November 5, 2018 WWJWMTD by Steve the son of John

Giving God the Opportunity

#3 Preparing for Rain through Unity

How do we find unity in a culture with so many denominations and beliefs systems? In most churches there is unity but only among their own members. Often it is thought that anyone who is not part of his or her denomination or church is lost. Oh, how we ignore the examples within the Book of Acts.

Jesus asked His disciples to wait in Jerusalem for the Holy Spirit (the Comforter) to come. At first, there were around 500 disciples waiting but after awhile many got tired of waiting and only 120 were in the upper room when the Holy Spirit fell upon the remaining disciples. Let’s see, that is about 25%. That is the number used in the Bible over and over again and by Jesus, Himself when instructing His disciples about people with ‘good ground’ that bring forth fruit in their lives and the remaining 75% were those who fail to produce fruit.

Why does God send out His disciples in ‘twos’? Why is Scripture always talking about ‘multiplying’? Why were there 12 disciples? Why did God make a helpmate for Adam? Why does the Christian religion have the concept of Trinity? It’s all about unity and relationships. All of creation works together in nature to form a unity that supports and is dependent on each other. It is only man who struggles with unity, dependency, relationships, and wholeness.

God does not give ‘rain’ without unity. We must be one and strive for a unity of the Spirit. Jesus spoke of unity and the Gospels are full of the admonition to be ‘one in Christ’. We must become one. No more ‘big I and little you’. God gives honor, the Bible says, to the weaker or less needed members in His Body. God creates unity and creates a balance for all members of the Body of Christ to be dependent on each other and willing to give equal honor to each individual member.

On the day of Pentecost, Scripture says in the Acts of the Apostles 2:1b, “they were all with one accord in one place.” Timing, location, and unity are critical to any movement of the Holy Spirit. God’s will requires that we come together as one person, though being many different people, with a common goal and purpose.

The best example I can give this generation is Reverend Billy Graham. His ministry was very specialized and narrowly focused. Billy only preached the Gospel of repentance with forgiveness and the acceptance of Jesus Christ as one’s Savior. He was criticized for not doing more, for not preaching a full and totally gospel, yet he never moved from the calling and direction God gave him as a young man—his message was simple.

Billy also accepted support and sought unity from all types of Christians and theological persuasions. Evangelicals criticized him for his acceptance of Charismatics. When ‘Traditional Bible Church’ leaders challenged Billy, he simply said, “That Charismatics are my strongest supporters.” It is time for unity. Not unity that the world gives or defines, but unity that comes from the Spirit. True unity—unity that brings the Kingdom of Heaven to earth. This is the unity that will bring rain from heaven.

WWJWMTD

What would Jesus want me to do?

Dr. Steven J. Wentland www.wwjwmtd.com

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