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Accept the promise, “nothing shall by any means hurt you.”
Metaphysical Application Ideas for the Christian Science Bible Lesson on

“Are Sin, Disease, and Death Real?”
April 8-14, 2019

by Rick Stewart CS, Wormser Str 30, Dresden, Germany 01309
rickstewartcs@aol.com +49 351 312 4736 +49 176 32 33 6080

Are sin, disease, and death real? What a question to consider!

Ask the world. Ask the billions of earth’s residents, ask the university faculties, the staff of health clinics, heads of the great pharmaceutical companies, workers in laboratories and research facilities, and yes even ask in most seminaries. Ask most people in the world and your answer will certainly be, “Yes. Sin, disease and death are real!”

But if you ask most people that are studying this week’s Christian Science Bible Lesson and your answer will probably be, “No. Sin, disease, and death are not real.”

And you might say that this disparity comes from your point of view regarding, reality. The study of this week’s Bible Lesson gives clues to the view of reality that Jesus Christ taught regarding this subject.

And the Golden Text? It forms a key link to discovering what Christ Jesus knew and taught. The Golden Text for this week’s lesson is found in the Gospel of Luke, Luke 10:19, and it is part of a conversation that Jesus had with some of his students as they returned from a healing and preaching mission.

“nothing shall by any means hurt you.” The entire verse reads, “Behold, I give you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and NOTHING SHALL BY ANY MEANS HURT YOU.” See Ken Cooper’s monologues related to the Golden Text in W’s PS#1.]

This verse and the whole chapter of Luke 10 sheds light on why the world’s people and institutions would answer, Yes, and those reading Luke 10 as [radical] disciples of Christ Jesus would answer, No.

Other verses in this chapter perhaps tell us the difference. Luke 10: 8, 9: “And into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you: and heal the sick that are therein and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come night unto you.”

There is the crux, the world view versus the kingdom of God view. They are not the same. Whereas Jesus lived constantly in the kingdom of God and according to its rules, laws, and truths, those in and of the world live(d) according to the laws of the material world. In the material world sin, disease and death appear very real.

The following citations from Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy shows the Christian Science view of Jesus instruction to his disciples, SH 328:14–30

“This understanding of man's power, when he is equipped by God, has sadly disappeared from Christian history. For centuries it has been dormant, a lost element of Christianity. Our missionaries carry the Bible to India, but can it be said that they explain it practically, as Jesus did, when hundreds of persons die there annually from serpent-bites? Understanding spiritual law and knowing that there is no material law, Jesus said: “These signs shall follow them that believe, … they shall take up serpents, and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them. They shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.” It were well had Christendom believed and obeyed this sacred saying.

“Jesus' promise is perpetual. Had it been given only to his immediate disciples, the Scriptural passage would read you, not they.”

(SH 328:14-30)

So, there you have it. Let’s discover together what this lesson offers and see how actual demonstrations have proven that sin, disease and death are indeed not real!

Responsive Reading Isaiah 40:4, 5, 10, 11; 11:6, 9; Hebrews 12:12, 13

The Responsive Reading introduces a world where God shall reveal to all flesh His glory and that He shall care as a Shepherd for His creation. And shall “lift up the hands that hang down and the feeble knees…straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.”

The promise begins right there. God revealing a world where various forms of disease, dis ease, are healed, rather than just endured.

Section 1: Wake to the promise of Good’s reality.

In this section the Psalmist, the prophet Isaiah, and the author of Revelation set the stage.

“Yea, the Lord shall give that which is good;” (B1 | Psalms 85:12)

“And the inhabitant shall not say, I am sick: the people that dwell therein shall be forgiven their iniquity.” (B2 | Isaiah 33:24)

“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” (B4 | Revelation 21: 4)

Shall it be thought unimaginable that the author of Science and Health was actually willing to embrace a view of reality that harmonized with both Old and New Testament reality? A view where with an understanding of God, the realities of the “kingdom of God” as Jesus described it, allowed harmony to prevail?

In citation S3 Mary Baker Eddy writes,

“There is neither a present nor an eternal copartnership between error and Truth, between flesh and Spirit. God is as incapable of producing sin, sickness, and death as He is of experiencing these errors. How then is it possible for Him to create man subject to this triad of errors, — man who is made in the divine likeness?” (S3 | 356:17)

For some this is a new frontier, a new view of reality. Some have never thought of God as a “very present help in trouble” as regarding health and healing. But it is clearly an individual’s right of choice.

In the textbook of Christian Science, Science and Health, it is clearly stated, at the beginning of Chapter XIII, Teaching Christian Science how important it is not to judge another’s experience, each working out their own salvation according to their light. Also respecting an individual’s decision to seek out “certain ordinary physical treatment.”

