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Originally Posted by JBaldwin  If we are focusing on the Lord, the obedience (even when it comes to the Sabbath) will become a natural outcome of our love for the Lord. The Spirit of God guides us into what is true. Does it mean we throw out the Scriptures? No, but it means that we turn our focus on the Lord, and oddly enough, we find we are obeying the rules without even thinking about it, because it's what we really want to do. | I think this is true (if imperfectly) for mature Christians, but less mature believers and those who are just beginning to observe the Sabbath can benefit from some guidelines. I agree with you that legalistic checklists that try to account for every possibility are not helpful and take the focus away from the real purpose of the day, which is to reflect on new creation and our freedom from slavery. I am just thinking that some general principles (do not work, devote the day to God -- perhaps a teacher could give practical examples of how to do this?) are very useful. But you are right that a Christian who is meditating on the Word will find this guidance. 
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Evie B.
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Attending Park Street Church, Boston
Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. --Isaiah 43:18-19 (ESV) |