Biblically Clean Eating Q+A

Recently on Instagram I asked if anyone had questions about Biblically clean eating. I was taken aback by the huge response! It was literally hundreds of questions in a few days. I did my best to answer as many as I could. I figured I would share my responses here for those who didn't get to see this.

For clarification, this is how I define Biblically clean eating.

What about Acts 10:9-16? People use this to say all food is clean.

This chapter later explains the "kill and eat" vision Peter had to mean that no people are unclean. It's not talking about food at all. See the full post A Hebraic Perspective on Peter's Vision for more.

The dairy and meat separation. It's very confusing to me.

The basis for separating these come from Exodus 23:19 which says not to boil an animal in its mother's milk. There are a huge range of interpretations on this. Many scholars believe this is about mixing meat with that animal's specific mother's milk (as opposed to mixing goat meat with the milk of any other goat), which apparently was a pagan practice in Bible times.

Since chicken, etc. are not dairy animals there is no express Biblical prohibition from mixing that with cheese, butter, etc.

Study and pray about this. Base your decisions off of Scripture and not what someone else says.

Great reminder that we do see milk served with meat in Scripture. Abraham served meat with milk and curds. Many would say that the instructions on how to eat weren't given until later, so therefore Abraham didn't know not to do this. However we see in Genesis 7 that Noah knew the difference between and unclean animals before then.

This Is duck clean or no?

Duck is considered clean. As are chicken, turkey, quail, pheasant, partridge, goose, and dove.

How do you even begin? Especially when your husband refuses?

If your spouse isn't on board then do what YOU can. If you are cooking, make clean meals and if he wants to add something unclean that's his choice.

See this post for step-by-step help getting started.

Cheering you on during the hard time of transition! It gets way easier as you go!

Is meat at stores like Walmart unclean because of slaughter methods?

Leviticus 17:13 tells us not to eat meat hat has blood in it. This can be an issue with red meat - conventional slaughterhouses do not always make it a point to drain the blood, or might not kill the animal in a way that is conducive to that.

People handle this differently - some cook the meat thoroughly, others salt meat to draw out the blood, others buy only meat where they know how it was slaughtered, and some only feel comfortable with certified kosher meat.

I find it difficult to find kosher certified meat, any suggestions?

Talk to small scale butchers near you and find out their slaughtering practices. Many are consistent with kosher methods, but without the certification.

Call the nearest synagogue and ask if/where their congregants get kosher certified meat.

Small grocery stores can usually special order kosher meat. It helps if you place a fairly large order to make it worth their trouble.

Take a cooler and stock up when you go to a large city. You can freeze meat at home to use in the coming months. Kroger and Trader Joes' are usually good bets. Call ahead to double check that they carry it!

Kosher certified meat is rarely pastured/grass fed/local/organic, what do we ask our local farmers?

Most farmers don't do their own slaughtering. Ask if they know what that consists of. If they don't, find out where their animals are processed and contact them.

I would ask what steps they take to drain the blood, and go from there. 

There is really not much in Scripture about how an animal should be killed. Some believe that a cow's throat should be slit and drained that way. The more common method today is to first stun-gun cows in the head before slitting their throats to drain the blood. Many feel this is more humane for the animal.

What's your thoughts on eating a vegan/plant based diet?

I think that can be a great thing. In Daniel we see that he switched to a plant based diet in order to avoid unclean meats. If your choice is to eat a vegan meal or unclean meat, then that's an easy decision to make to keep the Bible's commandments. In general though when you have the option to eat clean meats and dairy, I would just remind everyone that this a personal choice and not a Biblical commandment.

Romans 14.

This passage is mostly talking about fasting. Some people feel called to fast certain days, while others did not. Both sides should treat the other with kindness.

Are mushrooms clean?

Most people say yes because Scripture does not mention anything about them being unclean. Judaism accepts edible mushrooms as kosher. 

Others would say no since they are not a plant that produces seeds (see Genesis 1:29). Seaweed also doesn't produce seeds, so that's something to watch out for if you land on this side.

