Sabbath, Sunday, and Legalism

[Cathlodox]

Amo, God sanctified the 7th day because there was nothing left to do - it was perfect.

Read Genesis 3, 17-19 again and take note of what it says...
...Next NOTE the Hebrew word ʿiṣṣāḇôn.
...& realize the meaning is PAIN, LABOR, HARDSHIP....

The ground outside the garden of Eden would sprout up weeds, things wouldn't be easy, Adam would be in toil ALL THE DAYS he was alive.

So you see, the Jews got that one right  - as - did the Apostolic Church.

[Amo]

Scripture plainly states that the seventh day Sabbath, are God's.

Very true. NO ONE ever says they are not.

"I assume we both believe that neither the first, seventh, or any other day should be forced upon all as a day of rest or worship."

Again very true. But our reasonings for this differ... a lot. Mine is routed in Paul.... The last paragraph of this.

We are told in Exodus 20 about the Sabbath..... to remember to keep it holy.

We are told in Deuteronomy 5 about the Sabbath ... to keep it holy and no work.
With the comment  vs 15 Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and that the Lord your God brought you out of there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm. Therefore the Lord your God has commanded you to observe the Sabbath day.

Th question is... so was this day for all or those to whom it was given?

Toward the end of this is an article about the 10 commandments in the New Testament

But I have to wonder what Ellen White said about the Shmita.  I have looked and looked and assume it was not of any importance to her as I find no writings of hers.

This was also a command from God and is first mentioned in Exodus. Exodus 23: 10-11. A 7 year Sabbath that was also God's.

More specific.... from Jimmy's book...

10 And six years thou shalt sow thy land, and shalt gather in the fruits thereof:

11 But the seventh year thou shalt let it rest and lie still; that the poor of thy people may eat: and what they leave the beasts of the field shall eat. In like manner thou shalt deal with thy vineyard, and with thy oliveyard.

If she ( and you feel) that the observance of the 4th commandment that God  gave to Moses to carry to the people.... is still of importanct and meant for everyone today... then 3 chapters later... after the giving of the 10 to Moses... God also commanded
This Sabbath 7th year rest for the land. (More specific you can look it up), do you feel and more importantly did she feel this should also be observed?

I have tried to find what Ellen White said about this but have not, so can only conclude she felt it not important?

Perhaps Mrs White felt that because the laws were interpreted to pertain exclusively to the Land of Israel, amd they were not a major Jewish focus for the almost 2,000 years in which few Jews lived in Israel. Perhaps as the  Jews did not begin returning to Israel in large numbers, until  the late 19th and early 20th century, Shmita created some significant hurdles and questions for those early communities in Israel, trying on the one hand, to keep true to the ancient law of the land, and, on the other hand, to meet the conditions necessary for comforts they had grown accustomed to in modern European agricultural and economic systems

Got questions describes things as

So I wonder based on the relationship of commands by God to Israel, inclusive of the 10 commandments where does the Shmita fall into things? As it is also pertaining to rest of us?

Last... lets look at  the 10 commandments in the New Testament, and see what Jesus told us.

https://godwords.org/the-10-commandments-in-the-new-testament/

Taking a quick look, I would say your problems are concerning extra biblical surmising. You say- "Th question is... so was this day for all or those to whom it was given?". The question from who, or where, certainly not scripture. Scripture neither asks or addresses this question at all. It is extra biblical. God's seventh day sabbath was of course given to His people. One statement about the sabbath in one place, does not negate what is said in another. What Moses said in recounting the sabbath command and giving expounded reasoning for its observance, does not and cannot negate what God audibly spoke to the entire nation of Israel, and wrote in tables of stone for them twice. Within the fourth commandment itself, we see that it was instituted at creation for God's people, who at the time was and would have been apart from the fall, everyone.

Then you extra biblically bring up Ellen White, as though I or any believing the fourth commandment is still to be observed, are dependent upon her. Did she create the sabbath? Did the Jews or Christians which kept the sabbath before her do so because of her? Do you think all who keep God's sabbath today, do so because of her?

Next you present the argument that any commandments not addressed in the New Testament, are no longer applicable to Christians. Who created this mindset or question? Does the bible or our Lord and Savior, say any such thing? No, and to the contrary our Lord and Savior conclusively stated the exact opposite of what this argument states, which it of course ignores. As you apparently do as well, in bringing forth this argument.

Mat 5:17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. 18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. 19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.

I have quoted this very so many times over on these boards, and continually have to, because it is continually ignored by those who teach that the fourth commandment is not longer. Even the extra biblical idea and argument you presented itself quotes the following words of Jesus,  "teach them to obey everything I have commanded you.", while completely ignoring what our Lord Jesus conclusively states in the above scriptures I quoted.

Nor is the entire argument truthful at all. God's sabbath is addressed many times over in the new Testament. The argument presents no direct quotes from the first four of the Ten Commandments at all, but only references to the same principles contained within them, then denies the same criteria for the fourth commandment, which is addressed many times over in the New Testament. The entire argument is extra biblical, and proved to be bogus by its own standard.

Nevertheless I say again Rella, you can of course believe whatever you wish for whatever reasons you choose. As a bible believing seventh day sabbath keeper, I have no desire to force you to see things as I do, or make you observe God's sabbath by way of civil mandates and or legislation. My experience is in and by faith in the word of God, which neither needs or asks for man made approval or laws to sustain it. It concerns things which are not of the kingdoms of this world, and therefore neither seeks such support.

Joh 18:36  Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence. 37 Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.

Also, the Ten Commandments are Christ's commandments. He is the one who called Moses to bring Israel out of Egypt, and lead Israel through the wilderness to the promised land.

Joh 8:57  Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham? 58 Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am. 59 Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.

Exo 3:13 And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them? 14 And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.

1Co 10:1 Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; 2 And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea; 3 And did all eat the same spiritual meat; 4 And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.

[Rella]

Next you present the argument that any commandments not addressed in the New Testament, are no longer applicable to Christians. Who created this mindset or question? Does the bible or our Lord and Savior, say any such thing? No, and to the contrary our Lord and Savior conclusively stated the exact opposite of what this argument states, which it of course ignores. As you apparently do as well, in bringing forth this argument.

I had written an extremely long reply to this yesterday, inbetween the 2 times that GC was down for me.  So, it disappeared before I could post it.

It is inconsequestial.

I had commented that the more I read of Mrs White the more I respect her.... and I do find it odd that so many have "re-interpreted" her writings IF they seemingly do not agree with them.

So yes, since she is your prophet it is appropriate for me to look and see what she says and if what she says agrees with the way you present things in you debates!

However: You say "Next you present the argument that any commandments not addressed in the New Testament, are no longer applicable to Christians."

That is the way I see things.

Commandments that were under the law ARE NO longer applicable since Christ came, and doubly so since His Resurrection.

He said he did not come to replace the law but to fulfill it. To me that says 'the end"

Only those, from centuries before,  that came out of His mouth and were repeated in the NT by various scribes are those that will be forever.  He, nor did anyone else in the New Testament name the 4th.

But people in the New Testament did meet and worship on the first day.

You dont want to you dont have to... but if it was good enough for Paul it is good enough for me.

Paul stayed in Troas for seven days (Acts 20 : 6-7) and the church met on the first day of the week. Note also in the 1 Cor. 16:1 f passage that, though Paul is dealing with giving, there is no mention of tithing just as there is no call to assemble on the Sabbath (Saturday) as in the Old Testament.

Finally.... You say, as you suggested similarly to 3R in a post response... "Taking a quick look, I would say your problems are concerning extra biblical surmising."

Amo... good grief. You know as well as I do that if one does not reach beyond personal interpretation for wisdom and understanding then it becomes a freeforall he said, she said..... because people do not agree because people have been taught from their birth practically of "the way it is".... in "Our church" And no one can change another's mindset ... not even with outside comments.... BUT it is one way to express how others feel.

You know that from all the debates under quasi subjects of YE vs OE vs evolution vs giants.

We have posted many links on the giant ends of things..... all have fallen on deaf ears, and they also are blinded to what scripture says.

You need to go outside of the four corners of the Holy Book Just so long as the outside source does not change or add to it.

OKAY.... I am done..... ( Just one more thing. You find it offensive that I bring Ellen Whites writings up a lot? Have you never used any of her writings for your support? Your referencing or using such are outside also.  Just sayin)

Have a good and blessed day

[Amo]

So yes, since she is your prophet it is appropriate for me to look and see what she says and if what she says agrees with the way you present things in you debates!

If she is not God's prophet, she is no prophet at all. Though I have quoted her on rare occasions more to exhibit her accuracy concerning this or that prophetic fulfillment, I do not use her writing to back up my beliefs, knowing that none here believe she had the gift of prophecy. The vast majority of my quotes from her writings, are only to point out the misuse and or twisted lies which many make of her writings. By either misquoting, quoting only snippets which can be twisted to say that which was never intended, or quotes which are misapplied or completely out of context concerning what she believe and or clearly wrote elsewhere.

However: You say "Next you present the argument that any commandments not addressed in the New Testament, are no longer applicable to Christians."

That is the way I see things.

I understand that is the way you see it. I just don't understand why, or by what authority, since the concept is extra biblical. Who do you actually claim as the authority on this matter?

Only those, from centuries before,  that came out of His mouth and were repeated in the NT by various scribes are those that will be forever.  He, nor did anyone else in the New Testament name the 4th.

Again, where is this rule in scripture? By what authority do you acknowledge such as truth, while scripture makes no such distinction? But rather admonishes all to keep God's commandments right up to the last chapter and book of the bible. Even identifying the saints as those who keep the commandments of God and have the faith or testimony of Jesus Christ.

What do you mean by naming a commandment? I'm pretty sure that none of the fist four commandments were repeated verbatim in the New testament. Is this what you mean by naming, repeating basically verbatim? If so, are none of the first four commandments now applicable to Christians? All the first four commandments including the fourth are certainly addressed in the New testament though. Regarding their principles and proper observance. So what exactly is the difference you are indicating by saying some are not named? This is not to mention, that their would be no need to stress of emphasize the fourth commandment itself, to a people already overly hung up and zealous for its observance, as the Jews were in Jesus' day. To the contrary, its true and correct observance would have to be addressed and taught, as our Lord and Savior did so several times in the New Testament. Why waste such time on commandment you are just about to do away with?   

Commandments that were under the law ARE NO longer applicable since Christ came, and doubly so since His Resurrection.

No commandment of God has or ever can be under the law, they are the law. Laws are the standards, they can't be under themselves. People are under them, or not. They are under the condemnation of them, when they brake them. This is what God's people in Christ Jesus our Lord are delivered from, not the authority of God's law, which cannot be changed by any but God Himself. People may choose to be under the authority of God's law, without condemnation of course. Just like any other law, when you obey it you are not under its condemnation, when you break it you are. The gospel is not just about forgiveness and or justification, it is also about becoming new creatures in Christ Jesus or sanctification. Fulfilling the law does not end the law or its authority, it only ends the condemnation of breaking the law. Paul clearly teaches that such establishes the law, not does away with it. He also teaches that Jesus came so that the law might be fulfilled within us as well, not ended in us.

Rom 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: 4 That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. 5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. 7 Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. 8 So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. 10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

How can the law be fulfilled in us, if we disobey and or no longer even acknowledge the authority of it? If fulfill means end, then the law is no more, and the saved most certainly should no keep any of it. Everyone should in fact do exactly as they feel and wish at all times, for there is no law and or condemnation to concern one's self with. This though, is not at all what scripture teaches.

But people in the New Testament did meet and worship on the first day.

You dont want to you dont have to... but if it was good enough for Paul it is good enough for me.

They met and worshiped on every day, which did not make every day a commanded day of rest. Nor does scripture say anywhere that Christians met on Sundays specifically to worship. Nor were collections taken up on Sundays, but Paul simply told individuals to lay aside monies individually for the work on that day to be collected later.

1Co 16:1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. 2 Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come. 3 And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem.

