A THREE MONTH CHURCH RESEARCH PROJECT REPORT-
“Remember the Sabbath Day, to Keep it Holy!”
A valuable study in Sabbath Keeping
Most of us understand ”
Corporate Accountability.” For anyone that is in a leadership position there
rest a great responsibility for him or her. When error comes into their ranks,
when sin exists – they are responsible to address it and have it corrected and
removed. As a watchman I am held responsible for existing sins in the church
when realized.
Patriarchs and Prophets pg. 576
“Those who have too little courage to reprove wrong, or who through indolence or
lack of interest make no earnest effort to purify the family or the church of
God, are held accountable for the evil that may result from their neglect of
duty. We are just as responsible for evils that we might have checked in others
by exercise of parental or pastoral authority as if the acts had been our own.”
What are our working orders?
What have we been instructed to do?
Isaiah 58:1 “Cry aloud, spare
not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and show my people their transgression,
and the house of Jacob their sins.”
Jeremiah 7:2 “Stand in the gate
of the LORD's house, and proclaim there this word, and say, Hear the word of the
LORD, all [ye of] Judah, that enter in at these gates to worship the LORD.”
Ezekiel 3:5 “For thou [art] not
sent to a people of a strange speech and of an hard language, [but] to the house
of Israel;”
3:18 When I say unto the wicked, Thou
shalt surely die; and thou givest him not warning, nor speakest to warn the
wicked from his wicked way, to save his life; the same wicked [man] shall die in
his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.”
Do you want to be held responsible for not telling
someone, not warning someone of impending destruction and punishment? Is this
what you want to be laid up to your charge?
2 Selected Messages pg. 70-71
“Those who in mind and heart are turning away from the Lord's special work for
this time, those who do not cooperate with Him in establishing souls in the
faith by leading them to heed His words of warning, are doing the work of the
enemy of Christ….
When the Lord gives a man
message, He gives with it something whereby His people may know that the message
is from Him. God does not ask his people to believe everyone who comes to them
with a message.
The Lord sends warnings to His
people, not to destroy them, but to correct their errors....
We are living in perilous times.
From the light I have, I know that Satan is trying to bring in that which will
make people think they have a wonderful work to do. But when God gives a man a
message, that man, by his meekness and lowliness, will give evidence that God is
working through him. God lives and reigns, and He desires us to walk before Him
in humility. He does not wish this man N to force himself before a
congregation....
We are not going to be
interrupted in meeting after meeting by those who claim they have a message to
deliver. He who presses himself forward into a place where he is not wanted is
not doing the work of God. We are to work like soldiers in an army. We are not
to step out of the ranks, and begin to work on our own account.--Manuscript 30,
1901.”
I do not want to be held responsible for the open sins
existing in the church. Sometimes we as Adventist forget the meaning of the
Sabbath day. We’ve been Adventist for so many years that as growing up in the
church we see other members doing things on Sabbath, the Deacon, the Sabbath
School teacher, the school teacher or the Head Elder and even the pastor doing
things on Sabbath that we never even questioned them on because we thought
“surely if the pastor is doing it, then it must be o.k. for me to do it also.”
But is that always a wise conclusion.
2 Timothy 2:15 “Study to show
thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly
dividing the word of truth.”
To study ourselves sometimes seams to be asking a whole
lot out of is. Is it important for us to know – or look to find out for
ourselves?
Testimonies Vol. 5 pg. 624-25
“We have much to answer for, considering our superior advantages and knowing
that we must be judged by the light and privileges the Lord has granted us. We
cannot plead that we are less favored with light than that people who have been
for ages an astonishment and a reproach to the world. We cannot expect judgment
to be given in our favor because, like Capernaum, we have been exalted to
heaven. The Lord has wrought for His commandment-keeping people. The light that
has reflected to us from heaven was not granted to Sodom and Gomorrah, or they
might have remained unto this day; and if the mighty works and knowledge and
grace which have been manifested to this people had been made known to the
nations in darkness, we know not how far in advance of this people they might
now be. We cannot determine how much more tolerable it would be for them in the
day of judgment than for those who have had the clear light of truth shining
upon them as you have had, but through some inexplainable cause have turned from
the holy commandment delivered to them. We can only point to your case with
sorrow, as a beacon of warning. "Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed
lest he fall." The Lord seeth not as man seeth. His thoughts and ways are not
what blind, selfish men believe they are or wish them to be. The Lord looks on
the heart and works in and with His creatures to will and to do whatever He
commands or requires of them, unless they reject His counsel and refuse to be
obedient to His commandments.”
