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The Bible Lesson Study Aid includes a variety of resources: (1) Bible texts from the KJV, NRSV, and TEV; (2) excerpts from the BibleTexts Online Bible Commentary; and (3) links to other resources -- all of which are intended to enrich your study of the current Bible lesson. This Bible Lesson Study Aid does not contain the Bible Lesson. It only provides tools to help explore that Bible Lesson.

• KJV = King James Version (1611. Today's editions of the KJV do not include the Apocrypha and marginal notes, which were in the 1611 KJV; and spelling and punctuation are quite different from the 1611 edition. Even in today's editions of the KJV, there remain some punctuation and spelling differences among major publishers.)
• NRSV = New Revised Standard Version (Copyright, 1989, by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA. Used by permission. All rights reserved.)
• TEV = Today's English Version (Copyright 1976, 1992, American Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved.)
• Footnotes with textual commentary, exegesis, and cross references = BibleTexts.com Online Bible Commentary (Commentary by Robert Nguyen Cramer [RNC], unless otherwise noted. Cross references: mostly by RNC, but a few are from various American Bible Society materials or other biblical resources.)

The Bible Lesson Questions for this week's Bible Lesson may be found at http://www.bibletexts.com/bt/bq010805.htm.

The weekly Bible Lesson itself has three components: (1) the current Christian Science Quarterly magazine, (2) the Bible, and (3) Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures (by Mary Baker Eddy). All three can be read or purchased at any Christian Science Reading Room. A worldwide listing of Reading Rooms is available at http://168.203.8.11/Church.qry?function=form. The Christian Science Quarterly is published by the Christian Science Publishing Society (Boston, MA, USA) and contains three months of weekly Bible Lessons. Each week's Bible lesson begins with a Golden Text and Responsive Reading and then lists six sections of (a) readings from the Bible and (b) correlative readings from Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, which help to explain each section's Bible passages.

The original Hebrew and Greek texts are what actually constitute "the Bible." All other versions, whether in Latin, English, Chinese, or Aramaic, whether produced in 384 A.D. or in 1611 A.D. or in 1996 A.D., are merely translations indirectly derived from those original Hebrew and Greek texts. The BibleTexts Online Bible Commentary at http://www.bibletexts.com/bt.htm provides verse-by-verse textual corrections that are based upon the most current knowledge of those original Hebrew and Greek texts. Most of those corrections are relevant only to the KJV, because most modern versions such as the NRSV and the TEV were translated from Hebrew and Greek texts that are much more consistent with "the original texts" than those Hebrew and Greek texts from which the 1611 KJV was translated. In the KJV most of the substantive errors are due to the faulty Hebrew and Greek texts from which the KJV was translated. (See S&H 139:15.) For more details on these issues, you can browse http://www.bibletexts.com/kjv-tr.htm.

Wherever there are substantial differences between the wording of the KJV and the NRSV, the NRSV should be considered as more accurately representing the wording of the original texts. Of the three English language Bible versions used below (the KJV, the NRSV, and the TEV), the NRSV gives the best word-for-word representation of the wording of original texts, and the TEV gives the best phrase-by-phrase representation of the originally intended meaning of original texts.

KJV - 24 …Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the Lord.

NRSV - 24 ...Do I not fill heaven and earth? says the LORD.

TEV - "Jeremiah's Message about the Prophets" - 23 "I am a God who is everywhere and not in one place only. 24 No one can hide where I cannot see him. Do you not know that I am everywhere in heaven and on earth? 25 I know what those prophets have said who speak lies in my name and claim that I have given them my messages in their dreams. 26 How much longer will those prophets mislead my people with the lies they have invented? 27 They think that the dreams they tell will make my people forget me, just as their fathers forgot me and turned to Baal. 28 The prophet who has had a dream should say it is only a dream, but the prophet who has heard my message should proclaim that message faithfully. What good is straw compared with wheat? 29 My message is like a fire and like a hammer that breaks rocks in pieces.

