BRAVE Church

Speaker: Jon Gaus

Speaker: Justin Hart

Speaker: Cal Rychener

In our current "woke" culture, God's design for gender is being neglected to follow satanic ideologies that promote the LGTBQ agenda. At BRAVE we champion the Word of God and desire that both men and women can live out the fullness of their design and calling. On Mother's Day we celebrated women by studying Proverbs 31. This week, on Father's Day, we specifically addressed the men as we studied Paul's exhortation to the Corinthians at the end of his first letter. The need of the hour is for men to be men and stand up and lead so that Christ can be glorified, and our culture will turn their hearts back to God. May this week's message be an encouragement to both our men and women as we seek to honor the Lord. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

This week we concluded the book of Exodus as we learned how to experience God's glory. God's purpose in delivering Israel out of the bondage of Egypt was not simply to get them to the promised land. God's purpose was so that He could dwell with them. Early in the book He demonstrates His sovereignty and power as He plans and executes the delivery of the nation. As Israel meets at Mt. Sinai, they learn that God has a way that He desires them to live so that He can dwell with them. God's desire has always been to have a relationship with His people and not just be distant. We see the fullness of God's love for us in sending Jesus Christ to the world so that he could "tabernacle" among us. God still wants to dwell with us and live with us as we journey through life. May the conclusion of this series in Exodus help you walk out your relationship with Jesus Christ. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

This week we discussed the importance of God's Presence and what is required for us to experience Him. Instead of religious rituals and routines we must experience God's Presence to accomplish God's purpose. So often, we rely on leadership seminars, self-esteem boosts, and self-help guides rather than the very presence of God. The reason people are leaving the church in droves and many people say that Christianity is a myth is because the Presence of God is lacking in our lives and in our ministries. There is a major difference between seeking God's blessings and favor and seeking God Himself. May we be a people who seek the face of God rather than the hand of God. May Jesus Christ be high and lifted up and exalted in our lives! As you listen to this message, ask yourself what changes you may need to make for the Lord's Presence to be manifest in your life. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

This week we discussed the appetite that we have for idolatry. God's greatest desire is to be worshipped because He is the ONLY ONE worthy of our best. This is why the first commandment begins with the law to worship the Lord your God and serve Him only. The second commandment builds off the first that you should have no graven images. This means that God is to be completely worshipped and there should not even be a hint of giving our allegiance to someone or something other than God. Israel had experienced the power, protection, provision, and the presence of God throughout their journey and yet still they fashioned a golden calf to worship in their own way. While we may not worship a cow or something made of jewelry, we do have a proclivity in our sinful nature to find something convenient and self-serving to worship. In Exodus 32 we learn about this appetite for idolatry so that we can avoid it all costs. May this week's message help you grow in your love and adoration of our great God. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

This week on Mother's Day we addressed the significant value of a woman from Proverbs 31. In this text King Lemuel recalls to mind what his mother has taught him about the value of a woman and the kind of wife he was going to need to be successful in his calling. Throughout this great text of Scripture, one learns of God's design, love and purpose for women. In our current culture that denigrates and devalues women, God elevates and encourages women to be the fullness of what God has created them to become. This inspirational and aspirational text not only blesses women but also helps men to understand how valuable women are to them being their best for Christ. God's complementary design for gender is beautiful and our Creator is worthy of praise for His efforts. May this week's message encourage you to trust our God's authority on gender and His design for women. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

This week we studied Exodus 30 and 31 as God gave further instructions for how the tabernacle was to be erected. As we continue to learn about God's dealings with Israel, we see just how important it was for His people to understand how to worship Him. In this section of the Scriptures, we learned five ways of being an authentic worshipper. This was not a message about style and structure but rather what was needed in the heart of a worshipper of God. These five truths about authentic worship will be helpful to the new believer as well as to the seasoned veteran in their faith. Until we meet Jesus Christ we can continue to grow in our knowledge and ability to worship the Lord. May this week's message and the following questions encourage and challenge you to grow as a worshipper of the Lord Jesus Christ. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

