Bible Study from May 9th, 2020

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Bible Study Questions and Readings

Vision of September 10, 1891

I was in a large vessel and a woman seemed to be conspicuous among the many passengers and a man was at the helm. The passengers were all filled with fear and were declaring that the man at the helm was drunk and that they were in danger of being wrecked. I was on board the vessel with them but was not afraid.

The Cause of Christian Science may be likened to a great ship or ark of safety that carries its adherents safely over the raging waters of mortal belief.

The woman, who stands for the spiritual idea, has no fear, however since she knows that as long as there is one student on earth who is working on the demonstration that connects man with God so that the divine Mind may be brought into the world, the Cause is safe.

From Visions of Mary Baker Eddy  by Gilbert C. Carpenter

Topic: 2 Timothy

Moderator: Thomas from NY

Bible Readings: 2 Timothy 1-4

Questions:

  1. What is Paul’s situation when he wrote this letter? (2 Timothy 4: 6-8)
  2. What does Paul say about Scripture? (2 Timothy 3: 14-17; Romans 15:4)
  3. What can we learn from 2 Timothy 1:7 about fear and a sound mind? (1 John 4:18; Philippians 4:4-9)
  4. What does it mean to “rightly divide the word of truth?” (2 Timothy 2:15)

Notes from the Discussion




The subject of Paul’s letter was how to keep strong in the midst of a collapsing civilization.

— from the Bible Study




It may be urged that God did not destroy Sodom and Gomorrah since He is of too pure eyes to behold iniquity yet it was the action of Truth that brought the error to the point where it destroyed Itself, and enabled man to leave it behind, by gravitating Godward.

— from Mary Baker Eddy Her Spiritual Precepts, Compiled by Gilbert Carpenter




“What, could ye not watch with me one hour?” — Christ Jesus (Matthew 26:40)


Click on link — What is Watching?




Do we not all understand cowardice never conquers? To get rid of temptation of any sort or to get out of a difficulty, we are not passive and let the wrong rule the right, but we struggle and thus conquer. We should not avoid the things that hurt us, but repeat them and meet them as their superior. Disease is a coward that leaves when you are not afraid of it.

— from Divinity Course and General Collectanea, (the “Blue Book”), by Mary Baker Eddy, page 139




A small group of wise thinkers is better than a wilderness of dullards and stronger than the might of empires. Unity is spiritual cooperation, heart to heart, the bond of blessedness.

— from Miscellany by Mary Baker Eddy, page 162




Crucible: A chemical vessel or melting pot, made of earth, and so tempered and baked, as to endure extreme heat without melting. It is used for melting ores, metals.

— From 1828 Webster’s Dictionary




We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.

— From 2 Corinthians 5: 8 in the King James Bible




One of the many things that the prison failed to do was to prevent real progress for Paul and timothy. Paul’s mental work – mentioned in this text as having been given “night and day” – must have been sorely needed by Timothy and appreciated by him; for there was no established trail to tread, no scientifically revealed path to pursue. Each experimental step was taken calmly and deliberately, under the strain of uncertainty, under the blows of hate and ridicule, in the face of enormous odds; that our age might successfully reap the benefits – take advantage of their dear-bought victories, and thus strengthen our own conviction of the unerring guidance of Principle and the omnipotence of Truth.

— The Student’s New Testament Compilation




Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

— From James 1: 17 in the King James Bible




All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

— From 2 Timothy 3: 16 in the King James Bible




I hereby ordain the Bible, and “Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures,” to be hereafter the only pastor of The Church of Christ, Scientist, throughout our land and in other lands.

— from Miscellaneous Writings by Mary Baker Eddy, page 313




There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

— From 1 John 4: 18 in the King James Bible


The words “Fear not” are used 170 times in the Bible. There are 365 variations of fear not in the Bible.

— From the Bible Study




During this final conflict, wicked minds will endeavor to find means by which to accomplish more evil; but those who discern Christian Science will hold crime in check. They will aid in the ejection of error. They will maintain law and order, and cheerfully await the certainty of ultimate perfection.

— from Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy, page 96




…how shall a Christian guard himself against the enemy? “By taking heed thereto according to thy Word.” Let us fight Satan always with an “It is written;” for no weapon will ever tell upon the arch-enemy so well as Holy Scripture will. Attempt to fight Satan with the wooden sword of reason, and he will easily overcome you; but use this Jerusalem blade of God’s Word, by which he has been wounded many a time, and you will speedily overcome him.

— by C. H. Spurgeon




Divide: To make straight; to rightly teach.

— From 1828 Webster’s Dictionary




Sound: Perfect; not broken or defective; not enfeebled by age or accident; not wild or wandering; not deranged; as a sound mind. Free form error; right; correct.

— From 1828 Webster’s Dictionary







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