How we rise - lifting and shifting/affirmation and denial/watching and discerning - Part 1
Word Count: 3500 words of or 30 minutes
At a time of contagious disease, Christian Scientists endeavor to rise in consciousness to the true sense of the omnipotence of Life, Truth, and Love, and this great fact in Christian Science realized will stop a contagion. (The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany, Mary Baker Eddy, p. 116:2)
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What happens when we rise in consciousness to the true sense of God’s omnipotence? Rising in consciousness - lifting ourselves up from the weight and confusion of material sense and shifting to a freeing, weightless and empowering spiritual sense - is the action that happens in healing. This lift and shift in thought removes the pretense of blockages to progress and reveal more of who we are spiritually - exempt from disease and danger of any kind.
Our thought, buoyed with the inspiration and understanding of the revelation of Christian Science, and building upon the generations of proofs of healing in this Science, rises through the dark waters of mortal mind with the naturalness of a released balloon once held underwater. Released from illusive weights, thought continues to rise. To keep our thought so filled with divine Love is our duty to God, to our Leader and to humanity. It results in actions that are self-correcting, and God-directed.
The rising work is the corrective work:
As we rise, thought is corrected, just as light displaces the darkness. The light reflected by loving God and ourselves as we do others are the most helpful correctives. This is seen in how we live– the honor, obedience, and love we have for God, is reflected in the grace, respect, and dignity we afford to others. This is the basis for our consistent healing work that we can let “shine on a hill so that others may see your good works.” Our practicing the law of Love brings light to the dissolving darkness and opens the way to establish laws that are just and progressive for all mankind - a corrective to all humanity.
The corrective work is repentance. You must identify all that is unlike God that tries to claim you, and repent and be born again, many times over, until thought is a transparency for God. This is letting your light shine. “Repent ( re-think from a whole new standpoint - reach for a new higher dimension) for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matt 3: 2). With multiple challenges - individually and globally - it may feel that we are lovingly being forced (or being graciously prepared) to accept that the ONLY way out of mortal and materially based quandaries is by rising in consciousness to understand the omnipotence of God, our oneness with God. The human concept of life must be evangelized/re-thought!
We must know ourselves spiritually and scientifically (See SH 359: 11). There is no power to keep us earthbound. We naturally rise higher and higher from a boundless basis. And in this movement of rising thought, we naturally move to a newer higher view. We have repented, rethought the mortal narrative and found it false, and replaced it with a new and higher view.
How we rise:
1 - Know God’s reality and focus all efforts on it
2 - Overthrow, rebel, contradict, resist, and reject error and sin
3 - Rise to, reach for and rest in the glorious conclusion that you are infinite, immortal
Handling animal magnetism in this age
We may think that now is the most dangerous and most complicated time of all times. But that is the nature of animal magnetism. Animal magnetism has no power in and of itself. It needs power- someone to believe it. And humanity many times obliges. It isolates and exaggerates and tries to hold one’s focus. It hypnotizes with the false claim that this time is unique, more dangerous, more special, and that no one understands just how bad things are. But mortal mind only knows how to repeat itself. These are old stories. And the Christ has conquered every one of these dangers. Christian Science opens our eyes to see the powerlessness of evil and the omnipotence of God and gives us proof to see that nothing is impossible to God.
“Unless one's eyes are opened to the modes of mental malpractice, working so subtly that we mistake its suggestions for the impulses of our own thought, the victim will allow himself to drift in the wrong direction without knowing it. Be ever on guard against this enemy. Watch your thoughts, and see whether they lead you to God and into harmony with His true followers. Guard and strengthen your own citadel more strongly. Thus you will grow wiser and better through every attack of your foe, and the Golden Rule will not rust for lack of use or be misinterpreted by the adverse influence of animal magnetism. (Miscellany, p. 213:15)
What are the forms of animal magnetism today? (Discussion and write on whiteboard or poster board)
The lesson here is we do not need to analyze evil, need not dig into the nothingness of its origin; but let it be revealed and destroyed in the light of Truth. Know God, Truth, and Its light will illumine the error to be destroyed.
So what we have here, is the still, small, voice of God - a mustard seed if you will - that packs the omnipotence "the roar" that flushes out and then sends evil, disease, sin, running. That still, small voice of Truth - condensed into a laser focus that annihilates everything unlike God - also likened to the timbre and intensity of a lion’s roar whose roar can be heard for many miles and over mountains, cuts through dense jungles and forests, renews bonds, paralyzes its enemies, and establishes its territory. The still small voice of God prevails - cuts through the miasma of the mortal narrative, stops the so-called action/influence of mortal mind, establishes the permanence of our oneness with God, and claims its territory as the kingdom of heaven - which reigns "as in heaven, so on earth, God is omnipotent, supreme."
I was really blessed with a mom with whom after you had a conversation with her - as my husband said - I always feel like I am a better person! Well, imagine that 100 fold when we commune with our Father-Mother God. Part of loving ourselves is being alert and fully immersing ourselves in the Holy Spirit which further heightens our alertness. To what? To what is of God and what isn’t - the operations of error.
“When false human beliefs learn even a little of their own falsity, they begin to disappear. A knowledge of error and of its operations must precede that understanding of Truth which destroys error, until the entire mortal, material error finally disappears, and the eternal verity, man created by and of Spirit, is understood and recognized as the true likeness of his Maker.” (Science and Health, 252:7)
Watch! We increase our awareness, and alertness in our watches as we discern error’s operations, and expose false human beliefs that may try to creep in as your own thought.
There are four aggressive lies that feed contagion by suggesting that disease is the only power. We are alert to and guard against these aggressive suggestions by claiming and exercising our God given dominion.
Mary Baker Eddy’s watches and instructions in prayer to her students and household bring out the detail and exactness of Science in exposing, denouncing and destroying all evidence of evil: (Please note - many of these citations come from direct sources. You can click on the blue numbers to go to those sources.)
IMPERSONALIZE ERROR. Do not multiply it
DEFUSE PERSONALITY - attach no personality to individuality
+++++How we rise Part 2- Church shows us how
Word count: 6800 or 55 minutes plus 20 minutes discussion time or 75 minutes total
Long hast thou stood O Church of God
Church as our Defense, our Rock, our stronghold, our collective demonstration
Church unites us into a movement of thought that must push on the ages.
“Jesus established his church and maintained his mission on a spiritual foundation of Christ-healing. He taught his followers that his religion had a divine Principle, which would cast out error and heal both the sick and the sinning. He claimed no intelligence, action, nor life separate from God.”
(Science and Health, p. 136:1–6)
“Built on the rock, our church will stand the storms of ages: though the material superstructure should crumble into dust, the fittest would survive, — the spiritual idea would live, a perpetual type of the divine Principle it reflects.” (Misc p. 140)
Church represents the highest ideals of what we understand about the power of good and how we can practice that good together. This is where we:
And let us not be weary in well-doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
Lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees;
And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.
For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
Yes, the power and purity of Church can break new ground for progress and reform. It can elevate the race, rouse us to new levels of spiritual activism. Uniting in Church we can love with open arms, heal the most stubborn discords, and unleash a creative and beautiful momentum of Love that is unstoppable.
Church needs to be thought of as more than a denomination whose self-serving purpose is to get more people into the seats.
Church as foundation; Church as defense, our collective demonstration
CHURCH. The structure of Truth and Love; whatever rests upon and proceeds from divine Principle.
The Church is that institution, which affords proof of its utility and is found elevating the race, rousing the dormant understanding from material beliefs to the apprehension of spiritual ideas and the demonstration of divine Science, thereby casting out devils, or error, and healing the sick.
(Science and Health, p. 583:12–19)
Right now, we are seeing major shifts in those institutions that largely protect and direct our well-being.
Institutions of learning, of safety, those that govern our economic well-being, health institutions, and more.
But there is only one institution that takes the highest ideals of humanity and has the capacity to unite us: CHURCH
Church unites us in meaning. And united in meaning, there is a divine energy that brings out the fact that we are more together than we are apart. Church represents a collective demonstration that lifts thought into higher spiritual ideals. This is the collective institution that can bring healing.
And with one God - one Love, one Life, one Truth - we find the one pur- pose we are all governed by-Love. This is not dogmatic, and is not about creed. It is about our actions. Church is about actions that heal. About living a life of purpose and joining with others who are ready to do so.
“CS Lewis, Christian theologian, observed that almost all crimes of Christian history have come about when religion is confused with politics. Politics allures us to exchange grace for power, a temptation the church has often been unable to resist.” - Philip Yancey, author
MBEddy saw this temptation as she founded The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and established rules that would protect and maintain its highest ideals.
“The RULES of Church were necessary,” writes MBEddy, “ and I made a code of by-laws, but each one was the fruit of experience and the result of prayer.” (My, p. 343:23–25)
“This church is impartial. Its rules apply not to one member only, but to one and all equally. Of this I am sure, that each Rule and By-law in this Manual will increase the spirituality of him who obeys it, invigorate his capacity to heal the sick, to comfort such as mourn, and to awaken the sinner.” (The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany, Mary Baker Eddy, p. 230:9)
This is a dynamic CHURCH! Its spiritual foundation of Christ-healing proceeds from divine Principle. And it is expansive, responsive, effective, vigorous and vital! “WHATEVER rests upon and proceeds from divine Principle” stirs our inspiration, enlarges our expectations and desires to innovate and fulfill ALL of what Church can be.
