Sermons on Sabbath Rest
The Rhythms of Life: Stopping | Exodus 20:8-11, Mark 2:23-28
Dave Astolfi is a second career pastor, having earned an M.Div from Bethel Seminary of the East. He retired early from a 35 year career in science research to devote more time and energy to pastoral ministry. Dave was ordained at Grace Community Church in Chelmsford, while serving as Pastor of Care. He is enjoying semi-retirement, serving God through pulpit supply, interim ministry, mentoring and volunteering at a community pantry … Oh, and he also keeps busy playing with his…
The Good Farmer | Matthew 13:1-9 and 18-23
Andy Bradshaw preached this sermon at Cornerstone Congregational Church on Sunday, June 20th, 2021. You can read Andy’s faith story here.
Loans, Laziness, & God’s Heart | Proverbs 6:1-19
Loans (Prov 6:1-5) As I studied today’s passage, Proverbs 6:1-19, I realized it can feel a bit disjointed. Last week we looked at Proverbs 5, the second half of chapter 6, and chapter 7, all of which was about adultery. And here in chapter 6 we encounter loans, laziness, and what God hates. It feels out of place. Trying to force them into one common theme felt a bit like trying to fit a square block through a circle or…
The Certain Gospel: What is the Sabbath? | Luke 6:1-11
What is the Sabbath? I want to offer you two definitions: “Biblical Sabbath is a twenty-four-hour block of time in which we stop work, enjoy rest, practice delight, and contemplate God.” The Emotionally Healthy Leader by Peter Scazzero “Saturday; the holy day when Jewish people were commanded not to work.” Luke 1-12 For You by Mike McKinley Our first definition is more modern and explains how the Sabbath matters for us. Our second definition goes back to the original context…
Our Eternal Rest (I Am The New Jerusalem) | Revelation 21:1-22:5
In Revelation 21:1-22:5, God gives all his people a glimpse of the eternal rest we’ll one day know. The images surpass our imaginations and give us hope for the rest we have in Christ forever.
Rest Follows Jesus | Hebrews 4:1-11
Hebrews 4:1-11 challenges us to have true faith in the good news. We’re reminded of the story of the Israelites attempting to enter the promise land of Canaan, but failing to do so because of their disobedient disbelief. Today we’re called to active belief that seeks to honor God with our lives. We can do this because in Christ we have perfect faith and obedience. Persevere in faith and obedience till you enter God’s rest.
Jesus Gives Rest | Mark 2:23-3:6
We all need to know how to rest, and the first temptation is to create a list of rules of what we can and cannot do on our day off, but this has a way of spoiling it. In Mark 2:23-3:6, Jesus challenges the religious leaders of his day who were more interested in rules than the heart. Jesus taught and showed this truth… Sabbath rest is for our good and the good of others.
God Commands Rest | Exodus 20:8-11
In Exodus 20:8-11, God tells the nation of Israel to set apart the seventh day, Saturday, as their Sabbath. It’s to be a day of rest for them and their children. What type of law was the Sabbath (civil, ceremonial, moral) and how does it apply to us? God gives all his people Sabbath rest in order to set us free from slavery to work, sin, and exhaustion. He does this through a day, but ultimately God gives us true…
God Creates Rest | Genesis 2:1-3
Our brand new series How To Rest: Sabbath & Simplicity is meant to encourage us to “do less” and “rest more” in Jesus. In this five-week series, we’ll start with Genesis and go all the way to the book of revelation, learning how God provides us with true and satisfying rest. In Genesis 2:1-3, we see God bless a day and set it aside as holy. This is a gift meant for our good. God invites us to come and find our rest in Him.