What are things to avoid that might get missed?

Checking produce for bugs is always a good idea. You don't need to spend forever on it, but it's something to watch out for as you're chopping. If you find bugs you can take them off and still use the veggie or fruit.

What are things to avoid that might get missed?

Some beef or turkey products will have pork casings. Double check the ingredient label when you're buying any type of sausage product.

What are things to avoid that might get missed?

Gelatin is usually made from pork. It shows up in gelatin desserts like jello, marshmallows, pudding mixes, and lesser quality yogurt and sour cream.

You can get beef gelatin, if you are so inclined, to use in any recipes calling for it!

What kind of fish are okay to eat?

Fish need to have fins and scales. Common fish that are Biblically clean include salmon, tuna, cod, trout, perch, sea bass, herring, pollock, tilapia, mahi-mahi, and flounder. 

Cookbook recommendations?

Pretty Simple Cooking from A Couple Cooks is a gem! It's vegetarian but they include some recommendations for incorporating meat if you'd like to. The book is also arranged by the amount of time each recipe takes, which I love! It has practical recipes for real Biblically clean meals!

What's your interpretation of the verse in Mark 7 where it says he made all foods clean?

Mark 7 isn't talking about what is being eaten, it's talking about eating without going through a (non Bible based) ritual of handwashing. That's why they asked, "Why do your followers eat with unwashed hands?" and not, "Why are your followers eating unclean things?"

Also, the Bible never calls unclean animals "food." It only calls Biblically clean things food, so it's kind of a moot point. See this post for more on Mark 7.

What are thoughts on eating out, specifically at a restaurant that serves unclean and clean food?

I feel most comfortable at restaurants that don't serve unclean meat, or at least very little of it. That said, quality restaurants (especially those accommodating to vegetarians and those with food allergies), have no problem avoiding cross contamination if asked. Restaurants like these typically have a vegetarian deep fryer and spot on the grill. If you are having meat you can request they clean the grill.

A reader mentioned watching out for restaurants that cook with lard. This is mostly a problem at southern type and Mexican restaurants, so that's something you can ask about. Again, for places that are vegetarian-friendly, this usually isn't an issue.

And if a restaurant can't tell you the ingredients they use - I would really think twice about eating there. I've worked in restaurants and there is absolutely no mystery to anyone in the kitchen about what is being used. Unless it's a heat and serve place, which tend to be nasty anyway. If a waiter or waitress can't answer your questions they can always go and check with the kitchen.

I applaud all of you making the choice to implement a Biblically clean diet into your life! There are many things that can be debated, but wherever you land on these things I'm proud of the changes you are making! YHWH is honored by your effort to be obedient to Scripture!

More about clean eating:

10 Times the Bible Talks About Clean Eating
How to Eat Biblically Clean
Biblically Clean Meal Ideas

How to Eat Biblically Clean

You've decided you want to start eating the way that Scripture instructs, now where do you begin? Today I want to talk you through the practical side of how you can eat a diet that is Biblically clean.

What is Biblically clean eating?
If you're not familiar with what Biblically clean eating is then see this post. It's not complicated, it's just making sure we don't consume animals that the Bible calls unclean, such as pigs, shellfish, and fish that don't have fins or scales. On a Biblically clean diet you are free to consume clean meats such as beef, lamb, chicken, and fish with fins and scales, as well as all vegetables, fruits, grains, beans, herbs, nuts, eggs, and dairy products.

Once you are familiar with what foods are considered Biblically clean (really Scripture only calls clean things food - it never refers to pigs, etc. as "food"), it's time to clear the unclean things out of your kitchen, and make a game plan for avoiding them in the future.

Clean out your kitchen.
Go through your refrigerator, pantry, and freezer and look for any products containing unclean animals. This means everything from pork chops and catfish to pepperoni on a frozen pizza or a jar of oyster sauce to a can of pork and beans. Then get rid of these items! Set yourself up for success by getting these things out of your kitchen, and only stocking foods that are Biblically clean.

