Sabbath keeping counts towards what, exactly?

[MoreCoffee]

Some religions tell us that keeping a day each week is important. They say it counts for something. Judaism says to keep "Saturday" meaning a day starting at sunset Friday and ending at sunset Saturday. Muslims talk of "Friday" as a day of prayer. Christians traditionally reserve "Sunday" for worship meetings and rest from worldly work. Ought one to keep a day and what does it count towards if you do?

 

[psalms 91]

If you truly keep it and study and pray you will draw ever closer to God. The bible tells us that the sabbeth was made for man so it is wise to keep it

 

[MoreCoffee]

If you truly keep it and study and pray you will draw ever closer to God. The bible tells us that the sabbeth was made for man so it is wise to keep it

Would I not grow closer to God if I studied and prayed on Mondays?

 

[psalms 91]

My point is that we need to set aside a day in order to do these things, I dont think God really cares as long as we do it

 

[MoreCoffee]

My point is that we need to set aside a day in order to do these things, I dont think God really cares as long as we do it

That's good. I usually set aside time on Sunday and some time on Monday and Tuesday and ... all the days including Saturday

 

[tango]

My point is that we need to set aside a day in order to do these things, I dont think God really cares as long as we do it

I think this is key. If Sabbath was made for man (as opposed to man being made for the Sabbath, as a wise man once said) it suggests that the idea is that we take a day off each week rather than slavishly demand that the same day is revered each and every week.

Working 7 days a week is the kind of thing that is really bad for people in the long term. Whether we take Sunday off, or Monday, or a different day each week, isn't really the issue.

Then there's the issue of what it means to "do no work". Some seem to think that, for example, washing our car counts as working and so we shouldn't do it on the Sabbath. But perhaps I find washing my car to be therapeutic and so for me it counts as relaxation rather than work. My wife finds cross-stitching to be relaxing. Sometimes I find fiddling with the guts of a clock, or some computer code, to be relaxing. Perhaps one Sunday I'll take a long walk in the woods with my camera, and maybe even take some pictures I subsequently sell. Does that count as "work" because I'm hoping to sell the pictures for profit, or "play" because I do like to go and walk in the woods?

As a Christian in a country where Christianity is what might be called the primary religion, typically my "Sabbath" (for want of a better term) is Sunday and usually on a Sunday I go to church in the morning. Sometimes I skip church and go for a walk in the woods instead. While I'm walking in the woods (be it on a Sunday or any other day) I often spend much of the time enjoying God's creation and in some kind of prayer to God. It's very easy to praise God when surrounded by his mostly unspoiled creation, it's easy to listen to God in the silence of the woods when the distractions of other people and technology aren't available.

 

[popsthebuilder]

My point is that we need to set aside a day in order to do these things, I dont think God really cares as long as we do it

One in seven days seems right according to the writings. Resting from ones own works and focus and reflect on the will of GOD in ones own life seems benefital towards the well being of ones own soul and conscience. It helps to establish and reiderate ones own direction via keeping the Sabbath.

My opinion anyway.

 

[Rens]

I heard a preaching about how we had to give tithes of our time, so pray and read Bible 2.4 hour a day.
Lol then someone said tithes of your time? that's the sabbath.
If we don't have to keep the O.T laws anymore we'll make new ones ourself. I'd look on my watch during the prayer. Yes! 2.4 hours. Stop. Lovely, the Lord must have felt like I really loved him. My grandma always did that when she visited, look on her watch. Is the obligation to come over over yet?

 

[user1234]

I heard a preaching about how we had to give tithes of our time, so pray and read Bible 2.4 hour a day.
Lol then someone said tithes of your time? that's the sabbath.
If we don't have to keep the O.T laws anymore we'll make new ones ourself. I'd look on my watch during the prayer. Yes! 2.4 hours. Stop. Lovely, the Lord must have felt like I really loved him. My grandma always did that when she visited, look on her watch. Is the obligation to come over over yet?

Yes, exactly, nail on the head! I have so much I'd like to add to this thread, I'm busting inside, but I better calm down and condense so I don't write a book.
But in short, Rens is spot on, 'Sabbath Keeping' is from OT Law.

As New Testament (New Covenant) believers, i.e. as Christians, JESUS IS our Sabbath. He is our rest.

There is no more striving to keep the Law in order to hope for a reward. Jesus paid it all, all to Him we owe. EVERY day is His.

With our time, talent and treasure, we come to Him, every day, with an open heart and open hand for Him to put in and take out as He will, for His Kingdom and glory.

Generally, we gather to worship on Sunday, because of the resurrection (...being the first day of the week...) and that became tradional, not a law or requirement.

As far as the law of not working on the Sabbath, Jesus Himself addressed that, ...
... also Paul pointed out that some esteem one day over another, others esteem them alike, there is no hard and fast rule that applies to everyone, but let each one be assured in their own conscience, it's a personal matter.

Galatians 5:1 reminds us to stand fast in the liberty Christ set us free in, and not to be entangled again in a yoke of bondage.

While many would say don't be tangled in sin because He set free from having to serve sin, (and that's a good thing), the context here in Chapter 4 leading up to v5:1 is Religious bondage and ritualistic legalism. Not for us, and not to burden others with, either.

(Also, if one insists on Sabbath Keeping as OT Law, it involves a Whole lot more than just worship one day a week. There are so many rules attached to it, it would make our heads spin today, but if someone insists, they probably better read up and keep ALL the rest of it, too. Good luck.)

We should gather with fellow believers as we can, where and when and if we can, as the Lord leads, not out of law-keeping or in order to earn rewards, but out a grateful heart to worship the Lord, learn His Word, pray for and with each other, and seek ways to grow, help others, and proclaim His Word.

Because Jesus is our Lord and Saviour, who loves us and gave Himself for us, and washed away our sins in His blood, and gave us eternal life as a gift, and is building His Kingdom for us, and is coming again to take us to be with Him. And we want to thank Him and give Him the praise He is due.
Because Jesus IS our Sabbath.
EVERY day.
(And twice on Sundays)(Lol, sorry, just an old saying)

 

[user1234]

^sorry, i need to learn condensing^ :heheh:

 

[MoreCoffee]

I heard a preaching about how we had to give tithes of our time, so pray and read Bible 2.4 hour a day.
Lol then someone said tithes of your time? that's the sabbath.
If we don't have to keep the O.T laws anymore we'll make new ones ourself. I'd look on my watch during the prayer. Yes! 2.4 hours. Stop. Lovely, the Lord must have felt like I really loved him. My grandma always did that when she visited, look on her watch. Is the obligation to come over over yet?

I agree that when people tell us that "we're free from the law" they almost always go on to list a whole lot of rules we need to obey to be in their group like - no dancing, no night clubs, no missing meetings, no setting up your own bible studies without pastoral supervision, no .... no ... and before long the legendary 613 laws of the Jews are exceeded by the 1000 rules of the sect.

 

[user1234]

I heard a preaching about how we had to give tithes of our time, so pray and read Bible 2.4 hour a day.
Lol then someone said tithes of your time? that's the sabbath.
If we don't have to keep the O.T laws anymore we'll make new ones ourself. I'd look on my watch during the prayer. Yes! 2.4 hours. Stop. Lovely, the Lord must have felt like I really loved him. My grandma always did that when she visited, look on her watch. Is the obligation to come over over yet?

I agree that when people tell us that "we're free from the law" they almost always go on to list a whole lot of rules we need to obey to be in their group like - no dancing, no night clubs, no missing meetings, no setting up your own bible studies without pastoral supervision, no .... no ... and before long the legendary 613 laws of the Jews are exceeded by the 1000 rules of the sect.

Hi, MoreCoffee ...
I re-read this a few times, and I'm not getting why you think Rens was saying that if other ppl tell us we're free from the law, they would be a sect that would impose more laws on us. ??

Your use of the words 'I agree' at the start of your post seems to imply that that's what Ren was saying, but I don't see that from reading her post.
What she seems to be saying is that if some ppl are told they are free from the law, they will SELF-impose laws, ... on themselves.

Natural man does seem to be bent that way, often complaining that he wants freedom, but just as often, concocting laws upon laws to be controlled by.

But from what I've of Rens posts, she doesn't seem to be a legalist. Not at all.
Quite the contrary, she seems to be a believer in the grace of God in Christ for salvation, and the gift and freedom that secures for us.

It seems her post was only using a hypothetical scenario to make a point. But I don't mean to speak for her, maybe she will re-address it.

Meanwhile, Romans 8:1 states it pretty plainly:
There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
And Galatians 2:21:
I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness comes by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.

Peace.

 

[MoreCoffee]

Hi, MoreCoffee ...
I re-read this a few times, and I'm not getting why you think Rens was saying that if other ppl tell us we're free from the law, they would be a sect that would impose more laws on us. ??

Your use of the words 'I agree' at the start of your post seems to imply that that's what Ren was saying, but I don't see that from reading her post.
What she seems to be saying is that if some ppl are told they are free from the law, they will SELF-impose laws, ... on themselves.

Natural man does seem to be bent that way, often complaining that he wants freedom, but just as often, concocting laws upon laws to be controlled by.

But from what I've of Rens posts, she doesn't seem to be a legalist. Not at all.
Quite the contrary, she seems to be a believer in the grace of God in Christ for salvation, and the gift and freedom that secures for us.

It seems her post was only using a hypothetical scenario to make a point. But I don't mean to speak for her, maybe she will re-address it.

Meanwhile, Romans 8:1 states it pretty plainly:
There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
And Galatians 2:21:
I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness comes by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.

Peace.

Rens wrote If we don't have to keep the O.T laws anymore we'll make new ones ourself. That's the reason for my reply.

 

[user1234]

Rens wrote If we don't have to keep the O.T laws anymore we'll make new ones ourself. That's the reason for my reply.

Hi again.
But again ... She was using a hypothetical and mentioned SELF-IMPOSED laws, but your reply turned it into OTHERS imposing EVEN MORE laws upon us, after telling us we're free in Christ, and not under the OT Law.
That' very different.

That's also a shame if some ppl do that, but thankfully clearly refutes those that try to do that.
I think they're at one point referred to as Judaisers, and Scripture points out that we are no longer under the law, but under grace.
Jesus fully kept the law, (the only one who ever could), and gives us His righteousness and eternal life in exchange for our sins and the death we deserve.
Hallelujah!

 

[MoreCoffee]

I agree that when people tell us that "we're free from the law" they almost always go on to list a whole lot of rules we need to obey to be in their group like - no dancing, no night clubs, no missing meetings, no setting up your own bible studies without pastoral supervision, no .... no ... and before long the legendary 613 laws of the Jews are exceeded by the 1000 rules of the sect.

Hi again.
But again ... She was using a hypothetical and mentioned SELF-IMPOSED laws, but your reply turned it into OTHERS imposing EVEN MORE laws upon us, after telling us we're free in Christ, and not under the OT Law.
That' very different.

That's also a shame if some ppl do that, but thankfully clearly refutes those that try to do that.
I think they're at one point referred to as Judaisers, and Scripture points out that we are no longer under the law, but under grace.
Jesus fully kept the law, (the only one who ever could), and gives us His righteousness and eternal life in exchange for our sins and the death we deserve.
Hallelujah!

Okay, explain to me where you see me say anything about Rens imposing laws against anybody? You can explain why "we" is about an individual rather than a group of people. I am not sure how you reached your conclusions. What I wrote was supporting Rens' comment.

 

[Rens]

Hi, MoreCoffee ...
I re-read this a few times, and I'm not getting why you think Rens was saying that if other ppl tell us we're free from the law, they would be a sect that would impose more laws on us. ??

Your use of the words 'I agree' at the start of your post seems to imply that that's what Ren was saying, but I don't see that from reading her post.
What she seems to be saying is that if some ppl are told they are free from the law, they will SELF-impose laws, ... on themselves.

Natural man does seem to be bent that way, often complaining that he wants freedom, but just as often, concocting laws upon laws to be controlled by.

But from what I've of Rens posts, she doesn't seem to be a legalist. Not at all.
Quite the contrary, she seems to be a believer in the grace of God in Christ for salvation, and the gift and freedom that secures for us.

It seems her post was only using a hypothetical scenario to make a point. But I don't mean to speak for her, maybe she will re-address it.

Meanwhile, Romans 8:1 states it pretty plainly:
There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
And Galatians 2:21:
I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness comes by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.

Peace.

They really preached that, 2.4 hours a day. So I had to do that cause they said so. Although it's good to spend time with Him if it's an obligation and you look at your watch it ain't that good. It reminds me of that sermon.
https://youtu.be/m3d5Xat5mJY

I once got a personal word from a preacher. He said: Don't let the service of God be something that you have to, must. You don't have to. You may.

 

[Stravinsk]

I honestly think that it is highly possible and likely that the Moon points to Sabbath.

That being said - even among those who use a solar-lunar calendar (the information I have come across to date anyway) is that they have "New Moon" days as a completely dark moon. This coincides with the West's definition of "new moon". However, I think there is biblical evidence to show that the New Moon is a full moon.

In either scenario - having a regular scheduled employment makes it near impossible to keep a lunar sabbath - as the calendar is widely different than the one we use and Sabbath is reckoned differently. Near impossible unless one is self employed.

 

[user1234]

Okay, explain to me where you see me say anything about Rens imposing laws against anybody? You can explain why "we" is about an individual rather than a group of people. I am not sure how you reached your conclusions. What I wrote was supporting Rens' comment.

No , not really.
Rens comment ...."If we don't have to keep the OT Laws anymore,
we'll make new ones FOR OURSELF."
Then she gave example: I'D look on MY watch on prayer...
2.4 hours stop. There, the Lord must have felt I really loved Him."
See?? A hypothetical...Self-imposed..

That's very different from what you wrote: "WHEN (other) people tell us that "we're free from the law" THEY almost always go on to list a whole lot of rules WE need to obey to be in THEIR group."
Very different indeed.

You weren't really supporting what Rens said,
because she said nothing of the kind.
You subtly shifted it to being an attack against an unnamed group of ppl that tell us we're free and yet impose new laws on us or they won't let us join their 'sect'. (your word)

You're free to believe that if you want, but to preceed your reply to Rens with "I agree..." was a bit misleading, because that's not what she was saying in that post.

Interestingly, I do know of at least ONE group that wont let Rens join unless she agrees to their rules, in fact, they Officially consider her, and born-again believers like her, (myself included), to be Anathema ... meaning, Accursed, excommunicated if you will. Damned.....
That just shouldn't be.

 

[user1234]

* I was still writing and then submitted post #18 before knowing that post #16 was on the board. °~°

 

[Rens]

* I was still writing and then submitted post #18 before knowing that post #16 was on the board. °~°

lol