Bethlehem Church

“Are We Convinced?” | SUMMER AT BETHLEHEM - Week 7 | July 12, 2026   If our definition of Jesus doesn’t change everything about us, then we don’t have a biblical definition of Jesus. In this powerful message from our Summer at Bethlehem series, Pastor Jason Britt dives into Mark 2 to look at a familiar story through a challenging lens: Are we truly convinced that Jesus is the answer to the deepest struggles and ailments of the human condition? There is a radical difference between a casual mindset that views Jesus as merely "helpful" and a deep, unshakeable conviction that drives us to action. Through the story of four unnamed friends who literally tore open a roof to lower a paralyzed man down to Jesus, we discover what it means to be part of a "Serve Crew"—a stretcher-bearing community in a mind-your-own-business world. Pastor Jason challenges us to move past a consumer mindset, look past our temporary "felt needs," and let Jesus address our ultimate soul-level need through the miracle of forgiveness. Whether you are a student looking to activate your faith, someone wondering how to share Christ with a struggling friend, or someone ready to transition from a "volunteer mindset" to a "servant heart," this sermon is a fresh invitation to engage with the body of Christ. 💡 Key Takeaways: "Helpful" vs. "The Answer": There is a vast difference between treating Jesus as an optional self-help tool and being fully convinced that He is the answer to our deepest brokenness. Felt Needs vs. Ultimate Needs: We often bring a checklist of earthly "felt needs" to God (finances, marriage, stress). Jesus refuses to let our circumstances define our ultimate need—which is the restoration of our soul through His forgiveness. Volunteer Mindset vs. Servant Heart: A volunteer gives their spare time to fill a slot; a true servant gives themselves to fulfill a divine calling. A Stretcher-Bearing Community: True faith is an active, visible group effort. In a modern world that screams at everyone to mind their own business, we are called to be a community that actively carries others to Christ. Your Mat is Your Story: True grace doesn't just get you off your mat; it transforms the very thing that used to hold you paralyzed into the powerful story of life change that you carry out into the world. 📌 Timestamps: 00:00 - Middle School Camp recap: Never Underestimate the Beauty of the Church 03:05 - Fulfilling a Calling: Moving from a Volunteer to a Servant Heart 05:41 - The Challenge: Do You Have a Biblical Definition of Jesus? 11:43 - Scripture Reading: Mark 2 & The Crowd at Capernaum 14:39 - Grabbing a Mat: Creative Problem Solving & Refusing Excuses 18:17 - Three Questions for a Convinced Faith 21:04 - Individualism vs. True Soul Healing: Addressing the Real Need 26:34 - The Greatest Miracle: The Price and Blessing of Forgiveness 27:24 - The Cynics in the Cheap Seats: God Knows Our Internal Thoughts 31:43 - A Stretcher-Bearing Community: Examples of Next-Gen & Foster Servants 40:00 - Carrying Your Story: What Used to Carry You, You Now Carry 41:24 - Summary & Action Steps: Whose Corner of the Mat Are You Holding? ✝️ Key Scriptures: Mark 2:1–12 Psalm 139 Psalm 103:2–3   We exist to lead people to discover a new life in Christ. This is the vision of Bethlehem Church, based in Bethlehem, GA.   🔗 Connect With Us: First Time? We'd love to meet you. Please click https://wearebethlehem.churchcenter.com/people/forms/504192to 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/   #BethlehemChurch #JasonBritt #AreWeConvinced #Mark2 #SummerAtBethlehem #ServeCrew #FaithVsMindset #BiblicalCommunity #SurrenderingToJesus #Sermon2026 #ChurchOnline

“Trust in the Lord” | SUMMER AT BETHLEHEM - Week 6 | July 5th, 2026   In Week 6 of our Summer at Bethlehem series, we examine one of the most familiar, anchor-point passages in the entire Bible: Proverbs 3:5–6. King Solomon, renowned as the wisest man to ever live, penned these words not as abstract philosophy, but as a framework for survival passed down to the next generation.   When we envision God making our paths "straight," our minds naturally visualize an upward, predictable trajectory of success. In reality, life often feels completely chaotic and scattered. Through heavy seasons of personal loss, medical diagnoses, and unexpected breakdowns, this message explores what it looks like to stop trading God's perfect track record for unproven, fragile substitutes. It is an urgent invitation to stop leaning on our own limited understanding and cast our entire weight onto a God who has never failed.   💡 Key Takeaways: The Weight of Ba-tach: The Hebrew word for trust used in this passage is ba-tach. Far from passive optimism, its physical word picture is throwing oneself facedown on the ground because there is nowhere else to go. It means throwing your entire physical and emotional weight onto a solid, unmovable object, completely confident that it will not buckle or break. The Trap of Unproven Substitutes: We are fiercely prone to trading God's proven, flawless track record of faithfulness for unproven substitutes. We split our weight between God and less trustworthy things like finances, career positioning, political outcomes, or the approval of our spouses and children—falling into anxiety the moment they shift. Acknowledge Means Yada’: In English, to "acknowledge" someone means to tip your hat or nod in their direction. But the Hebrew imperative used here is yada’, which means to know someone intimately, personally, and experientially. Acknowledging God is not merely recognizing that He exists; it is living in a state of total, obedient dependence because you know His character. He Moves the Next Step, Not the Whole Map: We constantly demand that God show us the final destination, but He chooses to give us just enough light for the immediate next step. Like Joseph in the prison or Joshua at the Jordan, a "straight path" is rarely an easy or problem-free path—it is simply a God-directed path walked one step of obedience at a time. Don't Shrink the Map: When circumstances fall apart, our instinctual prayer is always, "God, change my situation and shorten this trial." But while we are entirely focused on where we are going, God is intimately focused on who we are becoming. Shrinking the map to avoid the traffic and breakdowns of life means missing the miraculous transformation happening within the valley. One Step From a Miracle: Often, we find ourselves exactly one step of obedience away from God doing something supernatural. The priests had to physically step into the rushing, flood-stage waters of the Jordan before the river ever parted. Trust isn't about calculating the outcome; it's about knowing the Guide.   ✝️ Key Scriptures: Proverbs 3:5–6 Genesis 39:20–23 Joshua 3:13–17   We exist to lead people to discover a new life in Christ. This is the vision of Bethlehem Church, based in Bethlehem, GA.   🔗 Connect With Us: First Time? We'd love to meet you. Please click https://wearebethlehem.churchcenter.com/people/forms/504192to 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/   #SummerAtBethlehem #KevinMiller #TrustInTheLord #Proverbs3 #Trust #Yada’ #FaithfulnessOfGod #BethlehemChurch #Obedience #NextStep #Sermon2026 #ChurchOnline

In Week 5 of our Summer at Bethlehem series, Lead Pastor Jason Britt takes us to a passage that serves as an ongoing mirror for our souls: Luke 15. Through the lens of Jesus' most famous parable—traditionally known as the Prodigal Son—we discover that this isn't just a heartwarming tale about a rebellious runaway. It is a powerful, direct confrontation of the "Us vs. Them" mentality that so easily creeps into our culture and our churches. Whether we find ourselves lost in outward rebellion or lost in inward religion, the story exposes our desperate need to look in the mirror and ultimately embody the heart of the Father. 💡 Key Takeaways: The Bigness of the Kingdom: Pastor Jason reflects on his recent ministry trip to Brazil, watching thousands of pastors and their wives worshiping in Portuguese. It serves as a beautiful reminder that the Kingdom of God is vastly larger than our local context, yet the gospel remains the exact same hope for the nations as it is for our next-door neighbors. Value is Set by the Searcher: In his precursor parables about the lost sheep and the lost coin, Jesus establishes a foundational truth: a lost item's worth isn't determined by the item itself. Its value is proven by the lengths to which the owner goes to find it. What God searches for, He celebrates—and what He celebrates, we should celebrate. The Far Country Illusion: The younger brother didn't just want his inheritance; he wanted his father's benefits without his father's authority. The "far country" is any mental or physical space we retreat to in order to convince ourselves that we don’t need God. Swift Feet of Forgiveness: Repentance begins when excuses end. When the younger brother finally "comes to his senses" and limps home expecting probation, the father breaks all cultural norms by running to him to offer full restoration. The miracle isn't just that the son returned, but that the father never stopped being a father. The Danger of the Older Brother Spirit: The parable ends without resolution because it was originally directed at the grumbling religious leaders. The older brother stayed physically close to the house but remained completely insulated from the father's heart. He was filled with entitlement, comparison, and resentment—proving that religious self-righteousness leaves you just as far from God as wild rebellion does. 📌 Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro: Uganda Mission Trip Video 01:30 – Living on Mission from Uganda to Egypt 02:56 – A Glimpse of Heaven: Preaching to Pastors in Brazil 05:55 – Returning to Luke 15: The Parable as a Mirror for Our Souls 12:03 – The Grumbling Ecosystem: Dismantling the "Us vs. Them" Mentality 15:46 – Precursor Stories: The Lost Sheep and the Lost Coin 18:24 – The Far Country: Demanding Blessings Without Authority 22:30 – Coming to Your Senses: Creating a Safe Place for Healing 24:33 – The Running Father: Probation vs. Full Restoration 29:26 – The Grumbling Older Brother: Standing Outside the Party 33:15 – Personal Testimony: Lost in Rebellion vs. Lost in Religion 34:56 – Anatomy of an Older Brother: Entitlement and Blind Spots 36:30 – The Unresolved Ending: You Are One of These Three People 38:56 – Three Questions to Ask Yourself 42:30 – Closing Challenge & Prayer ✝️ Key Scriptures: Luke 15:1-32 James 1:23-25 Ephesians 2:13 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/ #BethlehemChurch #JasonBritt #Luke15 #ProdigalSon #HeartOfTheFather #SummerSeries #RepentanceAndForgiveness #NextSteps #NeighborsAndNations #Sermon2026 #ChurchOnline

