Poetry With A Mission

...a thought provoking poetical exercise.

(Ex 20:3-17; Matt 22:36-40; Rom 13:8-10; James 2:12; Rev 14:12)

“ ‘It is easier for heaven and earth to disappear than for the least stroke of a pen
to drop out of the law’ ” (Luke 16:17, NIV).

ONE

I'm the only God that there is. I'm a true God, and I'm also a holy God too,
Therefore, you're only to worship Me — just Me — and not various other gods pursue.
For example: You're not to go putting anything or anyone ahead of Me,
Nor in place of Me, or in addition to Me — NO — 'cause you must display loyalty.

Therefore, always make sure that you put Me first in your life, loving Me with all of your heart,
'Cause I want your complete devotion. I want you to stay with Me, and never depart.
So don’t go believing in any other gods, 'cause there is only the one God, Me,
And it was I who created the Earth, humankind, so only I can save, set free.

TWO

You're not to go bowing down to images — e.g. statues, effigies, or portraits,
So don't go making any idols, 'cause I'm a God who any kind of idol hates.
And this why you're not to give honour to images, nor to revere or adore them,
Thereby never treating them as if they are real, 'cause such worship I strongly condemn.

Yes, I'm a very jealous God indeed, and therefore, you must only bow down to Me,
And never to images of any thing in Heaven, on the earth, or in the sea,
And lest the succeeding generations harvest the harm of such very foolish seeds,
Knowingly and rebelliously sown by their parents idolatrous words and deeds.

And hence why I say again, don't let anything or anyone become your idol,
'Cause spiritually wise, and salvation wise, such is very suicidal.
And all why you're not to let any idol of some kind wrongly take the place of Me,
Even indirectly so, or unconsciously encroach upon My territory.

THREE

Under no circumstances at all are you to use My holy name irreverently,
'Cause I am the great I AM, God Almighty, your Lord, King of Kings — yes, your Majesty.
Therefore, always use My name very respectfully, not flippantly, casually,
'Cause wrongly using My holy name will thereby greatly dishonour and anger Me.

And hypocrisy too, I must say, will greatly dishonour Me and blacken My name,
Which is why when I judge humankind, I will rule against all those who have brought Me shame.
They being, any who dishonour Me via their mouth, even thoughts, or via wrongful deeds,
And who as a consequence, aren’t true ambassadors for He who died, rose and now pleads.

FOUR

You're never to forget My Sabbath day — and that day is, the seventh day, Saturday,
Such being the very day I rested on as an example, 'cause such is My way.
This day's the last day of the week, a day I've made a holy day, and thus a rest day,
A day that I've set apart, and therefore, a day that I want free of all work and play.

This day's also a memorial (like a birthday), 'cause it commemorates creation,
Thus reminding that I’m the Creator — and therefore, it has My authorization.
I have hallowed and blessed this particular day. It's a day that I installed pre-Fall,
Hence why I'm referred to as the Lord of the Sabbath, a day of worship that's for all.

Therefore, don’t let any of your employees work for you on My holy Sabbath day,
And nor let your housemaid, gardener, or any tradesmen either, with or without pay,
You also mustn't let any work be done by visitors, your family or you,
And nor must you go using your machinery, like tractors, mowers, even cattle too.

You mustn't go seeking your own pleasure, like sports, parties, or any of your hobbies,
And you mustn't use My day for business, shopping, for just doing anything you please.
But rather, you're to join with your fellow Christians to worship Me, to study and pray,
And later on in the day, you could visit the ill, doing good on My Sabbath day.

I want you to note that only this Commandment shows who's the author of the whole Ten,
Which is another reason for keeping it, 'cause upon it, the other nine depend.
And hence why no other day I’ve sanctioned, nor blessed, 'cause this day's My flag, My seal, My crest,
Thus six days I've given you, keeping the seventh as Mine — it's a tithe and holy rest.

FIVE

Via this Command, I’m addressing children, instructing and warning them specifically:
You must always honour your parents — in other words, you're to treat them respectfully.
'Cause I, your God, have authorized your parents to rightly guide and rightly care for you,
Thus you're to humbly obey their instructions, so don’t rebel, thus blotting their name too.

This way you'll also learn respect for others who're in positions of authority,
And I will greatly bless you as a result — yes, far happier you will therefore be.
So help them (when you are under their care) via those duties that you should willingly do,
And also care for them when they’re elderly, 'cause after all, haven't they cared for you?

SIX

You're not to commit murder, but rather, you're to respect everyone’s right to life,
And nor are you to torture, act violently, deprive, rage, hate, or somehow ignite strife.
No, you must not violate anyone's rights, nor anyone try to manipulate;
In other words, you're not to play with someone's life, nor try to control, intimidate.

Now, regarding both humanity and creatures, I want to make one thing very clear,
And that is, that in My eyes, the way either are treated, is far from a minor affair.
Therefore, don't go treating either wrongly, badly, and nor for your own hurts seek revenge,
'Cause any wrong done to either creature or person, I will most certainly avenge.

You're also to remember that you mustn't take your own life, 'cause that's murder also,
And such an action is hardly your prerogative, 'cause only I have such say-so.
And take due care, lest it be that through your own recklessness, thoughtlessness, or carelessness
You thereby cause somebody else to die, or to suffer, 'cause you'll hardly be guiltless.

 SEVEN

You're never to commit adultery — yes, be that mentally or physically,
And nor via wrongful affection, like those little flirty touches that there shouldn’t be,
And by that I mean, that take place outside of your marriage, perhaps at work, or socially.
And never dress revealingly publicly, 'cause that’s adultery indirectly.

You're never to defile the marital bedroom, thinking that anything is okay,
And nor via any lustful obsession, pornography, or via forcing your own way.
And you're also to respect those times of abstinence that each month can come in to play,
And you're also not to let any intimate secrets from your home or bedroom stray.

Your sacred life-long marital covenant must never be broken, and thus abused,
'Cause such an action is treachery, even rebellion, and for such, you'll stand accused.
After all, marriage is a haven and a fortress for both partner and family,
An institution that has been ordained and blessed by Me, and also witnessed by Me.

Premarital sex — in other words, fornication — is something else that I forbid,
'Cause such works against marriage, spoils, threatens and undermines, hence why it's prohibited.
Yes, such seriously attacks the one-flesh principle, and shows lack of control too,
Thus strongly suggesting that in your marriage self-control will hardly be shown there too.

EIGHT

You're not to go stealing from anyone — and, let me add, you must never steal from Me,
Remembering that stealing goes far beyond taking possessions, quite obviously.
Such as using your employer’s time to pursue something that's desirable to you,
Or by not giving Me the time that you should, or others, including family too.

You mustn't go stealing someone's health or well-being by making them miserable,
And you mustn't go stealing someone else's happiness by not remaining faithful.
You're not to go robbing someone of joy or faith either, via criticism or doubt,
And nor to deprive someone of something by withholding from them a needed handout.

You're not to steal opportunities from anyone, who of such, is more deserving,
And you're not to go stealing anyone’s peace and quiet via something that is self-serving.
You're also not to go using anyone's things without their clear authorization,
And you're not to go fiddling with your tax returns, nor to hijack a conversation.

NINE

You must never harm anyone's reputation via some rumour, slander or gossip,
And you mustn't mislead others in general, and particularly via leadership.
You're not to be silent when you should be speaking out, and you're never to lie in court,
And nor are you to lie in general, tamper with truth, or truth in any way thwart.

And when you're guilty of something, but aren't questioned, you mustn't withhold your admission,
And likewise, when you're selling something, you must never go hiding its true condition.
You're also not to promise and then not deliver on whatever you said you would do,
Nor are you to deceive via pretence, or to fudge, slant, misrepresent, or misconstrue.

TEN

You're not to jealously desire someone’s partner, their possessions, or position too,
But to be content, thus not coveting. And aren’t there others who are worse off than you?
And remember also, that I know everyone's heart, all those thoughts that they entertain,
And bear in mind too, that coveting just leads to theft — yes, it’s a trap, a ball and chain.

And lest you are not aware of such, coveting's also a form of idolatry,
Something that eventually led to Satan's own downfall, and the great controversy.
Therefore, just seek to make other people happy, seeking to give rather than to get,
Thus lovingly putting others before yourself — yes, first see that others’ needs are met.

End

My dear child, it’s because of My great love and concern for you, that I have given these,
And if you willingly keep them via the Spirit’s enabling, then Me you’ll greatly please.
So see that you place these Ten Commandments in your heart, thereby keeping them out of love,
And remember that it's only grace that can save, that grace that freely flows from above.

Yes, keep all these Commandments, the whole Ten of them, and then you’ll have less cause for regret,
'Cause each one of them has been lovingly designed in your best interests, don’t forget.
But anyone who's truly genuine, and truly loves Me, and wants to follow me,
Will prove it by their words and their actions — that is, they will respond obediently.

By Lance Landall

This poem was upgraded on 15 May 2021.


In no particular order:

“Do we then overthrow [make void] the law by this faith? By no means! On the contrary, we uphold the law [the standard of Christian conduct]” (Rom 3:31, ESV). Note also Rom 6:1,2.

“And He said to them: ‘You have a fine way of setting aside the commandments of God in order to observe your own traditions!’ ” (Mark 7:9, NIV).

“ ‘Do not think that I [Christ] have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill [act in accordance with, reaffirm, clarify, magnify]’ ” (Matt 5:17, NASB).

“ ‘For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot [letter] or one tittle [stroke of a letter], will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled [accomplished]’ ” (Matt 5:18, NKJV).

