Bethany Church - La Crosse, WI

In this episode of Beyond the Sermon, host Tammy DeLeeuw is joined by Pastor Chase and Pastor Steve to dive deep into the burning questions sparked by our sermon series, "Strong and Relentless," walking through the Book of Joshua. 

The Old Testament often presents passages that make us uncomfortable, raise theological questions, and challenge our modern sensibilities. In this discussion, our pastors wrestle with the text honestly, addressing whether Joshua met an Old Testament appearance of Christ, why God commanded complete destruction (herem) in Canaan, and whether our suffering is a direct result of hidden s...

When facing overwhelming odds, seasons of uncertainty, or the heavy consequences of past mistakes, where do you place your trust? In this sermon exploring the Book of Joshua—specifically examining the battles and turning points of Joshua chapters 9-12—Pastor Chase dives into what happens when we encounter spiritual "death zones" where our own strength and self-reliance simply aren't enough. Rather than placing confidence in worldly power, human control, or our own abilities, Scripture calls believers to an active, obedient faith that trusts the Lord even in the dark. Discover how God’s relentless faithfulness, redemption, and healing grace meet u...

Fresh off the miraculous victory at Jericho, Israel faces an unexpected and devastating defeat at the Battle of Ai in Joshua 7. What causes everything to unravel when triumph seemed guaranteed? In this powerful sermon on Joshua 7 and 8, Tylor Fischer unpacks the destructive reality of hidden sin, the subtle progression of temptation, and why secret compromises never stay buried. 

Discover the ripple effects of unconfessed guilt on our families and communities, along with the transformative power of God’s grace to redeem our deepest failures. If you are carrying the silent weight of shame or struggling with setbacks, thi...

When Joshua stood outside the fortified walls of Jericho and faced a warrior with a drawn sword, he asked the ultimate question: “Are you for us, or for our enemies?”*The answer he received changed everything: “Neither.”

In this message from the Strong & Relentless series on the Book of Joshua, Pastor Steve Musto dives into the Battle of Jericho, the challenging Old Testament concept of "herem", and the unlikely rescue of Rahab. We often assume God plays on our team—supporting our personal plans, our timing, and our cultural battles. But what happens when scripture reveals that God is not...

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 e...

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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Watch sermons & podcasts on our YouTube Channel

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:

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:
• Owners...

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...

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 Judg...

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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Watch s...

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

Ever feel like your anger gets the best of you—whether through explosive outbursts, sarcastic jabs, or silent withdrawal? In this sermon on Proverbs 25:28, Chase Vitort unpacks the biblical root of anger and reveals why self-control isn't just about managing symptoms, but surrendering our deepest desires to God. Discover how to identify your anger triggers, recognize what your emotions are protecting, and follow Christ's example of entrusting justice to the ultimate Judge.

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

In this episode of Beyond the Sermon, we dive into Proverbs 25:28—exploring what it means to guard our hearts when anger threatens to break down our walls.

In this episode, we unpack:

Culture tells us sex should be spontaneous, boundary-less, and consequence-free—but what does God's Word actually say?

Continuing our series through the Book of Proverbs, Pastor Steve Musto unpacks Proverbs Chapter 7 to examine the contrast between Biblical wisdom and worldly distraction. Discover why God created boundaries for intimacy—not to withhold joy, but to protect us—and how the grace and forgiveness found in Jesus Christ offer healing for every past story.

Whether you are single, married, a long-time believer, or still exploring faith, tune in for a fresh, grounded look at relationships, culture, and biblic...

Note: This episode includes discussion on adult themes and sexuality. Listener discretion is advised when tuning in with younger ears.

This week, we unpack the sensitive, essential themes found in Proverbs 7. Moving past taboos and rigid culture conversations, the team explores how Scripture addresses human sexuality, the contrasting voices of wisdom and folly, and the real-world impact of "purity culture."

How can parents and mentors prepare the next generation to navigate today’s rapidly changing cultural landscape? Where do grace and redemption intersect with our past mistakes and current questions? Join the conversation as the te...

True strength isn't about raw power, status, or size—often, God uses the small, ordinary, and overlooked things of the world to accomplish His greatest work.

In this message from the Under Construction series, Pastor Steve Musto explores Proverbs 30:24-28, where Agur highlights four tiny creatures that exhibit incredible wisdom. Paired with a reflection on 1 Corinthians 1:24-29, this sermon reveals how developing wise, Godly habits—rather than relying on human strength—allows us to truly thrive.

Key Takeaways & Highlights:
The Ant (Foresight & Planning): Learning to plan for lean times during seasons of abundance.

Th...

Welcome to another episode of Beyond the Sermon! In this week's episode, we explore one of the most unique passages in scripture: Proverbs 30:24–28, where we find four tiny creatures that God highlights as examples of profound wisdom.

Beyond these four creatures, the conversation turns to the power of daily habits, navigating the weight of difficult family seasons, and how multigenerational living compares to biblical community.

Join us for an honest conversation on where true strength comes from, how to stay persistent when you want to give up, and what it means to anchor your life in...

