Your life is a story. Your story is history, ministry, prophecy, victory, and incomplete. In this message, Pastor Jamie Nunnally shares the story of the lame man at the Beautiful Gate.
The setting of today’s story is the 2nd temple in Jerusalem built by Herod. There was a gate leading to the inner court from the women’s court called the Nicanor Gate. Scholars believe that this was most likely the “beautiful gate” that scripture is referring to because it was made of valuable and beautiful Corinthian bronze.
Acts 3:1-16
Where you’re looking will lead you to your next location.
Where was everyone looking?
Verse 4 – Peter and John looked at him intently, and Peter said, “Look at us!”
- Peter and John looked at one of God’s children saw the need.
James 2:15-17
We don’t fight against unbelievers, we fight FOR them.
Verse 5 – The lame man looked at them eagerly, expecting some money.
- The beggar was looking for relief, not life-change.
1 Peter 2:1-3
Christian maturity is not about improving who we are but, about discovering who God is. Focusing on your problem will never lead you into God’s promise.
Verses 8-10 – “He jumped up, stood on his feet, and began to walk! Then, walking, leaping, and praising God, he went into the Temple with them. 9 All the people saw him walking and heard him praising God. 10 When they realized he was the lame beggar they had seen so often at the Beautiful Gate, they were absolutely astounded!”
- The healed man began to look to God.
Romans 15:19
The wonders of God lead to the worship of God. It is demonstration, not instruction that will turn Jesus from stranger to savior in people’s lives. What if we relied on the power of the Spirit instead of the power of persuasion to lead people to Jesus?
Verse 12 – “Peter saw his opportunity and addressed the crowd. “People of Israel,” he said, “what is so surprising about this? And why stare at us as though we had made this man walk by our own power or godliness?”
- The people were tempted to look to leaders instead of the Lord.
Hebrews 13:7 “Remember your leaders who taught you the word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives, and follow the example of their faith.”
Don’t ever look to a person to give you what only God can give you.
What are you looking at?