“ ‘And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away, than for one tittle of the law to fail [drop, pass away]’ ” (Luke 16:17, NKJV).

"Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city [Heaven]" (Rev 22:14, NKJV).

“For whoever keeps the whole law [the entire Ten Commandments] but fails in one point [such as the seventh-day Saturday Sabbath – the fourth commandment] has become accountable for all of it [one violation being sufficient to show the basic disposition of the heart. A basic question of loyalty to authority]. For He who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.” If you do not commit adultery but do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law. So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty [here is seen a clear reference to the same Ten Commandments given to Moses]” (James 2:10-12, ESV).

“For if we go on sinning deliberately after receiving the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a fearful expectation of judgment…” (Heb 10:26,27, ESV).

“Whoever says, “I know Him” but does not keep His commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him” (1 John 2:4, ESV).

“For I [Paul] delight in the law of God in my inner being” (Rom 7:22, ESV).

“So the law is holy, and the commandment is holy and just and good” (Rom 7:12).

“...Yet if it had not been for the law, I would not have known sin. For I would not have known what it is to covet if the law had not said, ‘You shall not covet’ ” (Rom 7:7, ESV). Note also James 4:17; Rom 3:20.

“Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness [breaking God’s law]” (1 John 3:4, ESV).

“Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it, but keep the commands of the
Lord your God that I give you” (Deut 4:2, NIV).

“ ‘But this I [Paul] confess to you, that according to the Way, which they call a sect, I worship the God of our fathers, believing everything laid down by the law and written in the Prophets’ ”
(Acts 24: 14, ESV).

“To set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For this reason the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law—indeed it cannot, and those who are in the flesh cannot please God” (Rom 8:6-8).

If you want to enter into life, keep the commandments’ ” (Matt 19:17, NKJV).

“Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but what matters is the keeping of the
commandments of God” (1 Cor 7:19, NASB).

"Because Abraham obeyed My voice and kept My charge, My commandments, My statutes, and My laws" (Gen 26:5, ESV).

“For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified [treated as righteous]” (Rom 2:13, ESV).

“Whoever says, “I know Him,” but does not keep His commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him” (1 John 2:4, ESV).

“ ‘If you love Me [Christ], you will keep My commandments’ ” (John 14:15, NASB).

“For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments” (1 John 5:3, NKJV).

“And this is love, that we walk according to His commandments...” (2 John 6, NASB).

“ ‘If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept my Fathers commandments and abide in His love’ ” (John 15:10, NKJV).

“ ‘...but whoever keeps and teaches them [the Ten Commandments] he [they] shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven’ ” (Matt 5:19, NASB).

“But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does” (James 1:25, NASB).

“...Fear God, and keep His commandments; for this is the whole duty of man [all]” (Eccl 12:13, NKJV).

“ ‘Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven’ ” (Matt 7:21, NKJV).

“The works of His hands are verity and judgment; all His commandments are sure [the whole ‘ten’]. They stand fast for ever and ever, and are done in truth and uprightness [to repeal the Ten Commandments would be to abolish morality itself]” (Ps 111:7,8, KJV).

“So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty” (James 2:12, ESV).

“For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become accountable for all of it”
(James 2:10, ESV).

“The law of God is perfect, converting the soul…” (Ps 19:7, NKJV).

“Thus you will recognize them by their fruits" (Matt 7:20, ESV).

“And the dragon [Satan] was enraged with the woman [the Christian church], and he went to make war [persecute] with the rest [“remnant,” KJV] of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God...” (Rev 12:17, NKJV).

“Then the temple of God was opened in heaven [the earthy sanctuary/temple was only a copy of it], and the ark of his covenant [the depository of the Ten Commandments (1 Kings 8:9; Ex 25:10-22)] was seen in His temple...” (Rev 11:19, NKJV).

*Saturday — according to the creation order/record as in Scripture.

Collier's Encyclopedia: Saturday, seventh day of the week.

Any historical tampering with the calendar has never made the slightest difference to the sequence of the days of the week. Though Saturday is the seventh day of the week, and has remained so throughout history, many modern calendars now show Sunday as the seventh day and Monday as the first, (largely for business reasons), which can confuse.

See relevant texts under poem # 5.

Note One
Regarding those texts that many wrongly use in an attempt to prove that
1) The biblical seventh day Sabbath, Saturday, (the fourth Commandment), has been exchanged for Sunday with God’s blessing,
2) God’s Law, the Ten Commandments, was done away with at the cross,
see my page Things About God’s Law That We Need To Know, purple box.

Note Two
Regarding the three laws (and their differences) — God's moral law, the Jewish ceremonial law and the Jewish civil law — see my page Things About God’s Law That We Need To Know, purple box.

Note Three
For more information regarding the importance of the Ten Commandments, visit the orange box tiltled Lawless Saints?, and once again, the purple box titled Things About God's Law That We Need To Know.

2.  Written On Our Heart

“It was in my heart to keep to the speed limit, officer,” someone could say,
But such a pathetic excuse wouldn’t get us far, at the end of the day.
And hence why we should still keep God’s Law, and more so if it’s written on our heart,
And been put in our mind; and thus not from the will and ways of our Lord depart.

You see, the truth is that if it was in our heart to keep to the speed limit,
We surely would have and not exceeded it, be that outright or bit by bit.
And if the law was in our mind, what excuse would be good enough? And why we
Have all the more reason for keeping it; rebelliousness causing Calvary.

It’s kind of funny, but keeping the law actually ensures liberty,
Our knowledge and compliance also sparing us pain and adding to safety.
And why God’s Law is best not forgotten too, nor violated consciously,
But rather, memorized and obeyed, Christians acting sound and responsibly,

and gratefully!

And let’s face it, there isn’t a single thing wrong with God’s Law, so why the fuss?
And bear in mind that when He gave Moses His Commandments, He was thinking of us.
But who in fact would know sin if it weren’t for God’s Law, which acts like a sheep pen,
It there to protect and not imprison, evil wolves seeking the souls of men.

God’s Law, of course, was simply reiterated at Mount Sinai out of need,
His people having lost sight of much when enslaved in Egypt, thus slow to heed.
And so it is with many of us today, this world having dulled our vision,
And why man’s will and ways and God’s will and ways oft result in a collision.

By Lance Landall


“But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put My law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be My people” (Jer 31:33, ESV).

“For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put My laws into their minds, and write them on their hearts, and I will be their God and they shall be My people” (Heb 8:10, ESV).

3. God’s Law Isn't Dead And Buried

God abolished His Law? You’ve got to be kidding. Such doesn't make sense at all,
For lukewarm, hardly converted Christians, sin and sinners would just have a ball;
Grace making sure the wicked were as safe and well as the obedient, and
There thus being no incentive to obey, sin and danger still close at hand,

All why law’s essential, for even in Heaven and Eden there came a fall.

Yes, such a state of things would make law nothing but a useless appendage, and
Any government would cease to be, and so too happiness throughout the land.
All why God ordained that government should exist on Earth and in Heaven, and
Thus judgment and punishment playing their part lest anarchy rise and expand.

Hence Satan’s banishment.

And this exactly why earthly governments have laws, law a heavenly thing,
Law, laws and order all being part of the universe, nature of our King.
Yes, law and love combining, an old hymn goes, for even where there’s perfection
Law must still be present, it all about order, harmony and protection.

All know about the law of gravity, buck it and we die on the way down,
Unless we’ve a parachute, and likewise, if we can’t swim come the sea, we drown;
And so it is when we come out from under the protection of God’s Law,
For just like gravity, it works for or against, we getting to choose which door.

God’s whole nature is antagonistic to sin, for sin’s unholy, you see,
Hence God’s Law, its principles always having been, there for all eternity.
And this why He said, “If you love Me you’ll keep My Commandments,” obey His Law,
For though it’s grace that saves, we’re hardly to carry on rebelling as before.

So,

We should never view God’s Law as something that came and went, was just for a time,
His Law and character intertwined, there being a certain rhythm and rhyme.
This because righteousness and sinfulness are opposites, one having to go,
Hence why Paul said, “How would I know sin if not for God’s Law?” It gone? No, no, no!

By Lance Landall


“Do we then overthrow [make void] the law by this faith? By no means!
On the contrary, we uphold the law” (Rom 3:31, ESV).


See my poem  For Many Of Us... which is in the orange box titled Lawless Saints? It fleshing things out more so.

4. The Fickle, Blooper God

It appears the God of the Bible is a fickle, blooper God, as changeable as they come, and,
Prone to making mistakes, He not really quite in control of things, His abilities thus not so grand.
“Oh, I’ve changed the seventh day Sabbath to Sunday, and don’t worry about being obedient now,
And as for doctrinal beliefs and worship, just believe what you want to, and worship any old how.

Do whatever for the sake of unity, and as far as the Protestant Reformation goes, well,
You Protestants protesteth too much, and here you are linking hands now, all that fuss amounting to nil.
I guess you once took My Word too seriously, so just relax, chill out — and besides, you’re saved by grace,
So even if still caught up in worldliness when I come, you’ll receive that promised heavenly place.”

See what I mean?

Well, going by what I’m seeing and hearing coming from Christians today, unlike the early Christian,
Who kept the Saturday Sabbath (all the Commandments), aware of the Sabbath’s creation origin,
And Paul too, who stated, “Circumcision is nothing…but keeping the Commandments of God is what matters,”
And yet, what are we seeing now, both the seventh day Sabbath and the keeping of God’s Law in tatters,

A law He wrote with His own finger!

