It doesn't seem to make sense that the Scripture reveals that the character and nature of God is unity and community, but the message of God, the Gospel, brings division.
Reading through the life and times of the Early Church in Acts, entire towns were divided because of the preaching of Paul and Barnabas (see especially their first missionary journey in Acts 14). Each town they encountered experience division among the people over the pure message of the Gospel.
However, it is was more than a division between those who believed the Gospel and those who did not. The deep-seated division came through the activity of those who were incited by jealousy or whose lives and lifestyles were threatened by the apostles' message.
Can we expect anything different today?
I know that I personally strive for unity and community - with those who believe and with those who do not. And among those who do not, it must be understood that some will believe and many will not believe; further, it must be understood that among those who will not believe, many will be literal enemies of the Gospel. It only seems logical and natural if one looks at the testimony and example of the Early Church.
I hesitantly say, "May my preaching create enemies of the Gospel," for the Scriptural record seems to indicate that a bold, authentic proclamation of the cross will produce enemies of the Gospel.
