I am the founder and president of the Save One for Jesus Foundation in the Netherlands.
Visit our website at https://saveoneforjesus.com/home-en/

Turned 65 yesterday; a church member posted this.

Help me celebrate my pastor today!
You just have to love this man.
I've met many pastors over the years, but only a few have left such a lasting impression on me and he is certainly one of them.
A humble, down-to-earth, and approachable man who genuinely listens, welcomes correction, and always has a warm hug for everyone.
He understands the spiritual matters, has a calling in deliverance ministry, and a mission that takes him to the Netherlands, Nigeria, and India.
Truly a man after God's own heart, and a pastor after mine.
On a personal note, after my trust had been deeply disappointed by churches, this man and his wife showed me that it can be different. He reminded me that there are still churches that truly strive to do what God asks of us: to walk in LOVE, preach REPENTANCE without compromise, and understand the reality of the SPIRITUAL realm. That combination is rare, and I thank God for it. The love they showed me really touched my heart. Sometimes we don’t need another scripture but just to feel loved, listened to and understood and to feel safe and people who believe in you and understand what you’re going through.
And behind every great man stands an amazing woman. We love and appreciate his wonderful wife dearly as well.
Happy Birthday! May God continue to bless, strengthen, and use you for His glory.
We love you

Good evening, brethren.
1. Evening devotion for today.

ED.i. *DAILY WALK WITH CHRIST*
(COCIN DEVOTIONAL)

*DATE:*
WEDNESDAY 29TH JULY, 2026.

*SUB-THEME:*
THE CONSEQUENCES OF REJECTING GOD'S GRACE.

*TOPIC:*
WAR (II).

*TEXT:*
2 SAMUEL 3:1, 6-12.
1. The war between the house of Saul and the house of David lasted a long time. David grew stronger and stronger, while the house of Saul grew weaker and weaker.

6. During the war between the house of Saul and the house of David, Abner had been strengthening his own position in the house of Saul.
7. Now Saul had had a concubine named Rizpah daughter of Aiah. And Ish-Bosheth said to Abner, “Why did you sleep with my father’s concubine?”
8. Abner was very angry because of what Ish-Bosheth said. So he answered, “Am I a dog’s head—on Judah’s side? This very day I am loyal to the house of your father Saul and to his family and friends. I haven’t handed you over to David. Yet now you accuse me of an offense involving this woman!
9. May God deal with Abner, be it ever so severely, if I do not do for David what the Lord promised him on oath
10. and transfer the kingdom from the house of Saul and establish David’s throne over Israel and Judah from Dan to Beersheba.”
11. Ish-Bosheth did not dare to say another word to Abner, because he was afraid of him.
12. Then Abner sent messengers on his behalf to say to David, “Whose land is it? Make an agreement with me, and I will help you bring all Israel over to you.”

*TOPIC:*
WAR (II).

*THE MESSAGE:*
When David gained victory over Goliath, Saul began to hunt him, but David respected Saul’s life as the anointed of God. After Saul’s death, his son Ish-Bosheth ascended to the throne of Israel, while David ruled over Judah from Hebron. A war broke out between the two families, lasting for a long time. However, David grew stronger while Saul’s house grew weaker, especially when Abner pledged loyalty to him. The war between the royal families resulted in continuous bloodshed, depriving Israel of peace. When Christians fail to appreciate God's grace and blessings in the lives of others, hostility is likely to arise. Is there any conflict or pending disagreement in your family, community, or church? Discuss the matter, as overlooking it may lead to escalation and deprive you of harmony and peace.

*REFLECTION:*
Be an agent of peace.

*PRAYER:*
I choose the path of peace, so help me, God. Amen.

*MEMORY VERSE FOR THE MONTH:*
HEBREWS 10:29.
How much more severely do you think one deserves to be punished who has trampled on the Son of God, profaned the blood of the covenant that sanctified him, and insulted the Spirit of grace?

*TODAY'S BIBLE READING PLAN:*
ISAIAH 52-57.

ED.ii. GOD'S WAY IS THE BEST WAY

"As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts." - Isaiah 55:9

This is a big problem for God's children, because we have to accept that our thoughts are often not God's thoughts. We are able to know God's thoughts by reading the Bible. Often it turns out that the Lord God has a different way than we want to take and He has different thoughts than we have on the matter. We frequently have to deal with this. If God does not help or do as we expected, we become angry or disappointed. We say: 'I thought that you would do this or that.' But then the Lord says: 'You thought wrongly. Yes, you thought so, but:

 

I think differently.

 

I know the future.

 

I know all circumstances.

 

I know who you are.

 

I know what your marriage and your family are like.

 

I know how things are.

 

I know what is happening in the Netherlands.

 

I know what is happening in the world.

 

I know all things and think differently.

 

You want to do it that way, but I want to do things differently.'

 

Dear readers, this is where God's children often do not understand God. You think about the way you want to take and you assume that this is also the Lord's way. Then suddenly you discover that the Lord says: 'Do not walk the path you thought was the right one, I choose a different way for you.' Remember: God's way is the best way, it is always the best path!


https://www.theblessingdevotional.com

2. Evening Prayer for today.

EP.i. Evening Prayer

He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as the heaven is high above the earth, [so] great is his mercy toward them that fear him. As far as the east is from the west, [so] far hath he removed our transgressions from us. ⏤ Psalm 103:10-12

A holy life is the best testimony we can give of the grace which we have received. ⏤ J.C. Ryle

O God, our Father, breathe an evening blessing upon us. There is much in us that needs cleansing. Look upon us as friends of Your Son. He has died for us. We have no merit of our own. We dare not lift our hands in Your sight, except as Your redeemed people. Jesus loved us and gave Himself for us. He was wounded for our transgressions. He bore our sins in His own body on the cross. We don't mention our own names before You, for we have sinned and fallen short of Your glory. Even our best efforts are stained with sin. Our purest thoughts have evil in them. Our kindest deeds are not entirely pure. Wrong motives, selfish desires, and unholy feelings taint everything we do! But Jesus Christ is our hope and trust. We hide behind His cross. We want to be seen by You only in Him. For His sake, then, look upon us graciously and love us freely.

We thank You for the blessings of this day. Bless all of today’s experiences to us. Teach us the lessons You intended for us to learn. Bless all our efforts to help others. May the things we have tried to do to give comfort, help, and encouragement—to make burdens lighter and paths smoother—be recognized by You and used to advance Your work in the lives of those we sought to help.

If we have wronged others today, whether in impatience, selfishness, or without intent, in carelessness or thoughtlessness—we ask for Your forgiveness, and we also ask that You help us undo the wrong, if possible. Teach us how to overcome evil with good. Give us the gentle, healing touch that will cure the hurts we have caused. Fill us with more and more love so that we may always bless and never harm others. We ask all these mercies in the name of Jesus. Amen.

https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/24/evening

#taptapstudio
#youdevotion.

The Present Truth # 6
Prophecy of World Events.

The Great World Empires.

What the future holds has always been a matter of deep interest to world leaders and their subjects. Proud monarchs cherished the ambition to expand their kingdom to the uttermost ends of the world and to establish security for their kingdoms forever. To this end they devoted all their energies by heavily fortifying cities and raising huge armies. When, to all human probability, it appeared that they had attained their goal, their kingdom was often overthrown and followed by another. What does the future hold? Does the rise and fall of great world empires happen by chance or do they all form part of a great plan? If so, what will the outcome be? God’s foreseeing eye reveals the future; history establishes the certainty of it.

A World Ruler Troubled
Nebuchadnezzar, the great and ambitious king of ancient Babylon longed to know what would come to pass in the future. One night he had a remarkable dream. His mind was deeply impressed, but when he awoke he found it impossible to recall the dream. His wise men, the magicians, astrologers and soothsayers were unable to tell the king what he had dreamed, and because they claimed to have supernatural power, the king was angered at their inability to tell the dream, and ordered them to be executed.

Among the wise men at the court of Babylon was a young man named Daniel, and his friends, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. These four young men had been chosen from the Jewish exiles, to be educated at the king’s court. When he heard of the death decree and the reason for it, Daniel begged the king for an extension of time, so that he and his friends could pray to God to reveal to him the dream and the interpretation of it.

This request was granted and the four young men, with strong faith in God’s ability to answer them, prayed together. “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” James 5:16. It is not surprising that the answer came immediately. Read Daniel 2:1-30.

The Dream Revealed
Daniel told King Nebuchadnezzar the dream he could not recall: “Thou, O king, sawest, and behold a great image. This great image, whose brightness was excellent, stood before thee; and the form thereof was terrible. This image’s head was of fine gold, his breast and his arms of silver, his belly and his thighs of brass, his legs of iron, his feet part of iron and part of clay. Thou sawest till that a stone was cut out without hands, which smote the image upon his feet that were of iron and clay, and brake them to pieces. Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, broken to pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshingfloors; and the wind carried them away, that no place was found for them: and the stone that smote the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth.” Daniel 2:31-35.

The king had been listening with close attention to every particular and knew that it was the very dream which had so troubled him. His mind was thus prepared to favorably receive the interpretation.

Daniel declared: “. . . there is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets, and maketh known to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days. . . . This is the dream; and we will tell the interpretation thereof before the king.” Daniel 2:28, 36.

The Dream Interpreted
1. The Head of Gold
Daniel proceeded with the interpretation: “Thou, O king, art a king of kings: for the God of heaven hath given thee a kingdom, power, and strength, and glory. And wheresoever the children of men dwell, the beasts of the field and the fowls of the heaven hath he given into thine hand, and hath made thee ruler over them all. Thou art this head of gold.” Daniel 2:37, 38.

Babylon was the golden kingdom of a golden age. The city of Babylon was referred to as “the golden city,” Isaiah 14:4. It towered to a height of splendor never reached by any of its later rivals. This beautiful city was sixty miles in circumference, with solid gates of brass, its walls were approximately 120 meters high and 30 meters thick. Its magnificently terraced hanging gardens, its temples and palaces were called “The glory of kingdoms, the beauty of the Chaldees’ excellency.” Never before or since, has the earth seen a city like it, or has there been an equal. The images’ head of gold was a fit representation of the earth’s greatest city, Babylon. “No capital in the world has been the centre of so much power, wealth, and culture for a period so vast.” (History of Babylonia and Assyria, Volume 1, page 397).

After the death of Nebuchadnezzar, its greatest Monarch, Babylonia declined and eventually passed away under weaker rulers. During the reign of king Belshazzar, Nebuchadnezzar’s grandson, Cyrus the Persian, invaded Babylon. Belshazzar gave a feast and the whole city joined in the drunken revelry. While the party was in progress, Cyrus temporarily diverted the water of the river Euphrates which flowed through the city, and marched with his soldiers along the river bed, under the river gates and onto the drunken city and took the Babylonians by surprise in 538 B.C. This feast of Belshazzar is described in the fifth chapter of Daniel; and the scene closes with the simple record, “In that night was Belshazzar the king of the Chaldeans slain, and Darius the Median took the kingdom.”



2. The Breast and Arms of Silver
“And after thee shall arise another kingdom inferior to thee . . . ” Daniel 2:39.

The Medes and Persians succeeded Babylon. But in what way was Medo-Persia inferior to the preceding kingdom? Not in power, for it was Babylon’s conqueror. Not in territory, for it was the most extensive empire that ever existed. It was inferior in wealth and magnificence.

Under the rulership of king Cyrus, the seventy years of the Jewish exile came to a close and they were permitted to return to Jerusalem and to build their temple.

Two hundred years later Greece was rising to prominence, emerging as the next world empire.



3. The Belly and Thighs of Brass
“. . . and another third kingdom of brass, which shall bear rule over all the earth.” Daniel 2:39.

With unparalleled speed, Alexander the Great, ruler of Greece, led his armies in conquest. At the Battle of Arbela in 331 B.C., Darius III, King of Persia, was completely vanquished. Alexander was given to excessive drinking and lowest passions. Having conquered the world, his time was wasted in intemperate revelry. This proved his downfall and at the early age of thirty-two he died in a drunken orgy in the year 323 B.C. Because of ambitious leaders, his kingdom was soon divided under four of his generals. The kingdom’s greatness was short-lived, and the divisions fulfilled other prophetic expectations.

Rome conquered the Syrian division of the Greek Empire in 190 B.C., the Macedonian division in 168 B.C., and Egypt surrendered to Rome in the same year.



4. The Legs of Iron
The iron kingdom of Rome is the fourth empire that ruled the world. Gibbon wrote: “The arms of the Republic, sometimes vanquished in battle, always victorious in war, advanced with rapid steps to the Euphrates, the Danube, the Rhine, and the ocean; and the images of gold, silver, or brass, that might serve to represent the nations or their kings, were successively broken by the iron monarchy of Rome.” (Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, chapter 38, paragraph one, “General Observations.”)

In the time of Christ, the Roman Empire included all of Southern Europe, France, England, the greater part of Holland, Switzerland, the Southern part of Germany, Hungary, Turkey, and Greece as well as extensive possessions in Africa and Asia.

“And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.” Luke 2:1.

The first taxing of the world, enforced by the decrees of Rome, shows the expanse of this Roman Empire.

How could this mighty and stable empire disappear from the earth? It seemed well nigh impossible from human observation. But a further scene from the prophetic vision was to take place.



5. Feet of Iron and Clay
“And whereas thou sawest the feet and toes, part of potters’ clay, and part of iron, the kingdom shall be divided; but there shall be in it of the strength of the iron, forasmuch as thou sawest the iron mixed with miry clay. And as the toes of the feet were part of iron, and part of clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong, and partly broken.” Daniel 2:41, 42.

Unlike the previous empires, Rome was not overthrown in battle by a successive nation. Rome weakened internally as the people lived in luxury and experienced the degeneracy of self-content and intemperance. The territory which made up the official Roman kingdom lay west of Greece, which was represented by the legs of iron. By fragmentation, this territory was divided into ten independent kingdoms, represented by the ten toes of the image. Some retained the strength of the original iron kingdom, and some were weak, as symbolized by the clay.

This division took place between the years A.D. 351 and A.D. 476. The ten tribes were: the Lombards, Franks, Ostrogoths, Visigoths, Burgundians, Suevi, Heruli, Vandals, Alemanni and Saxons. Later prophecies, given in chapters eight and nine of Daniel revealed that three of these kingdoms were to be uprooted (destroyed) by another power. This has proved true, but the remaining nations are still traceable in the nations of Europe today as Italy, France, England, The Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, and Germany.

