The sermon by Ariandys Aguiar draws a parallel between the historical struggle for Cuban independence in 1895, marked by internal disunity and the contemporary challenges faced by the church in achieving unity and fellowship among its members. Aguiar uses the Cuban fight for freedom from Spanish oppression as a metaphor to highlight how pride, selfishness, and the desire for primacy can hinder collective efforts, both in the historical context and within the church community.
He emphasizes the biblical principle that unity and fellowship are vital for the church's mission, leveraging Ecclesiastes 4:4, 9-12 to underscore the importance of Christian unity. Aguiar argues that working together enhances productivity (citing Matthew 9:37-38), provides mutual support in times of failure (referencing Mark 6:7 and Luke 10:1), and fulfills the law of Christ by bearing one another's burdens (Galatians 6:2). The sermon further illustrates the necessity of collective effort through the example of Moses, Aaron, and Hur in Exodus 17, where Moses' upheld arms lead to victory against Amalek, symbolizing the strength found in communal support.
Aguiar continues by discussing the dangers of isolation and the importance of correction and encouragement within the Christian fellowship. He cites Psalms and Hebrews to argue for the need for brothers and sisters in Christ who can offer both encouragement and rebuke, highlighting the role of fellowship in spiritual growth and resistance against sin.
The sermon concludes with a call to unity and fellowship within the church, drawing on the metaphor of the body of Christ to illustrate the interdependence and diversity of its members. Aguiar challenges the church to overlook minor differences and focus on the shared mission, emphasizing that unity strengthens the church's ability to advance the kingdom of God. He encourages the congregation to support each other, delegate responsibilities, and remain united against external and internal challenges, invoking the examples of Paul, Mark, and Barnabas as models of collaboration and mutual support.
The sermon is a powerful reminder of the strength found in Christian unity and fellowship, urging the church to emulate the interconnectedness and mutual support exemplified by the body of Christ. Through historical analogy, biblical references, and practical examples, Aguiar inspires a collective effort towards advancing the kingdom of God, emphasizing the importance of unity in overcoming challenges and fulfilling the church's mission.
