Why Division?

Why Division Somewhere in our thinking, many of us have erroneously embraced the idea that when God moves, peace and tranquility prevail. This concept was succinctly stated in a radio broadcast when the minister explained it thusly: Frequently we are mixed up when it comes to defining a movement of God. We think that confusion of any sort indicates that the whole thing is of Satan. Nothing could be further from the truth. A move of God always upsets the equilibrium of established order. For a time it seems to bring chaos into orderly lives and churches. The smug, complacent, and self-satisfied are tremendously disturbed. It is quoted that ‘God is not a God of confusion but of peace.’ This is true, but only in the Church will this peace be found. In the world, as well as in the ‘merely professing’ church, there is to be found confusion and every evil work. The move of God upsets everything carnal, fleshly, selfish and devilish. In the fourteenth chapter of Acts we are told of a movement of God. It took place in Iconium, and the evangelists were Paul and Barnabas. What happened was not just an isolated instance; such events seemed to have been much the pattern wherever Paul and Barnabas preached. Arriving at Iconium from Antioch in Pisidia, they witnessed the same sort of confusion as had transpired elsewhere. Acts 14:1: And it came to pass in Iconium, that they went both together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spake, that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed. There was a mighty turning to God among the Jews and the Gentiles; but all was not sweetness and light. Acts 14:2: But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and made their minds evil affected against the brethren. Did the attitude of the unbelievers stop Paul and Barnabas from ministering? Not at all. Acts 14:3: Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by thei