Although the prophecy shows Christ’s coming as the next event, other prophecies indicate intervening developments. These will be discussed in future lessons.

“And whereas thou sawest iron mixed with miry clay, they shall mingle themselves with the seed of men: but they shall not cleave one to another, even as iron is not mixed with clay.” Daniel 2:43.

For centuries the nations of Europe have endeavored to be united again under a central government. Neither by force, nor by diplomacy have men and women succeeded in foraging the iron and clay together. Wars have been fought but to no avail. Marriages formed to unite the nations under one ruler. All monarchies of Europe are related to each other through intermarriage, but the division still stands, as the word of God foretold. The prophecy says, “they shall not cleave one to another.”

Charlemagne tried to bring Europe under one kingdom, so did Charles V, Louis XIV, Napoleon, Wilhelm, Hitler, and the European Common Market. Although they have appeared to succeed for a time, there has been and will not be a permanent cohesion.

What Is the Next Event?
1. The Stone Cut Out Without Hands
“And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever. Forasmuch as thou sawest that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it brake in pieces the iron, the brass, the clay, the silver, and the gold; the great God hath made known to the king what shall come to pass hereafter: and the dream is certain, and the interpretation thereof sure.” Daniel 2:44, 45.

Here is the climax of this great prophecy. The final act in the drama of the world empires is the establishment of the kingdom of God. This is certain! Just as the previous symbols were all exactly fulfilled in the course of history, so we know that this final part will also come to pass. Daniel said: “The dream is certain, and the interpretation thereof sure.” We are instructed to study the historic fulfillment of Bible prophecy and to be assured of their truth: “Seek ye out of the book of the Lord, and read: no one of these shall fail, none shall want her mate: for my mouth it hath commanded, and his spirit it hath gathered them.” Isaiah 34:16.

It is in the days of the last kingdoms of iron and clay, that the kingdom of Christ will come. Christ will return, not as the Lamb of God, but as King of kings, as a mighty conqueror. His kingdom does not depend on human support, it is the kingdom of Heaven, a stone cut out without hands. His kingdom, unlike the human kingdoms, is everlasting and shall stand forever.

Jesus will soon return, but before He does He seeks first to establish His kingdom in the hearts of men. Dear friend, will you allow the Prince of Peace to rule your heart now, so that when He comes you may inherit the Kingdom of Heaven?

.

Daily Bible Lesson
SAME-SEX MARRIAGE—WHEN HUMAN LAW CHALLENGES GOD’S CREATED ORDER
Marriage belongs to the Creator—not to culture, courts, or changing society.

Beloved, the question is not: “What does society allow?”
The question is: “What did God create?”

Human law may legalize.
Culture may celebrate.
Courts may redefine.
But no earthly power can rewrite the blueprint of Heaven.

“Male and female created he them.” — Genesis 1:27
“Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife.” — Genesis 2:24

Jesus Himself pointed back to Eden:

“He which made them at the beginning made them male and female… For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife.” — Matthew 19:4–5

Christ did not redefine marriage. He restored it to creation: one man, one woman, one covenant, under God.
---

MARRIAGE WAS CREATED BY GOD

Marriage did not begin in government.
It did not begin in culture.
It did not begin in courts.

It began in Eden.

“God celebrated the first marriage. Thus the institution has for its originator the Creator of the universe.”
— Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 46

“Marriage is honorable”; it was one of the first gifts of God to man.
— The Adventist Home, p. 25

If God created marriage, man has no authority to redesign it.
---

SCRIPTURE DOES NOT SANCTIFY WHAT GOD FORBIDS

The Bible speaks plainly:

“Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination.” — Leviticus 18:22

“Even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: and likewise also the men…” — Romans 1:26–27

“Be not deceived… nor abusers of themselves with mankind… shall inherit the kingdom of God.” — 1 Corinthians 6:9–10

But heaven’s mercy does not stop there:

“And such were some of you: but ye are washed… sanctified… justified in the name of the Lord Jesus.” — 1 Corinthians 6:11

God’s Word exposes sin—but Christ’s blood can cleanse every surrendered sinner.

This is not hatred.
This is not cruelty.
This is not permission to mock anyone.

Christians must love every soul—but we must never call sin holy.
---

LEGAL DOES NOT MEAN HOLY

Same-sex marriage was first legalized in the Netherlands in 2001.
In the United States, it became nationwide in 2015 through Obergefell v. Hodges.

But legality is not the test of truth.

Human law once protected slavery.
Human law once condemned Bible believers.
Human law once crucified Christ.

“We ought to obey God rather than men.” — Acts 5:29

A thing can be legal before men and still be rebellion before God.
---

THE REAL ISSUE IS AUTHORITY

If society can redefine marriage, what will it redefine next?

Marriage?
Gender?
Family?
Morality?
Truth itself?

“Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil.” — Isaiah 5:20
“Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come.” — Revelation 14:7

When man removes God from morality, sin becomes policy and rebellion becomes progress.
---

SODOM IS A WARNING

Sodom was not destroyed because God lacked love.
Sodom fell because sin became bold, public, and unrepented.

“The men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the LORD exceedingly.” — Genesis 13:13

“Sodom and Gomorrha… going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example.” — Jude 7

“The sin of Sodom is the sin of many cities now in existence.”
— Manuscript Releases, Vol. 4, p. 121

When a generation mocks warning and celebrates what God condemns, it is walking near the edge of judgment.
---

ILLUSTRATION: THE BLUEPRINT

Imagine an architect giving builders the perfect blueprint.

But the builders say:

“We prefer our own design.”
“We will move the foundation.”
“We will change the structure.”
“We will still call it the same house.”

Then the building collapses.

Why?

Because sincerity cannot save a structure built against the blueprint.

Marriage has a blueprint.
The Architect is God.
No generation can safely rebuild what God has already defined.
---

APPLICATION

Christian, wake up.

Do not let culture disciple your conscience.
Do not let emotion erase Scripture.
Do not let “love” silence holiness.
Do not let compassion become agreement with sin.

We must be tender with people—
but firm with truth.

We must love sinners—
but never bless rebellion.

We must speak with tears—
but still speak.

“Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” — John 17:17

A church that refuses to warn sinners is not loving—it is sleeping.

THE REMEDY IS CHRIST

This message is not only warning.
It is hope.

Jesus can cleanse the broken.
Jesus can restore the confused.
Jesus can forgive the guilty.
Jesus can transform the heart.
Jesus can make every surrendered soul new.

“If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature.” — 2 Corinthians 5:17

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us… and to cleanse us.” — 1 John 1:9

The gospel does not leave people in sin.
It forgives, cleanses, restores, and transforms.
---

Beloved, this is not the hour for silent Christianity.

Human law is challenging God’s order.
Culture is rewriting God’s design.
The world is calling rebellion love.

But Heaven has not changed.

“Come out from among them, and be ye separate.” — 2 Corinthians 6:17
“Be ye also ready.” — Matthew 24:44

Speak truth with love.
Stand firm without hatred.
Warn with tears.
Pray with burden.
Call sinners to Christ—not to condemnation, but to cleansing.

Human law may redefine marriage, but Heaven still recognizes the blueprint of Eden: one man, one woman, one covenant, under one Creator. Therefore, repent while mercy still pleads, break away from every sin God condemns, return fully to Christ, and warn others before culture makes rebellion look like love and sin feel like righteousness.

The Sabbath Truth # 7
Sabbath History.

Sabbath Through the Centuries

1st Century

"But pray ye that your flight be not in winter, neither on the Sabbath day." Jesus, Matthew 24:20

Institution Of The Sabbath

"Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. And on the seventh day God ended his work which he made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made." Genesis 2:1-3

Jesus

"And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up for to read." Luke 4:16

"And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life? And he said unto him, if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments." Matthew 19:16-17

"But pray ye that your flight be not in winter, neither on the Sabbath day." Matthew 24:20.

Jesus asked his disciples to pray that in the flight from the doomed city of Jerusalem they would not have to flee on the Sabbath day. This flight took place in 70 A.D. (40 years after the Cross).

His Followers

"And they returned, and prepared spices and ointments and rested the Sabbath day according to the commandment." Luke 23:56

Paul

"And Paul, as his manner was went in unto them, and three Sabbath days reasoned with them out of the Scriptures" Acts 17:2

Paul And Gentiles

"And when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue, the Gentiles besought that these words might be preached to them the next Sabbath. And the next Sabbath came almost the whole city together to hear the Word of God." Acts 13:42, 44.

Here we find Gentiles in a Gentile city gathering on the Sabbath. It was not a synagogue meeting in verse 44, for it says almost the whole city came together, verse 42 says they asked to hear the message the "next Sabbath."

John

"I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day." Rev. 1:10 (Mark 2:28, Isa.58:13, Ex.20:10, Clearly show the Sabbath to be the Lord's day).

Josephus

"There is not any city of the Grecians, nor any of the Barbarians, nor any nation whatsoever, whither our custom of resting on the seventh day hath not come!" M'Clatchie, "Notes and Queries on China and Japan" (edited by Dennys), Vol 4, Nos 7, 8, p.100.

Philo

Declares the seventh day to be a festival, not of this or of that city, but of the universe. M'Clatchie, "Notes and Queries," Vol. 4, 99

2nd Century

"It is certain that the ancient Sabbath did remain and was observed (together with the celebration of the Lord's day) by the Christians of the East Church, above three hundred years after our Saviour's death." - A Learned Treatise of the Sabbath, p. 77

Early Christians

"The primitive Christians had a great veneration for the Sabbath, and spent the day in devotion and sermons. And it is not to be doubted but they derived this practice from the Apostles themselves, as appears by several scriptures to the purpose." "Dialogues on the Lord's Day," p. 189. London: 1701, By Dr. T.H. Morer (A Church of England divine).

"...The Sabbath was a strong tie which united them with the life of the whole people, and in keeping the Sabbath holy they followed not only the example but also the command of Jesus." "Geschichte des Sonntags," pp.13, 14 "The primitive Christians did keep the Sabbath of the Jews ;...therefore the Christians, for a long time together, did keep their conventions upon the Sabbath, in which some portions of the law were read: and this continued till the time of the Laodicean council." "The Whole Works" of Jeremy Taylor, Vol. IX,p. 416 (R. Heber's Edition, Vol XII, p. 416).

Early Church

"It is certain that the ancient Sabbath did remain and was observed (together with the celebration of the Lord's day) by the Christians of the East Church, above three hundred years after our Saviour's death." "A Learned Treatise of the Sabbath," p. 77

Note: By the "Lord's day" here the writer means Sunday and not the true Sabbath," which the Bible says is the Sabbath. This quotation shows Sunday coming into use in the early centuries soon after the death of the Apostles. Paul the Apostle foretold a great "falling away" from the Truth that would take place soon after his death.

2nd Century Christians

"The Gentile Christians observed also the Sabbath," Gieseler's "Church History," Vol.1, ch. 2, par. 30, 93.

2nd, 3rd, 4th Centuries

"From the apostles' time until the council of Laodicea, which was about the year 364, the holy observance of the Jews' Sabbath continued, as may be proved out of many authors: yea, notwithstanding the decree of the council against it." "Sunday a Sabbath." John Ley, p.163. London: 1640.

3rd Century

"The seventh-day Sabbath was...solemnised by Christ, the Apostles, and primitive Christians, till the Laodicean Council did in manner quite abolish the observations of it." Dissertation on the Lord's Day, pp. 33, 34

Egypt (Oxyrhynchus Papyrus) (200-250 A.D.)

"Except ye make the sabbath a real sabbath (sabbatize the Sabbath," Greek), ye shall not see the Father." "The oxyrhynchus Papyri," pt,1, p.3, Logion 2, verso 4-11 (London Offices of the Egypt Exploration Fund, 1898).

Early Christians-C 3rd

"Thou shalt observe the Sabbath, on account of Him who ceased from His work of creation, but ceased not from His work of providence: it is a rest for meditation of the law, not for idleness of the hands." "The Anti-Nicene Fathers," Vol 7,p. 413. From "Constitutions of the Holy Apostles," a document of the 3rd and 4th Centuries.

Africa (Alexandria) Origen

"After the festival of the unceasing sacrifice (the crucifixion) is put the second festival of the Sabbath, and it is fitting for whoever is righteous among the saints to keep also the festival of the Sabbath. There remaineth therefore a sabbatismus, that is, a keeping of the Sabbath, to the people of God (Hebrews 4:9)." "Homily on Numbers 23," par.4, in Migne, "Patrologia Graeca," Vol. 12,cols. 749, 750.

Palestine to India (Church of the East)

As early as A.D. 225 there existed lallrge bishoprics or conferences of the Church of the East (Sabbath-keeping) stretching from Palestine to India. Mingana, "Early Spread of Christianity." Vol.10, p. 460.

India (Buddhist Controversy, 220 A.D.)

The Kushan Dynasty of North India called a famous council of Buddhist priests at Vaisalia to bring uniformity among the Buddhist monks on the observance of their weekly Sabbath. Some had been so impressed by the writings of the Old Testament that they had begun to keep holy the Sabbath. Lloyd, "The Creed of Half Japan," p. 23.

Early Christians

"The seventh-day Sabbath was...solemnised by Christ, the Apostles, and primitive Christians, till the Laodicean Council did in manner quite abolish the observations of it." "Dissertation on the Lord's Day," pp. 33, 34

4th Century

"When you are in Rome, do as Rome does." Ambrose, the celebrated bishop of Milan gave rise to this proverb by stating that when he was in Milan he observed Saturday, but when in Rome he observed Sunday. (See page 70 in this Online version of Truth Triumphant)

Italy AND EAST-C 4th

"It was the practice generally of the Easterne Churches; and some churches of the west...For in the Church of Millaine (Milan);...it seems the Saturday was held in a farre esteeme... Not that the Easterne Churches, or any of the rest which observed that day, were inclined to Iudaisme (Judaism); but that they came together on the Sabbath day, to worship Iesus (Jesus) Christ the Lord of the Sabbath." "History of the Sabbath" (original spelling retained), Part 2, par. 5, pp.73, 74. London: 1636. Dr. Heylyn.

