Sermon on 2/15/2026 by Pastor Todd Sapp

In an era of "misinformation campaigns" and 24-hour news cycles, how do we figure out what is actually true? From World War II radar myths to the "War of the Worlds" radio panic, history shows that human beings have always struggled to discern reality from fiction. In this message, we dive into John 16:4–17 to discover the ultimate source of truth: The Holy Spirit.

Jesus promised His disciples that His departure was actually to their advantage because it meant the arrival of the Helper (the Paraclete). We explore how the Holy Spirit acts as a divine prosecuting attorney, using "cross-examination" to expose the lies we believe about ourselves and the world. Learn the three specific areas where the Spirit convicts us—sin, righteousness, and judgment—and how that conviction leads us away from shame and into restoration and salvation.

Key Topics Covered:

• The Carrot & Radar Myth: A lesson on how misinformation starts and spreads.
• The Advantage of Jesus Leaving: Why having the indwelling Spirit is better than having Jesus physically present.
• The Helper as Cross-Examiner: How the Holy Spirit exposes the "lies" we think are true.
• Lie #1: "I am basically good." Why unbelief is the foundational sin that requires a Savior.
• Lie #2: "I can earn righteousness." Why our best deeds are "filthy rags" (Isaiah 64:6) compared to Christ’s holiness.
• Lie #3: "Evil is winning." The truth that Satan was already judged and defeated at the Cross.

Keywords: John 16, Holy Spirit, Truth vs Lies, Bible Study, Sermon, Christian Discernment, Conviction of Sin, Jesus is Truth, Gospel of John, Faith, Spiritual Warfare, Salvation.

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