If you share a kitchen:
If your spouse or roommates or parents are not onboard with Biblically clean eating, then you might not have full control of the kitchen and pantry. In that case, do what you can. Clean out what is yours. Maybe you could designate cupboards or shelves in the fridge that are just for your foods or theirs. You are not obligated to cook or eat meals with unclean things. I know a couple that makes two different sauces each time they have spaghetti. One with pork sausage and one without. If your spouse, parent, or roommate wants to eat something unclean that is their choice, and they can make and purchase those things, but you don't have to be involved in that. You can prepare clean meals, or stick to the clean parts of the meal if someone else cooks.

That said, if it's your kitchen and others in the household aren't on board I don't think you should have to compromise. If you are the homeowner or parent or otherwise in charge, then it's up to you to set the rules for your house. You don't have to let ham or other things forbidden by Scripture live in your fridge or home. Clearly and kindly explain the ground rules for the household. 

Make a plan for moving forward.
How are these changes going to affect you? Depending on what your diet was like before, you may have a lot of adjusting to do. You'll want to find alternatives for products you'll no longer be using and things you especially enjoyed. Did you cook with lard before? You'll want to stock up on olive oil or butter so you can use that instead. Can you start using chicken sausage instead of pork sausage? Do you need to break an addiction to bacon? Consider if going cold-turkey would be best for you, or if trying Biblically clean alternatives would be a better fit. 

While trying substitutes and new things can be fun, I would also make it a point to turn to recipes and snacks that you already enjoy that are Biblically clean. If it helps, make a list of favorites to turn to when cravings kick in or you're not sure what to do for dinner.

Consider how you will handle meals with others.
It's one thing when you're the one making dinner or ordering takeout. It can be quite another when you're invited to someone else's for a meal. How can you follow Scripture's instructions for eating when you're not in charge of the menu? 

You'll want to politely let your host know of your dietary changes. A sentence like, "I'd love to come, but I have to let you know that my diet has changed and there are certain things I don't eat anymore." Or, "I've always loved your barbecue, but my diet has changed. Is there anyway we could do chicken or beef instead? I'd be happy to buy the meat." Offering to chip in and bring part of the meal is always thoughtful, or in some cases you might be better off suggesting going out for dinner or inviting them to your house instead.

Or what if your grandma serves ham at every family get together? Make a game plan that works for you. You could go and plan to just skip the ham and make a meal of the side dishes. Or you could offer to make and bring chicken or roast beef. If you're attending a potluck, take Biblically clean things that you will enjoy eating. If nothing else, you can enjoy the dishes you brought and share a meal with friends and family.

Does your office buy pepperoni pizza every Friday? You can see if they'd order another kind for you, or you could start packing your lunch.

Whatever the situations you may find yourself in: your meals are your responsibility. While some family and friends might be accommodating, it is not the job of everyone else to adjust to your new diet. Come up with your own plan; that could be taking several dishes to a dinner party or paying for your own pizza. That could be sticking to eating side dishes at a barbecue or suggesting a restaurant that you enjoy for lunch with a friend.

Change what you buy.
Don't bring home unclean products anymore! Learn to read labels. Get in the habit of looking at the ingredients list for everything you buy at the grocery store. If you don't know what an ingredient is then don't buy it. If you're buying hot dogs or a similar product make sure they're all beef. Watch out for things like lard in refried beans, and gelatin (which is mostly pork-based) which often shows up in yogurt and marshmallows. 

I know that there can be a lot of weird ingredients in processed foods at the store. If it's overwhelming to figure out what everything is, stick to buying basic whole ingredients (fruit and veggies, rice, lentils, butter, flour, oats, greens, canned beans, etc.), and processed foods made with just a few recognizable ingredients. 

Kosher certification labels can be helpful. Common symbols for kosher certification are a K inside a circle or Torah scroll, or a U inside a circle. If a product is kosher certified it means that there are no unclean animals or byproducts of unclean animals in that product. Keep in mind that there are some differences between eating Biblically clean and eating kosher. 

