The special day
1. God's special day
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)
2. The Sabbath as a day of rest
Upon the announcement of the manna:
he said to them, “This is what the Lord has commanded: ‘Tomorrow is a day of solemn rest, a holy Sabbath to the Lord; bake what you will bake and boil what you will boil, and all that is left over lay aside to be kept till the morning.’”
Exodus 16:23 (ESV)
So the people rested on the seventh day. Exodus 16:30 (ESV)
Justification and confirmation in the legislation at Sinai:
“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.
Exodus 20:8 (ESV)
“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.
Exodus 20:8 (ESV)
For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy. Exodus 20:11 (ESV)
3. The significance of the Sabbath
Remember the creation. This is a day of rest, a participation in the rest of God. Because God rested from His works on the 7th day, He sanctified and blessed every 7th day. He had thought of us humans and animals in His care and love.
4. To do good or evil on the Sabbath?
In the New Testament, Jesus is a source of discomfort for the Jewish guardians of faith of his time because he repeatedly healed the sick on the Sabbath.
When Jesus went into a synagogue and taught, there was a man whose right hand was crippled. The scribes and Pharisees watched Jesus to see if he would also heal, so that they might find a charge against him. Jesus knew what they were thinking. Jesus turned to the guardians of the faith: Is it lawful to do good or evil on the Sabbath? To save a life or to destroy it?
Jesus looked at them one by one. Finally, he said to the man, 'Stretch out your hand!' He did so, and his hand was restored.
And he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. Mark 2:27 (ESV)
The Sabbath commandment is attested to more often than any other commandment. It does not refer to places, people, or objects, but to time. God sanctified a piece of time first and foremost! The seventh day as a day of rest is unique in the history of all cultures. It is a gift from God to the world.
The Sabbath commandment is attested to more often than any other commandment. It does not refer to places, people, or objects, but to time. God sanctified a piece of time first and foremost! The seventh day as a day of rest is unique in the history of all cultures. It is a gift from God to the world.
5. Sunday as a Day of Rest
Since 321 AD, Sunday has been established by law as the official day of rest under the Roman Emperor Constantine. This day remains valid and is upheld.
In Christianity: referred to as the Lord's Day. A rest from everyday life. Time for community. A day of reflection and relaxation.
6. The special thing about this day
6. The special thing about this day
On Sunday, Christians celebrate worship. It is the meeting point of God with people. We should not miss this time.
Solomon said: Take heed before you go into the house of God! When you are ready to listen, it is valuable for you. According to Ecclesiastes 4:17a
We shall be satisfied with the goodness of your house, the holiness of your temple! Psalm 65:4b (ESV)
A Song of Ascents. Of David. I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord!” Psalm 122:1 (ESV)
Let us go to the house of God like David, full of longing and with expectation. Here we want to thank the Lord! In worship, we will praise and glorify the Lord. We will proclaim His grace and faithfulness, as well as His great deeds. The music team guides and accompanies the worship. We are blessed with God's presence, receiving God's blessing.
The main part of the service is the proclamation of God's Word!
God speaks to us through His word.
Paul mentions: Faith comes from hearing the message. Only in this way can our faith be strengthened and allow for growth. We learn about God's intentions, His plans. Our understanding of God's word is expanded and we come to understand His teachings more. Let us celebrate this special day worthily.
Paul teaches us:
For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Romans 15:4 (ESV)
For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Romans 15:4 (ESV)
7. Song "Your House, O Lord"
Your house, oh Lord, shall be a house of prayer, a place of silence, of harmony,
where your children share joy and sorrow, your house, oh Lord, shall be a house of prayer.
Your house, oh Lord, shall be full of praise,a place of celebration, before you alone.We stand in gratitude, you gave us your son!Your people praise you, oh Lord, for you are on the throne.Your people praise you, oh Lord, for what you have done.
Author: Edith Waechter
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