Well, you may disagree over which day, or a Sabbath day at all, but one thing is very clear to see,
Obedience full stop (let alone keeping God’s Commands), isn’t too hip within Christianity.
If people believe they’re saved by grace despite continuing to wilfully sin, why would they obey,
Given that gratefulness hasn’t got most Christians walking obediently, at the end of the day.

Seems those truths-cum-doctrines within God’s Word don’t figure now, given He's changed His mind regarding them all,
Christians free to think whatever they like, and to just go by their feelings — in other words, it’s their call,
Not God’s, He no longer commanding, instructing, asking, or so some would have us believe, foolishly,
Thus God no longer the unchangeable God, but a fickle, blooper God, which doesn't make sense to me.

I mean, who wants a God like that? “Didn’t work, so let’s chuck it out, try this instead,” laughable, really,
That’s if it wasn’t so serious, 'cause the God I know, means what He says, knows what He’s doing, gladly.
Hence why the apostles kept the seventh day Sabbath after His death, and thus the Ten Commandments too,
'Cause even though saved by grace, they knew the Sabbath and God’s Law has its place, which Satan has sent askew.

“Keep me safe,” they cry, when about to board a plane (for example), their dress seductively immoral,
And so on, which seems a right cheek to me (just quietly), 'cause their life with God’s Word-cum-will doesn’t gel,
And no wonder, 'cause they don’t think obedience matters when it comes to their salvation, plain crazy,
Unless their God is quite fickle, changeable, granting Heaven to saints and sinners, ridiculously.

Well, God's not like that, nor that foolish, hence why His Law still stands, and His seventh day Sabbath, by the way,
'Cause God never blessed another day, nor hinted at such a change, but rested in the tomb come that day.
He knows what He’s doing, and thus wouldn’t change His Sabbath day because of misuse, nor foolishly say,
“You’ll still get to Heaven though ignoring My will,” 'cause such defies logic, sanctions charades, and hey,

Just let’s Christians play.

The Bible makes two things very clear: God takes His Law with its Sabbath Command very seriously,
And that Sabbath Command the only one showing who the author of that Law is, interestingly.
The second thing? Grace only covers sinners, not sin, not those who continue to wilfully sin,
'Cause the only ones going to Heaven are those who’ve fully surrendered to God’s will-cum-genuine.

In other words, upholders of His truths — the lot — in word and practice, they not prepared to compromise,
'Cause those who do are pleasers of men, not God, and thus their unfaithfulness to Him clearly advertise,
And their unfitness for Heaven too, 'cause betrayers, abusers of grace and blenders don’t belong there,
Given the only God they know is a fickle, blooper God, not one who’s constant, true, sound, wise and clear.

Christ never came to do away with His Law, nor Sabbath day, neither being pointless now, nor faulty,
Which is why He sought to clarify their keeping, legalism having got in the way, foolishly,
'Cause Christ desires that their observance come from the heart, we responding willingly and gratefully,
Thereby upholding His standards, behaving more like Him, witnessing to the world — and why wouldn’t we?

When we do, we emulate the likes of Abraham, who, clearly observed both well before Mount Sinai,
Neither being ceremonial, but the blueprint for all humanity, whereby God we glorify.
His Sabbath a flag, sign and seal, His Law showing He’s a God of justice and order (reliable),
Not a fickle, blooper God who now says Sunday, His Law a relic of the past, for such doesn’t gel.

God’s Law isn’t some patch up job — and besides, such would mar His Law, leaving us in doubt about His ways,
'Cause He'd effectively be a blooper God, and such would make a farce of those seven creation days,
Which, by the way, is how the seven day week came about, He resting on the seventh day, Saturday,
And saying, “The Sabbath was made for man,” not just for the Jews; His Sabbath a commemorative day.

In other words, a day that would always remind us of just who the Creator of Earth was, Jesus,
Not some pagan god, evolutionary process that somehow (out of nothing) produced all of us,
But rather, the God of the Ten Commandments whose Sabbath Commandment marks Him out, and makes manifest
That we and Earth are full of seven day cycles, and are better off when on the seventh day we rest.

  By Lance Landall


This poem was upgraded 28 February 2020.

"And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it [that is, made it an object of divine favor; set it apart as sacred], because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made" (Gen 2:2,3, NKJV).

“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, but the seventh day is a [the] Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work...For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy” (Ex 20:8-11, ESV).

"And He said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath" (Mark 2:27, KJV).

" 'So the Son of Man is lord even of the Sabbath' " (Mark 2:28, ESV). 

"Thy name, O Lord, endureth forever, and Thy memorial [the seventh day Sabbath], O Lord, throughout all generations" (Ps 135:13, KJV).

“I will not violate My covenant or alter what My lips have uttered” (Ps 89:34, NIV).

“If you keep your feet from breaking the Sabbath and from doing as you please on my holy day, if you call the Sabbath a delight and the Lord's holy day honorable, and if you honor it by not going your own way and not doing as you please or speaking idle words, then you will find your joy in the Lord, and I will cause you to ride on the heights of the land..." (Isa 58:13,14, NIV).

“And He [Christ] came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up. And as was His custom, He went to the synagogue on the sabbath day [Saturday, the seventh day]” (Luke 4:16, ESV).

“As they [Paul and Barnabas] went out, the people begged that these things might be told them the next sabbath [it clearly kept after the cross]” (Acts 13:42, ESV).

And he [Paul] reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and tried to persuade Jews and Greeks [this indicates that no radical Christian separation had yet occurred from Jewish places and times of worship]” (Acts 18:4, ESV).

“After the sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week [Sunday], Mary Magdalene and the
other Mary went to look at the tomb [Christ’s, in order to embalm Him]” (Matt 28:1, NIV).

"And pray that your flight  may not be in winter or on the sabbath [Christ here, was referring to the impending destruction of Jerusalem that occurred well after the cross]" (Matt 24:20, NKJV).

“Therefore, while the promise of entering His rest is still open, let us take care that none of you should seem to have failed to reach it...For in one place it speaks about the seventh day as follows, “And God rested on the seventh day from all his works”...So then, a Sabbath rest still remains for the people of God...Let us therefore make every effort to enter that rest...” (Heb 4:1-11).

“ ‘For as the new heavens and the new earth that I make [post Christ's second coming] shall remain before Me [are still to come], says the Lord, so shall your offspring and your name remain. From new moon to new moon [referring to the restoration of the earthly Jerusalem in 457 BC – 408 BC, historical context], and from sabbath to sabbath, all flesh shall come to worship before Me, declares the Lord [the latter referring to the new earth – the seventh day Sabbath is to continue. The prophets often intermingled imminent historical events with far distant events – this is called prophetic perspective]’ ” (Isa 66:22,23, ESV).

“For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths" (2 Tim 4:3,4, NIV).

“Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ" (Gal 1:10, NIV).

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever" (Heb 13:8, NKJV).

“ 'Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven' " (Matt 7:21, NKJV).

5.  God Didn’t Bless The Resting

God blessed and hallowed the day, not the resting, and why He said, “Keep it Holy,”
And He meaning, not profaning it via inappropriate activity.
In other words, we not making it look like the other six — they common days —
And hence why special attention to God’s Sabbath requirements one duly pays.

This being why we dress for the occasion, its importance obvious to all,
And our refraining too, we not picking up any tool nor booting some ball.
Nor dressing down later, the Sabbath still the Sabbath until over, and we
Enjoying that quality time with Jesus, His flag full mast for all to see.

Yes, the Sabbath isn’t for resting but for refraining, which acts like a rest,
And thus how we, albeit indirectly, in rejuvenation invest.
And our Creator knowing best, and hence why He set this day aside for us,
Greater well-being and wisdom always coming where one spends more time with Jesus.

And why, except for the essentials and saving acts, everything should stop, and
We thereby hearing more clearly the whisperings of God exactly as planned.
For without such a day, our walk inevitably suffers, and one’s health too,
And why the Sabbath was made for man, and our observing it shouting, “Thank you!”

And as is often said in ads, “But wait, there’s more!”, for God specified which day,
And it being the seventh day, Saturday, not Sunday like some calendars display.
So worship on Sunday if you so desire, but it not blessed nor made holy,
For such was a creational act, God resting on the seventh day Himself,

And hopefully we.

Why? Because only Saturday makes sense, and God not having said otherwise,
Nor His apostles who Sunday never upheld nor sought to popularise.
No, such being the work of those who muscled on in once the apostles had gone,
And why we either obey God or man, Heaven or what amounts to Babylon.

Hence why God blessed and hallowed Saturday — yes, lest folk suit themselves, foolishly,
For no day can do what the seventh day can, it tailor-made especially.
And hence those seven day rhythms (acknowledged by doctors and scientists), which
Also point out the ridiculousness of that Saturday to Sunday switch.

Yes, the Sabbath was instituted before the Fall, before there was a Jew,
And it made holy — thus buying and selling, work or play, we’re not to pursue.
And nor we even giving the impression of such, lest the whole point be lost,
Given that we worship the Lord of the Sabbath who rebellion dearly cost.


By Lance Landall





By the way:

6.  Mind Those Calendars

According to Your Word, Lord, Sunday’s the first day of the week, and Saturday
Is the seventh day, yet with our modern calendars someone has sought to play.
Hence why many show Sunday as the seventh day now,  which means that Saturday —
The biblical Sabbath — has been knocked from its perch; done away with, some might say.

