1. Acts 3

2.  Peter & John continue to lead early church – to temple to pray.  Beggar ‘crippled since birth’ asks for gifts.  He must have had family or friends to help him.  Beautiful Gate where worshippers enter, harder to ignore him?  Peter and John looked straight at him – personal encounter, not repetitive request.

3.  Most of the life around the Temple happened in the Court of the Gentiles (V). Here all visitors gathered, and merchants put up their products for sale. An inner wall (W) with warning signs at its gates separated this common part from the inner sanctuary that was only accessible for Jews. The so-called Nikanor Gate (N) connected the Court of the Women (F) with the Court of the Israelites (M). The so-called Gate Beautiful (S) was the entrance to the Court of the Women. The incense-burning altar (A) with its ramp (R) stood in front of the Temple itself (T); only priests were permitted into this area (Court of the Priests, P).

4.  We just saw (Acts 2) generosity.  Maybe Peter and John will give a lot…  Pentecost/Church isn’t just about money.  He gave wholeness in the name of Christ.  Peter took him by the hand (personal)  He was healed! Picture - walking and jumping and praising God – IN CHURCH!  Peter knew miracles were to point to God, main theme of his ‘speech’.  They’re not evil, ‘acted in ignorance’.

5.  Times of refreshing/restoration DEPENDS on acceptance of Jesus.  Peter quotes Moses telling of Jesus!  Heirs of prophets and covenant, Jesus is how they will be a blessing to the world.  Has Jesus changed Your Life?  Peter and John were changed by Spirit, now they see how/who to love in Jesus name.  When people see God’s work, we should explain.

6.  Do you see the wounded -needs God sees?  Do we ask for little, not expect much?  God meets needs, not just what we ask!  God gives whole life nourishment - to make you walk and jump for joy!  God’s grace is not small, and more than it appears, it is enough!  Celebrate what God has done and will continue to do!  Remember his goodness and power and love as we receive abundant blessing!