Bible Lesson Questions (version 1.00)

The answers to all of these questions can be found (1) in the Bible Lesson itself, (2) in the Bible Lesson Study Aid at http://www.bibletexts.com/bl.htm, or (3) in other webpages on the BibleTexts.com website, the homepage of which is at http://www.bibletexts.com.

1. Responsive Reading citation #2 refers to Jews prior to the Exile making a pilgrimage to the Temple in Jerusalem during the Feast of Tabernacles. This festal occasion celebrated the enthronement of the Lord (Yahweh, or Jehovah) as the King of the people. How can we today daily participate in such a pilgrimage and celebrate God's presence and governance?

Note: To explore Christ Jesus' guidance in such a daily pilgramage and celebration, browse http://www.bibletexts.com/terms/prayer.htm.

1. Why is it of value of daily recognizing that we live in God's Kingdom, in which the one God is the I AM (Exo 3:14), the only creator, the sovereign ruler, the sole source and possessor of all that is real, and the only power?

1. Why should you 'trust in the LORD with all your heart, never rely on what you think you know, and remember the LORD in everything you do,' as Bible citation #6 tells us?
2. What is the impact of this on your strength, endurance, and health?

1. What is the basis for saying, "I will fear no one… I will never be afraid," as stated in Bible citation #9?
2. What are the consequences of fear?
3. What is the value of getting rid of fear?
4. What does the writer of 1 John recommend as the means of getting rid of fear?

1. Bible citation #13 tells us, "Be careful how you think; your life is shaped by your thoughts." How far-reaching are the consequences of our thoughts?
2. If our words or deeds are hurtful to others or to ourselves, how can we correct this?
3. How important is it for us to forgive everything we hold against anyone?

1. How can one today go from a "sinful life" to being "forgiven," as did the woman in Bible citation #19?
2. How should we deal with others who lead or have led a "sinful life?"
3. In connection with Bible citation #19, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures citation #23 raises the issue of adultery. What are the three forms of adultery described by Jesus, and what are one's means of defense against, rescue from, and salvation from adultery?

Note: For a thorough examination of this topic, browse http://www.bibletexts.com/terms/adultery.htm.

1. As mentioned in Bible citation #21, how do love, true knowledge, and perfect judgment relate to each other?
2. How do love, true knowledge, and perfect judgment enable us to be "free from all impurity and blame on the Day of Christ?"
3. What is the principle behind the fact that humility and capability directly correspond?
4. According to Paul in Bible citation #22, whom are we to judge?
5. As also mentioned in Bible citation #22, why shouldn't we compare what we do "with what someone else has done" -- and vice versa?
6. How does this relate to our choice of healing methods?

Note: To explore "Christian healing and failure/difficulty in healing" and "Christian healing and success in healing," browse http://www.bibletexts.com/topics/c.htm.

1. How does the Reverend Irving Tomlinson's explanation of the composition of the Bible Lesson apply to this week's Bible Lesson?

"The Golden Text may be said to contain the fundamental thought with which the sermon deals.... The responsive reading, while entirely separate from the sermon, deals with the same subject... Usually, the first Science and Health reference in each section hints the leading thought in that section, which the Bible selections and the other Science and Health selections in the section develop." (TCSJ, Vol 40, p 483-487.)

SOME NOTES ON THE HISTORY OF THE BIBLE LESSON

In 1898 when Mary Baker Eddy chose the 26 subjects for an entirely new Christian Science Quarterly Bible Lesson format, the Reverend Irving Tomlinson was one of the original members of the newly constituted Christian Science Bible Lesson Committee.

From 1888 to 1899 the Christian Science Bible Lesson Committee simply had directly copied to the Christian Science Quarterly the Bible citations that had been prepared by the multi-denominational International Lesson Committee [ILC] for the weekly International Sunday School Lessons used by Protestant churches. (The Church of Christ, Scientist, had no representation on that committee.) To those Bible Lessons the Christian Science Bible Lesson Committee added correlative citations from Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, which provided explanations of the Bible texts chosen by the ILC. Until 1898 the ILC-based Bible Lessons were a key component of both Christian Science church services and Christian Science Sunday School, which until 1895 included adult Sunday School classes.]

To read the Rev. Tomlinson's complete article, browse http://www.bibletexts.com/articles/j040p483.htm. To read more about the history of the Christian Science Quarterly Bible Lessons, including the official use of other translations in addition to -- and for one entire year replacing -- the King James Version, browse http://www.bibletexts.com/bl-ver.htm.)]