• Jer 23:24
• Psa 139:7-16

KJV - 1 O God, my heart is fixed; I will sing and give praise, even with my glory.

3 I will praise thee, O Lord, among the people: and I will sing praises unto thee among the nations. 4 For thy mercy is great above the heavens: and thy truth reacheth unto the clouds. 5 Be thou exalted, O God, above the heavens: and thy glory above all the earth; 6 That thy beloved may be delivered: save with thy right hand, and answer me. 7 God hath spoken in his holiness;…

NRSV - 1 My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make melody. Awake, my soul!

3 I will give thanks to you, O LORD, among the peoples, and I will sing praises to you among the nations. 4 For your steadfast love is higher than the heavens, and your faithfulness reaches to the clouds. 5 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens, and let your glory be over all the earth. 6 Give victory with your right hand, and answer me, so that those whom you love may be rescued. 7 God has promised in his sanctuary:...

TEV - "A Prayer for Help against Enemies" - 1 I have complete confidence, O God! I will sing and praise you! Wake up, my soul! 2 Wake up, my harp and lyre! I will wake up the sun. 3 I will thank you, O LORD, among the nations. I will praise you among the peoples. 4 Your constant love reaches above the heavens; your faithfulness touches the skies. 5 Show your greatness in the sky, O God, and your glory over all the earth. 6 Save us by your might; answer my prayer, so that the people you love may be rescued. 7 From his sanctuary God has said, "In triumph I will divide Shechem and distribute Sukkoth Valley to my people. 8 Gilead is mine, and Manasseh too; Ephraim is my helmet and Judah my royal scepter. 9 But I will use Moab as my washbowl, and I will throw my sandals on Edom, as a sign that I own it. I will shout in triumph over the Philistines."

KJV - 1 Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in the mountain of his holiness.

3 God is known in her palaces for a refuge.

9 We have thought of thy lovingkindness, O God, in the midst of thy temple. 10 According to thy name, O God, so is thy praise unto the ends of the earth: thy right hand is full of righteousness. 11 Let mount Zion rejoice, let the daughters of Judah be glad, because of thy judgments.

14 For this God is our God for ever and ever:…

NRSV - 1 Great is the LORD and greatly to be praised in the city of our God. His holy mountain,

3 Within its citadels God has shown himself a sure defense.

9 We ponder your steadfast love, O God, in the midst of your temple. 10 Your name, O God, like your praise, reaches to the ends of the earth. Your right hand is filled with victory. 11 Let Mount Zion be glad, let the towns of Judah rejoice because of your judgments.

14 that this is God, our God forever and ever...

TEV - "Zion, the City of God" - 1 The LORD is great and is to be highly praised in the city of our God, on his sacred hill. 2 Zion, the mountain of God, is high and beautiful; the city of the great king brings joy to all the world. 3 God has shown that there is safety with him inside the fortresses of the city.

9 Inside your Temple, O God, we think of your constant love. 10 You are praised by people everywhere, and your fame extends over all the earth. You rule with justice; 11 let the people of Zion be glad! You give right judgments; let there be joy in the cities of Judah! 12 People of God, walk around Zion and count the towers; 13 take notice of the walls and examine the fortresses, so that you may tell the next generation: 14 "This God is our God forever and ever; he will lead us for all time to come."

• Psa 48:1
• Psa 46:5,6
• S&H 558:-1

KJV - 2 Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thine habitations: spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes;

10 For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the Lord that hath mercy on thee.

NRSV - 2 Enlarge the site of your tent, and let the curtains of your habitations be stretched out; do not hold back; lengthen your cords and strengthen your stakes.