Perhaps that’s because most view it as a Jewish thing, though such is hardly so,
For You made it a Holy day right from creation, which each Christian should know.
In other words, You began creating this Earth on a Sunday, the first day,
And rested on a Saturday, the seventh day, which Your Commandments convey.

Yes, You reiterated such at Mount Sinai, included it in the Ten,
And said, “Remember the Sabbath day to keep it Holy,” and You meant all men.
In other words, not just the Jews, they simply being the guardians of Your Law,
And Your strong “Remember” being because man’s forgetfulness You’d seen and foresaw.

And also that calendar change, and a power that would tinker with Your Law,
Such seen in the book of Daniel, and why Saturday was soon shoved out the door.
And the rest is history, as they say, and why most people now keep Sunday,
And thus from the practice and teachings of You and Your apostles badly stray.

After all, Lord, there’s no less reason for anyone to worship You today,
And hardly a reason for a different day-cum-that offending Sunday.
For even if it had been Jewish, what’s wrong with Saturday-cum-the seventh day?
Absolutely nothing, it being a memorial that You intended stay.

Yes, even the New Testament shows that Sunday’s the first day of the week, and
That Saturday’s the seventh day, which secular authorities understand.
Hence why You rested in the grave on Your Sabbath, an example once again,
For You rested on it when You’d finished creating, and put it with the Ten.

Strange how folk overlook things, Lord, as that fourth Commandment’s an important key,
It showing who’s the Author of the Ten, such being Your stamp of authority.
And it the only day You made Holy, not saying a word about Sunday,
And nor Your apostles, who after the cross continued to keep Saturday.

By Lance Landall


"He [the past power] shall speak words against the Most High [God; make pompous claims], shall wear out [persecute] the holy ones [Waldenses, etc], and shall attempt to change the sacred seasons [shape the course of history] and the law [God's Ten Commandments] ..." (Dan 7:25).

        

7.  A Letter From Luke

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ. Lest there be some among you who're still questioning the Sabbath day
(And that day being the seventh-day of the week, Saturday), there are a few things that I’d like to say,
Bearing in mind that Christ has stated that He is the Lord of the Sabbath (having instituted it),
And that it’s rooted in creation — a day of homage to Him, though also for our own benefit.

Yes, He resting on the seventh day after having created this Earth in six days (literally),
Thus the seventh day a perpetual memorial, hence why He said remember it, keep it holy.
And as I said, that day being Saturday, the seventh day, and not any other day of the week,
So mind those who (due to going contrary to the gospel we’ve presented), something different seek.

With that preamble over, I’d like to focus on that time that Christ spent in the tomb, rising Sunday,
In other words, after having rested on Saturday again, that set apart hallowed seventh day,
'Cause what clearer statement could Christ have made concerning the validity of that day, its permanency,
That must still be kept factor — yes, even at such a time, it thus upheld and enshrined at Calvary.

You see, if keeping Saturday was to end at the cross, why didn’t Christ ignore this day completely,
'Cause surely at Calvary, and at such a momentous time, Christ had a perfect opportunity.
But not a word was mentioned about any change, and there He was, still keeping those Sabbath hours, and,
Rising on Sunday ready for action — work, not rest — His Sabbath unsoiled, lest we misunderstand.

Yes, how easily He could have rested on some other day, even Sunday, or, if He'd wanted to,
Died on Tuesday, say, and risen on Thursday, but why rest in-between, given He hardly needed to?
And by that I mean, He surely could have risen as quick as He'd died, but no, He rested in-between,
Divinely choosing Saturday, dying Friday, rising Sunday, lest His Holy day He contravene.

Christ no prisoner of custom or culture, a radical even, who never abandoned His day,
'Cause how could He? It a memorial, thus ever pointing to the creator of Earth, and His way,
Which, I must say, Sunday couldn’t do the same, and nor such making sense, 'cause tell me, who would change their birthday,
Given no other day would correctly point to it? And nor can Sunday point to our Creator’s rest day.

Hence why I keep (and the apostles kept) that seventh day Saturday Sabbath, and so it will remain,
Its validity unchanged, as stated in the book of Hebrews, chapter four, its message clear and plain.
Hence why the Lord’s Supper commemorates Christ’s sacrifice and second coming, not His resurrection,
Such seen in first Corinthians, chapter eleven, verse twenty six, where it awaits unbiased inspection.

Yes, the resurrection's important, and baptism celebrates such, confirmed in the writings of Paul,
And seen in Romans, chapter six, verses one to four, Christ having been baptised too, a command for all.
And so too that Sabbath, the fourth Commandment, 'cause God’s Law still stands, it the standard of Christian conduct,
And why via this letter, the importance of still keeping the seventh-day Sabbath I’ve sought to instruct.

By Lance Landall


This poem was upgraded 29 February 2020.

8.  "Remember..."

Our Lord begins the fourth Commandment with, “Remember.” I wonder why?
Surely that is significant, and the content meant to amplify?
For only the fourth Commandment begins with, “Remember,” you see,
“Remember” being reinforcement, a reminder, added clarity.

Could it be because the Sabbath one points out the author of the Ten?
Did God know His Sabbath would get trampled on via traditions of men?
Was God concerned that it might be lightly treated, or even ignored,
And that some might be forced to denounce it via persecution or sword?

Because our Lord says, “Remember,” He must surely regard it highly,
Thus, I guess that’s why He set it aside, blessed it, and made it Holy.
And because it’s the end of His creation week — that is, the last day,
He’d hardly substitute it with another — for example, Sunday.

Why not?

Well, Sunday's the first day of the week, hardly appropriate, you see,
For that is the day that God began His work, not rested in memory.
Therefore, it could hardly stand as a memorial of His work’s end,
For that just wouldn’t make sense — thus only Saturday one can defend.

That is, the seventh day, as clearly related in His Holy Word,
Yes, a specified day (commanded), and not just any day preferred.
In other words, a flag forever flying throughout earth’s history,
So that all would see that no other god created this earth but He.

Did our Lord also say “remember” because some had forgotten it?
(That is, those He’d entrusted with His truth, that all was to benefit).
Doesn’t remember imply that this rest day already existed?
And wouldn’t Christians via this day be spiritually assisted?

Isn’t it His day? A day we’re to reflect on our Creator, Lord?
A day that’ll rejuvenate too, and keep us spiritually moored?
And given Christ and the apostles kept it after the cross, shouldn’t we?
(The seventh day, that is — Saturday — thereby displaying loyalty).

By Lance Landall

9.  Saturday, God Said

Satan’s joy at seeing the fall of mankind was overshadowed by God’s Sabbath day,
For though Satan had now claimed Earth as his territory, God’s day was still in his way.
And the reason why being, because it pointed to God’s ownership of Earth and mankind,
Hence Satan’s long-time attempt to obliterate such, he being an evil mastermind.

Enter every attempt to obscure the true Sabbath and replace it with another day,
Satan even working via past inquisitions, he determined to get his own way.
Oh, how he hates those who keep the true Sabbath-cum-every Commandment as God laid down,
For they, just like God’s Sabbath day, get in the way via their blabbing the truth about town.

So even though God wrote the Ten Commandments with His own finger, and said, “Remember,”
Referring to His Sabbath (it kept before Mount Sinai), such Satan has sought to blur.
And this, despite the ark of the covenant (which held God’s Law), now being seen in Heaven,
As conveyed via the book of Revelation which points to humanity's origin,

And the Creator God.

Yes, for there too, via symbolic angels, is a call to repent, honour and worship He
Who made the heavens, the Earth and sea, and that we, from falsehood and heresy should flee.
For the hour — period — of His judgment has come, and soon, the end of a “beast” power,
Which we’re told not to embrace, for those who do, God’s wrath will eventually devour.

You see, it’s a given that via that power, Satan will resurrect inquisitions,
He no doubt desiring that one world government that will fulfil all his past ambitions.
One being to tear down God’s flag-cum-memorial, the seventh day Saturday Sabbath,
He finally outlawing its observance, and enforcing on all his false Sabbath.

That day being Sunday, the first day of the week, a Sabbath that was introduced by man,
Which, via the book of Daniel, God predicted, He well aware of Satan’s cunning plan.
For Satan knows that the fourth Commandment points back to creation where there were no Jews,
And why, in order to scuttle such, every argument and agency he will use.

Yes, only Saturday can point to the creator God who made this world in six days,
And rested on the seventh, such being an example which its clear importance conveys.
Hence why you won’t find so much as a hint of a Sabbath change within God’s Holy Word,
His disciples still keeping Saturday after the cross, not what’s now believed and preferred.

You see, had God changed His Sabbath because of man, Satan would’ve gained a victory,
Such thereby showing that God is not beyond making mistakes-cum-acting contrary.
But God, who can see ahead, would hardly introduce a law that He would have to change,
Those Ten Commandments that John conveys the faithful keep and not ignore, or rearrange.

Such is why both Paul and James tell us that God’s Law is still valid, still to be upheld,
And that it’s a law that all will be judged by, information that Satan wants withheld.
Yes, he lulling folk into a false sense of security with false notions of grace,
For though it’s only grace that saves, God’s Law still has its place, lawlessness but a disgrace.

And why we couldn’t have faith in a flawed law, and why when entombed Christ still kept His day,
And why He says, “If you love me you’ll keep My commandments,” not man’s tradition obey.
For it wasn’t He nor His Word that sanctioned Sunday, superimposed such on any text,
But deluded man-cum-heresy, and why it’s a case of what will Satan do next?

