(Acts 4:32)
In Acts 4, we are told of the disciples being threatened for praying in Jesus' name. They came together with the brethren and began to pray, and when they had prayed, the house where they were was shaken. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke God's Word with boldness. (v. 31.)
Our text makes a very important point. The "multitude of them that believed" were all of "one heart and one soul." In other words, they were in agreement. That is the key to seeing a great shaking of the Holy Spirit in our churches, cities, and ministries. We are all of one heart when we are born again, because we all belong to Jesus. But are we all "one soul"?
A corporate anointing came on the believers in our text, because they were in unity. They all had the same vision—to take the Gospel to the world no matter the personal cost. They were determined to flow together, to recognize the authority of the apostles, and to follow what Jesus was saying through them.
God speaks the vision into the heart of a local pastor or a ministry leader, and that vision must get inside the believers. Then they are to run with their heart and soul toward the fulfillment of it. In the case of a local church, a corporate anointing will impact a city.
What is the vision of your pastor for the local church? Or, if you work for a ministry, what is the vision of your leader? Take hold of that vision and begin to run with it, heart and soul. One way that we can do this is to "all speak the same thing" and have no divisions among us, as Paul exhorted the Corinthians. (1 Cor. 1:10.)
If you are trying to run with a vision that God has not given your leader, then you are going to create division. You need to stop and hook up with what God is saying to him and begin running in the same direction.
Do you really want to do exploits for God? Are you willing to find your place in the Body and get connected with the other members? Are you ready to release the gifts and talents God has put in you? If so, begin by becoming involved. God will never force Himself on you. He gives you the right to choose. But think of what can be accomplished for God's Kingdom when you begin to do your part!
We are called to be armorbearers one for another. That commitment is a lifetime responsibility. Now is the time to pick up your spiritual sword and join the ranks of God's great army. We will stand victorious together because where one will put a thousand to flight, two will put ten thousand to flight. (Lev. 26:8.)
- What is the condition of your local church or the ministry you are associated with? Is there unity, oneness of heart and soul? Is everyone speaking the same thing? If not, repent of any part you may have played in spreading division and strife. Also, pray for any others who may not be hooked up heart and soul.
- Consider the following about those who constructed the Tower of Babel: "And the Lord said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do" (Gen. 11:6). If such agreement can work in the negative, think of how we in the Body of Christ can put this principle to work!
Heavenly Father, I long for the corporate anointing that the disciples experienced. I will be faithful to follow my leader's vision, and I vow never to take off in another direction. I will not allow myself to be involved in any division or strife, but will hook up with my leader heart and soul. Thank You for accomplishing exploits through us. Amen.
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Terry has served as senior associate minister of a thriving congregation for over 23 years with over 40 years of experience in local church ministry. He is currently the senior pastor of Impact Church in Sherwood, Arkansas. Terry has authored four books. On the bestselling list, these books have motivated thousands of Christians to stand with their leaders in faithful service, helping them to fulfill God's purpose for their lives.
