BRAVE Church

The uniqueness to this letter was that it was the only church where no strengths were mentioned. This lukewarm body of believers had made the Lord nauseous because of their lethargy and complacency. They didn’t care that Jesus Christ was prominent in their church even though he was standing outside the church knocking on the door. While this church received no commendation, Jesus was still trying to come in so that He could experience a relationship with this church. In our culture today, this message is needed as we continue in our journey with Christ. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

The uniqueness to this letter was that it was the only church where no strengths were mentioned. This lukewarm body of believers had made the Lord nauseous because of their lethargy and complacency. They didn't care that Jesus Christ was prominent in their church even though he was standing outside the church knocking on the door. While this church received no commendation, Jesus was still trying to come in so that He could experience a relationship with this church. In our culture today, this message is needed as we continue in our journey with Christ. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

The church in Sardis had a reputation for being alive but God said it was a dead church. The church in Philadelphia, on the other hand, had little power but God declared it faithful and strong in the Lord. Studying these churches in the book of Revelation provides insight for how God is leading His church and what He values. Not only should we be serving in a life-giving church, but we should be life-giving Christians who are growing and maturing in the Lord. As you listen to this week’s message and ponder the questions, allow the Spirit of God to help you understand what you need to learn. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

The church in Sardis had a reputation for being alive but God said it was a dead church. The church in Philadelphia, on the other hand, had little power but God declared it faithful and strong in the Lord. Studying these churches in the book of Revelation provides insight for how God is leading His church and what He values. Not only should we be serving in a life-giving church, but we should be life-giving Christians who are growing and maturing in the Lord. As you listen to this week's message and ponder the questions, allow the Spirit of God to help you understand what you need to learn. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

From Our Alpha/Omega Series - Revelation 2:12-29

This week we studied the churches of Pergamum and Thyatira in chapter 2 of the book of Revelation. Both of these churches were strong in some areas but ultimately suffered in a similar fashion due to false teaching from within. In Pergamum, they were rebuked for some who held to the teaching of Balaam and others who held to the teaching of the Nicolaitans. In Thyatira they tolerated the teaching of Jezebel, which was also leading God’s people astray. God hates false teaching because it leads people away from God and often times into sexual immorality and idolatry. This study should not only help us take note of BRAVE Church as a whole, but should also encourage a time of self-reflection. The only way out of immorality and idolatry is repentance. May this study be an opportunity to repent and get right with the Lord. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

This week we studied the churches of Pergamum and Thyatira in chapter 2 of the book of Revelation. Both of these churches were strong in some areas but ultimately suffered in a similar fashion due to false teaching from within. In Pergamum, they were rebuked for some who held to the teaching of Balaam and others who held to the teaching of the Nicolaitans. In Thyatira they tolerated the teaching of Jezebel, which was also leading God's people astray. God hates false teaching because it leads people away from God and often times into sexual immorality and idolatry. This study should not only help us take note of BRAVE Church as a whole, but should also encourage a time of self-reflection. The only way out of immorality and idolatry is repentance. May this study be an opportunity to repent and get right with the Lord. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

After a quick overview of the seven churches that we will be addressing we spent some time discussing the structure in each of the letters. These six items can prove helpful in our interpretation of the Scriptures. We began our study by looking at the first two churches. First, we studied the church in Ephesus. Ephesus was a strong church who had become performance-driven rather than living in their identity. These factors caused this church to lose its primary ministry to love and serve the Lord Jesus Christ. Next, we studied the church in Smyrna and learned that this church was encouraged to persevere in trials, imprisonment and even death. This church reminded us that we should not fear tribulation or death in the work of Christ. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

After a quick overview of the seven churches that we will be addressing we spent some time discussing the structure in each of the letters. These six items can prove helpful in our interpretation of the Scriptures. We began our study by looking at the first two churches. First, we studied the church in Ephesus. Ephesus was a strong church who had become performance-driven rather than living in their identity. These factors caused this church to lose its primary ministry to love and serve the Lord Jesus Christ. Next, we studied the church in Smyrna and learned that this church was encouraged to persevere in trials, imprisonment and even death. This church reminded us that we should not fear tribulation or death in the work of Christ. Speaker: Jeff Schwarzentraub

Revelation 1:9-20 - From our Alpha/Omega Series