Biblically clean versus certified kosher.

These are the same, right? Well, not exactly.

Biblically clean means you follow Scripture's instructions about eating. Kosher means you adhere to Jewish dietary laws. These are similar, but you should be aware of a few differences. Jewish law has some added rules, as well as different interpretations to keep in mind. I don't say that to be disrespectful, but we need to be aware of the choices we make about what we eat.

For example, the Bible does not say that a rabbi must be involved in the making of grape juice or wine for it to be acceptable, but kosher law does. By this standard, the wine that the Messiah made from water would not have been "kosher"!

Another added kosher rule would be that milk and meat products need to be separated from each other, even in the refrigerator. Kosher law also stipulates that you must wait several hours after eating meat before eating something with dairy. That is not something the Bible says. Exodus 23:19 says not to boil a goat in its mothers milk. And that's it. Obviously this can be interpreted many different ways, and I'm not here to tell you which interpretation is "right." Search the Scripture for yourself and don't lay unnecessary stumbling blocks in front of someone who is working to follow Scripture's instructions.

Consider why a product is or is not certified kosher before accepting it or ruling it out. Is there shellfish in it? Was the blood not drained from the beef? Was it made by a local company that might not have the customer base to justify the expense of kosher certification? If a food product's only ingredients are Biblically clean, and it's made by a small company I don't see why that isn't fit for consumption. If it's marked as vegetarian or vegan that's added reassurance. You can also feel free to contact the company and ask questions if you're unsure. In an age of food allergies and special diets, most companies are used to inquiries like this and have information to share. However, if it's a large company that sells a lot of certified kosher products, and they have one that is not marked as kosher there is probably a reason, and it would be best to avoid that product.

Again, I'm not saying kosher certification is bad, we just need to keep in mind that it's a little bit different. A kosher stamp on a product is a good start, but that doesn't necessarily mean that it's a healthy choice, humanely raised, GE/GMO free, fair trade, or organic. Something to be aware of if those qualities are important to you!

Sharing with others.
Pray about how you can best communicate your new dietary choices with others. Work to do so in a way that is gentle and kind, and not demanding or boastful. I find that if I just share that I feel like YHWH has called me to this lifestyle, people are more accepting and less defensive.

If anyone asks or tries to debate, I recommend sticking with a simple "I'm doing this because it's what Scripture says," rather than diving into a debate about how bad pork is for you or whatever. While I have no doubt that there are real benefits to following Scripture's instructions (about food, the Sabbath, and everything else), I don't do these things for the benefits. I live this way because I want to do my best to honor the Creator by following his word.

A few reminders:

-Biblically clean eating is not necessarily associated with other 'clean' diets out there. Many of those permit shellfish or things otherwise forbidden by Scripture. So keep in mind that when you see some sort of clean eating meal plan it isn't necessarily the same as Biblically clean.

-Avoiding blood (even from clean animals) is an important part of Scripture's instructions about how we eat. While it's easy to see blood in chicken, turkey, and fish (because it's red), it can be harder with meats like beef and lamb. People deal with this differently - some salt their meat to draw out the blood, others cook it to well-done, others purchase only Kosher-certified meat, or ask questions about how animals are processed at local butcher shops. I'm not going to tell you how to do this, but I encourage you to consider this and pray about it.

-During the Feast of Unleavened Bread we are not to eat leavened bread, which is bread made with yeast or otherwise fermented with a sourdough starter, etc. It's just for one week and it's a special part of one of the set-apart times. You can learn more about that here.

-A Biblically clean diet is not necessarily synonymous with a healthy diet. You can eat sweets, deep fried foods, and processed foods that are Biblically clean. And that's your choice! You can absolutely have a very healthy diet that is Biblically clean, but you also aren't in trouble for eating dessert or other treats.

-You can do this! The beginning is the hardest part, it gets much easier as you go. Once you're used to these changes you'll barely think of them. Pray for guidance about the changes you need to make and how to best share that with others. Remember that the Creator is honored by you taking these steps of obedience!

