The Sabbath is a day of rest and worship, observed on the seventh day of the week, as commanded by God in the Bible. Its origins are found in the creation narrative, where God rested on the seventh day after creating the heavens and the earth. Genesis 2:2-3 states, "And by the seventh day God had finished the work He had been doing; so on that day He rested from all His work. Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because on that day He rested from all the work of creation that He had accomplished."

The Sabbath is further codified in the Ten Commandments, where it is presented as a day of rest for all, including servants and animals. Exodus 20:8-11 commands, "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. 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, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals, nor the foreigner within your gates. For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but He rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and set it apart as holy."

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ addresses the Sabbath, emphasizing its purpose for humanity's benefit rather than as a burdensome legal requirement. Mark 2:27-28 records Jesus saying, "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. Therefore, the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath." This highlights the Sabbath's role as a time for rest, reflection, and spiritual renewal.

The early Christian church grappled with the observance of the Sabbath, especially as Gentile believers joined the faith. While some early Christians continued to observe the traditional Jewish Sabbath, others began to gather on the first day of the week, Sunday, in commemoration of Christ's resurrection. This shift is noted in Acts 20:7 , "On the first day of the week we came together to break bread."

Service

Service, in the biblical context, refers to acts of love, charity, and ministry performed in obedience to God's commandments and in imitation of Christ's example. It is a fundamental aspect of Christian life, reflecting the believer's commitment to God and others.

The Bible presents service as an expression of faith and love. Galatians 5:13 exhorts believers, "For you, brothers, were called to freedom; but do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh. Rather, serve one another in love." This passage underscores the call to serve others selflessly, motivated by love rather than obligation.

Jesus Christ exemplified the ultimate model of service. In John 13:14-15 , after washing His disciples' feet, He instructs them, "So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example so that you should do as I have done for you." This act of humility and service is a powerful demonstration of the servant leadership that Christ calls His followers to emulate.

Service is also linked to the use of spiritual gifts for the edification of the church. 1 Peter 4:10 encourages believers, "As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another." This highlights the diversity of gifts within the body of Christ and the importance of using them for mutual benefit and growth.

Furthermore, service is seen as a form of worship and obedience to God. Romans 12:1 urges, "Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship." This passage connects the act of service with the believer's overall dedication to God, viewing it as an integral part of worship.

In summary, service in the Bible is a multifaceted concept that encompasses acts of love, humility, and the use of spiritual gifts, all performed in devotion to God and for the benefit of others.