The Sabbath must be proclaim more fully – but before this
can happen we must thoroughly understand what we are proclaiming, we must live
what we will and should be proclaim – a life that proclaims the truth we are
preaching.
Early Writings pg. 33 “I saw
that God had children who do not see and keep the Sabbath. They have not
rejected the light upon it. And at the commencement of the time of trouble, we
were filled with the Holy Ghost as we went forth and proclaimed the Sabbath more
fully. This enraged the churches and nominal Adventists, as they could not
refute the Sabbath truth. And at this time God's chosen all saw clearly that we
had the truth, and they came out and endured the persecution with us. I saw the
sword, famine, pestilence, and great confusion in the land. The wicked thought
that we had brought the judgments upon them, and they rose up and took counsel
to rid the earth of us, thinking that then the evil would be stayed.”
Just because we may be keep the Sabbath day, coming to
church, doing all the right things and know all the prophecies does not
guarantee a place in God’s kingdom.
Matthew 7:21 “Not every one that
saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that
doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
7:22 Many will say to me in that day,
Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out
devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
7:23 And then will I profess unto them,
I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”
Christian Experience and Teachings of E.G. White pg. 189
“Not all who profess to keep the Sabbath will be sealed. There are many even
among those who teach the truth to others who will not receive the seal of God
in their foreheads. They had the light of truth, they knew their Master's will,
they understood every point of our faith, but they had not corresponding works.
These who were so familiar with prophecy and the treasures of divine wisdom,
should have acted their faith. They should have commanded their households after
them, that by a well-ordered family they might present to the world the
influence of the truth upon the human heart.
Not one of us will ever receive
the seal of God while our characters have one spot or stain upon them. It is
left with us to remedy the defects in our characters, to cleanse the soul-temple
of every defilement. Then the latter rain will fall upon us as the early rain
fell upon the disciples on the day of Pentecost.
We are too easily satisfied with
our attainments. We feel rich and increased with goods, and know not that we are
"wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked." Revelation 3:17. Now
is the time to heed the admonition of the True Witness: "I counsel thee to buy
of Me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that
thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and
anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see." Verse 18.”
6:47 Whosoever cometh to me, and
heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will show you to whom he is like:
6:48 He is like a man which built an
house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood
arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for
it was founded upon a rock.
6:49 But he that heareth, and doeth
not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth;
against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the
ruin of that house was great.
Exodus 20: 8 “Remember the
sabbath day, to keep it holy.”
“At the very beginning of the
fourth commandment the Lord said: "Remember." He knew that amid the multitude of
cares and perplexities man would be tempted to excuse himself from meeting the
full requirement of the law, or would forget its sacred importance. Therefore He
said: "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy." Exodus 20:8.”
20:10 But the seventh day [is] the
sabbath of the LORD thy God: [in it] thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy
son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor
thy stranger that [is] within thy gates:
20:11 For [in] six days the LORD made
heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them [is], and rested the seventh
day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.”
Deuteronomy 5:12 “Keep the sabbath day to sanctify
it, as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee.
5:13 Six days thou shalt labour, and do
all thy work:
5:14 But the seventh day [is] the
sabbath of the LORD thy God: [in it] thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy
son, nor thy daughter, nor thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thine ox,
nor thine ass, nor any of thy cattle, nor thy stranger that [is] within thy
gates; that thy manservant and thy maidservant may rest as well as thou.
5:15 And remember that thou wast a
servant in the land of Egypt, and [that] the LORD thy God brought thee out
thence through a mighty hand and by a stretched out arm: therefore the LORD thy
God commanded thee to keep the sabbath day.”
2:28 Therefore the Son of man is Lord
also of the sabbath.
Ezekiel 20:12 “Moreover also 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.
20:16 Because they despised my judgments, and
walked not in my statutes, but polluted my sabbaths: for their heart went after
their idols.
20:20 And hallow my sabbaths; and they shall
be a sign between me and you, that ye may know that I [am] the LORD your God.
20:21 Notwithstanding the children
rebelled against me: they walked not in my statutes, neither kept my judgments
to do them, which [if] a man do, he shall even live in them; they polluted my
sabbaths: then I said, I would pour out my fury upon them, to accomplish my
anger against them in the wilderness.
20:24 Because they had not executed my
judgments, but had despised my statutes, and had polluted my sabbaths, and their
eyes were after their fathers' idols.
Genesis 2:1 “Thus the heavens
and the earth were finished, and all the host of them.
2:2 And on the seventh day God ended
his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work
which he had made.
