BRAVE Church

It doesn't matter how you start, it is how you finish. Clearly, we know that we have reached the finish line when we meet Jesus Christ face to face. The challenge today is that too many believers simply assume that finishing well is a guarantee, but the reality demonstrated that comparatively few believers finish well. In this section of Scripture, the Lord highlights the requirements for finishing well and how we are to live presently in order to see that accomplished in and through our lives. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

Our fellowship with Christ is a relationship that must be nurtured and cultivated. Our walk with Jesus Christ is not some mechanical set of principles to ensure that we will arrive in heaven; instead, it is a relationship that continues to grow if we do not get sidetracked by external or internal challenges. In this passage, God warns us that those outside of the faith, as well as internal pride, can hinder our relationship with the Lord. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

Many believers know that they should experience their deepest significance from Christ but are still trapped by the temptations in our world that encourage us to find our significance elsewhere. The attitude we should have towards significance should reflect our identity in the Lord Jesus Christ. Only with Christ at the center of our lives is it even possible to find significance in Him. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

All of us as believers in Jesus Christ desire to grow in Christ and have more of His life living in and through us, but rarely do we understand the metrics on whether or not we are growing. In Philippians 2:12-18, we learn what God sets forth as a standard for us to grow and learn that it is indeed possible to grow in our relationship with Christ if we posture ourselves correctly. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

Jesus Christ modeled humility by leaving the glories of heaven and taking on human flesh for eternity. He became obedient to death on a cross for the sins of the world. The incredible model of humility demonstrated from our Lord Jesus Christ should motivate us to live like Him. In our world, we are normally taught to put ourselves first, whereas Jesus Christ helps others understand that we should place God's desires first and others second. We should come in a distant third. The only way this is possible is by knowing our identity in Christ Jesus and knowing where we are heading. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

In our society, being a servant can often become about comparison. In other words, it's easier to judge the service of others rather than allowing God to earnestly show us our own hearts. Becoming a servant for Jesus Christ involves resting in our identity, believing in who God says we are, and acting upon what we believe. May God continue to grow us as servants as we continue to seek Him. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

We know Paul, as a pastor for the church in Philippi, wanted his people to understand their identity as Kingdom citizens. Being persuaded by the media and current circumstances can deflect what is most important. It can also cloud your relationship to Jesus Christ and what it means to honor Him. As a community, we represent Christ and are His kingdom citizens. With the Gospel as our foundation and Christ at our side, we are called to live for Him regardless of the consequences. Even if it means suffering for Christ, we know this is simply a sign of our salvation and the fact that our opponents are facing certain destruction. May we grow in our understanding of our citizenship and may pastors guide the flock with these convictions. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

How can we grow our prophetic voice so that we are actually able to "talk our walk"? In other words, what are the necessary foundations for us to be able to speak up in a situation and have our words matter? The Apostle Paul never had to change his messaging because he was indeed a man whose deeds aligned with his words. Sometimes, as believers, we yearn to be more aligned with what we truly believe. During the growth of our sanctification process, God is helping us to develop in our character, so we reflect His glory. May God help you set a stronger foundation in your walk with Him so that your voice is stronger and has a greater influence for Him. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

Answering four questions addresses how we can share the Gospel more effectively. There is more to the Gospel than simply passing out a tract or sending an email. Your very life communicates the very message of the Gospel. Even when the answers to these questions affirm our readiness, we can always grow more in our effectiveness. The Apostle Paul celebrated that his time in prison actually furthered the progress of the Gospel. People were hearing of Christ, and Christians were exercising more boldness in sharing their faith. May Paul's example exhort us to become stronger in our witness. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

Spending time in the presence of God changes us. When we go to God in prayer, we become humble because we realize we are nothing more than willing slaves for His glory. Yet, at the same time, we are saints of God through the shed blood of Jesus Christ. Spending time in God's presence also makes us grateful for the opportunity to participate in Christ's mission of the Gospel. There is no greater joy than knowing that God is using your life to impact the world for Christ. Through this mission, we gain deep friendships and a love for God that is deep and special, unlike any other, and we also gain a strong desire to see God's people mature and grow. As the Apostle Paul writes under the influence of the Holy Spirit, we should grow in our hunger to spend time alone with Jesus. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

This week we discussed the responses people always have to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Four soils were addressed by Jesus in His parable. Jesus provided three examples of bad soil that produce nothing because the Word is not allowed to take root and be nourished. However, when good soil is available, the Word of God always produces exponential results. Jesus said this story was foundational to all the other parables that He would teach. Even today, we understand there is never a problem with the Word of God; the only problem can be on the heart where it lands. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

This week we discussed some of God's glorious attributes and how we should respond based upon Psalm 139. This wonderful Psalm depicts the fact that God knows all things, is everywhere and is all-powerful. These attributes of God should absolutely blow us away. God is so far beyond anything we are, and yet He is intimately acquainted with all of our ways. As you spend time in your groups this week, encourage one another to own the truths about God's character and how we should be responding to Him. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

This week we talked about the importance of endurance as we continue our walk with Jesus Christ. Four ways of continuing to run were addressed in Hebrews 12:1-3 that can help us grow in our faith. At times when we are discouraged and want to quit, God's Word proves helpful to show us that when we finish, it will all be worth it. It also helps to have people around us to encourage us to keep taking steps. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

