisler and others.
  • Hear on YouTube two, custom Ken Cooper poems related to this week’s Bible Lesson. They are called “God is our Freedom” and “Ever Truth’s River”.

Enjoy OPPORTUNITIES for SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT with fresh insights WEEKLY!

CedarS Sunday Hymn Sings are being enriched every Sunday through February by representatives of Longyear Museum giving a feature presentation each week on a different one of the seven hymns written by Mary Baker Eddy. We will focus on one hymn per week, in order of their composition, through February 28. Each Sunday, right before the final hymn of the Hymn Sing, a representative from Longyear Museum will share five minutes of historical insights on what was happening in Mary Baker Eddy’s life and the Christian Science movement at the time she wrote that hymn/prayer as a poem.

We look forward to deepening our appreciation and understanding of these hymns, not only in how they reflected Mary Baker Eddy’s experience, but also in how they continue to bring healing to our world today. Invite family, church and other friends and even neighbors to join us by Zoom every week at 7pm Central Time for CedarS Sunday Hymn Sings. (A precious prelude precedes each sing at 6:45pm CT.) We encourage singing along in Zoom’s gallery view to share the joy of seeing dear ones in virtual family-church reunions to bless all generations.

To protect privacy and copyrights, these “brief, but spectacular” sessions are NOT recorded. So, calibrate your time-zone clocks, mark your calendars, and remind friends, so that no one misses any of these weekly reminder of our precious, spiritual oneness with each other and with our ever-loving, Father-Mother God who owns and embraces us all!

Lovingly singing prayers and praise to God for 30 minutes each Sunday is such a warm, “Welcome Home” tradition to bless the start of each week with joyous, peaceful GRACE. (Our 2021 theme.) We have loved singing-in this grace with longtime as well as first-time friends—not only from ALL 50 of the United States, but also from 21 other countries! So far, our “Hymn Sing family” has clicked or dialed in from Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, England, Germany, Ghana, Ireland, Italy, Kenya, New Zealand, Pakistan, Paraguay, the Philippines, Puerto Rico, Scotland, Spain, South Africa, Switzerland, as well as from each of the United States! In the universal language of divine Love, the “still, small voice”’ of scientific thought reaches over continent and ocean to the globe’s remotest bound.” (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, Mary Baker Eddy, p. 559:8–10)


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