2:3 And God blessed the seventh day,
and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God
created and made.”
“Sanctified,” that’s an interesting word. Webster’s New
World Dictionary defines it as: dedicated. Now lets look at the word “Sanctify,”
Sanctify: (from the Latin word ‘sanctus, holy + facere, to
make) 1. to make holy; a. to make free from sin; purify b. to set apart as holy;
consecrate. 2. to give sanction to; make sacred, or inviolable. Now I look up
the word “inviolable,” 1. not to be violated; not to be profaned or injured;
sacred: as, an inviolable promise. 2. that cannot be violated; indestructible.
“Great
blessings are enfolded in the observance of the Sabbath, and God desires that
the Sabbath day shall be to us a day of joy…. Our heavenly Father desires
through the observance of the Sabbath to preserve among men a knowledge of
Himself. He desires that the Sabbath shall direct our minds to Him as the true
and living God, and that through knowing Him we may have life and peace.
When the Lord delivered His
people Israel from Egypt and committed to them His law, He taught them that by
the observance of the Sabbath they were to be distinguished from idolaters. It
was this that made the distinction between those who acknowledge the sovereignty
of God and those who refuse to accept Him as their Creator and King.”
31:13 Speak thou also unto the children
of Israel, saying, Verily my sabbaths ye shall keep: for it [is] a sign between
me and you throughout your generations; that [ye] may know that I [am] the LORD
that doth sanctify you.”
Notice something, God said “throughout your generations.”
Not just one - singular, but many – plural.
Exodus 31:15 Six days may work be done; but in
the seventh [is] the sabbath of rest, holy to the LORD: whosoever doeth [any]
work in the sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death.
31:16 Wherefore the children of Israel
shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations,
[for] a perpetual covenant.”
Exodus 31:17 “It [is] a sign
between me and the children of Israel for ever: (or for eternity; for always;
endless, always, at all times) for [in] six days the LORD made heaven and earth,
and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed.
31:18 And he gave unto Moses, when he
had made an end of communing with him upon mount Sinai, two tables of testimony,
tables of stone, written with the finger of God.”
God wrote this with His own finger, He did not leave it
for someone else to write.
Testimonies Vol. 6 pg. 349-350
“As the Sabbath was the sign that distinguished Israel when they came out of
Egypt to enter the earthly Canaan, so it is the sign that now distinguishes
God's people as they come out from the world to enter the heavenly rest. The
Sabbath is a sign of the relationship existing between God and His people, a
sign that they honor His law. It distinguishes between His loyal subjects and
transgressors.
From the pillar of cloud Christ
declared concerning the Sabbath:… The Sabbath given to the world as the sign of
God as the Creator is also the sign of Him as the Sanctifier. The power that
created all things is the power that re-creates the soul in His own likeness. To
those who keep holy the Sabbath day it is the sign of sanctification. True
sanctification is harmony with God, oneness with Him in character. It is
received through obedience to those principles that are the transcript of His
character. And the Sabbath is the sign of obedience. He who from the heart obeys
the fourth commandment will obey the whole law. He is sanctified through
obedience.
To us as to Israel the Sabbath is
given "for a perpetual covenant." To those who reverence His holy day the
Sabbath is a sign that God recognizes them as His chosen people. It is a pledge
that He will fulfill to them His covenant. Every soul who accepts the sign of
God's government places himself under the divine, everlasting covenant. He
fastens himself to the golden chain of obedience, every link of which is a
promise.
The fourth commandment alone of
all the ten contains the seal of the great Lawgiver, the Creator of the heavens
and the earth. Those who obey this commandment take upon themselves His name,
and all the blessings it involves are theirs.”
Numbers 6:22 “And the LORD spake
unto Moses, saying,
6:23 Speak unto Aaron and unto his
sons, saying, On this wise ye shall bless the children of Israel, saying unto
them,
6:24 The LORD bless thee, and keep
thee:
6:25 The LORD make his face shine upon
thee, and be gracious unto thee:
6:26 The LORD lift up his countenance
upon thee, and give thee peace.
6:27 And they shall put my name upon
the children of Israel; and I will bless them.”
Testimonies Vol. 6 pg. 350 ‘Reform in Sabbath Observance’
“The Sabbath is a golden clasp
that unites God and His people. But the Sabbath command has been broken. God's
holy day has been desecrated. The Sabbath has been torn from its place by the
man of sin, and a common working day has been exalted in its stead. A breach has
been made in the law, and this breach is to be repaired. The true Sabbath is to
be exalted to its rightful position as God's rest day.””