10 For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed, says the LORD, who has compassion on you.

TEV - "The LORD's Love for Israel" - 1 Jerusalem, you have been like a childless woman, but now you can sing and shout for joy. Now you will have more children than a woman whose husband never left her. 2 Make the tent you live in larger; lengthen its ropes and strengthen the pegs! 3 You will extend your boundaries on all sides; your people will get back the land that the other nations now occupy. Cities now deserted will be filled with people.

9 "In the time of Noah I promised never again to flood the earth. Now I promise not to be angry with you again; I will not reprimand or punish you. 10 The mountains and hills may crumble, but my love for you will never end; I will keep forever my promise of peace." So says the LORD who loves you.

KJV - 5 Thy mercy, O Lord, is in the heavens; and thy faithfulness reacheth unto the clouds.

7 How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings.

NRSV - 5 Your steadfast love, O LORD, extends to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds.

7 How precious is your steadfast love, O God! All people may take refuge in the shadow of your wings.

TEV - "The Goodness of God" - 5 LORD, your constant love reaches the heavens; your faithfulness extends to the skies. 6 Your righteousness is towering like the mountains; your justice is like the depths of the sea. Men and animals are in your care. 7 How precious, O God, is your constant love! We find protection under the shadow of your wings. 8 We feast on the abundant food you provide; you let us drink from the river of your goodness. 9 You are the source of all life, and because of your light we see the light. 10 Continue to love those who know you and to do good to those who are righteous. 11 Do not let proud men attack me or wicked men make me run away.

• Psa 36:7
• Psa 17:8

KJV - 25 Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee.

NRSV - 25 Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire other than you.

TEV - "The Justice of God" - 21 When my thoughts were bitter and my feelings were hurt, 22 I was as stupid as an animal; I did not understand you. 23 Yet I always stay close to you, and you hold me by the hand. 24 You guide me with your instruction and at the end you will receive me with honor. 25 What else do I have in heaven but you? Since I have you, what else could I want on earth? 26 My mind and my body may grow weak, but God is my strength; he is all I ever need.

• Psa 73:25
• Mis 151:13-21

KJV - 24 God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; 25 Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;

28 For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.

NRSV - 24 The God who made the world and everything in it, he who is Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in shrines made by human hands, 25 nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mortals life and breath and all things.

28 For "In him we live and move and have our being'; as even some of your own poets have said, "For we too are his offspring.'

TEV - "In Athens" - 22 Paul stood up in front of the city council and said, "I see that in every way you Athenians are very religious. 23 For as I walked through your city and looked at the places where you worship, I found an altar on which is written, "To an Unknown God.' That which you worship, then, even though you do not know it, is what I now proclaim to you. 24 God, who made the world and everything in it, is Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in man-made temples. 25 Nor does he need anything that we can supply by working for him, since it is he himself who gives life and breath and everything else to everyone. 26 From one man he created all races of mankind and made them live throughout the whole earth. He himself fixed beforehand the exact times and the limits of the places where they would live. 27 He did this so that they would look for him, and perhaps find him as they felt around for him. Yet God is actually not far from any one of us; 28 as someone has said, "In him we live and move and exist.' It is as some of your poets have said, "We too are his children.' 29 Since we are God's children, we should not suppose that his nature is anything like an image of gold or silver or stone, shaped by the art and skill of man. 30 God has overlooked the times when people did not know him, but now he commands all of them everywhere to turn away from their evil ways.

• Act 17:24
• 1Ki 8:27
• Browse also references to "GOD MADE THEM ALL" at http://www.bibletexts.com/topics/g.htm.
• Act 17:25 - KJV wording: MEN'S <444> - corrected wording: human <442> - (based on the original text's correction of KJV's Greek text)
• Act 17:25
• Psa 50:9-12
• Act 17:28
• S&H 208:5
• S&H 332:8
• S&H 361:19
• S&H 536:13
• Mis 8:5
• Mis 82:29
• My 109:22
• No 17:7
• Pan 13:20
• Pul 2:23
• '02 12:19
• Ret 93:17

KJV - 10 And Jacob went out from Beersheba, and went toward Haran. 11 And he lighted upon a certain place, and tarried there all night, because the sun was set; and he took of the stones of that place, and put them for his pillows, and lay down in that place to sleep. 12 And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it. 13 And, behold, the Lord stood above it, and said, I am the Lord God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac: the land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed; 14 And thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth, and thou shalt spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south: and in thee and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed. 15 And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of. 16 And Jacob awaked out of his sleep, and he said, Surely the Lord is in this place; and I knew it not.