This week on Resurrection Sunday, we looked in the Gospel of Mark to gain an understanding of how Jesus defined one of His followers. So often, we hear the facts that Jesus rose from the dead, but this week we discovered the results of what responding to the resurrection does in the life of a believer. Four crucial points were highlighted in the text, which all followers of Jesus Christ believe. Since Jesus is THE Life and wants us to be made alive, we have the opportunity to repent and trust Him, and because He is returning soon, it becomes imperative for us to respond to Him now. The biggest question is, Who do you say Jesus is? Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

In the book of Joel, God used His prophet to instruct Israel during a time of agricultural crisis and fear of attack from an enemy. During this time of crisis, God instructed His people that He was in control and wanted them to return to Him in humility and dependence so that He would be glorified as the preeminent One! Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

The onslaught of fear-based messaging by the media has caused many people (even believers) to question why the current situation is happening. Yes, COVID-19 is a very real concern, which can lead to tragic results, but in the midst of this, God wants us to understand that He has always been our source of peace. When distress is prevalent in our culture, God wants to understand "why" so that you can find your way back to Him, because He is waiting for us to find Him. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

Learn four action steps you can take when life is out of control. When Jesus was with His disciples on a boat in a storm, the disciples falsely believed that Jesus was uncaring, unconcerned, and unable to help them. However, to their surprise when they awoke Him, He changed all their circumstances. God is still ruling and reigning even though you don't see Him. Because of His love for us and His power, you can rest assured in difficult times that God is still working everything out for His purposes. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

You have been diagnosed with a disease that is worse than COVID-19. The Bible points out that every human being has contracted sin and it kills every single one of its victims. Sin will cause you to die and face eternity apart from Jesus Christ. But the good news is that Jesus Christ provided a cure for sin through His shed blood so that you can repent and trust Jesus Christ alone for the forgiveness of your sins and be cleansed forever. Have you repented and trusted Christ? Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

Finishing our SAY WHAT? series by asking the question, "What do YOU say about the WORD?" After studying the testimony of the Word, the testimony of God, the testimony of history and the testimony of a Biblical worldview, we end by asking what we personally and corporately say about the Word of God. God has given us incredible power in His Word and He desires us to live, believe and speak His Word. God didn't just give us the Bible to leave on a shelf, God wants us to use His Word by speaking it. When His written Word by faith becomes the spoken Word then we can expect to experience the Living Word. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

What does a worldview based upon God's Word say about big life questions? While the world often guesses the answers to these most important life questions, God gives us specific answers from His Word. Understanding a worldview from a Biblical perspective makes all the difference in how we live. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

From internal and external evidence as well as in literature and archeology, the Bible is supreme among all books. The internal evidence shows that God writes history in advance and is perfect in His prophecy 100% of the time. Decide whether or not you will accept the truth of the Word of God or reject it. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

We continue to grow in our understanding of God's Word by taking one step further and studying what God, Himself, says about the Word. We conclude that the Bible believes itself to be perfect and entirely true in all of its testimony and God confirms the same testimony. Moreover, Jesus believes that everything the Word says is testifying about Himself. While you still may have questions or doubts about the Bible, the clear testimony is the Bible and God have no doubts at all. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

We begin a survey of the Biblical landscape on the veracity of God's Word. Specifically, we begin to study, "What Does The Word Say About The Word?" Throughout the message, we look at the temptation we have of doubting God's Word which leads to other challenges. We also look at the fact that all 66 books of the Bible testify that every word is true. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

Finishing the book of Jude. This short 25 verse book was jammed packed with helpful teaching for us to contend earnestly for the faith that was once for all handed down to the saints. In these concluding verses we saw a doxology that brought us great hope and comfort as we look forward to what we, as believers, will ultimately experience. We also learned how we can prepare for that day by glorifying God right now. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

Jude helps us to expose the sin of apostates and false prophets who lack a heart for God and His Word. Throughout the message we talk about who satan selects for his "all-star team" and why it is important that we understand and discern false teachers. Jude also helps us understand the implications of listening to false teaching and how that negatively impacts the church of Jesus Christ. The convicting words of Jude still have power in our lives for today. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

We can sometimes get into such a spiritual routine that we lose our passion for Jesus Christ. Taking inventory of our spiritual lives is very important if we desire to continue to move forward with Jesus. The Apostle Paul, as he wrote to the Philippian church, made clear how we should live every day of our lives. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

The Bible tells us that sooner or later all of God's people will face trials and suffering in this world. Our Heavenly Father loves so much that he tells the purposes of trials and suffering in our life. Because we know that trials are used by God to conform us more and more into the likeness of Jesus Christ, we can rejoice in our trials even though they are painful to go through. Speaker: Jon Gaus

Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

Speaker: Jon Gaus

Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

How does someone become mature in Christ? How do we help facilitate someone maturing in Christ? Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

In this final message of DiscipleShift, Pastor Jeff shows us why it's important for us to know what activity Jesus want us to be about, what is most important to Him and brings Him the most glory. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

The shift from status to servanthood requires us to serve one another out of love. Speaker: Mark Guthrie

We see Jesus praying to the Father throughout scripture. He was dependent on God while He was here on earth. Are you dependent on the Lord? Do you talk to him daily? Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

Are you going through motion of religion? Or are your relishing your relationship with Jesus through worship? Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

When you correctly understand the instructions God gives to make disciples of Jesus, it radically shifts how you live. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub