Bethlehem Church

In the final week of the Good News series, Pastor Matt takes us through 1 Corinthians 11:17-29 to address a critical question: “Who is at your table?” Examining the early church’s gatherings in Corinth, Pastor Matt exposes how their observance of the Lord's Supper had devolved into division, social posturing, and exclusion. Before partaking in Communion, we are invited to look beyond our own comfort, examine our hearts, and allow the radical grace that welcomed us to God's table to shape how we welcome others to ours. 💡 Key Takeaways: Desire for Belonging: We all long to find our place at the table, but once we find our seat, we must actively look for those who haven't found theirs yet. Grace Shapes Welcome: The grace that welcomed us to Jesus' table should directly shape how we welcome and include others in our lives and church. Level Playing Field at the Cross: In Corinth, social status divided the church during Communion. Paul reminds us that status and rank have no place in the body of Christ. "There You Are" vs. "Here I Am": Instead of walking into rooms demanding to be noticed ("Here I am"), followers of Jesus walk in looking to notice and value others ("There you are"). Self-Examination Before Communion: Before taking the Lord’s Supper, we are called to examine our own motives, repent of division, and align our hearts with the unifying sacrifice of Christ. ✝️ Scripture References: 1 Corinthians 11:17-29 2 Samuel 9:1-13 John 13:34-35 📲 Download the new Bethlehem Church App to stay connected, access resources, and take your next step with us today! 🔗 Connect With Us: First Time? We'd love to know more about you. Click this link to let us know you’re watching! https://wearebethlehem.churchcenter.com/people/forms/1284381 If you want to take your next step with Jesus, please click here: https://wearebethlehem.churchcenter.com/people/forms/376703 We’d be honored 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 #GoodNewsSeries #1Corinthians11 #PastorMattPiland #WhoIsAtYourTable #Communion #Grace #LordsSupper #ChurchOnline #Sermon2026

In this message, Pastor Jason Britt takes a break from 1 Corinthians to explore 2 Corinthians 10–12. Addressing a culture in Corinth that (similar to modern America) obsessed over status, success, image, and platform, Pastor Jason exposes how easy it is to confuse our external strengths with real spiritual maturity. When false teachers ("super-apostles") attacked Paul for being unimpressive in person, an untrained speaker, and lacking wealth, Paul didn't defend his ego - he pointed to his weaknesses. Discover why God doesn't just want to use your strengths, but deeply meets you in your areas of weakness, giving you a grace that sustains when circumstances don't change. 💡 Key Takeaways: Culture vs. Christ Formation: The unspoken values of our culture champion status, success, and personal freedom. But the values of Christ call us to surrender, humility, and sacrificial love. The "Fake Me" Trap: We naturally double down on our strengths and hide our weaknesses to project a perfected image - but God doesn't connect with our fake, projected selves. Weakness Clarified: A weakness is something persistent in your story that you wish you didn't have to deal with, and something you'd be glad for God to remove. Sufficiency Over Removal: Paul pleaded three times for his "thorn in the flesh" to be removed. God didn't alter his circumstances, but met him in them with sufficient grace. Changing the Scorecard: The gospel flips the world's scoreboard upside down: God's power isn't made perfect in our performative strengths, but in our acknowledged weaknesses. ✝️ Scripture References: 2 Corinthians 10:1 2 Corinthians 10:10 2 Corinthians 11:6 2 Corinthians 12:7-9 Philippians 4:8 📌 Timestamps: 00:00 - Welcome & 10 Weeks in 1 Corinthians 01:17 - Cultural Values of Corinth vs. Kingdom Values of Christ 02:24 - Announcement: Upcoming "SOON" Series on Christ's Return 03:27 - Shifting to 2 Corinthians 10-12: Facing the "Super-Apostles" 05:49 - The Human Experience: What We Like vs. What We Dislike About Ourselves 08:35 - Playing to Strengths vs. Wrestling with Weaknesses 09:51 - Paul's Supposed Weaknesses is 2 Corinthians 10 & 11 12:35 - Defining Weakness: The Things We Wish God Would Take Away 15:36 - The "Fake Me" We Project to the World and Church 17:45 - 2 Corinthians 12:7-8: Paul's Thorn in the Flesh 20:32 - 2 Corinthians 12:9: "My Grace Is Sufficient for You" 23:51 - What We Want to Move Past, God Wants to Get Into 25:05 - The Gospel Flips the Scorecard 28:50 - Pastoral Honesty: Experiencing God in Brokenness, Not Just Success 34:40 - Stop Waiting for Desperation to Seek God 35:30 - Invitation: Bringing Our Weaknesses to the Altar & Closing Prayer 📲 Download the new Bethlehem Church App to stay connected, access resources, and take your next step with us today! 🔗 Connect With Us: First Time? We'd love to know more about you. Click this link to let us know you’re watching! https://wearebethlehem.churchcenter.com/people/forms/1284381 If you want to take your next step with Jesus, please click here: https://wearebethlehem.churchcenter.com/people/forms/376703 We’d be honored 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 #GoodNewsSeries #2Corinthians10-12 #PastorJasonBritt #ChangeTheScoreboard #MyGraceIsSufficient #StrengthInWeakness #ApostlePaul #ThornInTheFlesh #ChurchOnline #Sermon2026

