Communion with Christ
Communion with Christ15
Communion With Christ; Broken and Restored
By Hudson Taylor0PSA 45:10HEB 2:1Hudson Taylor emphasizes the fragility of communion with Christ, warning that believers can easily drift into worldliness despite their love for Him. He illustrates how the bride, representing the believer, often forgets the call to remain separate from worldly influences, leading to a gradual separation from the Lord. Taylor highlights the importance of heeding God's exhortations and the dangers of small compromises that can spoil one's spiritual fruitfulness. Ultimately, he encourages believers to seek restoration and full communion with Christ, reminding them of His unwavering love and desire for fellowship. The sermon concludes with a call to remain devoted to Christ while living in the world, emphasizing the joy found in His presence.
Loving What He Loves, Hating What He Hates
By Peter Brandon443:17REV 3:14Peter Brandon emphasizes the need for believers to align their hearts with Christ's desires, urging them to love what He loves and hate what He hates. He reflects on the condition of the Laodicean church, which was lukewarm and self-satisfied, failing to recognize their spiritual poverty. Brandon highlights Christ's call to repentance and the importance of genuine communion with Him, rather than mere intellectual acknowledgment of faith. He encourages the congregation to seek a deeper relationship with Christ, moving beyond materialism to spiritual richness. Ultimately, he reminds them that Christ desires intimacy and fellowship, knocking at the door of their hearts for communion.
The Table and Shew-Bread, Typical of Christ and His Church.
By John Gill0LEV 24:8John Gill expounds on Leviticus 24:8-9, illustrating how the Table of Shew-Bread symbolizes Christ and His Church. He emphasizes that the shew-bread, representing the twelve tribes of Israel, signifies the continual presence of Christ and the communion believers have with Him through the Word and ordinances. Gill highlights the dual nature of Christ, both human and divine, as well as the importance of the Church's constant worship and fellowship with Him. He encourages believers to seek communion with Christ in every opportunity, emphasizing that true spiritual nourishment comes from feeding on Him by faith. Ultimately, Gill calls for a deeper engagement with the ordinances of the faith, reminding the congregation of the honor and joy found in sitting at the Lord's table.
Tell Me . . . Where Thou Feedest
By C.H. Spurgeon0PSA 23:1C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the believer's deep longing for communion with Christ, expressing a desire to find Him wherever He feeds His flock. He reflects on the necessity of seeking Jesus in prayer, Scripture, and through His ordinances, recognizing that true rest and nourishment come only from Him. Spurgeon reassures that despite feelings of unworthiness and weakness, believers are invited to draw near to Christ, who provides strength and safety. He encourages the faithful to seek the presence of the Shepherd, as it is there that their souls find refreshment and peace. Ultimately, the sermon highlights the importance of remaining close to Jesus, especially in times of distress.
Coming to His Table
By David Wilkerson0LUK 22:29David Wilkerson emphasizes the significance of coming to the Lord's table, where believers are invited to experience spiritual intimacy and communion with Christ. He highlights that many in the church fail to grasp the honor of being seated with Christ in heavenly places, often becoming too busy with service rather than nurturing their relationship with Him. Wilkerson urges believers to continually seek nourishment and strength from the Lord, as true joy comes from communion rather than mere activity. He points out that a deeper revelation of Christ's vastness is essential to overcoming life's challenges, encouraging believers to pursue a personal and intimate relationship with Him. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a return to the feast at the Lord's table, where true spiritual growth and understanding occur.
The Dove Came in to Him in the Evening
By C.H. Spurgeon0PSA 116:7MAT 11:28C.H. Spurgeon reflects on the day's toils and the need for rest in God, emphasizing that true satisfaction cannot be found in earthly possessions or achievements. He draws a parallel between the dove returning to the ark and his own longing to return to Jesus, the source of peace for his weary soul. Spurgeon expresses gratitude for God's mercies and the desire for deeper communion with Christ, recognizing that only in His presence can he find true rest and fulfillment. He encourages believers to bring their acknowledgments of God's kindness and seek a closer relationship with Him.
Abide in Me
By C.H. Spurgeon0JHN 15:4C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the necessity of maintaining a close communion with Christ as the ultimate remedy for all life's challenges, whether they stem from sorrow or excessive pleasure. He encourages Christians to live in constant fellowship with Jesus, asserting that this relationship provides both comfort and safety, regardless of one's circumstances. Spurgeon illustrates that Jesus should be a constant companion, guiding believers through trials and temptations, and that true peace is found in His presence. He warns against facing life's difficulties without Christ, urging believers to seek His companionship in every situation, especially in the face of death. Ultimately, Spurgeon assures that those who abide in Christ will be welcomed into eternal fellowship with Him.
Pilgrim Portions - Part 2
By John Nelson Darby0MAT 11:28JHN 14:1John Nelson Darby emphasizes the importance of being 'at home' in God's presence, contrasting the comfort found in His presence with the distress experienced when we stray from it. He encourages believers to cultivate a deep communion with God, asserting that true service and strength come from this intimate relationship. Darby warns against the dangers of self-reliance and the distractions of worldly activity, urging Christians to remain focused on Christ and His love. He highlights that understanding God's love is essential for spiritual growth and fulfillment, and that our service should flow from this love. Ultimately, he reassures that God's faithfulness and presence provide the strength and peace needed to navigate life's challenges.