The above is most obviously not about a church gathering where collections should be taken up.

Paul stayed in Troas for seven days (Acts 20 : 6-7) and the church met on the first day of the week. Note also in the 1 Cor. 16:1 f passage that, though Paul is dealing with giving, there is no mention of tithing just as there is no call to assemble on the Sabbath (Saturday) as in the Old Testament.

Act 20:7  And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.

Again, Jesus and the Apostles broke bread and preached every day of the week. To do away with and or change a commandment of God because they happened to do so on a Sunday as well, makes no sense. Especially when there is no indication anywhere in scripture that such a transition from one day to another had been taught or observed. This is not to mention, that the above events likely took place on what we view as Saturday night, as days were reckoned from evening to evening by the Jews. Nevertheless, one does not do away with a commandment of God, concerning such flimsy suggested evidence that such a thing took place. Though all are free to do such, without establishment of the authority of scripture.

Note also in the 1 Cor. 16:1 f passage that, though Paul is dealing with giving, there is no mention of tithing just as there is no call to assemble on the Sabbath (Saturday) as in the Old Testament.

Exactly! Because no gathering on the Sabbath, or Sunday(Lord's day as some would say), as a day of rest, is the or at issue in the quoted verse. No reference to any such thing, because no such thing was going on or being suggested. It is only wishfully presumed to be such, by those who already choose to believe in Sunday sacredness. Without this prerequisite, there would be no reason to consider such, as such.

Finally.... You say, as you suggested similarly to 3R in a post response... "Taking a quick look, I would say your problems are concerning extra biblical surmising."

Amo... good grief. You know as well as I do that if one does not reach beyond personal interpretation for wisdom and understanding then it becomes a freeforall he said, she said..... because people do not agree because people have been taught from their birth practically of "the way it is".... in "Our church" And no one can change another's mindset ... not even with outside comments.... BUT it is one way to express how others feel.

You know that from all the debates under quasi subjects of YE vs OE vs evolution vs giants.

We have posted many links on the giant ends of things..... all have fallen on deaf ears, and they also are blinded to what scripture says.

You need to go outside of the four corners of the Holy Book Just so long as the outside source does not change or add to it.

I emphasized the truth you stated above. Since that is pretty much what we are debating. Whether Sunday sacredness is extra biblical, that is added to the bible, or not.

One final question. When you say Christians began Sunday sacredness immediately after the resurrection, do you consider the great many professors of Christianity who kept the seventh day sabbath for hundreds of years after Christ's resurrection and all throughout history to this present day, Christians? If so, shouldn't you make or acknowledge this distinction when addressing this subject. If not, why not?

Have a good and blessed day

You to Rella.

[Rella]

Many keep missing the point that the Sabbath was brought into being before there were any Jews. The Sabbath was also brought into being BEFORE any Sin had entered into the World. The Saturday Sabbath is a Celebration of God and His Creation.

Ill be brief... for the moment.

The first mention of the Sabbath can be found in Exodus 16, right after Israel was delivered from Egypt. Please notice how the concept of Sabbath seems so new to the Israelites. God had to carefully explain that concept like a teacher carefully explaining the concept of addition to a young child. Could it be that this really was a new concept to them? Could it be that no one in their day kept the Sabbath day of rest? Why is the Bible so silent about this?

Let's look at Ex 16:23-30: "This is what the LORD commanded: 'Tomorrow is to be a day of rest, a holy Sabbath to the LORD. So bake what you want to bake and boil what you want to boil. Save whatever is left and keep it until morning.'" So they saved it until morning, as Moses commanded, and it did not stink or get maggots in it. "Eat it today," Moses said, "because today is a Sabbath to the LORD. You will not find any of it on the ground today. Six days you are to gather it, but on the seventh day, the Sabbath, there will not be any." Nevertheless, some of the people went out on the seventh day to gather it, but they found none. Then the LORD said to Moses, "How long will you refuse to keep my commands and my instructions? Bear in mind that the LORD has given you the Sabbath; that is why on the sixth day he gives you bread for two days. Everyone is to stay where he is on the seventh day; no one is to go out." So the people rested on the seventh day." NIV

The first instruction about keeping the Sabbath day rest was concerning food. Don't collect food on the seventh day. God will provide a double portion on the sixth day. None will be sent down on the Sabbath day. On any other day, if an Israelite kept some manna until the next day, the food would rot. But not on the Sabbath day! From this, the Israelites learned that God is a provider. In other words, you can really trust in God. Your can really depend on Him and rest in Him. In other words God wanted a relationship with His people, a relationship based on trust!

Let this sink in until later.

[Amo]

Ill be brief... for the moment.

The first mention of the Sabbath can be found in Exodus 16, right after Israel was delivered from Egypt. Please notice how the concept of Sabbath seems so new to the Israelites. God had to carefully explain that concept like a teacher carefully explaining the concept of addition to a young child. Could it be that this really was a new concept to them? Could it be that no one in their day kept the Sabbath day of rest? Why is the Bible so silent about this?

Let's look at Ex 16:23-30: "This is what the LORD commanded: 'Tomorrow is to be a day of rest, a holy Sabbath to the LORD. So bake what you want to bake and boil what you want to boil. Save whatever is left and keep it until morning.'" So they saved it until morning, as Moses commanded, and it did not stink or get maggots in it. "Eat it today," Moses said, "because today is a Sabbath to the LORD. You will not find any of it on the ground today. Six days you are to gather it, but on the seventh day, the Sabbath, there will not be any." Nevertheless, some of the people went out on the seventh day to gather it, but they found none. Then the LORD said to Moses, "How long will you refuse to keep my commands and my instructions? Bear in mind that the LORD has given you the Sabbath; that is why on the sixth day he gives you bread for two days. Everyone is to stay where he is on the seventh day; no one is to go out." So the people rested on the seventh day." NIV

The first instruction about keeping the Sabbath day rest was concerning food. Don't collect food on the seventh day. God will provide a double portion on the sixth day. None will be sent down on the Sabbath day. On any other day, if an Israelite kept some manna until the next day, the food would rot. But not on the Sabbath day! From this, the Israelites learned that God is a provider. In other words, you can really trust in God. Your can really depend on Him and rest in Him. In other words God wanted a relationship with His people, a relationship based on trust!

Let this sink in until later.

Got to get busy now. Look at this in more depth later. Just a quick comment regarding the faulty premise from the get go of the above post.

Gen 2:1 Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. 2 And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. 3 And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.

The above is the first mention of God's Sabbath in scripture, not the verse you quoted. This is what the Israelites were to remember. God's seventh day Sabbath was established 2000 years before the Jewish nation. Long before there ever was an Israelite.

[Rella]

Got to get busy now. Look at this in more depth later. Just a quick comment regarding the faulty premise from the get go of the above post.

Gen 2:1 Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. 2 And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. 3 And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.

The above is the first mention of God's Sabbath in scripture, not the verse you quoted. This is what the Israelites were to remember. God's seventh day Sabbath was established 2000 years before the Jewish nation. Long before there ever was an Israelite.

Matter of interpreted semantics.

There was no specific command at this point . Yes, God set it aside but obviously was ignored to the point of needing to be made into a commandment. A command to certain people.

Your entire paragraph "The above is the first mention of God's Sabbath in scripture, not the verse you quoted. This is what the Israelites were to remember. God's seventh day Sabbath was established 2000 years before the Jewish nation. Long before there ever was an Israelite." seems odd to me.

The first mention of God's Sabbath is what the Israelites were to remember!!!!  But was established 2000 years before the Jewish Nation or even an Israelite?? 

That is why there had to be a command.

And it was NOT called a Sabbath then....

https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/encyclopedia-of-the-bible/Sabbath

Sec B 1.
The first two chs. describe God's creative activity during six days and His sanctification of the seventh day by His cessation from His creative work ( Gen 1:1-2:3 ). The word "sabbath" is not employed, but it is certain that the author meant to assert that God blessed and hallowed the seventh day as the sabbath.

https://www.biblestudytools.com/dictionary/sabbath/

Bible Study Tools

First, Exodus 20:8-11 makes a clear connection between the Sabbath day and the seventh day on which God the Creator rested. Sabbath observance therefore involves the affirmation that God is Creator and Sustainer of the world. To "remember the Sabbath" meant that the Jew identified the seven-day-a-week rhythm of life as belonging to the Creator.

https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/shabbat-in-the-bible/

My Jewish Learning:
The concept of the Sabbath as a memorial of God's resting from the work of creation is expressed in Genesis 2:1-3 and repeated in Exodus 20:11 and 31:17. The latter passage broadens the concept in defining the Sabbath as "a sign forever between me and the people of Israel."

And a little more to think on... especially the final paragraph.

From http://www.sabbaths.org/commandments.html

The Sabbath commandment was given by God, along with the other 9 commandments, to the Israelites at Sinai: Ex 20:8-11 "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals, nor the alien within your gates. For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy."

The Exodus account of the commandments refers to the creation and the fact that God rested on the seventh day as the reason for the Sabbath day. Interestingly, this was the way the Israelites needed to learn to rest in the Lord. Please note that the commandments forbade the Israelites from doing "any work" on that holy day.

A notion that this was a creation ordinance is quite possible. The text definitely allows for this explanation. It also allows for the idea that since God is the Creator, we are to worship Him as such.

The 10 commandments are again recorded in the book of Deuteronomy. Here Moses is giving his last speech to the Israelites. Again, the Sabbath is mentioned as the 4th commandment. But there is a different reason given for keeping the Sabbath this time. Deut 5:12-15 "Observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy, as the LORD your God has commanded you. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your ox, your donkey or any of your animals, nor the alien within your gates, so that your manservant and maidservant may rest, as you do. Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and that the LORD your God brought you out of there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm. Therefore the LORD your God has commanded you to observe the Sabbath day." NIV

Interestingly, the reason given in this rendition of the commandments is not creation, but the Israelites' deliverance from Egypt! It is also interesting to note that throughout the books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy, God is clearly addressing the Israelites when He commands them to observe His Sabbaths. Ex 31:12-32: "Then the LORD said to Moses, "Say to the Israelites, 'You must observe my Sabbaths. This will be a sign between me and you for the generations to come, so you may know that I am the LORD, who makes you holy. "'Observe the Sabbath, because it is holy to you. Anyone who desecrates it must be put to death; whoever does any work on that day must be cut off from his people. For six days, work is to be done, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of rest, holy to the LORD. Whoever does any work on the Sabbath day must be put to death. The Israelites are to observe the Sabbath, celebrating it for the generations to come as a lasting covenant. It will be a sign between me and the Israelites forever, for in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, and on the seventh day he abstained from work and rested.'" When the LORD finished speaking to Moses on Mount Sinai, he gave him the two tablets of the Testimony, the tablets of stone inscribed by the finger of God."

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[Amo]

Matter of interpreted semantics.

There was no specific command at this point . Yes, God set it aside but obviously was ignored to the point of needing to be made into a commandment. A command to certain people.

Your entire paragraph "The above is the first mention of God's Sabbath in scripture, not the verse you quoted. This is what the Israelites were to remember. God's seventh day Sabbath was established 2000 years before the Jewish nation. Long before there ever was an Israelite." seems odd to me.

The first mention of God's Sabbath is what the Israelites were to remember!!!!  But was established 2000 years before the Jewish Nation or even an Israelite?? 

That is why there had to be a command.

And it was NOT called a Sabbath then....

https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/encyclopedia-of-the-bible/Sabbath
https://www.biblestudytools.com/dictionary/sabbath/
https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/shabbat-in-the-bible/
And a little more to think on... especially the final paragraph.

From http://www.sabbaths.org/commandments.html

Yes, the different reason is an additional reason, not a contradicting reason. The Sabbath is a sign that God is Creator, Deliverer, Redeemer, and Savior of His people. As God delivered Israel from Egyptian slavery, he also delivers all of humanity who put their trust in Him, from the slavery and condemnation of sin.

I suppose the perspective issues we have regarding the sabbath, and when it was commanded, is connected to our differing views regarding Creation itself. If creation was not in six literal days as scripture simple states, then the whole idea doesn't really make much sense. Since right from the get go, it has to be symbolic rather than a literal command, as it would be concerning a literal six day creation. If as scripture simply states in the creation account and elsewhere, it took place in six literal days, then the sabbath declaration was as much of a command as the rest of the proclamations declared by God at creation. A command which immediately began to establish that which was commanded, being completed and established the day it was commanded. Which could not be changed or done away with by any but God himself. On the other hand, if the whole thing is symbolic or metaphorical, then just about any speculations are game. No big deal in changing or surmising things contrary to what was only a metaphor to begin with. We do see things very differently I suppose, right from the get go. No surprise then, that the deeper we look at the subject, the greater becomes our divide regarding details and understanding. I will share my views in following statement, and then get back to the topic at hand, regarding which chosen sabbath day is really legalistic or not.

8-The Sabbath, a sign

Exodus 31 12And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, 13Speak thou also unto the children of Israel, saying, Verily my sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that ye may know that I am the LORD that doth sanctify you. 14Ye shall keep the sabbath therefore; for it is holy unto you: every one that defileth it shall surely be put to death: for whosoever doeth any work therein, that soul shall be cut off from among his people. 15Six days may work be done; but in the seventh is the sabbath of rest, holy to the LORD: whosoever doeth any work in the sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death. 16Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant. 17It is a sign between me and the children of Israel for ever: for in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed. 18And he gave unto Moses, when he had made an end of communing with him upon mount Sinai, two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God.

The above scriptures have a vitally important introduction. Verse twelve says that the words following were spoken directly by God himself, to Moses. What we are reading in verses thirteen through seventeen are not the words of a man inspired by God, but words spoken by God himself. The Ten Commandments which were given to Moses by God, were written with God's own finger. The fourth commandment being a vital part of the ten. It points out who God is, and why He has authority to give these commands. Twice, God said to Moses, that those who would not observe the day, should be put to death. This is how important the keeping of this commandment was to God. It was, and it is vital to humanity, that they be reminded at least once a week, who God is, and who they are in relation to Him. To forget this means certain death, for there is nothing apart from God. Those who choose to be apart from God, are choosing nonexistence. In our fallen nature especially, we need this constant reminder.

God said that the seventh day Sabbath is a sign that He is the one who sanctifies the sinner.  The seventh day is a holy day to all those who would be sanctified by God. It is a perpetual covenant between God and the people which He sanctifies, that is makes holy. The day is holy, and those who observe it by faith in the word of God signify that they wish also to be made holy. This is accomplished through faith alone, in the word of God. If we wish to be like God, we must believe that He is, who He is. He is the creator and sustainer of all life. The observance of the seventh day Sabbath is a proclamation of the same. Faith in God must embrace, and begin with this most basic fact.

Hebrews 11 1Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 2For by it the elders obtained a good report. 3Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear........................................
6But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

It is impossible to please God without faith. Our faith begins with the "understanding that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear." Chapter eleven of Hebrews goes on to testify of the accomplishments of those who had faith in God. All of these great men and women of faith believed that God was the creator and sustainer of all life. A faith which is promulgated, and perpetuated by the observance of the seventh day Sabbath. When we demonstrate our faith by observing the fourth commandment, we express our faith in Christ, for He is the creator. 

Ephesians 3 9And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: 10To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, 11According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: 12In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him. 13Wherefore I desire that ye faint not at my tribulations for you, which is your glory. 14For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, 16That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; 17That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, 18May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; 19And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God. 20Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, 21Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.

God created all things by Jesus Christ. He did so with a purpose of making known the manifold wisdom of God. This was, and is, "according to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord." Part of this purpose was that Christ might dwell in our hearts by faith, and that we might come to understand, and know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge. The ultimate goal being, that we might be filled with the fullness of God. 

Christ created the world (John 1: 1-3&14). He sustains the world (Col. 1: 16&17). He became one of us, to redeem the world after the fall (Heb. 2: 14-18). He succeeded in redeeming the world (Col. 1:14). He now ever lives to intercede for those who have chosen to be His (Heb. 7:22-28).  He will come again and receive His own (John 14:1-3). Christ is all in all. When He has finished His work, He will subject Himself to the Father, that God may be all in all. This is the eternal purpose in Christ Jesus. That is, to bring all creation back into harmony and willing submission to God. This He accomplished by revealing the true character and love of God (John 14: 9&10), which had been maligned by the accusations of Satan and his angels, and supported by fallen humanity.

1 Corinthians 15 20But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. 21For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. 22For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. 23But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming. 24Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. 25For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. 26The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. 27For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him. 28And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.

Man rebelled against God, resulting in death. Christ became a man, and lived a life of perfect obedience to God. He then died the death that we deserve, and was raised from the dead as the first fruits of all those who believe in Him. Condemnation and death came to all of us through Adam, though we had nothing to do with his actions. So also, life and justification have come to all through the Lord Jesus Christ, though we had nothing to do with His actions. Now the choice is ours. Do we choose life through Christ unto righteousness, or do we choose death through Adam unto rebellion. It is all about authority. Who is in authority? Who can be trusted with authority? God, through His Son Jesus Christ, is both in authority, and has proved that He can be trusted with authority. 

The issue remains only within us then. Will we submit to the trustworthy authority of God, or will we continue in rebellion and the exaltation of self? Christ is the for-runner, He has shown us the way. Will we follow Him? How many have heard the question, what would Christ do.  There are bumper stickers, and hats, and shirts with that question on them. I ask you concerning the observance of the seventh day Sabbath, what would Christ do? There is only one answer to this question, for He did it. He faithfully observed all of the commandments of God when here on earth as one of us, including the fourth commandment. Again, it is simply a question of authority. Whose authority do you claim to obey? Whose authority do you really obey?

John 8 27They understood not that he spake to them of the Father. 28Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things. 29And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him. 30As he spake these words, many believed on him.

John 5 19Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise. 20For the Father loveth the Son, and showeth him all things that himself doeth: and he will show him greater works than these, that ye may marvel. 21For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will. 22For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: 23That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him. 24Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. 25Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live. 26For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself; 27And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man. 28Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, 29And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation. 30I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.

Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). No man can come to the Father but by him. It is through the Son, that we are to approach the Father. If we wish to be the sons and daughters of God, then we must follow the example of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ.  Christ did not seek the accomplishment of His own will, but rather the accomplishment of the will of His Father. How about you? Do you seek to accomplish your own will, or do you seek to accomplish the will of your Father in heaven? Those who seek to do the will of their Father in heaven, will be called forth from the grave by the Son, to live forever with God in heaven. Or do you not understand that you have been made the literal sons and daughters of God by the sacrifice of His Son Jesus Christ? If only you will accept this gift, and act accordingly. That is to say, as if you really believe that you are the sons and daughters of God. Our minds are not even capable of comprehending the depth of what has been done for us. To be made the literal flesh and blood sons and daughters of the living God.

Philippians 2 1If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, 2Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 4Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. 5Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: 7But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: 8And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. 9Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 10That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Let this mind be in you, that is the mind of Christ, not the mind of Satan. Christ did not strive to be equal with God though He was God. He humbled himself, and became obedient to God the Father, even to the point of death. Christ exalted the Father by submitting to His authority in all things. Satan on the other hand, chose to follow his own leading, even to the point of murdering the Son of God. This is where all self-exaltation leads. God alone is worthy of our praise and worship. Anyone who desires to have that which belongs only to God, wishes to be in God's place. This of course is impossible, for the created being cannot take the place of the creator. For the creator is also the sustainer, which thing the created being is not capable of.

Ironically enough, this is exactly what God allowed in the crucifixion of His Son the Lord Jesus Christ. He allowed created beings in rebellion against Him, to kill Him, in and through His Son Jesus Christ. This He did that all creation might understand where all sin really leads. It is a question of authority. What is sin, but the breaking of the commandments of God? Whose commands will you follow? The Ten Commandments came directly from the mouth of God, and were written directly by the finger of God. Will you acknowledge His authority or not? This is the question that will divide this world in two.

The fourth commandment is ignored by the vast majority of professed Christians. They will not submit to the authority of God concerning this vital part of the Ten Commandments. They forsake the commandment of God, in favor of upholding the traditions of man. They believe that because they profess the name of Jesus, they do not have to obey God. They do not understand that professing the name of Jesus means submitting to the authority of God the Father in all things. They do not understand that workers of iniquity will not be in heaven, even if they claimed to profess the name of Jesus Christ.

Matthew 7 21Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

What is a worker of iniquity? Have we not all sinned, and fallen short of the glory of God? Is it only those who have become totally perfected in Christ that will be saved? If we sin, we have an advocate with the Father (1 John 2:1). If we confess our sins, He is faithful, and just to forgive us of our sins (1 John 1:9). We have all sinned, and are all sinners. We can all however be forgiven of our sins, and herein lies the problem. To be forgiven of sin, one must confess their sins. The one who will not acknowledge sin as sin, will not confess it as such, and cannot be forgiven. Observe the following.

1 John 1 8If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us. All those who have truly accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior, have confessed that they have sinned. This is why we accept Him, to be forgiven for our sins, and saved from their consequences. It is clear from the scriptures however, that many will make this general acknowledgement, while rejecting the truth regarding certain particulars of sin. To reject the truth, is sin. It leaves the one who does so, without hope of forgiveness or victory over deception and its result, which is sin. Let's take a look at what the scriptures say regarding this matter.

2 Thessalonians 2 3Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; 4Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God. 5Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things? 6And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. 7For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. 8And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: 9Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, 10And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 12That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

Those who perish will do so because they " received not the love of the truth". They choose to believe a lie. Therefore they cannot be forgiven, since they will never confess that sin, which they will not acknowledge as sin. Nor can they even begin recovery, since they will not admit their true condition. A drunk cannot recover from being a drunk until he or she admits that they are a drunk. Likewise with the thief, murderer, adulterer, and so on, and so on. So also, the one who will never acknowledge the validity of the fourth commandment, will never change their course of action in regards to it. Nor will they seek forgiveness for that which they do not believe to be sin. Thus, by choosing to believe a lie, they have cut themselves off from the saving arm of their God. Lest we forget, Jesus Christ is the Word of God, and the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Rejecting the truth of God's word, is verily rejecting the Lord Jesus Christ.

The above scriptures are not only referring to a condition, but also a time. It is in the last days that strong delusion will be sent upon the world, because it has already chosen to believe a lie.  This is exactly what we are addressing in this book. The last message for this world, in its last days. Quite fittingly, it is the man of sin who opposes and exalts himself above God, that brings about this deception with all the lying wonders of Satan himself. This is the man who will establish sin in this world through deception. This man is also spoken of in the book of Daniel.

Daniel 7 23Thus he said, The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom upon earth, which shall be diverse from all kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces. 24And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings that shall arise: and another shall rise after them; and he shall be diverse from the first, and he shall subdue three kings. 25And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time. 26But the judgment shall sit, and they shall take away his dominion, to consume and to destroy it unto the end. 27And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him. 28Hitherto is the end of the matter.

This beast speaks great words against the most high, it wears out the saints of the most high, and it thinks to change times, and laws. These things we know to be fulfilled by the Church of Rome, as we have already established. The changing of times and laws is exactly what we are discussing. The fourth commandment, is the only commandment dealing specifically with time. The Church of Rome has claimed authority to change the time of the Sabbath of the fourth commandment. This is a lie. Those who accept this lie as the truth, have chosen to believe a lie. If they will not admit their true condition, they cannot be saved. These things transpire immediately before the Lord returns. This we will discuss in more detail, in following chapters.

As previously mentioned, it is a message from God that will divide the world in two before he returns. It is not the Devil's deceptions that will bring about the end, but rather, a message from God regarding the truths of His word. These things will all take place because God's word has said it will be so, not because Satan has power to make anything happen of his own accord. The Devil does not want this world to come to the point of decision, for he knows that when it does, it is the end for him. This is why the responsibility for giving this message to the world, so that Christ may return, lies squarely upon those who claim Christ as their Lord.

