Ellen Chat Conversation

Ellen White describes being "of one accord" as a state of perfect unity and harmony that is a necessary prerequisite for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. She emphasizes that the early disciples reached this condition only after they had "put away" all differences and ceased "striving for the highest place" (Ev 698.3). In her writings, Ellen White explains that this unity was not a natural occurrence but the result of intentional spiritual effort. Before the Day of Pentecost, the disciples—who were men of varied talents and capabilities—assembled to "pray for the gift of the Holy Spirit" (5MR 368.1). During this time, they made thorough work of repentance by confessing their own sinsand "settling all differences and alienations" (5MR 368.1). It was only after this period of intense preparation and "unity of purpose" that they were "all filled with the Holy Ghost" (7MR 94.4). This state of being "of one accord" is characterized by a shared spiritual animation. Ellen White notes that the Spirit of Him who died that sinners might live animated the entire congregation of believers,leading them to be "of one heart and of one soul" (CCh 98). She points out that when the church is "harmoniously united," the Spirit of God can work "mightily," just as it did in the early church (9T 196.5). This unity is described as the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace,which includes having "one Lord, one faith, one baptism" (GC 379.2). For practical application today, Ellen White urges believers to wrestle with God in prayerand to "put away our sins, by confession and repentance" (8T 46.1). She suggests that if God’s people would receive the light as it shines upon them from His word,they would reach that same "blessed state of unity, faith, and love which existed in apostolic days" (GC 379.1). This involves a shift in focus from criticizing others to self-examination, as she notes that upon the disciples "was laid no burden to confess one another's sins" (5MR 368.1). Interestingly, Ellen White also uses the phrase "with one accord" in a very different context regarding the end of time. She describes the second resurrection, where the wicked dead are raised and behold Jesus in His glory. In that moment of "fearful majesty," they are "overwhelmed with his exceeding glory, and with one accord are compelled to exclaim in anguish, 'Blessed is he who cometh in the name of the Lord'" (3SG 83.2). In conclusion, being of one accord is the essential spiritual harmony required for the church to receive divine power and fulfill its mission. It is achieved through personal repentance, the settling of differences, and a unified focus on the mission of Christ. --- 💡 **You might also want to explore:** • What specific steps did the disciples take to reach unity before Pentecost? • How does Ellen White describe the relationship between church unity and the "Latter Rain"? • What did Ellen White write about the dangers of striving for the highest placeamong believers? --- 📚 **thousands of passages found** containing these search terms — [Explore in Full-Text Search](/advanced-search?q=Of+one+accord)

Ellen White taught that even when we hold a different opinion, we must maintain a spirit of meekness and be willing to "sacredly regard the voice of the church" (5T 108.1) rather than following our own human judgment or impulses. She emphasized that unity often requires a "sacrifice of feeling" to comply with the principles laid down in God's word (5T 108.1). In her writings, Ellen White explained that having a different perspective can sometimes lead to a spirit of self-justification at the least provocation,especially if an individual has "exalted views" of their own ability (GW92 397.1). She cautioned against the tendency to move according to "human judgment" and to "zealously seek to adjust things that God has not placed in their hands" (MTC 62.5). Instead of focusing on the difference of opinion, she encouraged believers to walk humbly with Godto avoid losing their spiritual bearings (MTC 62.5). She further noted that "The Lord requires us to obey the voice of duty, when there are other voices all around us urging us to pursue an opposite course" (1SM 27.3). To distinguish the voice of God from our own inclinations, we must "resist and conquer inclination, and obey the voice of conscience without parleying or compromise" (1SM 27.3). If we refuse to cooperate until every shadow of uncertaintyis removed, we may never reach the unity God desires (1SM 27.3). For practical application, this means that when you find yourself in disagreement with others or the church body, the first step is to "compare scripture with scripture, and then open your own heart" (2MR 92.3). Ellen White suggested that one view of Jesus sends self-importance to the windsand helps us cultivate the meekness, humility, humbleness of mindnecessary for true Christian fellowship (21MR 330.2). Ultimately, Ellen White's counsel suggests that personal opinions should be held with humility. She warned that those who determine to carry out what they regard as right irrespective of the wishes of your parents or of the churchare often actuated by "selfish feelings" rather than the leading of the truth (5T 108.1). --- 💡 **You might also want to explore:** • What did Ellen White say about the importance of individual conscience versus church authority? • How can a person distinguish between their own "inclination" and the "voice of God"? • What are the practical steps for resolving "alienations" and differences within a group? --- 📚 **thousands of passages found** containing these search terms — [Explore in Full-Text Search](/advanced-search?q=What+if+you%27re+not+striving+for+the+higest+plsce+but+hsve+a+different+opinion+%5BContext%3A+%22spirit+of+prophecy%22+%22Ellen+White%22+testimony+8T+46.1+GC+379.1+3SG+83.2%5D)