The early church, as described in the book of Acts, offers a strategy for living out the Christian faith: moving in one accord. This principle wasn't just a suggestion; it was a spiritual necessity. When we study the early church, we see believers united in mind, heart, and purpose, creating a powerful witness for Christ and enabling the Holy Spirit to work mightily through them.

What Does It Mean to Be "On One Accord"?

To be on one accord means to align with God’s Word and will, both individually and collectively. The early church leaders, despite their disagreements, always reconciled their differences through their shared commitment to God’s truth. They didn’t act based on personal preferences or isolated agendas. Instead, they followed the leading of the Holy Spirit and worked together to fulfill God’s purpose.

In Acts 2:1-4, we see the result of this unity: the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. The disciples gathered together, praying with one mind and one heart. Because of their collective submission to God, the Spirit moved powerfully, equipping them to proclaim the gospel and draw thousands to salvation.

A Real-Life Example of Unified Prayer

A powerful demonstration of unity in prayer is found in Acts 12:5-17, where the church gathered to intercede for Peter after he was imprisoned by King Herod. Scripture tells us, “Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the church” (Acts 12:5).

As believers prayed the same thing in agreement with God and on one accord, God answered their prayers in a miraculous way. An angel of the Lord appeared in Peter’s cell, releasing his chains and guiding him out of the prison. When Peter arrived at the house where the church was praying, they were astonished but overjoyed at the power of their unified prayer.

This moment in scripture reminds us that when God’s people come together in agreement with Him and seek His intervention, nothing is impossible. It also illustrates the importance of persistent, collective prayer in overcoming challenges and advancing God’s kingdom.

Why Unity Is a Challenge Today

The modern church struggles with division. We often hear sentiments like, "I have my own relationship with God; no one can tell me how to be a Christian." This individualistic mindset can create barriers to unity. When our beliefs or actions contradict God’s Word, we become aligned with our own desires rather than with God’s will.

Division stems from carnality—living according to our flesh rather than the Spirit. Living according to our flesh will cause us to miss God. Without the Holy Spirit's help, it’s impossible to align with God fully. As 1 Corinthians 1:10 reminds us, we are called to "speak the same thing" and "be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment."

Agreeing with God for Revival

If we desire personal, family, local, and global revival, we must first agree with God. Revival begins not with others but within our own hearts. As Amos 3:3 asks, "Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?" Agreement with God means surrendering our thoughts, feelings, and actions to align with His Word. When we individually commit to God’s truth, we create a foundation for unity within our families, churches, and communities. Only then can we collectively seek God for a revival that transforms not just us but the world around us.

The Role of the Holy Spirit in Unity

The Holy Spirit is the cornerstone of unity. Jesus promised to send the Spirit to lead us into all truth (John 16:13). Without the Spirit, we lack the power and wisdom needed to stay aligned with God and each other. The early church leaders understood this, constantly seeking the Spirit's guidance in their decisions and actions.

In Acts 4:32-33, we see the Spirit’s impact on unity: “Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common.” This shared mindset enabled everyone to testify with great power, and God’s grace was upon them all.

The Enemy Understands Unity

Interestingly, even the enemy recognizes the power of unity. The world often demonstrates an unsettling harmony in advancing agendas contrary to God’s will (Joshua 9:2). This is a sobering reminder that Christians cannot afford to operate in disunity. If we remain divided, we weaken our collective impact and hinder the advancement of God’s kingdom.

Practical Steps to Achieve Unity

• Agree with God: Before we can be united as the church, each of us must ensure our lives are in agreement with God’s Word (Matthew 22:37). This involves regular prayer, Bible study, and surrender to the Holy Spirit.

• Speak the Same Truth: Let our words reflect the truth of Scripture, not personal opinions or cultural trends (Ephesians 4:15).

• Set Aside Preferences: Unity doesn’t require uniformity, but it does demand that we prioritize God’s will over our own likes and dislikes (Philippians 2:2).

• Address Offenses Biblically: When conflicts arise, follow the biblical model of reconciliation. Go directly to the person, seek resolution, and move forward (Matthew 18:15).

• Pray Together: Corporate prayer has immense power. When believers come together in prayer, God moves mightily (Matthew 18:19-20).

God's Will > Our Difference of Opinion

In Acts 15:36-41, Paul and Barnabas had a sharp disagreement over whether to bring John Mark on their missionary journey. This argument led to their separation. Despite this conflict, Paul didn't allow it to derail his mission.

In Acts 16:6-10, Paul continued to follow God's calling, being led by the Holy Spirit to spread the gospel in different regions.

Paul's example shows that, while disagreements may arise, God’s calling remains. He chose to press on, focusing on his purpose rather than engaging in divisive arguments, remaining faithful to the mission given to him, which was to preach the gospel.

The strategy of being on one accord is not optional—it is essential for revival and transformation. As the church, we must return to the blueprint provided in Acts. Lay down individual agendas, embrace the Holy Spirit, and commit to unity with one another. Only then can we see God’s will done on earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10).

If we continue down the path of becoming lovers of ourselves, we will not be able to withstand the turbulent times that are coming. Pay attention to how your heart is responding.