We have all experienced that distinct, crushing sense of overwhelm. Your calendar is packed, the pressures of parenting and work are mounting, and the constant noise of the world never seems to dim. But it’s not just that your life is full - it’s that your soul feels heavy. Most of us have simply adopted a cultural norm that is quietly exhausting us, assuming this chronic fatigue is just the price of admission for modern life.   In this powerful message, we dive into Matthew 11:28–30 to uncover a freeing truth: The weight you’re carrying might not be the one you were meant to carry. Jesus famously promised that His burden is light, yet that rarely matches our day-to-day reality. By breaking down the specific weights we subconsciously pick up, this sermon exposes how we are mismanaging our souls and offers the ultimate trade-off: swapping our exhausting performance for His peaceful presence.   💡 Key Takeaways:   The Weight in Your Pocket: One of the heaviest burdens we pick up every day sits right in our pockets. Our phones constantly flood us with global tragedy, endless comparison, and the expectations of others. Human beings were never structurally designed to carry the weight of the entire world before drinking their first cup of coffee. The Three Heavy Categories: When the strong get tired, it’s usually because they are carrying things that aren’t theirs to carry (expectations and comparison), carrying things they were never asked to carry (outcome control and everyone's approval), or carrying it all alone (isolated and performing rather than depending). Proximity Over Performance: Jesus' invitation begins with two words: "Come to me." This is entirely relational before it is practical. He does not say "fix your life first" or "try harder." He invites us to start with close proximity to Him, completely detaching our worth from our daily performance. The Purpose of a Yoke: When Jesus says, "Take my yoke upon you," He isn't offering an immediate relief from all activity, but rather a profound rest for your soul. A yoke is a tool built for two; it implies a shared weight. Jesus isn’t removing all responsibility from your life—He is completely redefining how you carry it. A Shift in Posture: Stepping into true rest doesn't necessarily mean changing your external circumstances; it means changing your internal posture. It's about living the exact same life, but walking step-by-step with Jesus instead of constantly trying to perform for Him. The Divine Trade: Our core problem is that we love the idea of rest, but we fiercely resist the vulnerability it takes to get it. Jesus offers a standing, daily trade: our exhaustion for His rest, our pressure for His presence, and our self-induced weight for His perfectly fitted yoke. 📌 Timestamps:   00:00 – Fun Father’s Day Video 02:23 – Introduction from Pastor Clay Scroggins 05:05 – Life Is Not Just Full; It Also Feels Heavy  10:32 – Scripture Reading: Breaking Down Matthew 11:28–30 14:39 – Being “Too Busy” (Putting Things on Ourselves that We Don’t Need to) 25:21 – Taking On an Expectation or Standard from Somewhere Else  29:53 – Identifying the Yoke You Are Carrying 32:37 – Two Personal Reflection Questions  38:14 – Are You Interested in Trading your Exhaustion, Pressure, and Weight for His Rest, Presence and Yoke?  39:25 – Closing Prayer: Giving Up the Weight You Were Never Meant to Carry   ✝️ Key Scriptures:   Matthew 11:28–30 Psalm 55:22 1 Peter 5:7   We exist to lead people to discover a new life in Christ. This is the vision of Bethlehem Church, 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/   #BethlehemChurch #ClayScroggins #WhenTheStrongGetTired #Matthew11 #SoulRest #TakeMyYoke #SharedWeight #ChristianLiving #OvercomeOverwhelm #FaithOverPerformance #Sermon2026 #ChurchOnline

In Week 3 of our Summer at Bethlehem series, our good friend Pastor Mike Linch joins us to share a life-changing word on what it truly means to discover our identity and calling in Christ. Continuing our summer journey through the scriptures that have fundamentally shaped our lives, Pastor Mike takes us to the shores of Galilee in Luke 5:1–11.   Too many of us spend our lives chasing worldly definitions of success, building our own plans, and exhausting ourselves in our own strength—only to end up with empty nets. Through the story of Simon Peter’s miraculous catch of fish, this message confronts our need for control and serves as a powerful guide on how to shift from our personal ambitions to a life of true, kingdom-altering impact.   💡 Key Takeaways:   The Struggle of Empty Nets: Like Peter and his crew, many of us spend our lives working tirelessly through the night, using all of our professional expertise and human energy, only to come up short. Jesus often meets us right at the edge of our exhaustion and frustration, asking us to trust Him in the exact areas where we have failed in our own strength. Settle the Issue of Ownership: Before Peter could step into his true calling, he had to leave his nets, his boats, and his catch behind. True purpose begins when we realize that our life, our talents, our families, and our careers do not belong to us. We have been bought with a high price, and we must fully surrender ownership to the King. Follow a Person, Not a Plan: Humans love blueprints, predictable paths, and five-year strategic plans. But biblical discipleship is about following a Person—Jesus—not a plan. We are called to make our plans loosely and instead focus on keeping in daily, active step with the Holy Spirit. The Shift to Deeper Waters: Jesus didn't tell Peter to stay in the shallow, safe zones of life. He commanded him to go out into the deep. Stepping into your God-given destiny requires moving past comfortable, superficial faith and being willing to take risky steps of obedience simply because Jesus said so. See People as Your Purpose: Peter was a professional fisherman; his purpose was defined by his production and his industry. Jesus completely flipped his worldview by telling him, "From now on you’ll be fishing for people." Our ultimate purpose on this earth is never tied to our occupation or accumulation, but to the people God has placed in our path to point toward Christ. Leave Everything to Gain Everything: The disciples landed their boats with the largest financial windfall of their lives—two boats filled so high with fish they were on the verge of sinking. Yet, in the presence of Jesus, they immediately walked away from the blessing to follow the Blesser. When we encounter Christ, the things we used to cling to lose their grip on us. 📌 Timestamps:   00:00 – Intro & Welcome from Pastor Mike Linch 03:54 – Scripture Reading: Luke 5:1-11 & The Miraculous Catch of Fish 08:58 – Prayer: God, Tell Us What You Need From Us 09:57 – Simon Peter’s Story and How It Relates to Ours  11:48 – Point 1: Settle the Issue of Ownership 18:12 – Point 2: Follow a Person, Not a Plan 23:40 – Proverbs 16:9 & Keeping in Perfect Step with the Spirit 24:54 – Point 3: See People As Your Purpose 32:34 – From Fishing to Fishing for Men: Redefining Career and Calling 33:01 – Prayer: The Final Call to Surrender   ✝️ Key Scriptures: Luke 5:1–11 1 Corinthians 6:19–20 Proverbs 16:9 Galatians 5:25   We exist to lead people to discover a new life in Christ. This is the vision of Bethlehem Church, based in Bethlehem, GA.   🔗 Connect With Us:   First Time? We'd love to meet you. Please click https://wearebethlehem.churchcenter.com/people/forms/504192to 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/   #SummerAtBethlehem #SurrenderingMyPurpose #Luke5 #MikeLinch #BethlehemChurch #FollowJesus #FishersOfMen #TotalSurrender #StepIntoTheDeep #Sermon2026 #ChurchOnline

In Week 2 of our Summer at Bethlehem series, Student Pastor Spencer Haynes opens up God’s Word to share a passage that completely disrupted, challenged, and redirected his life. The power of the Bible is that it doesn't just inform us; it transforms us when we allow it to step out of the pages and into our real-world stories.   Preaching from the historic and heavy text of Isaiah 6:1-8, Spencer contrasts modern, emotional consumer Christianity with a true biblical encounter with God. "Send me" sounds exciting, powerful, and amazing in a worship service with great lighting and loud music—until holiness confronts our hidden sin and Jesus actually demands our comfort. This message is a direct challenge to step away from casual faith, stop hiding behind religion, and realize that real biblical calling always follows cleansing.   💡 Key Takeaways:   The Weight of "Send Me": It is easy to love the emotion of a worship song or a mountain-top ministry moment, but we rarely wrestle with the weight of our words. Saying "send me" isn't a declaration of our own hype or talent; it is a declaration of total surrender that requires us to give up control over our lives. The Unveiling of the True King: Isaiah’s vision occurred "in the year that King Uzziah died"—a time of immense national panic, instability, and fear for Israel. It is often when our earthly security blankets and cultural kings are removed that our eyes are finally opened to see the true King sitting high and lifted up on the throne. Holy, Holy, Holy: In ancient Hebrew, repetition was used for ultimate emphasis. The angels in heaven don't cry out "love, love, love" or "power, power, power," but rather "holy, holy, holy." God is completely distinct, pure, and without a single shadow of darkness. Proximity to a church building is not the same thing as an encounter with this level of holiness. The Collapse Before the Call: Throughout Scripture, whenever an ordinary human encounters the living God, they don't become casual—they collapse. The holiness of God exposes everything fake in us, crushing our pride and self-righteousness. Before Isaiah ever became a prophet sent on a mission, he first had to cry out, "Woe is me! For I am ruined." Hiding Behind Religion: Lost people do not all look the same. While some run from God loudly through reckless living, many "good church kids" hide from God quietly behind religion and behavior modification. God doesn't call the perfectly qualified; He cleanses and sends the broken, surrendered people who stop trying to justify their own pride and anger. A Faith That Interrupts: We often look for a version of Jesus that inspires us but never interrupts us; comforts us but never confronts us. But a true encounter with Christ always changes our trajectory, our desires, and our treatment of others. If our lives look exactly the same as the world around us, we must ask ourselves if we have truly met the Holy God.   ✝️ Key Scriptures: Isaiah 6:1–8 Psalm 52:1–9 Hebrews 4:12   We exist to lead people to discover a new life in Christ. This is the vision of Bethlehem Church, based in Bethlehem, GA.   🔗 Connect With Us:   First Time? We'd love to meet you. Please click https://wearebethlehem.churchcenter.com/people/forms/504192to 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/   #SummerAtBethlehem #SendMe #Isaiah6 #HolinessOfGod #SpencerHaynes #BethlehemChurch #SurrenderedLiving #GreatCommission #NextStep #Sermon2026 #ChurchOnline

