Two Threats to Unity

External Threats- We are steadily bombarded with outside compromise from the evil one. Early church leaders were repeatedly challenged by both religious leaders and Roman govt. Opposition increased in intensity from verbal to hostility to the stoning of Stephen. Saul v3 was “destroying” the church. This active aggression is definitely a threat to unity. Jesus stated that the gates of hell would not prevail against the church but this destructive attack definitely had an effect. Destroy= break up, havoc, devastation, shamefully treated and laid waste, Lk 22:31-32, Acts 22:19-20  The current world circumstances (covid, racial tensions, partisan politics) have “sifted” the church and threatened our unity.

Internal Threats- We are also steadily attacked with internal influences. Initially the conflict was between leftover Judaism and Christian faith. Acts 6:1 speaks of internal bias and neglect of some needs. Discrimination may be almost invisible as unconscious bias. Whether intentional or not, it still hurts people and dilutes the unity of the church. Action was for spiritual elders to watch closely for these trends and to devote deacons to manage aspects of the material ministry of the church. Personalized application: Look for people who are marginalized and make specific efforts to include them.