Woodlands Church

Before we say a word, the way we love one another has already spoken. In week 2 of Built Up, Pastor Jon teaches from Ephesians 1:15–23, where Paul thanks God for the church's steady faith in Jesus and their love for the saints. Faithfulness isn't microwave spirituality. It's a long obedience in the same direction. Paul also prays for wisdom, insight, and open hearts, all grounded in the truth that Jesus is far above every power and authority.

Paul gets so caught up in the goodness of God that Ephesians 1:3–14 comes out like one long sentence of worship. Pastor Jon begins our Built Up series in Ephesians 1:1–14 with the blessings God gives us in Christ: he chose us, adopted us, redeemed us, equipped us with wisdom and insight, and sealed us with the Holy Spirit. Adoption means the old debts are paid and we're brought into a new family. Redemption means Jesus did what we couldn't do for ourselves. The message also gives a little love to Tychicus, the faithful messenger who carried the letter. We don't edit the gospel. We just bring it.

A resilient family isn't one that never gets hit. It's one that learns to bounce back together through the storms of life. In our Resilience series, Jed Haas teaches from Ephesians 5:19–33, 1 Thessalonians 2:7–12, and 1 Timothy 4:12–16. Marriage grows stronger when husbands and wives yield and sacrifice for each other under Jesus. Parents help kids with high grace and high truth. And kids need real chances to practice, show progress, and persist in the way of Jesus. God is the master of the bounce back, and he meets us in the places we've fallen.

A resilient church doesn't survive by getting tougher. It stays steady because Jesus is leading it. In our Resilience series, Pastor Jon looks at Acts 2:42–47 and the first-century church. They were devoted to Scripture, together in unity, generous with each other, and focused on the mission. Pastor Jon also gives a plain warning: little "pebbles" of unresolved conflict, the poison of gossip, and personal agendas can damage the church's witness. The mission is still helping people know Jesus and the forgiveness he gives through the cross.

Concluding the series through the book of Leviticus, this message from chapters 17-27 delves into God's "moral law" or "holiness code," revealing what it means to be His people. The sermon explores how God claims and defines holiness, establishing boundaries for sexuality and calling us to treat all individuals with dignity and respect as His image bearers. It highlights that acceptable worship is costly and that God expects complete holiness in every aspect of life. Yet, Pastor Dave explains, God actively forms holiness within us, often through discipline, and ultimately, through the new covenant in Christ, He gives us holiness, inviting us to make Him our ultimate prize.

In the "Leviticus" series, this message delves into Leviticus 16, "The Day of Atonement," and its profound connection to Jesus Christ. It addresses the fundamental question of why Jesus' death is so crucial, detailing the Old Testament ritual that demonstrated the reality of sin, God's wrath, and the need for a remedy. The sermon explains how the sacrificial goat and the scapegoat provided both propitiation (satisfaction of God's wrath) and expiation (removal of guilt). Ultimately, through passages like Hebrews 9 and 4, the message reveals Jesus as the High Priest who, through his own blood, perfectly fulfills and permanently completes the Day of Atonement, securing an eternal rest and purifying our conscience from sin.

In week four of our series on Leviticus, we explore chapters 11-15, examining the ancient cleanliness codes and what it means to be God's people today. This message reveals that being God's people demands total dedication, impacting every aspect of life. It also calls for absolute dependence on Him, trusting His sufficiency even when circumstances are challenging. Finally, we learn that following Jesus requires costly decisions, just like the woman in Luke 8 who desperately reached out to Him for healing, finding peace through her courageous faith.

In week three of our series through Leviticus, we explore chapters 6-10, focusing on the role and holiness of Old Covenant priests. The message highlights their responsibility as intermediaries and the absolute demand for holiness, strikingly illustrated by Nadab and Abiu's unauthorized offering. We then turn to Jesus' profound words in John 6:53-56 and the insights from Hebrews 8, revealing how Christ serves as our more excellent High Priest, establishing a new and better covenant. This new agreement empowers all believers to live as priests—gifted with holiness and called to a powerful ministry of reconciliation, extending grace, prayer, and presence to a lost world.

Leviticus is famous for killing Bible reading plans—but it may be one of the richest books in all of Scripture. In this opening message of a summer series through Leviticus, Pastor Dave builds the case that this ancient book of laws and rituals is essential for understanding the whole of Scripture, from the leper healed by Jesus in Mark 1 to the living sacrifice of Romans 12. Through three lenses—what it means to be God's people, how to enter God's presence, and how to behold the Messiah—Leviticus emerges not as a burden to endure, but as a foundation for the deepest kind of joy.

