A Bride for Isaac

A Bride for Isaac

A Bride for Isaac
 

Blog from Michael Lipson

Abraham sent this servant Eliezer on a mission to find a bride for his son Isaac. Let me tell the story in the words that Eliezer told to Rebekah’s brother Laban.

“I am Abraham’s servant. The LORD has blessed my master greatly…and he has given him flocks and herds, silver and gold, male and female servants, and camels and donkeys. Now my master made me swear saying, you shall not take for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites, in whose land I dwell, but you shall go to my father’s house and to my family, and take a wife for my son.” Gen. 24:34-38.

Eliezer travelled by camel from Kirjath Arba to Ur of the Chaldeans a distance of about 1000 miles.

The story continues in Eliezer’s words to Laban: “And this day I came to the well and said, ‘O LORD God of my master Abraham, if you now will prosper the way in which I go, behold I stand by the well of water, and it shall come to pass that when the virgin comes out to draw water, and I say to her, Please give me a little water from your pitcher to drink, and she says to me, ‘Drink, and I will draw water for your camels also’ — let her be the woman whom the LORD has appointed for my masters son.”

Before Eliezer finished praying, Rebekah came to the well and said and did exactly as Eliezer had proposed. Rebekah agreed to go with Eliezer and her family consented. Eliezer returned with Rebekah and Isaac and Rebekah were married.

Note: 1) The test that Eliezer proposed related to the character the woman the LORD would choose for Isaac. 2) The name Eliezer means “God is my Helper.” 3) The story is a picture of the Father (Abraham) sending the Holy Spirit (Eliezer) to bring the bride – those destined to believe in Yeshua (Rebekah) to the bride groom (Yeshua).

Blessings,

Pastor Bruce and Suzi Elman

L’Chaim Messianic Congregation meets at:
OASIS CHURCH
16401 SOUTHERN BLVD
WELLINGTON FL 33470

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A Bride for Isaac

God Demonstrated His Love

God Demonstrated His Love

Yeshua Jesus was pure, holy, and perfect in every way. He never sinned, not even one time. Though He was severely tempted, He never gave in. All the rest of us fall so far short that we cannot begin to be compared to Him. He is the only righteous man ever to walk this earth.

And we crucified Him.

His reward for doing God’s will was a bloody Roman cross. Here is the wonder of grace at work: From the murder of a perfect man came God’s plan to rescue the human race.

Messiah died for us while we were “still” sinners.

Out of the worst evil, God brought forth the greatest good. Only God could have done it. “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Messiah died for us” (Romans 5:8). Note the little word “still.” We were “still” sinners when Messiah died for us. He didn’t die for us while we were still “congregation members” or “good people” or “law-abiding citizens” or “nice neighbors” or “high achievers,” but He died for us while we were still lost in our sin and far away from God. That’s the truth about all of us. Messiah died for sinners because it is only sinners that can be Refeemed!

How do we come into contact with the benefits of Messiah’s death? Reach out with the empty hands of faith and trust in Messiah as your Lord and Savior. The door to heaven is marked, “For Sinners Only.” If you are a sinner, you can come in. No one else need apply. Messiah died so that sinners like you and me could be redeemed. Here is God’s call to us today: “‘Come now, let us reason together,’ says the LORD. ‘Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow’” (Isaiah 1:18).

And here is God’s promise to those who come by faith: “the blood of Yeshua, his Son, purifies us from all sin” (1 John 1:7).

Are you a sinner?  If you are a human being then you are a sinner!

Are you a sinner? Then here is some good news for you!: What we could not do for ourselves, God has done for us through the death of His Son. The only thing left is to believe in Him. Let all who read these words take them to heart.   Run to the cross. Turn from your sin, lay down your self-will, and lay hold of the Son of God who loves you and died for you. Cast yourself completely on Yeshua for your salvation. If you trust in Him with all your heart, He will not turn you away. This is the promise of God to all who believe in Yeshua.   May God help you to trust in Messsiah Yeshua as your Redeemer, LORD and Savior.