I hope you all enjoyed the reading of the Church Manual. Please feel free to share your insights in this section as we explore ALL of what Church can be.
At a meeting of the Christian Scientist Association, April 12, 1879, on motion of Mrs. Eddy, it was voted, — To organize a church designed to commemorate the word and works of our Master, which should reinstate primitive Christianity and its lost element of healing. (Manual of The Mother Church, Mary Baker Eddy, p. 17:8)
(Note: This Church was dissolved in 1889, the same year that MBEddy closed the College and worked on a major revision of SH. Then in 1891, she published the landmark 50th edition of SH. In 1892 - Church of Christ (Scientist) was reorganized as The First Church of Christ, Scientist. However, the church services from 1889 to 1892 continued uninterrupted.)
On the twenty-third day of September 1892, at the request of Rev. Mary Baker Eddy, twelve of her students and Church members met and reorganized, under her jurisdiction, the Christian Science Church and named it, The First Church of Christ, Scientist. (Manual of The Mother Church, Mary Baker Eddy, p. 18:12)
THE FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST, IN BOSTON, MASS., is designed to be built on the Rock, Christ; even the understanding and demonstration of divine Truth, Life, and Love, healing and saving the world from sin and death; thus to reflect in some degree the Church Universal and Triumphant. (Manual of The Mother Church, Mary Baker Eddy, p. 19:1)
Discussion
What does this major step of establishing, dissolving, and reorganizing Church say to us today? One can see that the vision for Church grew! The spiritual foundation of Christ-healing was not dissolved, but the mission for Church grew even wider. Christian Science still commemorates the word and works of our Master, and Church is active in “reinstat(ing) primitive Christianity and its lost element of healing” but the platform has expanded so that Church is seen to be established on the Rock, to be determined by its action of healing and saving the world, and in its broadest and infinite range - it reflects - to our human understanding - IN SOME DEGREE - the Church Universal and Triumphant. Church has an infinite scope - breadth and reach. “In some degree” what a humble acceptance of the infinite breadth and depth of CHURCH!
How does one fulfill the largeness of the mission for the Christian Science Church? And this is where we have the By-laws and Rules that show us how.
Readings: Turn (Miscellaneous Writings 1883–1896, Mary Baker Eddy, p. 148:7–21)
The Rules and By-Laws in the Manual of The First Church of Christ, Scientist, Boston, originated not in solemn conclave as in ancient Sanhedrin. They were not arbitrary opinions nor dictatorial demands, such as one person might impose on another. They were impelled by a power not one's own, were written at different dates, and as the occasion required. They sprang from necessity, the logic of events, — from the immediate demand for them as a help that must be supplied to maintain the dignity and defense of our Cause; hence their simple, scientific basis, and detail so requisite to demonstrate genuine Christian Science, and which will do for the race what absolute doctrines destined for future generations might not accomplish. (also in the Manual of The Mother Church, Mary Baker Eddy, p. 3:1)
Discussion
From this, you can extrapolate that each By-law ( think Sunday School by-law; the Welcoming Strangers by-law; the Rule for Motives and Acts by-law; and so on) wasn’t handed down to us by some elite group. Each by-law isn’t arbitrary, dictatorial, nor is it an imposition.
Each by-law is necessary, there is a demand for them. Each one is there to maintain the dignity and defense of our Cause. Each of the by-laws and rules is needed to demonstrate Christian Science. Our obedience to them will help us become better healers, and comforters for one another. Our obedience to them will keep us alert and awake. What a firm foundation we have in these by-laws that not only benefit us now, but will benefit those in the future!
With a nod to Cathy and Ron - who already have worked with these ideas for our branch church, we’ll be talking about
Key to the prosperity of Christian Science: Church Services and Duties of Reader (Article 14-20 and Article 3)
Part 1 - The Readers and the Lesson-Sermon
Reading the above-stated by-laws gives a full scope of the role of Readers and the full spectrum of prayer and actions necessary to make the Church services healing, vibrant and engaging!
MBEddy puts the mantel of Church on these Weekly Bible Lessons:
SLIDE#8 Here’s a favorite poem from JSH
The Reader PraysGRACE K. STICHT
Dear God, this is a sacred, selfless hour.
May I be clothed with Christ's humility
And know Thine is the glory and the power.
Not person but Thy likeness may men see.
I cannot fear when I am serving Thee
That any evil power can do me wrong.
The desk—the very place I love to be--
Is not a target but a fortress strong.
Lord, bless the ones who gather here today,
Who reach out for the truth to make them free.
For each heart filled with suffering or dismay
Must drop its burdens, healed while praising Thee.
I pray Thy voice and only Thine be heard
That rings out with Thy love so clear and sweet
It gives the perfect meaning of Thy Word--
For I, too, listen humbly at Thy feet.
Key to the prosperity of Christian Science: Church Services and Welcoming strangers (Articles 14-19 and Article 3)
Part 2: “Welcoming Strangers” to our Church and prayerful support for our services and those who host, put on and attend these services
Although all members have a role in supporting Church Services, the role of the usher is certainly critical as the ushers represent the first face of the Church for those entering the first time or for those who are regular attendees. Our Church services are the core of our Church activities. Now that many are reporting new faces at Church and online, the role of the Usher Committee seems to grow in importance with this in two ways:
ARE WE READY TO WELCOME MORE STRANGERS?
It is interesting that this By-Law Article 16 is one of seven articles in the Church Manual that make up our Church services. The other articles being 1st- the Christian Science Pastor; then Reading in Public; Welcoming Strangers is third; then Services Uninterrupted; Communion; Music in the Church; Sunday School. If we look at these seven components as necessary for the full expression of Church services, then we can conclude that welcoming strangers is just as necessary a component of Church Services as is our Pastor, or Sunday School, etc! Wow!
The Communion Hymn (Hymnal, No. 298) has this wide-open welcome!
Prayerful support for the Church Service
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Key to the prosperity of Christian Science: Church and all Children (Article 20)
Part 3: Loving all children “Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them” Matt 19:14
“Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.” Luke 18:17
If we don’t “get” children, there is no way we are going to “get” Church.
The success of our Church and the future of our Churches can be seen in the love we have for children. Hmmmm. Something to think about! Remember the Manual by-law for Church Services includes the Sunday School as one of the seven requirements for each church.
Children’s official role in Church can start at age 12.
“Children when Twelve Years Old. Sect. 3. Children who have arrived at the age of twelve years, who are approved, and whose applications are countersigned by one of Mrs. Eddy's loyal students, by a Director, or by a student of the Board of Education, may be admitted to membership with The Mother Church.”
(Manual, p. 35:1)
The Sunday School’s course of instruction that is set in the Manual ensures the vibrant and exacting relevance of Christian Science to our children’s lives. There is nothing in a child’s or teen’s experience that cannot be answered and responded to by the Sunday School Lessons. These words can be brought to life by teachers who are committed, loving, and experienced in Christian Science.
“Subject for Lessons. Sect. 3. The first lessons of the children should be the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20: 3–17), the Lord's Prayer (Matt. 6: 9–13), and its Spiritual Interpretation by Mary Baker Eddy, Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5: 3–12). The next lessons consist of such questions and answers as are adapted to a juvenile class, and may be found in the Christian Science Quarterly Lessons, read in Church services. The instruction given by the children's teachers must not deviate from the absolute Christian Science contained in their textbook.”
(Manual, p. 62:24)
But what of the resistance that sometimes shows up to serve in the Nursery, to serve as a Sunday School teacher like :
“Too busy, can't relate, can't physically do the job. “ These are just some of the forms of resistance that would try to take away the dancing joy, spontaneity, sparkling love, and vivacity that belong in Church and that children and all who are childlike bring. A commitment to children is a commitment to the future, and is a commitment to fulfill all of what Church can be.
We are all childlike. The following citations help to reverse any claims of resistance, invisibility, being obsolete, redundant, dispensable or unnecessary – and reveal the warm welcome and delight shared with all children who come to our Church.
Let's start with the embrace the childlikeness of each member. What a fun treatment - to assure that we accept children means to accept our childlikeness remains ever open and vibrant!
Then we open thought to welcome the innocence and inquiry of the children in our city - a city for which each of our churches are named. Think of it! Each church’s name is unique - no other church IN THE WORLD has that name, and that the name includes the name of a city - a geographical location - means there is a connection and a responsibility each church has to the city after which it is named.
Responding to the demand: Reading Room and Lecture activity (Article 21 and Article 25, sect 7, 8; Article 31 and Article 32)
Here are some highlights of By-laws that help guide and strengthen our ability to respond to the demand for healing:
SLIDE
Reading Rooms
Article 21 Establishment. Section 1. Each church of the Christian Science denomination shall have a Reading Room, …..provided these rooms are well located.
….(Note that Article 2 LIBRARIAN relates to TMC RR - not directed to branch churches, but often adopted.
Literature in Reading Rooms. Sect. 3. The literature sold OR exhibited in the Reading Rooms of Christian Science Churches shall consist only of Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, by Mary Baker Eddy, and other writings by this author; also the literature published or sold by The Christian Science Publishing Society. ...
