Woodlands Church

In this sermon from our "The Next Right Thing" series, Pastor Dave Bondeson dives into Acts 16, chronicling Paul's journey in Philippi. Paul's faithfulness amidst trials and God's mysterious orchestration come to the forefront. Witness the transformation from bondage to freedom, as the slave girl is freed, Paul and Silas are miraculously released from jail, and a jailer embraces salvation. Explore the profound freedom offered through Jesus.

Join Pastor Jon Ewton in "The Next Right Thing" series as he delves into Acts 16:6-12, exploring Paul's missionary journey and the imperative of surrendering our plans to God's will. Learn how God's control, coupled with our willingness to listen and obey, can lead to transformative outcomes. Dive into Paul's path through regions and cities like Phrygia, Galatia, and Macedonia as an illustration of following divine guidance. Pastor Jon's personal stories and scriptural insights offer compelling reasons to foster a posture of openness and eagerness in our faith journey. A must-listen for understanding the power of God-directed living.

In this concluding sermon of the "Chosen Exiles" series, Pastor Dave Bondeson unpacks 1 Peter 5:6-11, discussing our identity as followers of Christ in a world that's not our home. Key takeaways include the importance of depending on God by casting our anxieties on Him, defending our faith by being alert to spiritual warfare, and dreaming of our eternal future with Him. Pastor Dave challenges listeners to embrace their calling as chosen exiles, living righteously and expectantly in light of God's promises. Join us as we explore how to navigate the tension of the “already but not yet” in our spiritual journey.

Pastor Dave Bondeson continues the "Chosen Exiles" sermon series by examining the crucial role of elders in the church, based on 1 Peter 5:1-5. He explains that elders are called to lead the congregation towards purity, always grounded in grace and modeling the life of Jesus. The sermon explores how this leadership functions practically at Woodlands Church, emphasizing the importance of humility, dependence on the Holy Spirit, and unity among the elders. Through prayer, study, and discussion the elders seek to discern God's leading and direction for the church, with the congregation affirming God's direction. The staff then organize and lead ministry, which is carried out by the congregation. This message provides valuable insights into church leadership and its impact on the spiritual growth of the entire church body.

Pastor Jon Ewton continues the "Chosen Exiles" series with a message about practical Christian living from 1 Peter 4:7-11.  He unpacks the meaning of "the end of all things is at hand" and how that should impact our daily lives. The sermon centers on the command to love one another earnestly above all else. Pastor Ewton explains that this love covers a multitude of sins and transforms how we interact with each other and the world.  He also discusses the importance of showing hospitality without grumbling and using the unique gifts God has given each of us to serve others and steward God's grace. Ultimately, our service and our lives should be directed toward God's glory.

Pastor Jon Ewton's sermon "For the Will of God" in the "Chosen Exiles" series explores 1 Peter 4:8-11. Key takeaways include loving one another earnestly, the significance of baptism as an expression of inner transformation, and adopting the mind of Christ to prioritize God's will over personal desires. Believers are encouraged to leave behind past sinful behaviors and live righteously despite possible persecution. Emphasizing that faith must be actively practiced, this profound message invites us to truly embody the teachings of Christ.

Pastor Jon Ewton unpacks 1 Peter 3:8-20, offering practical guidance for living as "chosen exiles." The sermon emphasizes cultivating unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind within the church. Listeners are challenged to bless those who revile them and to live lives that reflect the Gospel in their daily interactions. Pastor Jon also stresses the importance of being prepared to articulate the hope they have in Christ Jesus with gentleness and respect, as well as to follow Christ's example of suffering. He approaches the difficult passage in 1 Peter 3:19-20 with humility, providing insight into studying challenging passages of the Bible.

Join Pastor Jon Ewton this Easter at Woodlands Church as he dives into the vital importance of authenticity in our faith. Through the stories of the thief on the cross, doubting Thomas, and Mary Magdalene, Pastor Jon demonstrates how Jesus welcomed real, flawed individuals into relationship with Him. This message challenges us to discard the "fake" personas we often present and instead embrace honesty about our struggles: our sin, our doubts, and our pain. True freedom and healing are found not in pretending, but in coming to Jesus exactly as we are. Learn how to cultivate genuine connection with Christ and experience the transformative power of the resurrection in your own life.