NRSV - 10 Jacob left Beer-sheba and went toward Haran. 11 He came to a certain place and stayed there for the night, because the sun had set. Taking one of the stones of the place, he put it under his head and lay down in that place. 12 And he dreamed that there was a ladder set up on the earth, the top of it reaching to heaven; and the angels of God were ascending and descending on it. 13 And the LORD stood beside him and said, "I am the LORD, the God of Abraham your father and the God of Isaac; the land on which you lie I will give to you and to your offspring; 14 and your offspring shall be like the dust of the earth, and you shall spread abroad to the west and to the east and to the north and to the south; and all the families of the earth shall be blessed in you and in your offspring. 15 Know that I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you." 16 Then Jacob woke from his sleep and said, "Surely the LORD is in this place -- and I did not know it!"

TEV - "Jacob's Dream at Bethel" - 10 Jacob left Beersheba and started toward Haran. 11 At sunset he came to a holy place and camped there. He lay down to sleep, resting his head on a stone. 12 He dreamed that he saw a stairway reaching from earth to heaven, with angels going up and coming down on it. 13 And there was the LORD standing beside him. "I am the LORD, the God of Abraham and Isaac," he said. "I will give to you and to your descendants this land on which you are lying. 14 They will be as numerous as the specks of dust on the earth. They will extend their territory in all directions, and through you and your descendants I will bless all the nations. 15 Remember, I will be with you and protect you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done all that I have promised you." 16 Jacob woke up and said, "The LORD is here! He is in this place, and I didn't know it!" 17 He was afraid and said, "What a terrifying place this is! It must be the house of God; it must be the gate that opens into heaven."

KJV - 33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!

NRSV - 33 O the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!

TEV - "Praise to God" - 33 How great are God's riches! How deep are his wisdom and knowledge! Who can explain his decisions? Who can understand his ways? 34 As the scripture says, "Who knows the mind of the Lord? Who is able to give him advice? 35 Who has ever given him anything, so that he had to pay it back?" 36 For all things were created by him, and all things exist through him and for him. To God be the glory forever! Amen.

KJV - 3 The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.

NRSV - 3 the LORD appeared to him from far away. I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you.

TEV - "Israel's Return Home" - 2 In the desert I showed mercy to those people who had escaped death. When the people of Israel longed for rest, 3 I appeared to them from far away. People of Israel, I have always loved you, so I continue to show you my constant love. 4 Once again I will rebuild you. Once again you will take up your tambourines and dance joyfully. 5 Once again you will plant vineyards on the hills of Samaria, and those who plant them will eat what the vineyards produce. 6 Yes, the time is coming when watchmen will call out on the hills of Ephraim, "Let's go up to Zion, to the LORD our God."

• Jer 31:3 - EVERLASTING LOVE
• To explore additional references, browse "EVERLASTING LOVE" at http://www.bibletexts.com/topics/e.htm.

KJV - 11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

NRSV - 11 For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.

TEV - "Jeremiah's Letter to the Jews in Babylonia" - 10 "The LORD says, "When Babylonia's seventy years are over, I will show my concern for you and keep my promise to bring you back home. 11 I alone know the plans I have for you, plans to bring you prosperity and not disaster, plans to bring about the future you hope for. 12 Then you will call to me. You will come and pray to me, and I will answer you. 13 You will seek me, and you will find me because you will seek me with all your heart. 14 Yes, I say, you will find me, and I will restore you to your land. I will gather you from every country and from every place to which I have scattered you, and I will bring you back to the land from which I had sent you away into exile. I, the LORD, have spoken.'

