Have You Been Transformed? | Filled and Transformed | Acts 7:51-60 | with Pastor Joshua Sanders

Have any of you ever known someone (and it could be yourself) that has transformed their identities based on different hobbies that they have taken on? For example, you may know someone that has taken on running, and they have changed their diet, daily routine, and even their wardrobe to fit their new identity. We also see this with some people that dive into the world of Harley Davidson. They start by purchasing a Harley, then gradually their whole identity begins to transform. They start buying all sorts of Harley merch like t-shirts and hats, then they buy the leather jacket, then they join a motorcycle club, then they go on weekend rides, then they attend rallies, and then their garage becomes a shrine to their beloved bike! But for many people that buy a Harley (and many other hobbies for that matter), this new identity permeates every part of their life. Their wardrobe changes, their social circles shift to include fellow enthusiasts, and their weekends are now filled with rides and rallies. And their passion for Harley Davidson is evident in how they talk, what they value, and how they spend their time. And just like a Harley Davidson enthusiast’s identity is completely transformed by their passion for their motorcycle, as Christians, our entire identity should be transformed by the Holy Spirit. But unlike a hobby, this transformation is meant to fill every part of our being, guiding every action, every thought, and every aspect of our lives. And in this sermon, we're going to dive into Acts 7:51-60. For the past three weeks we have dove into Stephen’s sermon to the Sanhedrin. And in this passage, Stephen is going to finish his sermon to the Sanhedrin. We’re going to see that the Sanhedrin was not happy with what he had to say. But we are going to see that Stephen was a man that was completely transformed by the Holy Spirit. And what we learn from the example of Stephen is that as we GET AFTER IT for the expanding of the Kingdom of God, the Holy Spirit must completely fill and transform the lives of those who believe, impacting every part of who we are.