Our words carry immense power—they can build up or tear down, bring life or inflict lasting pain. But when our speech turns sharp, critical, or destructive, is it really just a "mouth problem," or is it pointing to something deeper happening under the hood?

In this message from the Under Construction sermon series, Pastor Steve Musto explores what the Book of Proverbs teaches about wise speech and how our words reveal the true condition of our hearts. Featuring a powerful personal testimony from Pastor Dan Cravillion on how Christ transforms our speech from the inside out, th...

Words have the power to breathe life or inflict lasting wounds. In this episode of "Beyond the Sermon", hosts Tami DeLeeuw, Cathy Musto, and Steve Musto dive into Proverbs 10:11 to examine the deep impact our words have on our relationships, our mindsets, and our spiritual walk.

In this episode, the team explores:

The Weight of Words: Why do certain comments—both positive and negative—stay imprinted on our souls for decades?

"Punches That Land": How to process unexpected criticism, identify root hurts, and discern when a comment holds a grai...

What does God think about your Monday-to-Friday job? Whether you are an accountant, mechanic, teacher, stay-at-home parent, or executive, your daily labor carries far more spiritual purpose than simply earning a paycheck or building a resume.

In this message from the Under Construction sermon series, Chase  dives into Proverbs 13:4 to examine our "theology of work" and how our view of labor shapes our daily satisfaction and spiritual growth. This message challenges the cultural myths surrounding work and points us back to God's original blueprint for human flourishing.

Key Takeaways:
The 3 Work Mindsets: Why viewing y...

Whether you view your job as a pathway to security, a source of personal identity, or a way to build a legacy, human motivations are rarely entirely pure. The team wrestles with the complex relationship between faith and the workplace, exploring how to navigate the common pitfalls of ego, performance-driven mindsets, and the ever-present trap of perfectionism.

In this insightful and bittersweet episode of Beyond the Sermon, the team continues the Under Construction series by shifting the blueprint from compassion to our everyday labor. Drawing from Proverbs 3:27-30, the discussion unpacks the deeply rooted motives behind why...

Are we choosing convenience over compassion?

In this message from the Under Construction series, we dive into Proverbs 3:27-30 to confront a challenging truth: when it is in our power to do good, waiting isn’t neutral—it’s a choice. We often scan Scripture looking for loopholes, trying to define exactly who "deserves" our time, money, or grace, but God's Word completely flips our self-justifications on their head.

Through an honest look at our natural instinct to protect ourselves from the costs of loving others, this message challenges us to examine the small...

Dive deeper into the tension of living out true biblical compassion and generosity in this episode of Beyond the Sermon.

Following up on last week’s look at the prayer of Agur in Proverbs 30 regarding financial extremes and contentment, this discussion tackles the challenging commands found in Proverbs 3:27-30. Hosts Cathy Musto, Steve Musto, and Tylor Fisher wrestle with why true compassion feels so incredibly difficult to live out in a modern, consumer-driven culture that constantly values self preservation over community.

We unpack the reality that biblical generosity isn't ju...

Money is one of the most complex and culturally charged topics we face, and the church world is no exception. Does God command His followers to live in poverty, or is wealth the ultimate sign of His blessing? Or is it something else entirely?

In this message, Pastor Steve unpacks the mixed signals our culture sends about finances by diving into a unique prayer found in Proverbs 30. This sermon challenges us to re-evaluate what we are truly chasing. It turns out, handling money wisely isn't actually about the size of your bank account—it’s about the stat...

In this week's installment of Beyond the Sermon, we tackle some of the most debated and nuanced "grey areas" in modern culture and faith: alcohol, marijuana, and money. We dive headfirst into the tough questions that many believers wrestle with behind closed doors:

Alcohol & Culture: Is it okay to have a bar in your house, or are we accidentally building shrines to our cultural habits?

The Marijuana Landscape: How should Christians navigate the shifting legal and social views on weed and self-medication?

Wealth & Contentment: What are the hidden spiritual dangers of having "too...

The Bible has a lot to say about alcohol—and it might not be exactly what you think. From verses celebrating it as a blessing to stark warnings against reckless living, scripture doesn't shy away from this complex and culturally charged topic.

In this message from the "Under Construction" sermon series, we take an honest, balanced look at how to build our lives on wisdom rather than foolishness when it comes to alcohol. Beginning with a moving testimony from Aubrey about finding life-giving freedom after addiction, Pastor Steve Musto explores the tension between biblical liberty and scriptural wa...

Steve, Tami, and Natalie discuss what wisdom with alcohol looks like for Christ-followers.

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

If you were handed a magic wand with only one wish left, what would you ask for? When God offered King Solomon absolutely anything he wanted, Solomon didn't ask for wealth or power—he asked for wisdom.

But how did he actually get it? Was it a sudden, effortless supernatural download, or was it something he had to pursue?

In this message, Pastor Steve dives into Proverbs 2 to unpack what it truly means to acquire and live out Godly wisdom. It’s far more than just collecting biblical facts or having a hi...

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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

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

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

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

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

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

--
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