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Notes and References 10/21/01 Last week (due to my absence from class) I was unable to share with you a thought about Moses and the story of the rod that became a serpent and the serpent that then became a rod. Mrs. Eddy explains the story as follows: 321:8-12 Twice wisdom acts on behalf of Moses’ correct instincts. First, when depending upon the serpent of the false belief wisdom made him let go of matter and he saw it as a serpent. He was afraid. But then wisdom made him handle the false belief (reverse it) and the improved belief when spiritualized became a true staff upon which to lean. This story corresponds beautifully with Paul’s words tot he Corinthians (II Cor 10:4,5): For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; Casting down the material staff is the same as casting down imaginations and spiritualizing thought (handling the serpent, picking it up and having it become a staff in your hand) is the same as bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. Now this week’s lesson on Atonement takes this same thought farther. Lets look carefully at the responsive reading from Rom 1:16,17: For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement. 1. atonement When you start the healing process by not being ashamed in Christ you feel a power outside of your ordinary capacity. You are standing for what is right (righteousness). Faith in Spirit brings a great sense of peace. When armed with these qualities you actions take on that special quality called grace. God is being glorified and salvation (healing) is yours. The unspeakable joy that comes from such a demonstration defines your oneness with God (atonement), Are you ever ashamed about being Christlike or taking a Christly stand? Maybe you are teased, ridiculed or thought less of because you don’t join in at drinking parties or from maintaining the “sanctity of virginity”. Perhaps you are thought not to be cool or with it or made not to fit in. Never be ashamed in the gospel of Christ. As Americans are we ashamed of our stand for freedom midst this current event? Can’t you stand just as proud with your banner of Christ waving as you are with your American flag on display? |
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