Bethany Church - La Crosse, WI

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 WebsiteWatch 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 WebsiteWatch 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 WebsiteWatch 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 WebsiteWatch sermons & podcasts on our YouTube Channel

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

Our words carry immense power—they can build up or tear down, bring life or inflict lasting pain. But when our speech turns sharp, critical, or destructive, is it really just a "mouth problem," or is it pointing to something deeper happening under the hood?In this message from the Under Construction sermon series, Pastor Steve Musto explores what the Book of Proverbs teaches about wise speech and how our words reveal the true condition of our hearts. Featuring a powerful personal testimony from Pastor Dan Cravillion on how Christ transforms our speech from the inside out, this sermon unpacks Proverbs 10:11 and Matthew 12:34 to offer practical biblical wisdom for transforming the way we communicate.Whether you want to heal relationships, strengthen your marriage, or align your speech with God’s wisdom, tune in for insights on lasting heart change!--Learn more about Bethany at our WebsiteWatch sermons & podcasts on our YouTube Channel

Words have the power to breathe life or inflict lasting wounds. In this episode of "Beyond the Sermon", hosts Tami DeLeeuw, Cathy Musto, and Steve Musto dive into Proverbs 10:11 to examine the deep impact our words have on our relationships, our mindsets, and our spiritual walk.In this episode, the team explores:The Weight of Words: Why do certain comments—both positive and negative—stay imprinted on our souls for decades?"Punches That Land": How to process unexpected criticism, identify root hurts, and discern when a comment holds a grain of truth versus when it’s just destructive.Boundaries & Discernment: What does biblical wisdom look like when dealing with people who consistently speak hurtful or toxic words?The Power of Consumption: How the media, culture, and environments we surround ourselves with directly shape the language that flows out of us.Rehearsing Truth: How to stop replaying old hurts on loop and intentionally fill your mind with God's truth.Join us for a candid, encouraging conversation on taming the tongue, setting healthy boundaries, and learning to speak words of life!--Learn more about Bethany at our WebsiteWatch sermons & podcasts on our YouTube Channel

What does God think about your Monday-to-Friday job? Whether you are an accountant, mechanic, teacher, stay-at-home parent, or executive, your daily labor carries far more spiritual purpose than simply earning a paycheck or building a resume.In this message from the Under Construction sermon series, Chase  dives into Proverbs 13:4 to examine our "theology of work" and how our view of labor shapes our daily satisfaction and spiritual growth. This message challenges the cultural myths surrounding work and points us back to God's original blueprint for human flourishing.Key Takeaways:The 3 Work Mindsets: Why viewing your job solely as a means to wealth, identity, or legacy eventually leads to burnout or futility.Made to Cultivate: How being created in the image of God defines our calling to partner with Him in stewarding the world.Excellence Over Perfectionism: Why God cares about quality craftsmanship in everyday "secular" jobs just as much as full-time ministry.3 Ways to Reframe Your Work: Practical steps to reframe your daily tasks, work from grace rather than for approval, and honor God through true rest.Stop dreading Monday morning—tune in to learn how your everyday labor can become a act of worship and purpose!--Learn more about Bethany at our WebsiteWatch sermons & podcasts on our YouTube Channel

Whether you view your job as a pathway to security, a source of personal identity, or a way to build a legacy, human motivations are rarely entirely pure. The team wrestles with the complex relationship between faith and the workplace, exploring how to navigate the common pitfalls of ego, performance-driven mindsets, and the ever-present trap of perfectionism.In this insightful and bittersweet episode of Beyond the Sermon, the team continues the Under Construction series by shifting the blueprint from compassion to our everyday labor. Drawing from Proverbs 3:27-30, the discussion unpacks the deeply rooted motives behind why we work and how our daily grind impacts our spiritual health.Key themes explored in this episode:The Lenses of Labor: Are you working for the paycheck, for personal worth, or to build a legacy?Image-Bearing in the Marketplace: What it truly means to reflect God's character through our daily tasks.The Trap of Perfectionism: How the pressure to always "get it right" can subtly shift our trust away from God and onto our own performance.A Bittersweet Milestone: The team reflects on ministry transitions and shares a heartfelt farewell to Pastor David Baxley in his final episode on the podcast.Discover how to look at your calendar, your career, and your daily tasks through a heart-check that resets your perspective on worldly success versus kingdom purpose.--Learn more about Bethany at our WebsiteWatch sermons & podcasts on our YouTube Channel

Are we choosing convenience over compassion?In this message from the Under Construction series, we dive into Proverbs 3:27-30 to confront a challenging truth: when it is in our power to do good, waiting isn’t neutral—it’s a choice. We often scan Scripture looking for loopholes, trying to define exactly who "deserves" our time, money, or grace, but God's Word completely flips our self-justifications on their head.Through an honest look at our natural instinct to protect ourselves from the costs of loving others, this message challenges us to examine the small, quiet compromises we make every day.Key themes in this sermon:The Escalation of Compromise: How small, seemingly insignificant acts of withholding good can slowly erode our integrity and lead to active harm.Redefining the Neighbor: Moving past our cultural, comfortable boundaries to embrace Jesus’s radical definition of community and proximity.Overcoming the "Worthiness" Audit: Why managing outcomes and judging who is deserving of our help gets in the way of true, Christ-like compassion.Ultimately, God doesn’t ask us to determine who is worthy of our compassion; He asks us to remember who showed us compassion first. Tune in to discover what it means to step into the gap and live out a faith that refuses to hold back.--Learn more about Bethany at our WebsiteWatch sermons & podcasts on our YouTube Channel

