Bethlehem Church

As we reach the end of Joshua, the people of Israel gather at Shechem to remember God’s faithfulness and respond with renewed commitment. This closing message challenges us to do the same: to lay aside idols, renew our covenant, and declare with our lives, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

Join us as we reflect on all God has done and ask ourselves—What will your life testify?

📖 Passage: Joshua 24

💬 Key Themes: Covenant renewal, wholehearted worship, daily surrender

🪨 Our witness isn’t a stone in Shechem—it’s a life shaped by the cross.

Message Notes

In this powerful message, Pastor Matt walks us through Joshua 23—a pivotal chapter in Israel’s history and a vital lesson for our lives today.

As Joshua, nearing the end of his life, gives a heartfelt charge to the leaders of Israel, he reminds them—and us—that direction matters. Drawing from Joshua 23, Deuteronomy 28, and Joshua 1, this sermon explores three urgent calls:

1. Be strong and continue obeying God’s Word

2. Be loyal to the Lord and separate from the world’s idols

3. Diligently watch yourselves—your choices have eternal consequences

🔹 God has fought for you (Josh. 23:3)🔹 He will force back the enemy and fulfill His promises (Josh. 23:5)🔹 But we must not “turn to the right or the left” (Josh. 23:6, Deut. 28:14, Josh. 1:7)

In the New Testament, Jesus reminds us we are the salt of the earth and light of the world (Matt. 5:13-16). We’re called to be people of influence, direction, and clarity in a confused world. Just as the Israelites were commanded not to mix with the Canaanites, we’re reminded today to remain set apart in our values, purpose, and love.

💡 What direction are you setting—for yourself and others?
💬 Are you living as a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 6:19), pointing others to the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6)?

Message Notes

How quickly can unity turn to conflict—even among God’s people? In this powerful sermon, Pastor Matt explores Joshua 22 and a moment when misunderstanding nearly led to civil war among the tribes of Israel. At the heart of the message lies a pressing question: Are we more concerned with protecting traditions and perceptions than pursuing true unity in Christ?

Drawing from Jesus’ prayer for unity in John 17 and Paul’s plea in 1 Corinthians 1, this message challenges us to look at the causes of division in the Church today—especially those that arise from fear, assumption, and miscommunication.

🙌 Key Themes:

• The danger of jumping to conclusions

• Fear of losing identity or tradition

• God’s desire for a united, worshiping people

• Trusting God to provide as we seek His kingdom first (Matthew 6:33)

• Living out our faith with boldness and visible trust

  
  

  Message Notes

Pastor Matt unpacks Joshua chapters 20–22, exploring the establishment of the Levitical cities — especially the six cities of refuge God commanded for the protection of those who unintentionally took a life.These cities were more than safe havens; they were an expression of God’s justice and mercy, ensuring that bloodshed did not defile the land while still offering a path of protection and restoration for the innocent. Pastor Matt walks us through the historical and theological purpose of these cities, showing how they were intricately woven into God’s design for justice, community, and spiritual leadership in Israel.But this message goes deeper.As we transition from Israel’s physical cities of refuge to today’s spiritual reality, we discover a profound truth: the Church is now called to function as a kind of city of refuge. Just as the Levites were scattered among the tribes to serve and care for the people — feeding the poor, protecting the vulnerable, and guiding the nation — the Church is now called to be a place of safety, healing, and hope for those burdened by sin, shame, and brokenness.🔸 What does it mean for the Church to be a refuge today?🔸 How can believers embody God’s mercy while upholding His truth?🔸 What can we learn from God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises, even when His people fall short?This message reminds us that God still provides refuge — not in buildings or cities, but through His people, His Spirit, and His grace. We are invited not only to seek that refuge but to become it for others.📖 Main Texts: Joshua 20–22, Numbers 35, Deuteronomy 19📍 Topics: Cities of Refuge, Levitical Priesthood, Justice, Mercy, The Role of the ChurchMessage Notes

What happens when the people of God stop short of stepping into their full inheritance? In this sermon, we explore the powerful moment in Joshua 18–19 when the Israelites gather at Shiloh, set up the tent of meeting, and prepare to fully possess the land God promised them.

📖 "I will place my residence among you, and I will not reject you." — Leviticus 26:11

God wasn’t just giving Israel land—He was establishing a place of worship and presence. Shiloh becomes the center of Israel's worship life, a physical reminder that inheritance from God is never just about what we get—it's about who we become in His presence.