KJV - 7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. 9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

NRSV - 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.

TEV - "Instructions" - 5 Show a gentle attitude toward everyone. The Lord is coming soon. 6 Don't worry about anything, but in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking him with a thankful heart. 7 And God's peace, which is far beyond human understanding, will keep your hearts and minds safe in union with Christ Jesus. 8 In conclusion, my brothers, fill your minds with those things that are good and that deserve praise: things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and honorable. 9 Put into practice what you learned and received from me, both from my words and from my actions. And the God who gives us peace will be with you.

• Phi 4:7
• Joh 14:27
• Col 3:15
• Phi 4:8 - THINK ON THESE THINGS
• To explore additional references, browse "THINK ON THESE THINGS" at http://www.bibletexts.com/topics/t.htm.

KJV - 17 The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.

NRSV - 17 The LORD, your God, is in your midst, a warrior who gives victory; he will rejoice over you with gladness, he will renew you in his love; he will exult over you with loud singing

TEV - "A Song of Joy" - 17 The LORD your God is with you; his power gives you victory. The LORD will take delight in you, and in his love he will give you new life. He will sing and be joyful over you, 18 as joyful as people at a festival." The LORD says, "I have ended the threat of doom and taken away your disgrace.

• Zep 3:17
• Isa 62:5

KJV - 9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.

NRSV - 9 God's love was revealed among us in this way: God sent his only Son into the world so that we might live through him.

TEV - "God Is Love" - 7 Dear friends, let us love one another, because love comes from God. Whoever loves is a child of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love. 9 And God showed his love for us by sending his only Son into the world, so that we might have life through him. 10 This is what love is: it is not that we have loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the means by which our sins are forgiven. 11 Dear friends, if this is how God loved us, then we should love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God, but if we love one another, God lives in union with us, and his love is made perfect in us.

• 1Jo 4:9
• Joh 4:16

KJV - 1 …there was a feast of the Jews; and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 2 Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches. 3 In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water. 4 For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had. 5 And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole? 7 The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me. 8 Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk. 9 And immediately the man was made whole, and took up his bed, and walked: and on the same day was the sabbath.

NRSV - 1 ...there was a festival of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 2 Now in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate there is a pool, called in Hebrew Beth-zatha, which has five porticoes. 3 In these lay many invalids -- blind, lame, and paralyzed. 4 [This verse is omitted in NRSV, because it was not in the original text.] 5 One man was there who had been ill for thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had been there a long time, he said to him, "Do you want to be made well?" 7 The sick man answered him, "Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; and while I am making my way, someone else steps down ahead of me." 8 Jesus said to him, "Stand up, take your mat and walk." 9 At once the man was made well, and he took up his mat and began to walk. Now that day was a sabbath.

TEV - "The Healing at the Pool" - 1 After this, Jesus went to Jerusalem for a religious festival. 2 Near the Sheep Gate in Jerusalem there is a pool with five porches; in Hebrew it is called Bethzatha. 3 A large crowd of sick people were lying on the porches -- the blind, the lame, and the paralyzed. 4 [This verse is omitted in TEV, because it was not in the original text.] 5 A man was there who had been sick for thirty-eight years. 6 Jesus saw him lying there, and he knew that the man had been sick for such a long time; so he asked him, "Do you want to get well?" 7 The sick man answered, "Sir, I don't have anyone here to put me in the pool when the water is stirred up; while I am trying to get in, somebody else gets there first." 8 Jesus said to him, "Get up, pick up your mat, and walk." 9 Immediately the man got well; he picked up his mat and started walking. The day this happened was a Sabbath, 10 so the Jewish authorities told the man who had been healed, "This is a Sabbath, and it is against our Law for you to carry your mat." 11 He answered, "The man who made me well told me to pick up my mat and walk." 12 They asked him, "Who is the man who told you to do this?" 13 But the man who had been healed did not know who Jesus was, for there was a crowd in that place, and Jesus had slipped away.

• Joh 5:2 - KJV wording: SHEEP MARKET - corrected translation: sheepgate
• Joh 5:2 - KJV wording: BETHESDA - corrected wording: Bethzatha - (based on the original text's correction of KJV's Greek text)
• Joh 5:2
• Neh 3:1
• Joh 5:3-4 - (Much of the wording is omitted by the original texts and modern translations.)
• To read a textual commentary of John 5:3-4, much of which is not part of the original text of John, browse http://www.bibletexts.com/versecom/joh05v03.htm.
• Joh 5:3 - omit KJV wording: GREAT <4183> - (based on the original text's correction of KJV's Greek text)
• Joh 5:3 - omit KJV wording: WAITING <1551> FOR THE MOVING <3588> <2796> OF THE WATER <3588> <5204> - (based on the original text's correction of KJV's Greek text)
• Joh 5:4 - omit KJV wording: omit entire verse - (based on the original text's correction of KJV's Greek text)
• Joh 5:5 - KJV wording: (preceding "infirmity"): AN <3588> - corrected wording: his <846> <3588> - (based on the original text's correction of KJV's Greek text)
• Joh 5:8
• Mat 9:6
• Mar 2:11
• Luk 5:24
• Mis 370:1

KJV - 1 If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, 2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

NRSV - 1 If then there is any encouragement in Christ, any consolation from love, any sharing in the Spirit, any compassion and sympathy, 2 make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.

TEV - "Christ's Humility and Greatness" - 1 Your life in Christ makes you strong, and his love comforts you. You have fellowship with the Spirit, and you have kindness and compassion for one another. 2 I urge you, then, to make me completely happy by having the same thoughts, sharing the same love, and being one in soul and mind. 3 Don't do anything from selfish ambition or from a cheap desire to boast, but be humble towards one another, always considering others better than yourselves. 4 And look out for one another's interests, not just for your own. 5 The attitude you should have is the one that Christ Jesus had:

KJV - 1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, 2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; 3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.

11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

NRSV - 1 I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 3 making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

7 But each of us was given grace according to the measure of Christ's gift.

11 The gifts he gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until all of us come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to maturity, to the measure of the full stature of Christ.

TEV - "The Unity of the Body" - 1 I urge you, then -- I who am a prisoner because I serve the Lord: live a life that measures up to the standard God set when he called you. 2 Be always humble, gentle, and patient. Show your love by being tolerant with one another. 3 Do your best to preserve the unity which the Spirit gives by means of the peace that binds you together. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as there is one hope to which God has called you. 5 There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 there is one God and Father of all mankind, who is Lord of all, works through all, and is in all. 7 Each one of us has received a special gift in proportion to what Christ has given. 8 As the scripture says, "When he went up to the very heights, he took many captives with him; he gave gifts to mankind." 9 Now, what does "he went up" mean? It means that first he came down to the lowest depths of the earth. 10 So the one who came down is the same one who went up, above and beyond the heavens, to fill the whole universe with his presence. 11 It was he who "gave gifts to mankind"; he appointed some to be apostles, others to be prophets, others to be evangelists, others to be pastors and teachers. 12 He did this to prepare all God's people for the work of Christian service, in order to build up the body of Christ. 13 And so we shall all come together to that oneness in our faith and in our knowledge of the Son of God; we shall become mature people, reaching to the very height of Christ's full stature. 14 Then we shall no longer be children, carried by the waves and blown about by every shifting wind of the teaching of deceitful men, who lead others into error by the tricks they invent.

• Eph 4:13
• S&H 519:18

KJV - 16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.

NRSV - 16 So we have known and believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and those who abide in love abide in God, and God abides in them.

