I really don't mean this to be controversial but I am asking these two questions based on a very strange discussion I had with a member of your church. I was under the impression that we worship on Sunday because that is the first day of the week and the day that Jesus was ressurected. This person told me that you believe that sunday is actually the seventh day of the week and that is why you worship on that day. I then asked her how come you celebrate easter on the same day even though Jesus rose on the first day of the week. She replied that this was just a man made thing and that you just chose a day as easter. I thought that easter was determined based on the day that passover fell and the sequence of day following. She also said that Jesus died on a friday and three days passed after that - Saturday, sunday and that he finally rose on Monday. I also don't understand this since bible states clearly that Jesus died on the eve of the sabbath and rose the day after the sabbath. COuld you clarify for me why you worship on Sunday and if it is the seventh day of the wekk could you tell me how that was determined? ANd why you would celebrate easter on the same day?

-- Anonymous, March 12, 2002

Answers

We worship on the first day of the week to commemorate the resurrection of our Lord, who was resurrected on the first day of the week. We hold that every Sunday is a little Easter and because of this great event, we worship on this day. Worship, however, is not exclusive to Sunday. One may worship God through Jesus Christ on any day of the week, just our principle worship day in the first day of the week, because of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world, who got up from the grave on the first day of the week.

I am no sure with whom you spoke but you may want to consult a pastor instead of a layperson. Not all laypersons attend Church School, Bible Study or Christian Education classes as they should and thus you receive information such as that. This and other issues such as this are issues that I address in my church's Bible Study and sermons I preach so the persons who are in my care are properly taught as per the Word of God and our Discipline.

-- Anonymous, March 12, 2002

Let us pray for the person who gave Karen that information. Let us pray that they will grow in wisdom, knowledge and understanding of the scriptures. I'm just inclined to believe that the person is a new believer and is just not knowledgeable, as yet, about what we believe.

This is what we believe as AME's. All four gospels record the resurrection of Jesus Christ, as follows:

Matthew 28:1 In the end of the sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre.

Mark 16:1-2 And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him. And very early in the morning, the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun.

Luke 24:1 Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them.

John 20:1 The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre.

Thank you Karen for asking the question. Thank you Rev. John for opening this theological thread. Thanks also to Rev. Hill who really hit the mark by letting us know how important it is for all of us to be a part of Sunday (Church) School, Bible Study, and any and all Christian Education classes that may be offered in our churches.

The more you know about Christ - The more you grow.

-- Anonymous, March 13, 2002

Thank you so much for making this issue clear for me

-- Anonymous, March 13, 2002

Excellent summation Rev. Wiggs!

-- Anonymous, March 14, 2002

What about the question on the three days ?

Roger P.

-- Anonymous, April 01, 2002

During the creation, the darkness perceeded the daylight (Genesis 1:5); Therefore, according to the Jewish faith the night begins the cycle of a day. With that in mind, because Jesus died before night fall, His death was in the day that started on Thursday 6PM and ended on Friday 6PM - Day 1. Friday 6PM to Saturday 6PM - Day 2. Saturday 6PM to Sunday 6PM - Day 3. Thus the three days.

-- Anonymous, April 06, 2002

Greetings

Lorenzo, you are partly right, but see you day ends Sunday 6pm, while the Bible clearly states He arose early Sunday Morning

E-mail me for more detailed information onnthe subject

Love

Clive

-- Anonymous, June 08, 2002