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Should Christians prepare for difficult times ahead—or does preparation show a lack of faith in God? In this episode of Q&A with PJ, Pastor Jeff answers real questions from BRAVE Church about biblical preparation, death, the rapture, fearing God, and the mysterious fourth figure in the fiery furnace. Pastor Jeff discusses why wisdom and preparation are not the opposite of trusting God, how parents can talk with children about death without glorifying it, and why believers are called to make the most of every day God gives them. He also explains his pre-wrath view of the rapture, why Christians should be prepared to stand firm during tribulation, and what it truly means to fear the Lord. Finally, Pastor Jeff walks through Daniel 3 and answers whether Nebuchadnezzar understood the fourth man in the fire to be Jesus—and why Pastor Jeff believes this may have been an appearance of the pre-incarnate Christ. Keep asking questions. Keep digging into Scripture. Keep growing in your faith. Questions discussed: • Is it wrong for Christians to stock up and prepare for difficult times? • How should we explain death to children? • Will Christians go through the Tribulation? • What does it mean to fear God? • Was Jesus the fourth man in the fiery furnace? Youtube Chapters: 00:00 - Preparing for the future honors God 01:06 - Explaining death to kids biblically 04:14 - Pre-wrath rapture view explained humbly 06:24 - Fearing God means reverent awe 07:51 - Nebuchadnezzar's fourth figure explained simply Watch the Sermon:     • SETTLE YOUR ALLEGIANCE NOW | Daniel  | BRA...

What do you do when you feel weak, stuck, and spiritually exhausted? In this episode of Q&A with PJ, Pastor Jeff answers Karen's question about walking through seasons of discouragement and struggle. He begins with the most important question: Do you truly have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ? From there, he addresses unmet expectations, isolation, repentance, biblical community, authentic prayer, and learning to depend on God's strength instead of your own. Drawing from 2 Corinthians 12:9, Pastor Jeff reminds us that God's grace is sufficient and His power is perfected in weakness. You don't have to pretend to be strong. You can bring your fear, anxiety, doubt, and exhaustion honestly before the Lord and trust Him to lead you. Whatever you're walking through today, remember: you are not permanently stuck. Every season is temporary, and for those who are in Christ, your ultimate destiny is with Jesus forever. Recenter your life on Him, trust Him with your future, and know that you are deeply loved.

What does it truly mean to know God, stand firm in faith, and live with integrity when the world around you is shifting? In a powerful Q&A following his sermon in Daniel 2:31–49, Pastor Jeff tackled some of the church's most searching questions with pastoral honesty and theological depth. From the sobering reality that "all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23) to Nebuchadnezzar's telling words—"your God" rather than "my God"—Pastor Jeff revealed that intellectual acknowledgment of God is a far cry from surrendered faith. He met questions about marriage, food, innocence, and historical evidence not with easy answers, but with grace-filled truth rooted in Scripture. His insight that we don't become sinners when we sin—we sin because we are sinners by nature—challenges comfortable assumptions and invites honest self-reflection. Whether you're wrestling with doubts about the Bible's reliability, the weight of a difficult marriage, or simply asking "How do I get closer to God?", Pastor Jeff's answer remains the same: pursue Christ with right motivation, apply His Word, and take steps of faith. Don't navigate life's hardest questions alone—bring them to your church family and keep asking. Watch the full sermon here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4TlJby769k Chapters: 00:27 - No Innocent People 03:26 - How do I get closer to God? 04:24 - A False Covenant in Marriage 07:53 - Daniel 2: Extra-Biblical Sources 10:08 - Halal Foods in America 12:02 - Daniel 2:47

What do you do when life hits you with a crisis? How do you grow stronger in prayer and praise? If God is sovereign, do we really have free will? And is it okay to be angry with God when life feels unfair? In this episode of Q&A with PJ, Pastor Jeff answers real questions from BRAVE Church about faith, doubt, salvation, grief, prayer, God's sovereignty, and trusting Him when you don't understand what He is doing. Pastor Jeff also discusses the difference between religion and a personal relationship with Jesus, how to grow in confidence when sharing your faith, and why bringing your questions directly to God can actually strengthen your walk with Him. Keep asking questions. Keep seeking God. Keep digging into His Word. Chapters: 00:00 - Q&A 00:33 - Crisis of Prayer and Praise 04:02 - God's Sovereignty vs Free Will 07:36 - Non-Denominational Churches and Their Savion 11:23 - Melanie from Aurora Gives Thanks for Your Message 12:14 - Why Doesn't Daniel Refer to His Friends by Their Hebrew Names? 13:05 - 4 Steps to Fully Believing in Jesus 14:39 - Can we Be Angry With God? and Remain Faith

You asked. Pastor Jeff answers. In the first episode of Q&A with PJ, Pastor Jeff responds to questions submitted during this week's sermon, including: • How do God's sovereignty and our choices work together? • Is there a difference between God's favor and His blessing? • How do we trust God when grief and loss don't make sense? • What should Christians know about modern apostles, prophets, and NAR teachings? Q&A with PJ is a new weekly conversation designed to go deeper into the sermon, answer your questions, and help you grow in your faith and understanding of God's Word. Keep asking questions. Keep digging into Scripture. Keep growing.

