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Lean on what you can't see… discover lasting and dependable substance!
Metaphysical Application Ideas for the C.S. Bible Lesson of Sept. 5-11, 2011
Subject: Substance
Prepared by Kathy Fitzer, CS of St. Louis, MO and Park City, UT
[bracketed italic additions by Warren Huff, CedarS Camps Director and Met Editor.]
[bracketed italic additions by Warren Huff, CedarS Camps Director and Met Editor.]
[Editor's Note: The following application ideas for this week, and the Possible Sunday School Topics that will follow, 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 each week, or by each Wednesday you can get a FREE TRANSLATION in French thanks to Pascal, in German thanks to Helga or in Spanish thanks to a team of Ana, Erick, Claudia and Patricio. YOU CAN SIGN UP at www.cedarscamps.org/newsletters]
Golden Text:
There are great benefits to choosing the best and the most long-lasting in whatever we're dealing with — the first time around. We learn to shop where we know we'll find just that. The Golden Text tells us where to look for substance that won't wear out, or lose its popularity, or its value over time. Permanent good! Where do we go to find such substance? Heaven — the heaven that is right here, within reach — inviting you to set up permanent residency! Heaven is the dwelling place of God. (Rodale's Synonym Finder) Science and Health describes heaven as: “not a locality, but a divine state of Mind in which all the manifestations of Mind are harmonious and immortal, because sin is not there and man is found having no righteousness of his own, but in possession of “the mind of the Lord,” as the Scripture says.” (291: 13) The Synonym Finder speaks of substance as: reality, essence, strength, steadiness, soundness. It also refers to matter and stuff as synonymous with substance; but matter and stuff are not the better and enduring substance spoken of in the Golden Text. So, we're going to trade in that fickle stuff for that which lasts!
There are great benefits to choosing the best and the most long-lasting in whatever we're dealing with — the first time around. We learn to shop where we know we'll find just that. The Golden Text tells us where to look for substance that won't wear out, or lose its popularity, or its value over time. Permanent good! Where do we go to find such substance? Heaven — the heaven that is right here, within reach — inviting you to set up permanent residency! Heaven is the dwelling place of God. (Rodale's Synonym Finder) Science and Health describes heaven as: “not a locality, but a divine state of Mind in which all the manifestations of Mind are harmonious and immortal, because sin is not there and man is found having no righteousness of his own, but in possession of “the mind of the Lord,” as the Scripture says.” (291: 13) The Synonym Finder speaks of substance as: reality, essence, strength, steadiness, soundness. It also refers to matter and stuff as synonymous with substance; but matter and stuff are not the better and enduring substance spoken of in the Golden Text. So, we're going to trade in that fickle stuff for that which lasts!
Responsive Reading — Faith, Wisdom, and Knowledge
How is faith substantial? How does it serve as evidence? Faith involves complete trust or confidence in someone or something. You can't see faith — it isn't apparent to the physical senses, but it is enduring, and thus substantial. Though we may feel, at times, that we've lost our faith, it can't be taken from us unless we let it go. My sense is that it is evidence because as long as the faith is alive there is confirmation of what you believe in. Each of the individuals described in the Responsive Reading — Enoch, Abraham, and Moses … caught the vision, and their priority became to follow [–free from pride–] wherever God led them, and to please God. As Christian Scientists, we depend a lot on the evidence we can't see…. we know we (or others) are well when the body looks sick; we know there is peace when there seems to be war; and abundance where there seems to be lack. The stories of the Bible encourage us to depend on what faith tells us — rather than on the physical senses — no matter how many are thinking we are nuts for doing that. I love the comment in Hebrews about what it means to please God. “…he that cometh to God must believe that he is and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” That, to me, is what faith is all about… believing in God. The wisdom and knowledge of God (God's view of things) is the most secure of all riches. Everything real comes from God… having faith enables us to see all the good that God's wisdom and knowledge is revealing! No matter what the physical senses throw at us, staying with (and having faith in) what God knows, let's us discriminate [and choose wisely] between the real and the unreal — the enduring truth and the fleeting error.