In part six of the Seven Churches series, Pastor Jon Ewton of Woodlands Church examines the letter to the Church of Philadelphia in Revelation 3:7-12 — one of only two churches to receive no correction. Despite having "little power," this church was commended for keeping God's Word and boldly claiming the name of Jesus. Drawing on 2 Corinthians 12:9, Pastor Jon explores how God's strength is made perfect in our weakness, challenges listeners to walk through the open doors God provides for the gospel, and reminds us that Jesus is coming soon. Hold fast to what you have.

The Church of Philadelphia had little power by the world's standards—and yet received no correction from Jesus, only an open door. Drawing from Revelation 3:7–12 and 2 Corinthians 12:9, Pastor Jon explores how God's economy runs completely opposite to the world's: strength is perfected in weakness, the small are used for great things, and faithful stewardship of small gospel moments leads to more. When God opens a door, no one can shut it—but we still have to choose to walk through.

The Church of Sardis had a reputation for being alive—but the risen Lord called them dead. Drawing from Revelation 3 and James 2, Pastor Jon explores what it means when faith produces no works, and why so many Christians drift into spiritual sleepiness. Through the history of Sardis's famously unguarded walls and the urgent call to "wake up," this message challenges us to fan the embers back into flame before the fire goes out entirely.

The church at Thyatira had so much going for it—love, faith, service, and a faith community that kept growing. But one fatal flaw threatened to unravel it all: the tolerance of sin within the body of Christ. Drawing from Revelation 2:18–29 and 1 Corinthians 5, Pastor Jon explores why tolerating sin is not an act of love but a form of cruelty—and what it looks like for a church to lovingly hold one another accountable.

In a city defined by Roman imperial power and the worship of emperors, the church at Pergamum faced a subtle and dangerous drift—not outright rejection of Christ, but a slow slide into idolatry. Drawing from Revelation 2 and the strange, comedic, and sobering Old Testament story of Balaam and Balak, this message explores how compromise creeps in through culture rather than conquest. Jesus' words to Pergamum carry a sharp edge of correction—and a surprising promise of intimate restoration for those who return to him.

The church of Smyrna had nothing by the world's standards—and yet Jesus called them rich. In this message from Revelation 2:8–11, Pastor Jon explores a letter with no correction, only commendation, revealing what it looks like to be poor in the eyes of the world but wealthy in the things that matter most. At the heart of it all is a simple but convicting posture: surrender and dependence on a Savior who is the first and the last—the one who died and came back to life.

Jesus writes to the church in Ephesus with both commendation and correction. They work hard, reject false teaching, and stand against evil—but they've abandoned their first love. This message from Revelation 2:1-7 examines what it means to drift from relational intimacy with God and compassionate engagement with people, even while maintaining doctrinal and moral correctness. The sermon calls us to remember where we've fallen, repent decisively, and return to the first things: loving God with all our heart and loving people with both grace and truth, as Jesus did.

Pastor Jon begins a new series in Revelation by unpacking the prologue (Revelation 1:1–8), reframing the book as a divine "revelation" rather than a doomsday prediction. He highlights three characteristics of the Triune God—the Father who is constant, the Spirit who is perfect, and the Son who is the faithful witness—and reminds the church that we are loved, freed from sin, and made priests in God's kingdom. This message calls believers to take the book to heart, live with expectancy, and be ready for the certain return of Christ.

In week two of Woodlands Church's vision series, Pastor Jon tackles real questions from the congregation about the call to multiply healthy churches in central Wisconsin. He addresses concerns about volunteer needs, financial stewardship, and how decisions are being made—clarifying that while the direction is clear, many details remain open to prayer and discernment. Drawing from James 1:5 and Philippians 3:8-10, Jon challenges the church to be "all in" now, using their time, talents, and treasures not merely to fill roles but to know Christ more deeply through service and generosity.

On Easter, Pastor Jon opens Ephesians 2:1–10 to name the brutal reality—apart from Christ we're "dead" in trespasses and sins—and the even greater turning point: "But God," rich in mercy, makes us alive with Jesus. The message traces how sin is both a willful crossing of the line and a repeated "missing the mark," then lands on grace as a gift, not a paycheck. And it ends with purpose: those raised with Christ become God's workmanship—living displays of His mercy, love, and kindness.

