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Comfort others as God comforts you and heal!
Metaphysical Application Ideas for the Christian Science Bible Lesson on

Christian Science

for June 22-28, 2015

Prepared by Kathy Fitzer of Lake St. Louis, MO
kathyfitzer@gmail.com 314-323-4083

Jesus promised that another Comforter would come to humanity— to lead them out of darkness, as he had been sent from God to do. That Comforter — the Holy Ghost — has come in the form of an ever-available Science — known today as Christian Science. This Comforter is a constant, ever-present Principle that is available to all, and which reveals spiritual solutions to any and every problem we may ever encounter. [PS2, p. 2]

Golden Text and Responsive Reading:
It is unclear who the author of this section of Isaiah is, but the message is directed to a people who have been held in captivity by the Babylonians — as slaves — for quite some time. Now God sends a message of hope and promise to this very dark time. The Golden Text seems to indicate that it is the duty of those who have felt the touch of the Comforter to share the Truth and the light with those struggling in the dark — to comfort others. This is a message meant for all of us—even today!

The Hebrew word, naham is a primitive root word — not coming from any other combination of words. It involves being sorry or regretting something, having pity, and also consoling and repenting. I was fascinated to discover that every time the English word repent is used in the Old Testament of the Bible, it has as its origin the very same Hebrew root as the word comfort. In the New Testament, the word repent comes from the Greek meaning “to think differently.” To me, this says that for comfort to really be felt, a change of thought has to take place. We can’t get someone else out of a pit if we get stuck down there with them. We need to stay on top to lift them up. Once they’re out of the pit, the scene changes for everyone! A child, afraid in the dark, is comforted by turning on the light. That’s what the Comforter does … it turns on the light of Truth to reveal reality, enabling all involved to think differently! Sometimes the change of thought comes before the situation changes, sometimes after— but it appears that repentance is a necessary element of comfort.

As God assures His people how he will care for them, He also reminds them of why he created them: to be a light in the world! We have a mission: to shine forth all the goodness of God, and in the process, be blessed. But, clearly, it is God that is leading us. We are being led out of captivity from a multitude of material beliefs that would try to enslave us— as God freed the Children of Israel from their captivity in Babylon. The solution comes as blind eyes are opened to present good, and paths are straightened so they can be safely navigated. The specific name or nature of a problem isn’t really the point. Whatever the problem appears to be, the solution comes as we repent (think differently) and joyfully return to Zion (“a spiritual foundation and superstructure; inspiration; spiritual strength” S&H 599).

Section 1: Be “honest seekers of Truth” in order to be comforted and to bring comfort
In this section of Isaiah, God was addressing the inability of the prophets to perceive God’s messages due to two issues: (1) a lack of willingness to exert enough tenacity to break the seal and open the scroll, and (2) the inability to read. Also during this time, the leaders of Jerusalem were turning to Egypt for protection from Assyria, rather than trusting God. [As in the day when this observation of human thought was written, so today] we have to watch thought! How easy it seems to let the time we set aside for study slip by, or to look in other directions (or to the opinion of others) for answers, rather than staying focused on God. The danger of not turning to God for wisdom (in our day, as in the day of Isaiah) is that we seem to lose touch with that wisdom — or distance ourselves from God. And yet, God promises that circumstances will be reversed [as in the Lebanon of old in the Near East, so at the CedarS of Lebanon, Missouri prophesy is being fulfilled in "fruitful fields" of Christian Science daily demonstrated and turned into forests of testimonies during CedarS current 2nd session of 2015. Now as in Bible days,] we are drawn back to God, and we will again both hear and see the Christ light. (B-1) Mary Baker Eddy “discovered the Christ Science or divine laws of Life, Truth, and Love, and named [her] discovery Christian Science” after experiencing great darkness throughout her life. (S-1) Pay attention to the “truths” Mrs. Eddy says she learned. (S-2) She devoted the rest of her life to refining what she was learning, and writing it down in a form that everyone could understand. (S-3) Out of love for God, for our fellow man, and for ourselves as God’s children, it is so very important that we respond to the gift of Christian Science as “honest seekers for Truth.” As we truly hunger for Truth, we find everything we need in the study of the Bible and Science and Health. As we are filled, not only are we comforted, but we are able to comfort others.

