BRAVE Church

Series

BRAVE Church

Pastor Jeff Schwarzentraub

Dig deep into the Bible. Explore the truths of God's word. Apply those concepts to your life and grow deeper in who God made you. Listen to the podcasts from BRAVE.

Podcasts

Older episodes

  1. 337Stand Alone Messages: Experiencing ChristIn one short verse of Galatians 2:20 we learn the secret to Paul living a victorious Christian life. In writing to the Galatians, he shared how the grace of God is what grows us and sanctifies rather than outward behaviors. This means that the Christian life is not about what I begin to do or stop doing that pleases God, rather it involves Christ being able to live His very life in and through me. This amazing truth helps us to root our identity in Jesus Christ and believe that we are truly everything that God says about us because we belong to Him. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub55 min
  2. 338Stand Alone Messages: Engage the MissionWhile we were certainly not saved "by" good works we were certainly saved "for" good works. Unfortunately, in our current Christian culture this challenging truth often gets neglected. Far too often fruitless religious activity has replaced being fully engaged in the mission of Jesus Christ. Worse yet, is the other extreme where Christian "couch potatoes" sit around and discuss theology without doing anything at all. The desire of our Lord Jesus Christ is that all people would serve Him and serve Him to the full. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub59 min
  3. 339Stand Alone Messages: Our God is AwesomePaul's doxologies in Ephesians 3:20-21 teach us about the character of our great God. When we truly understand our God, we learn that He is genuinely awesome! It's imperative for us as believers to truly understand our God in order to hunger in our pursuit of Him. The more that we learn from the revelation of God's Word the more we will grow to love and trust our God. As you hear and study this week's message may your heart hunger and thirst for a deeper relationship with our God! Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub54 min
  4. 340Guest Speakers: Transformed Into His LikenessSpeaker: Jon Gaus46 min
  5. 341Stand Alone Messages: It's Time to take the Next StepThis week we launched our ministry calendar and spent time considering where the Lord is leading BRAVE Church this year. Using Hebrews 11:1&6 as our main text, we discussed ways that we should take the next step of faith as a church and as individuals. Not only did we talk about depending upon the Lord, but also discussed that without faith it is impossible to please God. Therefore, if we want to please God we must take steps of faith. Four areas of growth were highlighted as well as 7 areas to consider at BRAVE Church this year. Let's continue to trust the Lord for a great year! Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub56 min
  6. 342The Kingdom Embassy: Getting StartedIn the same way it's important for us to check God's Word so that we understand all that God intends for His church rather than relying simply on our opinions and preferences. A Biblical understanding of the church is foundational for us because Jesus Christ established the church for His disciples to experience the kingdom of God on the earth. As His ambassadors, the gathered church is His Kingdom Embassy on earthly soil for God to accomplish everything He desires in and through His people through the power of the Holy Spirit. As we began this series we talked about three things every believer must have to be a long-term contributor to Christ's church. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub56 min
  7. 343The Kingdom Embassy: Trust the GospelWhile many people hold onto politics, money, prestige and influence the Word of God instructs us to trust Jesus Christ and His gospel. The gospel is not simply a set of beliefs to get a person into heaven. The gospel is a profound mystery of Christ in us, the hope of glory. When a person trusts the good news of the gospel, Jesus Christ completely forgives them and comes to dwell inside of them through the Holy Spirit. While this relationship begins here on the earth, it continues throughout eternity. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub49 min
  8. 344The Kingdom Embassy: In the Glorious BattleAlthough we only looked at three verses they provided insight into how we can continue forward in our relationship with the Lord. As the Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy we hear His heart for being bold and resolute in His ministry for Christ even though it will be opposed. God not only saved you to bring you to heaven but so that you could be His enlisted soldier for the Gospel. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub1 hr 2 min
  9. 345The Kingdom Embassy: Prioritizing Prayer for the LostPraying for the lost to hear and experience a witness of the Gospel is of primary importance in the local church. Sometimes as believers we set up fences between ourselves and believers and instead of praying for them to hear the Gospel we fight them on the ground of principles. Paul instructs Timothy that the primary witness in a church should be that all of God's people are praying for everybody. This means that people in our culture that are far from God, should be regularly lifted up in prayer believing that if God changed their heart, the world would be a different place. May we be encouraged this week to pray for the lost in our sphere of influence. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub55 min
