Preparing for the Lord's Day
Acts
It is difficult for us to fully grasp what life was like for the paralyzed man in Acts 3. In the first century, there were no accommodations for those who could not walk—no wheelchairs, no medical treatments, no hope of a cure. This man had been born paralyzed, and he had every reason to believe he would die that way. His survival depended entirely on the kindness of others. We are told that some people carried him to the temple gate each day so that he could beg for alms. Begging was his only means of sustenance; he could not work the fields or practice a trade. His condition also left him socially and spiritually isolated. He had no opportunity to participate in the joys of communal life—no marriage, no festivals, no gatherings. Worse still, he was barred from entering the temple itself, considered ceremonially unclean because of his affliction (Leviticus 21:17-18).
And so, he sat at the gate—watching as others entered, unable to join them in worship. His only hope was that someone might show pity and spare a few coins, just enough to survive one more day.
But one day, as he sat pleading for money, he was offered something far more valuable than a handful of copper coins. What he truly needed was not just charity but healing. Not just survival but restoration. And through faith in Jesus, he was called to move beyond the gate—into the presence of God.
What about you? What do you believe you need most right now? What is the thing you think will finally satisfy you? This Sunday, we will see in Acts 3:1-10 that to truly move beyond the gate, we too must receive healing—not merely external relief, but the restoration that only comes through Jesus.
To prepare your heart for the sermon, take time this week to read and meditate on Acts 3:1-10, Isaiah 35:6; 55:1-2, Jeremiah 2:13, Luke 5:17-26, John 4:13-14, and Revelation 21:3-4.
As we gather to worship the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit this Lord’s day, we will join our hearts in song, singing the Hymn of Praise “All You That Fear Jehovah’s Name,” the Acclamation of Praise, “O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing,” and the Hymn of Response “By Faith.” Let us come to worship this Sunday prepared to hear God’s Word, to receive it in faith, to love and treasure it in our hearts, and to practice it in our lives that we may continue to glorify and enjoy Him!
Sermon Information
Text: Acts 3:1-10
Title: Moving Beyond the Gate
Outline:
- You Must Recognize Your Need (vv. 1-3)
- You Must Receive the Promise (vv. 4-6)
- You Must Respond in Faith (vv. 7-10)