Dive deeper into the tension of living out true biblical compassion and generosity in this episode of Beyond the Sermon.Following up on last week’s look at the prayer of Agur in Proverbs 30 regarding financial extremes and contentment, this discussion tackles the challenging commands found in Proverbs 3:27-30. Hosts Cathy Musto, Steve Musto, and Tylor Fisher wrestle with why true compassion feels so incredibly difficult to live out in a modern, consumer-driven culture that constantly values self preservation over community.We unpack the reality that biblical generosity isn't just about writing a check to clear a guilty conscience.  How do you know when someones need is yours to answer, and how do you move past the paralyzing fear of being taken advantage of? Discover what it looks like to surrender the results of your obedience to God, move past a transactional mindset, and uncover genuine joy through the radical risk of loving others well.--Learn more about Bethany at our WebsiteWatch sermons & podcasts on our YouTube Channel

Money is one of the most complex and culturally charged topics we face, and the church world is no exception. Does God command His followers to live in poverty, or is wealth the ultimate sign of His blessing? Or is it something else entirely?In this message, Pastor Steve unpacks the mixed signals our culture sends about finances by diving into a unique prayer found in Proverbs 30. This sermon challenges us to re-evaluate what we are truly chasing. It turns out, handling money wisely isn't actually about the size of your bank account—it’s about the state of your heart.What you’ll discover in this episode:The Integrity Test: How a small, accidental $2.86 oversight at a grocery checkout line reveals the true worth of our character.The Danger of Extremes: Why the writer of Proverbs 30 asks God for neither poverty nor wealth, and the unique spiritual traps that come with both.The "Just a Little Bit More" Trap: Why chasing wealth can become a never-ending cycle that leaves us spiritually empty.Putting It Back in the Box: A powerful reminder of what happens when the game of life ends, and what actually remains.Tune in to discover how to move past the anxiety of "never having enough" and step into the true freedom of Biblical contentment.--Learn more about Bethany at our WebsiteWatch sermons & podcasts on our YouTube Channel

In this week's installment of Beyond the Sermon, we tackle some of the most debated and nuanced "grey areas" in modern culture and faith: alcohol, marijuana, and money. We dive headfirst into the tough questions that many believers wrestle with behind closed doors:Alcohol & Culture: Is it okay to have a bar in your house, or are we accidentally building shrines to our cultural habits?The Marijuana Landscape: How should Christians navigate the shifting legal and social views on weed and self-medication?Wealth & Contentment: What are the hidden spiritual dangers of having "too much," and what can the Old Testament teach us about finding true contentment?Join us as we put these cultural hot topics through a vital heart check. How do we balance Christian freedom with our kingdom purpose?--Learn more about Bethany at our WebsiteWatch sermons & podcasts on our YouTube Channel

The Bible has a lot to say about alcohol—and it might not be exactly what you think. From verses celebrating it as a blessing to stark warnings against reckless living, scripture doesn't shy away from this complex and culturally charged topic.In this message from the "Under Construction" sermon series, we take an honest, balanced look at how to build our lives on wisdom rather than foolishness when it comes to alcohol. Beginning with a moving testimony from Aubrey about finding life-giving freedom after addiction, Pastor Steve Musto explores the tension between biblical liberty and scriptural warning.What you’ll discover in this episode:The Two Sides of the Coin: How the Bible portrays alcohol as both a potential blessing for celebration and a dangerous trap for reckless living.Abstain vs. Partake: Breaking down the two primary scriptural responses to alcohol and understanding how personal conviction works within Christian freedom.The Heart of the Matter: Why God is just as concerned with why we turn to a drink as He is with how much we drink.Identifying the "Yellow Flags": Practical, honest warning signs to help evaluate whether alcohol is starting to master your habits, your heart, or your home.Tune in to discover how to navigate culture, personal conviction, and spiritual maturity with wisdom, guardrails, and grace.--Learn more about Bethany at our WebsiteWatch sermons & podcasts on our YouTube Channel

Steve, Tami, and Natalie discuss what wisdom with alcohol looks like for Christ-followers.--Learn more about Bethany at our WebsiteWatch sermons & podcasts on our YouTube Channel

If you were handed a magic wand with only one wish left, what would you ask for? When God offered King Solomon absolutely anything he wanted, Solomon didn't ask for wealth or power—he asked for wisdom.But how did he actually get it? Was it a sudden, effortless supernatural download, or was it something he had to pursue?In this message, Pastor Steve dives into Proverbs 2 to unpack what it truly means to acquire and live out Godly wisdom. It’s far more than just collecting biblical facts or having a high spiritual IQ; true wisdom is about application, proximity to God, and knowing how to navigate life's messy contradictions.--Learn more about Bethany at our WebsiteWatch sermons & podcasts on our YouTube Channel

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Join as we discuss Revelation, and the message to the church in Thyatira.--Learn more about Bethany at our WebsiteWatch sermons & podcasts on our YouTube Channel

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

Join as we discuss Revelation, and the message to the church in Pergamum.--Learn more about Bethany at our WebsiteWatch sermons & podcasts on our YouTube Channel

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

Join as we discuss Revelation 2:8-11, and the message to the church in Smyrna.--Learn more about Bethany at our WebsiteWatch sermons & podcasts on our YouTube Channel

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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