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Live and Pray In the Kingdom of Heaven
Metaphysical Application Ideas for Christian Science Bible Lesson:
“God the Only Cause and Creator” for May 30-June 5, 2011
by Craig L. Ghislin, C.S., Glen Ellyn, Illinois
[with bracketed italics by Warren Huff, CedarS Director, who is offering (and also seeking) Campership help as needed for Sunday School students to fill our 1 and 2 wk. sessions. Most camper programs still have a few places, as do our adult and family programs with their FUN activities and Bible Classes: Aug. 14-18 Family Camp; Aug. 19-22 50th Jubilee Celebration; & Sep. 15-18 Bible Conference]
[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]
What is your world view? Throughout history mankind has asked the questions, “Why are we here? How did we get here? What is our purpose? What do we have to do to make things better?” The answers to these questions vary depending upon one's world view. One's world view also shapes the way one deals with challenges and how one navigates through life. For most of recorded history, cultures have shaped their societies based on their various underlying religious beliefs. Even though there have always been differences in some of the details, there existed an overall acceptance that there was a creator and cause called God. This general acceptance paved the way for codes of behavior and methods of dealing with challenges that were in general-if not specific-in agreement with each other.
In modern times there has been a shift in this overall world view. Of course, there are still people of faith who believe God created things, but they generally believe that God created the material world with all its problems, and it's up to us to take it from there. Some physical scientists also continue to search for some unifying theory of the universe; but where once, most everyone accepted God as an underlying fact of existence, now there are questions about everything, and doubts as to whether or not there is a God at all. In some circles of thought, chaos theory is demanding more attention. In essence, chaos theory is merely another world view that says chaos governs rather than God. By definition, such a view is devoid of prayer. Men are helpless to fend off whatever fate might send their way.
Our world view colors everything we think and do. What people do depends on what they believe. Someone who understands God to be the only Cause and Creator simply approaches the world in a different way than one who does not. Sometimes, even though we generally accept God as Creator, we forget and need reminders. In the Golden Text, Malachi is reminding the Israelites to remember who they are as God's children.
In the Responsive Reading, Isaiah reminds us God is ALL-the first and last-with none other beside Him. [See Hymn 444] This is followed by a list of promises that God will care for creation in every circumstance. The Israelites could expect God to provide for them in all untoward conditions. Nothing is impossible to God. He turns desolation into abundance, and we're never without His help.
Christ Jesus understood God as the only Creator and this understanding motivated everything he thought and did. He taught us that we could trust God because God made everything and called it “good;” and that God answers our needs even before we ask. He left us a template for prayer. Such a prayer can only be made if we fully accept God as the only Cause. This prayer embodied, brings healing results–demonstrating that God-as Cause and Creator-is not merely a world view, but a spiritual fact.
Section 1: Beginning with God
To Jesus, God was more than an all-mighty potentate, or a sterile-sometimes hostile-Lord of the universe. Jesus called God “Abba” or “daddy.” Jesus didn't reserve this name for his own use. He assured all his listeners that God was their daddy too (B1). This heavenly father both formed all things, and gave them purpose. Created beings need an environment in which to exist, and an environment needs to be inhabited to be useful (B2). Albeit both the environment and inhabitant created by God are spiritual; it isn't a cold mechanism. It is filled with love. Old Testament writers caught a glimpse of this when they noted the motherliness of God (B3). Comparing man to overall creation, man seems to be somewhat diminutive. All the more reason to stand in awe of how much God loves us! (B4) Paul continued using the word Father for God in the tenderest way. God is the source of all love and mercy; and God considers man with all the joys of fatherhood. Albert Barnes writes, “There is no other real source of happiness but God; and he is able abundantly, and willing to impart consolation to his people.”
At the time Christian Science was discovered, the majority of religious teachings considered God's fatherhood as punitive rather than protective. Mankind was thought to be sinful and undeserving. Many still preached an orthodox view of heaven and hell. Their general world view was fueled by the Adam and Eve story, one very different from the facts of creation as Jesus knew them. Mrs. Eddy however, in her discovery, had adopted the view held by Christ Jesus and the prophets-that God is our Father-Mother (S1). She saw all of creation as spiritual and man to be the culmination of a perfect creation (S2). To her, spiritual causation was a question of singular importance (S3). Like Jesus, Mrs. Eddy operated from the standpoint of God's absolute supremacy. She likewise proved the worth of her teaching through healing.