Section 1: Wisdom, knowledge, and riches come from Spirit
Lots of people are thinking about the anniversary of 9/11 this week — especially in the U.S. How we think about the events of that day and sort out the events of the years in since then can make a big impact in how we move forward. Terrible destruction and dramatic changes in lives is the outward evidence. But, this section of the lesson teaches that we choose how we respond to any given set of events. Turning to the wisdom and knowledge of God, we are able to hear the excellent things, the right things, and the truth that is being communicated by God — things that are more valuable than silver and gold. We need to stop looking to matter to determine our joy, our health, and our wealth. The job situation, depleted savings, the economy as a whole, would have us believe that the world is in real trouble — that there's not much to be hopeful about. But, God has promised that “riches and honour” are with Him. God leads us down right paths, and if we will love HIM — and look to Him for our security — he will cause us to inherit substance and will fill our treasures. (B-2) Our job is simple…. we have to love God (trust Him) and ask HIM for whatever we need. As we do, we receive a joy that can't be taken away. (B-3) Spirit — the unseen power of right ideas that moves all things forward in harmony — is the only true substance. It takes faith to depend on it, but it is the ONLY source of a substance (the essence of what is real) that “is eternal and incapable of discord and decay.” (S-1) Spirit (the infinite, tangible Unseen) not only supplies all good, it gives us the wisdom to see, feel, and realize that good in our experience.
Section 2: True substance is eternal
That which is eternal has no beginning and no end; it is perpetual; it exists forever. Use that criterion to determine if something really has substance and is worth pursuing, depending on, or worrying over. Eternal substance can't be seen with the eyes. But, that doesn't mean it can't be seen, felt, and known. It just requires us to use spiritual sense rather than material sense to determine the real value of something. As we understand the spiritual nature of substance — that it is permanent, can't be used up, can't decline or be variable — we can avoid the roller coaster of emotions associated with changing human circumstances. The outward evidence has to reflect the thought that walks by faith; (B-5) just like ice reflects the quality of the water it's made of. God, Soul, Spirit, lifts us up, makes us glad, and keeps our enemies from overcoming us. (B-8) So, like Enoch, we have a right to take hold of all that God gives us… to live a life of Love… and refuse to believe that our substance can decline due to the mortal measurement called years! (B-7 & B-8) Don't put limits on your life! Don't buy in on what the physical senses are saying. We choose what is real (and what determines our quality of life.) Will you choose life without beginning or end (S-4), the unchanging (immortal,) unfailing (unerring,) and undecaying (immortal) OR that which fails, changes, and decays? (S-6) Every morning when you wake up — and throughout the day, CHOOSE the real — choose God's thoughts — and reject the counterfeit. (S-8) The counterfeit is NEVER you. Your substance is eternal. Act it out from that position. Being an Enoch doesn't just mean you live a lot of years…. it means you live an undecaying life without limits!
Section 3: The substance of diligence
When you are considering your worth, be sure to include diligence as part of your portfolio. (B-10) Diligence — careful and persistent work or effort — is key if we are to successfully “let discord of every name and nature be heard no more, and let the harmonious and true sense of Life and being take possession of human consciousness.” (S-15) It seems to me diligence comes in the form of refusing to go along with general thought — when you know there's a better way — refusing to go along with the testimony of matter (distorted images) when Science reveals the true testimony of the harmony of spiritual law. The Pharisees and Scribes were so stuck in the literal interpretation of the law — and of what God HAD said — that they couldn't hear or see the fresh message coming through Jesus. In The Interpreter's Bible, an expositor says that the Pharisees “had grown near-sighted and astigmatic.” Jesus diligently rejected the narrow interpretation which said that healing was against the law except in extreme cases. And the man with the withered hand diligently pursued his right to be employable. The Interpreter's Bible says that “The Gospel According to the Hebrews, a lost variant of our Matthew, represented the cripple as addressing Jesus: ‘I was a stonemason, seeking a living with my hands; I implore you, Jesus, to restore me to health that I may not need to beg in shame.” [Cobbey Crisler offers some enlightening insights: “Jesus as the master healer exactly understood the situation. He was deserving of the title “Master.” He had it under control. He knew exactly what to do. He read thought as visibly as you and I look for and see physical objects… The physician, using Jesus' method of healing, seems to require something definitely out of the patient: activity from the one who is being healed… Here, in Luke 6:10, he says to this patient, “Stretch forth thy hand.” That's exactly what the man thought he couldn't do… He requires the patient to do something and supports him through whatever he's thinking. He helps though this kind of prayer, through what he recognizes and realizes about God and about man, and their relationship. This man does exactly what he says. And the hand is, “restored whole as the other.” There was no discernable difference.” Luke the Researcher, 144-145] The diligence [and obedience] of both parties resulted in healing — and restored a sense of self-worth and value to the man. (B-13) We need to diligently challenge every thought that comes our way [–and then, like the crippled stonemason, “we must act as possessing all power from Him in whom we have our being.” S&H 264:10] We must start with mental causation and open our eyes to see what that really means. If all is Mind, all causation is from THAT Mind. Be alert to the temptation to ascribe cause to the so-called mortal mind, human mind or mortal sense of body. There is one Mind and one body… that of Spirit. Every time you study the Word, or consider church affairs, be sure it is with fresh eyes. We can't afford to unconsciously carry around false concepts, no matter how long they have been culturally accepted as right. Start with the allness of Mind — with mental causation (that is Mind causing all) and every error will be destroyed. (S-11) [Allness is such a foreign concept from a limited, mortal perspective that the automatic spell-checker on Microsoft Word still does not recognize it as a word and tries to replace it with illness of all things. If you buy into one of them -allness or illness–as real and substantial, the other is off your radar.]
