Sermon on 11/30/25 by Pastor Todd Sapp

Music used with Permission through our CCLI Copyright License Number #54024 and Streaming License Number #20133927 

Find out more about Northwoods Church at www.nwctally.com

 Sermon on 11/23/25 by Pastor Todd Sapp 

Even the strongest and most courageous among us face inner turmoil. This message explores John 12:27-36, revealing Jesus's intense emotional agony ("My soul is troubled") just before the cross. Discover how Jesus found the suffering bearable—not by escaping it, but by focusing on God's glory and the eternal purpose of His sacrifice.

We'll unpack:

• Jesus’s deep emotional distress and turmoil as He faced the ultimate punishment (crucifixion) and bore the consequences of all human sin.
• The pivotal moment Jesus shifts His focus from "Father, save me from this hour" to "Father, glorify your name."
• The dual purpose of the cross: Judgment on the world's sinful systems and Drawing all people to Himself (salvation for all who believe).
• The necessary invitation: Walk in the light now. Why you cannot afford to delay your response to God's drawing.
• The ultimate defeat of the ruler of this world (Satan) through Jesus being "lifted up."

This sermon encourages you to find hope in your own moments of trouble by anchoring your agony to God's greater, glorious purpose.

Keywords: John 12:27-36, Jesus troubled, emotional agony, crucifixion, suffering, God's glory, purpose, ultimate defeat, salvation, light of the world, walk in the light, inner turmoil, eternal life, sin, judgment of the world, Satan, sovereign plan, sermon.

Music used with Permission through our CCLI Copyright License Number #54024 and Streaming License Number #20133927 

Find out more about Northwoods Church at www.nwctally.com

 Sermon on 11/16/25 by Pastor Todd Sapp 

Here is a YouTube description optimized for discoverability based on the provided transcript:

The Hour Has Come: Seeing Jesus's Glory in His Death and Resurrection (John 12:20-26)

Description:

What happens when outsiders finally seek Jesus? This message delves into John 12:20-26, where the request of Greek Gentiles signals that "the hour has come" for Jesus's glorification—His ultimate sacrifice on the cross. Discover how Jesus's death broke down the ancient barriers of hostility and opened the door for all people to be welcomed.

We'll unpack:

• The tension of life in first-century Jerusalem, where outsiders (Gentiles) were made to feel like impostors by religious architecture and practices.
• Why the arrival of Greek men seeking Jesus triggered the fulfillment of His mission.
• The profound symbolism of the grain of wheat that must die to bear much fruit, illustrating the necessity of Jesus’s death.
• The promise: Because Jesus died, many will believe, and we can have eternal life by loving Christ above all else.
• The call to serve and follow Jesus, which is the path to sharing in His suffering and His glory.

This sermon challenges you to receive the simple truth of the Gospel: Jesus died so that all are welcome and anyone can be free from the bondage of sin.

Keywords: John 12:20-26, Hour Has Come, Crucifixion, Glorification, Impostor Syndrome, Gentile, Greek, Court of the Gentiles, Wall of Hostility, Grain of Wheat, Eternal Life, Service, Following Jesus, Discipleship, Salvation, Sin, Resurrection, Paul's Teaching, Ephesians 2:14, Sermon.

Music used with Permission through our CCLI Copyright License Number #54024 and Streaming License Number #20133927 

Find out more about Northwoods Church at www.nwctally.com

 Sermon on 11/9/25 by Pastor Todd Sapp

What do you do when you realize you are constantly in the presence of the King of Kings? This message dives into John 12:12-19, the Triumphal Entry (Palm Sunday), where Jesus, the King, enters Jerusalem riding humbly on a young donkey.

We explore three vital responses we must have when the King is present:

1. Do Something to Honor the King: The crowds waved palm branches and cried "Hosanna" in an act of worship. Discover how everyday moments become opportunities to honor Jesus (1 Corinthians 10:31).
2. Learn from the King: Jesus intentionally fulfilled prophecy by riding a donkey, communicating that He is a Gentle and Humble King who came to bring Peace, not war, and establish a Blood Covenant for freedom.
3. Tell Someone About the King: The witnesses who saw Lazarus raised couldn't stop talking about it. Find your boldness to share the good news of Jesus with those who need purpose and reconciliation.

This sermon challenges you to filter all your decisions and life choices through the reality that King Jesus is always with you.

