Last Part!
Guide Lines for Sabbath Observance: Part IV
10) Seventh-day Adventis Educational Instritutions
Seventh-day Adventist secondary boarding schools leave a major role in shaping the Sabbath observance habits of future generations of members of the Church, and Seventh-day Adventist colleges and universities do much to mold the thinking of the Church's clergy and professional class. It is important, therefore, that both the theory and practice of how to maximize the joyful blessings of the Sabbath be as close as possible to the ideal in these institutions.
Applications of this principal should include:
a. Adequate preparation for the Sabbath.
b. Demarcation of the beginning and ending of the Sabbath hours.
c. Appropriate school-home activities: worships, prayer bands, witness, etc.
d. Keeping necessary duties to a minimum, preferably entrusting them to people who volunteer their service rather than to those who do the same work for pay during the week.
e. Inspiring worship services, preferably modeling what is expected to characterize such services in the churches of the school's constituency.
f. Adequate and varied activities on Sabbath afternoon.
g. Structuring of the weekly program so that the Sabbath will be a lingering joy and the climax of the week, rather than a prelude to contrasting activities on Saturday night.
1. Cafetetria Sales
School cafeterias are designed to serve students and their visiting parents and bona fide guests; they should not be open to the public on the Sabbath. To avoid unnecessary business transactions during sacred time, each institution should make provision for payment outside of the Sabbath hours.
2. Attendence of Faclty at Profssional Meetings
Attendance of Faculty at Professional Meetings. In some countries, Seventh-day Adventists are privileged to attend professional meetings in order to keep abreast of current developments in their given field of specialization. It may be tempting to justify attendance at these meetings on the Sabbath. However, it is recommended that academic personnel join fellow members in worship rather than fellow professionals at work.
3. Radio Stations
College radio stations can be a blessing to their communities. To maximize the blessings, programming during the Sabbath hours should reflect the philosophy of the Church. If fund-raising appeals are made on the Sabbath, they should be conducted in such a way as to uphold the sacredness of that day.
4. Prmotional Trips
In order to maintain the worshipful nature of the Sabbath, promotional tours should be planned in such a way as to minimize travel on the Sabbath and to provide maximum time for worship with fellow believers. The Sabbath hours should not be used for travel to provide a Saturday night program.
5. Sabbath Observance in Education for the Ministery
Sabbath Observance in Education for the Ministry. Pastors have a large responsibility for shaping the spiritual life of the Church by their personal example. Therefore institutions training ministers and their spouses need to help their trainees form a sound philosophy of Sabbath observance. Proper guidance received at school can be instrumental in the experience of a genuine renewal of the Sabbath joys in their own life as well as in the life of their church.
6. Sabbath Exainations
Seventh-day Adventists who face required examinations given on the Sabbath in non-Adventist schools or for certification by professional governing boards face special problems. In dealing with such situations we recommend that they arrange for administration of the examinations on hours other than the Sabbath. The Church should encourage its members in careful Sabbath observance and where possible intercede with the appropriate authorities to provide for both reverence for God's day and access to the examinations.
Secular Employment and Trade as Related to the Sabbath
1) Statement of Principal
The Biblical view of the Sabbath includes both a divine and a human dimension (Matt 12:7). From the divine perspective the Sabbath invites the believer to renew his commitment to God by desisting from the daily work in order to worship God more freely and more fully (Ex 20:8-10; 31:15,16; Isa 58:13,14). From the human perspective, the Sabbath summons the believer to celebrate God's creative and redemptive love by showing mercy and concern toward others (Dent 5:12-15; Matt 12:12; Luke 13:12; John 5:17). Thus the Sabbath encompasses both cessation from secular work for the purpose of honoring God and performing deeds of love and kindness toward fellow beings.
2) Essential and Emergenc Work
In order to uphold the sanctity of the Sabbath, Seventh-day Adventists must make wise choices in matters of employment, guided by a conscience enlightened by the Holy Spirit. Experience has shown that there are hazards in choosing vocations which will not allow them to worship their Creator on the Sabbath day free from involvement in secular labor. This means that they will avoid types of employment which, although essential for the function of a technologically advanced society, may offer problems in Sabbath observance.
The Scriptures and the Spirit of Prophecy are explicit about our duties as Christians to our fellowman, even on the Sabbath day. In the modern context, many employed in occupations involved with the saving of life and property are called upon to deal with emergencies. Arranging for regular weekend work requiring the use of the Sabbath hours for gainful emergency employment or accepting work only on weekends in emergency occupations to augment the family budget is out of harmony with Sabbath keeping principles given by Christ. Responding to emergency situations where life and safety are at stake is quite different from earning one's livelihood by routinely engaging in such occupations on the Sabbath which are often accompanied by commercial, secular, or routine activities. (See Christ's comments on rescuing oxen or sheep from ditches and helping people in need. Matt 12:11; Luke 13:16.) Absenting one's self from God's house and being denied fellowship with the believers on the Sabbath can have a chilling effect on one's spiritual life.
