What is "sabbath"?

[dugger]

What do they do with messianic evangelicals who whorship on Sabbath and Sunday. The confusion has come with Protestants not teaching the Sabbath truth and calling Sunday the Sabbath. "Deceiving and being decieved." Since they have practiced this deception for so long it would not suprise us that they would take the mark-especially the larger more liberal churches. We like to look at a churches soul-winning effort before making these judgement calls. Seventh Day churches "hang their hats"on Sabbath keeping. We hung our hat on soul winning and Sabbath came to us!-Praise God! Thanks for the discourse.

 

[Joe67]

Thank You ! We did have a happy Sabbath and feel renewed EVERY time-Praise be to God!

We are an independent,non-denominational, evangelical church that honors the fourth command and celebrates the ressurection of Jesus and recognizes Him at creation being part of Trinity.

We hold services on Fri. evening and Sun. morning. If we had to just pick one however it would be Shabbat.

Since keeping this command and it becoming a delight in our lives , Yahweh has blessed us beyond measure and spiritual growth has exploded all around us. It reminds me of when we made passing out Gospel tracts a fun lifestyle and not just a chore. Matter of fact that is when The LORD showed us Shabbat- while passing out Gospel tracts- Shabbat was revealed to us-Praise The Glorious NAME of our LORD and Saviour Jesus Who IS The CHRIST, Son of THE Living God, LORD of The Sabbath, King of Kings, LORD Of LORDS forever...and ever and ever and ever...and ever...

dugger,

Praise the Lord for your new found worship of him.

There is joy when a child is born. And joy when the child begins to crawl and stand and walk and talk.

The joy is moderated as the child grows when little manifestations of temper begin to be manifested.

Then anguish becomes the experience of the parent as the adolescent mind begins to move adverse to the mind of the parent. And the parent watches in hope of the return of the offspring. When the offspring returns there is greater rejoicing than there was at the birth.

Joy filled my emotion to begin going to church on Saturday when I was 12. The ballpark had been my joy earlier. God has led me through joys and sorrows since that time. He is there in the sorrows even more than in the joys. We don't feel like he is there.

Faith is given to believe even though we do not feel. My age is now near 70. The faith that God gave me, he has converted it into hope, by the discipline of his grace and the love of God is shed abroad into the 4 corners of my heart by the gift of the holy spirit in suffering shame for Jesus' name.

Now abides faith and hope and love. The greatest of these is love.

Law convicts of sin and leads to faith. Faith gives birth to hope. Hope delivers us from shame as the love of God is spread fully in our hearts by the holy spirit in the fellowship of Jesus' sufferings.

We are justified by faith as faith works by love. Faith is also the doorway into the room of grace and hope where we stand in hope of the glory of God. We are saved by hope through tribulations. If we see something, then we no longer hope for it.

Gal 5:6
5 For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. KJV

Your brother in the Lord Jesus,
Joe

 

[dugger]

That was beautiful, thank you for that. We are in our 6th month of obeying Sabbath and our lives have not been the same, nor ever will be-Praise be to God!!!!!

An ABCD definition of faith

Faith is Action Based on Confidence that God will Do what He promised!

 

[OldStudent]

Of course, there are some plain specifications. We lay aside our common labors (Ex 20:8-10). We don’t make or set up others to work either (vs 10) which is a main reason we don’t eat out or conduct business on Sabbath.

As Nehemiah was wrapping up the rebuilding of Jerusalem, he had the writings of Moses read and established appropriate order and worship practices. Part of that involved Sabbath observance. Nehemiah 13:15-22 records that he got very direct and feisty about cessation of work and business on Sabbath. He even threatened merchants who hung around outside over the Sabbath.

Jesus claimed that He, “the Son of man is Lord also of the Sabbath” Mark 2:28. Since He claimed authority regarding Sabbath He would be a good source of understanding about it. If you do a key word search on “Sabbath” through the gospels you will run into several incidents where Jesus interacted with the Sabbath. Most of the incidents were confrontational and even damaging to His career yet He persisted in revealing His intent for the Sabbath. We can learn some things from those incidents what He expects Sabbath to look like. We learn that it was the custom of Jesus to be found in synagogue on Sabbath (Luke 4:16). We learn that it is well to be of service to human needs on Sabbath. Several incidents demonstrate what that looks like.