In this Palm Sunday message from the "No Longer" series, Pastor Jon opens 2 Corinthians 5:14–21 (with 5:17 at the center) to show that the gospel doesn't make you a slightly improved version of yourself—it makes you a new creation. Tracing the Spirit's transforming "metamorphosis" (2 Corinthians 3:15–18), he names what changes when the old passes away: a new motive controlled by Christ's love, a new focus where Christ—not self—sits at the center, and a new purpose as ambassadors entrusted with the ministry of reconciliation.

Continuing the "No Longer" series, this message centers on Luke 15 and the promise that we are no longer lost, but found. Jesus' parables of the lost sheep and lost coin picture God's pursuit and the joy in heaven over one sinner who repents. In the prodigal son, Pastor Jon traces what it feels like to be lost—losing your way, identity, and sense of relationship—and highlights the Father's compassion, restoration, and the scandal of grace that isn't transactional.

In the new No Longer series leading to Easter, Pastor Dave traces a hard tension: Scripture says we're "no longer slaves" to sin—so why do so many Jesus-followers still feel trapped? From Luke 23's darkness and the torn temple curtain to Paul's language of dying with Christ in Romans 6 (with Galatians 5:1), the message frames the cross as victory that doesn't just forgive sin but breaks sin's power. Then it turns practical—showing how gospel clarity about identity, honest confession (James 5), and life in community become the tools Christ gives to walk in that freedom.

Continuing Acts, this message follows Paul's journey to Rome in Acts 27:1–26 and the violent storm that drives the ship far off course. The sermon connects Paul's experience to our own storms: feeling lost, doing everything possible to keep it together, and taking real losses that must be grieved well. It highlights the need for "traveling companions" like Luke and Aristarchus, and anchors hope in God's faithfulness—present with the brokenhearted and committed to His plan even when all hope feels abandoned.

 In Acts 25–26, Paul's case moves from Festus to a hearing with King Agrippa II and Bernice. The message looks closely at these historical figures—their backgrounds, wounds, and hidden brokenness—and shows how Paul presents the gospel through his own past, his encounter with Jesus, and his hope in the resurrection. It culminates in Paul's desire that they might become as he is—free—"except for these chains," alongside the promise of being a "new creation" (2 Cor. 5:17).

Continuing Woodlands' Acts series, this message follows Paul into a courtroom in Acts 24 before Governor Felix. A lawyer, Tertullus, brings charges of sedition, rebellion, and desecrating the temple, but Paul answers with respectful clarity: the accusations can't be proved, and the real issue is the resurrection and "the Way." Echoing Jesus' words in Luke 21, the trial becomes a witness. Felix later calls for Paul to speak, and Paul reasons about righteousness, self-control, and the coming judgment—even as political pressure leaves Paul imprisoned.

In Acts 23:12–35, more than forty men form a deadly conspiracy to kill Paul. Pastor Jon Ewton unpacks the dangers of self-deception, warning against echo chambers and rushing to conclusions. As the truth comes to light, God protects Paul through unexpected means and reminds us to test our feelings and fears against Scripture. This message also highlights God's sovereignty—using hardship and opposition to position Paul for gospel witness before powerful leaders.

Pastor Jon Ewton guides us through Paul's intense encounters in Acts 22-23, revealing profound lessons on courage in the face of adversity. We witness Paul demonstrating courage in multiple ways: standing with grace by asserting his Roman citizenship to avoid unjust flogging, and speaking courageously with truth when confronting a corrupt high priest and strategically dividing the Sanhedrin by emphasizing the hope of the resurrection. The sermon culminates with the powerful truth that Paul's consistent courage, even amidst fear and feeling alone, stemmed from Jesus Himself standing by him. Pastor Jon challenges us to embrace our unique callings, speak truth with grace, and remember that our unwavering courage comes from Christ's constant presence, empowering us to fulfill our mission.

Join Pastor Jon Ewton of Woodlands Church as he continues the Book of Acts series, exploring Paul's remarkable encounter with an angry mob in Jerusalem. Drawing from Acts 21:40 - 22:16, Pastor Jon unpacks four critical principles for engaging a hostile or disagreeing culture with the Gospel. Learn how Paul, despite being beaten, responds with grace, refusing to match the mob's anger to be heard. Discover the power of building bridges by finding common ground and showing genuine care, as Paul did by identifying with his audience. Understand the importance of resisting the temptation to judge others, remembering our own pre-Jesus state and focusing on Christ's transformative power. Finally, be inspired to share your personal "Jesus story," just as Paul recounted his Damascus road experience, demonstrating how God changes lives. This sermon provides vital wisdom for believers to effectively fulfill their mission as witnesses in a polarized world.

