Understanding the Sabbath

"REMEMBER THE SABBATH DAY TO KEEP IT HOLY." Ex. 20:8

Saturday is the Sabbath, so why do the majority of believers around the world gather to worship on Sunday? Has God changed the day of worship or are believers in violation of His command? The following passage is just one of over 100 describing various aspects of the Sabbath: Ex 20:8-11 reads, “Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. 9 Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: 10 But the seventh day is the sabbath of the LORD thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work…11 For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the LORD blessed the sabbath day, and hallowed it.”

The Hebrew word for sabbath is shabbat and literally means “rest.” The Bible speaks of three rest days. First, God rested after He finished creating the world (Gen 2:1-3). This is known as “creation rest.” The second day of rest was given by God to the nation of Israel as a sign of His covenant with them (Ex 31:13, 16-17). This “covenant rest” was to be observed on the seventh day of the week and, if violated, resulted in death (Ex 31:15). The third rest day is portrayed by Jesus resting at the right hand of His Father after He completed the work of redemption (Heb 10:12). The Bible states that the Old Testament Sabbath was merely a shadow of this third rest day, known as “Calvary rest” (Col 2:16-17). Because of “Calvary rest,” Christ can now offer the ultimate rest described in Matt 11:28, “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

By realizing that the O.T. Sabbath day was merely a shadow which pointed at things to come, we realize that like any other shadow, it was only temporary and would pass. After Jesus died on the cross and was buried, He rose on the first day of the week – Sunday! Thus, a new day had dawned and that new day was called the Lord’s Day (Rev 1:10).

Dr. Adrian Rogers listed the following eight biblical reasons for celebrating the Lord’s Day: 1) Jesus rose from the dead on the first day of the week [Mark 16:9]. 2. Jesus met with His disciples after His resurrection on the first day of the week [Jn 20:19, 26]. 3) The disciples were commissioned to preach the Gospel on the first day of the week – at that meeting on resurrection day [Jn 20:21]. 4) The Holy Spirit was also imparted to the apostles on the first day of the week [Jn 20:22]. 5) The Church was born on the first day of the week, because the Day of Pentecost was on a Sunday [Acts 2:1]. 6) The book of Revelation was given on the first day of the week [Rev 1:10]. 7) The early church regularly met for worship on the first day of the week [Acts 20:7]. 8) The Church collected its offerings on the first day of the week as they came together [1 Cor 16:2].

This list gives us just a few biblical reasons as to why believers around the world meet for worship on Sunday, rather than Saturday. Remember, Sunday is not the last day of the weekend - it is the first day of the week!

So much emphasis has been placed on which “day” to worship, that some believers have been misguided into worshiping the day itself. Like the ancient Jews, they argue over what they can and cannot do on the Sabbath. Jesus clarified the matter for us in Mark 2:27, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.”

Although New Testament Christians no longer observe Saturday as the Sabbath, every believer should have a day of rest. The days may vary, but the meaning does not. The Sabbath is a day to relax and reflect on God’s goodness and His grace. With today’s hectic lifestyles, it is often difficult to find down time; but God has designed us to function that way. Why not try it this Sunday? Worship in a local church then enjoy a Sunday afternoon nap. You’ll be amazed at how refreshed you feel. If you can’t rest on Sunday, find another rest day and spend some time with God and with your family. It could be just what the Great Physician ordered!

The Debate Over Illegal Immigrants

On Monday, May 1, 2006 millions of illegal immigrants across the United States of America protested to show the impact they could have on work, school, retailers, etc. While many took to the streets and their businesses closed, it seems the only ones they effected were themselves. In our little town of Hartsville, a favorite spot is the Rancho Grande Mexican Restaurant. They too closed in support of the boycott, which simply meant that patrons (including myself) just went to another restaurant and they were the ones that lost money and potentially business. I've already heard several people stating that if they aren't legal, then they were not going to eat there.

While America is made up of immigrants from all over the world, the majority of us are "legal." Our ancestors came through Ellis Island or other ports and did what was necessary to become citizens. All immigrants should still have that same right, because that freedom is what makes people around the world dream of coming to America; but everyone should follow the proper channels and become legal citizens.

We are certainly feeling some of the economic impacts. We pay high insurance premiums for our medical coverage, because hospitals are required to treat those without insurance. We are forced to carry uninsured motorist coverage, because we may end up in an automobile accident with an illegal alien that has no insurance. Our unemployment rate is rising, because companies are hiring illegals so they can pay them less, avoid paying payroll taxes, and avoid paying medical coverage. We continue to go deeper into despair regarding Social Security, because illegal immigrants aren't paying into the system and they have replaced the workers who did.

Now, the icing on the cake is some immigrant having the audacity to change the language and the words to our National Anthem. The recent boycott, the new anthem, the rising unemployment rate, etc. are all reasons why the awareness that illegal immigrants are trying to raise is back-firing on them. Many Congressmen have already voiced their opinion of Monday's antics which caused them to dig their heels in even deeper for immigration reform. The Minutemen are gaining strength and popularity at the Mexican border. Monday's display has done nothing but fuel the fire against illegal immigrants -- it back-fired!

The debate regarding how to deal with these illegal immigrants will rage on; but one thing is certain -- immigrants will continue to flood into this country, because -- America is still the greatest nation in the world! As believers, we must also concern ourselves with how to help these immigrants become citizens of heaven. We must guard ourselves against predjudices and realize that "God so loved the WORLD that He gave His only begotten Son, that WHOSOEVER believeth in Him, should not perish, but have everlasting life!"

God Gives Second Chances

Bad choices, broken hearts, shattered dreams and irrevocable failures are all part of this thing we call life. Satan can use these things to paralyze us with guilt, but God can use these things to draw us closer to Him. He is willing to forgive our failures and offer a second chance. Several examples are recorded in the pages of Scripture.

Moses is one of the great heroes of the Bible, but did you know that Moses blew it in several areas? He was a murderer (Ex 2:11-12), he threw a righteous temper tantrum (Ex 32:19) and he directly disobeyed God (Num 20:8:12). In spite of Moses’ sin, God still used him to lead His chosen people to the edge of the Promised Land and to author several books of the Bible. God gave Moses a second chance.

King David had an affair (2 Sam 11:4) and murdered the woman’s husband (2 Sam 11:15-17); but God still used him to lead the nation, to write many of the Psalms, to prepare for the building of the Temple, and to be in the bloodline of the Messiah. David’s broken and contrite spirit is recorded in Psalm 51 and God calls him a man after His own heart in Acts 13:22-23. God gave David a second chance.

Scripture also records the story of the woman caught in adultery (John 8). According to Jewish Law, this sin was punishable by stoning; but Jesus stopped the religious hypocrites that were pointing out her sin and called attention to their own. The accusers left, Jesus forgave the woman and instructed her to go and sin no more. Again, we see a sinner, her repentance and God’s grace offering her a second chance.

Remember the story of the man having an illicit relationship with his stepmother? (I Cor 5:1, 11) Paul instructed the church to break fellowship with him until he repented; but upon his repentance, Paul told them to receive him back into the church family and restore him. (2 Cor 2:6-11) This man was given a second chance.

Finally, we find the story of the Prodigal Son.(Luke 15:11-25) The boy spent his inheritance on parties and prostitutes. When he hit rock bottom, he repented and returned to his father. The father welcomed his son and celebrated his return. The father gave his son a second chance.

The chorus to one of my favorite songs reads as follows: “I don’t know what a sinner you are, but I know what a Savior He is. I don’t know where your feet have taken you, but His climbed up Calvary’s hill. I don’t know what kind of words you’ve spoken, but His words were Father forgive. I don’t know what a sinner you are, but I know what a Savior He is.” According to 1 John 1:9, God is still offering second chances -- “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Forward by Faith

Emmanuel Baptist Church will celebrate her 80th birthday this year. For many years, this church has been a light in our community; but recently, we have illuminated a region! God has been blessing us beyond what we could have ever asked or even imagined. With the rich heritage of such a great church, it would have been easy to coast through and rest upon our laurels; but our church family has done anything but rest.

Since February 26, EBC has hosted an X-treme skateboard outreach; Friend Day; the regional AWANA Olympics; a Women's Conference; a Phillips, Craig & Dean concert; and Emmanuel Christian School Day. This past week included our debt retirement banquet, an Easter EGGstravaganza, and 3 performances of our Easter choir production. Our church family is tired, but they are excited about the impact they are making on eternity!

While some churches are sitting back waiting to die, Emmanuel Church has grown by 109% in just 3 years! I can hear someone asking, "What is the secret?" It is simply people who are radically in love with Jesus and willing to work and worship in ways that really make a difference.

