Then God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He rested from all His work which God had created and made (Genesis 2:3, NKJV throughout).

We live in a world that seems to be spinning faster as sunrise and sunset rise and fall before us with ever-increasing speed.

In the midst of full days and restless nights, God calls us to rhythm and renewal. From the beginning this was God’s design. “In the beginning” God created, and on the seventh day He rested (Genesis 1:1; 2:2). So important was this paradigm that God did something unusual and unexpected: Out of seven, He sanctified one.

We read, “God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it” (2:3). The seventh day became God’s day of rest — and was declared sacred (Exodus 20:10). Six days were good; one day was made holy.

As God’s revelation in redemption history unfolded, His sacred Sabbath of rest enjoined both the gathering and worship of the people of God
(Isaiah 58:13; Leviticus 23:3; Acts 17:2). Rest, rhythm, renewal, and relationship, expressed through gathering and worship, were the divine order.

This aligns well with the fourth of our ten critical vision points: Sabbath Celebrating. Since our inception as an assembly of believers and a fellowship of churches, commitment to the divine order in worship has served as a foundational mark of who we are in Christ. Far from obsolete under the new covenant, Sabbath is both primal and eternal (Isaiah 66:23), both a gift for the present (Mark 2:27) and a perpetual, recognitional act of worship by the saints in honor of the God who is (Revelation 4:8, 11).

Far from dimming, Sabbath celebration shines brightly: guiding our souls to rest, our communities to fellowship, and our hearts to worship — remembering both Creator and creation. Far from abandonment, the holy church of Christ must defend, teach, and hold to this gift, and she must stand among those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus Christ (Revelation 14:12). By His grace, may it be so!

Greg Lincoln

GC President

On August 8, the Northeast District had a blessed Super Sabbath in Lake Peekskill, NY, where more than 300 brethren gathered to worship together. District Superintendent Rex Miller (pictured) shared the Word in the morning, urging the congregation to seek God’s wisdom instead of the world’s. In the afternoon service, GC Executive Director Daniel Flores inspired the church to become a blessing. Several congregations participated with specials that guided attendees in worship. On Sunday, leaders gathered to hear about the news, Ministries, and vision of the Conference and districts. They also discussed how to find solutions for engaging in evangelism and transparency in their ministries.

Sixty men gathered in Ft. Smith, AR, for the Area 4 Men’s Retreat. They had one purpose: to strengthen and reaffirm our unity in the Holy Spirit. In addition to fellowship, we were blessed by powerful preaching and meaningful workshops delivered by Edgardo Navarro, Juan Correa, Chip Hinds, Neftali Hernandez, Sergio Alfaro, and Carlos Holmedo. Each message encouraged and challenged the men. We are especially grateful for the servants of God who shared their wisdom, time, and ministry. May our experience during this retreat continue to bear fruit in the lives of each man who attended. — Sergio Alfaro

On Thursday, June 25, our youth gathered at the Yireh church in Loredo, TX, for a wonderful evening of worship, Bible study, activities, and fellowship centered on the theme “Anchored in Christ.” Speakers Abraham Benavides, David Camacho, and U.S. Navy veteran Arturo Granados reminded the youth that even through life’s storms, our hope remains secure when it is rooted in Jesus Christ. We thank God for every volunteer who helped make this evening possible. A special thank you to Judge Oscar Liendo for providing Bibles for each young person, Commissioner Jesse Gonzales for donating the food, and Valgreen Builders for generously donating many of the event shirts.

We give thanks to God for the 157 people who gathered on August 1 at the Conroe, TX church for our 2026 Youth Retreat. Based on John 15:4-6, the theme “Make Room” reminded our youth of a powerful truth: It’s not just about living for God; we live because of God. We were blessed with a morning message from Josh Alonso of Oasis Church in Houston, followed by afternoon workshops led by Josue Gonzalez and Hiram Velazquez from the Houston Zion Church. Worship was led by youth from Zion Church and Nueva Generación Church. We praise God for a beautiful day of worship, teaching, fellowship, and spiritual growth. We pray that our youth will continue to abide in Christ and make room for Him in every area of their lives.

