Biblical References to look up and consider:-

Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils. Mark 16:9

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. Luke 24:1

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. John 20:1

Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. John 20:19

And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight. Acts 20:7

Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come. 1 Cor. 16:2

 

Caleb strongly objects to Irish League Football being played on the Lord's Day.

Here is a letter written by Rev Philip Campbell to the IFA:-

22nd June 2006

Dear Mr Wells, I am writing to you and your colleagues on behalf of The Caleb Foundation, a group representing some 200,000 evangelical Christians from mainstream evangelical churches in the Province. (Including not a few football fans in our congregations!)

Our present concern is about the proposed introduction of Sunday football in Northern Ireland, allegedly under pressure from FIFA rules. The reasons why we would be opposed to this development are as follows:

1. As Bible-believing Christians, we hold to the view that one day in seven should be set apart in a special way for the worship of God. Sunday sport violates this principle.

2. Many Christians are involved in football – players, officials, referees, other staff at clubs etc; - this would be a matter of conscience for them, and many may very well feel that they were being unfairly pressurised either to be involved on a Sunday or else to cease being involved with the game.

3. We sense no groundswell of opinion among the clubs for this move. Most have consistently voted against any change to the status quo.

4. Are we to understand that FIFA will also be insisting on Saturday football in Israel and Friday football in strongly Muslim countries? Or is it just a country with a strong Christian tradition and culture that is to be targeted in this way? Would this not be unfair discrimination?  And do the IFA really believe – as some have suggested – that Northern Ireland will be expelled from the world body if they continue to resist on this issue? We believe this to be most unlikely. FIFA would surely respect the culture within a particular country.

5. We are also concerned that those living in close proximity to football grounds would have their lives severely disrupted - by supporters, extra traffic, parked cars etc.- on the day set aside by many of them as a quiet family day.

These are some of the main reasons we feel Sunday football should not be introduced in the Province. We would, of course welcome your response to our concerns on this important matter, and any opportunity you may be able to give us to discuss it with you.

Sincerely,

Philip Campbell (Rev.)

for The Caleb Foundation