Methodist founder John Wesley wrote, “The preface, Our Father, who art in heaven, lays a general foundation for prayer, comprising what we must first know of God, before we can pray in confidence of being heard.” In other words, you can't pray effectively without being in agreement with the premise of that prayer-that God is our Creator and adores His creation. The Lord's Prayer is a model, or template, for all prayer. As taught in Christian Science, we don't begin from a false premise. We begin with the truth. The Lord's Prayer begins with truth-with facts as they are. Our God is the all-harmonious Father-Mother (S4). The rest of the prayer follows from this premise. [A version of The Lord's Prayer sung (by Larry Groce) with Mrs. Eddy's Spiritual Interpretation of it (sung by Karen Hower) is in CedarS new set of 3 CDs–coming June 5th. All proceeds of sales–at $25 each (mailed)–will go to fund camperships. We will send you an order form and tape(s) if you email us a request.]
Section 2: Where Do You Live?
If we accept the premise that God is our loving Father-Mother, then it follows that we are never outside of His/Her care. But the senses oppose this. It appears that we are all on our own living in a world where evil runs rampant and chaos reigns. Do we believe that we live apart from God? That if anything bad can happen, it probably will? Then, we need to rise above this false view. To pray aright, we need to know that God is not far off, but right at hand, and we don't need to expect, or accept the false prophesies of evil (B6). We can take comfort knowing as the psalmist does, that wherever we may seem to be, we can never really be outside of the kingdom of God (B7). One of our family's ongoing projects is to remember that we always live in the kingdom. We aren't subject to laws of matter or human limitations. We aren't puppets whose strings are being pulled by laws of economics or societal pressures. We live in the kingdom right now and so does everyone else.
If we accept the premise that God is our loving Father-Mother, then it follows that we are never outside of His/Her care. But the senses oppose this. It appears that we are all on our own living in a world where evil runs rampant and chaos reigns. Do we believe that we live apart from God? That if anything bad can happen, it probably will? Then, we need to rise above this false view. To pray aright, we need to know that God is not far off, but right at hand, and we don't need to expect, or accept the false prophesies of evil (B6). We can take comfort knowing as the psalmist does, that wherever we may seem to be, we can never really be outside of the kingdom of God (B7). One of our family's ongoing projects is to remember that we always live in the kingdom. We aren't subject to laws of matter or human limitations. We aren't puppets whose strings are being pulled by laws of economics or societal pressures. We live in the kingdom right now and so does everyone else.
If you find yourself in an unhappy, potentially harmful, or threatening situation, stop and remember the powerful truth, “Thy kingdom is come; Thou art ever-present” (S5). The spiritual fact is that God is All-in-all, and nothing else is going on. God is the only cause and there is no reality in anything claiming to be true from any other cause (S6). The allness of Spirit infers the nothingness of matter (S7). This spiritual premise is a powerful rebuke to any false story. The material senses do not recognize the spiritual reality of things. [Trivia of note: “Microsoft Word” spell checkers-and all with a material world view–do not recognize the word allness and try to replace it with illness.] Our Leader writes, “All error proceeds from the evidence before the material senses” (S8). In prayer, we start with, and stay with the allness of Spirit. True prayer sticks to the spiritual fact of creation: “God is infinite, therefore ever present, and there is no other power or presence.” (S9).
Section 3: What Governs Your Life?
Every kingdom needs a ruler. Accepting the premise of a heavenly kingdom implies there is an entity that formed the kingdom and maintains order within it. The works of God evidence His magnificence and authority. Beholding them, men cannot help but to acknowledge and appreciate God's power (B9). Those who resist the idea of an omnipotent Creator and a singular Cause for all things, look for laws of matter to govern itself. Consequently, they find themselves subject to these laws and endeavor to figure them out, so they can ultimately manipulate those laws or, at least, find ways around them for their own preservation. In essence, Job was doing this. Things were happening that he didn't understand, and he and his companions were coming up with theories as to why.
Every kingdom needs a ruler. Accepting the premise of a heavenly kingdom implies there is an entity that formed the kingdom and maintains order within it. The works of God evidence His magnificence and authority. Beholding them, men cannot help but to acknowledge and appreciate God's power (B9). Those who resist the idea of an omnipotent Creator and a singular Cause for all things, look for laws of matter to govern itself. Consequently, they find themselves subject to these laws and endeavor to figure them out, so they can ultimately manipulate those laws or, at least, find ways around them for their own preservation. In essence, Job was doing this. Things were happening that he didn't understand, and he and his companions were coming up with theories as to why.