We are kicking off our Summer at Bethlehem series with a head-first dive into the life-changing power of God’s Word. The Bible is not just ancient information; it is living, active, and timely. In this raw and deeply personal message, Pastor Jason opens up about his own years-long battle with anxiety to expose a universal truth: the biggest battle of your life is won and lost in the six-inch real estate between your ears - your MIND.   Preaching from Philippians 4:4-9, a passage written from the depths of a Roman prison rather than an Instagram motivational seminar, Pastor Jason teaches us that a healthy mind requires an intentional spiritual diet. If you have been trapped on an island of worry, playing out worst-case scenarios, this message serves as a practical guide to stop stuffing your emotions and start discipling your mind.   💡 Key Takeaways:   Information vs. Experience: There is a profound difference between being informed about a story and actually experiencing it. The gospel is not just a historical account to analyze; it is a living reality we are invited into today. The Shame of the Anxious Christian: Pastor Jason addresses the dangerous logic that many believers fall into: "If I really trusted God, I wouldn't feel anxious." Feelings of anxiety are a natural part of being human, but when anxiety becomes a state of mind, it traps us in fear, worry, and isolation. Circumstantial vs. Critical Thinking: An anxious mind defaults to two toxic patterns: circumstantial thinking ("What if?") which awfulizes every future scenario, and critical thinking ("Why?"), an obsessive analysis that turns inward into despair. Both patterns make temporary problems feel completely permanent. The "If/When" Symptom: We often tell ourselves, "If my circumstances change, then I will find peace." But true peace does not depend on an easier environment. Surrendered thinking means inviting God into the exact things causing you angst, knowing that the area facing the most resistance is often where He wants to do the most work. Christ-Centered Thinking: Healing the anxious mind isn't about emptying it; it's about filling it with what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. A lie believed as truth will affect your life as if it were true. We must combat lies by anchoring our minds to the unchanging character of God. Overcoming vs. Overcome: Discipling your mind is a lifelong practice of surrender, not a one-time event. You don’t drift into peace; you practice your way into it by daily shifting from circumstantial panic to Christ-centered truth.   📌 Timestamps:   00:00 – Summer at Bethlehem Bumper  00:45 – Intro To Summer at Bethlehem & Invite to Men’s Conference  05:13 – The Two Types of Stories  07:08 – The Power of God’s Word  08:39 – 2 Questions to Ask Ourselves  11:03 – The Anthem of My Life: Praying Through Philippians 4 12:43 – Pastor Jason’s Personal 18-Month Battle with Anxiety and Shame 16:48 – Setting the Scene: Paul’s "What If" Reality in a Roman Prison 22:12 – You Cannot Change What You Do Not Confront 24:44 – Thinking About What You Think About Matters  25:39 – Toxic Default Patterns: Circumstantial and Critical Thinking 29:13 – The "If/When" Trap: Why Changing Circumstances Won’t Fix Your Mind 31:50 – Surrendered Thinking > Circumstance Change  33:58 – What Christ-Centered Thinking Looks Like  35:18 – Philippians 4:8-9: Inviting Outside Truth to Reshape the Inside 41:39 – Dismissing Anxiety vs. Discipling Our Minds  44:42 – Closing Prayer & Scripture Reading  ✝️ Key Scriptures: Philippians 4:4–9 Hebrews 4:12 Psalm 119:105   We exist to lead people to discover a new life in Christ. This is the vision of Bethlehem Church, based in Bethlehem, GA.   🔗 Connect With Us: First Time? We'd love to meet you. Please click https://wearebethlehem.churchcenter.com/people/forms/504192to 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/   #SummerAtBethlehem #HowDoIResetMyMind #Philippians4 #JasonBritt #MentalHealth #OvercomingAnxiety #BethlehemChurch #BattleOfTheMind #WordOfGod #Sermon2026 #ChurchOnline

This Memorial Day weekend, Student Pastor CJ brings a high-energy message challenging us to wake up to the spiritual reality of the world we live in. We often live like we are in peacetime, but a spiritual war is raging all around us.   Drawing from Ephesians 6 and a trip down memory lane to Sunday school "Lord's Army" days, CJ reminds us that God's movement isn't confined to our walls. To be a follower of Christ is to be a soldier in the army of God, and the Church is the vehicle He uses to take ground. In this message on the heels of the Church Unbranded series, we are challenged to stop trading conviction for comfort, step off the bench, and start fighting from victory alongside a community that has our back.   💡 Key Takeaways:   The Blueprint of a Soldier: To be a follower of Jesus is to be a soldier in the army of God. In a culture driven by individualism, CJ reminds us that individual soldiers don't go to war alone—armies do. The Church is a collection of soldiers moving forward under one ultimate Commander: Jesus. Identify the Real Enemy: We easily forget who we are actually fighting. Your neighbor, your coworker, your spouse, your kids, or the person who votes differently than you is not your enemy. Your enemy is the devil, and he isn't trying to minorly inconvenience you—he wants to steal, kill, and destroy your marriage, family, and witness. The Danger of Friendly Fire: When the Church forgets it is an army on active duty, we trade conviction for comfort. Instead of equipping for battle, we treat church as a gathering for entertainment. This passivity leads to friendly fire—where we become so busy attacking each other that we let the true enemy creep in. Blitzing the Darkness: Using a high school football analogy, CJ explains the military origins of the "blitz"—overwhelming the opponent with speed, surprise, and force. To blitz the kingdom of darkness means aggressively covering marriages, relentlessly pursuing prodigal children in prayer, and intentionally discipling the next generation so the enemy has no room to divide. The Target on Impact Players: If you decide to get in the game and take ground for the Kingdom, you will face opposition. Just like a football team watches film to limit the opponent's impact players, the enemy studies your triggers, weaknesses, and strengths. If you are experiencing heavy resistance right now, don't quit—it means you are making an impact and are no longer a non-factor on the bench. Standing in the Gap: We don’t all play the same role, but we all have a part to play. True biblical community means standing in the gap for one another—bearing burdens, outdoing one another in honor, rejoicing together, and weeping together when the battle gets heavy. Because of the cross, the ultimate war is already won; we don't fight for victory, we fight from victory.   📌 Timestamps:   00:00 – Memorial Day Video 01:13 – Introduction from Pastor Jason  05:03 – Start of Message with CJ Moneke 10:45 – Scripture Reading: Ephesians 6:10-18 & Facing Spiritual Warfare 15:34 – Peacetime Mindsets: Trading Conviction for Comfort 18:15 – The SEAL Principle: Sinking to the Level of Your Training 18:40 – Pillar 1 (Identity): Who Am I According to God? 26:59 – Pillar 2 (Purpose): Fighting Together & The Power of the "Blitz" 29:42 – Handling Resistance: Why the Enemy Targets Impact Players 33:27– Pillar 3 (Belonging): Romans 12 and Standing in the Gap 37:09 – Colossians 2:13-15: Nailing Debt to the Cross & Fighting From Victory 39:10 – Closing Prayer & Call to Action   ✝️ Key Scriptures: Ephesians 6:10-18 2 Timothy 2:3-4 2 Corinthians 10:4 Romans 12:9-15 Colossians 2:13-15 Matthew 16:18   We exist to lead people to discover a new life in Christ. This is the vision of Bethlehem Church, based in Bethlehem, GA.   🔗 Connect With Us: First Time? We'd love to connect with you. Please click https://wearebethlehem.churchcenter.com/people/forms/504192to 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/   #ArmyOfGod #BethlehemChurch #SpiritualWarfare #IdentityInChrist #FaithCommunity #BlitzTheDarkness #StandInTheGap #Sermon2026 #ChurchOnline

