Peter's Shadow

Pastor Adron Wheat


Text: Acts 5:11-16

Introduction: This was a great time for the early church, the power of God was working mightily, people were added to the church daily. What had happened to ignite the church? I believe the main ingredient was a good healthy "fear of God." (vs.11)

It was not that Peter was a perfect man by any means. After the crucifiction Peter had gone back fishing until he had an encounter with Jesus again. Jesus said; "Peter if you love me, feed my sheep." Peter was filled with the Spirit and Power on the day of Pentecost and "stood up" to proclaim the Gospel. Praying daily in the Temple, seeing miracles, signs and wonders and a great fear of God come upon the Church. This is so desperately needed TODAY !

(1) Peter's Shadow. What was it that healed those that were laid in the streets ?

(A) In Scripture: The word "Shadow" or "Overshadow" speaks of the Divine presence or protection of God. Psalms 91:1 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

(B) An angel speaking to Mary: Luke1:35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

(C) At the Transfiguration: Matthew 17:5 While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.

The Shadow was not Peter's relationship to the "sun", but his relationship with the "Son" of God ! Peter was so filled and saturated with the presence and power of God that he "radiated" God's presence.

(2) All of us have a "spirit", or life force that touches those around us !

(A) The secular world calls it "Charisma" or young folks call it "Vibes." (Good and Bad)

(B) Do you know people who seem to bring a "dark cloud" when they walk into a room? Or others seem to "lighten" their surroundings with joy.

(C) Moses was so touched by the presence of God that others noticed: Exodus 34:35 And the children of Israel saw the face of Moses, that the skin of Moses' face shone: and Moses put the veil upon his face again, until he went in to speak with him.

2 Corinthians 3:13 And not as Moses, which put a veil over his face, that the children of Israel could not stedfastly look to the end of that which is abolished:

(D) Elisha and the Shunamite Woman: ( 2 Kings 4: 29 - 35) Gehazi's "staff" was not enough, but when the prophet came and stretched himself upon the lad !

(E) Elisha's "dead bones" still had the presence and power: ( 2 Kings 13:21)

(F) Apostle Paul met the Lord in a light brighter than the sun ! His life would "shine" everywhere he went; Acts 19:11- 12 And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul: So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them.

(G) When Jesus was transfigured; Luke 9:29 And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering.

(3) You may say, "That was Jesus" but what about the common man ?

* Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

* 2 Corinthians 3:18 But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.

* Isaiah 60:1-2 Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the LORD is risen upon thee. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee.

You to can be changed by the Spirit of God !

You to can change the atmosphere around you !

Be filled with the presence and power of God !

 

Back to Index