Sabbath Keeping in a Modern World

Welcome:

Opening Song: 

#383 O Day of rest and gladness

Scripture Reading and Prayer:

Isaiah 58:13-14 (KJV)
If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the LORD, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words:
Then shalt thou delight thyself in the LORD; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.

 

Superintendents Opening Remarks:

Happy Sabbath brothers and sisters. How many persons here are baptized Seventh Day Adventist for over five years? How many persons are baptized Seventh Day Adventist for over ten years? Anyone here baptized for over fifty years? Hallelujah

(Jokingly say) In that case this program may not be very applicable to you. 

However, Ellen White says in Testimonies for the church vol 6, page 353:
“Far more sacredness is attached to the Sabbath than is given it by many professed Sabbath keepers. 
At the very beginning of the fourth commandment the Lord said: "Remember." He knew that amid the multitude of cares and perplexities man would be tempted to excuse himself from meeting the full requirement of the law, or would forget its sacred importance. 
Therefore He said: "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy." Exodus 20:8. 

We are not merely to observe the Sabbath as a legal matter. We are to understand its spiritual bearing upon ALL the transactions of life. 

Today’s Sabbath School will take the form of a panel discussion with the intention to adequately provide answers to burning questions concerning the Sabbath. 

Special Music
Mission Story 
Secretary’s report

Lesson Study

 
Main Feature:

*Panellist and moderator are seated.*

Superintendent: As mentioned earlier we are about to look at some difficult questions regarding the Sabbath and Sabbath keeping. The able members of the panel will answer the questions according to the bible and inspired writings.
Superintendent: Introduce members of the panel.

Questions:
1.    Can the Sabbath still be kept holy in this modern world?
2.    I have always heard that we should jealously guard the edges of the Sabbath, where did this term come from and what does it mean?
3.    What day is the preparation day and what are some of the activities that should be completed on this day? 
4.    Explain the importance of having sunset time/ sun down worship on Friday (with your family) to welcome the Sabbath?
5.    Youths have complained of the Sabbath being boring. What activities can we do to help them enjoy the Sabbath? What are some of the activities we should refrain from on the Sabbath?
6.    Some persons work on the Sabbath such as doctors and nurses. What advice would you give to them to aid them in keeping the Sabbath while they work? Is it ok for a Sabbath keeper to exchange their shift with another person who is not a Sabbath keeper?
7.    A young Seventh Day Adventist friend is interested in joining the armed forces. However, it is understood that they must work on the Sabbath. What advice would you give to him/her?
8.    There has been a disruption in water supply for over one week. However, water returned on Sabbath morning. Is it ok for someone to stay home from church to complete household chores such as washing and cooking on the Sabbath?
9.    Brother A is late for church each Sabbath. He says the reason is; he works very hard all week. He explains his working hours are from 7am each day. As a result he uses the Sabbath as a day to relax and sleep in a little later, then gets ready for church. He gets to church each Sabbath at 11am in time for midday service. What advice would you give to Brother A.
10.    As a farmer and shepherd is it ok for me to tend to my plants and animals on the Sabbath. Specifically, can I give my animals water and feed them on the Sabbath.

Special Music:

Superintendents Closing Remarks:
Thank you members of the panel for your time and your input. I pray that everyone in the congregation was edified and blessed. It is the hope that we found a deeper more meaningful relationship with Christ, even as we follow his word on Sabbath observance. 
There are varying cultural shifts in many things but this should not affect our understanding and practicing of God’s word.  God has left us with a sacred promise in 
Isaiah 58:13-14 (KJV)
If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the LORD, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words:
Then shalt thou delight thyself in the LORD; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.
I pray we are blessed with rides on the high places of this earth and that we are allowed to feed in the heritage of Jacob as we strive to keep the Sabbath holy and find it a delight.

**Giveaway for newest member and oldest member*

Sabbath school is now adjourned until next Sabbath.