The Desire of Ages--29--The Sabbath

[JimB]

No other institution which was committed to the Jews tended so fully to distinguish them from surrounding nations as did the Sabbath.

This is so true and true even today. Over the years I've had to tell bosses that I can't come into work even if the team didn't meet "quota" or refuse to do or go somewhere on the Sabbath as other friends or family. Its one of the easiest ways to stand out as different. However, over the years I've discovered that so long as I stay true to God, He somehow honors that works out situations for the best. Then when you see God working for you it makes it that much easier to believe and cling to Him.

[Beacon]

"In order to keep the Sabbath holy, men must themselves be holy."

"Through faith they must become partakers of the righteousness of Christ."

"When the command was given to Israel, "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy," the Lord said also to them, "Ye shall be holy men unto Me." Exodus 20:8;  22:31. Only thus could the Sabbath distinguish Israel as the worshipers of God."

"It declares that He who created all things in heaven and in earth, and by whom all things hold together, is the head of the church, and that by His power we are reconciled to God."

"For, speaking of Israel, He said, "I gave them My Sabbaths, to be a sign between Me and them, that they might know that I am the Lord that sanctify them,"--make them holy. Ezekiel 20:12."

"Then the Sabbath is a sign of Christ's power to make us holy."

"And it is given to all whom Christ makes holy." "

"As a sign of His sanctifying power, the Sabbath is given to all who through Christ become a part of the Israel of God."

Hopefully "WE ALL"  will have a strong desire to be a loyal part of the Family of God and keep the True Seventh Day Sabbath from week to week

========================

1
Beneath the cross of Jesus
  I fain would take my stand,
The shadow of a mighty Rock
  Within a weary land;
A home within the wilderness,
  A rest upon the way,
From the burning of the noontide heat,
  And the burden of the day.
2
Oh, safe and happy shelter!
  Oh, refuge tried and sweet!
Oh, trysting place where heaven’s love
  And heaven’s justice meet.
As to the holy patriarch
  That wondrous dream was given,
So is my Savior by the cross
  A ladder up to heaven.
3
There lies beneath its shadow,
  But on the farther side,
The darkness of an awful grave
  That gapes both deep and wide;
And there between us stands the cross,
  Two arms outstretched to save,
Like a watchman set to guard the way
  From that eternal grave.
4
Upon that cross of Jesus
  Mine eye at times can see
The very dying form of One,
  Who suffered there for me;
And from my smitten heart, with tears,
  Two wonders I confess,
The wonders of His glorious love,
  And my own worthlessness.
5
I take, O cross, thy shadow
  For my abiding place;
I ask no other sunshine than
  The sunshine of His face;
Content to let the world go by,
  To know no gain nor loss,
My sinful self my only shame,
  My glory all the cross.

Lyrics:Elizabeth Cecilia Clephane (1830-1869)
Music:Frederick Charles Maker (1844-1927)

[Pastor Sean Brizendine]

Amen, Brother Beacon!

Let us receive Jesus in His gifts--including the Sabbath, the sign of His power to create and redeem us from sin, healing our relationship with God and others, helping us to see His love more clearly each week as we near His glorious second coming!

"To all who receive the Sabbath as a sign of Christ's creative and redeeming power, it will be a delight. Seeing Christ in it, they delight themselves in Him. The Sabbath points them to the works of creation as an evidence of His mighty power in redemption. While it calls to mind the lost peace of Eden, it tells of peace restored through the Saviour. And every object in nature repeats His invitation, 'Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.' Matthew 11:28." {The Desire of Ages, page 289, paragraph 1}

Resting in Christ leads to active service in His will. The Sabbath is a true blessing in leading us to have time to actively bless others. All of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing will be reflected in the life vitally united to Christ!

[Philip T]

  The Sabbath was embodied in the law given from Sinai; but it was not then first made known as a day of rest. The people of Israel had a knowledge of it before they came to Sinai. On the way thither the Sabbath was kept. When some profaned it, the Lord reproved them, saying, "How long refuse ye to keep My commandments and My laws?" Exodus 16:28.