Section 4: Faith to accept healing before change is seen on the body
We already touched on this subject of faith earlier, but here we see Jesus demanding it of the lepers that came to him for healing. (B-14) In order to be declared clean enough to re-enter society, a leper had to be checked out by the priests. Ten lepers came to Jesus for healing. All 10 accepted Jesus command to go to the priests. We have no record of any of them responding with a “But… are you sure???? Nothing has changed. Won't I look foolish if I go and I haven't been healed?” We have to be careful that we're not waiting for verification of healing from the body. If we are, we're believing that not all things are governed by the great all-seeing, all-knowing, all-creative Mind. It takes faith to trust what the physical eyes can't see more than what they can. The Message says, “By faith, we see the world called into existence by God's word, what we see created by what we don't see.” (Heb. 11: 3, B-15) Emphasis is often placed in the story of the lepers on the one Samaritan that came back to give thanks. This is important in breaking down stereotypes about foreigners. But, if we're looking at this story from the perspective of faith, every one of the men accepted Jesus‘ word that they were healed! That shouldn't be underplayed. It takes faith on our part to not be fooled by the images of discord and decay (a sort of “leprosy”) that bombard the physical senses. Through faith (absolute trust) we accept the fact that “God is everywhere and nothing apart from His is present or has power.” (S-18) Nothing can resist the power of Truth — as demonstrated by the list of conditions Mary Baker Eddy specifies have been healed through Christian Science. (S-19) We must start from the premise that it is the Science of the Christ that heals! Starting with the Life that is independent of matter, we see God's image, forever upright. (S-22) Stay in the realm of unwavering faith!
Section 5: The divine substance — Mind — reflected in the universe
If divine substance isn't something we can hold in our hands, how do we see and experience it? Through Science… through knowing it is the manifestation or reflection (expression) of Mind. You can't hold in your hand a reflection in the mirror, but the reflection reports everything you need to know about the original. Although we can't really see Love, we certainly see evidence of it in a smile or a hug or a good deed. Evidence of divine substance is seen in the abundant meeting of human needs. But, at those times when we DON'T see this evidence, faith is required to be confident in the consistent presence of spiritual substance — the consistent presence of God. It's not a blind faith; it is Science. Our true substance — health, happiness, love, consistent care, a sense of completeness, etc. transcends (goes beyond the limits of) the physical senses and is revealed through divine Science… the spiritual senses. We can't see many laws that govern the human experience, but as we trust them we are able to fly and communicate long distances, and do lots of things that we previously believed to be impossible. Trusting the law of God — the Science of Christ – we can see every physical limitation (including the beliefs of sickness, lack, and war) to be false impositions and we will break free of them! (S-25) We're told to assign all greatness to God because He is the Rock. We know that a rock symbolizes a firm foundation, stability, unshakeable consistency. But, I was interested to find that as used in the Bible, the symbol of a rock is also often used to indicate a faith that cannot be shaken. In many other translations of Deut. 32, God is described as a God of “faithfulness” where the King James uses “truth.” (B-17) God is a consistent presence of good. As we dwell with Him in His kingdom (keep our thoughts aligned with Sprit, Life, Truth, Love) we will learn to recognize the “substance, intelligence, wisdom, being, immortality, cause, and effect” that belong to Him and are fully reflected in man. (S-23) [Remember if you ever start to feel burdened, pressured or stressed out by life's demands: there is nothing more stress-free or humble than a reflection. As reflection, you don't have to originate anything.] As reflection, you can't be separated from your [infinite] original! An idea can't be separated from the Mind that is thinking it.