What if courage is the only antidote to a culture spiraling toward tyranny? Pastor Andrew shares his harrowing escape from Egypt where preaching the gospel became a death sentence, revealing how quickly freedom can vanish. From his father's bold witness to Muslims despite imprisonment threats, to Australia's shocking laws criminalizing prayer for gay individuals, Andrew warns that America stands at a crossroads. This isn't distant persecution—it's a prophetic warning for the Western church. Don't miss this urgent wake-up call that could reshape your understanding of what faithful discipleship costs.

What if the greatest mystery isn't about little green visitors but about keeping your eyes fixed on heaven? When Jay asked Pastor Jeff about UFOs and government documents, Jeff cuts through the noise with biblical clarity—Genesis reveals Earth as uniquely formed for life, while spiritual warfare happens in unseen realms, not outer space. Rather than chasing extraterrestrial distractions, Jeff reminds us that real supernatural encounters involve angels, demons, and God's miraculous interventions throughout Scripture. This isn't about denying phenomena but recognizing the ultimate truth: Jesus is coming from the sky, and that's the only arrival worth preparing for. Don't miss this grounded, faith-anchoring perspective!

What if the worst mistake you ever made doesn't define who you are? Joshua's story shatters the lie that shame determines our identity. Born to teenage parents in small-town South Carolina, Joshua watched his father live across the street but remain a stranger—leading to a desperate pursuit of validation through performance. This hunger for approval ultimately led him into the porn industry for seven years, where success couldn't silence the voice telling him he wasn't enough. Pastor Jeff reveals how Joshua's transformation began with one simple truth: "You are not defined by the worst thing you've ever done because you are not the author of you—God is." Through the love of a woman named Hope and an encounter with grace, Joshua discovered that God doesn't wait on our front porch with condemnation, but runs toward us with open arms. His story reminds us that no past sin can hinder what God has prepared for our future—if Jesus is Lord. Don't let shame rob you of the freedom Christ died to give you.

In this episode of The Brave Way Podcast, Pastor Jeff sits down with former college football coach Pat Nix to talk about fatherhood, leadership, coaching, and following Jesus when God changes your plans. This conversation is really about one word: intentionality. If you want strong families, strong marriages, and kids who love Jesus, it will not happen by accident. It happens when men decide to lead. In this episode we talk about: • Raising kids who follow Jesus • Being intentional as a father • Protecting your family spiritually • Coaching as ministry • When God changes your direction • Why men must realize they are in a fight • Leading your marriage and family well This is a powerful conversation for men, fathers, coaches, and leaders. Subscribe for more Brave Way Podcast episodes. Chapters: 07:15 - God Prunes the Heart of a Coach 15:01 - God Moves: Stepping Out of High School Coaching 20:48 - Marriage Is Not Easy 26:29 - Intentionality of What You Want Your Child to Be 29:06 - Paul on His Flaws 33:43 - When Parents Get Real About Their Struggles 34:12 - Prayer and Trials

On this episode of The BRAVE Way Podcast, Pastor Jeff sits down with Pastor Tommy Kyllonen (Urban D), lead pastor of Crossover Church in Tampa, Florida. Pastor Tommy shares his story of how God used his background in hip hop, youth ministry, and evangelism to build a thriving multi-ethnic urban church that is reaching thousands of people with the gospel. They discuss evangelism, church planting, leadership development, urban ministry, and why the church must focus on reaching people far from God. This conversation will encourage pastors, leaders, and believers who want to live on mission and make a difference in their city. The gospel not only saves us, it sends us on mission. This is The BRAVE Way. Subscribe for more episodes of The BRAVE Way Podcast.

What does it really mean that God is sovereign? Does He control everything? What about human free will? And if God is in charge, why do bad things still happen? In this episode of Ask Pastor Jeff, Pastor Jeff answers one of the most common theological questions believers wrestle with: the sovereignty of God. Using Scripture from Psalms, Daniel, Ephesians, Colossians, Genesis, and more, he explains how God rules, reigns, and accomplishes His will in all things — without eliminating human responsibility. You'll also hear a powerful biblical response to another common question: Does praying out loud make the devil flee? Is there power in volume — or in obedience? This episode will help you: • Understand what the Bible teaches about God's sovereignty • Reconcile free will and divine control • Find peace when life feels out of control • Know how to resist the devil biblically • Grow in confidence in the authority of Jesus When you realize God is fully sovereign, it humbles you — and it frees you. If you've ever wondered whether God is really in control, this conversation will strengthen your faith and anchor you in truth. 👉 Subscribe, share, and send in your questions for future episodes of Ask Pastor Jeff.