Job's story depicts God coming down and challenging his reasoning. “Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth?” (B10). The fact is, there were no witnesses, and every causative theory, ancient and modern, is only speculation. Job realizes the audacity of any claim to know why or how things are ordered, and he finally acknowledges that only God alone could create and govern the universe (B11).
Mortals are still trying to figure out what's going on around them and why. Some say it's a cop-out to believe that God is the cause of things. They feel there must be some laws of physics that account for creation, but where did those laws come from? Some think that creation is all a cosmic accident while others think God created the laws of physics. I was in college when they discovered a three degrees Kelvin signal no matter which direction they pointed a radio telescope. It was surmised that this was the outer edge of the “big bang.” I asked my astronomy professor, “What's outside of it?” He responded, “That's a theological question.” Christian Science goes right to the spiritual fact: “Omnipotent and infinite Mind made and includes all” (S11). The textbook does not say God made the material universe. It says God creates ideas, “and the substance of an idea is very far from being the supposed substance of non-intelligent matter” (S12).
In our prayers, we cannot get very far looking into material causes for our troubles any more than we can understand creation by looking into matter. In order to pray aright we need to see that God is the only Cause, and that creation is not material in any way. Doing so, will bring our experience of earth in line with God's supreme government as it is in heaven.
Section 4: Every Need Supplied
If we view the world and our lives from a limited standpoint, we naturally fail to see the abundance supplied by God. Everything seems limited-food, funds, jobs, housing, and so on. It just seems that there's not enough to go around. The Scriptures, operating on an entirely different view, urge us to trust God for all we need (B13). The WORD made flesh (B14) does not mean God became material. Rather, it indicates that the spiritual idea was made manifest to mankind in a tangible, demonstrable way. When the disciples suggested that the multitudes be sent away, Jesus took the opposite approach. Where the disciples saw lack, Jesus saw opportunity. Adam Clarke comments, “Though the means by which man may help his fellows have failed, we are not to suppose that the bounty of God is exhausted. When we are about to give up all hope of farther supply, the gracious word of Christ still holds good – They need not depart; give ye them to eat.”
If we view the world and our lives from a limited standpoint, we naturally fail to see the abundance supplied by God. Everything seems limited-food, funds, jobs, housing, and so on. It just seems that there's not enough to go around. The Scriptures, operating on an entirely different view, urge us to trust God for all we need (B13). The WORD made flesh (B14) does not mean God became material. Rather, it indicates that the spiritual idea was made manifest to mankind in a tangible, demonstrable way. When the disciples suggested that the multitudes be sent away, Jesus took the opposite approach. Where the disciples saw lack, Jesus saw opportunity. Adam Clarke comments, “Though the means by which man may help his fellows have failed, we are not to suppose that the bounty of God is exhausted. When we are about to give up all hope of farther supply, the gracious word of Christ still holds good – They need not depart; give ye them to eat.”
Remaining consistent with her conviction that God is Father-Mother to man, Mrs. Eddy acknowledges that every need we have is supplied by God (S15, 16, 17). Do we really accept this? Are we tempted to think like the disciples and check the supplies? Or the bank balance? Or the want ads? And pose conclusions from material evidence? Doing so admits a world-view of limitation, and betrays a doubt that God is indeed the only Cause. Remember, to pray aright, we don't start with the problem. We start with truth and stay with it. Some might say a “reality check” is admitting the human picture. In Science, a “reality-check” is admitting only the spiritual fact of unending supply.
Section 5: Are You Living Consistently With Your Understanding of God?
How people treat each other is dictated by their understanding of God. Without God people make up their own rules, or concede to accepted norms only when it suits them. Among those who do believe in God, it is commonly thought that we should be merciful and forgiving to others if we expect God to be merciful and forgiving to us. But even this is a bit self-serving and has overtones of the belief of Karma, i.e. what goes around comes around. Such situational ethics do not portray adherence to intrinsic laws of spirituality. As Christians, we're supposed to operate on a higher standard that is-we are good to others, because God is good to us. Peter asked Jesus, how many times should I forgive my brother? (B16) The Jewish law dictated three times as sufficient, but Jesus basically told Peter to forgive an unlimited number of times.
