Sunday Morning Service - The Power of Unity

Main Theme: True unity is powerful — whether for good or evil — but only unity built on obedience to God’s Word can stand. Using Genesis 11 (Tower of Babel) and John 17 (Jesus’ prayer for believers), Pastor Matthew taught that prideful unity seeks to glorify man, while holy unity glorifies God. The sermon called believers to become “one” with God, within themselves, and with one another, through humility and obedience. Man’s Pride and the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1–9) Humanity once shared one language and one goal — to build a city and tower “whose top is in the heavens.”This unity was not righteous; it was rooted in pride and self-exaltation. “Let us make a name for ourselves.” — the cry of human arrogance. Pastor explained that Nimrod led this effort, motivated by defiance against God’s authority and fear of another flood.Historian Josephus wrote that Nimrod’s goal was to build a tower taller than any future flood could reach. Humanity still acts the same way today — building monuments, chasing power, and seeking fame — revealing that “man’s heart hasn’t changed.” Lesson: “You can build something big without God — but it won’t last.” God’s Response — Confusion and Division God “came down” to see what man had built — emphasizing His sovereignty: “They tried to build up, but He had to come down to see it.” The Lord noted their unity: “Nothing they propose to do will be withheld from them.” Unity, even for evil, is powerful. So God confused their language to protect mankind from greater rebellion.This was not destruction, but mercy through disruption — scattering people before sin could multiply unchecked. “The only thing that reached heaven from Babel was their sin.” Two Kinds of Unity Pastor contrasted two types of unity: Worldly unity – Prideful, self-glorifying, built on rebellion (Babel).Godly unity – Humble, self-denying, built on obedience (Christ). “It’s powerful to be unified, even for the wrong reason — but it’s holy when you’re unified for the right one.” He warned that even evil movements gain momentum through unity, while the Church often loses ground because of division.The greatest form of unity begins with God Himself — aligning our will with His. “You’ll never be unified with people until you’re first unified with God.” Humility and the Example of Abraham Abraham’s humility contrasted Babel’s pride:He let Lot choose the better land, trusting God’s promise instead of striving for position. “Abraham pitched his tent and built his altar — Lot pitched his tent and lost everything.” God told Abraham, “I will make your name great.”The key difference: Abraham waited on God to exalt him; Babel tried to exalt itself. Pastor connected this to Jesus’ humility — who sought the Father’s glory, not His own. “Jesus didn’t look for fame; He looked for the Father’s confirmation.” Jesus’ Prayer for Unity (John 17:1–14) In John 17, Jesus prayed that His followers would be one as He and the Father are one.Unity is rooted in shared obedience and shared glory — not shared opinion. “If we don’t care who gets the credit, we’ll stay unified.” Jesus’ request:“Glorify Your Son, that the Son may glorify You.”“Keep them through Your name that they may be one as We are one.” Pastor emphasized that Jesus prayed not for the world, but for those who belong to God — the Church that would reach the world through unity and truth. Lesson: “Unity doesn’t mean sameness — it means shared purpose: glorifying God.” The Anatomy of Unity — Spirit, Soul, and Body Every believer must first be unified within themselves:Spirit (where the Holy Spirit dwells).Soul (mind, will, emotions).Body (the vessel of action). Without spiritual renewal, the soul leads — driven by emotion, intellect, and will.The Holy Spirit must rule the soul to align the believer with God’s will. “You’ll never be unified outwardly until you’re unified inwardly.” Pastor described how old thought patterns (like “grooved paths” in the brain) must be renewed by the Word. “You’ve got to cut new paths in your mind — let the Holy Spirit groove His will into your thinking.” Godly Unity in Practice Starts in the home: Division between husbands and wives hinders prayer.Spreads to the Church: True revival requires believers who care more about obedience than credit.Extends to the nation: Real healing begins when unity is built around God’s Word, not politics or culture. “Our rallying point is not religion, denomination, or last name — it’s the Word of God.” Call to Action and Prayer Pastor closed with a call for repentance and restoration of unity: Individuals: Be reconciled to God through Christ.Marriages: Break division; walk as one.Churches: Give glory to God alone.Nations: Return to truth and righteousness. “The devil divides Christians, but unites evil ...