Related posts: 

What is Biblically Clean Eating?

Biblically Clean Meal Ideas

What Does Scripture Say About What We Eat?

10 Times Scripture Talks About Clean Eating
Biblically Clean Slow Cooker Meal Ideas

What is Biblically Clean Eating?

Biblically clean eating is eating following Scripture's instructions. Deuteronomy 28:2 says that if we are obedient to these instructions we are blessed! Many people switch to a Biblically clean diet and see improvements in their health. Regardless of if you're trying to get healthier, grow in your faith, or simply honor the Creator with how you live (or all three!), there are blessings to be had in this process. Let's delve into more of the particulars of how you can follow the Creator's instructions for your meals.

Biblically Clean Eating Is:
Eating only the foods that Scripture permits. These include vegetables, greens, herbs, berries, fruits, grains, legumes, seeds, nuts, honey, eggs, dairy products, and certain meats (beef, lamb, chicken, turkey, venison, and goat, among others), fish, and poultry. Even grasshoppers and locusts if you're so inclined! 

Personally, I want my food choices to reflect all the teachings of Scripture. Not just the dietary commands, but also other ideas like loving our neighbors, treating our bodies as temples for the Holy Spirit, and being good stewards of the land.

What we do NOT eat on a Biblically clean diet:
Pork, rabbit, shellfish, and fish without scales are the main animals we need to watch out for in the modern Western diet. Many other animals are forbidden including alligator, raccoons, horses, tigers, seagulls, bats, owls, and most insects. See Leviticus 11 for the full list, or take a look at this helpful infographic on clean and unclean animals. It's also important to not eat blood, even the blood of clean animals.

Other Restrictions:

Besides specific animals that are unclean, we have a few other instructions in Scripture to look at.

-We are not to cook an animal in the milk of its mother. People interpret this verse in many ways from literally not cooking a specific cut of meat in the milk of that animal's actual mother to not mixing dairy and meat at all. I would encourage you to pray about how the Creator wants you to live out this instruction.

-During the Feast of Matzah each year we are instructed to not eat leaven or even have it in our homes. You can learn more about that here.

-Occasionally in Scripture people took what is called a Nazarite vow, during which they didn't consume wine or other grape products (see Numbers 6 for more information). This is an optional vow though and if you haven't taken it you are free to enjoy grapes and grape products.

A note about GE/GMO plants:

While the Bible permits us to eat plants, it is my opinion that believers should use considerable caution before consuming anything that has been genetically engineered. Common GE/GMO plants are soybeans, canola, corn (not sweet corn, but field corn that gets turned into corn syrup and other processed forms), and sugar beets (not red beets, but beets used to make granulated sugar). These plants have been engineered by scientists, and have differences from the Creator's design that could never happen on their own in nature or through generations of seed selection by farmers. While there is an outcry in the scientific community that questions the safety of these, my question is: does this fit with how Scripture says to eat?

Leviticus 19:19 tells us that seed should not be mixed. The process of making GE/GMO seeds involves splicing the DNA of the plant with DNA of another species (not just other plants, but bacteria, insects, and even fish). To my thinking, that goes directly against what Scripture says. Additionally the amount of greed in this multi-billion dollar industry that robs government support from small farmers, to say nothing of the possible health concerns, makes me work to avoid consuming these products and supporting this industry.

If I eat something with soy, canola, corn, or sugar beets I make sure that it is organic, and not GE/GMO. (GE/GMO ingredients are not allowed in certified organic products.)

What do you eat on a Biblically clean lifestyle?

You have so many choices! Biblically clean eating doesn't have to be ultra health-food where everything is sprouted or fermented. It doesn't have to be traditional Jewish foods. It does not have to be vegan or include weird things you don't like. You don't have to throw out all your family recipes. It can be meat and potatoes. It can be high-carb or high-protein. It can be home cooking and ordering pizza. It doesn't have to be homegrown or homemade. You are free to enjoy dessert and go out for lunch. You can choose healthy options or eat French fries and beef hotdogs. You can make casserole or make curry.