How people treat each other is dictated by their understanding of God. Without God people make up their own rules, or concede to accepted norms only when it suits them. Among those who do believe in God, it is commonly thought that we should be merciful and forgiving to others if we expect God to be merciful and forgiving to us. But even this is a bit self-serving and has overtones of the belief of Karma, i.e. what goes around comes around. Such situational ethics do not portray adherence to intrinsic laws of spirituality. As Christians, we're supposed to operate on a higher standard that is-we are good to others, because God is good to us. Peter asked Jesus, how many times should I forgive my brother? (B16) The Jewish law dictated three times as sufficient, but Jesus basically told Peter to forgive an unlimited number of times.
Forgiveness and mercy are expressions of Love, and so, man must be forgiving and merciful as God's reflection. But as understood in Christian Science, there's an added dimension to the concept of forgiveness. True, God never made sin, or a man capable of sinning, but believing in sin requires correction (S19, 20). If we truly understand this, we will allow divine Love to correct us and reform our lives; and we'll stop sinning and live consistently with, and in accordance to divine law (S22). Since God is Love, we must be loving. Imagine what the world would be like if everyone truly accepted God as the sole Author of man, and if everyone agreed to live according to divine law. Wars would cease, and we would live as one family and in perfect peace (S23).
Section 6: God Leads Us Out Of, Not Into, Temptation.
When we think of temptation, most of us first think of moral or sinful temptation. But temptation is really any enticement to accept and follow a suggestion that is detrimental to one's welfare. Accepting the story that God sends us trials to prove our worthiness, as a school teacher gives us assignments, is basically saying that God is the author of everything negative that happens to us. Even if one might not think God sends the temptation to do evil directly, the belief that God allows circumstances such as environment, social class, education, exposure to disease to influence us and therefore, we have no choice but to sin or be sick, still puts indirect blame on God. The Bible rejects such false stories. “God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man” (B18). On the contrary, God releases us from temptation and frees us from iniquity and disease (B19). Jesus knew that God authored only perfection, and thus, he healed both sickness and sin (B20).
When we think of temptation, most of us first think of moral or sinful temptation. But temptation is really any enticement to accept and follow a suggestion that is detrimental to one's welfare. Accepting the story that God sends us trials to prove our worthiness, as a school teacher gives us assignments, is basically saying that God is the author of everything negative that happens to us. Even if one might not think God sends the temptation to do evil directly, the belief that God allows circumstances such as environment, social class, education, exposure to disease to influence us and therefore, we have no choice but to sin or be sick, still puts indirect blame on God. The Bible rejects such false stories. “God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man” (B18). On the contrary, God releases us from temptation and frees us from iniquity and disease (B19). Jesus knew that God authored only perfection, and thus, he healed both sickness and sin (B20).
In the spiritual interpretation of the Lord's Prayer, Mrs. Eddy changes the line from a request that God lead us from temptation to a solid statement that he not only leads us from temptation, but delivers us from sin, disease, and death (S24). The temptation to blame God for sickness, sin, or death is quite common. Science and Health states that these evils do not belong to God or His creation. They have no cause, and are therefore, unreal (S25). The Truth of being wipes out the stories of mortal belief (S26). Mrs. Eddy says the “false belief is both the tempter and the tempted…” (S27) A story needs a teller and a believer. So, all false stories of sin, sickness, and death need to be believed to be deemed true. But Truth is true whether there is a believer or not-it's just true. Therefore, when we're tempted to believe a lie of sickness or sin-even if that lie comes with a convincing background and justification-clinging to the reality of God and His idea, eliminates the lie and its false effects (S28). So don't believe God is testing you. God never sends us challenges. Following the direction to “cling steadfastly to God and His idea” will furnish the way out of those challenges, replace all lies with spiritual truth and bring healing results.
Section 7: The Logical Conclusion-God Created Everything Perfectly, and It Remains So Forever
In prayer, we start and end with God. There is none beside Him, and He is the only power (B22). God is, most certainly, our Savior (B23). He is the Author of our salvation. All the stories and theories of the ages fall into oblivion when the fact of God's omnipotence is revealed and applied.
In prayer, we start and end with God. There is none beside Him, and He is the only power (B22). God is, most certainly, our Savior (B23). He is the Author of our salvation. All the stories and theories of the ages fall into oblivion when the fact of God's omnipotence is revealed and applied.
Living in the kingdom-that is, living in reality-we acknowledge God, Mind as the “grand creator” (S29). I love the idea that God is first chronologically, potentially, and eternally. This fact utterly eliminates all false theories and the consequences of believing them. So don't let the false history and world views of mortal mind dictate your existence. Accept God as the only Cause and Creator and live in the glorious freedom of the kingdom of heaven.
