Benefits of vacation
There are many benefits that taking a vacation bring. These include:
Better Physical Health
More productivity
Closer family relationships
Newer perspectives
Increased mental power
Lower chance of burn out
Improved mental health
How to get those same benefits each week - Sabbath “Then He said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath”” (Mark 27-28). “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy” (Exodus 20:8). “Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work…” (Exodus 20:9-10).
Sabbath means rest.
The Sabbath is a day to take time away from the world. It's a time to spend with your family, worshiping our Creator. It is the day in which we step back and enjoy the world that God has made for us. God rested on the seventh day, after he created the world and the things in it. He took time out to enjoy it. Likewise, God wants us to take time and enjoy the world as He made it.
Benefits of Sabbath
Church info
Additional info/resources
What is the Sabbath? Host Hal Holbrook takes you on an eye-opening journey through history to explore the seventh-day Sabbath. Discover how Sunday observance eventually trumped Saturday Sabbath-keeping in the early church, why this controversy is barely known, and the amazing unknown history behind this divine day! - See more at: http://www.sabbathtruth.com/free-resources/seventh-day-video-series
Vocabulary words:
Recreation - activity done for enjoyment when one is not working.
Sabbath - A day of rest, fellowship and worship, the 7th day of the week.
Exile - the state of being barred from one's native country.
We can't go through life without it, even though it is one of the most difficult things in life. We are often told to trust others or authority. When we are young, we trust our parents. Not all parents are good parents though. Others are good enough, but make mistakes. Yet, we put our trust into them as we begin our lives.
Later in life we trust our teachers and those who educate us. We trust that they know what they are talking about when we learn about math, science, history, and health. We begin at a young age trusting people in authority. We trust what we see on television and what we read. Yet, there is a point in life, as we get older, where we start to question things. Were our parents wrong? The media is not always correct. History books are often filled with ideas that are not always 100% true. Therefore, we become skeptical as we grow older, searching for things that we can trust.
Yet, trust is important. We have to trust in certain things or we would not survive. We have to trust that the foods we eat will not poison us. We have to trust that medicine will cure us or help us. When we get sick or get hurt, we have to put trust in doctors and remedies. When we get in a car, bus or train with someone else, we have to trust the driver or the creators of the machine. We have to trust the pilot and the mechanics and inspectors that overlooked the plane before take off. We have to trust that the parts are in perfect working order. When we go somewhere, we trust it is safe. Almost everything we do is based on trust.
It is very important to know what we can trust. Those who trust something incorrectly sometimes do not survive their misjudgment. When we make a wrong decision, it can hurt us financially, physically, or even mentally. Sometimes we regret our choice and wished that we never trusted in something, and if we had not, we would have been better off.
Many people put their trust in the larger universe in some theory. Some believe that science has all the answers, others believe that there is some kind of creator. There are many religions that all claim that there is one (or many) being(s) that is/are in control. Mohammed, Buddha, Jesus and others are all beings that people have put their trust into.
Having spent time studying various religions, I have come to the conclusion that the Bible is the one thing that we can trust. Yet, while the Bible is a very popular book, few people really have read the Bible and less people still really study it. Yet, the Bible is a very trustworthy book.
For example:
PROPHECY
The Bible accurately predicted the rise of kingdoms and world events that took place after it was written. Take a look:
1. The Bible stated that four world empires would arise: Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome Daniel chapters 2, 7, 8.
2. Cyrus was to be the warrior to capture Babylon Isaiah 45:1-3.
4. Egypt would never again have a commanding position among the nations Ezekiel 29:14, 1530:12, 13.
5. The Bible also mentions Earth-shaking calamities and fear toward the end of time Luke 21:25, 26.
6. The Bible talks about moral degeneracy and decline of spirituality in the last days 2 Timothy 3:1-5.
EARTH AND ASTRONOMICAL SCIENCE
The Bible has made scientific claims that were proven far later. Many of these claims were not even considered at the time the Bible was written.
1. "He . . . hangeth the earth upon nothing." Job 26:7. This scientific fact is from Job, the Bible's oldest book. (This point refers to the earth "floating in space")
2. "He . . . sitteth upon the circle of the earth." Isaiah 40:22. The Bible said the earth is round centuries before man found out.