Pastor Dave Bondeson unpacks the meaning of Jesus' crucifixion in the third installment of our "One Day" Easter series. This message delves into the emotions of those who witnessed the crucifixion, the weight of Jesus being rejected and forsaken, and the ultimate victory won through His sacrifice. Discover the four essential realities of the cross: Jesus was rejected, Jesus was forsaken, the work of Jesus is finished, and Jesus was faithful. Learn how the cross saves us, gives us confidence, provides a model for living, and restores us to relationship with God. This sermon offers a deeper understanding of the cross and its enduring impact on our lives.

In the second sermon of our Easter series, "One Day," Pastor Dave Bondeson examines the significance of the Garden of Gethsemane. He draws a powerful connection between Gethsemane and the Garden of Eden, revealing how both gardens serve as poignant reminders of humanity's tendency towards failure and betrayal. Pastor Dave explores the failures of Adam, Judas, and the disciples Peter, James, and John, and he contrasts this with the unwavering faithfulness of Jesus, who, despite facing immense anguish, submitted to God's will. This sermon offers a message of hope and redemption, reminding us that through Jesus's sacrifice and resurrection, our failures are overcome, and we are invited into a restored relationship with God. Referencing Hebrews 10, this message looks forward to the ultimate "One Day" of Jesus's return and the restoration of all things, and the invitation to encourage one another as we await his return.

Pastor Jon Ewton kicks off this years' Easter series entitled "One Day" by examining the profound significance of the table in the events leading up to the crucifixion of Christ. Drawing from the Passover Seder, Pastor Jon emphasizes the themes of remembrance, community, and service. Discover how Jesus transformed this traditional meal into a powerful symbol of his sacrifice and a reminder of our freedom from sin. The sermon also looks forward to the future marriage supper of the Lamb, a time of ultimate fellowship and worship.

In this special sermon on Compassion Sunday, Pastor Jon Ewton highlights Woodlands Church's mission to release children from poverty through Compassion International. Drawing from personal experiences, he emphasizes that sponsorship is a meaningful expression of our Christian identity. Guest speakers Don and Elizabeth Smith share their transformative experiences as sponsors, and Owen Gathinga, a Compassion alumnus from Kenya, shares his incredible journey from poverty to becoming an accountant, thanks to sponsorship's support and the love of Christ. This week, we aim to sponsor 250 children—each sponsorship is a step toward changing lives.

Join us for the final message in our Chosen Exiles series, where Pastor Jon Ewton unpacks 1 Peter 3:1-7.  This powerful sermon tackles the often-challenging topic of conduct within the household, particularly within marriage. We explore the meaning of submission in a contemporary context, emphasizing mutual respect and sacrificial love as reflections of Christ's own submission.  Pastor Jon clarifies misconceptions about this passage, highlighting how our actions can powerfully communicate the Gospel to those around us, especially within our families.  He encourages us to cultivate the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) in our homes, creating an environment of love, joy, peace, and mutual sanctification. This sermon offers practical guidance and encouragement for building strong, Christ-centered homes.

Welcome to Woodlands Church!  In this message from our Chosen Exiles series, Pastor Jon Ewton dives into 1 Peter 2:11-25, exploring how we, as Christians, should navigate unjust suffering.  We discover that our identity in Christ informs our actions, teaching us to avoid sin, speak truthfully, refuse retaliation, and trust in God's justice.  Using Christ's example on the cross, Pastor Jon encourages us to find strength and purpose in our trials, mirroring his unwavering faith even in the face of adversity. Join us as we learn to respond to hardship with grace and unwavering faith in our Shepherd.

Welcome to Woodlands Church!  Join us as Pastor Jon Ewton continues our "Chosen Exiles" series with a powerful message on living out our identity in Christ. Based on 1 Peter 2:9-17, this sermon explores the crucial link between our understanding of who we are in Christ (a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation – 1 Peter 2:9) and how we live our daily lives.  Pastor Jon challenges us to examine our conduct and ensure it reflects the grace and love of God, even amidst societal pressures to conform. We'll explore the challenging concept of submission to governing authorities while maintaining unwavering obedience to God's law.  This message is a call to live authentically as chosen exiles in a world that isn't our home.  We hope you're encouraged and challenged to live out your faith in meaningful ways.

