Bethlehem Church

Bethlehem Church
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  1. 6h ago

    “When the Strong Get Tired” | SUMMER AT BETHLEHEM - Week 4 | June 21st, 2026

    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

    41 min

  2. Jun 17

    “Surrendering My Purpose” | SUMMER AT BETHLEHEM - Week 3 | June 14th, 2026

    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

    35 min

  3. Jun 9

    “Send Me” | SUMMER AT BETHLEHEM | June 7th, 2026

    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

    34 min

  4. Jun 2

    “How Do I Reset My Mind?” | SUMMER AT BETHLEHEM | May 31st, 2026

    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

    48 min

  5. May 26

    “Army of God” | MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND | May 24th, 2026

    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

    43 min

  6. May 18

    “Salt & Light” | CHURCH UNBRANDED - Week 5 | May 17th, 2026

    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

    40 min

  7. May 13

    “Family of God” | CHURCH UNBRANDED - Week 4 | May 10th, 2026

    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

    44 min

  8. May 5

    “My Bride” | CHURCH UNBRANDED - Week 3 | May 3rd, 2026

    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

    41 min
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About

New podcast

Information

  • Creator
    Bethlehem Church
  • Years Active
    2013 - 2026
  • Episodes
    671
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2021 Bethlehem Church. All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Bethlehem Church

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