Jesse BradleyEvery podcast appearance, updated as new ones drop

Have you ever felt like what you bring to the table isn't as valuable as what someone else has? It's easy to believe the lie that our gifts are too small, our opportunities too limited, or that we'll step into our purpose "someday" when life is less busy or we feel more prepared. In Matthew 25:14-30, Jesus reminds us that God is not measuring us against anyone else. He is inviting us to faithfully steward the unique gifts, resources, and calling He has already entrusted to us, knowing that even small acts of obedience can have an eternal...

Every day we face a battle between truth and lies, fear and faith, but the good news is that we don't fight alone. Through Jesus, who has all authority, and the power of the Holy Spirit within us, we can stand strong against temptation, walk in the light, and experience freedom from sin, strongholds, and even generational patterns. We don't have to live in fear because God's truth, love, and the full armor of God give us the victory and confidence to keep moving forward. Show Notes: https://bit.ly/4yi9aMm

God created us for connection, first with Him and then with the people He places in our lives. While sin often pulls us toward isolation, blame, and broken relationships, Jesus invites us into a life of peace, freedom, and genuine connection. As we keep our eyes fixed on Him, He gives us the strength to run our race with purpose, build healthy relationships, and reflect His love in every area of life. Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3Tl4tSv

Sometimes we hit seasons where we've drifted, struggled, or placed our trust in things other than God. In today's episode, we'll look at how Israel's failures, David's repentance, and the hope of Jesus all point to one powerful truth: God's mercy is greater than our mistakes, and there is no substitute for His presence. Join us as we discover that no matter how far we've wandered, God always invites us to come home. Show Notes: https://bit.ly/4yA1pRB

Jesus walking on water reveals that He is greater than every storm, fear, doubt, and misconception we carry. Like Peter, we can either stay where it feels safe or step out in faith, discovering that God's power sustains us when our eyes are fixed on Jesus. We may stumble along the way, but faith is not about never sinking, it's about continually relying on Christ and following Him wherever He calls us. Show Notes: https://bit.ly/4yoRazt

When the Greek widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food, Philip stepped in and became part of the solution. Filled with faith, wisdom, and the Holy Spirit, he later shared the good news of Jesus in Samaria, bringing hope, healing, and freedom to many, and then led an Ethiopian man to faith and baptism. Philip’s journey took him across cultural and ethnic boundaries, reaching Greeks, Samaritans, and Africans, reflecting God’s heart for all people. His life challenges us to expand our vision and participate in God’s mission through going, sending, praying, welcoming, mobilizing, and reaching people online, knowing that one day people from every nation, tribe, and tongue will worship together in heaven. Show Notes: https://bit.ly/4wNzV9X

The Holy Spirit in us is greater than the darkness and the demons in the world. Put your confidence in God and His Word. In a culture loud with lies, pressure, and confusion, Jesus pulls us back to the kind of greatness He modeled—humble, servant‑hearted, steady, and rooted in truth. When everything feels overwhelming, lean into the God who is always greater, always working, and always leading us toward something better than what we’re tempted to settle for. Show Notes: https://bit.ly/4qAN8kP

Sometimes we hit seasons where we just want to make good choices and not feel like we’re stumbling our way through life—and Solomon gets that. He stepped into a huge calling, felt the weight of it, and simply asked God for wisdom… and God poured it out in a way that still blesses us today. When we stop overthinking and start trusting what God says, His Word becomes the steady guide that helps us live with clarity, courage, and purpose. Show Notes: https://bit.ly/4z94Box

When life gets loud with lies, accusations, and well‑intentioned but misguided voices, Scripture becomes the steady place where our hearts can breathe truth again. God’s Word cuts through the noise, replacing fear with truth, doubt with clarity, and discouragement with the courage... Joshua, Caleb, Nehemiah, and David all clung to God's Word. As we meditate on what God says, we learn to recognize the Shepherd’s voice and silence every other one that tries to pull us off course. Show Notes: https://bit.ly/4x9m526

Jesus calls us out of darkness and into a brand‑new identity. His light wakes us up from complacency and empowers us by Scripture and the Spirit to shine wherever He’s placed us, whether that’s soccer fields or city streets. In this episode, we remember that we are witnesses of His greatness, living with gratitude as we love and shine like Jesus. Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3T9ZcNr

Trusting Jesus isn’t always easy, but it’s in those moments of surrender, when we stop trying to run the show ourselves, that real freedom and growth begin. When we let go, just like Abraham, Moses, Paul, and even Jesus did, we make space for God to lead us into something far better than anything we could build on our own. Show Notes: https://bit.ly/4pGjTN9

This week Ed is joined by Jesse Bradley, a former professional goalkeeper who is now the chaplain at MLS Team the Seattle Sounders. Ed and Jesse have an awesome conversation about the growth of football in the US but more importantly the growth of faith within the game and how exciting this movement is in America and around the world! Find more from Jesse here: https://jessebradley.org/

Jesus describes the Holy Spirit like the wind—moving freely, powerfully, and beyond our control—reminding us that new life comes not from status or religion but from surrender. When we yield to the Spirit, the same power that transformed the Samaritan woman, ignited the church at Pentecost, and shaped the early believers fills us again, calling us into a fresh wind that can change the world. Show Notes: https://bit.ly/451iozs

The episode features a discussion on the World Cup, soccer's impact in the United States, and the intersection of sports and faith. It also highlights the ministry of Jesse Bradley, the chaplain for the Seattle Sounders, and the impact of soccer on spreading the message of Jesus. Takeaways Soccer's impact in the United States is growing, and the intersection of sports and faith is becoming more prominent. The ministry of Jesse Bradley and the impact of soccer on spreading the message of Jesus is significant. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and World Cup Recap 19:11 Interview with Jesse Bradley and Impact of Soccer Ministry 25:35 Soccer's Growth in the United States and the Role of Faith 32:23 Victory Beyond the Cup Ministry and Impact of Soccer Outreach

Living out our faith means walking with Jesus in the quiet places and standing for Him when the world would rather we stay silent. When we look at Scripture, we see ordinary people like Moses and Bartimaeus who had every reason to shrink back, yet God met them in their weakness and turned their obedience into bold, public faith. Following Jesus isn’t meant to be hidden; it’s a lived-out declaration that we belong to Him, in private and in public. Show Notes: https://bit.ly/4vTbYhP

God loves to renew us from the inside out—shaping our minds through His Word and strengthening our spirits through His Holy Spirit. When we choose daily time with Him, He lifts us like eagles, helping us rise above the “ravens” in our lives with His power, purpose, and unshakable hope. Show Notes: https://bit.ly/4goyhXP

The joy of the Lord isn’t a fleeting feeling. It’s a deep, sustaining strength that flows from God’s own presence. In Psalm 30, David celebrates the God who lifts us from the depths, turns mourning into dancing, and fills our lives with a joy that conquers death itself. As Jesus generously shares His joy with His followers, we too can choose to rejoice, remembering God’s faithfulness, discipline, and unending love that carries us through every trial. Show Notes: https://bit.ly/4oNSgRQ

When Jesus stood in the synagogue and declared Isaiah 61 fulfilled, He wasn’t just announcing His identity, He was announcing hope for every broken place in us. The God who rebuilds ruins and restores hearts is still calling us into His story, inviting us to join Him in healing our communities. As we receive His grace, we become part of His kingdom multiplication. Show Notes: https://bit.ly/4g5bOil

Fuel the Fire podcast introduces its Christian sports show, discusses the USA's dominance in the World Cup, highlights Japanese fans' behavior, addresses the hypothetical USA vs. England matchup, and delves into controversies in Major League Baseball and the NBA Draft. The conversation also includes an interview with Jesse Bradley, a chaplain for the Seattle Sounders, discussing the World Cup and the evangelistic opportunity it presents. Chapters 00:00 Introducing Fuel the Fire 06:46 Hypothetical Matchup: USA vs. England 13:18 NBA Draft and Player's Faith 19:17 Interview with Jesse Bradley #christiansports #faithinsports #WorldCup2026 #PrideNight #Faith Night

David’s story reminds us that before we ever face a battle, we anchor ourselves in who God is—mighty, holy, and greater than anything standing in front of us. Psalm 24 calls us to come with clean hands and a pure heart, to invite God into our homes, our families, our churches, and our everyday struggles. And as we lift the “gates” of our lives to welcome His presence, remember that Jesus has already won the battle, the Word is our sword, and God is ready to bring new victories in every battle we’re walking through. Show Notes: https://bit.ly/4aFkAjl

Prayer is the sacred way we draw near to God, building trust and relationship as we speak and listen to Him. Throughout Scripture, from David seeking God before battle to Moses lifting his hands, Hannah crying out in longing, Paul asking for boldness, and Jesus rising early to pray, we see that prayer is where purpose, power, and alignment are formed. In a culture of noise and self‑reliance, choosing to add more prayer invites restoration, wisdom, and the presence of God into every part of life. Show Notes: https://bit.ly/4ul42El

Living the Christian life on our own quickly reminds us how much we need God’s presence. That’s why Jesus promised the Holy Spirit. He's our comforter, counselor, and guide who fills us and leads us into truth. Show Notes: https://bit.ly/4o3yb9O

