(by pastor Norman)

Jesus prayed for those who would believe in Him, that is Christians, “that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me” (john 17-21; NKJV). Wow! Jesus said a united church would draw the whole world to Christ. In the early church believers were in one accord (Acts 2:46, 4:24, 5:12). They were, “of one heart and soul” (Acts 4:32a) and thousands were added to the church (Acts 2:41), with people being saved daily (Acts 2:47b). Now, neither God the Father nor Jesus ever change (Mal 3:6a, Heb 13:8), so we should be the extension of the early church with that same one accord, based on the same gospel of Jesus Christ and the teachings of the early church leaders as found in the Bible. In the teachings of the apostle Paul, we see that in the church of Jesus Christ we are to be like minded, in agreement, walking in love, in harmony, in one accord, in unity with no divisions, but united (1 Cor 1:10, Phil 2:2, Col 3:14). We are all different, with different personalities and giftings but we are all members of the one body or church (1 Cor 12:12-13). Similarly, we are all one in Christ, no matter our background or origin (Gal 3:26-28), Col 3:11). I love Ephesians 4:2-6, we are reminded to love one another and that there is one faith and one body. We are all charged to keep the unity and it is the Holy Spirit that brings that unity. Let’s get into God’s word and learn about unity and allow the Holy Spirit to work through all of our lives to impact the world!