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Sabbath Observance
The following article is supplied by West Indies Union for all
members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
The purpose of
this paper is to draw our attention back to the need for good Sabbath
observance. In this postmodern secular society, it has become a challenge for
God's people to keep His Sabbath holy as requested by Him in Exodus 20:8-11.
Secularism surrounds us in all our activities and therefore, becomes a threat
to our desire to serve the Lord in spirit and in truth.Introduction God, our
Creator, after the six days of creation, rested on the seventh day and
instituted the Sabbath for all people as a memorial of creation (Exodus
20:8-11). This is His holy day; set apart to commemorate His creative works; a
day which He has sanctified and hallowed. The Sabbath is also a symbol of
redemption. The Sabbath rest, by pointing back to Christ's rest in the tomb,
(Matt. 28:1-6), the rest of victory over sin, offers to the Christian a
tangible opportunity to accept and experience Christ's forgiveness, peace, and
rest.
The fourth commandment of God's unchangeable law
requires the observance of this seventh-day Sabbath as the day of rest,
worship, and ministry in harmony with the teaching and practice of Jesus, the
Lord of the Sabbath (Mark 2:28, Luke 4:16). The Sabbath is central to our
worship of God and the keeping of it becomes the sign of our allegiance to the
true God (Exodus 31:13). The Sabbath is a day of delightful communion with God
and one another (Isaiah 58:13, 14). Joyful observance of this holy time from
evening to evening, sunset to sunset, is a celebration of God's creative and
redemptive acts (Fundamental Beliefs, 19).
Its on the Sabbath that we can especially
experience God's presence among us. He has given us six days in which to do
our own work and carry on the usual business of life; but He claims one day
which He has set apart and sanctified. He gives it to us as a day in which we
may rest from labor and devote ourselves to worship and the improvement of our
spiritual condition. Without the Sabbath all would be labor and sweat without
end. Every day would be alike, devoted to secular pursuits. The arrival of the
Sabbath, however, brings hope, joy, meaning, courage and rest. It provides
time for communion with God through worship, prayer, song, the study of and
mediation on the Word, and through sharing the gospel with others. The Sabbath
is our opportunity to experience God's presence (Fundamental Beliefs, 19).
Recommendations In light of the sacredness of the
Sabbath and the part it plays in our worship of God, we should pay special
attention to the following:
Sabbath Observance throughout the week
To "remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy," (Ex. 20:8) we must think of
the Sabbath throughout the week and make the preparations necessary to observe
it in a manner pleasing to God. This calls for:
Ample preparation to be done during the week,
prior to sunset on Friday, the preparation day (Luke 23:54). Sabbath meals
should be prepared, clothing made ready and the temporal thoughts and
activities put away.
Those who own their own businesses, to close them on time on Friday in order
for their employees to prepare in time for the Sabbath.
The family members or groups of believers to gather together just before the
setting of the sun on Friday evening to sing, pray, and read God's Word, thus
inviting the Spirit of Christ as a welcome guest.
What should be done on the Sabbath God requires not only that we refrain from
physical labor upon the Sabbath, but that the mind is disciplined to dwell
upon spiritual things. Therefore, we appeal to our members to reserve the
sacred hours of the Sabbath. The following list contains activities that will
help us remain focus on the sacredness of that day.
Corporate worship: Church services are
conducted in our churches on Sabbath in order for us to come together to
worship God in spirit and in truth. It is at these corporate services that we
benefit from Christian fellowship.
Doing good: Jesus points out in Matthew
12:12, that it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath. From His example some time
could be spent visiting the sick and shut-ins, participating in prison
ministry and distributing literature. Works of mercy and of necessity are
permitted on the Sabbath, (medical evangelism, caring for the sick, saving
lives) (Luke 13:10-17).
Rest from unnecessary physical labour:
There are certain physical activities that should be avoided if we are going
to enjoy the goodness of the Sabbath. Activities such as parades and marches
should be discouraged, and where it is deemed necessary, it should be so
organized that it does not violate the sacredness of the Sabbath. The
preparation and physical activities that are involved in planning and
participating in these events can easily take away from the sacredness of the
day. The preparation of the Sabbath meal should be done, as far as possible,
prior to the Sabbath. The Lord says, "remember the Sabbath day to keep it
holy" (Ex. 20:8).
Family togetherness: Quality time should
be reserved for family togetherness. Parents should spend time with their
children teaching them about God and his goodness toward us. This can be done
at home, in church services and in nature.
Observe the closing moments. The closing of the Sabbath should be observed by
the coming together of family or church members in a vesper service,
requesting God's presence and guidance through the ensuing week.
For further study on the observance of the
Sabbath read Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 48 and Testimonies, vol. 6. -
West Indies Union Administration
Bahamas
Academy
VBA On The Move
VBA President, Mr. Winston Ash expresses thanks to all the electricians who
responded to the call to put the roughing in place for the electrical work
thus far at the New Bahamas School on Marshall Road. Because of the assistance
received from VBA’s, the floor in the western building is poured and blocking
up has began. VBA needs your continued support. Lend us your hands;
together we can do much for the Lord. Again, thank you for your help on this
necessary project. -Winston Ash, VBA President
Youth Announcements Young
persons who have signed up to participate in W.I.U./I.A.D. Bible Bowl are
advised that a run-off will be held on Sunday, October 16th , the venue and
time to be announced. The book of study is "Messages to Young People." One
person will be selected to represent the Bahamas Conference at the West Indies
Union Level on Sabbath afternoon, November 5th at N.C.U. in Mandeville,
Jamaica. Out of the eight fields in West Indies Union, one person will
represent the Union at the Inter-American Division level at the end of the
year.