3. "To make the weight for the winds." Job 28:25. Long before scientists knew, God said air has weight.
4. "By Him [Jesus] all things consist." Colossians 1:17. The word "consist" here literally means "hold together" or "cohere." Many Bible translations put it "hold together." This is the answer to the nuclear physicists' worrisome question about the atom. The real mystery of the atom does not involve its benumbing mega-power, but rather, "Why doesn't the atom fly apart?" Scientific knowledge says it should, but it doesn't. Some scientists are wondering what puzzling power, completely unknown to them, is holding it together. The Bible says that mysterious power is the Creator, God Himself.
HEALTH and PHYSICAL SCIENCE
Biblical claims regarding health were found to be true. Take a look:
1. Cover body waste with dirt: Deuteronomy 23:12, 13.
The Bible provision of Moses' day that body waste should be buried was 3,500 years ahead of its time and saved countless thousands of Jewish lives. Major problems still arise when sanitation is not properly handled.
2. "Neither let us commit fornication." 1 Corinthians 10:8.
The word "fornication" denotes all kinds of immoral sexual conduct. There would be no AIDS epidemic if this up-to-date Bible counsel were obeyed, nor would abortion be the international scandal that it now is.
3. Leave alcoholic beverages alone Proverbs 23:29-32.
If this extremely effective Bible solution were implemented, just think what it would mean:
Millions of alcoholics becoming sober, respectable citizens. Millions of families reunited. Millions of broken homes mended. Multiplied thousands of lives saved by sober driving. Thousands of government, business, and professional leaders making clear-minded decisions. Billions of dollars available for humanitarian use.
HISTORICAL PROOF THAT WAS ONCE REJECTED IS NOW FOUND TO BE ACCURATE
The places and events described in the Bible were rejected for centuries, yet many of the things that the Bible discusses have been proven to have actually existed.
1. Sodom and Ninevah, cities that had disappeared, were found:
For years skeptics said the Bible was unreliable because it mentions the Hittite nation Deuteronomy 7:1 and cities like Nineveh Jonah 1:1, 2 and Sodom Genesis 19:1, which they denied ever existed. But now modern archaeology has confirmed that all three did, indeed, exist.
2. Belshazzar and Sargon existed:
Critics also said that Bible-mentioned kings Belshazzar Daniel 5:1and Sargon Isaiah 20:1 never existed. Once again, it has now been confirmed they did exist.
3. Writing and wheeled chariots did exist in Moses' time:
Skeptics also said the Bible record of Moses was not reliable because it mentions writing Exodus 24:4 and wheeled vehicles Exodus 14:25, neither of which they said existed at the time. They, of course, know better today.
4. Thirty Nine Kings of Ancient Israel and Judah:
At one time the 39 kings of ancient Israel and Judah who reigned during the divided kingdom were authenticated only from the Bible record, so critics charged fabrication. But then archaeologists found cuneiform records that mentioned many of these kings and, once again, the Bible record was proved accurate. Critics have repeatedly been proved wrong as new discoveries confirm biblical people, places, and events. It will always be so.
THE BIBLE IS AN INSPIRED BOOK
The Bible itself is a miracle. No other book comes close:
There are 66 books in the bible. They were written:
1. On three continents.
2. In three languages.
3. By about 40 different people kings, shepherds, scientists, attorneys, an army general, fishermen, priests, and a physician.
4. Over a period of about 1,500 years.
5. On the most controversial subjects.
6. By people who, in most cases, had never met.
7. By authors whose education and background varied greatly.
Yet, though it seems totally inconceivable,
The 66 books maintain harmony with each other.
Often new concepts on a subject are expressed, but these concepts do not undermine what other Bible writers say on the same subject.
YOU CAN TRUST IN THE BIBLE
If you can trust in any book, the Bible should be the book that you trust. Yet, trusting and understanding the Bible are two different things. The Bible is filled with knowledge that still applies today. Many have not shown that they trust the Bible and instead turn to other books and sources for knowledge. Yet, many internet sites and videos are found not to be trustworthy or are later found as false. Many books written on science have later on been corrected and found to be complete rubbish. Ideas in medicine have come and gone, yet the Biblical aspects of medicine and what foods are healthiest is considered correct knowledge by doctors and scientists today.