There are some incidents recorded in Acts where Paul interacted with Sabbath. He habitually was in synagogue on Sabbath. If a synagogue was not available he looked for a place where people met for prayer.

Over time I have come to the point of refraining from going into any detailed specifications regarding Sabbath observance. Sabbath observance is a frame of mind and a set of relationships. Beyond some few specifics like noted above Sabbath observance is personal. Jesus chided rather strongly those who were hung up on tradition - artificial specifications.

At one time I found it necessary to work on Sabbath. I was working in a medical facility. People in the hospital can’t go hungry or without other necessary services over Sabbath. I worked in food service. That bothered me. It worked out like this: The Sabbath isn’t my time. The money made on that time isn’t mine. I maintained a separate account of that money and kept it separate. As my time working there was winding down I couldn’t figure out what to do with the money. One day I was eating in the cafeteria when a fellow I didn’t know joined me. In the course of conversation he confided that he had a problem. He really wanted for his son to be able to attend church school but couldn’t quite find the funds. Well, that was easy. I had several hundred dollars earmarked for just such a need. That was just what he needed. God honored his/their need and mine.

Don’t look for rules of Sabbath observance. Walk with Jesus. He will shape it with you. Quite likely you will discover Sabbaths can take a variety of shapes.

 

[Byfaithalone1]

Don’t look for rules of Sabbath observance. Walk with Jesus. He will shape it with you. Quite likely you will discover Sabbaths can take a variety of shapes.

Shouldn't I? We've now had several people claim that there are consequences/punishment for those who fail to keep the sabbath. Shouldn't I explore what I need to do in order to avoid such punishment?

There are many who view the sabbath as a critical issue, even a salvational one. And these same folks are unable to explain what it is that you need to do in order to satisfy the sabbath keeping requirement. Something seems to be missing.

BFA

P.S. Disclaimer: I realize that not all sabbatarians view sabbath keeping as a salvational issue. However, my comments relate to the teachings of the SDA denomination and not to the views of each individual sabbatarian.

 

[dugger]

We think Old Student has it right, and 1 is right as well-Sabbath being a salvational issue makes it legalism. What we don't understand is since we recognize both days, we are criticized by both sides of this issue. If either was right they would be happy we choose to recoginize either, but instead they are discouraged that we recognize both-what is that all about?

 

[Kira Light]

Shouldn't I? We've now had several people claim that there are consequences/punishment for those who fail to keep the sabbath. Shouldn't I explore what I need to do in order to avoid such punishment?

There are many who view the sabbath as a critical issue, even a salvational one. And these same folks are unable to explain what it is that you need to do in order to satisfy the sabbath keeping requirement. Something seems to be missing.

BFA

P.S. Disclaimer: I realize that not all sabbatarians view sabbath keeping as a salvational issue. However, my comments relate to the teachings of the SDA denomination and not to the views of each individual sabbatarian.

I wonder if picking up firewood is OK now. That is one thing we know was definitely not allowed right after the 10 commandments were given.

 

[dugger]

Remebering it and keeping it Holy shouldn't be that complicated and it is not, matter of fact it is a delight!

 

[Byfaithalone1]

We think Old Student has it right, and 1 is right as well-Sabbath being a salvational issue makes it legalism. What we don't understand is since we recognize both days, we are criticized by both sides of this issue. If either was right they would be happy we choose to recoginize either, but instead they are discouraged that we recognize both-what is that all about?

Personally, it doesn't matter to me whether you recognize any. Since I don't, I certainly don't expect you to. With that said, I certainly would not wish to rob you of any blessings and would never wish to stand in your way if you've found a meaningful tradition.

My only concern regarding sabbath keeping stems from the reality that many sabbatarians view it as a salvational issue. I am glad that this is not true for you.

BFA

 

[Byfaithalone1]

Remebering it and keeping it Holy shouldn't be that complicated

OK. Fair enough. So how is it done?

BFA

 

[Kira Light]

Remebering it and keeping it Holy shouldn't be that complicated and it is not, matter of fact it is a delight!

