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The Sabbath: Rest
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIn the midst of a culture obsessed with relentless work and self-identification through labor, the concept of rest stands as a divine promise and a profound contrast. God has promised His people true rest, a deep and fulfilling repose that transcends the fleeting relaxation after a long day. As His called and converted sons and daughters, we carry God's presence within us, walking with Him every step, and can be grateful that He is fulfilling His promise of rest in us even now. Each Sabbath we observe serves as a foreshadowing of the greater rest that God will grant His people, a rest we have already begun to enter through our conversion. From the beginning, as seen in Genesis 2, God ceased His creative work on the seventh day, setting an example of stopping, or shabbat, which means to cease or desist. This stopping is distinct from rest, or nuach, which implies a settling down or stillness that follows cessation. On the Sabbath, we cease from our own works, our ways, and our words, creating the condition for true peace and quiet, the essence of nuach. In Exodus 20, the emphasis shifts to nuach, highlighting the result of stopping—resting in the presence of God. The future rest of God, as described in Hebrews 4, remains ahead, a time when human carnal works will fully cease, allowing for a complete sabbatismos, a Sabbath-keeping rest for God's people. This rest links the weekly Sabbath to the ultimate rest in the Kingdom of God, characterized by a cessation of ungodly activities and a focus on godly works. The goal is to transform humanity's focus during the Millennial period from rebellion to love for God and fellow man, preparing all for an eternal rest where unrighteousness is absent. For now, the weekly Sabbath offers a foretaste of this divine rest, urging us to stop our physical labors and focus on God's works and His Kingdom. Through diligent study of His Word and bold prayer, we seek to root out carnality and build Christ-like character, mixing knowledge with faith to ensure we enter His rest. The urgency is clear—today, we must hold fast to our confession, proving through our actions that we are God's people, striving to reflect His image as we prepare for the ultimate Sabbath rest in His Kingdom.
God's Sabbath
Bible Study by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Sabbath is the pivot on which the others turn. This basic study treats the foundational truths about God's Sabbath day.
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 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.
Remember the Sabbath Day
Sermonette by Hunter D. SwansonAll of God's people have at times felt overwhelmed by grief and exhaustion, needing a genuine rehabilitative rest. The Sabbath restores spiritual strength.
The Sabbath: Creation
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Sabbath provides an opportunity for God's children to develop a relationship with Him, reflecting on the spiritual as well as the physical creation.
God's Rest and the Millennium
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe 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.
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.
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.
God's Rest (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Sabbath rest depicts the miracle of conversion, in which the transformation of mankind into God's image brings about a rest in which God takes pleasure.
The Millennium Sabbath
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Clyde FinkleaRather than representing Russia and China, Gog of Magog may be a demon who will be driving the Beast and those who have accepted the mark of the Beast.
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.
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?
Skipping Services? Consider Carefully
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughGod's word marks the Sabbath as a time of His calling His people together for worship, so attending church services is a vital part of the Christian Sabbath.
Ode to Sleep
Sermonette by Jarod RitenbaughRest is an essential element for mankind. It is also a metaphor for God's short- and long-term message of His Kingdom (Psalm 127:1-2). There is an exploration of sleep as to how it benefits us in the short-term daily interactions with each day's new set of problems, and how it ties into the great rest at the end of earthly time. Physical rest helps the mind reset and solve problems, while helping to heal the body. Genesis 28 shows that God often communicates to us with direct messaging such as He did with Joseph, and through inspirations from the holy spirit. Physical death is another form of sleep, even though many of us fear it. Everyone, good or evil, finally "rests with their fathers" and we must keep in mind during our daily lives that we will be going back to them. Godly rest is the ultimate form, and all the other forms of rest point towards that. We have a relationship with the Master of these forms of sleep, and we receive the ultimate benefit of that relationship (I Corinthians 15).
Sharpening Our Saws
Article by William R. GrayAmong the reasons God has provided us with the Sabbath, it as a time to sharpen our focus. Preparation is the key to getting the most out of the Sabbath.
My Parents Won't Let Me!
Article by Clyde FinkleaHere is the story of a young man's momentous choice regarding his keeping of the Sabbath, a decision he had to make all on his own.
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 (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
'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 Commandments (Part Six)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughGod gave the Sabbath to His people so they can know Him intimately. Idolatry, scattering, and captivity are the natural consequences of Sabbath-breaking.
Psalms: Book Four (Part Two)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe focus of Psalms Book IV and the Summary Psalm 149 is on the work of the glorified saints in serving as mediating priests under Christ.
The Fourth Commandment (Part 5)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe reason for refraining from many activities on the Sabbath is not labor or energy, but the overall motivation. Certain works are perfect for the Sabbath.
The Fourth Commandment (Part 2)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe Sabbath reminds us that God is Creator and that we were once in slavery to sin. The Sabbath is a time of blessing, deliverance, liberty, and redemption.
Imagining the Garden of Eden (Part Eight)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Garden of Eden was the perfect place for mankind to get its start, a place where Adam and Eve could become acquainted with God and developed godliness.
The Commandments (Part Nine)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughBenign 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 Holy Days - Our Shared Vision Of Hope
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Mark SchindlerFrom Passover to Pentecost to Trumpets to Atonement to the Feast of Tabernacles, these days should solidify our vision of he Father, Jesus, and one another.
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.
Imagining the Garden of Eden (Part Seven)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughBoth Shabbat rest (ceasing from activity) and nuach rest (pleasantly creating) are necessary for the proper keeping of the Sabbath.
Our Part in the Sanctification Process (Part Four): Cultivating Peace
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by David F. MaasHere are biblical strategies to cultivate the fruit of peace, including controlling our thoughts and emotions, submitting to God's will, and embracing His law.