YOU CAN TRUST IN JESUS
If you can trust in the Bible, you can trust in Jesus, who came to "forgive man for his sins." The Bible is correct on all things, including the fact that Jesus healed the sick, brought people from the dead, and He, Himself, rose from the dead. People were willing to die for their faith, even one time skeptics. I, myself, have put my trust in many things in life, and many of those things I deeply regret, but in all my life, I have never once regretted trusting God's word.
Last week we had a great discussion on the topic of relationships. There is so much to cover, however, so we are going to be continuing the topic this Friday night.
In our last discussion, we talked about things that are essential (needed) in a good relationship, such as trust, respect, and understanding. We also talked about what we look for in a partner. As homework, we asked people to make a list of what they look for, or what they did look for before they were married. On most dating websites, they ask you to fill out a form that tells other people what is important to them in another person. We promised that we would make one as an example, so here it is. (We are making the list as if were weren't married and had to make one now.)
Beverly:
Puts God first in his life and is a Christian (Seventh-day Adventist)
Kind/considerate
Honest, trustworthy
Enjoys travel and learning
Enjoys reading and (light) philosophical conversations
Vegetarian (preferably vegan,), healthy
Loves nature and the country
Can find his way around a city
Laid back, has a good sense of humor
Goal-setter, organized
Present minded (not stuck in the past or the future), but likes to make plans while still enjoying some spontaneity (doing things right now)
Active (likes to get outside and play/explore)
Committed (someone that I can count on)
Patient and understanding (tries to see things from my perspective/view)
Listens to me
Josh:
I am looking for a woman who is confident and goal oriented. I want to find someone who is not afraid of a challenge. Someone who enjoys reading, thinking and discussing life.
I would like to find someone who enjoys traveling to various parts of the world. Who enjoys the outdoors, camping, and going out in nature for extended periods of time.
I would like someone who enjoys trying new things and is not afraid of change. Who is mobile and who does not want to be tied down to possessions and things or one place.
I would like someone who is frugal and understands how to spend money. Someone who does not expect an extravagant lifestyle or to spend money foolishly.
I am searching for someone who is gentle, who loves animals and who is vegetarian and/or vegan.
I do not mind if you have never went to college, however, a desire to learn and to better yourself are important.
You do not need to be rich or come from a wealthy background.
Someone who loves God and is willing to put Him first always.
Someone who likes to spend time together but also likes time alone to reflect.
A person who enjoys waking up early and evening walks. Not a night owl (sometimes I do enjoy being up late, however).
Someone who cares about exercise, health, and is drug/alcohol free.
Often, in the real world, when we meet someone and get to know them, we see how similar they are (how much they are like us) or how they complement us (completes or goes well with us). We can consider what we are looking for in a partner and see if they are a good fit. Usually a person won't meet all of the things that we want. Afterall, we are all only human. But somethings are usually more important than others. For example, it might not be as important for a person to be tall or short, but it is important that they be trustworthy.
Unequally Yoked
So what makes a good marriage? Probably the most important thing is having similar beliefs. Christians often consider the verse in the Bible from 2 Corinthians 6:14 that states: "Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?" What does this mean? According to gotquestions.org, "A yoke is a wooden bar that joins two oxen to each other and to the burden they pull. An “unequally yoked” team has one stronger ox and one weaker, or one taller and one shorter. The weaker or shorter ox would walk more slowly than the taller, stronger one, causing the load to go around in circles. When oxen are unequally yoked, they cannot perform the task set before them. Instead of working together, they are at odds with one another. (Read more: http://www.gotquestions.org/unequally-yoked.html#ixzz3ZvZblYeC)
If two people get married and do not have similar beliefs, it causes many problems. What if one person spends a lot of money and one person likes to save? What if one person thinks that it is ok to have relationships on the side while one person wants commitment? What if one person is religious and the other isn't? What happens when they have children?
What contributes to divorce?
A simple search online brings up pages and pages with reasons why couples get divorced. Some of them include:
Getting married for the wrong reasons (you just want a family, you want to move out of your parents house, you want someone who makes a lot of money, etc.)
Lack of individual identity (feeling like you are your own person with your own interests)
Not having a shared vision of success (having similar beliefs)
There are many more reasons as well that we will discuss on Friday, as well as how these common problems can be prevented.
