Understanding the Bible This post is part of our Understanding the Bible series—short, clear explanations of common questions, phrases, images, and themes found in Scripture. The goal is simple: to help you read the Bible more clearly by explaining what the text says, what it meant in its original context, and why it still matters... Continue Reading →
The Sabbath: God’s Gift of Rest and Jesus Our True Shabbat
The Feasts of the Bible, Jesus, and the Church Today — Post 3 The Sabbath: God’s Gift of Rest and Jesus Our True Shabbat Before Passover, before Pentecost, before Tabernacles—God gave His people a weekly rhythm: rest, worship, and remembrance. How to Use This Post This post is written to build biblical foundations before we... Continue Reading →
Matthew 12:1-21 Commentary: The Lord of the Sabbath
How to Use This Commentary Matthew 12:1–21 marks a decisive turning point in Jesus’ ministry. Read it in two major movements: (1) Conflict over the Sabbath (12:1–14), (2) The identity of God’s chosen Servant (12:15–21). This passage reveals both growing rejection and breathtaking beauty. Jesus is declared Lord of the Sabbath—and revealed as the gentle... Continue Reading →
John 5:17-47 Commentary: A Claim Like No Other
How to Use This Commentary John 5:17–47 contains one of the most direct claims Jesus ever made about Himself. Read it in three movements: (1) Jesus’ equality with the Father (5:17–29), (2) The promise of resurrection (5:24–29), (3) The witnesses that confirm His identity (5:30–47). This passage forces a decision. Jesus is not presented as... Continue Reading →
Testing Claims: A Closer Look at The Scriptures (ISR) Explanatory Notes — Lord
Why This Entry Matters Few phrases in the New Testament are as familiar—or as quietly debated—as “the first day of the week.” It appears in the resurrection narratives and in descriptions of early Christian gathering and giving. In recent years, this phrase has become a focal point in discussions about: Sabbath observance, Sunday worship, and... Continue Reading →
Testing Claims: A Closer Look at The Scriptures (ISR) Explanatory Notes — The Sabbath, The Seventh Day Of The Week
A Closer Look at The Scriptures (ISR) Explanatory Notes — “Sabbath (Seventh Day of the Week)” Why This Entry Matters Few topics create more tension between historic Christianity and Hebrew Roots–influenced teaching than the Sabbath. At stake are not merely questions of calendar preference, but deeper issues such as: covenant continuity and discontinuity the authority... Continue Reading →
Testing Claims: A Closer Look at The Scriptures (ISR) Explanatory Notes — Jesus
A Closer Look at The Scriptures (ISR) Explanatory Notes — “Jesus” Why This Entry Matters No name in the New Testament is more central—or more sacred—than the name Jesus. It is inseparable from the gospel itself, from Christology, and from the church’s confession that “Jesus is Lord.” In recent years, questions surrounding this name have... Continue Reading →
Testing Claims: A Closer Look at The Scriptures (ISR) Explanatory Notes — “First Day of the Week”
Why This Entry Matters Few phrases in the New Testament are as familiar—or as quietly debated—as “the first day of the week.” It appears in the resurrection narratives and in descriptions of early Christian gathering and giving. In recent years, this phrase has become a focal point in discussions about: Sabbath observance, Sunday worship, and... Continue Reading →
Why Does God Point to Creation When Giving Israel the Sabbath?
Home › Foundations › Sabbath & Rest › Why God Points to Creation in Exodus 20 Christians often hear the claim: “The Sabbath is a creation mandate for all people because God rested on the seventh day.” And then a sincere follow-up question naturally comes: If the Sabbath isn’t a universal creation command, why does... Continue Reading →
“Why Wouldn’t You Want to Keep the Sabbath?”
The Feasts of the Bible, Jesus, and the Church Today Movement C: The Church Today The Sabbath, the New Covenant, and the Rest Found in Christ Why Wouldn’t You Want to Keep the Sabbath? A thoughtful, pastoral response for Christians who want to honor God without losing gospel freedom. How to use this post: This... Continue Reading →