We must as a church restore the waste places, restudy the
things once taught us – making sure that they are grounded in the faith once
delivered to the saints.
Testimonies Vol. 6 pg. 353 “The
Sabbath question is to be the issue in the great final conflict in which all the
world will act a part. Men have honored Satan's principles above the principles
that rule in the heavens. They have accepted the spurious sabbath, which Satan
has exalted as the sign of his authority. But God has set His seal upon His
royal requirement. Each sabbath institution bears the name of its author, an
ineffaceable mark that shows the authority of each. It is our work to lead the
people to understand this. We are to show them that it is of vital consequence
whether they bear the mark of God's kingdom or the mark of the kingdom of
rebellion, for they acknowledge themselves subjects of the kingdom whose mark
they bear. God has called us to uplift the standard of His downtrodden Sabbath.
How important, then, that our example in Sabbathkeeping should be right.
In establishing new churches,
ministers should give careful instruction as to the proper observance of the
Sabbath. We must be guarded, lest the lax practices that prevail among
Sundaykeepers shall be followed by those who profess to observe God's holy rest
day. The line of demarcation is to be made clear and distinct between those who
bear the mark of God's kingdom and those who bear the sign of the kingdom of
rebellion.
Far more sacredness is attached
to the Sabbath than is given it by many professed Sabbathkeepers. The Lord has
been greatly dishonored by those who have not kept the Sabbath according to the
commandment, either in the letter or in the spirit. He calls for a reform in the
observance of the Sabbath.”
There must be a reform, we must begin it today. I have
been instructed by inspiration that there should be a “careful instruction”
given in proper Sabbath observance. It is of vital importance that we as a
church understand the true meaning of the Sabbath. Character perfection must be
a steady movement toward reflecting Christ more fully and completely. If we
stands still in faith, if we neglect the needful study – especially in this day
in age - we will lose the light that has been given us. But if we move
forward, from victory on to victory, by faith, prayer, study and patience Holy
Spirit will lead us into truths. But a word of warning let us not make the
Sabbath a burden, as did the Pharisees.
Isaiah 58:13
“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, honourable; and
shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor
speaking [thine own] words:
58:14 Then shalt thou delight thyself
in the LORD; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth,
and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the LORD
hath spoken [it].”
This is why it is important that we as true Seventh-Day
Adventist learn the necessity of Sabbath preparation – physically and
spiritually.
Testimonies Vol. 6 pg. 353
‘Preparation for the Sabbath’
“All through the week we are to
have the Sabbath in mind and be making preparation to keep it according to the
commandment. We are not merely to observe the Sabbath as a legal matter. We are
to understand its spiritual bearing upon all the transactions of life. All who
regard the Sabbath as a sign between them and God, showing that He is the God
who sanctifies them, will represent the principles of His government. They will
bring into daily practice the laws of His kingdom. Daily it will be their prayer
that the sanctification of the Sabbath may rest upon them. Every day they will
have the companionship of Christ and will exemplify the perfection of His
character. Every day their light will shine forth to others in good works.
The Sabbath is not merely to be kept by the letter but by
the spirit, willfully wanting to observe the Sabbath – a Sabbath that is not a
burden
Parents should be particular to
make the worship of God an object lesson for their children. Passages of
Scripture should be more often on their lips, especially those passages that
prepare the heart for religious service. The precious words might well be often
repeated: "My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from Him."
Psalm 62:5.”
MR No. 1049 - Keeping the Sabbath Holy’
“Explain your work and its purpose to your children, and let them help
themselves and their parents in their preparation to keep the Sabbath according
to the commandment. Lead your children to consider the Sabbath a delight, the
day of days, the holy of the Lord, honorable.”
Here is an important lesson that I learned. Worship in the
morning and evenings is very, very important for not only spending time with God
but teaching our children the importance of reverence not only in worship but
also in Sabbath school and church. Explain why you are cleaning the house,
preparing the lunch on Friday and getting you clothes ready before Sabbath
begins.
Testimonies Vol. 6 pg. 354 “When
the Sabbath is thus remembered, the temporal will not be allowed to encroach
upon the spiritual. No duty pertaining to the six working days will be left for
the Sabbath. During the week our energies will not be so exhausted in temporal
labor that on the day when the Lord rested and was refreshed we shall be too
weary to engage in His service.
This is an important key point that we and I have been
guilty with. How many times have you rushed during the week working, working 10
to 15 hour days six days a week, but when it comes to church we fall asleep
during the Sabbath school or church service.
Testimonies Vol. 6 pg. 354
“While preparation for the Sabbath is to be made all through the week, Friday is
to be the special preparation day.”
