Bethlehem Church

In the week leading up to Easter, we continue our Everyday Disciple series by looking at one of the most infamous names in human history: Judas Iscariot. We often imagine Judas as a visible villain, but the reality is much more unsettling. Judas didn't look like a traitor; he was the trusted treasurer, the straight-laced disciple, and the one the others likely pointed to as a model of stability. In this message, Executive Pastor Matt Piland explores the "slow drift" of Judas. No one—not even Judas himself—starts their journey with Jesus intending to end it in betrayal. Yet, through small compromises, unchecked greed, and a heart that was "near" Jesus but not "with" Him, Judas committed the ultimate crime. Discover how to identify the signs of drifting in your own life and why the greatest sin isn't an act of failure, but a failure to repent. 💡 Key Takeaways: The Myth of the Monster: Judas didn't wear a black robe; he was highly respected by the other disciples. Sin is often camouflaged by outward "righteousness" and religious activity. The Smokescreen of Moral Outrage: Judas was loudest about "caring for the poor" while quietly stealing from the money bag. We are often most offended by others' sins in the areas where we are quietly drifting ourselves. The Anatomy of the Drift: Drifting doesn't happen in a moment; it happens in a thousand small steps. Unchecked sin eventually leads to a hardened heart and a distorted view of God. Remorse vs. Repentance: Both Peter and Judas failed Jesus. Judas felt remorse and ran from Jesus; Peter felt repentance and ran to Jesus. One believed his guilt was bigger than God’s grace; the other believed God’s grace was bigger than his guilt. 📌 Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro: "Everyday Disciple" Bumper 01:24 – Review: Peter’s Regret and Thomas’s Doubt 02:58 – The Infamy of Judas: Dante’s Inferno and the 9th Circle 04:13 – Matthew 26: The 30 pieces of silver and the kiss 07:45 – The "Trusted" Disciple: Why no one saw the betrayal coming 09:45 – The Treasurer: Why Judas looked more stable than Peter 13:15 – Like Judas, We All Can Drift 15:00 – Mary and Martha (What Judas Thought) in John 12:4-6 17:08 – The Progression of Sin: How the "Slow Drift" works 21:54 – Hebrews 3: Why we need others to yell when we drift 22:47 – The Problem With Unchecked Sin 24:55 – The Problem for Many of Us: We Think We Can Control Sin but We Can’t 27:15 – Jesus Offering Judas a Chance to Repent  31:01 – Peter vs. Judas: Two paths after the fall (Remorse vs. Repentance) 31:50 – A Moment for Confession: Preparing for Holy Week ✝️ Key Scriptures: Matthew 26:14-16, 47-50  Matthew 27:3-5 Acts 1:18 John 13:21-29; 12:4-6 Luke 9:1-2 Hebrews 3:12-13  1 John 1:9 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 connect with you. Please click https://wearebethlehem.churchcenter.com/people/forms/504192 to fill out our Connection Card! Salvation: If you realize you’ve been drifting and you want to anchor your life back in Christ before Easter, we want to walk with you. If you want to take your next step with Jesus, please text INCHRIST to 97000. Baptism: If you’re ready to go public with your faith, click here! https://wearebethlehem.churchcenter.com/people/forms/136457 Prayer: Let us stand with you in your doubts. https://bethlehemchurch.us/prayer-wall/ Give Online: Support the mission at https://bethlehemchurch.us/give/ Don't forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the 🔔 to join us for our Easter services! 🗓️ Stay Up-To-Date: Website: https://bethlehemchurch.us/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bethlehemchurchga/ Instagram: @bethlehem_churchga #EverydayDisciple #BethlehemChurch #MattPiland #Judas #HolyWeek #Easter2026 #SlowDrift #Repentance #Grace #ChristianLiving #ChurchOnline