In this powerful message from Acts 21:17-40, Pastor Jon Ewton of Woodlands Church explores the devastating impact of gossip and slander on Paul's ministry. Paul arrives in Jerusalem, expecting fellowship, but finds his reputation destroyed by false accusations. Despite his resolute obedience to God's will, this misinformation ignites a violent riot, leading to his arrest and near-death at the hands of a zealous mob, ultimately fulfilling prophecies of imprisonment. Pastor Jon highlights Paul's remarkable resolve and gracious response, even towards those who sought to harm him. This sermon challenges believers to guard their words, stop the spread of misinformation, and view every person – even our perceived enemies – as a mission field for the gospel, seeking peace over division.

As Woodlands Church begins its Advent season, Pastor Jon Ewton explores the theme of hope, as seen in Isaiah 9:6 and Luke 2. Discover how the Israelites' longing for a Messiah mirrors our own anticipation, and how the fulfillment of prophecy in Jesus speaks to the holes in our lives that only He can fill. Learn to live with hopeful anticipation of Jesus' return.

In this message from the "Known and Unashamed" series, we dive into 1 Corinthians 13 to explore the qualities of love. Pastor Jon unpacks how patience, kindness, and other attributes shape our relationships and reflect God's love. Discover how love protects, trusts, hopes, and perseveres, offering a "most excellent way" to build intimacy. The message also touches on how striving to love one another is a "dim reflection" of the love that God has for us.

Pastor Jon Ewton dives into the critical role of forgiveness in maintaining healthy relationships, in his sermon titled "Festering Wounds." Drawing from Matthew 18:21-35, he unpacks the parable of the unforgiving servant. Ewton highlights that forgiveness isn't a singular act, but a continuous practice, and emphasizes the high cost of true forgiveness, mirroring the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. The sermon unpacks the idea that forgiveness is not an action, but the cessation of action, stopping the demand for repayment or retribution. Listen as Pastor Ewton challenges us to recognize the vast debt we've been forgiven and to extend that same mercy to those who have wronged us. He reminds us that while reconciliation can be a lengthy process, the act of forgiveness is at the heart of the Gospel. This message offers hope for healing and restoration in all of our relationships

Pastor Dave Bondeson continues the "Known and Unashamed" series, diving into the impact of sin on our relationships and the promise of restoration through Christ. Using Genesis 2:25, 4:1-16, and Judges 6:25-27, he explores how sin leads to brokenness, deflection of responsibility, and the perpetuation of harmful cycles across generations. The sermon challenges listeners to identify unhealthy patterns learned from their families, tear down those "altars," and seek support in community.

Pastor Dave Bondeson unpacks Genesis 3 in this message, "Known and Unashamed," revealing the forces that damage our relationships. He identifies two key enemies: our internal sin nature and the external influence of Satan. Using Genesis 3:1-13, Pastor Dave examines how Satan undermines our trust in God's goodness by twisting God's word and inflaming our desires, causing us to prioritize our wants over our relationships. He cautions against detachment and blame-shifting, urging listeners to draw a circle around themselves and work on what's within their control. Discover how surrendering to Jesus Christ is the only path to true restoration and authentic connection, empowering us to overcome sin and move towards others in love.

Pastor Dave kicks off the "Known and Unashamed" series by examining the core purpose of relationships. Using Genesis 2:18-25 as a foundation, he explains that our need for connection isn't just about avoiding loneliness, but about reflecting God's image to others. The sermon unpacks how God saw that "it was not good that the man should be alone," not because Adam needed to receive love, but because he needed someone to love. Pastor Dave challenges us to view relationships as a "stage" where we live out God's character, showing love, faithfulness, and grace. The message offers practical encouragement to rightly understand and value relationships, and to pray for God to soften walls and cultivate hope for deeper, more meaningful connections.

Pastor Jon Payne unpacks Jesus' powerful "I AM" statements in John 10:7-18, focusing on "I am the door" and "I am the good shepherd." He explains that Jesus, as the door, provides access to salvation, protection, and abundant life. As the good shepherd, Jesus offers sacrificial love by laying down his life for the sheep, demonstrating his commitment to our well-being and spiritual nourishment. The sermon explores the implications of following Jesus, being drawn to Him, abiding in Him, and recognizing His voice amidst the distractions of the world. Discover how Jesus fulfills his promise as both protector and provider, offering peace and purpose to all who trust in Him.

Pastor Jon Ewton delves into the powerful narrative of the blind man's healing in John 9, revealing profound truths about spiritual sight. Discover how the Pharisees, despite their physical sight, were blinded by pride and adherence to rules, while the formerly blind man gained true vision through faith in Jesus. This sermon explores the contrast between outward appearances and inward understanding, challenging us to examine our own spiritual blindness and embrace the transformative power of Christ.