The Sabbath was set aside at creation, it was known before given on mount Sinai, the Sabbath is for all mankind, not just the Jews. We are to remember God's creation and redemption of mankind on the Sabbath, it is a day of rest from our daily routine and work. A day to glorify God and thus glorify His day - The Sabbath.

[Richard Myers]

Amen dear brothers!!  That all might understand the blessings that come from understanding and keeping the Sabbath of the Lord.  What makes it such a blessing? For me, I would have died long ago by working seven days a week. But, that is not as important as the blessing of knowing that Sabbath reminds me each week that God truly loves me. I see  it all around me in what He has created for me. Such beauty even though the Earth has suffered greatly because of Sin. His creation testified to His glory. And not only am I reminded of His great love, but of His great creative power!!  Why is that so important to me? Because it was easy for God to create Adam, He just molded him from clay and breathed His Spirit into him. But,  not so easy with me. He cannot transform me into His image without my cooperation. I see His part which is so large that I cannot measure it. My part is so small I can't measure it. But, without my part I will be lost. What is my part? I need to behold Him daily in order to remember how much He loves and how powerful He is in doing His part to save me (transform me). He continues to speak to me on a regular basis telling me I need to speak to Him more often. He is so very patient with me!!!  Thank you Jesus for give me a whole day every week to remember you love and power!

"Wherefore the Son of man is Lord also of the Sabbath." These words are full of instruction and comfort. Because the Sabbath was made for man, it is the Lord's day. It belongs to Christ. For "all things were made by Him; and without Him was not anything made that was made." John 1:3. Since He made all things, He made the Sabbath. By Him it was set apart as a memorial of the work of creation. It points to Him as both the Creator and the Sanctifier. It declares that He who created all things in heaven and in earth, and by whom all things hold together, is the head of the church, and that by His power we are reconciled to God. For, speaking of Israel, He said, "I gave them My Sabbaths, to be a sign between Me and them, that they might know that I am the Lord that sanctify them,"--make them holy. Ezekiel 20:12. Then the Sabbath is a sign of Christ's power to make us holy. And it is given to all whom Christ makes holy. As a sign of His sanctifying power, the Sabbath is given to all who through Christ become a part of the Israel of God. 

[Beacon]

"The Sabbath belongs to Christ. For "all things were made by Him; and without Him was not anything made that was made." John 1:3."

"Since He made all things, He made the Sabbath. By Him it was set apart as a memorial of the work of creation. It points to Him as both the Creator and the Sanctifier."

"It declares that He who created all things in heaven and in earth, and by whom all things hold together, is the head of the church, and that by His power we are reconciled to God."

"Speaking of Israel, He said, "I gave them My Sabbaths, to be a sign between Me and them, that they might know that I am the Lord that sanctify them,"--make them holy. Ezekiel 20:12."

"Then the Sabbath is a sign of Christ's power to make us holy. And it is given to all whom Christ makes  As a sign of His sanctifying power, the Sabbath is given to all who through Christ become a part of the Israel of God."

Are "WE" willing to keep The Seventh Day Sabbath as a testimony of "OUR" love to Jesus and be a True example of willingness to witness to the world ?? Soon and very soon, this will become a testing point in our relationship, to Obey the Commands of Jesus or Lucifer!!! What will "YOUR" choice be?? 

=====================



1
’Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to take Him at His word;
Just to rest upon His promise;
Just to know, Thus saith the Lord.
 
Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him,
How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er,
Jesus, Jesus, Precious Jesus!
  O for grace to trust Him more.
2
O how sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to trust His cleansing blood;
Just in simple faith to plunge me,
’Neath the healing, cleansing flood.
3
Yes, ’tis sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just from sin and self to cease;
Just from Jesus simply taking
Life, and rest, and joy, and peace.
4
I’m so glad I learned to trust Thee,
Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend;
And I know that Thou art with me,
Wilt be with me to the end.

