BRAVE Church

Learning 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 Schwarzentraub

In 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 Schwarzentraub

"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 Schwarzentraub

Character 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 Schwarzentraub

It 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 Schwarzentraub

Since 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 Schwarzentraub

Praying 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 Schwarzentraub

Although 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 Schwarzentraub

While 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 Schwarzentraub

In 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 Schwarzentraub