Homes of Hope & Healing Evangelistic Series
November 4, 2024
Issue #7
Countless Counterfeits, But the Bible’s Got the Real McCoys
Overflowing with imitations and counterfeits, Pastor Anthony Hall calls Christians to reflect deeply on what it means to embrace "The Real McCoy" of worship. Drawing on the life of Elijah McCoy, the renowned engineer whose inventions redefined quality in machinery, Hall urged listeners to reject the counterfeit narratives in today’s faith practices and to seek the genuine article: God’s Sabbath. This "real McCoy" of worship, established at creation, stands as an unchanging gift to humanity, inviting believers into true rest and reverence for the Creator.
The concept of counterfeits runs throughout the spiritual life, Hall explained.
The concept of counterfeits runs throughout the spiritual life, Hall explained.
Just as counterfeit goods abound in the marketplace, Satan has worked to offer counterfeits of God’s truth, creating alternative paths to happiness, worship, and salvation. At the heart of the sermon was the Sabbath—set apart as a sign of God’s creation and a reminder of His love. This genuine day of worship was meant for all people, Hall emphasized, providing a refuge from the ceaseless demands of life. "The Sabbath is the real McCoy," he declared, challenging Christians to honor God’s command and reconnect with the true source of spiritual rest and strength.
Photo by Ansuni Hall
It’s For You, You, and You Over There—Everybody!
The Sabbath is for everyone, not for a specific group, in other words, not only for Jews. Established at creation, it predates cultures and religions. In making this day for all, God offers rest to every heart willing to seek it, a time of peace that transcends human boundaries. "Isn’t the Sabbath just for the Jews?" This question often arises, but let’s consider this: When God created the Sabbath in Genesis by resting on the seventh day, how many Jews were present? Zero. The Sabbath was established at the very start, meant for all mankind. Jesus clarified, saying, “The Sabbath was made for man” – inclusive of all men and women (Mark 2:27).
This sacred time, marked from sunset to sunset, serves as a reminder of the balance between work and rest that God intended for humanity. In this busy world, the Sabbath stands as a refuge, a pause in our hectic lives where we can reconnect with our Creator and find rejuvenation. It’s a day set apart for worship, fellowship, and reflection, allowing us to embrace the peace and joy that comes from resting in God’s presence. Thus, the Sabbath transcends cultural boundaries and speaks to the universal human need for restoration and community.
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Why ‘Remember’ Matters
The command to "Remember" holds profound significance because it is a reminder of what God has already told us. The call to remember the Sabbath is not just a casual suggestion; it's a divine directive.
What’s in a Day?
Some may wonder, “Does it matter which day I observe as the Sabbath?” Scripture affirms that it does. He challenges us with a thought– would it matter which baby you brought home from the hospital? The reality is, God specified a particular day, the seventh-day.
When Cain offered a sacrifice other than what God asked, it wasn’t accepted. True worship requires offering what God asks, not what feels right to us. Jesus says, “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15 NKJV).
When Cain offered a sacrifice other than what God asked, it wasn’t accepted. True worship requires offering what God asks, not what feels right to us. Jesus says, “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15 NKJV).
The Real McCoy
The phrase "The Real McCoy" finds its roots in the story of Elijah McCoy, a Black Canadian inventor who created a high-quality lubrication device. As imitators attempted to replicate his invention, engineers began asking for "the real McCoy," wanting nothing less than the original, authentic device.
This same principle applies to our understanding of time and God’s design for the day. While society now marks a new day at midnight, Scripture reveals a different order: a day that begins at sunset. In Genesis, “the evening and the morning” make up each day of Creation, marking the day’s start at sunset rather than at midnight—a timing that still governs us. As with “the real McCoy,” this biblical measure of time shows us the original, unaltered sequence that God established.
This same principle applies to our understanding of time and God’s design for the day. While society now marks a new day at midnight, Scripture reveals a different order: a day that begins at sunset. In Genesis, “the evening and the morning” make up each day of Creation, marking the day’s start at sunset rather than at midnight—a timing that still governs us. As with “the real McCoy,” this biblical measure of time shows us the original, unaltered sequence that God established.
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Pastor Hall challenges us to imagine this: I’m your employer, and I tell you payday is every fifth day of the week. Would you just come in on any day, like Tuesday, claiming “any day will do?” No, you’d show up precisely on Thursday, the fifth day, without question. So why, when it comes to the Sabbath—the seventh day—why the sudden confusion?
This clarity holds true even in the sequence of Easter. Christians worldwide observe Good Friday as the day of Jesus' death and Sunday as the first day of week and the day of His resurrection. This well-known timeline unmistakably confirms that the Sabbath falls on Saturday—the real seventh day.
This clarity holds true even in the sequence of Easter. Christians worldwide observe Good Friday as the day of Jesus' death and Sunday as the first day of week and the day of His resurrection. This well-known timeline unmistakably confirms that the Sabbath falls on Saturday—the real seventh day.
The Consequence of Ignoring a Command
James 2:10 states, “For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.” The Sabbath isn’t an optional command; it’s a part of the whole. Selective obedience creates cracks that lead to further compromises.
No Alternatives, No Multiple Choices
the true “McCoy”
How often do we settle for what seems right rather than what is true? The Sabbath, it was made at creation! Anyone suggesting otherwise is selling you counterfeits.
Counterfeit Happiness
Counterfeit happiness surrounds us—quick fixes and temporary pleasures that leave us empty. God’s gift of the Sabbath provides lasting joy rooted in Him, a joy that no imitation can replace. Real happiness begins in His presence, celebrated on His holy day.
Commands Before Tablets
In Exodus 16:28, God asks, “How long do you refuse to keep My commandments and My laws?” Notably, this statement is made before the Ten Commandments were given on stone tablets, indicating that the Sabbath was already part of God’s law, later inscribed in stone to underscore its enduring significance. The Sabbath isn’t bound solely by the commandments; it is intrinsically connected to creation itself, standing independent of the Law.
When someone says the Sabbath is abolished, but you know better. #Satada
Baptism: Sabbath, November 9th
The Road Less Traveled
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The Bible Says It's 'Satada'—No Room for Counterfeits!
Pastor Hall’s message hit home: the Sabbath is more than just a day—it's God's real McCoy, a genuine gift that stands against all the fakes out there. Just like Elijah McCoy's invention was the original, so too is the seventh-day Sabbath. Any preacher telling you otherwise is selling you a counterfeit, pure and simple. This ain't about following rules; it's about recognizing what God designed from the start—a rhythm of rest meant for every single one of us. If we settle for less, we’re shortchanging ourselves and falling for the trickery of a watered-down faith.
When we choose the real McCoy—the true Sabbath—we’re embracing something powerful. It’s a time to disconnect from the hustle and reconnect with what truly matters: our relationship with God, our families, and ourselves. The Sabbath invites us to step back, reflect, and recharge. It’s a reminder that we don’t have to run on empty; we have a Creator who understands our need for rest and restoration. Ignoring this divine gift is like turning down a well-earned vacation; we miss out on the blessings that come from honoring God’s design for our lives.
So let’s not get caught up in the lies that diminish the importance of the Sabbath. We’re called to recognize it as a cornerstone of our faith—a day set apart that echoes God’s intention for all of humanity. In a time when so many are chasing after counterfeits, let’s stand firm in the truth of the Sabbath. Let’s not let confusion cloud our judgment. The Sabbath isn't just for the Jews; it's for you, me, and everybody! So, remember this: the real McCoy is the Sabbath, and it's time to claim it for ourselves!
The Real McCoy
