With a flick of a match…

Are you a flame or a fire?

Transformed? To change in condition, form, appearance, structure or nature Which change above is most significant? Transformed by a lift

Why I like Peter Peter was far from perfect! – Doubting: Sinks in the water – Worldly Perspective: “Get behind me Satan” – Weak: Fell asleep repeatedly – Impulsive & Aggressive: Cuts off soldier’s ear – Afraid: Denies Christ 3 times

I AM like Peter I am far from perfect! – Doubting – Worldly Perspective – Weak – Impulsive & Aggressive – Afraid

1. A transformation in Peter Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd, “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. These people are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning? No… these people are full of the Spirit. Acts 2: 14-17

1. A transformation in Peter -43 days previously Peter denied Christ -In the same city where Christ had been crucified -Spoke with authority and conviction committed themselves to Christ that day -Healed a lame man more converted -WHY?

1. A transformation in Peter -WHY? Christ was no longer with him, but in him

1. A transformation in Peter -This is the power of the Holy Spirit -His story continues… -Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers and elders of the people…” Acts 4:8 -The Holy Spirit told me to have no hesitation about going with them. Acts 11:12 -Peter became the first great voice during and after the Pentecost. Some change!

2. Transformation in the Face of Persecution It was not just Peter who was changed John was transformed from a ‘son of thunder’ to an apostle of love Paul was changed from an arrogant, persecuting intellectual to a humble, dependent servant There are 57 references to the Holy Spirit in Acts Stephen, Philip, Barnabas…

2. Transformation in the Face of Persecution John and Peter – “After this prayer, the meeting place shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. Then they preached the word of God with boldness. Acts 4:31 Stephen – “But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, hardly noticed, for he only had eyes for God.” Acts 7:55

2. Transformation in the Face of Persecution Paul and Barnabas – “The word of the Lord spread through the whole region. But the Jewish leaders incited the God- fearing women of high standing and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region. So they shook the dust off their feet as a warning to them and went to Iconium. And the disciples were filled with joy and the Holy Spirit. Acts 13: 49-52

3. Do we want to live transformed lives? -Who is the Holy Spirit for? -38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” Acts 2:38-39

3. Do we want to live transformed lives? "If the Holy Spirit was withdrawn from the church today, 95 percent of what we do would go on and no one would know the difference. If the Holy spirit had been withdrawn from the New Testament church, 95 percent of what they did would stop, and everybody would know the difference.” Dr. A. W. Tozer

3. Do we want to live transformed lives? -I WANT what Peter had… -I don’t want to be afraid, worldly, aggressive, impulsive, weak or doubting -I want to be impassioned, self-controlled, emboldened, joyful. -I cannot do this by my own will -I NEED the Holy Spirit

Are you a flame or a fire? -How will your life look different if you are full of the Holy Spirit? -How will our church community look different if we are all full of the Holy Spirit? -How will Shanghai look different if we are all full of the Holy Spirit?