The observance of the seventh day Sabbath is therefore a sign in these last days especially, that one is a true worshiper of the true God. It is a sign that those who observe it believe that God is the creator of this world in and through his Son, the Lord Jesus Christ (Exo. 20:8-11, & John 1:1-3 & 14). That He sustains this world and all life in it, in and through His Son the Lord Jesus Christ (Col. 1: 16&17). That He has saved this world in rebellion in and through His Son the Lord Jesus Christ, and there is salvation in no other (John 3:16, & Acts 4:12). That salvation comes to the believer by entering into God's rest in and through His Son the Lord Jesus Christ. Which very thing the Sabbath itself is a sign of (Matt. 11:28&29, & Heb. 4). That He has provided continual intercession for all of humanity in and through His Son the Lord Jesus Christ (Heb. 4:14-16, & Heb. 7:22-28). That He will sanctify, yes make holy, those who have faith in Him in and through His Son the Lord Jesus Christ. Which thing also the Sabbath is a sign of (Exo. 31:12-18,  John 17:17-19, Acts 26:15-18, 1 Cor. 6:9-11, Heb. 10:7-17). That all of the above was and is according to the eternal purpose of God in and through His Son Jesus Christ. That is in the creation, preservation, and redemption of this world (Eph. 3:9-12).

The Sabbath is a sign that those who observe it believe that Jesus Christ is all in all. That He created the world. He sustains the world. He has redeemed the world. He ever liveth to make intercession for the world. He sanctifies His own in the world through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, whom he sends (John 14:26, 15:26&27). He came to this world as one of us, and is our example for living. He is the living word of God. As he himself has said "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God." (Matt. 4:4). 

Those who observe the seventh day Sabbath, do so strictly by faith in the word of God. There is nothing about the seventh day that separates it from any of the rest, save the word of God pertaining to it. Nothing out of the ordinary happens on this day to anyone accept the believer.  The believer accepts by faith, that the day is blessed and holy, and therefore acts accordingly.  The result is first the exaltation of God, by the obedience of those who submit to His rightful and trustworthy authority. The second, is the establishment of that authority in the life of the believer, and the essential reminder to the believer of their proper place in relation to our infinite God. Thus the day is a reminder that God is all in all to those whom He has created. A day to set aside all else, and rest in the word of our creator, sustainer, and redeemer. The observance of the seventh day Sabbath is a perfect example of faith in God's word, in action. We will close this chapter with the message of the first angel.

Revelation 14 6And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, 7Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.

[Rella]

Amo:

Thank you for your detailed explanation, of which I did not copy here... ( for length).... reply #707

It might surprise you to hear I am not totally in disagreement with all you say, though I will do a slower re-read incase I missed something.

But here is a major disagreement I have.

8-The Sabbath, a sign

Exodus 31 12And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

13Speak thou also unto the children of Israel, saying, Verily my sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that ye may know that I am the LORD that doth sanctify you.

      unto the children of Israel..... Verily my sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between me and you throughout your
      generations  A sign between me and you the children of Israel.

14Ye shall keep the sabbath therefore; for it is holy unto you: every one that defileth it shall surely be put to death: for whosoever doeth any work therein, that soul shall be cut off from among his people.

15Six days may work be done; but in the seventh is the sabbath of rest, holy to the LORD: whosoever doeth any work in the sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death.

16Wherefore the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant.

     the children of Israel shall keep the sabbath, to observe the sabbath throughout their generations

17It is a sign between me and the children of Israel for ever: for in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested, and was refreshed.

    It is a sign between me and the children of Israel for ever

18And he gave unto Moses, when he had made an end of communing with him upon mount Sinai, two tables of testimony, tables of stone, written with the finger of God.

     written with the finger of God.

So, your first example is what God intended for Israel. NO ONE ELSE.

The fact that we have been grafted in does not change the fact that originally God had specifics for Israel.

There were things they were commanded that we were never under.

All the other sabbath celebrations, for one.

We were never told to kill a lamb as  the Israelites were commanded to slaughter the Passover and daub its blood on the two sides and top of the doorway of their houses ( Exod. 12:7 ).

We were never told of the Shmita of the land .

And other things that were specifically between God and his chosen.

We were grafted in, so we are told, but not until Jesus came in person. And even at that Jesus first said in Matthew
"But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel."

He wanted to claw back those who wandered or strayed away.... of the Jews.

So once we were grafted in and he was asked about things like the 10 commandments... He , as recorded by the various NT books named 1,2,3,5,6,7,8,9,10 for all to keep....

But #4 about the Sabbath was not named, as the Jews would automatically honor the Sabbath by God's command, but we were not in that mix.... because that was between God and them.

Now... I shall go and re-read you and if I have other to add I shall  [/size]

[Amo]

Amo:

Thank you for your detailed explanation, of which I did not copy here... ( for length).... reply #707

It might surprise you to hear I am not totally in disagreement with all you say, though I will do a slower re-read incase I missed something.

But here is a major disagreement I have.

So, your first example is what God intended for Israel. NO ONE ELSE.

The fact that we have been grafted in does not change the fact that originally God had specifics for Israel.

There were things they were commanded that we were never under.

All the other sabbath celebrations, for one.

We were never told to kill a lamb as  the Israelites were commanded to slaughter the Passover and daub its blood on the two sides and top of the doorway of their houses ( Exod. 12:7 ).

We were never told of the Shmita of the land .

And other things that were specifically between God and his chosen.

We were grafted in, so we are told, but not until Jesus came in person. And even at that Jesus first said in Matthew
"But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel."

He wanted to claw back those who wandered or strayed away.... of the Jews.

So once we were grafted in and he was asked about things like the 10 commandments... He , as recorded by the various NT books named 1,2,3,5,6,7,8,9,10 for all to keep....

But #4 about the Sabbath was not named, as the Jews would automatically honor the Sabbath by God's command, but we were not in that mix.... because that was between God and them.

Now... I shall go and re-read you and if I have other to add I shall 

As a creationist who believes in the literal six day creation, as explained before the quoted chapter I shared, I believe the establishment of God's seventh day sabbath at creation was a command. Just as all the other commands of creation before it. God spoke and the thing was done. Which none but God can ever change. God blessed and sanctified the seventh day, and it was so, and has been ever since. Nor did those He created it for ignore that command or establishment, as so many presume today.

Psa 33:4 For the word of the LORD is right; and all his works are done in truth. 5 He loveth righteousness and judgment: the earth is full of the goodness of the LORD. 6 By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth. 7 He gathereth the waters of the sea together as an heap: he layeth up the depth in storehouses. 8 Let all the earth fear the LORD: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him. 9 For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast.

Mar 2:27 And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath: 28 Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath.

The Sabbath was made for man by our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, who is Lord of the sabbath. Man did not ignore this command and establishment given by God, no doubt while they were in His very presence.

[Rella]

As a creationist who believes in the literal six day creation, as explained before the quoted chapter I shared, I believe the establishment of God's seventh day sabbath at creation was a command. Just as all the other commands of creation before it. God spoke and the thing was done. Which none but God can ever change. God blessed and sanctified the seventh day, and it was so, and has been ever since. Nor did those He created it for ignore that command or establishment, as so many presume today.

Psa 33:4 For the word of the LORD is right; and all his works are done in truth. 5 He loveth righteousness and judgment: the earth is full of the goodness of the LORD. 6 By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth. 7 He gathereth the waters of the sea together as an heap: he layeth up the depth in storehouses. 8 Let all the earth fear the LORD: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him. 9 For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast.

Mar 2:27 And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath: 28 Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath.

The Sabbath was made for man by our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, who is Lord of the sabbath. Man did not ignore this command and establishment given by God, no doubt while they were in His very presence.

Good morning Amo,

Have a wonderful sabbath rest and when you feel to read this, please do so. I may not even get it completed today as I still have that nasty eye infection that has blossomed into the biggest stye , in the middle of the infection, that is painful and itchy at the same time... but I digress.

I have no disagreement with what you say..." The Sabbath was made for man by our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, who is Lord of the sabbath. Man did not ignore this command and establishment given by God, no doubt while they were in His very presence."

And I actually have no disagreement that creation was completed in 6 .... what I prefer to call creation periods.

And I have no disagreement that the Sabbath observance was commanded by God ... but only for His people. The original "Chosen"

But I do have the problem of the length of time it took to get to the Sabbath day that was commanded for the "Chosen"

Do you ever wonder what , during creation, at the very beginning, there was evening, and there was morning.... and no mention of afternoon?

Do you not think that when the original accounting of Genesis wa written that the author(s) use the term day whatever because they had not a way to express things differently?

I have read many accounts of Genesis 1 and 2 over the years with a multitude of translated ideas that boiled down somewhere between the following

examples: day 1, 1 day, a first day,   but for it to be an absolute continuous 6- 24 hour periods does NOT sit well
with me.

The Septuagint translates Gen 1:31 as  the sixth day.

The Hebrew interlinear ~ the sixth day morning and there was evening and there was
more easily read as and there was evening and there was morning the sixth day.

Jimmy's translation ~ And the evening and the morning were the sixth day.

The latest LSV ~  and there is an evening, and there is a morning—the sixth day.

But first of all we are not even told these 6 creation periods of 6 evenings and 6 mornings how long they are? WHATEVER HAPPENED TO AFTERNOONS???

Perhaps they were siesta times 

An evening and a morning do not a 24 hour day make.....

I read... the same as you that God told us that He Created the earth in six Days. On Mount Sinai, God clearly told Moses, "For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them" (Exodus 20:11).

It was amidst fire and smoke that Yahweh, God of Israel, revealed himself to his people. He told them: over six days you shall labour and do your work, but on the seventh you shall not labour, for in six days Yahweh made heaven and earth, the sea and everything in them, and rested the seventh day.

Yahweh, God of Israel, revealed himself to his people.

While I am in full agreement that God rested on the seventh.... and commanded His people to do likewise, I do not agree, first of all, that this 7th "day" is a literal 24 hour day... and even if it is that it necessarily at the end of 144 hours... WHEN you cannot get 144 hours from an evening and a morning.

Also... Is it not odd that the 7th is not mentioned until Gen 2. Gen 1 ends with the 6th. What would we think if chapter 2 never was written or if it was lost.  Do we even know if it was written by the same person because 2 seems to be a recap of 1 except
the writing styles are different....

Now... without getting into the YE v. OE debate again...for neither of us will change on that score please consider this.

Some very well known men of the faith had this to say about a literal 24 hour period that we call day.

Augustine, writing in the early fifth century, noted, "What kind of days these were it is extremely difficult, or perhaps impossible, to determine" (City of God 11.7).

J. Gresham Machen (1881-1937), author of the 20th century's best critique of theological liberalism, wrote, "It is certainly not necessary to think that the six days spoken of in that first chapter of the Bible are intended to be six days of twenty four hours each."

Old Testament scholar Edward J. Young (1907-1968), an eloquent defender of inerrancy, said that regarding  the length of the creation days, "That is a question which is difficult to answer. Indications are not lacking that they may have been longer than the days we now know, but the Scripture itself does not speak as clearly as one might like."

Theologian Carl F. H. Henry (1913-2003), one of the most important theologians in the second half of the twentieth century and a defender of Scriptural clarity and authority, argued that "Faith in an inerrant Bible does not rest on the recency or antiquity of the earth. . . . The Bible does not require belief in six literal 24-hour creation days on the basis of Genesis 1-2. . . . it is gratuitous to insist that twenty-four hour days are involved or intended."

Old Testament scholar and Hebrew linguist Gleason Archer (1916-2004), a strong advocate for inerrancy, wrote "On the basis of internal evidence, it is this writer's conviction that yôm in Genesis could not have been intended by the Hebrew author to mean a literal twenty-four hour day."

Now... I have some links I would like to copy for ease of reading about the subject of th length of day and as this is likely to get very long and OT for this forum I shall post a second thread for them.

