ACTS 2:46-47: “The believers had a single purpose and went to the temple every day. They were joyful and humble as they ate at each other’s homes and shared their food. At the same time, they praised God and had the good will of all the people. Every day the Lord saved people, and they were added to the group.” (GW)
OBSERVATION: Have you ever wondered why then enemy of our souls is always trying to sow discord among the brethren? Have you ever considered that he knows something powerful that seems to elude many believers? What is that truth? THERE IS POWER IN UNITY! Something wonderful happens when Christians walk and live in the unity of the Holy Spirit. This is witnessed in these verses. When Christians walk and live in unity – the church grows! And the enemy of our souls will do anything he can to stop this!
Acts 2:46-47 states that the believers had a single purpose, were joyful and humble, and ate at each other’s homes and shared their food. Their unity went far beyond this. They began to live a sacrificial life that was evidenced as they sold many of their possessions to give to those who were in need. What produces this kind of unity? What releases this kind of love? The answer is the indwelling presence and power of the Holy Spirit! This is why Paul exhorts us,
- “Be humble and gentle in every way. Be patient with each other and lovingly accept each other. Through the peace that ties you together, do your best to maintain the unity that the Spirit gives.” (Ephesians 4:2-3 GW)
This is not a contrived unity. This is an imparted unity. It is a unity that is beyond our mere human ability. Left to ourselves we gravitate back toward selfishness and strife. Yet, when we walk and live in the Spirit we find that He brings forth a humility, gentleness, patience, love, and acceptance that overcomes our differences and unites us in both heart and purpose.
- “There is one body and one Spirit. In the same way you were called to share one hope. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over everything, through everything, and in everything. God’s favor has been given to each of us. It was measured out to us by Christ who gave it.” (Ephesians 4:4-7 GW)
We have so much more to be united around than we have to be divided about. The unity of the Spirit is not a call to agree on everything. Rather, it is a call to defer everything in love. It is a call to gather around the unity of our faith and the Lordship of Jesus Christ. It is a call to continue in ““…the teachings of the apostles, to fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer.” (Acts 2:42 GW). It is a call to be the church! When this happens, the enemy of our souls is defeated, and the Lord ushers into His church those who are called to be saved.
Recently, a wonderful multi-generational team from our church family embarked on a new adventure. It is called “Kid’s Beach Club”. It is an after school club program that is allowed to go into the Public Elementary Schools and share the Gospel. This is something that a church cannot do, but a club can! When I witnessed this wonderful team of committed volunteers I witnessed the power of those who were together and had one single purpose. They were there for only one thing – to share Jesus with the elementary students that would come to the club. In just a few short weeks since they began, 11 elementary students have given their lives to Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and Lord. This is what happens through the power of unity!
Lord, I pray for every church that names the name of Jesus Christ, and that preaches the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Pour out Your Holy Spirit anew and restore the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace and humility. And grant me the grace that I may maintain a position of humility, deferring to my brothers and sisters in love, and focusing on that which is of the most importance – our faith and life in Jesus Christ!
Lord, bring revival to Your church through the power of unity.
In Jesus Name!