Italy - Milan

"Ambrose, the celebrated bishop of Milan, said that when he was in Milan he observed Saturday, but when in Rome observed Sunday. This gave rise to the proverb, 'When you are in Rome, do as Rome does.'" Heylyn, "The History of the Sabbath" (1612)

Orient And Most Of World

"The ancient Christians were very careful in the observance of Saturday, or the seventh day...It is plain that all the Oriental churches, and the greatest part of the world, observed the Sabbath as a festival...Athanasius likewise tells us that they held religious assembles on the Sabbath, not because they were infected with Judaism, but to worship Jesus, the Lord of the Sabbath, Epiphanius says the same." "Antiquities of the Christian Church," Vol.II Book XX, chap. 3, sec.1, 66. 1137,1138.

Abyssinia - Remnants of Philip's Evangelism

"In the last half of that century St. Ambrose of Milan stated officially that the Abyssinian bishop, Museus, had 'traveled almost everywhere in the country of the Seres' (China). For more than seventeen centuries the Abyssinian Church continued to sanctify Saturday as the holy day of the fourth commandment." Ambrose, DeMoribus, Brachmanorium Opera Ominia, 1132, found in Migne, Patrologia Latima, Vol.17, pp.1131,1132.

Arabia, Persia, India, China

"Mingana proves that in 370 A.D. Abyssinian Christianity (a Sabbath keeping church) was so popular that its famous director, Musacus, travelled extensively in the East promoting the church in Arabia, Persia, India and China." "Truth Triumphant,"p.308 (Footnote 27). (Page numbers vary in this Online version of Truth Triumphant)

Spain - Council Elvira (A.D.305)

Canon 26 of the Council of Elvira reveals that the Church of Spainat that time kept Saturday, the seventh day. "As to fasting every Sabbath: Resolved, that the error be corrected of fasting every Sabbath." This resolution of the council is in direct opposition to the policy the church at Rome had inaugurated, that of commanding Sabbath as a fast day in order to humiliate it and make it repugnant to the people.

Spain

It is a point of further interest to note that in north-eastern Spainnear the city of Barcelona is a city called Sabadell, in a district originaly inhabited. By a people called both "Valldenses" and Sabbatati."

Persia-A.D. 335-375

(40 Years Persecution Under Shapur II)

The popular complaint against the Christians-"They despise our sungod, they have divine services on Saturday, they desecrate the sacred the earth by burying their dead in it." (Truth Triumphant, Online Version p. 261)

Persia-A.D. 335-375

"They despise our sun-god. Did not Zorcaster, the sainted founder of our divine beliefs, institute Sunday one thousand years ago in honour of the sun and supplant the Sabbath of the Old Testament. Yet these Christians have divine services on Saturday." O'Leary, "The Syriac Church and Fathers," pp.83, 84.

Council Laodicea - A.D.365

"Canon 16-On Saturday the Gospels and other portions of the Scripture shall be read aloud." "Canon 29-Christians shall not Judaize and be idle on Saturday, but shall work on that day; but the Lord's day they shall especially honor, and as being Christians, shall, if possible, do no work on that day." Hefele's "Councils," Vol. 2, b. 6.

5th Century

"The people of Constantinople, and almost everywhere, assemble together on the Sabbath, as well as on the first day of the week, which custom is never observed at Rome or at Alexandria." Socrates, "Ecclesiastical History," Book 7, chap.19.

The World

"For although almost all churches throughout The World celebrated the sacred mysteries (the Lord's Supper) on the Sabbath of every week, yet the Christians of Allexandria and at Rome, on account of some ancient tradition, refuse to do this." The footnote which accompanies the foregoing quotation explains the use of the word "Sabbath." It says: "That is, upon the Saturday. It should be observed, that Sunday is never called "the Sabbath' by the ancient Fathers and historians." Socrates, "Ecclestical History," Book 5, chap. 22, p. 289.

Constantinople

"The people of Constantinople, and almost everywhere, assemble together on the Sabbath, as well as on the first day of the week, which custom is never observed at Rome or at Alexandria." Sozomen, "Ecclesiastical History," Book 7, chap. 19.

The World - Augustine, Bishop Of Hippo (North Africa)

Augustine shows here that the Sabbath was observed in his day "in the greater part of the Christian world," and his testimony in this respect is all the more valuable because he himself was an earnest and consistent Sunday-keeper. See "Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers," 1st Series, Vol.1, pp. 353, 354.

Pope Innocent (402-417)

Pope Sylvester (314-335) was the first to order the churches to fast on Saturday, and Pope Innocent (402-417) made it a binding law in the churches that obeyed him, (In order to bring the Sabbath into disfavour.) "Innocentius did ordain the Saturday or Sabbath to be always fasted." Dr. Peter Heylyn, "History of the Sabbath, Part 2, p. 44.

5th Century Christians

Down even to the fifth century the observance of the Jewish Sabbath was continued in the Christian church. "Ancient Christianity Exemplified," Lyman Coleman, ch. 26, sec. 2, p. 527.

In Jerome's day (420 A.D.) the devoutest Christians did ordinary work on Sunday."Treatise of the Sabbath Day," by Dr. White, Lord Bishop of Ely, p. 219.

France

"Wherefore, except Vespers and Nocturns, there are no public services among them in the day except on Saturday (Sabbath) and Sunday." John Cassian, A French monk, "Institutes," Book 3, ch. 2.

Africa

"Augustine deplored the fact that in two neighbouring churches in Africa one observes the seventh-day Sabbath, another fasted on it." Dr. Peter Heylyn, "The History of the Sabbath." p. 416.

Spain (400 A.D.)

"Ambrose sanctified the seventh day as the Sabbath (as he himself says). Ambrose had great influence in Spain, which was also observing the Saturday Sabbath." Truth Triumphant, p. 68.

Sidonius (Speaking Of King Theodoric Of The Goths, A.D. 454-526)

"It is a fact that it was formerly the custom in the East to keep the Sabbath in the same manner as the Lord's day and to hold sacred assemblies: while on the other hand, the people of the West, contending for the Lord's day have neglected the celebration of the Sabbath." "Apollinaries Sidonli Epistolae," lib.1, 2; Migne, 57.

Egypt

"There are several cities and villages in Egypt where, contrary to the usage established elsewhere, the people meet together on Sabbath evenings, and, although they have dined previously, partake of the mysteries." Sozomen. "Ecclesiastical History" Book 7, ch. 19

6th Century

Scottish Church

"In this latter instance they seemed to have followed a custom of which we find traces in the early monastic church of Ireland by which they held Saturday to be the Sabbath on which they rested from all their labours." W.T. Skene, "Adamnan Llife of St. Columbs" 1874, p.96.

Scotland, Ireland

"We seem to see here an allusion to the custom, observed in the early monastic Church of Ireland, of keeping the day of rest on Saturday, or the Sabbath." "History of the Catholic Church in Scotland," Vol.1, p. 86, by Catholic historian Bellesheim.

Scotland - Columba

"Having continued his labours in Scotland thirty-four years, he clearly and openly foretold his death, and on Saturday, the month of June, said to his disciple Diermit: "This day is called the Sabbath, that is the rest day, and such will it truly be to me; for it will put an end to my labours.'" " Butler's Lives of the Saints," Vol.1, A.D. 597, art. "St. Columba" p. 762

Columba (Re Dr. Butler's Description Of His Death)

The editor of the best biography of Columbia says in a footnote: "Our Saturday. The custom to call The Lord's day Sabbath did not commence until a thousand years later." Adamnan's "Life of Columba" (Dublin, 1857), p. 230.

7th Century

Scotland and Ireland

Professor James C. Moffatt, D.D., Professor of Church History at Princeton, says: It seems to have been customary in the Celtic churches of early times, in Ireland as well as Scotland, to keep Saturday, the Jewish Sabbath , as a day of rest from labour. They obeyed the fourth commandment literally upon the seventh day of week ." "The Church in Scotland," p.140.

Scotland and Ireland

"The Celts used a Latin Bible unlike the Vulgate (R.C.) and kept Saturday as a day of rest , with special religious services on Sunday." Flick, "The Rise of Medieval Church," p. 237

Rome

Gregory I (A.D. 590-640) wrote against "Roman citizens (who) forbid any work being done on the Sabbath day." "Nicene and Post- Nicene Fathers," Second Series, Vol, XIII, p.13, epist. 1

Rome (Pope Gregory I, A.D.590 TO 604)

"Gregory, bishop by the grace of God to his well-beloved sons, the Roman citizens: It has come to me that certain men of perverse spirit have disseminated among you things depraved and opposed to the holy faith, so that they forbid anything to be done on the day of the Sabbath. What shall I call them except preachers of anti-Christ?" Epistles, b.13:1

Rome (Pope Gregory I)

Declared that when anti-Christ should come he would keep Saturday as the Sabbath. "Epistles of Gregory I, "b 13, epist.1. found in "Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers."

"Moreover, this same Pope Gregory had issued an official pronouncement against a section of the city of Rome itself because the Christian believers there rested and worshipped on the Sabbath." Same reference.

8th Century

Council Of Friaul, Italy-A.D. 791 (Canon 13)

"We command all Christians to observe the Lord's day to be held not in honour of the past Sabbath, but on account of that holy night of the first of the week called the Lord's day. When speaking of that Sabbath which the Jews observe, the last day of the week, and which also our peasants observe.." Mansi, 13, 851

Persia and Mesopotamia

"The hills of Persia and the valleys of the Tigris and Euphrates reechoed their songs of praise. They reaped their harvests and paid their tithes. They repaired to their churches on the Sabbath day for the worship of God." "Realencyclopaedie fur Protestatische and Krche," art. "Nestorianer"; also Yule, "The Book of ser Marco Polo," Vol.2, p.409.

India, China, Persia, ETC

"Widespread and enduring was the observance of the seventh-day Sabbath among the believers of the Church of the East and the St. Thomas Christians of India, who never were connected with Rome. It also was maintained among those bodies which broke off from Rome after the Council of Chalcedon namely, the Abyssinians, the Jacobites, the Maronites, and the Armenians," Schaff-Herzog, The New Encyclopedia of Religious Knowledge," art. "Nestorians"; also Real encyclopaedie fur Protestantische Theologie und Kirche," art. "Nestorianer."

Council Of Liftinae, Belgium - A.D. 745 (Attended By Boniface)

"The third allocution of this council warns against the observance of the Sabbath, referring to the decree of the council of Laodicea." Dr. Hefele, Counciliengfesch, 3, 512, sec. 362

China - A.D.781

In A.D. 781 the famous China Monument was inscribed in marble to tell of the growth of Christianity in China at that time. The inscription, consisting of 763 words, was unearthed in 1625 near the city of Changan and now stands in the "Forest of Tablets," Changan. The following extract from the stone shows that the Sabbath was observed: "On the seventh day we offer sacrifices, after having purified our hearts, and received absolution for our sins. This religion, so perfect and so excellent, is difficult to name, but it enlightens darkness by its brilliant precepts." Christianity in China, M. I'Abbe Huc, Vol. I, ch.2, pp. 48, 49

9th Century

Bulgaria

"Bulgarian the early season of its evangelization had been taught that no work should be performed on the Sabbath." Responsa Nicolai Papae I and Con-Consulta Bulllllgarorum, Responsum 10, found in Mansi, Sacrorum Concilorum Nova et Amplissima Colectio, Vol.15; p. 406; also Hefele, Conciliengeschicte, Vol.4, sec. 478

(Pope Nicholas I, in answer to letter from Bogaris, ruling prince of Bulgaria.) "Ques. 6-Bathing is allowed on Sunday. Ques. 10-One is to cease from work on Sunday, but not also on the Sabbath." Hefele, 4,346-352, sec. 478

The Bulgarians had been accustomed to rest on the Sabbath. Pope Nicholas writes against this practice.

Constantinople

(Photuus, Patriarch of Constantinople {in counter- synod that deposed Nicolas}, thus accused Papacy). Against the canons, they induced the Bulgarians to fast on the Sabbath." Photius, vonKard, Hergenrother, 1, 643

NOTE: The Papacytried to bring the seventh-day Sabbath into disrepute by insisting that all should fast on that day. In this manner (she sought to turn people towards Sunday, the first day, the day that Rome had adopted.

Athingians

Cardinal Hergenrother says that they stood in intimate relation with Emperor Michael II (821-829) and testifies that they observed the Sabbath. Kirchengeschichte, 1, 527

India, Abyssinia

"Widespread and enduring was the observance of the seventh-day Sabbath among the believers of the Church of the East and the St. Thomas Christians of India. It was also maintained by the Abyssinians.

Bulgaria

"Pope Nicholas I, in the ninth century, sent the ruling prince of Bulgaria a long document saying in it that one is to cease from work on Sunday, but not on the Sabbath. The head of the Greek Church, offended at the interference of the Papacy, declared the Pope ex-communicated." Truth Triumphant, p. 223

10th Century

Scotland

"They worked on Sunday, but kept Saturday in a Sabbatical manner." A history of Scotland from the Roman Occupation, Vol. I, p.96. Andrew Lang

Church Of The East - Kurdistan

"The Nestorians eat no pork and keep the Sabbath. They believe in neither auricular confession nor purgatory." Schaff-Herzog, "The New Encyclopaedia of Religious Knowledge," art. "Nestorians."

Waldenses

"And because they observed no other day of rest but the Sabbath days , they called them Insabathas, as much as to say, as they observed no Sabbath." Luther's "Fore-Runners" (original spelling), PP. 7, 8

Roman Catholic

writers try to evade the apostolic origin of the Waldenses, so as to make it appear that the Roman is the only apostolic church, and that all others are later novelties. And for this reason they try to make out that the Waldenses originated with Peter Waldo of the twelfth century. Dr. Peter Allix says: "Some Protestants, on this occasion, have fallen into the snare that was set for them...It is absolutely false, that these churches were ever found by Peter Waldo...it is a pure forgery." Ancient Church of Piedmont, pp.192, Oxford: 1821

"It is not true, that Waldo gave this name to the inhabitants of the valleys: they were called Waldenses, or Vaudes, before his time, from the valleys in which they dwelt." "Id., p. 182

On the other hand, he "was called Valdus, or Waldo, because he received his religious notions from the inhabitants of the valleys." History of the Christian Church, William Jones, Vol II, p.2

11th Century

Scotland

They held that Saturday was properly the Sabbath on which they abstained from work. "Celtic Scotland," Vol. 2, p. 350

"They worked on Sunday, but kept Saturday in a sabbatical manner...These things Margaret abolished." A History of Scotland from the Roman Occupation," Vol.1, p. 96.

