Photo Credit: Jason Conlon

24/6 Part One: The Fourth Commandment

• 24/6 Part Two: Jesus and the Sabbath
• 24/6 Part Three: Keeping the Sabbath – coming soon!

I recently finished reading Dr. Matthew Sleeth’s book, 24/6: A Prescription for a Healthier, Happier Life published by Tyndale.

When I first came across this book, I was quite intrigued and knew I wanted to read it. The book is about the importance of keeping the Sabbath and resting on that day.

I began keeping the seventh day Sabbath in 1999 after discovering for myself that the Bible Sabbath was on Saturday not on Sunday as I had grown up believing. Keeping the Sabbath was life changing for me.

Anyway, I really loved this book by Dr. Sleeth. In all honesty, I didn’t agree 100% with everything he said. However, I loved so much about this book I wanted to share some of the profound quotes I came across.

The word Sabbath means “cease from working.” The concept is holy… the point is to stop on that day and look for God… for me the Sabbath is irrefutable proof that God is real.

All that we need to begin to “remember,” as the Fourth Commandment tells us. We must remember the why and how of a day of rest… “Remember the Sabbath: is how the longest of the Ten Commandments begins. p. 24-25

We don’t need to go far into the Bible to discover the origin of the Sabbath: it’s right there on the first page. p. 31

Unfortunately, most of society ignores the commandment to keep the Sabbath. It has been forgotten. God must have known we would forget. That’s why He began the commandment with the word “remember.” In our 24/7 world, how much more do we need that 24 hour period to come away and rest with God?

The first three commandments concern themselves with our relationship with God. The last six have to do with our dealings with each other… The Fourth Commandment is the longest and most inclusive of all ten… The sabbath commandment embraces the wealthy, the slave, and the illegal immigrant. It pertains to minimum-wage workers and to students. It covers animals. It includes children. The Fourth Commandment applies equally to men and women… It is to be followed by humanity, and it is observed by God himself… The covenant was like a marriage agreement between God and his people. p. 36 – 37

The Fourth Commandment calls us to a period of rest and like Dr. Sleeth so eloquently said, it covers everyone. We are not only responsible for our own keeping of the Sabbath, but for those around us, too. The Fourth Commandment includes our manservants and maidservants, even our animals! It also forbids buying and selling.

Continue reading “A Sabbath Day’s Rest, Book Review, and Discussion” »

Photo Credit: Andreas Krappweis

This article is part of our Exodus: A Parellel for the End Times Series.

Have you ever wondered why the Israelites were such whiners? I’ve often felt bad for Moses. I mean – he was so good to them and what did they do? Pretty much made his life miserable. No gratitude whatsoever.

I’d like to think that if God parted the Red Sea for me that I’d be just a little more faithful! But, maybe that’s just wishful thinking on my part.

Anyway, before and after the Israelites left Egypt, they had their religion, but they didn’t have a true relationship with God. They worshiped the God of their fathers, but that worship was missing a key element – relationship! They had forgotten what it really meant to be children of the Most High God.

Often Christians are the same way. They go to church each week, they do what they think they’re supposed to “do.” They go through the motions without really grasping the true meaning of worship and living a life that is truly converted.

Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commandments.” John 14:15

Our post modern culture today suggests that “there is no absolute truth.” Even many “Christians” today believe that there is more than one way to have eternal life. But this is contrary to the word of God.

Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6

God wrote the Ten Commandments with His own finger on Mount Sinai and gave them to Moses to take to the people. The Ten Commandments represent the moral character of God. They are eternal.

Jesus said, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” Matthew 5:17

You see, Jesus didn’t come to change the law or to do away with the law. He went on to say:

“For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.” Matthew 5:18

The law is still in effect today and it will be until all of heaven and earth disappear. Not even one jot or tittle will be removed from it. He also says that those who teach and practice his commandments will be called great in the kingdom of heaven!

“Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:19

We are not to set aside a single commandment – not even one! – or teach anyone else to do so – or else we risk being called the “least in the kingdom of heaven.”

Did the Ten Commandments exist before God wrote them down for Moses? Of course they did! They are God’s eternal moral law and God does not change. “I am the LORD, I change not.” Malachi 3:6

And while we can never be “good enough” to be justified in His sight without the blood of Jesus, the Ten Commandments show us what sin is. “Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin.” Romans 3:20

All humans who are not covered by the blood of Jesus on the Day of Judgement will be judged according to the Ten Commandments and they will be found guilty.

The Ten Commandments are just as relevant today as they were in the day of Moses.

You can read the Ten Commandments from Exodus 20 here.

Photo Credit: Susanne Nilsjo

Here is a story for you to download and share with your family and friends. This is a story I recently read to about 100 primary aged kids during our campmeeting program Out of Egypt. You could have heard a pin drop, the children were listening so intently! During the previous class period, we had acted out the story of “The Death of the Firstborn” and painted the doorpost with “blood.” You can see photos from our program here.

The story is called “The House Across the Hedge” by Grace Livingston Hill. The message in this story is very powerful and provides much food for thought – even for adults! This story would also be perfect for listening to during family worship, Bible study time, or even at bedtime. I like to put on audio Bible stories on for my girls at bedtime.

I hope you enjoy the story.

This is a part of our Exodus: A Parallel for the End Times Series. You can read the rest of the articles here.

You can download the .mp3 file by “right clicking” and selecting “Save Target As…” (or “Save Link As…”) or you can simply click on the link to listen online.

The story is read by Melissa Ringstaff – that’s me! and is about 16 minutes in length.

Download “The House Across the Hedge” here.

Let me know what you think in the comments below!