Second of Five People - The Lame Man

 Acts 3: 1-10 The Lame Man

"One day Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer—at three in the afternoon.  Now a man who was lame from birth was being carried to the temple gate called Beautiful, where he was put every day to beg from those going into the temple courts. When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. Peter looked straight at him, as did John. Then Peter said, “Look at us!” So, the man gave them his attention, expecting to get something from them. Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.”" - Acts 3:1-6 

 This was a man who was lame from birth ... Everyday some friends would carry him to a gate by the temple so he could beg ... that is how he lived ... he could not walk ... he could not marry ... or have children … or even work ... all he could do was beg ... day after day ... he would beg ...hoping to get enough money so he could eat ... He thought the answer to his problems was money … just a little bit more … but it was never quite enough … He had no hope that anything would ever change ... he was convinced that he would always be lame ... why wouldn’t he think that …. that is all he knew ... it is what everyone thought .... He would always be poor … That was his life ... there was no reason for joy ... no reason for hope … just begging … he could beg, or he could die … those were his choices. So, he would beg until he died … 

When he saw Peter and John ... he saw two men like all other men that passed through the gate ... they could walk … something he could not do ... so they might have money … He called to them, and they stopped.  Peter told him they did not have any money.  But then he said ... what I do I have I will give to you … In the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth ... rise up and walk … and the man did … He was healed 

"Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong. He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping, and praising God. When all the people saw him walking and praising God, they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the temple gate called Beautiful, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him." - Acts 3:7-10

He had never been able to walk before ... he never imagined he could ... but he was walking and leaping in the air … His whole life was changed … in a moment ... that is how long it took for him to put his faith in Jesus and find healing, joy, and hope.  But it was not just his body that was healed … He had eternal life … he was a beggar one moment and a child of Jehovah God the next.  All because of Jesus Christ of Nazareth.  What did Peter have that was better than silver or gold … the Gospel ... the good news ... that Jesus died for our sins ... was raised from the dead and is now at the right hand of the Father.  This man, by his faith in Jesus, was going to heaven and not to hell.  

What about you?  Do you believe that your life can ever change?  It can.  You have no hope, no joy ... maybe you think that more money will be the answer … The answer is Jesus ...  your life can be changed in a moment … believe in Jesus Christ of Nazareth ... and live.

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory. 

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone