CS Bible Lesson -- Soul and Body - 11/23/08

[maminor]

What does it mean to be the Temple of God?

As I have read the Bible Lesson this week, I have asked myself that question often. It is becoming clearer to me that I need to realize that I dwell in God because God is all. so many times I am tempted to "rush around madly" -- trying to get something done, or fix a problem, without realizing that since I dwell in God, He is the one doing the work, solving the problem, providing the answers to questions which come my way.

In the Bible, the first citation, tells us to "stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God." If all God's works are good, and complete, what have I to "rush around" about? The need is not frantic activity, but quiet listening. To stay within the dwelling place of God -- one Mind. To trust God to give the right idea when needed, and to supply the abundance of blessings which will bless all mankind -- including me and all on whom my thoughts rest.

As the temple of God, I can have no error which needs to be corrected -- no disease which needs to be healed -- no consciousness of matter which needs to be spiritualized. As the temple of God, I stand for goodness, love, patience, quietness, understanding, and brotherly kindness.

The challenge is to stay with God at every moment. To see things as God does. To trust Principle to direct every action. To see purity and love as the real status of man. To keep my thought on the reality of being and not give in to the evidence of material sense.

In Section III, we read "Whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?" And in Science and Health we read "In Science man is the offspring of Spirit. The beautiful, good, and pure constitute his ancestry. ... Spirit is his primitive and ultimate source of being; God is his Father; and Life is the law of his being." This shows us clearly that to dwell in the Temple of God, we need to understand the origin of man to be Spirit, God.

I have many more ideas to share, but I would like to give others a chance. Hope these thoughts are helpful to you.

Love to all who participate -- Mary Alyce

[JudyRae]

Thank you so much for this wonderful inspiration Mary Alyce! I don't have anything to contribute right now, but am looking forward to hearing those many more ideas of yours! :)

JudyRae

[Susie]

Often for me, I notice little things as read the Bible or Science and Health and they always inspire me to deeper reflection and wonder at just how much love there is in our relationship to the Father.

In section 1, I noticed the movement from being called "by thy name" to being called by "my name." The words of the hymn "from sense to soul my pathway lies before me" just came to my thought as I write this. Perhaps this passage points to that process as well. I "bolded" words and phrases that caught my attention. I noticed the latter part of the passage as defining us as sons, daughters, witnesses and servants. This last role of servant is amazing when you think about the process of bringing someone in to your own home, or life, and trusting them as a servant that represents the going ons of your household.

Below is the bible passage and a section from Science and Health as well.

From Section I

Isaiah 43:1 now, 4 (to :), 6, 7, 10 (to 1st :), 21

1 now thus saith the Lord that created thee, O Jacob, and he
that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed
thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.
4 Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been
honourable, and I have loved thee:
6 I will say to the north, Give up; and to the south, Keep not
back: bring my sons from far, and my daughters from the
ends of the earth;
7 Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created
him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him.
10 Ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord, and my servant whom
I have chosen:
21 This people have I formed for myself; they shall shew forth
my praise.4 | Deuteronomy 14:21 for (to 1st .)
21 for thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God.


Science and Health 247:15–24, Footsteps of Truth

Comeliness and grace are independent of matter. Being possesses its qualities before they are perceived humanly. Beauty is a thing of life, which
dwells forever in the eternal Mind and reflects the charms of His goodness in expression, form, outline, and color

[imjim]

[QUOTE=Susie;3022]I have called thee by thy name

Scripturetext.com (http://scripturetext.com/isaiah/43-1.htm) gives us this as the lexicon for name:

“an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character -- + base, (in-)fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report.”

According to the lexicon, the text “I have called thee by thy name” could also be interpreted as “I have called thee by thy honor/character” - could it not?

According to the Bible, a name was much more than something you would call someone. The Bible uses names not only to define which person did what, but also to define the nature, honor, or character (the essence) of the individual. Hence the name for Jesus - Immanuel (God with us).

Dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/call) defines “call,” in part, as:

“1. to command or request to come; summon: to call a dog; to call a cab; to call a witness.
2. to ask or invite to come: Will you call the family to dinner?”

So, if God calls us or summons or invites us by our name or character, doesn’t this imply that we are summoned according to what and who we are?

The Bible declares that the eternal God, Love, Spirit, is perfect. If we are made in Perfection’s image and likeness, then we aren’t we eternally being summoned to honor that image?

Hope this helps,
imjim