Welcome to Woodlands Church! Join us as Pastor Dave Bondeson continues our "Chosen Exiles" series with a powerful message on 1 Peter 2:4-10.  This week, we delve into verses 9-10, exploring the profound truth of our identity in Christ. Pastor Dave unpacks four key aspects:  our communal identity as God's chosen people; our individual selection by God; the cleansing power of Jesus' sacrifice, and our specific call to proclaim God's glory.  He contrasts this with the conditional covenant of the Old Testament, emphasizing that our identity is a gift, secured by Jesus' work, not our own efforts. Discover the liberating truth of who you are in Christ and how this transforms our lives.  Listen and be challenged to live out your God-given purpose.

Join us at Woodlands Church as we continue in our Chosen Exiles series. Today's sermon is preached by Pastor Jon Ewton and  We explore 1 Peter 2:1-3, using the powerful imagery of clothing and newborn infants to illustrate spiritual growth.  Pastor Jon encourages us to identify and shed negative behaviors that hinder our ability to love one another—malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander.  He then guides us toward embracing kindness, truthfulness, authenticity, gratitude, and encouragement.  Finally, he emphasizes the vital importance of craving God's Word—pure spiritual milk—as the nourishment we need to mature in our faith and grow into salvation.  Join us as we reflect on how to cultivate a more mature and loving relationship with God and one another.

This week in the Chosen Exiles series at Woodlands Church, Pastor Jon Ewton challenges us to deepen our relationship with Jesus Christ. Moving beyond religious routines, Pastor Jon encourages us to focus on a daily, active connection with our Savior.  Using the example of a growing marriage, he illustrates how consistent love and trust nurture a profound bond with God.  He unpacks 1 Peter 1:8-12, emphasizing the present tense verbs that describe a living, ongoing relationship with Jesus.  The sermon highlights that the ultimate reward is not material blessings but the inexpressible joy of intimately knowing Christ.  Pastor Jon also connects this personal relationship with the prophetic foreshadowing of Jesus' suffering and glory in the Old Testament, reinforcing the truth and fulfillment of God's word.

Welcome to Woodlands Church! Join us as Pastor Jon Ewton continues our Chosen Exiles series with a powerful message based on 1 Peter 1:3-8.  We explore the transformative experience of being born again, discovering what it means to be a new creation in Christ.  Pastor Jon highlights the profound and enduring nature of our inheritance in Jesus, contrasting it with the temporary things of this world.  He reminds us that trials, while challenging, refine our faith and draw us closer to God.  We learn that our salvation is secure, a reason for profound and lasting joy.  This message offers hope and encouragement for all, especially those facing difficult times.  Let's chew on the richness of God's word together!

In this week's sermon, we join Pastor Dave Bondeson as he continues the series "A Theology of Stuff," focusing on the theology of giving. He unpacks the biblical foundations of tithing, revealing it as an act of worship, provision, and enjoyment. Learn how giving fosters spiritual growth and dependence on God, leading to true freedom. Listen now for inspiration and encouragement to open your hands and embrace a life of generosity!

Join Pastor Jon Ewton begins his two-part series "A Theology of Stuff," discussing our relationship with material possessions. He emphasizes that while we all own things, it's crucial to evaluate how we use them for God's purposes. Learn about the four P's of giving—prayerful, planned, proportionate, and progressive—and how they can transform your stewardship. Listen now for inspiration and encouragement to align your heart with God's will regarding your resources!

In this sermon, Pastor Jon Ewton explores the powerful story of David and Goliath, showing us how to choose faith over fear. Learn how to shift our perspective, stop seeing those obstacles as impossible, and instead, recognize God's amazing power. Discover the peace that comes from knowing God is fighting for us. Join us as we explore the life-changing power of living by faith, not by sight.  

Join us for a powerful Christmas sermon, the third in our "Adore" series, as we explore the transformative message of accepting Jesus Christ into our lives, drawing inspiration from the story of Nicodemus. This message is not just for Christmas, but for every day. We delve deep into the scriptures to understand the true meaning of salvation and what it means to be a follower of Christ. This sermon is a call to embrace the love, grace, and forgiveness offered through Jesus, the greatest gift of all. Don't miss this inspiring message of hope and renewal.

Join us for the second sermon in our "Abide" series at Woodlands Church, where Pastor Jon dives deep into the powerful message of John 15. Discover what it truly means to abide in Christ and how this connection empowers us to bear fruit in our lives. As we navigate the distractions of the holiday season, we focus on remaining in Jesus' love and reflecting that love to others. Through engaging illustrations and heartfelt prayers, this message encourages us to stay rooted in the vine, especially during uncertain times. Don't miss this opportunity to deepen your faith and learn how to glorify God through love and connection!