Title ~Yom in  Sabbath, Sunday, and Legalism  So we know they are related.

In case that does not make it these are the links you can read there.

1. https://www.gci.org/articles/genesis-1-are-the-six-days-of-creation-literal-or-figurative/

2. https://reasons.org/explore/publications/articles/how-long-was-creation-day-six

[Jaime]

It's kinda confusing for us westerners because our  morning is comprised of everything from midnight to noon (both dark morning and light morning) and our  evening is comprised of the time from noon to midnight. Afternoon is a subset of evening in my West Texas vernacular. Of course, to me in my farm background, we called the noon meal dinner and the evening meal supper.

In my view, God's people or the olive tree is comprised of Jews and Gentiles and is referred to as Israel, both natural  branches and wild branches. God's people back in those days was Israelites and thise strangers who sojourned
WITH them.

[Amo]

http://adventmessenger.org/sunday-rest-has-become-the-convergence-point-for-lgbt-inclusion-labor-unions-earth-day-celebrations-and-other-religious-and-secular-ideologies/

Quoted article below from link above.

Sunday Rest has become the Convergence Point for LGBT+ Inclusion, Labor Unions, Earth Day Celebrations and other Religious and Secular Ideologies

Affirming Sunday, a Christian tradition celebrating LGBTQUI+ identities, will once again be celebrated on Sunday, June 4, 2023, during Pride Month. This event is a nationwide initiative that recognizes both Sunday and the LGBT+ movement. The sponsors of Affirming Sunday published the following call for everyone to embrace this expanding celebration:

"The 2nd Annual Affirming Sunday, scheduled for June 4th, is a nationwide initiative aimed at promoting LGBTQIA+ inclusion and acceptance in Christian communities, through inclusive sermons, guest speakers, and community events, sponsored by nuFoundation, believr, and Launchpad Partners." [1]

"Held on the first Sunday of Pride Month, Affirming Sunday encourages churches to embrace both pride and faith by supporting and recognizing the experiences of LGBTQIA+ individuals within their communities. This year, churches and church leaders are invited to participate in various activities that demonstrate solidarity and support, such as delivering inclusive sermons, inviting LGBTQIA+ guest speakers, organizing community outreach events, and offering education and resources on LGBTQIA+ issues." [1]

"We're excited to launch the second year of Affirming Sunday and continue expanding a network of affirming and inclusive Christian communities nationwide," said Adam Evers, Co-Founder and Executive Director of NuFoundation. "Last year's event had a clear positive impact, and we hope to see even more churches participate this year, showing their commitment to promoting inclusion, affirmation, and acceptance for LGBTQIA+ individuals." [1]

"Churches and church leaders can participate in Affirming Sunday by delivering inclusive sermons, inviting LGBTQIA+ guest speakers, organizing community outreach events, and providing education and resources on LGBTQIA+ issues. Social media assets can be downloaded from the Affirming Sunday website, and churches are encouraged to use the hashtag #AffirmingSunday when sharing their support." [1]

Sunday has evolved into the focal point for all ideologies, social movements, and human traditions. Sunday observance has become the context of every political, social, and religious issue. There is one thing that all anti-biblical movements have in common: they all agree on the importance of Sunday. Sunday is the unifying platform in the coming prophetic landscape during the Mark of the Beast crisis.

Not only has the LGBT+ movement embraced Sunday, so have the labor unions [2], the Earth Day celebrations [3], civil governments [4], politicians [5], and even secular businesses [6]. Of course, we know Rome is the driving force behind the Sunday rest movement. [7] We are being told that incorporating Sunday rest will save our society. Sunday is the answer to all our problems. This appears to be the strategy because everyone is involved.

Our world is changing, and Sunday is gradually becoming the universal day of rest preferred by the majority of people. It is the day that Pope Francis, the Christian world, trade unions, secular governments, and now even the LGBT+ movement have designated. Soon, it will be imposed by law. Soon we will be forced to rest on Sunday. But there is a problem. The Bible tells us to:

"Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come; and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters." (Revelation 14:7).

This is a call to embrace God as the Creator. It is a call to worship and honor the One who created heaven and earth. It is a call to embrace the seventh-day Sabbath, a monument to both the Creator and creation. If we are to speak of a day of rest for humanity or creation, we must first acknowledge that all things were created by Christ (Colossians 1:16, 17) and that nothing exists without Him (John 1:1–3). We must also recognize that when we talk about the Sabbath, we're talking about the rest of God (Genesis 2:1–3). Since God created the Sabbath, only He knows why He created it.

"And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath: therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath." Mark 2:27, 28.

Only Jesus can tell us when the Sabbath is, what it is for, and how to observe it. Any statement made by men or any church about which day is the true Sabbath rest or how we honor the Creator is nothing more than a man-made addition to God's word. Human ordinances, human decrees, and human encyclicals will always be invalid. Only God's Word should serve as our guide. Nobody can ever be wrong if they cling to the Holy Scriptures and are taught by God.

God will have a people who will keep His commandments, not man's (Revelation 12:17, 14:12, 22:14). The time is coming, and it is now, when our world will exalt human wisdom (2 Thessalonians 2:4) by exalting the false day of sun worship (Ezekiel 8:16) above the commandment of God that says:  "Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy" and "the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God" (Exodus 20:8, 10).

[Amo]

http://adventmessenger.org/christian-network-europe-sunday-voting-is-a-desecration-of-the-lords-day-and-a-defiance-and-mockery-of-god-and-religion/

Quoted article below from link above

Christian Network Europe: Sunday Voting is a "Desecration of the Lord's Day" and a "Defiance and Mockery of God and Religion"

Christian Network Europe is a Protestant news website that focuses on issues affecting Christians in Europe. Christian Network Europe (CNE) issued a scathing rebuke to Spain's political establishment on June 9, 2023, for scheduling the general election for July 23, 2023, which happens to fall on Sunday. In the article, the CNE argues that voting on Sunday is a desecration of the Sabbath, and if Sunday is not protected, then what hope is there for safeguarding the rest of the commandments of the Decalogue? The article expressed the following concern:

"Voting on Sunday is a desecration of the Lord's Day. The fact that rulers in Spain summon the citizenry to vote precisely on Lord's Day cannot be considered in any other way than defiance and mockery of God and religion. Inevitably, the idea is transmitted to the population that God's commandments are only there to be transgressed. If this is done with the commandment of the First Tablet of the Decalogue, which is closest at hand, what will not be done with the rest of the commandments of the Second Tablet?" [1]

Everyone is advocating for Sunday rest: Catholics, Protestants, agnostics, politicians, governments, economists, environmentalists, labor unions, businesses, social organizations, and members from all over the private and public sectors. However, what makes this call for Sunday rest significant is that the Christian Network Europe sees the "desecration" of Sunday as an opening wedge for the breakdown of all the other moral principles in God's law. In other words, when Sunday is violated, the rest of God's law quickly follows. This so-called "desecration" of the Sunday Sabbath actually fulfills what we read in the book, The Great Controversy:

"Yet this very class put forth the claim that the fast-spreading corruption is largely attributable to the desecration of the so-called 'Christian sabbath,' and that the enforcement of Sunday observance would greatly improve the morals of society. This claim is especially urged in America, where the doctrine of the true Sabbath has been most widely preached. Here the temperance work, one of the most prominent and important of moral reforms, is often combined with the Sunday movement, and the advocates of the latter represent themselves as laboring to promote the highest interest of society" (Great Controversy, p. 586).

The demand for Sunday rest is not being made by some obscure fringe group of radicalized Christians. No. Sunday is being promoted by the mainstream churches in Europe. The Christian Network Europe represents the dominant view within European society. I hope that every Seventh-day Adventist is aware of what is going on in the world. Only one question remains: "How long before Sunday laws are passed in America, especially since all the arguments are being made public today?" We don't have time to lose. Every effort must be made to clear up the lies and exalt the true Sabbath of the Lord. May God give us the strength to accomplish His will while the lines of communication are still open.

"That institution (seventh-day Sabbath) which points to God as the Creator is a sign of his rightful authority over the beings he has made. The change of the Sabbath (to Sunday) is the sign, or mark, of the authority of the Romish Church. Those who, understanding the claims of the fourth commandment, choose to observe the false in place of the true Sabbath, are thereby paying homage to that power by which alone it is commanded. The change in the fourth commandment is the change pointed out in the prophecy, and the keeping of the counterfeit Sabbath is the reception of the mark ... The test upon this question does not come until Sunday observance is enforced by law, and the world is enlightened concerning the obligation of the true Sabbath (Saturday, the seventh-day). Not until the issue is thus plainly set before the people, and they are brought to choose between the commandments of God and the commandments of men, will those who continue in transgression receive the mark of the beast" (Spirit of Prophecy, Vol. 4, p. 281).

Sources

[1] https://cne.news/article/3176-column-from-spain-voting-on-sunday-can-be-a-dilemma-for-christians

[Amo]

http://adventmessenger.org/polands-justice-minister-calls-upon-the-supreme-court-to-enforce-its-sunday-trading-ban/

Quoted article below from link above.

Poland's Justice Minister Calls Upon the Supreme Court to Enforce its Sunday Trading Ban

While the Supreme Court of the United States is about to decide whether or not businesses can force people to work on Sundays, Poland is asking its highest court to order businesses to remain closed on Sunday. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of the Roman Catholic Church and trade unions, Poland passed a Sunday trading ban back in 2018, but certain businesses have found creative ways to remain open. Now the Supreme Court has been asked to force all shops to comply with the Sunday law. On April 19, 2023, the news media reported the following:

"Poland's justice minister Zbigniew Ziobro has turned to the Supreme Court in an effort to prevent shops from evading a ban on Sunday trading by offering reading clubs, travel services or equipment rental to exploit exemptions in the law. The trading ban, which was introduced in 2018 by the government after being advocated by the Solidarity trade union and Catholic church, obliges shops to close on all but seven Sundays a year. However, it included a number of exemptions allowing certain types of businesses to remain open. That has led many shops to find creative ways to stay open on Sundays." [1]

Rome is backing these Sunday laws worldwide. Protestants, trade unions, community organizations, governments, and environmental groups are following Rome's lead to secure Sunday as a day of rest. Laws to preserve the sacredness of Sunday are being debated as we speak. These measures will compel all men and women to close everything down on the first day of the week, even though God's commandments say "the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God" (Exodus 20:10). Those aware of the long history of Sunday laws, starting in 321 A.D., know that these movements happening across the world today are bringing us one step closer toward enforcing Rome's religion.

This Sunday movement will only continue to grow as more and more nations adopt these radical Sunday measures. The Biblical predictions found in Revelation 13 and 17 are coming to life before our very eyes. Rome is busy fulfilling her role by compelling all classes to observe her institutions. And what are the secular governments doing? They are lining up behind her. Let also the commandment-keeping people rise up to the challenge and accomplish their divinely appointed duty:

"The people of our land need to be aroused to resist the advances of this most dangerous foe to civil and religious liberty." (Spirit of Prophecy, Vol. 4, p. 382).

"It is our duty to do all in our power to avert the threatened danger" (Testimonies, Vol. 5, p. 452).

Sources

[1] https://notesfrompoland.com/2023/04/19/justice-minister-turns-to-supreme-court-to-prevent-shops-evading-polands-sunday-trading-ban/

[Amo]

https://cne.news/article/2689-portugese-catholics-fight-to-bring-back-the-work-free-sunday

Quoted article below from link above.

Portugese Catholics fight to bring back the "work-free Sunday"

A Catholic organisation in Portugal wants to revive the idea of a "work-free Sunday".

The Liga Operária Católica (LOC/MTC) said to Ecclesia that the "work-free Sunday" is a necessary measure to protect the lives of families.

"The fight for a work-free Sunday, more than fair, is necessary, so that there is family life for everyone! So that families, all workers, can live together and fraternize and build a fairer and more solidary world," the organisation said.

