And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it
He had rested from all his work which God created and made.
Genesis 2:3
This page of our web site contains numerous articles that stand as evidence in defense of honoring the fourth commandment. To access a particular article click the applicable icon.
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This booklet presents a compilation of compelling quotes regarding the Sabbath and how many professing Christian denominations came to adopt Sunday as their day of worship. These quotes clearly demonstrate that despite its absence in most churches, the seventh day Sabbath is alive and well in the pages of your Bible.
This link contains a remarkable letter in which the Catholic Church responds to a query regarding the Sabbath. In essence they were asked if the accusations that they changed it are true. They acknowledged that it was in fact true and did so with considerable pride.
The book of Revelation describes an event in which a powerful political leader (known as the Beast) and an apostate religious figure (known as the False Prophet) cause the vast majority of people on earth to receive a special mark. Those who refuse will suffer great persecution and even death while those who receive this mark will suffer the wrath of God Almighty. Just what is the “mark of the beast”? This booklet answers that question and if you’re like most professing Christians, that answer is going to shock you.
A Sabbath Test (Third Edition)
This book addresses one of the most important issues facing the churches of God today. It is an issue that has been at the center of controversy among leaders and members alike with no apparent resolution. Sadly, some have tried to dismiss it as insignificant or unimportant. Others have called it a minor point, a twig – not worthy of risking the possible division it might bring upon the church. But there are some who recognize this issue as a matter of great importance – one that must be seriously addressed by God’s people. They see it as a line in the sand drawn by none other than God Himself.
Just how does the largest COG association defend their advocacy of dining out on the Sabbath? This wing of our site examines their own words concerning this highly contentious issue as expressed in a doctrinal paper they produced in 2003 as well as a subsequent 17 page letter taking direct aim at Dennis Fischer (Co-author of A Sabbath Test) and Blow the Trumpet for their remarkable deconstruction of every point they presented.
This is an absolute "must read" for anyone who honestly desires to know the PLAIN TRUTH concerning this critical end time issue. It will expose in striking detail how the leaders in God's Church have wilfully manipulated both the scriptures and His people and reveal the stunning consequences for this treachery.
This work deconstructs the 30 most popular arguments presented by COG leaders today in defense of God’s people seeking out unbelievers on holy time and paying them for their Sabbath labor—which is most popularly expressed when dining out on the Sabbath. As you examine each point it will become clear that the advocates of this practice reject the undeniable injunction in God’s word and have replaced it with a mountain of human reasoning and contorted logic.
These arguments, which have been shamelessly paraded as "truth" before God's children by the contemporary nobles of His people, have really met their match in this compelling work. Each is exposed for the deception it really is.
Every point and counter-point is guaranteed to stimulate some much needed and honest discussion in the CHURCH on an issue that has far reaching implications. If you have the interest-READ it. If you have the courage-SHARE it. If you have a genuine LOVE for Gods Sabbath-APPLY it in your own life.
In an attempt to justify dining out on the Sabbath, the United Church of God contends that just as the apostle contravened God's law by permitting Gentiles to eat meat offered to idols under "certain circumstances," God's people today may dine out on the Sabbath. But did Paul teach what they assert? Or, does God's apostle to the Gentiles actually teach the very opposite?
Dave C. Pack vs. A Sabbath Test
On Thursday June 16,2005, Mr. David C. Pack of the Restored Church of God issued a scathing indictment of a book entitled A Sabbath Test, which is showcased in our library. Additionally, Mr. Pack assailed the book’s co-authors, accusing them of being “self appointed critics” and “pharisaical Laodiceans” driven by a desire to discredit Mr. Herbert W. Armstrong. This article is an examination of Mr. Pack’s arguments versus those presented by A Sabbath Test.
Church of the Great God vs A Sabbath Test
On December 15, 2007, Mr. John Ritenbaugh, who serves as the Director of the Church of the Great God, presented a sermon on the issue of dining out on the Sabbath. His purpose was to defend this practice as well as to refute a book titled A Sabbath Test. Blow the Trumpet has produced a thorough rebuttal to Mr. Ritenbaugh's argument and has exposed it for what it really is—a desperate attempt to defend the indefensible.
Richard L. George vs. A Sabbath Test
On January 19, 2006 Richard George, a member of the Living Church of God wrote a lengthy letter/article to Messrs. Art Braidic and Dennis Fischer. His purpose was to debunk a book they co-authored entitled A Sabbath Test. At the conclusion of his essay Mr. George exhorted Fischer and Braidic to repent of this teaching. What he failed to do was give them one reason to do so.
After carefully reviewing Mr. George's letter, Blow the Trumpet has prepared a detailed series of rebuttals to its numerous attempts to prove that God’s people can patronize a business that is desecrating holy time and think the Lord of heaven and earth actually approves of it. Suffice it to say we don't agree with his wisdom on this.
Often ministers who believe that God's word prohibits the practice of going to restaurants on the Sabbath receive letters questioning their understanding of the scriptures, as well as their lack of respect for past leaders, such as Herbert W Armstrong. Mr. Don Haney received such a letter, and responded to it in a way that reflects extraordinary commitment to principle and deference toward God, His servants, and His great Sabbath law.
In the wake of the debate over whether is it appropriate in God’s eyes for Christians to dine out at restaurants on the Sabbath, several questions have emerged. This page addresses with great clarity the numerous queries God’s people have presented regarding this very critical issue.
