Billy Graham says people should use Sabbath not only to rest but to get closer to God as well

Billy Graham says, 'We get busy and preoccupied with daily living and end up leaving God out of the picture.' (Facebook/Billy Graham)

While it is true that God designated the Sabbath as a day of rest, world-renowned evangelist Billy Graham says people should also be mindful on using the seventh day to bond with their Creator.

"God knows we need rest, and one of the reasons he established the Sabbath was to give us rest. One of the Ten Commandments states, 'Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day ... you shall not do any work' (Deuteronomy 5:13-14)," Graham writes for The Kansas City Star.

But God did not create the Sabbath just for rest, says Graham, because it's God's plan for Christians "to turn [their] hearts and minds toward Him" also on that day.

"In other words, He wants us to set aside one day of the week as a special time of worship and reflection on God's Word. After all, if we ignore God on that day, when else are we likely to turn to him? We get busy and preoccupied with daily living and end up leaving God out of the picture," he says.

God's plan is very clear in the Bible verse Deuteronomy 5:12. It reads: "Observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy."

The evangelist also wants people to reflect on what place God really has in their lives, and whether or not they celebrate Him only during Easter and Christmas.

Graham has nothing against people celebrating these two holidays, but he says it is wrong when it is only during these times that Christians remember God.

"Don't be a 'Christmas and Easter Christian' any longer, but by faith turn to Jesus Christ and put your life into His hands. Then ask Him to help you ... to follow Him and draw closer to Him every day," urges Graham.

related articles
Billy Graham: \'We are all God\'s children, but His only begotten son Jesus is unique\'
Billy Graham: 'We are all God's children, but His only begotten son Jesus is unique'

Billy Graham: 'We are all God's children, but His only begotten son Jesus is unique'

Billy Graham says a married man looking at sexy magazines is breaking his marital vow
Billy Graham says a married man looking at sexy magazines is breaking his marital vow

Billy Graham says a married man looking at sexy magazines is breaking his marital vow

Billy Graham tells husbands: \'God is even more concerned about your marriage than you are\'
Billy Graham tells husbands: 'God is even more concerned about your marriage than you are'

Billy Graham tells husbands: 'God is even more concerned about your marriage than you are'

Billy Graham reveals biggest spiritual mistake Christians make
Billy Graham reveals biggest spiritual mistake Christians make

Billy Graham reveals biggest spiritual mistake Christians make

Billy Graham replies to reader who asks if God can forgive him for trying to commit suicide: \'Why would He not?\'
Billy Graham replies to reader who asks if God can forgive him for trying to commit suicide: 'Why would He not?'

Billy Graham replies to reader who asks if God can forgive him for trying to commit suicide: 'Why would He not?'

News
AI and the visual interpretation of Scripture: A new era of biblical storytelling?
AI and the visual interpretation of Scripture: A new era of biblical storytelling?

The relationship between faith and storytelling has always been central to Christianity. From the parables of Jesus to grand cinematic adaptations of biblical narratives, each generation has found new ways to bring Scripture to life. 

Report calls for standardisation and specialism in RE
Report calls for standardisation and specialism in RE

An independent review into the national curriculum for schools has highlighted the urgent need for standardised religious education (RE) across the country and greater subject specialism to ensure “mastery in the subject”. 

GP body shifts to ‘unwarranted and misleading’ neutral stance on assisted suicide despite declining support
GP body shifts to ‘unwarranted and misleading’ neutral stance on assisted suicide despite declining support

The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) is facing criticism after changing from its longstanding opposition to assisted suicide to a neutral stance, despite a significant reduction in support among its members for legalising the practice.

Faith leaders pray for Trump
Faith leaders pray for Trump

Faith leaders have gathered to pray for President Trump, but not everyone is happy.