Section 2: Christ and Christian Science — the two anointed ones!
It’s helpful to understand a little about the symbol of the candlestick with the two olive trees that that the angel showed to Zechariah. I love the symbol of a lamp being the “illuminating and life-giving presence of God.” (New Interpreter’s Bible) It seems that Zechariah recognized that even without a physical temple to represent God’s presence that presence would always be with His people. (B-3) Zechariah knew nothing of Christ Jesus or Christian Science. But, the Christ presence isn’t dependent on time. It is forever with man — and makes itself known to every seeker (even if they don’t know they are seeking.) Nate Talbot wrote in a Sentinel article: “God’s embrace of both Christ Jesus and the Christian Science he demonstrated fulfills the vision of Zechariah as he talked with the angel of God who described the two anointed ones: (Destiny of Christianity: the demonstration of Science; April 25, 1983) [See also PS1 on Zechariah (B3).] I love the marginal heading from citation S-7, “Christian Science as old as God.” Indeed, Christian Science isn’t something separate from the Christianity Jesus demonstrated, nor from the Christ presence that was felt and demonstrated by the early prophets. Mrs. Eddy discovered this Science and articulated it in a way that all may understand. Its teachings keep us from thinking of God as something far away. Instead, we learn that God is Truth, Love, and “the only Life.” This practical Science teaches that “God is to be understood, adored, and demonstrated; that Truth casts out suppositional error and heals the sick.” (S-8) We must expect to tangibly feel God’s presence. It is natural to know God — to understand, love, and demonstrate His power, actively bearing witness to His omnipotent goodness. Christian Science is the Christianity Jesus lived.

Section 3: Comfort expressed as physical healing
Remembering that comfort includes repentance — or change of thought — it makes perfect sense that cure for bodily ailments includes a shift in thinking. Jesus healed a woman who had suffered from hemorrhaging for twelve years. She had found no relief from the doctors she had turned to, What was it that “sealed” this woman — preserved and made her whole? Jesus told her that it was her faith (a state of thought) that had made her whole. This faith gave her the courage to enter the crowd and reach out to touch the tassels on Jesus’ robe. [See B-5 and Cobbey Crisler PS1 and Downloads about it] Paul speaks of God, the FATHER of Jesus Christ being the God (or source) of all comfort — all change of thought and all healing. God gave that comfort to Jesus (as he gives it to us all) so that others could also feel the comfort and be healed. (B-4) Is it necessary for another person to be involved (either to give treatment through prayer or medicine) in order to find healing? Not if all comfort comes from God. The power that heals is a Science: Christian Science. So, it is available to everyone, unconditionally. There are times when we’re not seeing the facts quite clearly enough to solve the problem at hand. That is when we turn to another Scientist to help us. And sometimes we are so lost that another has to actually work the problem out for us. But, we can trust that when the principles of Christian Science are faithfully applied, healing does happen. The human mind (thought) is stirred, changes base, and yields to the perpetual law of “the harmony of the divine Mind.” (S-12) Whether praying for ourselves or another, marker S-13 outlines some very specific, practical steps to follow in order to feel God’s comforting presence — for ourselves or another. Keep reading the pages following 390 for more ideas. Practical healing can’t help but accompany this comfort (this repentance — or change of view.)