Section 6: Spirit is the only substance — the only reality! And it's HERE!
What an amazing message John heard one Sunday morning! (The Lord's Day probably means the day of Jesus' resurrection — chosen to be the Christian Jew's holy day to distinguish them from the Jews whose Sabbath went from Friday evening to Saturday evening.) John heard God's voice telling him of God's ALLNESS. God is the beginning and the end — thus eternal! (B-23) The author of Job had realized that God is the source of our life. (B-22) But, I think the real breakthrough came in John's revelation that he didn't (we don't) have to wait to realize this spiritual life…. or wait to enter the kingdom of heaven and find harmony. “NOW is come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ.” (B-24) It's all here for the taking. Again, it can't be seen with the physical senses, but through faith in (and understanding of) the testimony of divine Science, we can experience the harmony and fullness of God's blessings right here, right now. (S-29) It may not be seen all at once. But, keep your eyes glued on what IS (according to Science) and the limitations of matter will yield to the fullness of Spirit. Spirit is the breath of God. Like the wind, it can't be seen, but the effects of it can be. Put yourself in line with Spirit… choose to put your faith in the unseen that is eternal, rather than the seen which is limited and temporal…. and you will experience the harmony of the Kingdom. When things don't go as they should, use those times as special opportunities to practice your spiritual sight. Hold on to what Science reports to be true (regardless of the lie of material sense) and you will see, as John saw.
[Please also use your spiritual sight to help us fulfill our mission by seeing every “un-camped” family (and potential donor) as ready to be blessed by CedarS! We'd love to put the name of someone you suggest (or your name!) on the door of one of the comfortable bedrooms or cabins that are still available for the Midwest Bible Conference, Sept 15-18. We'll gladly send anyone a DVD and info to help get them to camp — including more on: CedarS financial aid forms; programs for all ages; session dates & rates; online enrollment; transportation….]
[Thanks to several of you for helping fund a recent, expensive component replacement for our dishwashing system to serve CedarS for its next 50 years. We still need $2,000 to fund this Maintenance Must–which will be matched! (We are also hoping to expand our cable watersports system and are accepting contributions for that to happen during our “off-season” of conferences, retreats and non-denominational, outreach tours of our new Bible Lands Park.) SO, if you have been grateful for any of CedarS weekly inspirational emails, you can see that this would be a wonderful time to share your appreciation in the form of a gift–as generous as divine Love directs-in support of our work.
Remember that CedarSweekly “Mets” or Metaphysical Newsletters, Possible Sunday School Topics (PSSTs) and Possible Younger Class Lessons (PYCLs) are all provided at no charge to the 1,200 campers and staff blessed each summer at CedarS–as well as to thousands of CedarSalumni, families, Sunday School teachers and friends who weekly find these “Mets”, PSSTs and PYCLs on our website or through CS Directory. CedarS most significant recurring needs are spelled out at http://www.cedarscamps.org/giving/unrestricted-gifts.htm . Just click here to use a credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover card) or a virtual check to make monthly or one-time donations to CedarSin support of spiritual growth. International supporters can give to CedarS via PayPal using built-in currency exchange rates by filling in an amount under International Donors and clicking on the “Donate Online” button.
[Camp Director's Note: This sharing is the latest in an ongoing, 11-year series of CedarS Bible Lesson “Mets” (Metaphysical application ideas) contributed weekly by a rotation of CedarS Resident Practitioners and occasionally by other metaphysicians. (Ask and look for “Possible Sunday School Topics “and “Possible Younger Class Lessons” in subsequent emails.) These weekly offerings are intended to encourage further study and application of ideas in the lesson and to invigorate Sunday School participation by students and by the budding teachers on our staff. Originally sent JUST to my Sunday School students and 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 “and Sunday School ideas 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 and background as well as new angles (and angels) on the daily applicability of some of the ideas and passages being studied. The weekly Bible Lessons are copyrighted by the Christian Science Publishing Society and are printed in the Christian Science Quarterly as available at Christian Science Reading Rooms or online at eBibleLesson.com or myBibleLesson.com. The citations referenced (i.e.B-1 and S-28) from this week's Bible Lesson in the “Met” (Metaphysical application ideas) are taken from the Bible (B-1 thru B-24) and the Christian Science textbook, Science and Health With Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy (S-1 thru S-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 the ideas helpful in your daily spiritual journey, in your deeper digging in the books and in closer bonding with your Comforter and Pastor.]
