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!

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

Psalm 23:1-4

The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me” (Psalm 23:1-4).

Why the change from “he” to “you”? Because even though the Lord is with us every day, we don’t always feel His presence right beside us. But in the moment of death, we are not left alone. The Lord YESHUA comes for us and walks with us across the Great Divide.

Thank God, I do not have to walk through the valley of the shadow of death alone. For He comes, He enters the room, He stands by the bedside, He reaches down and takes my trembling hand, and He walks with me from this life into life eternal.

The Best Part of the 23rd Psalm

The best two words in Psalm 23 are two little words in verse 4: “You are with me.” The SHEPHERD is no longer up ahead leading the flock. The valley is too dark for that. Now He is walking with us, step by step, walking side by side reassuring His sheep by His calm presence.

If God is with us, we have nothing to fear.

Death casts a frightening shadow over all of life. Visit any hospital or nursing home and you will see the fear on the faces of the patients. Go to a funeral and watch the faces of the mourners. One reason we hate funerals is because we don’t want to face the truth of our own mortality.

We can struggle with many other enemies but we can’t struggle with death. The grim reaper wins every time.

We’ll all eventually go through the valley of the shadow of death. We need a guide to help us find our way through that land of darkness to the light on the other side. Where will we find a guide who can take us through that valley? We’ve got to find someone who’s been there before, who’s gone through Himself, who can take us by the hand and lead us where He’s already been.

The Guide We Need

Who can we get? Where can we find a guide like that? His name is YESHUA! He’s been there before. He knows the way through. He’s been to the light on the other side and He’ll come for us.

But thank God, we don’t walk through that valley alone. YESHUA will walk with us. He’ll lead us through to the other side.

Deep in my soul, I believe that the saints of God have nothing to fear in the moment of death. Though it may not be pleasant or painless, though it comes after long suffering or in a fiery crash, the moment itself will be filled with joy as the Lord himself escorts God’s children through the darkest valley of all. 

At that moment, all other guides must turn back. Only YESHUA Messiah can help us through. And HE does!

From “Keep Believing Ministries”