Can there really be agreement?

I've been in church my whole life. Born and raised on the pews and in the classrooms and spanked, on a number of occasions, by God fearing spiritual giants (or at least they seemed that way to me!). The one thing I've learned over nearly 40 years in and around the ministry... you never have complete agreement. At least, I've never seen it.

Even if everybody believes something should be done everybody doesn't agree on WHAT should be done. Someone is always the winner and someone always the looser.

But in Acts 15:25 something miraculous, incredible, a sign, a wonder from God Himself happens! I read this morning the words, "they were in complete agreement." Wow! It was incredible! It can be done! There can be agreement! It is possible! (or at least it was possible.)

And in verse 28 of that same chapter the key to coming to agreement in the church is uncovered for the generations. Are you ready? Here it is:

"It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us."

The key to agreement. The formula for togetherness and cooperation! I am so happy! What? You don't see it?

In almost every decision that has ever been made that same line from verse 28 would be written this way, "it seemed good to me" and so I did it. We are so wired to get our way and fight for what we want that we often forget about the "us" and never even mention the Holy Spirit - what could He possible have to say anyway?! We don't consider the Holy Spirit (who speaks only what He hears from the Father) and so we take His place in the formula, It seemed good to us.

Look, the church is NOT a democracy it is a Theocracy - God rules, He placed Christ Jesus in charge as the Head of the church. So, what Jesus wants is all that matters. Nothing else. If it helps "us" do what He wants then it ought to be done as soon as possible. And what does Jesus want? The same thing His Father does and the Holy Spirit enables us to do - "everyone to come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9) which means He wants everyone to experience Life Change through Jesus!

That's what we're about! That's what we must rally around! That's our battle cry! Changed Lives! Can I get an Amen (which means "so be it" and is a statement of affirmation)? NO? let me guess, you don't agree.