Good evening, brethren. Sorry for sending the devotional late!
1.Evening devotion for today.

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

*DATE;*
FRIDAY 17TH JULY, 2026.

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

*TOPIC:*
DIVISION.

*TEXT:*
1 CORINTHIANS 1:10-13.
10. I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.
11. My brothers and sisters, some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you.
12. Now I say this, that each of you says, “I am of Paul,” or “I am of Apollos,” or “I am of Cephas,” or “I am of Christ.”
13. Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?

*TOPIC:*
DIVISION.

*THE MESSAGE:*
Division means disunity or separation in opinion and interests. Strife gives rise to divisions and formations of cliques. The Church in Corinth found itself in this mess. There was disagreement amongst members because they affiliated and relied after leaders of their choice. This was an unhealthy situation. Paul pleaded with the Church to agree with one another and give no room for division. He urged them to be united in Christ, emphasising the pitching camps is foolishness. He reminded them that Christ, the head of the church in whom they were baptised, is not divided. Factors such as personal, trial, and class interests, among others, are responsible for divisions in the church today. As a child of grace, do not instigate division but rather foster unity.

*REFLECTION:*
Division hinders progress.

*PRAYER:*
Lord help me to promote unity. 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 13-16.

ED.ii. WHAT OBSTRUCTS PRAYER

"All those the Father gives Me will come to Me, and whoever comes to Me I will never drive away." - John 6:37

What obstructs our prayers? Every transgression of a Divine institution is sin and every sin knowingly not dealt with, stands in the way of our prayer.

The grace gate is always open

The mistake is always on our side when our prayers are hindered. The access to God is always free because of Calvary! 'Whoever comes to Me I will never drive away.' The gate of grace is open day and night for every child of God.

Sometimes it seems as if our prayers bounce back and God does not want to hear nor receive them. How do we reconcile this? On the one hand, the Bible says the gate is wide open and that we must come to Him with boldness. On the other hand, it seems the gate is closed.

We have to determine one thing though! The grace gate which is the access to God is never closed by God. Because God does what He said in His Word and His Word says:

1) 'Come near to God and He will come near to you'

2) 'Whoever comes to Me I will never drive away'

3) 'Call on Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you.'

Locks in our lives

The problem is on our side. It has to be because the locks of the gate are only on our side. The largest lock we must remove is sin. The gate remains closed until we confess and deal with sin. There is only one who can close the grace gate to God and that is man himself. A lock in life could be lust, unbelief, sins not confessed, wrong or negative thoughts, not wanting to obey or forgive, idols, jealousy, lack of time spent with God or not putting on the spiritual armor.


https://www.theblessingdevotional.com

2. Evening Prayer for today.

EP.i. A MEEK SPIRIT

"Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart." - Matthew 11:28-29

Help me today, dear Father, to overcome evil by doing good. Help me not to be easily upset or angry when I am being attacked or mocked. Teach me to have that meek spirit You speak about in Your word. Help me to love, understand, and bless others.


