‘Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?’ Amos 3:3 (KJV)
Presented by God as a rhetorical question, this short verse highlights the importance of agreement for without it how can two walk united? It may seem obvious, and yet nonetheless it can be often overlooked. The power of agreement is a formidable thing and has time and time again been pivotal in changing the course of history. It forms a bond between minds that enables all those in agreement to function more harmoniously. It is undoubtedly a means through which the body of Christ can be strengthened.
(The word used for ‘together’ in Amos 3:3 comes from the root word yachad (3161), meaning to be ‘joined, united together’.)
Jesus said in Matthew 18:19 that if two agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by His Father in Heaven. Truly It blesses God’s heart when His people dwell together in unity. It releases the precious oil of Heaven (Psalm 133).
An example of the power of agreement is seen in Acts 15, where the council in Jerusalem agreed that Gentiles were recipients of the same saving grace as Jews, without distinction. This agreement was fundamentally about identity, the one new man. In a world where identity is fiercely muddled it’s essential that we understand, agree upon and embrace our Bridal identity — not as a doctrine but as a corporate identity of who she is in and through Christ. Already the precious blood and water from our Saviours side, along with the Spirit of truth bear testimony and agree upon the bridal price that was paid (1 John 5:8, John 19:34).
Following speeches by Peter, Paul, and Barnabas before the Jerusalem Council, James states in verse 15, “And with this the words of the prophets agree, just as it is written.” The ecclesia must administer and agree based on the Word of God. This is how we discern truth from falsehood, whether that be in doctrines, visions or prophecy, drawing clear lines regarding what we can and cannot partner with. It must always be anchored in the Word.
As a result of reaching an agreement within the Jerusalem council, men were sent with a resolution letter that encouraged and strengthened the churches because they had ‘come to one accord.’ One accord simply means they came into one mind. Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians in 1:10 echoes this as he urges them “to be united in the same mind and the same judgment.” It’s one of the fundamentals from which the 5-fold ministries should function, thus creating harmony, in order the that we all attain the unity of the faith and knowledge of the Son of God.
Paul makes a similar appeal in Ephesians 4:3, urging them “to be eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” He even says in Philippians 2:2 that it will complete his joy if they achieve “being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.”
For a fully functioning and governing ecclesia, the Lord has equipped us with many powerful spiritual keys, and the power of agreement is one of them. Not only will it unite and strengthen the body through the bond of peace and love, but it will also unlock the storehouses of Heaven to equip, empower, and adorn the Bride with everything she needs to prepare for the return of her glorious Bridegroom King.
The ultimate agreement, however, is the one between Heaven and Earth when the Spirit and the Bride say, “Come!”
“And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” Colossians 3:14