 

Written from Pastor Ray Pritchard 

Blessings,

Pastor Bruce and Suzi Elman

L’Chaim Messianic Congregation meets at:
OASIS CHURCH
16401 SOUTHERN BLVD
WELLINGTON FL 33470

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Do Messianic Congregations Keep the Sabbath?

Do Messianic Congregations Keep the Sabbath? L'Chaim Messianic Congregation blog Wellington South Florida

Do Messianic Congregations Keep the Sabbath?

Messianic congregations are communities of believers in Yeshua (Jesus) who seek to live out their faith through both the Old Covenant Scriptures and the New Testament.  Because of this understanding of Jewish Scriptures and belief in Messiah, many people wonder: Do Messianic congregations keep the Sabbath?

The short answer is: most do — but how they observe it can vary.

In traditional Judaism, the Sabbath (Shabbat) begins at sundown on Friday and ends at sundown on Saturday. It is a sacred time set apart for rest, worship, family, and remembrance of God’s creation and covenant. Many Messianic congregations honor this biblical rhythm, gathering for worship services on Saturday, the Sabbath, rather than Sunday. These services often include Hebrew prayers, Torah readings, worship music, and teachings centered on Yeshua as the promised Messiah.

For many Messianic believers, keeping the Sabbath is not about legalistic rule-keeping but about embracing a gift from God. They see Shabbat as a blessing — a weekly appointment to pause from work, reconnect with family, and refocus on the Lord. Some light candles on Friday evening, share a special meal, and recite traditional blessings. Others observe Sabbath more simply by attending congregational service and dedicating the day to spiritual renewal and rest from work. 

However, not all Messianic congregations observe Sabbath in exactly the same way. Some members come from Jewish backgrounds and follow more traditional practices. Others come from non-Jewish backgrounds and are still learning or choose a more flexible approach. Certain Messianic fellowships meet on Saturday exclusively, while a smaller number meet on Sunday but still teach the importance of Sabbath principles.

Another important distinction is motivation. In Messianic faith, Sabbath observance is generally viewed as a response of love and identity rather than a requirement for salvation. Believers emphasize that redemption comes only through faith in Messiah Yeshua, while Sabbath is a meaningful expression of obedience and covenant connection and relationship with the LORD.

For seekers exploring a Messianic congregation, Sabbath gatherings often feel different from typical church services. There may be Hebrew songs, praise dance, Torah scrolls, and blessings over bread and wine. The atmosphere is designed to reflect the Jewish roots of the faith while celebrating the Messiah.

So, do Messianic congregations keep the Sabbath? Yes — in most cases, Sabbath is central to congregational life. But the expression of it is diverse, grace-centered, and focused on drawing closer to God rather than following rigid rules.

Whether you are Jewish, non-Jewish, or simply curious, visiting a Messianic Sabbath service can be a beautiful way to experience Scripture, tradition, and faith woven together in a unique and meaningful way.

L’Chaim (in Wellington, Florida) is a Messianic Jewish congregation devoted to living out biblical faith in a modern world. Our services blend Hebrew worship, Scripture-based teaching, prayer, and celebration of biblical feast days. Whether you are Jewish, non-Jewish,  or simply exploring Messianic faith, you are welcome here at L’Chaim Messianic Congregation in Wellington, Florida, serving all of Palm Beach County. Yes! All are welcome! Shalom!

Blessings,

Pastor Bruce and Suzi Elman

L’Chaim Messianic Congregation meets at:
OASIS CHURCH
16401 SOUTHERN BLVD
WELLINGTON FL 33470

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It’s HIS Kingdom

L'Chaim Messianic Congregation, Lake Worth Florida, Palm Beaches

GOD meets us when we feel abandoned and forgotten, and He says, “I will spread a table for you in this wilderness.” (John Piper has a good word here.)

O, how God must become weary with how often we question his itinerary for our lives. How often we think we know better how to get from here to there! We are so much more prone to grumble with the conductor when the train turns south, than we are to sit patiently and wait for lessons from the Lord. He is a very mysterious guide. We never quite know what is coming next. God would never make it in the travel industry because He is always leading his best clients into the wilderness.