In Week 2 of our series, Everyday Disciple, Lead Pastor Jason Britt tackles a struggle everyone faces but few Christians want to admit: Doubt. We often label Thomas as "Doubting Thomas," letting one moment of uncertainty define his entire legacy. But the humanity of a disciple shows us that doubt isn't a deal-breaker—it can actually be the doorway to a deeper, more resilient faith. Whether your doubt is born from intellectual questions or, like Thomas, from "disappointed hope" and situational crisis, Jesus isn't intimidated by your uncertainty. He didn't shame Thomas for wanting proof; He provided His scars. Discover why a faith that has never been tested is a faith that can’t be trusted, and how bringing your questions to Jesus moves your convictions from the "leaves" of public opinion to the "roots" of core belief. 💡 Key Takeaways: Doubt vs. Disbelief: Disbelief is a heart that refuses to trust; doubt is a mind struggling to reconcile reality with faith. Disbelief is quitting; doubt is questioning. The Source of Doubt: Most doubt is situational, not dispositional. Thomas was fiercely loyal in John 11, but he was "crushed" by the cross in John 20. Our deepest doubts are often born from our deepest disappointments. The "Tree" of Conviction: Not all beliefs function the same way. Public Convictions (Leaves): Beliefs shaped by others; the most fragile. Personal Convictions (Limbs): Personally examined and sturdy. Core Convictions (Roots): Deep beliefs that anchor us when the storm hits. The Goal of Doubt: The goal of an everyday disciple isn’t to avoid doubt, but to let doubt deepen your roots. In the hands of Jesus, doubt won't destroy your faith—it will deepen it. 📌 Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro: "Everyday Disciple" Bumper 01:30 – Recapping the Disciples: Moments of Infamy (Peter, Thomas, Judas) 03:59 – First Date Fails: Why our worst moments shouldn't define us 05:52 – Introducing Thomas: Moving past the "Doubting" label 07:58 – Is doubt a deal-breaker? Why everyone believes something 11:33 – What Thomas had believed 14:15 – Courageous & Loyal Thomas  15:40 – Disappointed Hope: Faith is often situational 16:34 – Confidence Grows When vs. Doubt Grows When  18:22 – Faith isn’t the absence of questions - it’s the courage to ask them  21:09 – There’s More to Thomas than His Doubts  24:19 – Even the Strongest Believers Can Doubt  26:40 – Three Levels of Convictions and What It Means  29:51 – The Tree Illustration: Where Do You Take Your Doubt?  34:17 – Closing & Ending Prayer with Pastor Jason  39:53 – Prayer of Blessing with Chevas  ✝️ Key Scriptures: John 20:24-29 John 11:16 John 14:5 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 connect with you. Please click https://wearebethlehem.churchcenter.com/people/forms/504192 to fill out our Connection Card! Salvation: If you want to take your next step with Jesus, please text INCHRIST to 97000. Baptism: If you’re ready to go public with your faith, click here! https://wearebethlehem.churchcenter.com/people/forms/136457 Prayer: Let us stand with you in your doubts. https://bethlehemchurch.us/prayer-wall/ Give Online: Support the mission at https://bethlehemchurch.us/give/ Don't forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the 🔔 to join us for the rest of the EVERYDAY DISCIPLE series! 🗓️ Stay Up-To-Date: Website: https://bethlehemchurch.us/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bethlehemchurchga/ Instagram: @bethlehem_churchga #EverydayDisciple #BethlehemChurch #JasonBritt #Doubt #Faith #DoubtingThomas #ChristianLiving #Grace #JesusFollower #ChurchOnline #Sermon2026