Many employers in so-called essential service areas willingly make accommodations for Sabbath keepers. Where such is not granted, members should review carefully Biblical principles of Sabbath keeping and in that light examine the type of activity, environment, requirements of the job, and personal motives before committing themselves to working on the Sabbath. They should ask of the Lord as did Paul on the Damascus road, "Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?" When this attitude of faith prevails, we are persuaded that the Lord will lead the believer to discern His will and supply strength and wisdom to follow it.
3) Moral Decision Reguarding Sabbath Observance
Sabbath privileges are sometimes curtailed or denied by military, educational, political, or other organizations. To prevent and/or alleviate these regrettable situations, the following suggestions should be considered:
A competent church official, preferably the Public Affairs and Religious Liberty director, should be appointed to keep abreast of developments that could undermine freedom of worship on the Sabbath. When necessary, this official will approach responsible authorities to intercede when an adverse impact upon Seventh-day Adventists is present in any contemplated measure or legislation. This course of action may prevent enactment of laws that could curtail or deny Sabbath privileges.
Adventist members should be encouraged to stand by faith for the principle of Sabbath keeping regardless of circumstances, resting in the assurance that God will honor their commitment to Him.
Church members should offer spiritual, moral, and, if needed temporal help to other members experiencing Sabbath problems. Such support will serve to strengthen the commitment to the Lord not only of the individual member facing Sabbath problems but also of the Church as a whole.
4) Prchase of oods and Srvices on the Sabbath
a. The Sabbath is designed to provide spiritual freedom and joy for every person (Ex 20:8-11). As Christians, we must be supportive of this basic human right granted to each individual by the Creator. As a general rule, the purchasing of goods, eating out in restaurants, and paying for services to be provided by others ought to be avoided because they are out of harmony with the principle and practice of Sabbath keeping.
b. Furthermore, the above-mentioned commercial activities will turn the mind away from the sacredness of the Sabbath. (See Neh 10:31; 13:15 ff.) With proper planning adequate provisions can be made in advance for foreseeable Sabbath needs.
5) Sabbath Travel
While Sabbath travel may be necessary for engaging in Sabbath activities, one should not allow Sabbath travel to become a secular function; therefore, preparation should be made in advance. Automobile fuel and other needs should be cared for before the Sabbath begins. Travel on commercial carriers for personal or business reasons should be avoided.
6) Treatintg a Specific Employment Proble
When a member of the Church finds it necessary to resign from a position, or loses his job because of Sabbath problems, and is reemployed by the denomination in similar work, and where the new job, because of its essential nature, requires the member to work on the Sabbath, the following suggestions are recommended:
a. A careful explanation of the essential nature of the work will be given to the member.
b. All efforts should be made by the organization to as certain that only the essential aspects of the new job will be performed on the Sabbath. Administrators should also explain to the new employee the religious purposes and basic objectives of the employing organization.
c. A rotation schedule will be adopted in order that the member who can conscientiously accept such work on the Sabbath may frequently be able to enter into a fuller celebration of the Sabbath day.
7) Shift Work
When a Seventh-day Adventist works for an employer where Shift work is the rule, he may be requested to work on the Sabbath or a portion thereof. Under such circumstances the member involved is encouraged to consider the following:
a. The member should strive to be the best possible worker, a valuable employee whom the employer cannot afford to lose.
b. If a problem develops, the member should seek to resolve it by appealing to the employer personally for an accommodation based on goodwill and fairness.
c. The member should assist the employer by suggesting such accommodations as:
1. Working a flexible schedule;
2. Taking a less desirable shift;
3. Trading shifts with another employee; or
4. Working on holidays.
8) If the employer resist an accommodation, the member should immeadiately seek assistance from the pastor anbd from the Religious Liberty Department in countries where they are involved n such avctivities
_____________________________________________
The General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists Executive Committee at the General Conference Session in Indianapolis, Indiana, on July 9, 1990, voted to acknowledge receipt of the above document on Sabbath observance.
Copyright © 2007, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904, USA 301-680-6000
Trademark and Logo Usage Legal
__________________________________________________
In the preceeding four segments we have covered a wide list of subjects that require the application of Biblical principals when we consider the observance of the Sabbath. It is however by no means ment to be a list of dos and don'ts. It is now up to each individual to use the God given power of free will, along with the help of the Holy Spirit, to apply these principals when observing the Sabbath.
I pray that each will be able to find "Where to Draw the Line," when it comes to the observance of God's holy day the Sabbath.
Family relationships and Sabbath observance will follow.