Keywords: John 12:12-19, Triumphal Entry, Palm Sunday, Hosanna, King of Israel, Jesus, King, worship, honor, learning from Jesus, prophecy, Zechariah 9:9, gentle king, humble king, servant king, Blood Covenant, great commission, evangelism, eternal purpose, Christian living, sermon.

 Music used with Permission through our CCLI Copyright License Number #54024 and Streaming License Number #20133927 

Find out more about Northwoods Church at www.nwctally.com

 Sermon on 11/2/25 by Pastor Todd Sapp

You were created to worship, but what is truly on the throne of your heart? This message continues our study of John 12:1-8, detailing the dinner in Bethany just six days before the Passover, where Mary’s sacrificial anointing of Jesus’s feet becomes a perfect picture of genuine worship.

We'll unpack how true worship is a whole-life response displayed through three actions:

1. Worship is Displayed When We Serve: Martha uses her gifts of hospitality for Him (Jesus).
2. Worship is Displayed When We Linger: Lazarus reclines in Jesus's presence, prioritizing distraction-free relationship.
3. Worship is Displayed When We Sacrifice: Mary gives her very best—an entire pound of expensive nard (worth a year's wage)—demonstrating total abandonment and devotion.

This sermon challenges you to examine your heart's trajectory and motives (learning from Judas) and invites you to offer an extravagant act of worship to the one who is truly worthy: Jesus Christ.

Keywords: John 12:1-8, Mary's Anointing, Sacrificial Worship, Whole-Life Worship, Judas Iscariot, Thief, Linger in God's Presence, Serve, Sacrifice, God's Glory, Jesus is Worthy, Bethany, Lazarus Raised, Great Commission, Eternal Life, For Him, Sermon.

 Music used with Permission through our CCLI Copyright License Number #54024 and Streaming License Number #20133927 

Find out more about Northwoods Church at www.nwctally.com

Sermon on 10/25/25 by Pastor Todd Sapp

Are you a worshipper? This message explores the intimate scene in John 12:1-8, where Jesus's friends—Martha, Lazarus, and Mary—display genuine worship in extraordinary and sacrificial ways around a dinner table. Discover how worship is a whole-life response to God’s glory and grace.

We'll unpack three ways genuine worship is displayed:

1. Worship is Displayed When We Serve: Martha’s service to Jesus and the Great Commission.
2. Worship is Displayed When We Recline with Jesus: Lazarus’s quiet lingering and focus in Jesus's presence.
3. Worship is Displayed When We Sacrifice: Mary’s extravagant anointing with expensive nard, and how true sacrifice is tied directly to the Gospel.

This sermon challenges you to examine your time, money, energy, and affection to determine what truly sits on the throne of your heart.

Keywords: John 12:1-8, Mary's anointing, Martha served, Lazarus raised, genuine worship, whole-life worship, sacrifice, extravagant giving, service, lingering, prayer, Great Commission, discipleship, Jesus is worthy, God's glory, Judas Iscariot, expensive nard, Bethany, sermon.

Music used with Permission through our CCLI Copyright License Number #54024 and Streaming License Number #20133927

Find out more about Northwoods Church at www.nwctally.com

Sermon on 10/19/25 by Pastor Nicolas Ellen

Is your soul noisy, burdened by guilt, anxiety, or the constant need to control? This powerful sermon delves into Matthew 11:28-30 to diagnose the causes of a "noisy soul" and reveal Jesus's two-part, proven prescription for lasting rest and peace.

We'll unpack:

• The Diagnosis: Why a noisy soul is caused by trying to control what only God controls and reducing life to "What's in it for me?" (WI FM).
• The Two Rests: The difference between Rest Given (Peace with God, or Justification) and Rest Gained (Peace of God, or Sanctification).
• The Prescription (The Yoke): Jesus commands us to learn two things: Gentleness (willing submission to God's will) and Humility (getting over ourselves and promoting Jesus).
• The Promise: Why Jesus's yoke is easy and His burden is light—because you carry it not by your strength, but by the power of the Holy Spirit within you.
• The Formula for Peace: How Proper Prayer + Proper Mindset + Proper Practice equals tranquility, regardless of external circumstances.

If you are weary and heavy laden and seeking relief from the burdens of life, this message offers the true path to quiet your soul in Christ.

Keywords: Matthew 11:28-30, noisy soul, soul noise, weary, heavy laden, spiritual rest, peace of God, peace with God, justification, sanctification, salvation, disciplehip, gentleness, humility, self-control, anxiety, guilt, yoke is easy, burden is light, Christian living, sermon.