https://www.theblessingdevotional.com

Here I Am, Send Me: A Call to Equip the Church Through Biblical Training
Isaiah 6:8
"Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?' And I said, 'Here am I. Send me!'" (Isaiah 6:8)
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
My name is Masirheni Robert Mahlaule. I am a 71-year-old South African Christian, a member of the Zion Christian Church (ZCC) since 1979, and an ordained preacher since 1997. For nearly five decades I have devoted my life to serving God and His people. Today, I write with humility and hope, seeking support to continue preparing myself for greater service through theological education.
I survive on a government old-age grant of ZAR 2 400 (approximately 130 US dollars) per month, which is barely enough to cover my basic living expenses. As a result, I am unable to raise the funds required to pursue an Associate Bachelor's Degree in Divinity, despite my deep desire to continue learning and serving. I therefore appeal to generous individuals, churches, ministries, and Christian organizations to consider partnering with me in this important mission.
My Journey of Faith
My journey with Christ did not begin in a classroom or a seminary. It began through suffering.
Before I joined the ZCC, I was seriously ill. I spent much of my time in and out of hospitals seeking medical help. Like many Africans in desperate circumstances, I also consulted traditional healers, hoping to find relief from my condition. Yet nothing seemed to work.
When I eventually came to the ZCC, pastors prayed for me and laid hands on me. Within three days I could feel a remarkable difference. Week by week my condition improved, and before long I was back on my feet. God had touched my life.
However, looking back, I realise that being healed was not the same as being converted. When I was baptised, I simply joined the church; I had not yet experienced true conversion.
My genuine conversion came later through the preaching of the Gospel. The turning point was when the late Evangelist Billy Graham visited Johannesburg. Through his ministry I came to understand salvation through Jesus Christ in a deeper and more personal way. My faith became rooted not merely in church membership but in a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. From that time onward, my life was transformed.
My Calling to Ministry
As I grew in faith, I developed a strong desire to serve others. More than a decade after joining the church, I was ordained as a preacher. Since 1997 I have faithfully carried out the responsibilities entrusted to me.
I have been authorised to preach the Word of God, pray for the sick, conduct funeral services, and minister to people in times of need. These responsibilities have brought me into contact with people from all walks of life, and they have taught me that the greatest need within the church is not merely growth in numbers but growth in biblical understanding.
Over the years, I have witnessed the power of God's Word to transform lives. I have also witnessed the confusion and spiritual challenges that arise when church leaders lack adequate biblical training. This reality has strengthened my conviction that sound theological education is one of the most urgent needs facing the church today.
The Challenge Facing the ZCC
The Zion Christian Church is one of the largest churches in Africa, with millions of members. Throughout its history it has offered hope, healing, fellowship, and spiritual support to countless people.
However, like many churches, it faces significant challenges. One of the most pressing is the shortage of adequately Bible-trained pastors and teachers.
Where biblical knowledge is limited, misunderstandings and unchristian practices can emerge. Church leadership may work hard to address such issues, but without well-trained pastors who are grounded in Scripture, these challenges can persist from generation to generation.
I firmly believe that the most effective antidote to error is not criticism but education. The church needs pastors who understand the Bible thoroughly and who can teach God's Word with wisdom, clarity, and conviction.
Such training requires resources, commitment, and opportunities that are often beyond the reach of ordinary church members.
Christianity and African Culture
Another issue that often causes misunderstanding concerns the relationship between Christianity and African culture.
Some Christians become concerned when they hear that African cultural practices have a place within African churches. They sometimes assume that all African culture is synonymous with ancestor veneration or other spiritual practices that they believe conflict with Christian teaching.
I believe such assumptions oversimplify a much more complex reality.
African culture is rich, diverse, and multifaceted. It cannot be reduced to a single belief, ritual, or worldview. Culture includes language, music, dress, family relationships, moral values, customs, community life, and many other aspects of human experience.
It is helpful to recognise that culture operates on different levels. There is expressive culture, social culture, ethical culture, and ritual or spiritual culture.
