There is a word that keeps running through my mind, and that word is together. We are living in a very divided time. Jesus himself warned us of what happens when we are divided.
Matthew 12:25 reads, “And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand…”
The Bible tells us that on the day of Pentecost when the Holy Ghost was poured out that they were all in one place and one accord. In that crowd of approximately 120 there were diverse people — genders, backgrounds, occupations and so on.
But because of their unity in spirit and the expectation of their hearts, God shared with them His Spirit. The book of Acts then tells us that 3, 000 additional people received the Lord after Peter had preach the message of salvation. The outpouring continued, and souls were added to the church daily.
Today we see churches shrinking and doors closing, and just maybe it is because we do not come together in the unity of God’s Spirit. I understand the divide that is happening in the world in which we live. However, we as children of God are to not follow the world’s example, but we are to set the Godly example as we are the body of Christ.
2 Corinthians 6:17 reads, “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you …”
To be a child of the living God we must be born again of the water and the Spirit. God’s Spirit of unity must abide in His children, and we must come together and be an example to a divisive world.
May God richly bless you!
Joseph Riggs is pastor of Apostolic Pentecostal Church in Greenfield. This weekly column is written by local clergy members.
