Albert N. Martin
Foreword
How does one even begin the foreword to a book written by a beloved friend whose dying breaths spread themselves over all its pages?
This book, written by one who was addressed affectionately and respectfully by those who knew him as “Dr. Bob,” is in many ways, the work of a lifetime. The first paragraph of his Preface establishes this assertion.
In December of 2014, Dr. Martin relinquished his office and functions as the pastor of the Emmanuel Reformed Baptist Church of SeaTac, Washington, and relocated back in New Jersey, placing himself under the oversight of Trinity Baptist Church of Montville. It was our brother’s intention to give his remaining years to a concentrated writing ministry.
However, the return of aggressive prostate cancer along with several other factors required his return with his family to the SeaTac area where he would be treated by doctors thoroughly acquainted with his condition. The medical treatment proved ineffective, and on February 3, 2016, our beloved brother departed his cancer-ridden body to be with Christ.
When it became clear that the aggressive cancer was most likely to cut short the days of his life, he selflessly resolved to spend his remaining strength in editorial labors with the manuscripts of this and several other writing projects. Many of us who knew the situation were amazed by God’s grace to our brother, enabling him to fulfill this dimension of his providential stewardship. This explains my comment about his dying breaths spread all over these pages.
To gain your serious attention for the topic of this book, I would use Dr. Martin’s own persuasive words:
I appreciate your interest in the subject of the Sabbath. It is a wonderful theme. I hope that you have taken this book in hand because you want a biblical answer to the question, “Is there a Christian Sabbath that I should observe as a matter of conscience before God?”
This book has been written for Christians who want a biblical answer to the question, “Under the terms of the New Covenant, does God require me to keep a Sabbath day?” If this is who you are, my prayer is that the Lord of the Sabbath will bless you as you go with me into the Scriptures to see what they teach about the Christian Sabbath.