Join us for the best summer yet!

Application ideas for the Christian Science Bible Lesson: “Man,” March 9, 2008
by Dan Carnesciali, CS of Ballwin, MO
Editor’s Note: The following application ideas for the Christian Science Bible Lesson for this week are offered primarily to help CedarS campers and staff (as well as friends) see and demonstrate the great value of daily study and application of the Christian Science Bible lessons year-round, not just at camp! You can sign up to have them emailed to you free — in English by Monday of each or by Wednesday you  can get a FREE TRANSLATION in French by Pascal or in Spanish by Ana. JUST SIGN UP at www.cedarscamps.org/newsletters
Golden Text:
You are the light of the Lord. [As “a steadfast ray,” you are never separated from your Light Source and you always contain the full rainbow of light’s 7 principle colors: Red; Orange; Yellow; Green; Indigo; Violet.  R.o.y. G. B.i.v. is a memorable, colorful acronym. In like manner to make a girl’s name out of God’s 7 prominent, biblically-derived synonyms (“Principle; Mind; Soul; Spirit; Life; Truth; Love” S&H 587:6) one needs only to “buy a vowel” (a) to get “P.(a)M. S.S. LifTLove.” A stretch? Yes! But “whatever stretches you, blesses you!”] Can you believe it? [You and others will see your true colors and divine nature shine through whenever events of life stretch and bend you, like a prism or a rain shower “stretches” and bends the light.  As your Possible Uplifting Sunday School Homework (P.U.S.S.H.) this week, look for “Rainbow moments” when untoward weather or events get you temporarily “bent out of shape.”   At such moments, let the beautiful, infinite energy of God unlimit your viewpoint and fill you with colorful joy, instead of “colorful language.” J]  Today, you are the children of light, [traveling faster than the speed of light — that is, at the speed of thought!]  So, there’s no reason [or way] to delay, or to hesitate. [As a child of light (not a child of heavy, or of burden), claim your right to make “easy and rapid strides toward Truth.” Science & Health, 236:31)]  Have fun this week being a bright light, [“a steadfast ray!”  Mary I. Mesechre, Hymn #14, Christian Science Hymnal]
 
Responsive Reading: (RR)
In Biblical times, light was cherished and valued. Because electrical lighting is so ubiquitous [ever-present], perhaps we forget what it was like to live by candle or oil lamp. “One thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on [behold] the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.” (Today’s New International Version) [P.S.S.T. With “behold” and “beholdeth” in the RR think about the 3rd century Greek proverb:  “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” Margaret Wolfe Hungerford In Molly Bawn,  Discuss how that relates: 1) to Mrs. Eddy’s observation: “One marvels that a friend can ever seem less than beautiful.” S&H 248:4; and, 2) to prevalent, body-image obsessions and Amy Richardson’s insight: “no matter how disciplined an eater I was, that was not what people were going to remember me for.” “REAL BEAUTY IS MORE THAN SKIN DEEP,” p. 12-13, Christian Science Sentinel, March 10, 2008]

The author of Psalms was voicing a deep yearning for his life. He wanted light! He wanted to experience God more than once a week at temple. He wanted to dwell in house of God, the consciousness of good, the whole week, his whole life. People of the earth, be glad, and rejoice. God’s light is shining, bathing you in warmth. 

[Possible Sunday School Topic (P.S.S.T.)]:
 Whose life will you light up this week? What lights up your life? Laughter? Music? Prayer? Section 1 – [You are] Full of Light![Arise and shine, on thee hath dawned the day!” Hymn #14, Christian Science Hymnal]
The Old Testament was written in ancient Hebrew, which often used words to paint a picture. For example, in the 23rd psalm, it says “He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.” “Jehovah is awakening Jerusalem (that’s us) to arise and shine in the reflected light of his glory.” (The Abingdon Bible Commentary)  (B1)

God is all and there is nothing else, nothing outside of His allness. (B2)  [P.S.S.T.] If spiritual creation is coexistent with God, could it have a beginning?  Did chaos exist before creation? If there was a time where there was no creation, what was God doing? Without creation, what would God be? He wouldn’t have anyone to love or nurture. Interestingly, Science and Health says that the word beginning is used to signify “the only,” signifying that God and creation are one. Creation came to light with the command, “Let there be light, and there was light.” (B2) The light exposed what always existed. Light just brings reality to our recognition. 

God is constantly gazing at His creation, recognizing that it is wholly good. God calls this light day. (B2) Day is a spiritual concept. As given in Science and Health, it is the irradiance of Life. Irradiance is a “bright or glowing light.” (myBiblelesson.com) (S1) All that is real emanates, flows, radiates outward from God. (S2) As you may remember from the Bible Lesson two weeks ago, man’s consciousness and individuality emanate from God.  