“How long will you refuse to keep My commands?” God asked His people before Mount Sinai,
He upset at their violation of His Sabbath, a day He sought to magnify.
Hence that dramatic scene on Mount Sinai, and why after the cross Christians were told too:
That God’s Law-cum-Sabbath is still to be kept, as obedience and worship He’s still due.

Yes, there being no less reason for His Law or Sabbath, for nothing’s wrong with them at all,
And why those who say we don’t need to keep them are heeding that serpent who caused man’s fall.
Yes, a devil seeking the glory that God deserves, and hence he raising his own flag,
And why, given Sunday worship’s his invention, true Sabbath keepers he seeks to gag.

Oh yes, those who’ve kept the true Sabbath have always come under fire, and such no surprise,
For they’re a fly in Satan’s ointment, and the majority thinking that they’re more wise.
Well, the truth is, that God’s true followers have always been (and will be), a minority,
For most want a comfy cross, both Heaven and Earth, grace and no accountability.

But God knows the heart, and thus who is or isn’t genuine, and why He’ll judge mankind,
For those who say don’t worry about this or that, seldom have obedience in mind.
And such why God’s Law doesn’t appeal, nor even the keeping of that one weekly day,
From which the majority of Christians have strayed, and how thereby their God they betray.

By Lance Landall

10.  Sunday's Not The Seventh Day

Sunday’s not the seventh day, nor the Sabbath, regardless of what any nice Christian might say,
It that simple, it that clear, and why those who keep Sunday instead of Saturday badly stray.
For God’s Law tells us to keep the seventh day, and the apostle Paul says to still keep God’s Law,
Such not abolished at the cross, but when it comes to Christian conduct and practice, at the core!

Sunday’s the first day of the week, it’s wrongful observance having been instituted by man,
Who, taking such upon himself, Sunday observance in place of Saturday observance, began.
Such not just hearsay, but admitted to and recorded for all to see, should any want to see,
For that’s half the battle, and always has been, and such a sad indictment on humanity.

And proof that one can’t trust the majority; those faithful to God having always been a few,
Who, despite being out of sync with the majority, only adhere to what is right and true.
And such a stand not easy nor popular, hence the ridicule they receive-cum-no surprise,
For Sunday is so entrenched now, and prophecy points to its observance being reemphasized.

And that, dear friend —hopefully observing — will be the final showdown between truth and falsehood;
The importance of the true Sabbath and its place in the scheme of things needing to be understood.
For the creation Sabbath was neither ceremonial nor Jewish, but designed for all;
In other words, a day on which Christ himself, and Adam and Eve, rested on before the Fall.

And hence why God told the Israelites to “remember” it, and that “remember” is for us too,
That we not forget who created this Earth, the fourth Commandment making it more than clear who.
But ops, along came man, Saturday out and Sunday in; the argument for such full of holes,
And all being why when it comes to Christendom, we now see humans and not God at the controls.

And when humans get hold of the controls, things eventually come unstuck, and downhill slide,
Hence why the world’s heading in the direction of a devilish End-time rollercoaster ride.
For God’s Word says that a coming worldwide Church and State power will enforce its dogma on all,
And haven’t we been their before? Well, that’s humanity for you — yes, same hoop, same basketball.

And more proof of this will come in time, for such one will be prevented from saying, though it true,
Liberty and freedom of speech having been whittled away, gone askew; then there’s bigotry,
Yes, such seen in that un-Christ-like antagonism towards those who differ biblically,
They not having sold out to an ecumenical power block, nor courted popularity.

By Lance Landall

11.  The Sabbath And Evolution

The theory of evolution (even be it theistic), is Satan’s invention,
Because the destruction of the seventh day Sabbath is his clear intention.
Oh, how he hates that Sabbath day given that he wants what God alone is due —
Worship — and why he came up with a day of his own, Sunday, and what a coup.

Yes, most having fallen for it despite God designating the seventh day,
Saturday, He resting on it himself, example having always been His way.
All why those who defend evolution or Sunday aren’t in line with His Word,
For we were made in His image; and that He altered His fourth command is absurd.

Yes, evolution blurs the fact that we were made in God’s image, are like Him,
And thus aren’t the offspring of monkeys clambering about on their jungle gym.
But humans right from the get go who worshipped their Creator each Sabbath day,
And who took Him at His Word just like we should, for any who don’t, badly stray.

Yes, evolution discredits the reliability of God’s Word, and,
His ability to speak things into existence, not just act via His hand.
He also being the God who can do the impossible, work a miracle,
He not living in a world of constraints like ours, hence the supernatural.

Yes, it was God who created this world, formed us and gave us the Sabbath day,
The latter always keeping in mind His creative act lest in creep foul play.
And creep in it did, evolution helping men lose sight of their Creator,
Thus falling for the spiel of the devil, the charms of a slick operator.

Yes, all those who believe in some long process — millions of years, say — don’t get it,
For God’s not limited in His ability, and one’s faith shouldn’t be split,
And I meaning, we thinking that man played a part in all this, evolution,
For that’s nothing but the nonsense of a rebellious devil’s revolution.

Yes, that same devil who came up with Halloween, New Age tripe and heresy,
He churning out books and movies full of underworld creatures, stealth via fantasy.
Yes, witches, wizards and goblins all his doing, evil and lies his trade mark,
And why come Earth’s end, even many a Christian will be found outside God’s ark,

Sunday more preferable and seemingly the dark.

The Bible tells us that “sin is lawlessness” and hence why Satan hates God’s Law,
Especially the fourth commandment, which when kept, shows that it’s God we adore.
The God who rested on the seventh day and who has always said, “Please obey,”
For anything outside of our Creator’s will amounts to self and Satan’s way.

You know, there are two things that God instituted in Eden, and those two being:
The seventh day Saturday Sabbath and marriage, and both there for our wellbeing.
And the devil knows this, hence why he’s been busy undermining both of them,
And why all who promote them, Satan, via men, sets out to malign and condemn.

Yes, “Remember to keep the Sabbath Holy” presupposes forgetfulness,
God’s chosen nation suffering from memory loss too-cum-ungratefulness.
For when God provides something beneficial for us and for society,
It hardly shows gratitude nor even sense when we choose to act contrary.

By Lance Landall


"And the dragon [Satan] was enraged with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ" (Rev 12:17, NKJV).  Also note Rev 19:10

“By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, and all the host of them by the breath of His mouth… He spoke, and it was done; He commanded, and it stood fast” (Ps 33:6,9, NKJV).

"And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which He had done. Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made" (Gen 2:2,3, NKJV).

12.  It's All About Loyalty

Just as the “tree of life” in the midst of Eden was a test of loyalty,
So too that Sabbath in the middle of God’s Law, which all should keep willingly.
And that day being the seventh day — Saturday — that Hebrews tells us still remains,
And why on that day, in line with God’s stated will, one from work and play refrains.

Oh, how the devil hates God’s Saturday Sabbath, God being the one it points to,
He being the Creator God (our origin), who glory and honour is due.
Yes, not Satan who knows this Sabbath’s significance, unlike that man-made day;
In other words, that common Sunday, it not hallowed nor blessed in any way.

Yes, just as the “tree of life” declared God’s ownership, realm and authority,
So too does the fourth Commandment, and only the fourth, its importance plain to see.
For not only does it inform, but also test one’s loyalty, as before,
Though sad to say, our first parents failed the test, hence that offending apple core.

Well, whatever fruit it was, the forbidden tree was tampered with wrongfully,
And the same we’ve seen with God’s Law, for Sunday snubs its nose at God’s authority.
And come the closing days of Earth’s apocalyptic end, there’s no doubt we’ll see
A showdown between Saturday and Sunday, man versus God’s authority.

You see, God’s day is still valid going by Paul, the other disciples too,
One being John, who via the book of Revelation, God’s Ten Commandments points to.
For there, those who refuse to worship the beast are those who’re faithful to God’s Law,
Which contains the seventh day Sabbath, not that substitute day that God foresaw.

Thus today, and come the future, the Saturday Sabbath tests our loyalty,
We either faithful to God or bowing to man, the latter idolatry.
And such the “beast” will command, it the instrument of Satan, his vehicle,
One that’ll hardly uphold Saturday, for God’s true followers it seeks to kill.

No one on Earth can sanction Sunday, and God never has, for such wouldn’t gel,
Sunday just the beginning of creation, Saturday its memorial.
Hence why Christ rested on it when in the grave, for His Sabbath and Law still stand,
Unlike those sorry traditions and that Sunday Sabbath that belong to man.

Yes, don’t forget that tree, man’s first test of loyalty.

By Lance Landall


“A third angel followed them and said in a loud voice: “If anyone worships the beast and his image and receives his mark on the forehead or on the hand, he, too, will drink of the wine of God’s fury, which has been poured full strength into the cup of His wrath. He will be tormented with burning sulphur in the presence of the holy angels and of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment rises for ever and ever. There is no rest day or night for those who worship the beast and his image, or for anyone who receives the mark of his name.” This calls for patient endurance on the part of the saints who obey God’s commandments and remain faithful to Jesus. Then I heard a voice from heaven say, “Write: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Yes,” says the Spirit, ‘they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them’ ” (Rev 14:9-13, NIV).

13.  The Purpose Of The Sabbath And How To Keep It

Well, first and foremost, God declared the seventh day a Sabbath, a Holy day,
He setting it apart from the other six (and made it clear it’s Saturday).
Therefore, it’s hardly a day for our usual secular activities,
And why come this hallowed Sabbath we’re to refrain from just doing as we please.