A church may wholeheartedly embrace African languages, music, customs of respect, family values, and community solidarity while still questioning or discouraging certain practices that carry particular religious significance.
The real question is not whether African culture matters. It certainly does. The real question is whether any particular practice is consistent with biblical teaching about God, worship, and salvation.
Christianity has always lived within cultures. Beginning in first-century Judaism, the Gospel spread into Greek, Roman, African, and Middle Eastern societies. The early church adopted local languages and social forms to communicate the Gospel effectively. At the same time, it rejected practices that conflicted with biblical faith.
This challenge remains with us today. We must respect culture while remaining faithful to Scripture. We must distinguish between what is cultural and what is theological. Doing so requires mature leadership and sound biblical training.
Why I Have Chosen to Remain in the ZCC
Throughout my years of ministry, I have had opportunities to leave the ZCC and join churches with greater resources.
On several occasions, leaders from other churches approached me with attractive offers. I was promised better financial support, housing, vehicles, and other incentives that would undoubtedly have improved my standard of living.
Yet I declined those offers.
I remained because I believe that God called me to serve where the need is greatest.
Historically, the ZCC has served many ordinary Africans, including people who had little formal education. Many were drawn to African Initiated Churches because they felt misunderstood or marginalised during earlier periods of missionary activity.
Some Africans were pressured to abandon traditional names in favour of European ones. Others faced difficult demands regarding family arrangements and cultural identity. Whether justified or not, many felt alienated.
The ZCC became a spiritual home where they could worship God while maintaining aspects of their cultural identity.
For this reason, I believe the church deserves leaders who can combine deep biblical faith with an understanding of the people they serve.
My Vision for the Future
My vision is simple but ambitious.
I want to be part of a movement that equips pastors, Sunday School teachers, and church leaders with sound biblical knowledge.
Recently, I completed a Sunday School Manual, which has been submitted to church headquarters for approval. My hope is that this resource will strengthen the teaching ministry of our church and help provide solid biblical foundations for the next generation.
I also actively encourage pastors and church workers who are able to read and write to pursue theological education. Whenever possible, I introduce them to opportunities such as the Christian Leaders Institute (CLI) and other learning resources.
Yet many faithful pastors face significant barriers. Some have limited educational backgrounds. Others cannot read or write English fluently, although they are capable ministers in their own African languages.
My desire is to help bridge this gap. With further theological education, I hope to mentor, train, and encourage these servants of God, enabling them to minister more effectively within their communities.
My Appeal for Sponsorship
This is why I am seeking sponsorship for my Associate Bachelor's Degree in Divinity.
At my age, some may wonder why I still wish to study. My answer is simple: because the need remains great, and God has not withdrawn His calling from my life.
I may be seventy-one years old, but I still possess a passion for learning, teaching, and serving. I believe that additional theological training will equip me to contribute even more effectively to the church and to the preparation of future leaders.
Unfortunately, my financial circumstances make it impossible for me to pay the required fees. My old-age grant barely covers daily living expenses, leaving no funds available for further education.
I therefore humbly ask any individual, church, ministry, educational institution, or Christian organisation that shares my vision to consider assisting me financially.
Your contribution would not simply support one elderly student. It would help equip a preacher who is committed to training and encouraging others. The benefits would extend beyond me to pastors, teachers, church members, and communities that may never have access to formal theological training.
Conclusion
For many years, I have attempted to serve faithfully wherever God has placed me. I have prayed for the sick, preached the Gospel, buried the dead, taught believers, and encouraged church leaders. I have sacrificed opportunities for personal gain because I believe my calling is here among the people of the ZCC.
Today I ask for your partnership.
As Isaiah responded to God's call centuries ago, my response remains the same:
"Here I am. Send me."
My willingness to serve is unwavering. My vision is clear. My need is genuine.
With your support, I can obtain the education necessary to strengthen my ministry and help equip others for the work of God's Kingdom.
Thank you for considering my request and for taking the time to hear my story.
Yours faithfully,
Masirheni Robert Mahlaule
ZCC Preacher and Candidate for an Associate Bachelor's Degree in Divinity
Email: mahlaulemr11@outlook.com
Cellphone: +27 65 8100 498

