Discover the Old Testament roots of the Sabbath and its meaning, from creation to the Ten Commandments and the New Testament.

What is Sabbath: Creation to Now

What Is The Sabbath The Sabbath is God's weekly reminder that we are more than what we produce. It’s a gift of sacred time and presence.
The Sabbath was established at the end of the creation week—the seventh day—after God created the heavens, the earth, and the first humans . He “blessed the seventh day and made it holy” because He rested from all His work (Genesis 2:2-3, ESV). We find the Sabbath referenced again in Exodus 20, when God writes the Ten Commandments . He asks us to remember this sacred day to keep it holy, ceasing from the work of the week and reflecting on what He has done for us.To fully understand the meaning and significance of the Sabbath , let’s learn more about:  Belief 20: The Sabbath The gracious Creator, after the six days of Creation, rested on the seventh day and instituted the Sabbath for all people as a memorial of Creation. 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. The Sabbath is a day of delightful communion with God and one another. It is a symbol of our redemption in Christ, a sign of our sanctification, a token of our allegiance, and a foretaste of our eternal future in God’s kingdom. The Sabbath is God’s perpetual sign of His eternal covenant between Him and His people. Joyful observance of this holy time from evening to evening, sunset to sunset, is a celebration of God’s creative and redemptive acts. (Gen. 2:1-3; Exod. 20:8-11; 31:13-17; Lev. 23:32; Deut. 5:12-15; Isa. 56:5, 6; 58:13, 14; Ezek. 20:12, 20; Matt. 12:1-12; Mark 1:32; Luke 4:16; Heb. 4:1-11.)  What is the Sabbath? The Sabbath is a day of rest , reflection, enjoyment and worship for God’s people. It dates back to the seventh day of the creation week, when God stopped His work and took time to rest and savor it. In six days He created the world we live in (Genesis 1:1-26). From the blue sky to the fluffy white clouds to the food we eat…He created this world with each of us in mind.  It was on the sixth day of creation that God formed man and woman in His own image.  “Then the Lord God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature” (Genesis 2:7, ESV). Then God looked around at all He had made and saw that it was “very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day” (Genesis 1:31, ESV). He had made everything necessary for humans to live and thrive here on this earth. But He wasn’t quite finished with the whole creation process.  On the seventh day God created the Sabbath. His last act of creation was to sanctify this day and make it holy. Then He rested.  “Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done. So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all his work that he had done in creation” (Genesis 2:1-3, ESV).  Why did God rest on the Sabbath? While the Bible tells us God “rested” on the Sabbath day, it doesn’t say that He rested because He was tired. (God does not “faint or grow weary”, as Isaiah 40:28, ESV tells us.) He rested to look over what He created and enjoy it.  Let’s look at the root word for Sabbath. The word “sabbath” comes from the Hebrew word shabbat, which means “to cease” or stop. Even in our human lives, it’s not uncommon to stop and take a day off after a large project or a great accomplishment. Yes, we do get tired, unlike God. But after finishing something meaningful and beautiful, we don’t stop afterward just to rest. We stop to reflect upon and enjoy what was just accomplished! On the Sabbath day, we rest to celebrate God’s accomplishment of creating the world, and creating humanity to live in it and take care of it. We pause to take notice, learn more, and express gratitude to our Creator. When God rested on the seventh day, He set for us an example. He gave the weekly Sabbath as a day of rest and worship for all of mankind. The Sabbath is a memorial, a day when we remember God’s creative power.  He alone is worthy of our worship, as beautifully described by Ellen White, one of the founders of the Adventist Church : “Because He had rested upon the Sabbath, ‘God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it,”’—set it apart to a holy use. He gave it to Adam as a day of rest. It was a memorial of the work of creation, and thus a sign of God’s power and His love.”  God Wants Us to Rest as Part of the Remembrance Similar to memorial type holidays, the Sabbath is a day we can rest in remembrance of God. Just like we get a day off from work on memorial type holidays to remember a person or commemorate an event, the Sabbath is a day we can rest and remember. It’s a day to pause from our work, reflect, and rejuvenate.  When we rest we put aside the cares of the world and it allows us to focus on our relationship with Him . Just like any meaningful relationship, it’s important to spend time together, talk together, and get to know one another.  Sabbath rest gives us the perfect opportunity to connect with God.  Trusting God with our time also demonstrates our total dependence on God to provide for our needs.  “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19, ESV). “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:6, 7, ESV). Keeping the Sabbath allows us to rest our physical bodies. God didn’t need to rest, but He knows human beings do. It’s important for our mental and physical health to take time to rest and refresh. Studies have shown that people who take time to rest from their labors are healthier and more productive.  “Six days shall work be done, but on the seventh day is a Sabbath of solemn rest, a holy convocation. You shall do no work. It is a Sabbath to the Lord in all your dwelling places” (Leviticus 23:3, ESV). “He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul” (Psalm 23:2,3a, ESV).  The Sabbath is part of the 10 Commandments God gave Moses the Ten Commandments after the Exodus when the Israelites were freed from the bondage of slavery in Egypt. They fled into the wilderness for 40 years. During that time, God wrote the Ten Commandments on tablets of stone with His finger.  The fourth commandment reminded the people to keep the Sabbath day holy. You can read all of the commandments in Exodus 20 and in Deuteronomy 5.  God didn’t give us these commandments because He wanted us to follow a bunch of hard rules. He gave us the Ten Commandments for our own good, that we may live peacefully. He wants us to live practical and enjoyable lives, maintaining uplifting relationships with one another and with Him.  The Sabbath was made for mankind for our own good. God wants you to experience thankfulness and joy on the Sabbath day! Observing the Sabbath can be something we look forward to each week . “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome” (1 John 5:3, ESV). God wanted to show us how important the Sabbath was to Him and how important it is for our own well being. The least we can do is take one day a week off from work and secular activities to focus on our Creator and the world He created for us.  The Bible tells us that the Sabbath isn’t just any day off. We are asked to refrain from pursuing our own business or our own interests and instead look toward the joys we can find in God and the world He created for us. When we call the Sabbath “a delight,” He will make us ride on the heights of the earth! He will bless us when we keep the Sabbath holy. “If you call the Sabbath a delight, and the holy day of the LORD honorable… then you will delight in the LORD, and I will make you ride over the heights of the land…” (Isaiah 58:13,14, CSB).  What day is the Sabbath? If we follow exactly what the Bible specifies several times, the Sabbath is the 7th day of the week.  It started when God sanctified the seventh day in Genesis 2, after He finished creating the world. Later, God’s Word confirms the Saturday Sabbath in Exodus 16, even before the Ten Commandments were written.  When the Israelites were gathering food, God commanded them to gather for six days, “but on the seventh day, the Sabbath, there will be none” (Exodus 16:26, CSB). When discussing the Sabbath, the Bible never assigns any other day to this title. Nowhere in the Bible does it say the Sabbath day was changed.  While there are many Christian denominations that decided to make Sunday, the “Lord’s Day” (honoring Christ’s resurrection), the weekly time to go to church and spend time with family, there was no command in Scripture to do as such. Keeping the Sabbath is the 4th commandment found in God’s eternal moral law. This change of the Sabbath was foretold in the Bible by the prophet Daniel.  “He shall speak words against the Most High, and shall wear out the saints of the Most High, and shall think to change the times and the law …” Daniel 7:25 When Jesus lived here on earth He kept the seventh day Sabbath. However, just a few hundred years after His death and resurrection, early Christians began keeping Sunday as their day of worship just as Daniel foretold.  The change of the Sabbath as the day of worship from Saturday to Sunday happened in the year 321 A.D. The Roman Emperor Constantine issued a decree that all Christians were to begin observing Sunday as a day of rest.  In the verse above, Daniel was saying there would be a kingdom who would try to change God’s law. But God’s law is eternal. And the Sabbath was made for all mankind for all eternity.  “And he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” Mark 2:27 ESV Anyone can keep Sabbath by refraining from work and focusing on God. That also makes it a fitting time to go to church. We find in the Bible that Jesus typically went to the synagogue on Sabbath.  “And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. And as was his custom, he went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and he stood up to read” (Luke 4:16, ESV). “And on the Sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished…” (Mark 6:2, ESV). The Sabbath is the seventh day of the week, according to the Bible. We can follow Jesus’ example by refraining from our regular daily work to focus on Him and His creation.  The Sabbath and the Adventist church In the 1800’s there was a religious revival among protestant Christians. This movement was led by a group of Baptist and Methodist ministers. They proclaimed the soon coming of Jesus and the message quickly spread through their congregations.  These Christians believed Jesus would return in 1844 and when that did not happen they were greatly saddened. This left them searching their Bibles for answers. They began to study the Bible for themselves instead of leaving all interpretation to the clergy,  These Advent Movement Christians noticed the emphasis on the seventh-day Sabbath in the Bible. They had a desire to keep all of God’s commandments.  These Christians decided they would begin to keep the biblical Sabbath even though most churches worshipped on Sunday. Keeping the 4th commandment became a distinctive part of their worship.  The name of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church was chosen because of their belief in keeping the seventh day, as well as their belief in the literal second coming of Christ .  As Sabbath keepers today, we can make the most of this the sacred day of rest each week with our family, friends, and other believers by: worshiping in church rejuvenating our souls through quiet reflection Finding refreshment through time spent in nature Deepening our relationship with Christ through Bible study Strengthening our relationships through time spent with family and friends Resting our weary bodies  The Sabbath is cherished by Adventist Christians around the world. Adventists believe the Sabbath is a blessing for every created person, and it reminds us that we each have a powerful Creator and a loving Savior.