This week we discussed the role of Priestly Garments and how they were necessary for leading God's people and foreshadowing the coming Messiah. While this section of Scripture may not be the most riveting for the modern-day reader, we see the great deal that God reveals in order that we will understand the importance of the text. God not only wanted his place of worship, the Tabernacle, to be built according to his instructions but also wanted the priests to minister according to His plan as well. Throughout these two chapters in Exodus, we learn how God wanted His priests to dress and to be set apart in order to minister on His behalf. God takes worship and ministry seriously and desires that His instructions be followed. Ultimately, we learn that Jesus Christ, the Great High Priest, is the fulfillment of everything that is being foreshadowed in this text. May your understand of God's Word grow this week as you discover his plans for Priestly Garments and the way in which they are called to serve the Lord. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

This week we discussed the importance to challenge one another for the mission of Jesus Christ. The message was personalized to discuss how CADRES help us at BRAVE to connect with others for the purpose of obedience and mission. Throughout the message the 3 thirds format was clarified for how we will make disciples who are growing in obedience that results in mission. As BRAVE takes its next step of faith To Challenge BRAVE Warriors for Courageous Kingdom Advancement, we invite you to connect with other believers to fulfill Christ's calling in you. When it comes to the mission of Jesus Christ this is what you were created for and what you are being called to do. May the Lord bless you as you continue to take your next steps of faith. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

This week we discussed the Good News of the Gospel and how to be successful in sharing the message of Christ. So often as believers, the message of the Gospel is in our hearts but we neglect our duty to serve Christ as His ambassador. However, sometimes the reason we are not involved in Gospel ministry is simply because we either don't know how to share it or falsely believe we are not ready. Often we have seen other people share the Gospel and we think we will not be able to do that or they are not the model for what we want to become. Either way, we neglect our responsibility to share Christ with others. Therefore, it is imperative that we look at God's Word and learn how to be ready to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ through our own temperament and personality. Throughout this week's message we laid a foundation for the Gospel and 5 keys for how to share it. May the words of this week's message be an encouragement to you. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

This week we continued our series entitled The Kingdom Invasion. First, we studied the uniqueness of Jesus Christ and His ministry here on the earth. Next, we looked at His powerful ministry over demons, disease and even death. We then saw how Jesus Christ did not just do ministry Himself, but delegated ministry to His twelve apostles who He instructed to do exactly what He was doing. Most Christians agree to these truths and even celebrate them. This week, however, we studied how Jesus Christ did not just stop with the 12 but appointed 70 others (perhaps 72 in your translation) and sent them out to do exactly what He had sent the 12 to do. This demonstrates that Jesus was not just using the twelve but was also using normal, anonymous saints. The implications of this truth are important for us to understand because Jesus Christ still wants to use His Church to do the exact same things that He did during His earthly ministry. May the truths of this week's message and the application of God's Word grow your joy in Christ as you live on mission for Him. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

This week we studied Matthew 10 and leaned about Jesus Christ's first commissioning of the Twelve and the way in which He taught His apostles. Often, we read the Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20 and falsely think that Jesus is now sending them out on mission for the very first time. However, upon further review we learn that He has been training and sending them all along. This week we studied four ways that He trained His twelve disciples. We learned that He had been asking them to pray to the Lord to send out workers into His field. We saw that He was asking them to pray so that they would be prepared to go. The fields are always ripe unto harvest, but the problem has always been that there are not enough people willing to go. Studying this passage should motivate you to not just learn the Word but to be ready to be sent by the Lord. May this week's message encourage you to stay on mission. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

This week we continued our series, entitled The Kingdom Invasion, by studying three powerful stories in Mark 5. Throughout the text we learned how Jesus Christ has authority and power over demons, disease and even death. As a believer, knowing about the authority and power of Christ helps us as we share the Gospel and as we grow in sanctification. Instead of looking at our problems or earthly solutions, God calls us to focus completely on Him. As circumstances cause you to feel desperate, act in faith and look to Jesus Christ. May this study on the life of Christ be an encouragement to you as you continue to walk with Him. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