  10. 346The Kingdom Embassy: God's Design for Women in the ChurchSince God has established His church to reflect the values of the kingdom on planet earth it would benefit us to honor His Word in every way. As we study gender we understand that God is creator of human beings and the designer of male and female as the only two genders. Men and women are completely different but of equal value in the sight of the Lord. Understanding and applying God's Word will help us in our cultural sea of uncertainty and provide love and direction for God's people in the coming days. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub56 min
  11. 347The Kingdom Embassy: The Men Who Lead Christ's ChurchIt is essential to understand that God created both men and women with equal value but has distinct roles for each gender within His kingdom. God has designed the heart of a man to be a protector and a provider and to live with courage and integrity. As the Holy Spirit lays out the requirements for an overseer, it is imperative that every man understand that these are the character qualities He wants all men to have. Even if a man does not serve in the role of an overseer, he certainly will want to hold to these standards in his own life and ministry. May the Holy Spirit of God use His Word to conform the men at BRAVE Church into His image. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub59 min
  12. 348The Kingdom Embassy: Serving Christ's ChurchCharacter and conduct are the bedrock for solid Christian service. Sometimes, service can be considered to be a work for someone else so that we can receive a benefit from them. At other times we do indeed serve but miss out on the blessings of serving because we are only serving in order to be noticed. Pride can easily creep into our minds if we do not allow the Spirit of God to shape us. The truth, however, is that we have been created by Jesus Christ for service and we are most truly alive when we are serving Him. As you listen to this week's message and engage these questions, consider how the Lord may lead you to be of your greatest service to Him. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub57 min
  13. 349Stand Alone Messages: How Can I Inherit Eternal Life?"How can I inherit eternal life?" Human beings were created differently than anything else in God's creation. We were created in His image, which is why asking the question about life after death is essential to what it means to be human. The truth is that God wants you to know how to have a relationship with Him and wants you to be in relationship with Him. My encouragement to you is to listen to the message this week and respond to the good news that Jesus Christ wants a relationship with you. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub41 min
  14. 350The Kingdom Embassy: Consistent Good ServiceIn this message Pastor Jeff discusses how we as believers in Christ can have consistently good service to our Lord and to other people. Four lessons emerged from the text that are important for every believer to understand for their personal growth. If we will listen to God's Word and apply His truth into our lives we can live as good servants of the Lord Jesus Christ. Some of these lessons are difficult to hear and some are difficult to implement but with the help of the Holy Spirit these truths are foundational for continued maturity in Christ. Once you have listened to this week's message, please consider your own life as a servant of Christ and carefully consider how Jesus is guiding you. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub55 min
  15. 351The Kingdom Embassy: A Prophetic CallingLearning about a prophet can help one understand if he is called to be a prophet and also help those listening to see if they are truly hearing God. In a world where we have experienced lies, it is imperative to discern if we are indeed listening to the truth. Understanding the five marks of a prophet helps us in our ability to hear, believe, grow, trust and hope in the Gospel. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub1 hr 3 min
  16. 352The Kingdom Embassy: Caring For Your Spiritual FamilyWhen a person is born again they are placed into the Body of Christ. Since every believer now shares the same Heavenly Father we are all brothers and sisters in Christ. In other words, Christians are now a spiritual family. Therefore, God gives clear instruction for his children to relate to one another in His Church. These instructions not only teach us how to have a great love for one another but also provide a great witness to the world. Knowing how to treat older and younger men as well as older and younger women is paramount to our walk with Jesus Christ. Also taking care of widows, which demonstrates the very heart of God, should also be on the forefront of our minds. After you listen to this week's sermon, engage in the following questions in order to help you grow in your relationship with Jesus Christ. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub54 min