The Sabbath is God's weekly reminder that we are more than what we produce. It’s a gift of sacred time and presence.

What Is The Sabbath

Jewish Sabbath Day: Practices and Differences What is the Jewish Sabbath day, and why do both Jews and Adventists keep it? Discover its origins, traditions, and significance today.
While Seventh-day Adventists and Jews are two different faith groups, they both hold fast to many of the same important biblical truths. One of these key beliefs is observing the seventh-day Sabbath .  It makes sense that this belief would make these major faith groups stand out. The majority of churchgoers around the world regard Sunday as the day for worship.  But Jews and Adventists alike uphold the original Sabbath day, celebrated on the seventh day, right after God created the world (Genesis 2:2, 3). It’s this day that the Fourth Commandment asks us to remember (Exodus 20:8-11). That being the case, one might also wonder if Jews and Adventists celebrate the Sabbath in the same ways, even today. Do they share all the same traditions, or express their love for Sabbath with similar practices? They certainly do. But there are some significant differences in their Sabbath practices, many of which reflect where they differ in their underlying belief structures.  Let’s take a quick look at the history of the Sabbath , and how the traditions of Sabbath-keeping originated and developed throughout history. We’ll go through:  We’ll start as far back as we can go—to the first Sabbath ever celebrated.  The very first Sabbath, established by God at creation God blessed the seventh day long before any of the other major events the Bible . (Though it wasn’t named “Sabbath” until Exodus 16:23.)  You might find, however, that it’s not uncommon for someone to hear about Sabbath-keeping Christians and then remark something like, “but isn’t that the old Jewish Sabbath?” It’s an interesting question. Yes, the seventh-day Sabbath is very old—as old as the creation week.  Genesis 1 describes the six-day creation of our world. The days of creation were clearly and explicitly depicted: day one, day two, day three…up until day six.  And God saw all that He had made, and behold, it was very good. And there was evening and there was morning, the sixth day. Genesis 1:31 (NASB) What happened next couldn’t be clearer about the establishment of this day of rest. Right after the sixth day’s creation, we read: So the heavens and the earth and everything in them were completed. And on the seventh day God had completed His work that He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work that He had done. God blessed the seventh day and declared it holy, for on it He rested from all His work of creation. Genesis 2:1-3 (CSB) Here, and not at Mount Sinai (as commonly believed), do we find the origins of the seventh day being set apart as holy by God. And what’s important is that this setting apart, this blessing of the seventh day, happened long before any specific nationality of people existed. Instead, we are back in Eden itself. Before the fall of Adam and Eve (Genesis 3), before the flood (Genesis 6-8), before the tower of Babel (Genesis 11), before Abraham (Genesis 12), and before the Exodus from Egypt (Exodus 5-12).  So yes, the Sabbath is old. But it was established for all people who would live on earth. Of course, many Jews since antiquity have been keeping the seventh day holy, which is why it’s so often associated with them. But the very wording of the Sabbath commandment itself shows just how universal it is. The fourth commandment, which commemorates the sanctifying of the Sabbath in Eden, shows its broad nature.  Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. For six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of the Lord your God; on it you shall not do any work, you, or your son, or your daughter, your male slave or your female slave, or your cattle, or your resident who stays with you. For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea and everything that is in them, and He rested on the seventh day; for that reason the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy. Exodus 20:8-11 (NASB) We are pointed back to the six-day creation of all life on earth including the first humans, the parents of all who followed. This Sabbath is about the origins of all of us.  The Jews have kept the seventh-day Sabbath longer than any other established religion or denomination, which is honorable and worth appreciating. They also helped preserve some of the ancient Sabbath traditions. The Sabbath itself, however, is the weekly memorial toward our Creator. It was established for the benefit of every human being , allowing us to dedicate 24 hours to taking a break from work, focusing on our Creator , and enjoying the world He made for us.  But did Jesus change the Sabbath? In every encounter Jesus had with the religious leaders over the Sabbath, the issue was never on the continued validity of the seventh-day Sabbath, as opposed to Sunday. In fact, the issue of Sabbath timing is never even mentioned in any exchanges with the Pharisees.  Jesus was actually upholding the seventh-day Sabbath as it was always supposed to be. He was clarifying how the Fourth Commandment was to be kept—as an enjoyable day of rest and gratitude. Not a day burdened by a list of rules. For instance, when Jesus healed a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath, what did He say to the leaders who wanted to accuse Him of breaking the Sabbath?  But He said to them, ‘What man is there among you who has a sheep, and if it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will he not take hold of it and lift it out? How much more valuable then is a person than a sheep! So then, it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath. Matthew 12:11, 12 (NASB) Far from abolishing the Sabbath or changing the day. Jesus was correcting the conniving religious leaders on proper Sabbath observance . It’s the same with every Sabbath encounter in the Gospels between Jesus and the religious leaders. The issue was never about abolishing or changing the day. It was always about how it should be kept.  Jesus’ Sabbath encounters, if read for what they teach, only enhance the continued validity of the seventh-day Sabbath. This is a big part of why Seventh-day Adventists keep it.  Similarities in Sabbath observance between Jews and Adventists No question, Adventists keep the same Sabbath day as do practicing Jews. Here are some similarities in how they do this. Celebrating Sabbath from sunset to sunset While many faith groups keep the seventh-day Sabbath, not all of them begin the weekly Sabbath at the same time of day. For both Jews and Adventists, they begin Sabbath at sunset on Friday night, just as they did throughout the Bible .  This means that depending on the time of year, the Sabbath could start and end at different times of the day. Refraining from work and business on the Sabbath Adventists and Jews alike follow the words of the Fourth Commandment that tell us to “not do any work” on the Sabbath day, as that is part of keeping it “holy.” Just as God switched from making things to enjoying things on the first Sabbath, Adventists and Jews shift their focus each seventh day. Attending worship services on Sabbath Since the gift of the Sabbath provides a 24-hour period in which we don’t have to go to work, think about work, or worry about the typical mundane obligations of the weekdays, it’s the perfect opportunity to gather together and worship God.  Differences in Sabbath-keeping practices between Jews and Adventists Several of the Sabbath-keeping differences lie within the method, rather than principle or belief. While these practices can vary between individuals, many Jews who keep Shabbat make sure several safeguards are in place. This is to make certain the Sabbath isn’t broken, even unintentionally. For example, when it comes to the Sabbath’s beginning at Friday sunset, some Jewish communities have a tradition of lighting Sabbath candles about 18 minutes before the sun is supposed to set. This helps provide a “grace period” for days when the sky is cloudy and it’s harder to see when the sun sets, or to accommodate “watches and clocks set to slightly different times, ensuring that no one begins Shabbat any later than the actual sunset.”  Many Orthodox Jews have also come up with creative solutions to make certain no work is done on the Sabbath. For instance, Jews that keep the Sabbath in this way will not drive to the synagogue for Sabbath services. They choose to walk instead. And in some buildings you might find an elevator that is programmed to automatically stop on every floor on the Sabbath, because pushing buttons is considered a form of work, since the act completes an electric circuit.  It’s also common for Orthodox Jews to refrain from carrying money or writing/typing on Sabbath. The foundation of all these practices among the Orthodox is called the avot melachah , which covers 39 main categories of labor. These prohibitions include things like adding fresh water to a vase of cut flowers, applying makeup, rubbing soap to make lather, opening an umbrella, wearing eyeglasses that aren’t permanently required, and brushing mud from your shoes. There are also some objects that Jews are discouraged from even touching on the Sabbath, such as phones, computers, flashlights, money, pens or pencils, etc. These are objects typically associated with work. When it comes to Sabbath-keeping for Adventists, the Church does not dictate to individual members how to keep the Sabbath, at least not beyond the principles found in the Bible (see Exodus 16:29; 20:8-11; 34:21; Isaiah 58:13; Nehemiah 13:15-22). Though Adventists take the Sabbath seriously (it is, after all, one of the Ten Commandments ), they focus more on the relationship aspect of what Sabbath offers. Yes, a big part of Sabbath is about not working. But other than that, it isn’t supposed to be a list of what not to do. Ideally, it’s an opportunity to ask ourselves, How can I spend this day, now freed from many worldly tasks, to deepen my relationship with God and family or others ? Additionally, even though the ideal is that all should put aside their work for these sacred 24 hours, it’s not uncommon to find doctors, nurses, ministers, and other service or emergency personnel working simply because of safety or necessity (just like the guards in Nehemiah 13:19).  Adventists uphold that the idea behind the Sabbath is to hit the pause button on pursuing business, growing wealth, focusing on personal gain, etc. It would be best if no one would have to work on Sabbath, but there is recognition that some jobs need to keep going for the sake of the community. And for those who are bound to a workplace on Sabbath, there is still intentional effort in making the whole day special and dedicated to God.  Most Adventists are likely to put aside household chores as well, such as laundry, cleaning, yardwork, and sometimes hobby projects or non-urgent repairs. In addition, Adventists also spread the joy of the Sabbath by trying their best not to make people around them have to work, either. The Fourth Commandment encourages us to extend this day off to our families, servants, and houseguests (Exodus 20:10). Adventists cherish what is written in the Gospels, the words of Jesus, who is “Lord of the Sabbath” (Mark 2:28; Luke 6:5). In response to the Pharisee’s many laws for Sabbath-keeping, He said: The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath. Mark 2:27 (NASB) God made the Sabbath for our enjoyment, our enrichment, and our growing relationship with Him. Adventists seek to avoid working on the Sabbath. But they also don’t want it to feel it’s like hard work trying to avoid work. If the effort is made to put aside the stresses and obligations of the typical weekday so the focus can be placed on God and His creation, that’s the spirit of Sabbath. By commanding rest, the Sabbath gives us permission to set aside our regular obligations. Then we can dedicated this time to reconnect with God and family in ways our busy schedules usually make difficult. It forms a hedge, protecting that time for our spiritual rejuvenation. And finally, Adventists rest in the atoning and restoring work of Jesus. They know people are saved by faith, not by works (Romans 3:28, Romans 4:1-4). We follow God’s commandments as a loving, grateful response to who He is and what He has done for us. And each weekly Sabbath allows time to reflect upon this beautiful Christian truth.  Embracing the blessing All differences aside, both Adventists and Jews appreciate the amazing gift God has given us with the Sabbath. It helps us stay close to our Creator, while taking time to enjoy all His creation. And, instead of us having to go to it, the Sabbath comes to us. Once a week, at about one thousand miles an hour, the seventh-day Sabbath sweeps across the timelines of the globe—a memorial in time to God’s work of creating things in space. God made the Sabbath for everyone, and everyone is invited to experience this blessing, no matter what faith group you come from.   https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/ask-the-expert-when-does-shabbat-start/ Halperin, Levi Y., Shabbat and Electricity