Man “reflects the beatific presence, illuming the universe with light.” (S3) Beatific sounds like the quality of expressing beauty, but the word comes from the Latin beatificus, meaning to make happy, as in the word beatitude. (m-w.com)  [P.S.S.T.]  Would the universe be the same without you, Soul’s beatific reflection? [For the system of numbers to work as a whole, each number is unique and irreplaceable. P.U.S.S.H. Appreciate yourself and each one you “rub elbows with” this week as spiritually complete, unique and irreplaceable, much like a ray of light also. Share with your class or congregation what a difference this makes in your harmonious interactions.] 1878

Section 2 – Follow the Light! [“God is thy sun, and Christ thy light, Be thou a steadfast ray.” Hymn #14, Christian Science Hymnal]
The 1st section stated that God created all. Here, God made all, but anything that he did not make was not made. (B4) What a profound declaration. Otherwise God would be the author of evil. Or, there would be another creator.

Light is a metaphor for good and darkness is a metaphor for evil. God’s Word is a lamp that illuminates the Truth and eliminates darkness. “The light shines through the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.” (New Living Translation) (B4)

[Affirming an adaptation of Matthew 3:17 (B5) that “You are God’s beloved child, in whom God, and we, are well pleased” is a Huff-family parenting tradition that has become part of nightly tuck-in affirmations by CedarS counselors as well. 
P.U.S.S.H. Try such a regular affirmation for yourself and for your loved ones and feel the sense of divine love, joy, freedom and closure this brings to your day and to whoever receives this heavenly blessing.]  After Jesus was baptized [by John the Baptist with this blessing from his well-pleased Father] (B5), his teachings echoed the Baptist’s call to repent, to turn away from sin, to orient towards God.  (B6)

As Jesus was walking along the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers casting their nets for a catch. Several Bible commentaries cast some doubt on the fact that Peter and Andrew left their careers at that very moment. They did soon abandon their fishing careers to follow Jesus entirely. (Dummelow’s One Volume Bible Commentary) God is calling to you, speaking to you, and you are listening. [P.U.S.S.H. Think about the ways you are hoping to see Mrs. Eddy’s promise fulfilled that “God governs every event of our careers.” Unity of Good 3:28 List, and turn over to God’s control, every upcoming event in your “career” – be it traditional or “non-trad.”]

Section 3 – Light of Life
[“For Truth’s clear light on thee hath shone, And purified thy thought.” Hymn #14, Christian Science Hymnal]
The author of Psalms appeals to God to save us (turn us – bring us out of captivity), for God to bless us (for God’s face to shine on us), for spiritual power (right hand symbolizes divine power).  (B8) Next, the author admits he doesn’t know the way.  He needs God’s help finding the correct path (the Way – Christ).  (B9)

Jesus came to temple, sat down and talked with the people. “I am the light for the world!  Follow me, and you won’t be walking in the dark. You will have the light that gives life.” (Contemporary English Version) (B10) Jesus led his followers out of darkness, out of ignorance, fear, hesitation, doubt. Those that followed him witnessed amazing healings. So many people were made whole. (B11) Whole means healthy, indestructible, sound, healed. The root of the word means uninjured, undivorced, unimpaired, not lacking any essential element.

Jesus brought to light the natural, scientific action of the divine Mind on human minds and bodies. (S12) The Bible relates that swarms of people followed Jesus, seeking healing. Sick people were laid out in the streets to be healed as he passed. (B11) As Jesus walked by these sick people, what did he see? Right where you or I might see a sick mortal, he saw God’s own likeness. This correct view of man healed the sick. (S13)   [P.S.S.T.]  This passage (476:32-5) is one of the coolest passages in Science and Health, because it tells us exactly how Jesus healed. (S13) It was his correct view of man as God’s child that healed. Do you realize what that means? It means that when we have the correct view of man, the result is healing. It is the correct view rather than personal ability that heals.  We are watching God work. We are witnessing that the Christ that is in us, is in others. Truth is transforming the whole earth.  (S16) Recently, a driver in front of me tossed a cigarette out of his car window. Instead of being annoyed, I felt such an overwhelming sense of love for him, I felt transformed. I could not conceive of him as a smoker. This gave me a feel for how Jesus saw people all the time. He witnessed the Christ in them. [P.S.S.T. How are you transforming your view of “sinning mortal man” in your experience to correctly see them and yourself as perfect? See S&H 476:32 (S13)]

Section 4 –  
[The darkness of] Sin Healed, [extinguished by the light! “No more shall sin and wrong Obscure the light divine,” Hymn #14, Christian Science Hymnal]
To sin is to do something immoral or wrong. Can sin be healed?   If sin cannot be healed, sin is more powerful than God. “Christian Science lays the axe at the root of sin, and destroys it on the very basis of nothingness.  When man makes something of sin it is either because he fears it or loves it. Now, destroy the conception of sin as something, a reality, and you destroy the fear and the love of it; and sin disappears.” (Message for 1901 13:14)

The word translated as “stand in awe” is translated in other places in the King James Version as “tremble,” “be angry,” and “be moved.” God certainly does not want us to be comfortable in sin!  (B12) “Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for the gracious and compassionate and righteous man.”  (New International Version) (B13) No matter where you go, or how far away from God you feel, this divine light is reaching you. God is infinite, and so is the reach of his love.