In Week 7 of the Good News series, Pastor Jason Britt dives into 1 Corinthians 13 - a passage often used for wedding ceremonies, but originally written as "combat theology" to address a spiritual culture playing a game of spiritual one-upsmanship. The Corinthian believers were confusing giftedness with godliness, using their spiritual talents as personal trophies rather than tools to build up others. Discover why spiritual gifts, impressive platforms, and costly sacrifices mean nothing without agape love - and how shifting from "what makes me stand out" to "how can I serve others" unlocks the most excellent way to live out your faith. 💡 Key Takeaways: Giftedness vs. Godliness: Possessing spiritual gifts, deep biblical knowledge, or an impressive platform does not automatically equal spiritual maturity; true maturity is always marked by love. Agape Love Defined: Unlike emotional or romantic feelings, agape love is a settled commitment to seek another person's good through self-denial and intentional action. Building Others Up: The defining ethic of a follower of Jesus is turning what God has given you - time, influence, resources, experience - into good for someone else. Love Moves Toward Needs: Love isn't just an emotional feeling or admiring compassion from afar. True Christian love moves toward practical needs in our communities - even when they’re messy. The Reflection of Christ: 1 Corinthians 13 ultimately paints a picture of Jesus - He is patient, kind, keeps no record of wrongs, and never fails us. ✝️ Scripture References: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 1 Corinthians 12:31 1 Corinthians 14:1 John 13:34-35 1 John 4:8 📌 Timestamps: 00:00 - Welcome & The Clanging Cymbal Illustration 03:12 - 1 Corinthians 13 in Context: Combat Theology, Not Just a Wedding Passage 05:44 - Celebrating How Bethlehem Church Loves (Teacher Appreciation & Buffalo Church) 07:54 - Reading 1 Corinthians 13:1–3 (Gifts Without Love Gain Nothing) 10:50 - The Problem: Confusing Giftedness with Godliness 13:44 - Reading 1 Corinthians 13:4–7 (The Characteristics of Love) 14:51 - The Principle: Love Builds Others Up (Exploring Agape Love) 18:04 - Love in Everyday Life: Dealing with Difficult People 21:55 - Emotion vs. Action: Love Moves Toward Needs 24:28 - The Path: Turning What God Gave You into Good for Others 27:30 - Pastoral Reflection: Choosing Helpful Over Clever 31:05 - Guest Testimony: The Albers Family on Fostering & Agape Love 37:23 - Supporting Foster & Adoptive Families at Bethlehem Church 41:08 - Replacing "Love" with "Jesus" in 1 Corinthians 13 44:03 - Gospel Invitation & Salvation Prayer 47:10 - Closing Prayer Over Those Called to Love in Hard Seasons 📲 Download the new Bethlehem Church App to stay connected, access resources, and take your next step with us today! 🔗 Connect With Us: First Time? We'd love to know more about you. Click this link to let us know you’re watching! https://wearebethlehem.churchcenter.com/people/forms/1284381 If you want to take your next step with Jesus, please click here: https://wearebethlehem.churchcenter.com/people/forms/376703 We’d be honored 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 #GoodNewsSeries #1Corinthians13 #PastorJasonBritt #TheMostExcellentWay #AgapeLove #SpiritualGifts #Faith #Sermon2026 #ChurchOnline