What is the Jewish Sabbath day, and why do both Jews and Adventists keep it? Discover its origins, traditions, and significance today.

Jewish Sabbath Day: Practices and Differences

Jesus serves as our High Priest in the heavenly sanctuary, interceding for us with mercy and justice. The Bible gives us a glimpse of that sacred work.

What Is Christ’s Ministry in the Heavenly Sanctuary?

Spiritual Growth: Keeping the Sabbath Day Holy Discover how keeping the Sabbath can strengthen your relationship with God. Set aside a special day for rest, prayer, and worship to renew your spirit.
When you want to become closer with someone, naturally you try to spend more time with them. The weekly Sabbath presents the perfect opportunity for intentional, prayerful time with God .  After all, it’s a day set apart to recognize and celebrate Him as our Creator. To make the most of the opportunity to deepen your relationship with Jesus , let’s look at:  What is the Sabbath?  The Sabbath is a day of rest, where we pause our regular weekly obligations to honor God’s role as Creator of the world. The Sabbath actually goes all the way back to the Garden of Eden.  This was God’s original intention for the Sabbath. Time to spend with Him and enjoy everything He created for us .  That’s why, on the seventh day of creation, God blessed the Sabbath day and “made it holy.” And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all his work that He had done. So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all his work that He had done in creation. Genesis 2:2-3 (ESV) God ceased His work of creating as an example to us. Not only do our bodies need physical rest—we also need to rest our minds and refresh our souls.  For 24 hours, starting Friday at sunset, we aren’t focusing on our to-do lists. We’re not doing business or expecting others to serve us. We’re making time to connect with our Creator.  So, let’s find out how we can connect with our Creator on the Sabbath day.  How can we make the most of this Sabbath opportunity? We can use the Sabbath to connect with God by using the time to learn more about Him, and by doing activities that keep our minds on Him and His creation. Quality time is big in any relationship, so of course it will be important in your spiritual growth with God.  And quality time isn’t necessarily about having time, it’s about making time.  Imagine coming home from work and your spouse is cooking supper. You walk right past them, hurrying to collapse on the couch. Maybe you eke out a quick “hey” before catching up on work emails with the TV on in the background. Then, when it’s time for bed, you make a comment about your schedule the next day before falling asleep.  Obviously, if this pattern continued, your relationship would suffer. When every interaction is rushed, social connections never deepen.  No, it’s not wrong to check your emails or update your appointment calendars. These things often need our attention.  However, it’s small things that pile up and consume our attention that can also keep us from actively pursuing a relationship with God.  Just as you would make time for a friend to strengthen that relationship, your relationship with God is strengthened when you take time to get to know Him better.  Here are some ways to do just that.  Study the Bible on Sabbath What better way to connect with God than to read the Word of God ? We even find that Jesus “went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read” (Luke 4:16, ESV). Studying Scripture has long been a Sabbath tradition, both in groups and in solitude. The Sabbath offers undistracted time to read and reflect on the passages you read. Try keeping a notebook or journal with your Bible, so you can write down any questions or thoughts that come to mind while you study .  Remember to pray before, during, and after your study as well. Make it not only a study time, but a time of communing with the One you’re wanting to learn more about.  Reading the Bible can also show us other ways to spend time with God. For example, reading the Psalms can teach us examples of praise, prayer, and worship to God. Worship God on Sabbath Worshipping God and praising Him, like we see David do in the Psalms, allows us to focus on how amazing and incredible He truly is.  As we welcome the 24-hour Sabbath at Friday evening’s sunset, we can tune our hearts to a spirit of worship. …True worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth… John 4:23 (ESV) Lord, You are my God; I will exalt You, I will give thanks to Your name; For You have worked wonders, plans formed long ago, with perfect faithfulness. Isaiah 25:1 (NASB) Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe. Hebrews 12:28 (ESV) Worship is a heartfelt expression of adoration and respect. It can take many forms: Music (listening, singing, playing) Prayer Reflection Testifying of what God has done Church services / corporate worship The Bible gives us many examples of God’s people singing, shouting, clapping, or even simply praying together. All in the name of God’s sovereignty and love. Whichever form of worship you choose, know that God delights in it. Your sincerity is all that matters. Attending church on Sabbath This form of worship, praising God with a faith community, is such a great way to connect with God as we also connect with others who believe in and seek Him. The Bible even talks about gathering together on Sabbath for “a holy convocation,” or an assembly of God’s people (Leviticus 23:3). Both the Israelites and the early Christians met together to worship and encourage one another each Sabbath. As they went out, the people begged that these things might be told them the next Sabbath. And after the meeting of the synagogue broke up, many Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who, as they spoke with them, urged them to continue in the grace of God. The next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. Acts 13:42-44 (ESV) And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. Hebrews 10:24, 25 (ESV) It’s beneficial in multifaceted ways for believers to gather, learn, and worship together. Being an active part of God’s family of believers can be such a great blessing to you and your family each week. And Jesus promises that when we gather together, His Spirit is there with us: For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them. Matthew 18:20 (ESV) Just like we have an innate need for community in our everyday lives, we need the community of other believers as well. God is a relational God, and we all long for meaningful connections. And through these profound connections with others, we can also get profound glimpses of God. Praying on Sabbath Since we’re making time for God on Sabbath, it’s the perfect opportunity to enrich your prayer life. Prayer involves intentionally directing our attention to God.  Just like when we sit down with a friend, there’s eye contact, we silence our chatter, and we make it plain that we’re here to listen, share, and reflect together. It’s a similar intentionality with prayer, even if we can’t “see” God sitting with us. Through prayer we can more clearly hear God communicating with us. We can use prayer to praise God, confess our sins, express gratitude, and ask for guidance. But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. Matthew 6:6 (ESV) And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. Luke 18:1 (ESV) Prayer helps us connect to God in a meaningful, personal way. That’s why the Bible also encourages us to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). God invites us to pray to Him anytime, anywhere, in any way. But the Sabbath is a special day that allows us to focus on connecting with God more deeply, without the distractions of everything else. We don’t have to feel rushed or hampered by the demands of the workweek. Fellowship with other believers on Sabbath As we established earlier, the Sabbath is a wonderful time to connect with other believers who encourage us in our walk with Jesus.  We can learn so much from each other, and by connecting with them, we can see the different creative sides of God. As a relational God that also valued uniqueness and cooperation, we can see different facets of God’s “personality” expressed in those He created.  And by gathering together with the intention to study God’s Word, or spend time with others with a spiritual focus, we’re following the example of Jesus’ disciples and the Christians of the early church . They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Acts 2:42 (NASB) Having friends to hold you accountable is also important to Christian growth. The perspective of others who care about God and about us is invaluable. And as Christians, we can help each through hard times, and “encourage one another and build one another up” (1 Thessalonians 5:11, ESV). Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17 (NASB) Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2 (ESV) Enjoying Nature on Sabbath Since Sabbath is a celebration of Creation, it only makes sense to celebrate His creative power by spending time in nature. With a day set aside, we can reflect on God’s love for us through the beauty of His creation. Enjoy the fresh air, colorful landscapes, and majestic sky. Experience the quiet and calm you can get by leaving behind the hustle and bustle.  