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Did God Change the Sign From the Sabbath to the Holy Spirit?
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeA common idea is that the Sabbath is the sign of the Old Covenant, but the Holy Spirit is the sign of the New. Yet the seventh day has been holy since creation.
God's Sabbath
Bible Study by Richard T. RitenbaughThe seventh-day Sabbath serves as a profound sign, identifying God's people with a unique mark of distinction. As outlined in Exodus 31:12-17 and Isaiah 56:1-7, this covenant, established after the Old Covenant, binds the Sabbath as a perpetual covenant upon those who follow Him. It stands as a clear identifier, much like a sign marks a business or a street, setting apart those who honor this holy time in devotion to God.
The Purpose of the Sabbath
Sermonette by Craig SablichThe Sabbath enables us to learn spiritual principles rather than a set of rules, and to exercise righteous judgment, aligning our actions with God's purpose.
The Signs of God (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeGod identifies the keeping of the Sabbaths as a specific sign between Him and His people, as seen in Exodus 31:13, 17, where He declares that the Sabbaths are a sign throughout generations, reminding them that He is the LORD who sanctifies them. This sign underscores that in six days He made the heavens and the earth, and on the seventh day He rested and was refreshed. Keeping the fourth commandment serves as a sign to the individual, to those around, and to God Himself, highlighting the sanctification tied directly to observing the Sabbaths holy. If the Sabbaths cease to be a sign by being treated as any other day, God's sanctification also ceases. The Sabbaths further signify who God is as Creator and Redeemer, and who is being created and redeemed among His faithful. This sign is not limited to Israel alone, as the Sabbath was made for all mankind, established at Creation long before the Israelites existed, and taught to them even prior to the giving of the Ten Commandments. The seriousness of this sign is evident in the history of ancient Israel, where despising the Sabbaths, a key element of sanctification, contributed to their captivity and scattering, leading to a loss of identity among some tribes, while others retained recognition of their heritage through adherence to this sign.
Sabbathkeeping (Part 4)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod has designated the Sabbath as the sign between Him and His people, serving as evidence that He, the Creator, is our God, and those who keep it are His children. It is not merely the observance of the Sabbath that constitutes this sign, but also the manner in which it is observed. The Sabbath is not only a sign that He is the Creator, but also a sign that He is our Savior, a day appointed to memorialize that He sets us free and maintains our liberty. As long as we look to it, the relationship with Him is preserved.
Sabbathkeeping (Part 2)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughIt is from the proper use of the Sabbath—in fellowshipping with Him and getting to know Him—that we derive true spiritual rest and refreshment.
Searching for Israel (Part Twelve): The Sign
Article by Charles WhitakerMost Israelites are blind to their origins, thinking that only Jews are Israelites. Here is why Israel has forgotten its identity.
The Signs of God
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeJesus Christ is not against signs; the book of John is structured around eight signs. The Old Testament is full of signs that the Pharisees missed.
Sabbathkeeping (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughHow and why a person keeps the Sabbath determines whether this test commandment is really a sign between God and His people or an act of futility.
Be Holy, as I am Holy
Sermon by Ted E. BowlingThe biblical concept of holy means to be set apart for God's purpose, namely, to reflect His character and righteousness. Mentioned nearly 900 times in Scripture, holiness consists of not merely moral behavior, but a complete spiritual transformation through God's Holy Spirit, as exemplified by keeping His seventh day Sabbath, sanctified as a sign of God's covenant with His called-out people (Ezekiel 20:12). We need to emulate examples like Moses, Joshua, and Abraham, who was chosen, set apart, and faithful, becoming a "friend of God" (James 2:23, Isaiah 41:8). Ancient Israel, similarly chosen as a holy nation to represent God (Deuteronomy 14:2, Exodus 19:15),sadly failed miserably to internalize this covenant. Today, the Israel of God (Galatians 6:16), God's church, is called to be a chosen generation and holy nation and to live righteously, reflecting God's love and character. Sanctification is a lifelong process requiring obedience, faith, and readiness for spiritual challenges (I Peter 1:13-15). Thankfully, Christ's life and death enabled this level of holiness. We must continue to grow in godly virtues, remaining steadfast.
The Fourth Commandment
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsThe Sabbath is foundational to a healthy relationship with God. It is special, holy day of rest and time to reconnect with our Creator.
The Signs of God (Part Three)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeGod equates belittling His signs with rejecting Him. The signs of the weekly and annual Sabbaths are emphasized by God, but commonly cast aside by men.
The Beast From the Earth and 666
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe first beast rises out of political turmoil, while the second rises out of an entrenched, worldwide religious system, totally opposed to God's laws.
The Mark of the Beast
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughWill we trust God in the basic areas of life—food, clothing, and water—or compromise, accepting the mark of the beast to save our physical lives?
The Day God Rested
Sermonette by Ryan McClureGod gave the Sabbath as a blessing for man, which, if kept correctly, gives rejuvenating rest, a relief from stress, and a defense against illness.
The Commandments (Part Five)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe Sabbath is a period of time God purposefully sanctified and set apart for the benefit of mankind, a time dedicated to God's spiritual creation.
The Fourth Commandment: Idolatry
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod, not man, created, sanctified and memorialized the seventh day Sabbath from the time of creation, intending that man use this holy time to worship God.
Holy Ground
Sermon by Ted E. BowlingThe principle of sanctification applies to time as well as place, as God sanctified the seventh day Sabbath as a covenant sign between Him and His people.
The Fourth Commandment (Part One) (1997)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughMost people think the fourth commandment is least important, but it may be one of the most important! It is a major facet of our relationship with God.
The Fourth Commandment
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughAt creation, God sanctified only one day, the seventh, as a day of rest. At Sinai, He again sanctified it as a holy day, tying it to creation and freedom.
The Fourth Commandment (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Sabbath is a special creation, a very specific period of holy time given to all of mankind, reminding us that God created and is continuing to create.
Leadership and Covenants (Part Five)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughUniversal in scope, the Edenic Covenant introduces God to mankind as his Creator and establishes the way human beings are to relate to Him and the creation.
Simplifying Life (Part Five)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by David F. MaasThe seventh-day Sabbath is God's design for rest, sanctification, and restoration, both today and for the entire creation in the Kingdom of God.
Strategies for Interfacing with Babylon without Becoming Assimilated (Part Four)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by David F. MaasOver 77% of 'Christian' churches have chosen the day of the sun as their day of rest, rejecting the day God hallowed from creation, seen in the 4th Commandment.
Appointments
Sermon by Clyde FinkleaGod established the weekly Sabbath on the seventh day of Creation; He established His Holy Days (moedim) on the fourth day. These are His appointments.
One Nation Under God (Part Two)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe need to follow Nehemiah's example in submitting to God, focusing on the right goals, having wisdom in handling complex situations, and having courage.
The Doctrine of Israel (Part Four): God's Indictment
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughEven though Jacob's offspring have had a special relationship with God, their carnal nature led them to test God's patience, growing more corrupt than even Sodom.
The Importance of Doctrine
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughPeople who try to supplement their spiritual diet with lawlessness or other heresies risk losing their identity, and ultimately their spiritual life.