PROGRAM SUCCESS – OCTOBER 2009 PAGE 7
The Power of Unity
By Rev . O ’ Hara C . Black
Senior Pastor-Teacher Mt . Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church , Orlando , Florida
Webster defines unity as “ the quality or state of being one ; a condition of harmony , dedication in purpose and action .” In times like these it is vital that there be oneness , or harmony in the Body of Christ . We are facing things like drugs , crime , prostitution , racism , sexism , domestic violence , and terrorism . The world is so full of brokenness . There are broken homes , broken families , broken hearts and broken lives . We cannot afford to have a broken fellowship among those of us who profess Jesus as Lord . The Church should be the epitome of oneness .
Oneness does not mean duplication . No two churches are alike nor should they seek to be . Neither pastor nor parishioner should desire that their church be the clone of the church across town or down the street . Surely , we share a corporate , biblical mandate to win souls and make disciples . However , God gives each local church different methods with which to accomplish this mission . Being different does not mean being divided . As I Corinthians Chapter 12 seeks to teach us , though we have differences , and we work and behave differently , we are all part of the Body of Christ , and must work together in order to accomplish his will . We must have dedication in purpose .
We must not allow doctrine , denomination , worship style and / or race to separate us . What ( Who ) unites us is greater than what separates us . It is the Lord Jesus himself who brings us to together . Jude 1:3 proclaims , “[ we possess ] … common salvation .” We must be committed to having unity in the local church and in the
The Power of Unity Rev . O ' Hara C . Black Mt . Pleasant MIssionary Baptist Church Orlando , Florida October 2009
Body of Christ in general . Matthew 12:25 says , “… every Kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation , and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand .” If we are to stand against evil and for good , we must stand united . We must recognize how truly significant unity is .
In Matthew 18:19-20 , Jesus emphasizes the power of Unity . He says , “ Again I say unto you , that if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask , it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven . For where two or three are gathered together in my name , there am I in the midst of them .” Clearly , Jesus is teaching that when the church unites , we experience the privilege of answered prayer . A church on one accord is not only powerful , but also experiences real power in prayer . 2 Chronicles 7:14 says , “ If my people , which are called by my name , shall humble themselves , and pray , and seek my face , and turn from their wicked ways ; then will I hear from heaven , and will forgive their sin , and will heal their land .” Such prayer can heal the sick , give hope to the lost , generate miracles , and solve a multitude of problems . The Lord promises that if we pray together in agreement , in harmony and within his will he will hear and answer our prayers .
Matthew 18:19-20 also reveals that unity will allow us to experience the wonder of His awesome presence . This is illustrated in the account of the day of Pentecost in Acts chapter 2 . The church was in one place and on one accord and God manifested Himself in a mighty way . When God is in the midst of His people great things happen . Lives are changed . Preaching is easy . Souls are saved . Wounds are healed . People are delivered . The Spirit fills , Miracles occur , and Joy overflows .
How to possess and maintain unity within the Body of Christ ? First , we must see every Christian as our brother , and realize that it is our duty to be his keeper . Secondly , we must move from membership to ministry ; endeavoring to fulfill Gods will for our lives , and using our gifts and talents to be a blessing to the Body . Thirdly , we must make a special effort to help our pastors whose daily task it is to promote our growth and unity . If each of us commits to doing these things , we will be on one accord . We will truly be the Body of Christ , of which there is only one .