July 16, 2023 • Dr. Jeff Schwarzentraub • 2 Corinthians 10:1–6
This week we began a new series called Waging War Against Our Enemy. Before Jesus ascended into heaven, he placed all of his present and future disciples on mission so that we would be actively advancing Christ’s kingdom until he returns. That means that we are not called to be spectators and consumers but courageous warriors who actively engaged in the battle of sharing and living the Gospel in a hostile world. Many are not engaged in the fight because they know that criticism will come if they engage. This week we learned how to stay engaged in the battle without remaining passive. Knowing how to fight is very important so that we can experience the power of God. Our prayer is that this week’s message lays the foundation for how to engage in the battle of Christian warfare.
Stay in the Fight
July 23, 2023 • Dr. Jeff Schwarzentraub • Ephesians 6:10–13
Pastor Jeff emphasizes the importance of recognizing the reality of spiritual warfare and the necessity of evangelism in the fight against sin and darkness. He highlights that the gospel is not neutral, and every individual is either moving towards salvation or destruction, making it crucial for Christians to actively oppose sin. Throughout the sermon, he urges believers to embrace their new identity in Christ, to stand firm against spiritual opposition, and to target the true enemy that seeks to divide and distract. Ultimately, Pastor Jeff calls each person to live boldly for Christ, encouraging them not to back down and to pursue a mission of sharing the gospel with the world.
Dress for the Fight
July 30, 2023 • Dr. Jeff Schwarzentraub • Ephesians 6:14–17
Pastor Jeff emphasizes the importance of being spiritually dressed with the armor of God as outlined in Ephesians 6, which includes truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and the Word of God. He addresses different groups within the congregation: those who do not know Christ, those who are stagnant in their faith, and those who are strong in their faith, encouraging each to take action according to their needs. He highlights that Christ not only saves but also empowers believers to live out their faith actively and share the gospel. This concludes with an invitation for personal commitment and growth, urging everyone to put on Christ's attire for their spiritual journey.
Pray in the Fight
August 6, 2023 • Dr. Jeff Schwarzentraub • Ephesians 6:18–20
Pastor Jeff emphasizes the essential role of prayer in the life of a believer and the church, asserting that without it, we are powerless. He encourages the congregation to deepen their prayer life, reminding them that prayer is crucial for spiritual warfare and alignment with God's will. Using examples from Scripture and personal stories, Pastor Jeff highlights how prayer was integral to Jesus' ministry, the apostles' work, and the early church's growth. As they embark on 21 days of prayer, Pastor Jeff urges everyone to pray comprehensively, specifically for the mission, and personally for their responsibilities, affirming that prayer is vital for experiencing God's power and presence.
Fight for the Church
August 13, 2023 • Dr. Jeff Schwarzentraub • Matthew 16:13–20
Pastor Jeff emphasizes the importance of fighting for the church, calling it the primary battle for believers. He explains that the church displays Christ's creation and passion and serves as a vital space for worship, ministry, and community. Through scripture, Pastor Jeff illustrates that Jesus established the church to be a transformative force against worldly influences. He urges congregants to recognize their role in the church, emphasizing that it is the vehicle through which Christ’s authority and mission are executed, ultimately encouraging a unified and active engagement in their faith.
Fight for the Kingdom
August 20, 2023 • Dr. Jeff Schwarzentraub • 2 Corinthians 5:16–21
This week we continued our series entitled Waging War Against Our Enemy by addressing how to Fight for the Kingdom. Understanding how to live as a visible demonstration of God’s comprehensive rule of every area of life makes a difference in our witness as we advance Christ’s kingdom. We learned that there is a clash of the kingdom of Christ and the kingdom of darkness, and winning that battle is imperative to Christ’s desires for this world that He created. We highlighted five areas that matter and clarified how we are going to experience God’s greatest blessing on this side of heaven by following these directives. Understanding how to fight for the kingdom will drive back the darkness and allow the light of Christ to shine brightly. May this week’s message help us with our marching orders for making disciples in a world that is hostile to Christ.
Fight for the Next Generation
August 27, 2023 • Dr. Jeff Schwarzentraub • 2 Timothy 2:1–8
Pastor Jeff emphasizes the importance of passing the spiritual baton to the next generation to ensure the future of the church and the kingdom of God. He draws parallels to Olympic relay races, highlighting that even the most talented teams can fail if they don't successfully pass the baton, symbolizing the necessity of intentional mentorship.
Using biblical references, Pastor Jeff underscores that it is everyone's responsibility to invest in younger generations, teaching them about faith and service while setting clear expectations for what it means to follow Christ. Ultimately, he calls on the congregation to take proactive steps towards mentoring and leading young people, ensuring they are equipped to continue the work of the church.
