The Sabbath

To truly honor the Sabbath according to Biblical teachings, it is essential to recognize that the Sabbath is on Saturday, as it has always been, and not on Sunday, which is often mistakenly regarded as such by some religious groups. Observing days of worship should be a personal choice rather than an imposed prerequisite for spiritual worthiness, and misunderstanding of the Sabbath can lead to misinterpretations within religious practices, particularly in groups like the LDS Church.

The teaching explains that the Sabbath, meaning "rest" in Hebrew, was not instituted at creation but was introduced later in the context of the Old Covenant for the Children of Israel, emphasizing that the New Covenant of grace in Jesus fulfills the law. It highlights the shift from the observance of the Old Covenant, where physical commands like the Sabbath and other laws were enforced, to the New Covenant under Jesus, where these commandments are amplified through spiritual transformation and faith, rather than legalistic adherence.

Shawn's teaching emphasizes that while the Old Covenant, including the Sabbath, was binding under the law and observed by Jesus during His life, the New Covenant through Christ offers a better approach, making every day a day of rest in Him. The New Covenant replaces the old laws, such as ceremonial washings and the Sabbath, with a more advanced understanding that is not bound by the Old Testament's perpetual obligations, but rather is based on the eternal rest and relationship with Jesus.

Shawn teaches that the observance of the Sabbath is not a measure of personal worthiness, and while early Christians including Paul did honor the Sabbath to reach Jewish communities, they were focused on nurturing the New Covenant which enables daily, spiritual rest in Jesus rather than adherence to old laws. He argues that the strict application of Sabbath laws to Christians is a misinterpretation, as the new Christian gatherings on the first day of the week, like those documented in Acts, reflect tradition without enforcing legislated worship practices, aligning with the covenant of Grace.

LDS adherents attempt to observe the Sabbath with restrictive and often contradictory rules, yet they miss the essence of rest in Christ as outlined in the Covenant of Grace. Emphasizing faith over rigid law-keeping, Shawn addresses and invites thoughtful dialogue with LDS members, urging them to explore their spiritual practices authentically and free from legalistic constraints.

The teaching emphasizes the importance of faith to enter God's rest, urging believers to heed His voice and not harden their hearts, while also celebrating marriage and family as blessings. In a personal note, Shawn expresses gratitude for his wife Mary, acknowledging her dedication and love, especially as she supports their family and faith journey.