TOPIC : *HIS REFINING PROCESS*

MEMORISE : *Whose feet they hurt with fetters: he was laid in iron: Until the time that his word came: the word of the LORD tried him.*
*Psalm 105:18-19*

BIBLE TEXT : *Exodus 13:17-18*

*Good Morning,



In His wisdom, God often takes His children through different paths on their journey to greatness. He uses each step to refine their character and to separate them from anything that could hinder or destroy them after attaining greatness. For example, before Joseph became great, God took him through a pit, Potiphar's house, and prison, so as to build his character in preparation for the role of a ruler in Egypt. Today's memory verse says that he was laid in irons until God's word came. God's word tried him as gold is tried in fire until he was certified fit for greatness. David also had to go through God's process on his way to becoming a king. His path to becoming a king was marked by numerous challenges, including a period of exile in the wilderness.

The path to greatness is often paved with many challenges. The process of attaining true greatness is never easy, but it is always worth it. Apostle Paul described the process as 'our light affliction' in *(2 Corinthians 4:17).* However, no matter how tough the process gets, it is nothing compared to the far exceeding and eternal weight of glory that God has prepared for us.

People who want to become great without going through God's process do not usually last if they eventually become great. Like King Saul, they often end up losing their place because of habits and weaknesses that should have been addressed. Those who choose to follow God's process, however, always emerge purified like precious gold. They become men and women whom God can trust with great resources and other people. Even our Lord Jesus Christ followed God's process, and when the time came for Him to fulfil God's assignment, He was baptised, and God's Spirit came upon Him *(Matthew 3:16-17).* He didn't start performing miracles the moment He was born, because God never raises a fellow without first 'trying' and preparing him or her.

As we see in today's Bible reading, God guided the Israelites through His process by making them take a longer route on their journey to the Promised Land. He didn't want them to run back to Egypt at the first hint of war, He wanted to help them become a strong and resilient nation. Beloved, is God currently taking you through a refining process that you find difficult? I implore you to endure the process, as it is part of His plan in preparing you for true and lasting greatness.

*PRAYER POINT*

Lord, please help me to go through Your refining process successfully.

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL

DATE: TUESDAY 7TH JULY 2026

TOPIC: HIS REFINING PROCESS

MEMORIZE:
"Whose feet they hurt with fetters: he was laid in iron: Until the time that his word came: the word of the LORD tried him.” Psalm 105:18-19 (KJV)

BIBLE READING: EXODUS 13:17-18
17 And it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God led them not through the way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, Lest peradventure the people repent when they see war, and they return to Egypt:

18 But God led the people about, through the way of the wilderness of the Red sea: and the children of Israel went up harnessed out of the land of Egypt.

MESSAGE:
In His wisdom, God often takes His children through different paths on their journey to greatness. He uses each step to refine their character and to separate them from anything that could hinder or destroy them after attaining greatness. For example, before Joseph became great, God took him through a pit, Potiphar's house, and prison, so as to build his character in preparation for the role of a ruler in Egypt. Today's memory verse says that he was laid in irons until God's word came. God's word tried him as gold is tried in fire until he was certified fit for greatness. David also had to go through God's process on his way to becoming a king. His path to becoming a king was marked by numerous challenges, including a period of exile in the wilderness.

The path to greatness is often paved with many challenges. The process of attaining true greatness is never easy, but it is always worth it. Apostle Paul described the process as 'our light affliction' in (2 Corinthians 4:17). However, no matter how tough the process gets, it is nothing compared to the far exceeding and eternal weight of glory that God has prepared for us.

People who want to become great without going through God's process do not usually last if they eventually become great. Like King Saul, they often end up losing their place because of habits and weaknesses that should have been addressed. Those who choose to follow God's process, however, always emerge purified like precious gold. They become men and women whom God can trust with great resources and other people. Even our Lord Jesus Christ followed God's process, and when the time came for Him to fulfil God's assignment, He was baptised, and God's Spirit came upon Him (Matthew 3:16-17). He didn't start performing miracles the moment He was born, because God never raises a fellow without first 'trying' and preparing him or her.

As we see in today's Bible reading, God guided the Israelites through His process by making them take a longer route on their journey to the Promised Land. He didn't want them to run back to Egypt at the first hint of war, He wanted to help them become a strong and resilient nation. Beloved, is God currently taking you through a refining process that you find difficult? I implore you to endure the process, as it is part of His plan in preparing you for true and lasting greatness.

PRAYER POINT:
Lord, please help me to go through Your refining process successfully.

BIBLE READING IN ONE YEAR:
PROVERBS 24 - 26

AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE

HYMNAL 30 - WHEN WE WALK WITH THE LORD
1. When we walk with the Lord,
In the light of His word, What a glory He sheds on our way! While we do His good will He abides with us still, And with all who will trust and obey.

CHORUS:
Trust and obey!
For there's no other way
To be happy in Jesus,
But to trust and obey.

2. Not a shadow can rise,
Not a cloud in the skies, But His smile quickly drives it
away; Not a doubt nor a fear,
Not a sigh nor a tear, Can abide while we trust and obey.

