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Sabbathkeeping (Part 2)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Sabbath holds a central place in the relationship between God and His people, serving as a recurring appointment with the Deity. Each and every Sabbath is a designated time to connect with Him, encapsulating the unique covenant relationship. This weekly, and sometimes annual, appointment is devoted to Him so that the relationship does not become lost amidst life's other activities. The central purpose of breaking from the normal routine is to develop and build a deeper connection with God, which is far more significant than merely resting from physical labor. Stopping work provides the necessary time to focus on what is truly important—getting to know Him. If observed properly, the Sabbath offers true spiritual rest and refreshment derived from fellowshipping with Him. When the relationship with God is nurtured on this day, power flows from His presence, energizing and restoring vitality. The Sabbath is a date with God, where He offers boundless blessings to those who devote their attention to Him. True rest, health, and energy come from this relationship, liberating and refreshing in ways that other days cannot match.
Sabbathkeeping (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Sabbath serves as an appointment set up by the commandment of God for meeting with Him every seven days. This day functions like a date intended to foster a better acquaintance with God. Each Sabbath provides an opportunity to know Him more intimately. The relationship progresses beyond dating into a courtship stage where each appointment advances preparation for marriage. The purpose of such appointments with God involves addressing mutual concerns in the relationship. The central issue in the keeping of the Sabbath concerns the relationship with Him. The proper keeping of the Sabbath is given to man that in it he might come to know God better on this day than on any of the other days of the week. A whole day is set apart to help prepare for living in the highest quality in His culture. The rest and refreshing come from the relationship with God within the proper keeping of the Sabbath day.
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.
It's Not Our Time
Article by David C. GrabbeWe live in a society that is increasingly concerned about ownership. Yet who owns the Sabbath? How does the answer to this question affect our keeping of it?
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 (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: 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.
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 4)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughFocusing on material and temporal things undermines faith. The Sabbath is holy time, created for building faith, energizing our minds for fellowship with God.
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.
The Commandments (Part Eight)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughIn our hectic culture, we commit far too little time to God, depriving ourselves of the Holy Spirit and attenuating the faith required to draw close to God.
Pentecost and Time
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughBecause of our 'time-bound' state, unless we sync with God's timetable, we are squandering our God-given time to become members of His family.