[If you have been grateful for any of CedarS weekly inspirational emails, this would be a perfect time to share your appreciation in the form of as generous a gift as divine Love directs you to send to support our work. With Opening Day for Session 1 only two weeks away, we need generous gifts ASAP to complete our new Bible Time Travelers Trail and other fun additions to Bible Lands Park. Remember thatCEDARS weekly “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 CEDARS alumni, families, Sunday School teachers and friends who find these “Mets”, PSSTs and PYCLs weekly on our website or through CS Directory. CedarS significant recurring needs are spelled out at http://www.cedarscamps.org/giving/ . 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 CedarS' in 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.
Please help fulfill our mission by telling every “un-camped” family you know about CedarS! We'll gladly send them–and you–a DVD and more to help get them to camp – including info on: CedarS financial aid forms; programs for all ages; session dates & rates; online enrollment info; transportation & more.]
[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! Warren Huff, Executive Director director@cedarscamps.org
Enjoy! Warren Huff, Executive Director director@cedarscamps.org
[PSST: Pray the “prayer which covers all human needs.”(S-4, S&H 16:10)]
Possible Sunday School Topics by Merrill Boudreaux [& Warren Huff in G.T.]
for the Christian Science Bible Lesson for June 5, 2011:
for the Christian Science Bible Lesson for June 5, 2011:
“God the Only Cause and Creator“
P.S.S.T. Golden Text (G.T.): The Golden Text leads us into a powerful fact that God is inclusive, no one is left out. What are the first two words in the Lord's Prayer?
[It will expand your students' sense of God's everywhere presence–as well as being part of a divine family with infinite inclusivity–by having them add to a Cobbey Crisler-inspired starter list: “Our Father which art in” Tehran, “Our Father which art in” Pyongyang, “Our Father which art in” Kabul…]
[It will expand your students' sense of God's everywhere presence–as well as being part of a divine family with infinite inclusivity–by having them add to a Cobbey Crisler-inspired starter list: “Our Father which art in” Tehran, “Our Father which art in” Pyongyang, “Our Father which art in” Kabul…]
P.S.S.T. Responsive Reading: What do you need? What does our world need? Does God meet every need?
Memorize:
· S&H 494:11-12
· Isaiah 45:11 (Ask)
· Isaiah 65:24
P.S.S.T. Section 1: Ask students, When you think of God, what comes to mind? How do you identify God? Try to get them to go beyond the seven prominent synonyms Mrs. Eddy uses for God. Help them to go beyond any anthropomorphic (manlike) sense of God. Here's an idea, ask student to think of God as Presence. Explore as: Ever Presence, Omnipresence. Explore seeing God/Presence in ideas all around. Does everything we behold around us represent God with us? Blades of grass, stars, nature, animals, people? Do these represent the presence of God, with us? What does Mrs. Eddy say about the reason [or end goal for] Jesus giving the disciples this “one brief prayer”? See S&H 16:7-11.
P.S.S.T. Section 2: Here is reinforcement for God as Presence. See B-7. What does this passage have to say about God as Presence? When is this promise of God as Presence fulfilled? B-8.
P.S.S.T. Section 3: Everything and Everyone around us is created as an idea. See S-12. As ideas, who controls them, what must be their nature, what is the job of every idea? Go to Mrs. Eddy's poem, “The Mother's Evening Prayer” in Miscellaneous Writings p.389 (also listed as Hymn 207). How does she speak of God as Presence? Gentle, Life divine, Love that guards, keeper of each child, refuge, habitation, encircling, that which makes glad, good, shadow as shelter, always with us, heaven's aftersmile, home, heavenly rest.
Now ask students to apply these truths to needs identified in their responses given in the Responsive Reading portion of this Lesson.
P.S.S.T. Section 4: Can you trust God as Presence to always be there? How did Jesus demonstrate God as Presence in B-15?
P.S.S.T. Section 5: What is the test of all prayer? S-22
· If God has blessed something/everything what shall we call it? Blessed.
· How dare we ever curse something/everything God has blessed?
· What is the result when we behold that which God has blessed? S-23.
· When does God bless? When will God's blessings cease?
P.S.S.T. Section 6: If we are tempted to judge the world, all ideas in nature or as people, be alert to judging with the spiritual sense only, not ever use the physical senses.
What is the definition of spiritual sense? See S&H 209:31-32.
Does that sound like God as Presence? When one is tempted to use the physical senses as revelatory, apply S-28, S&H 495:14. This is a great memory opportunity!