It used to mean don't pick up firewood or you get stoned to death. Has that changed?

 

[dugger]

Well, remeber that God created all (including Sabbath) and try to not sin on purpose. If you do sin (and you will) you have an advocate in Christ Jesus, repent and continue to try and "keep it holy". Without the propitiation of Jesus Christ this command would be impossible-with Him it is a delight!

 

[dugger]

We have a short worship and prayer service Fri. at 7:30 pm. at our church. We have family and friend time Sabbath mid morning to mid afternoon. No TV's computers until after family prayer and brunch, individual devotions through the day as desired-napping/resting encouraged. We don't do common chores or labor(lawn dishes floors...)
We have however helped widows, and have done ministry on Sabbath. My wife is a 22 year sufferer of MS and most things she requires help with-these are all done with upmost care - especially on Sabbath. She gets exited just like me when shadows start to fall on Fri. night, it really is delightful-imagine that serving and being obedient simply by resting and remembering God's goodness-WHAT AN AWESOME GOD we serve!!!!!

 

[Kira Light]

We have a short worship and prayer service Fri. at 7:30 pm. at our church. We have family and friend time Sabbath mid morning to mid afternoon. No TV's computers until after family prayer and brunch, individual devotions through the day as desired-napping/resting encouraged. We don't do common chores or labor(lawn dishes floors...)
We have however helped widows, and have done ministry on Sabbath. My wife is a 22 year sufferer of MS and most things she requires help with-these are all done with upmost care - especially on Sabbath. She gets exited just like me when shadows start to fall on Fri. night, it really is delightful-imagine that serving and being obedient simply by resting and remembering God's goodness-WHAT AN AWESOME GOD we serve!!!!!

Do you prepare all food for Sabbath before night falls on Friday night? Do you never kindle a fire in your house on the sabbath day? Does that include using indoor heating and A/C?

Exo 35:2 Six days shall work be done, but on the seventh day there shall be to you an holy day, a sabbath of rest to the LORD: whosoever doeth work therein shall be put to death.
Exo 35:3 Ye shall kindle no fire throughout your habitations upon the sabbath day.

 

[Joe67]

We have a short worship and prayer service Fri. at 7:30 pm. at our church. We have family and friend time Sabbath mid morning to mid afternoon. No TV's computers until after family prayer and brunch, individual devotions through the day as desired-napping/resting encouraged. We don't do common chores or labor(lawn dishes floors...)
We have however helped widows, and have done ministry on Sabbath. My wife is a 22 year sufferer of MS and most things she requires help with-these are all done with upmost care - especially on Sabbath. She gets exited just like me when shadows start to fall on Fri. night, it really is delightful-imagine that serving and being obedient simply by resting and remembering God's goodness-WHAT AN AWESOME GOD we serve!!!!!

dugger,

Amen and amen.

That reminds me of the young boy Samuel. He was lying down resting after the lights were out in the sanctuary when the Lord called Samuel's name.

When we are resting the Lord comes to us and speaks to us by his Spirit, revealing more of Jesus Christ to us.

Praise the Lord, our God. Worthy, worthy is the Lamb that was slain.

"Blessing and honor and glory and power unto Him that sits on the throne and unto the Lamb for ever and ever." Let us fall down and worship him that lives for ever and ever.

Joe

 

[dugger]

Do you prepare all food for Sabbath before night falls on Friday night? Do you never kindle a fire in your house on the sabbath day? Does that include using indoor heating and A/C?

No, Matter of fact I personally prepare a nice brunch for our family and any friends that want to come over. I do not personally feel like it is work. If I cooked all week that might be different. I find great relaxation in feeding others on Sabbath. After that meal, we don't eat food that needs prepared until sundown,but that is not a "house rule". Our daughter finds relaxation in baking and our son sometimes plays frisbee golf, we don't make this delightful day burdensome in any way. We continue to use electric, but I prepare the wood (sawing,cutting splitting) during the week and put enough wood by the burner as to not have to "throw" it. I also use "Yuletide" logs as to not make as many trips.