Now lets look at an example from the Bible as to how we
must prepare for the Sabbath.
Exodus 16:1 “And they took their
journey from Elim, and all the congregation of the children of Israel came unto
the wilderness of Sin, which [is] between Elim and Sinai, on the fifteenth day
of the second month after their departing out of the land of Egypt.
16:2 And the whole congregation of the
children of Israel murmured against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness:
16:3 And the children of Israel said
unto them, Would to God we had died by the hand of the LORD in the land of
Egypt, when we sat by the flesh pots, [and] when we did eat bread to the full;
for ye have brought us forth into this wilderness, to kill this whole assembly
with hunger.
16:4 Then said the LORD unto Moses,
Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and
gather a certain rate every day, that I may prove them, whether they will walk
in my law, or no.
16:5 And it shall come to pass, that on
the sixth day they shall prepare [that] which they bring in; and it shall be
twice as much as they gather daily.
Exodus 16:11 “And the LORD spake
unto Moses, saying,
16:12 I have heard the murmurings of
the children of Israel: speak unto them, saying, At even ye shall eat flesh, and
in the morning ye shall be filled with bread; and ye shall know that I [am] the
LORD your God.
16:13 And it came to pass, that at even
the quails came up, and covered the camp: and in the morning the dew lay round
about the host.
16:14 And when the dew that lay was
gone up, behold, upon the face of the wilderness [there lay] a small round
thing, [as] small as the hoar frost on the ground.
16:15 And when the children of Israel
saw [it], they said one to another, It [is] manna: for they wist not what it
[was]. And Moses said unto them, This [is] the bread which the LORD hath given
you to eat.
16:16 This [is] the thing which the
LORD hath commanded, Gather of it every man according to his eating, an omer for
every man, [according to] the number of your persons; take ye every man for
[them] which [are] in his tents.”
Exodus 16:19 “And Moses said,
Let no man leave of it till the morning.
16:20 Notwithstanding they hearkened
not unto Moses; but some of them left of it until the morning, and it bred
worms, and stank: and Moses was wroth with them.
16:21 And they gathered it every
morning, every man according to his eating: and when the sun waxed hot, it
melted.
16:22 And it came to pass, [that] on
the sixth day they gathered twice as much bread, two omers for one [man]: and
all the rulers of the congregation came and told Moses.
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.
16:24 And they laid it up till the
morning, as Moses bade: and it did not stink, neither was there any worm
therein.
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.
16:26 Six days ye shall gather it; but
on the seventh day, [which is] the sabbath, in it there shall be none.
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.”
Numbers 11:8 “[And] the people
went about, and gathered [it], and ground [it] in mills, or beat [it] in a
mortar, and baked [it] in pans, and made cakes of it: and the taste of it was as
the taste of fresh oil.”
The preparation for the Sabbath should include, preparing
our clothing, having all our cooking done on preparation day for the Sabbath.
Testimonies Vol. 6 pg. 354-355
“There was something to be done in preparing the heaven-sent bread for the
children of Israel. The Lord told them that this work must be done on Friday,
the preparation day. This was a test to them. God desired to see whether or not
they would keep the Sabbath holy.
This direction from the lips of
Jehovah is for our instruction. The Bible is a perfect guide, and if its pages
are prayerfully studied by hearts willing to understand, none need err upon this
question.
Many need instruction as to how
they should appear in the assembly for worship on the Sabbath. They are not to
enter the presence of God in the common clothing worn during the week. All
should have a special Sabbath suit, to be worn when attending service in God's
house. While we should not conform to worldly fashions, we are not to be
indifferent in regard to our outward appearance. We are to be neat and trim,
though without adornment. The children of God should be pure within and without.
On Friday let the preparation for
the Sabbath be completed. See that all the clothing is in readiness and that all
the cooking is done. Let the boots be blacked and the baths be taken. It is
possible to do this. If you make it a rule you can do it. The Sabbath is not to
be given to the repairing of garments, to the cooking of food, to pleasure
seeking, or to any other worldly employment. Before the setting of the sun let
all secular work be laid aside and all secular papers be put out of sight.
Parents, explain your work and its purpose to your children, and let them share
in your preparation to keep the Sabbath according to the commandment.
We should jealously guard the
edges of the Sabbath. Remember that every moment is consecrated, holy time.”
Do we want to shut out the blessing of God.