Enjoy! And, please contact us for more info about any and all things CedarS!
Warren Huff, Executive Director director@cedarscamps.org]
Warren Huff, Executive Director director@cedarscamps.org]
[PSST-See man's spiritual being & “all the glories of earth & heaven & man.”]
Possible Sunday School Topics for the Christian Science Bible Lesson on
“Substance” for 9-11-11 by
Amy R. & Tom Evans, St. Louis, MO — amy.evans821@gmail.com & trej85@gmail.com
Possible Sunday School Topics for the Christian Science Bible Lesson on
“Substance” for 9-11-11 by
Amy R. & Tom Evans, St. Louis, MO — amy.evans821@gmail.com & trej85@gmail.com
[with bracketed italics by Warren Huff, CedarS Director]
PSST for Golden Text
What does having the kingdom of heaven at hand mean to you? Do you agree [that in heaven you have “a better and an enduring substance”]? Is it that simple?
Look at the verses immediately preceding and following Matthew 10:7. “10:7 And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. 10:8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.” Jesus is instructing his disciples to get out there and share this message. Matt. 10:8 should look VERY familiar to your students. Where have they seen it before? (It’s the seal around the cross and crown.) What does all of this have to do with Substance?
PSST for Responsive Reading (RR)
As we are trying to discern what substance really is, list the examples of substance depicted in Hebrews and Romans in the Responsive Reading (faith, Enoch’s way of living, what Abraham sought, what Moses grasped, riches and wisdom through God…). How do we define Substance? Give examples.
PSST for Section 1
Wisdom and understanding are repeated again here for us, why? (B1, B2) What are you asking for [“that your joy may be full”]? (B3) Are we really asking for a change in the amount of substance we have, or is this an exercise in opening our own thought?
Mrs. Eddy defines Substance for us (S1). How would you describe it? How is substance present in your experience? Draw a picture. Understanding is again paired with substance (S2). Why?
PSST for Section 2
“We look not at the things which are seen” (B4), “we walk by faith” (B5), “lean not unto thine own understanding” (B6). You may want to read the section together. It is crystal clear yet? Why do Christian Scientists care so much about substance? What is the point?
How do we follow citations S3, S4, S5, S6, S7 which essentially say, “matter is unreal, the only real, meaningful substance is spiritual”? God’s thoughts are substance (S8). Does that help?
PSST for Section 3
“The Substance of a diligent man is precious” (B10). If that is really the case, describe someone today who is “diligent.” Make it an ideal person or an exemplary figure in your life. Find the precious substance in that person. We keep hearing substance described as spiritual, not of this world. Now, Psalms 90:17 says God can establish substance with “the work of our hands.” What’s going on here (B11)? What does the healing [of the craftsman with the withered hand] on the Sabbath have to do with substance (B13)?
Citations S11, S12 and S14 all point to witnessing substance in our daily life experience: “making Mind his [the metaphysician’s] basis of operation” (S11), “matter loses to human sense all entity as man” (S12), “we see that man has never lost his spiritual estate and his eternal harmony.” (S14)
What was Jesus’ theology as mentioned in S12? (It may be helpful to define theology.) What did Jesus believe exactly? How do you think he was praying in Luke 6:6-10 (B13). What does substance have to do with it?
After reading and applying everything in Section 3, citation S15 [about harmony taking “possession of human consciousness”] should be easy, right?
PSST for Section 4
What does gratitude [expressed by the 10th leper] have to do with recognizing true substance (B14)? When we experience spiritual healing, is the physical change substance? What is substance? Why did this one guy who gave gratitude understand substance while the other nine who were also healed miss the boat? How are the things we see made from things (substance) which we cannot see (B15)?
PSST for Section 5
One sentence in citation S23 seems to summarize this entire section: “All substance, intelligence, wisdom, being, immortality, cause and effect belong to God.” Is anything left out of the list? If everything belongs to God, what do each of these look like in our experience? Give an example.
What is God’s role in Substance? Where does God fit in?
What does it mean to awake with God’s likeness? (B21) Is this literally waking up? Is it something we can hope to accomplish now? Do we only catch glimpses of this? Look at the last citation in Science and Health at the end of the lesson. Compare these two ideas.