Welcome to Week 1 of our new series, Everyday Disciple. Most of us wouldn't describe our daily lives as "extraordinary"—they feel routine, predictable, and very ordinary. Yet, the Gospels show us that Jesus didn't scout the religious elite; He called ordinary, everyday people to rearrange their lives around Him. In this kickoff message, Lead Pastor Jason Britt looks at the life of Peter—a man defined by his impulsive passion and his infamous failure. We often think being a disciple means having it all together, but disciples aren't perfect people; they are people who are in training. Whether you are dealing with regrets of action, inaction, or reaction, discover why your worst moment doesn't have to be your defining moment. In the hands of Jesus, regret isn't the end of your story—it’s where redemption begins. 💡 Key Takeaways: The Definition of a Disciple: A disciple is more than a believer; they are a learner, student, and apprentice. It means moving Jesus from the "sidelines" to the center of every ambition, relationship, and decision. The Anatomy of Regret: Regret is a rational emotion connected to our choices. Whether it's something we did (action), something we missed (inaction), or the way we handled a crisis (reaction), we all carry it. The Prayer of Jesus: Jesus didn’t pray that Peter would never fail; He prayed that Peter’s faith wouldn’t be finished when he failed. Failure is an event, not an identity. From Denial to Boldness: 53 days after Peter denied Jesus to a servant girl, he stood before thousands at Pentecost to declare Jesus as Lord. Grace is the bridge between our worst moment and our greatest mission. 📌 Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro: "Everyday Disciple" Bumper 01:00  – Easter Invite from Pastor Jason  03:23 – Setting up the New Series  05:32 – What is a Disciple?  08:28 – Famous vs. Infamous: The moments that define us 10:57 – The Profile of Peter: Fisherman, Impulsive, Confident, and Ordinary 14:29 – Peter’s Plan is Our Plan: Faithfulness  18:42 – Something We All Face: Regret  19:25 – Truth About Following Jesus (Being a Disciple)  21:52 – The Three Types of Regret: Action, Inaction, and Reaction 25:56 – The Race to the Tomb: Why Peter was being outrun by John 28:12 – Jesus' Promise: "When you have turned back..." 30:37 – Your worst moment is not your defining moment 32:15 – Acts 2: The man who denied Jesus now declares Him 34:32 – Not a Redo, but Redemption  36:15 – What Peter’s Story Actually Is  39:25 – Closing Prayer: Grace for your everyday regrets ✝️ Key Scriptures: Luke 22:31-34; 54-62  Acts 2:14 John 21 ✨ TAKE YOUR NEXT STEP: If you realize that you’ve been following at a distance and you’re ready to step into the grace of Jesus, we want to walk with you. Whether it's your first time deciding to follow or you're ready for baptism, click here: https://wearebethlehem.churchcenter.com/people/forms/136457 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 connect with 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/ Don't forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the 🔔 to follow the EVERYDAY DISCIPLE series! 🗓️ Stay Up-To-Date: Website: https://bethlehemchurch.us/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bethlehemchurchga/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethlehem_churchga/  #EverydayDisciple #BethlehemChurch #JasonBritt #ChristianSermon #Peter #Grace #OvercomingRegret #Discipleship #Faith #JesusFollower #Hope #Redemption

It is so much easier to criticize a generation than it is to build one. In this powerful message, guest speaker Clay Scroggins challenges us to move from being critics to "constructors." Looking at the life of Solomon in 2 Chronicles 1, we discover that the greatest gift we can give the next generation isn’t better circumstances—it’s better capacity. If God gave you a "blank check" and asked what you wanted for the next generation, what would you say? Solomon didn't ask for wealth, fame, or protection; he asked for chokmah—the skill for living. Join us as we explore how to model submission, prioritize skill over status, and introduce the next generation to Jesus, the true and better King who gives wisdom generously to all. 💡 Key Takeaways: Capacity Over Circumstances: We often try to make life easier for those following us, but wisdom is what allows them to flourish regardless of how hard life gets. Submission is the Start: Wisdom doesn't begin with information; it begins with worship. We inspire wisdom in others by modeling our own dependence on God. Skill vs. Status: In Hebrew, wisdom means "skill." We help the next gen win when we redefine success as how well we serve rather than how high we climb. The Greater Solomon: While Solomon started well and ended tragically, Jesus is the King who is Wisdom personified. He doesn't just give us advice; He gives us a new heart. 📌 Timestamps:  00:00 – Pastor Jason Introduces Pastor Clay  02:32 – What Clay Has Learned about the Next Generation  05:22 – Building a Foundation for the Next Generation  06:20 – What Do You Want for the Next Generation?  07:01 – What the Almighty God Says He Wants for the Next Generation  08:02 – Solomon steps into leadership 10:36 – Circumstances vs. Capacity  14:22 – TRUTH 1: Teaching submission to the Sovereign Lord 20:57 – Takeaways from 2 Chronicles 1:7-12 24:28 – TRUTH 2: Seeking skill over status 25:21 – Redefining success: Wisdom is skilled living 28:32 – TRUTH 3: Becoming the example, not just the advice 31:54 – What The Next Generation Needs: Men and Women Who Are Willing to Repent 32:50 – Are you Willing to Ask for Wisdom? 33:37 – King Solomon vs. King Jesus (Jesus is the Better King)  34:33 – The True Call to Help the Next Generation Win 34:55 – Closing Prayer ✝️ Key Scriptures: 2 Chronicles 1:1, 7-12 James 1:5 1 Corinthians 1:30 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 connect with 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/   Don't forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the 🔔 to stay updated on our latest sermons and series!   🗓️ Stay Up-To-Date:   Website: https://bethlehemchurch.us/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bethlehemchurchga/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethlehem_churchga/    #BethlehemChurch #ClayScroggins #NextGen #Wisdom #Solomon #Leadership #Parenting #ChristianLiving #JesusIsKing #HelpingTheNextGenWin  