Lyrics:Louisa M. R. Stead (circa 1850-1917)
Music:William James Kirkpatrick (1838-1921)

[Richard Myers]

Amen Brother Beacon!!  Indeed "all who keep "the Sabbath from polluting it,'the Lord declares, Even them will I bring to My holy mountain, and make them joyful in My house of prayer.'"
   

      And of all who keep "the Sabbath from polluting it," the Lord declares, "Even them will I bring to My holy mountain, and make them joyful in My house of prayer." Isaiah 56:6, 7.
     "Wherefore the Son of man is Lord also of the Sabbath." These words are full of instruction and comfort. Because the Sabbath was made for man, it is the Lord's day. It belongs to Christ. For "all things were made by Him; and without Him was not anything made that was made." John 1:3. Since He made all things, He made the Sabbath. By Him it was set apart as a memorial of the work of creation. It points to Him as both the Creator and the Sanctifier. It declares that He who created all things in heaven and in earth, and by whom all things hold together, is the head of the church, and that by His power we are reconciled to God. For, speaking of Israel, He said, "I gave them My Sabbaths, to be a sign between Me and them, that they might know that I am the Lord that sanctify them,"--make them holy. Ezekiel 20:12. Then the Sabbath is a sign of Christ's power to make us holy. And it is given to all whom Christ makes holy. As a sign of His sanctifying power, the Sabbath is given to all who through Christ become a part of the Israel of God. 

[Dorine]

As the Jews departed from God, and failed to make the righteousness of Christ their own by faith, the Sabbath lost its significance to them. Satan was seeking to exalt himself and to draw men away from Christ, and he worked to pervert the Sabbath, because it is the sign of the power of Christ. The Jewish leaders accomplished the will of Satan by surrounding God's rest day with burdensome requirements. In the days of Christ the Sabbath had become so perverted that its observance reflected the character of selfish and arbitrary men rather than the character of the loving heavenly Father. The rabbis virtually represented God as giving laws which it was impossible for men to obey. They led the people to look upon God as a tyrant, and to think that the observance of the Sabbath, as He required it, made men hard-hearted and cruel. It was the work of Christ to clear away these misconceptions. Although the rabbis followed Him with merciless hostility, He did not even appear to conform to their requirements, but went straight forward, keeping the Sabbath according to the law of God.

Instead of heavy burdens added to the law we see an indifference to the law today and especially the Sabbath. When Jesus comes again he will be bringing His reward with Him. He has done all He can do to show us the way. It is up to us whether we are going to be looking to Him for our redemption or deciding for ourselves that we have a better way. May God help us all, especially our young people who are being led astray by the misguided lives of those that should be examples of righteousness.

[Beacon]

"Satan was seeking to exalt himself and to draw men away from Christ, and he worked to pervert the Sabbath, because it is the sign of the power of Christ."

"The Jewish leaders accomplished the will of Satan by surrounding God's rest day with burdensome requirements. In the days of Christ the Sabbath had become so perverted that its observance reflected the character of selfish and arbitrary men rather than the character of the loving heavenly Father."

"The rabbis virtually represented God as giving laws which it was impossible for men to obey. They led the people to look upon God as a tyrant, and to think that the observance of the Sabbath, as He required it, made men hard-hearted and cruel."

"It was the work of Christ to clear away these misconceptions. Although the rabbis followed Him with merciless hostility, He did not even appear to conform to their requirements, but went straight forward, keeping the Sabbath according to the law of God".

"Satan was seeking to exalt himself and to draw men away from Christ, and he worked to pervert the Sabbath, because it is the sign of the power of Christ."

"The Jewish leaders accomplished the will of Satan by surrounding God's rest day with burdensome requirements. In the days of Christ the Sabbath had become so perverted that its observance reflected the character of selfish and arbitrary men rather than the character of the loving heavenly Father."