Reflect
LOC also said that the day is intended to reflect on how twenty-first century consumption habits are infringing on the lives of both families and workers.

"In telework, the border between professional work time and free time is poorly defined and the working conditions and the quality of life of the worker have been worsened."

Little choice
While much of Portugal sees the Sunday as a rest day, many businesses continue to keep their doors open. Retail and service sector workers are often left with little choice in taking off Sundays in their schedules. According to Belzuz, a law firm that operates in Spain and Portugal, current labour laws state that an employee can designate one "rest day" in the week. However, in many cases, the "rest day" cannot be on a Sunday, where it is "not required to close or suspend its operations for a full day during the week or obliged to close or suspend operations other than Sunday."

Complex
The complex nature of Portugal's labour laws has led to the intervention of its Supreme Court. According to a 20minutos report from last November, the Supreme Court released parents from the responsibility of working on weekends, including Sundays. However, the law only applies to parents of children under the age of 12 and in cases where the employee is not irreplaceable. Still, the ruling makes it difficult for companies to prove that an employee's absence is "essential" enough to maintain the company's operations.

The Court's ruling is based on a grievance from an employee who worked at a shopping centre near Lisbon. She was responsible for taking care of her children while her husband worked. However, if both would be called in to work, her children would be left alone at home. After writing a letter to her company, the company accepted her request but could not make any guarantees if she had to come in to work. Later in 2022, the Supreme Court ruled in her favour.

[Amo]

I thought these boards were gone for good. Surprise surprise. There were only a handful when the link shut down, looks like even less now. Maybe more will trickle back over time. The following link is a short video about the communal sabbath rest recommended in project 2025.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-RYT2NB4ClU

[Amo]

http://adventmessenger.org/the-vatican-announces-the-launch-of-its-ecological-conversion-2030-initiative/

Article below from link above.

The Vatican Announces the Launch of its Ecological Conversion 2030 Initiative

The Holy See is advancing its globalist agenda by launching a number of climate initiatives that adhere to the guidelines outlined in Pope Francis' Laudato Si' and Laudate Deum. Vatican City State has become one of the first nations to lead the world by setting an example as they put into practice the Pope's agenda through practical applications. According to a November 16, 2023, Vatican News article, the Holy See has launched an Ecological Conversion 2030 initiative and has started replacing its state-owned cars with electric ones in an effort to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030.

• "Applying the principles of the Encyclical Letter Laudato Si' and the Apostolic Exhortation Laudate Deum, it is among the first States in the world to pursue sustainability projects by seeking innovative solutions that will help change the way of working while taking care of the protection of the 'Common Home' by adopting projects that, also through the use of reliable and eco-friendly technologies, will concretely reduce the impact of human activity on the environment." [1]

• "Achieving neutrality will require investments in technological facilities using renewable energies, offsetting emissions produced in one area and reducing them in another, and above all, promoting electric and hybrid mobility. For this reason, the Governorate haslaunched a sustainable mobility development program called 'Ecological Conversion 2030', also designed to reduce the CO2 impact of its vehicle fleet. To this end, it intends to: gradually replace State-owned cars with electric vehicles; make its car fleet carbon-neutral by 2030." [1]

Given the multitude of problems facing our world, it is obvious that the Vatican is more focused on moving the entire world closer to their Ecological Conversion 2030 agenda. This plan is in line with the UN's 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and will unite people worldwide around the Pope's message that has emphasized the concept of ecological conversion within the context of the Catholic Church, calling for a change in how individuals and communities view and interact with the environment and with each other.

Let's be clear, though: The ecological conversion that Rome is imposing is much more than just addressing environmental concerns. For example, the Jesuit publication American Magazine published an article titled "Laudato Si' Calls Us to Ecological Conversion. What Does that Look Like?" They state unequivocally in it that ecological conversion includes both protecting the environment and preserving Sunday as the day of rest. The Jesuit publication stated:

• "Solutions to the environmental crisis were not only about eliminating problems but restoring relationships. This is precisely what Pope Francis exhorted the church to in Laudato Si'. The encyclical ... was a call to more than eliminating plastic water bottles, using public transportation or advocating for the Paris climate agreement. 'The ecological crisis is also a summons to profound interior conversion,' Pope Francis writes. Rather than 'ridiculing expressions of concern for the environment,' he says, Christians need 'an ecological conversion'." [2]

• "Ecological conversion also entails bridging the gap between the sacramental life and environmental awareness." [2]

• "In Laudato Si', Francis echoes this realization: 'The sacraments are a privileged way in which nature is taken up by God to become a means of mediating supernatural life.' The pope asks that the sacraments inform our approach to issues facing the planet today. He suggests a renewed understanding of the Eucharist and recovery of the celebration of a day of rest." [2]

• "Every Sunday, participation in the Eucharist can call forth in the church a deeper care and attention to creation as it is consecrated and reverenced. 'Sunday is meant to be a day which heals our relationships with God, with ourselves, with others and with the world,' Pope Francis says. Approaching Sunday with a deeper sense of rest and contemplation can help cultivate the interior conversion called for by Pope Francis." [2]

With unwavering clarity, Roman Catholic Bishop John Sherrington of the Diocese of Westminster in London also stated that one of the first steps towards ecological conversion is to show gratitude and reverence for Sunday.

• "A first step towards ecological conversion is to appreciate more deeply the mystery of God's creation and to respond with gratitude and reverence. At the end of the sixth day of creation, 'God saw all that he had made, and indeed it was very good' (Gen 1:31). On the seventh day he rested, 'God blessed the seventh day and made it holy' (Gen 2:3). The account of creation in the Book of Genesis establishes the pattern of the Jewish Sabbath as a holy day and a day of rest. Saint John Paul in his encyclical Dies Domini (1998) explores the rich meaning of the Lord's Day – Sunday – in the light of its Jewish origins ... Every Sunday we celebrate the joy of Easter Sunday, the mystery of our redemption, the gift of God's creation and are caught into the mystery Of the 'new creation' as all things are renewed in Christ. There is an invitation to deepen our contemplation of the gift of all God's creation on this day of gratitude. We can each take practical, small steps to deepen the appreciation of this gift; to pause and behold the beauty of a plant, to walk in nature, to clean up rubbish and seek to make the world more beautiful." [3]

Sunday sacredness and Rome's climate agenda are inextricably linked. You cannot separate them. Bible prophecy tells us that in the last days, Antichrist's end-time kingdom of universal fraternity and solidarity will establish the mark of the beast upon the entire world. Currently, Pope Francis is trying to unite all people under the authority of a single, global, political-religious authority. This is how the Book of Revelation describes it:

"And all the world wondered after the beast." Revelation 13:3.

"These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast." Revelation 17:13.

"For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies." Revelation 18:3.

The whole world will be united, including Catholics, Protestants, pagans, spiritualists, and agnostics. Biblical prophecy also tells us that this end-time world power will dominate world trade and international relationships so that "no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name" (Revelation 13:16).

If we embrace the true gospel of Christ, we will not be swept away by the deadly errors of the last days. If we really believed in the Holy Scriptures, we would warn the world against the mark of papal apostasy—the Sunday law. Scripture calls us to embrace the seal of the living God, which is the keeping of the seventh-day Sabbath. Additionally, we are to warn against the impending mark of the beast, which is the legal imposition of Sunday rest.

This is the scenario that is unfolding, and in this context, a worldwide message from God will be sounding out loud, saying: "If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of His indignation." Revelation 14:9. The great messages of Revelation 14:6–12 must be proclaimed at this very hour, saying: "Here is the patience of the saints; here are they that keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus." Revelation 14:12.

[Hobie]

Got to get busy now. Look at this in more depth later. Just a quick comment regarding the faulty premise from the get go of the above post.

Gen 2:1 Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. 2 And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. 3 And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.

The above is the first mention of God's Sabbath in scripture, not the verse you quoted. This is what the Israelites were to remember. God's seventh day Sabbath was established 2000 years before the Jewish nation. Long before there ever was an Israelite.

People are very surprised even today when they learn about the Sabbath, you can even say shocked when they discern the truth of the matter.

[Amo]

People are very surprised even today when they learn about the Sabbath, you can even say shocked when they discern the truth of the matter.

With all the chaos, confusion, misdirection, misinformation, and straight up information overload today, that is no surprise. According to the evil one's plans, arriving at truth is becoming increasingly difficult over time. God help us, and He will help all who ask Him for such. Amen.

[Amo]

http://adventmessenger.org/catholics-argue-that-the-blue-laws-established-by-protestants-are-good-for-reviving-church-attendance-and-providing-a-greater-good-for-society/

Article below from link above.

Catholics Argue that the Blue Laws Established by Protestants are Good for Reviving Church Attendance and Providing a Greater Good for Society

"Word on Fire" is an online Catholic publication proclaiming the "universality of the Catholic faith" to millions of people. [1] On November 30, 2023, they published an article that presented all the arguments for why Sunday laws are good and necessary in today's society. The goal was to persuade readers to take action by adopting Sunday as a day of rest and to propose that both church and state preserve this day as holy.

Notice how religious voices have come out openly with their proposals to reinstate Sunday laws in America:

• "As Protestant authors Jim Davis and Michael Graham point out, the majority of adults in America today do not attend church—an historic first in the eighty years since Gallup began tracking church attendance." [2]

• "In short, not only most Americans, but even Christians increasingly question the practical necessity of Sunday church attendance for a fulfilling life." [2]

• "Thomas Aquinas teaches that the third commandment, to remember the Sabbath and keep it holy, is fittingly expressed as the precept that establishes man in true religion." [2]

• "Many Protestant churches historically did require the Sunday obligation on the pain of not only sin but also legal penalty." [2]

• "Indeed, the obligation of Christians to set aside the Sabbath day for church attendance was so deeply ingrained in the Christian civilization that the United States both inherited and perpetuated that Christian rest on Sundays demanded legal recognition. Sunday closing "blue laws" were on the books of the earliest American colonies and most states up until the Supreme Court considered and upheld their constitutionality in 1961." [2]

• "The continued force of the Sunday obligation precept in the Catholic Church is thus an enduring sign of its unique claim of authority to bind all baptized Christians in a way that Protestantism long ago forswore. And, at any rate, the dechurching data indicates that the 'freedom' to attend or not in Protestant churches is no guarantor that the pews will be filled 'willingly'." [2]

• "Imagine a polity in which citizens were invited, but not required, to pay taxes and testify as witnesses in legal proceedings." [2]

• "If then we willingly accept legally enforced positive obligations for membership in political community, which secures a subordinate common good, then how much more should the Christian willingly embrace obligations imposed by the Church, for an immeasurably higher good?" [2]

• "Let Catholics therefore rejoice in and proclaim the wisdom of the Sunday obligation, for it helps the faithful avoid becoming a slothful people and prescribes the most powerful medicine that can heal our slothful age." [2]

Here, we see Roman Catholics endorsing their idea of forcing the general public to observe Sunday as a holy day. This type of religious imposition can be seen as oppressive, especially in societies with diverse religious or non-religious backgrounds. Since Saturday is the seventh day of the week and is recognized by Seventh-day Adventists and other Christians as the true day of worship, according to God's word, they encounter difficulties and hardships whenever Sunday laws are implemented.

We know that when Protestants and Catholics start collaborating to push Sunday laws, the rights of religious minorities will be infringed. Unfortunately, Sunday laws disproportionately prioritize the rights of Sunday-keepers over those of everyone else.

"These records of the past clearly reveal the enmity of Rome toward the true Sabbath and its defenders, and the means which she employs to honor the institution of her creating. The word of God teaches that these scenes are to be repeated as Roman Catholics and Protestants shall unite for the exaltation of the Sunday ... It has been shown that the United States is the power represented by the beast with lamblike horns, and that this prophecy will be fulfilled when the United States shall enforce Sunday observance, which Rome claims as the special acknowledgment of her supremacy." (Great Controversy, p. 578).