Article 15 Books to be Published. Sect. 8. Only the Publishing Society of The Mother Church selects, approves, and publishes the books and literature it sends forth…..(Manual, 63:12–9; 81:20–9)
Board of Lectureship
Article 31 Duty of Lecturers. Sect. 2. It is the duty of the Board of Lectureship to include in each lecture a true and just reply to public topics condemning Christian Science, and to bear testimony to the facts pertaining to the life of the Pastor Emeritus.(Manual 93:10–15)
Church Periodicals (written by the Christian Science field for the larger field)
Article 8 Church Periodicals. Sect. 14. It shall be the privilege and duty of every member, who can afford it, to subscribe for the periodicals which are the organs of this Church; and it shall be the duty of the Directors to see that these periodicals are ably edited and kept abreast of the times. (Manual, p. 44:16)
Being “well -located” - a requirement for Reading Rooms - and addressing “public topics condemning Christian Science” - a requirement for Lectures - speaks of our Church’s requirements to be accessible to our communities and to be relevant and aware of what our communities need and are demanding and how Christian Science is already addressing that demand OR how Christian Science is not well known and COULD address that demand.
We are being challenged today with less members, more tasks, and a more pronounced demand for justice, peace, and health for all. These are actually challenges in every decade. Mortal mind presents the same dulling arguments in repetitive mediocrity in each age.
However, “Divine Love always has met and always will meet every human need.” (Science and Health 494: 10), and so it is today. We see a growing awareness of the spiritual and metaphysical illlustrating that “Belief in a material basis, from which may be deduced all rationality, is slowly yielding to the idea of a metaphysical basis, looking away from matter to Mind as the cause of every effect.” (Science and Health, p. 268:6–9)
Our public church services heal and regenerate and comfort. And through our Reading Room work of having literature “sold or exhibited” and our lectures focusing on “ public topics,” we have some dynamic channels to demonstrate divine Love’s answers and meet the demand today.
Is the demand real? Yes!
The demand for the spiritual answers given in our textbook are as real today as they were a century ago. Mrs. Eddy writes: “ I am the author of the Christian Science textbook, “Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures;” and the demand for this book constantly increases.” (Miscellany, p. 305:15–17)
And “This age is reaching out towards the perfect Principle of things; is pushing towards perfection in art, invention, and manufacture. ... It will never do to be behind the times in things most essential, which proceed from the standard of right that regulates human destiny. … Metaphysical healing, or Christian Science, is a demand of the times. Every man and every woman would desire and demand it, if he and she knew its infinite value and firm basis. (Misc. p. 232:6–8, 10–12, 21–24)
Do we have what it takes to respond to this demand? Yes!
The desire to do good and to love our neighbor as ourselves, and to serve God and man fulfills our duties to God, our Leader and to all mankind. ( See “Alertness to Duty” by-law). The same promise God gave to Job is our promise today. “And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before”. (Job 42:10)
Why is this so? “Whatever holds human thought in line with unselfed love, receives directly the divine power.” (Science and Health, p. 192:30) Praying for ourselves, our friends and for the city which our branch church is named after is blessed by God.
So the answer is simple, and one we have known all along. It is to love God and our neighbor as ourselves - the two greatest commandments.
Jesus echoes Deuteronomy's statement in 6:5 when he responds to the question: ... Which is the first commandment of all? And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these. (Mark 12:28–31)
We are all in. We commit to seeing the Church come to perfect bloom as we love. We love - with all our heart, soul, mind and strength! And this perfect Love casts out fear, so we can move forward fearlessly, boldly, and in a take-the-lid-off kind of way, we can love as it reflects the tireless and divine Love. And our Church is filled with this healing love - it is our guide, our protection, and source of healing!
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The infrastructure supporting the extension of Church: Finances and government (Art 23 sect 1, 7, 10 and Art 24 sect 5, Art 25 sect 2)
The spiritual infrastructure of our individual lives as members enables us to practice “legitimate Christian Science, aflame with divine Love.” What is this spiritual infrastructure? Look at these explanations of a Christian Scientist:
Looking at the organizational infrastructure - The role of the Clerk, the Board, and tech and house maintenance staff– comprising that sometimes unquestioned and taken-for-granted invisible machine keeping our churches running - what needs to be highlighted and more fully appreciated here? What dust needs to be shaken off? What freedom and innovation can be revealed?
Operating as a branch church, we will find that the closer we stay to the by-laws and understand them, and are obedient to them, the more efficient, effective, and buoyant our Church becomes! Mrs Eddy writes: “Of this I am sure, that each Rule and By-law in this Manual will increase the spirituality of him who obeys it, invigorate his capacity to heal the sick, to comfort such as mourn, and to awaken the sinner.” (My. p. 230:10) Understand and stay close to the By-laws– not as restrictions, but as enabling guides.
Mrs. Eddy ran her household and movement based on Principle. These ideas are so relevant to how we run our own lives, households, and churches.
"The indoor household was run on the same basis as the outdoor estate:
From MARY BAKER EDDY: THE YEARS OF AUTHORITY | page 12
Looking at the financial structure of Church
All financial exchanges are symbolic of valuing Christian Science, our work and each other - such as benevolence, contributions and collections, and even in the Reading Room . Having “literature sold” speaks to how we value Christian Science. For example, by selling literature we give others the ability for others to “own” the Comforter with no hidden agenda. There’s dignity in that, as there is dignity and empowerment in giving benevolence, there is a united sense of joy and fellowship in letting people contribute their richness - their gratitude, ideas, and time; and graciously giving, receiving and collecting funds, people’s time and ideas, that help forward the noble mission of Church.
We can also look at how we work the financial angle of our Church with the story of the talents. How are we using our talents?
Questions to consider with every action that it aligns with the tried and true Rules and by-laws that lead all to healing and regeneration:
Our guidelines for Church include answering these questions for each activity we are doing or plan to do:
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DISCUSSION and review
All about Churches: The Bible Lesson on Spirit in February, 2022, was a detailed and instructive lesson on strengthening, rebuking, chastising and recognizing the early churches’virtues, sins, and what is needed for progress.
SLIDE - See KA2022 Seven churches chart on separate attachment
Taking a look at this chart gives us two things that I can see
1 - an understanding of the tenacity of Church and how the Christ message is still being heard!
2 - patterns of mortal mind to be alert to and patterns of those churches who thrived and why
Take 5-10 minutes to read and then be prepared to answer these questions. Note that green highlights are for those churches showing progress.
Discussion
What surprised you?
What did you agree with?
What did you not agree with or have questions?
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Word Count: 3500 words of or 30 minutes
At a time of contagious disease, Christian Scientists endeavor to rise in consciousness to the true sense of the omnipotence of Life, Truth, and Love, and this great fact in Christian Science realized will stop a contagion. (The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany, Mary Baker Eddy, p. 116:2)
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What happens when we rise in consciousness to the true sense of God’s omnipotence? Rising in consciousness - lifting ourselves up from the weight and confusion of material sense and shifting to a freeing, weightless and empowering spiritual sense - is the action that happens in healing. This lift and shift in thought removes the pretense of blockages to progress and reveal more of who we are spiritually - exempt from disease and danger of any kind.
Our thought, buoyed with the inspiration and understanding of the revelation of Christian Science, and building upon the generations of proofs of healing in this Science, rises through the dark waters of mortal mind with the naturalness of a released balloon once held underwater. Released from illusive weights, thought continues to rise. To keep our thought so filled with divine Love is our duty to God, to our Leader and to humanity. It results in actions that are self-correcting, and God-directed.
The rising work is the corrective work:
As we rise, thought is corrected, just as light displaces the darkness. The light reflected by loving God and ourselves as we do others are the most helpful correctives. This is seen in how we live– the honor, obedience, and love we have for God, is reflected in the grace, respect, and dignity we afford to others. This is the basis for our consistent healing work that we can let “shine on a hill so that others may see your good works.” Our practicing the law of Love brings light to the dissolving darkness and opens the way to establish laws that are just and progressive for all mankind - a corrective to all humanity.
The corrective work is repentance. You must identify all that is unlike God that tries to claim you, and repent and be born again, many times over, until thought is a transparency for God. This is letting your light shine. “Repent ( re-think from a whole new standpoint - reach for a new higher dimension) for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matt 3: 2). With multiple challenges - individually and globally - it may feel that we are lovingly being forced (or being graciously prepared) to accept that the ONLY way out of mortal and materially based quandaries is by rising in consciousness to understand the omnipotence of God, our oneness with God. The human concept of life must be evangelized/re-thought!
We must know ourselves spiritually and scientifically (See SH 359: 11). There is no power to keep us earthbound. We naturally rise higher and higher from a boundless basis. And in this movement of rising thought, we naturally move to a newer higher view. We have repented, rethought the mortal narrative and found it false, and replaced it with a new and higher view.
