Embracing Generosity and Healing Through Christ
Summary
Today, we gathered to celebrate not only our mothers but also the incredible ways God is moving in our church family and community. This past week, I witnessed the generosity and faithfulness of Woodhaven Baptist Church as we gave sacrificially to support missions and local outreach. Our Filipino leaders launched a basketball clinic that brought together over 40 children from diverse backgrounds, sharing the gospel and placing Bibles in the hands of many who had never owned one. We also served teachers at Ebonport Elementary, showing appreciation and love in tangible ways. These acts of service are a testament to what happens when we use the unique gifts God has given each of us—whether financial, time, or talents—to bless others and point them to Christ.
Turning to Acts 3, we reflected on the story of the lame man at the Beautiful Gate. This man, carried daily to the temple entrance, longed not just for money but for wholeness and inclusion. Peter and John, empowered by the Holy Spirit, offered him not silver or gold, but healing in the name of Jesus. Instantly, the man was restored, leaping and praising God inside the temple—a place he had only watched from the outside. This miracle is more than a story of physical healing; it’s a picture of Jesus as the true Gate, the only way to salvation and fullness of life. Too often, we see ourselves or others as unworthy to enter, thinking we must first “clean up” our lives. But Jesus invites us to come as we are, offering healing and acceptance through His name.
We also considered the challenge of God’s timing and sovereignty. Why did this man wait so long for healing? Why are some prayers answered and others seemingly not? Scripture reminds us that God’s purposes are higher than ours, and sometimes our struggles serve to deepen our faith or become a testimony to others. The disciples didn’t just perform a miracle—they finished well by boldly proclaiming the gospel, calling all to repentance and hope in Christ. Our call is to look upward to Jesus, inward to examine our hearts, and forward to the day when He will restore all things. Let us not miss the opportunities God places before us, whether to receive His grace or to extend it to others.
Key Takeaways
- Generosity and Service Flow from Devotion
When the early church devoted themselves to God and each other, generosity and service naturally followed. Our recent acts of giving and outreach—whether financial gifts, time spent with children, or serving teachers—are not just good deeds but expressions of our devotion to Christ and His body. True community is built when we use our diverse gifts to meet real needs and point people to Jesus. [28:20]
- The Gate of Mercy: Jesus Welcomes All
The lame man’s daily position outside the Beautiful Gate is a powerful metaphor for spiritual longing and exclusion. Jesus, as the true Gate, invites everyone—regardless of their past, brokenness, or perceived unworthiness—to enter into life and fellowship with God. We must resist the lie that we need to “fix ourselves” before coming to Christ; His invitation is to come as we are and receive healing and acceptance. [41:07]
- Don’t Miss Divine Opportunities
Peter and John saw what others overlooked: a man in need of more than charity. Their willingness to stop, engage, and offer what they had in Christ changed a life and became a witness to many. God is always working around us, presenting opportunities to serve, share, and invite others through the “gate.” Our challenge is to slow down, notice, and act in faith, trusting the Holy Spirit to work through us. [44:30]
- Wrestling with God’s Timing and Sovereignty
The question of “why now?” or “why not me?” is a deep struggle for many. God’s sovereignty means He acts with perfect wisdom and love, even when His timing confounds us. Sometimes our hardships are allowed to draw us closer to Him, to strengthen others, or to display His glory in unexpected ways. Trusting God’s timing is an act of faith, especially when answers are delayed or different than we hoped. [50:10]
- Look Upward, Inward, and Forward
Spiritual growth involves three movements: looking upward to Jesus as our source and hope, looking inward to repent and allow God to transform us, and looking forward to the promised restoration of all things. This pattern keeps us anchored in Christ, honest about our need for change, and hopeful for the future. As we surrender to God’s work in us, we become agents of His mercy and grace to others. [57:30]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Celebrating Generosity and Outreach
[03:30] - Basketball Clinic and Community Impact
[06:50] - Serving Local Schools
[09:40] - Using Our Gifts for God’s Glory
[12:00] - Opening Prayer of Thanksgiving
[13:30] - Introduction to Acts 3
[16:00] - The Lame Man at the Beautiful Gate
[19:36] - The Miracle of Healing
[22:00] - The Significance of the Gate
[25:10] - Jesus as the True Gate
[28:40] - Barriers to Entering God’s Presence
[32:00] - Seizing Opportunities to Serve
[36:00] - Wrestling with God’s Timing
[41:00] - The Disciples’ Bold Witness
[44:30] - Look Upward, Inward, and Forward
[49:00] - Invitation and Closing Prayer
[53:00] - Announcements and Blessing
Study Guide
Woodhaven Baptist Church Small Group Bible Study Guide
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### Bible Reading
- Acts 3:1-21 (The healing of the lame man at the Beautiful Gate)
- John 10:9-11 (“I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved…”)