Section 4: Eyes can’t be closed to the Christianity that is Christian Science
The disciples had seen plenty of proofs of God’s comforting power (as most of us have.) Yet, they found it difficult to really accept that this was a law that wasn’t dependent on the person of Jesus. Even after seeing Jesus multiply the loaves and fishes, they worried about not having enough to eat. Jesus’ response was — don’t you get it? (B-6) Jesus told his disciples that although he wouldn’t always be with them, they would continue to do the works that he had done, if they continued to believe in his teachings. Thomas wondered how he would know “the way?” Jesus explained that he was the way — but of course, he was referring to the Christ that he so fully expressed, rather than his own personality. He promised that another Comforter would be with them, the Holy Ghost that God sends to human consciousness. [See B-7 and Cobbey Crisler PS2 about it.] .The Greek word translated “Comforter” in English is parakletos. It means intercessor (a person who intervenes on behalf of another,) consoler (someone who comforts,) or advocate (a person who pleads on someone else's behalf.) So, the Comforter fulfills all the roles that Jesus fulfilled, but this Comforter is not a person, and so never goes away! Divine Science — the Spirit (or law) of God — is this Comforter. (S-14) Notice the definition of Holy Ghost in the glossary of Science and Health (p. 588.) Jesus practiced Christian Science, but it would not be identified as such until Mrs. Eddy discovered it over 1,800 years later. The healing power of Christian Science proves that the so-called miracles of Jesus simply “illustrated an ever-operative divine Principle.” (S-16) Because the Christianity that Jesus taught and demonstrated is a Science, it is forever available to all mankind — comforting, healing, and being an advocate for God’s man, made in God’s image! Nothing can hide it from us, or cause it to disappear from view. It must be seen as Truth!

Section 5: Unite with the Holy Ghost and heal!
Christians have clearly been given their marching orders in Matthew: “heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils.” (B-9) What a joy and privilege to share with others the fruits of the understanding that we have been given. I love the paragraph at the end of this section with the marginal heading, “The main purpose.” We need to remember that Christian Science is not just an alternative medicine. The real mission of Christian Science is to “take away the sins of the world.” (S-21) That was Jesus’ mission. When sin (a false sense of man’s identity) is removed, physical healing follows naturally. That was true in Jesus’ day, and it is true today! It occurs to me that when we fall into the trap of simply looking for healing of the body, we make the mistake Simon made of thinking that healing is something that can be “purchased.” What is really needed is a change of thought — a yielding to the Holy Ghost. That often requires a little work — really striving to keep thought aligned with God on the narrow path of Truth. Christian healing is not some trick of the human mind. (S-19) Simon missed that part. He got excited about the spectacular nature of healing, and was interested in the show. But he didn’t have the staying power to truly become a follower or seek the Spirit that was behind the healing works. (B-10) We know better! True healing comes from the operation of the Holy Ghost — the movement of Spirit touching thought. The rule of healing is based on the divine Principle, Love. And this Principle transforms and purifies thought until man’s entire being is brought into harmony with the law of God. (S-20) It’s not what we think we know about something that matters. It’s listening for what Mind knows, and bringing thought in line with that — yielding, and watching God reveal His perfection in the healing of the human condition.

Section 6: Take the “little book,” and eat it up!
The 16th chapter in the Christian Science textbook, “The Apocalypse,” opens with St. John’s words that we have in this week’s lesson — from the 10th chapter of Revelation. (B-11) Mrs. Eddy asks the question about the little book that was in the angel’s hand, “Did this same book contain the revelation of divine Science ….?” Is it the divine message of God’s law that that the Christian Science textbook, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures contains, and that enables us to plant our feet (have dominion over) both “elementary, latent error, the source of all error’s visible forms” (the sea) as well as “visible error and audible sin.” (the earth?) Yes! Check out S&H p. 559. As we know, even the slightest knowledge of God’s law (as taught in Christian Science) is enough to heal the most stubborn error. But, in order to unlock the full potential of this powerful Science, we must “Take divine Science. Read this book from beginning to end. Study it, ponder it.” (S-23) There are really four elements here and each one is indispensable to consistent healing. First, we accept Science as Truth. Second we read the textbook (just as we would do if we were seriously pursuing any interest.) Third, we don’t just read, but we study it. To study is “the devotion of time and attention to acquiring knowledge …” Some degree of “devotion” is required to get good at anything we pursue. And, lastly, we need to ponder what we’re reading and studying. To ponder is to “think about (something) carefully.” Looking at the Webster dictionary from 1828, I discovered that the origin of ponder is “to weigh” and “to consider.” Truly pondering the message of this book may at times be delightful. And at other times it may be disturbing, because it refutes commonly accepted ideas or it brings things to the surface that are uncomfortable to deal with. But, in either case … as these thoughts are wrestled with, they will bring light to our thought and that light brings healing. I don’t see anything here that says we have to eat up the book in one bite. I eat really slowly — wanting the deliciousness to last. Maybe that’s a way we could think about “eating up” the “little book.” The speed with which we finish isn’t as important as the steadiness with which we eat, and our consideration of each bite! Taking divine Science is like accepting a plate of food. Reading it is the activity of putting the food in our mouths. Studying is like chewing and really appreciating the flavor. Pondering is swallowing and digesting — truly benefitting from the meal. Each step is important! Writing this has inspired me to be more devoted to responding to this command. I invite you to join me! Together we can bring healing to ourselves, our neighbor, and our world!