Pastor Jon Ewton delves into John 6, asking "Will You Go Away As Well?". This message examines the motivations behind following Jesus and the reasons why some walk away. The sermon highlights that many are initially drawn to Jesus for the blessings and miracles they experience. However, when Jesus presents challenging teachings, their commitment wavers. Drawing from Job's example of unwavering faith in the face of loss, Pastor Ewton emphasizes the importance of a relationship with Jesus Christ, not just the benefits He provides. He uses Peter's response to Jesus' question to highlight that even when teachings are difficult, where else can we turn for the words of eternal life?

Dive into the familiar story of Jesus and the woman caught in adultery (John 8) with Justin Armstrong. This sermon reveals a deeper meaning, challenging the traditional interpretation and focusing on the Pharisees' motives. Armstrong explores relevant passages in Deuteronomy to expose how the Pharisees were twisting the law, either acting as false witnesses or showing partiality, and reveals that the story is less about the woman's sin and more about the Pharisees being on trial. Discover how Jesus offers both the woman and the Pharisees a path to grace, calling them to "go and sin no more". Explore how this passage speaks to God being on our side against sin, whether the sin we commit or the sin we see in the world, as expressed in Romans 8.

Pastor Jon Ewton's message, "What Jesus Says," delves into the profound meaning of abiding in Jesus's word, based on John 8:31-36. Discover how staying rooted in God's truth forms us into true disciples, reflecting Christ's character in our lives. Pastor Jon contrasts this with the deceptive nature of sin, which leads to enslavement and prevents us from recognizing our true needs. He examines how worldly influences can negatively "marinate" our hearts and minds. He urges listeners to embrace the freedom offered through Jesus, confessing sin and living as adopted sons and daughters of God.

Pastor Jon Ewton dives into the story of the invalid healed at the Pool of Bethesda in John 5:1-18. This sermon reveals Jesus' pattern of using miracles to deliver profound messages about His identity and authority. The passage also examines the tension between legalistic interpretations of the law and Jesus' claim to be equal with God. Pastor Ewton contrasts this with five models of morality, from legalistic to cultural, finally highlighting biblical morality, where Jesus Christ is the ultimate authority, providing a firm foundation in an uncertain world.

Pastor Jon Ewton begins the "Jesus Says" series by examining the encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4). He explores how Jesus offers "living water" to an outcast, illustrating that true satisfaction comes not from worldly things but from a relationship with Christ. This message encourages listeners to confront their own spiritual thirst, skepticism, shame, and confusion, and to accept Jesus' invitation to a life-giving connection.

In this back-to-school season, Pastor Dave Bondeson invites us to reflect on our spiritual health by unpacking Ephesians 4:1–16. He outlines three marks of a healthy church community: unity in Christ, dependence on one another, and a commitment to growth in Christlikeness. Dave also unpacks six core church priorities—gathering, growing, grounded, grace-filled, going, and giving—and challenges us to identify one area to focus on this fall. This sermon is a timely call to intentional discipleship and deeper connection at Woodlands Church.

In this powerful message, guest speaker Bruce Miller explores the transformative power of worship by walking through four biblical encounters with God—from Adam and Eve in the Garden to Jon on the island of Patmos. He emphasizes that worship is not about routine or checking off a box but about genuinely encountering the living God. Drawing from stories of guilt, suffering, failure, and loneliness, Bruce highlights how God reveals Himself as Judge, the Incomparable One, the Great “I Am,” and the Living One—and how these revelations lead to transformation in our own lives.

In this final message of the summer series “The Next Right Thing,” Pastor Dave Bondeson walks us through Acts 16–20 and highlights five key stages of faith: rejection, receptivity, relishing, running, and re-evaluating. Using Paul's missionary journeys and various characters he encounters, the sermon draws parallels between the early church and our modern faith journeys. Anchored in Acts 1:8 and Philippians 1:6, this message reminds us that while God's work in us may be unexpected, His faithfulness is unwavering. No matter your stage, God is at work in your story.

In this message from Acts 20:17–32, Brian Berg highlights three “necessary things” for spiritual endurance: be faithful to your calling, be watchful over your life and heart, and be biblical—rooted in God's Word. Drawing from Paul's emotional farewell to the Ephesian elders, this sermon challenges listeners to live with purpose and finish strong. Part of the “The Next Right Thing” series at Woodlands Church, this message provides practical guidance for choosing what truly matters in the Christian life.