Theme for 2016
EXPERIENCING the POWER of “ONE ACCORD”
“…they lifted up their voice to God with one accord…And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness. And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.” Acts 4:24, 31-33 (KJV)
“Powerful, supernatural works of God come to pass when two or more believers who are in “One Accord” cry out to God in fervent prayer.”
What is “One Accord” Power?
Being in “One Accord” is achieving the unity and maturity that Jesus prayed for just before His crucifixion: “That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.” John 17:21-23 (KJV)
The Greek word for “One Accord” comes from two words: “homo” meaning “the same” and “thumos” which means “passion.” When every person in a group has the same passion…loving Jesus and doing all things to His glory, they are in “one accord.”
The power of “One Accord” involves the supernatural works that God demonstrates through believers who are united. This is done that the world may be convinced that there is a living, loving God who wants to give eternal life to all who believe on Him. It does not mean that every person in a group will “agree” with every opinion or idea, but it does mean that everyone is committed to loving God with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength.
To be of one heart in “One Accord” is to share the same cause within the vision and commitment, to want the same things. When these things are what God wants then the church is not only united together but united in Christ. To be one in mind is to share the same strategy about how we will achieve the vision, and to share everything we have with one another is to provide the necessary support to carry out the strategy which will see the vision fulfilled.
God is calling us to a year of renewal and refreshment, by calling us to repentance…, meaning He is calling us take ownership of those behaviors, mentalities, thoughts, objects, misdeeds, relationships, and so on that have become a barrier between ourselves and Him. This means actually spending time in prayer and reflection. It means letting God into your heart and letting the Holy Spirit convict you.
Here are some ways to think about how we can go about achieving the unity and maturity that Jesus prayed (John 17:21-23) and the supernatural works that God demonstrates through believers who are united being in “One Accord”:
Soul Care
We care best for our soul by first experiencing our soul’s salvation in Jesus Christ. Only a saved soul is capable of loving itself in a healthy manner. Prayer encounters the Spirit’s affections. When Spirit filled we are full of love. Yes, we feed our soul when we delight in God’s word. His truth reminds us of our 100% acceptance in Christ. We feel loved when we see ourselves as the Lord sees us. A cared for soul seeks Jesus. It avoids sin. It loves the Lord, others and itself well.
“We love because he [God] first loved us.” 1 John 4:19 (NIV)
Emotional Care
What does it mean to care for our emotions? It means we first receive Christ’s care. He forgives our sins. He heals our broken heart. He comforts our sadness. He holds us secure. Secondly, we begin to process our feelings in a way that helps us understand how God made us. We may have a need for approval, so we learn to seek God’s pleasure over seeking to please people. Emotionally we are limited, so we know our limits and trust the Lord with what’s left unfinished. Emotional care paces itself in prayer. Hope, faith, gratitude and community contribute to loving ourselves well.
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Proverbs 4:23 (NIV)
Physical Care
The Holy Spirit is a resident of our body. Are we a good landlord for our special tenant or one that just gets by? A healthy intake of food and drink is responsible physical management. Sleep deprivation and lack of exercise is not. Since we cherish the Spirit’s presence, we care for our body. The body is our expression of what God is doing within our spirit. We are the hands and feet of Jesus. We aspire to good health, so we can help others. Love nourishes the body.
“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own;” 1 Corinthians 6:19 (NIV)
Care for Others
Our actions reflect our faith, so ultimately it does not matter how religious you are, it does not matter how spiritual you talk, and it does not matter how you perceive yourself…your actions speak louder than your words. (1 John 3:16-23) When we care for others we care for ourselves, but the quality of our love for others is determined by the quality of our love for ourselves. We are able to love our neighbor well when we love ourselves well. God made us to serve.
“Love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 22:39 (NIV)
Once we have removed all barriers, we can truly accept what God wants for us. We can truly accept the renewal that God wants to bring into our lives. Once we have truly turned our lives over to Christ, we begin to see all life in a different way. We begin to see life on this earth through God’s eyes. We begin to view suffering in a different light. We feel compassion in a whole new way. In this way we seek to be used by God to restore hope to the broken in spirit and sight to the blind.
Chosen in Christ ~ Called to Influence,
Pastor Charles L. King, Jr.