The Bible talks about how we can connect to God through nature. God reveals Himself through His handiwork. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made… Romans 1:20 (ESV) The world around us testifies to God’s power. When we look for Him, we see Him in every work of creation. Even though the earth is flawed by sin , glimmers of the majesty of God’s creativity still shine through.  The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge. Without speech or language, without a sound to be heard, their voice has gone out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. Psalm 19:1-4 (ESV) It might even help to bring your Bible with you when you go outside. Read the story of creation, especially when it talks about the Sabbath. Take in the beauty around you, reflecting on how God spent the very first Sabbath.  Keeping Sabbath helps us put God first We make time for what’s important to us. If there’s something we want in our lives, we’ll often rearrange whatever we can to make it fit. The truth is, we’re all busy. But we all make choices each day about how we’ll spend our time. Each one of us has the same number of hours and minutes in a day.  What’s important to you? God commanded us to keep His Sabbath day holy for our own good. But just because it’s part of the Law of God doesn’t mean the Sabbath is about a list of dos and don’ts.  In fact, the Sabbath was given to us as a gift of God’s grace. Just like all of God’s laws, the point of them is to promote and preserve our happiness, our capacity to love, our strength, and our devotion to Him as Creator and Sustainer.  Keeping the Sabbath is something we do out of love for our Creator—not because we have to. And once we understand the significance of the seventh-day Sabbath, setting aside that time each week can become something we look forward to. It can be invigorating to discover how the Sabbath offers you time to rest and connect with God. Making the Sabbath a priority honors God and expresses gratitude that He made us and the world we live in.  It also expresses faith that, even though we broke the world He gave us, He still allows us to be connected with Him. And this points forward to heaven…when we will enjoy His creation in perfection, without the taint of sin. Embracing Sabbath like this can draw you closer to God in ways you may have never imagined. And it can be a sampling of His creative majesty, that we will one day experience in full, after Jesus returns .

Discover how keeping the Sabbath can strengthen your relationship with God. Set aside a special day for rest, prayer, and worship to renew your spirit.

Spiritual Growth: Keeping the Sabbath Day Holy

[object Object]  Have you noticed? Life rarely slows down on its own. Days blur together, notifications never stop, work never seems to end, and rest often feels like something we have to earn. Many of us are exhausted — not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually. But what if we looked at it this way: what if rest wasn’t a reward, but a rhythm? For thousands of years, people across cultures and belief systems have practiced setting aside one day each week to rest. Not to achieve more, but to stop. To breathe. To be present. To reconnect with family, community, creation, and the deeper questions of life. In the Bible, this practice is called the Sabbath. It’s described as a gift. A space in time designed for restoration, relationship, and reflection. It’s a space for presence. You don’t have to have all the answers. You don’t have to belong to a particular faith. The Sabbath is an invitation to experience rest in a deeper way. It’s an invitation to step out of constant motion and rediscover what it means to simply be. Whether you’re curious about the spiritual roots of Sabbath, looking for a healthier rhythm of life, longing to reconnect with what matters most, or just needing space to breathe, this day offers something worth exploring. It’s an opportunity to take the rest that is so desperately needed.  Frequently Asked Questions I think I need rest, but what are you talking about? You’re not alone. Many people feel overwhelmed or tired in ways that a good night’s sleep alone doesn’t ﬁx. Life moves fast, expectations are constant, and it’s easy to feel as if there’s never a good time to truly stop. When we talk about rest here, we’re not just talking about taking a break or ﬁnding a free moment. We’re talking about intentionally setting aside time that’s protected from pressure and productivity so your body, mind, relationships, and spirit can be renewed.  For centuries, people have discovered that rest works best when it’s part of a natural rhythm, not something squeezed in when everything else is ﬁnished. Many cultures around the globe have practiced a weekly day of rest as a regular, recurring pause built into the ﬂow of life.  In the Bible, this interval is called the Sabbath: a weekly gift meant to restore, reconnect, and renew. Whether you’re exploring its spiritual roots or simply looking for a healthier way to live, the idea begins with something very human: You need rest — and it’s OK to take it.    What is the Sabbath? The Sabbath is a weekly day of rest. It’s a pause built into time itself. In the Bible, it’s described as a gift given to humanity, a day set apart for rest, reﬂection, connection, and renewal. The Sabbath is about creating space — space to slow down, to be present with people you care about, and to reconnect with what gives life meaning.  This is a verse that sums it up: “The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath” (Mark 2:27, NKJV).   Is the Sabbath only for religious people? No. While the Sabbath has deep biblical roots, the practice of setting aside regular time for rest and renewal speaks to a universal human need. People from many backgrounds have found significant value in stepping away from constant activity and creating a weekly rhythm that prioritizes rest, relationships, and reflection. The Sabbath invites anyone to experience time differently, in a shared experience of rest.  When is the Sabbath? Seventh-day Adventists observe the Sabbath from sunset on Friday to sunset on Saturday, following the biblical rhythm of time. For many, this timing becomes part of the beauty of the day: a clear beginning and ending that helps mark the transition from doing to being.   What do people actually do on the Sabbath? Sabbath is an opportunity to choose what brings life, peace, and connection. It looks different for different people, but it often includes: • Resting from the normal pressures of work and schedules; • Sharing unhurried time with family or friends; • Being present, with space for kindness toward others; • Enjoying nature and creation; • Participating in community or worship; • Reﬂecting, praying, or simply being still.   What is the Sabbath really about? In the Bible, the Sabbath is described as a time when people stepped away from what usually deﬁned them and remembered their value wasn’t based on output. What deﬁned people back then, and what seems to deﬁne us now, is often productivity, obligation, and the constant demand to keep going.  Here is the beauty of the Sabbath: It’s about freedom. For many, the guidelines around Sabbath aren’t about control, but rather about protecting space for rest and relationship in a world that constantly demands more — it’s about this gift in time we’ve been given.   Why do Seventh-day Adventists care so much about the Sabbath? Seventh-day Adventists believe the Sabbath reﬂects something deeply important about God’s character — a God who values rest, relationship, and human well-being. The Sabbath points back to creation, reminds people of freedom, and oﬀers a weekly reminder that life is about more than productivity. For Adventists, keeping the Sabbath is about receiving and honoring a gift God has already given. That’s why we follow the weekly rhythm of the Sabbath; setting the seventh day of the week aside. This verse highlights what God gifted us through His thoughtful creation: “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy” (Exodus 20:8, NKJV).   What does a Sabbath day look like? The Sabbath can begin with simply showing up as you are. Many people start small by setting aside intentional time, turning oﬀ distractions, or creating moments of rest and connection. Over time, the Sabbath becomes less about stopping everything and more about choosing what truly matters. It’s a decision to pause even when that means letting productivity go for a while (see Genesis 2:2).   What if I’m curious, but not sure what I believe? That’s OK. Curiosity is a good place to start. You’re welcome to explore the idea of Sabbath, ask questions, and reﬂect at your own pace.  If you’d like, you can talk with someone who’s happy to listen, answer questions, or simply explore what purposeful rest could look like in your life.    How can I learn more or talk with someone? If you’d like to explore further, you can: • Chat with someone about rest, faith, or meaning; • Learn more about the Sabbath’s spiritual roots; • Ask questions in a safe, welcoming space; • Search the Bible for yourself.   We’re here to listen and walk with you wherever you are on your journey. 

