In the film industry, before everything was digital - an editor’s office would have its floor littered with short pieces of unused film that didn't make the final cut. Inevitably, when writing a sermon, your floor is also littered with things that were worth including, but that didn't make the final cut.

At the end of a series like we've just completed, talking about the work and ministry of the Holy Spirit - we felt like some of what was still on the floor was worth taking a few minutes to share with you. We invite you to join a short discussion with Trevor and Clay for some bonus material on the topic of the Gifts of the Spirit.

This week, we wrap up our series titled Better Because, where we look at why it was necessary for Jesus to come to us and why we are better off that He ultimately departed. Because we are empowered by the Holy Spirit, God works through us by the spiritual gifts that we are all blessed with. We have the daily purpose to see how we can use the gifts and continue growing in the confidence that it is God given. We use these gifts to show the loving care of Jesus to those in need around us. Like any thoughtful gift we receive, we do not simply have admiration for the gift, but for the giver. And we, in turn, can use our gift for His glory.

This week, we continue our series titled Better Because, where we look at why it was necessary for Jesus to come to us and why we are better off that He ultimately departed. Because we are empowered by the Holy Spirit, God works through us by the spiritual gifts we are blessed with. These gifts serve a threefold purpose. They deepen our personal worship, edify the church, and draw unbelievers to Christ.

This week, we continue our series titled Better Because, where we look at why it was necessary for Jesus to come to us and why we are better off that He ultimately departed. As humans, we may find a desire for significant life change but at the same time feel unable or unmotivated to do so. As Jesus said, He left so that the Holy Spirit could be with us. We benefit from this access to God, have a full assurance of our identity with Him, and have the power for change from the inside out.

This week we learned that Jesus’ departure was not a loss but a gift, because through it God sent the Holy Spirit to be present with all people at all times. Jesus taught that the Spirit is actively at work in the world convicting people of sin, righteousness, and judgment, not to condemn, but to lead them to freedom in Christ. The Spirit also guides the church into truth, faithfully preserving and illuminating God’s Word so we can know and follow Jesus today. Ultimately, the Spirit’s work always points beyond Himself to glorify Christ, drawing us into deeper trust, obedience, and participation in God’s redemptive mission.

This week, we begin our series titled Better Because, where we look at John 16 and why we are better off because Jesus came and departed. As humans, we think that we know best for ourselves, but many times giving in to those desires harms us. God knows what is needed for us to be made whole. As we see today, Jesus sacrificed Himself to pay the debt for our sins but also to become an advocate for us. We can live with a steady confidence that He will return to finish the work He started and that we live each day listening to His Spirit in us.