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### Observation Questions
1. In Acts 3, where was the lame man placed each day, and what was he hoping to receive from those entering the temple?
[[36:56]]
2. What did Peter and John offer the lame man instead of money, and what was the result?
[[36:56]]
3. According to the sermon, what was significant about the “Beautiful Gate” and why did the pastor focus on it?
[[41:07]]
4. In John 10:9-11, what does Jesus mean when He says, “I am the gate”? How does this connect to the story in Acts 3?
[[41:07]]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. The sermon described the lame man’s longing not just for money, but for wholeness and inclusion. Why might physical healing not have been his deepest need?
[[41:07]]
2. The pastor mentioned that Peter and John saw what others overlooked. What does this suggest about how God wants us to see people around us?
[[44:30]]
3. The message raised the question of God’s timing—why some prayers are answered and others are not. How does the idea of God’s sovereignty help us wrestle with unanswered prayers or delayed answers?
[[50:10]]
4. The disciples didn’t just perform a miracle—they also boldly proclaimed the gospel and called people to repentance. Why is it important to both serve others and share the message of Jesus?
[[49:00]]
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### Application Questions
1. The early church’s generosity and service flowed from their devotion to God and each other. Looking at your own life, what is one way you can use your gifts—whether time, money, or talents—to bless someone this week?
[[28:20]]
2. The sermon challenged us to resist the lie that we must “fix ourselves” before coming to Jesus. Is there an area in your life where you feel unworthy or hesitant to approach God? What would it look like to come to Jesus “as you are” this week?
[[41:07]]
3. Peter and John noticed the man at the gate while others walked by. Think about your daily routine—who might you be overlooking that God is calling you to notice and serve? What is one practical step you can take to slow down and see people as God does?
[[44:30]]
4. The pastor shared about wrestling with God’s timing and sovereignty. Is there a situation in your life where you are struggling to trust God’s timing? How can your group pray for you or encourage you in this area?
[[50:10]]
5. The message encouraged us to “look upward, inward, and forward.” Which of these three movements—looking to Jesus, examining your heart, or hoping for restoration—do you most need to focus on right now? Why?
[[57:30]]
6. The church recently served teachers and reached out to children through a basketball clinic. What is one new way you could get involved in serving your community or church family this month?
[[28:20]]
7. The disciples finished well by sharing the gospel after the miracle. When you serve or help someone, do you also look for opportunities to share your faith? What holds you back, and how can you take a step of boldness this week?
[[49:00]]
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite group members to pray for open eyes to see opportunities, courage to act, and hearts that trust God’s timing and grace.
Devotional
Day 1: Devotion to God and Each Other
The early church modeled a deep devotion to God and to one another, sharing their resources, time, and abilities to meet the needs of their community. This spirit of generosity and unity is not just a historical note but a living example for us today, reminding us that every member has something valuable to offer—whether it is financial support, acts of service, or simply being present for others. When we use our gifts together, we reflect the love of Christ and become the hands and feet of Jesus in our neighborhoods. Let us strive to be a church family that is known for our devotion, generosity, and willingness to serve, trusting that God will use our collective efforts to bless others and advance His kingdom. [34:17]
Acts 2:42-45 (ESV)
And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.
Reflection: What is one way you can use your unique gifts or resources this week to bless someone in your church or community?
Day 2: Jesus Is the Gate—Access to New Life
Jesus describes Himself as the gate, the only way to salvation and abundant life, offering access to all who come to Him regardless of their past or present struggles. Like the man who sat outside the temple gate, many feel unworthy or unable to enter into God’s presence, believing they must first fix themselves or become “good enough.” Yet Jesus invites everyone to come as they are, promising that through Him, we are welcomed, healed, and made whole—not by our own merit, but by His grace. Do not let feelings of inadequacy keep you outside; Jesus has already made the way for you to enter into a relationship with God and experience true life. [43:30]
John 10:9-11 (ESV)
I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
Reflection: Is there an area of your life where you feel unworthy to approach God? What would it look like to accept Jesus’ invitation to come just as you are today?