In this episode of The BRAVE Way Podcast, Pastor Jeff and Kim share biblical wisdom and practical insight on what it takes to cultivate a thriving, Christ-centered marriage over the long haul. From navigating busy seasons of parenting and career demands to protecting intimacy and continuing to prioritize one another, this conversation offers encouragement for couples in every stage of marriage. Drawing from Scripture and personal experience, they discuss how intentional habits, honest communication, and spiritual unity help marriages deepen rather than drift over time. In this episode, you'll learn: • Why strong marriages continue to "date" each other • How to avoid building separate lives over time • The importance of emotional and physical closeness • How prayer and forgiveness strengthen oneness • Why seeking counsel and mentorship is a sign of strength Whether your marriage feels strong or strained, this episode reminds you that growth is always possible when Christ remains at the center. 👉 Follow The BRAVE Way Podcast for weekly biblical encouragement to help you take your next step of faith.

If you've been married for years—maybe decades—how do you keep the embers burning instead of drifting into routine? In this episode of The BRAVE Way Podcast, Pastor Jeff and Kim talk candidly about what makes a seasoned marriage thrive: continuing to date, preferencing one another, fighting for closeness, building one life (not separate lives), and keeping short accounts with forgiveness and humility. You'll hear practical rhythms you can put on the calendar (date nights, getaways, lunch dates), why kids can't become the center, why "you should just know" is a trap, how to communicate needs without pouting, and why seeking mentors and counseling later in life isn't weakness—it's wisdom. If you're in a tough season, don't lose hope. You can rebuild trust, restore intimacy, and renew oneness in Christ. In this episode: Why marriage can actually get better over time The danger of prioritizing work, kids, or separate lives How to rekindle connection with simple, consistent habits The power of prayer, laughter, and intentional time together Guardrails that protect your heart and your covenant Why strong couples seek help and learn from mentors 👉 If this helped you, share it with a friend who needs encouragement. ✅ Subscribe for more episodes on dating, engagement, and marriage. Chapters: 0:00 Seasoned marriage can get better 2:10 Preferencing each other (still matters) 5:30 Date nights, getaways, and rhythms that work 9:40 Communication without assumptions 13:20 Kids, careers, and keeping the covenant first 18:05 Intimacy, closeness, and fighting for oneness 22:30 Guardrails + social media warning 26:40 Mentors, counseling, and continuing to grow 30:20 Final encouragement: there's hope and help

Marriage doesn't magically "click" after the wedding. In fact, for a lot of couples, the hardest surprises show up right after "I do." In this episode of The BRAVE WAY Podcast, Pastor Jeff Schwarzentraub and his wife Kim get brutally honest about what they wish every newly married couple knew. You'll hear real stories from their early years (the kind that make you laugh… and then realize, "Wait, that's us."), and practical biblical help for building a Spirit-filled marriage with Christ at the center. In this episode, we talk about: Why two sinners under one roof will always create friction (and why that's not failure) What Ephesians 5 actually looks like in everyday marriage The trap of trying to "fix" your spouse—and the freedom of letting God change you How to fight clean (win together, not win an argument) Why timing matters: when to talk, when to pause, and when to pray How love languages and expectations can quietly drain your marriage tank The lie that "everyone else has it figured out" (and why community matters) If you're newly married—or you know someone who is—this is the episode to watch, share, and send. It could save years of pain and help a couple learn how to fight for oneness instead of against each other. ✅ Share this with a newlywed couple you love ✅ Send it to your small group / cadre ✅ Text it to a friend who needs hope for their marriage Next episode: Seasoned Marriage (how to stoke the flames after 20, 30, 40+ years) #Marriage #NewlyMarried #ChristianMarriage #Ephesians5 #Relationships #BRAVEChurch #PastorJeffSchwarzentraub #TheBraveWayPodcast

Marriage doesn't magically "click" after the wedding. In fact, for a lot of couples, the hardest surprises show up right after "I do." In this episode of The BRAVE WAY Podcast, Pastor Jeff Schwarzentraub and his wife Kim get brutally honest about what they wish every newly married couple knew. You'll hear real stories from their early years (the kind that make you laugh… and then realize, "Wait, that's us."), and practical biblical help for building a Spirit-filled marriage with Christ at the center. In this episode, we talk about: Why two sinners under one roof will always create friction (and why that's not failure) What Ephesians 5 actually looks like in everyday marriage The trap of trying to "fix" your spouse—and the freedom of letting God change you How to fight clean (win together, not win an argument) Why timing matters: when to talk, when to pause, and when to pray How love languages and expectations can quietly drain your marriage tank The lie that "everyone else has it figured out" (and why community matters) If you're newly married—or you know someone who is—this is the episode to watch, share, and send. It could save years of pain and help a couple learn how to fight for oneness instead of against each other. ✅ Share this with a newlywed couple you love ✅ Send it to your small group / cadre ✅ Text it to a friend who needs hope for their marriage Next episode: Seasoned Marriage (how to stoke the flames after 20, 30, 40+ years) #Marriage #NewlyMarried #ChristianMarriage #Ephesians5 #Relationships #BRAVEChurch #PastorJeffSchwarzentraub #TheBraveWayPodcast