If you were in the back of a cave where it is very, very dark, it wouldn’t take much light to light things up. [CedarS campers experience this in the very dark Pool Room of our own Panther Cave when they watch a friend chomp down on a “WinterGreen” mint to make it “spark in the dark.” To celebrate the 4th of July campers write messages to their friends with their sparklers (see our home webpage at www.cedarscamps.org). P.S.S.T. What light sources can you use and what messages can you send to friends and loved ones who appear to be in the dark? Try today to let your eyes “laugh” with more love and forgiveness and to let your wit sparkle with more uplifting and unselfish humor. See Miscellaneous Writings 117:11] One candle would be a potent light source. It seems then that if you are feeling in the dark, that a little light will make a big difference.   Don’t give up.

“My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense – Jesus Christ, the Righteous One” (NIV) (B14) An advocate is “somebody who gives support, like an attorney who defends a client and pleads his case.” (myBiblelesson.com) The true idea of God, Christ, is our advocate when we are faced with sin. The Greek word “parakletos” (παράκλητος), translated here as advocate, is often translated in the King James Version as Comforter. (Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible)

The real man, governed by Principle is harmonious. When we believe that man is governed by brain/ego, there is inharmony. Proper identification is key.  (S17)

Section 5 –  [Awake] To Life! [“Arise, arise and shine, Uplift thee from the sod,” Hymn #14, Christian Science Hymnal]
Assured of God’s great, saving love, the prophet Isaiah is looking forward to the restoration of the Davidic Kingdom. “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them a light has shined.” (New King James Version) (B16) “The light of the new age to which the prophet looked forward was of course in the future, but to his vision it is so assured that he describes it as having already dawned. Such use of the past tense (prophetic perfect) is frequent in prophetic writings.” (Dummelow)

“Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, rebuke and expose them.” (New Living Translation) Darkness is ignorance of divine things. It is translated from the Greek word “skotos” (σκότος), which comes from the Greek word skia (σκιά), meaning shadow. (B17) The light of Christ is beaming into your life, erasing shadows (fears, anxiety, doubts).  Christ is awakening us to our true identity.

Although rest is good, the Bible passages in this section are describing the sleep that is apathy, lethargy, and lack of receptivity. When people are put to sleep mentally, it’s called hypnotism. Hypnos is the Greek god of sleep. His twin brother is Thanatos, god of death. (Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary)  Their siblings are Geras(wikipedia.com)  “I shall not die (sleep), but declare the works of the Lord.” (B19) Awake! [P.S.S.T. Identify times when you feel apathetic, lethargic, unreceptive, old, suffering, doomed, gloomy, deceived, guilty, conflicted, or revengeful as times to reverse “the universal belief in death” (S22) and its “family” of thoughts.]

“The universal belief in death is of no advantage. It cannot make Life or Truth apparent.”  (S22) Although death is a universal belief, it is not your destiny, nor is there a perfect life obtained through death. Knowing that God is ever-present, Jesus said, “The kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matt. 3:2)

You are a child of Life, not a mortal. Without you, God would not be whole. Without you, God would not be infinite. Jesus said, “Fear not little flock; it is the Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” (Luke 12:32) He gives you life and health. He causes you to prosper. “Christian Science, rightly understood, leads to eternal harmony.”  (S24) Christian Science brings to light the true and living God.

Section 6 – Shine! [“let thy living light show forth Man’s unity with God.” Hymn #14, Christian Science Hymnal]
In this passage [“thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart ,…”], Jesus is quoting a commandment from Deuteronomy 6:5.  (B20)    Note how it is the 1st commandment restated positively. The author of Deuteronomy has stated the whole of the Mosaic Law in one commandment. 

On a plane flight, I talked to a St. Louis City policeman, who had served in the U.S. Marines. He said that he couldn’t help anyone if he didn’t love himself first. That warrior taught me a lesson about love. Self-love is wrong, but loving yourself as a child of God is essential.