P.S.S.T. Section 7: Who was first? Who was last? What was in the middle? B-22.
Is this also Presence? Whose is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever? Who is all? God as Presence.
Look up the 16 references in the Concordance to Science & Health or on Concord, for the word “ever-present”. Read those aloud as the anchor to this Lesson. Is any left out? All are included.
[PYCLS: Share a quote book, kingdom blanket, reenactments, life ring… ]
Possible Younger Class Lessons for the Christian Science Bible Lesson for June 5, 2011
“God the Only Cause and Creator”
by Kerry Jenkins, CS, House Springs, MO kerry.helen.jenkins@gmail.com (314) 406-0041
Possible Younger Class Lessons for the Christian Science Bible Lesson for June 5, 2011
“God the Only Cause and Creator”
by Kerry Jenkins, CS, House Springs, MO kerry.helen.jenkins@gmail.com (314) 406-0041
[PCYL: Rise with your students to readily accept the nature of Spirit.]
This lesson seems tailor-made for children and their viewpoint. It is grounded in a deep look at the Lord's Prayer, which helps us see all the aspects of our Father-Mother God without being held back by material sense testimony. Kids tend to be readily accepting of the nature of Spirit without getting hung up on the “evidence” that is presented by our senses, so we have a great opportunity to “rise” with them, and to rejoice and celebrate this ability this week in a variety of ways.
This lesson seems tailor-made for children and their viewpoint. It is grounded in a deep look at the Lord's Prayer, which helps us see all the aspects of our Father-Mother God without being held back by material sense testimony. Kids tend to be readily accepting of the nature of Spirit without getting hung up on the “evidence” that is presented by our senses, so we have a great opportunity to “rise” with them, and to rejoice and celebrate this ability this week in a variety of ways.
[PCYL: Point out the parenting nature of Abba-Imma, Daddy-Mommy God.]
In section 1 we are looking at the parenting nature of God. You will need to look at the specific landscape of the children in your class, but most kids relate very easily to the Mothering love that is represented in their moms. How does God love you as a mother? (B3) How does your mom express this comforting love that she gets from God, Love? What does it mean to be “adorable”, “adored”? Help them think of the tenderest moment each day that they share with their mom or dad, God is doing this through them, and when they aren't in the room, God is never leaving them without that comfort.
In section 1 we are looking at the parenting nature of God. You will need to look at the specific landscape of the children in your class, but most kids relate very easily to the Mothering love that is represented in their moms. How does God love you as a mother? (B3) How does your mom express this comforting love that she gets from God, Love? What does it mean to be “adorable”, “adored”? Help them think of the tenderest moment each day that they share with their mom or dad, God is doing this through them, and when they aren't in the room, God is never leaving them without that comfort.
[PCYL: How about a summer travel book with favorite quotes on God’s presence and power?]
The second section brings us right into the omnipresence of God. With some of the older kids, Psalm 139 is a real staple to memorize and take on summer travels, to camp, etc. Perhaps they'd each like to copy some of it onto a card and decorate it; or perhaps you'd like to put together small summer travel books with their favorite quotes in it that express the presence and power of God. What about looking at this psalm line by line? What does “whither” mean, what is the psalmist talking about when he mentions all the places he can go? What does he mean by making his bed in hell? (Let’s face it we've all been there!) There is so much promise and comfort in this psalm that it is deeply moving and kids are not too young to understand that. Where have they been where they thought maybe God wasn't there? Can they see now that Love is always there? Then we can bring into the discussion the present Kingdom of Heaven… and that line of the Lord's Prayer. God never travels outside His kingdom… there is, in reality, no “outside” His infinite kingdom. Think of all the Bible characters you can come up with and how they felt, heard or saw God's presence in their experiences. Where did Moses hear God's voice and see a strange thing? How about Jonah, did he escape God's presence when he set off in a ship, or even when swallowed by the big fish? How about Elijah when he ran off into the desert to escape Jezebel? What about Joseph in the pit or in prison? And so on…. It is also interesting to note that omnipresence can only be spiritual; and if Spirit is all, where is matter? (S7) So we may not see God with our eyes or hear a voice, just as we can't see our mom's or dad's love for us, only the expressions of that love. In the same way matter (sickness, sin, etc.) can't exclude us from the Kingdom; matter senses only hide the Kingdom (temporarily)!
