Ep 250 | Alcohol and the Christian, Part 2
NorthWoods Church Matters
In this second installment of the NorthWoods Church Matters podcast series on alcohol, Matt and the team dig deeper into what Scripture teaches about drinking. How should we understand Paul’s advice to Timothy to take “a little wine” for his stomach? Why does Paul contrast drunkenness with being filled with the Spirit in Ephesians 5? And what does Christian freedom look like in a culture where alcohol is both celebrated and misused?
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Ep 249 | Alcohol and the Christian, Part 1
NorthWoods Church Matters
In this episode of the NorthWoods Church Matters podcast, Matt sits down with Carey and Ivan for a candid conversation about alcohol. From the church’s historical stance on drinking—spanning John Wesley, the Temperance Movement, and Prohibition—to the biblical passages that warn against drunkenness while also portraying wine as a good gift, the crew explores both sides of the debate. They discuss practical questions every Christian faces: Where is the line between moderation and excess? How do we know when alcohol has become an idol? What wisdom does Scripture offer for navigating gray...
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Ep 248 | Healing And Deliverance Ministry, Part 2
NorthWoods Church Matters
Can demons cause physical ailments? What about deliverance ministries—are they biblical, or do they risk becoming spectacle? Bobby, Matt, and Rache explore these questions in part 2 of our conversation on healing. Along the way, they caution against turning suffering into a guessing game, highlight the hope believers have in Christ’s victory, and stress the importance of humility and community when walking through illness. Whether you’re wrestling with your own suffering or seeking to minister to others, this episode offers both truth and encouragement rooted in the gospel.
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Ep 247 | Healing and Deliverance Ministry, Part 1
NorthWoods Church Matters
What does the Bible really say about the spiritual gift of healing? Is it still around today? And why do some ministries make handkerchiefs sound like magic wands? In this episode of NorthWoods Church Matters, Bobby, Matt, and Rachel dive into one of the least-discussed (and most misunderstood) spiritual gifts: healing. From 1 Corinthians 12 to James 5, from mud in the eyes to mailed-out prayer cloths, we sort through what’s biblical, what’s questionable, and what’s just plain strange. The conversation explores why “gifts of healing” is written in the plural, whether healing in Acts...
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Ep 246 | Wholehearted: Living Fully For Christ
NorthWoods Church Matters
In this episode of the NorthWoods Church Matters podcast, Lexi sits down with Rachel and Bobby to reflect on the Wholehearted Women’s Summer Bible Study on Deuteronomy 6:4–9, the Shema. Together, they unpack the timeless call to love God with all our heart, soul, and might, exploring what it means to listen with intent, live with visible faith, and pass on God’s Word to the next generation. Along the way, they tackle common excuses that hold us back, share practical memorization tips, and challenge listeners to daily evaluate whether God truly has their ear, and their heart.
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Ep 245 | Energy Healing and Splankna, Part 2
NorthWoods Church Matters
In this episode of NorthWoods Church Matters, Matt, Bobby, and Rachel dive deeper into the allure and evils of New Age spirituality. They tackle tough questions like: is there a biblical connection between soul and body? Has God promised to heal emotional pain? What’s the difference between walking in the Spirit and continuing revelation? Can Christians expect direct messages from God today? Whether you’re skeptical of the New Age or tempted by its promises, this episode invites you to anchor your faith in God’s Word and the slow, sanctifying work of the Spirit.
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Ep 244 | Energy Healing and Splankna, Part 1
NorthWoods Church Matters
In this episode of the NorthWoods Church Matters podcast, Pastor Matt, Pastor Bobby, and Rachel discuss the growing trend of New Age practices within the Christian community. They explore the roots of New Age philosophy and its modern expressions—like energy healing, chakras, and especially Splankna, a so-called “Christian energy healing” method. Can believers participate in these practices if they remove the spiritual elements? Is it possible to mix Christianity with New Age thinking? With biblical clarity and pastoral insight, the team answers these questions and reminds us why true...
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Ep 243 | Darin Garton's Sabbatical
NorthWoods Church Matters
In this episode of the NorthWoods Church Matters Podcast, Executive Pastor Darin Garton sits down with Pastor Matt to share the heart and purpose behind his upcoming sabbatical. You’ll hear why sabbaticals matter for long-term pastoral health, the emotional and spiritual challenges Darin anticipates, and how time away can benefit not just the pastor, but the whole church.
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Ep 242 | Understanding the Southern Baptist Convention
NorthWoods Church Matters
In this episode of the NorthWoods Church Matters podcast, Pastor Bobby Pell joins the conversation to unpack the structure, purpose, and often confusing world of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC). Whether you’re a long-time Southern Baptist or brand new to Northwoods, this episode is designed to help you make sense of the acronyms, agencies, and hot topics that shape the SBC. We break down how the SBC is not a top-down denomination but a cooperative group of independent churches focused primarily on missions. Pastor Bobby and Pastor Matt discuss everything from the Cooperative Program...
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Ep 241 | Worship and Tech, Part 3
NorthWoods Church Matters
In Part 3 of our worship and tech series, we dive deep into the tension between authenticity and excellence in modern worship. What does it mean to worship from the heart when surrounded by lights, screens, and backing tracks? Pastor Matt and the gang discuss the pitfalls of backing tracks and over-planned service, how tech teams can help (or hinder) real-time spiritual responsiveness, why flexibility is essential on Sunday mornings, how AI and future technologies might enhance or endanger the soul of worship, and more.
info_outlineIn 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