Human Reasoning and Dining out on the Sabbath
Recently, a frequent visitor of Blow the Trumpet provided us with a copy of a letter he received last year from a leading Church of God organization. The letter addresses the issue of dining out on the Sabbath and was sent to him in response to his question regarding whether this practice was in keeping with the Scriptures. He provided the letter to us because he believed it…
We all know the story of the exodus. But do we know the moral of the story? Is there a lesson to be learned from this extraordinary act of mercy God bestowed on His people so very long ago? Finally, is there a way to demonstrate that the lesson of this great moment hasn’t been lost on us?
Recently, an issue has emerged within the church concerning the precise timing of the Sabbath. It has been the longstanding position of God’s church that the Sabbath begins and ends at sunset. However, some have questioned this understanding and now contend that the day begins not at sunset but rather at dark. But what is the truth?
Some, in their effort to justify not observing the ten commandments, have argued that the ten commandments were not enjoined in the Bible prior to Mount Sinai (Ex 20:2-17). This, however, is not biblically correct. As this article will show (through biblical quotes) all ten of the commandments are mentioned as being applicable in the Bible before they were codified on Mount Sinai.
Do you believe there will be restaurants operating on God’s Sabbath during the Millennium? Apparently, some of God’s leaders do. Oh, they won’t come right out and admit it, but this idea has subtly emerged in arguments presented by certain COG leader’s in defense of dining out on the Sabbath.
This article addresses a claim by a leading COG group that because God’s people will dine with the priests after presenting their sacrifices on the Sabbath in the millennium, His church can dine out on the Sabbath today. But is this true? Is any of it true?
Recently, David C. Pack of the Restored Church of God commissioned a team of writers to issue a scathing indictment of a book entitled A Sabbath Test. His purpose was to offer “Biblical facts” proving that dining out on the Sabbath was an appropriate practice in God’s eyes. But did he accomplish what he sought out to do?
The scriptures reveal that on the seventh day of creation God ceased from His labor regarding the physical universe (Gen. 2:2). He then created that which was and is HOLY. The Great Architect of all that exists placed a segment of time in our physical dimension and wove through it sacred qualities (verse 3). God made the seventh day unique because it was designed for a unique purpose -- a Holy purpose. This paper represents a brief study highlighting some significant aspects of God’s Sabbath. It is designed to be a launching point for a more in depth examination of this marvelous subject.
Are the Ten Commandments Still in Effect?
Are the ten commandments still in effect? Some who claim to base their religion on the Bible do not believe that Christians are to actually try and keep the Ten Commandments. But is this true?
Most people familiar with the Bible understand that Jesus taught and observed all of the Ten Commandments. Some, though, try to ignore Jesus' teachings on the Ten Commandments by saying that Paul said they were "nailed to the cross". Is that what the Bible teaches? This article will quote what Paul actually taught about the Ten Commandments.
The Sabbath rest is so important to God that He established it on the seventh day of creation. It was actually a part of His creation. God made the Sabbath. It just didn’t happen by chance. By this creative act, the Great Sustainer of all that exists concluded the beginning of man’s extraordinary journey on this planet. He also …
Some try to ignore the Bible's teachings on the Ten Commandments by saying they were done away at the crucifixion. Some try to teach that the Ten Commandments were "nailed to the cross". Is that what the Bible teaches?
Which Day is the Christian Sabbath?
Does it make any difference WHICH day we observe -- or whether we keep it? Does the Bible establish SUNDAY as the LORD'S DAY? Was the Sabbath given for the Jewish people only -- while Christians are commanded to keep SUNDAY as the LORD'S DAY?
Which Day is the Sabbath of the New Testament?
Which day did Christ and the Apostles observe? Which day did Paul teach Gentile converts to observe? HOW did the day become changed from the seventh to the first day of the week? We have been reared in a Sunday-observing world. Naturally, we have taken Sunday-observance for granted. Naturally, the idea of a different day as the true Sabbath-day strikes us as fanatical and absurd.
Audio/Video Links
Defending the Sabbath (Sermon)
On August 1st, 2009 a long standing minister for a prominent Church of God association gave a sermon defending the practice of dining out in restaurants on the Sabbath. In it he presented several arguments intended to put this debate to rest once and for all. In the wake of this sermon Blow the Trumpet was contacted by some who heard this pastor's message and asked if we would respond.
This response examines five major arguments advanced by this minister and provides the true Biblical instruction on each one. As you hear this insightful message it will become clear how God's leaders attempt to manipulate His people and why this issue may just be the most critical one facing the Church today.
There are some who believe that those who refuse to dine out at restaurants on the Sabbath are actually practicing a form of bondage. But is this true? Where is the bondage? Where is the liberty? This message takes an extraordinary journey through history and reveals a profound irony concerning these questions.
The Mark on the Beast (TV Broadcast)
This two part television broadcast first aired in Southern California in 2000. Unlike many COG television programs that give generic information, this broadcast is straight talking and forceful—no punches are pulled here. It was the inspiration behind the booklet by the same title.
A Song of Freedom
A Song of Praise
Sabbath Related News Stories
'Deception': Christians war over worship day
World Net Daily
March 16, 2008
Two thousand years after Jesus walked the Earth, Christians are at war with each other concerning – as strange as it may sound – a day of the week mentioned in the Ten Commandments. The issue boils down to: "When is God's Sabbath?" In other words, what is His holy day of rest? Most Christians today think it's Sunday, when the majority of churches hold services. But others confidently say it's Saturday, calling Sunday worship "the most flagrant error of mainstream Christianity," believing Sunday-keepers are victims of clever deception.