In the conclusion of our series, Familiar Stranger, Lead Pastor Jason Britt looks at the birth of the Church in Acts 2. We often entertain ourselves with the "supernatural" on a screen through movies and shows, yet we often struggle to embrace the supernatural reality of the Holy Spirit in our actual lives. If everything about our salvation is supernatural—from the Virgin Birth to the Resurrection—why would we expect to sustain our Christian walk through natural strength alone? Pastor Jason connects the dots between the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai and the pouring out of the Spirit at Pentecost. While the Law was once written on stone, the Holy Spirit now writes it on our hearts. Being a "Spirit-filled person" isn't about chasing miracles; it’s about a life so marked by Jesus that it can only be explained by His power. When we move from "trying" to "trusting," we become the witnesses God called us to be. 💡 Key Takeaways: Supernatural Sustenance: You cannot live a supernatural life in natural strength. The Holy Spirit is our essential Helper for a life that is distinctly different. Sinai vs. Pentecost: At Sinai, the fire marked a place; at Pentecost, the fire marks a people. The Holy Spirit transforms us from the inside out. The Spirit’s Gaze: The Holy Spirit’s "spotlight ministry" is always to make much of Jesus. A Spirit-filled life is a Jesus-centered life. Obedience Over Readiness: Baptism isn't about having your act together—it is a radical act of personal obedience and a public boast in the work of Christ. ✝️ Key Scriptures: Acts 2:1-41 Exodus 19-20 (The Sinai connection) Genesis 11:4 (The Babel connection) ✨TAKE YOUR NEXT STEP: If you live near one of our campuses and feel that baptism is YOUR next step, we would love to baptize you here at Bethlehem Church! Click here to sign up: https://wearebethlehem.churchcenter.com/people/forms/136457    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 connect with 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/   Don't forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the 🔔 to stay updated on our latest sermons and series!   🗓️ Stay Up-To-Date:   Website: https://bethlehemchurch.us/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bethlehemchurchga/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethlehem_churchga/    #HolySpirit #BethlehemChurch #FamiliarStranger #ChristianLiving #HolySpirit #FruitOfTheSpirit #SpiritualGrowth #Faith #Obedience #Baptism #JesusFollower #ChurchOnline

In Week 7 of our Familiar Stranger series, Pastor Matt Piland addresses a vital question: How do we actually live out the life God has called us to? Many of us treat our faith like a car loan—believing Jesus made the "down payment" on the cross, but that it's now our job to sustain the monthly payments through sheer willpower and "trying harder." Drawing from Galatians 5, Pastor Matt breaks down the difference between legalism and true freedom in Christ. Following Jesus isn't about a factory-style production of "being good"; it’s about a garden-style growth that comes through the Holy Spirit. If you’ve been feeling spiritually exhausted by your own human effort, this message is a call to stop trying to maintain in the flesh what was only ever meant to be completed by the Holy Spirit. 💡 Key Takeaways: Completion vs. Maintenance: Why we cannot use human effort to perfect what was started by the Holy Spirit. If Jesus paid it all, we can't add to it. The Two Dogs: Inside every believer is a war between two “dogs”: the flesh and the Spirit. The dog that wins is the one you choose to feed daily. The Soda vs. Water Test: It isn't the "shaking" of life that makes us explode; it’s what’s already inside us. Discover how the Spirit changes our internal "contents." 📌 Timestamps: 00:01 – Welcome & Series Intro: "Holy Ghosters" and the series journey. 01:24 – Context of Galatians: The Honda Prelude illustration & the lie of Jesus as a “downpayment." 04:00 – The Core Principle (Unpacking Galatians 3:3): What the Spirit completes, the flesh cannot maintain. 05:47 – The Cooper Illustration: A "personal surgery" adult males don't want 07:33 – Freedom in Christ: Staying free from the slavery of the law. 10:16 – The Equation of Grace: Why Jesus + Nothing = Everything. 12:45 – Old Covenant vs. New Covenant: Law-centered vs. Grace-centered. 15:09 – Jeremiah 31: Writing the Law on our hearts through the Spirit. 17:17 – Legalism vs. Liberalism: Adding to the Gospel vs. Abusing the Gospel. 23:41 – Keeping in Step: The NASCAR Pace Car illustration. 31:07 – The Two Dogs: The war between the flesh and the Spirit. 32:35 – The Acts of the Flesh vs. The Fruit of the Spirit. 33:45 – The Soda vs. Water Illustration: What happens when life shakes you? 37:52 – Closing Prayer: Turning our eyes upon Jesus. ✝️ Key Scriptures: Galatians 5:1-6, 13-26 Galatians 3:3 Jeremiah 31:31-33 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 connect with 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/   Don't forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the 🔔 to stay updated on our latest sermons and series!   🗓️ Stay Up-To-Date:   Website: https://bethlehemchurch.us/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bethlehemchurchga/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethlehem_churchga/    #HolySpirit #BethlehemChurch #FamiliarStranger #ChristianLiving #HolySpirit #FruitOfTheSpirit #SpiritualGrowth #Faith #JesusFollower #ChurchOnline