"It was another custom of theirs to neglect the reverence due to the Lord's day, by devoting themselves to every kind of worldly business upon it, just as they did upon other days. That this was contrary to the law, she (Queen Margaret) proved to them as well by reason as by authority. 'Let us venerate the Lord's day,' said she, 'because of the resurrection of our Lord, which happened upon that day, and let us no longer do servile works upon it; bearing in mind that upon this day we were redeemed from the slavery of the devil. The blessed Pope Gregory affirms the same.'" Life of Saint Margaret, Turgot, p. 49 (British Museum Library) (Historian Skene commenting upon the work of Queen Margaret) "Her next point was that they did not duly reverence the Lord's day, but in this latter instance they seemed to have followed a custom of which we find traces in the early Church of Ireland, by which they held Saturdayto be the Sabbath on which they rested from all their labours." Skene, "Celtic Scotland," Vol.2, p. 349

Scotland And Ireland

"T. Ratcliffe Barnett, in his book on the fervent Catholic queen of Scotland who in 1060 was first to attempt the ruin of Columba's brethren, writes: 'In this matter the Scots had perhaps kept up the traditional usage of the ancient Irish Church which observed Saturday instead of Sunday as the day of rest.'" Barnett, "Margaret of Scotland: Queen and Saint," p.97

Council Of Clermont

"During the first crusade, Pope Urban II decreed at the council of Clermont (A.D.1095) that the Sabbath be set aside in honour of the Virgin Mary." History of the Sabbath, p.672

Constantinople

"Because you observe the Sabbath with the Jews and the Lord's Day with us, you seem to imitate with such observance the sect of Nazarenes." Migne, "Patrologia Latina," Vol. 145, p.506; also Hergenroether, "Photius," Vol. 3, p.746. (The Nazarenes were a Christian denomination.)

Greek Church

"The observance of Saturday is, as everyone knows, the subject of a bitter dispute between the Greeks and the Latins." Neale, "A History of the Holy Eastern Church," Vol 1, p. 731. (Referring to the separation of the Greek Church from the Latin in 1054)

12th Century

Lombardy

"Traces of Sabbath-keepers are found in the times of Gregory I, Gregory VII, and in the twelfth century in Lombardy." Strong's Cyclopaedia, 1, 660

Spain (Alphonse of Aragon)

"Alphonse, king of Aragon, etc., to all archbishops, bishops and to all others...'We command you that heretics, to wit, Waldenses and Insabbathi, should be expelled away from the face of God and from all Catholics and ordered to depart from our kingdom.'" Marianse, Praefatio in Lucam Tudensem, found in "Macima Gibliotheca Veterum Patrum," Vol.25, p.190

Hungary France, England, Italy, Germany

. (Referring to the Sabbath- keeping Pasagini) "The spread of heresy at this time is almost incredible. From Gulgaria to the Ebro, from nothern France to the Tiber, everywhere we meet them. Whole countries are infested, like Hungary and southern France; they abound in many other countries, in Germany, in Italy, in the Netherlands and even in England they put forth their efforts." Dr. Hahn, "Gesch. der Ketzer." 1, 13, 14

Waldenses

"Among the documents. we have by the same peoples, an explanation of the Ten Commandments dated by Boyer 1120. Observance of the Sabbath by ceasing from worldly labours, is enjoined." Blair, History of the Waldenses, Vol.1, p. 220

"Robinson gives an account of some of the Waldenses of the Alps, who were called Sabbati, Sabbatati, Insabbatati, but more frequently Inzabbatati. "One says they were so named from the Hebrew word Sabbath, because they kept the Saturday for the Lord's day.'" General History of the Baptist Denomination, Vol.II, P. 413

Wales

"There is much evidence that the Sabbath prevailed in Wales university until A.D.1115, when the first Roman bishop was seated at St. David's. The old Welsh Sabbath-keeping churches did not even then altogether bow the knee to Rome, but fled to their hiding places." Lewis, "Seventh Day Baptists in Europe and America," Vol.1, p.29

France

"For twenty years Peter de Bruys stirred southern France. He especialy emphasised a day of worship that was recognized at that time among the Celtic churches of the British Isles, among the Paulicians, and in the great Church of the East namely, the the seventh day of the fourth commandment."

Pasagini

The papal author, Bonacursus, wrote the following against the "Pasagaini": "Not a few, but many know what are the errors of those who are called Pasaagini...First, they teach that we should obey the Sabbath. Furthermore, to increase their error, they condemn and reject all the church Fathers, and the whole Roman Church." D'Achery, Spicilegium I,f.211-214; Muratory, Antiq. med. aevi.5, f.152, Hahn, 3, 209

13th Century

"The inquisitors...[declare] that the sign of a Vaudois(Waldenses of France), deemed worthy of death, was that he followed Christ and sought to obey the commandments of God." History of the Inquisition of the Middle Ages, H.C.Les, vol. 1

Waldenses

"They say that the blessed Pope Sylvester was the Antichrist of whom mention is made in the Epistles of St. Paul as having been the son of perdition.[They also say] that the keeping of the Sabbath ought to take place." Ecclesiastical History of the Ancient Churches of Piedmont," p.169 (by prominent Roman Catholic author writing about Waldenses)

France (Waldenses)

To destroy completely these heretics Pope Innocent III sent Dominican inquistors into France, and also crusaders, promising "a plenary remission of all sins, to those who took on them the crusade...against the albigenses." Catholic Encyclopaedia, Vol.XII, art."Raymond VI," p. 670

France

Thousands of God's people were tortured to death by the Inquisition, buried alive, burned to death, or hacked to pieces by the crusaders. While devastating the city of Biterre the soldiers asked the Catholic leaders how they should know who were heretics; "Slay them all, for the Lord knows who is His." History of the Inquisition, pp. 96

France-King Louis IX,1229

Published the statute "Cupientes" in which he charges himself to clear southern France from heretics as the Sabbath-keepers were called.

Waldenses Of France

"The heresy of the Vaudois, or poor people of Lyons, is of great antiquity, for some say that it has been continued down ever since the time of Pope Sylvester; and others, ever since that of the apostles." The Roman Inquisitor, Reinerus Sacho, writing about 1230

FRANCE-Council Toulouse, 1229

Canons against Sabbath-keepers: "Canon 3.-The lords of the different districts shall have the villas, houses and woods diligently searched, and the hiding-places of the heretics destroyed. "Canon 14-Lay members are not allowed to possess the books of either the Old or the New Testaments." Hefele, 5, 931, 962

Europe

"The Paulicians, Petrobusinas, Passaginians, Waldenses, Insabbatati were great Sabbath-keeping bodies of Europe down to 1250 A.D."

Pasaginians

Dr. Hahn says that if the Pasaginians referred to the 4th Commandment to support the Sabbath, the Roman priests answered, "The Sabbath symbolised the eternal rest of the saints."

Mongolia

"The Mongolian conquest did not injure the Church of the East. (Sabbath-keeping.) On the contrary, a number of the Mongolian princes and a larger number of Mongolian queens were members of this church."

14th Century

"Also the priests have caused the people to keep Saturdays as Sundays." Evangelical Lutheran Church in Norway (See below), Vol.1, p.184 Oslo

Waldenses

"That we are to worship one only God, who is able to help us, and not the Saints departed; that we ought to keep holy the Sabbath day." Luther's Fore-runners," p. 38

Insabbati

"For centuries evangelical bodies, especially the Waldenses, were called Insabbati because of Sabbath-keeping." Gui, Manueld' Inquisiteur

Bohemia, 1310 (Modern Czechoslovakia)

"In 1310, two hundred years before Luther's theses, the Bohemian brethern constituted onefourth of the population of Bohemia, and that they were in touch with the Waldenseswho abounded in Austria, Lombardy,. Bohemia, north Germany, Thuringia, Brandenburg, and Moravia. Erasmus pointed out how strictly Bohemian Waldenseskept the seventh day Sabbath." Armitage, "A History of the Baptists," p.313; Cox, "The Literature of the Sabbath Question," vol. 2, pp. 201-202

Norway

Then, too, in the "Catechism" that was used during the fourteenth century, the Sabbath commandment read thus; "Thou shalt not forget to keep the seventh day." This is quoted from "Documents and Studies Concerning the History of the Lutheran Catechism in the Nordish Churches," p.89. Christiania 1893

"Also the priests have caused the people to keep Saturdays as Sundays." Theological Periodicals for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Norway, Vol.1, p.184 Oslo

England, Holland, Bohemia

"We wrote of the Sabbatarians in Bohemia, Transylvania, England and Holland between 1250 and 1600 A.D." Truth Triumphant, Wilkinson, p. 309

15th Century

"The accused [Sabbath-keepers] were summoned; they openly acknowledged the new faith, and defended the same. The most eminent of them, the secretary of state, Kuritzyn, Ivan Maximow, Kassian, archimandrite of the Fury Monastery of Novgorod, were condemned to death, and burned publicly in cages, at Moscow; Dec. 17,1503." Geschichte der Juden (Leipsig, 1873), pp.117-122

Bohemia

"Erasmus testifies that even as late as about 1500 these Bohemians not only kept the seventh day scrupulously, but also were called Sabbatarians." Cox, "The Literature of the Sabbath Question," Vol.2, pp.201, 202 "Truth Triumphant," p.264

Norway

(Church Council held at Bergin, August 22,1435) "The first matter concerned a keeping holy of Saturday. It had come to the earth of the archbishop that people in different places of the kingdom had ventured the keeping holy of Saturday. It is strictly forbidden-it is stated-in the Church Law, for any one to keep or to adopt holy-days, outside of those which the pope, archbishop, or bishops appoint." The History of the Norwegian Church under Catholicism, R. Keyser, Vol.II, p. 488.Oslo: 1858

Norway, 1435 (Catholic Provincial Council at Bergin)

"We are informed that some people in different districts of the kingdom, have adopted and observed Saturday-keeping. It is severely forbidden-in holy church canon-one and all to observe days excepting those which the holy Pope archbishop, or the bishops command. Saturday-keeping must under no circumstances be permitted hereafter further than the church canon commands. ,Therefore we ccounsel all the friends of God throughout all Norway who want to be obedient towards the holy church to let this evil of Saturday- keeping alone; and the rest we forbid under penalty of sever church punishment to keep Saturday holy." Dip. Norveg., 7, 397

Norway, 1436

(Church Conference at Oslo) "It is forbidden under the same penalty to keep Saturday holy by refraining from labour." History of the Norwegian Church, p.401

Russia (Council, Moscow, 1490)

"The accused [Sabbath-keepers] were summoned; they openly acknowledged the new faith, and defended the same. The most eminent of them, the secretary of state, Kuritzyn, Ivan Maximow, Kassian, archimandrite of the Fury Monastery of Novgorod, were condemned to death, and burned publicly in cages, at Moscow; Dec. 17,1503." H.Sternberfi, "Geschichte der Juden" (Leipsig, 1873), pp.117-122

France - Waldenses

"Louis XII, King of France (1498-1515), being informed by the enemies of the Waldense inhabiting a part of the province, that several heinous crimes were laid to their account, sent the Master of Requests, and a certain doctor of the Sorbonne, to make inquiry into this matter. On their return they reported that they had visited all the parishes, but could not discover any traces of those crimes with which they were charged. On the contrary, they kept the Sabbath day, observed the ordinance of baptism, according to the primitive church, instructed their children in the articles of the Christian faith, and the commandments of God. The King having heard the report of his commissioners, said with an oath that they were better men than himself or his people." History of the Christian Church, Vol.II, pp. 71, 72, third edition. London: 1818

India

"Separated from the Western world for a thousand years, they were naturally ignorant of many novelties introduced by the councils and decrees of the Lateran. 'We are Christians, and not idolaters,' was their expressive reply when required to do homage to the image of the Virgin Mary.'"

16th Century

"The famous Jesuit, Francis Xavier, called for the Inquisition, which was set up in Goa, India, in 1560, to check the 'Jewish wickedness' (Sabbath-keeping)." Adeney, "The Greek and Eastern Churches," p.527, 528

England

"In the reign of Elizabeth, it occurred to many conscientious and independent thinkers (as it previously had done to some Protestants in Bohemia) that the fourth commandment required of them the observance, not of the first, but of the specified 'seventh' day of the week." Chambers' Cyclopaedia, article "Sabbath," Vol. 8, p. 462, 1537

Sweden

"This zeal for Saturday-keeping continued for a long time: even little things which might strengthen the practice of keeping Saturday were punished." Bishop Anjou, "Svenska Kirkans Historia after Motetthiers, Upsala

Lichenstein Family

(estates in Austria, Bohemia, Morovia, Hungary. Lichenstein in the Rhine Valley wasn't their country until the end of the 7th century). "The Sabbatarians teach that the outward Sabbath, i.e. Saturday, still must be observed, They say that Sunday is the Pope's invention." Refutation of Sabbath, by Wolfgang Capito, published 1599

Bohemia (the Bohemian Brethren)

Dr. R. Cox says: "I find from a passage in Erasmus that at the early period of the Reformantion when he wrote, there were Sabbatarians in Bohemia, who not only kept the seventh day, but were said to be...scrupulous in resting on it." Literature of the Sabbath Question, Cox, Vol. II, pp. 201, 202

Historian's List Of Churches (16th Century)

"Sabbatarians, so called because they reject the observance of the Lord's day as not commanded in Scripture, they consider the Sabbath alone to be holy, as God rested on that day and commanded to keep it holy and to rest on it." A. Ross

Germany

-Dr. Eck (while refuting the Reformers) "However, the church has transferred the observance from Saturday to Sunday by virtue of her own power, without Scripture." Dr. Eck's "Enchiridion," 1533, pp.78,79

Princes Of Lichtenstein (Europe)

About the year 1520 many of these Sabbath-keepers found shelter on the estate of Lord Leonhardt of Lichtensein held to the observance of the true Sabbath." J.N. Andrews, History of the Sabbath, p. 649, ed.

