I would like to present a challenge a to you. God has also invited you to take this challenge.

Acts 17:11
"And these were more noble than those of Thessalonica, in that they received the Word with all readiness of mind and searched the Scriptures daily to see if those things were so."

Some might consider some of the things that I have written at Gospel Minutes.org to be heresy, but I am putting forth a challenge to anyone who will. We have all heard the stories about the non-Christian business men who tithed everything that they gained and were blessed. Now let me suggest that you test what I have written at this page in just one or two areas. Both will benefit you based on the results my family has seen over the last fourteen years.

Here is the challenge. For one year observe a Sabbath and follow the food laws. Now unless you have read my articles on these two subject you probably have the wrong idea on what I am challenging you to do. So I am going to explain what you should do to perform this challenge.

First I suggest that you read the articles on Sabbath and the food laws. There are two articles on each subject. Here are the other two. Remember the Sabbath and Swine Flesh

Next let me explain briefly just how simple the Sabbath observation is by telling you what we do. Starting at noon on Saturday we stop all work, chores, cooking and cleaning. As a family we read several chapters of scripture dividing up chapters by the number of readers. We usually do this after lunch Saturday. Sunday morning go to church as usual. Our Sabbath ends at noon Sunday. That is pretty simple and actually a nice break from the routine. Of course there are going to be some unusual circumstances occur and you will have to make adjustments due to family or friends who don't understand, but as the years have passed those interruptions have virtually disappeared. We don't sit around and stare at the walls or just study scripture. We do what most people would do when they don't have anything at all they have to do. We do stay home for the most part and we read and play, etc. If you work various days, just do the best you can by either taking one of your days off work or as much of a day as you can get for a Sabbath. God does understand our circumstances.

The food issue can be a little more tricky. You would not believe all the things they put pork in. You will have to read what they put in some things. Marshmallows and Jello are two examples as well as most pie crusts and skin on beef hot dogs. Basically what you will be doing is to avoid eating scavengers. Don't eat any snakes, skunks, swine or shell fish.

The point is to take a look at your situation after one year and as a family decide if you are better off than you were before. This is a legitimate test of scripture. If you are worse off then go back to the way you did things before. If you only sort of did what I am challenging you to do then expect only "sort of blessings". I know what we have experienced for the last fourteen years and I don't think you will be disappointed.

Tim

Gospel Minutes.org