How we rise:
1 - Know God’s reality and focus all efforts on it
- RISE - There is but one way to heaven, harmony, and Christ in divine Science shows us this way. It is to know no other reality — to have no other consciousness of life — than good, God and His reflection, and to rise superior to the so-called pain and pleasure of the senses. (SH p. 242:9)
- RISE - Fixing your gaze on the realities supernal, you will rise to the spiritual consciousness of being, even as the bird which has burst from the egg and preens its wings for a skyward flight.(SH p. 261:27)
2 - Overthrow, rebel, contradict, resist, and reject error and sin
- RISE - Rise in the conscious strength of the spirit of Truth to overthrow the plea of mortal mind, alias matter, arrayed against the supremacy of Spirit. ...Instead of blind and calm submission to the incipient or advanced stages of disease, rise in rebellion against them. ...Mentally contradict every complaint from the body, and rise to the true consciousness of Life as Love, — as all that is pure, and bearing the fruits of Spirit. ...... Rise in the strength of Spirit to resist all that is unlike good. God has made man capable of this, and nothing can vitiate the ability and power divinely bestowed on man. (SH. 390:32–2; 391:7–9, 29–32; 393:12)
3 - Rise to, reach for and rest in the glorious conclusion that you are infinite, immortal
- RISE - rise above the testimony of the material senses, above the mortal to the immortal idea of God. These clearer, higher views inspire the Godlike man to reach the absolute centre and circumference of his being. (SH p. 262:10)
Handling animal magnetism in this age
We may think that now is the most dangerous and most complicated time of all times. But that is the nature of animal magnetism. Animal magnetism has no power in and of itself. It needs power- someone to believe it. And humanity many times obliges. It isolates and exaggerates and tries to hold one’s focus. It hypnotizes with the false claim that this time is unique, more dangerous, more special, and that no one understands just how bad things are. But mortal mind only knows how to repeat itself. These are old stories. And the Christ has conquered every one of these dangers. Christian Science opens our eyes to see the powerlessness of evil and the omnipotence of God and gives us proof to see that nothing is impossible to God.
“Unless one's eyes are opened to the modes of mental malpractice, working so subtly that we mistake its suggestions for the impulses of our own thought, the victim will allow himself to drift in the wrong direction without knowing it. Be ever on guard against this enemy. Watch your thoughts, and see whether they lead you to God and into harmony with His true followers. Guard and strengthen your own citadel more strongly. Thus you will grow wiser and better through every attack of your foe, and the Golden Rule will not rust for lack of use or be misinterpreted by the adverse influence of animal magnetism. (Miscellany, p. 213:15)
What are the forms of animal magnetism today? (Discussion and write on whiteboard or poster board)
- Contagion in many forms - disease; hatred, violence, gossip, heredity, - all “bad” ideas being cherished or accepted either through means fraudulent, malicious, ignorant or simply associative - a bland acceptance that because others are accepting all forms of contagion, we will accept!
- Types of contagion - COMMON CONSENT
- “... Floating with the popular current of mortal thought without questioning the reliability of its conclusions, we do what others do, believe what others believe, and say what others say. Common consent is contagious, and it makes disease catching….People believe in infectious and contagious diseases, and that any one is liable to have them under certain predisposing or exciting causes. …If only the people would believe that good is more contagious than evil, since God is omnipresence, ... as David taught: “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.”(Miscellaneous Writings 1883–1896, Mary Baker Eddy, pp. 228:20, 24–2; 229:9–10, 16 as)
- “... Floating with the popular current of mortal thought without questioning the reliability of its conclusions, we do what others do, believe what others believe, and say what others say. Common consent is contagious, and it makes disease catching….People believe in infectious and contagious diseases, and that any one is liable to have them under certain predisposing or exciting causes. …If only the people would believe that good is more contagious than evil, since God is omnipresence, ... as David taught: “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.”(Miscellaneous Writings 1883–1896, Mary Baker Eddy, pp. 228:20, 24–2; 229:9–10, 16 as)
- PERSONALITY or PERSONAL CONTAGION- That which communicates evil from one to another; infection; that which propagates mischief; as the contagion of vice or of evil examples.
- Narcissism and the overblown aggrandizement of self and its flip side of crippling self-doubt
- Apathy - a result of being overwhelmed, fearful and wanting to check out
- Personality - "No persons can grow into Christian Science until they have grown out of attaching themselves to personality either through fear, love, or hate." (Mary Baker Eddy quoted in “Christian Healer” by von Fettweis and Warneck. p. 230)
- “In times of religious or scientific prosperity, certain individuals are inclined to cling to the personality of its leader. This state of mind is sickly; it is a contagion — a mental malady, which must be met and overcome. Why? Because it would dethrone the First Commandment, Thou shalt have one God.... there is no personal worship, for God is divine Principle, Love. Hence the sin, the danger and darkness of personal contagion.” (The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany, Mary Baker Eddy, p. 116:1, 6, 13 there)
- “In times of religious or scientific prosperity, certain individuals are inclined to cling to the personality of its leader. This state of mind is sickly; it is a contagion — a mental malady, which must be met and overcome. Why? Because it would dethrone the First Commandment, Thou shalt have one God.... there is no personal worship, for God is divine Principle, Love. Hence the sin, the danger and darkness of personal contagion.” (The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany, Mary Baker Eddy, p. 116:1, 6, 13 there)
- Narcissism and the overblown aggrandizement of self and its flip side of crippling self-doubt
- HATRED - Pestilence; a pestilential disease; venomous exhalations.
- Hatred - Polarization which argues for separation/isolation/domination/division
- “Because I thus feel, I say to others: Hate no one; for hatred is a plague-spot that spreads its virus and kills at last. If indulged, it masters us; brings suffering upon suffering to its possessor, throughout time and beyond the grave. If you have been badly wronged, forgive and forget: God will recompense this wrong, and punish, more severely than you could, him who has striven to injure you. Never return evil for evil; and, above all, do not fancy that you have been wronged when you have not been. The present is ours; the future, big with events.” (Misc, p. 12:1–11)
- Hatred - Polarization which argues for separation/isolation/domination/division
- MORAL CONTAGION -
- Morality deals with the behavioral actions of humanity as social beings. Can lead to spiritual understanding; Can lead to belief that man is both physical and spiritual.
- “The description of man as purely physical, or as both material and spiritual….is the Pandora box, from which all ills have gone forth, especially despair. Matter, which takes divine power into its own hands and claims to be a creator, is a fiction, in which paganism and lust are so sanctioned by society that mankind has caught their moral contagion.” (Science and Health, . 170:28)
- Morality deals with the behavioral actions of humanity as social beings. Can lead to spiritual understanding; Can lead to belief that man is both physical and spiritual.
- THE REMEDY: GOD and the understanding of the omnipotence of Truth, Life, and Love;
- Christian Science treatment can be guided largely by listening to “the still, small voice” -the inaudible voice of Truth that roars through consciousness, transforming it and resulting in health and peace restored. Here are some key ideas:
- The “still, small voice” of scientific thought reaches over continent and ocean to the globe's remotest bound. The inaudible voice of Truth is, to the human mind, “as when a lion roareth.” It is heard in the desert and in dark places of fear. It arouses the “seven thunders” of evil, and stirs their latent forces to utter the full diapason of secret tones. Then is the power of Truth demonstrated, — made manifest in the destruction of error.” (Science and Health, . 559:8–16)
- Christian Science treatment can be guided largely by listening to “the still, small voice” -the inaudible voice of Truth that roars through consciousness, transforming it and resulting in health and peace restored. Here are some key ideas:
The lesson here is we do not need to analyze evil, need not dig into the nothingness of its origin; but let it be revealed and destroyed in the light of Truth. Know God, Truth, and Its light will illumine the error to be destroyed.
So what we have here, is the still, small, voice of God - a mustard seed if you will - that packs the omnipotence "the roar" that flushes out and then sends evil, disease, sin, running. That still, small voice of Truth - condensed into a laser focus that annihilates everything unlike God - also likened to the timbre and intensity of a lion’s roar whose roar can be heard for many miles and over mountains, cuts through dense jungles and forests, renews bonds, paralyzes its enemies, and establishes its territory. The still small voice of God prevails - cuts through the miasma of the mortal narrative, stops the so-called action/influence of mortal mind, establishes the permanence of our oneness with God, and claims its territory as the kingdom of heaven - which reigns "as in heaven, so on earth, God is omnipotent, supreme."
- SUMMARY
- Hymn 74 sings out: What though the seven thunders roll? / That still small voice shall make thee whole.(Christian Science Hymnal, No. 74:2) There is no place for error to go. It is gone.
- Hymn 74 sings out: What though the seven thunders roll? / That still small voice shall make thee whole.(Christian Science Hymnal, No. 74:2) There is no place for error to go. It is gone.
I was really blessed with a mom with whom after you had a conversation with her - as my husband said - I always feel like I am a better person! Well, imagine that 100 fold when we commune with our Father-Mother God. Part of loving ourselves is being alert and fully immersing ourselves in the Holy Spirit which further heightens our alertness. To what? To what is of God and what isn’t - the operations of error.
“When false human beliefs learn even a little of their own falsity, they begin to disappear. A knowledge of error and of its operations must precede that understanding of Truth which destroys error, until the entire mortal, material error finally disappears, and the eternal verity, man created by and of Spirit, is understood and recognized as the true likeness of his Maker.” (Science and Health, 252:7)
Watch! We increase our awareness, and alertness in our watches as we discern error’s operations, and expose false human beliefs that may try to creep in as your own thought.
There are four aggressive lies that feed contagion by suggesting that disease is the only power. We are alert to and guard against these aggressive suggestions by claiming and exercising our God given dominion.
- One is that Christian Science does not heal.
- This statement is born of fear
- Whether it is individuals who look to the shadows of the material picture as Cause.
- Isolating one case out of context of the whole record of Christian Science healing
- Not understanding the scope of Christian healing and mistaking the law of Love for an alternative form of healing
- Isolating one case out of context of the whole record of Christian Science healing
- or groups praying against Science - their fear and envy that Christian Science DOES heal
- Fearful of loss of members to Christian Science starts disseminating misinformation and prejudice.
- Fear that they may be wrong about their theology.
- Fearful of loss of members to Christian Science starts disseminating misinformation and prejudice.
- Whether it is individuals who look to the shadows of the material picture as Cause.