PSST for Section 6
The word Spirit appears in this section 7 times. It drives home the concept of substance as spiritual. But really, what does that mean?
Alpha and Omega are the first and the last [letters of the Greek alphabet] (B23). Why is “Alpha and Omega” also a good description of God? Help your students see what that means. And show them why we should rejoice about the coming of “salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ.” (B24) What is “the power of his Christ”? Why should we rejoice over this? Citation S27 describes Spirit as “the life, substance and continuity of all things.” Citation S28 calls Spirit “the only substance, the invisible and indivisible infinite God.” Why does Mrs. Eddy make such a big deal about God being one, and one that cannot be divided? Help your students catch glorious glimpse that “when we learn our way in Christian Science and recognize man’s spiritual being” we arrive at the point of view where we recognize and “understand God’s creation, — all the glories of earth and heaven and man.” (S29) Ask them what [“all the glories of earth and heaven and man”] would look like: [on the sports field; in their academics; in their friendships; in their homes; in the economy; …]
[PYCLs-Steer discussions! Share evidence (healings); Avoid counterfeits! Share treasures!]
Possible Younger Class Lesson ideas for the Christian Science Bible Lesson on
“Substance” for September 11, 2011
by Kerry Jenkins, CS, House Springs, MO (314) 406-0041
[bracketed italics by Warren Huff, Director of CedarS Camps —
Apologies for a day delay due to hosting an International Christian Science Nurses Conference!]
Possible Younger Class Lesson ideas for the Christian Science Bible Lesson on
“Substance” for September 11, 2011
by Kerry Jenkins, CS, House Springs, MO (314) 406-0041
[bracketed italics by Warren Huff, Director of CedarS Camps —
Apologies for a day delay due to hosting an International Christian Science Nurses Conference!]
:[PYCL: Steer discussions productively with springboards of court room evidence… healing.]
You will want to have a decent discussion first about what is substance. I distinctly remember back in my Sunday School days that these talks could wander into the silly where we would argue esoterically about whether or not the table was substantial or not. I'm sure you will be able to steer it in a more productive direction. There are several quotations in this week's lesson that can be used as springboards for this discussion. The obvious one being the passage that is quoted in S&H and directly selected in the Bible in B15 from Hebrews. This is the verse about how… ” faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Talk about how something “unseen” can actually be substantial. Define “evidence” together and ask about what they might think of as evidence. What does it mean in a court room setting, or a police investigation of a crime scene? What kind of evidence does Spirit leave behind? You can talk about healing and use specific examples. It is never good to leave these ideas and discussions in the realm of the theoretical. Always make sure you have examples either from your own experience, in this case of clear evidence of the presence and power of God, or from the experience of others, friends or family or the periodicals. You could take the time to read something compelling of this nature from an article or testimony if you wish. There is of course always the example of Love. We can certainly feel the love expressed by our mom, dad, friends, etc. But we can't put our hand on it, hold it, frame it, save it in a bank account, etc. does that mean that this love isn't substantial? In the same way we can look to divine Love and see evidence spiritually that this Love is active and powerful in our lives.
You will want to have a decent discussion first about what is substance. I distinctly remember back in my Sunday School days that these talks could wander into the silly where we would argue esoterically about whether or not the table was substantial or not. I'm sure you will be able to steer it in a more productive direction. There are several quotations in this week's lesson that can be used as springboards for this discussion. The obvious one being the passage that is quoted in S&H and directly selected in the Bible in B15 from Hebrews. This is the verse about how… ” faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Talk about how something “unseen” can actually be substantial. Define “evidence” together and ask about what they might think of as evidence. What does it mean in a court room setting, or a police investigation of a crime scene? What kind of evidence does Spirit leave behind? You can talk about healing and use specific examples. It is never good to leave these ideas and discussions in the realm of the theoretical. Always make sure you have examples either from your own experience, in this case of clear evidence of the presence and power of God, or from the experience of others, friends or family or the periodicals. You could take the time to read something compelling of this nature from an article or testimony if you wish. There is of course always the example of Love. We can certainly feel the love expressed by our mom, dad, friends, etc. But we can't put our hand on it, hold it, frame it, save it in a bank account, etc. does that mean that this love isn't substantial? In the same way we can look to divine Love and see evidence spiritually that this Love is active and powerful in our lives.
[PCYL: What does faith have to do with it?]
