Woodlands Church

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—...

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...

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....

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...

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...

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 t...

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 Savi...

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...

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...

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 Phi...

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 raise...

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 n...

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 compass...

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 powe...

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...

 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 the...

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 lat...

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 opposi...

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 emp...

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....

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 hand...