In Week 5 of our Church Unbranded series, Pastor Matt Piland dives into one of the most famous passages in the entire Sermon on the Mount: Matthew 5:13-16. Jesus doesn't tell His disciples to try to become salt and light; He makes definitive identity statements: "You ARE the salt of the earth” and You ARE the light of the world." In this challenging message, Pastor Matt confronts our natural impulse to build our own little territorial kingdoms where we try to remain king, inviting us instead to step out into a decaying and dark society to quietly preserve, heal, and reflect the glory of our Heavenly Father.   💡 Key Takeaways: The Blueprint of the Kingdom: A "Kingdom" is simply a “King’s domain”—where he exercises his rule and reign. Like kids yelling “get out of my room,” we all try to build our own little domains - but the gospel demands that we surrender control and let Jesus reorder every room of our lives. Salt Is for Preservation, Not Weaponization: In the ancient world, salt was primarily used to prevent food from decaying. The church shouldn't isolate itself from a breaking world, nor should it use its truth like a "salt gun" fired at people. We “lose our saltiness” when we weaponize the gospel instead of stepping in close to bring quiet healing. Get Out of the Salt Shaker: We don't need to "salt the salt" by keeping all of our influence inside the four walls of the church building. Salt is only effective when it is scattered into our workplaces, schools, and community to make people thirsty for Jesus. The 3 Light Covers: We don't have to create light; we just have to stop covering it up with a basket. Pastor Matt highlights three ways we hide our light: Fear: Being more terrified of a conversation feeling "awkward" or "weird" than being devoted to Christ. Distraction: Allowing doomscrolling and constant digital noise to kill our intentionality. Pride: Pointing the flashlight at our own faces ("Look at me") instead of shining it outward ("Look at Him"). Offend and Attract: The light of Christ does both. It will offend those who are comfortable living in the dark, but it will powerfully attract those who are trapped in darkness and didn't know a life of freedom was an option. 📌 Timestamps: 00:00 – Buddies Network Video  01:15 – Intro & Scripture Reading: Matthew 5:13-16 05:34 – The Call to Live For His Kingdom, Not Our Kingdom  06:36 – The Problem with Our Personal Kingdoms 08:13 – The Desire for Control 10:28 – The Disruption of the Sermon on the Mount: Reordering Your Life 11:22 – Identity Before Application: You Are the Salt 15:17 – Holding Back Decay: The Church as Christ’s Public Ambassadors 18:28 – The Salt Gun Illustration: Moving from Weaponization to Preservation 20:40 – Salting the World: Why we have to leave the salt shaker 21:38 – Carrying the Light: John 8:12 and Reflecting Jesus 23:01 – The Original Vocation: Becoming a City Set on a Hill 28:07 – Light Cover #1: The Fear of Man (Overcoming "Awkward") 31:04 – Light Cover #2: Distraction is the Enemy of Intentionality 33:16 – Light Cover #3: Pride vs. Reflecting Jesus 34:56 – The Two Responses to Light: Offend and Attract 36:19 – A Child’s Request: "Leave the Door Open and the Light On" 38:49 – Closing Prayer  ✝️ Key Scriptures: Matthew 5:13-16 John 8:12 We exist to lead people to discover a new life in Christ. This is the vision of Bethlehem Church, 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 #SaltAndLight #MattPiland #BethlehemChurch #SermonOnTheMount #KingdomOfGod #Stewardship #Sermon2026 #UnitedChurch #Matthew5 #ChurchOnline

In Week 4 of our Church Unbranded series, Lead Pastor Jason Britt delivers a special Mother’s Day message focusing on one of the most powerful identities we possess: being part of the Family of God. While "family" can be a complicated word for many, the gospel offers a new lineage that isn't based on genetics or willpower, but on the grace of Jesus Christ. To follow Christ is to move from being a stranger to being a child with full legal standing, an inheritance, and a massive group of brothers and sisters.   💡 Key Takeaways: The Right to Belong: John 1:12 says Jesus gave us the "right" to become children of God. In a legal sense, this means you aren't a guest in God's house; you have the keys, a bedroom, and the family name. Adopted and Birthed: You were brought into the family through adoption (legal standing) and new birth (spiritual life). You didn't start in the family; the cross is what signed the papers. Personal But Not Individualistic: The gospel is personal because Jesus calls you by name, but it’s not individualistic. You aren't an "only child." In the New Testament, "Our Lord" is used 53 times, while "My Lord" is used only once. The "Unholy Trinity": Our culture worships Me, Myself, and I. However, spiritual growth only happens when we move from "Me and God" to "We and God." You don’t grow in isolation; you grow in relationships. The Compass: Healthy families are intentional. Bethlehem Church uses a "Compass" to help you find your next step of obedience: Worshipper: Living as a sacrifice. Learner: Being an apprentice of Jesus. Family Member: Engaging in the "one anothers.” Servant: Giving your life away. Multiplier: Intentionality in mission. Steward: Open-handed living. 📌 Timestamps: 00:00 – Video: Mother’s Day at Bethlehem  02:15 – Introduction with Pastor Jason: Honoring Moms  03:52 – Family: What Moms Wrestle With and Think about the Most 05:14 – What It Means to Follow Christ  07:20 – John 1:9-13: We’re Not All God’s Children, But We’re All His Creation 11:17 – What It Means to Be a Part of God’s Family 13:54 – Romans 8:15-17: You Were Adopted In 16:46 – Ephesians 2:19: You Get Brothers and Sisters 19:17 – Loving God Should Lead to Loving Others  23:15 – Our Modern Interpretation of Our Faith Journey 25:20 – “Me and Jesus” or “We and Jesus”? 28:22 – The Compass: Navigating your next step of obedience 33:40 – You Don’t Do This on Your Own 36:44 – The Importance of Our Heavenly Family 37:34 – Encouragement for the Family: You are not a burden to God 40:01 – Closing Prayer: Surrendering to the Father ✝️ Key Scriptures: John 1:9-13 Romans 8:15-17 1 John 3:1 Ephesians 2:19 Mark 3:31-35 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 #FamilyOfGod #JasonBritt #BethlehemChurch #Adoption #MothersDay #SpiritualGrowth #Sermon2026 #BrothersAndSisters #UnitedChurch #ChurchOnline

In the third week of the Church Unbranded series, Lead Pastor Jason Britt explores one of the most intimate and enduring metaphors for the church found in Scripture: The Bride of Christ. In a culture defined by noise, division, and "hollow philosophies," the church is called to be a people who are deeply united. This message pushes us past our Western consumer mindset—where we "go to" or "attend" church like a gym or a grocery store—and invites us into a love story where we are the beloved people Jesus gave His life for.   💡 Key Takeaways: Unity vs. Uniformity: A divided culture needs a united church. We don't have to agree on every "non-essential" to be on the same team. As Rupertus Meldenius said: "In essentials unity, in non-essentials liberty; in all things charity." More Than Real Estate: The church is not a religious institution or a piece of geography; it is a Bride. Paul explains in Ephesians 5 that Christ’s love for the church is the ultimate standard for marriage—a love that is sacrificial, purifying, and refuses to quit. The "Love Story" Arc: The Bible begins with a wedding (Adam and Eve) and ends with a wedding (Jesus and His Church). From Genesis to Revelation, God is pursuing a people to be His own. Loving What Jesus Loves: You cannot claim to love the Groom while despising His Bride. Spiritual maturity is learning to love the church - not because she is perfect, but because she is precious to Jesus. The Unholy Trinity: We are often preoccupied with "Me, Myself, and I." The church re-orients our heads away from the screen and back toward the King, moving us from isolation to community. A New Psalm 23: Pastor Jason shares a sobering "modern version" of Psalm 23 that reveals how "The Screen" has become a shepherd for many, leading to anxiety and distraction rather than peace. 📌 Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro: A Culture Divided vs. A Church United 02:30 – Ephesians 4: Keeping the Unity of the Spirit 05:15 – Unity, Liberty, and Charity: The Watchword of Peacemakers 08:45 – The Metaphor: Moving from "Place" to "People" 12:10 – Ephesians 5: Christ’s Love for the Bride 16:00 – The Profound Mystery: Marriage and the Gospel 19:40 – The Forerunner’s Joy: Why the Bride Belongs to the Groom 23:15 – From Genesis to Revelation: The Wedding Story of History 26:50 – The Flawed Bride: Why Jesus refuses to walk away 30:10 – 25 Years of Marriage: Why you can't love the Man and hate the Wife 34:25 – Reason 1 to be Grateful for the Church: The Church is Present and Visible 37:10 – Reason 2: The Church Embodies Hope and Healing 38:50 – Reason 3: The Church Lifts our Heads from the "Unholy Trinity" 39:40 – The Digital Shepherd: A Modern Re-writing of Psalm 23 40:20 – Closing: Re-orienting to the True Shepherd (Psalm 23) ✝️ Key Scriptures: Ephesians 4:1-6 Ephesians 5:25-27 Matthew 19:5 Ephesians 5:32 John 3:29 Matthew 18:3 Psalm 23 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 #BrideOfChrist #JasonBritt #BethlehemChurch #Unity #Psalm23 #GospelLove #Sermon2026 #Ephesians5 #UnitedChurch #ChurchOnline

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

In this opener of our new series, “Church Unbranded,” Lead Pastor Jason Britt introduces a powerful "grounding technique" for the soul. In a world defined by noise pollution, political division, and constant distraction, we often lose sight of the bigness and beauty of what we are a part of. Using the Lord’s Prayer as our guide, we discover that the Kingdom of God is not a spiritual metaphor or a "someday" hope—it is a reality happening in the here and now. As citizens of this Kingdom, we are called to be an "outpost of hope" in the middle of a broken world. 💡 Key Takeaways: The Grounding Prayer: The Lord’s Prayer is more than a tradition; it is a way to reconnect to reality when emotions or culture try to pull us away. It reminds us that we are safe, we are here, and God is present. The Doxology of Power: The phrase "For Yours is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory" was used by the early church to anchor their worship. It shifts our focus from our petitions (asking God) to His praise (honoring the King). A Kingdom, Not a Metaphor: Jesus mentioned the Kingdom over 120 times in the Gospels. If ”your” Jesus only exists to get you to heaven when you die, you are missing the power He wants to establish through you today. The Church as an Outpost: Imagine a remote settlement in a dangerous frontier. That is the Church. We aren't built for comfort; we are a piece of "home" (heaven) planted in hostile ground. The Gates of Hell: When Jesus promised that the "gates of hell" would not overcome His Church, He was standing in Caesarea Philippi—a place of literal pagan debauchery known as the "Gates of Pan." Jesus isn't intimidated by the darkness of our culture; He is the Light that breaks through it. Unity Over Division: A culture that is deeply divided desperately needs a Church that is deeply united. Our mission is to move outward so the Kingdom can move forward. 📌 Timestamps: 00:00 – Heart Behind the “Church Unbranded” Series 03:15 – Video: New Salem Church Baptisms 04:44 – Divided Culture vs. United Church  07:24 – The Grounding Technique: Reconnecting to the present 10:15 – Praying the Lord's Prayer Together 13:40 – Starting and ending with the Kingdom 17:25 – Dallas Willard: Living a life with God at the center 21:44 – The Point of the Church 23:31 – Me, Myself, and I: Escaping the "Unholy Trinity" 24:20 – What Jesus Can Do FOR You or What He Wants to Do THROUGH You   26:06 – The Frontier Outpost: Planting hope in hostile territory 27:30 – Caesarea Philippi: Standing at the literal "Gates of Hell" 29:44 – Matthew 16:18 - The Gates of Hell Will Not Overcome 32:29 – God’s Kingdom Shows Up In The Middle of Darkness  37:16 – The 5 C’s: Identifying your posture toward the Church 44:19 – The 7-Day Challenge: Praying for God’s presence where your feet are planted ✝️ Key Scriptures: Matthew 6:9–13 1 Chronicles 29:11 John 18:36 Matthew 16:18–19 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 connect with 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 #KingdomOfGod #JasonBritt #BethlehemChurch #LordsPrayer #OutpostOfHope #GroundedInFaith #TheChurch #Sermon2026 #Matthew16