First make sure that the students have a working understanding of what faith is. What does the Bible mean by faith? Did the early prophets and heroes of the Bible (mentioned in the Responsive Reading), have blind faith that God was leading them? Or was there some measure of evidence that they were basing their actions on? Think Moses and the burning bush… I like to think of the faith that we express in Christian Science as based on our understanding of God and His goodness and all-power. But there is clearly a role for faith in and of itself. There is a Bible verse that is not in the lesson this week, but reminds me of this… “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom…” (There's a lot about wisdom in this week's lesson too.) We have to have some faith in the workings of God, (“fear”) His goodness and power, in order to express and experience the wisdom that comes from our Father. This is beautifully illustrated in citation B6: “Trust in the Lord with all thy heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths.” Sometimes our own understanding can seem so smart, logical, right, or maybe just plain what we want to believe. But if we trust in God, have faith in the truth of what we know and have learned about God's goodness and ever-presence, we will be like the early Bible characters and find our “paths” being directed by God. How exciting that is! This might sound boring, but in fact it leads down the most thrilling and interesting paths. Nothing that Life directs can be boring or uninteresting. And Life-directed activity has the added bonus of being lasting and harmonious. So now we can ask the question, why is faith connected with substance? Think of great Bible characters, how were their lives substantial, what made them full of substance, of lasting good? How was faith instrumental in this? There are so many instances where these great people chose on faith to take a certain course. It wasn't that they never doubted, Moses wondered if you remember, questioning if God had chosen the right man. But he turned aside to see the burning bush that wasn't consumed. And time and again Abraham trusted God to lead him aright. Even giving Lot the choicest land to keep for his herds and flocks, knowing that God would continue to provide abundantly for his own family and animals. Finally, you may want to talk about citation B5… “we walk by faith, not by sight.” What is meant by this? Is it somewhat similar to citation B6?
First make sure that the students have a working understanding of what faith is. What does the Bible mean by faith? Did the early prophets and heroes of the Bible (mentioned in the Responsive Reading), have blind faith that God was leading them? Or was there some measure of evidence that they were basing their actions on? Think Moses and the burning bush… I like to think of the faith that we express in Christian Science as based on our understanding of God and His goodness and all-power. But there is clearly a role for faith in and of itself. There is a Bible verse that is not in the lesson this week, but reminds me of this… “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom…” (There's a lot about wisdom in this week's lesson too.) We have to have some faith in the workings of God, (“fear”) His goodness and power, in order to express and experience the wisdom that comes from our Father. This is beautifully illustrated in citation B6: “Trust in the Lord with all thy heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths.” Sometimes our own understanding can seem so smart, logical, right, or maybe just plain what we want to believe. But if we trust in God, have faith in the truth of what we know and have learned about God's goodness and ever-presence, we will be like the early Bible characters and find our “paths” being directed by God. How exciting that is! This might sound boring, but in fact it leads down the most thrilling and interesting paths. Nothing that Life directs can be boring or uninteresting. And Life-directed activity has the added bonus of being lasting and harmonious. So now we can ask the question, why is faith connected with substance? Think of great Bible characters, how were their lives substantial, what made them full of substance, of lasting good? How was faith instrumental in this? There are so many instances where these great people chose on faith to take a certain course. It wasn't that they never doubted, Moses wondered if you remember, questioning if God had chosen the right man. But he turned aside to see the burning bush that wasn't consumed. And time and again Abraham trusted God to lead him aright. Even giving Lot the choicest land to keep for his herds and flocks, knowing that God would continue to provide abundantly for his own family and animals. Finally, you may want to talk about citation B5… “we walk by faith, not by sight.” What is meant by this? Is it somewhat similar to citation B6?
[PCYL: Avoid accepting counterfeits.]
CitationS8 mentions counterfeits. Talk about what a counterfeit is. Show the little ones some pretend [think Monopoly] money and ask about whether you could use it in a store if it looked like real money? Would that be a good thing to do? Would it seem like real money? Eventually someone would be left “holding the bag” and they'd have lost money because it would be discovered that someone cheated by using fake money right? In the same way, can they spot the real, God-like qualities around them, or are they fooled by the “fake”, the things that clamor for our attention? Is sickness real or counterfeit? I guess that's a pretty obvious and leading question, but talk about how matter can make itself seem substantial but that healing proves that it is not permanent, not real or substantial. What other things parade as real but are actually counterfeit? Character “flaws”? Accidents? Injuries? See if they can give examples of why these are counterfeit and not just state the obvious… “they aren't from God.” Again, examples from experience are really helpful here! Remember, the interesting thing about counterfeits is that they seem real, just like leaning on our own understanding can seem so very logical and true.