The second section brings us right into the omnipresence of God. With some of the older kids, Psalm 139 is a real staple to memorize and take on summer travels, to camp, etc. Perhaps they'd each like to copy some of it onto a card and decorate it; or perhaps you'd like to put together small summer travel books with their favorite quotes in it that express the presence and power of God. What about looking at this psalm line by line? What does “whither” mean, what is the psalmist talking about when he mentions all the places he can go? What does he mean by making his bed in hell? (Let’s face it we've all been there!) There is so much promise and comfort in this psalm that it is deeply moving and kids are not too young to understand that. Where have they been where they thought maybe God wasn't there? Can they see now that Love is always there? Then we can bring into the discussion the present Kingdom of Heaven… and that line of the Lord's Prayer. God never travels outside His kingdom… there is, in reality, no “outside” His infinite kingdom. Think of all the Bible characters you can come up with and how they felt, heard or saw God's presence in their experiences. Where did Moses hear God's voice and see a strange thing? How about Jonah, did he escape God's presence when he set off in a ship, or even when swallowed by the big fish? How about Elijah when he ran off into the desert to escape Jezebel? What about Joseph in the pit or in prison? And so on…. It is also interesting to note that omnipresence can only be spiritual; and if Spirit is all, where is matter? (S7) So we may not see God with our eyes or hear a voice, just as we can't see our mom's or dad's love for us, only the expressions of that love. In the same way matter (sickness, sin, etc.) can't exclude us from the Kingdom; matter senses only hide the Kingdom (temporarily)!
[PCYL: Lie on God’s Kingdom Blanket; look up and listen! Cherish God all around.]
Section three gives us an opportunity to really take in the majesty of the power of God. While we know that God isn't “visible” to eye, we also know that we see expressions of His/Her love for us and care for us all the time. So, if it's a nice day and there aren't too many cicadas on the grass (we're in the midst of a 13-year emergence), try discussing the majesty of God, the power of God and the goodness of God. Bring them outside and if you have any grass or trees to lie under. Bring a blanket or sheet and explain that this is the “Kingdom of heaven” and you have to stay only in that Kingdom. Hopefully that will help to contain the kids. Lie on your backs and look into the sky or the branches of a large tree. In our part of the world listen to the cicadas sing; in your part of the world, enjoy whatever sounds surround you. It could be you are enjoying a more urban setting and that is majestic too! The sounds of an engine or train or airplane are amazing manifestations of the power of Mind to transport us here and there; and it will make all the little boys happy too! We are searching for the “clearer, higher views mentioned in citation S13. This exercise might help to reach something of Job's rejoicing in the power and majesty of God that he felt when he finally realized more fully that God was there all along.
Section three gives us an opportunity to really take in the majesty of the power of God. While we know that God isn't “visible” to eye, we also know that we see expressions of His/Her love for us and care for us all the time. So, if it's a nice day and there aren't too many cicadas on the grass (we're in the midst of a 13-year emergence), try discussing the majesty of God, the power of God and the goodness of God. Bring them outside and if you have any grass or trees to lie under. Bring a blanket or sheet and explain that this is the “Kingdom of heaven” and you have to stay only in that Kingdom. Hopefully that will help to contain the kids. Lie on your backs and look into the sky or the branches of a large tree. In our part of the world listen to the cicadas sing; in your part of the world, enjoy whatever sounds surround you. It could be you are enjoying a more urban setting and that is majestic too! The sounds of an engine or train or airplane are amazing manifestations of the power of Mind to transport us here and there; and it will make all the little boys happy too! We are searching for the “clearer, higher views mentioned in citation S13. This exercise might help to reach something of Job's rejoicing in the power and majesty of God that he felt when he finally realized more fully that God was there all along.
[PCYL: Reenact the loaves and fishes with a basket. Check out wildflowers.]
While you are outside, try a reenactment of the loaves and fishes. Have them imagine a huge field (parking lot?) of people listening to Jesus and needing food. Give them a basket with some loaves of bread and something that represents fish (a can of tuna?) Have them imagine what it must have been like to be told to go and hand that out to thousands of people. Would they have obeyed? Then you can talk about the next line in the Lord's Prayer and the spiritual interpretation of it. What does “famished” mean? What are “affections”? Would your mom or dad let you starve or go without clothes? God won't either! Discuss the Bible reference in citation S17 about how God “clothes the lilies”. Have they noticed how detailed and beautiful wildflowers can be? Why would that expression of God's creation and its beauty and detail be expended on a flower and not on man? Our family has had some really lovely experiences with being literally fed when we were without money. I'm sure you have some of your own to share!