India

"The famous Jesuit, Francis Xavier, called for the Inquisition, which was set up in Goa, India, in 1560, to check the 'Jewish wickedness' (Sabbath-keeping)." Adeney, "The Greek and Eastern Churches," p.527, 528

Norway - 1544

"Some of you, contrary to the warning, keep Saturday. You ought to be severely punished. Whoever shall be found keeping Saturday, must pay a fine of ten marks." History of King Christian the Third," Niels Krag and S. Stephanius

Austria

"Sabatarians now exist in Austria." Luther, "Lectures on Genesis," A.D.1523-27

Abyssinia - A.D. 1534

(Abyssinian legate at court of Lisbon) "It is not therefore, in imitation of the Jews, but in obedience to Christ and His holy apostles, that we observe the day." Gedde's "Church History of Ethiopia," pp. 87,8

Martin Luther

"God blessed the Sabbath and sanctified it to Himself. God willed that this command concerning the Sabbath should remain. He willed that on the seventh day the word should be preached." Commentary on Genesis, Vol.1, pp.138-140

Baptists

"Some have suffered torture because they would not rest when others kept Sunday, for they declared it to be the holiday and law of Antichrist." Sebastian Frank (A.D. 1536)

Finland - Dec. 6,1554

(King Gustavus Vasa I, of Sweden's letter to the people of Finland) "Some time ago we heard that some people in Finland had fallen into a great error and observed the seventh day, called Saturday." State Library at Helsingfors, Reichsregister, Vom J., 1554, Teil B.B. leaf 1120, pp.175-180a

Switzerland

"The observance of the Sabbath is a part of the moral law. It has been kept holy since the beginning of the world." Ref. Noted Swiss writer, R Hospinian, 1592

Holland And Germany

Barbara of Thiers, who was executed in 1529, declared: "God has commanded us to rest on the seventh day." Another martyr, Christina Tolingerin, is mentioned thus: "Concerning holy days and Sundays, she said: 'In six days the Lord made the world, on the seventh day he rested. The other holy days have been instituted by popes, cardinals, and archbishops.'" Martyrology of the Churches of Christ, commonly called Baptists, during the era of the Reformation, from the Dutch of T.J. Van Bright, London, 1850,1, pp.113-4.

17th Century

"A Christian keeping the commandment of God and the faith of Jesus, being baptised about the year 1648, and keeping the seventh day for the Sabbath above thirty-two years." Monument over the grave of Dr. Peter Chamberlain

Hungary, Romania

"But as they rejected Sunday and rested on the Sabbath, Prince Sigmond Bathory ordered their persecution. Pechi advanced to position of chancellor of state and next in line to throne of Transylvania. He studied his Bible, and composed a number of hymns, mostly in honour of the Sabbath. Pechi was arrested and died in 1640.

Sweden And Finland

"We can trace these opinions over almost the whole extent of Sweden of that day-from Finland and northern Sweden. "In the district of Upsala the farmers kept Saturday in place of Sunday. "About the year 1625 this religious tendency became so pronounced in these countries that not only large numbers of the common people began to keep Saturday as the rest day, but even many priests did the same." History of the Swedish Church, Vol.I, p.256

Muscovit Russian Church

"They solemnize Saturday (the old Sabbath). Samuel Purchase- " His Pilgrims." Vol. I, p. 350

India - 1625 (Jacobites)

"They kept Saturday holy. They have solemn service on Saturdays." Pilgrimmes, Part 2, p.1269

America - 1664

"Stephen Mumford, the first Sabbath-keeper in America come from London in 1664." History of the Seventh-day Baptist Gen. Conf. by Jas. Bailey, pp. 237, 238

America - 1671 (Seventh-day Baptists)

"Broke from Baptist Church in order to keep Sabbath." See Bailey's History, pp. 9,10

America 1603-1683

“ The pretended Vicar of Christ on earth, ... speaking against the God of heaven, thinking to change times and laws; but he is the son of perdition.” Roger Williams, First Baptist pastor in America (1603-1683) -- The Bloody Tenet of Persecution, quoted in L. E. Froom, The Prophetic Faith of Our Fathers, vol. 3, p. 52. Emphasis supplied.

England

Charles I,1647 (when querying the Parliament Commissioners) "For it will not be found in Scripture where Saturday is no longer to be kept, or turned into the Sunday wherefore it must be the Church's authority that changed the one and instituted the other." Cox, "Sabbath Laws," p.333

England - John Milton

"It will surely be far safer to observe the seventh day, according to express commandment of God, than on the authority of mere human conjecture to adopt the first." Sab. Lit. 2, 46-54

England

"Upon the publication of the 'Book of Sports' in 1618 a violent controversy arose among English divines on two points: first, whether the Sabbath of the fourth commandment was in force; and, secondly, on what ground the first day of the week was entitled to be observed as 'the Sabbath.'" Haydn's Dictionary of Dates, art. "Sabbatarians." p.602

England - 1618

"At last for teaching only five days in the week, and resting upon Saturday she was carried to the new prison in Maiden Lane, a place then appointed for the restraint of several other persons of different opinions from the Church of England. Mrs. Traske lay fifteen or sixteen years a prisoner for her opinion about the Saturday Sabbath." Pagitt's "Heresiography." p.196

England - 1668

"Here in England are about nine or ten churches that keep the Sabbath, besides many scattered disciples, who have eminently preserved." Stennet's letters, 1668 and 1670. Cox, Sab.,1, 268

Ethiopia - 1604

Jesuits tried to induce the Abyssinian church to accept Roman Catholicism. They influenced King Zadenghel to propose to submit to the Papacy (A.D.1604). "Prohibiting all his subjects, upon severe penalties, to observe Saturday any longer." Gedde's "Church History of Ethiopia." p.311, also Gibbon's "Decline and Fall," ch. 47

Bohemia, Moravia, Switzerland, Germany

"one of the counsellors and lords of the court was John Gerendi, head of the Sabbatarians, a people who did not keep Sunday, but Saturday." Lamy, "The History of Socinianism." p. 60

Telegraph Print, Napier

St. Margaret's Chapel in Essex, England, contains the tombstone of Puritan Sabbath keeper Dr. Peter Chamberlen, a respected, trusted, and much loved physician to three sets of kings and queens in 17th century England.

The inscription on the tombstone reads as follows: "The said Peter Chamberlen toock ye degree of Doctor in Physick, in fever all Universities born att home and abroad and lived such above three score years being physician in ordinary to three Kings and Queens of England. viz. King James & Queen Anne; King Charles ye first & Queen Mary; King Charles ye second & Queen Katherine; & also tosome forraine Princes; having travelled most of partes of Europe and speaking most of the languages. As for his religion he was a Christian keeping ye Commandments of God & faith of Jesus. being baptized about ye year 1648, & keeping ye 7th day for ye saboth above 32 years. To tell his Learning and his Life to Men: Enough is said by here lyes Chamberlen."

18th Century

"It cannot be shown that Sunday has taken the place of the Sabbath (P.366). the Lord God has sanctified the last day of the week. Antichrist, on the other hand, has appointed the first day of the week." Ki Auszug aus Tennhardt's "Schriften," P.49 (printed 1712)

Abyssinia

"The Jacobites assembled on the Sabbath day, before the Domical day, in the temple, and kept that day, as do also the Abyssinians as we have seen from the confession of their faith by the Ethiopian king Claudius." Abundacnus, 'Historia Jacobatarum,"p.118-9 (18th Century)

Romania, 1760 (and what is today) Yugoslavia, Czechoslovakia

"Joseph II's edict of tolerance did not apply to the Sabbatarians , some of whom again lost all of their possessions." Jahrgang 2, 254

"Catholic priests aided by soldiers forcing them to accept Romanism nominally, and compelling the remainder to labour on the Sabbath and to attend church on Sunday,-these were the methods employed for two hundred fifty years to turn the Sabbatarians.

Germany-Tennhardt of Nuremberg

"He holds strictly to the doctrine of the Sabbath, because it is one of the ten commandments." Bengel's "Leban und Wirken," Burk, p.579

He himself says: "It cannot be shown that Sunday has taken the place of the Sabbath (P.366). the Lord God has sanctified the last day of the week. Antichrist, on the other hand, has appointed the first day of the week." Ki Auszug aus Tennhardt's "Schriften," P.49 (printed 1712)

Bohemia and Moravia (Today Czechoslovakia)

Their history from 1635 to 1867 is thus described by Adolf Dux: "The condition of the Sabbatarians was dreadful. Their books and writings had to be delivered to the Karlsburg Consistory to become the spoils of flames." Aus Ungarn, pp. 289-291. Leipzig, 1850

Holland and Germany

"Dr. Cornelius stated of East Friesland, that when Baptists were numerous, "Sunday and holidays were not observed," (they were Sabbath-keepers). Der Anteil Ostfrieslands and Ref. Muenster," 1852, pp l29, 34

Moravia-Count Zinzendorf

In 1738 Zinzendorf wrote of his keeping the Sabbath thus: "That I have employed the Sabbath for rest many years already, and our Sunday for the proclamation of the gospel." Budingsche Sammlung, Sec. 8, p. 224. Leipzig, 1742

America - 1741

-Moravian Brethren (after Zinzendorf arrived from Europe). "As a special instance it deserves to be noticed that he is resolved with the church at Bethlehem to observe the seventh day as rest day. Id., pp. 5, 1421, 1422

America

But before Zinzendorf and the Moravians at Bethlehem thus began the observance of the Sabbath and prospered, there was a small body of German Sabbath-keepers in Pennsylvania. See Rupp's "History of Religious Denominations in the United States," pp.109- 123

19th Century

"But the majority moved to the Crimea and the Caucasus, where they remain true to their doctrine in spite of persecution until this present time. The people call them Subotniki, or Sabbatarians," Sternberg, "Geschichte der Juden in Polen," p.124

China

"At this time Hung prohibited the use of opium, and even tobacco, and all intoxicating drinks, and the Sabbath was religiously observed." The Ti-Ping Revolution," by Llin-Le, and officer among them, Vol. 1, pp.36-48, 84

"The seventh day is most religiously and strictly observed. The Taiping Sabbath is kept upon our Saturday." P. 319

"The Taipings when asked why they observed the seventh day Sabbath , replied that it was, first, because the Bible taught it, and, second, because their ancestors observed it as a day of worship." A Critical History of the Sabbath and the Sunday.

India and Persia

"Besides, they maintain the solemn observance of Christian worship throughout our Empire, on the seventh day." Christian Researches in Asia," p.143

Denmark

"This agitation was not without its effect. Pastor M.A. Sommer began observing the seventh day, and wrote in his church paper. "Indovet Kristendom" No.5,1875 an impressive article about the true Sabbath. In a letter to Elder John G.Matteson, he says: "Among the Baptists here in Denmark there is a great agitation regarding the Sabbath commandment..However, I am probably the only preacher in Denmark who stands so near to the Adventists and who for many years has proclaimed Christ's second coming." Advent Tidente," May, 1875

Russia

"But the majority moved to the Crimea and the Caucasus, where they remain true to their doctrine in spite of persecution until this present time. The people call them Subotniki, or Sabbatarians," Sternberg, "Geschichte der Juden in Polen," p.124

Sweden (Baptists)

"We will now endeavour to show that the sanctification of the Sabbath has its foundation and its origin in a law which God at creation itself established for the whole world, and as a consequence thereof is binding on all men in all ages." Evangelisten (

The Bibles Sabbath # 1

Please, share these lessons with your family, friends, and Facebook groups. To enhance the Kingdom of GOD.

The Sabbath Throughout History and at the End Times

The Sabbath is a consistent theme throughout the Bible. But after Bible times, the seventh-day Sabbath was challenged and even changed to Sunday. But there were always a faithful few Christian churches who kept the original Sabbath throughout history, and continue to keep it today.

In this post, you’ll follow the dynamics in Sabbath observance from 70 A.D. through present-day, and also learn about the significance of the Sabbath during the End Times and in heaven.

Here are 7 things you’ll learn about:

The Sabbath in the Early Christian Church

How the Sabbath was changed from Saturday to Sunday

The Sabbath during the Dark Ages

The Sabbath during the Reformation

The Sabbath in the United States

Significance of Sabbath observance in the End Times

How we can know which day is the Sabbath

Let’s begin from the 1st century A.D.

Sabbath observance until the end of the 1st Century A.D.

From the Bible, we get a few pointers that show how the Sabbath was habitually celebrated by faithful Christians until the end of the first century.

Here are two examples:

During the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 A.D.

In Matthew 24:15-20, Jesus predicted that Jerusalem was going to be destroyed.

And after giving details of what would happen, He gave His followers instructions, noting certain signs to watch for and how to escape the attack.

Then He told them to “Pray that [their] escape may not be in winter or on a Sabbath” (Matthew 24:20, CSB, emphasis added).

By saying this, He knew that His followers will be observing the Sabbath, even then.

This was the last record of Jesus mentioning the Sabbath while on earth. So He must have expected them to keep it as they’d always been taught to, and the way He kept it Himself (Luke 4:16).

During John’s exile in Patmos in 96 A.D.

Twenty-six years after the destruction of Jerusalem, John, a disciple of Jesus, wrote the book of Revelation.

And right in the first chapter, he states where it happened and when—even to the day.

He writes:

I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day, and I heard behind me a loud voice, as of a trumpet,saying, ‘I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last,’ and, ‘What you see, write in a book and send it to the seven churches.‘

Revelation 1:10-11a (NKJV, emphasis added)

He says that he received the command to write the book “on the Lord’s day.”

But what day was this?

The only day that the Bible repeatedly calls “the Lord’s,” or which God calls “His day” is the seventh-day Sabbath (Exodus 20:8, Isaiah 58:13, Mark 2:28).

This means that whether John was referring to Jesus or God the Father, John must have been referring to the Sabbath. Especially considering the fact that he was one of Jesus’ 12 disciples and a firm believer in His teachings.

So right up to the close of the first century, we have biblical references to the seventh-day Sabbath.

John was the last surviving disciple among Jesus’ 12 disciples. This means that the Sabbath was kept all throughout the apostolic age.

The apostles had diligently watched over the integrity of the Church in life and doctrine. But in their absence, this integrity began to fade.((John N. Andrews, History of the Sabbath and the First Day, pp. 194-196 ))

And Sabbath observance was one of the doctrines to be affected.

The teachings and traditions of the “Church Fathers”

In the early second century, a new generation of intelligent and influential church leaders emerged. These are commonly referred to as the Church Fathers.((Ibid., p. 197-202 ))

Justin Martyr was one of the leading names in the Second Century. And others like Polycarp, Ignatius, Dionysius, Theophilus, Irenaeus, Origen, Cyprian, and Tertullian followed in the years and centuries that followed.

These were known for their genius, eloquence, and devotion. Some of them even died as Christian martyrs. And as they wrote and taught, the believers began to look up to them for guidance, just as they did the apostles.

The only problem was that many of them came from religions other than Christianity. And they let their prior influences affect how they interpreted Scripture. Eventually, they integrated pagan practices into Christianity.

With time, these practices became rituals, and then traditions. In the end, many began to regard these traditions just as highly as they did the Scriptures as their standard of faith and practice.

Most of these things started innocently. But they ended up affecting key beliefs and practices of Christianity.

