Answer: First of all, the Sabbath begins on sundown and goes 24 hours to the next sundown, Friday night to Saturday night. This comes from Genesis 1:5 and Genesis 2:1-3, Exodus 16:29-30 and Exodus 20:10-11. When you stream all of these verses together into a consistent thought, it comes to light.
I used to “ignore” the 4th commandment like most other Christians. Then, later in life my heart began to change regarding this issue as well as other things I formerly believed. I “wanted/desired” to recognize the weekly Sabbath and make that day special and different from the rest. It has been a challenge but also a blessing. It requires some discipline and self control for sure. I also have started following the clean foods of Torah. There are health benefits, but there are also obedience benefits.
As I have matured in my faith over the years I have come to believe Acts 15:29 is an entry level list of suggestions for gentile believers to abstain from but in no way is intended to be the end of the discussion. What about the 10 Commandments? Most Christians believe they are in force yet not all of them are not listed in Acts 15. Where does this reasoning come from that we can pick and choose? Also, we reflect on Yeshua’s words in Matthew 5 that He did not come to abolish the law. So, as followers of Yeshua we should not limit or restrict ourselves in any way from enjoying the benefits and blessings of observing more of Torah. Oh, did I say “benefits and blessings?” Yes I did.
I believe “every generation” means every generation whether you are a natural branch or a grafted in branch (Romans 11:17).
Exodus 31:13 “You are to speak to the people of Israel and say, ‘Above all you shall keep my Sabbaths, for this is a sign between me and you throughout your generations, that you may know that I, the Lord, sanctify you.
Also, according to John 17:22-23, Ephesians 2:11-22 and 1 Peter 2:9 we are supposed to be one people in the Lord whether Jew or Gentile. The more we all begin to follow Torah, the more we will begin to be one people, a holy nation to the Lord.
We have learned that the Torah provides a guideline for God’s chosen to live noticeably separate and different from the other people of the world. We are supposed to be ambassadors of the kingdom of God, right? It is intended to be a blessing, not a curse (Deuteronomy 28). It is not a list of hoops to jump through in order to be saved. It is intended to keep us from demonic corruption, affliction and seduction. It also is intended to make us distinct and separate from the world system.
If you have any other questions please don’t hesitate to ask.
Blessings and Shalom!