Bible Study from March 30th, 2024
Story of the Resurrection
This week’s Lesson Sermon Subject: Reality
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Bible Study Questions and Readings
Peace be to this congregation;
Peace to every heart therein;
Peace, the earnest of salvation;
Peace, the fruit of conquered sin;
Peace, that speaks the heavenly Giver;
Peace, to worldly minds unknown;
Peace, that floweth as a river
From th’ eternal source alone.
O Thou God of peace, be near us,
Fix within our hearts Thy home;
With Thy bright appearing cheer us,
In Thy blessed freedom come.
Come with all Thy revelations,
Truth which we so long have sought;
Come with Thy deep consolations,
Peace of God which passeth thought.
— “Bethany” by Charles Wesley,
Hymn 277 from The Christian Science Hymnal, 1932 edition
Topic: Peace be with you! (John 20:21, 26; Luke 24:36)
Moderator: Thomas from NY
See the readings with each question below.
Questions:
- Maundy Thursday (see John 13:1-17)
On Tuesday, at Bethany, a woman anointed Jesus and the disciples rebuked her (Matthew 26:6-13). On Thursday, Jesus washed the feet of the disciples and initially, Peter objected. What was the reason Jesus washed the feet of the disciples? - Pilate (see Luke 23:1-25; Mark 15:1-15)
On Friday morning, Jesus was taken to Pilate. Jesus was accused of stirring up the people (Luke 23:5) and the Chief Priests stirred up the crowd (Mark 15:11) What is this “stirring up” and did Jesus stir up the people? - Mary Magdalene (see Luke 8:1-2 [Mary Magdalene healed]; John 19:25 [Mary Magdalene at the crucifixion]; Matthew 27:61; Mark 15:47; Luke 23:55-56 [Mary Magdalene watched as the body of Jesus was placed in the tomb; went home and prepared spices and perfumes]; Matthew 28:1-15; Mark 16:1-11; John 20:1-18)
On Easter Sunday morning, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome went to anoint the body of Jesus and found the tomb empty (Mark 16:1, 6). Mary Magdalen wept and then Jesus appeared (John 20:11, 14). Why did Jesus first appear to Mary Magdalene? (Mark 16:9; John 20:11-18)
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Notes from the Discussion
Charles Wesley (1707-1788), the hymnwriter of “Peace be to this congregation” was an English poet and clergyman. He founded Methodism in England. During his lifetime, he wrote more than 6,500 hymns. Six of his hymns are in the Christian Science hymnal, 1932 edition.
1. Christ, whose glory fills the skies – Hymn 35
2. Glory be to God on high – Hymn 72, 405
3. Help us to help each other, Lord – Hymn 105
4. Partners of a glorious hope – Hymn 273, 274
5. Peace be to this congregation – Hymn 276, 277
6. Soldiers of Chrit, arise – Hymn 312
Another familiar Hymn was “Hark! the Herald Angels Sing”
Christian Science is based upon the simple, yet profound, teachings of Christ Jesus. It begins with the faith of a little child, and goes on to spiritual understanding; so that the Christian Scientist is as sure of himself in the working out of his life-problem as he is when working in mathematics. To him, therefore, the study of Christian Science becomes most interesting and satisfying. Not only does he find himself in better health and less liable to sickness as a result, but the former yearnings of the human heart to know God and to understand human existence are satisfied. He catches a glimpse of what Life really is, and begins to realize God’s presence with him every hour of the day, — not through blind faith, but through practical, scientific, demonstrable understanding. He learns that Life is not in matter, and that man lives in divine Mind; and he is at peace. Thus, he is able to appreciate the beauty of the following words: —
“Peace be to this congregation!
Peace to ev’ry heart therein!
Peace, the earnest of salvation;
Peace, the fruit of conquered sin;
Peace, that speaks the heav’nly Giver;
Peace, to worldly minds unknown;
Peace, that floweth, as a river,
From th’ eternal Source alone.”
“Peace” (excerpt) from Christian Science Journal, March 1923 by Warren O. Evans
“I Serve” from The Christian Science Sentinel, January 13, 1906 by William D. McCrackan
Click here to play the audio as you read: — “Atonement and Eucharist” from Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, Chapter Two by Mary Baker Eddy
“A Story of Gratitude” from The Christian Science Journal, May 1905 by Rev. Irving C. Tomlinson