Creeping corruption starts in the time of the apostles

The Apostle Paul had seen signs of this corruption starting to enter the church even in his days.

Writing to the Thessalonians, he told them that the “mystery of lawlessness [was] already at work” in their time (2 Thessalonians 2:7, NKJV).

He had also warned that:

Time will come when people will not tolerate sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, will multiply teachers for themselves because they have an itch to hear what they want to hear. They will turn away from hearing the truth and will turn aside to myths.

2 Timothy 4:3-4 (CSB)

Paul saw that after the apostles were all dead and gone, many false teachers would come up and mislead people from the truth.

And with this kind of trust that the people had for Church Fathers, Paul’s prediction was coming true.

Instead of God’s Word continuing to be searched for every standard of truth, human beings started weaving their own ideas into the doctrines of Christianity, and following human wisdom instead of God’s.

How was the Sabbath changed from Saturday to Sunday?

The Christian church’s shift from observing the Sabbath on Saturday to observing it on Sunday was gradual.

Many factors contributed to this change. Some were religious and political factors, others were social and cultural.

The Sabbath until Emperor Hadrian’s Edict in A.D. 135

Between the destruction of Jerusalem and A.D. 135, the Christians from Jerusalem maintained Sabbath observance.

But in A.D. 135, Emperor Hadrian destroyed Jerusalem and expelled Jews and Jewish Christians. Then he prohibited practicing any “Jewish rites,” like circumcision and Sabbath-keeping, in his empire.

These Christians from Palestine spread throughout Asia to form the Eastern Church. And even with the prohibition, they still remained faithful to the true Sabbath.

Before this, Jerusalem had been the center of leadership for the Early Christian Church.

But with this dispersion, the center of leadership and influence shifted to the Church in Rome, the capital of the Roman Empire.((Kenneth A. Strand, The Sabbath in Scripture and History, pp. 135-136 ))

Rome and the origin of Sunday worship

From the time it was formed, the Roman church was mostly composed of non-Jews (Romans 11, 13, 14).

Generally, the Jews and their religious practices were looked down upon by the Romans.

And after the persecution Christians went through under Emperor Nero, the church in Rome didn’t want to be on the wrong side with the Romans.

So, with Hadrian’s edict in place, the Christians in Rome were more vulnerable to turning away from the Sabbath than ever.(( Ibid., p. 137 ))

Slowly, they preferred to set aside the principles of the Bible and unite with their pagan neighbors. And for the sake of peace, they even allowed them to join Christianity, though most of them never planned to fully convert.

Then some of them even rose to positions of leadership and became church fathers.

And with the Sabbath on the spot, because it was one of the prominent practices of the Jews, they began to turn the Christians away from it. They led them to substitute the Christians’ seventh-day Sabbath with what they had always practiced in paganism: Sunday observance.

Saturday a fast day, Sunday a feast day

This shift was accomplished by slowly turning the Sabbath into a gloomy fast day, and making Sunday a feast day.

Why Sunday?

Because Sunday was the official day of rest and feasting for most pagan religions. From the ancient Germans, Saxons, and Egyptians, to the Romans.((Andrews, p. 259-260. ))

It was a day dedicated to the worship of their chief god, the sun.

That’s why it was named “sun-day.”

And to show their patriotism and support for the Roman government, the leaders of the Church urged the believers to take part in those Sunday festivities.

A good example of these leaders was Justin Martyr. He was a secular philosopher before joining the church and becoming a church father. He once wrote a letter to the Emperor mentioning three times that the Christians did assemble on Sundays.((Andrews, p. 263. ))

When asked why they did it, these leaders had to figure out some agreeable reasons. They decided on three:((Strand, p. 142-144. ))

It was the day Jesus resurrected (Mark 16:9).

It was a memorial for the beginning of creation in Genesis 1.

Strangely, they began calling it the “eighth day,” coming after the seventh, making it superior, and signaling a new beginning. Based on their interpretation of end-time events, it represented the dawn of a new world after the era of sin in this present world.

But the truth is that none of these reasons are supported by the Bible. They might sound nice, but there was no direction in Scripture to make such changes to the original seventh-day Sabbath honored throughout the Bible. They just had to come up with a few things to sound like solid reasons.

Apart from promoting Sunday as a day of feasting, they also made Sabbath a day of fasting.

And despite the opposition of Eastern Christianity and several Western churches, the Church of Rome also championed the fast in other Christian communities.((Ibid., p. 137. ))

By this, the Bible’s Sabbath was degraded while Sunday was exalted.

Then in A.D 200, another Church Father named Tertullian((Ibid., p. 222. )) outrightly referred to the eighth day (Sunday) as the “Lord’s day.”

This began the tradition of calling Sunday “the Lord’s day.” But as we saw in Revelation 1:10, “the Lord’s Day” was actually describing the original Sabbath.

From this we can see the danger of looking to human beings for spiritual guidance instead of looking to the Bible.

And if we are church leaders, we learn the importance of pointing others to Scripture and not adding our own ideas or agendas.

Like Paul, we need to tell them, “be imitators of me, as I am of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1, ESV, emphasis added).

Emperor Constantine’s decree in 321 A.D.

In the early fourth century, Emperor Constantine made Sunday a public holiday throughout the Roman Empire.((Ellen White, The Great Controversy, p. 53. ))

He called it “the venerable day of the sun.”

The decree required both Christians and pagans in all cities and towns to rest on Sunday.

Then Church Fathers, like Augustine of Hippo((Augustine, Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers of the Christian Church, ed. Philip Schaff, pp. 593. )), taught that Christians don’t need to keep the Sabbath as the Bible described.

This teaching was reinforced by many councils in which the Sabbath kept getting pressed lower while Sunday was exalted.

An example is the Council of Laodicea((https://bibleask.org/when-did-the-sabbath-change-from-saturday-to-sunday/ )). One of the decisions from this council stated:

Christians shall not Judaize and be idle on Saturday (Sabbath), but shall work on that Day: but the Lord’s Day, they shall especially honor; and as being Christians, shall, if possible, do no work on that day. If however, they are found Judaizing, they shall be shut out from Christ.

The influence of these councils went as far as Asia and the entire Byzantine Empire.

Eventually, Sunday became known as a divine institution, while Saturday was regarded as a dreary ritual of Judaism.

Meanwhile, the Roman church had become powerful, with many half-converted dignitaries joining its ranks.

By the sixth century, it matured into a massive organization—The Roman Catholic Church—with the Bishop of Rome (the Pope) at its head.

Then Emperor Justinian made the Pope the head of all the churches in the Roman Empire.((Ekonomou, Andrew, Byzantine Rome and the Greek Popes, p. 49 ))

With this, the Roman church became the official church of the Roman Empire. And since the Roman Empire was the global superpower of the day, the church became regarded similarly, as a ruling entity for the entire Christian world—all the way to Egypt and China.

By the 12th century, Sunday became a holy institution of the church and the identifying mark of the Christians.

And that’s how it was throughout the Dark Ages until the dawn of the Reformation.

Sabbath in the Middle/Dark Ages from the 5th to 15th Century

Most of the Christian world honored Sunday as the Sabbath or “Lord’s Day” between the fourth and 17th centuries.

There were some who also kept Saturday along with Sunday, to avoid persecution.

But there were a handful of believers who remained faithful to the Bible and the true Sabbath.

Examples of these groups include:

The Sabbatians and Surians in Syria – Late 4th century((Strand, p. 157. ))

The Celtic church under the leadership of Patrick, Columba, and Dinooth

The New Christians in India – 17th Century((Ibid., p. 161. ))

The Aksumite Kingdom in Ethiopia – Throughout the Dark Ages((Ibid., p. 173-185. ))

The Waldenses in Northern Italy / Vaudois of France – 12th century((James A. Wylie, History of Protestantism vol. 1, pp. 31-37. ))

The Cathari and Petrobrusians of France – 11th century((Andrews, p. 398-432. ))

The Passagini in Northern Italy – 12th and 13th Centuries

The “Picards” in Bohemia – 12th Century

The Lollards in England – late 14th to early 15th centuries

In Norway and Denmark – 15th Century

The Judaizing Movement in Novgorod, Russia – A result of the teachings of Lithuanian Jews between 1470 to 1475((Strand, p. 207-210. ))

The Sabbath in the Reformation from the 16th Century((Ibid., p. 215-226. ))

The protestant reformation began with Martin Luther((Wylie, p. 214-323. )) in Germany and quickly spread across Europe. As time progressed, many other Reformers joined the movement.

When it came to the question of Sabbath keeping, many of the major reformers like Luther and Zwingli((Ibid., p. 392-401. )) were Sunday keepers.

But there were some Reformation groups that made major changes toward keeping the Bible Sabbath.

We’ll look at 3 of them.

How did Sunday Become Known as the Day of Rest?

Sabbatarian Anabaptists in the 1500s

Anabaptists believed in baptizing adults, in contrast to the papal practice of baptizing babies.

They were mostly Sunday keepers, but some of them kept Saturday. This is the group that became called Sabbatarian Anabaptists.

They were spread all across Europe, with Oswald Glait and Andreas Fischer as their leaders. These two accepted Saturday as the Bible Sabbath in 1527 and 1528.

As his personal observation of Sabbath in the Bible, Fischer said:

The Scriptures speak so often about the Sabbath; if 1 would have as many texts and passages about Sunday as there are about Sabbath, I would keep Sunday instead of Sabbath.

Seventh Day Baptists in England in the 1600s

These were Baptists who believed in the Sabbath in the 17th century. A prominent figure in this group is Stephen Mumford of the Bell Lane Seventh Day Baptist church in London. He’s the one who formed the first Seventh Day Baptist congregation in America.((Strand, p. 240, 243. ))

More on this later.

The Puritans of England in the 16th and 17th Centuries((Ibid., p. 229-242. ))

The Puritans were a group that took Sabbath observance seriously in England in the late 1500s and into the 1600s.

They differed from the Anglicans, who were the established reformed church of England. They were different in their view of how the Sabbath should be observed.

For most of reformed England, Sunday was the day of worship and rest. But it was kept differently, more of a day for recreation.

The majority of Puritans also kept Sunday, but wanted it to be observed as a sacred day, more like what the Bible describes for Sabbath. They even wanted to have laws to guard its observance and to punish those who didn’t.

But there was a minority among Puritans that kept Saturday. While they advocated for its sacred observance, they also insisted that the seventh-day Sabbath of the Bible was never changed and should be kept on Saturday, not Sunday.

These views got the Puritans into a lot of trouble with the Anglican church and the government.

By 1632, the Puritans were forced out of the Anglican church.

They first went to the Netherlands, but soon encountered the same problems as in England.

So two groups crossed the Atlantic and settled in Plymouth, New England in America. The first arrived in 1620, and the second group in 1629.

These early settlers were mostly Sunday keepers, and they were determined to have Sunday observance as law. This led to the suppression of the seventh-day Sabbath advocates, who ended up being labeled as heretics.

Sabbath-keeping in the New World and America (1600s to date)((Ibid., p. 244-255. ))

The first seventh-day Sabbath-keepers in the New World were Jews. They arrived as early as 1502, escaping the Inquisition in Europe. They settled in Brazil and Mexico.

Then when the Portuguese conquered Brazil in 1654, they fled Brazil and settled in North America, as far north as New York. From here, they spread to other parts and established their Jewish practice, including keeping the original seventh-day Sabbath.

But Sabbath-keeping Christians also soon landed in America, beginning with Seventh-day Baptists.

The Seventh Day Baptists in America in 1664

In 1664, Stephen Mumford((Andrews, p. 493-494. )) arrived at Newport, Rhode Island from England. He believed that the seventh-day Sabbath to be the true Sabbath of the Ten Commandments and should not be substituted with Sunday.

When he couldn’t find any of his faith, he joined a congregation of Sunday-keeping Baptists. They had arrived earlier on the Mayflower with the Pilgrim Fathers.((Strand, p. 239-240. ))

After sharing his Sabbath beliefs with the Baptists, many accepted his teachings. This caused a major division in the Baptist congregation.

Finally, there was a split. And the first Seventh Day Baptist church in America was established in 1671.

The church grew, gaining members from conversions and Sabbath believers coming in from England.

By 1784, they had congregations in Connecticut, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York, in addition to the one in Rhode Island.

From then on, they spread west with the tide of American migration toward the west coast.

But it was never easy for them, due to the various legislations on Sunday observance. They were often subjected to fines and imprisonment for their convictions. But even so, they remained faithful.

All the congregations met together annually in a meeting they called, “The General Conference.”

They officially adopted the name “Seventh Day Baptist” in 1818 and got organized into a denomination. Their main reason for organization was to unite to spread the Sabbath message.

In 1821 they launched a magazine called The Sabbath Recorder and published a series of tracts on the Sabbath in 1824. Eventually, they organized the Seventh Day Baptist General Tract Society in 1835.

All these missionary efforts led to massive growth in their numbers.

And some of those who were reached were the Adventists of the Advent and Millerite movements.

Sabbatarian Adventists from 1844

In the early 1840s, there was great anticipation for the Second Coming of Christ among Christian churches.

Those who believed this were called Adventists.

One such believer was Frederick Wheeler, a Methodist minister of the Washington, New Hampshire Christian church.

One Sunday in early 1844, he preached about the importance of obeying God’s commandments. And in the congregation, there was a Seventh Day Baptist named Rachel Oakes.

After the meeting, she shared with Wheeler her belief in the Sabbath as one of the Ten Commandments. And she showed him that it needed to be obeyed, too.

A few weeks later in March, he accepted the Sabbath and started preaching it.

By 1845, many of his church and family members kept the Sabbath too. So they bought the church building and formed the first Sabbatarian Adventist congregation.

In the Summer of 1844, another Millerite Adventist Minister, Thomas M. Preble, accepted the Sabbath.

And in March 1845, he wrote a tract showing that the seventh day should be observed as the Sabbath.

It was this tract that played a huge role in bringing the Sabbath to Adventists.

Seventh-day Adventists from 1845

Prior to 1844, the Millerites were focused on the Second Coming rather than the Sabbath message.

But after the Great Disappointment in the Fall of 1844, the Millerites went back to study the Bible. And in doing so, they were inspired to broaden their Scriptural studies.

And that’s where Preble’s tract came in.

A few weeks after it was published, an influential Millerite named Joseph Bates((Herbert E. Douglass, Adventist Pioneer Biographical Sketches, pp.1-3. )) got hold of it. After reading it, he went to see Wheeler to learn more about the Sabbath. He was convinced.