CitationS8 mentions counterfeits. Talk about what a counterfeit is. Show the little ones some pretend [think Monopoly] money and ask about whether you could use it in a store if it looked like real money? Would that be a good thing to do? Would it seem like real money? Eventually someone would be left “holding the bag” and they'd have lost money because it would be discovered that someone cheated by using fake money right? In the same way, can they spot the real, God-like qualities around them, or are they fooled by the “fake”, the things that clamor for our attention? Is sickness real or counterfeit? I guess that's a pretty obvious and leading question, but talk about how matter can make itself seem substantial but that healing proves that it is not permanent, not real or substantial. What other things parade as real but are actually counterfeit? Character “flaws”? Accidents? Injuries? See if they can give examples of why these are counterfeit and not just state the obvious… “they aren't from God.” Again, examples from experience are really helpful here! Remember, the interesting thing about counterfeits is that they seem real, just like leaning on our own understanding can seem so very logical and true.
[PCYLs: A treasure chest that grows as you share it, numbers, quality coins to take home… ]
You can also try a treasure chest for the littler ones. I've mentioned this before. Use your own imagination with decorating a box or bringing a pretty jewelry box or something. Talk about what wonderful treasures we want in our treasure chest. They have to be substantial, lasting, eternal in fact. Talk about how Love lasts forever. Think about the number analogy, are numbers ever going to run out, decay, disappear, be stolen? They are ideas, so they are eternal. In the same way, we are ideas and nothing can “erase” us. You can think of “treasure” to put in the box, whether it is ideas on pieces of paper that you come up with together or something else. You could put the ideas on plastic coins just to represent “treasure” and then they could bring them home. I'm sure you can come up with ideas for this! Is this the kind of treasure you bury? If you have a “treasure” (love, joy, generosity, caring, intelligence, obedience), should you “bury” it? You could maybe do a “digging up” treasure exercise and talk about making sure that you don't bury any of these God-given qualities or hide them in some way.
You can also try a treasure chest for the littler ones. I've mentioned this before. Use your own imagination with decorating a box or bringing a pretty jewelry box or something. Talk about what wonderful treasures we want in our treasure chest. They have to be substantial, lasting, eternal in fact. Talk about how Love lasts forever. Think about the number analogy, are numbers ever going to run out, decay, disappear, be stolen? They are ideas, so they are eternal. In the same way, we are ideas and nothing can “erase” us. You can think of “treasure” to put in the box, whether it is ideas on pieces of paper that you come up with together or something else. You could put the ideas on plastic coins just to represent “treasure” and then they could bring them home. I'm sure you can come up with ideas for this! Is this the kind of treasure you bury? If you have a “treasure” (love, joy, generosity, caring, intelligence, obedience), should you “bury” it? You could maybe do a “digging up” treasure exercise and talk about making sure that you don't bury any of these God-given qualities or hide them in some way.
[PCYL: A few odds and ends]
[You may be led to Love to discuss:]
-Why the story of the man with the withered hand is included in a lesson about substance.
[You may be led to Love to discuss:]
-Why the story of the man with the withered hand is included in a lesson about substance.
–Does it have to do with the “substance” of dogmatic laws that Jesus violated when healing this man?
–The “substance” of a withered hand? (Remember the “evidence” that we are looking for?)
–The universality of harmony (harmony being substantial).
–The formation of body-substance of thought… (S11)
[PCYL: Act out giving gratitude like the 10th leper.]
What about the story of the ten lepers. Why was that event chosen? The leper that turned back acknowledged that God, and the Christ, was the substance behind his healing. His faith made him whole!
What about the story of the ten lepers. Why was that event chosen? The leper that turned back acknowledged that God, and the Christ, was the substance behind his healing. His faith made him whole!
[PCYL: Fullness of joy!]
Discuss our inheritance as in citation B20. What is the substance of divine inheritance? (In His presence is fullness of joy… isn't this what we all crave?)
Discuss our inheritance as in citation B20. What is the substance of divine inheritance? (In His presence is fullness of joy… isn't this what we all crave?)
Enjoy your discoveries!