CHORUS:

3. Not a burden we bear,
Not a sorrow we share
But our toil He doth richly
repay; . Not a grief nor a loss,
Not a frown nor a cross, But is blest if we trust and obey.

CHORUS:

4. But we never can prove the delights of His love, until all on the altar we lay, For the favour He shows And the joy He bestows Are for them who will trust and obey.

CHORUS:

5. Then in fellowship sweet We will sit at His feet, Or we'll walk by His side in the way, What He says we will do, Where He sends we will go, Never fear, only trust and obey.

CHORUS:

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

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

*DATE:*
FRIDAY 26TH JUNE, 2026.

*SUB-THEME:*
EXAMPLES OF GOD'S AMAZING GRACE.

*TOPIC:*
CORNELIUS.

*TEXT:*
ACTS 10:1-3.
1. At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion in what was known as the Italian Regiment.
2. He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly.
3. One day at about three in the afternoon he had a vision. He distinctly saw an angel of God, who came to him and said, “Cornelius!”

*TOPIC:*
CORNELIUS.

*THE MESSAGE:*
Cornelius, a devout Roman soldier known for his charity and prayer, received a divine visitation affirming that God had taken notice of his good deeds. Though his morality was commendable, it could not save him. God sent Peter to preach the Gospel to Cornelius to overcome his prejudice. Cornelius and his household believed in Jesus, were baptised, and filled with the Holy Spirit. This emphasises the fact that salvation comes by faith in Christ, not morality. God's Grace is inclusive, open to all, regardless of background. Therefore, do not close the door on anyone. Do you take pride in what you are doing for the Lord and the brethren? Good deeds are commendable, but they do not offer salvation. Rely on the Grace of God and be saved.

*REFLECTION:*
God's kingdom is open to all who believe.

*PRAYER:*
God in heaven, thank You for accepting me into Your kingdom. Amen.

*MEMORY VERSE FOR THE MONTH:*
JOHN 1:16.
"From the fullness of His grace we have all received one blessing after another."

*TODAY'S BIBLE READING PLAN:*
PSALM 128-134.

2. Evening Prayer for today.

EP.i. Evening Prayer

My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation [is] from him. ⏤ Psalm 62:5

Rest comes from trusting God’s hand to hold us close, no matter the day's trials. ⏤ Elizabeth George

Father, we thank You for showing us the sweetness and gentleness of Your love. No mother's embrace is as warm and secure as Your arms are for Your children. No earthly home can provide the safety and comfort that we find in You. Tonight, as we gather in our home after the day's struggles, we also seek refuge in Your love. There is no safer place than with You.

Please forgive the sins of this day. As we settle into the evening, grant us Your peace. Take whatever we have done today, and bless it. We tried to do good as we went about our day, even though our efforts were not always perfect. May You still use them to help and bless others. Teach us to be content with what we have, and save us from complaining about the difficulties we face. We are easily discouraged and often impatient when things don’t go as planned. Forgive us for our grumbling and help us to accept what comes our way with quietness, cheerfulness, and prayerfulness, so that Your name may be honored.

Give us a sweet and calm spirit, free from all complaints. Fill our hearts with Your grace so that we may live for You. Let the sweetness of Your life fill us until we are transformed to be more like You. We ask this in Jesus' precious name. Amen.

https://www.youdevotion.com/daily-prayer/miller/82/evening

#taptapstudio
#youdevotion.

Dear Friends in Christ
I have been involved in prison ministry since 2002, I started as a volunteer prison Chaplain in Adelaide South Australia and in 2009, I go involved with a prison ministry called KAIROS. This prison ministry is a three and half day course held in a prison. I have been involved with KAIROS prison ministry since 2009. I have been involved with 16 KAIROS course. They are held twice a year at Mobilong Prison near the town of Murray Bridge South Australia. Last week I had the privilege to serve on KAIROS Mobilong 38, this course ran from Tuesday 16th June till Friday 19th June. On this short course 16 men heard the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. There were two men wo were Christian and because of this course began to follow Jesus again. On this KAIROS the men are offered a Bible and a leather Cross. All 16 men took the Bible and a leather Cross. KAIROS began in South Australia in 2002 and I know that since the very first KAIROS course till KAIROS course 38 around 880 men have heard the Gospel. I know of at least 30 men openly give their hearts to Jesus Christ and many seeds planted into men's lives. In the last 12 months at Mobilong prison 6 prisoners have been baptised. On the outside I know of 6 KAIROS graduates who got baptised at a local Church. I praise God for the privilege to serve KAIROS prison ministry. I have seen men's lives changed and set free.

