“Remember the Sabbath”: Reflections on Rest, Healing, and Obedience

Watch the “Remember” Sabbath Panel

At the 2025 “Battle for Your Frontal Lobe” conference at Dream City Church in Phoenix, a special panel titled “Remember” explored the beauty, power, and urgency of the seventh day Sabbath.

“Remember” – The Only Commandment God Begins With That Word

“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy” (Exodus 20:8). Out of all Ten Commandments, the fourth is the only one that begins with the word remember. God knew how busy and distracted human life would become. He knew how work, screens, and stress would crowd out what matters most. So He did not say “consider” or “try to fit in” the Sabbath. He said remember.

The “Remember” panel brought together several voices to explore the Sabbath’s beauty and purpose:

• Charlie Kirk, Christian commentator now observing the seventh day Sabbath.
• Dr. James Markham, cardiologist studying how worship affects the brain and body.
• Danny Shelton, SDA evangelist teaching on law, grace, and obedience.
• Graham Hood, former airline pilot with powerful Sabbath testimonies.
• Other pastors and moderators connecting Sabbath truth to daily Christian living.

The shared message was simple: the Sabbath is not a burden. It is a blessing that brings freedom, healing, and a deeper walk with Christ.

From Politics to Shabbat: Charlie Kirk’s Journey into Sabbath Rest

Charlie explained that he grew up in an evangelical environment where the Sabbath was rarely discussed or sometimes dismissed as irrelevant. But two experiences changed his life:

• A trusted pastor asked him, during a time of burnout, “Are you honoring the Sabbath?”
• His Jewish friend Dennis Prager spoke joyfully about Shabbat as the highlight of his week.

Charlie eventually realized he was jealous of that peace, family time, and freedom from work. He discovered that Sabbath is not something you buy or achieve. It is simply a declaration that God is in charge of your time.

The Sabbath is a weekly testimony that God is the Creator and we are His creation.

The Sabbath: The Commandment That Protects the Other Nine

Charlie made a powerful point: If the Sabbath collapses, the rest of the commandments become harder to keep.

For example:

• Sabbath makes it easier to honor your parents because you slow down and spend time with family.
• Sabbath helps prevent coveting because gratitude grows during rest and worship.
• Sabbath protects “no other gods” because that day is intentionally focused on God alone.

Ignoring the Sabbath weakens the spiritual foundation of the Christian life. This is why the enemy attacks this commandment so strongly.

Sabbath and Science: How Worship Changes the Brain

Dr. Markham explained how modern research backs up what Scripture has said all along. True worship literally reshapes the brain:

• The “God center” (anterior cingulate cortex) becomes stronger.
• Positive brain chemicals increase.
• The stress center (amygdala) quiets down and cortisol decreases.

Sabbath becomes a built-in weekly therapy session for the mind, body, and spirit. God designed this long before modern medicine discovered the effects.

Turning Off the Phone: A Modern Step into Sabbath Peace

Charlie turns off his phone from Friday sunset until Sabbath ends. He said that by Saturday afternoon, the urge to check messages fades and peace settles in. He becomes more present, more connected, and more spiritually grounded.

If a man with thousands of employees can unplug weekly, most of us can too.

Testimonies of Faithfulness: Keeping Sabbath in Difficult Circumstances

Former airline captain Graham Hood shared moving stories of trying to honor the Sabbath despite flight schedules. When forced to work, he used those moments to minister and pray for people.

One remarkable story involved a couple on his flight—the husband struggling with pornography and praying for a sign. When Graham introduced himself over the intercom, the husband froze. God had arranged the exact person he needed to hear that day.

Law, Grace, and Salvation

The panel emphasized that salvation comes by grace alone, not by Sabbath keeping. We obey because we love Jesus, not to earn His love.

But knowingly rejecting God’s commandments brings spiritual danger. God judges each person according to the light they have received.

The Sabbath as a Gift of Freedom

Deuteronomy reminds Israel that Sabbath is tied to deliverance from slavery. Only slaves work seven days a week. Sabbath is God’s weekly declaration that His people are free.

Try the Sabbath for Yourself

Want to experience the blessing of Sabbath? Start simple:

1. Mark Friday sunset to Saturday sunset as holy time.
2. Prepare ahead so the day can be peaceful.
3. Unplug and step away from screens.
4. Worship with a Sabbath keeping church.
5. Rest, pray, read Scripture, and spend time with family.
6. Look for ways to bless others.

Join Us at Fannin SDA Church

At Fannin SDA Church, we believe the Sabbath is one of God’s greatest gifts. It lifts burdens, strengthens families, and reconnects us with Jesus, the Lord of the Sabbath.

We welcome you to study, worship, and rest with us each week.