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Eating Out on the Sabbath

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The issue of doing good on the Sabbath, particularly regarding eating out, is a significant point of contention within the church of God, contributing to disunity. Herbert Armstrong, recognized as an apostle, set a precedent by occasionally eating out on the Sabbath and established a policy permitting it within the Worldwide Church of God. This stance contrasts with recent arguments urging against eating out on the Sabbath, claiming it to be a sin. However, such claims lack the authority and balance demonstrated by those appointed by God for leadership. Jesus Himself provided guidance on Sabbath observance, emphasizing that the day is made for man as a help, not a burden. He demonstrated that meeting human needs, such as feeding the hungry or rescuing an animal, takes precedence over strict adherence to ceremonial law. His actions and teachings show that the nature and purpose of the work done on the Sabbath are what matter most to God, not merely the act of working or the energy expended. For instance, Jesus approved of His disciples picking grain to eat on the Sabbath and endorsed acts of mercy over rigid rules. Furthermore, the notion that eating out on the Sabbath equates to making others work as servants is not supported by a balanced understanding of responsibility. Those who are uncalled are not held to the same standards as Sabbath-keepers, and their choice to work on the Sabbath is their own. Sabbath-keepers are not forcing others to labor by utilizing services like restaurants, just as they are not responsible for the work of utility companies providing water or electricity on the Sabbath. Modern circumstances, unlike the closed society of ancient Israel, require a discerning application of God's law, recognizing that situations change and flexibility is sometimes necessary, as seen during festivals when food preparation rules were relaxed. The Sabbath presents opportunities to do good, such as fellowshipping with others by occasionally eating out, especially with those who may not often have such chances. While selectivity in choosing appropriate venues is advised, the focus should remain on the intent to foster connection and kindness. God has appointed the Sabbath as a day to do good, and following the balanced examples set by His chosen leaders ensures that the day serves its purpose of healing and unifying rather than dividing over unbalanced, critical judgments.

Sabbathkeeping (Part 4)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

We need to develop righteous judgment about what constitutes a genuine Sabbath emergency and what may be a deceptive rationalization of our human nature.

The Fourth Commandment (Part Two): Christ's Attitude Toward the Sabbath

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

In the Gospels, questions about the Sabbath center on how to keep it, not whether it should be kept. The way Jesus approached the Sabbath gives us an example.

Polluted Sabbath?

Sermon by Bill Onisick

Polluting and profaning God's Sabbath means to allow the distractions of the world to prevent us from calling the holy Sabbath a delight.

The Bible Does Not Have All the Answers!

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

While the Bible does not contain all knowledge, it does contain foundational principles, enabling people to live in a godly, spiritual manner.

Do Not Judge

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

While we do not have the prerogative of condemning and passing judgment, we do have the responsibility of observing behaviors or inspecting spiritual fruit.

The Commandments (Part Six)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

God gave the Sabbath to His people so they can know Him intimately. Idolatry, scattering, and captivity are the natural consequences of Sabbath-breaking.

Matthew (Part Seventeen)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

Jesus didn't break the Sabbath, but he did break extra-legal fanatical human custom applied to the Sabbath apart from God's Law.

God's Rest and the Millennium

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The Millennium or God's rest will be an exceedingly busy time, a time when all of humanity will be converted, a time everybody will be on the same trek.

The Commandments (Part Nine)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

Benign neglect of the Sabbath covenant can incrementally lead us into idolatry. We must treat this holy time as different from the other days of the week.

God's Law Is Eternal

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Many say that God's laws have been abolished, even though Jesus taught that until heaven and earth pass away, not one jot or tittle of the Law will disappear.

John (Part Nine)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

Jesus teaches the difference between works that cause burdens (work that profanes the Sabbath) and works that relieve burdens. The Father and Son never stop working.

The Epistles of II and III John (Part One)

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

In our quest for unity, we can never compromise with the truth. True love between brethren is impossible without an equal pr greater love for the truth.

By This We Know Love!

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

As God's people keep God's law in its spiritual intent, they begin to think like the Father and His Son, both of whom habitually do good.

John (Part Ten)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

When God removes an infirmity or gives a blessing, He also gives a responsibility to follow through, using the blessing to overcome and glorify God.

Faith Over Fear

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

When it looks like things are out of control, God is busily at work behind the scenes. If we replace anxiety with faith, God will grant us divine peace.