Sunday, March 25, 2012

Sabbath

There are days when I just have more questions than not. The subject of
the Sabbath is one of "those" topics that always has my head ready to
explode. Here is why.

Under the Law, the Jews were given the Law of obeying the Sabbath Day.
They were given very strict rules of conduct that had to be observed.
Later on, in the New Testament, the establishment of the New Covenant
through Christ changed the way the Sabbath was observed. And this is
what confuses me. In some Christian faiths, the observance of the
Sabbath is still a very important part of their religious practices.
For some, they are adamant the Sabbath is on Saturday while others
observe a Sunday Sabbath. Okay, I realize that it is like splitting
hairs to figure out what is right and wrong in that particular topic.

The real question for me is the faiths that believe that in the New
Covenant Christ became our Sabbath. That looking to a particular day of
the week as a Sabbath is not as critical as it once was to worship.
So, does this mean that the Sabbath is no longer necessary since Christ
made His sacrifice for our sins?

I get mixed emotions about this. I honestly do not know where I stand
in it. While I am gradually coming to understand (in extreme baby
steps) the New Covenant that Christ established, I still have more
questions than answers. This is a part doctrine that eludes me. I
readily admit that if I am not in the habit of attending church services
on a regular basis, I fall into the habit of treating the Sabbath like
it was any other day of the week. It has no meaning to me.

Back in my days as a pagan, I had very set routines that I followed in
my beliefs. I felt so much more comfortable in the absolute structure
and ritual of my beliefs. There were clear defining practices that I
followed. Some of them that I used daily were the prayer alter,
candles, meditations, and readings.

I find myself at loose ends at times now. Ever since giving up a method
of worship involving the observance of rituals, I find myself constantly
feeling adrift. Yes, I can read the Bible and pray. It isn't the
same. I don't feel that rhythm to my worship that I seem to crave and
need. Add into the mix that I have been unable to attend church on a
regular basis due to not having a vehicle and I feel very adrift.

Looks like another long conversation with my very long-suffering husband
is on the horizon. He is so awesome about explaining things.

3 comments:

Greg and Donna said...

Here is my "opinion" on what you wrote about...under the New Covenant Jesus did repeat all of the 10 Commandments which includes remember the Sabbath and keep it holy. For us, that has always meant Sunday as our day of worship and rest. We try to set that day apart from the other 6 days of the week. Technically, the Jewish Sabbath started at sundown Friday night to sundown Sat. night. I do know many Christians have gone back to observing a Sat. Sabbath, but we just haven't found any scripture to back up that belief. I would be interested to hear your husbands opinion on this also.

debbieo said...

I wish we could get together and study out these things. I do listen to a bible teacher who has helped me understand lots of things. His name is Dr. Scott Johnson and if you want to listen just type in your search engine Contending for Truth and click on his name, he does both health and end times and current events type studies. If you type in sabbath you should be able to find a teaching about it.
Debbieo

FRUGAL DAYCARE MOM said...

Well I am glad I am not alone! I can tell you my pastor (Church Of Christ), teaches that Saturday is the Sabbath, since Sunday is the first day of the week, and on the seventh day he rested. However, I can tell you that many (most?) people in my church use Saturday as a catch up day for things like yard work, and use Sunday as a day of rest. So I have decided this. I could be way off!!! I think that God just wants us to live our lives for him. I have decided he doesn't want us to split hairs. I think (again I could be so way off....)that if we are living for him, he can overlook some things.



NOW... Don't approve this part of the post! You some months ago left me your number after my beloved started truck driving. Much has happened in my life since then. I got fired from my part-time online message board job after some members of the board (whom I didn't invite to my blog or lead to it) complained about my religious beliefs. I kind of decided you may not want to hear from me. Then I read about you feeling lonely. I feel bad I didn't call. Just decided that well no one likes me and I started to feel lonely as well. If you would like to hear from me, send me the number again. I don't remember what phone you said you have. I have verizon but free long distance on my VOIP if you have a different phone. Email any time. I don't have an autistic one, but do have a trucker hubby!

Scarlett

shilton1@roadrunner.com