This week we started a new series entitled, The Kingdom Invasion. We began this series by looking at Mark Chapter 1 and seeing ten of the reasons why the ministry of Jesus Christ was very unique. These ten words demonstrate that there is no one like our God. As we prepare for Easter, we will continue to not only see how Jesus did ministry but how he invited us to do ministry in the same way as He modeled for us. Throughout the history of the Church, we have sometimes veered off course at times and missed God's best for us. While we can talk about missions, evangelism, and discipleship we sometimes do a better job of talking about it rather than living the life of a disciple. However, we know that "the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk, but of power" (1 Corinthians 4:20). As we continue to journey with Christ may we become more aware of how to minister the way that Jesus Christ is encouraging us to do it. May this week's message open your heart to how Jesus' ministry was accomplished and how we can follow His methodology. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

This week we discussed the purpose for the Tabernacle so that we would understand the heart of God for His people. Often when reading the Old Testament some Christians are confused about the application of the text for today. As we studied the Tabernacle, we learned about all that God wanted to do to demonstrate His holiness and His desire to dwell with His people. Having a proper understanding of the Tabernacle helps believers today to better comprehend God's purposes in our world today. The tabernacle also helps us understand the person and work of Jesus Christ in greater measure. The reality is that God loves us and wants to be present and central in our lives today. May this week's message be a strong encouragement in your relationship with Jesus Christ. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

This week we discussed what God calls a man to be and to do. So many men in our culture are confused and have a difficult time understanding what they need to be doing. Regardless of vocation, a man is designed by God to serve God. As we have studied the life of Moses we have seen how he was God's chosen instrument by design and what the Lord was requiring of him. Through a study of his life we learn valuable lessons about calling and how the Lord wants us to respond to Him. This week's message highlighted four activities that men are called to engage if they are going to be the fullness of Jesus Christ. May the teaching of His Word grow and bless you. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

This week we covered quite a bit of ground from Exodus 21:1-23:9. We learned and discovered God's love and justice in His Law. These chapters cover Case Law for the nation of Israel. In other words, God demonstrates how to apply His law using different scenarios that may occur within His covenant community. Although Christ is the fulfillment of the law and these laws do not specifically apply to us today, the understanding of God's heart behind His law for Israel is important for us to understand as believers today. Too often people believe that the Laws of God are not binding and therefore we do not need to be acquainted with them. As we understand the law we learn of God's heart for His people (images bearers), property, possessions, principles, and priorities. Although this may be the only message you ever hear on these chapters, it is important to appreciate and honor God's heart in the giving of the Law. May this message be an encouragement to you as you continue to seek the Lord. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

This week as a church we ended our 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting. It was such a joy to know that so many different people had participated in a variety of ways. Seeking the Lord is such a blessing, but as we know, for every spiritual high there can be an equal spiritual low. The more you desire to see the face of the Lord the more opposition, resistance and temptation you will experience. For these reasons we studied what Jesus experienced after His forty day fast in the wilderness. Although Jesus Christ is God and it would have been impossible for Him to sin, we can learn much about how He handled temptation. As believers, we now have Christ living in us and therefore can allow Christ to live in and through us when we experience temptation. As you study the strategic work of our enemy, it is important to learn when, where and how you are personally most vulnerable for attack. Also, it will help to know what to do when you experience temptation and opposition. Speaking God's Living and Active Word is a cure for all that comes your way. May this week's message be a strong encouragement to you. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