Rspectfully, your brother in Christ,
Doc
Guide Lines for Sabbath Observance: Part IV
10) Seventh-day Adventis Educational Instritutions
Seventh-day Adventist secondary boarding schools leave a major role in shaping the Sabbath observance habits of future generations of members of the Church, and Seventh-day Adventist colleges and universities do much to mold the thinking of the Church's clergy and professional class. It is important, therefore, that both the theory and practice of how to maximize the joyful blessings of the Sabbath be as close as possible to the ideal in these institutions.
Applications of this principal should include:
a. Adequate preparation for the Sabbath.
b. Demarcation of the beginning and ending of the Sabbath hours.
c. Appropriate school-home activities: worships, prayer bands, witness, etc.
d. Keeping necessary duties to a minimum, preferably entrusting them to people who volunteer their service rather than to those who do the same work for pay during the week.
e. Inspiring worship services, preferably modeling what is expected to characterize such services in the churches of the school's constituency.
f. Adequate and varied activities on Sabbath afternoon.
g. Structuring of the weekly program so that the Sabbath will be a lingering joy and the climax of the week, rather than a prelude to contrasting activities on Saturday night.
1. Cafetetria Sales
School cafeterias are designed to serve students and their visiting parents and bona fide guests; they should not be open to the public on the Sabbath. To avoid unnecessary business transactions during sacred time, each institution should make provision for payment outside of the Sabbath hours.
2. Attendence of Faclty at Profssional Meetings
Attendance of Faculty at Professional Meetings. In some countries, Seventh-day Adventists are privileged to attend professional meetings in order to keep abreast of current developments in their given field of specialization. It may be tempting to justify attendance at these meetings on the Sabbath. However, it is recommended that academic personnel join fellow members in worship rather than fellow professionals at work.
3. Radio Stations
College radio stations can be a blessing to their communities. To maximize the blessings, programming during the Sabbath hours should reflect the philosophy of the Church. If fund-raising appeals are made on the Sabbath, they should be conducted in such a way as to uphold the sacredness of that day.
4. Prmotional Trips
In order to maintain the worshipful nature of the Sabbath, promotional tours should be planned in such a way as to minimize travel on the Sabbath and to provide maximum time for worship with fellow believers. The Sabbath hours should not be used for travel to provide a Saturday night program.
5. Sabbath Observance in Education for the Ministery
Sabbath Observance in Education for the Ministry. Pastors have a large responsibility for shaping the spiritual life of the Church by their personal example. Therefore institutions training ministers and their spouses need to help their trainees form a sound philosophy of Sabbath observance. Proper guidance received at school can be instrumental in the experience of a genuine renewal of the Sabbath joys in their own life as well as in the life of their church.
6. Sabbath Exainations
Seventh-day Adventists who face required examinations given on the Sabbath in non-Adventist schools or for certification by professional governing boards face special problems. In dealing with such situations we recommend that they arrange for administration of the examinations on hours other than the Sabbath. The Church should encourage its members in careful Sabbath observance and where possible intercede with the appropriate authorities to provide for both reverence for God's day and access to the examinations.
Secular Employment and Trade as Related to the Sabbath
1) Statement of Principal
The Biblical view of the Sabbath includes both a divine and a human dimension (Matt 12:7). From the divine perspective the Sabbath invites the believer to renew his commitment to God by desisting from the daily work in order to worship God more freely and more fully (Ex 20:8-10; 31:15,16; Isa 58:13,14). From the human perspective, the Sabbath summons the believer to celebrate God's creative and redemptive love by showing mercy and concern toward others (Dent 5:12-15; Matt 12:12; Luke 13:12; John 5:17). Thus the Sabbath encompasses both cessation from secular work for the purpose of honoring God and performing deeds of love and kindness toward fellow beings.
2) Essential and Emergenc Work
In order to uphold the sanctity of the Sabbath, Seventh-day Adventists must make wise choices in matters of employment, guided by a conscience enlightened by the Holy Spirit. Experience has shown that there are hazards in choosing vocations which will not allow them to worship their Creator on the Sabbath day free from involvement in secular labor. This means that they will avoid types of employment which, although essential for the function of a technologically advanced society, may offer problems in Sabbath observance.
The Scriptures and the Spirit of Prophecy are explicit about our duties as Christians to our fellowman, even on the Sabbath day. In the modern context, many employed in occupations involved with the saving of life and property are called upon to deal with emergencies. Arranging for regular weekend work requiring the use of the Sabbath hours for gainful emergency employment or accepting work only on weekends in emergency occupations to augment the family budget is out of harmony with Sabbath keeping principles given by Christ. Responding to emergency situations where life and safety are at stake is quite different from earning one's livelihood by routinely engaging in such occupations on the Sabbath which are often accompanied by commercial, secular, or routine activities. (See Christ's comments on rescuing oxen or sheep from ditches and helping people in need. Matt 12:11; Luke 13:16.) Absenting one's self from God's house and being denied fellowship with the believers on the Sabbath can have a chilling effect on one's spiritual life.
