"Like-minded one toward another according to Christ Jesus that ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ wherefore receive ye one another as Christ also received us to the glory of God." (Romans 15:5-7)
" ... by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but [that] ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgement." (I Corinthians 1:10)
"And all that believed were together ..." (Acts 2:44)
Note that none of the meanings contained within these scriptures lead to the current religious mindset of forming a one world religion. The uniting of religions together into one is a prophecy that is still coming into being, and has more to do with the antichrist standing in the holy place as the vicar of Christ -- when satan himself is "transformed into an angel of light." (II Corinthians 11:14)
"When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso reads, let him understand) then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains ..." (Matthew 24:15-31)
"Who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sits in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God." (II Thessalonians 2:4)
Rather, this singleness of heart, one accord consisting of "one heart and one soul" refers to continuing steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers in which Jesus through the Holy Ghost commanded His apostles. (Acts 1:2; Acts 2:42; Acts 4:32)
"Until the day in which He [Jesus] was taken up, after that He through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom He had chosen, to whom also He showed Himself alive after His passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God, and being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which [saith He] "ye have heard of Me. For John truly baptized with water, but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence." (Acts 1:1-5)
Therein, we learn that the disciples Peter, James, John, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James the son of Alphae-us, Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James, along with Mary the mother of Jesus and His brethren "all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication" in an upper room. Indeed, at this time, there were about an hundred and twenty disciples gathered together.
As we also read, Peter stood up in the midst of these disciples and explained that the journey chosen by Judas had been prophesied earlier in the book of Psalms, confirming to one and all that the road the fallen disciple Judas had chosen to take was not hid from those who studied the scriptures.
"Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus -- for he was numbered with us and had obtained part of this ministry." (Acts 1:16-20)
But Peter also revealed that the new testament was a consequence of the blood Jesus shed on the cross, when He willingly became our Saviour, and therein, begins this new current dispensation of grace.
"And for this cause He is the Mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance, for where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament is of force after men are dead; otherwise, it is of no strength at all while the testator lives, whereupon neither the first testament was dedicated without blood ..." (Hebrews 9:15-18)
"Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John unto that same day that He was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of His resurrection." (Acts 1:21-22)
In other words, the beginning of a new testament in the Lord Jesus (the Christ) was dawning, whereby all those -- you and I -- who by birth had fallen short of the glory of God could be buried like Him in death, and resurrected in newness of life. (Romans 6:3)
"And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place, and suddenly there came a sound from heaven as a rushing mighty wind ... and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." (Acts 2:1-4)
And as we read through Acts 2, what happens? When the people heard what Peter tell them that this same Jesus whom they crucified was both Lord and Christ, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, "Men and brethren, what shall we do?" (Acts 2:36-42)
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 2:37-38)
And when the first 3,000 believers were gladly baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, what happened next? They continued steadfastly in the apostles doctrine in singleness of heart, praising God and having favour with all the people. So, what exactly is the apostles doctrine?
Repentance, and baptism in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 2:37-42; Romans 6:1-4) As a consequence of this act of obedience, we receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, whereby we then can become a flow-through for our Lord God and Saviour Jesus Christ, exhibiting signs and wonders that include boldness in preaching the gospel, healing the sick, raising the dead, and casting out devils in Jesus name. (Mark 16:15-18)
This is the result that comes about as a consequence of believing in Jesus, and obeying the commandments that He -- through the Holy Ghost gave to His disciples. It is within this context that the disciples of Jesus had (and have to this day) a uniform testimony without dissensions or schisms. Because the "beginning" of this current dispensation of grace -- whereby God declared peace and good will to us through His plan of salvation -- started on the day of Pentecost. (Acts 2:36-42)
Not man-made religion that desires to increase its fold, but totally in God and Saviour -- JESUS -- who was declared both Lord and Christ. Not a man portraying to be the vicar of Christ but Jesus Christ Himself -- who is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. The King of kings and Lord of lords.
"God manifest in the flesh." (I Timothy 3:16)
Therefore, follow His instructions today, as laid out by the apostles. Study His Word to show thyself approved, as a workman does. Stand firm in His wisdom and knowledge, and let His Spirit guide you into all truth. Only then can we enter into that one accord -- whereby we are of one heart and one mind. Joined together in the Holy Ghost, by which we are partakers, clothed in His righteousness.
This is the reason why we (as believers in Jesus by faith) can be "of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lies in you, live peaceably with all men." (Romans 12:16-21)
Apostle Paul wrote, "Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace, and the God of love and peace shall be with you ..." (II Corinthians 13:11)
And as I was reminded recently, "as the branch bends, so goes the tree."
Stand in the offering plate.
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