The Denver church held our annual backpack giveaway on August 1, handing out 130 backpacks, filled with school supplies, to the neighborhood. Each family that was given a backpack also filled out a contact card so we can reach out to them and invite them to join us for worship. These backpacks were donated by our members and friends.

In this year’s Arizona Youth Camp, held July 13-19, camp pastor Moises Capetillo spoke on the theme “Awaken” (Ephesians 5:14). We celebrated the baptisms of five new brothers and sisters in Christ at Goldwater Lake, AZ. What a beautiful reminder of God’s saving grace and the new life found in Him.

The Las Vegas Marriage Ministry and the Las Vegas church (United in Christ) welcomed Brother Erick Ochoa and Sister Floricel Marrufo to our congregation July 24-25. They shared several topics with us about communication in marriage, reminding us of the importance to learn, listen, and speak with grace. These teachings had a meaningful impact on our families, children, and marriages. The event proved to be an experience filled with many blessings.

On August 8, we held a special marriage workshop  at the Mesa, AZ church — a time dedicated to strengthening and encouraging marriages. Couples were invited to open their hearts, reflect on their stories, recognize past hurts, and remember that God can transform even difficult circumstances into something beautiful for His purpose. We are especially grateful to Brother José Joel Pachuca and Sister Evi Escamilla, who traveled from afar to share with us and allowed themselves to be used by God. We thank every couple who attended and made this event so meaningful.

On July 19-26, Sis-Q Meadows Youth Camp in Cave Junction OR, was blessed to welcome a little over 70 youth and about 30 volunteer staff members, led by camp directors Harold and Vona Ogren and Greg and Lorie Haffner. Pastor Tim Hinds spoke on theme “Truth in Love,” based on Ephesians 4:11-16. Throughout the week, our youth learned more about God’s Word, worshipped together, built friendships, and enjoyed fellowship. We are thankful for every youth who attended and especially grateful for all of the staff who gave their time to serve. — Tatyana Pylypko

Sis-Q Meadows Camp welcomed 58 Seekers (8-12 years old) and 34 staff from Oregon, Washington, Idaho, California, and North Dakota on July 26 – August 2. Speaker Kurt Lang helped cover the theme “Known and Never Alone,” exploring Philippians 4:4-9.

Teaching from morning devotions, classes, and fireside gatherings enlightened us that God gives believers all the tools we need to work through fear, worry, hardships, and anxiety. These tools are the “P’s in our Pod”: God is Powerful, always Present, our Protector, and keeps His Promises. He has a Purpose for our lives and allows Pressures in life to shape us into something beautiful. He gives us Pals to support us. We respond to challenges with Patience, an attitude of Prayer and a heart of Praise (which includes worship and thanksgiving). And when we put them into Practice, we experience the Peace of God, which transcends all understanding!

— Matthew and Johanna Stucker

Camp Directors

The Calgary Congregation celebrated 75 years on July 18 with the theme “Rooted in Worship.”

Folks came from near and far — community members as well as brethren — to celebrate this momentous occasion. The Parkland and Acme congregations presented highlights of the church’s history and collaborated with the local praise team to enhance the day’s worship.

Keynote speaker Greg Lincoln encouraged the audience to continue worshipping the God who has brought them thus far. Along with Elder Daniel Flores, he later presented a plaque to the church on behalf of the General Conference. With District Superintendent Bill Williams (Eastern Canada) and visiting pastor H. Green joining in, Sergio Martinez was ordained as an elder.

The Parkland Family Camp weekend took place July 24-26. Elder Jason Overman presented the day’s message centering on building altars. Elder Daniel Camero, one of Calgary’s earlier pastors, was also there and encouraged the youth. He later participated in the baptism of his grandson.

