Archive for the ‘God’ Category
A Sentinel Watch interview with David Brown and Mark Sappenfield, Editor of the Christian Science Monitor.
Click here to listen.
At the moment, it would seem that the world is politically quite polarised. In the media more attention is paid to the things that divide us than to the things that unit us. Sentiments are felt strongly resulting in divisions even within families. With US election fresh in thought and the expectation of an election in Australia early this year, this discussion is very timely. David and Mark share ideas on how we as individuals can support a genuine sense of unity and peace.
by Judith Hedrick – published in the Christian Science Sentinel, October 30, 2024
Elections are times of choice. Yes, whenever an election is held, we decide on different issues and between political parties and their candidates. But we also make a deeper choice about what we believe is the power which governs.
What is the ultimate power governing me, my family and friends, my country, and even the world? Is it human personalities or is it God? Is it mortal mind or the divine Mind? Where do I put my faith?
Any polarization or conflict that arises in elections is the result of the belief that power belongs to people, who have both good and evil qualities, instead of to God. We get riled up because we are convinced that there are candidates whose political positions and activities will harm us. If personalities are able to rule, we do have reason to fear.
The Bible points us in a different direction, though: “Power belongeth unto God” (Psalms 62:11). Accepting that God, good, is all-powerful and governing human existence frees us from fear and distress. The Bible also says, “I am the Lord, and there is none else” (Isaiah 45:6). This shows us that the enemy is not a person. It is the false belief that there is a power, mind, or presence other than God. Click here to continue reading.
A Sentinel Watch interview with Deborah Huebsch.
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Click here to listen.
Deborah shares how being a Christian Science practitioner has helped her understand God more clearly: as the only power—the power of good—in our lives.
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Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
(The Bible NKJV – Joshua 1:9)
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Whatever holds human thought in line with unselfed love, receives directly the divine power.
(Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy p192:27)
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And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:
(The Bible KJV – II Corinthians 9:8)
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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.
(The Bible KJV – Isaiah 41: 10)
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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. …
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear:
(The Bible KJV – I John 4: 16, 18)
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Working and praying with true motives your Father will open the way.
(Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy p326:20-21)
True forgiveness – is it possible? If someone has really hurt you in ways that seem impossible to ignore, is it necessary to forgive them? Is it actually possible?
Jesus is quoted as saying (Matt 5: 38,44) Ye have heard that it hat been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: … But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; Why did he say this? Is it realistic? Is it wisdom?
We don’t ever have to condone or excuse unacceptable behaviour. It is only right that laws and courts deal with unlawful behaviour but world events tell us that ‘an eye for an eye’ thinking does not bring peace.
In this same passage, Jesus goes on to say that we are the children of God – God who is Love. Our true nature then is loving. This gives us the strength to move beyond hurts. When you truly know who you are, it is possible to find your freedom from negative, limiting feelings. Hurt and resentment fall away in the knowledge that you are the loved and loving child of God.
Mary Baker Eddy, the founder of Christian Science writes in an article, Taking Offense:
We should remember that the world is wide; that there are a thousand million different human wills, opinions, ambitions, tastes, and loves; that each person has a different history, constitution, culture, character, from all the rest; … we should go forth into life with the smallest expectations, but with the largest patience; with a keen relish for and appreciation of everything beautiful, great, and good, but with a temper so genial that the friction of the world shall not wear upon our sensibilities; … determined not to be offended when no wrong is meant, nor even when it is, unless the offense be against God. (Miscellaneous Writings p223)
This is how we find our peace.
This article was contributed by a member of the Christian Science community in Canberra.
Christian Science Canberra 