Sabbath campaign

[object Object]  Have you noticed? Life rarely slows down on its own. Days blur together, notifications never stop, work never seems to end, and rest often feels like something we have to earn. Many of us are exhausted — not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually. But what if we looked at it this way: what if rest wasn’t a reward, but a rhythm? For thousands of years, people across cultures and belief systems have practiced setting aside one day each week to rest. Not to achieve more, but to stop. To breathe. To be present. To reconnect with family, community, creation, and the deeper questions of life. In the Bible, this practice is called the Sabbath. It’s described as a gift— A space in time designed for restoration, relationship, and reflection. It’s a space for presence. You don’t have to have all the answers. You don’t have to belong to a particular faith. The Sabbath is an invitation to experience rest in a deeper way. It’s an invitation to step out of constant motion and rediscover what it means to simply be. Whether you’re curious about the spiritual roots of Sabbath, looking for a healthier rhythm of life, longing to reconnect with what matters most, or just needing space to breathe, this day offers something worth exploring. It’s an opportunity to take the rest that is so desperately needed.  Frequently Asked Questions I think I need rest, but what are you talking about? You’re not alone. Many people feel overwhelmed or tired in ways that a good night’s sleep alone doesn’t ﬁx. Life moves fast, expectations are constant, and it’s easy to feel as if there’s never a good time to truly stop. When we talk about rest here, we’re not just talking about taking a break or ﬁnding a free moment. We’re talking about intentionally setting aside time that’s protected from pressure and productivity so your body, mind, relationships, and spirit can be renewed.  For centuries, people have discovered that rest works best when it’s part of a natural rhythm, not something squeezed in when everything else is ﬁnished. Many cultures around the globe have practiced a weekly day of rest as a regular, recurring pause built into the ﬂow of life.  In the Bible, this interval is called the Sabbath: a weekly gift meant to restore, reconnect, and renew. Whether you’re exploring its spiritual roots or simply looking for a healthier way to live, the idea begins with something very human: You need rest — and it’s OK to take it.    What is the Sabbath? The Sabbath is a weekly day of rest. It’s a pause built into time itself. In the Bible, it’s described as a gift given to humanity, a day set apart for rest, reﬂection, connection, and renewal.  The Sabbath is about creating space — space to slow down, to be present with people you care about, and to reconnect with what gives life meaning.  This is a verse that sums it up: “The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath” (Mark 2:27, NKJV).   Is the Sabbath only for religious people? No. While the Sabbath has deep biblical roots, the practice of setting aside regular time for rest and renewal speaks to a universal human need. People from many backgrounds have found significant value in stepping away from constant activity and creating a weekly rhythm that prioritizes rest, relationships, and reflection. The Sabbath invites anyone to experience time differently, in a shared experience of rest.  When is the Sabbath? Seventh-day Adventists observe the Sabbath from sunset on Friday to sunset on Saturday, following the biblical rhythm of time. For many, this timing becomes part of the beauty of the day: a clear beginning and ending that helps mark the transition from doing to being.   What do people actually do on the Sabbath? Sabbath is an opportunity to choose what brings life, peace, and connection. It looks different for different people, but it often includes: • Resting from the normal pressures of work and schedules; • Sharing unhurried time with family or friends; • Being present, with space for kindness toward others; • Enjoying nature and creation; • Participating in community or worship; • Reﬂecting, praying, or simply being still.   What is the Sabbath really about? In the Bible, the Sabbath is described as a time when people stepped away from what usually deﬁned them and remembered their value wasn’t based on output. What deﬁned people back then, and what seems to deﬁne us now, is often productivity, obligation, and the constant demand to keep going.  Here is the beauty of the Sabbath. It’s about freedom. For many, the guidelines around Sabbath aren’t about control, but rather about protecting space for rest and relationship in a world that constantly demands more — it’s about this gift in time we’ve been given.    Why do Seventh-day Adventists care so much about the Sabbath? Seventh-day Adventists believe the Sabbath reﬂects something deeply important about God’s character — a God who values rest, relationship, and human well-being. The Sabbath points back to creation, reminds people of freedom, and oﬀers a weekly reminder that life is about more than productivity. For Adventists, keeping the Sabbath is about receiving and honoring a gift God has already given. That’s why we follow the weekly rhythm of the Sabbath; setting the seventh day of the week aside. This verse highlights what God gifted us through His thoughtful creation: “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy” (Exodus 20:8, NKJV).   What does a Sabbath day look like? The Sabbath can begin with simply showing up as you are. Many people start small by setting aside intentional time, turning oﬀ distractions, or creating moments of rest and connection. Over time, the Sabbath becomes less about stopping everything and more about choosing what truly matters. It’s a decision to pause even when that means letting productivity go for a while (see Genesis 2:2).   What if I’m curious, but not sure what I believe? That’s OK. Curiosity is a good place to start. You’re welcome to explore the idea of Sabbath, ask questions, and reﬂect at your own pace.  If you’d like, you can talk with someone who’s happy to listen, answer questions, or simply explore what purposeful rest could look like in your life.    How can I learn more or talk with someone? If you’d like to explore further, you can: Chat with someone about rest, faith, or meaning; Learn more about the Sabbath’s spiritual roots; Ask questions in a safe, welcoming space; Search the Bible for yourself.  We’re here to listen and walk with you wherever you are on your journey. 

Sabbath campaign (Copy)