- Yet, the law of Love is always operating; Truth is always the victor, Love never fails. Divine Love is all-inclusive and tenderly, persistently guides each one of Her ideas toward a greater sense of God’s love to all humanity.
- “Christian Science heals organic disease as surely as it heals what is called functional, for it requires only a fuller understanding of the divine Principle of Christian Science to demonstrate the higher rule.” (Science and Health, p. 162:25)
- One healing demonstration of a divine Principle proves that healing is possible for all. “My conclusions were reached by allowing the evidence of this revelation to multiply with mathematical certainty and the lesser demonstration to prove the greater, as the product of three multiplied by three, equalling nine, proves conclusively that three times three duodecillions must be nine duodecillions, — not a fraction more, not a unit less.” (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, Mary Baker Eddy, p. 108:12)
- All discord comes from a wrong sense of man’s origin. All harmony stems from the right understanding of OUR Father-Mother God. “Have we not all one father? hath not one God created us? (Malachi 2:10)
- This statement is born of fear
- Another lie is that Christian Science heals partially and needs other methods.
- This thinking reflects an aggressive pervasive medical model that would put on the same basis a pill for a prayer; it would fragment divine Principle into body parts that you may or may not heal. Yet man is whole, intact.
- The omnipotent God by its very definition of omnipotence means God needs no other power to buoy it up.
- “If Mind is foremost and superior, let us rely upon Mind, which needs no cooperation from lower powers, even if these so-called powers are real….” (Science and Health, p. 144:3)
- “When we realize that Life is Spirit, never in nor of matter, this understanding will expand into self-completeness, finding all in God, good, and needing no other consciousness.” (Science and Health p. 264:15)
- This thinking reflects an aggressive pervasive medical model that would put on the same basis a pill for a prayer; it would fragment divine Principle into body parts that you may or may not heal. Yet man is whole, intact.
- Another lie is that Christian Science heals, but it cannot heal me.
- This comes from a self-centered fear or doubt, a feeling that you are outside of God’s care; its flip-side is narcism - it argues that you can operate outside of God’s omnipresence.
- You are not outside of the omnipresence of all-inclusive Love
- “The belief that man has existence or mind separate from God is a dying error. This error Jesus met with divine Science and proved its nothingness.” (Science and Health p. 42:19)
- (Man) is the compound idea of God, including all right ideas;....that which has no separate mind from God; that which has not a single quality underived from Deity; that which possesses no life, intelligence, nor creative power of his own, but reflects spiritually all that belongs to his Maker.” (Science and Health, p. 475:14)
- This comes from a self-centered fear or doubt, a feeling that you are outside of God’s care; its flip-side is narcism - it argues that you can operate outside of God’s omnipresence.
- Another lie is that Christian Science heals, but I do not possess sufficient spiritual understanding to succeed in healing
- This comes from a sense that you are the creator and what you don’t know will be the cause of harm to you; also that Christian Science is too far out of reach for you and its standard is too high for you. Yet Christian Science, aka the law of Love, explains who you are as the beloved of Love.
- Christian Science healing is about divine acknowledgement, not human achievement.
- God loves you. God is merciful. God’s grace is sufficient for you.
- “Some individuals assimilate truth more readily than others, but any student, who adheres to the divine rules of Christian Science and imbibes the spirit of Christ, can demonstrate Christian Science, cast out error, heal the sick, and add continually to his store of spiritual understanding, potency, enlightenment, and success.(Science and Health p. 462:1)
- “Individuals are consistent who, watching and praying, can “run, and not be weary; . . . walk, and not faint,” who gain good rapidly and hold their position, or attain slowly and yield not to discouragement.” (Science and Health, p. 254:2–6)
- “Jesus said (John viii. 51), “If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death.” …. When man gives up his belief in death, he will advance more rapidly towards God, Life, and Love. Belief in sickness and death, as certainly as belief in sin, tends to shut out the true sense of Life and health. When will mankind wake to this great fact in Science?” (Science and Health p. 429:31)
- This comes from a sense that you are the creator and what you don’t know will be the cause of harm to you; also that Christian Science is too far out of reach for you and its standard is too high for you. Yet Christian Science, aka the law of Love, explains who you are as the beloved of Love.
- DAILY PRAYER for your practice (ALL CAPS for emphasis!)
- REALIZE CONSTANTLY THAT NO MORTAL MIND (SO-CALLED) CAN EFFECT YOU OR MAKE YOU BELIEVE YOU CANNOT CURE YOUR PATIENTS. THERE IS NO MALICE, NO ENVY, NO WILL POWER. ARGUE THIS WAY.
- REALIZE CONSTANTLY THAT NO MORTAL MIND (SO-CALLED) CAN EFFECT YOU OR MAKE YOU BELIEVE YOU CANNOT CURE YOUR PATIENTS. THERE IS NO MALICE, NO ENVY, NO WILL POWER. ARGUE THIS WAY.
Mary Baker Eddy’s watches and instructions in prayer to her students and household bring out the detail and exactness of Science in exposing, denouncing and destroying all evidence of evil: (Please note - many of these citations come from direct sources. You can click on the blue numbers to go to those sources.)
IMPERSONALIZE ERROR. Do not multiply it
- In 1894 Mrs. Eddy told Laura Sargent to tell them ( the household staff of “watchers”):Mother said in the old way mortal belief had one devil [and] now it had many; but we should no longer call it they, but evil.
- She said when we take up our watch, we do not help her with our thought; we simply clear our own thought of the belief of evil, and this is getting rid of our thought and getting out of God’s way so the Light can shine through, and this blessed Light helps us and all in its shining. This is the blessed, blessed way from sense to soul.75
- Come in God’s name –On the second day of 1900, Mrs. Eddy instructed her watchers:“Hear O Israel, for the Lord our God is one God.” You are not to come in your own name to pray;
- All power is God’s
- You are only to come in the divine strength and know that God will rule and does, and that hypnotism and evil minds cannot and do not control men nor governments. All power is God, good. This is my only formula to Christian Scientists for prayer; and God will give you faith that you can remove mountains.76
- Do not seek to manipulate another’s thought but trust God to communicate to His children
- Do not try to debate, convince, or persuade
- you are not to try to control any mind.
- Do not try to debate, convince, or persuade
DEFUSE PERSONALITY - attach no personality to individuality
- No hatred or revenge in thought
- Later in 1900, concerning the Woodbury lawsuit, ( Note: Josephine Woodbury turned against Christian Science and publicly attacked MBE) Mrs. Eddy wrote to Joseph Armstrong:. . . See all the watchers and especially Mr. Farlow, and tell them that Mother says they must not pray over this subject of court with any hatred or resentment in their thought.
- Later in 1900, concerning the Woodbury lawsuit, ( Note: Josephine Woodbury turned against Christian Science and publicly attacked MBE) Mrs. Eddy wrote to Joseph Armstrong:. . . See all the watchers and especially Mr. Farlow, and tell them that Mother says they must not pray over this subject of court with any hatred or resentment in their thought.
- Personality holds no influence
- They must not take up Woodbury personally or refer to her personally, but when they pray, they must know that evil and lies cannot sway the judgment of the Court, and that the Judge of the whole earth will govern the judges, and they will do right. 77
- There is no personality, and this is more important to know than that there is no disease. Christian Healer, p. 229
- They must not take up Woodbury personally or refer to her personally, but when they pray, they must know that evil and lies cannot sway the judgment of the Court, and that the Judge of the whole earth will govern the judges, and they will do right. 77
- In 1903 Mrs. Eddy wrote a prayer for the watchers to work with:
- The effect of this prayer is not reversed. God, good, reigns, there is no other mind.*** Love reigns, there is no hatred, no envy, no revenge. All things are working together for good to those that love good. We do love good, God, and He gives us all our thoughts, motives, and governs all our acts. The divine Life preserves our life and health, and they cannot be taken from Christian Scientists, and Christian Scientists cannot be made sinful. We love God, and God loves us and is guiding us every moment. This prayer cannot be reversed! This prayer bears fruit after its own kind. It does good, it blesses us and all others. 78
- ***I would add to this: there is no self-doubt, anxiety, moral blindness, apathy, ridicule, sarcasm, disbelief in good. Love reigns.)
- ***I would add to this: there is no self-doubt, anxiety, moral blindness, apathy, ridicule, sarcasm, disbelief in good. Love reigns.)
- The effect of this prayer is not reversed. God, good, reigns, there is no other mind.*** Love reigns, there is no hatred, no envy, no revenge. All things are working together for good to those that love good. We do love good, God, and He gives us all our thoughts, motives, and governs all our acts. The divine Life preserves our life and health, and they cannot be taken from Christian Scientists, and Christian Scientists cannot be made sinful. We love God, and God loves us and is guiding us every moment. This prayer cannot be reversed! This prayer bears fruit after its own kind. It does good, it blesses us and all others. 78
- Mary Baker Eddy’s advice to her students was prompted by her understanding of the essential need for healing to be quick and complete in order to turn humanity’s thought to God as “supreme in the physical realm, so-called, as well as in the spiritual.”79
- Healing is a sign of Immanuel - or God with us. So the point of healing is not a healthy body - although that is an effect - healing reveals God’s supremacy and our relation to God.
- Healing is a sign of Immanuel - or God with us. So the point of healing is not a healthy body - although that is an effect - healing reveals God’s supremacy and our relation to God.
+++++How we rise Part 2- Church shows us how
Word count: 6800 or 55 minutes plus 20 minutes discussion time or 75 minutes total
Long hast thou stood O Church of God
Church as our Defense, our Rock, our stronghold, our collective demonstration
Church unites us into a movement of thought that must push on the ages.