The celebration of life for Pastor Nick Nimchuck, who passed in December 2025, was held on August 1 in Medicine Hat. Elder Loren Stacy led the day’s proceedings, while Elder Jason Overman presented the message. The evening was closed off with a singalong to encourage sister Dorothy, followed on Sunday by a barbecue for family and friends.

Need a fresh breeze of the Spirit’s presence in your life? Got a little ember glowing that needs to be fanned into flame? Join us for Convention ’27, where worshipping in His presence is the cry of our heart!

All members and friends of the General Conference Church of God (Seventh Day) USA and Canada are invited to attend this special Biennial Convention in Greensboro, North Carolina, June 28 – July 3, 2027. (Delegates from our sister conferences are welcome as well.)

Tune up the car. Buy that plane ticket. Grease the skateboard wheels. However you roll, put the plans in the works to join your church family as we dive into His presence!

More information is continually being added to the website at cog7.org/convention. Registration will begin in January, so keep checking back!

Convention ’27 is sneaking up on us, and it’s getting louder!

Has being in His presence changed you? Is there a moment or circumstance in your life when God showed up undeniably? Did the Spirit of peace visit you when you most needed it? Do you have a “God moment” when your worship met His sufficiency?

If so, would you share your story? The Convention Committee would love to consider your submission for sharing on our website and other social media leading up to Convention ‘27. For an example, look for the “In His Presence” video on the GC YouTube channel. If your video is selected, you will be contacted for more information. Please send it (no longer than three minutes) to Kristi Lang at kristenlang09@gmail.com. Be sure to include the name of the person(s) in the video and the city or church you attend.

The submission window is now open!

Since the July-August issue of the BA, postage rates have unexpectedly skyrocketed. Mailing the BA two months ago cost $5,300. It jumped to $6,800 for the September-October issue. And there’s no end in sight.

We praise God that we’ve kept the Bible Advocate as a free publication, supported by donations, since the early seventies. But times have changed, with printing and postage rates continuing to rise. Even a one-time financial gift greatly helps. Partnering with us for a monthly, quarterly, or annual donation goes even further!

Help us keep the BA free. It’s easy to donate:

• by Zelle, to give@cog7.org (include BAP on the memo);

• by check, mailed to P.O. Box 33677, Denver, CO 80233 (make sure you designate Bible Advocate on the memo line);

• online, at https://secure.cog7.org/giving/.

Thank you!

Late Spring 2026 Graduates

Jose Ariel Marquez – Associate of Christian Leadership (Pastoral Ministry); Manrique Velazquez – Certificate of Leadership Studies.

Spring Dean’s List* Recipients

Benito Amador, Kevin Amador, Omar Amador, Aaron Coulson, Dan Davila, Arnulfo de la Cruz, Otoniel de la Cruz, Adiel de Leon, Otniel De Leon, Pedro Estrada, Rogelio Giron, Efrain Gomez, Noe Gomez, Alvaro Hernandez, Raul Hernandez, Delroy Johnson, Wilfredo Mejia, Dan Melendez de la Torre, Erwin Mendoza Caz, Jose Perez, Margarito Perez, Justo Perez Marroquin, Jose Perez Vasquez, Ledy Portocarrero Agredo, Oscar Retana, Luis Rodriguez, Manrique Velazquez, David Villanueva Rivera.

*Dean’s List recipients earn eight credits per quarter, with a minimum 3.5 GPA

Artios Center Online Conversations

Join Artios Center Dean Whaid Rose and featured guests for a series of invigorating conversations on the second Thursday every other month at 9 p.m. Eastern time. The next conversation will be November 12.

Learn more and register at my.artioscollege.org/en/resources

Calendar Events

October 26 – Late Fall Online Classes registration closes

November 1 – Late Fall Online Classes begin

November 12 – Artios Center for Vibrant Leadership Online Conversation

Late Fall Online

COM 121 Written Communication for Leadership

LEA 111 Essentials of Vibrant Leadership*

LEA 311 Spiritual Leadership

THE 202 Church of God (Seventh Day) Doctrines

*Course with limited audit availability.

Register at my.artioscollege.org/en/courses.