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 (

My Testimony - Keith Hobkirk

"But God"... a story of Amazing Grace

Ephesians 2

And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— 3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. 4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— 6 and raised us up with Him and seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 so that in the coming ages He might show the immeasurable riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.



I pray that my testimony touches your heart! My name is Keith, but everyone knows me as KK. The first thing to say is that I am just an ordinary person; I am not a pastor; I have no special gifts or abilities: I am what I am because God has showered His grace upon me.




Well, I had better start at the beginning. I was born in Bradford, Yorkshire, U.K., and then lived most of my life in Morecambe, a beautiful seaside town on the Lancashire coast. My childhood was difficult. My parents were great, but they were consumed with work and as I spent much time on my own, I gained a very rebellious and angry streak from an early age. I was a very troubled and restless child... I craved attention. My parents tried everything, I had serious issues relating to a childhood stammer, which led to bullying. I was in and out of speech therapy/relaxation classes.




(I was) Sent to Sunday school, I listened to the stories of Jesus and thought that they were just stories. My favourite hymn was "There was a Green Hill Far Away". This hymn said that He died to save us all. "Great," I thought, "Jesus died - I can live as I want."




I was in the church; I even did the collection for upstairs at the church. Sad to say, I was a Judas-- not just from the church, but from my parents. By the age of 14, I was placed in the lowest class at school; I was a very nasty and angry person; a sinner who had all the appearance of a good person, but was a devil on the inside. . . in all my churchgoing, I have never heard the true Gospel that Jesus saves personally.




At school, I was known as trouble; teachers thought I had no hope, but my parents didn't give up-- they fought for me to be placed in a higher class. They finally got their wish and I was placed in Class 4S, along with two very special people, both whom are close friends today, David and Andrew, the person whom God used to bring me to faith.




As I said, I was trouble at school: if there was trouble in class, it usually revolved around me; Keith had said or done something to upset them. Well, I created havoc in class, tormenting virtually everyone: I was a mixture of Dennis the Menace and Homer Simpson, loveable and dumb but just a pain in the bum: well. . . except for Andrew.



Everything I tried to do to him, it didn't upset him at all! What is it with this guy? Why is he so calm? OK, he's a Christian; well, so am I! I go to church, so what's the big deal? Also, we had R.E. (Religious Education) in our school, led by Mr Curnow. I just sat the back of the class and mocked him. He said at the end of the class, "Jesus loves you and is the Answer!" "What?" I thought, "Why doesn't he tell it to us through all the class, if Jesus is so good?" Many years later I had the pleasure of meeting him and his wife, who was my French teacher; also, my history teacher, Mr Waterhouse, who were all Believers-- the ones I had mocked were Christians.




Andrew was getting under my skin; he invited me to these meetings, and on a Saturday night! "What, you go to these Bible meetings on a Saturday? You are a fanatic, man!" One day he invited me: and to be honest, just to stop him asking me, I said "OK, but look, I have to be home by 10, the football is on."




So, on Saturday, the 15th of February, I set out to Moorlands Gospel Hall in Lancaster. Meeting me at the bus station, we made our way to the meeting. It was different to everything I had ever been to: this was lively, hymns were sung truly and powerfully, people stood up and told how Jesus had changed their lives, and finally Victor Jack (an evangelist) stood up and preached. He said "If Jesus came tonight, where would you spend eternity? You are a guilty sinner, condemned by your sin; but Jesus has provided salvation through the Cross." For the first time I had heard the true Gospel. Victor said he was going into a side room, anyone who would like to talk with him, please do so. I remember closing my eyes-- the curtain was raised; the light went on! I turned to Andrew, "I want to go into that room!" I got there first, just before someone else; this was something I just had to do. Victor took me through "Journey into Life" (tract by Norman Warren). I said the prayer, and trusted Christ. My prayer was sincere. Something happened that night-- something life changing! Thanks, Andrew and Victor!


