One in the Spirit: How Selfless Unity Builds a Powerful Church

Summary

Christian oneness means more than friendly words; it requires shared lives, generosity, and sacrifice. The early church modeled Spirit-led unity through selfless giving and mutual commitment. Barnabas encouraged others by giving freely and believing in people, while Ananias and Sapphira warned against hypocrisy. True unity is sustained only by the Holy Spirit and produces powerful witness, authentic relationships, and lasting spiritual fruit.

Rethinking One in the Spirit

“Have a good week!” is not a “one in the Spirit” wish for the congregation as they leave the worship service and head their separate ways. It assumes no contact for seven days. That is not what Jesus had in mind when He commanded us to love one another (John 13:34-35).

Unity Modeled in the Early Church

The idea of “oneness” dominates Acts 4:32. From 1964 to 1973, John Wooden’s UCLA basketball teams were NCAA champions nine times.

Those he coached sacrificed personal glory for the good of the team. Jesus’ faithful followers do the same.

Sacrificing for the Good of the Body

The early Christians had everything in common (Acts 4:32). They held their possessions loosely.

Sharing was part of their new identity as members of Christ’s body. Selfless sharing powered their witness (Acts 4:33).

Barnabas: An Encourager Who Gave Freely

The Holy Spirit inspires oneness and a lifestyle of giving. Beginning in Acts 4:36, we read about Barnabas.

He sold his land and delivered all the proceeds to the apostles to help meet the needs of the Christian community. He was an open channel for the Holy Spirit’s “giving away” ministry.

The Danger of Pretended Spirituality

Churches could benefit from more people like Barnabas and fewer like Ananias and Sapphira. Ananias and Sapphira sought praise while holding back money from a land sale.

They did not have to give away all the proceeds. The problem was that they pretended to do so. God judged them severely because lying destroys the foundation for trust (Acts 5:1-11).

We are like them when we want others in the church to think we are better than we are. Commitment to others includes certain risks.

William S. Rainsford was invited to preach for 25 minutes to an audience of over 2,000 people, including 250 clergymen and bishops. He stuttered and stammered for five or six minutes.

He did not deliver a single clear sentence. He sat down humiliated.

After the meeting, the great preacher Philip Brooks invited Rainsford to preach for him the next Sunday. That was their first meeting. Rainsford said, “Was it any wonder I loved him?”

Encouraging Others Through Authenticity

To live a fruitful life on earth and receive great rewards in heaven, encourage and maximize others. That is what Barnabas and Philip Brooks did. You can too!

You encourage others when you share your doubts and fears along with your victories. Others often identify better with your defeats and struggles than with your successes.

You are not Saint Never Sin, the Divine. I am not either. There is no sense pretending. How frequently do you experience Christians being real? Why?

Spirit-Empowered Community Life

Acts 5:12-16 describes a church in action that only the Holy Spirit’s working can explain. Willpower cannot sustain a “giving yourself away” lifestyle.

The Cost and Reward of True Unity

The early church demonstrated a deep commitment to Christ and other believers. They were one in the Spirit. Great churches have always been. It is not easy. Not much worthwhile ever is.

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