Day 3: Seizing God-Given Opportunities
God places opportunities all around us to show compassion, share the gospel, and invite others into His family, but it is easy to overlook them out of routine or discomfort. The disciples did not walk past the man in need; instead, they stopped, engaged, and offered what they had in Jesus’ name, resulting in transformation and praise. We are challenged to open our eyes to the people God puts in our path—whether in our neighborhoods, workplaces, or even at church—and to be willing to step out, offer a helping hand, and share the hope we have in Christ. Every act of kindness and every conversation can be a doorway for someone to encounter God’s love. [48:50]
Luke 10:33-34 (ESV)
But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion. He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him.
Reflection: Who is someone you might normally overlook that God is prompting you to reach out to this week? How can you intentionally show them Christ’s love?
Day 4: Trusting God’s Sovereignty and Timing
God’s ways and timing often do not align with our expectations, and we may struggle to understand why some prayers are answered immediately while others seem to go unheard. The story of the man healed at the temple gate reminds us that God is sovereign—He knows every detail of our lives and works all things for His purposes, even when we do not see the full picture. Sometimes, our waiting or suffering becomes a testimony that draws others to Christ or deepens our own faith. In every circumstance, we are called to trust that God’s timing is perfect and that He is always at work, bringing about His good plans for us and those around us. [54:00]
Romans 8:28 (ESV)
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are struggling to trust God’s timing? How can you surrender this to Him and look for His purpose in your waiting?
Day 5: Looking Upward, Inward, and Forward
Spiritual growth involves looking upward to Jesus as our source, inward to examine our hearts and repent, and forward to the hope of God’s ultimate restoration. The disciples pointed the crowd to Jesus, called them to turn from their old ways, and reminded them of the promise that God will one day make all things new. This threefold focus helps us navigate life’s challenges: by fixing our eyes on Christ, allowing Him to transform us from within, and holding onto the hope of His return, we can persevere and live with purpose. No matter where you are on your journey, God invites you to take the next step—upward in worship, inward in repentance, and forward in hope. [57:30]
Philippians 3:13-14 (ESV)
Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Reflection: Which direction do you most need to focus on today—upward to Jesus, inward in repentance, or forward in hope? What is one practical step you can take in that direction?
Quotes
He jumped to his feet, and he began to walk, and then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping and praising God. When all the people saw him walking and praising, they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging. [00:40:20] (19 seconds)
One of the things that came to my mind was how often do we not go through the gate and there's some of you that are in this position this morning you don't walk through why because I'm not good enough yet I need God to clean up some stuff in my life I need him to remove this from my life or a sin a habit or I just need to be a better Christian I need to act like a Christian before I can go through the gate I need God to change some things for me then I can go through and God says that's not necessary all you have to do is to get up and to come through and in my name you are healed and you are made whole and you are cleaned up. [00:46:20] (50 seconds)
Our God is sovereign and what that means is that God has the power the ability everything that he possesses to take care of everything that he wants to at any point at any time okay but our God is also powerful enough to know that there's sometimes there's things that are in our lives that are there for a reason to either cause us to have more faith in him and to lean on him and to walk closer with him or it provides opportunities to draw other people to Christ or to strengthen other people that are around us. [00:55:00] (42 seconds)
Sometimes it's hard and I get it and circumstances are going to be challenging but the one thing that we learn here is that if I look upward to Jesus for what I need done in my life I look inward to figure out how I need to change what needs to be different Jesus healed this in me move me forward I keep looking to the day he will make things all things perfect one day he will it'll be a new heaven it'll be a new earth it'll be a new life it'll be new and we look forward to when Jesus comes and he restores all things as he promised long ago through the prophets. [01:05:00] (43 seconds)
Anybody can stop leverage the opportunities that God puts around you God is always what did we learn in experiencing God God is always working around you and I think so often we just walk right past because it becomes familiar it becomes something that we just get used to seeing and so God's saying don't bypass the opportunities are all right there and they exist. [00:52:18] (29 seconds)
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