Communion
By A.W. Pink0PSA 34:18PSA 55:22ISA 41:10MAT 11:28JHN 15:5ROM 8:28PHP 4:61TH 5:17HEB 4:161PE 5:7A.W. Pink emphasizes the importance of intimate communion with Christ, encouraging believers to approach Him with childlike simplicity and honesty, sharing every burden and care without restraint. He highlights that pride often hinders this relationship, as many Christians tend to rely on their own strength for minor troubles instead of casting all their cares upon the Lord. Pink reassures that God is always accessible and desires a close friendship with His followers, where they can unburden their hearts and find rest in His care. He reminds us that true Christian living is practical and involves constant communication with Christ, who lovingly bears our burdens. Ultimately, Pink calls believers to humble themselves and trust in God's provision for every aspect of their lives.
Are You a Regular at the Lord's Table?
By David Wilkerson0PSA 23:5LUK 22:29David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of communion at the Lord's table, highlighting that it is a place of intimacy where believers receive food, strength, wisdom, and fellowship from Christ. He points out that many Christians have a limited understanding of the grandeur of this calling and often seek material blessings instead of a deeper revelation of Jesus. Wilkerson encourages believers to pursue an ever-increasing knowledge of Christ, as exemplified by Paul, who sought to understand the 'unsearchable riches of Christ' through the Holy Spirit. He reminds us that God has prepared a royal table for us, inviting us to partake in the bread of life and experience His glory. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a commitment to deeper communion with Christ.
In Covenant With Jesus
By G.W. North0MAT 26:27G.W. North emphasizes the profound significance of the Last Supper, where Jesus offered His disciples the cup, symbolizing the covenant and communion between them and Himself. He explains that this covenant is rooted in the eternal bond between Jesus and the Father, inviting His followers to partake in a solemn commitment to fulfill God's will. The act of drinking from the cup represents not only forgiveness of sins but also the necessity of becoming members of His spiritual body, sharing in His nature and Spirit. North highlights that this covenant is exclusive to those who are prepared to enter into it, underscoring the importance of understanding and accepting the spiritual truth behind the sacrament. Ultimately, the cup signifies the divine life of Jesus, which He intended to share with His disciples and all who would follow Him.
The Sparkling Diamond in the Ring of Glory!
By Thomas Brooks0PSA 16:11MAT 28:20JHN 14:3JHN 17:24ROM 8:182CO 5:8PHP 1:231TH 4:17HEB 12:2REV 21:3Thomas Brooks emphasizes the deep desire of Christ for communion with His people, illustrating that true happiness for believers lies in being in His presence both now and in heaven. He highlights that Christ's joy is incomplete without His followers, as He longs for them to share in His glory. The ultimate fulfillment of this desire will be realized in heaven, where believers will enjoy perfect fellowship with Christ, beholding His glory without any hindrance. Brooks describes this communion as the 'sparkling diamond in the ring of glory,' signifying its unparalleled value and beauty. The sermon encourages believers to anticipate the joy of eternal communion with Christ.
Guarding Against Drifting From Christ
By David Wilkerson0HEB 2:1David Wilkerson emphasizes the danger of spiritual neglect among Christians, warning that even devoted believers can drift away from Christ through prayerlessness and neglecting God's Word. He cites biblical examples of churches that lost their fervor, such as the Ephesians, Laodiceans, and Sardis, highlighting the importance of vigilance in faith. Wilkerson urges believers to meditate on Scripture and examine their spiritual walk, reminding them to heed the warnings in Hebrews about the consequences of neglecting salvation. He encourages a deep, reflective engagement with the Word to maintain a strong communion with Christ.
Be Strong in the Grace
By C.H. Spurgeon0JHN 1:16ROM 5:202CO 12:9EPH 2:8PHP 4:19COL 1:272TI 2:1HEB 4:16JAS 4:61PE 5:10C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes that Christ is the abundant source of grace, which He freely dispenses to His people, much like a reservoir that supplies water to those in need. He illustrates that grace is not meant to be hoarded but shared, and every believer has access to the fullness of grace that flows from Christ. This grace serves various purposes, including pardon, cleansing, and strengthening, and is a shared inheritance among all saints. Spurgeon encourages believers to recognize and utilize this grace daily, fostering a deep communion with Christ as they draw from His inexhaustible supply. Ultimately, he calls for a bold approach to receiving grace, akin to taking from one's own resources.
Evening Thoughts - May
By Octavius Winslow0JHN 14:1ROM 8:16EPH 2:14HEB 6:111PE 4:11Octavius Winslow reflects on the profound relationship between believers and Christ, emphasizing that Jesus is our peace and the bridge that removes barriers between us and God. He warns against the walls of unbelief and sin that separate us from experiencing Christ's presence and love. Winslow highlights the importance of recognizing our need for Christ, especially in times of trial and suffering, and encourages believers to seek a deeper communion with Him. He reassures that despite our shortcomings, Christ remains steadfast, waiting to reveal Himself to us. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a renewed faith and reliance on the grace of God in our daily walk.