Music used with Permission through our CCLI Copyright License Number #54024 and Streaming License Number #20133927

Find out more about Northwoods Church at www.nwctally.com

 Sermon on 10/12/25 by Pastor Todd Sapp 

The resurrection of Lazarus was not just a miracle; it was a crisis point that forced everyone to choose a side. This message dives into John 11:45-53 to explore the dramatic fallout when Jesus raised the dead. Discover why this event was so consequential that it exposed the self-serving agendas of the religious leaders and revealed the profound truth of God's sovereign plan.

We'll unpack:

• How Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead was an undeniable event that compelled a response.
• The two opposing reactions: belief versus combat mode (reporting Jesus to the authorities).
• The agenda exposed: The religious leaders feared losing their power and place (the Temple) more than they feared rejecting the Messiah.
• Caiaphas's prophetic and ironic statement: "It is better for you that one man should die for the people."
• The revelation of God's true plan: Jesus would die as the sacrificial scapegoat (fulfilling the Day of Atonement) to gather all His scattered children.

This sermon is a powerful challenge to examine your own priorities and confess Jesus as the Lord who has power over life and death.

Keywords: John 11:45-53, Lazarus, resurrection, Caiaphas, Pharisees, religious leaders, agenda, God's plan, sovereignty, eternal life, belief, unbelief, sacrifice, substitution, atonement, scapegoat, Lordship of Jesus, Messiah, Christ, Bible, sermon.

Music used with Permission through our CCLI Copyright License Number #54024 and Streaming License Number #20133927 

Find out more about Northwoods Church at www.nwctally.com

Sermon on 10/5/25 by Pastor Todd Sapp

Here is a YouTube description optimized for discoverability based on the provided transcript:

The Resurrection & The Life: Don't Be Satisfied With What You Want (John 11:17-44, Part 2)

Description:

What happens when your prayers are answered, but not in the way you wanted? Continuing our study of the raising of Lazarus, this message from John 11:17-44 challenges us to move beyond our limited desires and embrace God's extraordinary plan. Discover why Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life, not just a healer.

We'll unpack:

• The danger of being satisfied with mere correct doctrine when God offers a personal, present relationship.
• Martha's initial desire to be correct ("I know he will rise on the last day") contrasted with Jesus's living declaration: "I AM the resurrection and the life."
• The raw emotion and anger of Jesus ("Jesus wept") over the devastation caused by sin and unbelief.
• Why we cling to the familiar (grief, comfort) when Jesus wants to do something brand new in our lives.
• The reality that Jesus is the only hero in our story, and our role is simply to point to Him.

This sermon encourages a holy discontent with the status quo and challenges you to trust Jesus with your most insurmountable circumstances.

Keywords: John 11:17-44, Lazarus, Resurrection and the Life, miracle, raising the dead, Martha, Mary, Jesus wept, grief, anger, spiritual breakthrough, correct doctrine, faith, trust, holiness, abundant life, purpose, discipleship, eternal life, Jesus is the hero, sermon.

Music used with Permission through our CCLI Copyright License Number #54024 and Streaming License Number #20133927

Find out more about Northwoods Church at www.nwctally.com

 Sermon on 9/28/25 by Pastor Todd Sapp 

Are you struggling to reconcile your own desires with God's plan? This message dives into John 11:1-16 (The raising of Lazarus), revealing the conflict between what we want (convenience, safety, immediate results) and what God wants (His glory, resurrection, and eternal purpose).

We'll unpack:

• Why Jesus delayed coming to Lazarus, even though He loved him—and how that delay served the Glory of God.
• The disciples' desire for safety (avoiding stoning in Judea) versus Jesus's commitment to God's agenda (resurrection).
• The misguidance of Thomas, who tried to be a hero, and why Jesus is the only hero in our story.
• The profound importance of having an eternal perspective that makes our temporary desires insufficient.
• The ultimate lesson: God's agenda is better than our safety, and trusting Him leads to life-changing results.

This sermon challenges us to let go of our timing, surrender our safety, and embrace Jesus as the singular hero of our lives.

Keywords: John 11:1-16, Lazarus, resurrection, Glory of God, God's timing, God's agenda, safety, comfort, faith, belief, Thomas, eternal life, hero, salvation, purpose, abundant life, Jesus, Judea, Bethany, discipleship, sovereignty, sermon

Music used with Permission through our CCLI Copyright License Number #54024 and Streaming License Number #20133927 

Find out more about Northwoods Church at www.nwctally.com