In this message, Andrew looks at Jesus’ surprising words in John 14 and 16. Jesus tells His disciples that it is better for them if He goes away, because He will send another Advocate—the Holy Spirit. This lesson explores the Spirit’s role in convicting us of our need for Jesus and how God continues His work powerfully through the Holy Spirit today.
In the sermon "Gifts for Others Strength," Andrew from Black Hills Church of Christ teaches from 1 Corinthians 12 on spiritual gifts given by the Holy Spirit. Addressing the divided, competitive Corinthian church—where believers vied for prominence and formed factions—Paul emphasizes that diverse gifts (wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, prophecy, tongues, etc.) come from the same Spirit, Lord, and God, distributed to each believer specifically for the common good, not personal glory or status. Andrew uses the powerful body analogy, highlighting how even "lesser" parts like the pinky finger provide essential grip strength, to show that every gift and role is vital in God's design for unity and strength in the church. The message calls believers to humbly use their gifts to serve others and build up the body of Christ, rather than seeking showiness or superiority.
"We're in this Together" – A message from Andrew exploring how God partners with people in His work, especially through the inspiration of Scripture. Rather than overriding human authors, the Holy Spirit breathes through them—carrying them along while honoring their voices, minds, and contexts.
Drawing from 2 Peter 1 and the story of the early church, this sermon highlights how the same Spirit who inspired the Bible still invites believers today into active participation, shared discernment, and collaborative wisdom. It's an encouraging look at divine-human partnership that deepens our trust in Scripture and our role in God's ongoing work.
Andrew traces the vital connection between God’s presence and true life, starting in the Garden of Eden where Adam’s access to the tree of life and God’s presence meant full, vibrant living—while separation brought a form of death long before physical dying. Andrew then moves to the powerful vision in Ezekiel 37, where God commands the prophet to speak to a valley of dry bones. Only when the ruach (Spirit/breath/wind) enters them do the reassembled bodies truly come to life, forming a vast army.
The message powerfully shows that we can look “alive” on the outside yet remain spiritually dead without the Holy Spirit. True restoration, hope, and resurrection life come only through God’s indwelling Spirit.
Andrew explores how the Bible uses rich, diverse metaphors—wind/breath (ruach), living water, and fire—to help us grasp the ungraspable nature of the Holy Spirit. These images reveal the Spirit as life-giving and sustaining (like breath in Genesis 2 and Ezekiel 37), refreshing and flowing from within (John 7), and powerfully purifying/transforming (Acts 2 and Isaiah).
Andrew challenges us to expand our limited mental pictures of the Spirit, recognizing how single analogies can constrain our understanding of His vast power and activity in our lives. The message encourages embracing the full, dynamic reality of the Spirit rather than minimizing it.
Drawing from Psalm 84 and the story of the sons of Korah, this message explores how our past—including generational brokenness and painful histories—shapes us today. It encourages us to move forward by trusting in God’s presence, finding strength in His dwelling place, and releasing burdens as we walk toward a future anchored in Him. A powerful call to unburden our hearts and find true freedom in God’s faithfulness.
This powerful message examines the reality of temptation and testing in the Christian life, drawing from the example of Jesus in the wilderness. It explores how trials refine our faith, how God provides a way through every temptation, and how we can stand strong with His help—turning tests into opportunities for growth and deeper trust in Christ.