Are "WE" reflecting the True Spirit about God's Holy Sabbath Day to others??

=======================

1
Lord, I believe a rest remains
  To all Thy people known;
A rest where pure enjoyment reigns,
  And Thou art loved alone.
2
A rest, where all our soul’s desire
  Is fixed on things above;
Where fear and sin and grief expire,
  Cast out by perfect love.
3
Oh, that I now the rest might know,
  Believe, and enter in;
Now, Savior, now the power bestow,
  And let me cease from sin.
4
Remove this hardness from my heart,
  This unbelief remove;
To me the rest of faith impart,
  The Sabbath of Thy love.
5
I would be Thine, Thou know’st I would,
  And have Thee all my own;
Thee, O my all-sufficient Good,
  I want, and Thee alone.

Lyrics:Charles Wesley (1707-1788) bio
Music:William Henry Havergal (1793-1870)


   

[Dorine]

"Wherefore the Son of man is Lord also of the Sabbath." These words are full of instruction and comfort. Because the Sabbath was made for man, it is the Lord's day. It belongs to Christ. For "all things were made by Him; and without Him was not anything made that was made." John 1:3. Since He made all things, He made the Sabbath. By Him it was set apart as a memorial of the work of creation. It points to Him as both the Creator and the Sanctifier. It declares that He who created all things in heaven and in earth, and by whom all things hold together, is the head of the church, and that by His power we are reconciled to God. For, speaking of Israel, He said, "I gave them My Sabbaths, to be a sign between Me and them, that they might know that I am the Lord that sanctify them,"--make them holy. Ezekiel 20:12. Then the Sabbath is a sign of Christ's power to make us holy. And it is given to all whom Christ makes holy. As a sign of His sanctifying power, the Sabbath is given to all who through Christ become a part of the Israel of God.

And the Lord says, "If thou turn away thy foot from the Sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on My holy day; and call the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honorable; . . . then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord." Isaiah 58:13, 14. To all who receive the Sabbath as a sign of Christ's creative and redeeming power, it will be a delight. Seeing Christ in it, they delight themselves in Him. The Sabbath points them to the works of creation as an evidence of His mighty power in redemption. While it calls to mind the lost peace of Eden, it tells of peace restored through the Saviour. And every object in nature repeats His invitation, "Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28.

From a young child the Sabbath was very special to me. I was blessed with godly parents who taught me to love and reverence God's holy day. They made it special by spending time together as a family in attending church, walks in nature, visitations, passing out literature, etc. Never was I left to my own devices. The whole day was a very pleasant and happy experience. Every Sabbath evening we would attend vesper's and our church had bells in the steeple and the organist would play, "Day Is Dying In The West" to close out the Sabbath. Such lovely memories that last a life time. I look forward with great anticipation to Sabbath on the new earth where all of God's people will come together to worship our Creator.

[JimB]

Thanks Dorine for a walk down memory lane, you brought back pleasant memories, especially hearing the the hymn "Day is Dying in the West".

No other institution which was committed to the Jews tended so fully to distinguish them from surrounding nations as did the Sabbath. God designed that its observance should designate them as His worshipers. It was to be a token of their separation from idolatry, and their connection with the true God. But in order to keep the Sabbath holy, men must themselves be holy. Through faith they must become partakers of the righteousness of Christ. When the command was given to Israel, "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy," the Lord said also to them, "Ye shall be holy men unto Me." Exodus 20:8;  22:31. Only thus could the Sabbath distinguish Israel as the worshipers of God.

And so soon we will stick out like sore thumbs to the rest of the world who will hate us. Are we ready for such scrutiny? Lets learn to trust the Lord now in times of relative ease.

[Richard Myers]

Amen my dear friends! What a blessing to have the Sabbath! The world will soon know which day is the Lord's day.