TEV - "God Is Love" - 15 If anyone declares that Jesus is the Son of God, he lives in union with God and God lives in union with him. 16 And we ourselves know and believe the love which God has for us. God is love, and whoever lives in love lives in union with God and God lives in union with him. 17 Love is made perfect in us in order that we may have courage on the Judgment Day; and we will have it because our life in this world is the same as Christ's. 18 There is no fear in love; perfect love drives out all fear. So then, love has not been made perfect in anyone who is afraid, because fear has to do with punishment.

• 1Jo 4:16 (immediately after the last "God") - add to KJV wording: : abides <3306, or: remains, stays, dwells> - (based on the original text's correction of KJV's Greek text)
• 1Jo 4:16 - GOD <2316> IS <1510> LOVE <26>
• To explore additional biblical and other references, browse "GOD IS LOVE" at http://www.bibletexts.com/topics/g.htm.
• To further explore "love" (Greek: agape) as understood by Jesus and the earliest Christians, browse http://www.bibletexts.com/topics/christianlove.htm.

KJV - 10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

NRSV - 10 do not fear, for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.

TEV - "God's Assurance to Israel" - 8 "But you, Israel my servant, you are the people that I have chosen, the descendants of Abraham, my friend. 9 I brought you from the ends of the earth; I called you from its farthest corners and said to you, "You are my servant.' I did not reject you, but chose you. 10 Do not be afraid -- I am with you! I am your God -- let nothing terrify you! I will make you strong and help you; I will protect you and save you.

KJV - 1 Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God.

4 Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain: 5 And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.

9 O Zion, that bringest good tidings, get thee up into the high mountain; O Jerusalem, that bringest good tidings, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God! 10 Behold, the Lord God will come with strong hand, and his arm shall rule for him: behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him. 11 He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.

NRSV - 1 Comfort, O comfort my people, says your God.

4 Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain. 5 Then the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all people shall see it together, for the mouth of the LORD has spoken."

9 Get you up to a high mountain, O Zion, herald of good tidings; lift up your voice with strength, O Jerusalem, herald of good tidings, lift it up, do not fear; say to the cities of Judah, "Here is your God!" 10 See, the Lord GOD comes with might, and his arm rules for him; his reward is with him, and his recompense before him. 11 He will feed his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms, and carry them in his bosom, and gently lead the mother sheep.

TEV - "Words of Hope" - 1 "Comfort my people," says our God. "Comfort them! 2 Encourage the people of Jerusalem. Tell them they have suffered long enough and their sins are now forgiven. I have punished them in full for all their sins." 3 A voice cries out, "Prepare in the wilderness a road for the LORD! Clear the way in the desert for our God! 4 Fill every valley; level every mountain. The hills will become a plain, and the rough country will be made smooth. 5 Then the glory of the LORD will be revealed, and all mankind will see it. The LORD himself has promised this."

9 Jerusalem, go up on a high mountain and proclaim the good news! Call out with a loud voice, Zion; announce the good news! Speak out and do not be afraid. Tell the towns of Judah that their God is coming! 10 The Sovereign LORD is coming to rule with power, bringing with him the people he has rescued. 11 He will take care of his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs together and carry them in his arms; he will gently lead their mothers.

KJV - 3 For I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour:…

4 Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee:…

NRSV - 3 For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior...

4 ...you are precious in my sight, and honored, and I love you,...

TEV - "God Promises to Rescue His People" - 1 Israel, the LORD who created you says, "Do not be afraid -- I will save you. I have called you by name -- you are mine. 2 When you pass through deep waters, I will be with you; your troubles will not overwhelm you. When you pass through fire, you will not be burned; the hard trials that come will not hurt you. 3 For I am the LORD your God, the holy God of Israel, who saves you. I will give up Egypt to set you free; I will give up Sudan and Seba. 4 I will give up whole nations to save your life, because you are precious to me and because I love you and give you honor. 5 Do not be afraid -- I am with you!

