BRAVE Church
Pastor Jeff SchwarzentraubDig 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
- 361Mission Critical: Three Critical ConfessionsThis week we discussed the three critical confessions that God desires every person to make. Understanding and living these confessions changes a believer by faith. You see, a confession is made by faith through agreement with the Word of God. When your lips confess what the inerrant Word of God reveals your life begins to change by faith. These three clear confessions will help the believer towards wholeness and help them grow in their intimacy with Christ. In addition to the teaching this week Pastor Jeff shared the vision of where BRAVE Church is heading and some of the marvelous ways God is at work among us. May we continue to thank God for His goodness and kindness towards all of us. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub
- 362The Greatest: The Supremacy of Jesus ChristIn the first three verses of Hebrews seven attributes of our Lord and Savior are listed. Each of these attributes are extremely powerful and exclusive. Just a casual reading of the book of Hebrews causes the reader to pause and understand that Jesus Christ is the premier prophet, priest and king. When understood properly the book continues to ask the reader, "How are you going to respond to the greatness of Jesus Christ?" Throughout our study we are going to see the greatness of Jesus Christ on display and will then be forced to respond to His greatness. This sermon series is going to be a great journey and if you seek the Lord and open your heart you will be in a deeper and more mature place with the Lord when this study is complete. So, let's get started and begin to understand the greatness of our God. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub
- 363The Greatest: Greater than AngelsAngels are spiritual beings created by God for the purpose of serving and worshipping Him. They were used of God to bring the law to the Jews and are seen throughout Scripture as powerful messengers and worshippers of God. The author of Hebrews through the wisdom of the Holy Spirit wants us to know that Jesus Christ is greater than the angels because of what He possesses. Throughout this message we discussed the superiority of Jesus Christ and why this is important for the believer. As you listen to the message and answer the following questions may your heart be stirred to the importance of understand that Jesus Christ is superior to angels. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub
- 364The Greatest: Pay Close Attention"May I have your attention, please?" This question may perk our interest but often times we are simply reminded of a truth we already understand. Therefore, at times when we are warned we simply do not pay attention to the warning. This can be very true for us in our relationship with God. Sometimes when we read or hear warning passages read, we think this is a passage for someone else because "I know that I am already saved." However, the purpose of warning passages instructs the believer and admonishes the unbeliever to be sincere about their relationship with Jesus Christ. At times, warning passages can be challenging but they are essential for us to continue in a right relationship with God. As you listen to the message this week, open your heart and allow God to do some "spiritual surgery" on you so that you can experience a greater measure of His grace. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub
- 365The Greatest: The Humiliation of the IncarnationIn this message, we discuss the incarnation of Jesus Christ and the humility He endured on our behalf. Jesus Christ, as the second person of the Trinity, has always existed and yet just over 2000 years ago He put on flesh and became a man. In humility, Jesus Christ came to earth, fulfilled the law, died on the cross and rose from the dead so that we who have sinned and are deserving death may be completely forgiven and may experience the Life of Christ. While many Christians understand the concept of the incarnation many have not spent the time growing in an understanding of the humility of what Christ endured for us. The author of Hebrews wants us to understand that Jesus Christ was willing to be humiliated so that we could be in a right relationship with God. As you listen to this message and engage with the questions below may God give you a greater awareness of all of His work to demonstrate His love for you. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub
- 366The Greatest: Obey TodayIn this message, we see that the single greatest way to grow in your relationship with Christ is to Obey Today. To experience God's favor and blessing requires that you listen to His voice and honor him through taking the next step of faith He requires. Sometimes we get into a rut in our faith because we are hearing the Word of God without putting it into practice. The greatest way to grow in wisdom, knowledge and stature is to hear His voice and obey what He says. When we hear the word "obedience" we can often think about someone being domineering over us that doesn't care for us. But God designed us and through obedience, we experience the greatest joy and God receives the greatest glory. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub
- 367The Greatest: The FOMO In The GospelMillennials sometimes use the word FOMO to describe the Fear of Missing Out. This message discusses the healthy fear of missing out on the truth of the Gospel. One of the greatest questions we can ask and answer is, "Am I really saved?" This is a question that even churchgoers must ask. You see, we only have the time while we are still alive to make a decision for Jesus Christ to be the Lord of our lives. The author of Hebrews goes to great lengths to help his readers and listeners understand the importance of settling the issue of salvation. This resolve can bring rest now and rest in the future with Christ. The challenge is that many people today either falsely believe they are Christians or simply do not see the gravity of not believing in the Lord Jesus Christ. In this chapter of Hebrews, we see the imperative to turn from sin and turn to Christ. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub
- 368The Greatest: Our Great High PriestThe author of Hebrews continues to demonstrate that Jesus Christ is the greatest. In this message, we learn that Jesus Christ is the greatest high priest, which begs three questions for us to ask and examine. First, what is a high priest? Next, why is Jesus Christ the great high priest? Finally, what is the benefit of Jesus Christ being our great high priest? Asking and answering these questions will help us understand how fortunate we are to have Jesus Christ mediate on our behalf. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub
- 369Guest Speakers: Unlikely FighterGod uses unlikely fighters to face unbeatable giants so he can accomplish an unimaginable victory! Speaker: Greg Stier
- 370The Greatest: The Danger of Spiritual LethargyThis message discusses another warning passage that demonstrates some who have experienced Jesus Christ have never made Him the Lord of their lives. It is a warning to anyone who falsely thinks that by simply having a positive encounter or experience that they are truly saved. Salvation is a gift from God that is appropriated through repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior. This sobering text warns the false professor that to get that close to the faith and then commit apostasy makes it impossible to ever return to Christ. When properly understood this text encourages the believer and invites the false professor to repentance. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub
- 371The Greatest: Strengthening the Hope of Your SalvationAfter warning about the dangers of those who refused to make Jesus Christ their personal Lord and Savior, the author of Hebrews transitions to encouraging the saved. He calls many of His listeners Beloved and tells them they possess many things that accompany salvation. This text in Hebrews encourages the believer by showing them not only what accompanies salvation, but also how to strengthen their hope in their own personal salvation. Here we learn from God not only what accompanies salvation, but also where to place our focus so that our hope in Christ will grow. May this message provide hope for each and every believer that listens. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub
- 372Stand Alone Messages: Easter Sunday 2022Jesus came to seek and save those who are lost. This Easter, we look at the two sons in the story of the Prodigal Son and how the heart of the father is of love no matter what - just like the heart of our Heavenly Father. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub
- 373Stand Alone Messages: Pause to PraiseOften times we get so caught up in moving forward and getting to the next thing, that we don't stop to thank God for all the ways He blesses us. As we celebrate the first Sunday in our Englewood North building, we take time to pause and praise Him for His mighty work and provision in this season and over the life of BRAVE Church. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub
- 374The Greatest: Christ's Superior PriesthoodThis message discusses Christ's superior priesthood. Converted Jews in the first century had become concerned because they no longer had a priest. Since becoming Christians, they were no longer welcomed back into their Jewish faith and therefore didn't know where to get the spiritual help they needed. The author of Hebrews answers this question using the Hebrew Scriptures to demonstrate that there has always been a priesthood of a higher order that provides everything they would ever need. By studying the order of priesthood of Melchizedek we learned about Christ and His superior priesthood, and how he is the only priest they will ever need moving forward. Understanding the Lord Jesus Christ as your Great High Priest will provide great comfort for every believer. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub
- 375The Greatest: Christ's Prevailing PriesthoodThis message examines not only how Christ's priesthood was superior but how it has prevailed. Because Jesus Christ is from the order of Melchizadek, he is the only One who qualifies as the eternal high priest. God in His Word promised that Jesus Christ would be the great prevailing High Priest and that He would be preferable. As we study the work of Christ's priesthood we learn about His better covenant, His permeance and the fact that he prays for us. His perfect nature with His personal attention makes Christ the Greatest High Priest of all time. Knowing that God hears us and intercedes for us gives us a great confidence and hope in Him. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub
- 376The Greatest: Superior MinistryThis message examines Hebrews chapter 8 and the superior ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ as our Great High Priest. Our society balks at the fact that Jesus Christ is the only way to God and even young, immature Christians can often doubt the validity of Christ's exclusivity. However, Hebrews chapter 8 highlights the superior ministry of the priesthood of Jesus Christ and demonstrates why He and He alone provides for everything we need. When Jesus inaugurated the New Covenant, everything changed. Jesus Christ fulfilled the law and therefore the types and shadows of the Old Testament are no longer necessary for relating to God. Because in our sinful hearts we often prefer religion to reality, God makes it clear that Jesus Christ is everything we need. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub
- 377The Greatest: The Blood of ChristToday, many people in the church want to talk about all the benefits of Christ but refuse to talk about the necessity of His shed blood. Throughout Hebrews 9, we hear about need and blessings that result from Jesus Christ shedding His blood on Calvary. If Jesus Christ had not shed His blood on the cross, we would not be able to have our sins cleansed, would not have access to God, and would not have a secure inheritance. However, Jesus Christ did indeed die for our sins and rose from the dead so that through repentance and faith, we can have life in His name and look forward to being in His presence for all eternity. Throughout this message, we discussed four truths about the blood of Christ that help us grow in our intimacy with God. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub
- 378The Greatest: Believe Your BlessingsThis message challenges believers to believe their blessings. In the church, we often encourage people to count their blessings, perhaps even enjoy their blessings, but it's rare when Christians truly believe their blessings and live differently as a result. Through Christ's death, burial and resurrection we have been offered a new life. While it's imperative to talk about the necessity of the cross it's just as imperative to talk about our new life in Christ. We have the hope of Christ in us and with that hope, we have so many blessings that God wants us to have and enjoy. A thorough understanding of Hebrews 10:1-25 will instill confidence, freedom, joy and hope in the life of a believer. Take the time to ponder these truths from God's Word and live the Christ-centered life God intended for you. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub
- 379The Greatest: BewareThis week we discussed the fourth warning passage in the book of Hebrews. The author is telling us to beware of certain things that will impact our spiritual growth. God places warning passages in the Scriptures for our own good. For the believer it reminds us to stay the course and for the unbeliever it is an exhortation to trust Christ. Furthermore, for the one who is ready to turn their back on Jesus Christ it is a warning to avoid a decision that has negative eternal consequences. God is so good and loving that He goes to great lengths to ensure that we will continue to pursue Him in all that we do. May this passage of Scripture encourage you to trust Christ more deeply than you ever have before. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub
- 380The Greatest: Faith is KeyHebrews 11 helps us to comprehend the significance of faith in the life of a believer. Understanding and applying faith in our life pleases God and unleashes His favor upon us. The challenge with faith is the ability to believe it before we see it. In our world of uncertainty, we are often taught to see things before we believe them. God wants us to trust Him FIRST and then we will see the result of our faith. This takes spiritual discernment and practice so that we can grow in this discipline. Faith is not only an essential ingredient in the life of a believer but is the key to growth. Studying this passage will unlock opportunities for you to grow as a believer. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub
- 381The Greatest: The Challenges to FaithThis week we highlighted Hebrews 11:7-22 and discussed the challenges to faith. Many times, when we are encouraged to grow in our faith our motivation wanes due to challenges that appear. Because the Christian life is not automatic it is imperative to be aware of the challenges that will occur once we begin to take steps of faith. Knowing the challenges on our path help us to navigate properly with the Lord, which also keep us from being surprised. The enemy of your soul hates faithfulness and so he uses these challenges to keep us from experiencing God's best. May this teaching open your eyes to the some of the challenges that you will face so that you can be an overcomer. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub
- 382The Greatest: Living the Life of FaithThis week we focused our attention on the life of Moses and four immediate steps of faith that believers can choose to take so that they can live the life of faith that God requires. Pastor Jeff has often said that the most difficult step you will ever take is the next one. But how can we know the next step? This week we discussed that regardless of circumstances, age, geographic location or what decision needs to be made that God has shown us four choices we can make that will propel us forward. If your life with Christ is in a rut or you are at a standstill, then taking these steps provide ways for you to continue on a path with Jesus. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub
- 383The Greatest: The Celebration of FaithThis week we discussed the need to celebrate God when we recognize faithfulness in His servants. Often, when people are faithful, we celebrate them rather than the God who is working through them to make them faithful. At the end of chapter 11 in the book of Hebrews the author discusses some of God's faithful acts through His servants. Not only do we see that God is worthy of being celebrated but we also learn that each of His chosen servants is sinful and broken. The great encouragement for us is simply that if God was able to use sinful and broken people in the past then He is able to work through us today as well. As you listen to this week's message may you glorify God and celebrate His great work through people throughout history. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub
- 384The Greatest: Faithful FinishersThis week we addressed the need to be faithful finishers for the Lord Jesus Christ. Right after the author spends an entire chapter discussing those who died in faith he tells us the reason he was addressing them. The reason is so that we know we have a great cloud of witnesses who have gone before us and if they can finish faithfully, then so can we. In the church today we need more men and women who live lives of faith that are examples of the Lord Jesus Christ. Christ desires to live his life through each and every one of us and this passage teaches us how to persevere in faith all the way until we meet Jesus. May this message and these questions help you understand how you can be strong to the finish. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub
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