THE BOOK OF ACTS FEBRUARY 16, 2025
THE BLESSING OF UNITY

SCRIPTURE
When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. Acts 2:1-4

THE CONCEPT OF UNITY

Acts 2 is one of the most unifying chapters in the Bible (all together, each of them, all of them, from every nation, on all people, everyone).

Pentecost was a breaking down of what separates and a building of what unites.

Being in unity is the idea of people being of one heart, not one opinion.


KEY AREAS WE SHOULD STRIVE FOR UNITY

1/ We should have theological unity.

I appeal to you… in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought. 1 Corinthians 1:10

Paul is speaking to core issues (Gospel, sin, marriage, Communion, resurrection).

In this Culture of Self preferences are God, opinion is fact, and disagreement is deadly.

If we aren’t careful, the non-essentials will become essentials. And vice versa.

Remember the Three Tiers of Theology.


2/ We need to have relational unity.

“Holy Father, protect them by the power of Your name…so that they may be one as we are one.” John 17:11

Slander and gossip is an enemy of Christian unity.

Gossip separates the best of friends. Proverbs 16:28

We must be cautious not to build unity around the wrong things.
The fruit of negative unity is division and destruction. Good unity offers life and love.

Selfishness is an enemy of Christian unity.
Do nothing from selfish ambition…Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also the interests of others. Philippians 2:3-4

When my preferences are exalted over people, I’ve missed the mark.

Finally, all of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted and keep a humble attitude. 1 Peter 3:8

A lack of honor is an enemy of Christian unity.
Outdo one another in showing honor. Romans 12:10

Honor is the currency of heaven. When honor is present, anointing flows.

Magnifying offense is an enemy of Christian unity.

Make allowance for each other’s faults and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. …clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. Colossians 3:13-14

“Often the very strength that would help you win a battle enables you to avoid the battle altogether.” Gavin Ortlund

Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense. Psalm 19:11

Minimizing offense is an enemy of Christian unity.

“If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the offense.” Matthew 18:15

There are times loving confrontation is needed and necessary (the exception, not rule).

-isms are an enemy of Christian unity.

And though we are many, we all eat from one loaf of bread, showing that we are one body.
1 Corinthians 10:17

There is zero space for ageism or racism among Christian believers.


3/ We need to have philosophical unity.


4/ We need to have organizational unity.


5/ We need to have missional unity.

In family, business, church, etc., we should be moving towards the same goals.

Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit. Ephesians 4:3
UNITY UNLEASES STRENGTH

And the Lord said, “Behold, they are one people, and they have all one language, and this is only the beginning of what they will do. And nothing…will now be impossible for them.” Genesis 11:6