Larry Neville preaches at the opening night of the Victory Church Conference in Manila, Philippines. He preaches on the Theme of the Conference, "Collective Impact, Unified Purpose" from 1 Corinthians 1:10. Watch the message here.
Collective Impact, Unified Purpose
The Strength of Unity
Over the past four years, the United States Military has emphasized the importance of diversity and inclusion, often saying, “Diversity is our strength.” However, a recent statement by the Secretary of Defense challenges this notion, declaring, “Diversity is our strength is the single dumbest phrase in military history. Our strength is in our unity, our strength is our shared purpose.”
This declaration aligns closely with the theme of our conference: Collective Impact - Unified Purpose. It is clear that the leadership of VC International Christian Fellowship prayerfully chose this theme under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Unity is one of the highest callings Jesus gave to His Church and one of the most significant challenges the Apostle Paul faced in planting churches. Even today, churches struggle to achieve this collective impact and unified purpose.
The High Calling of Collective Impact and Unified Purpose
Paul pleaded for unity in his letters, urging believers to be of one mind:
1 Corinthians 1:10 (NKJV) - "Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment."
Similarly, Paul wrote:
Philippians 2:2 (NKJV) - "Fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind."
Jesus Himself emphasized unity, saying that love and unity among His followers would be the sign the world would recognize them.
Paul deeply valued relationships, friendships, and partnerships:
Philippians 1:5 (NLT) - "Because you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now."
A strong movement is built on strong relationships. Without a bond of unity, no leadership structure can sustain a movement or impart its vision.
The Battle Over Collective Impact - Unified Purpose
The enemy actively seeks to disrupt unity within the Church, as seen in the early church at Corinth:
1 Corinthians 1:11-13 (NLT) - "For some members of Chloe’s household have told me about your quarrels, my dear brothers and sisters. Some of you are saying, 'I am a follower of Paul.' Others are saying, 'I follow Apollos,' or 'I follow Peter,' or 'I follow only Christ.' Has Christ been divided into factions?"
Divisions in the church arose due to:
Sin in the Church - Paul confronted issues of immorality that were being tolerated, leading to divisions and rebellion against his leadership.
Personality Cults - Some preferred Peter, others Apollos, because of their personal styles and reputations. Paul, who first introduced them to Christ, was rejected.
Paul endured rejection, persecution, and resistance from both Jews and Gentiles:
2 Corinthians 11:24 (NLT) - "Five different times the Jewish leaders gave me thirty-nine lashes."
He suffered beatings, shipwrecks, and imprisonment—yet he never wavered in his mission.
3. Lessons Learned Through the Battle for Unity
Paul's letters, especially his prison epistles, reveal deep spiritual truths learned through hardship:
Ephesians 6:12 (NKJV) - "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places."
He understood that spiritual forces worked against unity and the mission of the Church. Every attack against unity is a spiritual battle.
4. The Call to Defend Our Mission
God has given each of us a specific assignment. Victory Church is called to reach the common people, sinners, and families who need transformation. This mission must be defended.
Matthew 11:12 (NKJV) - "From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force."
Matthew 16:18 (NLT) - "I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it."
When we forget that this is spiritual warfare, we become complacent. The enemy targets individuals and entire movements to disrupt God's work. We must remain vigilant.
5. The Miracles That Flow From Collective Impact and Unified Purpose
When we unite under God's purpose, supernatural results follow:
Leviticus 26:8 (NLT) - "Five of you will chase a hundred, and a hundred of you will chase ten thousand! All your enemies will fall beneath the blows of your weapons."
Isaiah 60:22 (NLT) - "The smallest family will multiply into a large clan. The tiniest group will become a mighty nation. I, the Lord, will bring it all to pass at the right time."
This is what is happening in Victory Church today. Small fellowships are growing into large clans, impacting generations to come. Pursuing Collective Impact- Unified Purpose is the challenge and the calling before us.
John 13:34-35 (NKJV) - "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."
Larry Neville
Email: Larry@praisechapel.com
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