On page SH 444:7 Mary Baker Eddy writes, “If Christian Scientists ever fail to receive aid from other Scientists, –their brethren upon whom they may call—God will still guide them into the right use of temporary and eternal means. Step by step will those who trust Him find that “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

I like to think of a prayerful openness, a willingness to listen and be guided each time we seek healing. In my life and in my family I have seen countless examples of spiritual healing and what might be called miraculous cures that I would not see as miraculous but divinely natural.

As my wife and I have worked out the care for our four children, it is never a clash but a harmonizing. Both of us responding to the situation as love would lead. And I have been very grateful for the care of loving surgeons and doctors. For example, years ago when our son Johann was injured on the slide of a public swimming pool my wife and I were grateful for the services of a surgeon who took a look and quickly stitched it up practically painlessly.

I remembered page 401 in Science and Health, “Until the advancing age admits the efficacy and supremacy of Mind, it is better for Christian Scientists to leave surgery and the adjustment of broken bones and dislocations to the fingers of a surgeon, while the mental healer confines himself chiefly to mental reconstruction and to the prevention of inflammation.” (SH 401:27-32)

The healing was quick and left no scar. But I was grateful that my wife’s rights were supported and that I could pray continuously. The results were a complete and perfect healing. And never about any kind of conflict!

Section 2: Superiority to sickness and sin!

Sin, oh no this is terrible! A sinner? Well, probably. Am I a sinner? Born to sin? Governed by various terrible sins? You are God’s child act like it!

I have always found it helpful to know a little more about what the word “sin” means. The Greek New Testament word, “hamartia” had the sense of a failure, being in error, missing the mark especially in the sport of spear throwing. And in Hebrew, “hata” originates from archery and literally refers to missing the “gold” at the center of the target, but hitting the target, ie. error. To sin from a Greek concordance is defined as to “miss the mark.”

So, you did not get a bull’s eye as we might say today. A mistake. An error. Certainly there is hope of healing!

The following passages from our Pastor, the Bible and Science and Health, I find very encouraging where I know I have “missed the mark.”

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” (B8 | Jeremiah 29:11)

“And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the Lord of hosts.” (B9 | Malachi 3:11)

“sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.” (B10 | Romans 6:14)

“To hold yourself superior to sin, because God made you superior to it and governs man, is true wisdom. To fear sin is to misunderstand the power of Love and the divine Science of being in man’s relation to God, — to doubt His government and distrust His omnipotent care.” (S10 | 231:20–25)

If a sin is simply missing the mark—making a mistake—then must the healing of sin be something difficult? As I was trying to complete this Met for CedarS friends I was finding a growing frustration within my thought. I was trying to write the Met without a mouse for my laptop. Now some folks can use the little pad area of the laptop without a problem. I am not one of those people. It was really difficult for me. And I was tempted to blame my daughter Alma. I believed she had been the one that had broken my mouse and would not admit it. So I am not sure where the sin lay. Was it in Alma not admitting what I thought the actual case was? Or was it Papa belaboring the point and paying the cost in misery as I tried to use my laptop?

Suddenly as I worked on the Met in our Reading Room with ever growing frustration, I thought, “Oh A-Z electronics is just three stores away. I can buy a new mouse.” And so I did. For the grand price of 4.99 euros. Problem solved. Frustration gone. Met proceeded. And could you say the so-called sin was laid aside for harmony? Actually the belief in sin or a sin had acted to paralyze the activity of good. Letting go of blame, false belief, and frustration opened the door to a very easy solution.

I asked myself, “Am I holding onto to a belief of sin in any other areas that can (also) be easily resolved?”

Section 3: Live in agape, great love for humanity and do good.

Paul, encouraged the Christian church at Corinth with a letter. In chapter 13 of this letter he spoke of what the King James Version translated as “charity” and what in Biblical terms is known as “agape.” This agape love is a love for humanity and the desire to do others well. His encouragement to live patiently, with kindness, without envy, without arrogance, not boastful,nor conceited, not rude or ill-mannered, think well of others, and is not happy with others failings but in the truth.

In 1890 a book was published by Henry Drummond, a Scottish evangelist. It is entitled, “The Greatest Thing in the World.” It is a beautiful study of I Corinthians 13. Here is a link where you can read this book if you do not already have it.

http://www.brainybetty.com/2007Motivation/Henry%20Drummond%20-%20The%20Greatest%20Thing%20in%20the%20World.pdf

Years ago I read in a biography of Mary Baker Eddy that she said she would have written a book about Love from I Corinthians 13 but that Henry Drummond did such a good job of it, he saved her the trouble. In trying to find that reference I found the following from the Mary Baker Eddy Library research.