Our Experience
As we mentioned last time, we have been married for 14 years. In that time we have been through many hard times in life, as well as many wonderful times. Since the birth of our daughter, our relationship has changed and has presented new challenges to face and overcome. Many people wonder how we do it. We have found that the most important thing is to put God first. This means that we have our own, as well as shared, time spent in devotion (reading the Bible and talking about it) and prayer. This connects us with God and teaches us what He wants us to be like. By striving to be the best people that we can be and relying on God's help to do so, we become a better husband, wife, friend, and parent. We become more patient, considerate, kind, loving, helpful, less stressed, etc. By becoming better people, we have a better relationship.
What about you? What do you think or what have you found makes a good marriage that will last for a lifetime? These are questions that can be addressed in your English journal and/or brought to Friday night for discussion.
Relationships are a very important part of life. Most of us have the desire to get married, to have friends, and be close to other people. Very few people in the world do not have anyone who they can call a friend. Even in prison, people form groups and crave the companionship of others.
However, today, there are many relationship problems. For example, research has shown that, in the United States, half of all marriages end in divorce. Relationships take a lot of work and care to maintain.
Think of some of your best relationships. How are they different? What makes them strong?
Relationships that are built on love are the strongest relationships. We have all types of relationships. We have relationships with family, children, friends, husbands/wives, boyfriends/girlfriends, and business relationships. These are all different in many ways. However, when people talk about relationships, they often are talking about "love" relationships, that is, dating and marriage.
The Bible has a lot to say about many topics. Relationships with others is a topic that the Bible has a lot to say about.
The Perfect Relationship
When I think about the perfect relationship, I think of the relationship that Jesus had with others. When we read the Bible we see that:
Jesus never swore (said bad words)
Jesus never hit anyone
Jesus never threw a temper tantrum
Jesus never made a person upset for no reason
Jesus was never jealous
Jesus gave everything he had without the expectation of getting anything in return.
We may feel that we can not live up to Jesus' example. We can learn from him, however. How we treat others influences how good our relationships become. A relationship that is built on the self, jealousy, and pride will fall, but a relationship that is built on love and respect for the other person will thrive.
Searching for a Partner
When looking for a partner, consider the words in Proverbs:
"A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value." (Proverbs 10-11)
This can be said of a husband as well. When searching for someone, search for someone who you would want to spend the rest of your life with. Looks and beauty have some importance, but far more important is the love that you can share. You will want to be with someone who shares your life goals and beliefs. You will have a better relationship with someone who you enjoy spending time with. If you marry just for looks you may find that you are disappointed when beauty fades and you have nothing in common with your partner.
Another similar quote in Proverbs is:
"A wife of noble character is her husband's crown, but a disgraceful wife is like decay in his bones." Proverbs 12:4.
When thinking about the perfect mate, ask yourself:
What goals do you want to share?
Do you both want children? How many?
Where do you both want to live?
Do you both like the same things?
Do you want someone who spends a lot of time at home or likes being outside?
What beliefs do you have?
Recently we celebrated our 14th year wedding anniversary. While our relationship has had many challenges, it has worked because we put God first in our lives. We also waited until being married to begin living together. There is much to say on this subject, and we may talk about it in another class.
The beginning of marriage is an important time to build your relationship. Marriage is a lot different than dating. Many people begin to realize more about the person they are with after they are married. In the Bible, the rules set for the Jewish people stated:
"If a man has recently married, he must not be sent to war or have any other duty laid on him. For one year he is to be free to stay at home and bring happiness to the wife he has married." Deuteronomy 24:5
Why do you suppose this rule was put in place?
The early part of the marriage is a time to create the foundation of your relationship. Much love is shared after a marriage and it is very hard for a couple to leave each other right after marriage. In modern times many people are forced to part due to circumstances in life, sometimes right after getting married.
English Journal Questions:
Think of some people who seem to have good relationships and those who have relationships that are not as good. What are some of the reasons why people have good relationships?
What do you think you could improve in your relationships with your partner?
Are there things that you look for in a partner?
Do you feel in a hurry to get married?
A preview of Next Week's Friday Night English Club - Relationships, Dating and Marriage II
Next week we will talk again about Dating, Marriage and Relationships. Some of the topics we will cover will be: feeling in a hurry to get married, the subject of divorce and breaking up and life after marriage.