Let me share one snapshot of our church family that trilled by soul this past Sunday. For months, various committees had been praying, planning, and preparing for our "Forward by Faith" debt retirement campaign. Our banquet attendance was strong, our offering was great, our unity was miraculous, and the banquet wasn't bad either. But, my greatest blessing of the night occurred before and after the banquet as I watched people setting up and decorating, then cleaning up and resetting. The mix of people included those who had been members at Emmanuel for decades, others who are new to our church family, and some who have recently been visiting our church. There was a spirit of excitement as we considered what God could do through us after our debt is paid off! We began to dream together and people shouted their visions and ministry dreams for the future. Regardless of the money, the food, the program, or anything else that took place that night; I realized that I have the privilege of pastoring some GREAT people and together we serve a GREAT God!

Our church isn't resting on the laurels of our past -- We're focusing on our future and moving "Forward by Faith." Pray for us as we embark on this spiritual journey!

Phillips, Craig & Dean

Our church had the privilege of hosting the Christian singing group "Phillips, Craig & Dean" last night. I say privilege, because start to finish, they were all about ministry! In a day where you see so many "performers" who are simply in ministry for the money, these three men don't only sing about God, they all three serve as Senior Pastors and have ministered together for 15 years! Also, after their great success with 18 number 1 hits and too many albums to count, they were still as humble and personable as any group we have ever invited into our church.

I thoroughly enjoyed the concert last night and I believe everyone else in attendance did as well. While it could be considered "entertainment" in the concert goers sense, I believe it was much deeper than that. PCD ushered the people of God into the presence of God. They explained salvation and then escorted us into a real time of worship. They prayed for those who were hurting and spent time praying with hurting pastors who were on the verge of quitting. They truly ministered in this place last night.

Emmanuel Baptist Church has hosted quite a few big concerts over the past several years and we look forward to doing so in the future. We don't do them as fundraisers and truth be known, we usually lose a few dollars; but it allows us to enter into a different arena of ministry to people far beyond just our own congregation. A special thanks to PCD and to everyone who attended and helped with the concert! And to those who met Jesus Christ last night, "Welcome into the family of God!"

KJV-ONLY Controversy or Catastrophe?

Satan has subtlety and successfully used God’s Word to divide God’s family. Fellowship has been broken, churches divided and families destroyed over the KJV-ONLY controversy. The premise of the debate is the belief that the Bible has been perfectly "preserved" ONLY in the 1611 Authorized King James Version.

The rhetoric of the KJV-Only crowd has trapped them into a belief system that rivals any cult and careful examination will reveal that the KJV Bible has become their idol. Those who disagree with the KJV-Only view are labeled Bible mutilators and modern translations are called perversions, corruptions and satanically inspired works.

Consider the 10 basic facts that follow and derive your own conclusion of whether or not the KJV is the “ONLY” reliable Bible version.

First, respected Bible versions existed prior to the 1611 KJV, including the Latin Vulgate (400AD), Wycliffe (1380), Tyndale (1525), Coverdale (1535), Matthews (1537), Great (1539), Geneva (1560), and the Bishop’s Bible (1568). Second, KJV-Only advocates defend the 1611 KJV as “perfect;” but it was revised in 1629, 1638, 1762 and 1769. Third, KJV-Only advocates vehemently oppose the Apocrypha, although it was part of the 1611 KJV. Fourth, the Textus Receptus, from which the KJV New Testament was translated, is incomplete and sections of the 1611 KJV were actually translated from the Latin Vulgate - a version that KJV-Only advocates call “corrupt.” Fifth, the translators of the 1611 KJV wrote, "the very meanest (most common) translation of the Bible in English, set forth by men of our profession . . . containeth the word of God, nay, is the word of God." In other words, they believed that any translation of the Bible by Christian scholars was still the Word of God. They also included marginal notes with alternate word meanings, stated that the KJV wording was not above correction or improvement, and admitted that there were some Hebrew words whose precise meanings were open for debate. Sixth, KJV-Only advocates attack modern Bible versions for changing the “literal” words, but the KJV has also added words to the original text and changed words during translation. If exact wording were vitally important, then OT quotations repeated in the NT would be worded exactly the same; but often they are not. Seventh, the KJV-Only position is not the historic view of Christianity. While the early church used the Septuagint and Vulgate texts, KJV-Only advocates regard these as "perversions” and claim the church had no accurate Bible until 1611. Eighth, the KJV was a political project overseen by the bi-sexual King James I of England, who had children by Anne of Denmark; and homosexual relations in Scotland with Esmé Stuart, Earl of Lennox and in England with Francis Stewart Hepburn, Earl of Bothwell. Ninth, holding to a KJV-Only position does not guarantee godliness or doctrinal accuracy. Some cults claim a KJV-Only position, but deviate from mainline Bible doctrines. Finally, the KJV-Only position requires speakers of other languages to learn English or be denied access to God’s “perfect” Word. That idea is in direct conflict with Rev. 22:7, “WHOSOEVER will (Spanish, French, Creole…), let him take the water of life freely…”

The fact is that many believers across denominational lines use the King James Version of the Bible, but they do not hold to a KJV-ONLY position. The KJV is a great Bible and the best selling version, but simple research reveals that it is NOT the “ONLY” reliable version. Satan has so effectively used the Word of God to divide the family of God that the KJV-Only debate is no longer a controversy – it’s a catastrophe! Believers draw lines in the sand, choose sides, and lash out venomously over this issue.

