Articles

Power. Control.

Do branch Churches of Christ, Scientist, need guidelines and bylaws? The best answer can be found in the Bible, which explains the spiritual basis for church, and in the writings of Mrs. Eddy, who founded The First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston, Massachusetts.

The Bible, recording mankind's progress in understanding God, assures us that He is Love, the only creator and the creator of good alone. Throughout its pages, divine Truth thus asserts itself.

Communication has been greatly magnified through technology. Television and movies, for instance, have intensified the impact of information on human thought.

"Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain" ( Ex. 20:7 ).

"Am I a sinner?" Our response to that question has great bearing not only on our status as Christians but also on our ability to demonstrate the healing power inherent in Christian Science. According to traditional Christian theology, we are all transgressors—born in sin and without hope of salvation except through the grace of God, manifest in Jesus the Christ.

Mary Baker Eddy writes in the Christian Science textbook, Science and Health , "What is termed disease does not exist. " Science and Health , p.

Church—what a marvel! Founded on the "Rock of Ages. " The very evidence of Christ, Truth, alive and here today! How can we explain it, take it all in, let it into our lives? A tall order.

When ordered by Nebuchadnezzar to fall down and worship the golden image he had made or suffer the consequences, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused. The Hebrew captives explained: "If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king.

Picture this: Crowds forming, thronging a man. Someone maybe even perching in a tree or climbing on a roof to see him.