In other words, it’s been set aside for spiritual exercises, and
That means, carrying out those things that God has planned, not those things that we have planned.
Hence our coming together to worship Him, to pray and then study His Word,
We doing what draws us closer to Him ensuring its purpose isn’t blurred.

Yes, the Sabbath’s like a tithe, a tenth of the week, for though it was made for man,
God didn’t mean for play or business; buying and selling not part of His plan.
No, for we’re to pull away from the worldly, turning our eyes upon Christ, and
To expand, that means no dining out, God’s Word and not credit cards close at hand.

In other words, we can’t have it both ways, the Sabbath to be distinct to all,
We witnessing to others of our Creator whose day came before the Fall.
And I meaning, His Sabbath, it reiterated in His moral Law, and,
It therefore meant to act like a flag, a memorial that will always stand.

So clearly we’re to mark and guard its edges, we taking it seriously,
Not profaning it via another expression of worldly liberality.
For God declared it Holy; it a day of spiritual and healing rest,
A day that He himself keep pre-cross and post-cross, a day He hallowed and blessed.

So don’t treat another day as Holy, for no matter how Holy you do,
There’s only one day that God made special, only one day the Bible points to.
So should you exchange it for another day, or treat it unbiblically,
You’ll hardly please the “Lord of the Sabbath” who said and blessed Saturday only.

Now, speaking frankly, who on Earth would begrudge God one day out of the seven,
Thus wanting to do their own thing? Their eyes still on self and thus less on Heaven.
Yes, a day when God wants our full attention, as so little He gets, really,
Pleasure, work and others taking up most of our time while He waits patiently,

But not forever.

By Lance Landall


A whole week spent at a full on Bible camp can leave one feeling so much closer to God, more in tune with the heavenly, and thus in a more spiritual frame of mind. Well, the Sabbath acts in a similar way, somewhat like regular booster shots that keep our spiritual condition healthy.
Thus God intended that His Sabbath be dedicated to spiritual exercises, our focus being solely centred on worshiping-cum-pleasing Him, and via so doing, we learning and growing together as we study His Word.
Our coming together on the Sabbath also acts as a perpetual witness to the world that it was God who made the world, and in six days, He resting on the seventh and setting it aside as a welcomed memorial that would spiritually, mentally, and physically rejuvenate.
Yes, it a day where we drop what we’re doing in response to His desire for us to spend quality time with Him, and why He tells us to refrain from labour and play.
Tell me, why would any off us begrudge the very One who created us, one day out of the seven, and if it wasn’t for that one day, how many of us would actually devote such time to Him?
So what should one refrain from on God’s day? Clearly our usual weekly employment and the likes of vacuuming, lawn moving, shopping, repairing and sports, to name but a few.
Though a day dedicated to focusing on God, God no doubt approves of us also walking amongst His creation, Nature; visiting and praying for those who’re sick, and certainly the conducting of Bible studies in someone’s home, for example. Kindly concreting someone’s drive for them, you ask? No, for such brings us back to labour, and hardly witnesses of a Sabbath rest. Well, what about the likes of swimming? And for who’s benefit is that?
And hence why many — based on their study of God’s Word — believe that seven is God’s special number, and science lending weight to that belief in the sense that life on Earth seems to be calibrated in some mysterious way to the number seven.

14.  Weddings As A Case In Point

Personally,

I wouldn’t get married on God’s Sabbath, because man’s eyes would be on me, us,
And not the Creator who we worship on that day; eyes solely on Jesus.
Sure He instituted marriage, but the Sabbath’s all about Him, Him alone,
He who the Sabbath reminds of, our Maker, the Christian Church’s cornerstone.

Getting married is kind of seeking our own pleasure, and there are other days,
So why would we encroach on our Creator’s day where He’s deserving of praise?
It not us who should be catching the eye, thus our own interests set aside,
We turning from work and play so that in fellowship with Christ we may abide.

Quality time, in other words, like couples who set aside a certain night
That no one else is to intrude on so that just in themselves they may delight.
And hence that special Sabbath closeness between God and us, nothing distracting,
And the Sabbath HOLY, not for light speeches, dances, banquets or any ring.

Nor do we dine out, such causing others to work for us, hypocritically,
They employees, and we to minimise infringements, the Sabbath business free.
No, our response not legalistic, but tailored to the day, our witness too,
It all about the Sabbath’s Holy focus, our Creator, not me and you,

The day having been hallowed, not the resting, though blessings come from resting too.

Yes, the Sabbath’s a whole day, a particular day, and not a common day,
But a Holy day that’s set apart for Holy things, not common work or play,
Just that which benefits us spiritually, hence those sermons, that study,
Our head bowed, our worn Bible open, our ears, knees and voices at the ready.

And thus weddings acting like usurpers, they tipping Christ from His Sabbath throne,
The spotlight shining on that couple, that secular fussing Christ can’t condone.
Their eyes upon each other, the physical stirring and the chatter common,
The Lord of the Sabbath shoved backstage, His command to “Remember” set upon.

By Lance Landall

15.  The True Sabbath

God instituted the seventh day Sabbath, blessed it, hallowed it, kept it, and,
Rested on it in the tomb, continued to keep it after He arose, and,
Never hinted at a change of day, nor at any stage endorsed Sunday, and,
In fact said that He was the “Lord of the Sabbath,” and to keep it as He’d planned

So,

Though made for man, the Sabbath is God’s day, it not just for Jews but everyone,
Who, via this memorial — flag, say — would remember their Creator, God’s Son.
Such putting paid to atheism, no one forgetting that God made the Earth,
And why only Sunday — the first day — should be on the receiving end of mirth.

And remember this:

After fleeing Egypt, and before Mount Sinai, no manna was collected,
On the seventh day, that is,
And such, in line with God himself resting on Saturday, was to be expected.
For this Sabbath was made Holy, it not for work or play, but just for one thing,
The remembrance of God and His creative act, lest towards idolatry,
humans swing.

In other words, it a day of worship nestled in the bosom of God’s Law,
A Law that never ended at the cross, nor it ceremonial, what’s more.
“But to the contrary,” Paul said, “we still uphold the Law,” which makes so much sense,
For tell me, what could possibly be wrong with God’s Law, or with obedience.

And this why midst the reign of the coming persecuting “beast” power (so near),
And Reformation reversal, Commandment keepers are told to hang in there
(Which debunks the foolish Rapture theory).
Yes, Sunday (among other things), enforced on all again, Saturday outlawed,
The historic power that once was wounded having got up again and roared,

Endorsing Satan’s evolution theory.

Check it out, Revelation chapter thirteen, verses eleven to eighteen,
Where both an evil of the past and its future revival is clearly seen.
Yes, even Abe Lincoln spoke of such, and why God’s Sabbath is so critical,
For along came man and changed it to Sunday, and God the judge who’ll deal with ill.

“Not one jot or tittle will pass from the Law until Heaven and Earth pass away,”
God said; but oh, how man’s tinkered so, exchanged God’s Sabbath for a common day.
Yes, a day that neither God nor His apostles said a word about, not one,
Because God rested on the seventh day and was well pleased with what He had done.

It’s odd how so many have a problem with God’s Law, “For it’s how I know sin,”
Paul stated; and why both it and its Sabbath should still be kept by every Christian.
And thereby they not adhering to tradition but the Word of God which shouts:
“But the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God,” no ifs, buts or doubts!

By Lance Landall


Note: Christ's and Paul's quotes in this poem were taken from Matt 5:18; Rom 3:31; Ex 20:10 and Gen 2:2.

16.  Believe Me

I believe that Sunday’s coming, that it’s just a matter of time,
A universal day “that will be good for all” voices will chime.
Will everyone embrace this day? No. There’ll be those who such won’t do,
Believing there’s an agenda; for under the sun, is anything new?

Yet, voices will say, “It’s a great idea that will unite humankind,”
But Sunday resurrected, liberty will undermine, you’ll find.
This idea might seem fine to most, but eventually it’ll go astray,
And one day, every human on this earth, somehow bind and betray.

A universal day “for the good of all” same voices will say,
“Not just a clever ploy,” they’ll continue, “to enforce our religious day.”
But behind this legislated day a sinister plan will lurk,
Despite Sunday seeming harmless, a family day, a rest from work.

Once Sunday is resurrected it’ll soon undergo a change,
That your life, and my life also, will negatively rearrange.
For behind this day for all, there’ll be a Power that’ll soon control
Not just certain peoples, or countries, but this planet as a whole.

Whether by embargoes, military might, ID cards or other,
Everyone’s liberty and freedom this Power will soon smother.
Will all faiths, atheists and races unite around this sun day,
That will go through certain stages ’till this Power soon gets its way?

A universal religion? An expected conformity?
One faith, one day, soon enforced on all — Church and State, predictably?
A dragon dressed up as a lamb? A worldwide power that’ll oppress?
A political/religious alliance that’ll hardly want bad press?

Ho hum, just another conspiracy theory that’s doing the rounds.
No! A future reality, one currently making wooing sounds.
Keep watching, for you will soon see such will become reality;
It’s only a matter of time, the signs are all there, believe me.

By Lance Landall


“He [a past power] shall speak words against the Most High, shall wear out the holy ones of the Most High [Waldenses, etc], and shall attempt to change the sacred seasons and the law [God's Ten Commandments]; and they shall be given into his power for a time, two times, and half a time” (Dan 7:25).

"Then I [John the apostle] saw [in vision] another beast [power] coming out of the earth. He had two horns like a lamb, but he spoke like a dragon [changes character]. He exercised all the authority of the first beast [the past power] on his behalf [via legislation], and made the earth and its inhabitants worship the first beast [thus fulfilling the past power's historic intentions], whose wound had been healed [it reviving from its previous fall]" (Rev 13:11,12, NIV).