In this special standalone message, we are honored to welcome our friend Dave Edwards to Bethlehem Church. In his message, "God Works," Dave explores how God uses the "bitter waters" of our lives to reveal His character and His power. Drawing from the journey of the Israelites in Exodus 15, Dave breaks down how God transitions us from rescue to renewal. We often want to skip the desert, but it’s in the dry places that we learn God isn't just a bystander—He is an active worker in our hearts. Using the framework of the five key areas where God is constantly moving, this message will help you identify what He is doing in your life right now. As Philippians 2:13 reminds us, "It is God who works in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure." 💡 Key Takeaways: The 5 Areas of God’s Work The Area of Rescue: This is the work of salvation. God doesn't just meet us where we are; He brings us out. The Area of Release: This is the work of forgiveness - letting go of the past so we can walk into the future. The Area of Requirement: This is the work of trust. God provides exactly what we need, even when it’s not what we expected. The Area of Refusal: This is the work of surrender - saying "no" to our own way so we can say "yes" to His. The Area of Renewal: This is the work of the Spirit - the process of being made new from the inside out. 📌 Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro: Welcome from Guest Speaker Dave Edwards 00:49 – Survey of Who Is In the Room (Different Generations)  05:40 – Philippians 2:13: The Thing That Unites Us  08:12 – Setting Up The 5 Essential Areas God Could Be At Work 09:58 – Area 1: Rescue – The Work of Salvation (Exodus 15:22) 14:21 – Area 2: Release – The Work of Forgiveness (Exodus 15:22) 18:33 – Area 3: Requirement – The Work of Trust (Exodus 15:23)  26:06 – Area 4: Refusal – The Work of Surrender (Exodus 15:24-25)  27:26 – Area 5: Renewal – The Work of the Spirit (Exodus 15:26-27) 31:09 – Wherever God is at Work in Your Life is the Finished Work of Jesus 34:38 – God Points to a Tree → The Finished Work of Jesus 35:14 – Prayer - “Apply The Tree To Me”  36:44 – Closing Prayer  ✝️ Key Scriptures: Exodus 15:22-26 Philippians 2:13 Psalm 103:1-5 2 Corinthians 5:17 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 connect with you. Please click here to fill out our Connection Card! https://wearebethlehem.churchcenter.com/people/forms/504192  Salvation: If you want to take your next step with Jesus and anchor your life in Him, please text INCHRIST to 97000. Baptism: If you’re ready to go public with your faith, click here! https://wearebethlehem.churchcenter.com/people/forms/136457 Prayer: Let us stand with you. https://bethlehemchurch.us/prayer-wall/ Give Online: Support the mission at https://bethlehemchurch.us/give/ Don't forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the 🔔 to stay connected with everything happening at Bethlehem! 🗓️ Stay Up-To-Date: Website: https://bethlehemchurch.us/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bethlehemchurchga/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethlehem_churchga/  #BethlehemChurch #DaveEdwards #GodWorks #Exodus15 #Salvation #Surrender #ChurchOnline #NewLifeInChrist

This Easter at Bethlehem Church, Lead Pastor Jason Britt explores the ultimate turning point in human history: the Resurrection. We often view Easter as a beautiful tradition or a commercialized holiday filled with candy and bunnies, but for the first disciples, it was the definitive answer to the heavy, existential questions that define the human experience. The Resurrection doesn't just provide a happy ending; it provides a new beginning by settling the questions of our purpose, our brokenness, and our future. If you’ve ever wondered if your life has true meaning, why the world feels so broken, or if there is a peace that can actually sustain you in a world of fear, this message is for you. Discover why a "moderate" interest in Christianity isn't an option and how the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead can give life to your mortal body today. 💡 Key Takeaways: The First Words of Easter: Whether it was an angel or Jesus Himself, the message was consistent: "Do not be afraid" and "Peace be with you." Jesus meets us in our circumstances with peace before He ever changes them. The Problem of the Heart: We often look for a savior to fix the world "out there,” but the gospel addresses the sin inside us. The heart of the problem is the problem of the human heart. Transformation over Information: Easter isn't a historical fact to be remembered; it is a reality to be lived. There are no shortcuts to transformation—it only comes through the power of the Resurrected King. Infinite Importance: As C. S. Lewis noted, Christianity is either of no importance or of infinite importance. The one thing it cannot be is "moderately" important. 📌 Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro: Welcome to Easter at Bethlehem Church 01:05 – Let’s Worship Together!  02:52 – Worship: I Know A Name  07:25 – Put Yourself In The Scene 12:19 – Worship: The Wonderful Blood  15:06 – Worship: Jesus Paid It All  16:15 – Worship: The Blood  21:42 – Worship: Owe You Praise  24:14 – Prayer With Pastor Jason  26:40 – Diving in to the Message 27:49 – Easter Candy Fun Facts  29:45 – More than a Memory: Why we gather to celebrate a Living Savior 30:15 – Audacious Claims that Jesus Makes  32:59 – Is the Resurrection a holiday or a reality? 34:43 – What the eyewitnesses saw: Nobody expected an empty tomb 36:51 – The First Words: Why "Do Not Be Afraid" is the message of our time 39:58 – The Four Existential Questions: Why am I here? 41:12 – What’s wrong with the world? The unpopular truth about Sin 42:57 – What’s the solution? How Jesus overcame the world 44:53 – How will this end? Living with an expiration date 48:12 – Life Stories: Information vs. Transformation: The evidence of a changed life 51:55 – The Now Power: The Spirit that lives in you 57:12 – Closing & Easter Prayer 1:02:07 – Worship: Because He Lives  ✝️ Key Scriptures: John 11:25-26 Matthew 28:5-10 Mark 16:6 Luke 24:36 John 20:19-21 Romans 8:10-11 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 connect with you. Please click https://wearebethlehem.churchcenter.com/people/forms/504192 to fill out our Connection Card! Salvation: If you want to take your next step with Jesus, please text INCHRIST to 97000. Baptism: If you’re ready to go public with your faith, click here! https://wearebethlehem.churchcenter.com/people/forms/136457 Prayer: Let us stand with you in your journey. https://bethlehemchurch.us/prayer-wall/ Give Online: Support the mission at https://bethlehemchurch.us/give/ Don't forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the 🔔 to join us for more messages of hope! 🗓️ Stay Up-To-Date: Website: https://bethlehemchurch.us/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bethlehemchurchga/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethlehem_churchga/  #Easter2026 #BethlehemChurch #JasonBritt #Resurrection #HeIsRisen #Hope #Faith #Jesus #ChurchOnline #Sermon2026

In the week leading up to Easter, we continue our Everyday Disciple series by looking at one of the most infamous names in human history: Judas Iscariot. We often imagine Judas as a visible villain, but the reality is much more unsettling. Judas didn't look like a traitor; he was the trusted treasurer, the straight-laced disciple, and the one the others likely pointed to as a model of stability. In this message, Executive Pastor Matt Piland explores the "slow drift" of Judas. No one—not even Judas himself—starts their journey with Jesus intending to end it in betrayal. Yet, through small compromises, unchecked greed, and a heart that was "near" Jesus but not "with" Him, Judas committed the ultimate crime. Discover how to identify the signs of drifting in your own life and why the greatest sin isn't an act of failure, but a failure to repent. 💡 Key Takeaways: The Myth of the Monster: Judas didn't wear a black robe; he was highly respected by the other disciples. Sin is often camouflaged by outward "righteousness" and religious activity. The Smokescreen of Moral Outrage: Judas was loudest about "caring for the poor" while quietly stealing from the money bag. We are often most offended by others' sins in the areas where we are quietly drifting ourselves. The Anatomy of the Drift: Drifting doesn't happen in a moment; it happens in a thousand small steps. Unchecked sin eventually leads to a hardened heart and a distorted view of God. Remorse vs. Repentance: Both Peter and Judas failed Jesus. Judas felt remorse and ran from Jesus; Peter felt repentance and ran to Jesus. One believed his guilt was bigger than God’s grace; the other believed God’s grace was bigger than his guilt. 📌 Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro: "Everyday Disciple" Bumper 01:24 – Review: Peter’s Regret and Thomas’s Doubt 02:58 – The Infamy of Judas: Dante’s Inferno and the 9th Circle 04:13 – Matthew 26: The 30 pieces of silver and the kiss 07:45 – The "Trusted" Disciple: Why no one saw the betrayal coming 09:45 – The Treasurer: Why Judas looked more stable than Peter 13:15 – Like Judas, We All Can Drift 15:00 – Mary and Martha (What Judas Thought) in John 12:4-6 17:08 – The Progression of Sin: How the "Slow Drift" works 21:54 – Hebrews 3: Why we need others to yell when we drift 22:47 – The Problem With Unchecked Sin 24:55 – The Problem for Many of Us: We Think We Can Control Sin but We Can’t 27:15 – Jesus Offering Judas a Chance to Repent  31:01 – Peter vs. Judas: Two paths after the fall (Remorse vs. Repentance) 31:50 – A Moment for Confession: Preparing for Holy Week ✝️ Key Scriptures: Matthew 26:14-16, 47-50  Matthew 27:3-5 Acts 1:18 John 13:21-29; 12:4-6 Luke 9:1-2 Hebrews 3:12-13  1 John 1:9 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 connect with you. Please click https://wearebethlehem.churchcenter.com/people/forms/504192 to fill out our Connection Card! Salvation: If you realize you’ve been drifting and you want to anchor your life back in Christ before Easter, we want to walk with you. If you want to take your next step with Jesus, please text INCHRIST to 97000. Baptism: If you’re ready to go public with your faith, click here! https://wearebethlehem.churchcenter.com/people/forms/136457 Prayer: Let us stand with you in your doubts. https://bethlehemchurch.us/prayer-wall/ Give Online: Support the mission at https://bethlehemchurch.us/give/ Don't forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the 🔔 to join us for our Easter services! 🗓️ Stay Up-To-Date: Website: https://bethlehemchurch.us/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bethlehemchurchga/ Instagram: @bethlehem_churchga #EverydayDisciple #BethlehemChurch #MattPiland #Judas #HolyWeek #Easter2026 #SlowDrift #Repentance #Grace #ChristianLiving #ChurchOnline