“Did Mary Baker Eddy have anything to say about Henry Drummond and “The Greatest Thing in the World”?

Henry Drummond (1851–1897) was a Scottish evangelist. His book on First Corinthians 13, The Greatest Thing in the World and other Addresses, was first published in 1890.

In the May 1913 issue of The Christian Science Journal, Kate Davidson Kimball mentioned Drummond and his book. “Mrs. Eddy once said she had intended to write such a book herself,” she recalled, “but Professor Drummond had done it so well that he had saved her the effort.”

We’ve been unable to find any additional information concerning this comment. Kimball and her husband Edward A. Kimball, a Christian Science teacher and lecturer, were both students of Mary Baker Eddy, who may have conveyed what Mrs. Kimball recalled simply through conversation.”

https://www.marybakereddylibrary.org/research/did-mary-baker-eddy-have-anything-to-say-about-henry-drummond-and-his-book-on-first-corinthians-13-the-greatest-thing-in-the-world/

Section 4: Fear and fever healed in a moment with Peter’s mother-in-law.

Quick healings and preserving the atmosphere of health in our households is a laudable Christian exercise. Snuff out error or mistake or disease at the first suggestion! The Psalmist tells us we do not have to accept every suggestion of disease that comes to our door.

“Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the Most High, thy habitation; There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.” (B16 | Psalms 91:9, 10)

And remember Jesus knew the Jewish Bible! He knew it inside and out and would have been well-acquainted with that verse from Psalm 91. Perhaps it was even the basis for his healing prayer? Because look what he did in Peter’s house.

“And when Jesus was come into Peter’s house, he saw his wife’s mother laid, and sick of a fever. And he touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose, and ministered unto them. When the even was come, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils: and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick:” (B17 | Matthew 8:14–16, See W’s PS on citation B17.)

You know this healing is one of my absolute favorites in all of the healings from the Bible. It destroys two false beliefs or impositions in one healing. First, instantly dispelling a fever. Second, allowing Peter’s mother-in-law the freedom to serve the Master and her other guests with gracious love and hospitality.

I always loved the way my mother referred to her daughters-in-law. She called them her “daughters in love!” It is time to dispel false concepts of mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law. Mother-in-Love. Daughter-in-Love.

Section 5: Know what Christ knows about death!

What do I want to know about death? Should I do an internet search? YouTube? How about turning to your Pastor? What if it is the middle of the night? Do I want to wake Pastor Brown? He has enough to do, I shouldn’t bother him. But how about the Christian Scientist’s pastor? Available 24 hours a day. Instant access. No busy signal or problem with internet connections!

“The Christian Science Pastor!!!!!!

It’s common for people to look to a pastor when they need guidance, comfort, healing, or a deeper sense of purpose. The Christian Science Pastor is available to offer this kind of nurturing and mentoring around the clock. That’s because the worldwide Church of Christ, Scientist has just one universal, permanent Pastor.

Mary Baker Eddy, who discovered and founded Christian Science, wanted her Church’s Pastor to be as pure, constant, and powerful as God’s Word itself. To this end, in 1895 she ordained as Pastor both the Bible and her book, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, which opens up the Bible in its application to all human needs. Together, these two books are a mentor, spiritual resource, and timeless guide open to all—a Pastor for the world.” https://www.christianscience.com/the-christian-science-pastor

We know that Jesus lived with an eternal awareness of the Christ consciousness. He thought with the Mind of Christ. And so when Jesus received the news that one of his best friends was sick, he planned to go visit. He waited a couple of days and then Jesus knew or stated, “This sickness is not unto death.” But what did the Christ know about Lazarus, he only slept!

“Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep. Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well. Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep. Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead. And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him.” [B18 | John 11:11-15 See W’s PS on citation B18 & B19.]

Maybe you do not have an answer regarding death? But your Wayshower, your Savior, the Christ does have an answer. An answer through demonstration!

As Mary Baker Eddy writes in Science and Health,

“Christ is the true idea voicing good, the divine message from God to men speaking to the human consciousness. The Christ is incorporeal, spiritual, — yea, the divine image and likeness, dispelling the illusions of the senses; the Way, the Truth, and the Life, healing the sick and casting out evils, destroying sin, disease, and death.” (S25 | 332:9–15)

Dig into your Pastor. Let Jesus’ works and the works of prophet and apostles show you how Life overcomes death. That man lives by divine decree in unceasing manifestation of Life eternal.