We also let the dishes sit as I find NO rest or relaxation while doing dishes. The LORD shows us what is "work" and what is not. Where The Spirit of the LORD is there is Liberty!-Praise be to God for The Lamb that was slain from the foundation of the world!

 

[Kira Light]

No, Matter of fact I personally prepare a nice brunch for our family and any friends that want to come over. I do not personally feel like it is work. If I cooked all week that might be different. I find great relaxation in feeding others on Sabbath. After that meal, we don't eat food that needs prepared until sundown,but that is not a "house rule". Our daughter finds relaxation in baking and our son sometimes plays frisbee golf, we don't make this delightful day burdensome in any way. We continue to use electric, but I prepare the wood (sawing,cutting splitting) during the week and put enough wood by the burner as to not have to "throw" it. I also use "Yuletide" logs as to not make as many trips.

We also let the dishes sit as I find NO rest or relaxation while doing dishes. The LORD shows us what is "work" and what is not. Where The Spirit of the LORD is there is Liberty!-Praise be to God for The Lamb that was slain from the foundation of the world!

You understand that you aren't keeping the Sabbath Holy as it is spoken of in the Bible though, right? When God gave the 10 commandments to the Israelites they were not allowed to just do whatever they felt was "rest".

Exo 16:23 And he said unto them, This is that which the LORD hath said, To morrow is the rest of the holy sabbath unto the LORD: bake that which ye will bake to day, and seethe that ye will seethe; and that which remaineth over lay up for you to be kept until the morning.
Exo 16:24 And they laid it up till the morning, as Moses bade: and it did not stink, neither was there any worm therein.
Exo 16:25 And Moses said, Eat that to day; for to day is a sabbath unto the LORD: to day ye shall not find it in the field.
Exo 16:26 Six days ye shall gather it; but on the seventh day, which is the sabbath, in it there shall be none.
Exo 16:27 And it came to pass, that there went out some of the people on the seventh day for to gather, and they found none.
Exo 16:28 And the LORD said unto Moses, How long refuse ye to keep my commandments and my laws?
Exo 16:29 See, for that the LORD hath given you the sabbath, therefore he giveth you on the sixth day the bread of two days; abide ye every man in his place, let no man go out of his place on the seventh day.

Keeping Sabbath Holy to God meant no leaving your house, no gathering food, no baking, no boiling, etc. How do you put this all aside and still claim you are keeping the day Holy?

 

[k4c]

You understand that you aren't keeping the Sabbath Holy as it is spoken of in the Bible though, right? When God gave the 10 commandments to the Israelites they were not allowed to just do whatever they felt was "rest".

Keeping Sabbath Holy to God meant no leaving your house, no gathering food, no baking, no boiling, etc. How do you put this all aside and still claim you are keeping the day Holy?

http://exposingantichrist.com/Sabbath-Day.html

 

[dugger]

You understand that you aren't keeping the Sabbath Holy as it is spoken of in the Bible though, right? When God gave the 10 commandments to the Israelites they were not allowed to just do whatever they felt was "rest".

The original 10 commandments did not have the auxillary commands you refer to. We understand that we are under the new covenant the covenant of Grace. As we have been lead along in this beautiful journey (6 months) God has shown us Sabbath Truth and it is so simple a child could understand it! Praise be to Yahweh for the grace He bestows us through His Everlasting Son Yeshua!



Keeping Sabbath Holy to God meant no leaving your house, no gathering food, no baking, no boiling, etc. How do you put this all aside and still claim you are keeping the day Holy?

The same way I take care of my crippled wife, the Holy Spirit convicts of sin(falling short) and the burden of the law was nailed to the cross on Jesus Who Is The Christ. He is LORD of The Sabbath and was with God as was God at creation.

 

[Kira Light]

http://exposingantichrist.com/Sabbath-Day.html

Fantastic illustration of what a mess we make when we try to reinterpret God's laws.

So you can do basically whatever as long as you can somehow link it to worship or fellowship. You can work hard preparing a meal as long as you eat it before or after some praying and what not. Can you just prepare a giant feast and eat it all alone while not praying at all?

What a horrible horrible mess. You think your subjective little law keeping is actually having some effect on your salvation. You actually believe preparing your feasts and praying with a few people is testifying something to the world. It is just beyond words.