I remember going home: I shouted out in glee, "I've become a Christian!" My parents weren't impressed. "It will wear off," they said. My form teacher had said to Andrew, "Keith will never get saved." Things did change. I went to church and got baptised, but still had many problems. . . but I knew something had happened-- I had new affections and new interests; I loved reading the Bible and praying.




For the first 10 years of my Faith walk I went up and down, but I still made progress. But I was now to enter the "wilderness years". For nearly 15 years from 1986-2001, I went off the rails completely. Not terrible sin, but just rebellion and disobedience: no prayer, no church, living in the world; yet through all that time God Who had saved me, held me.




He was drawing me back to himself.



During my wilderness years, I saw many things and met many people, I wish I hadn't. My life was apart from God, I was out of work, depressed and very alone. During that time, I thought about suicide and was on anti-depressants, Ciprail 15mg, eventually I was able to stop taking them, but it took time and prayer.




I was and am a modern-day prodigal, one more thing I saw.




On the 11th May 1985, I sat in the stand at my home town football ground (Bradford City), a fire broke out in the stand where I was sitting (right behind me). Five minutes earlier, something had stopped me going to the toilet at the back of the stand, it was God preventing me, if I had gone, then I would have been trapped by the fire, again it was the hand of God on my life.





I do not tell you these things to make you think, look at Keith, but to let you know that Christ is everything, he is faithful, despite me, despite my failings. He is and always will be ..MY LORD AND MY GOD.

Good evening, brethren.

1. Evening devotion for today.

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

*DATE:*
SUNDAY 3RD MAY, 2026.

*SUB-THEME:*
RESPONSE TO GRACE.

*TOPIC:*
HUMILITY.

*TEXTS:*
MICAH 6:8; 1 PETER 5:5-6.

*MICAH 6:8.*
8. He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

*1 PETER 5:5-6.*
5. In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.”
6. Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time.

*TOPIC:*
HUMILITY.

*THE MESSAGE:*
Anyone who has truly experienced and understood God's grace will not be puffed up with pride. He will walk humbly before God and men, irrespective of their age and social standing in life. No one who has truly encountered Christ will boast of any accomplishment. They know well that all they are and have is of the Lord. Remember, without Christ, you can do nothing! Humility will prompt you to consider others and be gentle with them in their difficult situations. You must serve others, even the undeserving, as Jesus did. Have you tasted God's grace? Then walk humbly lest you fall. A humble person is teachable, listens to others' opinions, admits when he is wrong and takes correction.

*REFLECTION:*
A humble person does not crave attention.

*PRAYER:*
Lord, help me to walk humbly before You. 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:*
EZRA 5-6.

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

Posted onMay 3, 2026 by Editor
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I in them and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one and that the world may know that You have sent Me and have loved them as You have loved Me.”
John 17:23

Unfathomable Mystery

We are the body of Christ, Who is the Head. What an unfathomable mystery. All who are in Christ are expected to live their lives as His life living in them. In the prayer He prayed just before Calvary, Christ prayed to the Father: The glory You gave Me I have given them… that they may be one just as We are one. John 17:22

Body of Christ

In this body, Christ has a counterpart that is to compliment and complete Him! What is true of the Head is to be true of the body and we are the body of Christ! We are complete in Him Who is the Head of all principality and power. The church of Christ has been born out of God and are sent out from God. Each have a spiritual revelation which has come from the Father.

Mystery of Grace

Christ spoke only what His Father said and we must only speak the words from Him, Christ did His earthly work through the Father and we must do our work through Him, Christ had a zeal for His Father’s house and kingdom and so must we who are His body. In the life we live, all things are out of God – all things come from Him. What a glorious mystery of grace – what mysterious grace and glory.

