========================================================================
  THE SWEETENER
  by Thomas Brooks
========================================================================

Summary: Communion with God is the key to spiritual growth, strength,
and comfort in the face of temptations and trials.

Topics: "Communion with God", "Spiritual Strength"
Scripture References: Psalm 34:8, Psalm 73:28, Isaiah 41:10, John 15:5, Romans 8:28, 2 Corinthians 12:9, Philippians 4:13, Hebrews 10:22, James 4:8, 1 John 1:3

------------------------------------------------------------------------
DESCRIPTION
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thomas Brooks emphasizes the vital importance of communion with God,
describing it as the essence of spiritual life and the source of
strength and comfort. He asserts that true communion with God not only
sweetens our experiences and afflictions but also fortifies us against
temptations and trials. Brooks highlights that those who maintain a
close relationship with God are empowered to withstand challenges, while
those with little communion are easily overcome. Ultimately, he portrays
communion with God as the crown of our souls and the key to a victorious
Christian life.

------------------------------------------------------------------------
CONTENT
------------------------------------------------------------------------

("Hypocrites Detected, Anatomized, Impeached,

Arraigned and Condemned" 1650)

Communion with God is . . .

the life of all your graces;

the sweetener of all providences and mercies;

the strengthener of your hearts and hands;

the soul of your comforts;

the crown of your souls.

Nothing can compare with communion with God--

to fence you against temptations,

to sweeten all afflictions, and

to make you own God, and stand for God,

and cleave to God--in the face of all troubles

and oppositions. Communion with God makes

bitter things--sweet, and massive things--light.

A man high in communion with God, is a man too big

for temptations to conquer--or troubles to subdue!

Those who have but little communion with God--are

usually as soon conquered as tempted--as soon

vanquished as assaulted.

========================================================================
Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/thomas-brooks/the-sweetener/
========================================================================