While you are outside, try a reenactment of the loaves and fishes. Have them imagine a huge field (parking lot?) of people listening to Jesus and needing food. Give them a basket with some loaves of bread and something that represents fish (a can of tuna?) Have them imagine what it must have been like to be told to go and hand that out to thousands of people. Would they have obeyed? Then you can talk about the next line in the Lord's Prayer and the spiritual interpretation of it. What does “famished” mean? What are “affections”? Would your mom or dad let you starve or go without clothes? God won't either! Discuss the Bible reference in citation S17 about how God “clothes the lilies”. Have they noticed how detailed and beautiful wildflowers can be? Why would that expression of God's creation and its beauty and detail be expended on a flower and not on man? Our family has had some really lovely experiences with being literally fed when we were without money. I'm sure you have some of your own to share!
[PCYL: Act out & discuss the debtors parable with 100 pennies & 10 pennies. Link to chores.]
I think section five is a great one to act out. First talk about what a creditor and a debtor are. Talk about how in the old days, if you couldn't pay back money you borrowed you were thrown in jail, even if you had a family depending on you, in fact they could even throw your kids in jail if they were older or take them to work off the debt. Don't do a lot of explaining about the story, just set it up and have the kids act it out. If there are enough, one can be the creditor, one the first debtor (and subsequent creditor) and one the second debtor. You can use a hundred pennies for the one with the bigger debt and ten pennies for the one with the smaller debt. The pennies help because littler kids think that lots of pennies is lots of money; and it illustrates visually the difference between the first and second debt. When they are done ask them what they think of the story. Was the first debtor treated well? Did he treat the debtor that owed him fairly? Most little kids have a very strong sense of justice and will be very unhappy about how this story goes. Have a pretend “jail” that you can use. This can just be a corner of your class or you can get more creative if you wish. Then you can discuss the story a little more if they are old enough and add in the line of the Lord's Prayer about forgiving our debts. Did Jesus just mean money here? What other “debts” can we seem to owe? Citation S20 talks about work badly done or left undone. That makes me think of chores with my seven-year-old. He has some particularly distasteful chores that he sometimes does badly or not at all if I don't “hound” him. How do we pay that debt to our family? We have to not just be sorry, but to do better!
I think section five is a great one to act out. First talk about what a creditor and a debtor are. Talk about how in the old days, if you couldn't pay back money you borrowed you were thrown in jail, even if you had a family depending on you, in fact they could even throw your kids in jail if they were older or take them to work off the debt. Don't do a lot of explaining about the story, just set it up and have the kids act it out. If there are enough, one can be the creditor, one the first debtor (and subsequent creditor) and one the second debtor. You can use a hundred pennies for the one with the bigger debt and ten pennies for the one with the smaller debt. The pennies help because littler kids think that lots of pennies is lots of money; and it illustrates visually the difference between the first and second debt. When they are done ask them what they think of the story. Was the first debtor treated well? Did he treat the debtor that owed him fairly? Most little kids have a very strong sense of justice and will be very unhappy about how this story goes. Have a pretend “jail” that you can use. This can just be a corner of your class or you can get more creative if you wish. Then you can discuss the story a little more if they are old enough and add in the line of the Lord's Prayer about forgiving our debts. Did Jesus just mean money here? What other “debts” can we seem to owe? Citation S20 talks about work badly done or left undone. That makes me think of chores with my seven-year-old. He has some particularly distasteful chores that he sometimes does badly or not at all if I don't “hound” him. How do we pay that debt to our family? We have to not just be sorry, but to do better!
[PCYL: “Cling steadfastly”… maybe to a summer card book… or life ring if you have one.]
Citation S28 is a great memorization opportunity or another passage for your summer card book. Talk about what it means to “cling steadfastly”. Think about a life ring that is thrown to someone in the water!
Citation S28 is a great memorization opportunity or another passage for your summer card book. Talk about what it means to “cling steadfastly”. Think about a life ring that is thrown to someone in the water!
[PCYL: Hunt together through the lesson to find each way that needs are met!]
I think this gives plenty of ideas, but certainly do finish the full Lord's Prayer. I love the way that this lesson illustrates how it “covers all human needs.” You can all go for a hunt together through the lesson and find each way that needs are met!
I think this gives plenty of ideas, but certainly do finish the full Lord's Prayer. I love the way that this lesson illustrates how it “covers all human needs.” You can all go for a hunt together through the lesson and find each way that needs are met!
As always, have a great time!