Manuscript Release 1049 pg. 294
‘Preparation for the Sabbath--The Sabbath should be as sacredly observed on the
campground as it is in our homes. We should not let the bustle and excitement
around us detract from its sacred dignity. No cooking should be done on that
day. The instruction which God gave to Israel should not be disregarded: "Bake
that which ye will bake today, and seethe that ye will seethe": "Tomorrow is the
rest of the holy Sabbath unto the Lord" [Exodus 16:23]. God meant what He said
when He gave these directions, and shall we, who are presenting to the people
the claims of the divine law, break that law ourselves, merely to please the
appetite? God forbid. There has sometimes been almost as much cooking done on
the Sabbath as on other days; and the blessing of God has been shut out by our
failure to honor Him in keeping the Sabbath according to the
commandment.--Undated Manuscript 88.
Manuscript 21, 1897. (Written March 17, 1897, from
"Sunnyside," Cooranbong, N. S. W.) ‘God's Restrictions Not To Be Disregarded’
“Speak not lightly of the restrictions placed upon Israel in Sinai regarding the
cooking of manna. The Lord has placed barriers around His Sabbath, that it may
not be regarded with the least carelessness or irreverence. When the Lord said,
"Tomorrow is the rest of the holy Sabbath; bake that which ye will bake today,
and seethe that which ye will seethe," He means that Friday shall be our
preparation day, in which we are to do all our cooking.
The Sabbath is not to be a day
when tidbits shall be prepared or cooked. If it is really essential to have
beans on the Sabbath, let them be cooked on Friday, and kept warm in the oven.
They need not be eaten cold unless preferred. But let no remarks be made as
though it is a very light thing whether we regard the special requirements of
God in regard to the Sabbath or not. It is not left for any man or woman to
venture to disregard any commandment of God.”
The preparation of food on the Sabbath is breaking God’s
precepts, and this is not to be lightly regarded by commandment keepers.
The Gospel of Health, April 1, 1898
“All needful preparation should be made beforehand. On Sabbath morning, if the
weather is cool, let hot gruel, or something equally simple, be provided, and
for dinner some kind of food may be warmed. Further than this, all cooking
should be avoided as a violation of the Sabbath command.”
Do we also on Sabbath overeat? Don’t we eat more on that
day that we normally do on the others. Is this not wrong of us?
Testimonies vol. 6 pg. 357 “We
should not provide for the Sabbath a more liberal supply or a greater variety of
food than for other days. Instead of this the food should be more simple, and
less should be eaten, in order that the mind may be clear and vigorous to
comprehend spiritual things. Overeating befogs the brain. The most precious
words may be heard and not appreciated, because the mind is confused by an
improper diet. By overeating on the Sabbath, many have done more than they think
to dishonor God.
While cooking upon the Sabbath
should be avoided, it is not necessary to eat cold food. In cold weather let the
food prepared the day before be heated. And let the meals, though simple, be
palatable and attractive. Provide something that will be regarded as a treat,
something the family do not have every day.”
Another special instruction has been given to us. All
difference between brothers and sister in the church of Christ and even those
not of our faith, should be put away. There should be a close examination of the
heart of the past week, confessing of sin before the Sabbath begins.
That I May Know Him pg. 147
“There needs to be much more close investigation of the week past. Review it and
see if, as a branch of the living Vine, you have drawn nourishment from the
parent Vine to bear much fruit to the glory of God. If there has been feverish
excitement, if hasty words have been spoken, if passion has been revealed, these
have surely been the working on Satan's side of the question. Clear the heart by
confession. Sincerely make everything right before the Sabbath. Examine your own
selves, whether ye be in the faith. We need to guard our own souls constantly,
lest we make a great profession but, like the flourishing fig tree spreading its
branches in pretentious foliage, reveal no precious fruit. Christ is hungering
to see and receive fruit. Leaves of profession without fruit are to Christ just
as worthless as those of the fig tree which He cursed. . . .”
Testimonies Vol. 6 pg. 356
“There is another work that should receive attention on the preparation day. On
this day all differences between brethren, whether in the family or in the
church, should be put away. Let all bitterness and wrath and malice be expelled
from the soul. In a humble spirit, "confess your faults one to another, and pray
one for another, that ye may be healed." James 5:16.
Australasian Union Conference Record, April 15, 1903 “When difficulties arise among church-members, let them be
cleared away before the Sabbath comes. This should be regarded as a Christian
duty by every church-member. "Let the peace of God rule in your hearts, and be
ye thankful." Are you troubled and perplexed? Sweep away the rubbish that has
been accumulating before the door of the heart, and open the door, inviting
Jesus to come in and abide as an honored Guest. Bring peace and comfort into
your own hearts and the hearts of others. This is most blessed missionary work.”