Section 7: Love is the secret!
Love does it all! Love heals. Love comforts. Love removes all evidence that there ever was a problem. But, we have to remember that it is DIVINE Love — the Love that is God — rather than human, personal love that has the power. Our prayer is for the human consciousness to be filled with joy and hope by God, as trust is placed on the power of the Holy Ghost to transform thought. (B-12) Then, it’s natural for that sense of hope to bubble up and embrace everyone we meet with the love and comfort that blesses, heals, and reforms. Our purpose in life is to love with the reflected love that flows from God, divine Love! (B-13 & B-14) At the heart of Christian Science teaching is the Love that is God — omnipotent Love. (S-26 & S-28) If we practice Christian Science from this standpoint — reaching all those we touch with this Love — healing must result. I love what Mrs. Eddy says about the “poor suffering heart” needing “its rightful nutriment ….” Jesus taught us to feed the hungry. What better food than perfect love! So, rather than just wanting to do what we love doing, let’s strive to love (at least to some degree) whatever it is we’re doing. The Comforter, which is Christian Science, teaches us that Love is ever-present, and makes it a practical force in everything we do!


[Cobbey Crisler PS1 on Zechariah 4:12, 14 "… What be these two olive branches which through the two golden pipes empty the golden oil oout of themselves? … these are the two anointed ones, that stand by the Lord of the whole earth." Think of the oil provided by these two anointed ones (Christ Jesus and Mary Baker Eddy) that directly feeds this light-bearing ability of all of us to fill the full spectrum, the seven aspects of God's being. Olives do not give us their oil except under tremendous pressure. Gethsemane means in Hebrew Olive press. Did the oil that poured out of Jesus' experience in Gethsemane still survive to bless and consecrate mankind? Oil was used for everything. it was used for cleansing it was used for anointing kings and priests, for food, for heat, for light.Perhaps we are given a picture here of the oil that poured out of intense human experiences… From Warren's notes in his wide-margin KJV Bible on Cobbey's comments on Zech. 4:12, 14 (B3)]

[Cobbey Crisler PS2 on Luke 8: 40-48: Jesus healing woman with “the issue of blood”. In his Commentary on Luke 8:41-48 (B19) Cobbey Crisler sets the stage for how the woman who had been hemorrhaging for 12 years was healed by touching the hem of Jesus’ garment. “The woman… is at the absolute desperate end of a rope. Here we find the receptivity. Blessed are those are in this state. Happy are those because the state of mind can be changed.
“This radical change of thought was in the presence of the Christ-correction that Jesus was exercising in the mental realm. It’s going to be sufficient and the woman feels that it will help her. [See PS3 also.) She’s lost all her money on physicians.[No health insurance…] Mark even tells us that she’s worse because of that choice. [Mark 5:26] All she does is touch the border of his garment. The issue of blood, the continuous hemorrhaging that had occurred for twelve years had kept her out of the temple, kept her out of worship and made her as unclean as the lepers…
“In Luke 8, Verse 48 he calls that lady, “Daughter.” Who’s daughter? Certainly, not his. In fact, he lifts that word “daughter” entirely out of any sense of blood relationship. That was the woman’s problem. He lifts even her identity out of blood.
“Daughter, be of good comfort” (Verse 48). Look at how he’s addressing the thought of that woman. Not only the precious relationship to God, but the comfort. She hasn’t experienced that in twelve years. She’d lost all her money. She was about to be thrown on the society. There was nowhere to go when you were thrown on society. That may have happened to the woman who had been a sinner. Prostitution was the only open career for many women when they were simply thrown out and discarded from normal humanity…
Jesus refuses to allow that woman to walk away from the scene thinking that physical contact with his robe had anything to do with the healing. [See PS4 too] He says, again, “Your faith hath made you whole.” The word “whole” and the word “heal” in Anglo-Saxon have the identical root. It implies that disease is something less than wholeness, that it is a fragmentation of our being. Healing is the condition of being made whole.” Luke the Researcher, B. Cobbey Crisler, p. 163, 164]