Work of God

A band of timid and fearful men who all forsook their Lord, denied Him and fled.. became a most powerful group of fearless spiritual warriors – the most powerful group of fearless spiritual warriors the world has ever seen. This was the work of God. This was the result of the Spirit coming in power. This is what was meant when we read, they were all baptized by one Spirit… For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body— whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free— and have all been made to drink into one Spirit.” 1Cor.12:13

Baptised into Christ

And Christ is the head of that body into which all believers are ‘baptized.’ And the ‘body’ are those that are born from above – born out of God. The disciples had no action-plan that was independent of Christ. They had no board-meetings to decide strategy – no self-laid plans; no schemes. They had no pre-planned programme or enterprise – no undertaking to follow.. except as they were taught but the Word of truth – the Lord Who is their head – except as they were led of the Holy Ghost.. incorporated into Christ, the Head…

Christ the Head

As the Son looked to the Father – so the body must look to the Son. As Christ abode in the bosom of the Father – we too must abide in Christ. It is the head that does the thinking – not the arm or toe; not the eye or ear. Never be led to act or react from your own natural being – your own self-life. Wait, pray and permit the judgments of the Spirit to lead and to guide in all things.

Power of the Spirit

Our own emotional leanings or reasoning power can devastate God’s best. In His grace and mercy He rescues our foolish folly but we pay the consequence. Yes all things work together for good…. but lets not lose His best will for our lives. Today so much Christian work is expended in our own time, energy and way.. but unless effected by the power of the Spirit – it is pretty ineffective.

Position of Christ

The real work of God is measured by the position of Christ in a believer’s heart. Fires of judgment, loosed on the works of the kingdom will test effectiveness, If gold, silver and precious stones are not revealed – there will be a sad pile ashes. We may be acclaimed and honoured by man for our great and good works – but unless implemented from Christ, such acts of His body produce nothing.. for the works of the flesh will profit nothing. Remember – it is not what is done for Him, that is important. It is what is done by Him through the believer, as he remains in Christ..

Remain in Christ

Day by day the most important work a believer can do is to remain in Him. Moment by moment we must be sure we have been incorporated into Christ.. born out of God and are sent out from God – Thy will not mine be done.. To remain in Him and He in us in every step of life – from this point forward.. speaking only the words out from Christ – ‘til I am nothing and He is everything.. Working only the works of God that He has prepared for us through Him. Like Him, to maintain zeal for His Father’s House and Kingdom – Thy Kingdom come on earth… the Millennial kingdom rule of Christ…

By My Spirit

We are the body of Christ, Who is the Head and His ways are unfathomable. But what a glorious mystery of grace. What mysterious grace and glory. Not by might – nor by power but by My Spirit says the Lord. Zechariah 4:6

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2. EP.i. Evening Prayer

There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. ⏤ Hebrews 4:9

The sabbath is the day we go to the mountain to see God’s creation. ⏤ Eugene Peterson

May Your peace be upon us, our Father, this sweet Sunday evening. The day has been like a quiet oasis in the wilderness of the world. We have enjoyed its restfulness. We have sat under Your shadow with great delight. We have drunk from the springs of water that flow from under Your throne. Bless to us all the enjoyments and privileges of this Sunday. May we be better able to work because of the strength we have received while waiting on You.

Give us now our evening blessing. We long to know You more deeply. Somehow, we do not know You as well as we desire to. We cannot see You with our physical eyes, feel Your touch, or hear Your voice, and we don’t always realize Your closeness to us. Help us to know You better. Reveal Yourself to us in Your word as we read it. May Your Spirit make You known to us. Make us more aware of Your love for us. May we receive more spiritual life into our souls. Give us a deeper measure of Your joy, peace, and love. May Jesus be in us, and may we be filled with all Your fullness.

We wait at Your feet this evening, asking that our lives be filled with Your grace. We want to be like You, Lord Jesus, and we can only become like You through Your transforming presence in our lives. We hunger and thirst for righteousness, to have our characters made holy and good like Yours. You have promised to satisfy those who have this longing. Fill us and satisfy our cravings. May we go into the new week full of Jesus, and thus be prepared to bless many. We wait now for Your blessing. We ask in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

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