All business should be set aside before the Sabbath
begins. No new business should be started, could it be because our minds might
drift away from the Holy to the common?
That I May Know Him pg. 147
“This day is preparation day. We would come up to the Sabbath with our work
closed up in proper shape and not dragging into the Sabbath. We must commence in
the morning to look after every piece of clothing if we have neglected to do
this through the week, that our garments may be neat and orderly and comely to
appear in the place where God's people assemble to worship Him. . . . Entering
upon new business should be avoided, if possible, but endeavor to close up the
things already started that are half accomplished. Prepare everything connected
with the household matters so that there shall be freedom from worries, and the
mind be prepared to rest and to meditate upon heavenly things.”
Patriarchs and Prophets pg. 296
“The day before the Sabbath should be made a day of preparation, that everything
may be in readiness for its sacred hours. In no case should our own business be
allowed to encroach upon holy time. God has directed that the sick and suffering
be cared for; the labor required to make them comfortable is a work of mercy,
and no violation of the Sabbath; but all unnecessary work should be avoided.
Many carelessly put off till the beginning of the Sabbath little things that
might have been done on the day of preparation. This should not be. Work that is
neglected until the beginning of the Sabbath should remain undone until it is
past. This course might help the memory of these thoughtless ones, and make them
careful to do their own work on the six working days.”
Testimonies vol. 6 pg. 356
“Before the Sabbath begins, the mind as well as the body should be withdrawn
from worldly business. God has set His Sabbath at the end of the six working
days, that men may stop and consider what they have gained during the week in
preparation for the pure kingdom which admits no transgressor. We should each
Sabbath reckon with our souls to see whether the week that has ended has brought
spiritual gain or loss.
It means eternal salvation to
keep the Sabbath holy unto the Lord. God says: "Them that honor Me I will
honor." 1 Samuel 2:30.”
Special instruction has also been given to those who have
their own business and employees how to prepare for the Sabbath. Some will say
that by some business owners closing half the day on Friday and on Sabbath,
being the busiest days of the week, they are losing out of a lot of business. I
was told by a minister in Cleveland Tennessee that the owner of Chik-fil-a
requires of new franchise owners that they must be closed on Sundays for them to
purchase a new store. The minister went on to say that God had richly blessed
him because of what he did. Now they question is, would not God sustain His
people if they were truly devoted to HIM. We just read “Them that honor Me I
will honor,” remember that.
Testimonies Vol. 6 pg. 356 “Whenever it is possible,
employers should give their workers the hours from Friday noon until the
beginning of the Sabbath. Give them time for preparation, that they may welcome
the Lord's day with quietness of mind. By such a course you will suffer no loss
even in temporal things.”
There also needs to be reform among God’s people in
welcoming in the Sabbath day.
Child Guidance pg. 529 “Before
the setting of the sun, let the members of the family assemble to read
God's Word, to sing and pray. There is need of reform here, for many have been
remiss. We need to confess to God and to one another. We should begin anew to
make special arrangements that every member of the family may be prepared to
honor the day which God has blessed and sanctified.”
Special instruction should be given our children as on
what is to be done on Sabbath morning.
Testimonies vol. 6 pg. 357 “Let
not the precious hours of the Sabbath be wasted in bed. On Sabbath morning the
family should be astir early. If they rise late, there is confusion and bustle
in preparing for breakfast and Sabbath school. There is hurrying, jostling, and
impatience. Thus unholy feelings come into the home. The Sabbath, thus
desecrated, becomes a weariness, and its coming is dreaded rather than loved.”
MR No. 1049 - Keeping the Sabbath Holy’
“Do not allow yourself to spend the precious hours of the
Sabbath in your bed. The heads of the house should be astir early. . .
In the morning the family should
gather about the table quietly; and it would be well if on the Sabbath there
should ever be a simple, palatable meal, yet something that would be considered
a treat, well prepared-- something that they do not have every day of the week.
Then either before or after the meal should come the family worship. This should
be a service in which the children can take some part. All should have their
Bibles, each reading a verse or two. Then a simple hymn may be sung, followed,
not by a long, wearisome prayer, but a simple petition, telling the Lord in the
simplest manner the needs [of the family], and expressing gratitude for God's
mercies and blessings. This invites Jesus as a welcome guest into your house and
heart. In the family long prayers of remote things are not in place and make the
hour of prayer a weariness, when it should be considered a privilege and a
blessing. Make the season one of interest and joy. Never let the children
consider it a burden.--Manuscript 57, 1897.
