PRETTY UGLY | BIG MOVE SUNDAY

“Peter and John went to the Temple one afternoon to take part in the three o’clock prayer service. As they approached the Temple, a man lame from birth was being carried in. Each day he was put beside the Temple gate, the one called the Beautiful Gate, so he could beg from the people going into the Temple. When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for some money. Peter and John looked at him intently, and Peter said, “Look at us!” The lame man looked at them eagerly, expecting some money. But Peter said, “I don’t have any silver or gold for you. But I’ll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!” Then Peter took the lame man by the right hand and helped him up. And as he did, the man’s feet and ankles were instantly healed and strengthened. He jumped up, stood on his feet, and began to walk! Then, walking, leaping, and praising God, he went into the Temple with them. All the people saw him walking and heard him praising God. When they realized he was the lame beggar they had seen so often at the Beautiful Gate, they were absolutely astounded! They all rushed out in amazement to Solomon’s Colonnade, where the man was holding tightly to Peter and John.” 

Acts of the Apostles 3:1-11 NLT 

Premise 

In a world filled with brokenness, pain, and disappointment, it’s easy to find ourselves in ugly situations—situations that seem hopeless, unattractive, and beyond repair. But the beauty of the gospel is that Jesus specializes in transforming the “pretty ugly” into something magnificent and beautiful. 

Insight 

1. Face the bad so that the good can be born. 

“Peter and John went to the Temple one afternoon to take part in the three o’clock prayer service. As they approached the Temple, a man lame from birth was being carried in. Each day he was put beside the Temple gate, the one called the Beautiful Gate, so he could beg from the people going into the Temple. When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for some money.” 

Acts of the Apostles 3:1-3 NLT 

2. Your help may be right in front of you! 

“Peter and John looked at him intently, and Peter said, “Look at us!”” 

Acts of the Apostles 3:4 NLT 

3. The Ugly CAN BE/WILL BE Transformed into Beauty 

“The lame man looked at them eagerly, expecting some money. But Peter said, “I don’t have any silver or gold for you. But I’ll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the

Nazarene, get up and walk!” Then Peter took the lame man by the right hand and helped him up. And as he did, the man’s feet and ankles were instantly healed and strengthened.” Acts of the Apostles 3:5-7 NLT 

4. This move of God that is coming to your life isn’t just for you but all who see and hear! 

“He jumped up, stood on his feet, and began to walk! Then, walking, leaping, and praising God, he went into the Temple with them. All the people saw him walking and heard him praising God. When they realized he was the lame beggar they had seen so often at the Beautiful Gate, they were absolutely astounded! They all rushed out in amazement to Solomon’s Colonnade, where the man was holding tightly to Peter and John.” 

Acts of the Apostles 3:8-11 NLT