We can clearly see where all of this is headed. The ecumenical movement that is bringing Protestants and Catholics together is determined to exalt Sunday worship, promote spiritualism, reject biblical truth, and unite us under one head, Rome. All of these events are contributing to the elimination and suppression of present truth.

"When the leading churches of the United States, uniting upon such points of doctrine as are held by them in common, shall influence the State to enforce their decrees and to sustain their institutions, then Protestant America will have formed an image of the Roman hierarchy, and the infliction of civil penalties upon dissenters will inevitably result." (Great Controversy, p. 445).

Sources

[1] https://www.wordonfire.org/about/our-story/

[2] https://www.wordonfire.org/articles/the-invitation-and-obligation-of-the-lords-day/

[Amo]

http://adventmessenger.org/car-free-sunday-comes-to-new-york-citys-iconic-fifth-avenue-and-the-police-will-enforce-this-event/

Car-Free Sunday Comes to New York City's Iconic Fifth Avenue and the Police will Enforce this Event

Full article at link provided.

[Amo]

http://adventmessenger.org/nextdoor-i-love-the-blue-laws-it-is-the-future-i-will-do-more-for-the-environment-than-electric-cars/

Quoted article below from link above.

Nextdoor: "I Love the Blue Laws! It is the Future. It will do more for the Environment than Electric Cars."

Nextdoor is a social media platform that helps you interact and communicate with your neighbors. It allows you to have discussions in your local community about topics that are important to people who live around you. Nextdoor focuses more on community relationships than personal ones.

On Sunday, December 24, 2023, a community post was published in Conroe, Texas, on the subject of Sunday laws, which received a lot of positive responses. The post said:

• "Has anyone been on the streets today? It's wonderful. It's sane! Just imagine, if we had blue laws again, it could be Like this every Sunday!

This communication attracted more praise than criticism, and the supporters of Sunday laws came out in full force. Some of the responses were as follows:

• K.H: "I miss the blue law."

• D.H. "It's the future! Lower fossil fuel usage, less greenhouse. It will do more for the environment than electric cars."

• A.B. "I love the blue laws!"

• P.R. "If people would not shop on Sundays then the stores would start closing on Sundays."

This is not an isolated incident. It's just one of many instances where people are insisting that Sunday laws should be reinstated in order to preserve society. The fact that social media is being used to advocate for Sunday as a day of rest shows how powerful these online spaces have become, rivaling, if not surpassing, mainstream media in numbers and influence. Its strength lies in its unparalleled ability to connect people globally, providing a platform for instant information dissemination and interaction. Without doubt, social media is helping to shape narratives, public discourses, and opinions—even when it comes to blue laws.

What we can see from this call for the return of blue laws on Nextdoor is that more and more communities are ready to recognize Sunday as the Sabbath, and they are open to seeing some kind of legal mechanism put into place to stop all the commercial activity on this day. Moreover, the effort that is in place to shut down everything on Sunday encompasses a wide spectrum of advocates. Some do it for religious reasons and others for the environment, but the end result is the same: get the legislation passed to secure Sunday as the day of rest once again for our society.

When national governments begin imposing Sunday rest through legislation, civil liberties will be sacrificed for the sake of the common good. We are not far from a time when violating the Sunday-Sabbath will be considered a global health, environmental, and social crisis.

"It will be declared that men are offending God by the violation of the Sunday-sabbath, that this sin has brought calamities which will not cease until Sunday observance shall be strictly enforced, and that those who present the claims of the fourth commandment, thus destroying reverence for Sunday, are troublers of the people, preventing their restoration to divine favor and temporal prosperity." (Great Controversy, p. 590).

The dangers of Sunday laws are slowly but steadily threatening us on all sides. These laws are a threat to our religious and civil liberties, as we know from both prophecy and history. Sunday laws are also in direct conflict with God's Word, which commands us to keep Saturday as the seventh-day Sabbath. The Three Angels' Messages place a strong emphasis on the Sabbath of the Decalogue, revealing the close connection between the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. We must warn the rest of the world about the formation of the image of the beast, the union of church and state, the notorious Sunday laws, and the global shift toward Rome. This is the time to sound the trumpet and warn people about the dangers that are about to take the world by storm.

[Amo]

http://adventmessenger.org/according-to-aol-news-the-benefits-of-blue-laws-were-so-great-that-the-supreme-court-upheld-them-safeguarding-the-citizens-rights-to-a-uniform-day-of-rest/

Quoted article below from link above.

According to AOL News, the Benefits of Blue Laws were "So Great" that the Supreme Court Upheld them, Safeguarding the Citizens' Rights to a Uniform Day of Rest

AOL is an American online service provider and news portal based in New York City that provides news in the U.S. and around the world. On December 31, 2023, AOL News added its voice to a growing list of proponents calling for the return of Sunday laws in America. In an article called "Church as Resistance," AOL News argued that blue laws contributed to the well-being of individuals and society and called on the churches to "reclaim" the "unique role" that Sunday played in our culture.

The article said, in part:

• "As the mother of three teenagers, I often find myself trying to persuade them of things that previous generations took for granted. Most recently, I've been attempting to convince my 17-year-old son of the value of attending church on Sunday morning."

• "And while parents can count on the state to enforce school attendance, we're on our own when it comes to church."

• "To this day, attendance remains highest among those who enjoy social and financial stability. Even so, it is declining across the board, and Sunday morning is increasingly used to catch up on all the things we missed during the week: hearty breakfasts, grocery shopping, home-improvement projects, visiting friends, and maybe even a run."

• "In a similar way, "blue laws" protected commercial workers by restricting retail sales and recreational activity on Sunday. So great was the benefit of such laws that the Supreme Court upheld them in McGowan v. Maryland (1961) despite the fact that they were originally linked to religious observance. Not only did the court find that they didn't violate the establishment clause, they also viewed them as protecting workers by providing "a uniform day of rest for all citizens."

• "No, attending church is not just another activity. It's a form of resistance in a culture that knows no bounds. It is a dam against the churning waters of productivity that would otherwise swallow up every available ounce of time, energy, and emotion."

• "Churches, therefore, must remember and reclaim the unique role they play as outposts of grace in an increasingly demanding world. They must guard Sunday morning as a place of refuge, wonder, and presence. A place where we might experience the miraculous because we've finally stopped long enough to open ourselves to it."

• "As the calendar turns and we consider the lives we want to live in 2024, let me invite you to join me and my begrudging son in the pew. Perhaps this is the year you carve out a space for a weekly dose of wonder, beauty, and grace. Perhaps this is the year you become more comfortable with sitting still and doing nothing. Or, if nothing else, perhaps this is the year you attend church as a simple, calculated (if not adolescent) way of sticking it to the man."

There should be little doubt about what is being said here. This is a call to designate Sunday as a day of rest in order to provide people with a collective pause from the demands of modern life. In an increasingly fast-paced secular world, so many people are saying that we can somehow improve family cohesion, mental health, societal stability, leisure, and spirituality by setting aside Sunday for rest and worship. Although it may sound good on the surface, the Puritans used blue laws during the colonial era to impose tyranny and enforce the strict observance of Sunday.

Because of their intense religious zeal, the colonists of early America interpreted Scripture to mandate Sunday rest by law, with penalties for noncompliance. They felt that enforcing blue laws was their religious obligation to protect our morals. Unfortunately, minority groups were subjected to public humiliation, persecution, and suppression as a result of the intolerance shown towards dissenting opinions. Sunday laws were enforced as a result of the merging of religious and civil authority, which restricted the freedoms of individuals who held different beliefs.

AOL News is basically advocating for a return to the 1630s, when anyone who disagreed with those in spiritual authority on matters of faith risked legal repercussions. We must challenge any attempt to bind church and state by calling for the complete separation of civil and religious authorities. Religious freedom and tolerance are incompatible with theocratic forms of government. It is bad theology and even more dangerous politics when demands are made for the government to enforce church doctrine. When this happens, it will mark the end of our nation's long-standing practice of providing a safe haven for people fleeing religious persecution.

"I have been much burdened in regard to movements that are now in progress for the enforcement of Sunday observance. It has been shown to me that Satan has been working earnestly to carry out his designs to restrict religious liberty. Plans of serious import to the people of God are advancing in an underhand manner among the clergymen of various denominations, and the object of this secret maneuvering is to win popular favor for the enforcement of Sunday sacredness. If the people can be led to favor a Sunday law, then the clergy intend to exert their united influence to obtain a religious amendment to the Constitution, and compel the nation to keep Sunday" (Review and Herald, December 24, 1889).

[Amo]

https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2024/01/23/rest-day-climate-change-green-sabbath/

Quoted article below from link above. Emphasis is mine. My comments in blue.

Why reviving a 2,600-year-old spiritual practice made my life better

Every Friday around sunset, I close my laptop. For 24 hours, my work is done. No email. No news. No social media. If it's work-related, it waits.

What I try to do is — nothing at all. Or, rather, I spend time with people I love, usually outdoors. I swim or surf. I share a meal with friends and family. Sometimes, I just lie on my back in the park enjoying the sun.

It has rekindled a sense of joy I last felt when I was a kid with nothing to do, and gratitude for whatever miraculous series of events led me here to this moment.

For years, this one-day pause seemed untenable. For many, it's virtually impossible to set aside an entire day for rest free from responsibilities to work and family.

But on the verge of burnout a few years ago, I began to practice a Sabbath. Giving myself permission to stop doing was hard. My brain betrayed my intentions, unconsciously leading me to flick open my phone, check work emails or scurry ahead to a Monday that hadn't yet begun. Disconnecting took practice, and still does.

But as the weeks rolled on, I discovered a freedom I hadn't known I'd lost. My Sabbath jolted me out of a daze.

For millennia, religions have regarded this ritual rest as a spiritual necessity. Yet clergy are now arguing that this practice, whether in a secular or religious context, can help redirect the world's societies away from catastrophic climate change. In their view, it's as essential to the future as any clean-energy technology or electric vehicle.

A shared day of rest, at a minimum, might slow the pace of consumption, curb emissions or ease the burden of so many people working weary weekends. But slowing down, even for a day, may also be at the heart of a cultural change convincing society that a more sustainable way of life is not only good for the planet, but also good for them.

Here's how a green Sabbath may be the right idea for one's soul, and the world.

I wonder what day this man thinks the world would share as a day of rest.

[Texas Conservative]

Obviously this guy is going to advocate that we enact "Saturday Law" and try to restrict the worship by those who gather in the name of Jesus on the Lord's Day (1st day of week).

[Amo]

Obviously this guy is going to advocate that we enact "Saturday Law" and try to restrict the worship by those who gather in the name of Jesus on the Lord's Day (1st day of week).

To the contrary, after sharing his personal experience and choice regarding which day, he avoids recommending that day as the "green sabbath". Instead simply stating that a shared day of rest by all would be good for one's soul and the world.

Those who keep God's Sabbath, are a small minority compared to the masses which observe the "Lord's day" so called. The numerous civil laws throughout history and at present concerning Sunday rest, testify to which day will be chosen by this world.

Quoted articles below, from links provided above them.

https://www.resurgence.org/magazine/article238-green-sunday.html

GREEN SUNDAY A response to the climate change crisis.

SIR NICHOLAS STERN has written a lengthy report for the British Government outlining the urgent action needed in response to the imminent climate crisis. Most of his solutions to global warming are technological, based on finding alternative, non- fossil-fuel sources of energy. They are all commendable, but it will be some time before we can implement these solutions.

In the meantime, we can do something immediately: we can declare Sunday to be a fossil- fuel-free day or at least an energy-saving day. We can start this week, this month or this year. We can start individually and collectively.

Not long ago Sunday used to be a day of rest, a day of spiritual renewal, a day for families to come together, but we have changed Sunday from a day of rest to a day of shopping, flying and driving. However, in the context of excessive carbon emissions into the atmosphere, which are bringing catastrophic upheavals, we can and should restore Sunday to a day for Gaia, the Earth. There will be no great hardship in cutting down all non-essential and non-urgent use of fossil fuels for one day a week. We can easily close supermarkets, department stores and petrol stations, stop deliveries and reduce mobility to the bare essentials. We can enjoy Sunday once more with our family and friends, or by gardening, writing, painting, walking or simply spending time in contemplation. This will be good for our personal health as well as for the health of the planet. At a stroke, we can reduce by one seventh our carbon emissions into the atmosphere.