All should learn to be on time for church, not being late
and setting a right example to others and especially our children.
Youths Instructor, March 19, 1879 (Counsel on Sabbath school work 169-170 “PUNCTUALITY”)
“It is a sad failing with many that they are always behind time on Sabbath
morning. They are very particular about their own time, they cannot afford to
lose an hour of that; but the Lords time, the only day out of seven that the
Lord claims as His, and requires us to devote to Him, quite a portion of this is
squandered away by sleeping late in the morning. In this they are robbing God.
It causes them to be behind in everything; it makes confusion in the family; and
finally results in the tardiness of the entire family at Sabbath school, and
perhaps at meeting. Now why can we not rise early with the birds, and offer
praise and thanksgiving to God? Try it brethren and sisters. Have your
preparations all made the day before, and come promptly to the Sabbath school
and meeting, and you will thereby not only benefit others but you will reap rich
blessings yourselves.”
It’s interesting how that we are able to get up during the
week to go to work, or go somewhere that we want to go and be there on time. But
we seem to have a hard time being at the appointment place of worship on Sabbath
on time.
Review & Herald, May 30, 1871
(Counsel on Sabbath school work 169-170 “BEING AT THE APPOINTED HOUR”)
“Meetings for conference and prayer should not be made tedious. All should, if
possible, be prompt to the hour appointed; and if there are dilatory ones, who
are half an hour or fifteen minutes even behind the time, there should be no
waiting. If there are but two present, they can claim the promise. The meeting
should open at the appointed hour, if possible, be there few or many present.”
What should our thoughts and words be on the Sabbath day?
Child Guidance pg. 530 “When the
Sabbath commences, we should place a guard upon ourselves, upon our acts and our
words, lest we rob God by appropriating to our own use that time which is
strictly the Lord's. We should not do ourselves, nor suffer our children to do,
any manner of our own work for a livelihood or anything which could have been
done on the six working days. Friday is the day of preparation. Time can then be
devoted to making the necessary preparation for the Sabbath and to
thinking and conversing about it. Nothing which will in the sight of Heaven be
regarded as a violation of the holy Sabbath should be left unsaid or undone, to
be said or done upon the Sabbath. God requires not only that we refrain from
physical labor upon the Sabbath, but that the mind be disciplined to dwell upon
sacred themes. The Fourth Commandment is virtually transgressed by conversing
upon worldly things or by engaging in light and trifling conversation. Talking
upon anything or everything which may come into the mind is speaking our own
words. Every deviation from right brings us into bondage and condemnation.”
Youth Instructor, February 1, 1853 par. 4 ‘Keep the
Sabbath Holy’
“Those who wish to be blest and
approved of the Lord in this world, and who expect to finally be saved, and have
right to the tree of life, must keep the Sabbath holy. They should pray daily
for grace and wisdom to keep from polluting it in any way.
Dear children, are you as careful
as you should be in keeping the Sabbath? You have something to do besides laying
aside your work and amusements on that day. If you, on that day, lay plans of
what you will do when the Sabbath is past, or talk of your work, amusements and
clothes, you pollute the Sabbath. The Prophet has in another chapter told us how
to keep the Sabbath from polluting it, and nothing short of doing as he has
pointed out will be keeping the Sabbath holy…..
When you are speaking of
your hope in God, of Jesus and of his soon coming, and of the beauties of the
New Earth, you are not speaking your own words. Of these things you may freely
speak on the Sabbath. On six days you may talk of business matters, and lay
plans that are necessary; but the Sabbath is holy time, and all worldly thoughts
must, on that day, be dismissed from the mind. The blessing of God will then
rest upon you, and you will have the sweet consolations of his Spirit, and you
will also have confidence when you approach the throne of grace.”
Fathers and mothers should attend
Sabbath school and Church with their children, thus setting a right example.
Many times I have seen fathers and even mothers send their children without them
to church.
Child Guidance pg. 531 “Fathers
and mothers should make it a rule that their children attend public worship on
the Sabbath, and should enforce the rule by their own example. It is our duty to
command our children and our household after us, as did Abraham. By example as
well as precept we should impress upon them the importance of religious
teaching. All who have taken the baptismal vow have solemnly consecrated
themselves to the service of God; they are under covenant obligation to place
themselves and their children where they may obtain all possible incentives and
encouragement in the Christian life.
But while
we worship God, we are not to consider this a drudgery. The Sabbath of the Lord
is to be made a blessing to us and to our children. They are to look upon the
Sabbath as a day of delight, a day which God has sanctified; and they will so
consider it if they are properly instructed.”