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In a powerful sermon delivered at Maple Avenue Ministries by Pastor Shomar Tate preached from the theme of "Beware of the Gatekeepers" which explored through the lens of Acts 3:1-10. This passage recounts the story of a man lame from birth, placed daily at the temple gate called Beautiful, where he begged for alms. This narrative serves as a backdrop to discuss the broader implications of gatekeeping within the church and society.

The sermon begins with Acts 3:1-10, where Peter and John encounter a man who has been lame since birth. Every day, he is placed at the temple gate to beg from those entering the temple courts. On this particular day, Peter and John do not offer him money but instead, in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, they command him to walk. The man is healed, and he enters the temple, walking, leaping, and praising God. This miraculous event fills the onlookers with wonder and amazement.

The sermon highlights the concept of gatekeepers—those who control access, rights, and privileges. Gatekeepers are present in various facets of life, including healthcare, education, business, politics, and even within the church. The speaker challenges the congregation to consider what happens when gatekeepers exist within the body of Christ and how they might inadvertently hinder the work of the Spirit.

The church is called to embody the spirit of generosity, reflecting the fruit of the Spirit. Pastor Shomari praises Maple Avenue Ministries for its openness and generosity, contrasting it with other churches that may be more exclusive. The sermon calls for an examination of how gatekeeping can manifest in the church, leaving some individuals "at the gate," unable to fully participate in the community.

The sermon emphasizes the importance of moving beyond superficial acts of charity. While the lame man in Acts 3 was accustomed to receiving alms, his true need was for healing and community. The speaker urges the congregation to offer more than just material assistance, highlighting the transformative power of a life-giving word in the name of Jesus.

The speaker draws a parallel between the early church's experiences in Acts 2 and the situation in Acts 3. Despite the Spirit's powerful presence, the early church still struggled with inclusivity and meeting the needs of all its members. The congregation is encouraged to live out their faith actively, not just on Sundays but throughout the week, ensuring no one is left at the gate.

The sermon concludes with a powerful reminder that in Christ, there are no barriers or boundaries to the kingdom of God. The grace offered through Jesus Christ eliminates prerequisites and dismantles the walls of exclusion. The speaker calls on the congregation to be mindful of those who are excluded due to societal or religious gatekeeping and to embody the inclusive love of Christ.

In summary, the call to "beware of gatekeepers" is a call to action for the church to reflect on its practices, ensuring that it remains open and inclusive, embodying the generosity and love of Christ. This message challenges believers to actively engage with and uplift those who have been marginalized, ensuring that the church is a place of healing and community for all.

 

For the kingdom,

Pastor Winfred