We are in a series of services at our main campus in Lemont, Illinois focusing on becoming “Transformers.” The idea is that the “transformed” are to become “transformers” – “people of holy influence” in our world. Years ago we would have referred to it as an Evangelism series, or a series on witnessing. The “transformer” theme is also based on the electric power idea, and we have “power lines” in our sanctuary over the seats, stretching from a power pole that is actually a cross to the balcony rail.

The weekend we focused on the “Power Source” – the infilling of the Holy Spirit, I was struck how something so basic in our theology and so traditional in our church’s history was so new new and relevant to our suburban Chicago 21st century audience, which is more than 60% Catholic. I preached about Jesus having the “authority to empower” based on Matthew 28:16-20. The “promise of power” found in Acts 1:3-8 was then communicated, and the “transfer of power” in Acts 2 concluded the message.

We had very relevant applications throughout, of course, but the simple invitation at the end was for those believers who either had not yet fully surrendered their entire selves to God or for those who need a fresh infilling to come, to offer their weak, fearful and failing selves to Him completely, and seek the empowering, cleansing stream of His Holy Spirit through their entire life. One of our Worship leaders even sang a rewritten version of “Fill Me Now” – a song I remember singing as a child at the end of a service like that.

I watched in amazement as they came, all three services. From the front rows, and the back. From the balcony, down the stairways, filling the altars and even front seats, tears streaming down faces, seeking the necessity that never gets old, that is never irrelevant, that never changes – His Spirit filling us!

I prayed with some of those people. Burdens for the lost were heavy. Desires to be people of holiness who have significant influence were expressed. The deep realization that we can’t do this alone was stated over and over. Things I remember praying about and preaching about decades ago.

As I left so filled myself that Sunday afternoon, reflecting back on a powerful weekend, I thanked God that some messages never change! That some truths are never outdated! That some needs are so timeless and some solutions so eternal we can’t preach them enough. An age-old message, to an ever-new audience. What a privilege!

Kevin M. Ulmet

P.S. – For detailed background notes, sermon notes and other information on this and other sermon series, please feel free to go to our website at: http://www.chicagofirstnaz.org and click on “resources”. Download and use what you desire!