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
- 481Built to Last: God-CenterednessThe sermon began with reading scripture from the book of Genesis, specifically focusing on God's creation of Adam and Eve. The preacher delved into the profound meaning of being created in the image of God, emphasizing that mankind was uniquely designed to reflect God's character. He emphasized that all humans have intrinsic worth, dignity, and the capacity for good because they bear God's image.The preacher then spoke about how sin distorts God's image in us. He walked us through the implications of the Fall, the event where Adam and Eve succumbed to the temptation in the Garden of Eden. He reminded us that this initial sin tarnished the image of God in us, leading to an inclination towards resentment, jealousy, anger, and lies. However, he ended on a note of hope, saying that through acknowledgement of sins, genuine repentance, and faith in Jesus Christ, we could once again mirror the image of God and restore our original design. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub
- 482Stand Alone Messages: Make It PersonalPastor Jon Gaus delivers a sermon titled "Make it Personal," focusing on discovering Jesus in the Old Testament and applying biblical truths to daily life. By comparing the complexity of the Old Testament to "Where's Waldo?", he explains how knowing what Jesus looks like helps us find Him throughout Scripture. Examples like Abraham's sacrifice of Isaac in Genesis 22 and Nehemiah's role as a precursor to the Messiah highlight Jesus' presence in the Old Testament. The sermon concludes by urging believers to daily walk in the Spirit, avoid comparisons, and commit to God's way of escape to fully embrace their new identity in Christ. Speaker: Jon Gaus
- 483Built to Last: Difference MakersDr. Jeff delivered a sermon titled "Difference Makers" in the series "Built to Last," emphasizing the importance of impacting future generations and being a light for God. He encouraged believers to use their gifts to build up the body of Christ and serve willingly and joyfully. The sermon highlighted biblical examples of difference makers and the value of those who serve behind the scenes. Dr. Jeff concluded by honoring the faithfulness of previous generations and calling the congregation to reflect on their spiritual foundation. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub
- 484Built to Last: Necessary PausesPastor Jeff Schwarzentraub's sermon "Necessary Pauses" emphasizes the importance of taking breaks to refocus on God's work, using examples from Nehemiah's dedication of Jerusalem's wall and Jesus' prioritization of relationship with God. Key points include confession and repentance, joyful celebration and generosity, and consecration to live differently for God. The sermon urges the congregation to pause amidst busyness, seek purity before God, give generously, and separate from worldly influences, drawing from biblical passages and stories to highlight these themes. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub
- 485Built to Last: House RulesPastor Jeff Schwarzentraub's sermon "House Rules" in the "Built to Last" series focuses on God's guidelines for His house, emphasizing the need to follow these rules to experience lasting favor and legacy. The sermon starts with a prayer for guidance in living according to God's word and stresses the importance of separating from ungodly influences and surrounding oneself with believers. Specific rules for God's house are discussed, including being distinct, serving generously, honoring God's law, and prioritizing marriage and family. The key message is to obey God's house rules diligently to receive His blessing, leave a lasting legacy, and live in alignment with His truth. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub
- 486Stand Alone Messages: The Battle for BreakthroughPastor Justin Hart shares a story about a radio conversation to illustrate how we often approach prayer, trying to change God's direction. He emphasizes listening to God's guidance to avoid collisions with problems. Through the example of Daniel, Pastor Justin teaches the power of prayer in seeking breakthrough. He urges us to engage in spiritual warfare, knowing our prayers are powerful and effective for bringing about breakthrough in our lives and in the world. Speaker: Justin Hart
- 487Families Fortified: God's Plan for Dominion: A Covenant FamilyPastor Jeff emphasizes the importance of family in God's plan, calling for unity and prayer in troubling times. He discusses the emotional impact of family dynamics and acknowledges diverse family situations. The sermon delves into the biblical foundation of the family, highlighting our identity in God's image and our purpose in gender roles. Pastor stresses the mission of the family to establish a godly lineage and advance God's Kingdom, urging listeners to embrace God's design and seek His guidance through challenges. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub
- 488Families Fortified: God's Plan for Marriage: A Vow to OnenessIn this sermon, Pastor Jeff emphasizes the importance of prayer and delves into the series on family and love, focusing on marriage as a vow to oneness. He highlights five truths about marriage, including regular listening, showing honor, intimacy, and the power of prayer. Pastor stresses the sacredness of marriage, encouraging couples to prioritize and invest in building strong, unified relationships through God's grace. The sermon provides practical guidance for cultivating a healthy marriage, grounded in biblical references and examples. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub
- 489Families Fortified: God's Plan for Responsibility: A Purposeful RolePastor Jeff's sermon, "God's Plan for Responsibility: A Purposeful Role," underscores understanding marital roles and responsibilities, highlighting the value and worth bestowed by God. Emphasizing distinct gender roles, he teaches on propagating the gospel through the family and the importance of maintaining the sanctity of marriage. Wives are instructed to honor God by submitting to their husbands with strength and husbands to love sacrificially, reflecting Christ's love for the church. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub
- 490Families Fortified: God's Plan For Modeling: Pace-Setters in the HomePastor Cal's sermon "Pace-Setters in the Home" focuses on encouraging fathers to be strong leaders in their families by practicing four key principles. He emphasizes the importance of fathers' involvement in their children's lives and acknowledges the impact of absent or emotionally unavailable fathers. Through personal stories and examples, Pastor Cal highlights the significance of practicing values, admitting shortcomings, showing affection, and exemplifying faith in Christ. Ultimately, he urges fathers to set the pace in their homes, positively influencing their children and building a strong foundation for their family. Speaker: Cal Rychener
- 491Families Fortified: God's Plan for Parenting: A Generational StrategyPastor Jeff delivered a sermon on parenting titled "God's Plan for Parenting: A Generational Strategy" emphasizing training children in fearing and obeying God, hearing and loving Him, honoring and worshiping Him, and testifying and trusting in Him to encounter His presence. The sermon focused on Deuteronomy 6, highlighting instructions for training children to fear, obey, hear, love, honor, worship, testify, and trust in God. Key points included parents modeling fear and obedience, teaching children to hear and love God through His Word, prioritizing honoring and worshiping God, and instilling in children the importance of testifying and trusting in Him. Pastor Jeff stressed the impact of following God's plan for parenting to create a legacy of faith in future generations. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub
- 492Families Fortified: God's Plan for Singles: Maximizing Your FaithfulnessThis week's sermon focused on emphasizing that singleness is a valuable stage in life and encouraging singles to embrace it with purpose. He highlights that Jesus and Paul were impactful singles who viewed singleness as an opportunity for faithful service. Pastor Jeff reminds singles to trust in God's plan, seek His guidance, and prioritize their relationship with Him over all else. He concludes by reassuring singles of God's presence, ability to fulfill His promises, and the importance of seeking wise counsel in navigating relationships. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub
- 493Families Fortified: God's Plan for Progress: Choose Well TodayPastor Jeff discussed the significant impact of honesty and authenticity on one's spiritual journey. He emphasized our need to be truthful in our interactions not only with ourselves but also with God and those around us. In his words, he urged us to replace disrepute with honesty and authenticity. He pointed us to the importance of not camouflaging our struggles, mistakes, or doubts, but rather exposing them to the light of truth. Pastor Jeff found it essential that we allow God's grace to pour into our lives; this openness invigorates us towards forgiveness and acceptance. He strongly advised seeking backing from a genuine and faith-filled community, a community that would walk hand in hand on the path to spiritual growth. Being open and truthful paves the way for healing, growth, and transformation. By making a choice in favor of truth and authenticity, he said, we unlock the doors to a freedom that exists only in truthfulness. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub
- 494Stand Alone Messages: Grow UpIn today's sermon, Pastor emphasized the importance of stepping into our callings as Christians, urging congregants to recognize that every believer is a minister, equipped to serve and affect change in their communities. He shared personal anecdotes and experiences from recent gatherings aimed at uplifting children in faith, showcasing the church's mission to stand resolutely against cultural challenges. The message also focused on the necessity of collective growth through intentional community engagement, such as cadres, which are designed to promote active discipleship and radical obedience to Jesus. Ultimately, Pastor reminded us that the church's strength lies in its members' commitment to live out their faith, demonstrating love and service beyond the walls of the church. Speaker: Justin Hart
- 495Stand Alone Messages: Radical Like JesusGreg Stier emphasizes the importance of being radical like Jesus, challenging the congregation to embody His values in their daily lives. He reflects on his personal journey and the transformative power of the gospel, sharing stories of how bold evangelism has changed lives, including his family's. Through practical steps, Greg urges church members to see the lost, feel compassion for them, and actively share the gospel in their communities. He concludes by encouraging everyone to pray fervently for the lost and live out their faith boldly, embodying the mission of Jesus in every aspect of life. Speaker: Greg Stier
- 496Stand Alone Messages: Let Your Kingdom ComePastor Jeff delivered a powerful message emphasizing the sovereignty of Jesus as King over His kingdom and the importance of giving Him our full allegiance as citizens of Heaven. He highlighted that Jesus expects His followers to actively participate in their civic duties, especially in the context of upcoming elections, underscoring the responsibility to vote according to biblical principles. In discussing the political landscape, Pastor outlined key values surrounding freedom, life, and national sovereignty, urging congregants to carefully consider their choices at the polls. Ultimately, Pastor Jeff encouraged believers to register, vote, and remain steadfast in their faith, reminding them that their actions can impact the direction of the nation for God's glory. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub
- 497Stay the Course: Real Saving FaithIn the sermon "Stay the Course," Pastor Jeff emphasizes the importance of understanding one's direction in faith and readiness to meet the Lord. He begins by urging listeners to reflect on their spiritual journey and to recognize the necessity of real saving faith, which he describes as a relationship grounded in humility, service, and the acknowledgment of Christ's transformative power. He highlights five key truths pertaining to real saving faith: the importance of humility over pride, the celebration of Christ's righteousness, deepening intimacy with the Lord to multiply grace and peace, recognizing the sufficiency of the Gospel, and relying on God's promises to navigate the challenges of worldly desires.Throughout the sermon, Pastor Jeff underscores that genuine faith is not merely about attending church or performing good deeds but involves a deep, personal relationship with Jesus that leads to profound internal transformation. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub
- 498Stay the Course: Guaranteed Assured FaithPastor Jeff discusses the assurance of salvation in the context of a new series titled "Stay the Course." He emphasizes the importance of recognizing our need for a savior and placing faith in Jesus to be saved, while also cultivating a relationship with him through moral excellence and Christlike virtues. Pastor Jeff highlights that true assurance of faith involves actively growing in these virtues and never forgetting that we are forgiven for our sins. Ultimately, by confirming God's calling and election in our lives, we can live confidently with the assurance that we belong to Him and will be sustained through life's challenges. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub
- 499Stay the Course: Consistently Communicating FaithPastor Jeff emphasizes the importance of constant communication with God as essential for spiritual growth and maintaining faith. He uses the analogy of a coach repeatedly teaching fundamentals to illustrate how believers need reminders of the gospel truths to stay the course. Drawing from the apostle Peter's teachings, Pastor Jeff encourages believers to be diligent in sharing their faith and being considerate of those who already believe, while also recognizing their own mortality and the urgency of their mission. Ultimately, the message empowers Christians to proactively live out their faith, reinforce their assurance of salvation, and share the gospel with others, knowing that it's a crucial task amidst a world often indifferent to the truth. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub
- 500Stay the Course: Biblically Rooted FaithPastor Jeff emphasizes the importance of having a biblically rooted faith anchored in the powerful return of Jesus Christ, historical eyewitness testimonies, and the trustworthy scriptures. He warns against the influence of false teachers who distort the truths of the Bible and the nature of Christ's return. The significance of aligning one's beliefs and life with the teachings of scripture is highlighted, showing that true faith is not based on mere personal experience but on the collective witness of those who encountered Jesus. Ultimately, Pastor Jeff calls for an eagerness to prepare for Christ's return through repentance and a deep commitment to God's word. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub
- 501Stay the Course: Identifying False TeachersPastor Jeff emphasizes the importance of identifying false teachers within the Church, highlighting how they can lead believers astray and undermine the truth of God's Word. Using biblical references, he warns that false teachers are deceptive, divisive, and often driven by greed and immorality, which makes them dangerous to the spiritual health of their listeners. Pastor Jeff urges the congregation to be vigilant in discerning the messages they receive, advocating for a deep commitment to the teachings of Scripture and a reliance on the authority of God's Word. He concludes by encouraging all to turn to Christ for genuine faith and salvation, reiterating the need for sound, biblical teaching in a world filled with misleading ideologies. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub
- 502Stay the Course: Understanding False TeachersPastor Jeff delivered a powerful sermon focusing on the dangers of false teachers, emphasizing their imminent and comprehensive destruction as warned in Scripture. He delineated the characteristics of false teachers, describing them as arrogant, ignorant, indulgent, adulterous, and immoral, highlighting how they over-promise and under-deliver while ultimately leading people away from the true message of Christ. Pastor Jeff reminded the congregation that true believers experience a change in nature through repentance and faith, which leads to genuine transformation in their lives. The message concluded with a call to seek God wholeheartedly and allow Him to change hearts and lives, underscoring the importance of discerning authentic faith from self-serving teachings. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub
- 503Stay the Course: Second Coming CertaintyPastor Jeff emphasized the certainty of Christ's second coming and the importance of adhering to God's Word. He highlighted the patience of God, explaining that His delay in returning is due to His desire for all to come to repentance. Pastor Jeff also addressed the increase of mockers and skeptics who dismiss the promises of God, encouraging the congregation to remain resolute in faith despite external doubts. Finally, he urged everyone to be ready for the Lord's judgment, reminding them of the significance of living in light of Christ's return and the hope it brings. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub
- 504Stand Alone Messages: Understanding the TimesPastor Jeff celebrates the 14th anniversary of Brave Church, highlighting not only the church's growth but also honoring veterans coinciding with Veterans Day. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the times by looking up to God in worship, looking back with gratitude for His faithfulness, and looking forward with faith in His promises. Throughout the sermon, he shares testimonies of God's continued work in the lives of the congregation and the community. Finally, he invites attendees to embrace their roles in advancing the Gospel and celebrates the baptism of 61 individuals, marking a significant moment in the church's journey. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub
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