Easter is coming, and NorthWoods Church has some exciting plans! In this episode, Pastor Bobby and Pastor Matt discuss what's in store for Easter weekend, including multiple service times, the decision to add a Saturday evening service, and how the church is preparing for increased attendance. They also talk about why Easter is a prime opportunity to invite friends, the heart behind reaching "Christmas and Easter" visitors, and how to participate in NorthWood's missional outreach efforts.

Plus, hear insights on NorthWood's new building progress, the importance of carpooling for Easter Sunday, and how you can be part of praying for and inviting others to hear the gospel.

Good Friday Services:

6:00 PM & 7:30 PM

Easter Services:

Saturday: 4:30 PM

Sunday: 8:00 AM, 9:30 AM, 11:00 AM

In this episode of the NorthWoods Church Matters Podcast, we explore Jesus' letter to the church in Smyrna—a church that faced persecution, poverty, and opposition, yet remained faithful. Unlike most of the other seven churches in Revelation, Smyrna received no rebuke from Christ, but they did receive a warning that more suffering was coming.

Join Matt, Bobby, and the gang as they discuss the city of Smyrna, its rich history, trade, and strong ties to emperor worship, why Smyrna faced intense persecution from both the Roman government and the Jewish community, what it means to be "rich" in Christ despite material poverty, and the dangers of wealth and how Christians should view money biblically.

In this episode of NorthWoods Church Matters, we continue our journey through the seven churches of Revelation, focusing on Pergamum—the city where Satan's throne was said to dwell. What does it mean to remain faithful in a culture filled with idolatry and compromise? How does Jesus challenge both legalism and moral laxity in the church? Join us as we explore the historical and spiritual significance of Pergamum, unpack the dangers of gospel drift, and discuss how the modern church can stand firm against compromise. We'll also examine how Christ's warning to Pergamum still applies today—urging us to be unwavering in our faith and commitment to His Word.

Books mentioned:

Gospel Treason: Betraying the Gospel with Hidden Idols by Brad Bigney

Knowing God by J.I. Packer

The Pursuit of Holiness by Jerry Bridges

In this episode of NorthWoods Church Matters, Matt, Bobby, and the gang continue our discussion on the church in Thyatira and Christ's stern warning against tolerating false teaching. What does it mean for a church to remain faithful when surrounded by corruption? We explore Jesus' call to repentance, the reality of spiritual warfare, and how sound doctrine serves as a foundation for endurance. The conversation delves into theological triage, the difference between essential and secondary beliefs, and the dangers of unchecked false doctrine in the church. Plus, we tackle how to balance love and truth when confronting error and why protecting sound doctrine is an act of love. Join us as we unpack these crucial lessons for the church today!

Here's the article Matt references by Al Mohler!

In this episode of the NorthWoods Church Matters Podcast, we dive into the message to the church in Thyatira from Revelation. Join Pastor Matt, Ivan, Carey, and Pastor Bobby as they explore the tension between growth in love and faithfulness and the dangerous tolerance of sin. What does it mean when Jesus, with eyes like fire and feet like bronze, confronts a church for tolerating Jezebel? How does our silence in the face of sin actually endorse it? Are there times where we should be silent? Plus, we unpack the historical context of Thyatira, the influence of idolatry, and the modern parallels we see in our churches today.

In this episode of the NorthWoods Church Matters Podcast, we continue our discussion on the Church of Sardis, a congregation that had a reputation for being alive but was, in reality, spiritually dead. What does it truly mean for a church to be "alive" in Jesus' eyes?

Join Matt, Bobby, Ivan, and Carey as they unpack the historical context of Sardis, challenge modern misconceptions about church vitality, and explore what Jesus' warning to Sardis means for churches today. Is a growing, energetic, and well-funded church necessarily a thriving one? Can small, quiet congregations actually be full of life?

Key topics include:

✅ The difference between emotionalism and true spiritual vitality

✅ The dangers of relying on reputation instead of heart transformation

✅ How meaningful church membership and gospel-centered focus keep a church from becoming like Sardis

✅ A side-by-side comparison: Would you rather attend Sardis or Philadelphia?

In the book of Revelation, the church at Sardis had a reputation for being alive but was, in reality, spiritually dead. What does that mean for churches today? Could we be more like Sardis than we'd like to admit?

In this episode of NorthWoods Church Matters, Matt and Bobby, joined by Ivan and Carey, explore the historical and biblical context of Sardis, discussing its "impregnable" city walls that twice fell to invaders. They also break down Jesus' warning to the church—why He calls them to wake up, strengthen what remains, and repent before it's too late. Whether your faith feels strong or stagnant, this episode is a wake-up call to examine where you stand and embrace the life only Christ can give.

Join Bobby, Matt, and the NorthWoods Church Matters team for part two of our deep dive into the church of Philadelphia from Revelation. What does it really mean to endure when everything feels like an uphill battle? How can Jesus' promise to "see our works" inspire us to press on with hope? Discover how to fix your eyes on Jesus as your ultimate treasure, prioritize heavenly rewards over temporary gains, and find strength in the support of your church family during life's storms. Don't miss this encouraging and practical discussion.

In this episode of NorthWoods Church Matters podcast, Matt, Bobby, and the guys dive into the message to the church in Philadelphia from Revelation 3. Despite their small size and lack of worldly power, this church earned Jesus' commendation for their faithfulness, perseverance, and patient endurance amidst persecution.

Plus, don't miss our Philly cheesesteak talk. Got a favorite cheesesteak spot in Evansville? Let us know in the comments...

In Part 2 of our discussion on "Lukewarm Christianity," Matt, Bobby, and the team unpack what it means to live a life truly connected to Christ. They explore the dangers of a works-based faith, the challenge of abiding in Jesus, and the hope found in God's unchanging love, even when we fall short.