In Week 6 of our Familiar Stranger series, Pastor Jason Britt addresses a critical but often overlooked reality: the Holy Spirit is not the only spirit at work in our time. In a world saturated with noise, misinformation, and competing "truths," the gift of discernment is more vital for the believer than ever before. Drawing from 1 John 4, this message explores how to "test the spirits" to see whether they are from God. Following Jesus isn't just about rejecting obvious evil; it’s about recognizing the subtle replacements, reductions, and reshapings of Jesus that permeate our modern culture. If you’ve felt overwhelmed by the "spirit of the age," this message will help you find confidence in the Spirit of Truth who dwells within you. 💡Key Takeaways: The Call to Discernment: Understanding discernment not just as a one-time "prescription" for big decisions, but as a daily "vitamin" for spiritual health.  Recognizing the Counterfeit: How the "spirit of the Antichrist" often shows up as plausible alternatives to Jesus rather than loud opposition.  The Power of the Whisper: Why God doesn't shout to get our attention. 📌 Timestamps: 00:01 – Welcome & Mission: Leading people to discover New Life in Christ.  02:07 – The Helper & The Spirit of Truth: Jesus’ promise of the Holy Spirit. 03:31 – The Reality of Our Times: Recognizing that the Holy Spirit isn’t the only spirit at work. 04:34 – Spiritual Warfare: Paul’s warning about cosmic powers and spiritual forces. 08:07 – Scripture Reading: Testing the spirits to see if they are from God. 10:42 – Defining Discernment: The gift and practice of recognizing God’s voice amid counterfeit voices. 12:17 – Why We Are Susceptible: Navigating noise, ego, and a post-truth society. 15:08 – The Spirit of the Antichrist: Subtle replacements and plausible alternatives to Jesus. 17:23 – Test the Spirits: Asking, "Is your Jesus the real Jesus?" 18:15 – Historical vs. Modern Deviations: How spirits wander from the truth of Christ’s deity and sacrifice. 20:53 – Spirituality Without Jesus: The myth of mysticism and "vibes over virtue." 23:49 – Jesus as a Symbol: When Christ becomes a means to an end for success or political power. 26:30 – The Comparison Chart: Distinguishing the Spirit of Truth from the Spirit of Error. 28:42 – The Power of the Name: Why Christianity faces these unique spiritual challenges. 30:54 – Beyond Paranoia: Finding confidence because "He who is in you is greater." 35:06 – Why God Whispers: Understanding proximity, relationship, and the "still small voice." 39:53 – The Example of Elijah: Finding God not in the wind, earthquake, or fire, but in the whisper. 43:34 – Invitation & Response: Trusting Jesus and choosing the Spirit of Truth over the spirit of the age. ✝️ Key Scriptures:  1 John 4:1-6  John 14-16  Ephesians 6:12 1 Kings 19:11-13  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 here 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/   Don't forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the 🔔 to stay updated on our latest sermons and series!   🗓️ Stay Up-To-Date:   Website: https://bethlehemchurch.us/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bethlehemchurchga/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethlehem_churchga/    #HolySpirit #BethlehemChurch #FamiliarStranger #JasonBritt #ChristianLiving #HolySpirit #SpiritualGrowth #Faith #JesusFollower #ChurchOnline

