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When unexpected trials or life-changing diagnoses hit, will your faith hold steady?  In this sermon on Joshua 3:1–5:1, Pastor Chase explores the miraculous crossing of the Jordan River and reveals why God commanded the Israelites to set up "stones of remembrance" (Ebenezers) on their way to the Promised Land. Discover how remembering God's past power and care builds a rooted, unshakable faith for whatever tomorrow brings—and why forgetfulness might be the biggest threat to your spiritual journey. -- Learn more about Bethany at our Website Watch sermons & podcasts on our YouTube Channel

What happens when a situation that looks like pure danger turns into an extraordinary story of redemption? In this message on Joshua 2, we explore the story of the two spies sent into Jericho and Rahab—a Canaanite woman whose bold confession of faith saved her family and placed her directly in the lineage of Jesus. Join us as we uncover how God’s grace is bigger than your past, your background, or your mistakes. No matter where you’ve been or what you’ve done, God’s redemption is available to you.  -- Learn more about Bethany at our Website Watch sermons & podcasts on our YouTube Channel

Welcome to the companion podcast for our series on the Book of Joshua! Join Tami DeLeeuw, Pastor Chase Vitort, and Pastor Steve Musto as they dig deeper into Sunday's message and set the stage for an in-depth journey through one of the most powerful—and challenging—books of the Old Testament.  In this episode, the team lays the groundwork for the series and wrestles with foundational questions, including: Faith Across Generations: How a new generation learns to trust God's covenant promises after 40 years in the wilderness. Tackling Difficult Passages: Unpacking the heavy realities of conquest, judgment, and the ancient concept of Herem. An Outsider’s Bold Faith: The remarkable story of Rahab, her surprising insight into who God is, and her place in the lineage of Jesus. Why the Struggle Matters: Why wrestling with the hard, uncomfortable parts of Scripture ultimately deepens our trust in God's character. Whether you're following along with your Grow Group or looking to understand the narrative of Scripture more deeply, this conversation will help you engage with the Book of Joshua with fresh eyes. -- Learn more about Bethany at our Website Watch sermons & podcasts on our YouTube Channel

What is the difference between owning something and actually possessing it? In this message on Joshua 1, Pastor Steve Musto explores what it truly means to step into God's promises—and the surprising responsibility that comes with receiving an inheritance. When God fulfills a promise in your life, is it an invitation to kick back and retire, or a call to step to the front lines for others? Discover how resting in God’s grace shapes our courage, fuels good works, and changes how we walk alongside others on their spiritual journey. Key Topics Covered: • Ownership vs. Possession • Unpacking Joshua 1:7–15 & The Promised Land • The role of grace vs. human effort • How early blessings create greater responsibility to serve others -- Learn more about Bethany at our Website Watch sermons & podcasts on our YouTube Channel

How can we break free from the patterns, mistakes, and fears of the past to step boldly into what God has planned for our future? In this opening message of the Joshua series, Pastor Steve Musto explores Joshua 1 to address a vital question: Will we repeat the cycles of fear from those who came before us, or will we choose a path of radical, unshakable trust in God? Key Topics Covered: A New Generation at the Border: Why stepping into God's promises requires letting go of past failures and refusing to let previous generations define your faith. Redefining Biblical Courage: Why the command to "be strong and courageous" isn't about human bravado, but a relentless, resilient confidence in God's promises. Moving Beyond Human Failure: How to build a lasting faith that remains grounded in God alone—even when human leaders, mentors, or past church experiences fall short. Unshakable Trust vs. False Security: Why true spiritual peace comes from total dependence on God rather than self-reliance, wealth, or worldly status. Whether you are facing a massive life transition, trying to overcome generational baggage, or seeking deeper courage in uncertain times, this sermon provides practical, biblical encouragement to help you step forward in faith. -- Learn more about Bethany at our Website Watch sermons & podcasts on our YouTube Channel

We’ve all heard Jesus’ famous words: "Do not judge." But does grace mean allowing destructive behavior to run unchecked in our lives? In this conclusion to the Proverbs series, Pastor Steve Musto dives into Proverbs 4 to reveal a critical biblical distinction many miss. While Scripture clearly contrasts the wise and the foolish, Solomon frequently warns us about a distinct third category: the evil (or wicked). Knowing how to identify which category someone falls into changes everything about how you navigate difficult relationships. In this message, you’ll explore: • The Context of "Do Not Judge": Why evaluating actions and character is actually a biblical command, not hypocrisy. • Wise vs. Foolish vs. Evil: The subtle character traits that separate someone who makes bad choices from someone whose heart is set on harm. • The Power of Boundaries: Why trying to reason with certain toxic dynamics always fails—and what God's Word instructs you to do instead. • Protecting Your Peace: How to extend Christian forgiveness while maintaining spiritual, emotional, and physical safety. If you’ve ever struggled with hard-to-navigate relationships, toxic dynamics, or knowing when to hold boundaries, this sermon offers clear, grounded biblical wisdom for your life. -- Learn more about Bethany at our Website Watch sermons & podcasts on our YouTube Channel

Relationships don't survive on luck—they thrive on wisdom. Exploring Proverbs 12, Steve and Cathy Musto break down biblical "house rules" for building strong marriages, families, and community connections. Learn how choosing godly counsel, practice-based love, and intentional speech can anchor your home in every season. Key Topics Covered: • Biblical wisdom for marriage and family (Proverbs 12) • Why love is a daily choice, not just a feeling • The power of honest communication and short accounts • Surrounding your home with godly counsel and positive influence -- Learn more about Bethany at our Website Watch sermons & podcasts on our YouTube Channel