🔑 In this message, we uncover:

• Why some tribes delayed taking what God already gave them

• How the tabernacle at Shiloh symbolized a greater invitation to intimacy with God

• The beauty of God's justice, sovereignty, and faithfulness in how He distributed the land

• How our modern-day “Shiloh” is the indwelling presence of Jesus in us (John 2:21, Hebrews 10, 1 Cor. 6:19)

• A challenge to stop delaying obedience—and get moving on the assignment God’s given you

🔥 Three Takeaways:

1. Join God’s family—He has an inheritance waiting for you

2. Stop putting it off—do what He’s called you to do

3. Remember: The goal isn’t just getting things from God, but becoming a people for God

   
   

   Message Notes

Pastor Cody walks through Joshua 15, where the tribe of Judah receives its inheritance. While their blessing was great — the largest and most detailed allotment of land — it came with tremendous responsibility. God's blessings often require faithfulness, hard work, and courage.

We’ll also see how Judah’s inheritance ties into the prophetic blessing from Genesis 49, pointing us toward the coming Messiah. Join us as we discover why God's blessings are never meant to be easy — they are meant to prepare us for greater purpose.

📖 Key Texts: Joshua 15:1–12, Genesis 49:8–12

Message Notes

Discover the powerful connection between the Exodus story and the resurrection of Jesus Christ!

The ancient Israelites' escape from Egypt wasn't just about freedom from slavery — it was a battle between life and death, light and darkness, good and evil. Egypt was a nation obsessed with death, but God proved He was the Lord of Life. Through the plagues and the miraculous crossing of the sea, Yahweh showed His power over the forces of chaos and death — the very forces Jesus would conquer once and for all when He rose from the grave.

In this message, we dive deep into:

• How the Exodus foreshadowed the Resurrection

• The battle between Yahweh and the gods of Egypt

• Jesus as the ultimate Passover Lamb who delivers us

• How the resurrection offers "The Way Out" from death, sin, and chaos

The call to trust and obey the Good Shepherd who leads us through the waters of death into eternal life

Are you in need of deliverance? A fresh start?

Today, you can experience the victory of the Resurrection.

Will you believe? Will you trust?

Message Notes

Join us for a powerful exploration of Palm Sunday, a day that marks the beginning of Holy Week and the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. In this special 25-minute segment, we delve into the rich traditions and theological significance of this day, drawing insights from ancient commentaries and biblical texts.

🌿 Key Highlights:

• The meaning of "Hosanna" and the symbolism of palm branches as a sign of victory and life.

• Reflections on our dual nature as we transition from praising Christ to calling for His crucifixion within the same week.

• The historical context of palm processions and their evolution through the ages, including early church practices and reformers' critiques.

• Scriptural guidance emphasizing our collective need for a King, as elaborated in Romans and the Old Testament.

✨ Questions to Ponder:

• What do palm branches signify in your tradition?

• How does Palm Sunday shift your mindset towards the Passion of Christ?

• Are you ready to commit your allegiance to Jesus, the anointed King?

As we reflect on the journey of Jesus, from His entry into Jerusalem to His ultimate sacrifice, let's remember the importance of our faith and the call to live out our commitment to Him.

Message Notes

As Joshua grows older, God tells him there’s still much land to be taken. In these chapters, we meet Caleb—85 years old and still asking for a challenge! While some might be ready to retire, Caleb is ready to fight. What does this say about purpose, legacy, and faith in the later seasons of life?Join us as we dive into Joshua 13–14 and explore how God isn't finished with us, no matter our age. Whether you’re 18 or 85, there’s still ground to take!

Message Notes

In this message, Pastor Matt walks through Joshua 11–12, highlighting Israel’s overwhelming victories in the conquest of the Promised Land. These chapters showcase how God’s faithfulness, paired with Israel’s obedience, led to victory after victory. While some battles were won through miraculous intervention (Joshua 10), others—like those in Joshua 11—were won through steadfast obedience to God’s commands.

💡 Key Themes:

✅ God’s Team Always Wins – Victory belongs to those who trust and obey the Lord.

✅ Faith & Obedience – Miracles happen when we walk in faith and follow God’s commands.

✅ Pick a Side – Are you on God’s team? Faith in Jesus is the key to victory.

✅ Persevere in Faith – Don’t quit! Stay faithful and endure in Christ.

📖 Scriptures Covered: Joshua 11–12, Galatians 3, Acts 14:22, Romans 1:5, and more!

🙏 Challenge: Are you truly on God’s team? Will you remain faithful, obedient, and committed? The battle is real, but victory is assured in Christ!

Message Notes