Sabbath: Fortify Your Family Ties Strengthen your family relationships with the beauty of family Sabbath traditions. Create lasting memories and bond with your loved ones.
Did you know that keeping the Sabbath can help make your family stronger? After all, it’s a time set aside by God to enjoy all that He created —from the air we breathe to the people we come in contact with each day. By stepping away from work, school, and all the other obligations and stressors of the week, we can enter into rest and communion with God . This allows us to better connect with those around us as well. Let’s look at exactly how Sabbath can provide the focused, quality time to build up your relationships with those you love.  First, let’s look back at why the Sabbath was created and how it’s perfect for uniting families as they focus on God . WHY WAS THE SABBATH CREATED? The Sabbath was created as a gift on the seventh day of Creation (Genesis 2:1-3). God had our well-being in mind during the first creation week. He knew how much we’d need time set apart to refresh our weary hearts and remember how much He loves us.  He also knew the importance of taking a moment to revel in the goodness of His creation. And in the beautiful relationships that are part of it.  The word “Sabbath” comes from the Hebrew word shabbat, which means to stop or pause for the purpose of rest.  At the first shabbat, right after creating the world, God stopped His work and rested on the seventh day, enjoying what He just made, as an example to us. After a long day’s work, we’re worn out. We need physical rest from our labor. The blessing of the Sabbath restores us physically, spiritually, and emotionally: We are able to physically rest on the Sabbath We are able to reconnect with God by reading His word and being in His presence Through these things, we are able to strengthen our family relationships and help fulfill one another’s emotional needs.  So let’s look more closely at exactly how the Sabbath helps us enrich our relationships, especially with our families.  HOW IS THE SABBATH BENEFICIAL TO FAMILIES? True rest is more beneficial than we might realize. Taking time to hit pause allows us time to focus on what is truly important in life.  During the week, we tend to forget to prioritize our relationships as we get caught up in deadlines, work projects, home projects, etc.  The Sabbath helps us realign our priorities.  God knew that prearranged, set-aside time is highly beneficial for keeping relational bonds strong. Relationships need nurture. Or they can wither over time. So it’s no surprise that families who spend more time together are stronger and happier . In fact, time and proximity alone can be enough to spark new friendships. Consistently being in the presence of someone helps us bond in ways we aren’t even aware of, or can’t always put into words.  And each Sabbath, this can happen regularly between us and God, and between us and our loved ones. To help us understand what this looks like, let’s see what we can find in Scripture.  WHAT DID FAMILIES IN THE BIBLE DO TO GROW SPIRITUALLY? It’s God’s design for families to worship and pray together. We see in the book of Deuteronomy that prayer , worship, and knowledge in the Lord were encouraged to be part of an everyday regimen: And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. Deuteronomy 6:6-9 (ESV) For God’s people, faith is a part of their everyday lives. Parents are to teach their children the Scriptures and the commandments of God , including the Sabbath.  Writing to Timothy, Paul says: I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well. 2 Timothy 1:5 (ESV) But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 3:14, 15 (ESV) Timothy’s mother and grandmother taught him to be a faithful follower of Christ . What a wonderful legacy to pass down to future generations. We can learn so much from the faithful people in the Bible . We can also use the example of Jesus to learn ways to keep the Sabbath as a family.  In the Bible, Jesus: Rested by communing with God and others (Matthew 27:58-60) Healed the sick (Mark 3:1; John 5:2; John 9; Luke 13) Taught people about the love of God (Matthew 12:19; Mark 1:21; Mark 6:2) Spent quality time with/shared meals with loved ones (Matthew 12; Luke 14:1) We can use these activities as starting points for other ideas. Participating in things that align with Jesus’ actions on the Sabbath can restore our family relationships and bring us closer to our Heavenly Father. IDEAS TO CELEBRATE SABBATH WITH YOUR FAMILY Keeping the Sabbath is really about spending your time focusing on those things in life that really matter. Try planning activities on the Sabbath that can bring you closer to God and your family.  Creating family traditions for the Sabbath can help make the day something to enjoy and look forward to. It can also create stronger bonds between us and God.  Some of these traditions can revolve around: Preparing for the Sabbath Beginning the Sabbath Enjoying Sabbath meals Spending quality time with God, each other, and fellow believers Let’s explore each of these in detail to help us find ways to strengthen our families.  #1 Preparing for the Sabbath Sabbath preparation will help you: Anticipate the Sabbath and feel more rested Bond through working together on shared tasks  First of all, observing the Sabbath is so much easier when you don’t have to worry about things like: What you will all eat If the house is clean If you have the things on hand you’ll need for the weekend Preparing your home for the Sabbath is the first step in making sure you’re able to truly rest. It’s easy to still feel stressed if your environment is still messy or full of half-done projects. Secondly, participating in preparation activities is a great way to spend quality time together. Doing cooperative tasks ensures that everyone plays a part in making Sabbath special.  Here are some ways you can work together to prepare before Sabbath day so that it can be as restful as possible: Cleaning the house Filling the gas tanks in your vehicles Grocery shopping Planning your Sabbath menu Preparing food ahead of time Choosing what you’ll wear to church Shopping for items you need for the weekend Switch things up each week, too, if you feel like that might help. For example, one week, the children of the household can plan the menu and help with grocery shopping, and on another week they can help with preparing the house.  Or, each week your family can decide on a certain part of the house to add some Sabbath decoration to, like Sabbath candles, a framed Bible verse, a special table setting, or a reminder of God’s creation, like a bouquet of wildflowers that you picked together. These are just some examples of how Sabbath preparation can involve all members of the family. When we work together, we nourish our relationships and look forward to the restfulness of the end result: the Sabbath. When it comes to your family, you know each other best. You might come up with all kinds of things you’ll look forward to doing (or not doing!) each week as you prepare for Sabbath.  #2 Beginning the Sabbath Each member can play a part in greeting the Sabbath each Friday evening and making it special. For some ideas on how to do that, a few Jewish traditions for Sabbath observance can give us a fun starting point with a biblical basis.  Since the Sabbath begins at sundown, some people light “Sabbath candles,” and a member of the family chooses a passage to read from the Bible.  You can make this specific to your family by letting each member share their favorite Bible verse or singing a praise song together.  Also, instead of greeting people with a “hello” like every other day of the week, try greeting each other with “Happy Sabbath!”  #3 Enjoying Sabbath Meals One of the best ways to bond with people is over food, right? So it would only make sense to make Sabbath meals a special time to enjoy together. A special meal on Friday night and Saturday afternoon is a wonderful way to relax and enjoy your favorite things while you celebrate the Sabbath . To make it even more special, you can make your own food traditions to become part of your Sabbath celebration. Maybe Friday night you always serve soup with Jewish Challah bread. Or perhaps you make your favorite homemade pizza. Or make fresh lemonade. Of course, you don’t have to have the same kind of food each week for Sabbath. It’s really all about making the day meaningful for your family and spending time together. Match your traditions to what your family enjoys. (But a word of caution: Be careful not to let the traditions become more important than the fellowship—or your health! If, over time, some things become stressful or tiresome to maintain, or if they just lose some of their original excitement, remember that the priority is restful, bonding, God-focused time. No need to put too much pressure on yourself or your family.) #4 SPECIAL SABBATH ACTIVITIES Setting aside special activities to reserve for Sabbath can help you spend time with God, serve others, and spend meaningful time with your family. To start, ask your family what activities they think would be fun to do on Sabbath. (These could possibly become the Sabbath traditions or rituals you grow to enjoy and remember.) Even brainstorming these traditions together can be an activity in and of itself!  For instance: Perhaps your family would like to wake up early on Sabbath morning for breakfast together or for a nature walk. Or, maybe you pre-make a delicious breakfast together the day before, so you can all sleep in! Or maybe you decide to volunteer somewhere together, like a soup kitchen, a nursing home, a children’s home, a community service center, etc. Get creative and work together to plan for making Sabbath special each week. But always remember that Sabbath’s real blessing is about enjoying God’s creation and spending time with those He gave us in our families.  Sabbath does not have to become all about how creative of an activity can you come up with, or how many things you can do that are uniquely for the Sabbath, etc.  This special day is also made to restore our souls. Some weeks, you may not feel like doing anything!  And that might be just what you and your family need. Some Sabbaths can be celebrated by embracing shabbat , by stopping everything else and just relaxing together, enjoying one another’s company, thanking God for this opportunity. 92 SABBATH ACTIVITY IDEAS FAMILIES CAN DO TOGETHER Enjoy Friday night worship with family and friends Ask for prayer requests and pray together Take a hike or spend time in nature Play a Bible Trivia game Visit a neighbor or church member. Study the Bible together Draw or illustrate Bible stories Do crafts to illustrate Bible characters or stories Play musical instruments together Read a Sabbath book out loud Listen to a Sabbath podcast Listen to Your Story Hour stories on CD or online Visit online sites to answer spiritual questions people have Invite a less fortunate family over to visit Learn new praise songs Write a song Use Bible-based conversation starters to connect with one another Draw discussion topics from a hat and talk about them Brings treats to your neighbor and fellowship together Take food to a homeless shelter or volunteer to help Visit a nursing home Invite friends to the park for a campfire and songs Hold a Bible story time in the park Give a Bible study to a new believer Write and share your personal testimony Share Bible tracts with people in town Visit widows or shut-ins who belong to your church Create a Bible scene with felts Play Bible charades Look through old family photo albums Color in a pretty nature-themed coloring book Create “Top Ten” lists: Bible stories, sea animals, pets, etc. Go on a nature scavenger hunt Visit with relatives Go on a walk Dress in costume and do a Bible skit Video chat with friends or family who live far away Write letters to missionaries and pray for them Go camping with your family or church group Put a nature puzzle together Do a topical Bible study Study trees and learn how to identify them Offer to babysit children for a single parent Read the words to a hymn and discuss the meaning Sing songs around the piano Listen to Christian music Have a special Sabbath box of toys and activities for the children Do Bible crossword puzzles Play a Bible board game Pray outside together Read miracle stories Pray for the family you plan to visit next week Quietly watch the sun as it sets on Saturday evening Call someone who wasn’t at church and let them know they were missed Share one thing you love about each other Visit prison inmates or start a prison ministry Visit an orphanage Talk about what heaven might be like together Study the Sabbath school lesson Think of questions you’d like to ask Jesus Take a cd copy of the sermon to someone who missed church Have family worship outside Write a letter to Jesus or color a picture for Jesus Learn a memory verse Invite someone to your home who can’t return the favor Make a gratitude list Pick someone up for church who doesn’t have a ride Take church magazines or literature to a neighbor or friend who would appreciate them Write down your prayer requests and answers to prayers Take your dog for a long walk or to the park Take a meal to a shut-in or a family with a new baby Turn off the lights on Friday night and use candles instead Memorize Scripture songs Visit a national forest Invite someone to attend church with your family Interview the oldest member of your church Make handmade cards to send to someone who is sick Make a shoebox diorama of your favorite Bible story Spread a blanket in the grass and find pictures in the clouds Have an “object lesson:” Each person picks an object and shares a lesson from the Bible using that object Talk about how to honor and respect God’s house Write a parable in your own words Write a letter to a Bible character Discuss the highlights of the pastor’s sermon over supper Take a bike ride together Plan a random act of kindness Find gospel quotes to share on social media Write in a family journal Pick flowers and take them to a friend or neighbor Talk about family values and what they mean to you Write a thank you note to someone who was kind to you this week Attend your local church When you put in effort toward celebrating the Sabbath as a family, you can find yourselves blessed in countless ways. The Bible even tells us that God wants us to find the Sabbath “a delight” (Isaiah 58:13).

Strengthen your family relationships with the beauty of family Sabbath traditions. Create lasting memories and bond with your loved ones.

Sabbath: Fortify Your Family Ties

Why does the Bible seem to say different things in different places? Learn how studying context can help us understand Scripture more completely.

Contradictions in the Bible - Do They Really Exist?

[object Object]   Before becoming Seventh-day Adventists , the founders of the denomination were sitting in the pews of other protestant churches in the early-to-mid 1800s. They were farmers, lawyers, teachers…and a handful of Adventism’s prominent early leaders were already involved in pastoral ministry.  The roots of Adventism can be traced back to the Second Great Awakening, which inspired a spirit of revival throughout the United States in the late 1700s and early 1800s. More people had Bibles in their homes and began to study Scripture themselves rather than leaving that to clergy. Many biblical truths were brought back into light, such as the seventh-day Sabbath and the literal Second Coming of Christ . Tent meetings and Bible studies led people to a deeper understanding of God’s love and His plans for humanity. People began to crave a more authentic Christian walk, beyond the traditions and rituals that had been routine for so long. Several separate groups of these devout Christians were dispersed throughout the northeastern United States. But God brought them together, and what began as the “Advent Movement” is now a worldwide Christian protestant denomination with over 20 million members.  Laying the Groundwork for Adventism: The “Millerites” and the Second Coming In the 1830s, a farmer, military veteran, and devout Baptist named William Miller continued the fervor of the spiritual “awakening” and sought to deepen his Bible study. Especially after returning from war and being frequently reminded of the fragility of life and the mystery of beyond, he focused on studying prophecy in Daniel and Revelation.  He eventually concluded Christ’s Second Coming would be a literal event rather than a figurative or spiritual event, which had been the popular reasoning at the time.  As he continued to study the “2300-day prophecy” in Daniel 8 and 9, he became convinced this predicted exactly when the Second Coming would be. Based on the events described in these passages, he believed the 2300 days began in 457 BC with the call to rebuild the city of Jerusalem, and concluded at some point between 1843-1844.  As Daniel 8:14 says, “And he said to me, ‘For 2,300 evenings and mornings. Then the sanctuary shall be restored to its rightful state” (ESV).  Miller believed this to refer to the Second Coming, interpreting the earth to be the sanctuary. He preached fervently about the nearness of this Second Coming, which inspired many to take stock of their lives and focus on Bible study. He gained many followers who took his theories as literal predictions and eventually a date was set: October 22, 1844.  Obviously, however, the literal Second Coming of Christ did not happen by October 22, 1844. Miller’s followers, then called “Millerites,” were devastated. That day became known as “The Great Disappointment.”  Beginnings of the Advent Movement As you can imagine, as soon as the clock ticked past midnight on October 22, people were bewildered, angry, even scared. Many gave up their beliefs, and many went back to the churches they attended before.  Others, however, who had studied the passages Miller emphasized knew this was still an important piece of prophecy. They continued their study, wondering where they might have made a mistake. Especially because the Bible itself says the timing of Christ’s return is not known by anyone except God the Father .  “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father” (Mark 13:31, 32, ESV). ((Also see Matthew 24: 36-44 and 1 Thessalonians 5:1-3)) Over the next 15 years, many former Millerites continued their studies of prophecy and Christ’s Second Coming to see what more they could learn. They established multiple “Bible conferences,” or formal groups and events focused on studying Scripture, and identified a series of Bible truths that were forgotten or neglected since the days of the early Church. These truths can be summarized as follows: Christ’s second coming is imminent, will be seen by all the world, and it will be literal, not metaphorical. The seventh day, Saturday, is God’s Sabbath. The Fourth Commandment’s instruction to celebrate and keep it remains literal to this day (along with the rest of the Ten Commandments ). God does not eternally torment sinners, but rather the dead “sleep” until the second coming and last judgment. Christ now ministers in the heavenly sanctuary , thereby mediating to us the benefits of His death on the cross, saving us by His righteousness and not our own deeds (see Hebrews 8). In the last days of this earth, Christians will be tempted by apostasy but be called back to divine truth—the “third angel’s message” of Revelation 14—and a relatively small “remnant” of faithful believers will answer this call. This remnant would be marked by a recurrence of the prophetic ministry, and many people will display the prophetic gift and proclaim the good news (see Joel 2:28 and Acts 2:17).  Seventh-day Adventist Church Organizes with the Intent to Spread the Gospel It’s important to note that while these biblical concepts were still being studied, those leading this movement were guided by a young woman, Ellen G. White . Her profound insight from God on these rediscovered truths astounded Bible scholars and clergy alike. They were also impressed by her humility and insistence for only God to receive glory.  White was recognized as a modern-day recipient of the spiritual gift of prophecy, as described in 1 Corinthians 12, Romans 12, Ephesians 4, and 1 Peter 4:10, 11. She played an integral role in keeping things focused on the Bible, always bringing up new ways to apply these new concepts to daily life.  As time progressed and the aforementioned beliefs were outlined, this movement still only consisted of small groups scattered across the northern United States. They all had these beliefs in common but didn’t make a separate name for themselves.  However, since the established denominations did not acknowledge or practice these truths, it became clear that this movement would become something of its own.  Ellen White’s husband, James, also a prominent figure in early Adventism, began referring to these separate-but-united groups as belonging to “the Great Second Advent Movement.” Others used the term “Sabbatarian Adventist.”  Bible study continued on the central topics in this movement, so these groups kept in touch with the progress through James White’s periodical The Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, which eventually spurred the denomination’s emphasis on publishing as an effective way to spread the gospel. (This periodical still circulates today, now called The Adventist Review .) Eventually, however, inspired by Christ’s great commission to “go and make disciples” (Matthew 28:19, 20), the Sabbatarian Adventists recognized the need to organize. This would enable them to more effectively share these enlightening biblical truths, showing more people how they can find freedom, healing, and hope in Jesus Christ .  The first vital step toward organization involved a gathering of delegates from across the northern United States on October 1, 1860. These delegates, representing their respective groups and areas of influence, agreed upon the name “Seventh-day Adventists.”  A few years later, in May of 1863, another meeting of delegates from even more congregations of Adventists gathered to form what is now called the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists . This newly organized denomination united under the purpose to share how a deeper understanding of Scripture not only prepares us for eternity with Christ, but for living more abundant lives in the here and now.  Global Expansion of Adventism As the Seventh-day Adventist Church continued to spread across the United States, the early church leaders knew this Advent Message of the Three Angels should be shared around the world as well. They would not let themselves become complacent in their “comfort zones,” and they began serious talks about mission work.  James and Ellen White, along with Joseph Bates, an Adventist preacher, urged the development of a plan for missions that included a focus on medical work to help meet the needs of people around the world.  The first Adventist missionary was J.N. Andrews. He was selected to go to England and Switzerland in 1874 to assist Adventist church leaders there. He eventually established the Adventist printing press in Basel, Switzerland. Ellen White also traveled to Switzerland, as well as South Africa, South America, the South Pacific, and Australia. The Advent Message spread rapidly as missionaries worked closely with publishing houses and gathered teams to canvas different areas and distribute literature. Several of these areas began writing to the General Conference to request more missionaries!  