Can God set a table in the wilderness? Yes, He can. But you’ll never know as long as you stay in Egypt. By definition you have to be in the wilderness first. Then and only then can God set a table in the wilderness!  

Let’s remember that YESHUA was led by the Spirit into the wilderness. There He experienced great temptation from the devil but came out of it empowered by the Ruach Hakodesh  (Luke 4:1-14).

The wilderness is never easy. But God has purposes for us in the wilderness that cannot be accomplished by staying in Egypt. Those who resolve to follow YESHUA must eventually spend time in the desert with him. There in that solitary place, they gain what cannot be purchased except through pain and suffering.

It was necessary for YESHUA to go into the wilderness. It is necessary for us also. Think of it this way. The wilderness isn’t a fun place to be. You always end up feeling alone and exhausted. You may not fast for 40 days, but you will often come to the end of all human resources. And you willfeel like giving in and giving up. You willwonder why God has abandoned you. Nothing will make sense; all willseem confusing. But do not despair.

Stand your ground.
Remember the promises of God.
Cling to the Lord.
Do not turn back to the old way of life.
Do not give in to your emotions.
Lean on your brothers and sisters in MESSIAH YESHUA.

God never leads us into the wilderness in order to destroy us. He intends the time of testing to make us stronger. Think of what you find in the desert:

It’s far better to be in the wilderness with YESHUA than in a fancy penthouse without him.

Victory is here!
Holiness is here!
Spiritual growth is here!
The Holy Spirit is here!
YESHUA is here!

Life isn’t about your dreams, your agenda, your hopes, your ideas, or your plans. Life is all about God’s dreams, God’s agenda, God’s ideas, and God’s plans. It’s HIS kingdom we’re praying to come, not ours.

Can God set a table in the wilderness?

He can.
He does.
He will.

You can count on it.

Let all God’s people say amen.

From “Keep Believing Ministries.” 

Blessings,

Pastor Bruce and Suzi Elman

L’Chaim Messianic Congregation meets at:
OASIS CHURCH
16401 SOUTHERN BLVD
WELLINGTON FL 33470

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Joshua 3

L'Chaim Messianic Congregation, Lake Worth Florida, Palm Beaches

There are moments when we may feel alone, but there is never a moment when we are truly alone. Just as the ark led the people of God into the river and protected them while they crossed over to the Promised Land, YESHUA our Savior will lead through the darkest moments and bring us safely to the other side. When the time comes to die, He will not abandon us. YESHUA will lead us home to heaven.

In 1940, Oscar Eliason wrote a song based on this story called Got Any Rivers. It goes like this:

“Be of good courage,” God spake unto Joshua,

When o’er the river God pointed the way;

Jordan uncrossable! things seemed impossible,

Waters divide as they march and obey.

YESHUA will not abandon us

Chorus

Got any rivers you think are uncrossable?

Got any mountains you can’t tunnel through?

God specializes in things thought impossible

He does the things others cannot do. 

God is the same and His Word is dependable,

He’ll make a way through the waters for you;

Life’s situations by Him are amendable,

Mountains and hills He will part for you too.

 

 You may find yourself in a difficult place right now. You aren’t there by accident. The God who brought you to this place won’t leave you now. You don’t need to know what tomorrow holds as long as you know who holds tomorrow.

Wait. Trust. Obey.

What should we do when we face one of those uncrossable rivers? Let’s do what the people did in Joshua 3:

Wait.

Trust.

Obey.

We wait because He’s God and we are not.

We trust because Joshua’s God is our God too.

We obey because God’s plan is always best.

If you’re backed into a corner, don’t give up.

Don’t run away.

Let’s go down to the river and see what God will do

Blessings,

Pastor Bruce and Suzi Elman

L’Chaim Messianic Congregation meets at:
OASIS CHURCH
16401 SOUTHERN BLVD
WELLINGTON FL 33470

Link to GOT ANY RIVERS on YouTube

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