B. Judaism

During some spirit filled praise and worship young Mya reminded us that who the Son sets free, oh is free indeed. Right now, boldly declare “I am a child of God; yes I am!” Rabbi Jonathan taught on Miketz, Genesis 41:1 – 44:17. At the end of two years in jail, falsely accused, Joseph was delivered to Pharaoh to interpret a dream. Joseph went on to become second in charge of Egypt, then antagonized his brothers… he was not perfect, and the world overly criticized those imperfections, but God used it to effect prophecy. We praised God for successful surgeries, and saved limbs, then prayed for provisions, before Garry delivered an excellent sermon on Chanukah. Lastly, on 02 February 2019, we will relaunch and move our 03pm Shabbat Services to 505 West University 78626. And in January, our new location will be open each Saturday 12-02pm, for prayer, planning, and setup. Exciting! And the slides are https://messiahechad.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/08-Dec-2018-Slides.pdf

Although technical difficulties prevented the Torah Portion (Vayeshev, He Settled, Genesis 37:1 – 40:23) from making the audio recording, Harry did an excellent job catching us up on Jacob. Marty Goetz graced us with his signature Chanukah song during prayer time, reminding us to walk as children of the light, during this feast of dedication, festival of lights. Mel shared some thoughts on having an eternal perspective, with your finances, trusts, and wills. Remember, you are never too young, or old, to meet with a licensed attorney to generate a will, durable power of attorney, and an advanced directive regarding your healthcare. Feel free to call or email Messiah Echad, for more information. Then as for Chanukah… did you know Jesus Christ observed it? And if He did, we too can enjoy donuts, dreidels, gelt, and menorahs, while passing on santa, christmas trees, and coveting presents. Let this season be about what the Bible says. The slides are https://messiahechad.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/01-Dec-2018-Slides.pdf

You are worthy to receive our praise. You are the Son of God. Come and fill this place Yeshua (Jesus), and be present in our lives. After dynamic praise and worship, Watchman Alexander spoke on Chayei Sarah, Sarah’s Life, Genesis 23:1 – 25:18. Abraham gathered to his people after he died, and this portion gives insight into where we go when we die. Contrary to popular belief, sinners do not go to “hell” directly, rather everyone descends to Hades for a time, though believers hang out in a protected area, till Messiah comes. And this is how we know the dead are not in heaven; when Christ comes, they will rise first, from hades. Praise reports included offices that did not flood, and we prayed for shoulder replacement surgery, then Rabbi Jonathan talked about whether or not believers should participate in Halloween, to include Church “alternatives”. It is time to take a stand for the Word. And the slides are https://messiahechad.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/27-Oct-2018-Slides.pdf

During praise and worship, we proclaimed that we belong to God. All that we are, we place into His loving hands. Here we are, we stand, with arms wide open, to the One, the Son, the Everlasting God. Amen. We also heard a prophetic word, before Rebbetzin Melinda delivered Ha’azinu, Listen, Deuteronomy 32:1 – 32:52. Moses’ Song reminded us to respect God by listening to His Laws. And instead of just missing God’s face or favor, we need to actively seek it, by doing His will. Praise reports included the right words to speak, and we prayed for healings, after which Rabbi Jonathan revealed a personal word he received from God. Finally, the message was on why we should observe Sukkot. By obeying Leviticus 23:34-43, we are given perspective and appreciation for modern comforts. Sukkot allows us to rest, and God multiplies fellowships that convene together in unity. Many great reasons; we pray you observed and enjoyed Sukkot. And the slides are https://messiahechad.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/22-Sept-2018-Slides.pdf

As we wrapped up our fifth cycle of holy days, and successful year as a church plant, Rabbi Jonathan was honored to kick off with a beautiful Tashlich Service, in observance of Rosh Hashanah. During the head of the year, festival of trumpets, we began 10 Days of Awe or reflecting. Sounds of the shofar celebrate our return to God, and we symbolically casted our sins into a river. Thank you God for removing our sins to the depths of the sea. On Shabbat Shavuh, Chris covered Vayelech, He Went, Deuteronomy 31:1-30. As Moses neared the end of his life, he reminded Israel to be courageous, then he read the Torah. After praise reports for saved babies, and prayer for our fathers, Rabbi Jonathan implored everyone to t’shuva, turn away from sin. Will you walk upright in the Word, or stumble by it? Finally, on Yom Kippur, we made al chet confessions, then presented ourselves in a worthy (repentant) manner to God. And the slides are https://messiahechad.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/HHD-Sept-2018-Slides.pdf

Catching up on recordings that were delayed, this service is sure to impact you positively! Will you praise God when your strength is lost? What about when the fight seems lost? If you praise Him in the despair, and when your life is nearing its final days, He will bless you beyond measure. Our Rebbetzin covered Ki Tetze, When You Go Forth, Deuteronomy 21:10 – 25:19. When we go out amongst people, there is a way we are commanded to behave. If you find something that belongs to your neighbor, you must care for it till your neighbor arrives. And despite what we think about progressive ideals, God has thoughts about men wearing women’s clothes. Praise reports were numerous, and we recited the mourners kaddish, after which Rabbi Jonathan talked about his travels, and the High Holy Days. Whether a “gentile” (Christian) who is blessed to provoke the native born (Jews) to jealousy, or an invited neighbor, make sure to observe the feasts! Here is the High Holy Days Events Pamphlet.