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Eating Out on the Sabbath

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The issue of eating out on the Sabbath has emerged as a point of contention within the church of God, contributing to disunity among the brethren. Herbert Armstrong, recognized as an apostle in this era, set a policy for the Worldwide Church of God that permitted eating out on the Sabbath, establishing a pattern for the church. However, a recent article by Dennis Fisher and Art Braidic strongly urges against this practice, claiming it to be a sin. Their credentials and authority to teach on this matter are questioned, as they lack the apostolic gifting and appointment that Herbert Armstrong possessed. From God's perspective, working on the Sabbath is not merely about ceasing all activity, but about the nature and purpose of the work being done. Jesus Himself demonstrated that meeting human needs, such as hunger, overrides strict ceremonial law on the Sabbath, as seen when He permitted His disciples to pick and prepare food on an unusual occasion. Mercy holds greater weight than sacrifice, and legitimate human need takes precedence over rigid adherence to rules. The argument that eating out on the Sabbath equates to making others work as servants is not supported by Scripture. Unconverted individuals are not held to the same Sabbath-keeping responsibilities as believers, and a Sabbath-keeper is not forcing restaurant workers to labor. Their choice to work on the Sabbath is their own, as responsibility varies according to the gifts and understanding given by God. Furthermore, selectively criticizing eating out while ignoring other services like electricity, water, or gas used on the Sabbath reveals inconsistent and narrow-minded judgment. In this modern era, unlike the closed society of ancient Israel where Sabbath observance was uniform, the church is scattered and faces different circumstances. God has shown flexibility in applying Sabbath laws when situations change, as during festivals when food preparation was allowed despite normal restrictions. Herbert Armstrong made a discernment for the church in this era to address these unique conditions. Eating out on the Sabbath can also present opportunities for fellowship, such as sharing a meal with a widow or a family in need, especially when the church gathers in a central location. While caution is advised in choosing a suitable environment for communication, the practice is not forbidden. The overarching concern is that rigid positions on this issue serve as tools for confusion and division, drawing brethren into self-righteous arguments rather than fostering lovingkindness and unity within the congregation.

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.

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.

Sanctification and Holiness (Part 4)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The bronze altar, made with the censers from the rebels, was a reminder of the folly of rebelling against holy things, replacing God's standards with human ones.