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God's work is perfect
For the lesson titled "Reality" from March 19-25, 2012
The Golden Text of this week’s Lesson, titled “Reality,” shows us the true nature of reality by commanding us to “Declare the greatness of our God! . . . His work is perfect” (Deuteronomy 32:3, 4, Holman Christian Standard Bible). Mary Baker Eddy wrote: “Perfection underlies reality. Without perfection, nothing is wholly real” (Science and Health, p. 353, citation 1). Seeing God, good, as the only reality, she defines Creator as “. . . God, who made all that was made and could not create an atom or an element the opposite of Himself” (p. 583, cit. 2).
The Responsive Reading’s account of Peter and John’s healing of the lame man sitting just outside the temple at the Beautiful gate is an illustration of how God’s “perfect work” underlies all reality (see Acts 3:1–13). This healing is remarkable for two reasons. One, it’s the first apostolic healing performed after Jesus’ ascension that is reported in detail in the book of Acts. It offers reassurance that the Christ power behind Jesus’ healing ministry is empowering the healing work of his followers as well. Two, this healing shows that God’s “perfect work” not only includes the healing of what were believed to be incurable physical problems, but the healing of sin, too—in this case the mistaken theological beliefs that forbade the sick and the lame from ever entering the temple. The day the lame man was healed was the first day he’d ever gone inside the temple and prayed. No wonder the text describes him as “leaping and praising God” as he entered.
God's "perfect work" underlies all reality.
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March 19, 2012 issue
View Issue-
Letters
Marilyn McPherson, Dorothy Cork Daugherty, Eduardo Torfer
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At home in God's love
Maike Byrd, Staff Editor
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Love is reflected in home
By Michelle Nanouche
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A clear sign
By Carol Gaetjen
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After the fire: how I prayed
By Scott Shivers
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A 'new song' in my new home
Mary Sampson
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Stability during the housing crisis
By Greg Jarvis
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How do you feel God's blessing?
By Patricia Sharp
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A baseball player's lesson in body perception
By Eric D. Pagett
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And God said...
Suzanne Goewert
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Mountain bike prayers
By Meg Andersen
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The warmth of church
By John Biggs
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My heart sings
Fran Levin
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Safe investments
Eric M. Nager
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God's work is perfect
By Ann Edwards
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Running without pain
Tad Blake-Weber
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My son's quick turnaround
Karen Banks
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Painful ankle quickly healed
Cindy Snowden
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As murder rates fall
The Editors