Join us at Woodlands Church as we kick off our heartwarming Christmas sermon series, "Adore Him." In this series, we will take a deep dive into the true meaning of Christmas, focusing on the incredible gift of Jesus and the joy of adoring Him. Pastor Jon leads us in a celebration of worship, reminding us to center our hearts on Christ amidst the hustle and bustle of the holiday season.  In this first message, we explore the essence of adoration—what it means to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. Through engaging stories, heartfelt worship, and biblical insights, we'll discover how to keep our focus on Jesus, the reason for the season. Let's come together to adore Him, reflect on His goodness, and embrace the joy of His presence this December. Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more uplifting messages!

In this final sermon of the "Planting" series at Woodlands Church, Pastor Jon reflects on the importance of investing in the next generation and the power of mentorship in ministry. He shares personal stories of influential figures in his life, emphasizing how recognizing potential in others can lead to growth and transformation within the church community. The message also addresses the significance of financial stewardship and the need for sound doctrine as the church continues to expand. Join us for an inspiring discussion on how we can all play a role in nurturing faith and fostering a vibrant church environment. Don't miss this uplifting conclusion to the series!

Welcome back to Woodlands Church! In this sixth sermon of our "Planting" series, Pastor Dave dives into the heart of the Gospel as we explore Acts 15. He reflects on the early church's journey, the simplicity of salvation through grace, and how unexpected growth can arise from both simplicity and tenacity.  Join us as we unpack the powerful message that even in moments of disagreement and failure, God can work wonders! Plus, hear an inspiring story about the growth of Crossview Church and how faithfulness can lead to incredible transformations. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed or seeking encouragement, this message is for you!  Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments below. Let's grow together!

Join us for an enlightening sermon from Pastor Jon Ewton at Woodlands Church as we continue our series "Planting," exploring the pivotal moments in the early church as depicted in the book of Acts. In this episode, we dive deep into Acts 15, a watershed moment that addresses the core question: What is the gospel? Pastor Jon unpacks the challenges faced by the early believers as they grappled with the implications of adding to or subtracting from the pure message of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. Through engaging illustrations and thought-provoking insights, he emphasizes the importance of recognizing the weeds that can infiltrate our understanding of the gospel. Discover how the simplicity of the good news is often clouded by legalism and the human tendency to complicate what God has made clear. This message is a powerful reminder that our salvation is a gift of grace, not a result of our works, and that true faith transforms our lives. Tune in for a message that will encourage and challenge you to embrace the gospel in its purest form!

Join us for the fourth sermon in our “Planting” series, where we delve into Acts 14:21-28. Pastor Jon shares a heartfelt message about the importance of nurturing the spiritual harvest. Drawing parallels from a personal deer hunting experience, we explore how Paul and Barnabas returned to strengthen and establish churches despite facing immense challenges. Discover practical ways to care for and enjoy the harvest, and be inspired to live a life sent by God. Don't miss this encouraging and uplifting sermon!

In this third part of the “Planting” series, Pastor Dave draws parallels between gardening and spiritual growth, emphasizing the patience and planning required for both. He explores the consistent patterns in Paul and Barnabas's church planting efforts in Acts 14, highlighting how these patterns reflect our own spiritual journeys. The sermon underscores the centrality of the gospel, the role of miracles in affirming faith, and the importance of humility in the face of misunderstandings. Ultimately, Pastor Dave encourages believers to find their unique mission and grow towards spiritual maturity.

Join us for an inspiring message from Pastor Jon at Woodlands Church as we dive into the book of Acts! In this week's sermon, we explore Paul's bold missionary journey, the significance of sowing seeds of faith, and the powerful responses to the Gospel. Discover how history, the prophets, and eyewitness accounts all point to Jesus, and learn how the condition of our hearts can affect our relationship with Him. Whether you're curious about faith or looking to deepen your understanding, this message is for you! Don't forget to check out our website for more resources and sermon notes. Let's grow together in faith!