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

1. The Golden Text and Responsive Reading in this week's Bible Lesson teach us that God and his "constant love"are "everywhere." Why is it helpful to know this and to depend upon this?

1. What is God, and what are his qualities?
2. How can God's love help us both to explain and to make practical God's other qualities?

1. How can we, wherever we may be, experience what Jacob described, "The LORD is here! He is in this place, and I didn't know it!"
2. What is the role of God's love in our experiencing God's presence?

1. If God is infinite, how can we understand him?

(See the following:)

• God as life
• See Deu 30:20 (ASV, KJV, NIV)
• See also Jesus' declaration, "I am the way, the truth, and the life." (Joh 14:7,12) Since Christ Jesus is described as "the image of the invisible God" (Col 1:15) and as "the reflection of God’s glory and the exact imprint of God’s very being" (Heb 1:3). Jesus himself said, "If you know me, you will know my Father also,"and "Whoever has seen me has seen the Father" (Joh 12:9). Reason would then lead us to conclude that by trutly seeing that in truly seeing Jesus as truth we are really seeing God, the Father, as truth.
• God as truth
• See "God of truth" - Deu 32:4, Psa 31:5, Isa 65:16
• See also Jesus' declaration, "I am the way, the truth, and the life." (Joh 14:7,12) Since Christ Jesus is described as "the image of the invisible God" (Col 1:15) and as "the reflection of God’s glory and the exact imprint of God’s very being" (Heb 1:3). Jesus himself said, "If you know me, you will know my Father also,"and "Whoever has seen me has seen the Father" (Joh 12:9). Reason would then lead us to conclude that by trutly seeing that in truly seeing Jesus as life we are really seeing God, the Father, as life.
• God as love
• 1Jo 4:8,16
• God as Soul
• To explore "Soul" as a term for God, browse http://www.bibletexts.com/terms/soul.htm.
• God as Spirit
• Joh 4:24 - correct translation is "God is Spirit" (KJV's translation , "God is a Spirit" is incorrect.)
• S&H 117:6; 207:2; 331:14; 335:2; Mis 556:26; 75:11; 113:4; 184:1; Un 31:2,5; 34:11; Rud 4:21; 13:16; '01 3:15; 22:5; Peo 7:30; My 221:16; 266:19; 270:31)
• See also S&H citation #27 (S&H 517:22)
2. How can our experiencing God's love help us to understand God?
3. How can our understanding of God and His love help us to understand who we are?
4. How can our understanding of God and His love help us to conquer evil?

1. How can our understanding of God and His love help us to experience and to practice Christian healing?

1. In Bible citation #13 (TEV), Paul explains, "Your life in Christ makes you strong, and his love comforts you. You have fellowship with the Spirit, and you have kindness and compassion for one another." How is it that we experience and prove our relationship with God "by having the same thoughts, sharing the same love, and being one in soul and mind"?
2. "In Christ" what do we know God to be?
3. "In Christ" what is our relationship with God?
4. "In Christ" what is our relationship with others?

1. Bible citation #17 (TEV) tells us that God "will gently lead their mothers." God shows not only fatherly qualities but also motherly qualities. How do the loving feminine qualities of God comfort us, overcome our fears, and save/heal us?
• For related views, see also:
• "God our Father and our Mother" - part of Methodists' new prayer (link to webpage article)
• Mother-qualities of God, the Father (link to webpage article)
• "What do you mean by "Godde?" (a question to and answer by a guest contributor, who explains a term used by "Christian feminist writers.")
2. In terms of qualities, how did the older Old Testament concept of "the Lord God," which is generally represented pre-exile books of the Bible, contrast with later Old Testament concept of "the Lord God" as generally represented in the books of the Bible written during and after the exile? How did this newer concept of God help prepare the way for receptivity to Jesus' and early Christian teachings about God?

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.)]