"We must move as quickly as possible to a one-world government; a one-world religion; under a one-world leader."
Robert Muller, former Assistant Secretary General of the United Nations

17.  God's Law With Its Saturday Sabbath

Though made for man, the Sabbath is God’s day, it not just for Jews but everyone,
Who, via this memorial — flag, say — would remember their Creator, God’s Son.
Such putting paid to atheism, no one forgetting that God made the Earth,
And why only Sunday — the first day — should be on the receiving end of mirth.

And remember this:

After fleeing Egypt, and before Mount Sinai, no manna was collected,
On the seventh day, that is,
And such, in line with God himself resting on Saturday, was to be expected.
For this Sabbath was made Holy, it not for work or play, but just for one thing,
The remembrance of God and His creative act, lest towards idolatry,
humans swing.

In other words, it a day of worship nestled in the bosom of God’s Law,
A Law that never ended at the cross, nor it ceremonial, what’s more.
“But to the contrary,” Paul said, “we still uphold the Law,” which makes so much sense,
For tell me, what could possibly be wrong with God’s Law, or with obedience.

And this why midst the reign of the coming persecuting “beast” power (so near),
And Reformation reversal, Commandment keepers are told to hang in there
(Which debunks the foolish Rapture theory).
Yes, Sunday (among other things), enforced on all again, Saturday outlawed,
The historic power that once was wounded having got up again and roared,

Endorsing Satan’s evolution theory.

Check it out, Revelation chapter thirteen, verses eleven to eighteen,
Where both an evil of the past and its future revival is clearly seen.
Yes, even Abe Lincoln spoke of such, and why God’s Sabbath is so critical,
For along came man and changed it to Sunday, and God the judge who’ll deal with ill.

“Not one jot or tittle will pass from the Law until Heaven and Earth pass away,”
God said; but oh, how man’s tinkered so, exchanged God’s Sabbath for a common day.
Yes, a day that neither God nor His apostles said a word about, not one,
Because God rested on the seventh day and was well pleased with what He had done.

It’s odd how so many have a problem with God’s Law, “For it’s how I know sin,”
Paul stated; and why both it and its Sabbath should still be kept by every Christian.
And thereby they not adhering to tradition but the Word of God which shouts:
“But the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God,” no ifs, buts or doubts!

By Lance Landall


Note: Christ's and Paul's quotes in this poem were taken from Matt 5:18; Rom 3:31; Ex 20:10 and Gen 2:2.


“Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Thy name? and in Thy name cast out devils? and in Thy name done many wonderful works?’ And then will I profess unto them, ‘I never knew you: depart from Me, ye that work iniquity’ ” (Matt 7:22,23, KJV).

"He [a past power] shall speak words against the Most High [God; make pompous claims], shall wear out [persecute] the holy ones [Waldenses, etc], and shall attempt to change the sacred seasons [shape the course of history] and the law [God's Ten Commandments] ..." (Dan 7:25).

"Then I saw another beast [power] coming out of the earth. He had two horns like a lamb but he spke like a dragon [changes character]. He exercised all the authority of the first beast [past persecuting power] on his behalf, and made the earth and its inhabitants worship the first beast, whose fatal wound had been healed. And he performed great and miraculous signs, even causing fire to come down from heaven [the sky] to earth in full view of men. Because of the signs he was given power to do on behalf of the first beast, he deceived the inhabitants of the earth. He ordered them to set up an image in honor of the beast who was wounded by the sword [military might] and yet lived. He was given power to give breath to the image [copy] of the first beast, so that it could speak and cause all who refused to worship the image to be killed. He also forced everyone, small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on his right hand or on his forehead, so that no one could buy or sell unless he had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of his name. This calls for wisom. If anyone has insight, let him calculate the number of the beast, for it is man's number. His number is 666" (Rev 13:11-18, NIV).

18.  A Day Like No Other

Tim rested his back against the thick padding that welcomed the tired, or those simply wanting to relax, and,
There he mused over what Satan would’ve thought when God blessed the seventh day — Saturday, all should understand.
Not that such is so clear today, for many calendars now show Sunday as the seventh day of the week,
And Monday as the first (rather than Sunday), and why’s a good question, though surely what the devil would seek.

Or so Tim mused, he fast losing the battle to keep his eyes open, given all those late nights recently,
The sound of quiet snoring soon signalling that sleep had finally and decidedly gained the victory.
And there, fitfully snoozing, and with his mind still fertile with such religious musings, he soon began to dream,
The serpent-cum-dragon-cum-Satan himself coming into view, his cohorts too, they listening to him scheme...

“You know, that seventh-day Sabbath requires our special attention, given that it’s tied in with creation,
For it shows that God made this Earth, and in six literal days, that it’s not the product of evolution!
And clearly confirming such, He’s now made it the fourth commandment of Ten, such once again pointing to Him,
For it shows that He’s the creator of Earth, as well as the author of that Ten,” said Satan looking very grim.

“You know, it’s as if He’s made the seventh-day Sabbath His flag, His Law proving it began at creation,
A day that forever flies in the face of opposition-cum-competition, a divine proclamation.
Now, such makes it very difficult for me to undermine His authority, and place my stamp on Earth,
Thus another day’s in order, whereby all will honour me, albeit indirectly,” such causing much mirth.

“Yes, now that ancient Israel is out of the way, let’s go for Sunday, which we couldn’t really do before,
And while we’re at it, we’ll convince Christians that God no longer attaches the same importance to His Law.
Though He himself rested in His tomb on the seventh-day Sabbath, we’ll attach Sunday to His resurrection,
And given Sunday is very popular with pagans, I’m sure that in time there’ll be little objection.

Hey, I’ve just thought of something else that’ll help. Let’s get the Jews stirred up so they’ll riot and anger the Romans, who
Will come down hard on them, outlawing their Sabbath, which will see Christians distance themselves, and our day pursue!
Yes, scare tactics are bound to help, the seventh-day Sabbath too close for comfort, enter that common Sunday,
For God only blessed and hallowed the seventh day, His resting on it being an example, such being His way.

In other words, popularise Sunday and discredit Saturday as not having any validity,
And towards the end of time here, and my attempt to completely take over planet Earth, up the anti.
See that Sunday somehow receives universal acclaim from all and sundry — yes, various bedfellows,
And that Bibles are propping up the legs of beds rather than they being close at hand, such as near their pillows.

In other words, lessen their taste for truth, get them just going by their feelings rather than the sacred Word,
Or running after those New Age spiritual gurus we’re encouraging, and soon, such will be preferred.
Oh, how I love itchy ears, for they just play into our hands, and so easily form a majority,
And it’s a majority we’re after, and so want to deceive, for majorities seek conformity.”

Satan’s cohorts rose to their feet, their Commander in Chief receiving rapturous applause, they sharp and keen,
Their noisy response almost waking Tim, who observing such, mumbled something about such having been foreseen.
With his cohorts seated again, Satan continued with his thoughts and plans — yes, the demise of God’s Sabbath day,
Which pressure from various sources on planet Earth would ensure — that is, if he got his evil way...

“Though God said that He’s Lord of the Sabbath, given He instituted it, we can’t write it off completely,
Hence Sunday’s introduction, which we can somehow slide in biblically, with all paying homage to me!
Not that they’ll think that, of course, and that’s the cleverness of such, given Trojan horses are our specialty,
And that folk might otherwise see us coming, for there are still some watchmen on the wall, most annoyingly.”

At that, Tim awoke with a start, as if instinctively knowing that one can’t afford to be found sleeping,
For Satan is either roaring like a hungry lion, or about us, silently and cunningly creeping.
Thus Tim quickly arose and reached for his Bible, and there, could see that God never did away with His Law,
A collection of commandments written by His very own finger, and far from ceremonial, what’s more.

And amidst them, just like a jewel in a crown, the fourth commandment, a Sabbath kept well before Mount Sinai,
One that Christ himself kept, and His apostles too, well after the cross, and why on Earth would we wonder why?
For such commemorates the end of our Creator's work, that He rested and set aside the Sabbath for man,
Such keeping both the Creator and creation in mind, and quality time with God being a part of the plan.

Yes, for without such a day, how much attention would our Saviour get? Much less, as is being seen today,
For many who argue against such a day, give little time and thought to God at all — more to work and play.
It’s almost as if they’ve taken grace and just got on with their business — yes, their business, most ungratefully,
For God only asked for one day, gave us the other six — and given He’s our Maker, what generosity!

Well, no wonder Tim was musing over what Satan would’ve thought regarding God blessing the seventh day,
As Satan right from Adam’s fall sought control over planet Earth — God’s Sabbath no doubt getting in the way.
For the seventh-day Sabbath, and only that Sabbath, clearly points to God’s ownership, and thus rightful rule,
And why with that seventh-day Saturday Sabbath, God’s clear sign and seal, no Christian should ever think to fool.

Oh, how God seems to love the number seven!

Tim leaned back against the chair again, dwelling on God’s unchangeableness, and upon His memorial,
A day made for all men, not just the Jews, for creation and God’s rule didn’t end with them, wasn’t His will.
Hence why we’re still told to keep His Law, which contains the seventh-day Sabbath, a commandment that boldly states:
“Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy,” — not doing our own thing — yes, a day that Satan clearly hates.