When the Ark was taken, Israel wasn’t just missing a sacred object—they were missing the nearness of God Himself. And as the Philistines learned the hard way, God will not compete with our idols or be propped up beside anything we place above Him. The long, messy journey of the Ark returning to Jerusalem reminds us that restoration is a process, but when God’s presence is welcomed back with reverence and joy, revival always follows. Show Notes: https://bit.ly/4fiPnpb

God meets us right where we feel the weakest, and His strength fills the very places we can’t fix on our own. When we stop relying on empty routines and truly surrender, the Holy Spirit empowers us with a steady contentment and a boldness to live free. This is the moment to drop the excuses, shake off the distractions, and step into the power God offers to every one of His people, everywhere. Show Notes: https://bit.ly/4dd87DW

We talk a lot about freedom in our nation, but the deepest freedom we’ll ever know comes from Jesus Himself. He breaks the power of sin, lifts the weight of guilt and shame, and leads us into a life where truth, light, and joy replace every chain. As we walk with Him, we learn that real freedom isn’t doing whatever we want — it’s living in the fullness of God’s grace, choosing what is right, and running unhindered in His love. Show Notes: https://bit.ly/4tQcrA2

Some questions hit so deep—Is God real? Is He good? Does He actually love me? The beautiful truth is that every one of them is answered at the cross. In Jesus’ humanity, compassion, and sacrificial love, we see a God who doesn’t just speak love but proves it in the most breathtaking way. If you’ve been wrestling with doubt or carrying old guilt, this reminder of what Jesus finished for you might be exactly the hope your heart has been needing. Show Notes: https://bit.ly/3PakgS7

Easter reminds us that Jesus keeps every promise—He conquered death, rose again, and appeared to His followers with grace that quiets fear and strengthens faith. In John 20, we watch Him breathe peace, purpose, and the Holy Spirit into His disciples, inviting them—and us—to believe and share the good news. Show Notes: https://bit.ly/411j5a9

Testing has a way of exposing what truly drives us, and persecution forces us to decide whom we really live for. The apostles faced jail, beatings, and threats, yet they kept filling Jerusalem with the message of Jesus because their deepest motivation was to honor Him, not to be liked. When you spend time with Christ, courage grows—and like them, you can choose faithfulness over approval as you shine His light in a world that desperately needs it. Show Notes: https://bit.ly/4mquWs1

Do you tie your identity to your sport? Former pro soccer player Jesse Bradley shares how this mindset can hold you back—and what to do instead. 💡 🎯 Key Takeaways You Don’t Want to Miss: ⚽ Build unshakable confidence by grounding your identity in what lasts, not in something you can LOSE 🙏 Use faith as your compass through life’s toughest challenges. 💪 Master the 3 Rs to replace fear with bold action. 🌟 Cultivate gritty gratitude to fuel motivation and resilience. Jesse’s incredible journey—from professional athlete to chaplain for the Seattle Sounders—proves that mindset is everything. 📲 Connect with Jesse Bradley: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessejbradley/ Twitter: https://x.com/jessejbradley YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JesseBradleyChannel Website: https://jessebradley.org/ 📲 Connect with Nick Lemke: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicklemkerd/ Twitter: https://x.com/nicklemkerd Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nicklemkerd TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nicklemkerd 🎧 Subscribe to the podcast for more actionable tips on unlocking your potential.

Jesse Bradley is the Co-Founder of Just Choose Hope ( justchoosehope.org ) and he serves as the lead pastor of Grace Community Church , ( graceinauburn.com ) a multigenerational and multicultural church family in the greater Seattle area. He is a speaker, author, evangelist, and former professional athlete. Jesse was an atheist who came to know Jesus through a religion class at Dartmouth College. As he was playing professional soccer overseas, his athletic career ended with a tragic illness. Jesse was fighting for his life for one year, and it took ten years to fully recover, God transformed his purpose and passion, bringing the hope of Jesus to the world. Jesse graduated with a master’s degree in theology from Dallas Theological seminary. He presently serves as Chaplain of the Seattle Sounders of Major League Soccer (MLS). He is a regular guest on NBC, CBS, ABC, FOX, and has shared his faith on programs like Good Morning America and the Tamron Hall Show . Jesse has collaborated with Global Media Outreach for over 15 years, and through many Hope initiatives there have been over 1 million people who have decided to follow Jesus. All glory to God. His podcast is called The Bonfire , leading people into the presence, word, and hope of God. He desires to see families and local churches thriving as we abide with Jesus daily. Jesse encourages and empowers people to receive and give hope where they live, work, learn, and play. His new book is called The Power of The Second Thought and covers how God renews our minds with indestructible hope. Jesse and his wife, Laurie, have four children and a patient dog named Bella.