From this time on, he committed his life to spreading the message. It’s through him that his fellow Millerites accepted the Sabbath.

In August 1846, he published his own tract called “The Seventh Day Sabbath, a Perpetual Sign.”

Later that year, he introduced the Sabbath to Hiram Edson((Ibid., p. 10-11. )), James White(( Ibid., p. 24-25. )), and Ellen Harmon (who later became Ellen G. White((Ibid., p. 22-23. ))).

Together with James and Ellen White, these three worked to form the beginnings of what would later become the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

They held meetings called “Sabbath conferences,” where they taught the people.

Then in November 1848, James White started to publish a small paper called “The Present Truth,” which largely presented the biblical concept of the Sabbath, established at Creation.

This together with the Sabbath Conferences played a major role in uniting the Adventists scattered all over after the 1844 “Great Disappointment.”

In 1855, they also started observing the Sabbath from sunset on Friday to Sunset on Saturday (also referred to as sundown to sundown). This was different from how the Baptists observed it at set times, from Friday 6:00 pm to Saturday 6:00 pm.

By 1863, they finally organized into a denomination and settled for the name Seventh-day Adventists.

Due to their commitment to having the Bible be the only source of doctrine, they upheld the keeping of the Sabbath on Saturday.

They continued to spread the Sabbath message through their publications.

Prominent writers on the sabbath included Ellen White and J. N. Andrews.((Ibid., p. 4-5. ))

Today, Adventists are the largest Sabbath-keeping Christian denomination, with more than 21 million baptized members worldwide as of 2020.

Other Sabbath-keeping churches in the world today include:((Strand, p. 239-240 ))

German Seventh-day Baptists, organized in 1728 (150 members).

Seventh-day Church of God (Denver), organized in 1900 (8000 members).

The Church of God (Salem, West Virginia), organized in 1933 (2000 members).

Church of God and Saints in Christ (Portsmouth, Virginia), organized in 1896 (3800 members by 1980).

Adventist Church of Promise (Brazil), organized in 1932 (25000 members).

Sabbath in the Last Days

The Bible shows that just before the second coming of Jesus, Sabbath observance will again come into the spotlight.

Revelation 14:6-12 presents the last message to be preached to the world before Jesus returns.

It calls for everyone to make a decision on the topic of worship. We will either choose to worship God as described in the Bible, or in other ways invented by humans.

Also, those who are called saints by the end of it all are “those who keep the commandments of God” (Revelation 14:12, NKJV).

So, obeying God’s Commandments will be important to the very end (Exodus 20:1-17; Deuteronomy 5:6-21).

And that’s where Sabbath observance comes in.

The Sabbath and its observance is found right at the heart of the Ten Commandments as the fourth commandment (Exodus 20:8-11; Deuteronomy 5:12-15).

And if we are to obey all the Commandments as the Bible tells us, we must keep the Sabbath as given in the Bible—on the seventh day.

In the end, the big question will be, “Will you follow the Bible, or other humans?”

The Bible shows that God never changed the Sabbath. Jesus didn’t, and the Apostles also didn’t. Throughout the Bible, the Sabbath is observed on Saturday, the seventh day.

As we’ve seen, it was humans who changed the Sabbath.

In fact, the Roman Catholic Church openly claims to have changed the day of worship from Saturday to Sunday in their catechism((George I. Butler, The Change of the Sabbath, pp. 152-155. )) and other literature.((The Catholic Mirror: September 23, 1894 ))

Surprisingly, Bible prophecy had predicted that this change would occur in history. The prophet Daniel showed that there will be a kingdom that will try to “change the times and the law” of God (Daniel 7:25, ESV).

And of all the laws, only the Sabbath has been changed.

Just think of it.

It’s still wrong to steal, kill, or lie. But we have come to believe that it’s okay not to keep the Sabbath as it was originally written.

God knew that we would be in danger of falling into this deception. So it’s interesting that the Sabbath Commandment is the only one that starts with the word, “Remember.”

How do we know what day is the Sabbath?

The Bible never gave any indication that Sabbath was any other day but the seventh day of the week.

We’ll look at this in two ways: Scripture and ancient languages.

In the Bible, Sabbath is the day that falls between Friday and Sunday.

We celebrate Good Friday as the day that Jesus died and Easter Sunday as the day Jesus resurrected.

And the Bible says that the day between these two days was the Sabbath (John 19:31-42; Mark 16:1-6; Luke 23:54-56).

That means the Bible Sabbath is on Saturday.

Major ancient language groups named the seventh day of the week with some derivative of the Hebrew word for Sabbath, Shabbat.

Here are some examples:

In Assyrian – Sabatu

In Persian – Shambid

In Central Africa – Assebatu

In Abyssinia – Sanbat

In Afghanistan – Shamba

In Turkey – Essabt

In Arabic – Assabt

Even some European languages have maintained this ancient “Jewish” designation for Saturday, the seventh day. For example:

Latin – Sabbatum

French – Samedi

Italian – Sabbato

Romanian – Sambata

Spanish – Sábado

The Sabbath of the Bible has never changed and endures forever

The seventh-day Sabbath was established at Creation—the very beginning.

Strangely, however, there are still some arguments against keeping the seventh-day Sabbath. Some say it’s not “relevant,” or that it’s one of the ordinances that was done away with after Jesus’ sacrifice for us (Colossians 2:14).

But that’s not accurate.

The ordinances referred to in Colossians are the Mosaic or ceremonial laws that pointed to Jesus’ first coming and His death for our sins. They’re the ones referred to as “a shadow of things to come” (Colossians 2:17, NKJV).

But being one of the 10 Commandments, the weekly Sabbath rest on the seventh day is one of God’s moral laws that doesn’t change. Why would He change one of those 10, but not any of the others?

In fact, God made the Sabbath a sign of His Covenant with us. It distinguishes us as His followers forever (Exodus 31:12-18).

Now we have traced the Sabbath in history, from the 1st Century A.D. until today.

We’ve seen how some people firmly believed in the permanence of the Sabbath and kept it faithfully. They kept it even when it was so dangerous to do so, after prominent humans changed it from Saturday to Sunday. And now we understand why most of the Christian world today worships on Sunday.

We’ve also learned that the Sabbath and how it’s kept remains important, even throughout the last days of Earth’s history.

The good news is that we have the Word of God to guide us and settle us in the truth. If you prayerfully seek to follow the Bible, the Lord will guide you, too, just like He guided His people through the years.

Good morning, brethren.
1. Morning devotion for today.

MD.i. MORNING TEA
THE WORD FOR TODAY WEDNESDAY MAY 13, 2026.
"PRAYING JESUS' WAY (4)"
‘Give us each day our daily bread.’  Luke 11:3 NRV

THE SECOND part of the Lord’s Prayer addresses our everyday concerns: ‘Give us each day our daily bread’ (v. 3). Your Father is willing to meet your physical and financial needs. The word Jesus used here meant literal ‘food’. God is more concerned about the necessities of your everyday life than you are. He multiplied food for five thousand hungry people. ‘…He…healed all who were sick’ (Matthew 8:16 NKJV). And He wants to meet your needs, too. ‘…Do not worry, saying, “What shall we eat?” or “What shall we drink?” or “What shall we wear?”’ (Matthew 6:31 NIV). The ‘bread man’ delivers fresh bread daily! So trust Him for today’s needs, and tomorrow morning get up and do the same. ‘…Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors’ (Matthew 6:12 NKJV). The moment you enter God’s presence, you become aware of your sin. And Satan will try to bring condemnation on you. How does he do it? By making you feel unwelcome and uneasy in God’s presence. But Satan is a liar. ‘There is…no condemnation to  those who are in Christ Jesus…’ (Romans 8:1 NKJV). God’s Spirit brings your sins to light not to condemn you, but to motivate you to confess them and receive His forgiveness. God’s Word identifies several categories of sin that we need to recognise. There’s falling short of what’s required; the deliberate violation of a specific rule; unintentional and often passionately motivated slips; deliberate disobedience and rebellion; failure to fulfil your indebtedness; the sin of omission. Regardless of what your sin is, the moment you confess it and ask God for forgiveness, He restores you (1 John 1:9).

Bible In A Year: Heb 5-8; Mark 6:30-44; Ps 18:30-50; Pro 11:22. Courtesy: Grace So Amazing Foundation

*To partner with us, kindly refer to page 9 of the hard copy edition or simply send us a WhatsApp message/call on +2348128000068.* .

MD.ii. IT IS TIME TO CRY

"We should not test Christ, as some of them did — and were killed by snakes. And do not grumble, as some of them did — and were killed by the destroying angel. These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us." - 1 Corinthians 10:9-11

God responds the same to a sinful generation today as He did with Israel in the past. Peter warns us in 2 Peter 2:6: 'He condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah by burning them to ashes and made them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly.'

As a nation, you can backslide into sin for a long time until you cross a certain line and God puts an end to it. It should make you cry when you see what sins are allowed in our nations today. Just like Isaiah, you could cry when you hear and see all the horrors around you. 'Turn away from me; let me weep bitterly. Do not try to console me over the destruction of my people' (Isaiah 22:4).

There are few spiritual leaders today who see the judgment coming and therefore cry for sorrow and warn the people. It should make you cry that few government leaders consider the living God and His holy commandments. It should make you cry that the Netherlands aborts thousands of babies. It should make you cry that many young people are infected with all kinds of diseases because of free sex and that they are allowed to buy drugs to destroy themselves. Where are the children of God whose hearts break when we see the sin of our church and our nation? Where are the prophets who are crying to warn the people?

Yet years ago, I prophesied that the Netherlands will be a lighthouse for Europe and the whole world. And I still believe this because God is a merciful and compassionate God, He is full of goodness and He likes to forgive. Where sin increases, His grace will increase as well.


https://www.theblessingdevotional.com

2. Morning Prayer for today.

MP.i. Morning Prayer

[It is of] the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. [They are] new every morning: great [is] thy faithfulness. ⏤ Lamentations 3:22-23

The Christian life is one of gratitude. A heart that is constantly overflowing with thankfulness is a heart close to God. ⏤ A.W. Tozer

O God, giver of all good and fountain of all mercy, we thank You for Your grace and the many ways You show Your care for us. Your faithfulness never fails. Your mercies are new every morning, fresh every moment, more than we can count. What can we give You in return for all Your goodness to us? We have nothing to offer but the poor love of our hearts, and we give that to You. Grant us more and more the spirit of praise and thanksgiving. Teach us to sing even when tears choke our songs. Give us songs in the night. Teach us how to rejoice, even in care and sorrow.

We thank You for our home and all it means to us. You have filled our lives with countless blessings through the love that unites us as a family. Our home is a little bit of Your love poured into our hearts. We thank You for the shelter our home provides and for the gentle affections that bind us together. May our home grow sweeter as the days pass. Make our home life more loving, patient, and kind. May our love be less selfish and more like the love of Jesus.

We ask for special blessings for this day. We will face dangers we are unaware of; protect us from them. We are vulnerable to accidents wherever we go; defend us from them. Grant us the grace to walk through the moral challenges around us without being harmed by them. Give Your angels charge over us to keep us in all Your ways. Lead us wherever we go so that we may not stumble. Make us strong for holy service. Let Your protection be over us all day, and give us strength for every duty. We ask all this in Jesus' precious name. Amen.

https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/38/morning

#taptapstudio
#youdevotion.

Good morning, brethren.
1. Morning devotion for today.

MD.i. MORNING TEA
THE WORD FOR TODAY WEDNESDAY MAY 13, 2026.
"PRAYING JESUS' WAY (4)"
‘Give us each day our daily bread.’  Luke 11:3 NRV

THE SECOND part of the Lord’s Prayer addresses our everyday concerns: ‘Give us each day our daily bread’ (v. 3). Your Father is willing to meet your physical and financial needs. The word Jesus used here meant literal ‘food’. God is more concerned about the necessities of your everyday life than you are. He multiplied food for five thousand hungry people. ‘…He…healed all who were sick’ (Matthew 8:16 NKJV). And He wants to meet your needs, too. ‘…Do not worry, saying, “What shall we eat?” or “What shall we drink?” or “What shall we wear?”’ (Matthew 6:31 NIV). The ‘bread man’ delivers fresh bread daily! So trust Him for today’s needs, and tomorrow morning get up and do the same. ‘…Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors’ (Matthew 6:12 NKJV). The moment you enter God’s presence, you become aware of your sin. And Satan will try to bring condemnation on you. How does he do it? By making you feel unwelcome and uneasy in God’s presence. But Satan is a liar. ‘There is…no condemnation to  those who are in Christ Jesus…’ (Romans 8:1 NKJV). God’s Spirit brings your sins to light not to condemn you, but to motivate you to confess them and receive His forgiveness. God’s Word identifies several categories of sin that we need to recognise. There’s falling short of what’s required; the deliberate violation of a specific rule; unintentional and often passionately motivated slips; deliberate disobedience and rebellion; failure to fulfil your indebtedness; the sin of omission. Regardless of what your sin is, the moment you confess it and ask God for forgiveness, He restores you (1 John 1:9).

Bible In A Year: Heb 5-8; Mark 6:30-44; Ps 18:30-50; Pro 11:22. Courtesy: Grace So Amazing Foundation

*To partner with us, kindly refer to page 9 of the hard copy edition or simply send us a WhatsApp message/call on +2348128000068.* .

MD.ii. IT IS TIME TO CRY

"We should not test Christ, as some of them did — and were killed by snakes. And do not grumble, as some of them did — and were killed by the destroying angel. These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us." - 1 Corinthians 10:9-11

God responds the same to a sinful generation today as He did with Israel in the past. Peter warns us in 2 Peter 2:6: 'He condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah by burning them to ashes and made them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly.'

As a nation, you can backslide into sin for a long time until you cross a certain line and God puts an end to it. It should make you cry when you see what sins are allowed in our nations today. Just like Isaiah, you could cry when you hear and see all the horrors around you. 'Turn away from me; let me weep bitterly. Do not try to console me over the destruction of my people' (Isaiah 22:4).

There are few spiritual leaders today who see the judgment coming and therefore cry for sorrow and warn the people. It should make you cry that few government leaders consider the living God and His holy commandments. It should make you cry that the Netherlands aborts thousands of babies. It should make you cry that many young people are infected with all kinds of diseases because of free sex and that they are allowed to buy drugs to destroy themselves. Where are the children of God whose hearts break when we see the sin of our church and our nation? Where are the prophets who are crying to warn the people?

Yet years ago, I prophesied that the Netherlands will be a lighthouse for Europe and the whole world. And I still believe this because God is a merciful and compassionate God, He is full of goodness and He likes to forgive. Where sin increases, His grace will increase as well.


https://www.theblessingdevotional.com

2. Morning Prayer for today.

MP.i. Morning Prayer

[It is of] the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. [They are] new every morning: great [is] thy faithfulness. ⏤ Lamentations 3:22-23

The Christian life is one of gratitude. A heart that is constantly overflowing with thankfulness is a heart close to God. ⏤ A.W. Tozer

O God, giver of all good and fountain of all mercy, we thank You for Your grace and the many ways You show Your care for us. Your faithfulness never fails. Your mercies are new every morning, fresh every moment, more than we can count. What can we give You in return for all Your goodness to us? We have nothing to offer but the poor love of our hearts, and we give that to You. Grant us more and more the spirit of praise and thanksgiving. Teach us to sing even when tears choke our songs. Give us songs in the night. Teach us how to rejoice, even in care and sorrow.

We thank You for our home and all it means to us. You have filled our lives with countless blessings through the love that unites us as a family. Our home is a little bit of Your love poured into our hearts. We thank You for the shelter our home provides and for the gentle affections that bind us together. May our home grow sweeter as the days pass. Make our home life more loving, patient, and kind. May our love be less selfish and more like the love of Jesus.

We ask for special blessings for this day. We will face dangers we are unaware of; protect us from them. We are vulnerable to accidents wherever we go; defend us from them. Grant us the grace to walk through the moral challenges around us without being harmed by them. Give Your angels charge over us to keep us in all Your ways. Lead us wherever we go so that we may not stumble. Make us strong for holy service. Let Your protection be over us all day, and give us strength for every duty. We ask all this in Jesus' precious name. Amen.

https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/38/morning

#taptapstudio
#youdevotion.
Good evening, brethren.
1.Evening devotion fortoday.

ED.i. *DAILY WALK WITH CHRIST*
(COCIN DEVOTIONAL)

*DATE:*
TUESDAY 12TH MAY, 2026.

*SUB-THEME:*
RESPONSE TO GRACE.

*TOPIC:*
SACRIFICIAL LIVING.

*TEXT:*
LUKE 14:25-27.
25 Now large crowds were traveling with Jesus. He turned and told them,
26 “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father, mother, wife, children, brothers, and sisters, as well as his own life, he can’t be My disciple.
Deu 13:6 Deu 33:9 Mat 10:37
27 Whoever doesn’t carry his cross and follow Me can’t be My disciple.
Mat 10:38 Mat 16:24 Mar 8:34 Luk 9:23

*TOPIC:*
SACRIFICIAL LIVING.

*THE MESSAGE:*
God's amazing grace requires supreme loyalty in following Christ. Jesus is not advocating literal hatred but is demanding that allegiance to Him must surpass all other attachments, even the most intimate ones. In a context where the cross was a symbol of brutal Roman execution, Jesus' words would have sounded radical and costly. Taking up one's cross speaks of a readiness to endure suffering, shame, and even death for His sake. In an age of convenience and compromise, Jesus' demand for total surrender is a call to prioritise Him above all else, including family, career, comfort, and personal ambition. It also reminds the Church that true discipleship is not about popularity or ease, but sacrificial living and unwavering loyalty, just as the disciples did when Christ called them. This is the path to true life and eternal reward. Do not waver!

*REFLECTION:*
What is hindering you from living wholly for God?

*PRAYER:*
Father, forgive me for not always making You first in my life. Amen.

*MEMORY VERSE FOR THE MONTH:*
TITUS 2:12.
It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this present age.

*TODAY'S BIBLE READING PLAN:*
ESTHER 1-2.

ED.ii. Skip to content
Dalily Devotional by Elizabeth Haworth

Posted onMay 12, 2026 by Editor
Satan’s Main Scheme
Christian Applications Store:: Christian devotional App Store; Explore Recommended Christian Books and Devotionals
Satan’s Objective

Satan is a defeated enemy. Satan is a conquered foe. Satan is a crushed antagonist. Satan is a subdued fiend. His final downfall is prerecorded but his present activity is viciously cruel. The god of this world system has one main objective – one goal – one aim, It is to prevent the Lord Christ Jesus, the anointed of God, to return as King of kings. The prince of the power of the air and the forces of evil seek to prevent Christ’s return.

Great Adversary

The principalities and powers of the devil attempt to do this by deceit and thievery. This great adversary of God is in a bloody battle – to scupper the hope of the glorious gospel of Christ’s glorious return. His main focus is to rob the spiritual believer of his or her true fighting power, He is not bothered by the strength of Christian ‘talking’ or Christian ‘working’..

Prayer Strength

He’s not phased by Christian ‘advertising’, Christian ‘programs’, Christian ‘service’ He is not troubled by ‘lets-go-to-the-meeting’ power’ or ‘listen-to-the-teaching’ might! but he shudders at the genuine; fighting; Spirit-led ‘power-of-prayer’ strength. He is deeply impacted by the warrior that will resist and stand firm in the Spirit.

Christ’s Cross

And he trembles at the power of the victory of the Christ of Calvary, on His Cross. This is the area of spiritual work most feared by the principalities and power of evil. This is what the world’s dark rulers and wicked spirits in the heavenlies dread most.

Nefarious Plan

Down through the centuries evil’s plan has been to subdue true Christian witness, but it welcomes vain religiosity and pats the toothless jaws of a worldly Church Superficial spirituality in unspiritual believers contributes to his nefarious plans, The fluff of most religious work and worship is ineffective against his grand designs.

Religious Games

So many seek to do the work of God through natural forces and carnal power. Mind, intellect and reasoning power or the force of personality, acumen or training.. but influence, personality, constitution, diplomas are of no consequence, and Satan happily allows many to play their religious games in freedom and comfort.

‘Faithometer’

But few believers are truly prepared to stand against the wiles of the devil, and God will only work effectively through the one wholly committed to Christ, I wonder where we are on the ‘Faithometer’? Are e a fair-weather Christian that will only fight when the sun is shining. Does our faith only kick in when all is going well – “a tummy-touches-table”guy? Multitudes followed Jesus for what He would give them or do for them. Even some of His Own, trusted, hand-picked disciples did not believe in Him! How many really truly had faith in Him – one here and one there …?

Bible Faith

A few days ago I reflected on those that really truly had faith in the Son of Man – faith written about in the scriptures… A woman with an issue of blood – a blind-deaf mute– a dead girl’s mum and dad – and because of their faith in Jesus mountains were moved in their lives…

Hope’s Extremity

Yes, they had reached the very limit of their endurance. They had arrived at the extremity of their hope and then they trusted Him, but his own kith and kin restricted His power by their lack of faith in Him.

True Trust

Today there are multitudes that believe in Him for saving grace – and praise God, and hallelujah – many are born-again through belief in the Lord Jesus Christ. But how few really trust Him – really, really trust in Him – often not until they reach their own breaking point in self-trust.

One Example

But there is one guy, a centurion with an ill servant who exemplified real faith. He believed the Word of God, He knew and trusted Jesus – and that was sufficient for all he needed. It is that sort of trust and that level of faith at which the devil trembles, The one that unswervingly says, I trust your Word without question or query.

God’s Will

It is the one that won’t balk at the enormity of the situations that crashes their lives. It is the one that resists all the sight and sounds of the enemy’s scheming wiles.. It is the one that steadfastly say “Thy will not mine be done” – That is the sort of believer from whom Satan flees and demons tremble.

Defeated Enemy

It’s not essential to be known of men or have a great ministry – but does the enemy tremble at your presence? Can the devil and His principalities say: “Jesus I know..” and “Paul I know.. and at your name say” I know”? Can they say that of you – and can they say it of me too? Satan is a defeated enemy Satan is a conquered foe. Satan is a crushed antagonist Satan is a subdued fiend.

Satan’s Goal

His final downfall is prerecorded but his present activity is viciously cruel. The god of this world system has one main objective, one goal, one aim – it is to prevent the Lord Christ Jesus, the anointed of God return as King of kings. His main focus is to rob the spiritual believer of his or her true fighting power.

Resisting Satan

Are we man enough or woman enough to stand to the end and have faith in Jesus? Will we resist the devil despite all that he does to trounce our faith in the Son or will we revert to being one of the multitude, that just looked from afar?

Paul’s Words

Let us stand before His throne of grace and say with Paul. But by the grace of God I am what I am: and His grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain, but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. 1Corinthians 15:10.

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2. Evening Prayer fortoday.

EP.i. Evening Prayer

Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. ⏤ Psalm 51:10

A holy life will produce the deepest impression. Lighthouses blow no horns; they only shine. ⏤ D.L. Moody

Almighty God, our most holy and eternal Father, whose eyes are too pure to look upon evil—let Your gracious Spirit descend upon us this evening. Grant that no impure thoughts may pollute the souls You have set apart for Yourself, that no unclean words may defile the lips You have consecrated to be organs of Your praise, and that no unholy acts may desecrate the hearts You have chosen as Your temples. Grant that our souls may be kept pure for You, that our lips may speak only for You, and that our hearts may always be worthy of Your presence.

We pray for the spirit of watchfulness, for all around us are evils—subtle, insidious, and determined to lead us into sin. We cannot keep ourselves safe. We cannot guard our hearts against these dangers. Have mercy on us, strong Son of God, who knows all about these powers of sin. Have mercy on us; lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. Keep us and grant that we may live in this present world in a way that will not prevent us from experiencing the glories of the world to come, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Bring us safely home to Your heavenly glory.

O Lord, most mighty and most merciful, we commend ourselves to You and to the word of Your grace, which can build us up and give us an inheritance among all who are sanctified. We ask You to keep our souls from sin, our eyes from tears, and our feet from falling, so that we may walk before You in the land of the living. And at the glorious appearing of Your Son, our Lord, may we be presented faultless before Your presence with exceeding joy, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/37/evening

#taptapstudio
#youdevotion.

Good morning, brethren.

1. Morning devotion for today.

i. MORNING TEA
THE WORD FOR TODAY. MONDAY APRIL 13, 2026.
"INSTRUMENT RATED (5)"

'…Do not be dismayed, for I am your God…’  Isaiah 41:10 NIV

INSTRUMENT RATED for depression. Depression, if left unchecked, can cause you to do some crazy things, like walk away from a good job or a healthy marriage, or turn to alcohol and drugs. The dictionary defines depression as ‘to be flattened vertically or dispirited’. Now you know why sometimes you don’t want to get out of bed in the morning. The word ‘depression’ is not mentioned in Scripture. The closest definition to it is ‘heaviness’. ‘Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop…’ (Proverbs 12:25 KJV). The toughest battles you will ever fight will be those with your own mind. What’s the answer? Start speaking God’s Word - out loud! ‘For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you”. So we may boldly say: “…The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?”’ (Hebrews 13:5-6 NKJV). Pastor Sarah Utterbach points out: ‘People say, “The Lord has promised never to leave me nor forsake me”, then they go right back to discussing their problem. In so doing they invalidate the power of what God said. The Holy Spirit is authorised to act on God’s Word when you begin to say what God has said.’ When you dwell on your problem, it’s like a pilot flying by sight and senses. But when you agree with God’s Word and begin to stand on it, you’re flying by your instrument panel. So get into God’s Word, get God’s Word into you, and start speaking it over your situation. ‘My word…will not return to me empty…but will…achieve the purpose for which I sent it’ (Isaiah 55:11 NIV).

Bible In A Year: Dan 1-2, Ps 127, Pro 10:11. Courtesy: Grace So Amazing Foundation

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ii. BREAK DOWN THE STRONGHOLDS OF THE EVIL ONE

"Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient." - Ephesians 5:6

God is love and this is true. People like to hear about this, but God can also be angry about man's iniquity. Many are being misled.

'For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light… and find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them' (Ephesians 5:7-11).

The root of the problem

The Netherlands has dethroned God - people do not want the living God - and the effect is seen everywhere, especially among the young people. The more churches are being closed, the fewer Christian norms and values will be considered. This is the root of our problem. God has been replaced by moral standards of the wicked man who does not want to know God and His commandment. However, it is impossible to have peace and prosperity without God.

We are today at a historical moment of church history. God calls us to be involved in the great work to take possession of the Netherlands. I want you to believe that this is a word of God. What we need are people who long to break down and destroy the strongholds of the evil one.

This is not possible in your own strength; you need the power of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the only One who is able to do this through us. We do not fight against people, but against invisible beings (see Ephesians 6:12).

Perhaps the evil one has taken your husband, wife, son or daughter into captivity. However, we are able to break down the strongholds of the evil one in Jesus' name. We should not fight against each other, but rather help each other in the fight. If someone falls, we should help him or her to stand up again. Together we rise again in the power of the Holy Spirit to move forward.


https://www.theblessingdevotional.com

2. Morning Prayer for today.

i. Morning Prayer

The steps of a Goodness Osondu man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth [him with] his hand. ⏤ Psalm 37:23-24

The great people of the earth today are the people who pray. I do not mean those who talk about prayer; nor those who say they believe in prayer; nor yet those who can explain about prayer; but I mean those people who take time to pray. ⏤ S.D. Gordon

Our Father, please bless us this morning. Lay Your hand on each of us as we bow before You and give us a Father’s blessing. Then we can go out into the world without fear. Keep us from harm all day long. Don’t let us wander away from You. Hold our hands, leading us and keeping us from falling. You have the power to keep us from stumbling and to present us faultless in glory. We bring our weaknesses to You.

Bless us in whatever experiences this day brings. May this be a day of growth in grace for each of us. Help us to do our work well. Guide us in managing our home and taking care of our responsibilities. Let us not be stressed or overwhelmed by worries. Help us to simply do our best and leave the rest in Your hands. Help us in our jobs and work. May we be honest in all our dealings, truthful in our words and actions, and consistent in our behavior—so that everyone who sees us will see Jesus in us.

We want to make this day one of loving service to others in Your name. Fill us with Your Spirit, so that wherever we go, our faces may shine with the light of Your love. Help us to be like Jesus to those we meet. Fill us with Your love, peace, grace, and compassion—so that Your life is truly revealed in us. May our actions and words bring blessings to everyone we encounter today.

We remember our friends and ask You to bless them all. Receive us now into Your care, use us, bless us, and keep us, for Jesus’ sake. Amen.

https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/08/morning

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