This week we studied the Ten Commands and the uniqueness of God's holiness in relationship to that of sinful man. We learned that the law is good and useful for us in our lives if we understand the purpose of the law. God uses the law to define His holiness, our sinfulness and a need for forgiveness. In the Old Testament the sacrificial system was established so that blood could be shed to cover sin. However, in the New Testament, Jesus Christ comes as Lord and Savior to die on the cross and shed his blood so that once and for all our sins can be completely wiped away. We are instructed to celebrate the law and honor the law but in Christ we find the end of the law for those who believe. Jesus Christ fulfilled the law and is now living in the hearts of those who believe. This means I am not trying to adhere to the rigorous demands of the law, but rather trusting Jesus Christ to live out His purposes of the law in and through me. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

This week we discussed the holiness of God and why it is so important that we know His character if we are going to approach Him. In Exodus 19 we see the nation of Israel being introduced to the God who performed all the amazing works and wonders to deliver them from the hand of the Egyptians. Here at Mt. Sinai, Moses is summoned to the top of the mountain to receive instructions for how this meeting is to take place. He returns and tells them how to prepare themselves for meeting the God of the universe. They are told to consecrate themselves for three days so that they will be ready to meet with God. They are also told to keep their distance when they approach Him. If they or anyone else or an animal crosses the boundary that has been established, they will be put to death. God arrives as fire on the mountain, and they experience an earthquake all of Israel is terrified! God is so holy that Israel needs to recognize He is unlike anyone or anything they have ever known. As Moses warns the people it is a reminder that we must warn people about the holiness of God. Without understanding God's holiness, we miss out on the fullness of the Gospel. May this week's message challenge and encourage you in your walk with Jesus Christ. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

This week we discussed how we can strengthen our relationship with Jesus Christ and how we can become a leader of leaders. Once a person is saved there is a strong desire to serve the Lord, but often we don't feel like we are doing a good enough job. Books, leadership conferences, podcasts attempt to help us gain the confidence we need but often leave us feeling inept and believing that we are just not ready to make disciples. The enemy works overtime to show us how we are not able to be used by God to the full, which leads to discouragement. Thankfully, God's Word provides insight in how we can best serve the Lord and how it is possible for every single believer to have influence in a mighty way. May this week's message encourage and bless you as you take steps with the Lord to invest in others. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

This week we kicked off the 2023 calendar year with a message from Mark 9 about Jesus' healing of a young possessed boy. As Jesus returns from the mountain with Peter, James and John he sees a crowd of people arguing with His other 9 disciples. When he questions what is taking place, a father brings his son to Jesus and explains that he came for help but that Jesus' disciples were inept. Jesus is bothered by the lack of the faith in both His disciples and in the nation of Israel and asks to have the boy brought to Him. As the boy approaches Jesus the evil spirit throws him to the ground for one final violent action. Jesus commands the deaf and mute spirit to leave and never return and the boy is completely freed and healed. The disciples wonder why they were not able to heal but Jesus explains that this kind only comes out through prayer. Prayer is a continued posture not a one-time act. Prayer is a way of connecting with and hearing God and being obedient to His voice. Prayer is a gift. Prayer grows our faith. May this week's message encourage and unleash your faith as you continue in your walk with the Lord Jesus Christ. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

This week we talked about expectations that we can have when we lead for the Lord. In any venue being a spiritual leader comes with responsibilities and expectations. Often, we think we can do better than the people who are leading us until we receive that same mantle of responsibility. We then learn that leading is far more comprehensive and that the ways we are leading actually cause some problems for others. There is nothing wrong to aspire to leadership, but we must remember that serving is what leadership is all about. It is taking initiative for an individual or a group of people to influence them to walk closer with the Lord. The challenge for the leader is that simply being obedient to God will bring heartache and frustration to the people you are leading and ultimately to you. May this week's message prepare your heart for your calling and comfort you in your current position. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

This week we studied the beginning of Israel's journey with God through the wilderness. Following an amazing spiritual victory on the banks of the Red Sea, Israel celebrated with praise to the Lord lead by the men. However, it only took three days until Israel was frustrated again with the fact that they were thirsty and there was nothing to drink. They grumbled against Moses for being a poor leader and yet God graciously provided for them anyways. God is so merciful that He is always providing, however He was teaching Israel what they needed to do in order to experience His ongoing blessings. In the section of Scripture God was helping them understand what His requirements were for His children to continue to experience His best. If we want to experience God's gracious provision in our lives, He has given us the instruction necessary for us to obey. May this week's message speak clearly to you as you continue to seek the Lord. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

