Joshua 3 | September 20th, 2026

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