Matthew 18:19-20…Ready

Matthew 18:19-20…Ready

18:19 “Again, I tell you  that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three come together  in my name, there am I with them”. (For Complete Expository See Book)

Extended Sermons

“Displays the power of harmony & unity in the body of Christ and what it can accomplish together.” → When harmony and unity weave through the fabric of the body of Christ, extraordinary things come to life. It is in our togetherness—when hearts align in love and purpose—that mountains move, burdens lighten, and the divine touches the ordinary. This is not merely about gathering; it is a symphony of faith, a shared pursuit of God’s will, where every note contributes to a melody of transformation. Together, we build bridges over turbulent waters, carry one another through storms, and see the beauty of grace unfold. Let this call to unity inspire us to seek not only answers but to embody the loving nature of Christ, becoming vessels of hope and light in the lives of those around us.

“Emphasizes the power of unified prayer and agreement among believers when they come together.” ⇒ When two or more hearts align in unity, fueled by purpose and guided by faith, an unparalleled strength emerges. The act of coming together in agreement is not merely about shared thoughts—it’s about creating a harmonious symphony of intentions, a beacon of hope that invites divine wisdom into the fold. Through unified prayer and collective agreement, barriers dissolve, burdens lighten, and clarity begins to illuminate even the darkest paths.

“Teaches when following biblical principals, we can, in good conscience know were making the right decisions” → When confronting and calling out sin we can second guess ourselves. Maybe were doing the wrong thing. Maybe were being too harsh, too judgmental, too insensitive. We can know we’re making the right decision because it’s based on the principles of God’s Word and what scripture says. When faced with moments of uncertainty, especially when making decisions that affect others, doubt often creeps in like an unwelcome guest. It’s in these very moments that we must trust in the principles that guide us—kindness, wisdom, and love. True leadership is not about being free from hesitations; it is about moving forward despite them, grounded in what is just and compassionate. Remember, the act of discipline, when rooted in care and integrity, is not a mere correction but a step toward healing and restoration. It is an opportunity to lift others up, to teach, and to grow together. Even when decisions weigh heavily, let them be a reflection of your courage to uphold what is right, even in the face of doubt.

Additional Notes & Applications

Teaches when believers come together in doing the Lord’s will and following His teachings, they can expect His endorsement.

Promises of having God’s stamp of approval upon us as we follow what He has instructed us to do

Displays how you don’t need big prayer groups or prayer meetings to be heard by God.

Teaches when pursuing our brother in disciplinary love and prayer we will find divine encouragement and guidance.

Teaches people that comes together in their love of Jesus and His Kingdom will settle their differences and resolve their conflicts in an atmosphere of love, joy, peace, compassion, and forgiveness.

 Encourage believers to be confident and faithful in prayer, always praying in Jesus’ authority.

Teaches how God never intended us to live the Christian life in isolation.

Calls for always reminding ourselves that God is with us when comes to difficult decisions.

Promise how Jesus will be even in the midst of the smallest congregations & Bible studies.

Assures believers of Christ’s presence whether we feel it or not. The whole point of faith is believing even when you cant see it or feel it.

Warns how we can be a bad witness to the world when we fail to come to a resolution, ruling, and verdict.

Some suppose the number mentioned “Two or three” is used because that is about the smallest number that could make a congregation. Others see the number as an advantage, that it is the readiest congregation to be gathered. It is not difficult to make up two or three. A husband and wife: there are two. A husband and wife and a child: there are three.  Two or three can be a very handy congregation, it can meet in a bedroom; it can meet in a kitchen; it can meet in a barn, it can meet in a closet. Two or three may be in prison together, and they can pray in one narrow cell. Some see two or three as encouraging towards increase and growth, not the other way around as getting smaller

Unity, in the Christian context, doesn’t mean uniformity. On the contrary, God recognizes and appreciates the skills and personalities each of us have that make us unique. Rather, it embodies the idea of merging diverse strengths, perspectives, and gifts to fulfill a higher purpose. This unity emphasizes the power of togetherness, teaching us invaluable lessons about collaboration, selflessness, and mutual respect. The dawning of the early Church as described in the Acts of the Apostles is a prime example of harmony. Members from varied backgrounds and cultures came together to share and support one another to spread the message of Christ by embodying love and grace in their communities. This demonstrated that despite differences, they were stronger together, realizing the principle that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Such unity had tangible effects, such as a great power in their witness to the resurrection of Jesus Christ and an extraordinary grace upon each other. To promote Christian unity, the Apostle Paul describes the church as a living body with many parts. The body has many members, each with specialized work to do, but all the parts are united in the Head of the Body, which is Christ (Rom. 12:4-5, 1-Corn. 12:12-27, Eph. 4:1-7). Christian unity is a virtue. We  don’t pursue unity simply for the sake of unity; it is Christ and His truth that unites us. Unity doesn’t mean you agree with everyone else in your church on everything? It  doesn’t mean we have to love pizza and hate pickles. It doesn’t mean we have watch the same TV shows and listen to the same music? We’re all different, and that’s great. Unity in the church is about coming together to form something bigger. It’s recognizing that we’re stronger together than we are individually. It’s enjoying fellowship with each other. Unity in the church doesn’t necessarily happen automatically. As with any relationship, we have to work continually at building and maintaining this unity. This does not mean we won’t run into a disagreement over primary Christian doctrines or even denominational observances. We are going to have differences, even over some things we personally feel passionate about, but unity of mind and purpose is the goal.

WHAT COMING TOGETHER IN UNITY IN THE BODY OF CHRIST SAYS

• Your trusting God to take care of the situation

• You trusting God to handle the misunderstandings

• Your trusting God to take care of church’s reputation

• Your trusting God to determine your own vindication

• Your trusting God to work everything out for your good and His glory

WHAT UNITY ACCOMPLISHS IN THE BODY OF CHRIST

• Unity can foster understanding and empathy, reducing the potential division and for conflict.

• Unity promotes forgiveness, reconciliation, and a willingness to overlook minor differences for the sake of the greater good.

• Unity fosters mutual support, encouragement, trust, accountability, and spiritual growth.

• Unity allows believers to function as a cohesive body, each member contributing their unique gifts to the common good.

• Unity  brings more resilience and better able to overcome challenges.

• Unity can provide individuals with a sense of belonging and social support.

• Unity provides a powerful testimony to the world in the transformative power of Christ and the gospel.

• Unity creates wholeness, purpose, and belonging.

• Unity fosters an atmosphere of love, trust, and peace.

WAYS TO PROMOTE UNTITY IN THE BODY OF CHRIST

• Keep the focus on God

• Walk in humility, patience, forbearance, and understanding

• Focus on shared beliefs, purposes, and values

• Resist divisions, conflicts, and debates

• Celebrate & embrace the gifts of others

• See one another in the light of the cross

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