Hope you had a good sleep John UK. I have concluded that the Sabbath is for rest and for worship with others. Leviticus 23:1-3 says this, where "holy convocation" means assembling together for worship.
Our family was planning on observing the Sabbath, but still attending or home fellowship on the Sunday. The blessing for us was that everyone in the fellowship decided to also move to the Sabbath for meeting together. I realize this is not the situation for most who decide to return to what GOD has ordained.
Look on the internet. It seems to have followed through for millennia. Supporting this is the fact that many languages call this day something very similar to Shabbat, the Hebrew word.
Elmer, GOD is not a confusing God. We are the problem because we're not gods as we unknowingly often think. Also, the current Saturday is the seventh day (from Friday evening). It hasn't been changed by world governments - yet. Study the Word and you'll see what we are to do. GOD had told us.
With the change to Sunday, scripture never states that the messiah rose on Sunday, but that the discovery was made then. Even if He rise on the Sunday - so what (!!) concerning the Sabbath!? His first appearance was on Saturday evening as it was changing to the first day from biblical reckoning of time!
John UK: Our family's changes came mainly from becoming part of a home church and, therefore, having to study the Word for ourselves. Secondly, from researching the foundations of many of our "Christian assumptions".
Concerning Sabbath, I realized that there are valid answers to NT scriptures assumed to make Sunday the new Sabbath. In history, we see that the early church started to distance itself from it's "Jewishness" because of persecution. Constantine made Sunday law, the popes later ratified it - and people have been persecuted (killed even) for observing the Saturday. Some of the popes have even gloried in the protestant church for submitting to their change to Sunday!
Troll Spotter: I know the Messiah came in full obedience to that law, but please don't just write that off as being nothing to do with us!
Most Christians know about the following verse, but it seems to be conveniently forgotten when it comes to subjects like this one.
"He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked." 1 John 2:6
So, most Christians will say that Christ is our example (rightly), but do they mean it? Or is it only on their Western Christian terms where they don't stand out from the crowd? We are told that Jesus' practice was to observe the Sabbath, so perhaps - just perhaps - it might be a good thing to walk just as He walked and observe it too!? He never said He changed it. Only the Confessions and the pope say that!
John UK, I think you've got it when you question that the Lord's Day is actually the Saturday Sabbath. The circular reasoning to make it mean Sunday has always seemed a bit contrived to me.
You're right, John UK. The Sabbath, I believe, is important. I get a funny feeling that even Satan knows that! Remember, too, that Jesus not only refrained from condemning the Sabbath keepers - He was one Himself!!
Interesting post, Rodney K. I agree that the Sabbath probably is a secondary issue (it certainly doesn't save you!), but it's also interesting to see that Sabbath abuse was one of the most criticized things throughout the prophets.
I grew up with Sunday and have changed to Saturday less than 18 months ago. The change was made after a lot of study, prayer and (dare I say it) courage. I know the confessions tell us that it's changed to Sunday, and they give their verses as backup, but I can only trust that I've been led back to the true Sabbath. Legalism doesn't have to go with the change.
Nityananda from New York writes: Dorcas wrote: Most meeting houses in the States consider you a legalist if you honour the Lord Day all day.
I wasn't aware that things were that bad. I just know of scads of American [Christians] who bypass the fourth commandment.
I certainly know that you're considered a legalist if you keep the Sabbath on the actual seventh day! This is the day the entire OT is talking about. Anyway, I thought it had finished in most "Christians" eyes because it's not stated in the NT!?
Thanks for all the encouragement you people have given concerning our Down Syndrome son, Jotham! It's much appreciated. We know he's going to be a great blessing to us and many others.
Amazingly, GOD seemed to lead us to naming him Jotham only a week before he was born seven weeks prem. Jotham means "Yahweh is perfect". What a great reminder for us all!
I don't feel immoral after the recent birth of our eighth child! He has Down Syndrome! We knew there was a chance he had it, but didn't do the more invasive tests - they weren't going to change our minds on keeping the child GOD was giving us!
10/29/14 9:41 PM