In Week 2 of our series, Everyday Disciple, Lead Pastor Jason Britt tackles a struggle everyone faces but few Christians want to admit: Doubt. We often label Thomas as "Doubting Thomas," letting one moment of uncertainty define his entire legacy. But the humanity of a disciple shows us that doubt isn't a deal-breaker—it can actually be the doorway to a deeper, more resilient faith. Whether your doubt is born from intellectual questions or, like Thomas, from "disappointed hope" and situational crisis, Jesus isn't intimidated by your uncertainty. He didn't shame Thomas for wanting proof; He provided His scars. Discover why a faith that has never been tested is a faith that can’t be trusted, and how bringing your questions to Jesus moves your convictions from the "leaves" of public opinion to the "roots" of core belief. 💡 Key Takeaways: Doubt vs. Disbelief: Disbelief is a heart that refuses to trust; doubt is a mind struggling to reconcile reality with faith. Disbelief is quitting; doubt is questioning. The Source of Doubt: Most doubt is situational, not dispositional. Thomas was fiercely loyal in John 11, but he was "crushed" by the cross in John 20. Our deepest doubts are often born from our deepest disappointments. The "Tree" of Conviction: Not all beliefs function the same way. Public Convictions (Leaves): Beliefs shaped by others; the most fragile. Personal Convictions (Limbs): Personally examined and sturdy. Core Convictions (Roots): Deep beliefs that anchor us when the storm hits. The Goal of Doubt: The goal of an everyday disciple isn’t to avoid doubt, but to let doubt deepen your roots. In the hands of Jesus, doubt won't destroy your faith—it will deepen it. 📌 Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro: "Everyday Disciple" Bumper 01:30 – Recapping the Disciples: Moments of Infamy (Peter, Thomas, Judas) 03:59 – First Date Fails: Why our worst moments shouldn't define us 05:52 – Introducing Thomas: Moving past the "Doubting" label 07:58 – Is doubt a deal-breaker? Why everyone believes something 11:33 – What Thomas had believed 14:15 – Courageous & Loyal Thomas  15:40 – Disappointed Hope: Faith is often situational 16:34 – Confidence Grows When vs. Doubt Grows When  18:22 – Faith isn’t the absence of questions - it’s the courage to ask them  21:09 – There’s More to Thomas than His Doubts  24:19 – Even the Strongest Believers Can Doubt  26:40 – Three Levels of Convictions and What It Means  29:51 – The Tree Illustration: Where Do You Take Your Doubt?  34:17 – Closing & Ending Prayer with Pastor Jason  39:53 – Prayer of Blessing with Chevas  ✝️ Key Scriptures: John 20:24-29 John 11:16 John 14:5 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 connect with you. Please click https://wearebethlehem.churchcenter.com/people/forms/504192 to fill out our Connection Card! Salvation: If you want to take your next step with Jesus, please text INCHRIST to 97000. Baptism: If you’re ready to go public with your faith, click here! https://wearebethlehem.churchcenter.com/people/forms/136457 Prayer: Let us stand with you in your doubts. https://bethlehemchurch.us/prayer-wall/ Give Online: Support the mission at https://bethlehemchurch.us/give/ Don't forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the 🔔 to join us for the rest of the EVERYDAY DISCIPLE series! 🗓️ Stay Up-To-Date: Website: https://bethlehemchurch.us/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bethlehemchurchga/ Instagram: @bethlehem_churchga #EverydayDisciple #BethlehemChurch #JasonBritt #Doubt #Faith #DoubtingThomas #ChristianLiving #Grace #JesusFollower #ChurchOnline #Sermon2026

Welcome to Week 1 of our new series, Everyday Disciple. Most of us wouldn't describe our daily lives as "extraordinary"—they feel routine, predictable, and very ordinary. Yet, the Gospels show us that Jesus didn't scout the religious elite; He called ordinary, everyday people to rearrange their lives around Him. In this kickoff message, Lead Pastor Jason Britt looks at the life of Peter—a man defined by his impulsive passion and his infamous failure. We often think being a disciple means having it all together, but disciples aren't perfect people; they are people who are in training. Whether you are dealing with regrets of action, inaction, or reaction, discover why your worst moment doesn't have to be your defining moment. In the hands of Jesus, regret isn't the end of your story—it’s where redemption begins. 💡 Key Takeaways: The Definition of a Disciple: A disciple is more than a believer; they are a learner, student, and apprentice. It means moving Jesus from the "sidelines" to the center of every ambition, relationship, and decision. The Anatomy of Regret: Regret is a rational emotion connected to our choices. Whether it's something we did (action), something we missed (inaction), or the way we handled a crisis (reaction), we all carry it. The Prayer of Jesus: Jesus didn’t pray that Peter would never fail; He prayed that Peter’s faith wouldn’t be finished when he failed. Failure is an event, not an identity. From Denial to Boldness: 53 days after Peter denied Jesus to a servant girl, he stood before thousands at Pentecost to declare Jesus as Lord. Grace is the bridge between our worst moment and our greatest mission. 📌 Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro: "Everyday Disciple" Bumper 01:00  – Easter Invite from Pastor Jason  03:23 – Setting up the New Series  05:32 – What is a Disciple?  08:28 – Famous vs. Infamous: The moments that define us 10:57 – The Profile of Peter: Fisherman, Impulsive, Confident, and Ordinary 14:29 – Peter’s Plan is Our Plan: Faithfulness  18:42 – Something We All Face: Regret  19:25 – Truth About Following Jesus (Being a Disciple)  21:52 – The Three Types of Regret: Action, Inaction, and Reaction 25:56 – The Race to the Tomb: Why Peter was being outrun by John 28:12 – Jesus' Promise: "When you have turned back..." 30:37 – Your worst moment is not your defining moment 32:15 – Acts 2: The man who denied Jesus now declares Him 34:32 – Not a Redo, but Redemption  36:15 – What Peter’s Story Actually Is  39:25 – Closing Prayer: Grace for your everyday regrets ✝️ Key Scriptures: Luke 22:31-34; 54-62  Acts 2:14 John 21 ✨ TAKE YOUR NEXT STEP: If you realize that you’ve been following at a distance and you’re ready to step into the grace of Jesus, we want to walk with you. Whether it's your first time deciding to follow or you're ready for baptism, click here: https://wearebethlehem.churchcenter.com/people/forms/136457 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 connect with 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/ Don't forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the 🔔 to follow the EVERYDAY DISCIPLE series! 🗓️ Stay Up-To-Date: Website: https://bethlehemchurch.us/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bethlehemchurchga/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethlehem_churchga/  #EverydayDisciple #BethlehemChurch #JasonBritt #ChristianSermon #Peter #Grace #OvercomingRegret #Discipleship #Faith #JesusFollower #Hope #Redemption

It is so much easier to criticize a generation than it is to build one. In this powerful message, guest speaker Clay Scroggins challenges us to move from being critics to "constructors." Looking at the life of Solomon in 2 Chronicles 1, we discover that the greatest gift we can give the next generation isn’t better circumstances—it’s better capacity. If God gave you a "blank check" and asked what you wanted for the next generation, what would you say? Solomon didn't ask for wealth, fame, or protection; he asked for chokmah—the skill for living. Join us as we explore how to model submission, prioritize skill over status, and introduce the next generation to Jesus, the true and better King who gives wisdom generously to all. 💡 Key Takeaways: Capacity Over Circumstances: We often try to make life easier for those following us, but wisdom is what allows them to flourish regardless of how hard life gets. Submission is the Start: Wisdom doesn't begin with information; it begins with worship. We inspire wisdom in others by modeling our own dependence on God. Skill vs. Status: In Hebrew, wisdom means "skill." We help the next gen win when we redefine success as how well we serve rather than how high we climb. The Greater Solomon: While Solomon started well and ended tragically, Jesus is the King who is Wisdom personified. He doesn't just give us advice; He gives us a new heart. 📌 Timestamps:  00:00 – Pastor Jason Introduces Pastor Clay  02:32 – What Clay Has Learned about the Next Generation  05:22 – Building a Foundation for the Next Generation  06:20 – What Do You Want for the Next Generation?  07:01 – What the Almighty God Says He Wants for the Next Generation  08:02 – Solomon steps into leadership 10:36 – Circumstances vs. Capacity  14:22 – TRUTH 1: Teaching submission to the Sovereign Lord 20:57 – Takeaways from 2 Chronicles 1:7-12 24:28 – TRUTH 2: Seeking skill over status 25:21 – Redefining success: Wisdom is skilled living 28:32 – TRUTH 3: Becoming the example, not just the advice 31:54 – What The Next Generation Needs: Men and Women Who Are Willing to Repent 32:50 – Are you Willing to Ask for Wisdom? 33:37 – King Solomon vs. King Jesus (Jesus is the Better King)  34:33 – The True Call to Help the Next Generation Win 34:55 – Closing Prayer ✝️ Key Scriptures: 2 Chronicles 1:1, 7-12 James 1:5 1 Corinthians 1:30 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 connect with 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/   Don't forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the 🔔 to stay updated on our latest sermons and series!   🗓️ Stay Up-To-Date:   Website: https://bethlehemchurch.us/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bethlehemchurchga/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethlehem_churchga/    #BethlehemChurch #ClayScroggins #NextGen #Wisdom #Solomon #Leadership #Parenting #ChristianLiving #JesusIsKing #HelpingTheNextGenWin  

In the conclusion of our series, Familiar Stranger, Lead Pastor Jason Britt looks at the birth of the Church in Acts 2. We often entertain ourselves with the "supernatural" on a screen through movies and shows, yet we often struggle to embrace the supernatural reality of the Holy Spirit in our actual lives. If everything about our salvation is supernatural—from the Virgin Birth to the Resurrection—why would we expect to sustain our Christian walk through natural strength alone? Pastor Jason connects the dots between the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai and the pouring out of the Spirit at Pentecost. While the Law was once written on stone, the Holy Spirit now writes it on our hearts. Being a "Spirit-filled person" isn't about chasing miracles; it’s about a life so marked by Jesus that it can only be explained by His power. When we move from "trying" to "trusting," we become the witnesses God called us to be. 💡 Key Takeaways: Supernatural Sustenance: You cannot live a supernatural life in natural strength. The Holy Spirit is our essential Helper for a life that is distinctly different. Sinai vs. Pentecost: At Sinai, the fire marked a place; at Pentecost, the fire marks a people. The Holy Spirit transforms us from the inside out. The Spirit’s Gaze: The Holy Spirit’s "spotlight ministry" is always to make much of Jesus. A Spirit-filled life is a Jesus-centered life. Obedience Over Readiness: Baptism isn't about having your act together—it is a radical act of personal obedience and a public boast in the work of Christ. ✝️ Key Scriptures: Acts 2:1-41 Exodus 19-20 (The Sinai connection) Genesis 11:4 (The Babel connection) ✨TAKE YOUR NEXT STEP: If you live near one of our campuses and feel that baptism is YOUR next step, we would love to baptize you here at Bethlehem Church! Click here to sign up: https://wearebethlehem.churchcenter.com/people/forms/136457    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 connect with 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/   Don't forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the 🔔 to stay updated on our latest sermons and series!   🗓️ Stay Up-To-Date:   Website: https://bethlehemchurch.us/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bethlehemchurchga/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethlehem_churchga/    #HolySpirit #BethlehemChurch #FamiliarStranger #ChristianLiving #HolySpirit #FruitOfTheSpirit #SpiritualGrowth #Faith #Obedience #Baptism #JesusFollower #ChurchOnline

In Week 7 of our Familiar Stranger series, Pastor Matt Piland addresses a vital question: How do we actually live out the life God has called us to? Many of us treat our faith like a car loan—believing Jesus made the "down payment" on the cross, but that it's now our job to sustain the monthly payments through sheer willpower and "trying harder." Drawing from Galatians 5, Pastor Matt breaks down the difference between legalism and true freedom in Christ. Following Jesus isn't about a factory-style production of "being good"; it’s about a garden-style growth that comes through the Holy Spirit. If you’ve been feeling spiritually exhausted by your own human effort, this message is a call to stop trying to maintain in the flesh what was only ever meant to be completed by the Holy Spirit. 💡 Key Takeaways: Completion vs. Maintenance: Why we cannot use human effort to perfect what was started by the Holy Spirit. If Jesus paid it all, we can't add to it. The Two Dogs: Inside every believer is a war between two “dogs”: the flesh and the Spirit. The dog that wins is the one you choose to feed daily. The Soda vs. Water Test: It isn't the "shaking" of life that makes us explode; it’s what’s already inside us. Discover how the Spirit changes our internal "contents." 📌 Timestamps: 00:01 – Welcome & Series Intro: "Holy Ghosters" and the series journey. 01:24 – Context of Galatians: The Honda Prelude illustration & the lie of Jesus as a “downpayment." 04:00 – The Core Principle (Unpacking Galatians 3:3): What the Spirit completes, the flesh cannot maintain. 05:47 – The Cooper Illustration: A "personal surgery" adult males don't want 07:33 – Freedom in Christ: Staying free from the slavery of the law. 10:16 – The Equation of Grace: Why Jesus + Nothing = Everything. 12:45 – Old Covenant vs. New Covenant: Law-centered vs. Grace-centered. 15:09 – Jeremiah 31: Writing the Law on our hearts through the Spirit. 17:17 – Legalism vs. Liberalism: Adding to the Gospel vs. Abusing the Gospel. 23:41 – Keeping in Step: The NASCAR Pace Car illustration. 31:07 – The Two Dogs: The war between the flesh and the Spirit. 32:35 – The Acts of the Flesh vs. The Fruit of the Spirit. 33:45 – The Soda vs. Water Illustration: What happens when life shakes you? 37:52 – Closing Prayer: Turning our eyes upon Jesus. ✝️ Key Scriptures: Galatians 5:1-6, 13-26 Galatians 3:3 Jeremiah 31:31-33 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 connect with 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/   Don't forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the 🔔 to stay updated on our latest sermons and series!   🗓️ Stay Up-To-Date:   Website: https://bethlehemchurch.us/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bethlehemchurchga/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethlehem_churchga/    #HolySpirit #BethlehemChurch #FamiliarStranger #ChristianLiving #HolySpirit #FruitOfTheSpirit #SpiritualGrowth #Faith #JesusFollower #ChurchOnline

In Week 6 of our Familiar Stranger series, Pastor Jason Britt addresses a critical but often overlooked reality: the Holy Spirit is not the only spirit at work in our time. In a world saturated with noise, misinformation, and competing "truths," the gift of discernment is more vital for the believer than ever before. Drawing from 1 John 4, this message explores how to "test the spirits" to see whether they are from God. Following Jesus isn't just about rejecting obvious evil; it’s about recognizing the subtle replacements, reductions, and reshapings of Jesus that permeate our modern culture. If you’ve felt overwhelmed by the "spirit of the age," this message will help you find confidence in the Spirit of Truth who dwells within you. 💡Key Takeaways: The Call to Discernment: Understanding discernment not just as a one-time "prescription" for big decisions, but as a daily "vitamin" for spiritual health.  Recognizing the Counterfeit: How the "spirit of the Antichrist" often shows up as plausible alternatives to Jesus rather than loud opposition.  The Power of the Whisper: Why God doesn't shout to get our attention. 📌 Timestamps: 00:01 – Welcome & Mission: Leading people to discover New Life in Christ.  02:07 – The Helper & The Spirit of Truth: Jesus’ promise of the Holy Spirit. 03:31 – The Reality of Our Times: Recognizing that the Holy Spirit isn’t the only spirit at work. 04:34 – Spiritual Warfare: Paul’s warning about cosmic powers and spiritual forces. 08:07 – Scripture Reading: Testing the spirits to see if they are from God. 10:42 – Defining Discernment: The gift and practice of recognizing God’s voice amid counterfeit voices. 12:17 – Why We Are Susceptible: Navigating noise, ego, and a post-truth society. 15:08 – The Spirit of the Antichrist: Subtle replacements and plausible alternatives to Jesus. 17:23 – Test the Spirits: Asking, "Is your Jesus the real Jesus?" 18:15 – Historical vs. Modern Deviations: How spirits wander from the truth of Christ’s deity and sacrifice. 20:53 – Spirituality Without Jesus: The myth of mysticism and "vibes over virtue." 23:49 – Jesus as a Symbol: When Christ becomes a means to an end for success or political power. 26:30 – The Comparison Chart: Distinguishing the Spirit of Truth from the Spirit of Error. 28:42 – The Power of the Name: Why Christianity faces these unique spiritual challenges. 30:54 – Beyond Paranoia: Finding confidence because "He who is in you is greater." 35:06 – Why God Whispers: Understanding proximity, relationship, and the "still small voice." 39:53 – The Example of Elijah: Finding God not in the wind, earthquake, or fire, but in the whisper. 43:34 – Invitation & Response: Trusting Jesus and choosing the Spirit of Truth over the spirit of the age. ✝️ Key Scriptures:  1 John 4:1-6  John 14-16  Ephesians 6:12 1 Kings 19:11-13  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 here 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/   Don't forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the 🔔 to stay updated on our latest sermons and series!   🗓️ Stay Up-To-Date:   Website: https://bethlehemchurch.us/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bethlehemchurchga/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethlehem_churchga/    #HolySpirit #BethlehemChurch #FamiliarStranger #JasonBritt #ChristianLiving #HolySpirit #SpiritualGrowth #Faith #JesusFollower #ChurchOnline