Is the Holy Spirit a "stranger" in your daily walk with Christ? In this powerful message from our Familiar Stranger series, Pastor Jason shares how the Holy Spirit is not just an accessory or an "add-on" to your faith—He is the power that makes faith possible. Using a vivid illustration of a sailor catching the wind, we explore what it means to stay in step with the Spirit and move from "God dwelling with us" to "God residing in us." Whether you are looking for a spiritual breakthrough or a new beginning in Christ, this service will challenge you to stop asking God to bless your plans and start setting your sails to catch His wind. ✨ In this video, you will: • Discover the difference between Old Testament "tasks" and New Testament "residency" of the Spirit. • Understand why the Holy Spirit is the ultimate "advantage" for every believer. • Learn how to stop "quenching" the Spirit and start living from a place of spiritual empowerment. Join the Conversation: Where are you watching from today? Let us know in the comments! If you need prayer or want to take your next step with Jesus, text CHRIST to 97000. 📌 Timestamps: • 00:01– Opening Remarks: COVID flashbacks and welcoming the different campuses. • 00:43 – Sermon Intro: Defining the Holy Spirit as a "Necessity" rather than an "Accessory." • 03:08 – The "Catching the Wind" Illustration: A comparison of the effort of rowing (striving) versus the grace of sailing (cooperating with the Spirit). • 07:15 – American Christianity 101: A critique of reducing faith to asking God to bless our own plans. • 08:45 – Biblical Examples: Paul’s teachings on the Spirit-shaped life from Ephesians, Galatians, and Corinthians. • 13:30 – Biblical History (Task, Tabernacle, Temple): How the Spirit operated in the Old Testament versus the New Covenant. • 19:08 – The Major Shift: Explaining that the Spirit no longer just comes upon people for tasks but lives within them. • 27:12 – The Chocolate Milk Illustration: A visual demonstration showing that we don't need "more" of the Spirit; the Spirit needs "more of us" (surrender). • 33:52 – Major Church Update: Announcement regarding the Oconee County Campus breakthrough and the property exchange with Grace Baptist Church. • 40:47 – Closing Call to Response: Invitation for a "New Beginning" or a "Breakthrough" through surrender.   🔗 CONNECT WITH US: • Subscribe for more messages: https://www.youtube.com/@BethlehemChurch • Website: BethlehemChurch.us • First Time? Text "CHRIST" to 97000 to connect with a pastor. • Give Online: Support the ministry Bethlehem Church: https://bethlehemchurch.us/give/   We are a people for all people. This is the vision of Bethlehem Church, led by Pastor Jason Britt and based in Bethlehem, GA.   Stay Connected Website: https://bethlehemchurch.us/ Bethlehem Church Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bethlehemchurchga/ Bethlehem Church Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethlehem_churchga/