     "Wherefore the Son of man is Lord also of the Sabbath." These words are full of instruction and comfort. Because the Sabbath was made for man, it is the Lord's day. It belongs to Christ. For "all things were made by Him; and without Him was not anything made that was made." John 1:3. Since He made all things, He made the Sabbath. By Him it was set apart as a memorial of the work of creation. It points to Him as both the Creator and the Sanctifier. It declares that He who created all things in heaven and in earth, and by whom all things hold together, is the head of the church, and that by His power we are reconciled to God. For, speaking of Israel, He said, "I gave them My Sabbaths, to be a sign between Me and them, that they might know that I am the Lord that sanctify them,"--make them holy. Ezekiel 20:12. Then the Sabbath is a sign of Christ's power to make us holy. And it is given to all whom Christ makes holy. As a sign of His sanctifying power, the Sabbath is given to all who through Christ become a part of the Israel of God.

How many times have we heard this from the pulpit?

[Beacon]

"No other institution which was committed to the Jews tended so fully to distinguish them from sSurrounding nations as did the Sabbath."

"Through faith they must become partakers of the righteousness of Christ."

"When the command was given to Israel, "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy," the Lord said also to them, "Ye shall be holy men unto Me." Exodus 20:8;  22:31. Only thus could the Sabbath distinguish Israel as the worshipers of God."

Are "WE" willing to obey the commands of Jesus??
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1
Take my life, and let it be
Consecrated, Lord, to Thee;
Take my moments and my days,
Let them flow in ceaseless praise,
Let them flow in ceaseless praise.
2
Take my hands, and let them move
At the impulse of Thy love;
Take my feet and let them be
Swift and beautiful for Thee,
Swift and beautiful for Thee.
3
Take my voice, and let me sing
Always, only, for my King;
Take my lips, and let them be
Filled with messages from Thee,
Filled with messages from Thee.
4
Take my silver and my gold;
Not a mite would I withhold;
Take my intellect, and use
Every power as Thou shalt choose,
Every power as Thou shalt choose.
5
Take my will, and make it Thine;
It shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart; it is Thine own;
It shall be Thy royal throne,
It shall be Thy royal throne.
6
Take my love; my Lord, I pour
At Thy feet its treasure-store.
Take myself, and I will be
Ever, only, all for Thee,
Ever, only, all for Thee.

Lyrics:Frances Ridley Havergal (1836-1879)
Music:Henri Abraham Cesar Malan (1787-

[Richard Myers]

Amen Brother Beacon! God wants to make us holy! Amazing! Many do not believe this is possible this side of heaven.

    "Wherefore the Son of man is Lord also of the Sabbath." These words are full of instruction and comfort. Because the Sabbath was made for man, it is the Lord's day. It belongs to Christ. For "all things were made by Him; and without Him was not anything made that was made." John 1:3. Since He made all things, He made the Sabbath. By Him it was set apart as a memorial of the work of creation. It points to Him as both the Creator and the Sanctifier. It declares that He who created all things in heaven and in earth, and by whom all things hold together, is the head of the church, and that by His power we are reconciled to God. For, speaking of Israel, He said, "I gave them My Sabbaths, to be a sign between Me and them, that they might know that I am the Lord that sanctify them,"--make them holy. Ezekiel 20:12. Then the Sabbath is a sign of Christ's power to make us holy. And it is given to all whom Christ makes holy. As a sign of His sanctifying power, the Sabbath is given to all who through Christ become a part of the Israel of God. 

[Richard Myers]

  No other institution which was committed to the Jews tended so fully to distinguish them from surrounding nations as did the Sabbath. God designed that its observance should designate them as His worshipers. It was to be a token of their separation from idolatry, and their connection with the true God. But in order to keep the Sabbath holy, men must themselves be holy. Through faith they must become partakers of the righteousness of Christ. When the command was given to Israel, "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy," the Lord said also to them, "Ye shall be holy men unto Me." Exodus 20:8;  22:31. Only thus could the Sabbath distinguish Israel as the worshipers of God.