  17. 353The Kingdom Embassy: How to Treat Church LeadersGod loves the church and has appointed leadership in His Church so that the kingdom of God can be advanced on the planet. God loves those who lead for Him and He desires His Church to love and honor those leaders as well. As we learn about the different types of leaders in the church, it is also important to understand how to respond to leadership in a way that honors God. Following God's Word on these matters is essential for healthy and strong leadership in the church, and will allow the Holy Spirit to pour out blessing on the church. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub56 min
  18. 354The Kingdom Embassy: Growth in GodlinessSpeaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub59 min
  19. 355The Kingdom Embassy: Growth in GodlinessJust as there are skill sets to grow in relationships, finances, marriage, and parenting, God has provided a means for us to grow in godliness. A growing devotion and reverence for Christ is not automatic and requires a rejection of certain errors so that we can move forward. While these challenges from God's Word are often difficult to hear, they are necessary for understanding how God works to grow us. However, the key is not simply knowing what to do but being willing to apply God's truth to our lives. Consider what application God wants you to make from this week's message. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub59 min
  20. 356The Kingdom Embassy: Fight the Good FightBefore we are saved we are in a spiritual battle with the devil but have yet to realize that fact. Once we are saved, we learn that the devil, the world and our sinful selves attempt to limit us from God's best. The Scriptures teach that when we are on mission for Him that we are the most satisfied and He is the most glorified. We live in a world that is hostile to Jesus Christ, churches that are complacent and apathetic, and countless souls that need to hear and see a demonstration of the Spirit of God in power. As Paul concludes His letter to Timothy, he provides four commands that are essential to allow the church to bring the greatest glory to the Lord. As you listen to the message and read the study questions, consider what application the Lord wants you to make from His Word today. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub1 hr 2 min
  21. 357Mission Critical: Jesus Wants YouOnce we are saved that we are disciples of Christ who are called to grow into His likeness. The reality is that Jesus wants YOU! God the Father demonstrated His love to the world by sending His only begotten so that whoever believed would not perish but have Eternal Life. Jesus Christ paid the penalty for all the sins of humanity on the cross for everyone who believes. This free gift is received by grace through faith. However, once you become a believer, Jesus Christ demands full allegiance to Him and His mission on planet earth. This week we discussed four actions that Jesus wants every one of His followers to take. Although the call can be demanding, it also provides the greatest joy and peace for those who follow Him. May the Holy Spirit guide and convict you so that you may become all that God has purposed for you to become. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub57 min
  22. 358Mission Critical: Genuine TransformationGod's design for every believer is to be transformed and conformed to the image of Christ. Using 2 Corinthians 5:14-21 as a foundation we discussed four truths for experiencing total transformation. Allowing God's Word to shape you will help you grow into all that God has designed for you. God's love for you is so great that He will accept you right where you are, but not allow you stay there. Understanding God's love for you and His purpose for you is paramount to experiencing God transforming power. Understanding the truth of God's Word will help you in your growth with Christ and help you become a better ambassador for Him. May His grace about to you as you reflect on this week's message. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub47 min
  23. 359Mission Critical: The Holy Spirit and You: Living in the Spirit's FullnessWhile it is clear from the Scriptures that we are given the person of the Holy Spirit to indwell us when we believe, the Scriptures also make clear the need for us to continue to be filled with Him. This means that we received ALL of the Holy Spirit when we believed, but the Holy Spirit may not still have all of us. Today we were asked to pray daily for the filling of the Holy Spirit so that we can be more effective in our mission. Considering the purpose of Spirit's is essential to help you experience the fullness of Jesus Christ. May your pursuit of the Lord allow the Holy Spirit to fill you afresh this week. Speaker: Cal Rychener50 min
  24. 360Mission Critical: Experiencing More of the Holy SpiritThe primary ministry of the Holy Spirit is to magnify the resurrected Christ. When Jesus Christ was on the earth the Holy Spirit descending upon Him at His baptism and remained upon Him for ministry. After Jesus rose from the dead and ascended into heaven the Holy Spirit was dispensed upon His disciples so that their personal ministry would glorify the resurrected Christ. What the Spirit accomplished through Jesus Christ He still desires to accomplish through His church today. Using selected Scriptures God showed us much about the ministry of the Holy Spirit and His desire to work in and through our lives. May you hunger and desire more of the Spirit's work. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub57 min

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