But tell me, friend, why on earth would God change His Sabbath day? Okay, so the Jews went about His day wrongly,
But that’s hardly a reason for discarding or changing it, nor alters its creation validity.
The truth is, that God seeks to restore such worthy things to their original purpose and former glory,
Hence the coming renewed Earth, and continuance of His Sabbath day, for such is stated biblically.

By Lance Landall


“ ‘For as the new heavens and the new earth that I make [post Christ's second coming] shall remain before Me [are still to come], says the Lord, so shall your offspring and your name remain. From new moon to new moon [referring to the restoration of the earthly Jerusalem in 457 BC – 408 BC, historical context], and from sabbath to sabbath, all flesh shall come to worship before Me, declares the Lord [the latter referring to the new earth – the seventh day Sabbath is to continue. The prophets often intermingled imminent historical events with far distant events – this is called prophetic perspective]’ ” (Isa 66:22,23, ESV).

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever" (Heb 13:8, NKJV).

So how is the Sabbath meant to be kept then?

"If because of the sabbath, you turn your foot from doing your own pleasure on My holy day, And call the sabbath a delight, the holy day of the LORD honorable, and honor it, desisting from your own ways, from seeking your own pleasure and speaking your own word, then you shall delight in the LORD, and I will made you ride on the heights of the earth..." (Isa 58:13,14, NASB).

Clearly the Sabbath is a time where one refrains from their work and play and comes together with other members to join in worship — to praise God in song, to receive biblical instruction, to study and thus share, to pray, and to meditate. A day where worldly interests are shut out. A day where one doesn't buy or sell.

19.  Greetings From John The Revelator

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, I have heard that a number of you are having some difficulty
Understanding the book of Revelation, chapter thirteen in particular, and wish clarity.
So the following is my attempt to present the gist of it as simply as I can, though briefly,
'Cause it’s critical that you have a good grasp of the scenario found there, that End-time prophecy.

So here’s what I saw in vision, and what lies ahead of us:

Two powers were represented there in the form of beasts. One a power that reigned for hundreds of years.
The other one a later power that arose just prior to Christ’s coming, its spiel pleasing to most ears.
The roots of this power were planted in quite a young country, unlike the roots of the earlier one,
Which persecuted faithful followers of Christ — until its setback, that is, which ended its cruel run.

However, the later power acted like the first one (more so when in full bloom), it persecuting too,
Hence it effectively being an image (copy) of the old one, both pursuing the same avenue.
This new power was clearly a religious, political one, like the old power that recovered,
And which was a lawless, blasphemous one, one that within the book of Daniel as well, is discovered.

Such quickly deduced, 'cause the beast that Daniel saw had the same characteristics as the one I saw
(The old beast power), which, according to Daniel, tried to make changes to God’s Ten Commandment Law.
Now, the intriguing thing is, that the new power, a worldwide one that gained control of humanity,
Effectively ensured that the old power was enshrined and worshiped again, removing liberty.

And thus one question for us to ponder on is, do we see here some collusion or infiltration?
Well, whatever's so, there was certainly a Church-State alliance — in God’s eyes, an abomination,
Because we Christians are living amidst a mixed multitude, unlike Israel's old theocracy,
Hence why we’re told to separate ourselves from the world, and not go seeking answers politically.

Yes, in God we trust, not man, it man who brought about this new persecuting power, a false prophet,
Such being what it was as well (not just an image), 'cause it’s pious spiel deceived, it being a hypocrite,
On the one hand professing godliness, on the other, enforcing its dogma via legislation,
Finally pronouncing death on its dissenters — a lamb that became a dragon, type situation.

It surrounded by misleading signs and wonders that had Earth’s inhabitants thinking it was God blessed —
Well, initially — * it even going on about God’s Law, endorsing a universal day of rest, 
But certainly not as God would have such (His Law, day of rest, having been tampered with previously),
And given that God won’t force His will legislatively, 'cause gone now, is Israel's old theocracy.

So, my dear brothers and sisters, be on guard, for false teachers, prophets, and false messiahs will appear,
And via their words and writings lead many astray, more so those with itchy ears, who wrong prefer to hear.
Hence how most Christians followed the “image,” fornicating via such a connection, God watching jealously,
'Cause a Church and State wedding sneers at separation, the pure bride being soiled via her promiscuity.

By Lance Landall


* Brown wording author's deduced belief.


This poem was upgraded 28 February 2020.


"He shall speak words against the Most High, and shall wear out the saints of the Most High, and shall think to change the times and the law..." (Dan 7:25, ESV). Note also 2 Thess 2:3,4.

"Then the dragon became furious with the woman and went off to make war on the rest of her offspring, on those who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus..." (Rev 12:17, ESV).

"Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus" (Rev 14:12, ESV).

"Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of llife, and may enter through the gates into the city" (Rev 22:14, NKJV).

20.  What's A Day Between Friends?

A gentle breeze tugged at Dan’s slightly greying hair as he stood staring out to sea,
Seemingly oblivious to the seagulls riding the back of a southerly.
Thinking it time he headed back, he turned t’wards a path winding its way down the hill,
His eyes on the returning fishing boats, and the threatening clouds and growing swell.

As he neared the little thatched cottage he’d made his home, he was greeted by a friend,
Who, attending a wedding close by, had enquired if he could stay the weekend.
Naturally Dan had agreed, more than happy to have a little company,
And there they sat, engaged in conversation, midst mouthfuls of toast and spaghetti.

Dan looked up. “It’s really nice to see you again, Mel, great you’re staying the weekend,
And lest I’ve not mentioned it before, I really appreciate you as a friend.
Though you keep Sunday as your Sabbath, and I, the seventh day, you still act the same,
Not letting that difference affect our relationship, love being your drive and aim.”

“Well, Dan”, Mel replied, “Only bigotry would have it any other way, and hey,
I really value our friendship too, and how you, the same love and tolerance display.
Especially being a sabbatarian, for minorities oft get ridiculed,
Usually as a result of ignorance, or bias, which ill feeling has oft fueled.”

“Yes”, Dan sighed, “I guess that’s the price one pays for going against the tide or a trend,
Which is terribly sad, for it shouldn’t be like that. I find such hard to comprehend.
After all, God allows all to choose their own path, to walk as their conscience dictates,
And the likes of ridicule, prejudice or persecution, absolutely hates.

Which is why I don’t believe any day as a day of rest should be legislated,
But rather, all should be free to worship on the day of their choice, un-frustrated.”
I agree”, Mel chipped in, “For once the State gets involved in such matters, it’s all down hill,
And surely history provides us with enough evidence of the related ill.”

“Yes,” Dan agreed in turn, “It certainly does, but people seem to forget the past,
And trying to get them to see beyond their grooves is nigh on an impossible task.
Seems some think that things will be different this time ’round via a Church and State wedding,
Which is folly at its worst, and more so given the way that things are now heading.

After all, certain laws have been introduced that are impinging on liberty,
Which makes a return to the past under such an alliance even more likely.
And adding to that likelihood too, is all that behind the scenes activity,
That suggests another power is behind those powers governing currently.”

“And adding to this”, Mel chipped in again, “Are intolerant militant Christians,
Who, if they got their way, would legislate this or that, enacting grievous sins.
And were Sunday on their agenda as a day of rest, it wouldn’t be long before
Worshiping or resting on any other day would be prohibited by law.

Even if there was a universal acceptance of such, such would still be wrong,
For given time, such wouldn’t make allowances for dissenters amongst the throng.
And because that’s where things can lead to, Dan, it’s why I believe and act as I do,
Along with the fact that acting any other way is contrary to Scripture too.”

Dan shifted his empty plate to one side. “I’m so glad that we’re in agreement, Mel,
I’ve never understood why the anti-sabbatarian stance has been so shrill.
Personally, I’m all for healthy debate, for such there should be, but bigotry?
No, such is something that should never be seen within the ranks of Christianity.

Even if Sabbatarians were legalists, which I don’t believe is the case,
And even if Saturday observance only belonged to that ancient Jewish race,
Which once again, I don’t believe is the case, such isn’t grounds for treating folk poorly,
And nor is it grounds for trampling on their rights, nor anyone else’s, quite frankly.

But despite civil/religious liberties currently, and the right to free speech,
There’re those who act like there shouldn’t be such, and for the rights of others seem to reach.
And should they get their way, it would be goodbye to debate, and welcome Church and State,
An enforced universal religion, loss of freedom and liberty learnt too late.”

Now Mel shifted his plate to one side. “Dan, there’s no shame in being a minority,
In fact, right throughout history, God’s faithful have always been a minority.
Besides, God looks at the heart, our treatment of others, for there, lies one’s true intent,
In other words, our true condition, and whether the Spirit is truly present.

I’ve always enjoyed our discussions regarding the Saturday, Sunday issue,
And I appreciate your frankness, and that you must say what you feel you need to.
Such is the way God intended things be, as that’s the nature of loving concern,
For only via being approached and challenged, and exposed to things, do we grow and learn.

As far as Saturday and Sunday go, all must choose, not follow some majority,
Regardless of whether that majority keeps Sunday or Saturday, quite frankly.
Our course must be determined by God’s Word alone, and not some herd mentality,
Nor any power, and more so one that’s looking to rule all universally.”

“Yes”, Dan echoed, “For religion is a personal thing, and must come from one’s heart;
It should never be enforced, legislated, hence why Church and State should stay apart.
Thus rendering unto Caesar what is Caesar’s (where it doesn’t conflict with our Lord),
And rendering unto God what is God’s, for here on Earth, man’s rule will always be flawed.”

“Okay, who’s doing the dishes?”

By Lance Landall

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