I think ideally we would all eat well enough that we can feel our best and treat our bodies as the Holy Spirit's temple. The process of learning to eat well does not happen all at once. Focus on eating only food permitted by Scripture, and once you have that down pray and see what else the Creator is calling you to in terms of food.

What Biblically clean eating is NOT:

Following Scripture's instructions for eating does not mean that we don't trust the Messiah or that we are trying to 'earn salvation.' I could eat Biblically clean my whole life, but I am still in need of the Savior, just like everyone else.

But Biblically clean eating is a way to honor God by doing what he told us to do. Trusting in him means I don't have to worry about if there's a reason for his instructions. It's about blessing YHWH with my obedience.

Want some recipe ideas?
I have several posts of meal ideas for the Sabbath and Biblical holidays that are linked below. They are all Biblically clean and great for any day of the week!
Biblically Clean Meal Ideas

20 Grill Recipes with No Pork or Shellfish

Sheet Pan Meals that are Biblically Clean

More about eating the Bible's way:
How to Eat Biblically Clean

Did the Messiah "make all foods clean"?
What Scripture Teaches About Peter's Vision
What the Bible Says about Meat and Dairy

Fifteen Things Scripture Says about the Sabbath

Keeping the Sabbath is one of the ten commandments. Do you know about this special day? What is the Sabbath? When is it? What does it look like to honor this day? Scripture has a lot to tell us.

What Scripture Says About the Sabbath:

1. It is for all believers even today.
"The people of Israel are to keep the Sabbath, to observe it throughout all their generations as a perpetual covenant." -Exodus 31:16

The Messiah did not take away this command. The New Testament tells us that believers' duty to keep the Sabbath remains (see Hebrews 4:9). Think you're not Israel? Reminder that YHWH calls all of his children Israel. But even if you don't have Israelite blood....

2. He expects you to keep it, even if you aren't a natural born Israelite.
"And the sons of foreigners that join themselves to YHWH, to serve him, to love his name, should guard the Sabbath from polluting it. They will take hold of my covenant; and I will bring them to my holy mountain and make them full of joy in my house of prayer." -Isaiah 56:6-7

This passage makes it doubly clear that the Creator expects every single person that serves him to honor the Sabbath, regardless of your family traditions or bloodline.

3. It is the seventh day of the week.
"On six days work is to be done, but the seventh day is to be a set apart day for you, a Sabbath of complete rest to honor YHWH." -Exodus 35:2

The example for this was set by the Creator himself in Genesis 2:2 when he rested from creation on the seventh day. Like it or not, Sunday is the first day of the week and does not replace the commandment to observe the Sabbath on the seventh.

4. We aren't supposed to work on it.
"The seventh day is a Sabbath for YHWH. On it, you are not to do any kind of work." -Exodus 20:10a

Honoring the Sabbath means making sure I have the day off from my job. Professional work is prohibitied, but of course this command was given to a group of freshly freed slaves wandering the desert. The Israelites had no professional work to do, and were still commanded not to work on the Sabbath day. Clearly "work" means more than just what we get paid to do.

5. It is a day of rest.
"On six days work is to be done, but the seventh day is to be a set apart day for you, a Sabbath of complete rest to honor YHWH." -Exodus 35:2

Resting is a more helpful way to describe the itinerary for the set apart day. No one is going to pay me to rake the leaves, change the oil in the car, clean my house, or check my email, but are those things restful? Then don't do them on the Sabbath!

6. We should worship YHWH on it.
"The people of the land shall worship before YHWH on the Sabbath." -Ezekiel 46:3

Physical rest is one aspect of the Sabbath day; emotional and spiritual rest are another. Worshipping YHWH brings us peace and refreshment. It is restorative and healing. Don't we all need more of those things? This verse also tells us once again, that Sabbath is for all of us.