This week we studied the Victory Song that Moses and the Sons of Israel sang after God crushed Pharoah and his men. Once the battle was complete, the men sang praise to God for delivering them from their enemies. Understanding what took place in chapter 15 is essential for us to understand why God asks us to praise Him and why praise should be so natural. Everyone was created in the image of God and God has designed everyone to be a worshipper of Him. When we don't praise the Lord, we will find something less worthy to devote our praise. Praise is so natural and yet we often associate it with the type or style of music rather than the Person of Christ whom we are worshipping. As we looked at Exodus 15 this week, we also recognized that one of the reasons praise may be difficult is that we are not truly saved. May the Lord bless the proclamation of His Word and may He speak directly through your heart through this timeless song. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

This week we discussed how we can trust God in our trials. Jesus told us that in this world we would have tribulation. It's a promise that when we walk with the Lord there are going to be challenges that we did not expect. How we respond to these challenges will make a huge difference in our walk with the Lord and the impact we will have on other people. In Exodus 14 we learn of five musts for trusting God in our trials. What was true a few millennia ago is still true today: we have a tendency to desire to respond in our flesh rather than responding in faith. We also have a proclivity to forget that God is still at work and using our trials that He has authored for our glory. Through our trials we have some of the greatest potential to see God show up and show out! So, when trials come, follow these truths and expect to see God move mightily. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

This week we discussed the need to pass the spiritual baton to the next generation. Our salvation is very important to the Lord, but He wants to use us to build up our children and their children so that they can go further than we ever dreamed. God created the family and wants parents to model and champion His values so that the next generation will live for Christ. Even those who have no children are to entrust the truths of God to the next generation. With young people leaving the church at an alarming rate, what can we do to ensure that that the kingdom of God advances in this next generation? When we turn to Exodus 13, we learn some very significant truths to share and how we are to live so that the spiritual baton is passed effectively. May this week's message encourage you to grow in Christ. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

This week we discussed how we can truly be set free in Christ and no longer remain a slave to our sin. In the book of Exodus, God sent the first 9 plagues to punish Egypt for their disobedience to Him. After the Pharoah and Egypt refused to repent God sent the tenth plague which was the death of the first-born in every home. In order to protect Israel God prescribed the blood of a lamb to be applied on the doorposts of every home. This blood would cause the angel of death to "pass over" that home and spare the life of the first-born. Not only did God use this plague to show His power, but it was also the final plague that caused Pharoah and Egypt to beg the nation of Israel to leave. In this text we see God's power and protection of Israel as well as His strong hand to deliver. This story not only reminds us of the necessity of the body and blood of Christ, but also His desire to deliver us completely from our sin. May this week's message and these questions help you to grow in taking steps of faith towards true freedom in Christ. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

This week we discussed how long-term obedience in the same direction transforms our lives. In chapter 11 of the book of Exodus we read about a different Moses than when he was called by God. He went from a wishy-washy, nominal follower of God to becoming a passionate, bold representative of the Lord. This was not an accident because when a man or a woman decides to give Jesus Christ their all, He begins to change them over time. He is willing to take anyone who is willing and transform their lives with His power. This section of Scripture, which is often glossed over when reading Exodus, is replete with the details of how God's transformative power is at work. May this week's message touch your heart and grow you into deeper obedience with the Lord. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

This week we discussed the courage it takes to respond to the Gospel and the courage it takes to share it with others. Throughout the Old and New Testament God calls His people to not only live the Gospel but to share it. Jesus Christ is Lord and wants us to bow our knee to Him in submission and serve Him only. This study of Exodus shows us how we can share with the unrepentant and how we can make sure that we courageously respond to the Gospel ourselves rather than some form of religion. Jesus Christ is the Way the Truth and the Life and we need to lift Him high so that He will draw all men to himself. May this week's message be a catalyst for you to respond to the Gospel and to share the Gospel with others. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