“Jesus said to the people who believed in him, ‘You are truly my disciples if you keep obeying my teachings.'” (New Living Translation) (B21) People will know that we are followers of Jesus, when they witness how much we love our fellow man. (B22) “Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates his brother is still in the darkness.” (NIV) We must be on guard that we do not cause others to stumble by expressing frustration, or hatred. (B23) “Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.” (Rom 13:10 English Standard Version) [P.S.S.T. Think about and discuss the implications in your life of Paul’s command to “Owe no man anything” (Romans 13:8 – B24) If you are holding anyone in a position they have outgrown or labeling them as anything less than perfect, you owe them. Does your list of creditors include a family member or two? A teacher? A coach? A houseparent? Pay your debt to everyone you’ve had issues with, by picturing them as on their “Road to Damascus,” eligible for an immediate, life-changing illumination for the Christ.]  

Dressed in divine Love’s suit of armor, you cannot suffer from human hatred. Sometimes it feels like you have to repeatedly put on that suit of armor, wrapping yourself and the so-called hater in Love. (S28) Christian Science is God’s Word. It is the light of ever-present Love is lighting up the universe. (S29)  (Old Age), Oizys (Suffering), Moros (Doom), Apate (Deception), Momos (Blame), Eris (Strife), Nemesis (Retribution). 

When God looks out on His universe, what does He see? Since He is radiating immense, limitless light, He sees only light. There is no other possibility!

Camp Director’s Note:
The above sharing is the latest in a series of CedarS Bible Lesson “mets” (metaphysical application ideas) contributed weekly by a rotation of CedarS Resident Practitioners and occasionally by other metaphysicians [with bracketed, italicized notes and “Possible Sunday School Topics” and Homework offered by me as editor and sometimes by the author]. This document is intended to initiate further study as well as to encourage the application of ideas found in the Weekly Bible Lessons as printed in the Christian Science Quarterly and as available at Christian Science Reading Rooms.  * Originally sent JUST to campers, staff and CedarS families who wanted to continue at home and in their home Sunday Schools the same type of focused Lesson study, application and inspiration they had felt at camp, CedarS lesson “mets” are in no way meant to be definitive or conclusive or in any way a substitute for daily study of the lesson. The thoughts presented are the inspiration of the moment and are offered to give a bit more dimension, background and daily applicability to some of the ideas and passages being studied. The citations referenced (i.e. B1 and S28) from this week’s Bible Lesson in the “met” (metaphysical application ideas) are taken from the King James Version of the Bible (B1-24) and the Christian Science textbook, Science and Health With Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy. (S1-30) The Bible and Science and Health are the ordained pastor of the Churches of Christ, Scientist. The Bible Lesson is the sermon read in Christian Science church services throughout the world. The Lesson-Sermon speaks individually through the Christ to everyone, providing unique insights and tailor-made applications for each one. We are glad you requested this metaphysical sharing and hope that you find some of these ideas helpful in your daily spiritual journey, in your deeper digging in the books and in closer bonding with your Comforter and Pastor. Have fun unwrapping, cherishing and sharing your special, spiritual gift(s)!
Enjoy!


Warren Huff
Camp Director
director@cedarscamps.org
(636) 394-6162
———————————————————————————–
The weekly Metaphysical Newsletter is provided at no charge to the 1,200 campers and staff blessed each summer at CedarS, as well as to CedarS alumni, families and large community of friends who request it. However, current and planned gifts are needed to defray the costs of running this service and of providing camperships, programs and operations support. Click http://www.cedarscamps.org/giving for more about how you can give online or to talk privately about how to make a special gift to help perpetuate CedarS work. Your needed and very welcome, tax-deductible support can be mailed to:
The CedarS Camps Office
1314 Parkview Valley Drive
Manchester, MO 63011
Click here to read about fruitage thanks to your help and to review current needs in our Annual Appeal!
Click here to see an overview of our Operational needs and recognition levels in our Annual Appeal!
Go to www.myBibleLesson.com to check out this visually-oriented and very helpful study resource for the weekly Christian Science Bible Lesson. It’s being produced by The Christian Science Publishing Society. What a great auxiliary to lesson study – and to reading beyond citation markers using the handsome new student books now in Reading Rooms. MyBibleLesson contains word definitions, Bible background Notes, fun topical cartoons, timelines and translations, plus many healing ideas to use. Why not check out this vehicle to help bring new meaning and life to each beloved Bible lesson and so bless the youthful thinker and Sunday School student (and teacher) in us all!
You can receive or stop your free subscription to CedarS weekly newsletter in your email box by Sunday or Monday of each week by subscribing – or unsubscribing via left menu at http://www.cedarscamps.org/newsletters
Click here to go to directly a printer-friendly version of this met.

CedarS 2008 theme: “Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the leper, cast out demons: Freely you have received, freely give!” (Matthew 10:8)

American Camp Association

MAIN OFFICE
(November - May)
410 Sovereign Court #8
Ballwin, MO 63011
(636) 394-6162

CAMP OFFICE
(Memorial Day Weekend - October)
19772 Sugar Dr.
Lebanon, MO 65536
(417) 532-6699

Support our mission!

CedarS Camps

Back
to top