Are You Promoting Unity Or Division?

Every believer has the choice whether to promote unity or division in the body of Christ. The results of division are almost always negative, with unity producing positive outcomes. We see can benefits of unity in Acts 2.

And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. Acts 2:1-4 (KJV)

The day of Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit was poured out on the 120 believers in the upper room and they spoke in a heavenly language, was a time of unity. As they waited on God, they were united, or together with one accord in one place. Their unity created an atmosphere in which the Holy Spirit came and filled the house and then filled each of the disciples.

As we read on in Acts 2, we see a contrast- some believed while others mocked this outpouring. So, there was a division among those on the day of Pentecost. And those who believed received salvation while those in doubt went without.

But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words: For these are not drunken, as ye suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day. But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel; And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy: Acts 2:14-18 (KJV)

Peer explained that it was the manifestation of the prophecy spoken by the Prophet Joel where God would pour out His Spirit upon all flesh. According to Peter’s testimony in Acts 2:38-39, the promise of the Holy Spirit is for all who believe on Jesus. And it began where believers were united together in the upper room.

Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. Acts 2:41-42 (KJV)

As a result of their unity, 3,000 believers were added to the church. It goes on to tell us that the believers continued in the Apostle’s doctrine, or teaching, and the breaking of bread and fellowship and prayer. What started in prayer continued in prayer. Some had been divided, but some were united. Those who had been divided went their way unchanged, but those who received and united together with the 120 disciples were never the same.

And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. Acts 2:43-47 (KJV)

Signs and wonders came out of those who had all things in common- or those who were united. They continued in fellowship and praised God, with more people being added to their number every day. There were amazing things that came out of unity: the Holy Spirit was poured out, more believers were added, and signs and wonders abounded. What power came from their unity! That is why the devil always tries to keep the church divided- so he can block the power that comes from it.

Division always takes away. Unity always adds to what God is doing. As we come together as one to praise God more and more, we will send division packing and we will all partake of the amazing power of God