This week we addressed two consistent themes that pervade the Scriptures: The glory of God and the advancement of His kingdom. God wants to make Himself known throughout the whole world and chooses to use His servants to advance kingdom. Even as we pray The Lord's Prayer, we initially discuss the holiness and glory of God followed by asking for His kingdom to come. In the book of Exodus, we see how God's chosen servant was called to demonstrate God's glory to Pharoah and for His rule and reign to take place in Egypt. As Moses goes to Pharoah there is more than a discussion, there is a proclamation that God wants to be made known in the way He chooses. Pharoah's rejection of the true God and lack of repentance results in compounding plagues that ultimately show God's glory and the fact that His plan will indeed succeed. May this week's message be an encouragement to how God uses you to advance His kingdom and demonstrate His glory to a world that is desperate for Him. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

There is nothing quite so painful and disappointing as unmet expectations. Some of life's greatest challenges arise in areas of our lives when we are expecting something that does not materialize. This can happen on a micro-scale when somebody does not show up on time for a meeting or on a macro-scale when we are overlooked for a position that is handed to someone less qualified. Throughout our lives we experience unmet expectations and therefore we work to shield our lives from this by aligning our lives with people we trust. One of the blessings of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ is that He is completely trustworthy, and we can rely on him one hundred percent of the time. However, we find through experience that following Jesus can be disappointing at times. This week we unpacked five surprising expectations that will help us as we journey with Christ. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

When someone is trying to get our attention, we can respond in a myriad of different ways. We can choose to ignore the call, we can have them leave a message, or we can immediately answer and engage. When God calls us for His purposes, He desires that we immediately respond and continue to journey with him by faith. God is the one who does the work, but faith is what is required of us. If we have faith the size of mustard seed that will be enough, but without faith it is impossible to please God. So, how does trusting God really operate? What must a believer to trust in order for God to fulfill the calling in his life. Exodus 4 teaches us how to respond to God when He calls us into service. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

This week we discussed how when God sees a problem and has a solution, he goes looking for that man in order to make him a worshipper. Often when we consider the notion of worship our thoughts wander to liturgy and style rather than to the person of Jesus Christ. Worship is when a person gives their full allegiance in all areas of their lives to the Lord Jesus Christ. God wants us to seek Him first and yet so often we want to simply have God in the background just to help if we encounter problems in our journey. God wants to be our God. God wants us to know and fear Him and yet also recognize His mercy and grace that overflows abundantly! In this study of Exodus 3 we seek how God reveals Himself to Moses and how God wants to use his life. God has been active in Moses' life from the time He was born but now is growing deeper in His understanding of the Lord. Our patient God wants us to know Him as the Sovereign Creator who is all powerful and Transcendent, loving God who cares for every area of our lives! May this week's message challenge you to become a greater worshipper of the Lord Jesus Christ! Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

This week we discussed God's sovereign orchestration for every single person's life. We learned in the Word of God that every human being is fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139) and that we are God's masterpiece (Ephesians 2:10). He has set the times and locations for us to live (Acts 17) and desires to use our lives for His glory. As believers in Christ, we often ask the question, "What is God's plan for my life?" or concern ourselves with the belief that we are not living out our destiny. In Exodus 2, we learn that God is always in control and by relying completely on Him and seeking Him first, He will certainly use us for His glory. As you listen to the message, consider how special you are to the Lord and how He is using you even when you don't realize it. May the Lord give you great hope and remind you of His incredible love for you as you seek Him. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

Difficulties occur all the time in the Christian life because we live in a sinful and broken world that is hostile to the Lord. When these trying circumstances occur, we sometimes understand that this is a normal part of the Christian life. The challenges mount when these situations escalate and no matter how hard we pray, worship or read our Bibles our situation goes from bad to worse. During seasons like this we can often question God's goodness or if he even cares for us. Learning to trust the Lord in difficulties is one of the ways that God grows our character and helps build spiritual muscles in God's plan for our lives. Learning what we can specifically trust God for can truly help us as God orchestrates our circumstances. This week we highlighted four areas where a believer can trust in God. Use these to help you mature in your faith. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