“Jesus established his church and maintained his mission on a spiritual foundation of Christ-healing. He taught his followers that his religion had a divine Principle, which would cast out error and heal both the sick and the sinning. He claimed no intelligence, action, nor life separate from God.”
(Science and Health, p. 136:1–6)
“Built on the rock, our church will stand the storms of ages: though the material superstructure should crumble into dust, the fittest would survive, — the spiritual idea would live, a perpetual type of the divine Principle it reflects.” (Misc p. 140)
Church represents the highest ideals of what we understand about the power of good and how we can practice that good together. This is where we:
- Galatians 6:2, 9
And let us not be weary in well-doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
Lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees;
And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.
For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
Yes, the power and purity of Church can break new ground for progress and reform. It can elevate the race, rouse us to new levels of spiritual activism. Uniting in Church we can love with open arms, heal the most stubborn discords, and unleash a creative and beautiful momentum of Love that is unstoppable.
Church needs to be thought of as more than a denomination whose self-serving purpose is to get more people into the seats.
Church as foundation; Church as defense, our collective demonstration
CHURCH. The structure of Truth and Love; whatever rests upon and proceeds from divine Principle.
The Church is that institution, which affords proof of its utility and is found elevating the race, rousing the dormant understanding from material beliefs to the apprehension of spiritual ideas and the demonstration of divine Science, thereby casting out devils, or error, and healing the sick.
(Science and Health, p. 583:12–19)
Right now, we are seeing major shifts in those institutions that largely protect and direct our well-being.
Institutions of learning, of safety, those that govern our economic well-being, health institutions, and more.
But there is only one institution that takes the highest ideals of humanity and has the capacity to unite us: CHURCH
Church unites us in meaning. And united in meaning, there is a divine energy that brings out the fact that we are more together than we are apart. Church represents a collective demonstration that lifts thought into higher spiritual ideals. This is the collective institution that can bring healing.
And with one God - one Love, one Life, one Truth - we find the one pur- pose we are all governed by-Love. This is not dogmatic, and is not about creed. It is about our actions. Church is about actions that heal. About living a life of purpose and joining with others who are ready to do so.
“CS Lewis, Christian theologian, observed that almost all crimes of Christian history have come about when religion is confused with politics. Politics allures us to exchange grace for power, a temptation the church has often been unable to resist.” - Philip Yancey, author
MBEddy saw this temptation as she founded The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and established rules that would protect and maintain its highest ideals.
“The RULES of Church were necessary,” writes MBEddy, “ and I made a code of by-laws, but each one was the fruit of experience and the result of prayer.” (My, p. 343:23–25)
“This church is impartial. Its rules apply not to one member only, but to one and all equally. Of this I am sure, that each Rule and By-law in this Manual will increase the spirituality of him who obeys it, invigorate his capacity to heal the sick, to comfort such as mourn, and to awaken the sinner.” (The First Church of Christ, Scientist, and Miscellany, Mary Baker Eddy, p. 230:9)
This is a dynamic CHURCH! Its spiritual foundation of Christ-healing proceeds from divine Principle. And it is expansive, responsive, effective, vigorous and vital! “WHATEVER rests upon and proceeds from divine Principle” stirs our inspiration, enlarges our expectations and desires to innovate and fulfill ALL of what Church can be.
I hope you all enjoyed the reading of the Church Manual. Please feel free to share your insights in this section as we explore ALL of what Church can be.
At a meeting of the Christian Scientist Association, April 12, 1879, on motion of Mrs. Eddy, it was voted, — To organize a church designed to commemorate the word and works of our Master, which should reinstate primitive Christianity and its lost element of healing. (Manual of The Mother Church, Mary Baker Eddy, p. 17:8)
(Note: This Church was dissolved in 1889, the same year that MBEddy closed the College and worked on a major revision of SH. Then in 1891, she published the landmark 50th edition of SH. In 1892 - Church of Christ (Scientist) was reorganized as The First Church of Christ, Scientist. However, the church services from 1889 to 1892 continued uninterrupted.)
On the twenty-third day of September 1892, at the request of Rev. Mary Baker Eddy, twelve of her students and Church members met and reorganized, under her jurisdiction, the Christian Science Church and named it, The First Church of Christ, Scientist. (Manual of The Mother Church, Mary Baker Eddy, p. 18:12)
THE FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST, IN BOSTON, MASS., is designed to be built on the Rock, Christ; even the understanding and demonstration of divine Truth, Life, and Love, healing and saving the world from sin and death; thus to reflect in some degree the Church Universal and Triumphant. (Manual of The Mother Church, Mary Baker Eddy, p. 19:1)
Discussion
What does this major step of establishing, dissolving, and reorganizing Church say to us today? One can see that the vision for Church grew! The spiritual foundation of Christ-healing was not dissolved, but the mission for Church grew even wider. Christian Science still commemorates the word and works of our Master, and Church is active in “reinstat(ing) primitive Christianity and its lost element of healing” but the platform has expanded so that Church is seen to be established on the Rock, to be determined by its action of healing and saving the world, and in its broadest and infinite range - it reflects - to our human understanding - IN SOME DEGREE - the Church Universal and Triumphant. Church has an infinite scope - breadth and reach. “In some degree” what a humble acceptance of the infinite breadth and depth of CHURCH!
How does one fulfill the largeness of the mission for the Christian Science Church? And this is where we have the By-laws and Rules that show us how.
Readings: Turn (Miscellaneous Writings 1883–1896, Mary Baker Eddy, p. 148:7–21)
The Rules and By-Laws in the Manual of The First Church of Christ, Scientist, Boston, originated not in solemn conclave as in ancient Sanhedrin. They were not arbitrary opinions nor dictatorial demands, such as one person might impose on another. They were impelled by a power not one's own, were written at different dates, and as the occasion required. They sprang from necessity, the logic of events, — from the immediate demand for them as a help that must be supplied to maintain the dignity and defense of our Cause; hence their simple, scientific basis, and detail so requisite to demonstrate genuine Christian Science, and which will do for the race what absolute doctrines destined for future generations might not accomplish. (also in the Manual of The Mother Church, Mary Baker Eddy, p. 3:1)
Discussion
From this, you can extrapolate that each By-law ( think Sunday School by-law; the Welcoming Strangers by-law; the Rule for Motives and Acts by-law; and so on) wasn’t handed down to us by some elite group. Each by-law isn’t arbitrary, dictatorial, nor is it an imposition.
Each by-law is necessary, there is a demand for them. Each one is there to maintain the dignity and defense of our Cause. Each of the by-laws and rules is needed to demonstrate Christian Science. Our obedience to them will help us become better healers, and comforters for one another. Our obedience to them will keep us alert and awake. What a firm foundation we have in these by-laws that not only benefit us now, but will benefit those in the future!
With a nod to Cathy and Ron - who already have worked with these ideas for our branch church, we’ll be talking about
- The key to the prosperity of Christian Science: Church Services and Duties of Reader and Sunday School (Article 14-20 and Article 3)
- Responding to the demand: Reading Room and Lecture activity (Article 21 and Article 25, sect 7, 8; Article 32)
- The infrastructure supporting the continuity of Church: Finances and government (Art 23 sect 1, 7, 10 and Art 24 sect 5, Art 25 sect 2)
Key to the prosperity of Christian Science: Church Services and Duties of Reader (Article 14-20 and Article 3)
Part 1 - The Readers and the Lesson-Sermon
Reading the above-stated by-laws gives a full scope of the role of Readers and the full spectrum of prayer and actions necessary to make the Church services healing, vibrant and engaging!
MBEddy puts the mantel of Church on these Weekly Bible Lessons:
- “.... the reading of the Sunday lesson, — a lesson on which the prosperity of Christian Science largely depends.” (Manual of The Mother Church, Mary Baker Eddy, p. 31:4–9 The)
- It shall be the duty of every member of The Mother Church, who is a First Reader in a Church of Christ, Scientist, to enforce the discipline and by-laws of the church in which he is Reader. (Manual of The Mother Church, Mary Baker Eddy, p. 32:26)
- In a letter to all First Readers to pray daily for the press and clergy, MBEddy’s message read in part: "I request that you pray once every day for the principal Editors of the principal periodicals, in your city, and for the clergymen in your pulpits. The lying influence sent forth to deceive our clergymen and our pressmen, would, 'if possible, deceive the very elect.' This must be met with a counteracting influence through prayer. Let Truth be heard above error, and God will bless your efforts. Jesus saith, 'All things are possible to him who believeth.'” (The Mary Baker Eddy Library LO2605)
SLIDE#8 Here’s a favorite poem from JSH
The Reader PraysGRACE K. STICHT
Dear God, this is a sacred, selfless hour.
May I be clothed with Christ's humility
And know Thine is the glory and the power.
Not person but Thy likeness may men see.
I cannot fear when I am serving Thee
That any evil power can do me wrong.
The desk—the very place I love to be--
Is not a target but a fortress strong.
Lord, bless the ones who gather here today,
Who reach out for the truth to make them free.
For each heart filled with suffering or dismay
Must drop its burdens, healed while praising Thee.
I pray Thy voice and only Thine be heard
That rings out with Thy love so clear and sweet
It gives the perfect meaning of Thy Word--
For I, too, listen humbly at Thy feet.
