Bethlehem Church

This week at Bethlehem, Pastor Matt taught from Judges 3:7–31, highlighting how God empowers unlikely people—like Othniel, Ehud, and Shamgar—to break cycles of oppression through His Spirit. These deliverers weren’t superheroes. They were simply available and obedient—used by God to bring freedom in surprising ways. Through their stories, we’re reminded that the Spirit who empowered them is the sa...

Israel’s story is our story: forgetting God, falling into sin, feeling the sting of discipline—yet always finding His grace waiting to restore. In this pivotal passage from Judges, we see the cycle of rebellion and mercy unfold, reminding us that God’s discipline is never abandonment, but an invitation to return. Theme: God's grace remains even when His people repeatedly fall, but rebellion al...

When God's people move from covenant to compromise, the result is spiritual decline. In Judges 2, we witness a sobering moment where disobedience turns worship into weeping. Pastor Matt unpacks Israel’s pattern of apostasy and God’s gracious response. Be reminded: God's past victories are meant to fuel present obedience. Will you pass the test Israel failed? 📖 Scripture: Judges 2:1–5, Jos...

In this message, Pastor Matt continues unpacking Judges 1, where Judah's early victories give way to troubling compromises. From mutilating Adoni-Bezek to partnering with Canaanites, we see how small ethical choices lead Israel away from full obedience. What begins as a promising conquest ends with incomplete victories and spiritual decline. Are we doing the same? Have we replaced God's co...

What kind of book is Judges—fiction or history? In this message, we explore the textual foundations of Judges (MT, LXX, Qumran), the genre of prophetic historiography, and how God remains the true hero of the story. From conquest narratives to poetic calls for faithfulness, Judges critiques cultural compromise and challenges us to live in covenant loyalty today. Discover how this ancient book stil...

In this opening message, we begin a journey through one of the most sobering and relevant books of the Bible. Judges tells the story of a people who forgot God—and a God who refused to forget them. Grounded in Daniel I. Block’s New American Commentary , this series reveals the chaos that unfolds when everyone “does what is right in their own eyes” and the unmatched grace of a God who still saves....

After the failure of Babel, God begins a new story—not through human ambition, but through divine calling. In Genesis 12, He calls Abram to leave behind everything familiar and follow Him into the unknown. This message explores how Abram's journey mirrors our own: a call to break unhealthy ties, trust God's promises, and walk by faith even when the road leads through famine. Where is God c...

As we reach the end of Joshua, the people of Israel gather at Shechem to remember God’s faithfulness and respond with renewed commitment. This closing message challenges us to do the same: to lay aside idols, renew our covenant, and declare with our lives, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Join us as we reflect on all God has done and ask ourselves—What will your life testify? 📖 P...

In this powerful message, Pastor Matt walks us through Joshua 23—a pivotal chapter in Israel’s history and a vital lesson for our lives today. As Joshua, nearing the end of his life, gives a heartfelt charge to the leaders of Israel, he reminds them—and us—that direction matters . Drawing from Joshua 23 , Deuteronomy 28 , and Joshua 1 , this sermon explores three urgent calls: Be strong and contin...

How quickly can unity turn to conflict—even among God’s people? In this powerful sermon, Pastor Matt explores Joshua 22 and a moment when misunderstanding nearly led to civil war among the tribes of Israel. At the heart of the message lies a pressing question: Are we more concerned with protecting traditions and perceptions than pursuing true unity in Christ? Drawing from Jesus’ prayer for unity i...

Pastor Matt unpacks Joshua chapters 20–22, exploring the establishment of the Levitical cities — especially the six cities of refuge God commanded for the protection of those who unintentionally took a life. These cities were more than safe havens; they were an expression of God’s justice and mercy, ensuring that bloodshed did not defile the land while still offering a path of protection and resto...

What happens when the people of God stop short of stepping into their full inheritance? In this sermon, we explore the powerful moment in Joshua 18–19 when the Israelites gather at Shiloh , set up the tent of meeting, and prepare to fully possess the land God promised them. 📖 "I will place my residence among you, and I will not reject you." — Leviticus 26:11 God wasn’t just giving Israe...

Pastor Cody walks through Joshua 15, where the tribe of Judah receives its inheritance. While their blessing was great — the largest and most detailed allotment of land — it came with tremendous responsibility. God's blessings often require faithfulness, hard work, and courage. We’ll also see how Judah’s inheritance ties into the prophetic blessing from Genesis 49, pointing us toward the comin...

Discover the powerful connection between the Exodus story and the resurrection of Jesus Christ! The ancient Israelites' escape from Egypt wasn't just about freedom from slavery — it was a battle between life and death, light and darkness, good and evil. Egypt was a nation obsessed with death, but God proved He was the Lord of Life. Through the plagues and the miraculous crossing of the sea...

Join us for a powerful exploration of Palm Sunday, a day that marks the beginning of Holy Week and the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. In this special 25-minute segment, we delve into the rich traditions and theological significance of this day, drawing insights from ancient commentaries and biblical texts. 🌿 Key Highlights: • The meaning of "Hosanna" and the symbolism of palm...

As Joshua grows older, God tells him there’s still much land to be taken. In these chapters, we meet Caleb—85 years old and still asking for a challenge! While some might be ready to retire, Caleb is ready to fight. What does this say about purpose, legacy, and faith in the later seasons of life? Join us as we dive into Joshua 13–14 and explore how God isn't finished with us, no matter our age...

In this message, Pastor Matt walks through Joshua 11–12, highlighting Israel’s overwhelming victories in the conquest of the Promised Land. These chapters showcase how God’s faithfulness, paired with Israel’s obedience, led to victory after victory. While some battles were won through miraculous intervention (Joshua 10), others—like those in Joshua 11—were won through steadfast obedience to God’s...

When life takes unexpected turns, do we trust God to see it through? In Joshua 10, Israel faces an overwhelming enemy coalition, but God fights for them in supernatural ways—sending hail, causing confusion, and even making the sun stand still! This chapter reminds us that God honors His promises, even when we make imperfect choices. In this message, Pastor Matt unpacks the power of God’s faithfuln...

Life is full of deception—sometimes we are the deceived, and other times, we are the deceiver. In Joshua 9, the Israelites fall for the cunning trick of the Gibeonites, failing to seek God's counsel before making a crucial decision. But this story goes beyond politics and strategy—it highlights a deeper spiritual battle. In this sermon, we’ll explore: 📖 How deception operates through fear and...

What happens when we follow God’s guidance versus relying on our own strength? Joshua 8 gives us a powerful contrast between failure and victory, showing how divine direction, strategic obedience, and faith lead to triumph. In this sermon, we explore:✅ How God restores and encourages us after failure✅ The importance of trusting God’s timing for provision✅ The role of action in claiming God’s pr...

What happens when obedience and disobedience collide? The story of Achan in Joshua 7 is a sobering reminder that our choices have consequences—not just for ourselves, but for the entire community of faith. In this sermon, we explore the suspense-filled moments leading up to Israel’s unexpected defeat at Ai and how sin in the camp led to divine judgment. We’ll unpack key themes such as:Communal Res...

What happens when obedience and disobedience collide? The story of Achan in Joshua 7 is a sobering reminder that our choices have consequences—not just for ourselves, but for the entire community of faith. In this sermon, we explore the suspense-filled moments leading up to Israel’s unexpected defeat at Ai and how sin in the camp led to divine judgment. We’ll unpack key themes such as:Communal Res...

What if the greatest military victory came not through strength, but through faith? In Joshua 6, we witness God's miraculous strategy for the fall of Jericho—a divine battle plan that defies human logic and underscores total reliance on Him. This sermon explores:🔥 God’s Unusual Strategy – Marching, trumpets, and a city crumbling by divine power.📖 Obedience and Faith – How Israel’s victory de...

In this message, we explore Joshua 5:1-15, a pivotal moment when Israel transitioned from wandering to walking in the promises of God. Before taking possession of the land, they had to renew their covenant, prepare spiritually, and fully submit to God's leadership. 📖 Key Themes: ✅ The fear of the enemy when God is with us (Joshua 5:1) ✅ Circumcision at Gilgal – a fresh start in faith (Joshua 5:...

God’s presence is at the center of the story—not just the miracle! In Joshua 4, the Israelites cross the Jordan on dry ground, marking a pivotal moment in their journey of faith. But it wasn’t just about where God brought them from—it was about where He was leading them. Through flashbacks to the Red Sea and Passover, we see God’s divine plan unfold. Are we seeking His miracles, or are we truly se...