Join us for an inspiring new series at Woodlands Church as Pastor Dave dives back into the Book of Acts! Over the next seven weeks, we'll explore the early church's journey of faith and growth, starting with Acts 13. Discover how God plants His church through faithful individuals and the local church community. With special insights from Tim Gremmer's garden, we'll draw parallels between gardening and spiritual growth. Witness the boldness of Paul and Barnabas as they embark on their missionary journey, face challenges, and see lives transformed by the gospel. This message is a powerful reminder of the importance of faithfulness in our own lives and how God uses us to accomplish His purposes. Don't miss the chance to be encouraged and challenged in your faith! 

In this video, Pastor Jon wraps up the "Step In" sermon series at Woodlands Church, focusing on the importance of community in our lives. He discusses how we are designed for relationships, drawing from biblical examples and emphasizing the need for accountable, supportive, and encouraging relationships within the church. Whitney, the group's life director, joins him to discuss barriers to community involvement and the transformative power of authentic relationships. Join us for this insightful message on building a healthy community rooted in faith!

In this inspiring sermon, Jon emphasizes the importance of intergenerational relationships within the church community. Jon highlights the unique contributions of each generation, from the Silent Generation to Gen Alpha, and stresses the need for mutual teaching, serving, and respect among all ages. Through personal anecdotes and biblical references, he illustrates how different generations can learn from one another and work together to fulfill the mission of making disciples. Join us as we explore how to strengthen our church family and foster meaningful connections across generations!

Join us for an inspiring sermon by Pastor Jon at Woodlands Church as he delves into the importance of understanding and embracing our mission as followers of Christ. Building on the series theme, Jon emphasizes the significance of being a Christ-centered community dedicated to helping people faithfully follow Jesus both locally and globally. Through powerful illustrations and biblical references, including Matthew 28:18-20 and Hebrews 12:2, Jon challenges us to actively participate in making disciples and living out our faith in our homes, communities, and around the world. Don't miss this impactful message that encourages us to step into our mission with purpose and passion.

Join Pastor Jon as he continues the "Step In" series, focusing on the importance of worship and personal growth within the church community. He emphasizes the need for deep spiritual roots and encourages attendees to take "courageous baby steps" towards growth, especially for those who may have experienced church hurt. The message explores the significance of worshiping with all one's heart, using the biblical example of King David bringing the Ark of the Covenant into his home. Pastor Jon also highlights the collaborative process behind Sunday services, detailing how the church team prepares to create meaningful worship experiences. Join us as we delve into the heart of worship and the importance of making it all about Jesus. Don't forget to check out the resources available at woodlandschurch.org!

Join us for this week's sermon, where Pastor Dave continues the "Step In" series, inviting listeners to take intentional steps into the life of the church. He explores the importance of growth within the church community, emphasizing that numerical growth without depth can lead to spiritual stagnation. Drawing from Ephesians 4, Pastor Dave discusses how serving, learning, and gathering in community are essential for spiritual maturity. He highlights various opportunities for involvement at Woodlands Church, encouraging everyone to engage deeply in their faith journey. Tune in for insights on how to grow in your relationship with God and connect with others in the church.

In this sermon from Woodlands Church, Pastor Jon introduces a new series titled "Step In," aimed at helping us understand the church's beliefs, values, and practices. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the church as a community built on the foundation of Jesus Christ, rather than a mere building or organization. He outlines several key points about the nature of the church: 1. **Not a Democracy, but a Monarchy**: The church is led by Christ, not by popular opinion or human authority. 2. **Not a Place, but a People**: The church is defined by its members and their relationships, not just the physical space. 3. **Not a Command Strip, but Super Glue**: The church should foster deep, committed relationships rather than superficial connections. 4. **Not a Fort, but a Flashlight**: The church's mission is to reach out to the world, rather than isolating itself from it. 5. **Not a Study Group, but a Team**: The church is called to actively apply biblical teachings in their lives, working together towards a common purpose. 6. **Not a Courthouse, but a Hospital**: The church should be a place of healing and support, rather than judgment. Pastor Jon encourages attendees to engage more deeply with the church community, emphasizing the importance of commitment and connection. The sermon aims to inspire congregants to step into various aspects of church life, fostering growth and community.

Join us for a powerful message from Pastor Dave at Woodlands Church as we dive into Ruth chapter 2. This week, we explore themes of righteousness and faithfulness through the story of Ruth and Boaz. Discover how God's provision often comes through His people and how our actions can reflect His faithfulness. Pastor Dave shares personal anecdotes and insights that challenge us to live righteously and serve others in our community. Don't miss this uplifting sermon that reminds us of the hope found in God's unwavering faithfulness!