A.Y. Leadership Course
In conjunction with the Masterguide Training Classes of 2005, the A.Y.
Leadership Course will commence on Sunday, October 9th, venue and time to be
announced. All Masterguides in training, A.Y. Leaders and other persons
interested in Youth Ministries are asked to be a part of these sessions.
Community Services Exhibition
Early Sunday Morning, October 16, 2005, all roads will lead to the R.M. Bailey
Park for our annual Community Services Exhibition.
This year’s program promises to be exciting and fun-filled. There will be
activities for children, a float parade and a massive clothes give away.
Delicious healthy foods and aerobics will add to the smorgosboard of things to
do.
Community Services Leaders to
Meet
All Community Services Leaders are asked to attend an important meeting
tomorrow morning, Sunday, Sept. 25 at 9:00 at the Centreville Church. -Pastor
T. Basil Sturrup
Berea Church to Host Family Life
Seminar You are invited to attend the "Bonding the Hearts For
Home"
Family Life Seminar at the Berea Adventist church, beginning Friday night,
September 23rd. Services begin each night at 7:00 P.M.. The speaker is Elder
Anthony Gordon, certified Family Life Educator and Family Ministries Director
for the Central Jamaica Conference.
New Book Available
You are encouraged to get your personal copy of the ABC’s newest book “To
Couples” for courtship and marriage. Its exciting and informative. Call Lebert
McBean at 426-2279 to order your copy or give as a gift.
Healthy Life Style Deli Launched
Radio Program Dr. Alvira Higgs is pleased to announce that Healthy Life
Style Deli has launched “Health Life Style for Better Living Radio program on
ZNS 1540 at 9:00 p.m. every Tuesday. You are invited to tune in!
Centreville Trust Seminar
The Trust Services Department of the Centreville Church hosted an
informative seminar on the Importance and Preparation of Wills on Wednesday
21st September, 2005. A Wills’ workshop will be held on October 2nd, at the
church to provide assistance in the preparation and completion of wills. Watch
here for the time will announced in next week’s Logos -Tanya Hanna,
Attorney-at-Law
Hour of Gospel Music The Hour of Gospel Music at the Mary Ingraham Home
continues on a weekly basis at 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The schedule for today,
September 24, will be the Hillview SDA Church. Next week, October 1st music
will be provided by the Johnson Park Church.
Bahamas Academy Technical
Division Bahamas Academy is in need of a good used car for its automotive
class. Persons who can donate such a car, please contact Mr. Gordon Blake at
#393-3381. Our students thank you for your kindness. - Gordon Blake
Youth Announcements
Masterguide Training continues for All MGITs this Sunday 7:00 a.m. at Hillview
Church. Please be on time.
Children’s Ministry Leader to
Meet There will be a very important meeting for all Children's Ministries
Leaders on Sunday, September 25, at 5:30 p.m. at the Conference Office. -Dr.
Cheryl R. Rolle
Ebenezer Self-help Project The Ebenezer SDA Church Pathfinders
will be holding a car wash on Sunday, October 2, 2005, at 8:00 a.m. and a
concert at 7:00 p.m. on Bernard Road and Adderley Street to raise funds for
their church building project. All are invited to support this worthy venture.
-Pastor E. St.Fleur
Men’s Ministry to Meet
All Men’s Ministry directors are invited to a special meeting tomorrow
morning, Sunday, Sept. 25, at 8:00 at the Living Faith Church, Old Trail Road.
Adventist Men Chorale Rehearsal
Tonight All Adventist Men Chorale members are encouraged to attend
choir practice beginning to night at 7: 05 p.m. in prepration for our annual
Christmas Concert. -Anthony Roach
Revival and Prophecy Seminar
The Living Faith Church began a four weeks revival and Prophecy Seminar Sept.
18 at the Church. Come and hear Lay Evangelist, Lebert McBean rightly divide
the Word of Truth.
Prayer Requests We continue
to solicit your prayers on behalf of our colleagues who are either
recuperating from surgery or undergoing treatments: Dr. Keith D. Albury, Dr.
John Carey, and Pastor Wilfred T. Adderley.
Condolences We extend heart
felt condolences to our staff member Philip Humes and his family on the
passing of his father, Bro. George Humes. Funeral service will be held next
Sunday, October 2nd at 1:00 p.m. at the Grant’s Town Church. Please be assured
of our continued prayerful support. Also, condolences are extend to all
families who recently lost loved ones. Remember, earth has no sorrow that
heaven cannot heal. God bless you. Be strong in the Lord and in the power of
His might.
Health Conference in Orlando
Persons interested in attending the Annual Health Conference and Training
workshop in Orlando January 2006, are asked to register at the Health Ministry
desk at the Conference Office.
Health Directors to Meet All
Health directors are invited to a special meeting tomorrow, Sunday, September
25, at 2:00 p.m. at the Living Faith Church, Old Trail Road.
Women’s Ministries Retreat Registration Continues at the local Churches
|
Church
Games
Notice is hereby posted that the Bahamas
Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, in conjunction with its Youth
Department, never committed to participate in any Bahamas Church Games
and has no plan to do so as is being published in the newspapers. |
Hydrotherapy Service Available Persons needing hydrotherapy and colon
hydrotherapy care are invited to contact Bernardette Rolle, RN at 322-3831
Sun sets today at 7:05 p.m.
Sun sets next Sabbath at 6:57 p.m.
Download The Logos at
www.bahamasconference.org
