[PSST: Accept the Christ to find peace!]
Possible Sunday School Topics (PSSTs) by Merrill Boudreaux
for the Christian Science Bible Lesson: “Doctrine of Atonement” for April 21, 2013
P.S.S.T. Golden Text – What does the word “propitiate” mean? To make favorably inclined, appease.
What does “appease” mean? To bring to a state of peace, quiet, ease, calm or contentment. To satisfy, relieve.
So let’s explore the role of Christ Jesus in this lesson as one who comes to guide us into a state of peace, quiet, calm, ease, contentment.
P.S.S.T. – Responsive Reading (RR) – What is an “advocate”? One who speaks or writes in support or defense of a person or cause.
What is said of the advocate in the Responsive Reading?
What is a “standpoint”? The point or place at which a person stands to view something. The mental position or attitude from which a person views and judges things.
Read the RR and ask students to state the standpoint from which Christ Jesus is viewing mankind and the world. We are little children, we sin not, not just me but everyone in the world. God is Love, God loves us, we dwell in God, we love God because he first loved us.
P.S.S.T. – Section 1 – What is the guidance message in Citation B-5 that Jesus plainly delivered? What is the similar plain message in S-5? Do you wish to grow spiritually? That is, do you wish to grow in the increase of knowledge of your spiritual selfhood or nature? What was the mission of Jesus that aids such growth? (Citation S-3). What does God do for man? Read together Hymn 90 from the Christian Science Hymnal.
Hymn 90 William Williams from his hymn in Welsh, adapted
CORINTH S.Webbe’s Motetts or Antiphons, 1792
Guide me, O Thou great Jehovah, Pilgrim through this barren land:
I am Thine, and Thou art mighty, Hold me with Thy powerful hand.
Bread of heaven! Bread of heaven! Feed me now and evermore.
Open is the crystal fountain, Whence the healing waters flow;
And the fiery cloudy pillar Leads me all my journey through.
Strong Deliverer! Strong Deliverer! Still Thou art my strength and shield.
P.S.S.T. – Section 2 – What was Jesus’ guidance taught plainly in citation B-9?
From where did Jesus get his authority to teach? That is, how did Jesus become an advocate for us? He could only speak from his standpoint, his view of who we are. See Science & Health 476:32-5 (“Jesus beheld…”).
What, then, do we need to do to receive this advocacy, this guidance? (S-8).
P.S.S.T. – Section 3 – What was Jesus’ guidance taught plainly in citation B-14? This is also a good role play opportunity. What is the central message in this teaching?
- Is it that it’s OK to ignore sin?
- Is it that it’s OK to turn a blind eye when someone is doing wrong?
- Is it to always link man to God, to understand his relationship to God and therefore annul the curse on man?
What is the difference between atonement and at-one-ment? Which definition provides a clearer view of our true spiritual nature? Can we ever be without God?
P.S.S.T. – Section 4 – How was Jesus an advocate for the man in citation B-17?
Was Jesus a Christian? How do you know?
What was Jesus’ guidance or plain teaching in citation S-14? What was Jesus relying on to help this man and many others, including us today? See citation S-15 (lines 10-14).
P.S.S.T. – Section 5 – What is the guidance or plain teaching in citation B-19?
Is God angry with his creation? Could He ever be? Citation S-18.
How did Jesus’ resurrection provide a new standpoint from which to view the world and us? S-19. How can we use Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection to uplift ourselves? S-21.
P.S.S.T. – Section 6 – Since the Christ was the ultimate guide for Jesus, and is the ultimate guide for us, we also can be raised up with Christ Jesus every moment.
What is the guidance plainly given in citation S-24?
Are you “ready to follow his teaching and example”? Citation S-26.
The Bible and Science & Health continue to be guidebooks and advocates for us as at-one with God.
Read together Hymn 72 from the Christian Science Hymnal.
Hymn 72 (& 405) Charles Wesley and John Taylor, Adapted
72=BENEVENTO Samuel Webbe
Glory be to God on high, God whose glory fills the sky;
Peace on earth to man is given, Man, the well-beloved of heaven.
Gracious Father, in Thy love, Send Thy blessings from above;
Let Thy light, Thy truth, Thy peace Bid all strife and tumult cease.
Mark the wonders of His hand: Power no empire can withstand;
Wisdom, angels’ glorious theme; Goodness one eternal stream.
All ye people, raise the song, Endless thanks to God belong;
Hearts o’erflowing with His praise, Join the hymns your voices raise.