[PS3 The Tzitzit or tassels “on the wings” (hem or border) of Jesus’ prayer shawl are prophesied in the book of Malachi to impart healing power; and many who followed Jesus, including the woman in Luke 8:43-44 who reached out to touch the tassels on the hem of his prayer shawl, would have been aware of this Old Testament prophesy. (“ unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; … Remember ye the law of Moses my servant, which I commanded unto him in Horeb… Mal. 4:2, 4). In biblical days, as today, the purpose of tassels on “the wings” of a prayer shawl is to remind the wearer of the importance and power of keeping the 10 Commandments. At CedarS Bible Lands Park this week over 300 campers, staff and adult helpers (led by a time-travelling “Moses”) will “touch the fringes of eternity” (Hymn 64) represented by the 10 Commandments as each visitor tries on a prayer shawl and promises, as a cabin or program group, to keep each commandment in its modern-day applications as listed in the first Download. See Met PS2 and pictures and text Downloads in CedarS online Met.]

[PS4 See Cobbey Crisler on John 14:5-26 in Downloads in CedarS online Met.


[Bracketed italics above and in each CedarS Met were added by CedarS Director and Met "Founder"/Editor, Warren Huff, who’s forever grateful for all the good already received and LETTING 3 ONGOING NEEDS BE KNOWN –
Significant funding is still needed for these special opportunities:
1. It is apparent that getting many to camp will depend on "Love's Provision" of campership assistance.
Could you be one of the angels who gives towards camperships and the life-altaring and life-altering experiences they provide at CedarS?]

2. Over 100 needed items are featured on CedarS Giving Tree that could fit the budget of every grateful Met-recipient and camper. You can choose for yourself $1-and-up ways to give to support CedarS needs. Click here to see 2 young alumni tell their reasons to give.

3. Adopt the Herd” Matching Opportunity! Generous donors, aware of the ongoing need to care for CedarS herd, will match donations for our horse program! (~$15k needed to reach $50k goal)]

[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 friends who have requested it. However, current and planned gifts are a big help and are greatly appreciated in defraying the costs of running this service and of providing needed camperships, programs and operations support. Click http://www.cedarscamps.org/giving/ for more about how you can provide even monthly support online. Or you can always call the Huffs at 636-394-6162 get information or discuss privately how to transfer securities or other assets to help support and perpetuate CedarS work.]

[You can also reach a member of the Founding family nearly anytime by
PHONE at 636-394-6162
or MAIL your tax-deductible support to our 501C3 organization
(Our not-for-profit, Federal Identification Number is #440-66-3883):

The CedarS Camps, Inc.
1314 Parkview Valley Drive
Ballwin, MO 63011

THANKS TO YOU PRECIOUS DONORS FOR YOUR ONGOING, GENEROUS and NEEDED SUPPORT OF CedarS IMPORTANT WORK!

[The Met application ideas above are provided primarily to help CedarS campers and staff (as well as friends) see and daily demonstrate the great value of studying and applying the Christian Science Bible lessons throughout the year, not just at camp! YOU CAN ALSO SIGN UP for weekly emails from past CedarS staff of possible ways to share Bible Lesson applications with older, as well as younger, Sunday School classes by clicking the "Subscribe Now" button (lower left) at http://www.cedarscamps.org/metaphysical/ ]

[For additional "Director's Notes" on the history, development & 4 translations of CedarS weekly Bible Lesson "Mets" go to Notes in our online online version of it.]

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