Bethany Church - La Crosse, WI

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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How can we break free from the patterns, mistakes, and fears of the past to step boldly into what God has planned for our future? In this opening message of the Joshua series, Pastor Steve Musto explores Joshua 1 to address a vital question: Will we repeat the cycles of fear from those who came before us, or will we choose a path of radical, unshakable trust in God?

Key Topics Covered:

A New Generation at the Border: Why stepping into God's promises requires letting go of past failures and refusing to let previous generations define your faith.

Redefining Biblical Courage: Why the command to "be strong and courageous" isn't about human bravado, but a relentless, resilient confidence in God's promises.

Moving Beyond Human Failure: How to build a lasting faith that remains grounded in God alone—even when human leaders, mentors, or past church experiences fall short.

Unshakable Trust vs. False Security: Why true spiritual peace comes from total dependence on God rather than self-reliance, wealth, or worldly status.

Whether you are facing a massive life transition, trying to overcome generational baggage, or seeking deeper courage in uncertain times, this sermon provides practical, biblical encouragement to help you step forward in faith.

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We’ve all heard Jesus’ famous words: "Do not judge." But does grace mean allowing destructive behavior to run unchecked in our lives?

In this conclusion to the Proverbs series, Pastor Steve Musto dives into Proverbs 4 to reveal a critical biblical distinction many miss. While Scripture clearly contrasts the wise and the foolish, Solomon frequently warns us about a distinct third category: the evil (or wicked). Knowing how to identify which category someone falls into changes everything about how you navigate difficult relationships.

In this message, you’ll explore:

• The Context of "Do Not Judge": Why evaluating actions and character is actually a biblical command, not hypocrisy.

• Wise vs. Foolish vs. Evil: The subtle character traits that separate someone who makes bad choices from someone whose heart is set on harm.

• The Power of Boundaries: Why trying to reason with certain toxic dynamics always fails—and what God's Word instructs you to do instead.

• Protecting Your Peace: How to extend Christian forgiveness while maintaining spiritual, emotional, and physical safety.

If you’ve ever struggled with hard-to-navigate relationships, toxic dynamics, or knowing when to hold boundaries, this sermon offers clear, grounded biblical wisdom for your life.

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Relationships don't survive on luck—they thrive on wisdom. Exploring Proverbs 12, Steve and Cathy Musto break down biblical "house rules" for building strong marriages, families, and community connections. Learn how choosing godly counsel, practice-based love, and intentional speech can anchor your home in every season.

Key Topics Covered:
• Biblical wisdom for marriage and family (Proverbs 12)
• Why love is a daily choice, not just a feeling
• The power of honest communication and short accounts
• Surrounding your home with godly counsel and positive influence

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Can a good thing actually pull you away from what matters most? In this message on Proverbs 25:16–17, we explore how even the best parts of life—hobbies, relationships, and busy schedules—can become subtle distractions when they take the place of Jesus. Using an unexpected illustration about making clear ice, Tylor Fisher breaks down how setting a single direction in life keeps our faith clear and helps us live with undivided devotion.

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

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