God, forgive those who are more concerned about having KJV on the Bible’s cover than they are about living by the principles contained within its pages and forgive those who use Your Word to divide Your family! Amen.

What is a Christian Fundamentalist?

I was recently ridiculed for being a "fundamentalist." Interestingly enough, just one week later, I was blasted for not being one. That encounter reminded me that the term "fundamentalist" means different things to different people in today's world. I did an Internet search for the word "fundamentalist" and found, "fundamentalist" Christians, Mormons, Socialists, Islamic extremists, and more. One site even blamed the behavior of canabalistic murderer, Jeffrey Dahmer, on his "fundamentalist" Church of Christ upbringing. The truth is that most people in our present day have equated the term "fundamentalist" with those who are militant, combative, and mean spirited.

"Fundamentalist" churches are too often those who are irrelevant to the culture and view themselves as the last great defenders of the faith. They rarely reach out and make little if any eternal impact, but they stand proud of their militant positions and mean spirits. This group of "Christian" fundamentalists can be compared to the Islamic fundamentalists in the sense that they believe they are the only ones who have the truth and no one can get to heaven unless they adopt their position.

I personally hold to the belief that a fundamentalist is simply a person who believes in the basic Fundamentals of the Christian faith. Those fundamentals are non-negotiable and include 1) The virgin birth, 2) The deity of Christ, 3) The substitutionary death of Christ, 4) The vicarious sufferings of Christ, 5) The bodily resurrection of Jesus, 6) The inerrancy of Scripture, and 7) The imminent return of Christ. Those are the ONLY non-negotiables of the Christian faith and by that definition, yes... I am a fundamentalist.

Where do I differ from other "fundamentalists?" When people begin to put the King James Version of the Bible on the same level as the deity of Christ...I disagree. When people place particular dress standards on the same level as the virgin birth...I disagree. When people place denominational titles on the same level as the inerrancy of the Scriptures...I disagree. When people place personal preferences on the same level as the bodily resurrection of Christ... I disagree. When non-essentials are listed among the basic, fundamental essentials of the Christian faith and practice...I disagree. Those beliefs are not fundamental, they are foolish!

To be a "fundamentalist" is a good thing, when it means you adhere to the Fundamentals of the Christian Faith. The problem arises when those who call themselves "fundamentalists" dislike and militantly oppose everyone whose opinion differs from theirs. Are you a fundamentalist? Do you believe in the basic tenets of the Christian faith? Can you back your position with Scripture or is it based on personal preferences? This is a great time to do some introspection.

Making the Most of Opportunities

People around the world focused on the Women's Snowboardcross at the 2006 Winter Olympics in Torino, Italy. American, Lindsey Jacobellis, had a slight lead in the group of four. One Canadian fell and was later carried off the course. A second Canadian went through the safety fence and later recovered to take the Bronze medal. Switzerland's Tanja Frieden landed on the back of Lindsey's board, which caused her to wobble and allow Lindsey to take a commanding lead. On the next to last hill, Lindsey looked back to survey the field. Upon seeing her lead, she took her eyes off the finish line and began an early celebration. A simple trick to proclaim her victory ended in a wipeout! As Lindsey lay on the ground, scrambling to reenter the track, her Swiss competitor passed her and claimed the Gold medal. After the race, the TV broadcasters commented that Lindsey's face did not reflect one who had just earned a Silver medal, but rather one who had just given away a Gold medal.

Lindsey's tragedy poses a great reminder to Christians. The apostle Paul said, 1 Cor 9:24 (NIV) "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize." He also reminded the believers at Philippi to "Forget those things which are behind and to press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." (KJV) Even the author of Hebrews says, "...Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us." (NKJV)

Paul warns the believers at Ephesus to "...be careful how you act; these are difficult days. Don't be fools; be wise: make the most of every opportunity you have for doing good." (TLB) What are you doing with the opportunities God is placing before you? Are your eyes fixed on the finish line? Are you entertaining the crowds? Are you prematurely celebrating?