Key to the prosperity of Christian Science: Church Services and Welcoming strangers (Articles 14-19 and Article 3)
Part 2: “Welcoming Strangers” to our Church and prayerful support for our services and those who host, put on and attend these services
Although all members have a role in supporting Church Services, the role of the usher is certainly critical as the ushers represent the first face of the Church for those entering the first time or for those who are regular attendees. Our Church services are the core of our Church activities. Now that many are reporting new faces at Church and online, the role of the Usher Committee seems to grow in importance with this in two ways:
- Welcoming Strangers (See Article XVI Welcoming Strangers ) into the Church building and online.
- Metaphysical support for the Pastor (See Article XIV The Christian Science Pastor)
ARE WE READY TO WELCOME MORE STRANGERS?
It is interesting that this By-Law Article 16 is one of seven articles in the Church Manual that make up our Church services. The other articles being 1st- the Christian Science Pastor; then Reading in Public; Welcoming Strangers is third; then Services Uninterrupted; Communion; Music in the Church; Sunday School. If we look at these seven components as necessary for the full expression of Church services, then we can conclude that welcoming strangers is just as necessary a component of Church Services as is our Pastor, or Sunday School, etc! Wow!
The Communion Hymn (Hymnal, No. 298) has this wide-open welcome!
- What is happening at the church service engages all the spiritual senses: Saw ye my Savior? Heard ye the glad sound? / Felt ye the power of the Word? / 'Twas the Truth that made us free, / And was found by you and me / In the life and the love of our Lord.
- And this hymn addresses people from all backgrounds and perspectives: Mourners, sinners, the friendless all can feel at home, in the “radiant room” where tears and sorrows flee, and Love exalts, cleanses, and comforts.
- Mourner, it calls you,—“Come to my bosom, / Love wipes your tears all away, / And will lift the shade of gloom, / And for you make radiant room / Midst the glories of one endless day.”
- Sinner, it calls you,—“Come to this fountain, / Cleanse the foul senses within; / 'Tis the Spirit that makes pure, / That exalts thee, and will cure / All thy sorrow and sickness and sin.”
- And God is known as “Strongest deliverer, friend of the friendless, /
- Mourner, it calls you,—“Come to my bosom, / Love wipes your tears all away, / And will lift the shade of gloom, / And for you make radiant room / Midst the glories of one endless day.”
- Here all are engaged in communion
- Thou the Christ, and not the creed; / Thou the Truth in thought and deed; / Thou the water, the bread, and the wine.
- Thou the Christ, and not the creed; / Thou the Truth in thought and deed; / Thou the water, the bread, and the wine.
- Share the story of Will and Jim (See Sentinel article: “The joy set before us” featuring this story. )
- One of the most exuberantly joyful people I know was raised as a Christian Scientist, but he stopped practicing it as an adult. And then, through a series of highs and lows, including prison, he became homeless for years. At his lowest point, he had a heart attack, went to the hospital, recovered but with a list of medications he was to continue taking….. One day, he decided to go to a Church of Christ, Scientist, not knowing how he would be received.
- When he arrived, disheveled and carrying a bag full of medications, the church’s usher gave him a warm welcome, and after the service, the usher invited him to come back. Feeling the love, the welcome, and the possibility for experiencing good, he continued his visits to the church, and continued to get a warm welcome that spread so that other members were warmly welcoming him and showing interest in his life. …..Regaining a sense of his worth as the loved of Love, he wanted to do more. He joined the church, and soon became a Sunday School teacher, and his students quickly grew to love him. Next came the full-time practice of Christian Science, and later, he became a practitioner listed in The Christian Science Journal.
- One of the most exuberantly joyful people I know was raised as a Christian Scientist, but he stopped practicing it as an adult. And then, through a series of highs and lows, including prison, he became homeless for years. At his lowest point, he had a heart attack, went to the hospital, recovered but with a list of medications he was to continue taking….. One day, he decided to go to a Church of Christ, Scientist, not knowing how he would be received.
Prayerful support for the Church Service
- CRITICAL TO THE CHURCH SERVICE esp our Sunday Service where our Readers read the Bible Lesson - “ —-a lesson on which the prosperity of Christian Science largely depends.”(Manual of The Mother Church, Mary Baker Eddy, p. 31:4–9 The)
- This specific prayerful support can be something that all members can do, and the Usher Committee is perfectly set up to do this work.
- Not much needs to be explained here, but the ongoing and specific metaphysical support for the service cannot be overdone! Are ushers engaging in this regularly and see their role as metaphysicians for the service?
- For an instructive look as to how we guard the healing atmosphere at Church, we can take a look at the role of Christian Science nurses. Knowing that the Christian Science nurse by-law (Article 8 Sect. 31) is written under the chapter on Discipline and the Article of Guidance of members - shows us that members’ connection to and understanding of the role of the Christian Science nurse has something to do with the discipline and guidance of each Mother Church member! Christian Science nurses have a beautiful healing and tangible way of protecting the atmosphere of healing; it is something we can all treasure - as the expectation of healing is something each attendee can feel.
- For ushers to continue to do this work of protecting and expecting the atmosphere of healing is one of the delights about ushering! There is also a great need to be alert to suggestions of interference, or disruption, the idea of self-consciousness, human will, etc. as more churches are involved in technology.
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Key to the prosperity of Christian Science: Church and all Children (Article 20)
Part 3: Loving all children “Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them” Matt 19:14
“Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.” Luke 18:17
If we don’t “get” children, there is no way we are going to “get” Church.
The success of our Church and the future of our Churches can be seen in the love we have for children. Hmmmm. Something to think about! Remember the Manual by-law for Church Services includes the Sunday School as one of the seven requirements for each church.
Children’s official role in Church can start at age 12.
“Children when Twelve Years Old. Sect. 3. Children who have arrived at the age of twelve years, who are approved, and whose applications are countersigned by one of Mrs. Eddy's loyal students, by a Director, or by a student of the Board of Education, may be admitted to membership with The Mother Church.”
(Manual, p. 35:1)
The Sunday School’s course of instruction that is set in the Manual ensures the vibrant and exacting relevance of Christian Science to our children’s lives. There is nothing in a child’s or teen’s experience that cannot be answered and responded to by the Sunday School Lessons. These words can be brought to life by teachers who are committed, loving, and experienced in Christian Science.
“Subject for Lessons. Sect. 3. The first lessons of the children should be the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20: 3–17), the Lord's Prayer (Matt. 6: 9–13), and its Spiritual Interpretation by Mary Baker Eddy, Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5: 3–12). The next lessons consist of such questions and answers as are adapted to a juvenile class, and may be found in the Christian Science Quarterly Lessons, read in Church services. The instruction given by the children's teachers must not deviate from the absolute Christian Science contained in their textbook.”
(Manual, p. 62:24)
But what of the resistance that sometimes shows up to serve in the Nursery, to serve as a Sunday School teacher like :
“Too busy, can't relate, can't physically do the job. “ These are just some of the forms of resistance that would try to take away the dancing joy, spontaneity, sparkling love, and vivacity that belong in Church and that children and all who are childlike bring. A commitment to children is a commitment to the future, and is a commitment to fulfill all of what Church can be.
We are all childlike. The following citations help to reverse any claims of resistance, invisibility, being obsolete, redundant, dispensable or unnecessary – and reveal the warm welcome and delight shared with all children who come to our Church.
- Willingness to become as a little child and to leave the old for the new, renders thought receptive of the advanced idea. (SH 323:32–2)
- Beloved children, the world has need of you — and more as children than as men and women: it needs your innocence, unselfishness, faithful affection, uncontaminated lives.” (Mis. 110:4–7).
- Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness. (I Thess. 5:5)
- Christ Jesus stressed how important it is to embrace childlikeness and said: “Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 19:14)
Let's start with the embrace the childlikeness of each member. What a fun treatment - to assure that we accept children means to accept our childlikeness remains ever open and vibrant!
Then we open thought to welcome the innocence and inquiry of the children in our city - a city for which each of our churches are named. Think of it! Each church’s name is unique - no other church IN THE WORLD has that name, and that the name includes the name of a city - a geographical location - means there is a connection and a responsibility each church has to the city after which it is named.
Responding to the demand: Reading Room and Lecture activity (Article 21 and Article 25, sect 7, 8; Article 31 and Article 32)
Here are some highlights of By-laws that help guide and strengthen our ability to respond to the demand for healing:
SLIDE
Reading Rooms
Article 21 Establishment. Section 1. Each church of the Christian Science denomination shall have a Reading Room, …..provided these rooms are well located.
….(Note that Article 2 LIBRARIAN relates to TMC RR - not directed to branch churches, but often adopted.
Literature in Reading Rooms. Sect. 3. The literature sold OR exhibited in the Reading Rooms of Christian Science Churches shall consist only of Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, by Mary Baker Eddy, and other writings by this author; also the literature published or sold by The Christian Science Publishing Society. ...
Article 15 Books to be Published. Sect. 8. Only the Publishing Society of The Mother Church selects, approves, and publishes the books and literature it sends forth…..(Manual, 63:12–9; 81:20–9)
Board of Lectureship
Article 31 Duty of Lecturers. Sect. 2. It is the duty of the Board of Lectureship to include in each lecture a true and just reply to public topics condemning Christian Science, and to bear testimony to the facts pertaining to the life of the Pastor Emeritus.(Manual 93:10–15)
Church Periodicals (written by the Christian Science field for the larger field)
Article 8 Church Periodicals. Sect. 14. It shall be the privilege and duty of every member, who can afford it, to subscribe for the periodicals which are the organs of this Church; and it shall be the duty of the Directors to see that these periodicals are ably edited and kept abreast of the times. (Manual, p. 44:16)
Being “well -located” - a requirement for Reading Rooms - and addressing “public topics condemning Christian Science” - a requirement for Lectures - speaks of our Church’s requirements to be accessible to our communities and to be relevant and aware of what our communities need and are demanding and how Christian Science is already addressing that demand OR how Christian Science is not well known and COULD address that demand.