SATISH KUMAR[/quote]

https://www.stjohnarmenianchurch.org/green-sunday-sunday-of-the-world-church/

GREEN SUNDAY, SUNDAY OF THE WORLD CHURCH
Sunday, April 23, 2023

Easter Sunday is followed by a period of fifty days (Hinoonk). This period from the Resurrection to Pentecost (Hokekaloost) is dedicated to the glorification of the Resurrection. Each of the seven Sundays of Hinoonk has a special name. This Sunday, April 23, is Green Sunday (Ganach Giragi), also called Sunday of the World Church (Ashkharhamadoor), that commemorates the establishment in Jerusalem of the first Christian church where Christ had the Last Supper and met with the Apostles in the upper room after the Resurrection.

Green Sunday most probably originates from an ancient holiday celebrating spring. Our forefathers, seeing mother earth bloom after long winter months, glorified the Creator with an act of thanksgiving and celebrated by decorating the church and themselves with greenery. The reawakening of nature is symbolic of the Resurrection. Green is the color of life, freshness, and promise. After a barren winter and with the Resurrection we are filled with hope, life, and love.

Green Sunday is the perfect time for us to remember and strengthen our obligations as good stewards of the earth and caretakers of the gifts given to us by God.

https://vovworld.vn/en-US/spotlight/green-sunday-movement-launched-nationwide-1083609.vov

"Green Sunday" movement launched nationwide

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/cif-green/2009/sep/17/low-carbon-sunday

Slow Sunday: The simple solution to global warming

https://www.greensabbathproject.net

Increasing numbers of people see the wisdom of observing a technology shabbat, a break from all devices with screens. Every Sunday since 2007 Mexico City has handed over some 55 km of streets around the historic city center to bicyclists, skateboarders, rollerbladers, toddlers on push toys, parents behind strollers, and other pedestrians, attracting sometimes tens of thousands of people. More recently, Bogotá, Colombia, has introduced car-free Sundays that the population savors, while England's Playing Out has helped parents in hundreds of places temporarily close off local neighborhood streets to car traffic so that kids can play. When Israeli cities shut down for the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur (the day of atonement), nitrogen oxide pollution in the air decreases for the day by 70-99% .

Many cultures have instituted ritualized days of rest. The Igbo, who currently live mostly in Nigeria, have a four-day week. They consider the second day, Orie, to be a holy day of obligation, on which farmers rest from farming and feast with their family. Among some Fante fishing communities on Ghana's coastline there are sacred days, usually Tuesday, set aside as a rest day for fishermen. No fishing is allowed on those days. This gives the sea the time to replenish its fish stock. Similarly, among the people of Dormaa Traditional Area in the Brong Ahafo Region of Ghana it is prohibited to work the land or go into the bush/forest for any occupational activity on Tuesday. As a respite from the tremendous pressures of his political activism, Mohandas Gandhi took each Monday as a day of total silence.  His inspiration was the practice of many Hindus to fast on a particular day of the week -- each day is dedicated to a different god.  A typical Vrata (day of fasting and/or religious rituals) involves a fast for a fixed period of time, usually from sunrise to sunset, where either no food is eaten or only one meal is eaten, or only a certain food such as milk is consumed.  Silence is usually maintained.  Other practices include sleeping on the ground or for only a short time, or yoga with meditation, reading Hindu scriptures and charitable giving.  Since the Buddha's time, many Buddhists have observed uposatha days, often on a weekly basis in conjunction with the phases of the moon.  Uposatha days were intended by the Buddha for cleansing the mind.  On these days practitioners intensify their practice, observe certain forms of abstinence, deepen their knowledge and express communal commitment through acts of reciprocity.

Try it.  One day a week, minimize the need for more goods, minimize the use of natural resources, minimize the emission of carbon dioxide and other pollutants.

The Sabbath is said to be a foretaste of the world to come (Babylonian Talmud, Berakhot 57b).  Literally.  If you care about our future, about your well-being, observe a real sabbath day of rest.  It helps cultivate community, self-discipline, inner calm and contentment.  One powerful weapon in the fight against environmental deterioration and climate disaster may just be an age-old spiritual technology.

It could be merely a question of doing nothing.

[Amo]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Ue6WlSF54M

Video about Chrislam and Sunday.

[Texas Conservative]

Muslims gather together on Fridays. 

The early church gathered together on the 1st day. 

[Amo]

Muslims gather together on Fridays. 

The early church gathered together on the 1st day. 

Such is based upon one obscure verse. While we know many met on the sabbath as believing Jews, and the apostles did as well, preaching to them and others.

This is not to mention the large amount of historical testimony from the past regarding Christians continuing seventh day Sabbath observance for centuries after our Lord's first coming. Which you of course ignore with an obscure blunt statement that Christians met on the first day, as though this is what they all did. This is not to mention the many candid statements by Sunday keepers throughout history, concerning the many Christians who continued to observe God's seventh day Sabbath for centuries as already mentioned. Believe as you wish of course, and ignore what you wish of course.

[Texas Conservative]

Obscure?  The book of Acts
Naw.  That's a sad response.

The early Jewish church met in the synagogues with other Jews on Shabbat, and together on the 1st Day. 

This is when they assembled together for the Lord's Supper and to learn more about Christ. 

[Cathlodox]

This would be a good time to review the difference between The Sabbath God Vs. the Sunday God.

According to the SDA Pioneers (early Adventists & Ellen White) the Sabbath God [flesh Father] had (and has) a body of flesh complete with organs, members and parts. The Sabbath Father god has a digestive tract JUST LIKE YOU DO!

The Sunday God was a Trinitarian God, One Being, three Persons contrasted with the Sabbath god which is understood to be THREE PERSONS who are also THREE SEPARATE BEINGS.

Important to keep these facts in mind when discussing the Sabbath.

[Amo]

Obscure?  The book of Acts
Naw.  That's a sad response.

The early Jewish church met in the synagogues with other Jews on Shabbat, and together on the 1st Day. 

This is when they assembled together for the Lord's Supper and to learn more about Christ. 

Act 20:7 And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight. 8 And there were many lights in the upper chamber, where they were gathered together.

The above scriptures do not mention the Lord's day, and refer to a meeting in the evening of the first day, which would be what people today refer to as Saturday night. Thus the lighting required. Using these scriptures to pronounce observance of the Lord's day as understood by countless Christians today, is a long stretch. Supplying very little real evidence of any such thing. It is therefore an obscure reference unto supposed Sunday worship, not clearly revealing or establishing anything but ion the mind of those wishing it to be so.

Early Christians met to break bread every day, not just on the first day, because one scripture which you supplied says they did.

Act 2:42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. 44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common; 45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. 46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, 47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

You are making a mountain out of a mole hill. A doctrine out of nothing but presumption.

[Amo]

This would be a good time to review the difference between The Sabbath God Vs. the Sunday God.

According to the SDA Pioneers (early Adventists & Ellen White) the Sabbath God [flesh Father] had (and has) a body of flesh complete with organs, members and parts. The Sabbath Father god has a digestive tract JUST LIKE YOU DO!

The Sunday God was a Trinitarian God, One Being, three Persons contrasted with the Sabbath god which is understood to be THREE PERSONS who are also THREE SEPARATE BEINGS.

Important to keep these facts in mind when discussing the Sabbath.

You're like a broken record. A lying broken record. Since your above statements have been proved false. Been an SDA for 43 years. Never met anyone who believed, or heard anything like the rubbish you keep repeating over and over. Nevertheless, you do have the right to Babyl-on. 

[Amo]

http://adventmessenger.org/us-catholic-magazine-claims-that-the-sunday-sabbath-issue-is-now-on-the-table/

Quoted article below from link above.

US Catholic Magazine Claims that the Sunday-Sabbath Issue is "Now on the Table"

A new documentary makes a case for
reviving the Sabbath

Sabbath is a spiritual discipline. Should it also be a social policy?

US Catholic Magazine is a publication that promotes Catholic spiritual life in the United States. On February 2, 2024, US Catholic Magazine published an article discussing the revival of the "Sunday Sabbath" and the need to observe this day collectively so that the community as a whole can cultivate a just and united social order. They also claim that when it comes to labor unions, the Sabbath rest issue is "now on the table." Basically, Sunday is being offered by Catholics here in America as the time for spiritual reflection, rest, worship, fair labor practices, reducing consumption, and sustainability.

Without a doubt, this is a call to make fundamental changes to our political, economic, and social systems. They are treating Sunday rest as an urgent matter that requires immediate action. It is an effort to challenge the current system through transformative "policies." They believe that by reviving Sunday as the day of rest for society, this would help alleviate the labor injustices and deep-rooted inequalities in our nation, as well as restore our worship to God.

The article stated, in part:

• "The Puritans brought an especially rigorous and rigid observation of the Sunday Sabbath to American shores, and in this their cultural influence outlasted their doctrinal dominance. Well into the mid-20th century, laws requiring businesses to close on Sunday were common in the United States. In fact, in one of Sabbath's most surprising segments, we learn that Bergen County, New Jersey, a New York City suburb, has Sunday closings to this very day. In a 1993 referendum, the county's residents upheld the Sunday regulation by a 2–1 vote."

• "However, Bergen County is an outlier. In the rest of the United States most Sunday closing laws were abolished by a combination of business interests and secular liberals, who argued that Sunday closings constituted discrimination against non-Christians."

• "Throughout the two hours of Sabbath [documentary], the word that kept coming into my mind was enough. Observance of Sabbath is a way of saying that there is such a thing as enough—enough of work, enough of social media, enough of shopping, even enough of youth sports. Clearing away the noise and distraction of our daily lives can help us see and hear the presence of God among us."

• "Sabbath may be personal, but it is never individual. It is an observance that a community does together and one that has clear implications for the making of a just and sustainable social order."

• "Historian Thomas Kidd notes that labor unions and churches have often worked together to advocate for days of rest."

• "As a result, many labor advocates, and even a few business leaders, have begun to advocate a four-day work week, with 32 hours of work for no reduction in pay. In the recent United Auto Workers strike, this expansion of the Sabbath concept was one of the UAW's demands."

• "The UAW didn't get the four-day week this time, but the issue is now on the table, and the concept of Sabbath rest lives on."

Roman Catholics are applauding these efforts to bring back Sunday rest. According to US Catholic Magazine, the Sunday issue is still on the table. Are you aware of what it means to have something "on the table?" This simply means that the Sunday issue is actively being discussed and considered by certain parties. It implies that the matter is under examination. In other words, the Sunday movement is advancing through the shadows, as inspiration suggests:

"The Sunday movement is now making its way in darkness. The leaders are concealing the true issue, and many who unite in the movement do not themselves see whither the undercurrent is tending. Its professions are mild and apparently Christian, but when it shall speak it will reveal the spirit of the dragon. It is our duty to do all in our power to avert the threatened danger" (Testimonies, Vol. 5, p. 452).

Rome has made no secret of its desire to see Sunday restored as a day of worship and rest. They are openly proclaiming Sunday rest as a necessary day for building a just society. According to Bible prophecy, the churches will have to appeal to the civil authorities in order to achieve their goals. Here in America, Catholics are now helping to promote the work of securing Sunday as the day of rest in order to save society. Sunday is quickly becoming the official day to reduce carbon emissions, reduce work stress levels, and worship. When the state begins to actively enforce compulsory Sunday observance, we know the end has come.

"From the first, every move made by Satan, from the beginning of his work and to continue to the end, was to exalt the false sabbath to take the place of the genuine Sabbath of Jehovah. He is just as intent now and more determined to do this than ever before. He has come down with great power to deceive them who dwell on the earth with his satanic delusions" (Manuscript 6, 1889).