Believers can easily be lulled into a state of religiosity, observing, and entertaining the cloud of witnesses. Let me encourage you to passionately pursue Christ, get in the game as a participant, and bear down on the finish line! No Christian wants to stand before God as Lindsey Jacobellis stood before the world. Keep your eyes on Christ and make the most of every opportunity God places before you!

Myspace.com Follow-up

Last month, I posted an article entitled, "Don't Get Trapped in the Web" which warned parents of the dangers facing our children and our nation. Some thought I was an "alarmist," but time is now telling the story. Dateline NBC has since hosted two full hours of programming to raise awareness of the dangers surrounding Myspace.com. These programs revealed how pedophiles are setting up meetings with young girls and boys. Instead of the teen arriving for the meeting, the pedophiles were surprised by FBI agents and law enforcement. They were caught and arrested!

It didn't stop there! CNN has since done numerous reports regarding the same subject. A local teen in our area was expelled from a public school for what she posted on her website. A sting operation in our area resulted in the apprehension of a local pedophile tracked through Myspace.com. South Carolina Law Enforcement Division(S.L.E.D.) is now carefully investigating internet usage and myspace.com sites in our area. Even Sonoco has listed Internet safety among its top public safety concerns this year.

Why am I rehashing this issue? Because even when informed, some parents are naive! They look only at their child's site and think everything is okay. If they knew the workings of the site, they would be appauled. Too often, people hide their heads in the sand and think this kind of "stuff" doesn't happen in a small town... well it does and is!

I'm sure some still feel (and even argue) that reading your child's web page is an invasion of privacy. I remind you that when your child posts something to the "WORLD WIDE WEB," it is not noble to respect their privacy... it's ignorant and irresponsible! Everyone else in the WORLD has access to your child's thoughts, why should you be the only one who doesn't? Your children have plenty of "friends," they need you to be a parent. They may not "like" your action now, but they will "love" you for it later.

Excuses for Skipping Church

Now that we are officially a full month into the new year, some have probably completed the annual cycle of making a New Year's resolution and then breaking it. Without a doubt, some resolved to attend a church regularly this year, but due to the same empty traditions and sleepy sermons, you're looking for a way out. After serving in vocational ministry for 22 years, I’ve heard many excuses offered as to why people choose not to go to church. Some of them might sound like they have some merit, but others have launched me into laughter. One of my favorites was the family of five who all stayed home to wipe an infant’s runny nose. With that many people wiping it, I wonder if he had a nose left on his face. Another favorite excuse I heard, came from a fisherman who said that he had to go fishing, because his wife had a cold and they certainly could not go to church!

I recently came across a list by Mike Herman of Glen Ellyn, IL who took the excuses people use for not going to church and applied them to “10 Reasons Not to Bathe:” 1) I was forced to bathe as a child. 2) People who make soap are only after your money. 3) I only wash on special occasions like Christmas and Easter. 4) People who wash are hypocrites—they think they are cleaner than everyone else. 5) There are so many different kinds of soap that I can't decide which one is best. 6) I used to wash, but it got boring, so I stopped. 7) None of my friends wash. 8) The bathroom is never warm enough in the winter or cool enough in the summer. 9) I'll start washing when I get older and dirtier. And 10) I can't spare the time.

Another list of excuses was developed by Mike and Amy Nappa entitled, “Why I stopped going to ball games:” 1) Whenever I go to a game, they ask for money. 2) The other fans don't care about me. 3) The seats are too hard. 4) The coach never visits me. 5) The referee makes calls I don't agree with. 6) Some of the games go into overtime and make me late for dinner. 7) The band plays songs I don't know. 8) I have other things to do at game time. 9) My parents took me to too many games when I was growing up. 10) I know more than the coaches do. 11) I can be just as good a fan at the lake. Finally, 12) I won't take my kids to a game either. They must choose for themselves which teams to follow. It is funny how pathetic these excuses sound when applied to neglecting a bath or boycotting a ball game, yet people rationalize these same excuses every week as legitimate reasons to skip church.

The truth is that excuses are easy to make! In Proverbs 26:13 (NLT), Solomon pokes fun at those who make lame excuses. He says, “The lazy person is full of excuses, saying “I can’t go outside because there might be a lion on the road.” I challenge you to eliminate your excuses and get involved in a good, active and growing local church in your community. The Bible says the day is coming when every man will be held personally accountable before God and will be left without an excuse.