Dennis Fischer's first Email

David C. Pack vs. A Sabbath Test
"Dear Mr. Pack"

Dear Mr. Pack,

I just finished reading your article in response to the book titled A Sabbath Test, which I co-authored. I appreciate the fact that you took the time out of your hectic schedule to read it and offer your comments. Certainly, I don't agree with your conclusions or even your representation of this work. However I have a profound respect for you and the great labor you are undertaking in this end time. Therefore, I would never condemn you or your wisdom in this matter.

I would however, like to share two points that you might find interesting. The first pertains to why I personally do not go to restaurants on the Sabbath. You see Mr. Pack, I was once a slave in Egypt. I do not say this lightly. I personally desecrated this day and I am sickened by that fact. What those who labor on God's Sabbath do is egregiously wrong and an insult to the very wisdom the Great Creator employed when creating this day.

However, I also know that the time is coming when those who are in slavery to this present world and its ways will be emancipated by our Savior. At that time He will declare all the slaves free. This is what the Sabbath pictures--FREEDOM.

Every Sabbath I act out what I know Jesus Christ will ultimately do when he returns with a great liberating army--I declare all the slaves free (see: Dt. 5:12-15). Furthermore, I hope that one day the slaves of this world will know that this small gesture was offered as a tribute to their future liberty. It is not done as an act of condemnation but rather as an act of hope. This is what was being conveyed in A Sabbath Test--which now brings me to my second point.

I came across your article because I was directed to it by members of your group. Because of it (your article) many of your people felt compelled to seek out the book. Their response was overwhelmingly positive. We have received dozens of Emails from your members declaring their unqualified concurrence with our position. Furthermore, the most common thread in these letters is their appreciation of the non-condescending manner in which our argument was presented. Even those who disagreed acknowledged that our argument made them think. They even conceded they would study the matter further.

Mr. Pack, the issue of going to restaurants on the Sabbath is not a small thing. It is not some minor point. Furthermore, I have absolutely no doubt that one-day you will come to understand this vital truth. For now, you should know that A Sabbath Test is gaining tremendous traction in the Church. We have received virtually thousands of letters of support for this book and the wonderful story it tells. Furthermore, contrary to what some may try to convey when offering their assessment of our approach, our words as reflected in this book declare something quite different. Those who read this book with an open mind will easily discover two critical points: 1) God was not a bully when He gave the fourth commandment including how it was to be honored and 2) we are not bullying when we present His wisdom concerning this extraordinary day.

Mr. Pack, at this point we feel it is important for you to know that we have always tried to be respectful of leaders like yourself who work so tirelessly in God's service. On more than one occasion we have defended them (and you) before detractors. The following page of a website contains an example in which you were specifically mentioned http://blowthetrumpet.org/COGAHouseDivided.htm.

Finally, I regret that you found the book to be poorly written. However, I am sure you appreciate the fact that it was PRAYERFULLY written.

Sincerely,

Dennis Fischer

PS Please forgive my formality when addressing you. It was done as an act of respect not condescension. On a more personal note I hope you and your family are doing well. I follow your work with great interest and am profoundly thankful for your dedication and labor. Thank you Dave--