We are being challenged today with less members, more tasks, and a more pronounced demand for justice, peace, and health for all. These are actually challenges in every decade. Mortal mind presents the same dulling arguments in repetitive mediocrity in each age.
However, “Divine Love always has met and always will meet every human need.” (Science and Health 494: 10), and so it is today. We see a growing awareness of the spiritual and metaphysical illlustrating that “Belief in a material basis, from which may be deduced all rationality, is slowly yielding to the idea of a metaphysical basis, looking away from matter to Mind as the cause of every effect.” (Science and Health, p. 268:6–9)
Our public church services heal and regenerate and comfort. And through our Reading Room work of having literature “sold or exhibited” and our lectures focusing on “ public topics,” we have some dynamic channels to demonstrate divine Love’s answers and meet the demand today.
Is the demand real? Yes!
The demand for the spiritual answers given in our textbook are as real today as they were a century ago. Mrs. Eddy writes: “ I am the author of the Christian Science textbook, “Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures;” and the demand for this book constantly increases.” (Miscellany, p. 305:15–17)
And “This age is reaching out towards the perfect Principle of things; is pushing towards perfection in art, invention, and manufacture. ... It will never do to be behind the times in things most essential, which proceed from the standard of right that regulates human destiny. … Metaphysical healing, or Christian Science, is a demand of the times. Every man and every woman would desire and demand it, if he and she knew its infinite value and firm basis. (Misc. p. 232:6–8, 10–12, 21–24)
Do we have what it takes to respond to this demand? Yes!
The desire to do good and to love our neighbor as ourselves, and to serve God and man fulfills our duties to God, our Leader and to all mankind. ( See “Alertness to Duty” by-law). The same promise God gave to Job is our promise today. “And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before”. (Job 42:10)
Why is this so? “Whatever holds human thought in line with unselfed love, receives directly the divine power.” (Science and Health, p. 192:30) Praying for ourselves, our friends and for the city which our branch church is named after is blessed by God.
So the answer is simple, and one we have known all along. It is to love God and our neighbor as ourselves - the two greatest commandments.
Jesus echoes Deuteronomy's statement in 6:5 when he responds to the question: ... Which is the first commandment of all? And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these. (Mark 12:28–31)
We are all in. We commit to seeing the Church come to perfect bloom as we love. We love - with all our heart, soul, mind and strength! And this perfect Love casts out fear, so we can move forward fearlessly, boldly, and in a take-the-lid-off kind of way, we can love as it reflects the tireless and divine Love. And our Church is filled with this healing love - it is our guide, our protection, and source of healing!
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The infrastructure supporting the extension of Church: Finances and government (Art 23 sect 1, 7, 10 and Art 24 sect 5, Art 25 sect 2)
- This will cover the spiritual infrastructure of our lives as Church members, the organizational infrastructure, and the financial infrastructure.
The spiritual infrastructure of our individual lives as members enables us to practice “legitimate Christian Science, aflame with divine Love.” What is this spiritual infrastructure? Look at these explanations of a Christian Scientist:
- A Christian Scientist is a humanitarian; he is benevolent, forgiving, long-suffering, and seeks to overcome evil with good. (Manual, p. 46:26)
- The tender word and Christian encouragement of an invalid, pitiful patience with his fears and the removal of them…
- (we start)... from the summit of devout consecration, with the oil of gladness and the perfume of gratitude, with tears of repentance … (Science and Health, p. 367)
- (we start)... from the summit of devout consecration, with the oil of gladness and the perfume of gratitude, with tears of repentance … (Science and Health, p. 367)
- Starting from this point, we are able to help each other rise to the greater consciousness of God’s love. We are not dismayed when others struggle or when we struggle. The infrastructure of our lives are under the shadow of the Almighty. As we grow in our practice of Christian Science, we are safe, nourished, and nurtured as together we bring out the blessings of the holiest of all Causes: Divine Science.
- “Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2)
- “Never was there a more solemn and imperious call than God makes to us all, right here, for fervent devotion and an absolute consecration to the greatest and holiest of all causes. The hour is come.”(Misc., p. 177)
- “Never was there a more solemn and imperious call than God makes to us all, right here, for fervent devotion and an absolute consecration to the greatest and holiest of all causes. The hour is come.”(Misc., p. 177)
Looking at the organizational infrastructure - The role of the Clerk, the Board, and tech and house maintenance staff– comprising that sometimes unquestioned and taken-for-granted invisible machine keeping our churches running - what needs to be highlighted and more fully appreciated here? What dust needs to be shaken off? What freedom and innovation can be revealed?
Operating as a branch church, we will find that the closer we stay to the by-laws and understand them, and are obedient to them, the more efficient, effective, and buoyant our Church becomes! Mrs Eddy writes: “Of this I am sure, that each Rule and By-law in this Manual will increase the spirituality of him who obeys it, invigorate his capacity to heal the sick, to comfort such as mourn, and to awaken the sinner.” (My. p. 230:10) Understand and stay close to the By-laws– not as restrictions, but as enabling guides.
Mrs. Eddy ran her household and movement based on Principle. These ideas are so relevant to how we run our own lives, households, and churches.
"The indoor household was run on the same basis as the outdoor estate:
- strict order and neatness,
- close attention to detail,
- a simplified and systematized way of life--
- and a reckless, breathtaking genius for improvisation. "
From MARY BAKER EDDY: THE YEARS OF AUTHORITY | page 12
Looking at the financial structure of Church
All financial exchanges are symbolic of valuing Christian Science, our work and each other - such as benevolence, contributions and collections, and even in the Reading Room . Having “literature sold” speaks to how we value Christian Science. For example, by selling literature we give others the ability for others to “own” the Comforter with no hidden agenda. There’s dignity in that, as there is dignity and empowerment in giving benevolence, there is a united sense of joy and fellowship in letting people contribute their richness - their gratitude, ideas, and time; and graciously giving, receiving and collecting funds, people’s time and ideas, that help forward the noble mission of Church.
We can also look at how we work the financial angle of our Church with the story of the talents. How are we using our talents?
- In terms of skills? Are we giving others the opportunity to share their talents with us and let their lives so shine?
- In terms of money? God supplies our every need. This is important to know whether our bank accounts are empty or full. “Gratitude is riches, complaint is poverty” sings Hymn 249
- Article 24 God's Requirement. Sect. 5. God requires wisdom, economy, and brotherly love to characterize all the proceedings of the members of The Mother Church, The First Church of Christ, Scientist. (Manual, p. 77:18)
- Article 24 God's Requirement. Sect. 5. God requires wisdom, economy, and brotherly love to characterize all the proceedings of the members of The Mother Church, The First Church of Christ, Scientist. (Manual, p. 77:18)
- There may be many suggestions as to how to spend the money, but God directs each step of the way by keeping the vision of Church ever central.
- The discoverer of Christian Science finds the path less difficult when she has the high goal always before her thoughts, than when she counts her footsteps in endeavoring to reach it. When the destination is desirable, expectation speeds our progress.(Science and Health, . 426:5–9)
- And what is the high goal? HEALING. “Jesus established his church and maintained his mission on a spiritual foundation of Christ healing. (SH 136: 1)
- The by-laws help to guide our actions and demonstrations. “The highest prayer is not one of faith merely; it is demonstration.” (Science and Health, p. 16:2–4)
- Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. — Jesus.
- That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God. — Paul. (Science and Health, p. 600:-6–-3)
- That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God. — Paul. (Science and Health, p. 600:-6–-3)
- The discoverer of Christian Science finds the path less difficult when she has the high goal always before her thoughts, than when she counts her footsteps in endeavoring to reach it. When the destination is desirable, expectation speeds our progress.(Science and Health, . 426:5–9)
Questions to consider with every action that it aligns with the tried and true Rules and by-laws that lead all to healing and regeneration:
Our guidelines for Church include answering these questions for each activity we are doing or plan to do:
- Does this action proceed from divine Principle?
- Is it effective? Does it show proof of our utility? How? What proof do we expect to see?
- Does it help to elevate the race?
- Does it recognize and support humanity’s natural inclination to spiritual things?
- Does it rouse the dormant understanding to the apprehension of spiritual ideas?
- Is it casting out error and healing sin, sickness and bringing thought into a more inspired spiritual view that heals?
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DISCUSSION and review
All about Churches: The Bible Lesson on Spirit in February, 2022, was a detailed and instructive lesson on strengthening, rebuking, chastising and recognizing the early churches’virtues, sins, and what is needed for progress.
SLIDE - See KA2022 Seven churches chart on separate attachment
Taking a look at this chart gives us two things that I can see
1 - an understanding of the tenacity of Church and how the Christ message is still being heard!
2 - patterns of mortal mind to be alert to and patterns of those churches who thrived and why
Take 5-10 minutes to read and then be prepared to answer these questions. Note that green highlights are for those churches showing progress.
Discussion
What surprised you?
What did you agree with?
What did you not agree with or have questions?
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