In this message, guest speaker Pastor Phil Hopper from Abundant Life Church joins Bethlehem Church to walk through Joshua 3. Standing at the edge of the Jordan River, the Israelites faced a crucial choice: stay in the comfortable wilderness or step into the promises of God. Through this powerful story, Pastor Phil exposes the trap of being an "unbelieving believer" and reveals why true spiritual breakthroughs require more than partial commitments—they require full consecration. Discover how dying to self opens the door to experiencing the resurrection power of Jesus in your life, marriage, and everyday walk. 💡 Key Takeaways: Unbelieving Believers: It is possible to have enough faith to get out of Egypt (be saved), but not enough faith to step into the Promised Land (walk in abundant life). Consecration vs. Commitment: God doesn't call us to make another casual commitment in an overcommitted life. He calls us to consecrate ourselves—taking up a cross and dying to self. Crucifixion Precedes Resurrection: You cannot experience the resurrection power of Christ without first going through a personal crucifixion—surrendering your rights, habits, and pride. Faith in Action Puts God in Motion: God didn't part the Jordan River while the Israelites waited on the bank; the priests had to set foot in the water first. Submission Over Suppression: Managing or suppressing sin never works long-term. True freedom comes when you stop trying harder and start submitting daily to Jesus. ✝️ Scripture References: Joshua 3:1–17 John 10:10 Luke 9:23 Romans 12:1 Titus 3:5 📌 Timestamps: 00:00 - Welcome / Night of Worship & Baptism Announcement 02:14 - Introducing Guest Speaker Pastor Phil Hopper 04:42 - Joshua 3: The Context of Crossing the Jordan 06:58 - The Danger of Being an "Unbelieving Believer" 10:49 - Why Joshua Leads the Way, Not Moses (Jesus vs. the Law) 11:45 - The Significance of the Three-Day Wait 15:49 - Dying to the Wilderness Experience 18:05 - Embracing the Cross We Carry Daily 21:37 - Consecration vs. Commitment 25:51 - Pastor Phil’s Story: The Prodigal Coming Home 30:03 - Why the Flesh Must Be Crucified, Not Contained 33:47 - Faith in Action: Stepping into the Water First 36:55 - How Surrender Saved Pastor Phil’s Marriage 41:47 - Crossing Between the Dead City and the Dead Sea 43:04 - The 1989 Funeral That Changed Everything 46:08 - Prayer, Gospel Invitation & Call to Respond 📲 Download the new Bethlehem Church App to stay connected, access resources, and take your next step with us today! 🔗 Connect With Us: First Time? We'd love to know more about you. Click this link to let us know you’re watching! https://wearebethlehem.churchcenter.com/people/forms/1284381 If you want to take your next step with Jesus, please click here: https://wearebethlehem.churchcenter.com/people/forms/376703 We’d be honored 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 #PastorPhilHopper #Joshua3 #FaithInAction #Conscration #CrucifixionAndResurrection #PromisedLand #Sermon2026 #ChurchOnline

In Week 6 of the Good News series, Pastor Jason Britt unpacks 1 Corinthians 9 to address a silent trap in a culture obsessed with personal freedom and total autonomy: aimlessness. Freedom without direction leads to running in circles, expending energy without making real progress. Whether you are feeling exhausted, going through the motions, or chasing goals that leave you empty, discover how shifting your mindset from temporary crowns to an eternal prize changes the way you live, train, and run your daily race. 💡 Key Takeaways: Aimlessness Is Activity Without Direction: The biggest threat in a culture of maximum freedom isn't always laziness—it's staying constantly busy without clear spiritual direction. Redefining True Freedom: Freedom isn't satisfying every appetite; it's the capacity to choose strict training, saying no to things you don't have to, and yes to habits that build long-term endurance. The Maturity Question: Immaturity constantly asks, "Is this wrong?" or "Am I allowed to do this?" Spiritual maturity asks, "Where is this decision taking me?" Preparation Beats Performance: The moments nobody celebrates (private prayer, boundary setting, quiet faithfulness) prepare you for the moments nobody can carry you through. Grace Sustains to the Finish: God’s grace is not opposed to effort; it is opposed to earning. The same grace that pardons you at the starting line equips and sustains you all the way to the end. ✝️ Scripture References: 1 Corinthians 9:24–27 Titus 2:11–13 Matthew 6:19–20 2 Timothy 4:7 📌 Timestamps: 00:00 - Community Event Recap: Moms & Motors Care Day 02:17 - Outdoor Baptisms Announcement 03:22 - Cultural Metaphors: How We Talk About Success 05:04 - Context of Corinth: Freedom, Status & Upward Mobility 06:58 - 1 Corinthians 9:24–27 & The Isthmian Games 10:15 - The Hidden Consequence of Maximum Freedom: Aimlessness 11:58 - What Is Aimlessness? (Activity Without Direction) 15:15 - Chariots of Fire: Eric Liddell vs. Harold Abrahams 19:04 - You Become What Your Current Choices Train You to Become 21:49 - The Deeper Freedom: Voluntary Restrictions 24:36 - Redefining Discipline (Uphill Dreams vs. Downhill Habits) 28:26 - The Maturity Shift: "Where Is This Taking Me?" 29:44 - The Moments Nobody Celebrates Prepare You 37:35 - Grace That Saves Is the Grace That Sustains (Titus 2:11–13) 42:31 - The Story of Cliff Young: Running Through the Dark 47:07 - Gospel Invitation & Salvation Prayer 50:38 - Blessing & Pastoral Prayer 📲 Download the new Bethlehem Church App to stay connected, access resources, and take your next step with us today! 🔗 Connect With Us: First Time? We'd love to know more about you. Click this link to let us know you’re watching! https://wearebethlehem.churchcenter.com/people/forms/1284381 If you want to take your next step with Jesus, please click here: https://wearebethlehem.churchcenter.com/people/forms/376703 We’d be honored 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 #GoodNewsSeries #1Corinthians9 #JasonBritt #WhatRaceAreYouRunning #OvercomingAimlessness #SpiritualDiscipline #Grace #Sermon2026 #ChurchOnline