One Accord

Based on Job 36-37, Acts 15:22-41

"it seemed good unto us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men unto you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." Acts 15:25‭-‬26

Barnabas and Paul were 2 men who did incredible things for God. They allowed God to use them together as a team, but later they went their separate ways...you could say, "Weren't we just talking about finding a unity opportunity?" And the answer is yes! However, when they separated and teamed up with other people, they were both still committed to the same goal: reaching people for Jesus! Yes, they are human, and this didn't mean they didn't argue about it...but their Spiritual integrity didn't allow their contention to give up their conviction!

"Notwithstanding it pleased Silas to abide there still. Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also." Acts 15:34‭-‬35

Again, their goal of preaching the Word of The Lord together before separating remained the same after they departed! In the case of Job, his friends thought they were doing right in continuing in a heated debate, trying to win Job over to their side...but in reality, they should have listened to Job side of it all, realizing that he was doing his best to uphold his Spiritual integrity, just like Barnabas and Paul did! They didn't let their disagreement stop them from continuing in the Will of God!

"And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus; and Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God. And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches." Acts 15:39‭-‬41

Thankfully, we will see that John Mark and Barnabas reunite with Paul & Silas later, but for now, the groups went out preaching separately. We, too, must journey on in the way that God desires us to, with the people he wants us to be with. Not forming enemies, but striving for the same goal, in one accord, of reaching people for Jesus, telling of the Acts 2:38 salvation which brings us first in one accord with God!

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." Acts 2:38

"fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind." Philippians 2:2