Why Together on the Sabbath?

Sunday Church in Greece
The Above Church in Greece is Called the Sunday Church, But Christians are to Observe the Seventh Day

COGwriter

In his latest update, LCG’s Dr. Winnail wrote:

Together on the Sabbath—for a Reason! We understand from the Bible that the Sabbath is a special, sanctified day of rest (Genesis 2:1-3). When properly kept, it is a delight (Isaiah 58:13-14). We are also admonished in the Scriptures to encourage one another, “not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some” (Hebrews 10:24-25). In the early New Testament Church, members gathered together on the Sabbath to worship and fellowship with other believers (see Acts 2:1; 13:14, 44; 17:2, etc.). In doing so, they were following the commandment to “remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy” (Exodus 20:8). Today, with many small independent groups, it is easy to assume that observing the Sabbath is all we have to do to please God and be part of His Church. However, we need to remember that God’s Church is commissioned to “go into all the world and preach the gospel” (Mark 16:15). We need to make sure that the group we gather together with on the Sabbath is part of a Church that is actively fulfilling this God-given mission.

Notice what the Bible teaches in the Book of Hebrews:

4 For somewhere he has spoken about the seventh day in these words: “And on the seventh day God rested from all his work”…

9 There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; 10 for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from his. 11 Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience (Hebrews 4:4, 9-1,1NIV).

25 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another-and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

26 If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, 27 but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God (Hebrews 10:25-27, NIV).

With the Day fast approaching, and certainly closer than when Hebrews was written, getting together on the Sabbath is one thing that those who truly wish to support getting the full gospel to the world as a witness will do.

Several articles of possibly related interest may include:

There are Many COGs: Why Support the Living Church of God? This is an article for those who wish to more easily sort out the different COGs. It really should be a MUST READ for current and former WCG members or any interested in supporting the faithful church. It also explains a lot of what the COGs are all about.
Is Revelation 1:10 talking about Sunday or the Day of the Lord? Most Protestant scholars say Sunday is the Lord’s Day, but is that what the Bible teaches?
The Sabbath in the Early Church and Abroad Was the seventh-day (Saturday) Sabbath observed by the apostolic and post-apostolic Church?
The Dramatic Story of Chinese Sabbathkeepers This reformatted Good News article from 1955 discusses Sabbath-keeping in China in the 1800s.
Is God Unreasonable? Some have suggested that if God requires Sabbath-keeping He is unreasonable. Is that true?
Is There “An Annual Worship Calendar” In the Bible? This paper provides a biblical and historical critique of several articles, including one by WCG which states that this should be a local decision. What do the Holy Days mean? Also you can click here for the calendar of Holy Days.
Sunday and Christianity Was Sunday observed by the apostolic and true post-apostolic Christians? How clearly endorsed Sunday?
The Gospel of the Kingdom of God was the Emphasis of Jesus and the Early Church Did you know that? Do you even know what the gospel of the kingdom is all about? True religion should be based upon the true gospel.
Are You Saved? Do You Love Jesus? What is a True Christian? What is the Gospel? Evangelist Richard Ames answers those important questions.
Getting the Gospel Out is More than a Local Job Discusses Biblical rationale for doing an international, and not just a local, work.
How Much Did You Cost? Some have complained that the total costs spent to proclaim the gospel as a witness is too high since it does not (in their opinion) result in enough conversions. Is that how God sees it?
Should the Church Still Try to Place its Top Priority on Proclaiming the Gospel or Did Herbert W. Armstrong Change that Priority for the Work? Some say the Church should mainly feed the flock now as that is what Herbert W. Armstrong reportedly said. Is that what he said? Is that what the Bible says? What did Paul and Herbert W. Armstrong expect from evangelists?