Bible Lesson Questions (version 2.01)

The answers to all of these questions can be found (1) in the Bible Lesson itself, (2) in the Bible Lesson Study Aid [BLSA] at http://www.bibletexts.com/bl.htm, (3) in other webpages on the BibleTexts.com website, the homepage of which is at http://www.bibletexts.com, or (4) in Recommended Bible Study Books/Resources that are listed at http://www.bibletexts.com/reviews/index.htm.

1. In terms of faith and substance, what is the value of goodness, knowledge, self-control, endurance, godliness, mutual affection, and love, as described in the Responsive Reading?

1. In terms of faith and substance, what is the practical value of exercising trust in God and of spiritual wisdom?

1. What lessons did Naaman need to learn in order to gain faith and to be healed?

1. As depicted throughout Section 3, how is love of possessions, love of fame, or love of influence a hindrance to faith and substance?
2. What is the benefit of adopting Mary Baker Eddy's Bible-based description of man as "that which possesses no life, intelligence, nor creative power of his own, but reflects spiritually all that belongs to his Maker" (S&H 475:20)?

1. How do self-control, ethics, and morality relate to faith, "spiritual understanding" (Col 1:9, KJV), and substance?

1. Bible citation #13 (TEV) tells us that through one's faith/faithfulness, God says, "I am the Lord, and I do not change... I will not let insects destroy your crops, and your grapevines will be loaded with grapes." If God does this for one's fields, how can such faith/faithfulness impact one's body that is being destroyed by disease?
2. Bible citations #14 and #15 describe God's power as being like a radiant sun, like a fire, like a hammer, and like a liberator. Jeremiah (Bible citation #16 NRSV) describes God as saying, "I will restore health to you, and your wounds I will heal." How does all of this apply not only to one's nation, but to one's body?

1. If we go beyond faith to the unconditional, God-impelled love that is described in Bible citation #19, what impact will this have on every aspect of our lives, including our salvation and our health?

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.)]