In Week 4 of our Familiar Stranger series, Pastor Jason Britt shifts our focus to the inner strength available through the Holy Spirit. We often treat the Spirit as an optional guest, but Ephesians 3 reminds us that He is the source of our power, intended to dwell in our hearts through faith. Drawing from Paul's prayer in Ephesians 3:14-19, this message explores what it looks like to be "rooted and grounded" in God's love. It’s not just about knowing about God; it’s about being filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. If you have felt spiritually depleted or disconnected, this message will help you tap into the "glorious riches" of His strength.   Key takeaways from Week 4: Inner Strength: How the Spirit strengthens your "inner being" to handle outward pressure. The Dwelling: Moving from the Spirit visiting your life to the Spirit residing in your heart. The Dimensions of Love: Grasping the width, length, height, and depth of Christ’s love that surpasses knowledge.   📌 Video Timestamps: 00:02 - Welcome & Introduction: Opening the service and welcoming campuses. 00:37 - Cultural Context: Discussing our post-truth society and the collapse of secularism.  02:07 - The Promise of the Helper: Jesus’ promise to send the Holy Spirit to lead us into truth. • 04:24 - Scripture Reading (Ephesians 3:14-19): Standing for the reading of the Word.  06:05 - The Crux of the Prayer: Comprehending a love that surpasses knowledge.  07:56 - Core Statement: God is present, personal, and actively communicating.  09:30 - The Mystery of the Spirit: Understanding the "wind" imagery from Jesus' words to Nicodemus.  10:56 - 4 Ways to Hear God’s Voice: Introduction to the framework for discernment.  11:47 - 1. Saturate with Scripture: The importance of a daily diet of truth.  13:42 - The Spirit as Teacher: How the Spirit brings truth to our remembrance (John 15).  17:42 - 2. Pray Specifically: Moving beyond general prayers to targeted guidance.  19:24 - Two Key Questions: "What do you want me to know?" and "What do you want me to do?"  21:07 - Emotions vs. Truth: Why emotions are indicators, not decision-makers.  23:49 - 3. Embrace the Church: God’s Spirit working through God’s people.  27:17 - Regrets & Counsel: The safety found in an abundance of counselors (Proverbs).  29:20 - 4. Circumstances (Hold Loosely): How God uses open and closed doors.  32:43 - The Story of Bethlehem: Pastor Jason shares the specific circumstances that led him to Bethlehem Church.  39:36 - Closing Summary: Filling your life with the tools God speaks through.  40:41 - The Practice of Listening: A call to silence and prayer across campuses.  42:18 - Commission for Men: A specific challenge for men to listen and follow.  43:21 - Commission for Women: A specific challenge for women to reject fear and listen to the Spirit.  44:52 - Final Prayer & Closing the service.    Key Scripture Used:  Ephesians 3:14-19 (The Anchor Text)  John 14-15 (The Helper)  Proverbs 3:5-6 (Trust and Path)  Holy Spirit, Bethlehem Church, Jason Britt, Spirit Lead Me, Ephesians 3, Hearing God's Voice, Christian Discernment, Prayer, Scripture, Biblical Teaching.    We are a people for all people. This is the vision of Bethlehem Church, led by Pastor Jason Britt and based in Bethlehem, GA.    Stay Connected Website: https://bethlehemchurch.us/ Bethlehem Church  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bethlehemchurchga/  Bethlehem Church Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethlehem_churchga/

Week 3 of FAMILIAR STRANGER with Lead Pastor Jason Britt. Pastor Jason reminds us that the Spirit of God wants to bring healing to your hurt, so that your healed hurt can bring healing to others who are hurt.

Week 2 of FAMILIAR STRANGER with Lead Pastor Jason Britt. Pastor Jason reminds us that the first and primary characteristic of the Holy Spirit is helper.

Week 1 of FAMILIAR STRANGER with Lead Pastor Jason Britt. Pastor Jason reminds us that living by the Spirit is not a standard you live up to; it’s a promise you step into.

January 4th, 2026 with Executive Pastor of Discipleship, Kevin Miller. Pastor Kevin helps us prepare our hearts for 21 Days of Prayer & Fasting.

Week 3 of CHRISTMAS AT BETHLEHEM with 316 Student Pastor Spencer Haynes. Pastor Spencer reminds us that we are called to be unified, humble , and selfless .

Week 2 of CHRISTMAS AT BETHLEHEM with Lead Pastor Jason Britt. Pastor Jason reminds us that the question isn’t: “Why does God allow suffering?” It is: “Where is God when it hurts?” And the answer is right beside you.

Week 1 of CHRISTMAS AT BETHLEHEM with Executive Pastor Matt Piland. Pastor Matt reminds us what true hospitality looks like.

Week 3 of SMALL GOD SYNDROME with Lead Pastor Jason Britt. Pastor Jason reminds us that everybody can invite, pray, and share their story with somebody.

Week 2 of SMALL GOD SYNDROME with Lead Pastor Jason Britt. Pastor Jason reminds us that every Christ follower has a story and a sphere of influence.

Week 1 of SMALL GOD SYNDROME with Executive Pastor Matt Piland. Pastor Matt reminds us that our greatest temptation in life is to place ourselves at the center of the story.

Week 4 of THE FIGHT FOR FAMILY with Lead Pastor Jason Britt. Pastor Jason reminds us that generosity isn’t an event; it’s a lifestyle (obedience).