7. We should not cause anyone to violate the Sabbath.
"On it you are not to do any kind of work - not you, your son or daughter, not your servants, not your livestock, and not the foreigner staying with you." -Exodus 20:10

While most of us don't have traditional servants, we still pay people to work for us. We should avoid having the electrician over to fix something or having a barista whip up a latte for us on the Sabbath. If visiting a place of business causes someone else to work we might want to reconsider and save that trip for another day of the week.

8. We should not buy or sell anything on it.
"If the people of the land bring merchandise or food to sell on the Sabbath, we will not buy from them on the Sabbath or on a holy day." -Nehemiah 10:31

This expressly prohibits buying and selling on the Sabbath. This is implied throughout Scripture since everyone is supposed to be resting, and in order for things to be for sale someone has to work. Later on in Nehemiah 13:17, Nehemiah discovers food being sold and angrily calls it profaning the Sabbath. This means going out for lunch or swinging by the Saturday morning farmers market does not fit in with following the commandments of Scripture.

9. It's not a day for pursuing our own interests.
"If you hold back your foot on the Sabbath from pursuing your own interests on the holy day of YHWH; if you call the Sabbath a delight that's worth honoring then you hnor YHWH by not doing your usual things or pursuing your own interests." -Isaiah 58:13

Sabbath is for us to grow closer to YHWH, not to spend browsing the internet, getting things done, working on hobbies, or otherwise pursuing my career or self image. Sabbath is intended for rest, worship, studying Scripture, prayer, and spending time with family.

10. We shouldn't cook on it.
"Tomorrow is the day of rest, the set apart Sabbath to YHWH; bake what you'd like today, and store your leftovers for tomorrow." -Exodus 16:23

Having food made ahead of time gives us the opportunity for more rest on the Sabbath. This can be challenging but it is worth it to be able to fully honor his instructions. Random leftovers or peanut butter sandwiches are great!

11. We shouldn't start a fire on the Sabbath.
"You are not to kindle a fire in any of your homes on the Sabbath." -Exodus 35:3

This verse is referring to an actual fire and not to electricity. Starting a fire is a lot of work and something we should avoid on the Sabbath. If you'll need a fire going to heat your home, prepare for that by getting it going ahead of time and having the wood split before the Sabbath.

12. It is not a day for hauling stuff around.
"Don't carry a burden out of your houses on the Sabbath." -Jeremiah 17:22

Historically this has to do with moving things out of your home for sale, but it is also a reminder that we shouldn't burden ourselves on the Sabbath. It's not a day for getting all the things accomplished (even if they aren't technically work). If you find yourself overloading the car before heading to congregation, stop and evaluate if you can downsize, what you can do ahead of time, or what simply can wait.

13. The Creator is angry when his people don't keep the Sabbath.
"But the house of Israel rebelled against me in the wilderness. They did not live by my laws, they rejected my rulings - which if a person does he will have life through them. They have greatly profaned my Sabbath. Then I said I would pour out my fury on them in the wilderness." -Ezekiel 20:13

There are something like fifty verses in Scripture where YHWH rails against his people for not honoring the Sabbath day. Let this serve as a warning for us. The Creator is serious about Sabbath rest.

14. It is a sign between us and YHWH.
"You are to observe my Sabbaths, for this is a sign between me and you through all your generations, so that you will know I am YHWH, who sets you apart for me." -Exodus 31:13

A sign serves as a reminder for all who see it. So if you keep the Sabbath you are sharing truth with your family, friends, coworkers, and community. Additionally this verse tells us that there is something about the Sabbath that communicates who YHWH is to us. That's amazing!

15. Keeping it is a delight.
"Happy is the person who does this, who keeps the Sabbath." -Isaiah 56:2

In a world with skyrocketing rates of depression and anxiety, don't we want all the joy in our lives that we can get? Scripture tells us that keeping the Sabbath causes joy in us.

More on the Sabbath:
Six Reasons Believers Should Keep the Sabbath
Why I Started Keeping the Sabbath
There Remains a Sabbath Rest
Five Things the Messiah Taught About the Sabbath