Many employers in so-called essential service areas willingly make accommodations for Sabbath keepers. Where such is not granted, members should review carefully Biblical principles of Sabbath keeping and in that light examine the type of activity, environment, requirements of the job, and personal motives before committing themselves to working on the Sabbath. They should ask of the Lord as did Paul on the Damascus road, "Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?" When this attitude of faith prevails, we are persuaded that the Lord will lead the believer to discern His will and supply strength and wisdom to follow it.
3) Moral Decision Reguarding Sabbath Observance
Sabbath privileges are sometimes curtailed or denied by military, educational, political, or other organizations. To prevent and/or alleviate these regrettable situations, the following suggestions should be considered:
A competent church official, preferably the Public Affairs and Religious Liberty director, should be appointed to keep abreast of developments that could undermine freedom of worship on the Sabbath. When necessary, this official will approach responsible authorities to intercede when an adverse impact upon Seventh-day Adventists is present in any contemplated measure or legislation. This course of action may prevent enactment of laws that could curtail or deny Sabbath privileges.
Adventist members should be encouraged to stand by faith for the principle of Sabbath keeping regardless of circumstances, resting in the assurance that God will honor their commitment to Him.
Church members should offer spiritual, moral, and, if needed temporal help to other members experiencing Sabbath problems. Such support will serve to strengthen the commitment to the Lord not only of the individual member facing Sabbath problems but also of the Church as a whole.
4) Prchase of oods and Srvices on the Sabbath
a. The Sabbath is designed to provide spiritual freedom and joy for every person (Ex 20:8-11). As Christians, we must be supportive of this basic human right granted to each individual by the Creator. As a general rule, the purchasing of goods, eating out in restaurants, and paying for services to be provided by others ought to be avoided because they are out of harmony with the principle and practice of Sabbath keeping.
b. Furthermore, the above-mentioned commercial activities will turn the mind away from the sacredness of the Sabbath. (See Neh 10:31; 13:15 ff.) With proper planning adequate provisions can be made in advance for foreseeable Sabbath needs.
5) Sabbath Travel
While Sabbath travel may be necessary for engaging in Sabbath activities, one should not allow Sabbath travel to become a secular function; therefore, preparation should be made in advance. Automobile fuel and other needs should be cared for before the Sabbath begins. Travel on commercial carriers for personal or business reasons should be avoided.
6) Treatintg a Specific Employment Proble
When a member of the Church finds it necessary to resign from a position, or loses his job because of Sabbath problems, and is reemployed by the denomination in similar work, and where the new job, because of its essential nature, requires the member to work on the Sabbath, the following suggestions are recommended:
a. A careful explanation of the essential nature of the work will be given to the member.
b. All efforts should be made by the organization to as certain that only the essential aspects of the new job will be performed on the Sabbath. Administrators should also explain to the new employee the religious purposes and basic objectives of the employing organization.
c. A rotation schedule will be adopted in order that the member who can conscientiously accept such work on the Sabbath may frequently be able to enter into a fuller celebration of the Sabbath day.
7) Shift Work
When a Seventh-day Adventist works for an employer where Shift work is the rule, he may be requested to work on the Sabbath or a portion thereof. Under such circumstances the member involved is encouraged to consider the following:
a. The member should strive to be the best possible worker, a valuable employee whom the employer cannot afford to lose.
b. If a problem develops, the member should seek to resolve it by appealing to the employer personally for an accommodation based on goodwill and fairness.
c. The member should assist the employer by suggesting such accommodations as:
1. Working a flexible schedule;
2. Taking a less desirable shift;
3. Trading shifts with another employee; or
4. Working on holidays.
8) If the employer resist an accommodation, the member should immeadiately seek assistance from the pastor anbd from the Religious Liberty Department in countries where they are involved n such avctivities
_____________________________________________
The General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists Executive Committee at the General Conference Session in Indianapolis, Indiana, on July 9, 1990, voted to acknowledge receipt of the above document on Sabbath observance.
Copyright © 2007, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904, USA 301-680-6000
Trademark and Logo Usage Legal
__________________________________________________
In the preceeding four segments we have covered a wide list of subjects that require the application of Biblical principals when we consider the observance of the Sabbath. It is however by no means ment to be a list of dos and don'ts. It is now up to each individual to use the God given power of free will, along with the help of the Holy Spirit, to apply these principals when observing the Sabbath.
I pray that each will be able to find "Where to Draw the Line," when it comes to the observance of God's holy day the Sabbath.
Family relationships and Sabbath observance will follow.
Rspectfully, your brother in Christ,
Doc
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