Can a good thing actually pull you away from what matters most? In this message on Proverbs 25:16–17, we explore how even the best parts of life—hobbies, relationships, and busy schedules—can become subtle distractions when they take the place of Jesus. Using an unexpected illustration about making clear ice, Tylor Fisher breaks down how setting a single direction in life keeps our faith clear and helps us live with undivided devotion. -- Learn more about Bethany at our Website Watch sermons & podcasts on our YouTube Channel

-- Learn more about Bethany at our Website Watch sermons & podcasts on our YouTube Channel

Ever feel like your anger gets the best of you—whether through explosive outbursts, sarcastic jabs, or silent withdrawal? In this sermon on Proverbs 25:28, Chase Vitort unpacks the biblical root of anger and reveals why self-control isn't just about managing symptoms, but surrendering our deepest desires to God. Discover how to identify your anger triggers, recognize what your emotions are protecting, and follow Christ's example of entrusting justice to the ultimate Judge. -- Learn more about Bethany at our Website Watch sermons & podcasts on our YouTube Channel

In this episode of Beyond the Sermon, we dive into Proverbs 25:28—exploring what it means to guard our hearts when anger threatens to break down our walls. In this episode, we unpack: Hot vs. Cold Anger: Why quiet bitterness and passive-aggressive resentment can be just as destructive as explosive outbursts.The Illusion of Righteous Indignation: How easily we mistake wounded pride, convenience, or loss of control for "godly anger."Practical Steps for Cooling Down: How to identify anger triggers, process emotions constructively, and allow the Holy Spirit to transform our reactions.Personality vs. Sanctification: Why "that's just how I'm wired" is never an excuse for unchecked tempers.An Important Podcast Update: The team shares a candid announcement regarding the future rhythm and format of the Beyond the Sermon podcast during this season of church transition.Whether you tend to blow up or clam up, join us for an honest conversation on how true self-control isn't about behavior modification—it's about Gospel transformation. -- Learn more about Bethany at our Website Watch sermons & podcasts on our YouTube Channel

Culture tells us sex should be spontaneous, boundary-less, and consequence-free—but what does God's Word actually say? Continuing our series through the Book of Proverbs, Pastor Steve Musto unpacks Proverbs Chapter 7 to examine the contrast between Biblical wisdom and worldly distraction. Discover why God created boundaries for intimacy—not to withhold joy, but to protect us—and how the grace and forgiveness found in Jesus Christ offer healing for every past story. Whether you are single, married, a long-time believer, or still exploring faith, tune in for a fresh, grounded look at relationships, culture, and biblical truth. -- Learn more about Bethany at our Website Watch sermons & podcasts on our YouTube Channel

Note: This episode includes discussion on adult themes and sexuality. Listener discretion is advised when tuning in with younger ears. This week, we unpack the sensitive, essential themes found in Proverbs 7. Moving past taboos and rigid culture conversations, the team explores how Scripture addresses human sexuality, the contrasting voices of wisdom and folly, and the real-world impact of "purity culture." How can parents and mentors prepare the next generation to navigate today’s rapidly changing cultural landscape? Where do grace and redemption intersect with our past mistakes and current questions? Join the conversation as the team opens up about raising kids, breaking down barriers to honest dialogue, and finding a balanced, grace-filled approach to biblical wisdom. In this episode, we explore: The distinction between personified wisdom and folly in the Book of ProverbsRe-evaluating the legacy of purity culture through a biblical lens of gracePractical ways to talk openly about faith and relationships with children and youthHow Christians can engage in respectful, open-handed dialogue when perspectives differ-- Learn more about Bethany at our Website Watch sermons & podcasts on our YouTube Channel

True strength isn't about raw power, status, or size—often, God uses the small, ordinary, and overlooked things of the world to accomplish His greatest work. In this message from the Under Construction series, Pastor Steve Musto explores Proverbs 30:24-28, where Agur highlights four tiny creatures that exhibit incredible wisdom. Paired with a reflection on 1 Corinthians 1:24-29, this sermon reveals how developing wise, Godly habits—rather than relying on human strength—allows us to truly thrive. Key Takeaways & Highlights: The Ant (Foresight & Planning): Learning to plan for lean times during seasons of abundance. The Hyrax / Rock Badger (Safe Refuge): The wisdom of positioning yourself in spiritually safe environments where you are protected. The Locust (Strength in Community): How operating in unity and surrounding yourself with community multiplies your impact. The Lizard (Persistence): The power of showing up, staying tenacious, and refusing to give up through discouragement. The weak don't thrive by simply trying to get stronger; they thrive by living wiser. Tune in to discover which habit God is calling you to build in your life today! -- Learn more about Bethany at our Website Watch sermons & podcasts on our YouTube Channel

Welcome to another episode of Beyond the Sermon! In this week's episode, we explore one of the most unique passages in scripture: Proverbs 30:24–28, where we find four tiny creatures that God highlights as examples of profound wisdom. Beyond these four creatures, the conversation turns to the power of daily habits, navigating the weight of difficult family seasons, and how multigenerational living compares to biblical community. Join us for an honest conversation on where true strength comes from, how to stay persistent when you want to give up, and what it means to anchor your life in God's safety. -- Learn more about Bethany at our Website Watch sermons & podcasts on our YouTube Channel