Scott1
Puritanboard Commissioner
As you are in a PCA church, all officers (deacons and elders) must declare any differences they have requested to take from the Westminster Standards. These are usually stated when the congregation votes on officers, so the congregation knows what they are voting on.
So, for example, if 2 deacon and 2 elder candidates are standing for election, and have gone through officer examination (e.g. exemplary life and sound doctrine), the congregation is able to know any exceptions before they vote on their officer candidates.
A teaching elder, e.g. Senior Pastor also requests exceptions, if any, before his presbytery. When the church calls him, there is a vote, and any exceptions, if any, are made known at that time in some format.
Last time I stood for office, I was the only one who did not request any exceptions to our standards- every other candidate requested and was granted exception to the sabbath recreation clause of Westminster Chapter XXI. That was the only exception requested.
All these men believe in the priority of Lord's Day worship, and that work, ordinarily is to be abstained from. Among those who request the recreation exception, it is interesting, many are open to improving on this. One told me he draws a "light" verses "heavy" recreation exception- no recreation that causes one to sweat.
It seems most also believe it is a violation to ordinarily eat out on the sabbath because it causes others to have to work. I only came to firm conviction about this recently (and am so blessed because of it), so one can only be patient as others are working through this.
What an incredible witness it has been to invite people over for a quiet meal after church at home- sometimes that happens as an alternative to a request to go out to eat at a restaurant after church. It is a good way to encourage and welcome new people, visitors, those going through difficulties, etc. Single people are good meal guests also.
It's important to witness with your words and life with the fourth commandment. After all, the Westminster Larger Catechism even acknowledges there is less light in nature for it.
What a lifetime pattern of blessing it is... and it helps us keep all the other commands better. While no one can promise, the restlessness and crisis that often breaks out in people's lives is lessened when a regular "ceasing" is, by God's grace observed one day in seven. It is really freeing to know you don't have to work, or even worry about it... and instead you can prioritize focus on God, His Word, and His Ways, all day.
[emphasis added]
So, for example, if 2 deacon and 2 elder candidates are standing for election, and have gone through officer examination (e.g. exemplary life and sound doctrine), the congregation is able to know any exceptions before they vote on their officer candidates.
A teaching elder, e.g. Senior Pastor also requests exceptions, if any, before his presbytery. When the church calls him, there is a vote, and any exceptions, if any, are made known at that time in some format.
Last time I stood for office, I was the only one who did not request any exceptions to our standards- every other candidate requested and was granted exception to the sabbath recreation clause of Westminster Chapter XXI. That was the only exception requested.
All these men believe in the priority of Lord's Day worship, and that work, ordinarily is to be abstained from. Among those who request the recreation exception, it is interesting, many are open to improving on this. One told me he draws a "light" verses "heavy" recreation exception- no recreation that causes one to sweat.
It seems most also believe it is a violation to ordinarily eat out on the sabbath because it causes others to have to work. I only came to firm conviction about this recently (and am so blessed because of it), so one can only be patient as others are working through this.
What an incredible witness it has been to invite people over for a quiet meal after church at home- sometimes that happens as an alternative to a request to go out to eat at a restaurant after church. It is a good way to encourage and welcome new people, visitors, those going through difficulties, etc. Single people are good meal guests also.
It's important to witness with your words and life with the fourth commandment. After all, the Westminster Larger Catechism even acknowledges there is less light in nature for it.
What a lifetime pattern of blessing it is... and it helps us keep all the other commands better. While no one can promise, the restlessness and crisis that often breaks out in people's lives is lessened when a regular "ceasing" is, by God's grace observed one day in seven. It is really freeing to know you don't have to work, or even worry about it... and instead you can prioritize focus on God, His Word, and His Ways, all day.
[emphasis added]
Question 121: Why is the word Remember set in the beginning of the fourth commandment?
Answer: The word Remember is set in the beginning of the fourth commandment, partly, because of the great benefit of remembering it, we being thereby helped in our preparation to keep it, and, in keeping it, better to keep all the rest of the commandments, and to continue a thankful remembrance of the two great benefits of creation and redemption, which contain a short abridgment of religion; and partly, because we are very ready to forget it, for that there is less light of nature for it, and yet it restrains our natural liberty in things at other times lawful; that it comes but once in seven days, and many worldly businesses come between, and too often take off our minds from thinking of it, either to prepare for it, or to sanctify it;and that Satan with his instruments much labor to blot out the glory, and even the memory of it, to bring in all irreligion and impiety.
Last edited: