Bethany Church - La Crosse, WI

In this sermon on the Book of Joshua (chapters 13–19), explore what it means to actively claim God’s promises rather than letting spiritual passivity hold you back. Journeying through the division of the Promised Land, the contrasting examples of Caleb’s unwavering courage, the bold faith of the daughters of Zelophehad, and the hesitation of Joseph’s descendants reveal the true value of obedient initiative and steadfast faith. Are you stepping forward into what God has provided, or retreating in the face of life’s giants and obstacles? Discover how to move past passive complacency and embrace a bold, daily walk with Jesus Christ, taking hold of the spiritual inheritance and victory He has already secured.

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In this episode of Beyond the Sermon, host Tammy DeLeeuw is joined by Pastor Chase and Pastor Steve to dive deep into the burning questions sparked by our sermon series, "Strong and Relentless," walking through the Book of Joshua. 

The Old Testament often presents passages that make us uncomfortable, raise theological questions, and challenge our modern sensibilities. In this discussion, our pastors wrestle with the text honestly, addressing whether Joshua met an Old Testament appearance of Christ, why God commanded complete destruction (herem) in Canaan, and whether our suffering is a direct result of hidden sin. 

What We Discuss in This Episode:

• The Commander of the Lord’s Army: Examining Joshua 5:13–15 to determine if the figure with the drawn sword is a Christophany (a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ) or an angelic messenger. 
• "Is God on Our Side?": Why the question itself is flawed, and why spiritual maturity requires coming into alignment with God rather than expecting Him to align with us. 
• Wrestling with Herem : Facing the reality of divine judgment, the wickedness of the Amorites, and overcoming the human tendency to put God's justice on trial. 
• Jericho vs. Ai & The Principle of Firstfruits: Why Israel could plunder Ai but had to surrender everything at Jericho, and what burning chariots teach us about relying on God’s power alone. 
• Achan’s Sin and Human Suffering: Dissecting the bad theology that automatically ties personal hardship or illness to unconfessed sin, while exploring healthy biblical self-examination. 
• God’s Sovereignty Over Human Failure: How God turns even Israel's missteps with the Gibeonites into a display of His mercy and ultimate victory. 

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When facing overwhelming odds, seasons of uncertainty, or the heavy consequences of past mistakes, where do you place your trust? In this sermon exploring the Book of Joshua—specifically examining the battles and turning points of Joshua chapters 9-12—Pastor Chase dives into what happens when we encounter spiritual "death zones" where our own strength and self-reliance simply aren't enough. Rather than placing confidence in worldly power, human control, or our own abilities, Scripture calls believers to an active, obedient faith that trusts the Lord even in the dark. Discover how God’s relentless faithfulness, redemption, and healing grace meet us in our deepest weaknesses, offering hope and restoration when we surrender our lives fully to Him.

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Fresh off the miraculous victory at Jericho, Israel faces an unexpected and devastating defeat at the Battle of Ai in Joshua 7. What causes everything to unravel when triumph seemed guaranteed? In this powerful sermon on Joshua 7 and 8, Tylor Fischer unpacks the destructive reality of hidden sin, the subtle progression of temptation, and why secret compromises never stay buried. 

Discover the ripple effects of unconfessed guilt on our families and communities, along with the transformative power of God’s grace to redeem our deepest failures. If you are carrying the silent weight of shame or struggling with setbacks, this message highlights how honest confession, repentance, and authentic community pave the way back to spiritual renewal and victory.

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When Joshua stood outside the fortified walls of Jericho and faced a warrior with a drawn sword, he asked the ultimate question: “Are you for us, or for our enemies?”*The answer he received changed everything: “Neither.”

In this message from the Strong & Relentless series on the Book of Joshua, Pastor Steve Musto dives into the Battle of Jericho, the challenging Old Testament concept of "herem", and the unlikely rescue of Rahab. We often assume God plays on our team—supporting our personal plans, our timing, and our cultural battles. But what happens when scripture reveals that God is not at our disposal?

Watch or listen to discover why true faith isn't about recruiting God to our side, but learning how to surrender and align our lives with His.

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Just as the Israelites stood on the plains of Jericho ready for battle, God issued an unexpected command that brought their military campaign to a complete halt. In this message from our series on the Book of Joshua, Pastor Steve Musto explores Joshua chapter 5, where God instructs Joshua to draw knives not to strike an enemy, but to renew a covenant. Before facing Jericho's fortress, Israel had to confront an essential lesson about obedience, divine timing, and surrender. 

Why does God intentionally slow our momentum right when we feel ready to charge ahead? Listen in as we examine why God often works in unexpected, non-linear ways—and why He always insists on working in us before He works through us.

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When unexpected trials or life-changing diagnoses hit, will your faith hold steady? 

In this sermon on Joshua 3:1–5:1, Pastor Chase explores the miraculous crossing of the Jordan River and reveals why God commanded the Israelites to set up "stones of remembrance" (Ebenezers) on their way to the Promised Land. Discover how remembering God's past power and care builds a rooted, unshakable faith for whatever tomorrow brings—and why forgetfulness might be the biggest threat to your spiritual journey.

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What happens when a situation that looks like pure danger turns into an extraordinary story of redemption? In this message on Joshua 2, we explore the story of the two spies sent into Jericho and Rahab—a Canaanite woman whose bold confession of faith saved her family and placed her directly in the lineage of Jesus. Join us as we uncover how God’s grace is bigger than your past, your background, or your mistakes. No matter where you’ve been or what you’ve done, God’s redemption is available to you. 

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Welcome to the companion podcast for our series on the Book of Joshua! Join Tami DeLeeuw, Pastor Chase Vitort, and Pastor Steve Musto as they dig deeper into Sunday's message and set the stage for an in-depth journey through one of the most powerful—and challenging—books of the Old Testament. 

In this episode, the team lays the groundwork for the series and wrestles with foundational questions, including:

• Faith Across Generations: How a new generation learns to trust God's covenant promises after 40 years in the wilderness. 
• Tackling Difficult Passages: Unpacking the heavy realities of conquest, judgment, and the ancient concept of Herem. 
• An Outsider’s Bold Faith: The remarkable story of Rahab, her surprising insight into who God is, and her place in the lineage of Jesus. 
• Why the Struggle Matters: Why wrestling with the hard, uncomfortable parts of Scripture ultimately deepens our trust in God's character. 

Whether you're following along with your Grow Group or looking to understand the narrative of Scripture more deeply, this conversation will help you engage with the Book of Joshua with fresh eyes.

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What is the difference between owning something and actually possessing it? In this message on Joshua 1, Pastor Steve Musto explores what it truly means to step into God's promises—and the surprising responsibility that comes with receiving an inheritance. When God fulfills a promise in your life, is it an invitation to kick back and retire, or a call to step to the front lines for others?

Discover how resting in God’s grace shapes our courage, fuels good works, and changes how we walk alongside others on their spiritual journey.

Key Topics Covered:
• Ownership vs. Possession
• Unpacking Joshua 1:7–15 & The Promised Land
• The role of grace vs. human effort
• How early blessings create greater responsibility to serve others

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Learn more about Bethany at our Website
Watch sermons & podcasts on our YouTube Channel