Is the Holy Spirit a "stranger" in your daily walk with Christ? In this powerful message from our Familiar Stranger series, Pastor Jason shares how the Holy Spirit is not just an accessory or an "add-on" to your faith—He is the power that makes faith possible. Using a vivid illustration of a sailor catching the wind, we explore what it means to stay in step with the Spirit and move from "God dwelling with us" to "God residing in us." Whether you are looking for a spiritual breakthrough or a new beginning in Christ, this service will challenge you to stop asking God to bless your plans and start setting your sails to catch His wind. ✨ In this video, you will: • Discover the difference between Old Testament "tasks" and New Testament "residency" of the Spirit. • Understand why the Holy Spirit is the ultimate "advantage" for every believer. • Learn how to stop "quenching" the Spirit and start living from a place of spiritual empowerment. Join the Conversation: Where are you watching from today? Let us know in the comments! If you need prayer or want to take your next step with Jesus, text CHRIST to 97000. 📌 Timestamps: • 00:01– Opening Remarks: COVID flashbacks and welcoming the different campuses. • 00:43 – Sermon Intro: Defining the Holy Spirit as a "Necessity" rather than an "Accessory." • 03:08 – The "Catching the Wind" Illustration: A comparison of the effort of rowing (striving) versus the grace of sailing (cooperating with the Spirit). • 07:15 – American Christianity 101: A critique of reducing faith to asking God to bless our own plans. • 08:45 – Biblical Examples: Paul’s teachings on the Spirit-shaped life from Ephesians, Galatians, and Corinthians. • 13:30 – Biblical History (Task, Tabernacle, Temple): How the Spirit operated in the Old Testament versus the New Covenant. • 19:08 – The Major Shift: Explaining that the Spirit no longer just comes upon people for tasks but lives within them. • 27:12 – The Chocolate Milk Illustration: A visual demonstration showing that we don't need "more" of the Spirit; the Spirit needs "more of us" (surrender). • 33:52 – Major Church Update: Announcement regarding the Oconee County Campus breakthrough and the property exchange with Grace Baptist Church. • 40:47 – Closing Call to Response: Invitation for a "New Beginning" or a "Breakthrough" through surrender.   🔗 CONNECT WITH US: • Subscribe for more messages: https://www.youtube.com/@BethlehemChurch • Website: BethlehemChurch.us • First Time? Text "CHRIST" to 97000 to connect with a pastor. • Give Online: Support the ministry Bethlehem Church: https://bethlehemchurch.us/give/   We are a people for all people. This is the vision of Bethlehem Church, led by Pastor Jason Britt and based in Bethlehem, GA.   Stay Connected Website: https://bethlehemchurch.us/ Bethlehem Church Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bethlehemchurchga/ Bethlehem Church Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethlehem_churchga/

In Week 4 of our Familiar Stranger series, Pastor Jason Britt shifts our focus to the inner strength available through the Holy Spirit. We often treat the Spirit as an optional guest, but Ephesians 3 reminds us that He is the source of our power, intended to dwell in our hearts through faith. Drawing from Paul's prayer in Ephesians 3:14-19, this message explores what it looks like to be "rooted and grounded" in God's love. It’s not just about knowing about God; it’s about being filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. If you have felt spiritually depleted or disconnected, this message will help you tap into the "glorious riches" of His strength.   Key takeaways from Week 4: Inner Strength: How the Spirit strengthens your "inner being" to handle outward pressure. The Dwelling: Moving from the Spirit visiting your life to the Spirit residing in your heart. The Dimensions of Love: Grasping the width, length, height, and depth of Christ’s love that surpasses knowledge.   📌 Video Timestamps: 00:02 - Welcome & Introduction: Opening the service and welcoming campuses. 00:37 - Cultural Context: Discussing our post-truth society and the collapse of secularism.  02:07 - The Promise of the Helper: Jesus’ promise to send the Holy Spirit to lead us into truth. • 04:24 - Scripture Reading (Ephesians 3:14-19): Standing for the reading of the Word.  06:05 - The Crux of the Prayer: Comprehending a love that surpasses knowledge.  07:56 - Core Statement: God is present, personal, and actively communicating.  09:30 - The Mystery of the Spirit: Understanding the "wind" imagery from Jesus' words to Nicodemus.  10:56 - 4 Ways to Hear God’s Voice: Introduction to the framework for discernment.  11:47 - 1. Saturate with Scripture: The importance of a daily diet of truth.  13:42 - The Spirit as Teacher: How the Spirit brings truth to our remembrance (John 15).  17:42 - 2. Pray Specifically: Moving beyond general prayers to targeted guidance.  19:24 - Two Key Questions: "What do you want me to know?" and "What do you want me to do?"  21:07 - Emotions vs. Truth: Why emotions are indicators, not decision-makers.  23:49 - 3. Embrace the Church: God’s Spirit working through God’s people.  27:17 - Regrets & Counsel: The safety found in an abundance of counselors (Proverbs).  29:20 - 4. Circumstances (Hold Loosely): How God uses open and closed doors.  32:43 - The Story of Bethlehem: Pastor Jason shares the specific circumstances that led him to Bethlehem Church.  39:36 - Closing Summary: Filling your life with the tools God speaks through.  40:41 - The Practice of Listening: A call to silence and prayer across campuses.  42:18 - Commission for Men: A specific challenge for men to listen and follow.  43:21 - Commission for Women: A specific challenge for women to reject fear and listen to the Spirit.  44:52 - Final Prayer & Closing the service.    Key Scripture Used:  Ephesians 3:14-19 (The Anchor Text)  John 14-15 (The Helper)  Proverbs 3:5-6 (Trust and Path)  Holy Spirit, Bethlehem Church, Jason Britt, Spirit Lead Me, Ephesians 3, Hearing God's Voice, Christian Discernment, Prayer, Scripture, Biblical Teaching.    We are a people for all people. This is the vision of Bethlehem Church, led by Pastor Jason Britt and based in Bethlehem, GA.    Stay Connected Website: https://bethlehemchurch.us/ Bethlehem Church  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bethlehemchurchga/  Bethlehem Church Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethlehem_churchga/

Week 3 of FAMILIAR STRANGER with Lead Pastor Jason Britt. Pastor Jason reminds us that the Spirit of God wants to bring healing to your hurt, so that your healed hurt can bring healing to others who are hurt.

Week 2 of FAMILIAR STRANGER with Lead Pastor Jason Britt. Pastor Jason reminds us that the first and primary characteristic of the Holy Spirit is helper.

Week 1 of FAMILIAR STRANGER with Lead Pastor Jason Britt. Pastor Jason reminds us that living by the Spirit is not a standard you live up to; it’s a promise you step into.

January 4th, 2026 with Executive Pastor of Discipleship, Kevin Miller. Pastor Kevin helps us prepare our hearts for 21 Days of Prayer & Fasting.

Week 3 of CHRISTMAS AT BETHLEHEM with 316 Student Pastor Spencer Haynes. Pastor Spencer reminds us that we are called to be unified, humble , and selfless .

Week 2 of CHRISTMAS AT BETHLEHEM with Lead Pastor Jason Britt. Pastor Jason reminds us that the question isn’t: “Why does God allow suffering?” It is: “Where is God when it hurts?” And the answer is right beside you.

Week 1 of CHRISTMAS AT BETHLEHEM with Executive Pastor Matt Piland. Pastor Matt reminds us what true hospitality looks like.

Week 3 of SMALL GOD SYNDROME with Lead Pastor Jason Britt. Pastor Jason reminds us that everybody can invite, pray, and share their story with somebody.

Week 2 of SMALL GOD SYNDROME with Lead Pastor Jason Britt. Pastor Jason reminds us that every Christ follower has a story and a sphere of influence.

Week 1 of SMALL GOD SYNDROME with Executive Pastor Matt Piland. Pastor Matt reminds us that our greatest temptation in life is to place ourselves at the center of the story.

Week 4 of THE FIGHT FOR FAMILY with Lead Pastor Jason Britt. Pastor Jason reminds us that generosity isn’t an event; it’s a lifestyle (obedience).

Week 3 of THE FIGHT FOR FAMILY with Lead Pastor Jason Britt. Pastor Jason reminds us to not think Jesus THEN all things; think Jesus IN all things.

Week 2 of THE FIGHT FOR FAMILY with our friend, Pastor Kevin Queen. Pastor Kevin reminds us that if you want to build a life of prayer, pick a time. Pick a place. Have a plan.

Week 1 of THE FIGHT FOR FAMILY with Lead Pastor Jason Britt. Pastor Jason reminds us that God never calls us to something He doesn’t empower us for.

Week 11 of SAME GOD with Executive Pastor Matt Piland. Pastor Matt reminds us that the gospel is not just the good news that Jesus came; it is the good news that Jesus was always coming!

Week 10 of SAME GOD with Lead Pastor Jason Britt.

Week 9 of SAME GOD with Lead Pastor Jason Britt. Pastor Jason reminds us of the danger of prosperity.

Week 8 of SAME GOD with Lead Pastor Jason Britt. Pastor Jason walks us through 4 realities we all face.

Week 7 of SAME GOD with Executive Pastor Matt Piland. Pastor Matt reminds us that the way we view things determines how we do things.

Week 6 of SAME GOD with Lead Pastor Jason Britt. Pastor Jason reminds us that God wants our dependence, but we like our independence.

Week 5 of SAME GOD with our friend, Pastor Adam Bishop. Pastor Adam reminds us that blessings are waiting for you if you remain faithful in the field.

Week 4 of SAME GOD with Lead Pastor Jason Britt. Pastor Jason reminds us that you can’t manipulate with your hands what only God can do by His Spirit.

SAME GOD | WEEK 3 with our friend, Pastor Kevin Myers. Pastor Kevin reminds us of 3 giants we are called to defeat.

Week 2 of SAME GOD with Lead Pastor Jason Britt. Pastor Jason reminds us that Goliath wasn't a goal David set for his life; it was a crisis he walked into and God had prepared him for.

Week 1 of SAME GOD with Lead Pastor Jason Britt. Pastor Jason reminds us that God wants to use YOUR story for HIS glory!

Week 3 of GUARDRAILS with Lead Pastor Jason Britt. Pastor Jason reminds us that contentment is a choice we make, not a place we arrive.