Speaker: Larry Stockstill

This week we finished the book of Hebrews by addressing five diagnostic questions for every believer. As the author of Hebrews finishes his exhortation to his audience, he urges them to continue with faith in Jesus Christ. Instead of simply spelling out the exhortations, this week Pastor Jeff formed five questions for every believer to ask of themselves. These questions should be questions that every believer continue to ask so that they may continue their growth in Christ. Proper answers to these questions will result in sacrifice but also great joy. May you be blessed by this week's message and may you meditate on the questions listed below. For those who continue to pursue Christ asking these questions regularly will expediate your spiritual growth. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

This week we discussed what happens when life gets stressed and the ways we can respond. We can either act God's way or we can respond the way of the world, our flesh and Satan would dictate. As many of the early professing Jews were facing persecution and martyrdom, they were encouraged to stay the course. Furthermore, they were encouraged to respond in a way that would give the greatest glory to Christ. When we go through difficult times sometimes it can become difficult to prioritize Jesus Christ and His kingdom. Here in Hebrews 13 the author gives us five ways that we can respond to stress and challenge in a way that not only benefits us but also all of those where we have influence. May this week's message provide some practical application for continuing in our journey for Jesus Christ. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

A Prayer for Prodigals Father, I need your help in praying for my prodigal son/daughter. My heart is broken for them and the choices they have made to walk away from you. God, my heart has become a battlefield for the enemy and I struggle with fear, doubts, guilt, feelings of failure, disappointments and even anger towards them. I feel at times like giving up on praying because I am weary. But now, I am bringing them and this situation UNDER YOUR LORDSHIP! Lord, where my son/daughter has opened the door to darkness because of sin please convict them of their need to confess, repent and turn to you. Invade their hearts and minds with your love that casts out all fear. Guard their hearts and minds from a spirit of condemnaLon and flood them with the truth of the Gospel. Remind them that Jesus paid the price for their sin and if they confess their sins to you that you will freely forgive them and cleanse them from all unrighteousness. Lord Jesus show that your freedom, your beauty, your life-giving spirit. In your powerful name I pray, AMEN Prayer Renouncing a Spiritual Stronghold Dear Heavenly Father. I praise you that I am united with the Lord Jesus Christ in all of his life and work. I affirm that I belong fully to Jesus Christ and I am seated with Christ in the heavenly realms, far above all principaliLes and supernatural powers of darkness. I now ask you, Holy Spirit, to search through all my conscious, unconscious and subconscious thoughts for any control of wicked spirits and lies. Evict them now to where the Lord Jesus Christ is commanding them to go. Sweep my thinking totally clean from evil powers, demons, lies and manipulaLon. Break all of their power and oppression of my thought process. By my authority in Jesus Christ, I take back all territory I have handed over to the lies of Satan I bring myself under you're the LORDSHIP of JESUS and I present all of myself as a living sacrifice to Christ alone. In his powerful name, I pray, Amen. Download these prayers as a PDF Speaker: Jon Gaus

Speaker: Cal Rychener

This week we discussed the godly choices we can make to ensure that we will endure to the finish line. Pursuing peace with others and growing in holiness work together to strengthen us. First, we demonstrate the love of Christ for others as we continue to grow in our holiness as we continue to become imitators of Christ. Once we have a love for others there comes a desire to see others fully receive the grace of God. Understanding the difference of repentance vs. regret becomes an imperative. Next, we must embrace the New Covenant and hold fast to the Word of God. Finally, our reverence and awe of God result in thankfulness. These choices will help keep us in line and motivate us to grow in the grace of God. May you make choices to honor God and stay the course all the way to the finish until you hear the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant." Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub