“The Temple” | CHURCH UNBRANDED - Week 2 | April 26th, 2026

In Week 2 of our Church Unbranded series, we are joined by a special guest and close friend of Bethlehem: Pastor Jason Berry from 12Stone Church. As part of this unique partnership between our two churches, Pastor Jason helps us look past the "brand" on the sign and into the biblical heart of what the church actually is. While our culture often views church as a place we go, the New Testament describes it as a people we belong to. Specifically, Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 3 that we together are the Temple. This isn't just a metaphor; it is an earth-shattering reality that shifts how we live, work, and relate to God every single day. 💡 Key Takeaways: From a Place to a People: Throughout history, God’s desire has always been to dwell with His people. This presence moved from a garden (Eden), to a portable tent (Tabernacle), to a building (Temple), to a Person (Jesus), and finally to a people (us). The Evolution of the "Container": In the Old Testament, God’s presence was restricted—one man, one day a year, in one room. But at the moment of Jesus’ death, the temple veil was torn, granting permanent access to the Father for everyone who bows to Him. The Newborn in the Backseat: Pastor Jason illustrates holiness through a powerful story about driving his newborn son home. We don't drive cautiously because of the "rules," but because of who is in the car. Likewise, we live holy because we are hosting God's presence. Awareness, Reverence, Purpose: Awareness: Realizing God's Spirit is in your midst right now. Reverence: Living with a "holy awe" that changes how we handle our private lives and our words. Purpose: Realizing that wherever your feet are, you are an outpost of the Kingdom. 📌 Timestamps: 00:00 – Lie Detector Video with Pastor Jason Britt & Pastor Jason Berry  04:35 – Introduction from Pastor Jason Berry 05:11 – Funny Jason Britt Golfing Story  06:59 – The Heart Behind the Church Unbranded Series  12:04 – We Are All Under the Name of Jesus 13:34 – The Metaphor to Unpack: The “Church” = The “Temple” 14:16 – Where God’s Presence is, His Purpose is Not Far Behind  15:44 – Journey from Genesis to Revelation  26:48 – God’s Central Desire for Us  27:31 – How the Presence of God Shifted  28:33 – Driving Story: How Awareness Can Change Everything 32:01 – Awareness Leads to Reverence; Reverence Leads to Purpose  36:56 – The Problem We See: Cultural Christianity  39:42 – Where Are We Getting Casual with the Presence of God?  41:11 – As a Follower of Jesus, You Are on Purpose  43:48 – Prayer of Blessing ✝️ Key Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 John 1:14, 2:19 Matthew 27:51 Revelation 21:22 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 1 Peter 2:4-10 Ephesians 2:18-22 We exist to lead people to discover a new life in Christ. This is the vision of Bethlehem Church, led by Pastor Jason Britt and based in Bethlehem, GA. 🔗 Connect With Us: First Time? We'd love to meet you. Please click https://wearebethlehem.churchcenter.com/people/forms/504192 to fill out our Connection Card! If you want to take your next step with Jesus, please text INCHRIST to 97000. We’d love to pray for you! Visit https://bethlehemchurch.us/prayer-wall/ to post your prayer request. Give Online: Support the ministry of Bethlehem Church at https://bethlehemchurch.us/give/ 🗓️ Stay Up-To-Date: Website: https://bethlehemchurch.us/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bethlehemchurchga/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethlehem_churchga/ #ChurchUnbranded #TheTemple #JasonBerry #BethlehemChurch #HolySpirit #PresenceOfGod #Sermon2026 #UnitedChurch #12StoneChurch