THE LORD'S DAY Does it Really Still Matter? (Book Review)

 D. Rudi Schwartz’s The Lord’s Day: Does it Really Still Matter? reminds me of words I regularly hear from my car’s satnav system, “Recalibrating”. The voice instructions are clear, but I have a bad habit of taking wrong turns! “And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left” Isaiah 30:21.

The Lord’s Day: Does it Really Still Matter? is written by a pastor with pastor’s heart giving a pastoral call to the Lord’s Church. Schwartz’s voice is telling us the way back to the Lord’s Day. “On the Lord’s Day, Christians approach God in Christ’s name and thank him for Christ’s redemption. Their day of worship is in itself a proclamation of God’s greatness and grace to an unbelieving world.” p. 56.

The book is an exposition of the history, beauty, and benefit the 4^th Commandment is to Christians and indeed the world. “Calvin is right: The ceremonial part of the fourth commandment is abolished. For this reason, we call the Lord’s Day the Christian Sabbath. The Sabbath of the Old Testament was the shadow, the New Testament Sabbath is the substance (Col 2:17). On the night he was betrayed, our Lord declared “This cup is the new covenant in my blood which is poured out for you.” (Lk 22:20 NIV)” p. 67.

The Lord’s Day: Does it Really Still Matter? Schwartz demonstrates that it really does matter, and that corporate Sunday worship is about rest for our souls as individuals, as families, and as the body of Christ. Read this book, ponder its message, and, if you haven’t already, return to the old (i.e., the Biblical) paths.

Reading the book reminded me of the following verse:

“Thus says the LORD:

‘Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths,

where the good way is; and walk in it,

and find rest for your souls’” Jeremiah 6:16a.

Purchase your copy at Ark house Press: The Lord's Day – Ark House (arkhousepress.com)