OUTLINE:
The Office of Pastor-Teacher
There’s a lot of behind the scenes work and pressure that come with being a Pastor. And even if we don’t understand all the nuances, we should just be thankful.
“Sabbath”
from shabbathon (Hebrew) – means to make cease; translated “complete rest (4), rest (4), sabbath observance (1), sabbatical (1), solemn rest (1)”
Let’s Lock Arms
During this time, it’s OUR goal as members of NCC, to be UNITED during our Pastor’s absence; to stand firm in the faith, TOGETHER, supporting one another and praying for one another.
God’s Purposes
Jesus said the Sabbath was made for man, to be there for man’s needs, and to give man a regular opportunity for a time of rest with His Creator. Mk 2:23-28
“The Sabbath was made for man”
The Jews made a religion out of something that was designed to give them rest…
…and, as a result, they actually robbed themselves of the very fruit of true sabbath… rest, itself!
Pastor Collins
“After performing a good work, God saw fit to stop, take pause, and apparently appreciate it, (Gen 2:1-3). I believe this is the essence of sabbath rest.”
God’s Design
If you expect to have peace without taking the time to be thankful towards God, it will never happen. Sabbath rest alone with the Lord gives us this opportunity. Php 4:6-7
God’s Design
Maybe that’s why the Sabbath was appointed to man for one day every week; the Lord doesn’t want us to go too long without pausing and appreciating the fruits of our joint labor with Him.
The Value of Rest
If we don’t take the time to pause and rest and look back on our joint labor with God, we won’t see these things He wants to reveal to us. We will miss out on the appreciation and satisfaction He wants us to take in, as well as the little lessons we didn’t see. And we won’t be truly rejuvenated in our spirits.
Humility vs. Arrogance
A person who refuses to rest and reflect, spiritually, lacks faith. There’s always a “storm” somewhere in our periphery in this life. We must learn to hand over the reins to God.
Humility vs. Arrogance
By knowingly taking a rest during a storm in your life, you are actively saying to God “I trust You… I know you are ultimately in control of everything. Thank you Father.”
Ps 37:4-5
Delight yourself in the Lord,
and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the Lord;
trust in him, and he will act.
“Delight Yourself”
The Hebrew literally means “to be soft and pliable”; think about that in a relationship sense with your Creator and Savior. Ps 37:4
Believe It, My Friends!
He has made everything beautiful in its time. Ecc 3:11a
Believe It, My Friends!
Times of rest alone with God will restore our faith and rejuvenate our souls! So says the Lord!
The Value of Rest
If we don’t take the time to pour our hearts out to God, alone with Him, we will bottle up anxieties and emotions and they will come out in an unhealthy way, and possibly burdening others wrongly, when we should cast all our cares and burdens on the Lord! – Ps 55:22; 73:26-27, Php 4:6-7, 1Pe 5:6-9
Php 4:6-7
do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Let’s Lock Arms!
Let’s make an extra point of staying unified, loving each other and forgiving each other, as the KOD will come at us from a variety of directions.