Advertise on podcast: Bethany Church - La Crosse, WI

Fresh off the miraculous victory at Jericho, Israel faces an unexpected and devastating defeat at the Battle of Ai in Joshua 7. What causes everything to unravel when triumph seemed guaranteed? In this powerful sermon on Joshua 7 and 8, Tylor Fischer unpacks the destructive reality of hidden sin, the subtle progression of temptation, and why secret compromises never stay buried.  Discover the ripple effects of unconfessed guilt on our families and communities, along with the transformative power of God’s grace to redeem our deepest failures. If you are carrying the silent weight of shame or struggling with setbacks, this message highlights how honest confession, repentance, and authentic community pave the way back to spiritual renewal and victory. -- Learn more about Bethany at our Website Watch sermons & podcasts on our YouTube Channel

When Joshua stood outside the fortified walls of Jericho and faced a warrior with a drawn sword, he asked the ultimate question: “Are you for us, or for our enemies?”*The answer he received changed everything: “Neither.” In this message from the Strong & Relentless series on the Book of Joshua, Pastor Steve Musto dives into the Battle of Jericho, the challenging Old Testament concept of "herem", and the unlikely rescue of Rahab. We often assume God plays on our team—supporting our personal plans, our timing, and our cultural battles. But what happens when scripture reveals that God is not at our disposal? Watch or listen to discover why true faith isn't about recruiting God to our side, but learning how to surrender and align our lives with His. -- Learn more about Bethany at our Website Watch sermons & podcasts on our YouTube Channel

Just as the Israelites stood on the plains of Jericho ready for battle, God issued an unexpected command that brought their military campaign to a complete halt. In this message from our series on the Book of Joshua, Pastor Steve Musto explores Joshua chapter 5, where God instructs Joshua to draw knives not to strike an enemy, but to renew a covenant. Before facing Jericho's fortress, Israel had to confront an essential lesson about obedience, divine timing, and surrender.  Why does God intentionally slow our momentum right when we feel ready to charge ahead? Listen in as we examine why God often works in unexpected, non-linear ways—and why He always insists on working in us before He works through us. -- Learn more about Bethany at our Website Watch sermons & podcasts on our YouTube Channel

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