By the end of the 1870s, Adventist membership had tripled, passing 16,000 members. By 1901 there were 75,000 members worldwide, and the Church had also established two colleges, a medical school, 12 secondary schools, 27 hospitals, and 13 publishing houses.  Eventually, the Church also organized regional administrative offices, such as divisions, unions, and conferences, to more efficiently oversee various operations in education, publishing, health and mission work. Today the Adventist Church continues to grow globally, maintaining its focus on health and wellness, community development and mission work, publishing, and education. The Church currently operates over 8,000 schools around the world, nearly 200 hospitals, and over 50 publishing houses. According to Pew Research , the Seventh-day Adventist denomination is the most ethnically diverse Christian denomination in the world. With a rich history of dedicated Bible study and a commitment to applying biblical principles to daily life , Adventists remain an active, dedicated global faith community. Together they cling to Jesus as their only hope and eagerly await His Second Coming.  Overview of Significant Milestones in Adventist History Theological Milestones After 1844’s Great Disappointment, soon-to-be Adventists responded by deepening their Bible study and linked the 2,300-day prophecy in Daniel 8 to cleansing of the Most Holy Place in the heavenly sanctuary, not the earth itself. This led to the formation of the Sanctuary doctrine and the Investigative Judgment (see Hebrews 8).  Following this concept led them to a deeper understanding of the importance of the seventh-day Sabbath . Even beyond Sabbatarian worship in the present day, studying Daniel and Revelation prophecies showed the Sabbath to be significant in earth’s final days, especially in the context of the “Three Angels Messages” (Revelation 14:6-12). The Sabbath is an original commandment to be followed like the other nine, so when the Third Angel proclaims the “patience of the saints” includes keeping the “commandments of God and the faith of Jesus” (NKJV), this includes the original Sabbath day God established for humankind at creation .  These discoveries prompted the early founders’ conviction to preach the gospel around the world, letting people know the significance of these prophecies and what they mean for daily life and spiritual growth . Additionally, the idea of “present truth” significantly influenced how Adventists approached Scripture. The terminology was taken from 2 Peter 1:12: “For this reason I will not be negligent to remind you always of these things, though you know and are established in the present truth” (NKJV).  The idea of present truth, as explained by James White, is that in any current time, certain duties or priorities will shift from what they have been, and they will continue to progress again as time goes on. The Word of God, then, should be used to “shine brightly where we stand, and not so plainly on the path in the distance.”  This does not mean that the Bible changes or that God changes, but as more is learned or revealed, the beliefs or positions of the church may need to be adapted to accommodate this spiritual growth while still remaining solid on its biblical roots. Present truth protects against the rigidity of doctrine, recognizing there is always more to learn from an infinite, almighty God.  Early Milestones in Ministry and Service Publishing: In 1848, James and Ellen White were convicted to write, print, and distribute a regular magazine to unite Adventists everywhere. This would allow them to share or discuss important points of theology (this magazine was initially called Present Truth , later changed to the Adventist Review & Sabbath Herald , presently called The Adventist Review ) This conviction to utilize the written word led to the operation of Adventist publishing houses around the world, both for informative and evangelistic purposes. Health: The 1860s marked the beginning of the Adventist Church’s expansive health reform efforts and healing ministries. Battle Creek Sanitarium in Michigan was established in 1866 as the first Adventist-owned and operated medical institution (also known as the Western Health Reform Institute).  In addition to organized healthcare institutions, early Adventist health reform involved early support of the germ theory of disease ((The idea that illnesses and infections are caused by microorganisms, in contrast to the idea that “bad air” or vapor from rotten matter causes disease.)), evidence of the benefits of a vegetarian diet and abstinence from alcohol, tobacco, and recreational drugs. Education : Adventists believed proper education should include a holistic focus, educating the whole person rather than focusing solely on textbook knowledge. This belief prompted the opening of the first Adventist-sponsored school in Battle Creek, Michigan in 1872. Not long after, Battle Creek College opened in 1874. To provide direction for the future of Adventist education, the General Conference organized their Educational Society that same year. A Few Famous Seventh-day Adventists  Desmond Doss Desmond Doss, the “conscientious objector,” enlisted in the US Army in April 1942 but refused to purposely kill others or carry a weapon into combat because of his personal beliefs as a Seventh-day Adventist. He ended up becoming a combat medic during World War II.  His courage and determination in helping wounded soldiers earned him two Bronze Star Medals. During the Battle of Okinawa, he saved the lives of 75 soldiers, which earned him the Medal of Honor. He was the only noncombatant to receive this honor.  Doss was wounded three times during the war, and shortly before leaving the Army, he was diagnosed with tuberculosis, which cost him one lung. After his discharge from the Army in 1946, he spent five years undergoing medical treatment for his injuries and illness. The life story of Desmond Doss was so incredible that world-renown writer, producer, and director Mel Gibson created a major motion picture about his life and heroic acts: “Hacksaw Ridge.” This movie brought attention to the Adventist denomination’s official position on conscientious objection.  John Harvey Kellogg John Harvey Kellogg may be a familiar household name because of the breakfast cereals he originally developed in 1896. Kellogg was an inventor, medical doctor, and pioneer in holistic healthcare.  He revolutionized healthcare around the world through his extensive research and promotion of the germ theory of disease, vegetarianism, balanced nutrition, and abstaining from alcohol, tobacco, and drugs. His recommendations for complete wellness included regular exercise, fresh air and sunshine, correct posture, sensible clothing, and an intake of eight to ten glasses of water daily.  He became the superintendent of Battle Creek Sanitarium, and under his management it achieved global recognition.  Unfortunately the later years of Kellogg’s story involve his venturing into extremism, both in spirituality and in his business practices, and he was eventually removed from membership of the Adventist Church.  Dr. Ben Carson Dr. Ben Carson is a renowned neurosurgeon famous for his rise from a difficult early life into noteworthy achievement in college and medical school, and eventually becoming director of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Carson’s fame mostly began in 1987 after his successful surgical separation of twins conjoined at the head. He enjoyed a long medical career specializing in traumatic brain injuries.  His fame only grew with the publishing of his autobiography and the 2009 TV movie with a similar title, Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story . This illustrated the difficult childhood experiences Carson dealt with and the obstacles he overcame. Carson was the featured speaker for the National Prayer Breakfast in 1997 and 2013, and in 2008 he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. In 2017 he was sworn in as the 17 th United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.  Carson often gave glory to God for his successes and he remains a faithful member of the Adventist Church today. Downloaded on July 4, 2019 from http://documents.adventistarchives.org/Statistics/ASR/ASR2019.pdf or years, with the day-for-a-year principle described in places such as Numbers 14: 33, 34 and Ezekiel 4:5, 6 Downloaded on July 7, 2019 from https://www.adventist.org/en/information/history/article/go/-/united-for-mission-one-hundred-and-fifty-years/ Downloaded on July 7, 2019 from https://www.adventist.org/en/information/history/article/go/-/united-for-mission-one-hundred-and-fifty-years/ Downloaded on July 7, 2019 from https://www.adventist.org/en/information/history/article/go/-/united-for-mission-one-hundred-and-fifty-years/ Downloaded on July 21, 2019 from https://biography.yourdictionary.com/john-harvey-kellogg

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