Section 6: Wake to Life. “Lazarus come forth.” [W’s PS on B18 & B19.]

Jesus called Lazarus and Lazarus responded. [W: Note a connection all the references to “called” and “so-called” in last week’s Christian Science Bible lesson on “Unreality”]

Mary Baker Eddy writes,

”Jesus restored Lazarus by the understanding that Lazarus had never died, not by an admission that his body had died and then lived again. Had Jesus believed that Lazarus had lived or died in his body, the Master would have stood on the same plane of belief as those who buried the body, and he could not have resuscitated it.” (S26 | 75:13)

“The fact that the Christ, or Truth, overcame and still overcomes death proves the “king of terrors” to be but a mortal belief, or error, which Truth destroys with the spiritual evidences of Life; and this shows that what appears to the senses to be death is but a mortal illusion, for to the real man and the real universe there is no death-process.” (S27 | 289:14)

Is this not what our deepest desire is, to know as our Master did the nothingness of death and the allness of Life divine?

The following testimonies from the Christian Science periodicals point us in the direction our Master walked.


THE LORD'S DOING

By W. A. R.

From the August 1884 issue of The Christian Science Journal

“I had been thinking long and deeply on the nature and office of the "Stone which the builders rejected." I felt as never before His promise, "I am with you always," to be true; for He was present with me indeed—the Paraclete, the blessed Comforter. Then I felt armed to go forth to do His work, and started on my daily errands of mercy.

The home of one of my patients was in a town located on the banks of the Androscoggin. While there, I received a message from a mother to come and help prepare her babe for burial.

The child had been struck with death since midnight, the nurse told me, and when I arrived was lying in its mother's arms, pale and gasping.

"Not to lay out the dead, but to prevent death, is my mission," I told the parents, and at my request they laid the baby in its cradle. Before long it opened its eyes and looked around. By twelve o'clock it slept a natural sleep, and after the third treatment it was laughing and playing about the house, gaining in flesh, and growing as if no rude belief had ever tried to shock its sweet life from the earth. Then I bowed my head, and blessed "the Stone which the builders rejected," for in the power of His might had I done this thing.” W. A. R.


I was an invalid when Christian Science found me, and…

By E. Kate Howell

From the February 2, 1929 issue of the Christian Science Sentinel

“I was an invalid when Christian Science found me, and a doctor had told me that he had done all he could for me. I had liver, stomach, heart, bowel, and other troubles. I had already heard of Christian Science, and after the doctor's verdict I wrote to a practitioner asking for treatment, and was quickly healed.

“I was a Bible student,and found it a great joy to study "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" by Mary Baker Eddy, for it answered all the difficult questions that had arisen in my study of the Scriptures. I have found a satisfying plan of salvation in Christian Science, a plan that includes the healing of all our diseases and the pardoning of all our iniquities. It is over thirty years since my acceptance of Christian Science and my first healing and during this time I have witnessed many healings that might be called marvels. I have seen that which mortals call death overcome through right reasoning and spiritual understanding as taught in Christian Science, and the person awaken as from a deep sleep. Jesus said we should do "greater works" than he did; and Mrs. Eddy has strengthened his teachings by giving us "precept upon precept; line upon line" to guide us in our work. And it is being proved all over the world that Christian Science applied does heal and bless.”

(Mrs.) E. Kate Howell, San Diego, California.

Section 7: Defeating the triad of evil, sin, disease, and death.

The following rousing commands come to us directly from our Master, Christ Jesus.

“Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” [B22 | Luke 10:19 See Golden Text and W’s PS#1.]

“Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.” (B 23 | Matthew 10:80

Christ Jesus gave these rousing commands to his followers and I cannot imagine that Jesus would ask of us what is not possible. He encouraged and shepherded his disciples. His disciples in all time to come.

In over forty years of Christian Science healing practice I have seen healings of many diseases, quite a few cases of what might be called sin healed, and on a couple of occasions seen death fade away to reveal Life.

Has it always been easy? No. When were the greatest challenges? When I let creep in a belief of personal sense or personal defeat or accomplishment. Knowing that God was the one and only source of healing has always been a huge help. And the verse below that is a part of this lesson has on an infinite number of occasions come to my rescue!

“Hold perpetually this thought, — that it is the spiritual idea, the Holy Ghost and Christ, which enables you to demonstrate, with scientific certainty, the rule of healing, based upon its divine Principle, Love, underlying, overlying, and encompassing all true being.” (S31 | 496:15)

The answer I strive to demonstrate every single day, “Are sin, disease and death real?” Absolutely not!


[Reminder: Click here for special Cobbey Crisler and Ken Cooper insights this week.]


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