INTRODUCTION: We have "Promise Keepers." How about a "Sabbath Keepers" movement?! People have quite a variety of opinion on how to keep the fourth commandment! A few are very legalistic: won't eat in restaurants, won't travel, won't even cook lunch at home. But those are a small minority. Most Americans have made the Sabbath, or the Lord's Day, into just another day for work or play. Christians traditionally have been pretty strict about activities on Sunday. For example, the Westminster Confession of Faith (see Chapter 21, paragraphs 7 and 8. Even into the twentieth century (see Illustrations from Lee Webber). Let's see what the Bible says about Sabbath Keeping.

I. Sabbath Keeping is Very Important, and part of the "Moral Law."
A. Explain moral/ceremonial/civil law.
B. It is one of the 10 Commandments, which are all still binding.
C. It is put in company here in Isaiah with statements such as:
"maintain justice," and "keep from doing any evil..."
D. Sabbath keeping goes all the way back to Creation (Genesis 2:3).
E. God instituted the death penalty for Sabbath breakers (Ex. 31:14-15).

II. God Promised Blessings to Sabbath Keepers.
A. Isaiah 56:2, 6b; 58:13-14
B. An everlasting name, and access to God's presence.
C. We are always blessed when we keep any of the 10 commandments.

NOTE: The Old Testament is not all there is. After Jesus came and died for us, God gave us the New Testament. Much has been added to our understanding of the Moral Law, and to Sabbath Keeping. This morning I mention one New Testament teaching in particular...

III. The Precise Day of the Week is not Vital to Keeping the Sabbath.
A. Logic would tells us that (see John R. Rice article). People around the
world must worship God on different days, due to rotation.
B. Paul taught so specifically (Romans 14:4-10). Summarize: worship God
as you think right, but don't condemn a different thinking brother.

CONCLUSION: In our generation, do we need to preach to God's people to be looser about keeping the Sabbath? Are we too strict? Or do we need to preach that we should be more serious about obeying the 4th Commandment? And please NOTE: Sabbath keeping is not a burden, but a release from burdens. May the Lord bless us and help us to keep one day in seven for rest and worship!